Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex 711 W. Naylor Mill Road Salisbury, MD 21801 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 250 Baseball on the Eastern Shore The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a historically black university (HBCU) located in Princess Anne, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore of the state. The school's athletic programs, known as the Hawks, primarily compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), but as the MEAC does not have enough teams to sponsor baseball, the Hawks and the three other MEAC members who sponsor the sport compete in the Northeast Conference. The Hawks previously played on campus at Hawk Stadium, but with that field desperately in need of repairs and unable to host Division I baseball, the team began temporarily playing its home games at Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, in 2018. Excluding the COVID-cancelled 2021 season, the Hawks continued to play there until 2022. In 2023, they moved into the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex, a county park in Salisbury. The complex consists of eight baseball and softball fields used by youth, high school, and amateur teams of various levels. UMES baseball plays at field number six in this complex - when you enter the parking lot, head straight back all the way and look for the school name and logo on a banner along the outfield fence. The good news is that in April 2023, construction began on a new on-campus baseball stadium on the site of the old one. That stadium is set to open at the start of the 2024 season. The stadium is supposed to be a vast improvement on the previous one, and after years of waiting, UMES will finally have their own home stadium again. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand in the middle of the complex shared by all the fields. Walk down the path along the right field line past fields five and seven and look for the blue building straight ahead. The menu is fairly basic but has a good selection for this level. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders are all available, and can be made into a combo with a fountain soda and fries for added value. Snacks include chips, mozzarella sticks, nachos, soft pretzels, snow cones, and assorted candies. Fountain drinks and bottled Gatorade and water are also available. Prices are affordable - no individual items costs more than $7, most are much less, and the combo will save you several dollars compared to buying everything individually. Atmosphere 2 The layout at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is extremely basic. There is a small set of bleachers down each of the foul lines near the dugouts, and fans are able to bring their own lawn chairs as well, which many do as the bleachers are quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the dugouts block views of the corners from the bleachers, and there is only a small area behind home plate to set up your chairs and avoid this as most of it is blocked off by a black windscreen. The good news is you will be up close to the action. The field UMES plays on does not even have a permanent scoreboard - a staffer gets up and hangs a cheap portable one from the chain link fence that is the backstop before the game. If you are sitting in the first base bleachers, you will not be able to see the scoreboard, or more precisely will only be able to see the back of the scoreboard, which doesn't help you any. There is not much going on at a UMES Hawks game besides the game itself. Baseball purists will love that, while others may not. Ultimately this is a basic experience in a basic stadium. Neighborhood 3 The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is located in a residential neighborhood of Salisbury. If you head a short distance away to Salisbury Boulevard (US Route 13), you will find many options up and down the street. Two breweries, Gateway Craft Brewing and Burnish Beer Company, are also close by. There are many other options available about a ten minute drive away in downtown Salisbury along Main Street and the other nearby roads. Fans 2 The crowd at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is mostly friends and family of the UMES players, or the visiting players. Due to the extreme distance from campus, very few students are able to attend. While the fans can occasionally be loud, for the most part they barely make themselves heard. Of course, this is inevitable with so few fans, and it is impressive that they even occasionally manage that. With so few fans in attendance, you can hear every individual clap and every thing every individual fan yells. On the rare occasions it gets loud, this can make for an interesting experience. Because this is a multi-field complex, you will occasionally get Little Leaguers whose game on one of the other fields just wrapped up watching from beyond the outfield fence for a few outs before they head home, and any time home run is hit over the fence, kids watching their siblings on the adjacent field will chase after the ball. This is an interesting twist on the common practice of kids chasing after balls hit out of play that you see at many ballparks. Access 2 The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is located a short drive off of US Route 50 via some residential streets. Salisbury is far from any major city, and depending on how late in the baseball season you come, you may hit beach traffic on the way to or from Salisbury which can add significant time to your route. Once you get to the complex, be sure to use the Scenic Drive entrance. Some GPS apps will try to take you to the Paleo Drive entrance, but this entrance is for umpires and staff only. However, there is no sign telling you this until you are halfway down the road, at which point you will have to make a three-point turn on a narrow residential street to get out, and avoid other cars coming down the road who also didn't realize it was the wrong entrance (or perhaps the drivers live on that street.) Once you get into the complex, there is plenty of parking in a gravel lot, but be careful of parking close to any of the fields or you may be in foul ball territory. There is a single port-a-potty next to the field. Real restrooms are available elsewhere in the park although you will have to walk quite a bit to get there. The concession stand is also far away from the field, as it serves the whole complex, and lines can get long depending on what is happening on the other fields. Return on Investment 4 Admission to UMES games is free and parking is also free. Concessions are affordable, especially if you order a combo meal to add value. However, this is too basic a stadium to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the ball and glove statue in the middle of the complex near the concession stand. Final Thoughts The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is such a basic experience that it is hard to believe Division I baseball is played here. The field UMES plays on is not even the nicest field in the complex - field number five has a permanent scoreboard and press box. Thankfully, the Hawks are getting a new stadium on campus next year, and it can not come soon enough.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Herbert Field 101 N College Ave Annville, PA 17003 Flying Dutchmen website Herbert Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 750 Soccer In The Valley Lebanon Valley College is a liberal arts college located in downtown Annville, PA. Annville is in Lebanon County, east of Hershey. Founded in 1866 Lebanon Valley has approximately 1,600 Undergraduates. The Princeton Review has recognized the college as “A Best in the Northeast” and they have over thirty-five fields of study. Football was started in 1973 at Lebanon Valley College. Lebanon Valley College is a member of NCAA Division III, and competes in the MAC Commonwealth Conference (half of the two-conference Middle Atlantic Conferences). The men’s soccer team shares Herbert Field with the college’s women’s soccer team. The school’s teams are called the Flying Dutchmen, and its mascot is the Dutchman. The college is known as the home of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Champions in basketball. That 1994 championship victory over New York University was a controversial affair when a Dutchmen shot that won the game may or may not have been by the sound of the buzzer. But no matter what the school hosts that championship proudly, as they should. Herbert Field was named for alumnus Dr. Rex A. Herbert ’72, a local orthopedic surgeon and former owner of the Harrisburg Heat indoor soccer team. According to the school: “In the summer of 2000, Lebanon Valley shared its facility with the U.S. Women’s National Team and the United States Under-23 Men’s Olympic Soccer Team. The women’s team prepared for the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup tournament, which took place at nearby Hersheypark Stadium. Earlier that spring, the soccer stadium hosted practices for the men’s team as it participated in the CONCACAF Men’s Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Hershey.” Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at Herbert Field. The game I attended had a very good Philly cheesesteak truck parked nearby. I was told by a fan this is a pretty normal occurrence, especially with the men’s and women’s soccer doubleheaders that normally happens. The food truck makes a very good cheesesteak and is well worth the pretty low cost. Atmosphere 3 Herbert Field was voted the 2001 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) College Soccer Field of the Year. It is obvious why, as the field is a beautiful and immaculate soccer pitch. The stands are molded into a hillside landscape to give it a unique identity. Fans watch the game from seat walls terraced into the hillside. It is a pretty unique landscaping feat that makes the fans part of the setting. The hillside slopes provide seating for many more. Neighborhood 4 Annville is a great little town of a little less than 5,000 about 8 miles east of Hershey, PA. The college is right in the heart of downtown. Funck’s Family Restaurant, Corvette Grille and Bar and Harper’s Tavern are all local establishments that offer good food pre and postgame. The Pennsylvania chain, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, is another option right in Annville. The food is good, cheap and certainly plentiful. J & S Pizza is a decent option within walking distance to campus. Fans 2 The fans are also very knowledgeable about the game and action. Many of the fans in attendance will be family or friends of the players. Access 4 Located on Route 422 between Lebanon and Hershey, Annville is easy to find and has no problem handling the crowds for such a small stadium. Expect that on busy game days you will hit some traffic on Route 422 and especially on Bellegrove Road by the athletic complex. There is a good amount of parking, unless many other games are going on. The athletic fields are located north of the main campus, separated by a railroad. Return on Investment 2 Games are free to attend. There is no cost for parking. The value is pretty good, although you are not watching Division I level soccer. Extras 2 Walk over to the Arnold Sports Complex and check out the LVC Hall of Champions, where trophies and other items display the history of the school’s athletic programs. Also make sure to stop in Arnold Arena and check out the 1994 championship basketball banner. Take a stroll over to Herbert Field’s next door neighbor, McGill Field, the baseball field for the college. It was the 2000 STMA College Baseball Field of the Year. Its unique design makes it a great field to watch baseball at. And I love the fact that the scoreboard is located on the other side of the drive you will go through to get to the soccer field. Final Thoughts Lebanon Valley College has managed to make a very basic, although pretty, setting into one of the better soccer fields in the area. If in the area, make sure to stop in and see if you can catch a match.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 The Colisee 190 Birch St, Lewiston, ME 04240 Maine Nordiques website The Colisee website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,000 Nordiques of Maine The Colisee is a multi-purpose arena that opened in 1958. Built to serve the local Lewiston/Auburn community, the arena has been the site of countless events over the years, ranging from youth hockey tournaments to professional basketball games and even the World Heavyweight Title Fight in 1965. Artists as noteworthy as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan have performed at The Colisee. The Maine Nordiques began play in the North American Hockey League, a Tier II junior league, in 2019. The team is named for the former professional hockey team that called Lewiston home in the 1970s. The original Nordiques were the farm team of the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association from 1973-1977. The NAHL Nordiques have made the playoffs in two of their first four seasons of play, reaching the league’s semifinals in 2021. Food & Beverage 3 The Colisee offers a decent variety of concessions for a venue of its size. There is a large cafeteria-style dining room located between the two entrances to the rink. There are also smaller concession stands on either side of the lobby. The menu consists of standard arena fare, with burgers, hot dogs, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and pizza slices anchoring the menu. French fries and, since we’re close to the Canadian border, poutine, can be ordered on the side. Chicken fingers and wings are sold at one of the cafeteria windows. Assorted desserts can be found at one of the stands. Pepsi products are sold at The Colisee. Fans looking for an adult beverage will want to find the full-service bar atop section four. In addition to an impressive roster of spirits, several draft beers, including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Shipyard Export are available. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee offers a pretty standard game day presentation, which is a bit muted due to the age of the facility and the smaller crowds in attendance. All the familiar aspects of minor league hockey gamedays will be found in one form or another. There is a video board that hangs at center ice that is underutilized during game action. Graphics and replays are shown on this board, with game stats displayed on smaller boards in opposite corners of the rink. The fans who come to The Colisee may not be large in number, but those who do attend Nordiques games are passionate about their team. Even though the building is largely empty, the dedicated Nordique fans fill The Colisee with noise from air horns and good old-fashioned cheering. The Nordiques work closely with the local community, with 50/50 raffles held to benefit local organizations and many local sponsors advertising throughout The Colisee. As you walk around the narrow concourses of the facility, you can’t help but notice all the television screens lining the walls playing replays of various games. These must be put to good use when midget teams need a distraction on tournament days. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Its twin city, Auburn, is located across the Androscoggin River, and the two cities are usually linked together as a single entity. The combined population of Lewiston/Auburn is roughly 60,000. The Colisee is located on the outskirts of the downtown area of Lewiston, near the high school. Like many other cities in the northeast with industrial histories, the downtown area suffered from neglect once the economy faded and businesses closed. The area around the arena is mostly residential, with businesses concentrated along the nearby riverfront. Fans looking for dining or lodging options near the Colisee will be disappointed, as there is nothing to be found right next to the arena. Fans willing to take a short drive to the riverfront in Lewiston or across the river into Auburn will be rewarded with several dining and lodging choices. Stadium Journey recommends a visit to Baxter Brewing, located in an old mill building on the Androscoggin River. Most visitors to the area will opt to stay in Portland, where the options are much more plentiful. Fans 2 For the 2022-23 season, the Nordiques averaged 322 fans per game, which ranked them in the bottom quarter of North American Hockey League teams. These attendance numbers have steadily decreased over the team’s existence. As mentioned earlier, the fans that show up at The Colisee are dedicated and enthusiastic. What a Nordiques crowd lacks in quantity, they make up for in quality. Even the small crowds at The Colisee sound much larger than they are. Access 3 The Colisee is located in the small central Maine city of Lewiston, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Boston is about a two-hour drive away. Driving is the primary method for arriving at a Nordiques game, as Interstate 95, more commonly known as the Maine Turnpike, runs through Lewiston just a mile or so from the facility. For those taking public transportation, the Oak Street Bus Station downtown offers routes to Bangor, Boston, and beyond. There is ample parking at The Colisee, with three lots surrounding the facility. In addition, there is on-street parking available near the arena. The Box Office is located in an enclosed area at ground level at the front of the arena. From there, fans climb one of two narrow stairways to enter The Colisee’s lobby. This area contains concession stands and a skate shop. Fans can access the seating area by passing through two vomitories, one on either side of the rink. There is a walkway near the front of the seating bowl that runs around the entire rink. Seats in the first couple of rows suffer due to the stream of fans passing directly in front of these seats. Seating consists of individual wooden chairs, except for the four corner sections, which consist of metal bleachers without seat backs. There is a walkway around the top of the seating bowl that offers standing room and access to the bar and lounge with views of the action. Bathrooms are located underneath the seating bowl, accessible by narrow hallways which run along both sides of the rink. There is a men’s and women’s room on each side of the arena. The bathrooms are smallish, but adequate for the size of the crowds at the Colisee. Fans requiring handicapped access will find seating available right on the glass on the northwest side of the ice. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Nordiques games range in price from ten to twelve dollars. Seniors, students, and children receive a two-dollar discount. A complete seating chart can be found here. Parking in the lots surrounding The Colisee is free, and concessions are affordably priced. A night at a Maine Nordiques game is an affordable entertainment option for central Maine sports fans. Extras 2 Extra points are awarded for the history of The Colisee. It may be hard to believe, but this quaint little facility located far from the bright lights of the city once hosted a Heavyweight Title Fight. On May 25, 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch. The iconic photo from this fight, with Ali towering over the fallen Liston, is one of the most famous sports photos of all time. And it happened here. Photo courtesy of SI.com. A second extra point is awarded for the banners honoring teams from the past and present that have played at The Colisee, including the division title won by the Lewiston Maineiacs from the QMJHL. Final Thoughts This little hockey barn located far off the beaten path was, for one night, the center of the sports universe. While an event of the magnitude of a Heavyweight Title Fight will never grace its doors again, The Colisee remains one of those places where sports historians will gladly visit and soak in the aura of long-gone glory days. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vidas Field 4300 Powelton Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 Drexel Dragons website Vidas Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: N/A Vidas Drexel Located about a mile from Drexel University’s main campus in Center City Philadelphia, the Vidas Athletic Complex consists of several fields which are home to eight of the Dragons’ athletic programs. Vidas Field, located at the front of the complex, is home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse programs. Further back, you can find a turf field for field hockey, a softball diamond, and tennis courts that host the men’s and women’s tennis programs. For this review, we will focus on the women’s soccer experience at Vidas Field. The experience there may vary depending on what sport you are watching, but some things will hold true no matter what game you are taking in there, or to a lesser extent, at other venues in the complex. What would eventually become Vidas Field, opened in 1963 as the home of Drexel’s now-defunct football program. It was extensively renovated in 2015 to add the new artificial turf surface and upgrade several other areas. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Vidas Field but fans are free to bring their own. There are several places nearby where fans can purchase snacks or drinks. Theoretically, there is supposed to be a concession stand at the south end of the stadium open for weekend games, at least according to the Drexel website, but it was not open when Stadium Journey visited on a Sunday. Atmosphere 3 Vidas Field has recently been upgraded and is a nicer venue than many at this level. All seats are bleachers without backs along the east sideline but they do provide a great view of the action. There is a large video board behind the south goal which also shows detailed team stats. Unfortunately, the PA system is not the greatest and announcements are often either barely comprehensible or not audible at all. Given the constant action of soccer, there are really no breaks in the action for the team to do anything, but that is to be expected. Neighborhood 5 Vidas Field is located about a mile from Drexel’s campus in the Center City area of Philadelphia. Just within a few blocks of the stadium, you will find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to Jamaican to Indian to Ethiopian and many others. Of course, every Philadelphian has their own favorite place to get a cheesesteak in the city. For other entertainment, the Philadelphia Zoo is less than two miles away and history buffs will want to check out the Liberty Bell and other historic sites while they are in town. Fans 4 About 300 fans were in attendance when Stadium Journey visited Drexel, which is decent attendance for college soccer. Fans were a mix of friends and family of the players, Drexel students, and people who were just fans of the athletic program. The crowd can get quite loud here at times when the Dragons make a big play such as a save or scoring opportunity. Many of them will come decked out in the blue and yellow colors of Drexel or wear other Dragons’ gear. All in all, you will find a very good crowd at Vidas Field. Access 4 There are many highways into Philadelphia although you will have to do the last couple of miles of driving on city streets which can have heavy traffic at times. Once you arrive at the complex, you will drive through the gates into a parking lot in front of the stadium. Parking here is free, a rarity in a major city like Philadelphia, and if the lot fills up, street parking is available nearby. Once you park, you will walk around the corner to the gate (security can direct you if you’re lost but look for the signs) and you will walk up to the bleachers and sit anywhere you want. Restrooms are located around the corner from the stadium behind the field house that houses the locker rooms. It is about a two-to-three-minute walk from the bleachers. These restrooms are spacious, even when you consider that they serve the entire complex and there may be multiple events going on at once. