Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Peterborough Memorial Centre 151 Landsdowne Street West Peterborough, ON K9J 1Y4 Peterborough Jr. Lakers website Peterborough Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,729 (Junior) Lake Show in Peterborough Without a doubt, Peterborough, Ontario is known as a bit of a hockey hotbed.  Legendary names have come through town and played for the venerable Peterborough Petes.  Coaching legends like Scotty Bowman and Roger Neilson got their starts behind the Petes bench and Hall of Fame players like Steve Yzerman and Chris Pronger led the Petes to glory back in their junior days.  It is a little known fact that Peterborough is also a hotbed of lacrosse.  The Senior ‘A’ Peterborough Lakers are both wildly popular and have been wildly successful.  Peterborough also puts a Junior C team on the floor.  However, the focus of this review is the Peterborough Jr Lakers that play in the Junior A level, Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.  Founded in 1950, the Lakers have found themselves under a vast number of monikers, most of them sponsor driven, including the Filter Queens, Pat’s, Pete’s, UEWs, Hastings Legionnaires, Petes, Tee-Pees, Gray-Munros, Century 21, James Gang, Maulers, Traders, Javelins and finally in 1999, the Lakers.  Earning a staggering 12 Minto Cups as junior lacrosse National Champions, the Lakers have also been wildly successful. The home for the Jr Lakers is the Peterborough Memorial Centre.  It is most known as a hockey rink and the home of the Petes in the winter, but in the summer months it is home for lacrosse, both at the Senior A and Junior A levels.  The PMC opened its doors in 1956 and is one of the most unique venues.  It gives the Jr Lakers a bit of a boost as they are the only team in the OJLL that plays in such a large, professional-type venue.  The PMC has been the centre of plenty of discussion over the last number of years as replacement has been a popular topic of conversation locally. Food & Beverage 2 The concession situation for Jr Laker games is not terrific.  The typical concession stands on the ground level are closed.  There are vending machines available on the west side, upper level, with soft drinks and small snacks.  The south side of the arena, near floor level, does have a full service bar that sells alcohol, which gives the food score a bit of a boost. Atmosphere 4 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is a very unique building.  Fans enter the building from the north side, on Lansdowne Street, and are welcomed by a ground level, glassed-in lobby, that is beneath a huge, rectangular facade with flags perched atop of the building.  Upon entry, fans enter a large concourse and it is immediately apparent that this is the home of the Peterborough Petes.  Banners of Petes legends hang in the concourse.  Off to the left is the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, which is excellent.  Unfortunately, on the day of this review, it was closed.  It is probable that the museum is not open for Jr Lakers games.  Fans will ascend the stairs to get to the upper concourse, which is the easiest way to get to the seating area. The floor of the Peterborough Memorial Centre runs from north to south and fosters the very unique seating area.  The north end has a massive seating section, most of which is closed for Jr Laker games.  The east and west sides have smaller seating areas that provide excellent sightlines.  The bulkheads above the east and west seating provide a facade for the massive number of accolades that have accumulated in Peterborough.  The east side has the accomplishments of the Peterborough Petes as well as the banners for honoured players and coaches.  The honoured players are a who’s who of hockey royalty and include such names as Chris Pronger, Larry Murphy, Jamie Langenbrunner, Steve Yzerman and Bob Gainey as well as coaching legends Scotty Bowman, Colin Campbell and Roger Neilson.  The west side covers all of the Peterborough lacrosse accomplishments of the MSL Lakers (Senior A) who have earned a ton of Mann Cup’s as National Champions, as well as the 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1986, 1987, 1989 and 2006 Minto Cup banners for the Junior Lakers.  Unparalleled success is on display in Peterborough. The floor at the Peterborough Memorial Centre is covered in turf, which is not standard in the OJLL but found in only around half of the facilities.  As well as being more aesthetically pleasing, the turf changes the game a bit with the ball reacting less erratically on bounces off of the floor.  One of the most unique aspects of the Peterborough Memorial Centre is the corners of the floor, which are much more square than a traditional hockey arena.  A big advantage for the Jr Lakers is the videoboard, which hangs above the centre of the floor, the only one in the league.  The production at a Jr Lakers game is fairly simple.  Kids take to the floor with their lacrosse sticks and balls during intermission, and the main promotion is a 50/50 draw.  When the Jr Lakers score, the song “Heave Away” by The Fables is played over the excellent PA system. Neighbourhood 3 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is located at the north end of the Kenner neighbourhood, bordering South Central, south of downtown.  It is west of the Otonabee River and north of Little Lake.  There is not a ton in the immediate neighbourhood.  One Eyed Jack’s is a restaurant right beside the Best Western, which is within walking distance of the arena.  Other bar and restaurant options that are a very short drive away include Dockus, the Original Spaghetti House and Sticks. If in the area during the summer months and looking for another sporting event, the MSL’s Peterborough Lakers are the best bet.  During the lacrosse off season, taking in a Peterborough Petes  game is a must.  Peterborough is a nice town in the summer with some good outdoor entertainment options like taking in the Trent-Severn Waterway.  Also consider the Canadian Canoe Museum and the Peterborough Museum.  The Best Western and Holiday Inn are both close to the arena and good options for accommodations. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess fans in the OJLL as attendance figures are not published or tracked.  The Peterborough Jr Lakers further this difficulty by playing in a facility that is massively oversized for the league.  For the game that was reviewed there appeared to be more than the traditional “friends and family” crowd.  The Jr Lakers play many games on Monday evenings, including the one that was reviewed, which is not an ideal time for spectator sports. Peterborough fans are knowledgeable and not afraid to let the officials know about what they think of the previous call.   Access 5 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is located in the Kenner neighbourhood of Peterborough.  It is north of Highways 7 and 115 and will require travelers to drive through the city to get to the arena.  This is not difficult and definitely easier than for a Petes game, although that is not difficult either.  There is plenty of onsite parking that is free.  For fans interested in public transit, there is a Peterborough Transit bus stop right on Lansdowne Street.  Fans should consult the Peterborough Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules. One of the big advantages of playing in a bigger venue is the ease of getting around.  The seating is more comfortable than many of the other OJLL facilities and moving around the arena is no problem at all.  The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd on hand. Return on Investment 5 The value of an OJLL game is very high and taking in the Peterborough Jr Lakers is no different.  Jr Lakers tickets are $10 each with discounts available for those that qualify.  It is cash only at the door so be prepared.  Parking is free and the concession prices are appropriate for vending machines.  The action on the floor is solid and fans will definitely enjoy taking in a Jr Lakers game.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the Jr Lakers playing in a professional-like venue. An extra mark for the recognition of the accomplishments of the Jr Lakers that is found in the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Final Thoughts Peterborough is definitely one of the lacrosse hot beds in Ontario and when taking in lacrosse during the summer months, the Jr Lakers are a must stop on the tour.  Playing in a Major Junior Hockey venue, the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Jr Lakers offer an experience that is far different than many of the other teams in the OJLL.  Fans should definitely take in the (Junior) Lake Show. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre 6 Northmen Way Orangeville, ON L9W 3B2 Orangeville Northmen website Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,050 Rose of Orange With a mere population of 28,000, the Town of Orangeville has a significant sports legacy. The Orangeville Prep Basketball Academy counts Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, along with Edge and Christian (Adam Copeland and Jay Reso) of professional wrestling fame along its alumni. Despite these famous residents, Orangeville is essentially a lacrosse town. Orangeville offers among the most in-depth lacrosse programs in Ontario and fields three teams at the junior level with the Orangeville Northmen of the OJLL at the top of the chain. Few centres offer both Junior A and Junior B teams, but Orangeville offers Junior A, Junior B, and Junior C teams. Those who play Junior A lacrosse for the Northmen hope to translate their success on the floor to opportunities in the NCAA or the professional National Lacrosse League. Orangeville Northmen alumni include Pat Coyle, Josh and Phil Sanderson, Brodie Merrill, Mike Poulin, and current General Manager Nick Rose. All have or are currently playing in the NLL. Home for the Northmen is the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre. Named after the father of GM and Toronto Rock goaltender Nick Rose, the Tony Rose offers seating for 1,050 in the main arena and a classic lacrosse environment. Tony Rose was a member of the Northmen in the eighties and was a member of Senior B championship teams. He was a promoter of local lacrosse and died in a car accident in 1990. Food & Beverage 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre has a fairly typical concession scene for Junior A lacrosse. A single snack bar-style concession is found in the lobby and offers all of the expected arena delicacies. French fries, poutine, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, muffins, freezies, and chips are all available. Vending machines opposite the concession offer soft drinks. Inside the main arena, a small selection of beer and seltzer can be found. Atmosphere 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre functions as a typical town community centre. The exterior is a mix of both modern and dated looks for the two-pad complex. The main entrance off of Northern Way features a mix of light brick which gives it a clean, attractive look. “The Torchbearer” and “Mr. Lacrosse,” wooden sculptures which are part of the Orangeville Art Walk of Tree Sculptures, welcome sports fans heading to the game. Mr. Lacrosse is a tribute to Orangeville lacrosse legend, the late Terry Sanderson. Inside, fans will enter a small lobby before heading into the main arena. In the lobby, there is a display for Tony Rose including his stick and jersey. Inside the main arena, fans are greeted by volunteers at temporary tables for ticket sales, raffles, and merchandise sales. The floor runs from north to south and offers 10 rows of step bench seating on the west side. On the north end of the arena is a trophy case that lacrosse fans should check out as there are a ton of accolades and awards for the Northmen. In the northeast corner, around what could be the operations window, hang the six Minto Cup Championship banners signifying the highest honour possible in junior lacrosse, the national championship. (1993, 1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015) . The north wall also offers some nice touches including a large banner signifying the retired number 19 for Terry Sanderson. To the left there is also a large, touching, “In Memoriam” banner with the initials of those Northmen who have passed. The nod to Northmen history and accomplishments continues with a trophy case with artifacts for former Team Canada player, Chris Sanderson and painted championship rosters for Northmen Ontario Senior Champions from the eighties. The eastern wall is littered with youth box and field lacrosse championship banners. The simple hockey-style scoreboard is found on the south end. The playing surface is polished concrete and does have a centre floor logo, to further personalize the venue. The gameday production is very simple with some music played during down times and a 50/50 draw is at the centre of the promotions. The PA system is poor and it is difficult to understand the announcements that are being made much of the time. Neighbourhood 3 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in the town of Orangeville, which is not huge. Orangeville is located northwest of Brampton and west of Highway 10. There is not much in the way of pre or post-game spots for food and drink in the residential area surrounding the arena, so fans should head south to Broadway for more options. Bluebird Cafe, Rustik Local Bistro, Black Wolf Smokehouse, and Hockley Valley Brewing are some options fans may wish to check out. There is not much in the way of other sports in the immediate area, however, Orangeville being such a lacrosse hotbed, the Junior B or Junior C Orangeville Northmen may be of interest. For other entertainment options, Theatre Orangeville may be of interest and the Walk of Tree Sculptures are worth checking out. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western on Highway 10 is a good option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as the attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was also part of the OJLL Finals series. That being said, the Orangeville Northmen enjoy a strong support network. The game that was reviewed involved a standing-room-only crowd. The fans in attendance are loud and supportive and even take their support to the next level with college hockey-type chants after goals. Access 4 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in central Orangeville. It is located west of Highway 10, the main artery in town. Getting to the arena will require going through town, which is not a big deal. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is a bus stop right across the road from the arena. Fans should consult the Orangeville Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. The Tony Rose facilities are fairly tight when there is a big crowd, and feature benches that are not the most comfortable, and there is no air conditioning making it pretty hot during the summer months. Return on Investment 5 Orangeville Northmen and OJLL lacrosse offer tremendous value for a very small investment. Tickets for the Northmen are $10, parking is free and concession offerings offer a decent price. The lacrosse on the floor is fast and pure without too much production. In the end, this all adds up to a tremendous return for a minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong community connection that Orangeville has with the sport of lacrosse. An extra mark for Northmen GM Nick Rose, who not only is the goaltender for the Toronto Rock but also the son of Orangeville legend Tony Rose. An extra mark for the massive Orangeville Northmen alumni including Nick Rose, Phil Sanderson, Josh Sanderson, Mike Poulin, Pat Coyle, and Brodie Merrill to name a few. All have had significant careers in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Orangeville and lacrosse go together like peanut butter and jelly and the Orangeville Northmen are the main attraction for the town. For lacrosse fans, a trip to see the Orangeville Northmen will be an experience that will be worth the time, and checking out all the lacrosse artifacts and history at the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre will be worth it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mimico Arena 31 Drummond St. Toronto, ON M8V 1Y7 Mimico Mountaineers website Mimico Arena website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 800 Home of the Wild Pigeon Mimico has deep lacrosse roots. Once a village outside of Toronto, Mimico was swallowed by the City of Etobicoke in 1967. Located on the west side of Toronto, Etobicoke was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998. However, the community of Mimico still has a very strong sense of community and local pride. Nowhere is that more evident than in its attachment to lacrosse. The Mimico Lacrosse Club was established in 1890. The name “Mimico” translates from Ojibwa to “Home of the Wild Pigeon.” Lacrosse was so significant in Mimico that they built the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor, box lacrosse facility, which would eventually become the Mimico Arena. Mimico competed in lacrosse at various levels over more than a century and continues today. The lacrosse achievements would culminate in Mann Cup Championships in 1932 and 1942 as Senior Lacrosse National Champions and Minto Cup Championships in 1938 and 1951 as Junior National Champions. The Lakeshore Maple Leafs, which would be folded into the Mimico Mountaineers program, claim a 1970 Minto Cup also. Mimico even boasts the legendary Conn Smythe as part of their history as a resident and lacrosse player. In 1978, Junior lacrosse would cease to exist in Mimico, only to be resurrected as a Junior B program in 1993. The Mountaineers would move up to the current Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, a Junior A league, in 2013, and is still going strong today. Food & Beverage 4 Most would expect the most simple snack bar options available at a junior lacrosse game. However, at Mimico, the community vibe even bumps up the concession scene to another level. Although the variety would not compare to a professional experience, the uniqueness of the options takes the concession scene to the next level. The expected arena options are all there including chips, popcorn, soda, coffee, and tea. Sandwiches are on the menu along with breakfast sandwiches, but what Mimico is known for are their peameal bacon sandwiches. There is also a small lounge in the upper north end of the arena where fans can relax and converse with other fans and enjoy the specialty branded beer for the Mountaineers from Great Lakes Brewery, Lax Lager. Atmosphere 4 Mimico Arena began its existence as the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor lacrosse facility. Since that time, Mimico Arena has changed drastically with the facility becoming an indoor facility with an ice plant, which allows Mimico Arena the ability to host hockey in the winter months. The exterior of the arena has that local feel to it with double blue siding and a low profile. Unique to Mimico Arena is signage outside that boasts Mimico Arena as the home of the Mountaineers. Entering the north entrance from Drummond Street brings fans into a small lobby and the immersion into Mimico lacrosse history begins. A large trophy case immediately to the right upon entering features trophies and pictures of Mountaineers teams of the past. A temporary table offers patrons the opportunity to purchase tickets. To the right, behind the ticket table is the set of stairs that takes fans up to the bar. There is even more history at the fingertips of patrons with more trophies and retired jerseys of former Mimico lacrosse greats and team award honourees. Straight past the ticket table, to the right of the concession stand, is the entrance to the arena floor. Fans are instantly met with the feeling of nostalgia as Mimico Arena remains an “old-school hockey barn” that lacks ice during the summer. The concrete floor runs from south to north with step benches for seating on the east side of the arena. Also unique to Mimico Arena are Mountaineers markings on the floor itself. The simple scoreboard hangs on the south side and a window from the crow’s nest bar is found at the north end. The stands are split by a simple press box where the game day operations staff make announcements and control the music played during stoppages. The west side of the arena is where the player benches are and above them hang numerous banners reminding visitors just who’s home they are in. A banner hangs for the two Mimico Mann Cups and another for the two Minto Cups as well as a Lakeshore Maple Leafs Minto Cup championship. The local, community vibe is proliferated with the banners that honour Mimico lacrosse builders Norm Gair, Jerry Chemij, John J.R. Robinson, Ruby Lang, and Bob McCabe are just as prominent, if not more, than the retired numbers of Archie Dixon, Andy Dudun and Ken Dixon. Mimico Arena is not the most comfortable or modern setting as the five rows of step benches are very simplistic and the age of the arena also means it lacks climate control. The gameday atmosphere is fairly simple. The team is led on the floor by a local youth lacrosse player carrying the Mountaineer flag on a lacrosse stick. Music is not played during the play but during stoppages. Although it seems that the announcers do a decent job, the PA system is quite old and it is difficult to understand all of the announcements. Neighbourhood 4 Mimico Arena is located in the Mimico-Queensway neighbourhood of Toronto, in the former city of Etobicoke, which is on the west side of the city. The arena is situated in a mixed residential commercial area, right beside a grocery store. There are a couple of restaurants in the area close to the arena. These include TC Tibetan MoMo, Il Padre’s Gourmet Pizza, Canadiana Grill By The Lake, Blue Goose Tavern, and Tila’s Mexican Food. It is probably best to bring the car to the destination as opposed to walking. Although there is not much in the way of sports in the Mimico neighbourhood, one should remember that they are still in Toronto and a short drive will bring fans to some of the best sports around. The Toronto Beaches, also in the OJLL, play in the east end of town. Downtown is where fans will find most of the other options. BMO Field at Exhibition Place is shared between the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL and Toronto FC of the MLS. Also, at Exhibition Place is the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. East of Exhibition Place is Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB. Further east along the Lakeshore is Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL and Toronto Raptors of the NBA. The University of Toronto fields a full complement of varsity teams including football at Varsity Stadium , hockey at Varsity Arena , and basketball at the Goldring Centre . A true gem is Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) hockey and basketball , both of whom play in the renovated former Maple Leaf Gardens. Summer may also bring fans to Christie Pits for some Toronto Maple Leafs baseball. There are not a ton of great options near Mimico Arena for hotels. The Deluxe Inn and Stay Inn are the closest, but getting a spot closer to downtown or the airport is probably a better idea. Fans 5 OJLL attendance is difficult to assess as attendance figures are not published. The game that was attended for this review was also a playoff game. That being said, the Mountaineers have strong community support and played in front of a capacity crowd for the game that was reviewed. Friends, family as well as community members were all in attendance and there were plenty of younger people in attendance, who all stood behind the goal. The crowd was loud and into the game and there were even fans leading others in cheers. The fans made the Mimico Mountaineers game that much more exciting. Some fans were even tailgating in the small parking lot behind the arena. Access 3 Getting to Mimico Arena is not the easiest venture. The arena is located between Lakeshore Blvd and the Gardiner Expressway, which brings fans from the west to downtown. Toronto traffic can be a real issue so fans coming from out of town should make sure they give themselves plenty of time to arrive. Combining traffic issues with some distinct parking challenges amplifies fans' need to get to the arena early as opposed to late. Most of the parking in the neighbourhood is on the street. There is a very small lot to the west of the arena and the grocery store to the east has numerous signs dissuading arena patrons from parking there For fans wishing to take public transit, there are TTC buses that run to the east on Royal York Blvd and Mimico Ave and the streetcar can be found further east. Fans should consult the Toronto Transit Commission website for fares, and maps. and schedules. Mimico Arena is an old building and it is not overly spacious. Fans with mobility challenges will find the arena difficult to traverse. Return on Investment 5 OJLL games are among the most affordable experiences there are. Mimico Mountaineer tickets are sold for $12 for adults. The price of concessions is more than palpable and parking, although a challenge, is free. The product on the floor is the fastest game on two feet and is very exciting. The history of the building and the engagement of the fans put the return on a relatively small investment, over the top. Extras 4 An extra mark for the deep history that the Mimico Mountaineers enjoy and share. An extra mark for the connection that is evident between the Mountaineers and the Mimico community. A true neighbourhood team in an era where the neighbourhood is almost lost. An extra two marks for the Sportsman’s Battery . In World War II, the 30th Battery of the 7th Toronto Regiment was led by hockey legend Conn Smythe. All of the members of the Mimico Senior Lacrosse team were members of the battery. Mimico native Smythe stated that if he were to go to war again, he would bring lacrosse players. Final Thoughts The Mimico Mountaineers of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League offer a unique experience for fans. Mixing a ton of history with the youth and exuberance of the young players, the Mountaineers experience is one that lacrosse fans should experience. The refreshing feel of a true community team in a big city is one that fans will find in the Home of the Wild Pigeon! ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Toronto Rock Athletic Centre 1132 Invicta Drive Oakville, ON L6H 6G1 Oakville Buzz website Toronto Rock Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 What’s the Buzz in Oakville? In 1999 the Ontario Raiders moved from Hamilton to Toronto to become the Toronto Rock. Making their home at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens until 2001, the Rock helped expand the reach of lacrosse in Southern Ontario and definitely increased its status. Under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, in 2012, the Rock would open a training centre for the team to house its offices and provide space for the Rock to practice. Going beyond the practicality of providing for the team, the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, in the nearby city of Oakville has become a hub for lacrosse activity in the area. With two indoor box lacrosse fields and an outdoor turf field, the TRAC has become a centre for lacrosse at all levels. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is the home for the Oakville Buzz of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. The top junior lacrosse league is viewed as one of the top providers of lacrosse talent to the professional National Lacrosse League. The Buzz moved up to the OJLL, which is Junior A level, from Junior B in 2019, after winning a Junior B, Founders Cup National Championship in 2006. Taking advantage of one of the top lacrosse facilities in the province, the Buzz provides a good lacrosse experience for Ontario fans. