Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Boyce Cox Field 1501 Euclid Ave Bristol, VA 24201 Bristol State Liners website Boyce Cox Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 2,000 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Bristol Boyce Cox Field in Bristol, Virginia is one of the most interesting venues in the Appalachian League. It opened in 1969, after a conversion from its former life as a football stadium. The stadium has three main components, none of which seem to match. This is because they include a grandstand along the third base line that belonged to the baseball stadium, another set of bleachers along the first base line that was added later, and the seats behind home plate, which are a combination of stadium seats and concrete seating. It has served as the home of the Bristol Pirates since 2014. Previous affiliations of the team include the White Sox and the Tigers. Some of the major league players who got their start in Bristol include Tim Belcher, Mark “The Bird” Fedrick, Travis Fryman, Lance Parrish, and Alan Trammell. In many ways, Boyce Cox Field struggles to meet even the minimum standards required by Minor League Baseball. What is important to know is that baseball in Bristol is a labor of love run by volunteers. A non-profit organization, Bristol Baseball, leases the field from the city of Bristol for $1 a year. There is no paid staff involved in this organization. Every function of the facility, from groundskeeping to ticket taking and announcing the games, is run by volunteers. Any criticism of the park needs to be tempered by that knowledge. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand in the park. It is located at the base of the press box and is run by volunteers from Virginia High, which uses the stadium during the school year. All proceeds from this stand benefit programs at the high school. The only items available at this stand are hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, Gatorade, Pepsi brand sodas, and bottled water. While the selection of foods is sparse… the prices are hard to beat. It is also nice to patronize the stand to benefit the high school programs. That being said, fans are welcome to bring their food and beverages to the park with them. There are no restrictions at the gate on bringing in such items. The aptly named Ballpark Corner Market is just across the street from the park and offers several pre-packaged picnic items. Atmosphere 3 A game at Boyce Cox Field is baseball at its basics. Fans can either sit in the various seating areas immediately surrounding the field or can choose to bring their lawn chairs or beach towels and watch the action from the hill overlooking the field. The field does have a PA announcer but doesn’t expect the between-innings contests and games. There is no large video board with graphics here… just your standard high school scoreboard. The baseball game is the only entertainment here. Neighborhood 4 Boyce Cox Field is just west of the downtown business district of Bristol, Virginia. The only food choices within walking distance of the stadium are a Krystal and a Subway. Downtown Bristol is several blocks east of the park and has a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. Bristol is probably best known for being split right down the middle by the Virginia/Tennessee state line. There is a large sign spanning State Street commemorating that fact. It is a great place to take a selfie. State Street is the dividing line, so if you are on its south side you are in Tennessee and you have a different zip code and area code from the other side of the street. Cross State Street and you are in Virginia. Unlike many small towns, the downtown area of Bristol has remained very vibrant. There are several restaurants to choose from. We found a wide choice of menu options at Quaker Steak and Lube on State Street. Across the street from Quaker Steak is the original location of the Burger Bar. This no-frills burger joint is famous for serving country music legend Hank Williams his last meal before he died (Note: The food did not kill him!). The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a must-see attraction in downtown Bristol. Long before Nashville became the center of the country music universe, Bristol was the place to be. Artists from the hill country surrounding Bristol would come into town to perform and do early record recordings. The museum does an excellent job of covering these early artists and their songs. The other major attraction in the area is the Bristol Motor Speedway. It is located about seven miles south of downtown Bristol on the Volunteer Parkway. Most of the lodging options in Bristol are at the I-81 interchange or along the Volunteer Parkway. Two hotels we found that offer reasonably priced accommodations and are close to the ballpark are the Days Inn Bristol and the Hampton Inn Bristol. Fans 4 Bristol fans turn out in substantial numbers for each Pirates game. The stands may be half empty, but the hill overlooking the field is filled with families, youngsters, and seniors alike, enjoying baseball without the theme music for each player, the constant barrage of advertising, and the contests between innings. They are proud of Bristol’s baseball heritage and show their support by not only attending the games but also by volunteering both before and after the game to keep Boyce Cox Field playable and updated to meet league standards. Access 3 Getting to Boyce Cox Field is very easy. From I-81 in Virginia take exit 3 towards downtown Bristol. Go to the 4th traffic light and turn right on Euclid Avenue. Go ½ mile and the park will be on your right. Parking is free in the large lot by the football stadium. It is important to know that the baseball field will not be visible from this lot, as it is behind the football field. After leaving your car, look for a small sign for Boyce Cox Field and an opening in the fence. There will be a ticket table at this gate. After purchasing your tickets you will follow a trail between the football stadium and the woods to the baseball stadium. The trail is paved but hilly in places. The ballpark will be down an incline at the end of the trail. The seating areas vary in height and type of seating. If you are planning to sit in the stands it would be wise to bring a seat cushion with you. You also have the option of just picking a spot on the hillside to watch the game. The concession stand is at the base of the press box. Restrooms are located at the end of the bleachers along the first baseline. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Boyce Cox Field provides an excellent return on investment. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $4 for children 5-12 years old, and children under 5 can attend free of charge. There is no cost for parking. You can bring your food and beverage into the park or patronize the concession stand and know that your purchase benefits the local schools. It is baseball with no frills, which is not necessarily a sad thing. Extras 3 An extra must go to the volunteers who have enabled Bristol to continue its long history with baseball. Final Thoughts Going to a ball game at Cox Field is like going back to an earlier time when parks were simpler. The game is the focus here, which is as it should be. Bristol also offers some unique experiences as a town, with its spanning two states.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pioneer Park 135 Shiloh Rd Greeneville, TN 37743 Greeneville FlyBoys website Pioneer Park website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Flying High in Greeneville The Appalachian League celebrated its 100th anniversary in Greeneville, Tennessee in 2021. The first team was the Burley Cubs who operated on and off until 1942, and it wasn’t until 2004 when baseball came back that the Houston Astros, followed by the Cincinnati Reds, placed a club at the new ballpark. The construction of Pioneer Park was a philanthropic endeavor from Tusculum alumni Scott Niswonger. The local businessman donated $5 million for the construction of the baseball stadium for the college and then the minor league ball club. It returned professional baseball to town for the first time since 1942. In 2021, a new era of summer collegiate baseball began at Pioneer Park with the introduction of the Greeneville Flyboys. The name pays homage to the historic airfield that once existed on the site of the ballpark at Tusculum University. They were both built on an airfield that was used for World War II and closed two years after the fighting ended in 1947. Food & Beverage 3 There is the main concession stand on the concourse that offers items from hot dogs, brats, burgers, barbecue sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and barbecue nachos for anywhere from $3 to $7. Coca-Cola products are available for purchase at $3 to $5. Beer is sold in 16 and 24-ounce cups at $5 and $6. There are various points of sale throughout the ballpark as well, offering similar items. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark was built to double a standard that includes awning-covered seats from the foul line to the foul line that is enveloped by a brick interior and exterior. All of the 2,572 seats are theater-style and painted in dark green. The look is similar to many higher-level ballparks from the last 25 years but stands out quite well in the Appy League. There is usually a nice crowd of around 1,000 or so folks at the game, but the ballpark feels much larger than it should. The concourses are wide and spacious, grass seating is available down the third baseline, and a team store called The Flight Deck offers a selection of new gear from caps to t-shirts. The two things that stand out at Pioneer Park are its ornate entrance that features large baseball sculptures, a baseball-shaped garden, a brick tower, and beautifully landscaped trees and bushes. The second area is the Greeneville Baseball Museum which is inside the team offices that also features a baseball-shaped ceiling, plus a glass-encased exhibit of both professional and collegiate baseball in the city. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located on the campus of Tusculum College and it blends in quite nicely with surrounding buildings on the 140-acre campus. Head into town and visit the Andrew Johnson Historic Site on Monument Ave. The 17th president of the United States is from Greeneville and is honored throughout the city. You can visit the City Garage Car Museum if you are not feeling presidential. There are quite a bit of restaurants nearby to choose from that including Brumley’s, Butcher’s Block, Smoking Pig BBQ, Aunt Bea’s, FATZ, and Gondolier Italian Restaurant. As with a few other cities in the Appy League, Pioneer Park is close to two other clubs in the league. TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City and Riverside Park in Elizabethon are both within less than an hour’s drive. It is more than possible to squeeze in three games during a two-day stay, or perhaps a multiple-city doubleheader when in town. Fans 3 The Flyboys have a nice selection of fans who come out to the ballpark and cheer on the home team. They take notice of the action on the field, applaud when the team scores, and comment when they do not agree with the umpire. A few enjoy just being at the game with friends and family. Access 4 Once inside the ballpark, the seating bowl allows fans to walk down to their seat. A large concourse wraps from the foul line to the foul line providing ample room to move around during the game. Concessions, the team shop, restrooms, and an information booth are located on the wide concourse. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $7 and $8, concession prices are affordable, and parking is free for all games. It is a beautifully constructed ballpark that is in a class all by itself in the Appy League. The setting around the ballpark is also quite nice. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for the Greeneville Baseball Museum, the baseball-shaped garden at the main entrance, and the stadium-style seats throughout the seating bowl. Final Thoughts A nice, little ballpark in the Appy League. It should be included on your next visit to the area where multiple stadiums in the league are available for a long weekend of baseball and fun.