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Drexel soccer games is free, and parking is also free, which is a nice bonus in a major city. The only money you’ll spend is gas to get here. This makes a Dragons game at Vidas Field a great value. Extras 2 There is a team store on the south end of the stadium which sells Drexel merchandise. If you time your visit right, there is an opportunity to see multiple games at the complex in one day given all the teams who play here. Final Thoughts Although most people associate the City of Philadelphia with college basketball, eight other Drexel sports teams call the Vidas Athletic Complex home, and four of them play at Vidas Field itself. While women’s college soccer may not be the most popular NCAA sport, the Dragons have their own loyal, passionate fan base and a newly renovated stadium that should continue to attract fans for years to come. Although there are many sports options to choose from in Philly, very few of them are completely free to attend like a Drexel soccer game is. While nobody would mistake Vidas Field for a top-level stadium, it is still a fun place to take in a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 George Mason Stadium 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website George Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 Patriot Games The George Mason Patriots men’s soccer team plays its home games in the 5,000 seat George Mason Stadium. The venue is located in a complex which also includes the GMU Field House as well as Spuhler Field, home of the school’s baseball team. In addition to hosting soccer, George Mason Stadium hosts the Patriots’ lacrosse and track and field teams. It has previously hosted some D.C. United matches in the U.S. Open Cup and other lesser tournaments, but the team now plays those at its new stadium, Audi Field. Food & Beverage 2 There is a university food truck parked on the north side of the stadium by the entrance during games. The options are somewhat limited. Main courses include hamburgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), chicken sandwiches ($5), and a chicken tender basket with fries for $8. Fries can be added to any of the other options for $3 and are $4 by themselves. Nachos are $5, hot pretzels are $4, chips are $2, candy and cookies are $3 each, and brownies are $4. For those looking for drinks, water is $3 while soda and Powerade are $4. Atmosphere 2 All the seats in George Mason Stadium are on one side of the field, and are uncomfortable metal bleachers. There is a walking path and a running track separating the stands from the field, so even the front rows are far away from the action. A scoreboard is located in one corner of the field and shows corner kicks and shots on goal in addition to the basic information. Unfortunately, Mason doesn’t really do much to keep fans engaged here. They will occasionally offer promotions like free t-shirts or wings to draw students in, but they mostly just take the free stuff and leave soon into the game, if they even stay at all. A few of them do stick around for longer than that, but not many. Unfortunately, college soccer isn’t that big at most schools, and George Mason is no exception. There simply isn’t much going on here and the stadium is far too big for the crowds it draws. Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes local tavern Brion’s Grille as well as several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the city of Fairfax is a local favorite as well as a team sponsor. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 2 Mason averages only a few hundred fans per game in a 5,000-seat stadium, which isn’t very good. Most of those who do show up stick around for the whole match and cheer loudly at times, but there are other moments where it’s so quiet, you can hear the coach yelling at the referee on the entire opposite side of the field. There is a small student section called the Patriot Platoon that stands behind the visiting goalkeeper, but most of them usually clear out well before the game is over. Patriot Platoon at George Mason Stadium, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey It is disappointing to see them leave so soon, especially when the rest of the fans tend to stick around. At most college venues, the students are more passionate than the other fans, not less. While this seems to be true for Patriots soccer while the students are actually here, they are not so good about staying here. Access 4 George Mason’s campus is about six miles off the Capital Beltway (I-495) or three miles off I-66. Once you’re on campus, ample free parking is available in the lot stretching between the Field House and Spuhler Field (with the stadium in the middle), and more parking is available on the other side of the Field House in the unlikely event it is actually needed. Unfortunately, Mason’s campus is not easily Metro-accessible as the closest stop is Vienna, five miles away. Despite having the school name in the station’s full name (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU), getting to the stadium from there would require a 15-minute cab ride or a shuttle bus which lets you off at an entirely different part of campus. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station, as that serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, and is nowhere near the main campus in Fairfax. Although there are no restrooms in the stadium itself, there are some next door in the Field House which are available during games. Just take your ticket with you or let the person at the entrance know where you’re going so you’ll be able to get back in. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for youth, seniors, and Mason faculty, which is about average for college soccer. GMU students get in free, as they do to all of the school’s athletic events. Concessions are affordable but not especially so, and parking is free, so overall this is about an average cost for college soccer. Extras 1 There are free programs available by the entrance. That is about the only extra here. Final Thoughts Although there are some schools in the United States where college soccer is huge, they are a small minority compared to the hundreds of schools where few people care about it. Sadly, George Mason falls into the latter category. To make matters worse, the Patriots play in a stadium which is far too big for the crowds it draws, which dampens the experience even more. Still, if you’re looking for college soccer in the D.C. area, there are only so many places you can go. Fans can easily check out all six Division I schools in the area over the course of a season if they are so inclined. For those who are fans of college soccer, or just visiting sports stadiums in general, a visit to George Mason Stadium is definitely worth it. For the more casual sports fan, there’s not much here to offer.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mosaic Stadium 1700 Elphinstone St Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Canada Saskatchewan Roughriders website Mosaic Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 33,350 New Home for the Roughriders The Regina Rugby Club began playing football in 1910 on a field that would eventually be known as Taylor Field, in honour of Neil “Piffles” Taylor, a key figure in the early days of the team. The team would change its name to the current Saskatchewan Roughriders moniker in 1946. The Riders officially joined the fledgling Canadian Football League in 1958, and have won the Grey Cup four times since then, most recently in 2013. After 106 years at Taylor Field, the Roughriders relocated for the first time in franchise history, in time for the 2017 season. For fans of the Taylor Field location, the good news is that they’ve only moved a couple blocks down – Mosaic Stadium is located to the west of Taylor Field, which will soon be repurposed as a mixed residential-commercial area. Mosaic Stadium is a 21st century facility, so far ahead of its predecessor in terms of design and user-friendliness that making comparisons between the two is an almost completely useless exercise. The new building is the most modern football field in Canada, and can reasonably be thought of as one of the best places to see a CFL game. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a variety of food kiosks around the concourse, providing something for just about anyone. Have a wander around the concourse and you’ll find the Wok Box, Western Pizza, Rock Creek Tap and Grill, Beer Bros Gastropub, Coney Island Poutine, Lancaster Tap House, and more. The Rock Creek menu also features most of your standard concessions fare, including Cheddar Burgers ($8), Stadium Dogs ($7), and pop ($4.50). Beer is available all around the facility as well – for $9 you can get 16 oz. of Coors Light or Pilsner, and the QC Bar locations, as well as the Wisers stands, also have spirits and other interesting alcoholic options. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, take a visit to WOW Burger (aka. Willow on Wascana) in the northeast corner and try the Wild Boar Burger ($14). Yes, that’s right, made from wild boar! There are also two sit-down restaurants inside Mosaic Stadium – on the suite and club level, west side, is the AGT Lounge, a two-level, upscale dining location with views of the football field, as well as Confederation Park to the west of the stadium. In addition, on the main floor is Harvard’s Studio 620 Lounge, a sports lounge for those who want to enjoy that kind of atmosphere before, during, and/or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Having a lively crowd watching a brand of football that is unequivocally better than the American version means football fans will have fun at the game. Such is the case at Mosaic Stadium – the place is loud and raucous all game long. Looking around, you’ll find tributes to Roughrider greats like Hall of Famers Ron Lancaster and Roger Aldag. There’s also a wall commemorating the team’s four Grey Cup wins, as well as other green-and-white nods to the team’s history. If you’re planning a visit to Mosaic Stadium after August, bundle up – Regina evenings can be downright frigid once fall sets in. The stadium was specifically designed to reduce the effects of cold and snow, including a sunken lower bowl, but if you’re watching in wintery conditions, you will likely be dealing with bitter cold. Plan your visit expecting this kind of weather (or worse) and you should be fine. Neighborhood 3 Mosaic Stadium is located just northwest of Regina’s downtown, and surrounding the facility on three sides is a residential neighbourhood. To the south are train tracks, which separate north Regina from south Regina, and then there is more residential housing, with not much else. As the neighbourhood gentrifies and the Taylor Field area gets redeveloped into mixed-use buildings, however, this is likely to change, with more restaurants and after-game destinations becoming available. For now, however, the pickings for pre- and post-game entertainment are relatively slim. But if you head a couple blocks east of Mosaic Stadium you’ll find yourself on Albert St., the main artery in Regina. If you head north or south on Albert, you’ll find all the usual franchises: Burger King, McDonalds, Robin’s Donuts, and Mr. Sub. However, for anything out of the ordinary, more upscale, or for a lounge, bar, or pub, you’ll likely have to make a longer trip. The good news is that, in a city of about a quarter million people, nothing in the city is more than a 20-minute drive from the heart of town. Fans 5 Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are among the most rabidly dedicated in all of Canada. The Riders are one of only two professional sports teams in the province, and Saskatchewan natives are crazy for their team as a result. Riders fans are so dedicated to their team that they will show up to virtually any sporting event anywhere in their green-and-white gear, regardless of whether the Riders are playing or not – they also have a reputation for wearing watermelons on their heads while watching games. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the crowds, and you’ll almost certainly find someone with a watermelon helmet. That said, it should come as no surprise that at least two-thirds of the crowd in the Mosaic Stadium stands are decked out in full-on Roughriders regalia. Moreover, they are loud, fired up, and fully engaged in the game. Noise levels in Mosaic Stadium can routinely get over 100 decibels as the crowd cheers – they truly act as the 13th man for the Roughriders, and not the kind that might cost you a Grey Cup on the last play of the game. The fans are, far-and-away, the best part of taking in a game at Mosaic Stadium. Access 3 Unless you are a season ticket holder, you won’t find any parking at Mosaic Stadium, and the residential neighbourhood the stadium is surrounded by is all permit parking as well, so no luck there either. That said, if you want to drive to the game, you’ll be in for a minimum 15-minute walk. There are a handful of parking lots across the railroad tracks in the downtown core, but this is a bit of a walk as well. You can also find parking in the residential areas to the south and southeast of the stadium, but again, they are a good 15-minute walk away. Your other option is to take a chartered bus or city transit to get to the field. The bus runs up and down Albert St., and there are express buses from four key mall locations that deliver people to Riders games as well. This is by far your best option for getting to and from the stadium. The old Roughriders Stadium had one of the worst concourse areas of any football field in the CFL, making getting around the facility a near impossibility between quarters and after the game. The new structure has addressed this issue, providing wide concourses with much more space to accommodate the 33,000+ fans at each game – this should make claustrophobic fans much happier. However, do be aware that there is one severe bottleneck on the west side of the stadium – just to the north of Harvard’s Studio 620 on the main floor, crowds grind to a halt in a tightly packed mass that is as bad, or worse, than the old facility. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for this crowd flow issue, but it happens consistently. DO NOT go here before the game, at halftime, or after the game if you can avoid it. Return on Investment 3 Canadian football is always entertaining, so chances are pretty good that you’ll get your money’s worth. With ticket prices starting in the $40 per seat range, the cost is also fairly reasonable. Mix in a great atmosphere, and you have yourself all the pieces for a fun night out. Extras 4 Gainer the Gopher is the team mascot, and he spends his time around the field and in the stands keeping the kids amused. The Riders Cheer Team also helps keep the energy up in Mosaic Stadium between plays with cheers, acrobatics, and routines on the field during timeouts. Prior to games, the Coors Light Party in the Park is held in Confederation Park, to the immediate east of the stadium. This area features lots of family friendly activities, DJ performances, food, and lots more. In several locations around the concourse you’ll find Riders team stores with a selection of Riders apparel and knick-knacks, including the main Team Store on the north end of Mosaic Stadium. Virtually anything you can think of that you can put the Riders logo on can be found here. There is also a humongous video screen located at the south end of the stadium providing images and stats. At 6,844 square feet, it is the largest video board in Canada, and the 45th largest on Earth, as of this writing. There is also another video screen located above the northeast stands for folks on the south end, who can’t get a good look at the main screen. Prior to the game, the 13th Man banner is unfurled in the northwest corner, as a tribute to the positive impact the fans have on Roughriders home games. Also, it’s always nice to see recycling bins at a venue like this, and you can find them throughout Mosaic Stadium.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 BC Place 777 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 Canada BC Lions website BC Place website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 54,500 This is the Place BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia opened in 1983, and was built as part of Canada’s preparations for the 1986 World’s Fair. The venue has been home to the CFL’s BC Lions since its construction, but was also used as the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Originally built as a dome with an air-supported roof (similar to the old H.H.H. Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN), BC Place underwent an extensive renovation about seven years ago, and now sports a retractable roof supported by cables. Besides the BC Lions, BC Place is also home to the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Food & Beverage 5 BC Place has an incredible selection of food and beverage options, which is especially impressive given the typically low turnout during Lions games (more on that later). Besides all of the typical fare, such as hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders, you can also find local favorites such as Poutine, as well as more interesting fare such as pulled pork mac & cheese and chicken & waffle sandwiches (basically a chicken sandwich with waffles as the bun). BC Place does not have any generic stands, per se, but instead has a variety of concessions options with interesting names, such as Thirsty Pigeon or Beast on Fire, each of which sells a different fare that sort of relates to its name. For example, Lionsgate Grill has burgers, Beast on Fire has chicken and prime rib, and The Poutinerie has (you guessed it) poutine. Other stands offer grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteak, vegetarian tacos, salads, and even veggie bowls, and you can also find a wide variety of the typical snacks, such as peanuts, jerky, potato chips, donuts, ice cream, and cotton candy, as well as many others. Food items range from $3.25 for the smallest items, all the way up to $14.75 for the prime rib. The drink selection at BC Place is equally as wide as the food selection – on the concourse you can find pretty much anything you can think of, including soda, bottled water, lemonade, fruit juices, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, Red Bull, you name it, as well as plenty of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Beer is available on draft or in bottles and cans, and there are lots of options, including standbys like Budweiser, as well as favorites like Mike’s Hard Lemonade or Okanagan ciders, or even craft beers such as Stanley Park. Non-alcoholic drinks start at around $3.50, while beer and alcohol start at $8. Atmosphere 2 The BC Lions average around 20,000 fans per home game. While this has definite benefits in terms of making it easy to get around, the lack of attendance is pretty obvious once you get inside the stadium. The most glaring sign of the low turnout is the upper deck, which is screened off because seats in that section are not sold during Lions games. That said, there won’t be much in the way of crowd noise, but the staff deserves credit for bringing in lots of other entertainment elements. For example, there is a guy with a tambourine who works with the mascot to rev up the crowd, there are plenty of team flags and other Lions décor, and the Felions Dance Team is on hand to entertain the crowd. In addition, there are games for the kids in the concourse, and even a music stage outside, which features local bands on game days. Also, all of the seats in the stadium are chair backs, which is a big plus. See the BC Lions coming onto the field here: Neighbourhood 4 BC Place is literally only a few blocks from Vancouver city centre, and is right on the water, so there is plenty to see and do nearby. There are dozens of restaurants within walking distance, including all types of cuisine, so you should easily be able to find something to your liking, including a craft beer market on the other side of False Creek. The only downside is that this section of town will always be pretty crowded, so you will definitely have to deal with some traffic (pedestrian and otherwise). If you are looking for something to do before or after the game, there are plenty of attractions nearby. For example, Science World at TELUS is within walking distance of BC Place, as is Edgewater Casino. In addition, Stanley Park, with its famed totem poles and other statuary, is only a short drive to the north. You can also find several museums within a mile or so, and Stanley Park boasts its own aquarium. There are also plenty of hotels within walking distance of BC Place, although they tend to be on the very pricey side, being in downtown. Fans 2 The fans that show up at BC Lions games are really into it, and a lot of them dress up in team gear. You will catch many of them slapping their boom sticks together with reckless abandon, or waving giant orange flags they brought from home. The only downside is that there are just too few of them, so the stadium looks fairly empty; the staff may need to come up with some additional promotions to boost ticket sales, or somehow improve the teams’ on-field performance. Access 3 Once you make your way to BC Place, getting around is a cinch, thanks in part to the lackluster turnout, but mainly due to a well-designed venue; the oval design allows plenty of room in the concourse, and there are concessions on both sides of the aisle, making it easy to find what you want. In addition, the bathrooms are LITERALLY enormous, with more than enough stalls to accommodate everyone; this is not surprising given that the venue was designed with World’s Fair and Olympic-size crowds in mind. Unfortunately, getting TO BC Place presents much more of a challenge. I mentioned the heavy traffic earlier, but the lack of parking is an even bigger issue. There is no parking to speak of outside the venue, except for the parking garages dotted around the city, some of which are many blocks away. If you are staying in the area, you may be better off just parking at your hotel and walking from there. Or, take advantage of Vancouver’s public transit options, which include buses, trains, and ferries. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to BC Lions games start at $35 per ticket in the lower bowl – remember that upper level seats are not currently being sold – but they do have specials in the summer for kids ($5 each). Concessions are probably a little on the high side, but not terribly out of line for a professional sports team, although when you factor in parking (if you can find it) you could be looking at a pretty steep outing depending on how many are in your group. Still, football is always a good time, so if you are not a diehard Lions fans, you may want to save your BC Place visit for a day when an opponent you really like is in town. . Extras 2 BC Place has a really great design, which is best enjoyed when lit up at night. Also, the staff gets credit for trying to add so many fun elements to the experience. Final Thoughts Vancouver is a fun city to visit, with lots to do in the area. While BC Place may no longer be the jewel of the CFL, it could still offer a fun time if you are in the area.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bulldog Park 451 W 52nd St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Bulldog Park website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 500 Let’s Play some Bulldog Baseball Bulldog Park serves as the home to the Butler University baseball team. It is adjacent to the track and field stadium, down the hill from the Butler Bowl, and a few yards down the hill from Hinkle Fieldhouse where the basketball team plays. Originally a multipurpose field, it was converted to a baseball diamond in the 1990s with upgrades to seating, a press box, and the addition of a clubhouse and batting cages. Bulldog Park is a very small venue with just 500 seats, but you are as close to baseball as you will ever be. Food & Beverage 0 If you attend a baseball game, bring food and drink. There was once a time when a small concession stand offered chips and drinks and, on weekend games, hot dogs. However, that does not appear to be the case anymore at the ballpark. The fans in attendance had coolers and picnic baskets filled with goodies, a few even had a few cans of ice-cold beer, but probably would be frowned upon since it's a campus facility. Atmosphere 3 A game at Bulldog Park is quite relaxing if you are a baseball fan. The 500-seat stadium is suitable for college baseball at this level and with its intimacy, you might fall in love with the game again. You hear every single word from the players during the contest from the infield talking during a play, teammates from the bench yelling at their peers to take an extra base, and a few choice words if either an error or a questionable call is made. The game I attended featured the center fielder from Fordham University breaking his arm as he made a diving attempt at a fly ball. Yes, I heard the bone snap, the player’s angst, and the sound of silence that gushed through the stands. All of the seats are bleachers on each side of the working press box, but there are a few single rows of park benches in front of the home plate. These benches are somewhat odd features to the ballpark, but a nice touch nevertheless. The setting in the outfield is of the residential Kessler-Meridian Hills neighborhood and if you wanted to park your car on the street and walk up to the game, you might just be able to do that at the spur of the moment. There is an ample parking lot that is located at the front of the stadium where spots are usually available for games. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is in one of the city’s better sections and is probably one of the better reasons to visit the ballpark. College Avenue is located within a few blocks of the campus and it is full of local restaurants and bars to satisfy any palate. The closest restaurant is on campus called Chatham Tap. It is modeled after traditional English pubs offering burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pizza. It is also the spot to watch EPL football on the weekends or other matches from around the world. Twenty Tap has an abundance of craft beers along with a vegetarian Vietnamese sandwich, deep-fried cheese curds, and burgers served on a toasted muffin. If you are looking for somewhere inexpensive, there is Yats which specializes in Cajun-creole fare, and Fat Dan’s which customizes its Chicago-style food and offers up smoked chicken wings. The Bulldog is the official hangout of the Butler students. The pub offers the usual items of chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza in a casual environment with large-screen TV. The restaurant has a self-serve wine and beer menu that is quite creative; patrons are charged by the ounce. Fans 3 The fans that are in attendance are among the faithful or friends of either players or coaches. If you are at a Butler baseball game, you are at the game solely to watch baseball. The weekend crowds usually bring out a nice collection of Bulldog supporters to the stadium, many are friends and family members of the players, but the stadium does fill up nicely during the last home schedules of the year. This makes for an enjoyable game at the small ballpark with quite a few baseball fans. Access 3 The campus is situated in a residential area and if you are from Indianapolis, you know exactly where to find it. However, for an out-of-towner, it can be a little bit tricky navigating to and from the interstate. However, with GPS systems in our smartphones, trouble accessing the stadium may be a thing of the past. There is ample parking adjacent to the stadium and if that is full for whatever reason, your next best option is street parking or the parking lot a few yards up the hill at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Return on Investment 3 It does not cost a dime to attend a Bulldogs’ baseball game and this could be a hidden gem in the sports-rich city of Indianapolis. How many people do you think would plan a day around a Butler game during the spring? It may be a nice treat for many who might want to witness college baseball at its finest within easy distance of their homes. If you like your baseball without the distraction of whacky gimmicks, loud music, people milling around the stadium, or silly promotions, you might have found a great investment. However, it would be nice to have a hot dog and soda as I watch the game. Extras 2 The Butler campus is beautiful to walk around with historic buildings and pristine gardens; also, if you want to take a nice walk along the canal, it is a close trek to make for a beautiful day outside with friends or family. A second point for the relaxed lawn seating down the right field line in front of the bubble. Some fans will sneak in alcoholic drinks or pull up a blanket or chair with a picnic basket and enjoy the vibe of the game. You might even see little furry friends on leashes in this section as well. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Klöckner Stadium Massie Road Charlottesville, VA 2290 Virginia Cavaliers website Klöckner Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 8,000 Hoos Ready for Soccer? Klöckner Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Virginia and is home to the Cavaliers’ soccer program as well as their lacrosse teams. The stadium opened in 1992 and has received several updates since then including lighting and increased seating. It is part of a complex which also includes Davenport Field, home to Cavaliers baseball, as well as field hockey, track and field, and softball facilities. The Cavaliers, affectionately known as the Wahoos or just the Hoos, are one of the most successful men’s soccer programs in the country. They have seven national championships, most recently in 2014, and have made the College Cup, college soccer’s version of the Final Four, 12 times. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands on the concourse behind the bleachers. Both serve the same basic items such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, popcorn, chips, and pretzels, but have different specialty items. The stand closest to the entrance sells pulled pork nachos and barbecue sandwiches, while the other one serves Papa John’s pizza. Pepsi products, bottled water, and hot chocolate are available to drink. The most expensive item is a souvenir soda for $9, but this comes with unlimited refills. If you don’t want the refills, you can buy a standard souvenir soda for $6 or a regular soda for $4. Nothing else costs more than $8. Atmosphere 5 Klöckner Stadium has one set of traditional seats, which are almost all standard bleachers. There are a few reserved chair backs at the top, mainly for season ticket holders. On the other side of the field is a hill which is also used for seating. Many fans will sit on blankets or lawn chairs over here. Everything except the chair backs is general admission, so if you want an actual seat, be sure to get here early. There is a video board located behind one of the goals which also shows shots, shots on goal, and saves for each team. Like at most soccer stadiums at any level anywhere in the world, most of the atmosphere comes from the fans rather than the team, and here at Klöckner Stadium, the home fans do a great job of bringing the atmosphere. It can get very loud here at big moments as fans stomp on the bleachers with their feet to try to bring as much noise as possible. There are few other college soccer teams in the country with this kind of electric atmosphere. Being that this is soccer, there are no breaks in the action to do promotions except halftime, but that doesn’t seem to dampen the atmosphere here. If anything, it enhances it as it leads to more focus on the game and less on sideshows. Neighborhood 4 Klöckner Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Virginia, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Once you get off campus and into the city of Charlottesville, there is plenty else to do. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Fans 5 UVA soccer fans are among the most passionate in the country. They are loud, and proud, and cheer on their team for the whole game. At big moments they will bang on the bleachers with their feet to generate as much noise as they can. No matter when in the game it is, they are not afraid to get on the case of the opponent or the referee. The fans are the main reason the atmosphere here at Klöckner Stadium is so great, and this cannot be stressed enough. Access 3 If coming to Charlottesville from the east or west, you will likely take Interstate 64. If coming from the north or south, you will take U.S. Route 29. Although both are major roads, Route 29 has a few traffic lights along the way, so you won’t make as good time as you would on the highway. Still, you should be able to make reasonably good time if you head that way – the lights are for the most part few and far between. Once you get onto campus, ample parking is available in lots in between the stadium and John Paul Jones Arena, although there may be more limited availability if there is a basketball game the same day. If going to a game in November, it is best to check the UVA athletic website beforehand to make sure of the situation. Once you get in the stadium, you have to walk up a hill across a fairly narrow path to get to the concourse. Although not too far, it is longer than you would expect it to take to get from a stadium gate to the concourse. Additionally, the path can get crowded after games when everyone is heading out at the same time. There are restrooms inside the stadium of ample size to handle the crowd, although concession stands can get pretty long at halftime. We recommend you eat before the game starts if possible to avoid this. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5 for general admission seats, which get you anywhere in the stadium except a few rows of $8 reserved chair backs at the top, which are mainly for season ticket holders but may be available in limited number for single games. Tickets are $2 more expensive if you wait until game day and order at the ticket window, so we recommend buying in advance if possible. This is a pretty good deal when you consider the Cavaliers are one of the best college soccer teams in the country. Just keep in mind the general admission ticket does not guarantee you a bleacher seat. If you do not want to sit on the hill, arrive early to make sure you get in the bleachers, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together. Extras 3 There are free programs available which show the rosters and information for both teams. There is a plaza between the goal and the entrance which has banners highlighting the Cavaliers’ seven national championships. A third and final star for the great energy the fans bring, as they are among the best in the country. Final Thoughts At most colleges, soccer is not a significant sport. Sure, they may draw a few hundred fans a game, maybe even a thousand, but nobody really cares. Virginia is not one of those schools. The Cavaliers’ soccer program is one of the best in the country, and it has a stadium and fan base befitting such success. Klöckner Stadium is one of the best college soccer stadiums in the country, and a visit here is a must for any fan of the sport.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Ice World 1300 Governors Ct Abingdon, MD 21009 Loyola Greyhounds website Ice World website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 300 Ice Hounds Loyola University Maryland may not be as well-known as Loyola in Illinois. Or Loyola in New Orleans. Or Loyola Marymount in California. But this university began in 1852 as Loyola College in Maryland. It is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously an all-male college, Loyola became coeducational in 1971, following its joining with Mount Saint Agnes College. Currently, Loyola is located right next door to the all-female Notre Dame of Maryland University. Loyola has a strong liberal arts program, as well as a fine education school and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. Notable alumni include Tom Clancy, author of The Hunt for Red October , Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down , and ABC Olympics commentator Jim McKay. Loyola’s hockey team plays at the club level with opponents such as Salisbury University, Penn State Altoona, SUNY Albany, and the University of Maryland D3 level club team. The Greyhounds were Blue Ridge Hockey Conference (BRHC) Colonial Division champions in 2010, 2011, and 2014. They do play as part of the larger American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) system. Ice World is a twin rink complex located in Harford County, Maryland, about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Numerous youth and adult hockey leagues and teams play at the complex, which also offers many open ice skating times. Olympian and world champion ice skater Kimmie Meissner, a resident, can also be seen training at the facility off and on. Food & Beverage 2 Ice World has a snack bar that serves both rinks. The food is a basic snack bar variety, but the pricing is fair and the overall variety is pretty fair. You may want to eat a larger meal before or after attending a game here, but the snack bar will provide basic nourishment. Atmosphere 2 Loyola often gets some of the later game times so their ability to get a crowd is fairly weak. Games are also played often in Rink B. The atmosphere is pretty light although family and friends of the game participants often help out. There are just two small rows of seats in each rink, and many people will stand and watch directly at the glass along the corners of the rink. Neighborhood 2 Ice World is located in an industrial park off Maryland Route 7 (Philadelphia Road). There is not much around the area except for the facility. If you want options before or after games, it is best to head either to the Route 24/Interstate 95 interchange or further north on Route 24 towards the larger Abingdon area. The Boulevard at Box Hill is a shopping center with quite a few food options. I would recommend Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar restaurant chain. Wegman’s Grocery Store is also located here and offers another option for stocking up for the game. Fans 2 Fans who attend club-level hockey tend to be friends or family of the game participants. Loyola often gets pretty poor game times and the stands are far from full. There will be virtually no students in attendance unless they are those friends or family. Ice World is too far from campus for students to attend games. The fans are very knowledgeable about the games and take things very seriously. Access 4 Ice World is located not far off Interstate 95 at the Route 24 exit. Go south from the interchange, make a left (east) onto Route 7 (Philadelphia Road), and then a right onto either Continental Drive or Governor Court. The facility is at the rear of the business park. There is plenty of free parking, although depending on the event occurring on the other ice rink the lot may get busier. Harford County is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. Loyola does play on a lower level of club hockey but if you are in the area the value is quite fair. Extras 2 Check out the many banners for youth, adult, and college teams that also call Ice World home. There is also many a picture and plaque detailing the successes of the ice skating participants who also call the facility home. You may also want to check on events that are occurring on the other rink. Maybe you will catch world champion Kimmie Meissner practicing. There is a good pro shop in the entrance area for Ice World. Final Thoughts Loyola University Maryland’s hockey team displays some good hockey for fans, although the large distance away from campus and a small fan base hampers things a bit.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McGill Field 101 N College Ave Annville, PA 17003 Flying Dutchmen website McGill Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 500 Valley Baseball Lebanon Valley College is a liberal arts college located in downtown Annville, PA. Annville is in Lebanon County, east of Hershey. Founded in 1866 Lebanon Valley has approximately 1,600 undergraduates. The Princeton Review has recognized the college as “A Best in the Northeast” and they have over thirty-five fields of study. Lebanon Valley College is a member of NCAA Division III and competes in the Middle Atlantic Conference. McGill Field was voted the 2000 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) College Baseball Field of the Year. The school’s teams are called the Flying Dutchmen, and its mascot is the Dutchman. The college is known as the home of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Champions in basketball. That 1994 championship victory over New York University was a controversial affair when a Dutchmen shot that won the game may or may not have been by the sound of the buzzer. But no matter what, the school hosts that championship proudly, as they should. Food & Beverage 3 There is no real official concession stand at Arnold Field. There is usually a small table set up with food offerings. We would expect the food sales might not happen on daytime, weekday games. The value and options were good. Atmosphere 5 The small college pride of Lebanon Valley College was in full effect at this game. The grandstands were packed and all sides of the field were filled with fans. The stadium is a simple affair but is situated nicely in a hollow so that everyone, from all angles, will have a great view of the action. The scoreboard is located past a bunch of hedges and is actually even across a small access road. Neighborhood 4 Annville is a great little town of a little less than 5,000 about 8 miles east of Hershey, PA. The college is right in the heart of downtown. Funck’s Family Restaurant, Corvette Grille and Bar, and Harper’s Tavern are all local establishments that offer good food pre and post-game. The Pennsylvania chain, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, is another option right in Annville. The food is good, cheap, and certainly plentiful. J & S Pizza is a decent option within walking distance of campus. Fans 4 The crowds at Lebanon Valley do not disappoint. There is quite a bit of obvious school pride with fans attending in droves. The athletic teams here are supported well and have shown a great deal of ability for their fans. Access 4 Located on Route 422 between Lebanon and Hershey, Annville is easy to find and has no problem handling the crowds for such a small stadium. Expect that on busy game days, you will hit some traffic on Route 422 and especially on Bellegrove Road by the athletic complex. There is a good amount of parking, but do plan ahead. You may have to park across the main road and walk over the pretty access bridge to the field. You can also try to park in downtown Annville and walk over the railroad pedestrian bridge to the athletic fields. The athletic fields are located north of the main campus, separated by a railroad. Return on Investment 4 Generally, games are free to attend, but there may be an occasional cost, especially for post-season games. Extras 3 The scoreboard being across the hedges and the small access road is such a great little extra on its own. Make sure to stop into the nearby Arnold Sports Center and check out LVC Hall of Champions. This museum-like display space commemorates the great individual and team achievements of Flying Dutchman athletics. Take a peak inside the Arnold Arena and see the 1994 national championship basketball banner. Final Thoughts McGill Field at Lebanon Valley College is not a fancy stadium but it shows why small college athletics is such a treasure in this country. A sports fan visiting central Pennsylvania owes it to themselves to see if a game is going on when they are in the area.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Elton Pollack Field E Maple St Clinton, SC 29325 Presbyterian Blue Hose website Elton Pollack Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,000 Elton Pollack Field – Presbyterian College Blue Hose Rural Clinton, South Carolina is home to the Big South Conference member, Presbyterian College Blue Hose. Some may see the “Blue Hose” as a bit of a peculiar name, but when considering the Red Sox and White Sox were named from the color of their uniform socks, it might be more common than initially thought – the Blue Hose derived their nickname from the blue stockings their mascot wore. References to socks or hosiery have been a fairly common moniker throughout the history of sports, most commonly in baseball. Following Presbyterian’s first NCAA baseball tournament appearance in 2021, veteran head coach Elton Pollack was honored by the Blue Hose baseball alumni, who raised the funds to name the Presbyterian Baseball Complex in his honor. Pollack has been at the helm at Presbyterian for nearly two decades, taking over from the current Vanderbilt skipper, Tim Corbin. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions did not used to be an option at Blue Hose games at all, but with the recent completion of facility upgrades, a concession stand was added as part of the clubhouse and restroom additions. Despite there now being concessions when there hadn’t been any in the past, fans are still allowed to bring their own food; this is probably your best bet as the concession stand options are limited to soft pretzels, candy, snacks, and a handful of non-alcoholic beverage options. Atmosphere 2 Elton Pollack Field is as simple as it gets when it comes to college baseball stadiums in the south. Most fans will pass through a black iron gated entryway framed with brick pillars as they enter the field. A newly completed brick building housing restrooms, the small concession stand, and team clubhouse now sits adjacent to the field’s entry point. The grounds around the grandstand still appear to be taking root. The Blue Hose play on a natural grass field with grass base paths down the lines. The dimensions are balanced from foul pole to foul pole with the lines running 325’, power alleys going 375’, and straightaway center 400’. A relatively short 5-foot fence wraps around the outfield and is backed by tall, dense shrubbery. Day games can be rather troublesome when it comes to the sun. While the grandstand is not covered, the problem tends to be more with the aluminum bleachers that reflect the sun a great deal, making keeping your attention on the field a challenge, and tracking a ball in the air is nearly impossible without sunglasses. Neighborhood 3 Elton Pollack Field Is on the back side of Presbyterian’s campus, neighbored by the college’s fraternity houses at one end and Bailey Memorial Stadium, the school’s football and lacrosse stadium, on the other. The college is about a mile from the Clinton town center that is home to a handful of shops and restaurants and the historic train depot. Clinton also has 15 bronze historical markers around the town as part of a walking tour that shares its history – an accompanying narration of the tour can be found on the distrx app, on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Fans 2 Given the size of Presbyterian’s student body of just under 1,200 students, the Blue Hose draw decently well. Many of the fans do seem to be parents and family members; they are highly supportive of the team. It is a bit disappointing that there seems to be a lack of student support, which is a bit of a mystery given the fraternity houses are just steps from the field. Access 2 Unless traveling between Columbia, SC and Greenville or Spartanburg, the I-26 corridor is not a route many would find themselves on. Being just 3 miles from the highway, Presbyterian is easily accessible for those looking to visit the campus. Once at the field, the primary parking spot for the area is a grassy lot on the opposite side of the street. Be cautioned though – this lot is in prime foul ball territory. However, there are some spots in the small lots next to the football stadium that are well out of reach from a wayward baseball. Return on Investment 4 With free admission, parking, and inexpensive concessions, the financial investment is minimal, but the time investment might be the bigger concern. Though the college is not far off the nearby highway, it really is not a road most would find themselves on, unless specifically going to Clinton. Other than alumni, or a potential student, a trip to Clinton is probably not high on most sports “To Do” lists. Extras 2 Recent facility upgrades have provided fans with a bit more comfortable experience. Player introductions play homage to the Scottish roots of Presbyterianism, as a recording of bagpipes is played as the players take the field. This is also aligned with the school’s mascot, Scotty the Scotsman. Final Thoughts The current upgrades in facilities have provided basic amenities that were either non-existent or minimal at best in the past – just not having to use an outhouse at such an event does a lot to improve the overall experience. Even with the upgrades, however, the facility is still rather sparse in terms of amenities. The game is enjoyable overall, just don’t go with expectations to be entertained with much more than the game on the field.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Veterans Memorial Park 270 Veterans Memorial Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website Veterans Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Diamond Dukes Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Sun Belt Conference, having moved from the Colonial Athletic Association for the 2022-23 season. The Dukes softball program is best known for their miraculous run to the 2021 Women's College World Series, where they defied all expectations by reaching the semifinal. They were one win away from reaching the final series, but lost two in a row to number one overall seed Oklahoma, eliminating them from the double-elimination tournament and ending their miraculous run. The Dukes call Veterans Memorial Park home. This facility is shared with the baseball team, who plays in the adjacent stadium. Although the two facilities have separate entrances, they share many common facilities including a concourse that snakes between the two stadiums. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located directly to your left as you come in, in between the softball and baseball stadiums, and offers a good range of options. Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, sausage, and chicken tenders make up the main course options. Nachos, soft pretzels, fries, popcorn, candy, sunflower seeds, chips, and peanuts are available as well. To drink, fans can enjoy bottled soda and water, as well as hot chocolate and coffee. In an effort to be environmentally friendly, the water comes in aluminum cans rather than the typical plastic bottles. Prices are affordable - the only thing that costs more than $5 is the chicken tenders, and those come with fries. Atmosphere 4 Fans will enter Veterans Memorial Park for softball to the right of the ticket booth, although the window has been shuttered for quite some time as the Dukes no longer charge for admission to regular season games here. Nonetheless, the signage is still up, so look for the sign that says "Tickets" and enter the gate to the right of that. The one to the left is used for the baseball stadium and is closed for softball home games. Despite this, it is possible to walk along the concourse into the baseball stadium, and one will need to do this to access the concession stand and souvenir shop. However, to get to the stadium itself, you will walk right from the entrance, then up some steps or an elevator to the seating area. From there, seating is available both above and below the walkway you will enter onto. There are a few chairbacks behind home plate underneath the press box, and everything else is bleachers with backs. All seating is general admission, so arrive early if you want a chairback. The Dukes do a great job of keeping fans involved with promotions. From trading card giveaways of a different player every home game, to the Scream for Pizza (whoever screams the loudest gets free Domino's pizza), to name that tune and trivia contests to win a free hot dog at the concession stand, fans will definitely stay engaged here. Neighborhood 3 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner and Macado's are both local favorites. Fans 5 Dukes fans pack Veterans Memorial Park for softball game in and game out. The game we attended had close to a thousand fans in a 1,500 seat stadium and this is typical for what they draw. Fans wear the school color of purple and cheer their team on throughout the game. Some are friends or family of the players, but most are just loyal JMU fans . The team also partners with many local youth groups, including youth softball teams, so expect to see a lot of kids in attendance, many of them clad in their team's uniform. The crowd here can get quite loud, especially after big moments such as JMU home runs. Their passion is bold and unwavering, and they help make this an electric place to watch a softball game. Access 3 Veterans Memorial Park is located a few miles off Interstate 81 via exit 247B. After exiting onto Market Street, continue a short while before turning left onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Continue for about a mile and a half before the road ends at High Street. Continue through the light and you will be in the parking lot. You will need to navigate a roundabout in the middle of the parking lot to wind up in the lot nearest the stadium – other areas serve the Veterans Memorial itself or other parts of the park, although you can park there if the stadium lot fills up. Getting around the stadium once you get inside is easy enough, although it is a bit confusing to have to walk up and back down. Foul balls regularly fly onto the concourse so be careful while you are walking down there. A staff member will normally shout “Heads up!” when a ball is heading that way but be alert yourself anyway. Restrooms are located directly to the left of the entrance and are of sufficient size for the crowd. When getting out of the stadium, you may have to wait at the traffic light for a few minutes as the timing of the cycle was not designed for such traffic patterns as occur postgame, but once you get out, you should not encounter any problems. Return on Investment 5 Admission to softball games at JMU is free of charge, concessions are affordable, and parking is free as well. When combined with the fantastic atmosphere, that makes a trip to a James Madison softball game an excellent value. Extras 4 One star for all the banners and signs throughout the stadium honoring James Madison softball history, including the Women's College World Series appearance in 2021. There are free programs and JMU softball trading cards available at the marketing table. Fans who collect all the trading cards by attending every home game will receive a prize at the end of the season. A third star for the merchandise shop to the left of the concession stand selling JMU gear,. A fourth and final star for the potential to see both a JMU softball and baseball game in the same day if you time your trip right, or at least get the chance to explore two venues in one. Final Thoughts The excitement at a James Madison Dukes softball game is still palpable, even two years after their Women's College World Series appearance. This is a program on the rise, and the move to the Sun Belt Conference should enable that continued growth. The Dukes have some passionate and boisterous fans and a facility to match. Softball fans in the Shenandoah Valley will definitely want to spend an afternoon at a James Madison game here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Keyworth Stadium 3201 Roosevelt St Hamtramck, MI 48212 Detroit City FC website Keyworth Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,000 Detroit City Rocks Hamtramck and Beyond Detroit FC debuted at Keyworth Stadium in 2016 after playing its home matches at Cass Technical High School for the previous four seasons. The move to a new venue was necessary since the team had quickly outgrown its home pitch and needed a larger facility to hold its burgeoning crowds. The club initiated a crowd-based investment program to renovate and rehabilitate Keyworth Stadium in nearby Hamtramck. The MILE (Michigan Invests Locally Exemption) Act allows companies in the state to accept loans from small investors ($250-$10,000) provided that they are Michigan residents. A total of $741,250 was raised in 109 days from 527 verified Michigan residents. Keyworth Stadium originally opened on October 15, 1936, when Franklin Roosevelt spoke during his second campaign for the presidency. The 6,000-seat stadium has been the home of various interscholastic sports throughout its history but had fallen on hard times the last few decades. The money raised was used for structural improvements to the grandstands, renovations of locker rooms and restrooms, and modernization of lighting and the playing turf. Other improvements included concrete resurfacing, a new sound system, and plans for a natural grass pitch in future seasons. Built between the city’s dense residential streets and a large set of train tracks, Keyworth Stadium is the type of structure that most likely will never be built again by any professional sports entity in this country. Houses and streets touch the exterior of the grandstands and fans exit and enter in front of residential front porches and lawns. In 2020 DCFC began operations in the National Independent Soccer Association after playing in the NPSL Pro fall showcase as a professional club in 2019. The looks to sustain a standard of excellence in its new league while playing host to its rivals Chattanooga FC and the New York Cosmos. All of the food served at Keyworth Stadium are from local area food trucks and other local proprietors, showcasing the many influences of different cultures in the city. A majority of these food trucks are located behind the end line in between the two main entrances creating a bustling street fair atmosphere. Food & Beverage 5 All of the food served at Keyworth Stadium are from local area food trucks and other local proprietors, showcasing the many influences of different cultures in the city. A majority of these food trucks are located behind the end line in between the two main entrances creating a bustling street fair atmosphere. Fans can enjoy slices of pizza for $4 or a whole pie for $22. There are also delicious chicken and lamb shawarmas, falafel, and gyros for $6 and $8. There is the Heroes and Villains truck, offering gourmet sandwiches named after popular comic book characters. However, Srodek’s has the largest line at the game with folks waiting to taste one of their gourmet kielbasa sandwiches and perogies. The sandwiches are served on locally made buns, topped with homemade sauerkraut, and are available in cheddar, smoked, pepper jack, and ghost pepper for $6. The perogies come in orders of 5 and are also $6. You can wash down all of these wonderful delicacies with Detroit’s own Faygo pop for $3, Axle City Pale Ale, Blake’s Hard Cider and mixed drinks for $6, and Stroh’s for $4. Stroh’s and Axle City are the only two beers you can purchase at the game. Atmosphere 5 If you attend a soccer game at Keyworth Stadium and do not become a fan, don’t blame Detroit City FC. The excitement begins 60 minutes before the game with the March to the Match. Supporters meet at Fowling Warehouse, an official pre-game destination, and march through the streets of Hamtramck while drumming, chanting, and singing. Once inside the facility, the North Guard and other supporters group take up residency along the eastside seating section and spend the match singing an established series of songs, throwing smoke bombs after goals, and creating a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere for any level of soccer in the United States. The group has an unbridled passion for DCFC and ranks with the best of them in any other market. If you want to enjoy the game in a more subdued area, then purchase a ticket on the opposite side of the stadium with a slightly relaxed group of fans. The seating area was created with refurbished wooden seats that were removed from the supporter section. The stadium is absent a track making sightlines up close and personal to the action. The main entrance behind the goal line is also an area of heavy traffic and activity. The majority of food is served and a portable cart sells a variety of merchandise from scarves, t-shirts in multiple colors and styles, jerseys, and jackets. The lines are long, but the orders are expedited quickly. In 2019, the team unveiled suites made from refurbished industrial shipping containers as VIP seating behind the goal at the north end of the stadium. The suites add to the imagination that exists inside Keyworth as the club has been very imaginative with the game day experience. Neighborhood 3 Hamtramck, Michigan sits right over the border of Detroit and is the most densely populated city in the state, with over 22,000 residents packed into 2.09 square miles. Known as a vibrant community for Polish American life and culture, the city continued attracting immigrants and now features a large Bengali, Yemeni, and Pakistani population. One of the most interesting places might just be Amar’s Pizza where visitors can order traditional pizza but some with a unique twist that includes Naga Pizza (chicken, red onions, cilantro, and naga sauce), Tandoori Pizza (tandoori chicken, cheese, and tandoori sauce), and Dry Fish Pizza (dried shrimp and spicy fish paste). The pre-game destination before each match is The Fowling Warehouse (3901 Christopher Street). Supporters spend their time enjoying a few drinks, having conversations along the large bar, and playing the football bowling pin game called fowling. Hamtramck has been described as one of the last bastions of unpolluted dive bars in Detroit. Several dive bars line the streets and look the way they did 50 years ago, including the Whiskey in a Jar, Polish Sea League, Paycheck’s Lounge, Kelly’s Bar, and Moose Lodge. McShane’s Pub is the official post-game destination and offers shuttle services from its location at 1460 Michigan Ave. Fans 5 DCFC is a fan-driven team, attracting mammoth crowds that average close to 6,000 per game. They have taken in the excitement and pageantry at home matches. It is rare not to see someone sporting one of a couple dozen jerseys or t-shirts cheering on the home team, or yelling at the ref for a bad call. Many are enjoying the great food and atmosphere, but many are there strictly for the game on the field. Access 4 Keyworth Stadium is surprisingly quite easy to maneuver around during the game. All of the food and drinks are served in one area that features ample space and a few long lines. Seats are spacious enough to move up and down. Bathrooms are located behind the main seating section and can be quite dense during halftime. Arriving at the game at the multiple lots is also quite easy, but might be a little challenging for first-time visitors to the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Tickets and parking are $12 each but go up in price to $15 on match day, a great price for the atmosphere. Parking lots are easily accessible, adjacent to the stadium. It is possible to find parking on the streets before the game or take one of the shuttle buses from McShane’s Pub. The price of food from the food trucks is extremely reasonable and delicious. Beer prices are also affordable at $4 and $6. Extras 3 One extra point for the amazing, diverse, and delicious food served at the game which includes pizza, kielbasa, perogies, shawarma, and gyros. The beers are cold and include Axle City Pale Ale and Stroh’s. Another additional point for the collection of merchandise includes a wide variety of t-shirts, jerseys, scarves, and caps. There are long lines to snatch up something in the team colors of maroon and gold. A third extra point for the atmosphere begins with the march to the match and continues with the supporter group North Guard chanting and singing from their section. One finally extra point for having ice-cold Stroh’s for only $4 a can. DCFC is renovating and invigorating life back into Keyworth Stadium. It was dilapidated and in squalid condition before the arrival of the soccer club. Final Thoughts Attending a DCFC game is quite the spectacle. It is a 90-minute plus party that includes singing, cheering, eating, drinking, and celebrating. The location of the stadium and the ensuing revelry establishes Keyworth Stadium as one of the must-see soccer venues in the United States. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Orange Beach Sportsplex 4385 William Silvers Pkwy Orange Beach, AL 36561 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament website Orange Beach Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,500 Soccer on the Beach Each year over 5 million visitors flock to the beaches of South Alabama. The beach towns that make up the Alabama coast bring in over $3 billion in spending per year. One such event that brings in substantial revenue for the area happens every November when the top 10 soccer teams in the SEC meet up in Orange Beach for the annual SEC Soccer Tournament. The tournament is held over nine days, usually a week before Thanksgiving, and brings fans from all over the SEC to the city for an annual November vacation on the beach. The tournament has been held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex every year since 2003, with the exception of 2004 when Hurricane Ivan caused damage to the facilities and the tournament was held in Auburn. There was much uncertainty whether the tournament would be held or not for the 2020 season – exactly two months before the tournament was scheduled to begin Orange Beach took a direct hit from Hurricane Sally, which caused flooding and damage in the city. Fortunately, the Sportsplex did not receive a lot of damage and the tournament was able to be played after some minor repairs. SEC first sponsored women’s soccer in 1993 and since that time Florida has taken home the most titles with 12. In the early years of the tournament the location was rotated between the different schools, but since moving to Orange Beach Florida has taken home five titles, while Texas A&M has taken home three. Usually only the top ten teams of the conference are invited, but because of the COVID shortened season the SEC had during 2020, with each team only playing 8 games, all 14 teams were invited to this year’s tournament. Food & Beverage 2 There is only one concessions stand open and it is just a regular stand that sells the basics. Prices are reasonable with the menu consisting of hamburgers ($5), hot dogs and nachos ($3), bottled Powerade and water ($2), and candy and popcorn ($1). The concessions stand does back up from time to time and only accepts cash. Because you are free to come and go from the venue as you please, I left during halftime at one of the games. I would recommend eating at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area before, during, or after the game. Atmosphere 4 The Orange Beach Sportsplex opened in 2001 and is currently home to the offices of the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department. All the fields are used constantly throughout the year by the city’s youth and rec league sports, with the centerpiece being the 1,500-seat stadium where the SEC Soccer Tournament is played. The entire 40-acre complex consists of a quad of four baseball and four softball fields, a larger baseball stadium, two beach volleyball courts, and several smaller practice fields scattered around the main stadium. The soccer stadium is located at the front of the complex with the rest of the fields located in the back. The field at the stadium faces north and south with just one metal bleacher style grandstand located on the east side of the pitch, with seating for approximately 1,500. The west side of the pitch is open and includes the teams’ benches, with a basic style scoreboard on the south side of the field. The facility ties in well with the area as well with palm trees scattered throughout and the skyline of the condos off in the distance behind beautiful tall pine trees that surround the complex. Though the actual sports complex is very pretty and represents the City of Orange Beach quite well, there’s not really anything special about the stadium. The metal grandstand only consists of about 15 rows and is actually smaller than a regular high school football stadium. However, for this one week every November the SEC and the City of Orange Beach go above and beyond to make sure this a top-notch experience, and the atmosphere is really cool. Soccer isn’t the most popular or well-known sport in the SEC, but you wouldn’t know it by coming here. The SEC treats this event with just as much importance as the conference baseball and basketball tournaments. SEC Network provides constant coverage of every game and the conference commissioner usually makes an appearance every year. The main road coming into the complex is lined from one end of the other with flags of the 14 SEC teams. Outside the stadium there is a pretty large pop-up truck that sells a broad collection of SEC shirts and gear. There’s SEC banners scattered throughout the