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the TRAC are fairly simple but not insignificant. The typical snack bar experience is what fans can expect. Hot dogs, slushies, candy, popcorn and soda make up the menu for the most part. Sometimes pizza and other items are also available. Concessions will keep fans from being hungry during the game, but not replace a trip somewhere else for a pre or post game meal. Atmosphere 3 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is basically the training ground for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. Complete with offices, medical and a pro shop, the TRAC is an innovative centre for lacrosse in the Greater Toronto Area. The exterior is attractive, with a clearly designated main entrance. Red and blue pillars highlight the grey exterior with plenty of windows for a sleek, smart look. That look continues as fans enter the lobby of the TRAC, which continues the Toronto Rock theme and markings but in a classy fashion with some tiled floors and walls. When fans enter for a Buzz game, there are temporary tables off to the right where tickets are sold as well as raffle tickets and a merchandise table. Entering the playing area, fans will immediately be struck with the notion that this facility was built for lacrosse. The TRAC features synthetic turf for a playing surface, similar to what can be found in the National Lacrosse League. Many of the other OJLL venues have concrete floors for the playing surface. The floor runs from west to east with seating on the south side. Four rows of simple step benches comprise the seating area, so the majority of fans sit on the last row to take advantage of the wall behind the final bench. The west side of the arena features a simple, yet effective, scoreboard, which is surrounded by the Toronto Rock championship banners and retired number and honoured coaches banners. The arena is well lit and very clean. On the east side is a balcony which links to the upper level offices. Although it is great to see all of the accolades for the Toronto Rock, there is little to no evidence that the Oakville Buzz play here at all. Even a simple banner acknowledging the 2006 Founders Cup Championship would be good. The gameday production at a Buzz game is very simple. Unlike the NLL, music is not used during play. The Buzz take advantage of the excellent PA system and use promotions such as 50/50 and raffles. The Buzz add just enough production value to make the game feel a little more professional, but at no point is the attention taken away from the action on the floor. Neighbourhood 2 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located in Oakville, Ontario in an essentially industrial area. Oakville is located on Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and Toronto. The TRAC is east of the Falgarwood neighborhood in Oakville and there is not much in the immediate area. Cameron’s Brewing Co is just up the road. Other than that, fans will need to hop into the car. Monaghan’s Sports Pub is about five minutes away, or fans can head south to Downtown Oakville and find a spot somewhere on Lakeshore Road. As for other sporting options, Oakville doesn’t offer too much. Glen Abbey Golf Course is in Oakville and has been home to the Canadian Open on a number of occasions and may warrant a visit. Otherwise, fans may wish to head to Hamilton or Toronto for sporting options. Of course, the Toronto Rock at FirstOntario Centre would be an option if it were not off-season. As far as other tourist options, heading to the waterfront might be a good plan. For fans wishing to stay near the TRAC, the Holiday Inn is not too far. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is extremely difficult. Attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was a playoff game. The capacity of the TRAC is only 750, so the couple hundred fans in attendance made the game seem adequately populated. It is difficult to assert how many fans in attendance were beyond the “friends and family” category. The fans in attendance are fairly reserved and not over the top. Access 5 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located between the Falgarwood neighbourhood in Oakville and Highway 403. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all due to the proximity of the highway and the industrial neighbourhood the TRAC is in. There is plenty of free parking on the premises for fans who are driving to the game. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are Oakville Transit bus stops on North Service Road, near Invicta Drive. Fans should consult the Oakville Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. Inside the TRAC, washroom facilities are more than adequate for the expected crowd and getting around the facility is no problem at all. Return on Investment 5 There are not too many experiences that can be found for a $20 bill anymore, but the Oakville Buzz are one of them. Tickets for the Buzz go for $15 per adult. Students and seniors get in for $10. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. The product on the floor is exciting and fun. The math works out for the fan in this case for sure. Extras 2 An extra mark for the TRAC providing a hub for lacrosse. A clear benefit to promote the game. An extra mark for expanding the Toronto Rock brand, giving junior players something to strive for each game. Final Thoughts Checking out some OJLL lacrosse action and the Oakville Buzz is a great way for fans to catch the next generation of lacrosse professionals during the summer months. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre offers a professional facility that is a real advantage for the players who play there. If you were wondering what’s the buzz in Oakville, now you know to see for yourself. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Colonial Life Arena 801 Lincoln St Columbia, SC 29208 South Carolina Gamecocks website Colonial Life Arena website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 18,000 Colonial Life Arena – South Carolina Gamecocks The Southeastern Conference has long been home to several of the most decorated college basketball programs – Florida and Kentucky have both won multiple national championships, and Arkansas has added a championship of their own. In all, the SEC has made a total of 44 Final Four appearances. While a national championship has been elusive, the Gamecocks have experienced their own postseason glory with consecutive NIT titles (2005-2006) and an unforgettable run to the 2019 Final Four, the first in program history. USC made a major investment in basketball in 2002, opening the doors to the 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena, following 34 years at the Carolina Coliseum. This move signaled a commitment to competing at the highest level of not just the SEC, but nationally.   Food & Beverage   5 The food options at Colonial Life Arena are as plentiful as a mall food court. Fans can choose everything ranging from stadium favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and chicken tenders, to a wide selection of more regional offerings including Mexican at Salsarita’s, craft burgers at Burgerim, Thai Kingdom, and even a taste of the ocean from Mr. Seafood. Many carts are also situated around the concourse offering everything from ice cream to donuts and gourmet popcorn to smoothies. Colonia Life Arena sells both craft and domestic beer, wine, and seltzers. Craft beers include selections from Terrapin, Columbia Craft Brewing Company, Wild Leap, and Peak Drift Brewing Company, while soft drink choices include Coca-Cola products.   Atmosphere   4 Fans fill the plaza at the entrance to Colonial Life Arena in anticipation of the doors opening. The plaza, at the corner of Lincoln and Greene Streets, is lined with South Carolina palmettos and is fronted with a circular fountain that beautifully frames the entryway. A 15-foot statue of Gamecock women’s basketball hero A’ja Wilson also welcomes fans upon their arrival. The entry point to Colonial Life Arena is framed by large support columns backed by a full bank of windows. As fans pass through the doors into the grand foyer, an intricate mosaic of the gamecock mascot is front and center on the floor of the entry. Fans ascend staircases on either side of the entrance, the actual center courts from both national championships won by the women’s program hang overhead. The staircases lead to the main concourse, as well as an area dedicated to the retired jerseys and championships won by the Gamecocks. The concourse that wraps completely around the arena is a virtual walking tribute to the icons of South Carolina Gamecock basketball. Pregame entertainment might be more accurately described as a pre-game extravaganza – as  the house lights dim and cell phone flashlights illuminate, the energy in the air is palpable. The South Carolina cheer squad, alongside Cocky the mascot, leads the team onto the court, with flags spelling out C-A-R-O-L-I-N-A. As the festivities move to player introductions, flames and sparks shoot from boxes set up around the center circle as Cocky waves a Gamecock-logoed flag about. The highlight of pre-game, though, is in the moments leading up to tip off; in what has become one of the great traditions in all college athletics, the techno beats of Darude’s “ Sandstorm ”  get the arena rocking. The song also plays during a handful of late game situations to fire up the crowd coming out of a timeout. Carolina power companies might want to tap into Colonial Life Arena as a source of energy – from the pre-game "Sandstorm" to the final buzzer, excitement is woven into the Gamecock basketball experience. This electric atmosphere is undoubtedly a highlight of the overall game day experience. The biggest obstacle facing South Carolina basketball might simply be consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance, maintaining consistent success has been elusive. Over the past 40 seasons, the Gamecocks have only managed three consecutive winning seasons on four occasions, often stumbling just as they start building momentum. This lack of consistency can be frustrating for fans who want to go all in with their support of the program.   Neighborhood   5 Sometimes for colleges and universities in downtown areas, it can be difficult to tell where the campus ends and the city begins. Owned and operated by the University of South Carolina, Colonial Life Arena is located about a block off the main section of USC’s campus. The surrounding neighborhood provides fans with several options in terms of eateries and points of interest to visit as part of their experience. The student housing building at 650 Lincoln has several choices for a quick bite, including Jersey Mike’s, Urban Wok, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Also, student housing at 750 Lincoln includes a more upscale taste with offerings from Angell Bros. 1801 Grille. However, one of the more popular pregame spots is Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub, where fans are lined up prior to opening at 11 am for a 1 pm tip off. If looking for more entertainment to fill a visit to the South Carolina campus, early season tilts might be paired with a late season SEC match up at William-Bryce Stadium , while mid-February will see the start of the college baseball season at Founders Park , and softball at the Carolina Softball Stadium. Or, those looking for a bit of history of the area have just a short walk to the South Carolina state capital.   Fans   4 Gamecock fans are a passionate bunch who recognize good basketball as it is unfolding. Fans start clamoring merely at the sight of the ball moving toward an open shooter, or the ball being fed to the post against a mismatch. Carolina fans show up in force, averaging a respectable 10,000-12,000 per game. But the uneven distribution of supporters seems to leave some unrealized potential of what could be, in terms of a full house on a night-to-night basis. While the lower bowl and sidelines are relatively full of excited fans, the upper baseline sections can sometimes appear a bit empty. Enough cannot be said about the role the students play in the fan experience. Dubbed, “ The Cockpit ” the student section even has their own X account (@SC_COCKPIT), and has four rules: 1) On your feet, 2) Arrive Early, 3) Be Loud, and 4) Use Props. The Cockpit is a great student section that does not seem to get the credit they deserve when ranking the top student sections in the country.   Access   3 The streets around Colonial Life Arena can seem like a bit of a maze trying to navigate. The intersections around the arena start to be blocked off about 2.5 hours before a game, creating what can be a two-block detour to get to a desired location. There are plenty of parking garages and lots that are just a short walk from the arena. The entrance at the corner of Greene and Lincoln Streets is the only one used to get fans into the arena – this does create some back-ups as fans pass through security checks before entering the foyer to have tickets scanned. Stairs leading up to the outer concourse gives fans plenty of space to navigate, with the exception of the far end of the arena where the Frank McGwire Club juts out, creating a bit of a bottleneck there. Within the seating area, a narrow walkway passes completely around the upper level of the seating bowl. With most parking concentrated on one side of the arena, it does create a great deal of congestion following the game on the secondary streets leading away from the arena, especially for those heading back toward the interstate.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for conference match ups start at $15, before Ticketmaster add-on fees; it would be difficult to find a ticket at any of the Power Five conference teams that beat this. Prices do substantially increase for premium games against the top teams in the conference, in-state rival Clemson, or a premier non-conference foe. Given Colonial Life Arena’s size, games typically do not sell out, so decent deals can be found on the secondary market. Of course, there will be fees added. Parking starts at $10 for lots and garages that are just a short walk to the arena, which seems to be in line with most other conferences like the SEC.   Extras   5 Not enough can be said about the frenzied pregame atmosphere that is carried on throughout the game. The South Carolina mascot Cocky is an active participant in hyping up the crowd, especially the student section, who really get the rest of the arena going. The concourse area of Colonial Life Arena is a virtual museum of Gamecock basketball. More than the impressive displays of the center courts from the women’s national championships, there are also displays of retired jerseys, trophy cases, recognition of those enshrined in the USC Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Walk of Fame are all a fantastic look at the history of basketball at the University of South Carolina. In addition, an array of South Carolina’s basketball history is recognized above the center-hung scoreboard, where men's and women's championship banners mingle with retired jerseys honoring past Gamecock legends. Following the game, players, coaches, staff, and cheerleaders gather in front of the pep band, raising their cupped hands in a unified "C" as the school's alma mater is played. This simple gesture speaks volumes, solidifying the bond between the program and its fans, and the university they all represent.   Final Thoughts South Carolina Gamecock basketball is an incredible college basketball experience, but one issue might be that, at a capacity of 18,000, Colonial Life Arena may be a touch too big. While the passion of the crowd does not waver, it does seem like a smaller arena might magnify that excitement even more. South Carolina basketball may be one of the best kept secrets when it comes to arena atmospheres in the country. It can be difficult for basketball programs to cut out their own niche in the football heavy SEC, but Gamecock basketball has done a wonderful job creating an electrifying college basketball atmosphere that many might simply not be aware of yet.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium 90 Stadium Dr College Park, MD 20742 Maryland Terrapins lacrosse website Martland Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 51,802 Terps Lacrosse The Maryland Terrapins are one of the most successful college lacrosse programs in the country, winning three NCAA titles, most recently in 2017, and finishing runner-up an additional nine times. In all, the Terps have made the Final Four 27 times, and as of the end of the 2021 season had made the tournament every year since 2003 (excluding the canceled 2020 tournament). The Terrapins play their home games at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, which is also home to the football program . The stadium has a full capacity of 51,802, although the maximum capacity for lacrosse is typically lower as they do not sell all the seats. The stadium was originally known as Byrd Stadium, after university president Harry “Curley” Byrd, but his name was taken off the stadium in 2015 due to his staunch racism and his role in preserving segregation in the University of Maryland System during his tenure. Food & Beverage 3 Although Maryland Stadium has many concession stands, most are not open for lacrosse. Only one or two of the many stands will typically be open, serving just basic options such as chicken tenders, hot dogs, pretzels, soda, and water. As with football, beer is available at Maryland lacrosse games for $10 a can, with a limit of one per person per trip. Prices can be pretty high – the tenders and fries will cost $10, for instance, and bottled water is $4. Atmosphere 5 College lacrosse is huge in Maryland, where it is the official state team sport (but not the official state sport, which is jousting). A Terps game is no exception, and the school does a great job of getting fans into the game, starting with a pregame hype video that is comparable to what you would see at many football and basketball games across the country. There is music played after every Terps goal and giveaways and promotions on the concourse. There are activities during timeouts just as you would see for football or basketball, and local youth lacrosse teams will scrimmage at halftime. There is also a mascot named Testudo, a turtle who can be seen roaming the stands or appearing on the field before and during the game. All in all, the atmosphere here is comparable to what you would see for football or basketball at many schools. As for the stadium itself, most seats are metal bleachers without backs except for a small number of reserved chairbacks. Normally only half of the lower bowl is open for lacrosse, but they may open the other half when they are expecting a large crowd, such as against a fellow Maryland school. The upper level will rarely if ever be open for lacrosse. There is a large, recently upgraded video board at one end of the stadium and a smaller one at the other end. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is really nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott just off campus, and The Hotel on-campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is literally called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Maryland routinely is at or near the top of the country in attendance, with a typical game drawing several thousand fans. While this might not seem like a lot in a 50,000+ seat stadium, it will seem like it’s much fuller than it actually is. Part of this is because the fans are compressed into a smaller area than they would be for football, so the actual capacity is far less than 50,000, but a large part of it is due to the fans themselves. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and loud. They know not just about the Terps players but about the sport in general – during breaks in the action, fans can be heard discussing college lacrosse news from across the nation. When the Terps are playing an in-state rival like Loyola or Johns Hopkins , or another nearby school like Georgetown or Virginia, expect a good number of away fans to make the trip to College Park as well. They will still be outnumbered by the Terps fans, and it will still feel like a Terrapins home game, but visiting fans shouldn’t face any overly hostile treatment. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is located just a few miles off of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). However, there is a very good chance you will sit in heavy traffic getting from the highway to the stadium. Although gameday-related traffic is not nearly as bad as it would be for a Terrapins football game, traffic in this area is notoriously terrible in general, so you may find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic for seemingly no reason at all. Once you’re on campus, free parking is available in Lot 1/Z all day on weekends and after 4 PM on weekdays. Maryland Stadium has lights so it is unlikely there would be a weekday afternoon game, but if there is one, fans will need to park in a nearby garage and pay money for it. This will almost certainly not be an issue unless a game has to be rescheduled or there are some other unusual circumstances. From Lot 1/Z, the stadium is about a five-minute walk away. Once inside the stadium, concourses are more than wide enough for the lacrosse crowds, and bathrooms are of ample size, though keep in mind it is possible not all restrooms will be open for lacrosse. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Maryland lacrosse game are only $10 for general admission seats in the metal bleachers, or slightly more if you want a reserved chairback. However, unless having the chairback is important to you, we suggest just buying the general admission seats as they actually put you closer to the action and provide a better view of the game. Parking is free, barring unusual circumstances, and while concessions are expensive, they are not outrageously so. Considering this is one of the top college lacrosse experiences in the country, it is well worth the money. While some other college lacrosse programs are cheaper or even free, you get what you pay for in terms of the experience. Extras 2 The fans are among the best in college lacrosse and are worth a bonus star here. There will often be giveaways on the concourse, which could be anything from pom-poms to t-shirts. Look for the marketing table for more information. Final Thoughts Maryland is often regarded as the epicenter of college lacrosse, and a visit to a Terrapins game shows exactly why that is. In some parts of the country, lacrosse is just another random sport the college sponsors, but not here. This is one of the best college lacrosse experiences in the country, both from a fan perspective and in terms of the product on the field. There are so many great college lacrosse programs in the area that a fan with only a short time to visit couldn’t possibly check out all of them, but this is one of, if not the, best of them.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Sunny South Raceway 11380 US-90 Grand Bay, AL 36541 Sunny South Raceway website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,000 Sunny South Raceway Entering its 30th season in 2019, Sunny South Raceway in Grand Bay, Alabama has become one of Alabama’s finest short track speedways. The 1/4-mile track originally opened in 1989 as a 1/8th-mile dirt go-kart track, but as the raceway began to host full-size cars the track expanded to the asphalt track it is today. Sunny South Raceway now hosts a wide selection of full-time racing events, including races for the Southern All Star Supertruck Series, Pro Challenge, INEX Legends Bandoleros, Go-Karts, Bombers, and Stingers. The track also hosts the Sunny South Citerium, which is a professional bicycle race held every April. Every year Sunny South Raceway hosts the INEX Bandolero Nationals, which draws the top bandolero drivers in the country. For those unfamiliar with bandolero, meaning bandit in Spanish, this is a type of junior entry level racing where drivers can compete as young as 8 and usually into their early 20s. Bandit cars are basically toned-down modified versions of regular racing cars, but the speed usually tops out in the 70s. Many notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and David Ragan got their start racing bandoleros. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concessions area located on the first floor of the press box tower, and it sells the basics. Prices are reasonable with the chicken tender basket being the most expensive item at $7. Other items include hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), fries ($3), pretzels ($2.50), and peanuts ($2). Coke is the soft drink provider with can drinks costing $1.50. Because of the family nature of this event alcohol is not sold, nor allowed on the property. Atmosphere 3 Sunny South Raceway is short track racing at its finest. The 1/4-mile track is action-packed from start to finish. The raceway is set up so there is a good view of the entire race track but without any distractions. With no pit area, just grass in the infield, you can see the entire track and distinguish the different cars from anywhere in the grandstand. The races on my most recent visit were mighty-mites, which consists of younger drivers aged around age 5-6. These go-kart style carts top out at about 50 mph, and it was interesting getting to see drivers compete at such a young age. The only downside is that there are a lot of caution flags that slow the race down because of drivers spinning out on the track. The next set of races that night were bandoleros, which as mentioned earlier are basically smaller versions of NASCAR style cars, and there was also truck racing as well INEX Legends cars being raced. The majority of races were only 20 laps, and the track seems so small that most races were being finished in less than five minutes. This, combined with the fact that the staff was constantly switching different styles of racing in and out, provided fans with a variety of racesq23a and age groups to keep them interested. The track faces east and west and is located down the hill in a kind of a valley off Highway 90. Parking is free at the top of the hill, and from there you can walk down the hill to the area where the ticket office is located. The pits are located to the left and right of the ticket office, and you can walk around and mingle with some of the drivers and get to see the cars up close before the racing starts. The grandstand here is basically bleacher style seating that extends from one end of the track to the other; I was told that Sunny South raceway can hold around 3,000 people, which is impressive considering the size of the track. In the middle of the grandstands sits a tower that consists of the press box on the top level and the concessions area on the first level. There is a fence blocking off access to the north side of the track, but there is nothing but woods on that side anyways. There is no score tower or anything to let you know what lap they are on, but the PA announcer did a good job of informing fans about how many laps were left and who was leading. Neighborhood 2 There’s not much of a neighborhood around Sunny South Raceway – Grand Bay is not exactly a hotbed of activity and Sunny South Raceway is located on a rural highway that runs parallel a couple of miles south of I-10. Grand Bay is most famous for hosting a watermelon festival every year on July 4th, but other than that there is not a lot going on. There are a few chain restaurants (such as Hardee’s, Waffle House, Subway, Arby’s, and McDonalds) located at the I-10 exit a few miles north of the track, but other than that your best bet would be to drive 15 minutes on I-10 either way to Pascagoula or Mobile. For attractions in the immediate area I recommend checking out Bellingrath Gardens located in nearby Theodore. This 900-acre, luscious garden area is a beautiful sight to see and must be seen to be believed; every Christmas the gardens light up with a display of over 3 million lights – USA Today even ranked it one of the top 10 best public light displays in America. Bellingrath Gardens is truly a sight to behold, and a must see for fans of all ages if in the area. The island town of Dauphin Island is located a short drive south of Grand Bay. Unlike most of the beach towns in the area, Dauphin Island is void of any major resorts or hotels, but instead focuses its efforts on preserving nature and history. Historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War era fort, is located on the island, and you can also find multiple Indian shell mounds and burial grounds. As you drive to Dauphin Island you drive through the tiny town of Bayou La Batre, the sleepy fishing village that is most famous for its shrimp boats, but also served as the inspiration for the town in the movie Forrest Gump. If you looking to spend the weekend I recommend staying in Mobile, as that city has a lot more attractions and a wider selection of hotels and restaurants than Grand Bay does. But if staying in Grand Bay for the night I recommend driving over to the Pascagoula exit where cheaper hotel rooms can be found. In addition, the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both about an hour’s drive away, and the casinos of Biloxi are located only about 30 minutes west. Fans 3 A trip to Sunny South Raceway will present you with a mixture of all different styles of racing – depending on what you are into there’s something for everyone here. And even if you are not a racing fan it is the type of place you can go to and still have fun, and you won’t be able to help being intrigued by the little kids race at such high speeds. Many of the fans in the crowd are family members and friends of the drivers, but mainly because most of the drivers are from the area, and a majority of the drivers are not old enough to obtain a driver’s license to drive themselves to the track. Grand Bay is one of those towns where the street lights cut off and the town shuts down at dark. Because of this Sunny South Raceway is the only form of entertainment for the locals on a Saturday night, so many people show up because there is simply not anything else to do. Driving down Highway 90 in Grand Bay reminded me of driving through one of those small Mississippi towns on a Friday night, and all you see is the stadium lights for miles, for a high school football game where everyone in town is there because it’s the only thing to do. You kind of get that vibe here, although it’s nice that that community shows up to support their local drivers. Access 3 There really is one way to get to Sunny South Raceway; if traveling the interstate coming from the east or west the best bet would be to take I-10 to Grand Bay-Wilmer Road at Exit 4. This is the first or last exit in the state of Alabama on I-10 depending on which way you are coming from, and this area will be the only place to get something to eat in Grand Bay, with several fast food restaurants at this exit. Take Wilmer Road south for about 2 miles until you reach Highway 90, then head east for about 2 miles, and Sunny South Raceway will be located on your left. Because of the size of track navigating the grandstand and concourse is no problem and concessions lines flow nicely. Sunny South Raceway is also a pretty easy place to find at night, as you can’t miss the reflection from the track lights, since they are the only thing in the area that is lit up. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for all races run at Sunny South Raceway are $10, which can seem kind of high at first, but that also gets you access to all areas of the track including the pit area. Parking is free and located in the grass at the top of the hill. Unlike most tracks where the pit would be to the infield, the pit area at Sunny South Raceway is located in the asphalt parking lot surrounding the track. So, by purchasing a general admission ticket you are free to roam around all the different areas and garages in the pits. Extras 3 Being able to roam around in the makeshift pits before the race is a plus – many of the drivers have their own pit crews who get the cars ready, and you can just walk up and watch; everyone is friendly and happy to talk to you. There is even a full-service garage which has cars being worked on, and for a non-racing fan like me it was cool to be able to view all of this and see everything it takes to get these cars ready for the track. Many of the pit crew members are family member of the drivers and work other full-time jobs, so they do this just for the love of the sport and to help their family member out; it is amazing to see the detail that goes into getting these cars built and ready to race. Another plus is the family atmosphere at Sunny South Raceway; Grand Bay is a close-knit small community, so a lot of people know each other and many of the drivers. After walking around the pits before the race, and mingling around with the drivers and their families, you develop kind of a relationship with the drivers that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. So, when the races begin later in the evening, it keeps fans engaged in the action because they now have drivers to root for, since they have just met them and their families earlier – this type of fan interaction is something you won’t get to experience at most racing events. You can also check the schedule for when there are races at nearby Mobile International Speedway and catch a doubleheader of night racing action; Mobile International Speedway is located east along Highway 90 in nearby Irvington, about 5 miles down the road from Sunny South Raceway. Mobile’s 1/2-mile oval track is a little bigger than Sunny South’s, but many of the drivers at Sunny South transition over to Mobile once they get old enough. Mobile International Speedway is also host to the Mobile 300 ARCA race every year, which attracts some pretty big names in the auto racing world. Final Thoughts In a state like Alabama stock car racing is huge and has been big in the state for decades. All throughout the state you can find many different smaller style racing tracks in small towns. Sunny South Raceway is no different, though it is not a spectacle like Talladega in the north and it’s not even as big as it’s big brother Mobile International Speedway a few miles down the road. Still, Sunny South Raceway is a fine place to catch a race on the weekend; the small-town family atmosphere and variety of racing makes certain that people of all ages will not be bored, and will have a great time at the track.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Retriever Soccer Park 1000 Hilltop Cir Catonsville, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Retriever Soccer Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,000 Shining Stadium On A Hill Constructed in 1998, the Retriever Soccer Park is home to the soccer teams of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, known as UMBC for short. Although UMBC athletics is best remembered for the basketball team’s upset over Virginia as a 16-seed, the soccer program has had its successes as well. The team made four tournaments in five years from 2010 to 2014, capping it off with a run to the College Cup, college soccer’s equivalent of the Final Four. Retriever Soccer Park has been renovated several times, most recently to expand and renovate the bleachers at field level further up the hill that the stadium is built into. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at field level at Retriever Soccer Park, selling only the most basic menu. Grilled chicken sandwiches are $5, hot dogs are $3, and that is it as far as things which could be considered a meal. You can make either of those a combo by adding $3 for chips and a drink. Chips are available separately for $1, popcorn for $3, and candy for $2. Bottled soda and water are available for $3. Atmosphere 5 The Retriever Soccer Park is built into a hill, making for one of the most unique settings in all of college soccer. There are a few small sets of bleachers at the top of the hill, where fans can sit or stand adjacent to the fence and watch the game. There is a much larger set of bleachers at the bottom of the hill which offers up close views of the game action. Some fans choose to bring blankets and sit on the hill itself but be warned it is very steep and many kids seem to have decided the best way down is to slide on their backside. There is a path along the back of the hill that enables fans to walk from the upper to lower level while reducing the incline a bit, but if you want to sit on the hill itself, you will need to walk up the hard way. There is also a scoreboard at one end of the field that shows the score, time, and basic statistics. Note that what purports to show shots on goal really shows all shots, including those not on target. UMBC has no football program, and soccer is their flagship sport during the fall, with the school putting in all the effort to promote it that many schools put into their football program. There is music to hype the crowd up and even fireworks on occasion. The fans themselves also contribute to the atmosphere here, with the student section functioning like a Supporters Section would at a professional soccer venue. Neighborhood 3 Retriever Soccer Park is located on the UMBC campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 On a Saturday night in the fall, while fans of other schools might be checking out their football game, UMBC fans can be found at Retriever Soccer Park taking in some soccer. The club routinely draws over 2,000 fans a game, and while the hill isn’t as packed as it used to be, that’s only because they expanded the bleachers to create more seating there and not because fans are losing interest. Fans are loud, passionate, and some of the most knowledgeable college soccer fans in the country. They are not afraid to get on the referee’s case when they feel a bad call has gone against their team, but unlike some fan bases, have enough soccer knowledge to recognize when a clearly correct call has gone against the Retrievers and not protest, even nodding in agreement at times. The Retrievers have a student section known as Lot 17, which functions very similarly to a Supporters Group of a professional soccer team. They can be seen front and center in the bleachers cheering throughout the game, banging drums, waving flags, and cheering on the Retrievers. However, all the fans, not just the students, bring a tremendous amount of energy to the game. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easily accessed via I-195 and I-95. If coming via I-95, take Exit 47 to Maryland State Route 166 and the exit for the campus will be about a mile ahead, followed by a short drive through a series of roundabouts. If coming from I-195, just continue straight across 95, the highway will switch designations and become MD 166, then proceed as previously noted. Once on campus, parking is available in the Stadium Lot right next to Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (formerly the UMBC Event Center.) From there, you will walk up a hill in the back of the lot to the ticket booth. To get to the lower bleachers, you will need to walk back down the other side of the hill to field level. The hills are small but fairly steep and the path from the parking lot is unlit at night, so be careful. There is a small lot at the top of the hill, but this is only available to media, game staff, and those who require handicapped parking. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC soccer games are $10, which is more expensive than most college soccer in the country, but the Retriever Soccer Park is a top-notch venue so ultimately you get what you pay for. Concessions are affordable if limited and parking is free. In the end, although this is far from the cheapest college soccer ticket in the country, it is still relatively inexpensive, and given the high quality of the stadium, it is still a great deal. Extras 3 Look for the banners honoring UMBC teams of the past, including the College Cup appearance in 2014. There is a table by the field level entrance which offers free UMBC gear such as posters. A third star for the excellent energy here that is brought to every game by the team and the fans. Final Thoughts While most soccer fans don’t pay nearly as much attention to college soccer as the professional game, UMBC fans really care about the sport. Even the homecoming game here is a soccer game. All in all, Retriever Soccer Park is one of the top college soccer venues in the country, and a trip here is a must for any soccer fan in the area, even those who wouldn’t otherwise be interested in taking in a game at this level.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Volcanoes Stadium 6700 Field of Dreams Way Keizer, OR 97307 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes website Volcanoes Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,252 A Volcano in the Pacific Northwest Nicknamed "Oregon's Field Of Dreams," Volcanoes Stadium is the home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, now part of the 4-team Mavericks Independent Baseball League. The team began operations in 1997, the same year the stadium opened. The organization was transferred from Bellingham and returned minor league baseball to Salem after an eight-year absence. The city's first professional team were the Salem Senators, who played from 1940-1965 under a few different names and affiliations. The stadium has a capacity of 4,252, which at first glance seems like a lot considering the seats only go as far as the end of the dugout on the third base side. The bullpens for each team are on the field, as they are at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It is not the most advanced stadium out there although there have been upgrades recently including a large video board just beyond the left-center field fence. In 1999, the American Institute of Architects honored the ball club with a design award for the stadium. The Volcanoes have been a very successful team since their inception, winning 5 NWL championships ('98, '01, '06, '07 & '08). The team also boasts several alumni that have reached the major leagues including Joe Nathan, Ryan Vogelsong, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Buster Posey. Food & Beverage 4 The food selections at Volcanoes Stadium are relatively standard stadium fare. Overall, the menu items here are less expensive than other sports venues, which is a definite plus these days. Hot Dogs and Burgers ($3 - $4), Soda (Pepsi products) $3 - $4, Beer $5 - $6, and so on. There are a few non-traditional baseball items available such as a Chicken Rice Bowl at the Asian Wok for $8, and Eruption Burrito at Cafe Ole for $8, or an SW Chicken Wrap at The Healthy Hut, also for $8. In the left field corner, there is the Lava Lounge, which opens at the top of the 2nd inning, where you can get mixed drinks and beer. Atmosphere 4 A game at Volcanoes Stadium is baseball at its most basic level, which is a good thing. Most teams will run special gimmicks to get fans in the door, and there's nothing wrong with that. The stadium has a very cozy feeling to it that is very refreshing. As I walked around the stadium, it was my perception that most people there knew each other. Even though the Salem-Keizer area is a decent size, it feels like a small town ballpark. Neighborhood 3 Volcanoes Stadium is adjacent to Interstate 5 on the north side of the Salem-Keizer area. The stadium is in Keizer proper, tucked in behind Keizer Station, a sizable shopping area. If the menu at the stadium doesn't interest you that much, Keizer Station has an Outback Steakhouse and a Panera Bread that might fit the bill. Salem has many historical sites worth visiting while you're in the area. The State Capitol is a popular site to visit as well as the Willamette Heritage Center. The Willamette Heritage Center features a retrospective of the Mill that helped Salem thrive as well as a full history of the area. If you want an outdoor adventure, Detroit Lake is a popular spot about an hour southeast of Salem. The Oregon Coast is approximately an hour west, and Portland is about an hour north. Fans 4 There is a small-town cozy feeling to the stadium. The game I attended was mildly attended. Some might see that as a negative, but the fans that were in attendance were very in tune with the on-field activities. The crowd was fairly loud for its size. I did not see a lot of the unruly fans you would see at other venues. Many fans were building memories with their families and just enjoying themselves. It was clear to me these fans were here for the love of the game, which in my time reviewing stadiums, I can't say I've seen that often. Access 5 Volcanoes Stadium is off of I-5 at Keizer Station. You have to weave yourself through the area, but it's not bad at all. There is a large parking lot, capable of accommodating a capacity crowd and then some. Inside there is plenty of room to maneuver about. The main thoroughfare is wide and can handle many fans at once. The bathrooms have plenty of room for all. There are plenty of spots for handicapped fans at the top of the box seat section. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets range from $9 on the left field berm to $20 for the lower box seats. There are a couple of specialty seating sections, one being the 4Topps VIP seating. Four swivel seats with table, in-seat waiter service, and the best sightline in the stadium directly behind home plate for $120. The other is the Party Patio down the right field line. $900 will get you this area exclusive for large groups of up to 75 (additional tickets can be purchased for $12) with a private bartender. There is also an option to add a pregame meal. The stadium does have Skybox Suites. These are available on a 3-year lease and seat 12 in theater-style seating. I have to say that the value you get going to a Volcanoes game may or may not show it in dollars and cents, but the experience you get when attending makes it all worthwhile. Extras 3 Souvenirs are about what you would find at other stadiums. Caps $22-$30, Hoodies $30-$39, balls $5, shirts $13 and up. You can also get MLB balls and caps ($6, $20). On the night of this review, it was Don Larsen night. Fans had a chance to get an autograph from the only man to throw a perfect game in the World Series. There is a Kids Area behind the right-field bleachers that has a batting cage, batting tee, a play structure, and a bounce house. Parents should be cautious here because this area is not supervised. Crater, the Volcanoes mascot, invites the kids on the field for the 7th inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and also races kids around the bases in between an inning. The big attraction for the 2017 season will be Eclipsefest. On August 21, Keizer, Oregon will be sitting in the path of a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. The start time on that day will be in the morning and be the first-ever "eclipse delay" in baseball history. Fans on that day will receive commemorative sunglasses to wear during the delay. Final Thoughts If you are a person that goes to a baseball game purely for the love of baseball, this is the place for you.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field W Dakota St Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Pat on the Back Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, is an under-the-radar college baseball mid-major gem. While other stadiums across the country might provide more modern features like wild concession items and minor league antics, The Pat provides a comfortable environment with the classic elements that provide a great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. The ballpark is located in the city of Hammond on the southwest corner of the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Since opening in 1992, Alumni Field has undergone several enhancements including brick wall fencing along both foul lines, installation of a new playing surface with natural Bermuda Tifway 419 sod, and decorative-perimeter fencing on the outside of the stadium. A new video scoreboard and party-deck-style box seats in the foul area along right field were installed in 2016 and have improved an already great environment. The playing field is named in honor of former long-time baseball coach, athletic director, and football coach for Southeastern Louisiana, Pat Kenelly, and was designated as such on February 19, 2006. The official capacity is listed as 2,500. Food & Beverage 2 The Pat provides the basic stadium staples you’d expect at a ballpark and also offers a couple of unique items like frozen daiquiris. The main concession stand and an ice cream cart are located under the grandstand and behind the home plate. Beyond the bleachers down the first baseline is a beer and daiquiri stand operated by Wise Guys Daiquiris (a local, independent vendor). While the variety of options is anything but unlimited, the basics are covered. Your main entree items will include a Chick-fil-A sandwich ($5), hamburger ($4), hot dog ($3), and nachos ($4). Snacks include popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pickles ($1), and assorted candy ($1). Specials such as pulled pork sandwiches and jambalaya are available and vary from game to game. There’s also an ice cream stand (Captain’s Tasty Treats) across from the main concession stand which offers up ice cream sandwiches and bars. The ballpark serves bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. One of the most unique items offered at The Pat is an assortment of daiquiris served up at the Wise Guys stand out in the right field concourse. Beer is also available for purchase, which is somewhat unique for a college ballpark. Atmosphere 5 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field provides a genuinely great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. Situated at the corner of the campus where the university meets the residential area, your view around the ballpark includes neighborhood homes and Strawberry Stadium beyond the outfield wall. The brick foul line walls and iron outer fencing add to the cozy ambiance of the ballpark. The new video scoreboard has enhanced the overall experience. It’s pretty unique to see a mid-major program with its outfield bullpen (of such high quality), which is located inside the left field wall and was constructed in 2012. Some additional signage and displays provide a “home” feel around the ballpark. Both dugouts have signage that displays the field name. The area underneath the grandstand behind home plate pays homage to significant Lion baseball players and coaches with banners hanging from the rafters. A display can be found on the wall listing the different Lions baseball players who have gone pro including Kirk Bullinger and Wade Miley. Post-season accomplishments are displayed including TAAC Championships and NCAA Regional appearances in both 1992 and 1994 and a College World Series berth in 1975. The layout of the stadium is a strength with box seats available under the main grandstand and just behind home plate. A new “party deck” area was developed down the first base line in the right field. In the upper level, chair backs are provided in the center of the seating area with bleacher seating on both sides. The bleacher seating along the third baseline typically features the younger crowd, including SLU student groups. Fans of the opposing team often sit on the first baseline side of the upper deck grandstand, across from the visitor’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 The city of Hammond is your classic small college town. While there isn’t a long list of attractions in the area, Hammond is home to a few great independent restaurants and you’ll find enough entertainment to keep you satisfied during a trip in town. For extended stays, both Baton Rouge and New Orleans are within driving distance (approximately an hour's drive). While in town, be sure to stop at Mariner’s Inn in the historic downtown area. This pub-style restaurant offers a bar area, a couple of tasty chowders, and an amazing ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ sandwich. Tommy’s on Thomas is another great stop for pizza, Buffalo breadsticks, and drinks. Some additional options include Brady’s Restaurant (order the club sandwich), Trey Yen (try the sweet and sour pork), and La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (fajitas are great). When it comes to attractions, Hammond doesn’t have a plethora of options, however, you’ll find a few decent college town bars and some family entertainment in the area. Check out The Red, White & Brew, and Wise Guys Daiquiris for a pre or postgame drink. If you are traveling with small kids, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a small, but fun break from the baseball action. If you have time for a 30-minute drive, the Global Wildlife Center offers a fun family safari adventure complete with feeding giraffes and other wildlife. There are several hotels in the Hammond area. If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast experience, check out the Historic Michabelle Inn & Restaurant. The Holiday Inn Hammond – Northshore offers a comfortable stay near I-12 and the Hammond Square Mall shopping center. Fans 4 The Southeastern Lions baseball fan base is continuing to grow with the success of the program. While fans are not the rowdiest you’ll encounter, most are friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable about baseball. The typical crowd for Southeastern baseball games ranges from about 900 to 1,200, depending on the match-up. It wasn’t long ago when the program struggled to bring in 250 consistently, but winning ways have Lion faithful feeling nostalgic about a program that had a successful run in the ’90s. Crowds will reach their peak against in-state rivals like Tulane, UL-Lafayette, and LSU, as well as in-state conference foes including Nicholls State, McNeese State, and Northwestern State. Lions fans get into the game during big plays and bad calls. The baseball program can be credited with starting the newest and most visible fan tradition at Southeastern, known as the “Lion Up.” Both hands make an L shape and are placed on both sides of the head. Access 4 Overall, access to Alumni Field is a breeze. There are a couple of pain points, but you shouldn’t experience many problems getting around the ballpark. Hammond is located at the intersection of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12. The ballpark is accessible from both, depending on the direction you’re arriving from. Your quickest route to the stadium is probably via I-55. Exit onto W. University Ave. and head east for about 1.75 miles until you reach the SLU campus. Turn right onto N. General Pershing St. and go about a half mile where you’ll then turn left on Western Ave. You’ll see the ballpark and parking garage connected to Strawberry Stadium. There are a few rows of ground-level parking behind the right field wall, but these spots will typically fill quickly and are in prime home run broken window territory. If you don’t mind a little longer walk, park on the first level of the parking garage or the ground lot around it (further out from the outfield wall). Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. The ticket booth is located at the end of the first baseline in the right field. As crowds have increased, so has the line at the ticket window. Be prepared for as much as a 15-minute wait to purchase tickets. The main entrance gate is on the first base side of the home plate. As a smaller, neighborhood ballpark, The Pat is constrained some by the surrounding homes and facilities. The concourses are typically wide enough to move around comfortably but can get a little congested as the concession line grows. The restrooms usually don’t have any lines but are a bit small for the typical crowd size. The foul line bleachers along both the first and third baselines don’t have clear aisles, so for bigger crowds, it can sometimes be a challenge to get up and down to your seat in these sections. Return on Investment 5 Considering the overall experience and atmosphere, it’s hard to top the return on your investment at The Pat. General admission for adults is $8 and $5 for youth (3-12). Chairbacks are available for $12 and the lower box seats are for $15. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. Extras 4 There are a few “extra” items at The Pat which significantly enhance the overall game day atmosphere: SLU does an outstanding job memorializing past accomplishments and great players. Several banners are hanging in the main concourse which honor former players and championships. The ballpark also has a starting lineup display, as well as the current conference standings. It’s a nice benefit to fans in the main concourse. While more and more college baseball programs move towards a synthetic turf playing surface, it’s refreshing to watch a small college baseball game played on a beautiful, well-kept, authentic grass playing surface. The program keeps the playing field in excellent condition. The brick foul line walls and decorative iron fencing add to the overall ambiance of the stadium. Many recent improvements have helped establish a truly classic ballpark feel. Finding beer at college baseball venues isn’t easy, much less frozen daiquiris. It’s a nice bonus that doesn’t get out of hand.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium 475 Deacon Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Wake Forest Demon Deacons website Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 31,500 Welcome to Deactown Along Tobacco Road, Wake Forest University joins Duke , North Carolina , and North Carolina State , v ying not just for prominence within the state of North Carolina, but also in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Wake Forest has a football history that dates back to the late 19th century – initially playing as an independent program starting in 1888, and then as a member of the Southern Conference beginning in 1936 until 1952, the Demon Deacons were charter members of the ACC when it was founded in 1953. Wake Forest has seen its fair share of highs and lows over the years. Despite being the smallest program in any of the Power 4 football conferences (the ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, and SEC), in recent years the Demon Deacs have shown the ability to hold their own in one of college football’s top conferences.   Food & Beverage   5 At first glance, the stadium concessions may seem rather standard, featuring several stands offering familiar options like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Given Pepsi’s popularity in the Carolinas, it is no surprise that this is primary beverage served at Allegacy Stadium, though several types of Gatorade are also available throughout. What is  a bit eye-opening walking around the concourse are the collection of food trucks along the exterior fence, which really gives fans a taste of the local fare. The food trucks at Allegacy Stadum include fried fish, gourmet hot dogs, soul food, wings, and paninis, while international foods include Greek, Nigerian, and Latin cusine, There is also a concerted focus on sweet treats, with Kona Ice, Chick-fil-A shakes, gourmet popsicles, and several flavors of kettle corn. Allegacy Stadium also has a well-stocked selection of alcoholic beverages, headlined by the Wake Forest and Fiddlin’ Fish collaborations “Roll the Quad” IPA and R&D Brewing light beer, “Deacon Brew”. Seltzers, premixed canned cocktails, wine, and hand mixed cocktails are also widely available around the stadium. Wake Forest does an excellent job at giving fans the basics when it comes to food and drink options, but then goes above and beyond with the numerous food trunks and extensive alcohol options.   Atmosphere   4 What would the college football experience be without tailgating? Wake Forest is no exception, with premade tailgating encampments set up and ready to go in the lots to the south and west of the stadium. The “do it yourself” tailgaters set up shop mostly along the grassy patches of the parking lot to the north, but several tailgating sites boast impressive arrays both in terms of size and the Wake Forest festive vibe. The tailgating scene here probably does not quite compare to some of the traditional southern football powers, but you can at least get a sense of this key pre-game tradition. Allegacy Stadium shares a similar structure to Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium , with slightly recessed sections running from the 30-yard line t o each end zone. Despite these structural similarities, the Deacon facility has its own unique features, including a strong use of brick, aligning with the high-class aesthetic of Wake Forest’s other athletic facilities and campus buildings. Deacon Hill, the grassy, tree-backed hillside in the southwest corner beneath the large videoboard, provides a picnic-like grassy area. However, unlike at minor league baseball stadiums, this area is not overrun by unsupervised groups of young fans. Between plays, interactive scoreboard features like the “Smile Cam” and logo shuffle game keep fans engaged. These features resemble those found in minor league baseball games, but do a good job filling downtime during the game. The Demon Deacon band, much like other collegiate marching bands, is also a big part of the in-game experience. The marching band’s smaller size, though, as well as the in-stadium music that plays over the stadium speakers, can tend to drown out the band during their interludes following first downs and big plays. Overall, Wake Forest offers a solid Power 4 college football experience, albeit just on a smaller scale. While the stadium’s off-campus location does take a bit away from the excitement, it is not an dealbreaker to the overall experience.   Neighborhood   4 Although Allegacy Stadium is located off campus, it sits within a cluster of Wake Forest’s other athletic venues, inclu ding the Wake Forest Tennis Center, David F. Couch Ballpark  (baseball), and Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum  (basketball). The Winston-Salem State Fairgrounds also neighbor the football stadium, which in part creates to bit of disconnect it from being a campus facility. The stadium is just three miles from Winston-Salem’s city center, where downtown’s 4th Street is lined with restaurants featuring sidewalk dining and multiple hotel options. Closer to the stadium is the Innovation Quarter, a hub of research and development that has re-purposed many former R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company buildings into breweries, restaurants, shops, and green spaces. The coming years will see a significant upgrade to the area just west of the stadium, as the section from University Parkway to the front steps of Allegacy Stadium will be developed into a mixed-use development to be called The Grounds  – this will undoubtedly add to the game day atmosphere that surrounds Allegacy Stadium. Winston-Salem definitely does not have a college town feel to it, but the Wake campus and its nearby athletic facilities do not make you feel as if you have the skyline of the city breathing down your neck, either.   Fans   3 Each side of Allegacy Stadium does appear to have patches of emptiness in terms of attendance, but when you take into account the large number of fans who sit on the grassy berm below the scoreboard, who would fill in many of these openings, on the whole I would say Deamon Deacon fans do a good job filling the venue. With an enrollment of just under 5,500 undergraduate students, Wake Forest is the smallest school in any of the Power 4 conferences. Despite the size of the student body, however, Wake students do their part showing up and filling the student section, but staying throughout the game is another story – as the game moves into the second half, the attendance in the student section definitely takes a significant hit. Fans are supportive of the Deacs and responsive to the ups and downs of the game, but it is disappointing, even in the midst of a tight game, to see the mass exodus of students following half time – this does take away from the overall atmosphere.   Access   3 Wake Forest University, not to be confused with Wake Forest, North Carolina, where the university was originally located, is a short drive from downtown Winston-Salem. The area is fairly well served by both local and regional transportation. The larger surrounding area has is known as The Triad, and includes Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro. Interstate access to Allegacy Stadium is as straightforward as can be, from I-85 to the south, I-73 or I-74 to the north, or I-40 from the east. Due to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene throughout western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, those heading east from western destinations will be significantly detoured due to interstate closures for the foreseeable future, until at least mid to late next year. When getting to and from Allegacy Stadium, as would be expected at just about any major sporting event, there will be delays involved. Your best bet is, if possible, to get there early and try to stay late. There is enough parking in the lots around Allegacy Stadium to leave just a short walk to the venue, and for those parking in the lots adjacent to the state fairgrounds, a tunnel goes under the road, so as not to impede traffic and also to protect pedestrians. Fans can enter the facility through any of the ten gates leading into the main seating area – this high number of entries gets fans in quickly, and limits backups getting into the stadium. The McCreary Tower entrance does create a bit tighter of a walkway, but nothing that feels overly crowded, although it does take some patience to navigate. For the most part, though, the concourse is rather wide open, especially along the northeast and southeast sides of the stadium.   Return on Investment   4 It is a bit difficult to pinpoint the overall return on investment for Deamon Deacons football, as much of the ticket price depends on the specific game on the schedule/that week’s opponent. Tickets for lesser conference rivals can be had for as low as $20, while bigger name teams or events such as Parents’ Weekend can start at $40 to $55 before fees. Parking rates, however, are consistent with other schools of this size at $30. There are also a handful of independent lots in the area that go for $20, and free parking is available at 2400 Reynolda Road with a shuttle to the stadium. Concession prices are consistent with what would be found at similar stadiums. The food truck offerings are a bit more expensive, but fans are paying for a higher quality of food there, and do receive decent-sized portions. While there might not be a top notch value week in and week out, given the varying ticket prices based on the opponent or promotion, there definitely is the ability to not have to break the bank to go to a Wake Forest football game.   Extras   5 Prior to gates opening, the Deactown Fan Zone at McCreary Plaza has inflatables to entertain young fans, a handful of vendors giving out free promotional items, and a refreshment trailer selling various beers and seltzers, as well as a large video wall to watch early games of interest. A live band also plays to entertain fans during pregame. Two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, the Deacon Walk through the plaza of McCreary Tower takes place – the start of the walk is signified by the revving of a motorcycle engine in the distance, as the band belts out the school’s fight song. Accompanied by the ruffles of cheer poms, the Deacon mascot then slowly leads the team into the stadium while passing trough the band, cheer squad, and fans. The main entrance through McCreary Plaza recognizes the Demon Deacons’ conference championships and bowl victories, with large displays and plaques of the box scores from the games. One of the most iconic buildings on Wake Forest’s campus is Wait Chapel – the chimes of the chapel’s bell, along with the revving of the motorcycle, are both played following big plays – this is a nice way to bring the campus feel into the stadium. Following the game, win or lose, the team gathers in front of the band and student section to pay tribute to the University by singing the alma mater. Winning does spark quite the on-campus celebration, however, as it has become tradition to roll the trees of the quad with toilet paper.   Final Thoughts The Wake Forest football game day experience is not one that will ever compete with the elite college football programs, but that seems to be just fine. What Wake does provide is a cozy atmosphere for college football – in a time when many football programs are focused on building the biggest and most impressive facilities, Wake has done well to focus more on providing a well refined college football experience in one of the most intimate settings in the country.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Trenton Thunder Ballpark One Thunder Rd Trenton, NJ 08611 Trenton Thunder website Trenton Thunder Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,150 Trenton Makes The Fans Take Since our last visits, a lot has changed in Trenton, New Jersey. For starters, the team and the rest of the minor league baseball world shut down for the 2020 season due to a worldwide pandemic. Then the Thunder's parent club New York Yankees switched affiliates to nearby Somerset, a move that was met with vehement objection from Trenton management. Major League Baseball cut off 42 teams to improve player development. The club opted to join the newly formed MLB Draft League instead of the independent Atlantic League. When it returned in the summer of 2021, it shared its ballpark with the displaced AAA Buffalo Bison and pushed the summer collegiate to the campus of Rider Univesity's Sonny Pittaro Field . When Trenton Thunder Ballpark (originally Waterfront Park) debuted in 1994, it ushered in an epoch of minor league ballparks in the state of New Jersey. The home of the Double-A Eastern League Trenton Thunder is a jewel of a facility that revived excitement back to the capital city and proved that the state was capable of hosting minor league baseball – its last venture was the Jersey City As playing in decrepit Roosevelt Stadium in 1978. Within seven years there would be seven more minor league stadiums constructed within the 8,729 square miles of the country’s most densely populated state. The saturation of other minor league ballparks has not diminished the crowds at the 6,150-seat stadium located next to the Delaware River. The Thunder continuously draws well. The $16.2 million structure set the standard for aesthetics and construction. Two other ballparks in the state, TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset and the now vacant Campbell’s Field in Camden share similar designs to Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Food & Beverage 5 The main concession stands Thunder Road and River Ave. Food Court showcase traditional ballpark fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and peanuts; however, there are also grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie dogs, corn dogs, fries served in a helmet, and pierogies. Deep-fried ice cream, Oreo churro bites, ice cream, water ice, and gelato are a few of the dessert selections at the park. Down the first base side is Fitch’s Place, a portable stand offering hoagies and barbecue favorites including pulled pork meatballs, pulled chicken, and pizza slices. On the opposite side is the Waterfront Grille offering grilled sausages, brats, cheesesteaks, and pork roll sandwiches. and Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries – French fries sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning. The Case’s Pork Roll Paradise stand is also very popular and a must-try for any out-of-towners to the ballpark. Pork roll is a regional delicacy invented in Trenton and traditionally served on a bun with egg and cheese; however, the Thunder offer some insane combinations that include the Thunderdog (a hot dog wrapped in pork roll and cheese) and the Pig Pen (mashed potatoes with pork roll, pulled pork, and crumbled bacon). My suggestion is to go traditional and get the Oink, Egg, and Cheese. As soon as you walk up the staircase of the main entrance Killarney’s on the Delaware bar offers cans and drafts of premium and domestic beers. The prices are not too bad as 16-ounce beers are $6.25 and 32-ounce beers are $9.50 – and that is for both local and domestic brands. Tuesday nights feature $2 Rolling Rock drafts. On the healthier side is the Horizon Healthy Plate section offering gluten-free items, salads, turkey burgers, and portobello mushroom sandwiches. This is not your normal ballpark food, but there will be plenty of patrons who appreciate being able to enjoy a baseball game and eat healthy at the same time. Atmosphere 4 Attending a game is still quite fun and there have been vast improvements to the park to enhance a visit that includes a modern 21 x 68-inch high-definition video board in right field, cup holders on every seat, and an expanded picnic area. However, the main entrance to the stadium remains the same – a simply elegant design featuring a brick exterior and green canopy. There are photos above the suites on the interior showcasing former New York Yankees Derek Jeter and Andy Petitte when they played during rehab assignments along with current stars Gary Sanchez and Brett Gardner. Also included is the sign “Welcome to Thunder Country,” a definite nice splash to make the ballpark stand out among other similar facilities across the state. Boomer and Cloudman are the club’s two mascots who are seen throughout the game. Boomer is based on the team’s original logo, while Strike is a thunderbolt. Both are very active and enjoyed by many kids in attendance. If you want to grab some merchandise, the team has a store located near the entrance, plus a few extra tables selling discounted items. There are many fantastic bargains with some great t-shirts selling for as low as $10. There is a children’s play area down the right field line. Also in this area is the Delaware River which may go unnoticed by many in attendance. It is sort of hidden behind the first base side of the facility. The team features bat dog Rookie who is the third generation of bat dogs for the team that began with his grandfather “Chase” in 2000. Neighborhood 2 The capital city of New Jersey has both its good and bad parts, and the area of the stadium is one of the nicer parts. Directly next to the stadium is Rho Restaurant, which also acts as a nightclub as the evening moves along. Rozmaryn Restaurant, Amici Milano, and the Shrimp Boat Restaurant are three local favorites in the city. The New Jersey State Museum offers rotating exhibits throughout the year. Across the river and a few miles away is the town of Yardley, Pennsylvania. The small downtown offers a couple of nice places: Vault Brewing Company and the Yardley Inn. Located in an old bank, the restaurant showcases many of the building’s original banking features like vaults, receipts, teller windows, and thick doors. Fans 4 They love their baseball in Trenton, as the team has been one of the better draws in the Eastern League. The average attendance has exceeded over 5,000 fans over the last decade and has been the lone successful professional sports entity in a city where hockey, basketball, and indoor football have failed on several occasions. This is the highest level of baseball in the state and the Thunder faithful not only value watching the game but enjoy watching future Yankees and the atmosphere at the ballpark. Access 3 ARM & HAMMER Park sits along the Delaware River in downtown Trenton. It is not complicated to get to, and there are various signs directing motorists from US-1 and Route 129, I-195, and from the NJ Turnpike, Route 295 and 29. The parking is $5 in multiple lots around the stadium and is well-lit and marked. Inside the stadium, the stands are split by a middle concourse, while the main concourse offers a multitude of both fixed and movable concession stands. The bathrooms are clean, easily accessible, and comfortable. Return on Investment 4 The Thunder offers $12 tickets in advance for both the 100 and 200-level seating sections; however, the price increases to $13 the day of the game. Kids ages 4-12 and seniors 60 years and up get in for a dollar less, while anyone with the military pay $8 for their tickets. Fans are not allowed to bring in any food to the game, but concession prices and promo nights keep prices low (dollar hot dog night, kids eat free nights, and Thirsty Thursdays). Extras 4 One extra point for the updated and diverse choice of food inside the ballpark. The team does not rest on its laurels and looks for ways to improve the game day experience. There is a lot to choose from and the team offers nice menu graphics for its locations at the park. Another point for the golden retriever bat dog that is now in its third generation of dogs who help out during the game. Another point for the Thunder becoming the Trenton Pork Roll on Friday nights. The promo is complete with merchandise and pork roll sandwiches for a buck at the concession stand. A final extra point for the amount of affordable team gear on various tables inside the main concourse. It is hard not to pick up an inexpensive souvenir during your visit. Final Thoughts The Trenton Thunder have played baseball for over 25 seasons in New Jersey. It seems like only yesterday that the team arrived and spearheaded a movement toward ballpark construction in the state. However, the ballpark still stands out as a beauty and provides a highly enjoyable baseball experience. The stadium is kept up well, offers diverse menu items, and provides a sound environment to make the place pop.

Photos by Steven Bieniek , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cashman Field 850 N Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89101 Las Vegas 51s website Cashman Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 9,334 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner When you think of Las Vegas, baseball is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Glitz, glimmer, neon lights, constant bells and whistles, gambling, expensive steak dinners, cheap steak dinners and anything in between is probably what you think about. Maybe you just think of the Hangover movies. Tucked away past the Strip and past Downtown, yet still on Las Vegas Boulevard is Cashman Field, home of the AAA affiliate of the New York Mets, the Las Vegas 51s. If you still want to associate your ideas of glitz and neon lights with this stadium, I would quickly change your thoughts. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage truly provides the surprise of the venue in both a good and bad way. Being in Las Vegas you may expect something extremely unique and over-the-top just because everything in Las Vegas is over-the-top. While you’re not going to find that specifically, what you will find is an extremely great variety. You’ll find individual stands for hand made tacos, freshly made Philly cheesesteaks, specialty hot dogs, Ben & Jerry’s and Dippin’ Dots. There are two main concession stands that have a very large menu that includes stadium favorites such as a variety of cheeseburgers, pretzels, french fries and loaded tots. Prices compare favorably with other minor league ballparks, especially considering you’re standing in a place where lone properties drop millions a day between gambling and food and beverage prices. The actual quality of everything is the only thing that kind of leaves you wanting a little more. All of the orders seem to just be on the lukewarm side at best; if not just plain out cold. Loaded tots are a fantastic idea; but nacho cheese has to be hot to make it great. Seeing there are a ton of places that you could eat before you go to the game within a few miles radius; eating at this ballpark still holds up considering price and selection. Atmosphere 3 Atmosphere and entertainment is right in the meaty part of the bell curve for a minor league ballpark. The ball club does the normal cute games in-between innings that include some Las Vegas flare, such as using oversized dice for people to try to roll the highest number. There are also a couple slot machines in the concourse where you can take a free spin to try to win prizes. Cosmo the mascot does a great job of keeping fans entertained and really creates a nice family atmosphere. The stadium and concourse is also nicely painted in 51s colors so you know exactly where you are at all times. Lastly, the field is positioned in such a way that you get a great view of the mountains in the distance which is one of the few times you’ll see something other than a ton of neon lights while in Las Vegas. If you’re in Vegas for any extended period of time, Cashman Field is really a great spot to take a break from the Las Vegas norm. Neighborhood 2 To put it bluntly, the neighborhood where the stadium is located is really not great. There isn’t really anywhere you’d want to walk outside of the stadium complex. The stadium is a fairly short drive from both Downtown and the Strip and that’s really the only reason you’d want to give the neighborhood a rating that is more than one star. Once the game starts and once the game is over, there is no reason to hang around the stadium. Fans 3 Las Vegas makes most of the money for the state of Nevada every year through tourism. As a result, you’ll find a lot of tourists at a 51s game. You’ll see plenty of locals that are also die-hard baseball fans and most likely, the tourists are huge baseball fans as well. Let’s face it, when you’re in the City of Sin, you have to be a huge fan of baseball to drag yourself away from the Strip. Since there are many tourists and the rest of the city is such a high energy city, 51s games are somewhat subdued, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The 51s fall into the same category as a lot of other minor league stadiums where many people go to just sit and enjoy the game and not yell and scream as loud as they can. Las Vegas is a city that seems to always try to distinguish between locals and tourists as well, but in this case, if you’re at the ballgame, it probably doesn’t matter which you are. Access 3 The stadium itself is pretty easy to get to. The stadium is just above the strip and downtown so it’s pretty easy to find and easy to park due to the huge parking lot that is accessible for just a small fee. However, if you’re a tourist and you haven’t rented a car in Las Vegas, you’d pretty much either have to take a cab or the bus. For anyone who hasn’t been to Las Vegas, you can get a cab at any hotel in Las Vegas, so getting to the stadium isn’t the problem. Traffic is a problem though so leave yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes if you’re leaving any time around rush hour. Getting back to your destination could be a slight issue though. After the game there are a few cabs waiting as they do at hotels, but once those are gone then there isn’t a lot of natural taxi activity in the area. The team does have a taxi phone outside the stadium, but it’s debatable on how long you have to wait. The stadium is not in the best part of town, so just make sure you know how you are getting back once the game is done. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 51s game is probably the cheapest thing you’ll do in Las Vegas. Tickets max out at $15, so great seats are easily attainable. The food, beer and parking are also fairly cheap considering that you’re at a AAA game and in Las Vegas. The baseball is played at a high level, the entertainment is pretty good and the experience itself could be really relaxing if you want it to be. Making the decision to take a night to go see the 51s is a no-brainer. Extras 2 One extra star goes to the stadium making the best seats in the house somewhere other than the first few rows behind home plate. It’s no secret; Las Vegas gets hot in the summer. The management at the 51s were smart enough to put misters underneath the overhang that is above the top 10 or so rows of the stands. One more star goes to the 51s in general for giving Las Vegas another option of entertainment other than shows and casinos. Final Thoughts Cashman Field is a great place to see a minor league baseball game. It doesn’t have many frills but in a town full of frills, all you really need is somewhere to relax and watch great baseball. This is easily achieved at Cashman Field. If you’re a local or on a prolonged vacation in Las Vegas, it would be one of the best investments you could make to go see the 51s. And to think, you could go see them for what it costs a lot of people to play one hand of blackjack.