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark 900 Holly Ln Elizabethton, TN 37643 Elizabethton River Riders website Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,650 Down the Lazy River in Elizabethton The Elizabethton River Riders of the Appalachian League debuted in 2021, replacing the Elizabethton Twins, who captured 12 league championships and 16 division titles since coming to town in 1974. The Riders were part of the new Appy League that would not be affiliated with a major league club but as a summer collegiate league. The home ballpark would also get a new name after signing a naming agreement and being rechristened as Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark. The new name of the 47-year ballpark did not change much of the appearance or atmosphere of the quirky ballpark. The city spent $12,000 on what was known as Riverside Park to renovate the playing field between 1973 and 1974, purchasing portable seats and lockers for the stadium. The E-Twins were the first professional club in town in 23 years. The last ballpark had its grandstand demolished during a storm on Independence Day in 1951. When the local rayon industry, which owned the ballpark, could not make available funds for a new grandstand, the team ceased operations. The E-Twins brought a level of excellence, not having a season below .500 from 1989-2019. Will the River Riders provide continued excellence on the riverside park? It is too soon to see, but based on merchandise sales, fans appeared to have adapted to the new colors of sky blue and yellow. It should be an interesting next few years in E-Town. Food & Beverage 4 There is ample variety of food at the main concession stand, but that is fine since it is served fast and hot to customers throughout the game. Several beer stands first made their appearance during the 2019 season, up until that point, liquor was not allowed at the stadium. Fans can choose from hot dogs, brats, footlongs, burgers, chicken tender baskets, bbq sandwiches, pizza slices, and bbq nachos. There are also sweet items of deep-fried Oreos and funnel cake fries for purchase. The beer choices are also plentiful, with varieties from maco to microbrews available on draft or in 12-ounce cans. Atmosphere 3 Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark is a hodgepodge of pieces to make a ballpark that in 1974 might have been fine but is obsolete. It is a curious formation of a long, steep grandstand down the third baseline that would be better for watching a football game, along with a collection of plastic theater-style seats behind home plate, and an aluminum set of bleachers seating down the third-base side. Fans enter the stadium through the right-field corner of the stadium and encounter a small kid zone play area, the main concession stand, and the official team shop. Club merchandise has been selling well this year, and fans can also scoop up old E-Twins caps and shirts for under $5. Rookie, a fuzzy green guy who has been at the ballpark for a few years, can be found giving out hugs and high-fives. Two wooden structures are hovering in between the home plate seats–one serves as a suite and the other as the press box. The area underneath the two structures is for handicapped seating but also creates ample room for some shade during hot summer games. The outfield wall includes a giant sign that houses all of the championships won by the E-Twins (they also could sneak in the five won by the Elizabethton Red Sox from 1937-1941 to increase it to 17 banners) and the current standings in the Appy League. Players also exit through a door in centerfield near the sign at the end of the game. The ballpark is laid-back Appy League style. The majority of fans take a seat in the third base seating structure that also features carpeted stairways–a unique feature for an outdoor stadium. This is where you will find the best views of the surrounding area of the stadium; you can also chat with the visitor’s dugout that is on field level. A young kid was given a cracked bat by one of the players from the Burlington Sock Puppets. Neighborhood 3 Elizabethton is about 15 minutes west of Johnson City and TVA Credit Union Ballpark, allowing for witnessing a game easily in one day if the schedule permits. The ballpark is surrounded by mountains beyond the right-field wall and the Watauga River is located behind home plate and the third baseline (hence the name River Riders). Locals and visitors enjoy kayaking or tubing down the river during the summer months. The town is home to 14,000 and is rather small, but also the natural wonders of Cherokee National Forest and Blue Hole Falls. There is a bit of history around the area that includes The Carter Mansion, Elizabethon Covered Bridge, and the Sycamore Shoals Historic Park. Restaurant options include The Southern Restaurant, Mayflower Seafood Restaurant, Big Dan’s BBQ, J’s Corner, and Nanny’s Country Cafe. Fans 3 A core group of fans stayed until the end of the game, cheering for the team to a come-from-behind victory in the 9th inning. However, many in the stands were quiet throughout most of the game. The die-hards are behind the backstop in the blue seats. Access 3 There is one entrance in the left-field corner, and most of the concessions, restrooms, and merchandise store is behind the third-base grandstand. The narrow concourse in front of the third-base grandstand allows access to the rest of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 A general admission ticket is $6, a daily reserve is $8, and a military/child is $5. The prices are the way they used to be, affordable, and probably the lowest in the league. There are no parking fees, concessions are in line with other clubs, and team merchandise ranges from shirts for $18 to game day caps for $30. . Extras 2 The ballpark earns a point for the large championship wall in the right-center field. The team store also offers multiple pieces of merchandise in various styles, plus deep discounts on E-Twins shirts and caps. Final Thoughts Many might not like Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark for its design and aesthetics. I would not argue with the fact that perhaps a renovation is in order in the future. It rates lower on the list of other ballparks in the Appy League, and with new energy throughout the league, could it be left behind? ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Fluor Field at the West End 945 S Main St Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville Drive website Fluor Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,000 Greenville's Own Green Monster The Greenville Drive is the High-Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The team is a member of the South Atlantic League, where it has won two league titles and one division title. Over the years, the Drive has sent 102 players on to the majors, including Mookie Betts, Anthony Rizzo, and Clay Buchholtz. The Drive’s team name references the fact that Greenville is home to both a BMW auto plant and a Michelin tire plant. It is readily apparent when you arrive at Fluor Field, that the Drive is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The 6,700-seat ballpark closely resembles Fenway and its many unique features. The field dimensions are the same, it has its own Green Monster in left field and has a Pesky Pole down the right field line. The scoreboard is even hand-operated. In the 7th inning, the fans all join in to sing “Sweet Caroline”. It should not be a surprise when you shop at the Drive’s team store that it offers a full line of both Drive merchandise and Boston Red Sox Gear. Food & Beverage 3 Fluor Field offers a wide variety of food and beverage options for you to choose from during a Drive game. You also have the option of ordering your food from your seat via the sEatz app, so you won’t miss any of the on-field action while standing in line at the concession stand. Splendid Splinters and the Seventh Inning Stretch are located down the first and third base lines in the outfield. They serve the typical baseball fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, cracker jacks, and pretzels. Drink options include Pepsi brand sodas, bottled water, and a wide variety of beers (Coors Light, Yuengling, Miller Lite) as well as a rotating list of craft beers. Que’s BBQ is located behind home plate. It offers pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and a wide variety of sides. Fowl Pole is also located behind home plate. It serves chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and chicken nuggets. There are also outlets of both Subway and Chick-fil-A at Fluor Field. They serve the same menus as their retail stores. If you are not already full, you can finish your dining at Sweet Caroline’s. It serves ice cream and other sweet treats. Fluor Field also offers Dollar Drink Nights frequently during the season. This includes $1 Pepsi sodas, $2 Bud Lights, and $3 Rallyville Lager (Fluor Field’s craft beer) Atmosphere 4 In addition to the Fenway-like amenities Fluor Field offers, it also pays homage to the area’s past. The ballpark’s walls are constructed of bricks reclaimed from mills that used to be the economic engine of the Greenville area. The Heritage Plaza in the park features details on what life in the mill was like and the important role baseball played in providing recreation for the workers through mill-sponsored teams. The seating bowl’s design brings fans extremely close to the action…. no seat in the lower level of the park is more than 13 rows from the action. This gives an intimate feel to the park. The park also has a berm in left field. This provides general admission seating for those who prefer a natural surface to a stadium seat. Everyone is entertained by the antics of Reedy Rip’it, a frog mascot from the nearby Reedy River who loves baseball. Reedy takes part in all the between-innings skits and games. He is also known to hop into the stands to pose for selfies with the fans. Neighborhood 4 Fluor Field is in the West End neighborhood of Greenville. It is one of the trendiest areas of the city. The shops, restaurants, B&B inns, and art galleries are just steps away from the ballpark. We recommend both the Smoke on the Water and the Growler Haus for your pre or post-game dining pleasure. Greenville has rebounded from the mill-based economy and transformed the West End neighborhood surrounding Fluor Field into a vibrant destination area for locals and visitors to enjoy. There are numerous shops, cafes, and attractions scattered throughout the former mill village buildings. If you head towards downtown Greenville from the ballpark, you will soon come to one of Greenville’s top attractions, Fall’s Park on the Reedy. This stunning park is set up along the Reedy River, which cuts through downtown Greenville. It features the stunning Liberty Bridge, a public garden, and a series of nature trails that follow several small waterfalls as the river descends in elevation. Fans 4 Greenville has always had a love affair with baseball. Back in the days when Greenville was a hub for textile mills, it was not unusual for each mill to sponsor a baseball team. This gave the workers some respite from the demanding work at low pay and built team spirit for the workers. Many of the workers were able to escape the mill life and play professional baseball. Today’s Drive fans are equally drawn to baseball. There is great pride in the team, as it has two fierce rivalries with two other Palmetto State teams, the Columbia Fireflies and the Charleston RiverDogs . Drive fans often show up at away games in these two cities to cheer their team. Fluor Field has several unique areas in the park for large groups to enjoy the game. These include the Champions Club on the second level of the stadium and the Rooftop, which provides you with a wonderful view of downtown Greenville, as well as the West End neighborhood. Probably the most unique group seating area is the Mountain Dew Dugout. This is a private dugout at the field level. It provides a unique perspective of the action on the field. People in the dugout have direct access to food and beverage service via a tunnel at the back of the dugout. Access 4 Fluor Field parking is easy to access via I-85. Take exit 51 C off I-85 and onto I-385. Eventually, this becomes East North Street. Just after Bon Secours Wellness Arena turn left on North Church Street (Highway 29). Turn right at University Ridge, then right into the parking deck at Greenville County Square. Shuttles run every 15 minutes over to Fluor Field While the ballpark has no fan parking immediately outside the stadium, the parking deck at the County Square and the shuttles between the parking lot and the ballpark are very convenient. Once at the park, fans can enter through one of the multiple gates at the park. Gates open one hour before the first pitch. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a Drive game will not drive you to the poor house. First, parking is free. There are no parking lots immediately attached to the ballpark. Free parking is available at the parking deck of the County Square located at 301 University Ridge Greenville, SC 29601. A team trolley will then shuttle you to and from Fluor Field at no cost. Trolleys run every 15 minutes. Once you are at the park, there are a wide variety of price points for tickets to the game. First of all, we hope you’ll purchase your tickets in advance, as day-of-game ticket purchases will be $2.00 higher than the prices we quote here. Tickets atop the Green Monster are $20. These usually sell out well before a game, as there are a very limited number of seats for this unique vantage point. Tickets behind home plate are $20, seats behind the dugouts are $11, infield seats are $9, and Pesky Pole seats down the foul lines in the outfield go for $9.00. The concession prices at Fluor Field are quite reasonable. Extras 4 Fluor Field is used for a wide range of events throughout the year. In addition to Drive games, the ballpark is used by the Southern Conference at the college level for its end-of-year baseball tournament. In-state rivals Clemson University and the University of South Carolina face off in the Reedy River Rivalry game once a year. During the holiday season, Fluor Field becomes a winter wonderland to celebrate the Christmas season. The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library has now reopened across the street from Fluor Field. This museum honors the Greenville native who was one of baseball’s greatest players at the turn of the century until he was ensnared in the Black Sox scandal and banned from the game, either rightly or wrongly. The museum has limited hours of 10 am-2 pm on Saturdays. Admission is free, but donations are very appreciated. Fluor Field deserves an extra for incorporating so many elements honoring Fenway Park in its design. It also deserves credit for the many exhibits in the park honoring Greenville’s baseball heritage of the many mill teams that played baseball in the area surrounding the park. Before Saturday games, the streets around Fluor Field are closed to vehicular traffic so that District 356 can be held. This festival area is designed to mimic the celebrations held on Jersey Street outside of Fenway Park before games. District 356 features food and beverage stations, live music, displays from local vendors, and activities for the kids. Final Thoughts Fans visiting Fluor Field for the first time will be amazed at the amenities offered at this Class A level ballpark. The architecture, the large number of seating options, in-game entertainment, and a wide assortment of concession offerings are more typically found at AAA-level ballparks. Add to that the many dining and entertainment options surrounding the park for some pre or post-game fun. It’s no wonder that this stadium puts so many people in the Drive’s seats.