entire stadium with all the teams’ flags displayed on the top of the grandstand, and on the field itself there is one continuous banner that wraps around the entire playing field. The opposite side of the grandstand features a large videoboard that shows the action as it’s shown on TV. I’m not the biggest soccer fan but I was blown away by the overall experience and the set-up of everything here. Orange Beach Sportsplex Flags on Display, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 The SEC Soccer Tournament could not be located in a better location, with the coast beaches of Alabama bringing in most of the tourism revenue for the entire state. The two cities that make up this section of the coast include Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and they account for about 50 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, with the beautiful crystal-clear waters being warm enough to swim in practically year-round. There are multiple public beach access points offering everything from crowded beaches to secluded beaches. Numerous high-rise condos line the beach, each offering their own amenities such as private pools, water slides, and lazy rivers. The beautiful waters provide some of the best fishing opportunities in the southeast as well, so if you own your own boat or want to rent one I definitely recommend making a boat ride through all the different waterways to fish or camp out on the islands in the Perdido Pass. The sports complex is located away from the beach on the north side of the city, and the complex itself is kind of hidden off the main road, Canal Road, right behind the new high school. Just across the street from the high school lies The Wharf at Orange Beach, Orange Beach’s premiere shopping and entertainment destination. The Wharf features tons of restaurants, bars and shops, built into the first floor of some luxury condominiums. The area also features a Ferris wheel, zipline, putt-putt golf, a waterpark, and a 10,000-seat amphitheater that attracts top names and acts each year. Also, the road heading into the Wharf features an elaborate light display every night of the year, and during Christmas time the whole grounds are decorated as well. In addition, on the north side of the city is OWA, which is an amusement park with more shopping and restaurants as well as rides and roller coasters; you pass OWA on the main road heading into Orange Beach. Everybody who comes to the beaches of South Alabama should make a stop at the famed Flora-Bama about 10 minutes away right on the beach on the Florida-Alabama line. This famous watering hole has been serving patrons since 1964 and calls itself the last roadhouse in America. It is the go-to hang out spot for everybody from college students to celebrities to politicians and athletes when they come to the area, and although it might be too touristy for some people everybody should make a stop here at least once. For a spot where the locals hang I recommend visiting Pirates Cove Marina, which is located on the north side of the city and is very similar to Flora-Bama, although with less crowds but the same rustic setting. Because of its status as a beach community, there are hardly any big corporate restaurants in the area, so you will find a ton of local seafood restaurants as well. Some popular restaurants include the Cobalt, the Gulf, Crab Trap, Doc’s Seafood, Tacky Jacks, and Big Fish. Between the beach and numerous activities, one could spend weeks in Orange Beach and have plenty to do. Fans 4 The great thing about a tournament of this caliber is it attracts fan bases from all 14 SEC schools. The SEC Tournament is usually stretched out over 9 days, with the first round of games being played on Friday and the Championship Game being played the following Sunday, which ensures that at least two teams and some fans will get a nine-day extended vacation. This is more like a destination tournament, almost on the same level as college basketball’s Battle 4 Atlantis or Maui Invitational. If you watch SEC Network’s soccer coverage the announcers constantly plug the Road to Orange Beach, which is the unofficial nickname of the SEC soccer regular season every year. By moving the tournament to a neutral location in a nice beach town, it ensures that fans are going to travel more so than they would if the tournament was in just another SEC town. For any given game expect to see fans of both teams in the stands. Obviously that first Friday and the Sunday games are going to attract the most fans as they are played on the weekend. Unfortunately, however, because of the single elimination format of the tournament it’s hard to make plans for making a trip here – you could be here over a week or your team could get knocked out on the first day. On Sunday and Tuesday, there are four games played and they take up the whole day, so expect to see many fans come and go. I’d say at each game expect a couple hundred fans in attendance, with the Sunday games and the Championship game having close to 1,000 fans at the max; it’s hard to get the exact number as many people come and go. Obviously when Alabama and Auburn are playing expect to see more fans than usual as their fan base dominates this area, and I even saw a good number of Crimson Tide and Auburn fans tailgating under a pavilion on the Sportsplex grounds. Access 4 The one drawback to coming to this Tournament is just getting to the complex itself. Orange Beach is located about 60 miles southeast of Mobile and about 40 miles west of Pensacola. Unfortunately there is not a major interstate that runs through the town, so your best bet if coming from out of town is to take I-10 about midway between Pensacola and Mobile, then take the Foley Beach Express exit south to Orange Beach for about 45 minutes. Make sure to make a stop at Bucc-ees, the new giant gas station/superstore that just opened last year; it’s about the only thing on the road until you pass the roller coasters at OWA and then get to the toll booth for the bridge that runs into the city. The Wharf and the giant Ferris wheel will be the first thing you see after the bridge; the Sportsplex is right across the street, behind the high school. You can also ride your bike to the Sportsplex through the Gulf State Park trails. I parked on the beach and rode my bike through the winding trails until I reached the Sportsplex; the trails are well maintained and there are maps everywhere to ensure you don’t get lost. There’s a trailhead that pops out right in the Sportsplex parking lot. Return on Investment 4 If you are a fan, friend, or family member of any of the school’s participating in this tournament you cannot find a better return on investment than the SEC Soccer Tournament. Getting to come to the beach for just a few days in the middle of November is obviously a plus for anybody, and being that it’s in the Fall you can expect to see prices on condos and restaurants a little less than they would be in the summer. Tickets are an absolute steal for every game with adult prices being $5 and children’s prices being $2. Also, as the stadium is pretty much open on both ends it’s possible to watch the action on the field and not have to pay for admission. In addition, since the bike trail runs right next to the stadium I also saw many people riding bikes and stopping along the trail to watch some of the games. Extras 4 One extra point for the number of sporting events that are held in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area. Besides the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament the two towns host a ton of different tournaments throughout the year ranging from youth to college sports. Every May the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship is played right on the beach in Gulf Shores; they bring in temporary bleachers right next to the ocean and the setup and atmosphere is quite cool. In addition, the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship is held every year at the Sportsplex, and the complex has also played host to D1 and D2 Men’s and Women’s tournaments, South Alabama soccer matches, and even hosted a semi-pro football team. Newly opened next door to the Sportsplex in 2020 is Orange Beach High School, and the Makos, the school’s nickname, recently began using the complex for their games, with the football team using the field to the south of the main stadium and the baseball and softball teams using the complex as well. With championship golf courses, beautiful water for fishing, and the countless tournaments, this area of south Alabama is living up to its name as a national sports and recreation hub for sports of all kind. Another extra point for the location being located inside Gulf State Park. With over 30 miles of different trails, one could spend countless hours bike riding the different trails around the park. Each trail features its own unique features and is named after a particular theme, for instance, if you’re in the mood to bike ride through gorgeous sand dunes you can take the Rosemary Dunes Trail, while if you want the hilly option with a gorgeous view of the entire park then take the Oak Ridge Trail. There are also plenty of cabins for camping and plenty of RV hookups. Lastly, of course another extra point for the setting itself being right on the beach. Besides some of the aforementioned college basketball tournaments I cannot think of a more prime location to have a conference tournament. The contract with the tournament and the City expired in 2020 and with the high school taking up residence there was much uncertainty over whether or not the SEC would renew. Fortunately, they came to agreement and have signed a deal promising 10 more years of SEC Soccer on the beach every November.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 College Center Park University of Texas at Arlington 600 South Center St Arlington, TX 76019 UT Arlington Mavericks men's basketball website College Center Park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 7,000 The Forgotten Mavericks The University of Texas at Arlington moved from Junior College status to university status in 1959. In 1963 UTA became a founding member of the Southland Conference before eventually settling in the Western Athletic Conference. Along the way, in 1971, UTA adopted the team name Mavericks, actually before the NBA team in Dallas would find themselves with the same name. Unfortunately for UTA, in an extremely crowded sports landscape in the DFW Metroplex, the UT Arlington Mavericks seem to have been forgotten. UTA is a large, public university that was established in 1895 and has a current enrollment of approximately 46,000 students. Home for the UT Arlington Mavericks is the College Park Center. Located on campus, the College Park Center looks brand new even after a decade of use. Before College Park Center, the Mavericks played on campus at the 3,000 seat Texas Hall. The move to College Park Center shows an intent on UTA to invest in their athletics and basketball program. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at College Park Center is surprisingly simple and strong. Concessions are run by Ted E’s Grill. All of the expected items are available including nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken fingers, wings, and cheeseburgers. What takes the concessions to the next level are BBQ items like brisket and pulled pork as well as specialty burgers. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice. The beer selection offers both micro and macro brews including Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Dos Equis as well as Shiner, Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde. Atmosphere 4 College Park Center is located on the campus of UT Arlington and is a strong, modern facility. The exterior of the building is attractive with the use of light and brown brick with plenty of glass. The Moritz Plaza on the north side of the building, between Spaniolo and Center Streets is the perfect spot to meet friends before the game or just hang out and enjoy some nice weather. Upon entry, fans will head right into the main concourse, which is bright and clean and colourful. The attention to detail at College Park Center is strong and there is no exposed concrete. The southwest corner of the building has a number of plaques outlining UTA Mavericks accomplishments for both teams and individuals. The number of baseball players who ended up in the pros is impressive, including Mark Lowe, Hunter Pence and John Lackey. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will find a two tiered seating arrangement with plastic blue seats in a hexagonal configuration. The upper level is draped off for Mavericks games to make the arena feel more intimate. The court runs from south to north and the east side is the perfect spot for that center court logo picture. Behind the seating bowl on the east side is the Maverick Hospitality Suite which can be rented for larger, catered gatherings. The four-sided videoboard is crystal clear and has smaller, rectangular LED scoreboards above each larger side. There is an LED ribbon board encircling the arena on the upper deck fascia. Above the east seating area hang banners depicting basketball accomplishments and the three retired numbers for Marquez Haynes, Willie Brand and Rebekah Vanduk. The Mavericks have not had a great deal of success making a postseason tournament only six times and making the NCAA Tournament only once. The gameday production is what one would expect from a college basketball game. The cheerleaders attempt to fire up the crowd and the band, which sits in the south end, has a strong presence. The game is not over produced and there is strong cohesion between the band and the music played over the sound system. The game is a little more traditional and there is no music during the play. The mascot, Blaze, can be found during select games. Neighborhood 3 The campus of University of Texas at Arlington is located in the College Park District. There are a few spots fans may want to stop for pre or post game food or drink. Pie Five Pizza, New York Eats, Hurtado BBQ and Babe’s Chicken Dinner House are all very close. Fans may want to head northeast, where the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums can be found, to hit Texas Live, which has a number of eating establishments. The Arlington Museum of Art and Arlington Music Hall are just north of the university for fans wishing for some extra culture. The sports scene in Arlington is very crowded with the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium and Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and other athletic events at Choctaw Stadium. The Dallas Wings of the WNBA also play at College Park Center and there are other athletic teams that UT Arlington fields. Of course, fans can head to Dallas or Fort Worth for other entertainment options. For fans wishing to stay in Arlignton, the Courtyard Dallas/Arlington may be a good choice. Fans 2 The UT Arlington Mavericks attract approximately 1,600 fans per game. In a 7,000 seat venue, the lack of fans is noticeable and detrimental. Of those 1,600 fans, many travel from visiting schools. There is little student presence at UTA games. It is unclear if increased success would bring in significantly more fans, but as of this moment the Mavericks, who play in a terrific facility, are the forgotten item in a very crowded DTW sports landscape. Access 3 College Park Center is located on the campus of UT Arlington and is south of I-30. There will be some traversing of the city to get to the arena, but it is not difficult and traffic is usually not an issue. There is not really any public transit in Arlington, so fans are required to use the car to get in and out. There are parking garages around campus, so finding a spot should not be difficult and parking can be prepaid. Getting around the arena is not difficult and the washroom facilities are more than adequate for the number of fans in attendance. UTA currently has a clear bag policy in effect. With the security policies and covid policies in constant flux across sports, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the UT-Arlington Mavericks and College Park Center websites for the most up to date list of prohibited items and security procedures. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for a Mavericks game can be found for as low as $8 and they go up to $20. There will be a cost to park the car and concession items are about what one would expect, price-wise. The Mavericks do what they can to put a good gameday package together, but a lack of student presence and overall fan support puts the return at a low point. Increased fan support to make it a Mavericks game a more fun experience, will shoot this score up very quickly. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Mavericks hand sign, similar to a hang loose Hawaiian sign, which gives the Mavericks a bit of an identity. The cheerleaders can be found using the sign often. An extra mark for UT-Arlington using the Mavericks name, even before the Dallas Mavericks. Final Thoughts Taking in a UT Arlington Mavericks game will not break the bank and it may end up being a hidden gem of an experience. Hopefully more people notice the Mavericks, specifically the students, and make the Mavericks experience a much stronger one. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Patriots Point Soccer Stadium 85 Patriot Points Rd Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Charleston Battery website Patriots Point Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 3,900 The Energized Battery The Charleston Battery is one of the oldest continuously operating professional soccer clubs in the United States, as it was founded in 1993. It has played in several different soccer leagues, including the USISL Pro League, the USLA-League, and the USL Second Division. The team currently plays at the USL Championship level. The Battery plays its home matches in the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium located in Mount Pleasant, SC, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston. The iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge towers over the stadium and provides a dramatic backdrop during home matches. The stadium presently has a capacity of 3,900, with plans to expand to 5,000 over the next few seasons. The stadium also serves the soccer program for the College of Charleston. Patriots Point Soccer Complex is the club’s third home pitch in its long history. The previous homes for the Battery were Stoney Field (1993-1998) and MUSC Health Stadium (1999-2019). Patriots Point held its inaugural season with fans allowed in 2021, after a shortened pandemic season in 2020, where fans were not allowed in the stadium. Food & Beverage 5 Charleston is known as a foodie heaven, and the food and beverage selection at Battery matches will allow you to sample the best it has to offer. Before each match, a wide selection of food vendors is set up in the pregame pavilion area. Among the restaurants represented at every match are Home Team BBQ (chicken wings for $10, pork cracklins for $9, pork sandwiches for $10); Coastal Crust Pizza (cheese pizza for $15, pepperoni pizza for $16, and sausage and mushroom pizza for $17) and Cochita’s Kitchen (tacos for $3, quesadillas for $12, gourmet burritos for $14 and Cuban sandwiches for $12). Co-Op Burgers, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, T&T Kettle Korn, Foxes Fried, Taste of Berlin, and the Immortal Lobster operate on a rotating basis at Battery games. The stadium serves Coca-Cola brand soft drinks ($4), Recover 180 energy drinks ($6), lemonade ($4) and water ($3). Adult beverages are sold pregame in the Beer Garden and at concession stands during the matches. Brands represented at every match include Bud Light ($6), Heineken ($5), Rusty Bull Pale Ale for $8 (features the Strikers’ Wit Battery Soccer Edition in a can), Wicked Weed ($8) and Porch Pounder ($10). Atmosphere 5 A day or evening out at a Battery match is a picnic, a brew fest, a concert and a soccer match all rolled into one. Gates open 90 minutes prior to each match, with pregame activities centered around the pavilion area. This area includes a concert stage with different groups performing at each game, several vendors pouring in the beer garden, supporter group gatherings under tents, several food trucks and a team store. A miniature kid’s pitch will keep the little ones entertained. The Supporter Groups March takes place 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Neighborhood 4 Mount Pleasant is an eastern suburb of Charleston, SC. It is across the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor from Downtown Charleston. It is easily accessed via the Charles Ravenel Bridge. Mount Pleasant offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors. It offers beachfront activities along the Atlantic Ocean on the city’s eastern border. Two sites visitors will want to check out while visiting are the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Boone Plantation and Gardens, which feature lush gardens in the springtime, as well as educational activities about the Gullah culture which flourishes in this area. There are several hotels and restaurants along Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and Coleman Boulevard that offer easy access to the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium. Across the harbor from Mount Pleasant is the tourist mecca of Charleston. The city offers a wide variety of historical sites, including Rainbow Row, the Battery and The Citadel, great shopping along Meeting Street and wonderful restaurants throughout the city. For detailed information on things to do in Charleston, go to www.charlestoncvb.com Fans 4 The Charleston Battery has a strong fanbase headed by its supporter groups. The Regiment is its longest-running supporter group and is also the largest. Queen Anne’s Revenge is a younger group that is decidedly more contemporary, as it utilizes yellow smoke and a drumline throughout the matches. Its drumline leads the supporter group marches into the stadium 30 minutes prior to every match. Charleston Barra Brava consists of members of Charleston’s Hispanic population. The supporters’ section is a General Admission area located behind the goal at the northern end of the pitch. Access 5 Patriots Point is easily accessed via the Arthur Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston or I-26 and North Charleston. After getting onto the Arthur Ravenel Bridge towards Mount Pleasant, get in the right lane and exit at the SC 703 ramp towards Sullivan’s Island. Turn right at Patriots Point Road. Once at Patriot Point Soccer Stadium, you can enter through any one of three gates. Seating is at the eastern, western, and northern sides of the pitch. There are no seats any further away than 20 rows from the pitch, and the aisles are wide and easy to navigate. Return on Investment 5 A night or afternoon at the Battery games will not drain your budget. Tickets run from $25-$35 for seats along the sides of the pitch, with the higher priced tickets reflecting their closeness to the field. General Admission is $12 and is located behind the goal at the north end of the pitch. This is also the Supporter Section. Tickets are available the day of the game at the two ticket offices located at the stadium. However, Battery games frequently sell out prior to the day of the match, so we strongly urge you to prepurchase your ticket at the team’s Seat Geek online website prior to the day of the game. There are five parking lots servicing the stadium. The White lot costs $10, and the Orange lot is $5, as it is located 5 minutes from the stadium at the Shrine Temple. A second offsite lot, the Purple lot is also $5, and is located at the Patriots Point Naval Museum adjacent to the stadium. The Yellow and Blue lots are reserved for season ticket holders. There are a wide variety of concession vendors available during the pregame activities around the Pavilion and at concession stands during the matches. The prices are very reasonable. A team store is also open during each match, with merchandise at several price points. All transactions are cashless at Patriots Point. Extras 5 The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is permanently moored at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, which is adjacent to the soccer stadium and is well worth a visit. The Battery hosts the Carolina Challenge Cup each season. It pits four MLS and USL teams in a round-robin competition over one week. The Battery team name is a salute to the famous seawall and promenade in downtown Charleston. The team’s use of a cannon in its logo is a historical reference to the artillery placements that were placed along the Battery. A cannon is fired at the beginning and end of every match, as well as after each Charleston goal. The Patriot Point Soccer Stadium lies in the shadow of the iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge. The 2.5-mile span connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant as it crosses the Cooper River. It is designed to withstand winds of more than 300 MPH. This is necessary as Charleston is prone to hurricanes. The port of Charleston is one of the largest container ports on the East Coast. Patriot Point has repurposed shipping containers to serve as “suite boxes.” Each suite includes a bar and seating atop of the container or on a deck built in front of the shipping container. Final Thoughts The Charleston Battery is one of the pioneers in professional soccer in the United States. Their new stadium at Patriots Point offers a great place to enjoy a soccer match, with a quality pregame experience, exciting action on the pitch and the dramatic backdrop of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge hovering over the stadium. Best of all, the tourist mecca of Charleston is just across the bridge, offering great restaurants and a plethora of interesting historical sites to enjoy.