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chace Athletic Center 1150 Douglas Turnpike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs website Chace Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,000 Thrill of the Chace   The Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is a multi-purpose arena on the Bryant University campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Constructed in 2001, the facility was dedicated in honor of the Chaces in 2003 for their support of many financial initiatives at the school, from scholarships to senior class gifts and facility funding as Bryant expanded. Today the Center serves as home to the Bryant Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and women’s volleyball team.   Basketball has been played at Bryant University since 1963. The Indians, as the team was then known, originally competed at the NAIA level. In 1976 the team moved up to Division Two, joining the Northeast-10 conference in 1980. The university changed their nickname from the Indians to the more politically correct Bulldogs in 1995. In 2008 the university moved all their athletic teams to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference.   The Bulldogs moved to the America East Conference beginning with the 2022-2023 season. Bryan has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 2022. The qualified for seven NCAA Tournaments while competing in Division Two, reaching the title game in 2005.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small concession stand just outside the gym which offers a limited menu. Coca-Cola products, popcorn and a selection of snacks are sold here. In the past hot dogs and pizza slices were also sold but were not available on the night of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Atmosphere 3 The Chace Center is pretty typical of the smaller college basketball gyms that dot the landscape throughout the country. When a capacity crowd is present, this place can get LOUD. Even when the Chace Center is not fully packed, all the elements are here for a good time.   Fans who have not visited Bryant in a few years will immediately notice the new video boards that have been installed at either end of the court. These boards are put to great use with videos, replays, graphics and game information.   The Bryant pep band takes their place at the top of the bleachers on the west side of the gym, filling the gym with music. There are cheerleaders and a dance squad who perform throughout the game, as well as a mascot who roams the center interacting with fans. The PA announcer does his best to keep the energy level up, keeping his volume at 11 no matter what is going on in the game. During play stoppages fans take the court for shooting contests for prizes. A Bryant game can be a fun experience for visiting fans.   Neighborhood 3   Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location. The area near campus has built up a bit over the years, with a few choices for visiting fans who prefer to stay local.   There are a few dining options right near the Bryant campus on Route 7. Parente’s Restaurant, Blackies, and Laura’s Bar and Grill are popular spots. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of great grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options.   Speaking of lodging options, the story here is similar if visiting Bryant. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites and a SureStay Plus right near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln just a few minutes from Bryant. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away just over the Connecticut state line.   Fans 3   Bryant averages about 1,000 fans per game at the Chace Athletic Center, just below the average for the America East conference. Bryant is slowly carving out a niche as a solid third option in the Rhode Island college basketball scene, behind Providence College and the University of Rhode Island.   The fans who fill the Chace Athletic Center consist mainly of local hoops fans and alumni. With Bryant’s affordable pricing, it’s not unusual to see many families filling the stands here. The student section can be hit or miss, depending on the opponent, Bryant’s record, and the day of the week. The student section, which can be loud and salty at times, tends to empty out quickly after halftime. Despite Bryant’s reputation, this is not a hostile place for visiting fans.   Access 4   Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from downtown Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7.   Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away.   The gym at the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is just one of many features of the complex, which also contains a pool, aerobics studio and the Bryant Athletics Hall of Fame. Championship trophies and banners are scattered throughout the building’s lobby. In the hallway directly outside the gym are the concession stand and rest rooms. Lines can form at halftime, but are generally not an issue.   The seating areas at the CAC are located on either side of the gym, with no seats on the ends. One side of the gym has individual stadium seats, while the other has molded bleachers without backs. With the small size of the CAC gym, all seats have excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   There is a two-tiered pricing system at Bryant basketball games. Bleacher seats are sold for $15, with chairback seating priced at $25. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a trip to the Chace Athletic Center is an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 The Bryant Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Chace Athletic Center. In addition to trophy cases that display the hardware garnered by Bulldog squads over the years, there is an interactive electronic display for fans to check out.   Banners hanging inside the CAC gym honor Bryant tournament appearances and conference championship teams in all sports.   Final Thoughts   In tiny Rhode Island, Providence College basketball is king and University of Rhode Island basketball is a solid second. Bryant University is carving out a niche in the area with a more intimate, affordable gameday experience than their two Ocean State neighbors.     Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stephen Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Parc des Princes 24, rue de Commandant Guilbaud 70156 Paris, France Paris St Germain website Parc des Princes website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 48,527 Pyro in Paris The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris holds a lot of history, and this isn’t all about football. The stadium is named after the Monarch’s hunting grounds that it’s built on, it was initially opened as a multi-purpose venue on the 18th of July 1897. It hosted the final stages of the Tour de France for decades since 1902 and there were many athletic events. The national football team started official games at the Parc des Princes in 1905. After rebuilding the ground in 1932 it was also used as a velodrome, but the current venue’s history began in 1967 when General Charles de Gaulle decided that Parc des Princes only should be used for football and rugby matches. Architect Roger Taillibert got the task to create a unique stadium for both disciplines. The current Parc des Princes was inaugurated on the 4th of June 1972 and became one of the world’s most unique venues and was way ahead of its time. Underneath its concrete shell, it holds a double-tier stand that runs all around the ground. The stadium has a seating capacity of 48,712 spectators and has been the home of the French football club Paris Saint-German since 1973. Paris Saint Germain is the main tenant of the stadium and is one of the biggest football clubs in France. Together with Olympique Marseille, they have the most fanatic supporters in the country. The various supporter groups, known as ‘Ultras’ are divided into different parts of the stadium. In 1984 the stadium was host at the European Championship and also hosted the final between France and Spain (2-0). So the first major prize in French national team football history was won by ‘Les Blues’ at the Parc des Princes. The stadium also hosted matches for the World Cup 1998, the European Championship 2016. Next year the Parc des Princes will host the opening match of the Women’s World Cup 2019. Food & Beverage 3 Inside the stadium are food and drink counters on ground level and the walkway before entering the second tier. There is a lot of variety of sodas or coffee. At high-risk matches, no beer is served. The choice of food is limited; you can buy French fries, hamburgers, pre-made sandwiches, or just some candy. At half-time vendors are on the walkway selling only sodas to minimize big queues at the regular sales counters. Atmosphere 5 France is usually not reputed for the quality of its stadia, but the Parc des Princes is a good example of a vibrant atmosphere. The Parisian stadium has benefited from the presence of a concrete roof hanging partly over the second tier and therefore has great acoustics. The atmosphere in the Parc des Princes has often been described by away fans as ‘true hell,’ relating to the deafening noise that Paris Saint-Germain supporters produce on match days and the pyrotechnics that are smuggled inside the ground. Neighborhood 4 The Parc des Princes stadium is located in the southwest of Paris on the fashionable edge of Bois the Boulogne and just half a mile south of the French Open tennis grounds of Rolland Garros. In this part of the city, you can find big lanes and good-looking apartments. It’s one of the better areas in Paris and it’s safe to park your car here. Fans 5 The fans of Paris Saint Germain are very passionate and are known for making a very good atmosphere inside the ground. Every supporter's group is housed in their section of the ground. The most vibrant groups occupy both stand behind the goal, the Kop of Boulogne to the south and Virage Auteuil and Authentics to the north. Away fans are housed in some kind of cage in the northwest part of the stadium. This away section holds a capacity of 2,000 spectators. The biggest rivals of Paris Saint-German are Olympique Marseille. Matches between these two French giants are marred with crowd troubles most of the time. During these matches there are safety zones outside the stadium, large police forces separating the supporter groups and there are lots of tifo-actions (banners and pyrotechnics) in the stands. Access 4 The Parc des Princes is easily reachable by metro (subway). On match days it’s also advised by the club to use this way of transportation. Just leave the metro at station ‘Porte de Saint-Cloud,’ from there it’s just a five-minute walk to the ground. In case you travel by car, the address of the stadium is 24, rue de Commandant Guilbaud, 70156 Paris. If you are lucky you can park your car somewhere within half a mile radius of the stadium (street parking). Return on Investment 4 Football in Paris is expensive. For a home match of Paris Saint Germain in the league (Ligue1) against the smaller clubs (like Lorient, Caen or Guincamp) you can buy tickets from Euro 26,- (seat behind the goad) till Euro 170,- (seat in the center of main stand next to the director's box). When they play bigger league opponents the ticket prices will increase dramatically. It’s easy to buy your tickets for a home match with Paris Saint Germain. Tickets for the matches at the Parc des Princes can be bought via the club site www.psg.fr or brokers at regular prices at http://www.francebillet.com/ or www.ticketnet.fr . For the neutral spectator, visiting a match of Paris Saint Germain is more than just visiting an ordinary football match. It’s a great experience! Besides the action on the pitch, there is also plenty to enjoy from the stands. Extras 3 When leaving the metro station ‘Porte de Saint-Cloud’ there is a Mcdonald's restaurant at the roundabout. You can buy your drinks and food for less money than inside the stadium. The Parc des Princes stadium has been built above the Boulevard Périphérique, this is the main ring road through Paris. This is another feature that makes the stadium even more special. Final Thoughts When you are on a city trip in Paris and have seen the Eiffel Tower, La Louvre, the Sacre Coeur Dame, and all the other great highlights of the French capital and there is still time left, please consider a trip to the Parc des Princes stadium and attend a match of Paris Saint Germain. You will be moved by the great atmosphere inside the stadium, it will surely make your city trip even more worthwhile.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center Gymnasium 1031 Edgecomb Avenue York, PA 17403 Penn State-York Nittany Lions website Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,500 Another Penn State Penn State-York is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University located in York, PA approximately 1 hour north of Baltimore, MD, and 30 minutes south of Harrisburg, PA. There are a little more than 1000 full-time students who attend the university. The Pennsylvania State University is a geographically dispersed university with campuses located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Most people only know of the flagship University Park campus. Penn State-York teams participate as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The Nittany Lions are also a member of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). All members of PSUAC are Penn State Commonwealth campus with team nicknames such as Lions, Roaring Lions, and Nittany Lions. York's teams use the Nittany Lions name. It seems like it could get confusing at times. Many people do not realize that York, Pennsylvania is rich in history as it was the   first capital of the United States , the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and where the words “The United States of America” were first spoken. We attended the venue during a men's and women's doubleheader and the images are from the women's action. The experience should be the same no matter what game you attend. Food & Beverage 3 There is no permanent concession stand, although vending machines and a table selling simple food offerings for less than $5. Atmosphere 3 The arena is a small gym that is similar to many high school gyms. Because of the small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. Neighborhood 3 Penn State York is located in York, Pennsylvania.  York, known as the White Rose City, is the county seat for York, Pennsylvania.  The college is located in the southern portion of York in an industrial portion of the city.  It has easy access to Interstate I-83.  York City hosts many attractions including the Harley-Davidson regional factory, a minor league baseball team named the   York Revolution , the York Barbell Hall of Fame, and a vibrant downtown area including markets, museums, and music venues. The city of York has only 43,000 residents;  you can see many of the sites in and around the city over a short period.  There are many historical sites to see such as the Bridge Diorama in Wrightsville, the Haldeman Mansion, and the Myers Mansion.  Also, in nearby Lancaster, you can visit the Strasburg railroad and Pennsylvania Amish attractions. There are many quality places to eat in York, however, many are not within walking or close driving distance to the college.  The White Rose Bar and Grill is a popular choice among locals and is located in the downtown part of York.  Also, a 15-minute drive from the campus is Wyndridge Farms.  The restaurant contains a brewery and is located inside a renovated barn overlooking the York County countryside. Fans 3 There were a decent number of fans in attendance and they were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 3 Penn State York is approximately two miles from Interstate 83 near South Queen Street. The Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center is located at the back of the campus off Albemarle Street. Visitors should park in the Student Lot outside the M.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend a game at Penn State-York and the parking is free. Even the sim ple concessions are cheap so the value is very good. . Extras 2 The gymnasium has nice windows where you can view some of the game from both the main floor as well as the floor above. There is a nice display of Penn State-York's athletic history in the building's lobby. Final Thoughts The simple gymnasium at Penn State-York is a fun place to watch a game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wells Fargo Arena 233 Center St Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Barnstormers website Wells Fargo Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 15,181 Storming the Arena Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA is a multipurpose venue that opened in 2005 and holds about 16K fans depending on what type of event is going on. The facility hosts a lot of concerts, but in addition, three different sports teams call this venue home, namely the Iowa Wild of minor league hockey, the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League, and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League. Food & Beverage 4 There are a lot of different concessions options at Wells Fargo Arena – pizza slices are available from one stand, while Stu’s Bar+B+Q offers items beyond barbecue, including fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and Graziano sausage (a local favorite in the Des Moines area). Stu’s also offers cheese curds, which makes sense given the state’s proximity to Wisconsin. Options from other vendors include Nathan’s hot dogs and Johnsonville brats, and there is also a Totally Rolled ice cream stand as well as a Chick-fil-A stand. You can also find burgers at yet another stand (in addition to chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches if you don’t want the ones from Stu’s or Chick-fil-A). Corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cake round out the selection here, and you can also find all the typical side items like popcorn, packaged candy, Dippin’ Dots, chips, fries, etc. Drink options include beer, soda, bottled water, and strawberry smoothies – several stands only sell beer, and you can also find the seemingly ubiquitous convenience store type-stand with its huge selection of canned drinks. There are plenty of small tables dotted around the concourse if you want to eat your food or drink your drink at those before heading back to your seat. Note that not every concession stand at Wells Fargo Arena is open during Iowa Barnstormers games (you will see a few closed ones), but what is there should be more than enough to satisfy. There are also roaming vendors selling vodka lemonade and cotton candy in the stands themselves if you don’t want to walk to the concessions during the game. Atmosphere 3 A few football stadiums have cowbells, like Mississippi State football, and this is one of them – the cow bells are undoubtedly the most notable sound you will hear throughout the game. There are also plenty of fan contests like pedal car races and football tosses, and the staff tosses out t-shirts as well. The turf itself looks quite sharp with its alternating light green and dark green stripes and bright colors, and the field looks brand new, unlike a lot of arena football stadiums you may have been to. In addition, the team takes the field accompanied by strobe lights, smoke, and a group of motorcycles from a local club. But the best part of the atmosphere is probably the mascot – in the theme of the team’s name, the Iowa Barnstormers mascot fits the part beautifully – dressed as an old-timey prop plane pilot (think crop dusters). Neighborhood 3 There are plenty of restaurants and hotels near Wells Fargo Arena, which is located in downtown Des Moines right next to the river. One great local option is Pho 888, a Vietnamese restaurant about a mile from the arena – it might look like a dive from the outside, but the food is authentic. If you are looking to take in another sporting event while in Des Moines, the hockey and NBA G League seasons are likely over by the time indoor football rolls around, but you might be able to catch a horse race at Prairie Meadows if you time it right. Fans 2 There are not many fans at Iowa Barnstormers games, so the venue looks pretty empty even though the upper level is curtained off. Nevertheless, you will still hear a lot of noise from the cowbells I mentioned early, so the venue doesn’t seem quite as empty as it looks. You can also buy team gear inside the arena if you want some Barnstormers swag. Access 4 Parking right across the street from Wells Fargo Arena costs $10, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. Thanks to the myriad concessions stand which are open, you will also find very short lines (if you have a line at all) when getting your food and drink, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd. Getting to the venue is also very easy, as there is not a lot of traffic, even close to rush hour; I-235 goes right by the arena, either from the east or west. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest tickets to Iowa Barnstormers games run $18 when you buy at the door; you may end up paying a little more than that with fees if you buy online, so you can save a little money if you wait since the arena will not be sold out. Parking is reasonable at $10, and there are plenty of lower costs concessions options. All that said, the lack of fans does mean there is a lack of energy compared to some other IFL venues. However, it is an enjoyable night out, and you do get to keep the ball if it happens to come into the stands near you. Extras 2 There are TVs in the hallways so you can keep track of the game while getting something to eat, and there are beautiful views of the river from the huge windows along the hallways of the different levels.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Weserstadion Franz-Böhmert-Str. 1 Bremen, Germany 28205 SV Werder Bremen website Weserstadion website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 42,354 The Weserstadion I love Bremen... but it didn’t start well. It’s a cold and grey winter day. I have just 24 hours to discover what makes the Weserstadion a German favourite and ascertain what this gritty north-western port city has to offer. As I arrived on my train from Hamburg, an impressive ‘up and coming’ city, Bremen refused to entice or court me with any obvious landmarks, style, or allure. Outside the Hauptbahnhof (central station), six lanes of tram tracks, buses, and cycle paths on the pavements each sought to end my visit to Bremen before it began. A less than salubrious onward walk plus a shifty looking ‘room-mate’ in my hostel and I’m considering surfing the net for an early flight home. At this point, I’m concluding that if a football team mirrors its city’s characteristics then Werder Bremen, or the ‘green-whites’ as they are known, will be an uncompromising and feared opponent. The first sight of their 40k-plus stadium, nestled on the north bank of the River Weser however reveals such an imposing and classy grandeur that it’s clear there’s far more to Bremen than first meets the eye. History suggests the same, whilst WB has struggled recently, with their better players poached by newest rivals Schalke, they’ve only once not been eating at the ‘Bundesliga top table.’ Their 4 league titles, 6 cups, and a 1992 European Cup Winners Cup win make them one of Germany’s top clubs. The Weserstadion, their home patch since 1909 is full for most games. Food & Beverage 3 Eating and drinking at the stadium is an intrinsic part of the German football experience. A ‘beer and bratwurst’ is mandatory. If you buy inside the ground remember to first acquire (and load with cash) a ‘Werder Card.’ Then use the card for all purchases at the various catering outlets. As a UK supporter, this seems an unnecessary additional transaction and another queue to ‘enjoy’ but it is normal across Europe and you can buy outside if it bothers you. Outside the ground, catering stalls can be found behind the north stand (Gates 4-8) and behind the west stand (Gate 11), providing the usual sustenance options. Back inside ‘Hunger & Durst’ catering outlets provide bratwurst (a mild smoked pork sausage) at 3.30 Euros, currywurst at 3.50 Euros, and krakauer (a smoked and cured sausage with garlic) at 3.30 Euros. You can get some brezel (a glazed brittle biscuit) for 2.50 Euros and for some matches, they also have some frikadelle im brotchen (Meatball rolls). Hunger & Durst also provides a variety of drink options: soft drinks come in at an expensive 4.20 Euros, coffee 2.50 Euros, and Becks and Haake Beck (a low alcohol version) are 4.30 Euros. In the south stand, drinks can also be purchased from a supporter’s bar that does a brisk business serving Becks into special club-branded containers which you can keep as a memento or return and get some cash back. If you’d like to avoid queuing for a werder card, then try offering a supporter 5 Euros cash at the bar and use their card, job is done. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at the stadium is positive, even when Werder is experiencing a tough season. With only a small ‘away’ allocation it is left to the home fans to make the majority of the noise. Weserstadion has hosted international football but was sadly overlooked as a venue for the 2006 World Cup. A recent interview with former player Sandro Wagner suggested playing at the Weserstadion “still makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.” The ground has been developed many times over the years; football was played here as far back as 1909. The most recent upgrades began in 2008 and have bequeathed an impressive stadium. A request to add a third tier however proved too costly. If that were to ever go ahead this really could be up with the best grounds in the world. A ground with no real ‘bad views,’ the playing surface was lowered during the last renovation which helps sight lines and gives a ‘close to the action’ feel, lacking when the ground had an athletics track in years past. Two LED video screens provide the information you need including ‘goal flashes’ from other Bundesliga games, this adds to the atmosphere as relegation rivals' goals are jeered and, when they concede, cheers. The unique features of the ground are the floodlights. Sixty-one metres high, peering down into the ground like ticketless schoolboys striving to get a view of the action. The other unique string in the Weserstadion is environmental; the stadium website explains best: “The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system, which consists of a total of 200,000 solar cells and blends harmoniously into the construction concept. The system covers an area of ​​more than 2 football fields and generates up to one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This efficient use of renewable energies significantly reduces CO2 emissions and thus relieves the burden on the environment." Neighborhood 4 The Weserstadion is southeast of central Bremen, however, it’s by no means an ‘out of town’ ground. The size of Bremen means that the use of the trams or buses isn’t necessary during a visit but of course, they’re available if needed. Location means a lot to football fans, being able to walk from your city centre to the ground and straight back afterward is an attractive component of a fan’s match day experience. Three main areas are recommended to be explored during a visit; Viertel, Schlachte, and Alstadt. Viertel is an upmarket area with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you stay in central Bremen it’s on the way to the ground as well. Coffee Corner (on the corner of Vor dem Steintor & Am Dobben) does exactly what it says on the packet and is great for people watching too! Further east along Vor dem Steintor is Bellini’s, a great Italian restaurant that shows Sky Sports. Schlachte has several bars and restaurants overlooking the River Weser. With Beck’s factory on the opposite bank, seemingly looking over your shoulder, you’ll feel bad ordering anything else (nonalcoholic versions available). Red Rock bar provides a lively atmosphere and shows the Bundesliga Friday night match. You can visit the Beck’s factory by the way and of course, the tour involves a little sampling. Altstadt (old town) is impressive and by day you need to tick off the town hall and Roland statue, both UNESCO world heritage sites, and St Petri Dom (cathedral) in the market square. Seek out the Spitzen Gebelin bar in a side street adjacent to the square, a 14th Century gothic townhouse, badly damaged in World War II. A trail you could take heads from the Aldstadt to Viertel then on to the Weserstadion. Stroll from the marketplace through the delightful windy lanes of Schnoor, numerous craft shops and bars are well worth a visit. Then head to Tandour restaurant, highly recommended by the locals, before continuing along Am Wall for the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery featuring Rembrandt and Rubens no less. Then it’s the Theatre am Goetheplatz (however if it’s theatre you want the Theaterschiff, a theatre on a boat moored on the River Weser is worth experiencing). Continue along Am Wall, it’s a road that also provides some interesting street art and graffiti. The road becomes Ostertorsteinweg and that’s where the Irish bar Hegarty’s can be found. Deceptively large, there is a great atmosphere with the standard Irish singer and his guitar. At this point on the walk you are back to Coffee Corner and the Viertel area, another recommended bar here is Bermuda, especially when it's happy hour. Then continue to the Taubenschlag to meet the fans. Accommodation-wise, Townside Hostel is more than adequate (just up the road from Coffee Corner), but the City Ibis at 60 Euros a night might be more to your liking. Worth noting the Bremen tourism website is excellent and a must-visit if you are going to come to Bremen. Fans 4 Werder has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base that is proud of its Hanseatic status. The numerous ultra-groups add spice of course, many of whom drink in the Taubenschlag and other nearby bars just up the Auf Dem Peterswerder from the ground. Rivals of old are the mighty Bayern Munich, local rivals are Hamburg, and the newest addition to the list of rivals is Schalke. Capacity at the Weser is 42,100 and Werder fans' regular support means they average over 40,000 per match each season. The fans behind the goal on the east side of the ground (Ostkurve) make most of the noise, choreographed by a new loud hailer. This area of the ground is standing and the chants keep coming, the most spine-tingling when they call out ‘Werder’ and the west stand replies with ‘Bremen,’ over and over again. Then add all the usual songs and tunes you’d expect. As a fan from England, it’s always great to hear the Germans singing ‘Football’s Coming hHome’ which they do heartily before the game begins. A goal for the home side is followed by the sound of a fog horn and then ‘The Proclaimers” are blasted out on the tannoy singing 500 Miles, random but brilliant. Access 4 The size of Bremen means you don’t necessarily need to use the trams or buses once during your visit, but of course, they are there and available to use if needed. There are various ways to get to the Weserstadion; Walk – One route to get to the stadium is to walk along the Weser River, just 1 kilometre from the Aldstadt. The ground gradually comes into view and for night games those impressive floodlights beckon you in. Boat - One better than that would be to arrive by boat, prices from as low as 3.50 Euros and you can board from various locations – more info on the Bremen Tourism website Tram - Better to be in a tram than under one, so you can take the number 3 to the Weserstadion stop. Car - Cars are restricted near the ground however beyond that try north of the ground or use one of the parks and rides. Train – It’s a 40-minute walk from Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Fly – Bremen airport is very close to the city center so that’s your plan a. If you fly into Hamburg airport, it’s a 20-minute train ride into Hamburg Hauptbahnhof followed by an hour train to Bremen. Tickets can be purchased online from the club website and if you are on the ball, they are no problem to purchase. Once in the concourse areas, toilets and catering facilities are all within easy reach. If you have specific access issues then contact the club before you visit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range in price depending on the category of the game. For a category 2 game expect to pay between 30-50 Euros with terrace tickets even cheaper. Buy online from the club website which includes a print-at-home option. Overall a trip to Bremen is good value. The Bundesliga is still cheaper than the English Premier League and often the atmosphere eclipses its UK counterpart. The Proclaimers' song played after the Bremen goal is worth the admission fee alone. Of course, it’s not cheap. We all know that lower down the football ‘food chain’ there are grassroots clubs that provide a warm welcome at a tenth of the price. However, in its context and maybe with a match where there are a higher number of traveling fans, the Weserstadion will be rocking and you wouldn’t be worrying too much about the amount you spend. Extras 3 Museum – There is a club museum within the north stand. Make time to visit if you can. Tours – Similarly if you are in Bremen for a few days you can book a tour of the stadium. Programme – Full colour, A4, 36 pages, and surprisingly good for mainland Europe, which isn’t noted for its programme par excellence. Final Thoughts Bremen is an open-minded, honest, and traditional city, and the football stadium and the team share those features. After an enjoyable week in Hamburg, enemy territory for Bremen fans, followed by an inauspicious introduction to the city, I leave with a heavy heart. Why? Because this place gets under your skin. Yes, there are fewer ‘bright lights’ than in Hamburg, but gems like the Market Square, the Schnoor and the huge mural of an old couple looking out on the city from the corner of Auf Den Hafen and Eduard-Grunow Starbe are irresistible. Then there is the walk along the river Weser towards the stadium, which is hugely evocative. From almost a kilometre away you can see it’s special, but as you get closer and closer its imposing shape and positioning do impress. I met a proper Bremen fan too, humble, fun and so welcoming that I’m not leaving early, I’m left wishing I could stay a while longer, and you will too.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Franklin Community Gym 2600 Cumberland Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,758 Home of the Grizzly Cubs It has been a century since the town of Franklin celebrated its first state championship and the team that captured it would become so famous they would be coined the Franklin Wonder Five. The team began playing together in elementary school and under the tutelage of head coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner would win five straight championships at both the high school and collegiate levels. The school won three state championships in a row from 1920-1922. They would dispatch Lafayette, Anderson, and Terre Haute Garfield by combined scores of 92-50 at the state finals. The championship-winning team put the small town on the map and its legacy continues to this day. That state championship team became known famously as the Franklin Wonder Five which played together first in elementary school and went 104-10 during its four years under coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner. The Wonder Five would graduate and play at Franklin College where it captured the 1923 and 1924 Indiana State Collegiate Champions defeating powerhouses such as Illinois, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin during a 50-game winning streak. The next season the team was Indiana State Collegiate Champions. That was five straight championships for the Wonder Five and their exploits captured the fancy of not just Indiana but around the country. The cagers put Franklin on the map and both the high school and university use the Grizzlies nickname in honor of coach Wagner. The team’s legacy continues 100 years after its first championship-winning season websites and Twitter pages have been created to honor these men. The Grizzly Cubs have captured 46 sectional championships, 12 regional championships, and 6 semi-state championships in its history. The school made it back to the finals in 1939, 1973, and 1974 but lost both times. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the main lobby near the entrance to the gym and offer the usual food items that can be found at most gyms in the state of Indiana. However, the prices are somewhat on the cheaper side. Pretzels are $3, hot dogs are $2 (chili cheese dogs are $3), popcorn and candy are $1, and nachos are $2 (super nachos $3 with sliced jalapenos). Coca-Cola products are available for $2. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium looks a lot different than many of its contemporaries and that is because it is among the most modern in the state having been built in 2007. The 2,758-seat gymnasium offers fans seating on all four sides of the court with some of the seating a few inches away from the foul lines. The seating is made up of blue plastic seats and the fans are close to the action no matter where they sit for a game. The walls are decorated with multiple championship signs won by the various school programs but the basketball state titles won by the Wonder Five are blended in with the rest of the championships–these guys need three separate banners hanging from the rafters, they are that legendary. However, the outside lobby has three giant pictures honoring these fellows along with the three other teams that were state finalists in 1939, 1973, and 1974. The main lobby is also quite impressive and is home to the Grizzly Cub Walk of Fame which is home to accolades and past players who made their mark in athletics at the school. There are also two ticket booths leading up to the lobby that provides an old-school feel to the very modern building. Neighborhood 4 Franklin, Indiana is situated about 30 miles south on US-31 and the high school itself is about 3 miles northwest of downtown. Downtown offers plenty of options and includes eateries such as Court Street Cafe, Bojak’s Bar & Grille, Jefferson Street Pub, and Shale Creek Brewing Company. The Historic Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and restored to its former glory. The movies are of the older variety and cost just $6, but a few nights feature beer or wine included in your $10 ticket price. For more history, visit the Johnson County Museum of History during its hours of business from Monday to Saturday. Fans 4 At the game of this review, the student section made its presence felt like each member dressed in jeans and flannels as a sign of unity–perhaps it was to honor the 1990s grunge era, but the look was also mimicked for the away student section who also made an impact on the atmosphere with similar garb on the opposite side of the court. The rest of the fans made a lot of noise themselves cheering on their Grizzly Cubs in a tightly contested battle with rival Whiteland. A lot of them have been coming to games for years and can tell you a few stories about the program dating back a few decades. Access 3 The high school and gymnasium are located about a mile west of US 31 which itself is a few miles west of I-65. There is plenty of parking for the gym and the main lobby consists of concession stands, bathrooms, and a Walk of Fame. The seating itself offers four separate stands with various aisles in the middle offering access to your particular seat. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $6 and is on par with other high school basketball gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. The price of a hot dog is $2 and super nachos loaded with pickled jalapenos are $3. There are also free athletic programs and scorecards at the entrance of the lobby. Extras 3 The gymnasium earns a point for its aesthetically pleasing ceiling that provides a spectacular backdrop for the action underneath the net. The gym gets a second point for its main lobby which is modern and offers fans concession stands, championship team photos, and the Walk of Fame. The last point is for the lighting and sound system that provides a polished feel to the game. Final Thoughts There is much to enjoy at a Grizzly Cubs game and the size of the gymnasium alone makes for a spirited atmosphere even if the crowd is not at full capacity. It’s modern, comfortable, clean, and unlike most other buildings of its kind for high school hoops in the state of Indiana. Franklin is not too far off the main roads and interstates and its charming little downtown makes for a nice little weekend treat for your basketball pleasure.

Photo by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jim Perry Stadium 76 Upchurch Ln Lillington, NC 27546 Campbell Fighting Camels website Jim Perry Stadium website Year Opened: 1940's / Rebuilt in 2013 Capacity: 1250 Home Of The Camels Jim Perry Stadium, formerly Taylor Field, dates back to the 1940s when Campbell was a junior college. The stadium is named for Jim Perry, former Campbell player and Cy Young Award winner in 1970. However, the stadium as it stands today was constructed in 2011-12. These renovations included a new grandstand and press box, new dugouts, a ticket booth, a restroom, and concession facilities. The stadium was officially dedicated on March 26, 2013, as Campbell defeated Duke 6-3. More upgrades took place in 2017, which included the Jim and Daphne Perry Pavilion above the third base dugout which has new chairback seating, a viewing deck, locker rooms, and offices for the baseball staff. Jim Perry Stadium served as the home of the Houston Astros Class A affiliate in 2017-2018 while their new ballpark was being built in Fayetteville, NC. With this agreement, the Astros provided a new synthetic turf surface and a new 35 x 42-foot video board for Jim Perry Stadium. The ballpark now seats 1250 fans and is one of the nicest ballparks in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).   Food & Beverage 4  For what is a relatively small ballpark, Jim Perry Stadium offers a good variety of concessions. These offerings include chicken sandwiches, beef hot dogs, pizza, nacho, hot pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and cotton candy. There are a couple of items that you should try: the Creek Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with cole slaw, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions; as well as the certified Angus beef cheeseburger. Both of these are grilled on-site and are delicious!   Beverage options include Pepsi products and bottled water. As Campbell is a Baptist-affiliated University, there are no alcoholic beverages offered.   Atmosphere 3  Jim Perry is a brick facility that has grandstand seating running from dugout to dugout. The three sections behind the plate are chairback, while the sections directly adjacent to the dugout are benchback. Above the Campbell dugout on the third base line is the Jim and Daphne Perry Pavilion with four rows of chairback seating and a viewing platform with picnic tables and umbrellas. There is additional seating in an area called “the Hump”, which is tiered seating on a grass hill down the right field line and in the outfield. There is a large video board in right field, that shows the line score and other in-game graphics. However, there are no video replays shown. One thing that we noticed in our recent visit was that the PA announcer is extremely quiet when announcing batters. The playing surface is all turf, and a large Camel logo is in the centerfield.   If you have a choice, we recommend sitting in the chairback seats above the third-base dugout. They are elevated and offer a great view of the field. However, if you are attending an afternoon game, the sun will be in your eyes, so you may want to sit somewhere else.   Neighborhood 2  Campbell University is located in the tiny town of Buies Creek, NC, between the larger towns of Lillington and Dunn on US 421. Its population is just over 2,000. Other than a couple of fast food places on campus (Chick-fil-A, Moe’s Southwest Grill), there is not much else to choose from. If you are looking for somewhere to eat or stay, our recommendation is to take the short drive to Dunn. It is located on I-95 and has a few restaurants and hotels to choose from. The larger cities of Raleigh and Fayetteville are approximately 30 miles away in either direction and offer many more activities if you desire.   Fans 4  Campbell baseball is in the midst of its most successful run in program history, making the NCAA Tournament in each of the last five seasons. Therefore, fan support is at an all-time high. While games may not always sell out, one can expect a crowd of 800-1000 for most games. Games against local rivals ECU, UNC, and NC State almost always sell out, so we recommend buying tickets for these games ahead of time.   Access 5  Access to Jim Perry Stadium is a breeze. Since Buies Creek is such a small town, there is almost no traffic when approaching Campbell’s campus. The stadium sits on campus adjacent to Gore Arena  so it is not hard to find at all. Parking is plentiful in the lot behind the scoreboard.   The ticket office and main entrance are located on the first base side. Once inside the stadium, there is a sidewalk that goes around the stadium. The restrooms and concessions are also located on the first base side. The concession line can get backed up for games with big crowds. There is a large walkway in front of the grandstand seating, and there are a few places for the handicapped to sit. There is also a grass walkway on the third base side that leads to tiered seating on a grass hill around the right field foul pole.   Return on Investment 4  Tickets for most games range from $7-$15, while games against local rivals such as UNC and ECU are $10-$20. Children 12 and under can get in for free if they sit on “the Hump”. Concession prices are not bad and parking is free. Overall not a bad deal for a team that is always near the top 25 and making NCAA regionals.   Extras 1  One extra point for the several Camel graphics around the ballpark, and the “Woop Woop” (from the Geico camel commercial) when Campbell hits a home run.   Final Thoughts While Jim Perry Stadium is a relatively smaller college stadium, it is the perfect size for Campbell baseball. In the baseball-rich state of NC with several ranked programs within a couple of hours of Buies Creek, Campbell Baseball is carving out its niche with the recent success of the program. We recommend a trip to Buies Creek to see the Campbell Camels!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Newport Casino 194 Bellevue Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Infosys Hall of Fame Open website Tennis Hall of Fame website Year Opened: 1880 Capacity: 3,900 (Bill Talbert Stadium) The International Tennis Hall of Fame The Newport Casino, located in the seaside resort city of Newport, Rhode Island, is the home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For one week every summer since 1976 it serves as the home of the Hall of Fame Open Tennis Tournament. The tournament is the only grass court tournament played outside of Europe, as well as the only grass court tournament held after Wimbledon. The Hall of Fame Open is annually held the week after Wimbledon. The culmination of the tournament coincides with the induction of the year’s Hall of Fame inductees. Beginning with the 2022 Tournament, the international information technology company Infosys entered into an agreement to become the title sponsor of the tournament. Despite the name, the Newport Casino has never been involved with gambling. The word “casino” originally denoted a small country villa, summer house or social club. The Newport Casino, however, does have its origin because of a bet. Per legend, James Gordon Bennett Jr., the publisher of the New York Herald, bet his polo partner, Captain Henry Augustus Candy, that he wouldn’t ride his horse onto the porch of the Newport Reading Room, the city’s premier gentleman’s club of the time. Candy proceeded to ride his horse right through the club, resulting in the revocation of both men’s memberships. Bennett then purchased a plot of land to build his own club. The new club opened in 1880 and soon became the center of fancy Newport society. Designed to include a theater, tennis courts, bowling alley, storefronts, restaurants, a billiards club, reading rooms and more, it was said by the Newport News “it is doubtful if a more lively place can be found.” The first U.S. Open Tennis Championships were held here annually until 1914, when the tournament, which had outgrown tiny Newport, was moved to Forest Hills, NY. In the 1950s the Casino was in danger of demolition to make way for a strip mall. The then-president of the Casino, Jimmy Van Allen, decided that tennis needed a place to honor its greatest figures and history. Thus, the National Tennis Hall of Fame was born, becoming the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986. The Casino remains today as a fine example of Victorian Shingle Style architecture. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions are sold in a dedicated area near the entrance to the casino on the northern edge of the complex. Catering for the tournament is provided by local company Russell Morin Catering. The menu is an eclectic mix of arena standards and unique items. The prices are a bit on the high side, but the quality is excellent. In addition to your standard burgers and dogs, hungry tennis fans can choose from a selection of sandwiches, including a turkey club, a chicken salad and a vegan bahn mi wrap. Grain bowls filled with quinoa and wild rice and arugula or chopped salad made of pepitas, sunflower seeds and roasted vegetables can be augmented with salmon or chicken. Of course, we’re in Newport, known for its high-quality, fresh seafood, so lobster rolls are featured on the menu. Portable carts scattered throughout the grounds sell Del’s Frozen Lemonade, a Rhode Island favorite and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at the concession tents. Fans who plan ahead and bring their own re-usable water bottles will be rewarded with several filling stations throughout the facility, where they can refill their bottles at no charge. A separate tent sells adult beverages, including beer from several local breweries, wine and mixed drinks. Atmosphere 5 You wouldn’t necessarily think of a tennis tournament in the high-society city of Newport at a former social club to be a family-friendly event, but the Hall of Fame Tournament puts on a show with plenty to entertain all members of the family. In addition to the tennis going on in every corner of the facility, there are plenty of activities to keep younger and casual fans entertained. Right when you enter through the gates of the Casino, you’ll see several tents set up with tennis-themed vendors hawking their wares as well as games to test your tennis skills. A speed serve booth and target booths were popular destinations. You might even see a pro or two trying their luck. The Casino’s famed horseshoe court is transformed into a recreation area, with cornhole and giant Jenga available for play. Bean bag chairs and tables are scattered throughout the area where fans can take a break from the action and enjoy some refreshments. Of course, the Hall of Fame Museum is located here as well. Hanging at the Horseshoe Court at Newport Casino, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey The action at Stadium Court is geared to entertain tennis aficionados and casual fans alike. Between matches there are games for the kids in attendance, such as the classic “dress up like a pro” race. Interviews with the victors can be heard throughout the Bill Talbert Court, and the players hit autographed balls into the stands. Players have scheduled autograph times during the tournament as well. Neighborhood 5 Newport is known as one of New England’s premier summer tourist destinations . The Newport Casino is located close to many of the city’s historic attractions, including the Gilded Age mansions, Touro Synagogue (the first synagogue in the United States), and St. Mary’s Church (best known as the site of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding in 1953). The Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile-long trail which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Easton Beach on one side and the Newport Mansions on the other, is just a few blocks from the Casino. Fort Adams State Park and Brenton Point State Park are a short drive from downtown Newport. A drive along Ocean Drive is a must for any visitor. If visiting Newport from out-of-town, a trip to the Brick Market will certainly be on your itinerary. This mile-long stretch of waterfront from America’s Cup Avenue to Thames Street is ground zero for visitors, as it is loaded with shops, lodging options and restaurants. Visitors can explore the many waterfront wharves teeming with dining options or explore the city’s history. The White Horse Tavern, one of the oldest in the nation, is located nearby. Newport does have a notable sporting history, as it was the site of the first U.S. Open Tournaments in both tennis and golf, as well as every America’s Cup challenge between 1930 and 1983. Today, the Newport Gulls continue to play baseball at the oldest ballpark in use today, Cardines Field , located about a mile from the Newport Casino. Fans 5 The Hall of Fame Tournament is one of the highlights of the year in Newport, and the fans turn out in droves throughout the week. The crowd at a tennis tournament consists of more than just the fans who fill the stadium court, as matches take place throughout the grounds all week. The Casino is a small space, and is filled with people, movement and energy from the opening Sunday through Enshrinement Saturday and the championship matches on the final Sunday afternoon. You’ll see a mix of dedicated tennis fans who travel the world visiting tournaments, local sports fans experiencing one of the highlights of the Rhode Island sporting calendar, and the Newport socialites who appear tailor made to an event such as this. You may not expect this, but a tennis tournament is a family friendly event, with room for younger fans to roam and many activities for the younger or more casual fan to enjoy. Also impressive is the massive number of people who volunteer to work the tournament in various capacities, from the kids who serve as ballboys and ballgirls to drivers, ticket takers, hospitality specialists and more. It takes more than 200 volunteers to put on a tournament like this, and many locals show up year after year to do their part. Access 3 Newport is a city of about 25,000 residents located at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. Best known as a popular summer destination, this seaside town is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing history. Located 33 miles south of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston, it is not easily accessed by any highways. The closest interstate to Newport is I-195, which runs from Providence to Cape Cod about 20 miles north of Newport. Route 24 runs from Fall River down through the upper half of Aquidneck Island. Once the highway ends visitors will navigate Route 114 into the city. The Casino is located on Bellevue Avenue, just blocks from the city’s historic Gilded Age mansions, Cliff Walk, and beaches. The popular Brick Market, filled with fine waterfront restaurants and attractions, is about a mile from the Casino. More information about things to do and lodging options in Newport can be found here . The entire Casino grounds comprises less than an acre, and there is plenty of action crammed into seemingly every corner of the facility. With the big crowds in attendance, getting around can be challenging. There is no permanent seating around the side courts, so fans will stand around the perimeter of the courts or take in the action from the adjoining gazebo. The Stadium Court, named in honor of American Hall of Famer Bill Talbert, contains a large grandstand on the south side of the court, and more intimate courtside seating on the other three sides. These individual seats are much coveted, especially those covered seats which provide a shady spot on a hot summer Rhode Island day. The south stands were recently renovated and consist of comfortable plastic stadium seats. Bill Talbert Stadium, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Tickets to seats in the south stands of Bill Talbert Court start at $38 for the early rounds of the tournament, with courtside chairs starting at $59 and shaded box seats starting at $99. Tickets increase to a range of $95-$205 for induction Saturday. You can purchase a ticket for the entire tournament, ensuring the same seat all week long, starting at $373. Tickets to the Brooks Brothers Brunch, where you can watch the Hall of Famers present the new HOF inductee (for 2022 it is Lleyton Hewitt) with their Hall of Fame blazer while enjoying lunch and mimosas in the fabulous horseshoe plaza before heading to tournament semifinals from the south court chairs, are sold for $350 each. Parking is free on-street in the area around the Newport Casino. Good luck finding a spot, though, and pay attention to street signs for restrictions. Your best bet is to park at the Newport Gateway Visitors’ Center , located across the street from Cardines Field about a mile from the Newport Casino. Pick up a validation ticket inside the center, jump on the free RIPTA #67 trolley which departs the center every 20 minutes, and you can park all day in Newport for just two dollars. You can even leave your car there while you explore the city. You’d be hard pressed to find a better deal than that in Newport! Extras 5 Tickets to the Infosys Tournament also allow for admission to the Hall of Fame Museum. Youth clinics are held in conjunction with the tournament for local youth tennis players. The kids get to play right alongside the pros! The accessibility of the players to the fans may be a surprise to someone who hasn’t experienced a tournament like this. Players will sign autographs after matches and hit autographed balls into the stands. Virtually every child in attendance carries around a giant tennis ball filled with player autographs throughout the tournament. A pair of statues overlook the famous Horseshoe Court (which is available to be rented, by the way). The founder of the Hall of Fame, Jimmy Van Allen, is memorialized in one corner, while a statue of Frederick Perry stands at center court. This statue is a replica of the one that stands at Wimbledon. The tournament’s commitment to sustainability and renewable products deserves an extra point. Final Thoughts While holding a grass court tournament the week after Wimbledon may not seem like the best timing for a successful event, the Hall of Fame Tournament has remained a highlight of the Rhode Island sporting calendar for close to a half-century. Combining an intimate setting, small-town vibe in a summer destination spot and the history that comes with combining a tournament with the annual Hall of Fame Induction, the Infosys Hall of Fame Tennis Tournament is a Stadium Journey well worth the trip. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Greater Nevada Field 250 Evans Ave Reno, NV 89501 Reno Aces website Greater Nevada Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 9,013 Baseball Nights in Reno With names like the Silver Sox, Oilers, Padres, Chukars, Blackjacks, Astros, and back to Silver Sox, professional baseball has a long, colorful history in the Truckee Meadows across multiple leagues and levels of play. Most of those teams played at the 4,000-seat Moana Stadium, built in 1947 as part of a city-owned sports park a few miles south of downtown. When the Pacific Coast League’s Tucson Sidewinders announced their intention to move to Reno in late 2007, city leaders knew the site would be wholly inadequate to host a Triple-A baseball team. On a site next to the Truckee River and just east of downtown at the corner of 2nd Street and Evans Avenue, triple-A baseball finally came to Reno in 2009. A naming rights deal with a local credit union rechristened the stadium Greater Nevada Field in 2016, and now the ballpark enters its ninth season with a very noticeable enhancement in left field. Food & Beverage 4 In terms of selection and overall quality, the food and drink at Greater Nevada Field are exceptional, and easily the most overwhelming – but also best – parts of a visit to the ballpark. The service is friendly, credit cards are accepted, and the only real criticisms we can offer are the occasionally long lines and frequent waits once your order has been placed. The main concession stands have lots of items available either at multiple locations or specialty items at one particular location. These include a couple of grills (cheeseburger combo, all beef hot dog, chili cheese dog, pot stickers, spring rolls, souvenir nachos, refillable popcorn, crispy chicken sandwich, pretzels, chili cheese fries, fries, fruit cups, peanuts, candy, chips, funnel cake fries, deep fried Twinkies, ice cream sundaes, churros, waffle ice cream cones, giant corn dogs, specialty hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken tenders, carnitas tacos, and kids’ hot dogs and tenders; a burger stand (specialty burgers, and Mexican street fries; and a pizza stand (pizza slices, nachos, small popcorn, verde meatball sub, and a monster cookie sandwich. Of particular note are the specialty “VS Dogs” that change for every home game, depending on that night’s opponent. The selection broadens even more with the floating concession stands, like Steakadelphia (cheesesteak and “steak on a stick”; and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (caramel apples and chocolate-dipped sweets; Dippin’ Dots ice cream. There is a cart from the nearby Arroyo Mexican Grill (street tacos, quesadilla, and a fajita burrito; Flocchini Summer Grill (bacon-wrapped hot dog, beer cheese brat, Italian sausage, foot-long hot dog, and Andouille sausage; Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich or smoked chicken sandwich, each with a side; and a small stand for various candies (licorice ropes, kettle corn, caramel corn, cotton candy, and flavored ice. Drink choices are similarly expansive, with sodas of both the fountain (Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Barq’s Root Beer, and Dr. Pepper, and bottled varieties, along with bottled water, hot chocolate, coffee, Monster energy drinks, iced tea, and fresh squeezed lemonade. Beer choices include the “domestics” (Coors, Coors Light, and Heineken in 24-ounce glasses and the always-changing “premiums”, as well as canned craft and Mexican beers, wine on draft or in small bottles, and cocktails. For the beer aficionado, the Burgertopia stand in the right field frequently has “tap takeovers” of one craft brewery’s offerings during select homestands. For a true minor league ballpark experience, we recommend one of the VS Dogs sold behind home plate. They rotate the ingredients depending on the day’s opponent, leading to some inspired combinations. Beware, though: the buns tend to split when picked up. Atmosphere 4 There’s a solidly entertaining experience to be had at an Aces game, and it’s a few small complaints shy of a “5” here. Most of the seats at Greater Nevada Field are folding plastic seats with armrests and cup holders concentrated along a single concourse level. There’s also a grass berm in the right field, additional cushions and personal concession service in the sections behind home plate, picnic table sections in the right-center field and the left field foul pole, and standing railings throughout the ballpark. The natural grass surface stretches 338 feet to left, 410 feet to straightaway center, 424 feet to right-center, and 340 feet to right, with a tall wall extending from left to center field. The suite level above the main concourse extends around the infield and features newly upgraded local artwork in each suite, a press box behind first base, and Bugsy’s Sports Bar and the rest of the Freight House District behind third base. The ballpark’s newest upgrades this season are a bigger HD video board in left field just above a brand new ribbon board, which spans nearly the entire left field wall. Smaller, secondary scoreboards on the opposite sides of the stadium were also added, which we appreciate. In-game promotions include local pet adoptions, seat upgrades, a “Salute to Service” on the main video board, dance and kiss cams, crowd participation games like dizzy bat races and pie eating contests, and singing contests that pit one side of the stadium against the other. Aces mascot Archie – sort of a cross between Grimace and the Philly Phanatic – is active in engaging with fans throughout the game, be it on the concourse or in seating sections. For the 7th inning stretch, a large, anthropomorphic baseball wearing an Aces cap named Mr. Baseball peeks over the batter’s eye in center field and begins singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” along with the crowd. The PA announcer and music are both at the right volumes as well. If it’s your first visit to the ballpark, a general admission ticket will enable you to sit on the grass (bring a blanket or folding chair and enjoy the view) or anywhere there’s a railing. If a fixed seat is more to your liking, a left-field reserved seat on the third baseline will afford a good view and keep you sheltered from most of the sun. On that note, be aware of the sun beating down on the right field half of the park for the first half of most evening games, and bring sunblock. Neighborhood 3 To the west of the ballpark lies an expansive array of pre-and post-game dining options and hotels, as well as several attractions of note. A considerable list of downtown dining choices can be narrowed down depending on what you’re in the mood for and how much you’re willing to spend. We recommend either Mellow Fellow, a gastropub directly across 2nd Street from the ballpark, or the Santa Fe Hotel, a family-style Basque restaurant on Lake Street. Other choices at the Freight House District connected to the ballpark include Duffy’s Ale House and Arroyo Mexican Grill. This area frequently hosts outdoor concerts with cover bands during and after weekend games, but we suggest venturing further downtown. The Truckee Riverwalk area boasts an assortment of shops and restaurants with scenic backdrops, and the Cargo Concert Hall is an intimate venue with different musical acts nearly every week. In the greater Truckee Meadows area, Virginia City and Lake Tahoe are both fine destinations for day trips. Like its restaurants, downtown Reno boasts a slew of hotels to choose from, all of which come down to personal preference and your price range. We personally like the Courtyard Reno Downtown/Riverfront, within literal shouting distance of the ballpark. Fans 3 Reno Aces fans are adequately engaged in the action at games and afford the team a decent home-field advantage by minor league standards. The ballpark typically averages between 5,000 and 5,500 fans per game out of an official capacity of 9,013, both of which are in the lower half of the Pacific Coast League. The figures tend to be buoyed by weekend games and games with strong promotional tie-ins like the team’s annual Star Wars Night or games where dogs are allowed on the right field grass area. Fans are appropriately reactive to big plays and respond well to music and cues to clap or sing along. In general, they’re fairly relaxed towards the proceedings happening on the field, but will happily cheer when given a reason to do so. Even if a game is close heading into the final innings, some people will still trickle out to beat the traffic home. Access 3 Because of its location adjacent to downtown and the ensuing parking problems that sometimes arise, getting into and out of a game at Greater Nevada Field is something of a minor hassle. Once you arrive at the stadium, however, things improve. Luckily, options to reach the area by bus are plentiful, as the Regional Transportation Commission’s main transfer station at 4th and Lake Streets is a two-block, four-minute walk from the stadium. One such route can take you from Meadowood Mall to the transfer station in 24 minutes for $2 per adult per ride. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about 13 minutes away by car. Parking areas closest to the ballpark start at $5 for the Cal-Nevada, Harrah’s, or National Bowling Stadium garages on Center Street or various private lots in surrounding neighborhoods, and $10 at the Park Center Tower garage across the street. Center Street occasionally backs up after games because of this parking, but it’s not overwhelming. At the cost of an eight to ten-minute walk, we suggest trying the Eldorado or Silver Legacy parking garages if you don’t feel like paying but keep in mind they can also fill up for other events. The main entrance gate is directly behind the third baseline, and a quick check of any bags (provided they’re smaller than 16x16x8 inches) is the only real security concern. Small folding chairs are also permitted in the grass area in the right field. While ticketless entry is technically possible, the ticket office informed us it’s a little hit-or-miss at this time. On nights with more manageable crowds, the concourse is wide enough to comfortably accommodate everyone. But when long lines appear at concession stands, it can sometimes impede pedestrian traffic around the park. Fortunately, the concourse is completely open to the field and features closed-circuit TVs at every concession stand. The stadium’s bathrooms are big and fairly clean, with long waits (even for the women’s bathrooms) an extreme rarity. Handicap parking is available across Evans Avenue with a pass, and accessible seating is plentiful throughout the park. Return on Investment 4 There are lots of options for how much to spend on a night at the ballpark, and they’re all just about the right price for what they offer. Single-game ticket prices can vary depending on demand, promotions, group rates, and other factors. General admission tickets (grass area and standing railings) start at $8 to $9; right field reserved seats (sections 116-120) are $14 to $15; left field reserved seats (sections 101 and 102) are $15 to $16; infield reserved seats (sections 103, 115 and the upper halves of 104-107 and 111-114) are $18 to $19; seats right outside Bugsy’s Sports Bar on the suite level are $27 to $28; infield premium seats (near the dugouts in sections 104-106 and 112-114 and the upper halves of sections 108-110) are $25 to $26; and home plate premium seats (the lower halves of sections 107-111) are $32 to $33. The team offers a good-sized game program for free at various stands on the concourse. Fans can save a little money with promotions like Two for $22 Tuesdays (two general admission tickets, two hot dogs, and two sodas for $22), Boomer BOGO on select Wednesdays (2-for-1 tickets for fans 50 and older), Coors Light Thirsty Thursdays ($2 Coors Lights and small sodas up to the middle of the 5th inning) a dollar menu for Sunday games ($1 hot dogs, ribs, small popcorn, and candy) and a Friends and Family deal for select Friday and Saturday games (a right field reserved seat, Aces hat and voucher for a Wienerschnitzel combo meal for $17). Extras 3 We like the Kids Zone in right-center field, which features a playground and bounce house free of charge and a “test your speed” pitching game (3 balls for $1). It’s always good to have a place for young children to entertain themselves at a ballpark in the event they aren’t engaged in a game. Offering fans a free Wi-Fi network (with a quick sign-in) is also appreciated. Lastly, a few quick hits: the murals painted by local artists at the stadium’s home plate entrance – which change every season – are a nice touch; anywhere in right field affords a nice view of the downtown Reno skyline; there’s a fireworks show after every Friday night game; and the team’s media personnel were all courteous and professional to us. Final Thoughts A game at Greater Nevada Field represents a solid all-around value for what a ticket through the gate will get you. Minor quibbles with parking and concession lines are made up for with a high degree of interactive entertainment and a great selection of high-quality concessions. Bigger crowds on more nights of the year could elevate the venue from “above average” to a must-see destination for any serious baseball fan.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stade de la Libération Boulevard Eurvin, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France Union Sportive Boulogne website Stade de la Liberation website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 15,204 Ground hopping in Boulogne-sur-mer Many have passed through Boulogne in the north of France; how many can say that they’ve been to Boulogne? The town was known as the ‘gateway to the UK’ or the reverse for thousands of Brits arriving by ferry from the south coast of England. At best it was seen as a handy arrival port in which to leave again for the more romantic locations of Normandy, Paris, and the chic south. For Napoléon it was a staging post, a two-year dream to invade the UK which never came to fruition. These days a two-day visit is probably more realistic. Book your football tickets online and the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, its football team ‘Union Sportive Boulogne’ and the wonderful Stade de la Liberation will not disappoint. Friday night football is the norm in the third tier of French football which provides numerous options for a long weekend on the Côte d’Opale and the possibility of groundhopping somewhere else on Saturday. Boulogne has a population of less than 50k and is known as a fishing port with a belfry that dates back to the 12th Century. Their main football team ‘US Boulogne’ came into being at the end of the 19th century, wearing their famous black and red from the beginning. They settled into their current stadium in 1952, hence the stadium's name. Food & Beverage 3 The French are renowned for their culinary prowess; that rarely extends to their football stadia. Unless you are a corporate ‘customer’ (their food looked good) you may well choose to eat elsewhere. The fan hub, based in a marquee behind the Tribune d’Honneur, sells crisps, sweets, beers, and soft drinks. Buy 10 ‘tokens’ for 10 Euros from the reception area and use them accordingly, ensuring you keep the branded beer receptacle as a nice keepsake. Other than that, a similar offering is available in the stand opposite, known as the tribune Frank Ribery (Yep that Frank Ribery, he was born in Boulogne and played at USBFC for two years in his younger days). The final option for sustenance inside the stadium is a large burger van, behind the goal where you enter the stadium, which provides the usual hot food options with generous portions. Just outside the stadium, two café bars next to each other provide good ‘liquid refreshment’ options. A swift half of Affligem at 6% in the Café PMU Les Marronniers is recommended. Then just sit outside, sip your beer, and watch the crowds arrive as the sun goes down. Atmosphere 3 As that same sun goes to work in a different hemisphere, the imposing and marvelous stadium floodlights come alive and beckon you in. Just over 3000 were in attendance against a team from the far south of France meaning little or no away fans for the match of this review. The stadium has seating on three sides only and without the modern ‘bowl shape’ the atmosphere can easily escape. When you walk in through the main entrance, it’s strange to be able to see the goalposts with just an athletics track and a large fence between you and the goalkeeper. The great thing about this stadium though is that it isn’t a modern bowl shape stadium. Instead, we have three distinct main stands in a horse-shoe shape, each with added enclosures at peculiar angles that give a nod to the eclectic. The huge bank of seats behind the goal at the far end remains out of use and looks a little tired. A bit like the away end at Craven Cottage may look in twenty years. Most of the crowd will be in the two main stands that run along the touchlines, each holding around 2500 people. Quite how 15k could fit in is not entirely clear but with average crowds of fewer than 3k, it’s not something USBFC has to worry about for now. Neighborhood 4 The stadium can be found just outside the ancient fortified town, adjacent to the war monument and up a very steep hill from the town centre and harbour. Aside from the hills, the town is easy to get around on foot and it feels safe to do so. Pre-match, a stroll through the Ville Haute is a good way to start. The city walls are still impressively intact and inside you’ll find some exquisite architecture. The Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site. L’Hotel de Ville (1734), Chateuex Boulogne (1231) and most impressively La Basilique Notre-Dame (1866) are all within a few minutes walk. The latter is known for its huge crypt, which becomes your landmark when you think you are lost and looks even more impressive when it’s lit up at night. Opposite, the basilica is the ‘Vole Hole,’ a tiny ‘cellar-themed’ bar that is worth frequenting, although, at 5 Euros for a Kronenburg, you know you are in the expensive part of town. As you leave the city walls you are faced with the huge and sobering war memorial paying tribute to thousands who lost their lives in the two world wars. Hotel and Air B& B options are very reasonable. The Ibis Budget Hotel is situated nearer to the harbour and is more than adequate. The Ibis Central is a little more expensive but just 500 yards from the stadium. The best restaurants are found in the old town, along Rue de Lille. If you don’t go native, there’s a trusty Indian restaurant called ‘Lal Qilla’ minutes from the stadium. Saturday morning and it’s time to explore Ville Basse, the lower end of town and the harbor area, completely rebuilt after the RAF sought to retain the advantages gained on D-Day. The main attraction, especially if you are with the family, is the Nausicaa, Europe’s biggest Aquarium. The grittier and even more defining landmarks however are the huge street art installations in and around the main shopping area. English artist David Walker is featured, a huge female face on the side of a block of flats is imperious. Elsewhere you will find the artwork high up on the sides of shop buildings and telecommunication cabinets on the side of the road do not escape. Walker, and other famous names such as Nikodem, Flag, and Marie Lou Peeren were invited to Boulogne to bring some sparkle and frankly, succeeded spectacularly. Their results are mesmerising. The street art turns what could be a drab, uninspiring shopping area into an uplifting, modern, and inspiring experience. With a beautiful sandy beach, the fish market, and ‘Musee 39-45’ (an acclaimed war museum) all in the vicinity you begin to see why Napoleon stayed so long. Fans 3 It’s a good time to be a fan of USBFC and fans are positive about the club’s future which hasn’t always been the case. Top of the ‘National 3’ and some exciting players displaying their talents, there are good reasons to be positive. Fans in the main stand are knowledgeable and warm applause is often the order of the day. The Franc Ribery stand opposite provides the more lively support but this is no cauldron of noise. Some ultras with flags try to raise the atmosphere but a nervy ending means it is always tentative rather than raucous. Watching a game here ‘under lights’ adds to the atmosphere of course and as it’s a Friday night, many could look forward to a couple of days off. Access 5 A visit to US Boulogne is far simpler than you may imagine. From the UK for example, you can be on the M25 at 1 pm and be sat in the bar opposite the Stade de la Liberation by 5 pm easily (even with the clock going forward one hour!). Eurotunnel prices for overnight trips are as little as £25 for a single whether you have 1 or 5 people in the car with you. From Calais, it’s just a 20-mile drive down the A16 and the views are decent too. On the way back if you have more time, take the coast road which takes a little longer but affords fantastic sea views and even a sight of those ‘white cliffs of Dover.’ The bus station is at the bottom end of town and the train station is just 10 minutes from the ground. Flixbus, the traveler’s iconic and air-conditioned friend, also calls here from Paris. Return on Investment 5 Highly recommended; especially if you can arrange a second stadium visit maybe at Calais, Lens, or Lille on Saturday. A trip from the south coast of England for example could cost you £50 in fuel, £50 for the Eurotunnel, £50 for a hotel, and then just your beer, coffee, and food. The great thing is that if there’re two of you the cost is halved! The match ticket cost 10 Euros (easily purchased and downloaded from the club website), a scarf is just 5 Euros and the programme is free. Extras 2 The huge scoreboard is a classic ‘European style,’ free-standing affair that is worth a photograph on its own. The standing areas at the back of the Frank Ribery Tribune are also a bonus for those who like to watch their football in a more portrait-than-landscape fashion. Final Thoughts The Stade de la Liberation has real character, looks great under the lights, and is located in a town that has plenty to explore. The tremendous street art provides a contemporary feel in what could otherwise be seen as a town beginning to feel sorry for itself. It is easy to get to, tickets purchased simply online and home games on a Friday night are also reasons to visit. With the football team in form and the ancient architecture to explore, groundhopping in Boulogne-Sur-Mer should be on your bucket list.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Glanbrook Arena 4300 Binbrook Rd Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0 Glanbrook Rangers website Glanbrook Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 720 The Mystery of Glanbrook In 2001, amalgamation ballooned the City of Hamilton to include a number of small towns and villages.  Glanbrook can be found near the southern border of the current city limits, however, where the borders of Glanbrook can be found is a mystery.  The former town of Binbrook is found east of Glanbrook and the mailing address of Glanbrook Arena includes Binbrook as the town, but this only clears the fuzziness up just a bit.  Glanbrook is generally viewed as an agricultural area, probably between Mount Hope, another absorbed village into Hamilton, and Binbrook.  Former NHL goaltender Don Edwards called Glanbrook home. Playing in the Bloomfield Division of the PJHL, the Glanbrook Rangers have been around since 1975.  They have always been at the Junior C level, starting in the Niagara Junior C Hockey League.  The Rangers have seen success including three consecutive Schmalz Cups as the top Junior C team in Ontario.  The Glanbrook Arena opened in 1975, the same year the Rangers debuted. Food & Beverage 2 A small concession stand can be found in the outer lobby.  On the day of the review, the screen above the concession stand, assumed to be for the menu, was not working.  A simple selection of concessions can be found here including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate and chips.  Coca-cola products, coffee, juice and Powerade are available.  A stand inside the inner lobby can be found selling beer, wine and coolers. Atmosphere 3 Glanbrook Arena has a simple exterior and is kind of inconspicuous, looking more like a school than an arena.  Brown brick and blue siding with accents and a low profile height is what fans will find from the outside.  Entry into the arena is on the east side and brings fans into a small outer lobby.  Concessions are found here along with some local artifacts in a trophy case.  Fans then pass into an inner lobby which has large windows on the north side that act as the glass of the south end of the arena.  Large wooden trophy cases are found in this room, including one dedicated to the Rangers.  A number of old photos and artifacts are found here.  This is the perfect room for fans who hope to watch the game in a warmer climate, or spend a little time warming up.  The climate change will be evident upon passing through the last set of doors into the main arena.  