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Toyota Field 5106 David Edwards Dr San Antonio, TX 78233 San Antonio FC website Toyota Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 8,000 San Antonio FC – Toyota Field Toyota Field was built as a soccer-specific stadium for the then San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League (NASL). It was the first facility of its kind built in the area and was an immediate hit with the community. In 2015, the field was taken over by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, owners of the San Antonio Spurs, and the field became the new home of San Antonio FC of the United Soccer League (USL). In the past half dozen-plus seasons, San Antonio FC has reached the playoffs a handful of times, including a trip to the Conference Finals in 2021. The team has been fully embraced by the community and consistently reaches near sell outs at Toyota Field most games each season. Read on to learn what makes Toyota Field such a draw for soccer fans in S.A. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage scene at Toyota Field is really exceptional. Celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez has opened outposts of two of his celebrated restaurants, La Gloria and Burgerteca, at Toyota Field. While he opened similar branches at the AT&T Center, the stands at Toyota Field have even more pared down menus. For example, the Burgerteca stand, which normally specializes in Mexican-inspired burgers, only serves Tex-Mex nachos ($10.49). Both of these are on the upper concourse level of the stadium. On the ground level, there also additional food vendors and food trucks. Some highlights include LA Fresh, a fruit cup and shaved ice vendor. This is traditionally one of the most popular vendors in the stadium (they also have another location on the upper concourse), selling numerous flavors of their signature shaved ice ($8), fruit cups ($8), aguas frescas ($6), and corn cups ($6). You can also get all your other traditional game day favorites, including pizza by the slice, hot dogs, and barbecue. You can also stop by the bar underneath the scoreboard and purchase a full assortment of alcohol. Atmosphere 3 Like most soccer stadiums, Toyota Field’s true draw is its atmosphere. The large San Antonio FC flag near the main entrance, the scoreboard (and subsequent bar), and the oversized shield logo are all great spots throughout the stadium that have proven to be great photo ops for fans since day one, and are very popular on game day. Another unique spot adding to the atmosphere is the Bud Light Bunker, the home base for San Antonio FC’s supporter clubs (more on them in the Fans section). The energy from this section is infectious and is what fans expect from a soccer match. There is also a team store on the concourse above the bunker where fans can purchase all their San Antonio FC merchandise. Neighborhood 3 Toyota Field is located on the northeast side of San Antonio, which is about a 20 to 25-minute drive from the city’s vibrant downtown area. It is adjacent to one of the city’s most unique attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland. This one-of-a-kind theme park was built by a local philanthropist with the goal of making it completely accessible to people of all abilities. The venue is also near two other sports complexes, the South Texas Area Regional (S.T.A.R.) Regional Soccer Complex and Heroes Stadium. Both are state-of-the-art facilities for amateur sports, and both are within walking distance of Toyota Field. When looking for dining and lodging options, you might need to venture a little farther away from the stadium to find something beyond traditional fast food and motels. Luckily, the stadium is near a major highway that can take you to any part of the city. Fans 4 Since day one, Toyota Field has been a big draw for the area’s rabid soccer base. San Antonio FC has drawn between 6,000 and 7,000 fans on average per game (except during the pandemic-ravaged 2020 season), often during the hottest months on the calendar where the temperature is well over 100 degrees. A good part of the energy from the fan base is due to the support groups (as mentioned above in the Atmosphere section). The main groups are The Crocketeers, the 210 Alliance, and Mission City Firm 118. Prospective fans must request permission to join these clubs and once they join, they must pledge pretty much their undying loyalty to the club. As part of their fandom the groups chant, sing, and play instruments throughout the game. They bring an energy that is palpable throughout the stadium. After every goal, they fire off clouds of red and white smoke. The fans really are one of the best parts of the game experience. Access 4 As mentioned earlier in the review, Toyota Field is right off a major highway, Interstate 35. Not only does I-35 run the length of the city, but it runs north all the way (if you were inclined to make the drive) to Austin, Waco, and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The stadium is also a 16-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, home of the city’s most-celebrated attractions, and is also a 16-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. Once onsite, there are three lots surrounding the stadium with parking starting at $10. For those not interested in driving to the game, San Antonio’s public transportation option, the VIA bus line has a route that makes a stop near the stadium. Ridesharing is also available and there are drop-off locations at Toyota Field. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for San Antonio FC games start at $13 per person. For fútbol crazed fans, this is a true bargain. The club has been very good of late, and in addition to their typical USL schedule, they also play exhibitions against some of their “rival” MLS teams. There are also friendlies against teams from south of the border, which also add to the energy of the crowds. When you couple the importance of the games with low-cost tickets and the low cost for parking, that makes up for the sometimes higher than average concessions fees. Regardless, you won’t have to break the bank to see some great soccer at Toyota Field. Extras 2 While the team has done a lot to build up the atmosphere and make it a fun experience for fans, there isn’t much in the way of Extras at Toyota Field. There is a 50/50 raffle, where fans can take home half the prize on the night with the other half going to a local charity. The team also fires off fireworks after Friday night games. There are also promotional nights throughout the season, such as Fan Appreciation Night and $2 Hot Dog Night. Final Thoughts In recent years there have been a lot more soccer-specific stadiums built across the country. Toyota Field feels like it is at the forefront of these types of facilities. It has tremendous sightlines, it has great acoustics, it is easy to get to and to leave from, and the concessions are everything you could possibly want. The club and the city aspired to one day host an MLS franchise, and it shows in all the work that was put into the stadium. If you are a fan of the sport, you definitely should add Toyota Field to your bucket list of must-visit places. One last recommendation though – come earlier in the year before the temperature starts to heat up. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Papa Murphy’s Park 1600 Exposition Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95815 Sacramento Republic FC website Papa Murphy’s Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 11,442 Sacramento’s Republic Sacramento has long been rumored as an expansion possibility for Major League Soccer (MLS). In their brief existence they are making quite the impression both on the field and at the box office. However, recent trends tend to put Sacramento behind other cities like Phoenix, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Indianapolis as possible MLS sites. Sacramento Republic FC was founded in 2012 and began play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2014, winning the championship that very first year. While the pitch was constructed on the other side of the American River at the Cal Expo, the Republic played their first few home games at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Sacramento City College. Papa Murphy’s Park is located on the Cal Expo which main function is to host the annual California State Fair. Because of this, there are remnants of fairs past throughout the area. Bonney Field was built in 2014 and after just one successful season it was expanded by nearly 4,000 seats to its current capacity of 11,442. Food & Beverage 4 Sticking with the theme of a state fair, much of the food offerings are in that vein. Hot dogs, nachos and other typical stadium foods are available alongside faire staples such as anything deep-fried and greasy. Most popular on hot Sacramento days are the slushie and ice cream stands, where the lines can snake throughout the concourses. The most popular macro beers seem to be Tecate and Coors Light and you can find those throughout the stadium. If you’re looking for craft or local beers, head behind the west sideline stands for the more popular craft selections plus some local offerings from New Helvetia, Knee Deep and Rubicon breweries. I’m not the biggest fan of the fried offerings of fair food so what separates stadium’s offerings for me is the outsourced food trucks that seem to rotate on throughout the season. These local trucks offer anything from salads to crab sandwiches and from tacos to grilled cheese and tater tots. Atmosphere 3 Papa Murphy’s Park is still coming into its own on this front. Ultimately, the stadium maximizes its current capabilities and is impressive in that it was built so quickly and is evolving with the growing needs of the fan base. It is also unique in that it is within Cal Expo, with a working (only during the State Fair) monorail track running throughout the facility and views of the adjacent Raging Waters waterpark. The soccer venue consists of bleachers on three sides plus an end line VIP section. The bleachers include backless and backed seating depending on section. While the backs and sides of the bleacher base are covered with Republic logos and sponsors, fans must walk under the bleachers to reach their seats. In the supporters section, the metal bleachers are often stomped on which creates a minimal amount of noise on the pitch but is excruciatingly loud when walking underneath. There are two large screens that display live game action, the score and the running clock. They seem like they are something in between a large television and a traditional video board. They seem somewhat temporary but serve their purpose well. Neighborhood 4 The immediate neighborhood surrounding Cal Expo is largely residential mixed with strip malls. The area is not terribly walkable because of distance between locales, driving or other forms of transportation is a must. The Arden Fair Mall is directly adjacent to Cal Expo which includes chain restaurants such as Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory and In-N-Out Burger. Local options include Taro’s for sushi, Cask & Barrel for southern and Maggiano’s for Italian. For a taste of the local craft beer offerings try Capitol Beer & Taproom where they have draft and bottled offerings from around Northern California and beyond. Twelve Rounds Brewing in East Sacramento is the nearest brewery to Bonney Field. Field House is the nearest sports bar which offers brunch, bar bites and beer. There are a few hotels walking distance to Cal Expo including a Fairfield Inn and a Courtyard Suites. If you’re willing to explore beyond the immediate neighborhood, check out the Midtown and Downtown Sacramento neighborhoods, five to eight miles away. Fans 4 Republic fans have shown up in droves since the very first game, forcing a Papa Murphy’s Park expansion after just one year. Sacramento seems to be an excellent professional soccer market because of its size and demographics plus the fact that there is little competition for the sports dollar outside of the Kings and River Cats. My hope is that the passion for the Republic continues and they eventually make their way to MLS and a natural rivalry is fostered between them and the San Jose Earthquakes. The Tower Bridge Battalion is the supporters group for Republic FC. They are a rambunctious group that stands and chants throughout the match in sections 1 and 2. The Republic fan base, while without much history, is very passionate. In the coming years, I can see a growing passion reminiscent of the love affair Sacramento had with the Kings in the early 2000s. Access 3 Cal Expo and Papa Murphy’s Park is located very near interstates 80 and 50. Interstate 80 is the main thoroughfare that connects the Bay Area to Sacramento and beyond to Reno. The surface streets getting into the parking lot are well-marked and easy to navigate. Unfortunately the way the parking lot is set up and where the entrance to the stadium is located, you’ll be traveling on foot for a while after you park. Though Sacramento has a light rail service, it doesn’t service this part of the city well. City buses are available as well as bicycle parking. Keeping with the state fair theme, restrooms are either housed in temporary buildings or are porta-potties. They are plentiful and relatively clean. The stadium is easy to get around as the concourses behind the stands are plenty wide to move through the crowds. Unfortunately you can’t see any of the action without a view of the field or very many screens showing the live action. You can nearly make a full circle around the venue with the exception of the VIP area. The one bummer is that if you need to get to the team store or craft beer stand on the west side of the stadium and you’re seated on the east side nearest the VIP section, a destination 100 yards away can take 10 or more minutes to get to. Return on Investment 3 The least expensive ticket is in the general admission supporters section for $13. Since the Republic have a fan base that sells out most games, the secondary market can be much higher than that. Parking is easy to access, albeit far from the stadium, and is an affordable $10. Concession prices are in line with the expectation of any other professional venue. Republic games are a no-frills experience but the pricing seems to be in line with an elevated stadium experience. Luckily, the quality of play and the fans counter this a bit. Extras 1 I respect that they put up Papa Murphy’s Park so quickly and made the soccer match the main event at Papa Murphy’s Stadium However, because of the stadium seems somewhat temporary with a strange fair-like vibe to it. While the monorail and waterslides are charming, the Republic don’t have a vast history to pay homage. What’s clear is that the Republic and the city of Sacramento are intent on improving their team and their stadium. I’m excited to see what comes of the game day experience in one, two and ten years. Final Thoughts Sacramento has thrown its hat into the ring as a viable soccer market and perhaps one day the home to an MLS side. However, the soccer-specific venue is highly enjoyable serving as the home of a USL Championship side. The modern venue with its passionate fan base and lively game atmosphere reminds people that soccer is alive and growing here in the United States.