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Arnold Field 101 N College Ave Annville, PA 17003 Flying Dutchmen website Arnold Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 2,000 Valley Football Lebanon Valley College is a liberal arts college located in downtown Annville, PA. Annville is in Lebanon County, east of Hershey. Founded in 1866 Lebanon Valley has approximately 1,600 undergraduates. The Princeton Review has recognized the college as “A Best in the Northeast” and they have over thirty-five fields of study. Football was started in 1897 at Lebanon Valley College. Lebanon Valley College is a member of NCAA Division III, and competes in the Middle Atlantic Conference for football. The school has produced 11 all-Americans and were the 2009 and 2011 ECAC Southwest Bowl champions. The school’s teams are called the Flying Dutchmen, and its mascot is the Dutchman. The college is known as the home of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Champions in basketball. That 1994 championship victory over New York University was a controversial affair when a Dutchmen shot that won the game may or may not have been by the sound of the buzzer. But no matter what, the school hosts that championship proudly, as they should. Food & Beverage 3 There is no real official concession stand at Arnold Field. But the game I attended, which was Homecoming, had a great vendor called Williams that had some tasty Italian sausages for $7, hot dogs for $2.50, french fries for $2.50 and barbecue super dog that had pulled pork on a hot dog for a pretty amazing value of $7. There were two separate temporary trailers for Williams, one on each side of the stadium. There were also some students selling Philly style soft pretzels as well as a couple student groups having bake sales. I don’t know if all these offerings are the norm at non-Homecoming games, but the value and options were good. Atmosphere 5 The small college pride of Lebanon Valley College was in full effect at this game. The grandstands were packed and all sides of the field were filled with fans. The stadium is no more than a basic high school setup. A small grandstand on the home side of the field, with an even smaller set of stands on the other side for visiting team fans. There is a track between the stands and the field. Lebanon Valley has a mascot, the Dutchman, as well as the normal set of cheerleaders and band. Neighborhood 4 Annville is a great little town of a little less than 5,000 about 8 miles east of Hershey, PA. The college is right in the heart of downtown. Funck’s Family Restaurant, Corvette Grille and Bar and Harper’s Tavern are all local establishments that offer good food pre and postgame. The Pennsylvania chain, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, is another option right in Annville. The food is good, cheap and certainly plentiful. J & S Pizza is a decent option within walking distance to campus. Fans 4 The crowds at Lebanon Valley do not disappoint. There is quite a bit of obvious school pride with fans attending in droves. The athletic teams here are supported well and have shown a great deal of ability for their fans. Access 4 Located on Route 422 between Lebanon and Hershey, Annville is easy to find and has no problem handling the crowds for such a small stadium. Expect that on busy game days you will hit some traffic on Route 422 and especially on Bellegrove Road by the athletic complex. There is a good amount of parking, but do plan ahead. On the homecoming game that I attended I had to park far across by the soccer and baseball stadiums and make the walk over Bellegrove Road by way of a nice pedestrian bridge. You can also try to park in downtown Annville and walk over the railroad pedestrian bridge to the athletic fields. The athletic fields are located north of the main campus, separated by a railroad. Return on Investment 4 Football tickets are roughly the same price as high school football, possibly even cheaper than some of those. Adult tickets are $5, with $3 seniors and $2 non-LVC students tickets also available. LVC students attend for free. Extras 3 Check out the John Zola statue on the east side of the stadium. This junior running back in 1961, was killed during a game at Drexel. His 1961 teammates donated the money for the statue. Make sure to stop into the nearby Arnold Sports Center and check out LVC Hall of Champions. This museum-like display space commemorates the great individual and team achievements of Flying Dutchman athletics. Peak into the Arnold Arena and see 1994 national championship basketball banner. Final Thoughts Arnold Field at Lebanon Valley College is not a fancy stadium but shows why small college athletics is such a treasure in this country. A sports fan visiting the central Pennsylvania owes it to themselves to see if a game is going on when they are in the area.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Segra Field 42095 Loudoun United Dr Leesburg, VA 20175 Loudoun United website Segra Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 5,000 Getting Loud at Segra Field Loudoun United are a member of the USL Championship that joined the league in 2019. Although top-division soccer in the United States has enjoyed great stability over the last two-plus decades with the success of Major League Soccer, lower-division soccer has not. This means that the USL has changed formats several times over the years. Currently, the USL-C is the second division of American soccer after MLS. Loudoun United is owned by nearby MLS club D.C. United, and most of the players on Loudoun are affiliated with the parent club in some way. Some are on contracts that allow them to play in both leagues, while others are members of the club’s Youth Academy. Before 2019, DCU had an affiliation with the Richmond Kickers, but as the Kickers were independently owned, United was somewhat more limited in what it could do. The Kickers, now unaffiliated with any MLS side, have moved down to USL League One, which rather confusingly is the third division of American soccer. Loudoun United plays their home games at Segra Field in Leesburg, located in north-central Loudoun County, which lends its name to the club. The county and team name is pronounced like “LOUD in,” not “low down” as some people will claim to mess with visitors. The stadium is part of Phillip A. Bolen Park, a county park. Since opening in 2019, Segra Field has undergone additional construction to include the addition of restrooms and improvements to the locker rooms. Food & Beverage 4 Segra Field has a number of concessions options from local vendors. Paisano’s Pizza sells their pizza on the concourse, as does a local barbecue place which sells various sandwiches and other options. Kona Ice also sells their products out of a truck behind one of the goals. Soft drinks and beer are available throughout the stadium. Prices can vary depending on the stand but are about what you would expect. The quality of the food is quite high here and not just your typical stadium food. Atmosphere 3 Segra Field is a small stadium, which means there is not a bad seat in the house. There are chair backs along both sidelines, bleachers behind one of the goals, and suites behind the other. All seats are reserved. There is a small scoreboard in the corner of the field which shows only the most basic information. The club does a decent job at contributing to the atmosphere, by playing music after goals and during pregame introductions to pump the crowd up, but with no breaks in the action except halftime, you won’t find as much extra entertainment as you would in another sport. Additionally, the sound system is so poor you will often have trouble hearing this even when they do play it. In theory there is a Supporters Group called the Stampede in the bleachers, who would help with the atmosphere if they were actually there, but they weren’t when we went. Neighborhood 2 Segra Field is located in the middle of a county park, and there are really no restaurants or things to do in the immediate vicinity, nor is there anyplace to stay, unless you count the county jail. Your best bet is to head a few miles into downtown Leesburg, where there are plenty of places to eat, visit, and stay. This can be about a ten-minute drive, but it’s really your only option. The Leesburg Public House and Tarbender’s Lounge are popular places to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Those looking for something other than a bar may want to check out Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers or the Leesburg Diner, although the latter is only open for breakfast and lunch. There are many good options in Leesburg, but the fact that all of them are so far from the stadium really brings this rating down. Fans 2 Loudoun United averages only about 1,000 fans per game in a 5,000 seat stadium. This is not a good look for the team. Theoretically the Supporters should help improve that, but they were not even there when we went. In fact, much of the energy came from a small contingent of visiting fans that almost made this feel like a Loudoun away game despite being only a small fraction of those in attendance. LUFC tries to do some tie-ins with parent club D.C. United such as offering free tickets to their season ticket holders and doing joint promotions, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Access 2 Unfortunately, Segra Field is difficult to access and difficult to get around. Fans will most likely find themselves taking Exit 3 off the Dulles Greenway (State Route 267) and then proceeding a few miles to the stadium. Part of the trip involves narrow roads, which are unlit and very dark at night, and there is even a one-lane bridge you have to cross. Once you’re in Bolen Park, you will then have to drive a bit more to get to the stadium, and while there are some signs to parking, they don’t always take you to the best, or the closest, lot. Wherever you park, it will cost you $5, and credit cards are accepted. Keep in mind the Greenway and the Dulles Toll Road (as Route 267 is known east of Dulles Airport) both charge tolls, and you can expect to pay around $10 to get here from Washington, D.C. or other locations inside the Beltway. If you’re coming from closer to Leesburg, the toll will be less. Once you are in the stadium, it does not get much better. The concourse is basically just asphalt with temporary lighting, and to get to your seat, you need to walk up all the way to the top of the section and then back down to your seat. This does not seem very efficient. Restrooms were finally installed this 2021 season, two years after the stadium opened. They are located in trailers and are of a sufficient size for the small crowd, but are rather cramped. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $20 for bleacher seats and chair backs in the corners and no non-premium seat is more than $30. If you want a suite or one of the VIP seats at midfield you will have to pay quite a bit more, however. Keep in mind the VIP midfield seats are only the first three rows so you can get a good ticket here at an affordable price. Concessions are affordable and of good quality so a visit to Segra Field can be a good deal for soccer fans. Extras 1 There is a team shop by the entrance where fans can buy Loudoun United gear. Final Thoughts Although a visit to Segra Field may not be the same as a visit to a D.C. United game at Audi Field, it is still a chance to see professional soccer in the D.C. area. Many of these players will likely go on to play for D.C. United one day, so it is a chance to see the club’s top prospects while they are young. In the two years since they were founded, Loudoun United has made multiple improvements to the stadium experience, and we hope that continues going forward.

Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly in between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It has been announced that Harford will host the 2023 NJCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship, May 12-14 at Harford Stadium inside of Harford’s Sports Complex. The tournament has been held in Maryland 15 times since its inception in 1970, most recently in 2015 at Community College of Baltimore County Essex. The past two national championships have been held in Garden City, NY, home of the two-time reigning National Champions, Nassau Community College. The Harford Fighting Owls men’s lacrosse team has made the final four in the last three seasons, but have not won the championship. According to the NJCAA and Harford Community College Athletics: "The three-day event is expected to welcome over 1,200 visitors to the Harford Community College campus. The economic impact of the event is estimated at upwards of $125,000 with the potential for multiple teams traveling to Bel Air from outside the state. Harford has made several updates to its facilities in preparation for the championship, including a new stadium press box, scoreboard, and other renovations to the complex. Day one of the tournament, May 12, includes a banquet honoring the four teams participating, as well as the 2023 USA Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductees. Day two will showcase the semi-final contests between the #2 and #3 seeds and the #1 and #4 seeds. Day three is reserved for the National Championship game and awards ceremony to be held immediately after." Tickets will be $10 per day and can be bought in advance and at the gate.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Palm Beach Cardinals website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Sharing Roger Dean Originating in 2003, the Palm Beach Cardinals are the Florida State League (FSL), Single-A affiliate of the MLB St Louis Cardinals. The team won the 2005 FSL Championship and shared the 2017 Championship with Dunedin when the series had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Irma. They share their home, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with the St Lucie Hammerheads (Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins). Roger Dean Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The Cardinals provide a decent selection of food and drink at lower than typical spring training prices. Two concession stands are open for a Cardinals game. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Their Italian sausage is loaded with peppers and onions and is worth a try. It’s big enough for two people. A permanent, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. Concession stands sell Pepsi products ($5.75 - $6.75 + tax), canned beer (16oz and 25oz), and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). The venue offers a Thirsty Thursday promotion where you can buy a koozie for $5, then bring it back throughout the season and get discounted beer prices. Lines form at the concession stands so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 The game day environment doesn’t vary much based on which team home team is playing. While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is drab. The venue doesn’t display a whole lot of Cardinals imagery (banners, posters, history, etc.). Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading for the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Roger Dean Stadium Awning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans can’t understand what the announcer is saying as the music overpowers his voice. My recommendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board and shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Other promotions throughout the season are Star Wars Night, Military & First Responders Night, Dog Days, Baseball and Brews, Pride Night, and more! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa, a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art galleries, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana (Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. The Brick and Barrel Gastropub in Downtown Abacoa is a place for post-game meals and beverages. There is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from, and it’s all within walking distance of the stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available to enjoy. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Lucie Mets are 40 miles north, also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Palm Beach Cardinals game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. A good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans attend games at Roger Dean Stadium. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street and in the Abacoa parking garage. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. FLL (Fort Lauderdale Airport) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus services, Route 10, though there is no service on Sundays. And it looks as though return service for an evening game is not an option. Once arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I was able to bring in my clear stadium sports bags (12” x 6” x 12”) with no questions asked. The team should remove that entry from its website as it probably prevents many families and other fans from attending games. Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 and all seating is general admission. A game day program is available via QR code or as a magazine. Food prices are acceptable. Parking is free. Best of all, the team has all kinds of promotions throughout the year. Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for the efforts they take in making the game enjoyable and entertaining for all fans. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is the only park in the minor leagues to house two teams. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. You can stay, shop, eat, and watch the game without having to walk more than a few hundred yards in any given direction.