The ice is oriented from south to north with the seating on the east side of the arena.  Massive blue, low peak support beams cross over the ice with silver insulation over them.  The seating offers nine rows of blue wooden benches on concrete steps.  A simple scoreclock is on the north wall along with the three Schmalz Cup Championship banners from 1997, 1998 and 1999.  The centre ice logo pic is best seen from the seats on the east side. The arena is definitely cold, so finding a spot under one of the gas heaters that is working is a pretty good plan. The gameday production at a Rangers game is not unlike what one would find at the majority of the PJHL.  Merchandise sales, a 50/50 draw and program raffles are all part of the experience.  The PA system in Glanbrook Arena is pretty good and the PA announcer is good, but a little excitable.  The louder he gets, the more difficult his announcements are to understand. Neighbourhood 3 The address for Glanbrook Arena is in Binbrook, but the arena is fairly isolated in an agricultural area.  For fans wanting pre or post game food and drink, heading east into Binbrook or north into Hamilton will be necessary.  There are a couple of options in Binbrook including Binbrook Grill and Binbrook Pizza.  There are also of chain options including Tim Hortons.  For other sporting options, fans will need to head north to Hamilton where there are number of options.  The Dundas Blues  also play in the PJHL. The Hamilton Kilty B’s  play in the GOJHL.  Other Hamilton options include the Hamilton Tiger-Cats , McMaster Marauders basketball  and football  and the Hamilton Cardinals  and Forge FC  in the summer months.  Other tourist options include the nearby Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and Killman Zoo.  For fans wishing to stay near the area, there is a Super 8 in the nearby Mount Hope neighbourhood. Fans 2 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison.  The Glanbrook Rangers typically attract around 150 fans per game.  At the time of writing, the Rangers were averaging 145 fans per game for the 2024-25 season and there were 150 fans in attendance for the game that was attended.  The Glanbrook fans are pretty quiet and it was clear that the fans travelling to see the visiting team were the more vocal group.   Access 4 Getting to Glanbrook Arena is very easy.  It is located in Hamilton, south of the traditional city limits, west of the community of Binbrook.  It is 6 km east of Highway 6 and is located right on Binbrook Road, which is County Road 65.  Getting through Hamilton if coming from north of the city may be the biggest challenge as traffic can be an issue at times.  However, for a weekend game in Glanbrook, there should be no issues.  There is sufficient free parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, there is very limited HSR service from Hamilton to Binbrook.  This may not accommodate Rangers game times.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, maps and schedules.  The age of the facility should be considered when considering moving around.  It is not too difficult, but the stands may be a consideration for those with mobility issues.  The washrooms in Glanbrook Arena are small, but the attendance at the game should not make this an issue. Return on Investment 4 Taking in a Glanbrook Rangers game is definitely affordable.  Tickets for the Rangers are $10 with Seniors getting in for $8 and Students get in for $5.  Parking is free and the concessions are affordable.  The hockey product on the ice is good and gameday atmosphere is simple.  In the end the return for the small investment a fan makes is very good. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Glanbrook Arena as a community hub for the area. An extra mark for the mysterious borders of Glanbrook within the big city of Hamilton. An extra mark for the history of the Rangers. Final Thoughts Regardless of the mystery as to where exactly Granbrook is, taking in a Glanbrook Rangers game is a great way to spend a winter afternoon or evening.  Glanbrook Arena is a good facility and fans will definitely enjoy their experience at the game. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Louisburg High School Stadium 201 Allen Dr Louisburg, NC 27549 Louisburg Hurricanes website Louisburg High School Stadium website Junior College Football NC The Louisburg College Hurricanes participate in college football’s National Junior College Athletics Association, and play their home games at Louisburg High School Stadium on the campus of Louisburg Magnet High School – the high school is a mile or two down the road from LC’s campus. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand next to the main grandstand, which sells a small variety of items but at great prices – beverages, packaged candy, and hot dogs (with or without chili) run just $2, or you can get nachos and pizza slices for a dollar or two more. The quality is great for the price, so any of these options represent a great value, especially the hot dogs, which are the Bright Leaf red variety popular in eastern NC. Atmosphere 2 The Hurricanes have cheerleaders on site but no mascot or band, although they do play big band music through the loudspeakers at the expected times during the game. The PA announcer is also very lively and does a great job calling the game, ramping up the crowd during opposing third downs and after big plays by the Canes. Neighborhood 2 There is not much in the vicinity of the high school, but if you go a few miles down the road you can find a few restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and the like. Depending on where you are coming from, however, you could drive for miles down country highways without seeing any place to stop for gas or a bite to eat. Louisburg College’s campus is on Main Street in Louisburg, just a mile or two down the road from the high school, and is closer to the town’s main shopping areas than the high school is. Fans 2 Not too many fans show up to Hurricanes football games, even during homecoming weekend, which is a bit disappointing. That said you won’t see the stands looking very full, although the fans who are there seem to know the players personally – you’ll hear a lot of fans yelling out encouragement to specific players by name; presumably, they are friends or family members of the player. The visiting side is even more sparsely populated than the home side, but that could be because of the particular visiting team that I saw the last time I visited. Access 4 Except for the rural location, getting to Louisburg High School Stadium is simple enough, as the high school is just off Main Street, the main thoroughfare through town. The football stadium is behind the practice field, so once you turn onto Allen Drive be sure to keep going – don’t be alarmed by the lack of attendance at the first football field you pass, which is the aforementioned practice field. There is no re-entry at the facility, but there are bathrooms right next to the main entrance on the home side (there are no bathrooms on the visiting side). The concessions line and line at the team gear stand are also both pretty quick to get through. Return on Investment 3 Concessions are very inexpensive, and parking is free right next to the field – even if you get there late there should still be a few parking spaces available. Admission to the game itself is $10 per person, and there are no actual tickets – you just pay as you walk through the gate (this is likely why they have no re-entry, as there is no way for you to prove you paid since you are given no ticket). $10 is probably reasonable for this level of football, although I have seen higher-level football schools like D2 and D3 charge less, so ten bucks may be on the high side. That said, seeing a Louisburg Hurricanes game might be a good way to spend a Saturday, but be warned there are not many bells and whistles at this venue. Extras 2 Late in the game, you can buy whole pizzas from the concessions stand for $8 (assuming they haven’t run out yet). They also let you bring umbrellas into the stadium, which many facilities do not allow – that is a nice boon, especially during particular sunny or rainy days.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Petersen Sports Complex Robinson Street Extension Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pittsburgh Panthers baseball website Petersen Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 900 Hail to Pitt Baseball Baseball isn’t the main sports attraction at the University of Pittsburgh. Still, it was there first, the program being created all the way back in 1869 when the school was known as Western University of Pennsylvania. Currently in the ACC, the team plays under head coach Mike Bell at Charles L. Cost Field, the newest addition to the Petersen Sports Complex on Pitt’s campus. Built in 2011 and named for a former Pitt running back (I don’t know why either), it’s a cozy little park in which to enjoy Panthers baseball with up-to-date amenities. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, Charles L. Cost Field has a decent–and affordable–menu. The usual suspects of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, fries, and sodas are there, but you can also create your own burger. The Fiery Panther burger is topped with Cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and BBQ sauce. You can also get the HSL grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, grilled peppers and onions, provolone cheese and ranch sauce on a pretzel bun. Sandwiches run between six and nine dollars. Pitt sports venues started serving alcohol this year with domestic and premium beers and wine. Wine will run you $10, while the beers range from $10-$12. If you want to run classic with a hot dog and a Bud Light, expect to pay $15. The concessions stand also offers various combos of food and drink, either $10 or $12. Maybe you wouldn’t head here strictly to eat, but the variety here is pretty good. Concessions at Petersen Sports Complex, Photo by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Charles L. Cost Field underwent a bit of a makeover last year, with a modern state-of-the-art video screen installed in center field and the synthetic playing surface replaced. It can hold roughly 1500 people, including standing room only. Seats are pretty standard, but all have excellent views of the field. If you sit down the right-field line, you’ll have a nice view of the Pittsburgh skyline. Suppose you like minor league baseball but aren’t a fan of the constant promotions. In that case, Pitt’s PA announcer is your guy, reporting on the game fairly straightforwardly, allowing you to enjoy it without having to dodge t-shirt guns and overly friendly mascots. Neighborhood 4 As part of the Petersen Sports Complex, Charles L. Cost Field is almost dead center on Pitt’s campus in the Oakland neighborhood, across the street from Peterson Events Center. Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, the main arteries through campus, are easy walks away. Pitt’s main hospital complex is located here, so you’ll find Residence Inn by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn, among other major hotels in the area. You’ll also find restaurant chains like Panera Bread and Five Guys, but there’s a host of independent places where you can get just about any type of cuisine. Standouts include Hunan Bar for top-notch Chinese and Las Palmas, regularly hailed as having the best tacos in Pittsburgh. If you just want snacks or beers, bars such as Hemingway’s Pub and Thirsty Scholar are worth visiting. The area’s patrolled by both city and university police, so while you always need to be alert in an urban neighborhood, it’s not dangerous. Fans 3 The weather was borderline dreadful for the game I attended, chilly and rainy, but an alumni reunion and students populated the field a little bit more than I expected. They cheered at the right times, although I would hesitate to call them enthusiastic. This was also a makeup game that had been initially scheduled for the previous weekend. Again, this is a small venue, and I’d venture to say that it doesn’t get anywhere near capacity crowds unless it was a playoff game. Nevertheless, it wasn’t totally dead, so I’ll give the fans a middle-of-the-road grade. Access 4 Interstate 376, aka the Parkway, is the best bet to reach Charles L. Cost Field if you’re driving; from either direction, follow the signs for Forbes Avenue and Petersen Events Center since the field is literally just across the street from that venue. Numerous parking garages surround the area, with an average price of $10, and there are several Port Authority bus lines that run from downtown to campus. Pitt has its own intra-campus bus system, but it’s not available to the public unless you’re a Pitt student or with one. The entrances are all wheelchair-accessible, and unlike Petersen Events Center, they’re relatively level to the street. Restrooms are big and well-maintained, also with easy access for everyone. Return on Investment 3 Since baseball’s not the big sport at Pitt, tickets are very inexpensive–at the game I attended, which was against Duke, they were eight dollars. You can buy tickets through Ticketmaster, but there really isn’t a reason why you should have to pay those extra fees since the games aren’t going to sell out. Students and alumni get in free, and I was told that discounted tickets were available for their guests, although I wasn’t given a number. So if you absolutely love baseball and don’t care who’s playing, grab a ticket and enjoy the game if you’re in the area. Extras 2 There’s a small souvenir stand on the main concourse selling Pitt baseball shirts and similar merchandise, but that’s about it. Not a lot of staff either, but all were very friendly. You can only have so much in such a little venue. Final Thoughts College baseball isn’t really a thing in Pittsburgh, so I wouldn’t call Charles L. Cost Field a must-see destination for visitors unless they’re absolute baseball fanatics. Pitt, though, is a Division I school, so the money’s available to make things nice, and this venue is a pleasant place to while away a lovely spring day and watch some no-frills baseball.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dillon Gymnasium Elm Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Dillon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 1,500 Still at the Dill Located on the campus of Princeton University, Dillon Gymnasium is home to the Tigers' volleyball program. The building also houses a student recreational facility and the offices of the athletic department, among others things. Dillon Gymnasium was built in 1947 and originally housed the Tigers' basketball team. In 1969, basketball moved into the much larger Jadwin Gymnasium , but volleyball still calls historic Dillon Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at Dillon Gymnasium. Signs by the entrance warn fans not to bring food or drink onto the gym floor, but fans seemed to be bringing beverages in with no problem. As there is no security to speak of other than a couple of students working the front desk, you can probably get away with it as long as you aren't too obvious and don't make a mess. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Dillon Gymnasium will put you in a lobby. A trophy case will be on your left and a set of double doors straight ahead will take you to the gymnasium proper. Although Dillon Gym sits 1,500 according to the official capacity, the actual capacity is closer to 300. All seats are in wooden bleachers similar to what you would see in a high school gym. A low hanging ceiling traps sound in, making the roar of the crowd rise to thunderous levels at times. A small scoreboard on one sideline shows the score of the current set and the sets won by each team. However, as the scoreboard was clearly designed for basketball, the total sets are listed in an area labeled for team fouls. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 5 Although Dillon Gymnasium is very small, fans pack the bleachers to capacity or near capacity every game. They are loud and boisterous, and the roof serves to further trap their sound and make this gym extremely loud during volleyball matches. It may well be the loudest mid-major volleyball gym in the country. It certainly can't compete with the crowds at the elite programs, but between the low ceilings, small gym, and capacity crowds, it is extremely loud here. Expect a full match worth of cheering, sign-waving, and urging the Tigers on to victory. Access 2 Getting to the Princeton campus is easy. Free parking is available in the Theatre Drive Garage (formerly known as the West Garage, as it still appears in some GPS systems) For those arriving by public transit, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the arena and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. However, getting from the garage to the gymnasium is far more difficult. There is no signage to direct you, and the building housing Dillon Gymnasium has several entrances, only one of which is the right one. You have to walk down the street away from the garage, then up an unmarked staircase and around the corner to the entrance. There is no signage telling you to do so. The students working the desk are helpful enough in directing you once you get inside, but that's the easy part. Getting inside to begin with is the hard part. Restrooms are available off the lobby and easily signed, at least once you get in the building. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Princeton volleyball games, with the possible exception of Ivy League or NCAA postseason action, is free of charge. Parking is free as well. When combined with the raucous crowds and electric atmosphere, a Princeton volleyball game can be a great value. Extras 3 One star for the trophy case in the lobby dedicated to Princeton athletic history. A second star for the loud and energetic crowds, one of the best in mid-major volleyball. A third and final star for the history of Dillon Gymnasium. This is the gym where Bill Bradley dropped 51 points in 1964, and although basketball no longer plays here, it is good to see the gym being used for something. Final Thoughts Although Dillon Gymnasium has a pretty simple layout, the experience here is anything but. Princeton crowds turn up every game to cheer on their team and create an excellent atmosphere to take in a volleyball game. Just make sure to arrive early or you may have trouble finding seats together.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mayser Gymnasium 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Mayser Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 3,200 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. The Mayser Gymnasium basketball court has been well regarded as one of the most "true" surfaces around. The NBA's Philadelphia 76ers trained on the court for over two decades. The men's and women's basketball teams practice and play on Glenn Robinson Court, named after former men's head coach Glenn Robinson, who has held the national record for the most wins of any coach in Division II or III basketball. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings in the gym except for a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 3 The arena is very nice, but it is a high school type of setup. As you enter the arena you will find bleacher-filled grandstands sitting along two sides of the court. Outside the gym is a Hall of Fame and trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 The trophy cases have some interesting sports history in them. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Mayser Gymnasium is historic and offers a fun atmosphere for sporting events.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Multipurpose Activities Center 1 Campus Dr Mont Alto, PA 17237 Penn State-Mont Alto Nittany Lions website Multipurpose Activities Center (MAC) website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,500 Another Penn State Penn State-Mont Alto is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University located in Mont Alto, PA approximately 45 minutes south of Harrisburg, PA. There are a little less than 1000 full-time students who attend the university. The Pennsylvania State University is a geographically dispersed university with campuses located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Most people only know of the flagship University Park campus. Penn State-Mont Alto teams participate as members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The Nittany Lions are also a member of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). All members of PSUAC are Penn State Commonwealth campus with team nicknames such as Lions, Roaring Lions, and Nittany Lions. Mont Alto's teams use the Nittany Lions name. It seems like it could get confusing at times. Penn State Mont Alto has nine four-year and seven two-year degree programs. The school began in 1903 as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy and the forest technology is still well regarded to this date. In 1929 the Forest Academy merged with Pennsylvania State University, establishing Penn State Mont Alto. We attended the venue during a men's and women's doubleheader and the images are from the women's action. The experience should be the same no matter what game you attend. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent concession stand, although vending machines are available. Atmosphere 3 The arena is a gym that is similar to many high school gyms. Because of the size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. Neighborhood 3 Penn State Mont Alto has a small population of 1,580. There is not much to do around town as the university covers most of the small community. Frank's Taste of Italy is the only restaurant in town. You would need to go to Chambersburg, Gettysburg, or Emmitsburg across the line in Maryland for more options. Fans 3 There were a decent number of fans in attendance and they were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 2 Penn State Mont Alto is located in a small town with only small roads leading to it. It is not difficult to find but it is in a very rural setting. Parking should be easy even during weeknight games. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend a game at Penn State-York and the parking is free. . Extras 2 We liked the lion statue in the lobby. There is a nice display of Penn State-Mont Alto's athletic history in the building's lobby. Final Thoughts The simple gymnasium at Penn State-Mont Alto is a fun place to watch a game.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Carlisle Grounds Quinnsboro’ Road Bray, County Wicklow Ireland Bray Wanderers website Carlisle Grounds website Year Opened: 1862 Capacity: 7,000 The Wicklow Wonder Forty minutes commute from Dublin is the coastal town of Bray and the Carlisle Grounds, home of Bray Wanderers FC. Set beside the sea in County Wicklow, ‘the Seagulls,’ as the club are known, are currently in the League of Ireland Premier Division and have been playing their home matches here since 1942, though as a venue it has been used for a variety of purposes dating as far back as 1862. It is a quaint venue set back a matter of yards from the train station, next to shops and a couple of pubs, basically the average ground hopper’s dream! The ground has had a few modern additions in the last decade with new seating installed in the main stand, and some wall/fence alterations due to a couple of alterations to the wall at the Railway End where the away fans are housed. Its most notable claim to fame is having the ground feature in the film “ Michael Collins ” which starred Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, and Alan Rickman. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are available from a fast food van on the right hand side as you gain entry to the ground. The menu includes chips (€3), chips & curry sauce (€4), hot dogs (€4), burgers (€5), chocolate bars (€1.50), and crisps (€1). Soft drinks are available in either bottles (€3), or cans (€2), Also available is Lucozade sport drink (€3), water (€2), tea, and coffee (€2 each). Chips and curry sauce hit the spot and are great value, and would be the recommended concession item if you need a snack to get through the match. Atmosphere 4 The home fans have a small band of youngsters in the main stand who have a drum and create a bit of atmosphere. Depending on the opposing team and the amount of supporters they bring, it can be quite a lively venue. Entering the Carlisle Grounds is by turnstiles on the corner of Quinsborough Road at the Railway End. Along from this are odd ticket booths that look like small hatches. The foot outlet is on the left and the club shop is on the right. There is a walkway that leads you to the away corner (to the right when you enter) which can also accommodate home fans. This is an all-seated open air end which has a small television gantry which is elevated right on the centre circle. Behind the goal is vacant land and there is a limited standing area here if the sun shines you won’t see much of the action on the pitch! On the corner are some basic toilet facilities and this leads to the covered ‘Main Stand’ on the Seymour Road end. It is all seated with a thick canvas type roof and runs the length of the pitch. It has a lot of thin metal supports which can obscure your view. The dug outs are situated in the centre of this stand. At the far end and behind the other goal there is limited standing, and interestingly there is an astro training pitch. This area is not specifically used and that’s likely because the players and officials changing area is situated here. The best unobscured view is in the open seating of the Railway End, providing an excellent view of both goals. The only down side would potentially be the weather, as you would be badly exposed in heavy rain. With the League of Ireland played predominantly through summer months, there will likely be more pleasant nights than not, making it more comfortable to watch a game. Neighborhood 5 The location for all the essentials is excellent. From the train station, football ground, pubs, restaurant/take away options, and hotels, all are in close proximity. One recommendation is the P We Ton Chinese Restaurant, located at 11 Quinsborough Rd. Stacks Sports Bar, The Boomerang Bar and Goldsmiths pubs are all welcoming places with televisions showing a variety of sports. The latter also has live music on late into the night. Fans 3 The capacity fluctuates depending on what source information is obtained. The Carlisle Grounds has just over 3,000 seats, but the average home fixture attracts anything between 700-1,500. The home fans are patient and supportive of a young team still finding their feet in the top flight. Access 5 The train is the prime source for travelling from north or south, but there is car parking available with a limited amount behind the Railway End goal and some side street parking slightly further away from the ground. The street parking is limited due to the permit holders for the main roads near the Carlisle Grounds and next to the shops. Moving around the ground no problem and I was able to stand and sit in three areas without any issues or confrontation, including getting past the away support. Return on Investment 5 The pricing is quite reasonable with tickets available for adults (€15), students (€10), and senior citizens and children (€7). The Carlisle Grounds is a good value at 22 euros for an adult with concession. Extras 3 It is a very pleasant, scenic journey travelling down to Bray from Dublin on the train and a good way to arrive for a match. It’s a quiet town, but friendly enough and it is pleasant to have a number of facilities all in close proximity. The club shop is currently selling a book on their history for 10 euros which is excellent and has a lot of good information and photos. They also sell a massive back catalogue of Bray Wanderers’ programmes and official Ireland International programmes. Also outside the ground to the left of the turnstiles there is a Celtic Cross memorial which is for those who died in the Irish Civil War of the 1920s, as well as from the second world war.