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Weidner Field 111 West Cimarron St Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Map It Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC website Weidner Field website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 8,000 Soccer Comes to Downtown Colorado Springs Weidner Field International soccer legend Pele famously described soccer as O Jogo Bonito, a Portuguese phrase meaning “the beautiful game.” The 2021 debut of downtown Colorado Springs’s Weidner Field, the 8,000-seat stadium that’s home to the Colorado Switchbacks of the USL Championship, enables fans to enjoy the beautiful game with a bela vista (“a beautiful view”). Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain, and Colorado’s Front Range, sit just to Weidner Field’s west, providing fans on the stadium’s east side with stunning views. A setting sun behind those mountains can turn any photo into the cover of a “yacht rock” album (one can almost hear Pablo Cruise’s “Love Will Find a Way” as play continues on the pitch below). Weidner Field is a key part of Colorado Springs’s “City for Champions” campaign, a renewal project paid for with funds from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Weidner Field, along with Colorado College’s Ed Robson Arena, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new visitor center, is one of the venues that are drawing visitors to the Springs. It’s also a beautiful facility worthy of the short detour off of Interstate 25, just to the west. Food & Beverage 4 A pleasantly surprising breadth of quality food and drink options await fans at Weidner Field. Hot dogs ($6), cheeseburgers ($10), chicken tenders ($7), brats ($8), and “old-school” nachos ($7) are sold at the stadium’s main concession stands. There’s also a good range of adult beverages: domestic beer ($14), craft beer ($10 for a 12-ounce draft), imported beer ($14), canned cocktails ($12), canned wine ($10), and a 24-ounce domestic can ($14.50) are all available. Sodas are Pepsi products, while beer includes offerings from Coors, Modelo, Corona, and Pikes Peak Brewing. White Claw hard seltzer is also sold in various flavors. There are several ways to order food at Weidner Field. Fans can order from their seats via QVC code and then retrieve their orders from a nearby concession stand. Alternatively, touchscreen ordering stations have been placed in the stadium’s southeast corner, where beer, wine, and snacks can be purchased. This minimizes the disruption of waiting for food while play continues on the pitch. Atmosphere 4 The Switchbacks have quickly developed a passionate, enthusiastic fan base. Streets bound Weidner Field on all four sides, limiting its size. This means that fans sit very close to the action. So close, in fact, that fans can (and do) successfully inform the game officials about their feelings toward those officials’ abilities, family members, and pets. Fans need to be alert, particularly behind the goals. There’s no protective netting to protect fans from errant soccer balls which can leave the field of play at high rates of speed. Corner Patio Seats With a View at Weidner Field, Photo by Matt Finnegan, Stadium Journey As the neighborhood around Weidner Field develops, the atmosphere will improve even more with the addition of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. In addition to some of the new additions around Weidner Field, the Trainwreck is set to open two blocks from Weidner Field in September 2022, at 812 South Sierra Madre Street. Approximately two acres in area, the Trainwreck will serve food and drinks, along with golf simulators, sand volleyball courts, bocce, and a 9-hole putting course. Downtown Colorado Springs’ renaissance should enhance even more the atmosphere while attending a Switchbacks’ game at Weidner Field. Other building projects can be seen beyond Weidner Field’s confines, a visual reminder of the neighborhood’s significant metamorphosis. Neighborhood 3 Weidner Field’s neighborhood is rated as it exists in August 2022. However, this rating is likely to improve over time. The facility was built in a part of downtown Colorado Springs that had largely been forgotten. Now, with the completion of both Weidner Field and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum three blocks away, the neighborhood is coming to life. Apartment complexes are under construction just beyond Weidner Field’s south end, bringing residents who should support restaurants and businesses in the neighborhood. Notwithstanding the area’s nascence, the neighborhood around Weidner Field has some worthy pre- and post-game spots. The Warehouse and Gallery sits a few feet away from the stadium on Wahsatch Street. A block to the west from the Warehouse, the Coati food hall has a brewery, two bars, and seven restaurants, while the Atomic Cowboy includes outposts of popular Denver-based restaurants Fat Sully’s Pizza and the Denver Biscuit Company. For those willing to walk a bit further, the center of Colorado Springs has even more options. Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. has been a downtown mainstay for 30 years; Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub is another favorite (and an appropriate place to celebrate a Switchbacks victory). Fans 4 For a team that’s existed for less than a decade, the Switchbacks enjoy great fan support. Average home attendance has improved every year the team has played, with more than 5,400 fans per game attending in 2021 and more than 7,000 fans attending in 2022. Fans are loud, engaged, and at times boisterous. Access 3 Weidner Field sits just to the east of Interstate 25 and is easily accessed via the Cimarron Street exit. The stadium sits on Cimarron, between Sierra Madre Street and Sahwatch Street. The Switchbacks do not have a dedicated parking area, instead relying on existing parking in downtown Colorado Springs’s south side. Some have criticized the club for building a stadium that does not have its own parking but this system works well. More than 5,000 parking places are available within a 6-minute walk of Weidner Field. Arriving at kickoff time on a Friday night means parking on the street at a meter for $6.50 and an eight-minute walk – not bad when compared to many other sporting events. This parking system also means that attending a Switchbacks game does not require an interminable wait to exit a centralized parking lot or garage. Mass transit is an option, though likely not a convenient one. Mountain Metropolitan Transport’s 8th Street-Broadmoor Purple Line stops just outside Weidner Field. But most fans wanting to bus to the game will need to take a line to the Downtown Terminal, located at the intersection of Kiowa Street and Nevada Avenue, and then walk approximately a mile to the pitch. Also, fans should know that the Switchbacks deliver on their promise to enforce their bag policy. Only those bags that are clear (so that security can visually inspect the contents without touching them) and no more than 18 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches or a one-gallon, re-sealable bag may come in. A small clutch bag or purse no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches may also be brought in. Security at Weidner Field strictly enforces these rules; several fans were seen trotting bags back to parked cars just before kickoff. The team does have a small number of lockers available for $10 just outside the gate on the east side of the stadium. There’s decent room inside to move around. A concourse circles the stadium above the seating areas. During matches, fans have no difficulty navigating it. Before the game and during halftime, however, lines from concession stands mix with crowds of fans moving around the stadium. Wheelchair seating is available around the upper concourse. Fans with mobility aid can enter Weidner Field at Gate A on Sierra Madre Street on the facility’s west side. (Also, kudos to the Switchbacks for having an informative web page dedicated to ADA access at home games. Return on Investment 3 A Switchbacks game at Weidner Field is not a bargain. Single-game tickets are sold through a third-party reseller. For the September 10, 2022 home game against Detroit, tickets range from $23 to $30. By comparison, the Switchbacks’ MLS parent team, the Colorado Rapids, hosts the Vancouver Rapids in Denver that same night. Most tickets for that game sell for $19 – $35, though some field tickets sell for $125. A Switchbacks ticket is not the bargain that some might expect for a USL Championship game. That said, there are several ways to save money on tickets. The Switchbacks have a flex voucher program in which fans must buy at least 16 vouchers that fans can redeem at any time during the season for any game. A 16-voucher purchase for a bleacher seat with no back – the Switchbacks’ entry level voucher plan – sells for $328 ($20.50 per game). A 16-voucher purchase for a fitted seat sells for $520 ($32.50 per game). Appurtenant expenses do not break the bank. Fans can be entrepreneurial to find budget-friendly parking. A small lot immediately across Sierra Madre Street from Weidner Field’s west-side entrance costs $25 but lots and garages throughout downtown Colorado Springs offer parking for significantly less than that. Plus, metered street parking provides a more affordable option. Food and drink prices align with similar facilities. Outside food and drink, with the exception of one sealed, unopened plastic water bottle no larger than 17 ounces, is not permitted. Extras 3 A very important first point goes to the Switchbacks for having what all venues should have: nugget ice. This cannot be overstated. The fact that fans at Weidner Field can enjoy USL action with ice nuggets – the very best form of ice – in their drinks separates the Weidner Field experience from all others. The Switchbacks allow free refills on fountain sodas ($6), making that ice taste even better. Free refills are a welcome change for fans. Public art earns a third point for Weidner Field. A large sculpture, “The Epicenter,” welcomes fans entering Weidner’s main entrance at the corner of Cimarron and Sahwatch Streets. The Epicenter stands 35 feet tall by 65 feet in diameter, weighs 164,000 pounds, and required more than 20,000 hours of work to complete. Its rings are comprised of more than 7,000 pieces and a remote-controlled LED lighting system helps bring the statue to life after sunset. Additionally, several large reproductions of paintings by legendary sports painter LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012) adorn the outside of Weidner Field’s east façade along Sahwatch Street. These reproductions depict great Olympic performances, a nod to Colorado Springs’s importance to the Olympic Movement. Final Thoughts The Switchbacks have incorporated thoughtful design into a stadium that celebrates Colorado Springs’s natural beauty and the sport of soccer. As the Switchbacks grow into their home at Weidner Field, the surrounding neighborhood seems poised to grow with them. As that happens, the team’s support should continue to expand. Professional soccer has a bright future in the Springs. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 NASCAR Weekend website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 NASCAR in Ohio Mid-Ohio is known for being a top-level destination for car racing. Not only are the fans loud, proud of their favorite drivers, knowledgeable, and loyal, but the food is great, the scenery is beautiful, and the facility provides exciting racing. Now if only the traffic and getting to the track weren’t as bad as they are, then there would be little keeping Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from being among the best around. While IndyCar weekend may be the top event for fans to visit the track, NASCAR weekend provides a different vibe all together. Food & Beverage 4 Living in Ohio, or visiting Ohio, brings with it a culinary world of wonders. From Cincinnati to Cleveland there is no shortage of places to find great food – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is no different. With numerous places to find food and drinks at food stands around the course, quenching your thirst or getting a bite to eat isn’t hard to do. The food here ranges from the standard burgers and hot dogs to fresh and authentic Polish sausage sandwiches. The best part? It won’t break the bank. Food ranges between $5 and $10 for mainline meals, including chips or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing only a few bucks each. And if that doesn’t do it for you, then get some pizza from one of the numerous traveling pizza servers. Yes, I said traveling servers – driving around the property on ATVs and off-road vehicles that feature warm pizza onboard, you can purchase your lunch and something to drink without losing your spot on the hillside, while watching the action on the track. Atmosphere 5 Ohio sports fans know how to hype up the energy, even at a car race. In addition, the camping on-site is on the same level as the best sports tailgating in the country. Dare I say, the views from the trackside camping are also among the best. The view you can get with a camper parked at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is not like some race courses where you are separated from the actual track and in your own parking area. Instead, here you can see the actual track from your campsite, with your tent right up next to the trackside barrier and fences – it’s hard to find a racing venue with a better place to stay at the track, where you can camp while seeing the race as well. In addition, for those who enjoy the group aspect, camping is also available in the various woods around the track. Neighborhood 3 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield. The biggest town near the track, Mansfield, is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend however, with local shops and restaurants putting on their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption,” and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour north in Sandusky. Fans 4 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on the track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last on the track. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as during IndyCar weekend, NASCAR still brings out a ton of locals and series-loyal fans to the facility. Access 3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy; it’s in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grassy or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills. Your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, that will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the facility, mean you may spend hours walking or driving out before you even reach the main gates. Return on Investment 4 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is worth the trip. There are plenty of places to see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop for a NASCAR, IndyCar, or sports car race. That said you also have to bring your appetite, as the food will be hard to resist once you smell its sweet scent wafting through the air. Extras 4 There are many extras at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course that set it apart from other racing venues. First, the social media interaction helps engage fans while at the track – Instagram posts with the race’s hashtags show up on the monitors and big screens during the weekend. Another bonus is the great weather the track usually enjoys – even in the summer, it gets no warmer than the low 80s. Something else that gets the fans engaged is the large fan zone at the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend get you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up close and personal. Fans can also wander throughout some of the pits and garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. During NASCAR weekend, special access passes are required to get into the NASCAR section of the paddock, but Trans-Am, Stadium Super Trucks, and F3/F4 are all open to the public. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the NASCAR teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a beautiful backdrop, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. You won’t leave hungry, you won’t leave disappointed, but you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning).

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Rotary Field 1001 E Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601 Shenandoah Hornets website Rotary Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 500 Oh, Shenandoah! Located in Winchester, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah University's athletic teams are known as the Hornets and compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The Hornets' softball team plays its home games at Rotary Field, located in Jim Barnett Park. Before the 2022 season, SU played at another field in the park, Henkel-Harris Field. However, the university backed major renovations to Rotary Field, Briddgeforth Stadium (home of Hornets' baseball), and two other fields in the park and moved into their current home. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rotary Field. A concession stand is located in a structure beyond the outfield fence to the left of the baseball stadium, but it was not open when we visited. The concession stand in Bridgeforth Stadium may be open if there is another event going on, but likely will not be accessible unless you have a ticket to that game. Fans are permitted to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 3 There are two small sets of metal bleachers at Rotary Field, one down each foul line between home plate and the dugout. Many fans also bring their chairs and sit along the backstop. Wherever you sit, you will be close to the action. However, there isn't a lot going on here besides the action on the field. Music is played between innings, but that is about it. As at most Division III venues, this is a place to watch a game but not much else. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near the stadium, ranging from sports bars to barbecues to homemade ice cream. Since Bridgeforth Field is located near the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 4 Shenandoah draws a couple hundred fans a game, which is above average for Division III. Most of them are friends or family of the players, although others have some connection to the university as well. Whatever brings them out, they are knowledgeable about the team and the players and most of them are regulars. That is not to say newcomers will be made to feel unwelcome, however. As the ODAC consists mainly of teams within Virginia, there will often be a good number of visiting fans as well. Fans of the away team tend to sit in the first base bleachers and fans of the Hornets on the third base side, as that is where the teams' dugouts are. Access 4 The nearest highway to Rotary Field is Interstate 81, and it is easily accessible via Exit 313A. Fans coming from the east or west will need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way, and while these are not highways, you can usually make good time. Once you get to the stadium, there is parking available in a lot right next to it. If this fills up, there is parking available elsewhere in Jim Barnett Park as well. All parking is free. Keep in mind the rows of the lot closest to the stadium are within foul ball territory. Park there at your own risk. Restrooms are available in a structure next to the baseball stadium, and while there may be a small line at times, especially between games of a doubleheader, you should not have to wait too long. Return on Investment 4 According to the Shenandoah website, admission to Hornets games is just $6 with youth getting in for $4, and tickets must be purchased in advance through the Ticket Spicket app. However, when Stadium Journey visited, tickets were not for sale in the app and nobody was selling nor checking the tickets of people who came in, so admission was free. It is not clear if this is always the case. Regardless, the cost of a ticket certainly won't break the bank. Extras 1 As the Hornets' baseball stadium is right across the parking lot, you have a chance to see two different teams in two different sports in one trip if you time your visit right. Final Thoughts Although Division III is the lowest level of NCAA softball, Rotary Field is one of the nicer parks at this level. It is recently renovated and the Hornets have a core fan base that shows up for just about every game. Sports fans passing through Winchester will want to stop by Rotary Field for some softball if the Hornets are at home.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bristol Motor Speedway 151 Speedway Boulevard Bristol, TN 37620 Bristol Motor Speedway website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 162,000 It's Bristol Baby! Bristol Motor Speedway has been one of the favorite short tracks in the NASCAR circuit for both drivers and racing fans. The .533-mile oval means a slower pace, but it ramps up the strategy used by the drivers due to its 4-degree banked turns, narrow straightaways and two pit rows. The speedway opened in 1960, but it bears little resemblance to the original facility. Today the speedway is the 4th largest sports venue in America and the 8th largest sports venue in the world, with a seating capacity of 162,000 fans. This includes more than 150 luxury suites. The speedway has also expanded its complex to include drag racing, truck racing and several levels of stock car racing. This keeps the facility busy throughout the year. Bristol holds two major NASCAR events each year. The Food City 500 is held in the spring and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Nighttime Race is held in August. Bristol is one of the few tracks that hold a nighttime race, which is held at night to avoid the extremely high daytime temperatures in the South. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Bristol Motor Speedway are grouped by seating area. The same offerings are offered in each of the seating areas throughout the track. Many of the vendors are the same franchises you would find along the highway. These vendors include Pinty’s (chicken products), Arby’s (roast beef), Maxdog (hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos), Zeny (cheese steaks, polish sausages, chicken tenders) and Bush’s Beans (BBQ). The Speedway Specialty Stand offers the Triple Bacon Colossus Burger, the Sloppy B Burger and Chicken Fried Steak with gravy on fries. Beverages at the vendors stalls include bottle water, iced tea, Powerade and sodas (brands differ by vendor, as they have national contracts with Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Due to a national sponsorship with NASCAR, only Budweiser brand beers are sold at the Speedway. Atmosphere 5 The owners of Bristol Motor Speedway have created a very fan-friendly environment. The short track nature of the facility offers a much better viewing atmospheres than some of the super-speedways. First of all, fans are seated in stadium style seating, rather than the typical bench style seating found at most tracks. This is a major plus when you are watching an event that lasts more than four hours. Bristol also employs two pit rows, rather than just one. This aids the flow of the race, but it also allows fans on each side of the track to watch the action in the pits. Another innovation is the removal of the scoring pylons from the infield. This is actually a necessity due the tight space of the infield. The pylons and video boards in the grandstands have been replaced by the Colossus center hung video board. It weighs more than 700 tons and has four video panels measuring 30 feet by 63 feet each. No matter where you are sitting in the facility, you will have a clear view of the standings and be able to see replays of any major occurrences on the track. Even the end of the race is well thought out. Rather than have Victory Lane at track level in the infield like most tracks, Bristol has built their Victory Lane atop a building in the infield, which is much more visible to the fans. Neighborhood 3 Bristol Motor Speedway is in the Tri Cities area of Tennessee and Virginia. It is seven miles south of the Virginia – Tennessee Line. On race weekends surrounding the Food City 500 and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race, the Speedway becomes a city of 150,000 plus residents. These residents live in areas set aside for RV’s, campgrounds and area hotels. Most of the businesses in the area service the needs of the race fans. In a larger sense, the Tri Cities area forms the neighborhood with more permanent attractions, restaurant choices and lodging. To the south of the Speedway are Johnson City and Greeneville, Tennessee. To the north of the Speedway are the adjoining cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. Two attractions to check out in the area are Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee. For those racing fans that want to eat in a restaurant away from the speedway, but want to stick with the mood, the Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant in Bristol, Virginia is a great choice. It offers great food and a wide selection of craft beers. The closest lodging to the speedway is found along Volunteer Parkway (Hwy 11), which runs right in front of the track. Many lodging centers offer shuttle buses to and from the speedway. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are tribal in their allegiance to a particular driver. Realizing this, Bristol names its seating sections for past race winners and NASCAR champions. This allows fans to pick tickets in an area with fellow fans of that particular driver. In addition, the FanFest held the week leading up to the race offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite driver or to purchase merchandise bearing the number or team colors of that driver. Fans also enjoy the variety of options available for parking within the Bristol Motor Speedway complex. Bristol does not offer infield camping or RV’s due to limited space, which creates a much more inviting atmosphere for people to walk around and meetup with friends prior to the race. Access 3 As you can imagine, creating a temporary city of 150,000 people over a weekend will present some access problems. First some of the basics: 1) the best interstate access to the Speedway from the south is to take exit 69 off Interstate 81 in Tennessee, then take Highway 394 to the track. From the north, take exit #3 of Interstate 81 in Tennessee and head south on Volunteer Parkway (Highway 11) If you are flying in, the Tri Cities Airport handles both scheduled traffic and private planes and is located just five miles from the track. Unless you have a Speedway, Parking Pass or have reserved a spot to camp out or park your RV, you are more than likely going to be staying at least 10-15 miles away. The speedway has an extensive shuttle bus system that will shuttle you back and forth to the track. For specific pick up and drop off points for the shuttle bus system, go to https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/fans/shuttles-and-buses. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the two premiere races at Bristol range from $60 – $185, depending on the location of the seats. This is on par with the other tracks in the NASCAR circuit. Concessions are set to the non-track prices of items sold in the franchise year-round locations. Hotels in the area do apply their special event pricing which can exceed $200 a night, well over their average nightly rates. Many of the campgrounds surrounding the track are privately owned and have their own pricing structure. Parking is $10 at the Bristol Motor Speedway North lot, with a free shuttle to the speedway. Other satellite locations offer free parking with $20 round trip shuttle rides to the speedway. Extras 5 Darrell Waltrip is the undisputed racing champ at Bristol, taking the checkered flag 12 times at the track. The “Battle of Bristol” football game set an NCAA record for attendance at a football game with 157,000 fans. The game pitted the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech in a facility equidistant from each team’s campus. The animated film “Cars” used Bristol as its inspiration, with a cameo appearance at the beginning of the film. In the film Bristol “played” the Motor Speedway of the South. The drag racing facility at Bristol is known as Thunder Valley. It literally is built into a valley with hills to each side of the racing surface. The seating for fans overlooks the strip from both sides. This provides an excellent view of the entire race and an earsplitting introduction to the noise created by these top fuel racing machines. Every year Bristol Speedway hosts the Speedway in Lights Christmas Lights event. All proceeds from this event and other events throughout the year goes to Speedway Charities. The Bristol unit of Speedway Charities has contributed more than $13 million to non-profits in the Northeastern Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia region since 1996. Final Thoughts Bristol Motor Speedway shows that there is still a place for short track racing within the NASCAR schedule. What the races lose in speed, has been turned around to take advantage of the capability to see the entire track from your seat. The track management has done a great job of keeping Bristol relevant through constant improvement to the fan experience.

TO READ IN ENGLISH, SCROLL DOWN L’80^ Open d’Italia di golf si svolgerà da giovedì 4 a domenica 7 maggio 2023 presso il Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. L’impianto, situato nel comune di Guidonia Montecelio, a meno di venti chilometri dalla città di Roma, è di proprietà della famiglia Biagiotti. Nel passato ha già ospitato tre volte questa prestigiosa competizione. Soprattutto, dal 29 settembre al primo ottobre 2023 sarà il palcoscenico dell’edizione numero 44 della Ryder Cup. L’ingresso all’Open d’Italia sarà gratuito (previa registrazione su www.openditaliagolf.eu). Un segnale importante quello lanciato dalla Federazione Italiana Golf che punta ad avvicinare sempre più persone a uno sport in continua espansione (previste anche attività dedicate agli spettatori più piccoli). Il DS Automobiles 80^ Open d’Italia sarà anche il primo torneo stagionale del DP World Tour in programma in Europa. Verrà trasmesso in diretta televisiva su Sky Sport Golf, con gli highlights su Rai Sport, e in streaming online. L’80^ Open d’Italia di golf si svolgerà sulla distanza di 72 buche (18 al giorno). Dopo i primi due giri il taglio lascerà in gara i primi 65 classificati. Il montepremi sarà di 3.250.000 dollari, di cui 552.500 andranno al vincitore. Ad anticipare la sfida sarà, mercoledì 3 maggio, la Rolex Pro-Am. Ospite d’eccezione, il trofeo della Ryder Cup che arriverà direttamente dall’Inghilterra e sarà a disposizione del pubblico per foto e selfie dal 4 al 7 maggio. The 80th Italian Open of golf will take place May 4-May 7, 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. The facility, located in the municipality of Guidonia Montecelio, less than twenty kilometers from the city of Rome, is owned by the Biagiotti family. It has already hosted this prestigious competition three times. The venue will also be the stage of the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup, which will be held September 29-October 1, 2023. Admission to the Italian Open will be free (subject to registration on www.openditaliagolf.eu) in an effort launched by the Italian Golf Federation that aims to bring more and more people closer to an ever-expanding sport (activities dedicated to younger spectators are also planned). DS Automobiles 80th Italian Open will also be the first seasonal tournament of the DP World Tour scheduled in Europe. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Golf, with highlights on Rai Sport, and streamed online. The 80th Italian Open of golf will be comprised of four rounds. After the first two rounds, the cut will leave the top 65 in the race for the trophy. The prize pool will be $3,250,000, of which $552,500 will go to the winner.The event will get underway on Wednesday, May 3 when the Rolex Pro-Am will take place. The Ryder Cup trophy which will arrive directly from England will be available to the public for photos and selfies during the event.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 SRP Park 187 Railroad Avenue North Augusta, SC 29841 Augusta GreenJackets website SRP Park website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 The GreenJackets Home Hive The Augusta GreenJackets are the Class Low A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They play in the Carolina League. Their home hive is SRP Park in North Augusta, SC. It opened in 2018 and has a seating capacity of 4,782. The field dimensions are 330 LF, 395CF, and 318RF. The venue has 10 suites, with one suite available on a game-by-game basis. There is a long baseball tradition in the area, as the GreenJackets have been the farm team for the Atlanta Braves, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants. Among the 28 players who have played for the GreenJackets and gone on to the MLB are Adam Duvall, Sergio Romo, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester, Madison Bumgarner, Pablo Sandoval, and Tim Wakefield. Food & Beverage 4 There are four concession stands located around the SRP Park concourse. Each of the stands offers ballpark standards but also sells food items unique to that stand. Bee Sweet Ice Cream - This stand is located behind home plate. It offers all types of frozen treats and sweets. Back Nine Grill - Offers hot dogs, chicken fingers, nachos, fries, Carolina dogs (a beef hot dog served with pimento cheese, a spicy sauce and pulled pork). This stand also has pimento cheese sandwiches. The Bee-stro - Offers cheeseburgers, hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches. McGavins – Offers tacos and burritos. The Southbound Smokehouse offers sit-down service and a wide menu of BBQ items. The Sweetwater Beer Garden offers a wide range of craft beers. The park has Thirsty Thursday specials, with $2 beers and $4 soft drinks. Food can be ordered remotely by using the Appetize app. This saves you from getting in a lengthy line at the concession stand. All concession stands and the Hive Pro Shop operates on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 When you first see SRP Park, it is hard to believe it is a Low-Class A ballpark. It offers amenities typically found in AAA parks. First, you’ll notice the quality of the construction of the venue. It features a well-designed concourse that is wide and open towards the field. It features a grass berm down one baseline and a beer garden and terraced seating down the other baseline. Instead of one or two concession stands, it offers four stands that carry far beyond just the typical stadium fare. The seating bowl is so close to the field that you are never more than 15 rows from the action. The electronics package at SRP Park is also very impressive. It has a concert quality sound system and there is a huge videoboard in center field. All of this adds up to a quality experience for the family when you attend a GreenJacket baseball game. However, SRP also plays a significant role in the community. The stadium hosts charity events throughout the year, as well as concerts, the beginning of the school-year events, and other gatherings of interest to the community. In other words, the GreenJackets home hive has a heart for service to the community. Neighborhood 5 The home of the GreenJackets is the centerpiece of a planned community known as Riverside Village at Hammond Ferry. This live/work/play neighborhood lies along the Savannah River on the South Carolina side of the river. It includes apartments, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, office space, shops, and restaurants. There are three restaurants adjacent to the ballpark, including the Southbound Smokehouse, Brinkley’s Chop House, and the Rio Cantina. All three restaurants feature views into the ballpark. SRP Park also takes advantage of its proximity to the river with a unique feature just over the right field wall. The Taxslayer Terrace is an elevated platform that provides fans an overview of the baseball action if you look one way and a great view of the North Augusta Greenway, the Savannah River, and the city of Augusta, GA if you look the other way. Fans 4 Fans are feeling the love for both SRP Park and the GreenJacket team as attendance has increased more than 48% since the move from Lake Olmstead Park across the river to SRP Park. Season ticket sales continue to rise each succeeding season. Fans appreciate the much more comfortable seats as opposed to the former bleacher seating. The upgrades in the electronic package offered through the move have also been quite popular. The fans enjoy seeing themselves and their friends on the 22’ X 42’ videoboard in the outfield. Soldiers at the nearby Ft. Gordon Army installation are big fans of the GreenJackets. The team in turn offers tickets to soldiers in the area each Warrior Wednesday and honors a soldier each game with a Salute to a Soldier. The community is very appreciative of the team’s efforts away from the ballpark in visiting the area’s schools, nursing homes, and churches. Access 3 SRP Park is very easy to get to from either downtown Augusta, GA or via I-20. Parking is the Achilles heel of the stadium. There is a parking deck just outside SRP Ballpark on the left-field side of the complex. This parking area tends to fill very quickly. You then resort to using one of the offsite parking areas in downtown North Augusta, SC. It is best to consult the GreenJackets website, for a map of these remote locations. You will not have a long walk, as golf carts will transport you to and from the stadium. Once you arrive at SRP Park, you will find the stadium to be very accessible. Entry is available through any of the three gates into the stadium. Gates open one hour before the first pitch on weekdays and 90 minutes before the game on weekend games. All seats are located below the concourse, which runs 360 degrees around the field. The signage along the concourse is very clear and the marking for each aisle is easy to follow. Many people choose to watch at least part of the games from beyond the outfield walls in the ballpark. There are no seats in these areas, but drink rails are provided. This offers a unique view of the action on the field, and usually, it is not crowded. Return on Investment 4 SRP Park offers tickets at multiple price points. They include $15 for tickets behind home plate, $13 for seats behind the dugouts, $11 for seats along the right/left base lines and $10 for standing room only/general admission on the berm near the left field foul pole. Special discounts are offered to first responders on Tuesdays and military personnel on Wednesdays. Augusta is home to Fort Gordon, a major military base. Parking is $5 in the ballpark parking deck, or any of the remote locations in downtown North Augusta, SC. Golf cart shuttles will transport fans to and from the ballpark from these remote locations. Extras 3 SRP Park is built in the shape of the state of South Carolina. Augusta has a long-standing love affair with Pimento cheese sandwiches. This is because it is one of the most popular foods available at The Masters Golf Tournament. The GreenJackets serve Pimento cheese sandwiches throughout the baseball season. They also serve Pimento cheese hot dogs and Pimento cheese hamburgers. Each year the team changes into their alter ego of the Augusta Pimento Cheeses. They wear Pimento cheese-themed uniforms, which are auctioned for charity after the game. SRP Park received the Ballpark of the Year awards from both the Ballpark Digest and Ballparks.com when it opened in 2018. Final Thoughts SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low