This week's episode counts down the Stadium Journey NHL Rankings. Will there be any surprises in our annual list of venues? Audio on HIACTalkRadio.com #ApplePodcasts, #GooglePodcasts, #Spotify, and #AmazonMusic Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 WVU Coliseum 3450 Monongahela Blvd Morgantown, WV 26505 West Virginia Mountaineers website WVU Coliseum website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 14,000 Country Roads, Take Me Home... “...to the place I belong. West Virginia...” If you didn’t read that sentence to the tune of John Denver’s Country Roads, you might need to read up on The Mountaineer State. That ode to wild and wonderful West Virginia (“almost heaven,” according to Denver’s hit single) hit the airwaves in 1971 and would quickly become inextricably linked to the state’s identity. Five months prior to the release of the famous tune, West Virginia experienced another big happening. In December 1970, West Virginia University debuted their new basketball arena in the city of Morgantown. WVU Coliseum, which features a unique poured concrete dome, would become the new 14,000 seat home of men’s and women’s basketball. The Coliseum, which cost $10 million to build, underwent extensive renovations in 2004 and 2008 to help make it one of the best college basketball venues in the nation. Food & Beverage 5 The concourse that rings the seating bowl is riddled with concession stands, from stand-alone carts to full-blown markets. Some of the smaller carts, which tend to accept cash only, feature items such as roasted nuts ($6.50), Dippin’ Dots, and Italian ices. Besides your typical concession counters, the Coliseum features an airport-style market. The aptly-named Country Roads Market is primarily self-serve, which makes a food run that much quicker. Items available here include bottled Coca-Cola beverages ($3), hot dogs ($4), candy ($3), pretzels ($4.50), and popcorn ($4.50). Among the entrée offerings are pre-made deli sandwiches, steak hoagies ($8), and Pizza Cones ($9). The latter is exactly what you’d expect: a cone-shaped slab of dough stuffed with delicious melted cheese. The Pizza Cone is truly unique and a must-eat when visiting WVU Coliseum. Alcohol is also on tap at the arena, having been recently introduced. There are a variety of beverages to choose from, including domestic drafts, wine, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. All are priced at $8. Atmosphere 4 Aside from the mandatory rendition of Country Roads, you can expect a lot of enthusiasm and excitement on game day at WVU Coliseum. As the Mountaineers are introduced, a blue carpet proclaiming “WEST VIRGINIA” is rolled out onto the court. Flashing lights and heart-pounding sound effects accompany this display of pageantry. After the first WVU basket of the game, the student section throws confetti into the air. Unlike some college basketball venues that cram students into one of the end zones, the students at WVU are across the court from the benches in their own special section on the sideline. West Virginia’s live mascot, The Mountaineer, will also occasionally fire blanks out of a musket. The Davy Crockett-like character attends every major athletic event and is always played by a current WVU student. The role is switched out every year or every few years. Neighborhood 3 While the WVU Coliseum is in the center of a gigantic parking lot, that doesn’t mean that you need a car to get around. On foot, a few chain restaurants and stores are a little less than a mile to the east. Among the options here include Chick-fil-A, Kroger, Eat’n Park, Arby’s, Panera Bread, and West Virginia’s own Tudor’s Biscuit World. If you haven’t been to this Mountaineer gem, make it a priority to stop in at one of Tudor’s many locations in the state. If you’re taking the PRT (the school's Personal Rapid Transit system), you’ll have a larger pool to pick from. There are many shops and restaurants in downtown Morgantown, as well as in the areas surrounding parts of the WVU campus. Fans 3 The bland concrete shell of the Coliseum is often contrasted with thousands of screaming fans decked in blue and yellow. The same concrete dome helps amplify their noise, intimidating even the mightiest of opponents. Mountaineer fans are known for being hard-core and loyal. That being said, a majority of the fans seem to enjoy jeering the opposition and the referees more than they enjoy cheering on their own team. It’s loudest when a crowd of 8,000 plus boos an opposing player shooting a free throw, or when a referee makes a call against West Virginia. As is the case with most venues in college basketball, the Coliseum fills up and hits peak rowdiness during conference play. However, the home-to-away fans ratio is almost always tipped in favor of West Virginia during the non-conference slate. Access 3 Morgantown is located in the northern portion of West Virginia, about an hour south of Pittsburgh. The town is linked to this metropolitan area via I-79. Cumberland, Maryland and points east are accessible via I-68, which terminates in Morgantown. While there’s ample parking surrounding the circular Coliseum, the lots closest to the arena entrances are generally dedicated to special pass holders. The other lots in the immediate area are free of charge, but fill very quickly. This creates a parade of cars nearly a mile long stretching down Monongahela Boulevard. Police are stationed at nearby intersections to direct traffic, but this doesn’t alleviate the congestion. A word to the wise: arrive at least 90 minutes before tip-off and you should be fine. When nearing the Coliseum, you’ll see many signs and traffic cones, so stay alert and follow the flow of traffic. While it’s not always a good thing to just wing it, that’s exactly what you need to do in this case. Arrive early and when you get close, you’ll somehow find your way into a safe parking spot, guaranteed. If driving to the game seems a bit overwhelming, consider taking the PRT, the university’s Personal Rapid Transit system. The PRT costs 50-cents per person per trip and has 5 stations that connect the WVU campuses with downtown Morgantown. The Engineering Station is less than a half-mile from the Coliseum entrance, so this is the stop you’ll want to use. During the week, the system runs until 10:15pm, and till 5pm on Saturdays. It does not operate on Sundays. After the game, leaving the Coliseum parking lot is a nightmare. It’s best to take your time leaving the building so as to not get stuck in the dense traffic. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to non-conference games can usually be purchased for less than $20 each, depending on the opponent. During conference play, those prices don’t really go up much. A good seat in the Coliseum should run you $20-$30 when WVU hits their Big 12 slate. Concessions are priced on the high side, but it really is a good value for what's offered. A filling lunch or supper can be bought for less than $15 a person, which is arguably a pretty good deal. Parking is free, though the hassles of entering and exiting can be maddening. Overall, a family of four should expect to dish out about $180 for a Mountaineers game with all the trappings. Extras 3 WVU’s claim to basketball fame is undoubtedly “The Logo.” Jerry West, the famous West Virginia alum who wore #44, is the inspiration for the NBA logo that’s still in use today. A showcase that displays highlights of West’s life and times is located on the concourse, and a statue of the legend is located outside the arena. Final Thoughts Morgantown is a beautiful mountain locale and the WVU Coliseum is in the perfect mountain setting. Moreover, the architecture of the building is becoming increasingly distinct in the sports world. Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before the Mountaineers join the nationwide trend of seeking a new and improved facility. That’s why a visit to WVU Coliseum, home of the geographical outlier in the Big 12 Conference, should be on everyone’s bucket list. To get there, just let the country roads take you home to West Virginia.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Jim Patterson Stadium 1 S 2nd St Louisville, KY 40208 Louisville Cardinals website Jim Patterson Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,000 Everything’s in the Cards for Louisville Baseball Jim Patterson Stadium is a beauty of a college ballpark and home to the University of Louisville Cardinal baseball team. In 2005, the initial cost of the stadium was $8.5 million and was privately funded by Mr. and Mrs. Patterson; and, just a few years later in 2012, the couple contributed $4 million more to upgrade the facility. The stadium upgrades were also helped by fan donations of autographed baseballs in colors of red and gold that were purchased and displayed in a giant Cardinal logo on the back of home plate. The improvements increased capacity to 4,000 and the stadium has been able to host both NCAA Regional and Super Regional games. The field itself is FieldTurf except the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box. These two areas feature dirt that was transported from the university’s former home Parkway Field which was home to the Cards from 1952-1997. There is another nod to the former baseball field, the first 8 feet of the roof supports were constructed from its left field wall in the speckled colors of green and red. A visit to a game on the weekends makes for a nice alternative to ball games at nearby Louisville Slugger Field and with all home games free of charge and discounted concession items it is very affordable. "Jim Patterson Stadium is a respectable college ballpark that offers more bang for your buck in Louisville." Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands in the back of home plate. The options include hot dogs, brats, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Fans will also find Pepsi products and premium and domestic beer products. There are also specialty hot dogs depending on the homestand; during our visit, it was a street corn dog. The Ville Grill is located behind the 3rd base stand and offers grilled Philly Cheese Steaks and burgers, along with soda and beer. Ehrler’s Ice Cream offers an ice cream stand with six different flavors, including sherbet. A walk behind the grass berm in the right field features another grill with burgers, brats, hot dogs, and beverages. The alcoholic beverage options include Miller Lite, Modelo, Bud Light, Yuengling, Michelob Ultra, and White Claw. Fans can also choose Pepsi products in a U of L souvenir cup for a few dollars extra. There is enough at the concession stands for food and drink to satisfy fans at the game. It is the simple, basic, and familiar items a customer would expect at a baseball game and when you throw in a few different drink options and grilled sandwiches, it's a bonus. Atmosphere 4 It’s a college venue that feels like a low-level minor league park of two decades ago but without the promotions and overzealous public announcer. The 3,000 chair back seats are of the red bucket variety, while a 6,400 square foot terrace sits directly in the back on top offering wheelchair accessibility and the press box area. The ballpark offers various features that set it apart from your normal college venues in the area. Three large baseball bats near the front entrance form a water fountain, various large baseballs are embedded into the ground and act as speed bumps, and a gorgeous glass case of the school’s Cardinal logo is filled with autographed baseballs inside the main concourse. The U of L provides various promotional nights to enhance the experience at the ballpark that includes Bud Three Buck Night Fridays (Bud and Pepsi products), Trivia Tuesdays, Saturdays on the Berm (brats/burgers on the patio), and Family Fun Days on Sundays (inflatables and kids run the bases). The weekend is an opportune time to take in a game as crowds are larger and certain concession prices are heavily discounted. It is also a great time to bring out the kids as inflatable rides are on display on Sundays and the play area behind center field should keep them busy if baseball is not yet their source of entertainment. There is no smoking allowed at Patterson Stadium and clear bags of 12x6x12, plastic storage bags, and clutch bags/small purses 4.5x6.5 are allowed inside the stadium. A souvenir stand is on the 1st base side of the concourse offering caps, t-shirts, and home jerseys. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is across the train tracks from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the street from Churchill Downs, two of the city’s premier sports venues. The area is also home to many other U of L athletic facilities south of campus. There are a few chain restaurants near the stadium and a few local Mexican places, El Molcajete, Santa Fe Grill, and Señor Iguanas. The Kentucky Derby Museum is within walking distance. However, the best places for food and entertainment are elsewhere in town: Franklin Avenue, Bardstown Road, and downtown. A few recommendations while in town would be the Louisville Slugger Museum, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Franklin Avenue Beer Depot for tantalizing barbecue, and Shirley Mae’s Cafe for low-key, but very good soul food. Fans 4 The Cardinals have been one of the better ball clubs in the conference the past few seasons and fans have been flocking to the stadium to watch them play. They display red throughout the building and cheer on their favorites out on the field. Not too shocking, since the city supports its college football and basketball teams with equal passion. Access 4 There is a large parking lot in the back of left field that is more than ample for the number of customers who attend games. There is also parking down the first baseline, but it can fill up quickly for certain games, most notably on weekends. However, once inside, it is rather simple to get around the ballpark, but the bathrooms are somewhat cramped. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are as low as $5 on the grass berm behind left field wall. An adult ticket in the grandstand is $12, youth and senior tickets are $8, and Louisville students with an ID are admitted for free inside the ballpark. Parking is free around the stadium and if attending a game on Friday night, the fan will enjoy $3 Budweiser products and Pepsi products. Extras 3 The use of the outfield wall from Parkway Field not only provides a nice connection to the program’s past but jazzes up the concourse area with a little artistic flair. The promotional nights should be well received by people of all ages. There are nights where hot dogs, sodas, and beers are just a buck, and kids are allowed to run the bases. Depending on who you are with, there should be a night that will satisfy you and your entourage. Final Thoughts Jim Patterson Stadium is more than a respectable venue to enjoy college baseball during the warm spring months in Louisville. The promotions, aesthetics, concession prices, and weekend games make it well worth the nine innings of baseball. If you are in town, check out when the Cards are playing. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Knights Field 2100 Treece Terrace Louisville, KY 40205 Bellarmine Knights website Knights Field website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 500 A Ballpark with a Hilly View Knights Field has been the home to Bellarmine University baseball since 1954, and in 2021 the program moved to Division-I and joined the ASUN Conference. The ball field is located at the entrance of the campus and offers a picturesque view of the campus buildings and other athletic venues. The ball field offers covered dugouts, bullpens, a batting cage, and an elevated press box. There is a 20-foot high fence in the outfield, along with a simple scoreboard. The grass seed field is simple and features small bleacher seating in the back of home plate. As rudimentary as it is, the home of the Knights offers one unique perspective. The field is at the bottom of the natural rolling hillside; it offers fans to watch baseball on the graded upward slope. It created a tradition of fans enjoying the game on blankets on the hill. This method began to catch on with more and more fans each year and has since become a staple of enjoying a game at Knights Field. Food & Beverage 2 A small concession stand with restrooms behind the left-field corner of the ballpark. It also serves as the concession stand for the softball field. The stand was closed during our visit, and no menu was listed. Perhaps fans can enjoy soda, chips, candy, popcorn, or a hot dog or nachos during a Knights game. Atmosphere 2 Fans can expect a relaxing day at a Knights game; the ones who attend are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their daily activities. The ballgame is for the ardent baseball fan. Our visit took place when the weather dipped a bit from the balmy 80 degrees that the Louisville area had been enjoying. It was a cool 55 degrees with gunpowder gray skies and cool enough to wear a sweater. Unfortunately, there were not too many in attendance. The banter on the field was familiar from other ballparks of its size in Division-I college baseball. The ping of the aluminum bat, the banter from both dugouts, the sounds of cleats against the concrete from players fetching foul balls, and light applause from fans in one of the few bleacher-style stand behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 The university is not too far away from The Highlands, aka “Restaurant Row”. It is a lively neighborhood known for its casual pubs, restaurants, artisan shops, bookstores, coffee shops, and independent stores along Bardstown Road. Against the Grain Public House has a small location on the main street that offers craft beer, burgers, salads, and cocktails. Noche Mexican BBQ is known for its smoked brisket fajitas and quesadillas. Mark’s Feed Store is a two-story restaurant specializing in barbecue. Havana Rumba features tapas and happy hour cocktail specials. A tad closer to campus and off Bardstown Road is Shennanigan’s Irish Pub. Guests can enjoy Irish and pub food, drinks, and live music at this typical Irish pub. Kaelin’s Restaurant is also nearby and features pub food, fried chicken, dinner entrees of short rib and shrimp and grits, and an all-around positive vibe. While in Louisville, check the schedule to see what other teams are playing. If you are craving more baseball, check out the Louisville Bats at Louisville Slugger Stadium or the Louisville Cardinals at Jim Patterson Stadium, Louisville City and Racing Louisville FC both play at Lynn Family Stadium. Fans 3 The Knights fans in attendance are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their activities. Access 3 The university is located a few miles north of Interstate 264 (Henry Watterson Expressway) on State Road 1703 (Newburgh Road). The ball field is in front of the arched entrance to campus, with parking on top of the hill. It is ideal for fans who can climb the hill or walk the staircase, but not so much for fans who have limited walking access. Return on Investment 4 This ball field sits on top of a steep hill near the football and softball fields at the campus entrance. It creates a picturesque setting for baseball and on a warm spring day, a chance to watch the game from the hill on a blanket. Tickets are free and Parking is free on campus during athletic events but may be at a premium on dates/times when classes are in session. Extras 1 The vantage point of watching the game from the hill can be enjoyable on a warm spring day. It provides a view not common at other college ballparks. The campus buildings and other venues add to the aesthetics. Final Thoughts Knights Field does not feel like a ballpark but more like a city park. The place blends in nicely with the college environment and is a communal place. It is a place to view the game in simple terms and enjoy the sounds of the ping off the bat and the cheering from the home bench. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Dollar Loan Center 200 S Green Valley Pkwy Henderson, NV 89012 Vegas Knight Hawks website Dollar Loan Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,567 Sin City Indoors The Vegas Knight Hawks started playing indoor football at Dollar Loan Center in 2022; the team is owned by Bill Foley, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights (hence the team name). The Knight Hawks currently compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL), which was founded in 2008. The atmosphere inside Dollar Loan Center certainly feels like fabulous Las Vegas – spotlights and strobe lights in different colors are constantly flashing and roving the stands, there is tons of loud, boisterous music, and the crowd, despite the arena not being very full, adds significantly to the noise level. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food options inside Dollar Loan Center, including a full-size restaurant and bar called Craggy Range. There are also several smaller bar areas and several Marketplace concession stands, each with different food options, but all including a wall of refrigerated drinks of all types, including lots of beer and soda choices. Rosati’s Marketplace, for example, offers up an Italian theme with beef sandwiches, calzones, pizza, and even cannolis, while other Marketplace stands offer Shack Bites chicken, pulled pork, mac ‘n cheese, loaded baked potatoes, burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and even eggplant burgers. Each Marketplace stands also offers up a sweet treat of some kind - Rosati’s has cannolis, while other stands offer beignets or funnel cake, and you can also get cotton candy or packaged candy. Note that the food at all these Marketplace stands is served as grab-and-go using hot plates, so I was a little skeptical that it might be stale, but they seem to replenish constantly, and the food was quite fresh, hot, and good (I recommend the Italian beef or the Shack Bites). The only drawback is that all the concession prices at Dollar Loan Center are on the high side (think $15 for a main dish), as you might expect from a pro sports arena nowadays. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned, the atmosphere here is electric – the stands aren’t full by any means, but the fans are loud; based on the noise level alone you wouldn’t be able to tell the arena is half full. There is also a great dance team, a great mascot, and a great P. A. announcer constantly asking the fans to “Caw Caw”. I already mentioned the spotlights and strobe lights, and when the team comes onto the field additional pyrotechnics and smoke are accompanying them through the tunnel. The arena itself is also amazing – not surprising given its location; besides all the bar areas and standing rails (places to eat your food or drink your beer so you don’t have to bump elbows trying to eat in your seat), there are TVs throughout the concourse, so you don’t have to miss any of the action while going to get something to eat. All the seats have chairbacks, and the scoreboard above the field is massive, making it easy to see replays, and there are even “Knight” elements like castle towers sporting Knight Hawks flags on the upper level. Neighborhood 5 What can I say about Las Vegas, other than it is fabulous? Dollar Loan Center is in Henderson, so is about 15-20 minutes (maybe half an hour with traffic) from all the glitz on the strip, but still close enough if you want to make a weekend of it – and why would you not? Henderson is better positioned, however, for one of the other major attractions in Nevada, that is Hoover Dam (probably 10-15 minutes on the east side of Henderson, on the NV-AZ border). Hoover Dam offers half-hour or hour-long tours where you can go inside the dam, and there are also multiple overlooks if you want to view it or take photos. Fans 3 I struggled with this rating a bit – Dollar Loan Center is not even half full during Vegas Knight Hawks games, but the fans are so loud it would be hard to tell that if your eyes were closed. The fans who are there are engaged and seem to be enjoying themselves. Part of the reason for the low turnout is likely the subpar 6-10 record the Knight Hawks earned last season, so I expect with more success on the field, you will see the turnout climb much higher. Access 4 There is a little bit of traffic getting to Dollar Loan Center, due to the fact the arena is right across the street from a shopping center, and there aren’t any roads that connect them, causing congestion. In addition, there are several stoplights nearby you have to navigate through, which are not timed well, making it hard to get all the way across in one go. Note that you should be careful with your GPS – the individual payday loan facilities (managed by the venue’s sponsor and namesake) all around town are also called Dollar Loan Center, so make sure you are looking at the arena itself, on Green Valley Parkway. Parking on-site costs $15, which is reasonable, and you can park very close to the building even if you arrive at the last minute. Then, once you physically enter Dollar Loan Center, access becomes as easy as pie–wide concourses, plenty of room to move around, short lines to get into the building and at the concessions (due to the grab-and-go set up), plenty of bathrooms, and the ability to pretty much sit wherever you want. The best place to sit, of course, for arena football is in the first or second row behind the end zone, so you can catch a football if it leaves the field of play (in arena football fans are usually allowed to keep these loose balls). Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Knight Hawks football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for pro sports, and the parking cost is reasonable. The only potential downside is the high cost of concessions, but the amazing atmosphere easily makes up for it. Extras 4 There isn’t much in the way of a halftime show, but the dance team and other staff are constantly tossing things to the crowd, including t-shirts and mini footballs (and even cold hard cash during one specific promotion). You can also get autographs from the players and dance team following the game, and there are tons of tables set up in the concourse where fans can get freebies of all sorts, including hand sanitizer, candy, pens, mini footballs, and the like. There is also a full-size team store inside Dollar Loan Center, as well as a couple of smaller team gear, stands. Final Thoughts Visiting Dollar Loan Center for a Vegas Knight Hawks game is worth it – the atmosphere inside the arena is superb, there are food options to meet any need, and getting around the arena is not a chore – you are guaranteed to have a blast, not to mention you are in Vegas, baby! This is the perfect opportunity for that Vegas getaway you’ve been wanting, and if you have never seen indoor football before, this is the perfect way to start.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clover Park 525 NW Peacock Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 St. Lucie Mets website Clover Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 7,347 Mets Territory - Port St. Lucie The Single-A St Lucie Mets play their baseball games at the newly renovated Clover Park in Port St Lucie, FL. Clover Park is better known as the spring training facility of the New York Mets. As soon as you see the ballpark (even before entering the parking lot), you know you are in Mets territory. The vibrant shades of Mets orange and blue decorate the exterior of the building, Mets signage and championship years are displayed, and former Mets greats have billboard-sized posters on the outer walls. A palm tree-lined plaza contains plaques with a brief bio for many famous Mets players. And the Mets prominence continues in the interior of the ballpark. Pictures, photos, and murals line the corridors, and the organization painted the cement walls with the likes of David Wright, Jose Reyes, and others. New York Mets retired numbers and championship banners line the façade of the press box. Clover Park Press Box, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Mets home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. The St Lucie Mets originated in 1988 and are members of the Florida State League (FSL). They have won the FSL championship six times, most recently in 2022. Notable alumni include Pedro Martinez, Jacob deGrom, and Mike Piazza. Visitors and fans have a fun time catching a Mets minor league game at Clover Park. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is open for the St Lucie Mets games, and that’s enough. An additional cocktail cart is open if you all want is an adult beverage. Another cart selling lemonade and frozen Italian ice is also on hand. The Home Plate Grill concession stand offers the basics: chicken tenders & fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, Nathans hot dogs, and Italian sausages ranging from $4.75 - $8.50. Gluten-free buns are available on request. For healthier food, fans can purchase cauliflower pizza or a garden salad. Snacks include popcorn buckets, peanuts, pretzels, Cracker Jack, ice cream, and chips ($3 - $5). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas, bottled water, and traditional domestic beer brands like Michelob Ultra and Budweiser. Atmosphere 3 Palm trees, a few benches, and plaques of many retired Mets greats line the main entrance plaza. The plaza has an impressive 9/11 memorial created from a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Clover Park 9/11 Memorial, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Seating is two levels of traditional blue fold-down stadium seats. Most have cup holders. The rows do not have a lot of legroom between them. The third baseline has tables and chairs. Some seats are covered and not used during the FSL season, and the paths to the outfield concourses are blocked off. A medium-thick net extends down both baselines; there’s no place to sit net-free for the Single-A games. For the most part, they don’t play music over the announcer. The game day staff mostly play music between batters and innings (not pitches), except towards the end of the game when they annoyingly play it between almost every pitch. The music volume is louder on the second level. If you like jamming with the tunes, that’s the area in which to sit. Sit in the first level if you want to enjoy the sounds of the game. The scoreboard shows the name of the player at bat and his stats, the team line-up, and the line score. The game day staff provides the traditional minor league between-inning activities like trivia contests and a smile cam. Trees adorn the area behind the outfield fence, providing a pleasant view. The St Lucie Mets dugout is on the third base side. Both bullpens are behind the left field fence. Neighborhood 3 Several chain hotels, restaurants, and shopping are a mile+ from Clover Park. Places to stay include a Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and more. Shop around as prices differ. A shopping mall is a mile away and has plenty of choices for eating before or after a game. Thirteen or more restaurants are in the area, including Duffy’s Sports Grill, Chili’s, and Pueblo Viejo. The area has a myriad of fast food places. For breakfast or lunch, I recommend Berry Fresh Café. Hopheads can enjoy a local brew at Hop Life Brewing. A food truck with yummy meals is at this brewery. The Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens is worth a visit on the cooler mornings or afternoons. Other sports in the area include the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals about a 45-minute drive south. Fans 3 Lots of Silver Sluggers are in attendance (even on a non-Tuesday), as well as plenty of retired fans. The St Lucie Mets have a decent season ticket holder base. A good number of families with kids attend the games as well. The fans are vocal, and you will hear an abundance of New York accents from the crowd, as it should be. So far, the 2023 attendance numbers have ranged from approximately 700 to 2,300 per game, with the higher attendance on Saturdays. Admirably, most fans throw their own trash away. Access 4 Getting to and in and around Clover Park is easy. The ballpark is less than a mile off Interstate 95. Parking costs $5 (credit card only) and is mostly on paved lots for FSL games. Grass lots extend past the pavement. Several small regional and private airports are nearby. The closest commercial airport is Melbourne (MLB), an hour's drive north. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is one and a half hour’s drive south. The county offers local ART bus service to the ballpark. However, service ends at 7 pm and is not operational on weekends, so it is not conducive for 95% of the St Lucie Mets ball games. The ballpark gates open only 40 minutes before the first pitch. For stadium journeyers and those visiting for the first time, that’s too little time to check out the venue and all it has to offer. Getting through the security check-in is slow, though certainly not intrusive. Standard clear sports bags and small clutches are allowed. After going through security, fans climb a large staircase to get to the concourse. The venue has an elevator to the right of the staircase. Several sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms are open for a St Lucie Mets game and a separate family restroom is along the concourse. Return on Investment 5 The St Lucie Mets offer a good value for your sports entertainment dollar. Refreshment prices are comparable to other FSL venues. Tickets are $12 on game day, and seating is general admission. It’s unfortunate the team charges for parking. Those over 55 years old can spend $35 and get a variety of perks as a Silver Slugger: A t-shirt, lower ticket prices, free admission on Tuesday games, and a free hot dog and soda on Tuesdays. That’s a great deal. I wish I lived in St Lucie. Fans can purchase a ten-game flex pack ($80). The team offers all kinds of promotions throughout the season: kids crew night, fireworks, dollar nights, family 4-pack nights, military appreciation nights, and the list goes on. Extras 3 The stadium has a sizable team shop to the right of the ticket booth – go to this one. The one inside the stadium doesn’t have as much merchandise. Something I haven’t seen before is chalked lines by second base. I suspect these are visual reminders to the infielders on where they can (or cannot) stand based on MLB’s new rules. Clover Park Chalked Lines by Second Base, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. It’s fantastic the Mets organization holds both its spring training and Single-A games in the same facility. Final Thoughts Clover Park is a well-branded NY Mets facility. The Single-A version is an enjoyable, cost-effective way to spend a few hours experiencing our national pastime. Visit it if in the area.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium 8711 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte 49ers website Robert and Marian Hayes Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,000 Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium: University of North Carolina–Charlotte 49ers Baseball came to the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 1984 after playing their first five seasons downtown, away from their northeast Charlotte campus location. The original field was dedicated in 1988 as the wonderfully alliterative, Phillips Field, following a donation from local businessman Tom Phillips, who would pay for lights to be installed at the Niners’ home diamond. The field would receive a major facelift in 2006 through a nearly $6 million gift from North Carolina philanthropist Mariam Cannon Hayes; those renovations transformed the baseball facilities at Charlotte into the gem it is today. Food & Beverage 5 Hayes Stadium has two concession stands built into the lower level of the grandstand – their menus are slightly different, so make sure to check both before deciding on a meal. There are many typical concession items, such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, and chicken fingers. The availability of chili on the menu, though, takes some of the drab usual concession suspects and puts a whole new face on them. And one side of the concession stand also offers items from the popular regional southern restaurant Bojangles. Beverage choices include Coke products, PowerAde, and bottled water. The stadium also offers seltzers, wine, domestic beers, and craft beers from local Cabarrus Brewing Company. There are also the Charlotte 49ers branded Gold Rush Lager and Axe to Grind IPA. Overall, Charlotte takes traditional concessions and brings them to another level – it’s not just hot dogs, it’s chili dogs; it’s not just burgers, it’s jalapeno bacon cheeseburgers; it’s not just grilled chicken, it’s grilled chicken with Swiss or a Philly version of chicken with peppers and provolone. The Niners knock it out of the park with their concession offerings. Atmosphere 4 Hayes Stadium is a beautiful brick structure that sits down at the bottom of a small hill from neighboring Jerry Richardson Stadium. A statue of a baseball player in the upper entry plaza welcomes fans as they make their way under the canopy of trees, down multiple levels of brick stairs to the front of the stadium. Upon entering the main gates fans are greeted by a spectacular view of the university’s surrounding athletic facilities and heart of Charlotte’s campus. After admiring the backdrop, the combination synthetic infield with natural grass outfield really pops out as being unique; the green infield with yellow-toned grass outfield really complements the school’s green and gold color scheme well. The grandstand sits above field level and is made up of two sections of seats – the lower level consists of six rows of individual seat backs that run dugout to dugout, while the upper level is made up of aluminum benches with back supports. There is no covered seating in the stadium, however, so there is little escape from the elements be they sun or rain. Some fans looking for shade find themselves in the entry ways which run below the press box, creating a covered area. The seating bowl faces southeast, so the stadium itself can provide natural shade for games later in the day. With Phillips Drive running just beyond the right-field fence, it plays a bit short at 315’. The fence bows out a bit to accommodate the Niners bullpen, and probably shortens the wall to closer to 310’, before stretching out to 370’ in the right-center field power alley. Center field plays a touch short at 395’, while the left-center fence matches its partner at 370’, and the wall then wraps around to a more standard 335’ in left. For most of the game, the field's action is kept as the sole focus of entertainment. There are occasional drops of sound effects, but not to the point where every foul ball is accompanied by a slide whistle or the sound of breaking glass. A rather ominous tone is played when the pitcher gets two strikes on a batter, in anticipation of an impending strikeout. Neighborhood 4 Hayes Stadium is nestled in the heart of UNC-Charlotte’s athletic facilities. The university calls the stadium “a crown jewel on the camps”, which plays well off the city’s moniker “The Queen City.” The stadium is a bit of a transitional location between the school’s athletic facilities and the academic, administrative, and residential buildings on campus. The Charlotte campus is distanced from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charlotte, but that does not equate to a lack of entertainment and recreational options. The UNCC campus is on the city’s light rail line, so accessing Truist Field, home of the AAA Charlotte Knights, is just a short walk from the Convention Center stop. Also, Charlotte Motor Speedway is less than 5 miles north on Concord Highway, and has NHRA and NASCAR events in April and May. The area around campus is made up of several office buildings, regional chain restaurants, stores, a mall, and hotels. Even though there is not the feel of being in the heart of Charlotte, there are still plenty of options when it comes to filling time before or after a game. Fans 4 Games at Hayes Stadium are typically close to one-third of the stadium’s full capacity of 3,000. Fans tend to fill the lower-level seating area, and some can be rather boisterous in their support of the 49ers, or maybe even their opposition to the visiting team. The crowd appears to be a mix of alumni and parents of players, with a smattering of students spread out around the seating area. Fans remain actively engaged in both their support for the home team and in their heckling of the visitors. Overall, the 49ers fans recognize and show appreciation for good baseball, and do not typically take the natural chatter of college baseball too far. Access 5 The UNCC campus is a touch over 2 miles off I-85 which runs through Charlotte. Charlotte's Lynx light rail system has multiple stops at the Charlotte campus, which makes getting from downtown rather easy. There are two stops for UNCC’s campus, both about the same distance to Hayes Stadium. For fans driving to the facility there is a limited amount of parking available at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Free parking is also available at the CRI parking deck – make sure to bring your ticket with you and listen for an announcement regarding validating your parking. Even though parking directly at the field can be a bit challenging, Charlotte does everything it can to make getting to the field as easy as possible. There is one entry point into the stadium which fans pass through to a wide-open walkway between the levels of seating. The wide walkways help to eliminate chokepoints that can make it difficult for fans to navigate the stadium. Return on Investment 4 With field level seats running $10 and bleacher seats just $5, prices are very reasonable. When you consider free parking and relatively inexpensive concession prices, fans are definitely getting their money’s worth when attending a 49ers game. Extras 4 The 49ers have retired five numbers in program history: Bo Robinson (4), Joey Anderson (5), Brian Shifflett (7), Tim Collie (15), and Adam Mills (31). Those retired jerseys are recognized down the third base line. The baseball promotional staff has organized promotions for all their weekend games, along with several gate giveaways. Friday games are Friday Flight Nights featuring beer and hot dog ticket packages, followed by Saturday Bingo Nights and Sunday Family Fun Days with family friendly ticket packages and kids being able to run the bases after the game. The right centerfield wall proudly displays the program’s conference successes and NCAA tournament appearances. While Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium is already an impressive facility, as part of Charlotte’s EverGreen Master Plan there are plans to improve it even further. Seated is planned to be extend down both lines, a shade canopy would be added around the top of the seating bowl, and a standing room only pavilion would be added, with many other improvements for the staff and players. Final Thoughts At initial thought, many might not give baseball at Charlotte much attention, but it definitely is a hidden gem on the college baseball scene. From the facilities, to the scenic back drop and baseball atmosphere created, baseball games at Charlotte provide a wonderful experience for even fans who might not have a rooting interest in the game.

Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet and once again the National Lacrosse League is taking up residence in Albany. Can Dave convince Paul that box lax is as great as the outdoor game? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the FIRST lacrosse episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🥍🥍 You can find Stadium Journey's review of MVP Arena and the Albany FireWolves gameday atmosphere here.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hunter Wright Stadium 800 Granby Rd Kingsport, TN 37660 Kingsport Axmen website Hunter Wright Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 2,500 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Kingsport Kingsport, Tennessee has a long history with minor league baseball, as the city has had some sort of affiliation with major league baseball since 1921. Teams associated with the town include the Dodgers, Orioles, Braves, Pirates, and most recently the New York Mets. Amongst the major leaguers who got their start in Kingsport are Al Cowens, Steve Bedrosian, Dale Murphy, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, and David Wright. The Mets have had the longest tenure of the team with Kingsport, as it has been a Mets affiliate since 1980. Since 1995, the Mets have called Hunter Wright Stadium their home field. The 2,500-seat facility has seen the Mets win one league title and two division titles since it was built. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession stand is in a sheltered area under the grandstand behind home plate. It offers a wide selection of baseball favorites, including hot dogs, burgers, tacos ($6.50), BBQ sandwiches ($5), nachos, peanuts, chips, mozzarella sticks, popcorn, pretzels, and pizza ($3.50). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas, lemonade, Gatorade, bottled water, tea, and beer. A very popular food cart comes to every game and dispenses more than 30 flavors of shaved ice. Atmosphere 4 Hunter Wright Stadium shares the typical design feature of having premium bucket-style seats in the area of home plate with bleacher seating down each base line.No matter where you sit, you will have an excellent view of the action, as the seating is very close to the field. Unlike many Appalachian League stadiums, there is no roof covering the grandstand to protect fans from the elements. However, there is a large party pavilion atop the hill along the first baseline that can provide shelter from the weather if it has not been rented out for a private party. Neighborhood 4 Kingsport is a city of 52,000 residents located just two miles from the Tennessee/Virginia state border. It is the largest city in the Tri-Cities area. As a result, it offers a wide variety of attractions, dining options, and lodging possibilities. Hunter Wright Stadium is in a residential neighborhood, but it is within walking distance of one of the main thoroughfares in Kingsport, West Stone Road. The mountains surrounding the town serve as the inspiration for two of the main attractions in the area. The Mountain Music Museum and the Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium are both worth checking out before or after a game. Two restaurants we recommend are the Model City Tap House and Braeden’s BBQ. Almost every hotel brand is located at the exit 1 interchange of I-26, but two that provide excellent value and quick access to Hunter Wright Stadium are the Comfort Suites and the Holiday Inn Express. Fans 5 The K-Mets have one of the most established fan bases in the Appalachian League thanks to their nearly 40-year relationship with the city. In addition to the locals, a surprising number of fans travel down from the Big Apple for some summer league action. They are not afraid to cheer loudly or share their opinions of a call with the umpire, but it is all in a family-friendly way. The attendance at Hunter Wright Stadium is nearly always a sellout, with many fans lining the hillside along the first base line. The team store at the stadium is one of the most well-stocked in the league, as every fan seems to have at least one article of clothing featuring the Mets’ orange and blue color scheme. Working hard to keep the fans fired up during the game and entertained during the lulls are Slider, the Mets canine mascot, and the Fun Crew. Access 3 Both Kingsport and Hunter Wright Stadium are easily reached via I-26. The most direct route is to take I-26 to exit #1 (Stone Road/Highway 11) in Tennessee. Go west on Highway 11W for two miles and turn right at Granby Road. Hunter Wright Stadium will be on your left. Parking is free adjacent to the stadium, but the Mets fans arrive early and the lot fills quickly. Get there less than 30 minutes before a game and you will be parking on the grass along the side of Granby Road. The plaza just inside the gate of the stadium is large and spacious. If you sit along the first base side of the field, you should have no problem reaching your seat. To reach seats behind home plate or along the third base line, you must pass through a narrow breezeway with concession stands lining both walls. This area remains a serious bottleneck throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 A visit to Hunter Wright Stadium will not do much damage to your wallet. Tickets are priced are $8 for a reserved seat, $6 for a general admission seat, and for children 12 and under, seniors, and active military get in for $5. The concession prices are very reasonable, and parking is free. The rates are typically under $100 at area hotels. Parking is free at the ballpark. Extras 4 K-Met players sign autographs before each ballgame. The picnic pavilion on the first base side of the stadium offers a great vantage point to watch the game and be protected from the harsh sun of a Tennessee summer. The K-Mets have a stunning display showing the vast number of team members who have gone on to play at Shea Stadium/Citi Field. Season ticket holders are recognized on a banner at the entrance to the stadium. Final Thoughts The Mets and the city of Kingsport are the longest-tenured arrangements in the Appalachian League. This has been mutually beneficial as it is obvious that both the team and the city have worked together to make Hunter Wright Stadium one of the showcase facilities in the league. Each off-season the stadium is evaluated for what can be done to improve the fan experience and the changes are implemented. This is rewarded by the most loyal fan following in the league, multiple sellouts, and a definite desire to return for future games.