Class A level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 City Stadium 3201 Maplewood Ave Richmond, VA 23221 Richmond Kickers website City Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 22,611 Kicking It In Richmond The Richmond Kickers were founded in 1993 as a member of what was then known as the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL). Although top division soccer has enjoyed stability in the United States for the past 20-plus years with the success of MLS, the lower divisions have not. This has meant the Kickers have bounced from league to league and level to level in various incarnations of the USISL and its successor, the United Soccer League. In 2019, the USL was renamed the USL Championship, with another league below it, which rather confusingly was named USL League One. While the vast majority of USL teams stayed in the Championship, the Kickers moved down to League One, where they remain to this day. The official capacity of City Stadium is 22,611. However, this includes the east stands, which have not been in use for some time due to needed upgrades that have not been performed. Food & Beverage 3 The concession situation at City Stadium is a bit confusing. There is a permanent concession stand on the concourse, but only drinks are sold here. Coca-Cola products, including bottled water, are around $3 each, and beer is $6.50 for a 16 oz or $11.50 for a 32 oz. If you want something to eat, there are food trucks located in one corner of the concourse – turn left as you come in and go all the way down. One truck sells Chick-fil-A, one sells burritos and other similar products, and the third sells shaved ice. There is also a Dippin Dots stand on the other end of the concourse, which also sells cotton candy and popcorn. Prices at the food trucks are a bit pricey but well worth it. The Chick-fil-A is a less expensive option if you want to save money, but you get what you pay for. Atmosphere 4 There is one entrance to City Stadium, on the west side. Once you enter, you will find stands on both sidelines, but the ones on the east (far) sideline are not in use due to needed repairs. On the near sideline, all seats are general admission bleachers without backs except one section of reserved chairbacks bolted onto the bleachers at midfield, which are reserved for season ticket holders. There is one digital scoreboard that theoretically shows shots on goal as well, but when we went, that remained at zero for both teams for the whole game, even as they recorded multiple shots on goals and the Kickers even scored twice. Being a minor league team, the club tries to entertain fans, but since there are no breaks other than halftime, this is harder than it would be at a minor league baseball game. However, they still do a good job, rolling the stadium lights during pregame and after goals. There are also contests during halftime. The Kickers have a kangaroo mascot named Kickeroo, who interacts with the fans during the game. Neighborhood 5 Although City Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood, it is a short walk from the Carytown section of Richmond, where one can find numerous businesses and restaurants. Carytown Burges & Fries is one local favorite, as is the Galaxy Diner. Both are a short walk from the stadium. Fans looking for a drink before or after the game should have no trouble finding it near the stadium. Garden Grove Brewing is located on Cary St., and many other restaurants will serve alcohol as well. However, true bars (i.e. places which primarily serve alcohol) violate Virginia’s alcohol laws, so you will not find any of those here. Those looking for other entertainment while in town can check out the Byrd Theatre, also in Carytown. History buffs might enjoy the numerous Civil War sites located in and around Richmond, which was of course the former capital of the Confederacy and played a major role in the war. Fans 4 Like many soccer teams, the Kickers have a group of rowdy Supporters (yes, Supporters with a capital S) known as the Red Army, who sit in Section O for each game. But “sit” is not the right word here, because the Red Army will stand for 90 minutes, chanting, singing, waving flags, and banging drums. They also use smoke periodically, which makes for an impressive display, but fans who are sensitive to that sort of thing should try to avoid sitting near them. The Red Army is the most passionate of the Kickers fans by far, but the rest of the crowd can get into it at times as well. The stadium can get loud during the game, especially after a Kickers goal. Fans will cheer on the Kickers and will not hesitate to boo the referees if they feel a call went the wrong way. Access 4 City Stadium is located just off the Downtown Expressway (I-195) in Richmond. Simply exit the highway, drive a couple of blocks, and you’re there. Free parking is available in a gravel lot and rarely fills up, but if worst comes to worst, ample street parking is available within walking distance of the stadium. Just make sure to obey all street signs. Once you enter the stadium, there is ample space to move around the concourse. Lines at the concession stand and food truck don’t generally get too long, but to avoid waiting on line, it’s best if you arrive early. Restrooms are located in both corners of the west side concourse and are of ample size to handle even the largest crowds. One thing to keep in mind when traveling to City Stadium is that many GPS apps will take you to the wrong side when you are looking for the parking lot. The main entrance to the parking lot is off Freeman Road, and there is also a VIP entrance off Maplewood Avenue. McCloy Street puts you on the wrong side of the stadium, but some apps will take you there anyway. Getting out of the lot after the game can take some time, especially if you don’t park near the entrance, but the highway is only a couple blocks away and once you get on, it should be smooth sailing. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $18 for general admission seats anywhere except the center chairbacks. However, fans also have the option of joining a program called Kickers+ for $59. In addition to other benefits such as a discount at the club shop and free jersey customizations, fans who join Kickers+ can get 50% off up to four tickets per game for the whole season. If you plan on taking a family of four to multiple games, this can be an opportunity to save money as it will lower the ticket price to just $9 each. Concessions can be pricey, but there are more affordable options available if you want lower-quality food. Throw in the free parking and a visit to a Kickers game is a great value. Extras 2 There is a trailer on the concourse which serves as a club shop and sells Kickers gear to fans. A second star goes to the Red Army and the energy they bring to the stadium. Final Thoughts Although City Stadium is showing its age, it’s still an exciting place to watch a match. Despite the instability in USL with levels changing and leagues being renamed on an almost yearly basis, City Stadium is still a great place to watch a Kickers game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy 3675 Ely Pl SE Washington DC, 20019 Georgetown Hoyas website Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 Baseball With the Blue and Gray Located in Southeast Washington, DC, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Opened in 2014 and is a complex consisting of three fields. The main, larger baseball field plays host to several areas high school and college teams as well as the summer-collegiate DC Grays of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. There is also a softball field, used by high school, college, and youth teams, and a youth baseball field. The complex was built to serve DC’s underprivileged neighborhoods and provide a place for area children to study and play baseball after school. One of the baseball teams that call the academy home is the Georgetown Hoyas. The Hoyas previously played at Shirley Povich Field, and briefly split time between several minor league and summer collegiate venues in the DC area, but beginning in 2023, they moved into the Nats Academy full-time. The Georgetown campus is on the other side of town in the neighborhood of the same name, but they have no on-campus home. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at a window down the right-field line in between the three fields, which offers a basic menu. Hot dogs (cheese and chili optional), burgers, and chicken sandwiches make up the meal options, although not all of them will be available every game. Nachos, hot pretzels, soft drinks, and bottled water are also available, as are a wide variety of packaged snacks comparable to what you might find in a vending machine. Credit cards are accepted, but there is a $1 service charge for purchases under $5, so group your purchases or bring cash if you do not want to pay this. Atmosphere 3 The Hoyas play at the main field at the Nationals Youth Academy, in the far back of the complex. There are several rows of bleachers surrounding the field, all with an excellent view of the action. There is also room for fans to stand down the lines if they want. A scoreboard beyond the outfield fence shows the linescore and other basic information. There is not much going on here besides the game. Music is played during breaks in the action, and can also sometimes be heard when the games on the other fields have a break in the action as well regardless of what is going on on this field. This can create an odd dissonance between what you are seeing on one field and hearing on another. While the action on other fields can be a distraction, all that is going on on this field in the Georgetown baseball game is the game itself. Neighborhood 2 Although many parts of D.C. are great, the Nationals Youth Academy is not located in the best neighborhood. This choice of location makes sense, as the complex was intended to help inner-city children play baseball. The area directly around the stadium is safe enough, and expect some police presence during night games to make sure it stays that way, but as always in an urban environment, be aware of what is going on around you. You probably don’t want to venture too far away from the stadium though. Many more options are available downtown, but unless you want to drive down there and try to find parking, you’re probably going to have to take an Uber or Lyft. Fans 3 The Hoyas will typically draw a couple hundred fans a game. Some of them are friends or family of the players while others are just general fans of Hoya athletics. Given the long distance from campus, few if any Georgetown students attend. The Hoyas softball team plays at the academy as well, and when both are playing simultaneously it is not uncommon to see fans wander from one game to the other. Occasionally a bored sibling from a little league game will come by and watch an inning or two as well. Although the makeup is unusual, the fans are otherwise what you'd expect from college baseball in the Northeast. At times, they can be loud, but at other times, they are barely audible. Of course, that does not mean it is quiet here, as the fans on other fields may still be making their presence known there, but that just makes this an even odder experience. Access 3 The Nationals Youth Academy is conveniently located a short drive off either I-395 or DC Route 295 (which is the only “state” highway in the District of Columbia.) Parking is available for free in the complex lot, although you will have to walk past the other fields to get where you need to go. Unfortunately, the Academy is not easily accessible by any D.C. Metro line, but free parking is a rarity in this city so take it where you can get it. The concourses are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds. The restrooms are of sufficient size as well, although the men’s room is tucked away in a corner under some stairs, so you may have to look around a bit for it. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Hoyas games is free of charge. Concessions are affordable, and parking is free, a rarity in a major city such as DC. This makes a trip to a Georgetown game a great value for fans. Extras 2 There are batting cages located on the concourse behind home plate where fans can watch the Hoyas and their opponents take some batting practice. A second star for the opportunity to also check out a Hoyas softball game or one of the other college teams to call the Academy home during the same visit. Final Thoughts Georgetown baseball has had many homes over the years, but they seem to have settled into the Nationals Youth Academy. It's an unusual setting where a Division I college baseball game is going on steps from a Little League game, but real estate is at a premium in DC and the Hoyas will take whatever field they can get. Although most fans would not think to check out a Hoyas game at the Nationals Youth Academy, they are missing out on a fan-friendly and enjoyable experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Johnny Unitas Stadium 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website Johnny Unitas Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 11,198 Johnny U Stadium at Towson U Located on the campus of Towson University in the Baltimore suburbs, Johnny Unitas Stadium plays host to the Tigers’ football, lacrosse, and track & field programs. The stadium seats just over 11,000 and underwent major renovations in 2002, when additional seating, artificial turf, and other enhancements were added. The stadium is located in the same complex as several other Towson athletic facilities, including SECU Arena, home of the Tigers’ basketball teams, and Tiger Field, home of the soccer program. College lacrosse is huge in the State of Maryland, where it is the official state team sport (but not the official state sport, which is jousting) and Towson is just one of several teams in the Baltimore area. The Tigers have consistently ranked towards the top of the NCAA in lacrosse attendance, which considering how passionate this city is about the sport, should come as no surprise. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand open in the corner of the concourse during Tiger lacrosse games which sells a limited menu. There is a second stand in the other corner open during football games, but due to the lower attendance numbers, it is not normally open for lacrosse. The only thing that could plausibly make a meal is a hot dog for $5, with various snacks including chips, candy, and hot pretzels as well as bottled water and Pepsi products. Atmosphere 5 Some of the best college lacrosse in the country can be found in Maryland, and a Towson game is no exception. The marching band was in attendance, and although they mainly played during breaks in the action due to NCAA regulations, they started chants at other times during the game to get the crowd into it. Although somewhat limited due to the pandemic, Towson still manages to create a great atmosphere here. As for the stadium itself, typically only one side of the stadium is open for lacrosse games due to lower attendance than football. When we went, only the north side was open with the south side just occupied by the band. There is a large video board behind one goal that also shows some additional statistics and a smaller scoreboard behind the other goal. All seats are bleachers with backs except for a few chairbacks on the south side which are not available for lacrosse games as previously noted. Neighborhood 3 Johnny Unitas Stadium is located on the south part of campus, and there is not much in the immediate vicinity other than other athletic facilities. However, Towson is a decent suburban area and Baltimore is a short drive away and offers plenty more options. Whether there is anything within walking distance depends on how far you are willing to walk, but there are plenty of options, both chain and local, along York Road. The Charles Village Pub and The Greene Turtle are both local favorites, but unless you’re willing to walk half an hour each way, you will need to drive a short distance. The Towson Town Center shopping mall is also nearby. Fans 5 The Tigers average about 2,000 fans a game, which consistently ranks them towards the top of the NCAA. Fans who show up are still passionate and loud throughout the game. If the Tigers are playing another Baltimore school, or a regional opponent like Maryland or Delaware, expect a lot of visiting fans as well. On the one hand, this enhances the stadium atmosphere, but on the other hand, it can almost feel like you’re attending a game at a neutral site at times due to all the away fans in attendance. Access 4 Towson is located just off I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. Take Exit 25 and after driving for a few miles, you will arrive on campus. Parking is free in numerous lots surrounding the stadium. Your best bet is to park in Lot 13 since that will put you right at the entrance to the stadium, but if that lot fills up, you should park in another lot on the north side of the stadium, since the north gates are the only ones open for lacrosse. In the unlikely event all those lots fill up, there is ample parking available elsewhere in the vicinity of the stadium, but you may have to walk around the outside of the stadium to get where you need to go to get in. There are restrooms in both corners of the concourse by the concession stands and although only one concession stand will be open, both sets of restrooms will be. They are of ample size for the crowd. The concourse is wide and allows enough space for fans to get around, plus it provides a view of the field which isn’t always the case at other places. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors, which is comparable to other top programs in the area. Although you may be able to find less expensive or even free tickets elsewhere in Division I, you get what you pay for really. Throw in the free parking and affordable concessions and this is a great value. Extras 2 The marching band adds a lot to the gameday experience, and while they don’t actually march as they do for football, they are still an incredible enhancement to the atmosphere. There is a Wall of Excellence outside the stadium which honors great Towson teams in football, lacrosse, and track who have played in the stadium. Keep in mind, however, that this is outside the stadium and there is a no re-entry policy, so you will have to look at it before you enter or after you leave. Final Thoughts Baltimore may be the best city in the country for college lacrosse, and a Towson game will tell you exactly why that is. Tiger fans are passionate about their team and a game here has an electric atmosphere. Between the band, the fans, and the beauty of a stadium, lacrosse fans visiting the Baltimore area will want to seriously consider visiting Johnny Unitas Stadium. The only reason it isn’t a “must-see” is that there are so many other great lacrosse venues in this area that a fan visiting for a limited amount of time may not be able to see them all.

Photos by Pete Dowell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park 201 Soccer Park Dr Cary, NC 27511 North Carolina FC website Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,000 Where's the Excitement Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park was originally called State Capital Soccer Park when it opened in 2002. The soccer park has three FIFA regulation fields, one game field, two practice fields and four non FIFA regulation fields in the soccer park complex. The main game field is what was referred to by the using of the soccer parks name (State Capital / SAS / WakeMed Soccer Park) before the main game field received a name. State Capital Soccer Park’s first professional team was The Carolina Courage of the defunct National Women’s Soccer League (WUSA). State Capital Soccer Park was renamed SAS Soccer Park in 2002, renamed WakeMed Soccer Park in 2008 and in 2017 the main game field at WakeMed Soccer Park became Sahlen’s Stadium after Sahlen Packing Company gained the rights to the naming of the main game fields stadium. North Carolina FC of the United Soccer League USL (formerly the Carolina RailHawks of the USL) has been the premiere professional team at Sahlen’s Stadium since 2007. Sahlen’s Stadium was built specifically for FIFA regulation soccer and can seat 10,000 fans. There is not a bad seat in the stadium. North Carolina FC is in the process of trying to win a bid to join the MLS and become one of the elite USA soccer teams and build a state of the art stadium in downtown Raleigh, NC. The Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park experience is very tame by general pro soccer standards and may be an issue for admittance into the MLS. Food & Beverage 3 Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park offers many of the low end basic stadium food like hot dogs, chips, peanuts, soda’s and beer that mostly can only be purchased with cash. Local chain Backyard Bistro provides higher end foods like pulled pork sandwiches. The lines at the soccer park move fast and the concessions workers are very friendly and helpful. There are two different food stands. One stand has hot dogs and items like candy and chips while the other stand run by Backyard Bistro has items like fries and pulled pork sandwiches. The ice vendor where flavors can be added to the shaved ice is very popular at the game. All of the foods are well prepared and taste fine. A multitude of sodas are offered in the bottle at the main concession stand while Budweiser is the beer served out of a separate cart. I recommend trying a flavored ice treat. The flavored ice is a big hit with everyone at the park. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is very tame. The people in attendance are not invested in the game’s outcome and seem to be happy to just spend time out of the house with friends and / or loved ones. The stadium is very well maintained but very basic. A mix of metal bench seating with no backs, molded seating on metal benches with no backs, and molded seating with a back are available. Your seating will be determined by the type of seat you purchase for the game. There are only two built in structures for the sale of fan merchandise / food. There is a small but adequate digital score board / entertainment screen that shows scores, replays of the action and crowd shots.There is a built in second level press box and a second level premium seating.There is also third level seating that was not used during this game.This stadium feels more like a nice non-university college field than a pro team’s home field. The Oak City Supporters and Triangle Soccer Fanatics are support groups that are passionate about their team and prove it the entire game. The support groups are located in the south stands in sections 204 – 205 and are the highlight of the game as they jump around and belt out songs that fit how they feel about their team and what’s going on during the game. It was Wizard night the evening of this review and at half time two teams played Harry Potter’s favorite game Quidditch. No one paid any attention to the half time game. I recommend sitting in either of the mid field sections 105 – 106 & 305 – 306 so that you can get an even view of the entire field.During evening games sections 301-310 get a direct blast of sunlight while sections 101-110 get some shade and are the place to sit for evening games.There is an area called The Owners Club that has premium seating that will provide shade and it’s located behind sections 303 – 308. Neighborhood 4 Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park is located in Cary, NC a suburb of Raleigh, NC. Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park is located in the middle of a green area that transitions from HWY 40 to the shopping and homes of Cary, NC. There are a few places to eat within a mile drive of the stadium but nothing so close that it would be an easy walk. A short drive of five or less miles from the stadium will provide food choices ranging from fast food chains to a fancy four course meal restaurants. If staying in town for a few days during the soccer season I would recommend one of the free outdoor activities that can be found at one of the local nature and wildlife areas or one of the small local museums. Cary, NC is not a hotbed of action but does have many beautiful natural sites and is just outside of Raleigh which has loads of things to do. Raleigh, NC has natural sites, world class experiences and museums all within 10 – 15 miles of the stadium. I recommend trying Bella Monica for an early dinner before a game. Bella Monica is a mid-range priced Italian restaurant located just under five miles from the stadium with great food. I also recommend Dave & Buster’s for before or after a game for okay food with games and fun just 2.5 miles from the stadium. I recommend fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating at Lake Johnson. Lake Johnson is located five miles from the stadium. I also recommend art viewing at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The North Carolina Museum of Art is located five miles from the stadium. I recommend staying at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Raleigh / Cary. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Raleigh / Cary is located 4.5 miles from the stadium and provides all the mid-range amenities and comforts that this chain is known for.I also can recommend Best Western Plus Cary Inn.Best Western Plus Cary Inn is located five miles from the stadium and provides a safe and comfortable place to rest if you have a lower budget. Fans 2 Most of the fans seem to be indifferent concerning the outcome of the game. According to Soccer Stadium Digest North Carolina FC is in the middle of USL attendance ranking #17 out of 33 USL teams. So far in 2018, the 10,000 seat Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park is averaging 3,693 seats filled per game. Besides the Oak City Supporters and Triangle Soccer Fanatics support groups the fans don’t get very loud or excited for most of the game. Most of the fans seem happy to be out of the house. Fans somewhat watch the game but mostly just enjoy the soccer parks food and sights. Access 4 The stadiums lower areas are very accessible and have ramps and special seating for handicapped people. The stadiums upper level seating only has cramped, steep steps for access. The North Carolina FC provides transportation with snacks free of charge to fans on game day to and from the game. Go to North Carolina FC Express to see the multiple pickup and drop-off locations and requirements to ride. Free General Parking is located in Lot C. There are many lot attendants to direct fans through the paved and unpaved parking area on game day. A map of the parking areas can be found at North Carolina FA Parking. There is one entrance with a few workers scanning tickets for entrance. There are off duty police officers providing security and lightly checking purses and bags coming into the stadium area. There are no digital tickets and tickets purchased online can be picked up at Will Call or printed at home. The entrance area is where the concessions stands are located and the area is large enough that fans move around freely shopping, looking around and finding their way to their seats. There is a great view of the field as soon as you have your ticket scanned and enter the stadium as well as concessions and bathrooms. All of the facilities are clean and well maintained. Return on Investment 3 Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park provides entertainment that the whole family can go to. This entertainment might be slightly pricey for some considering the tame atmosphere of this venue. The cost of admission for regular season games range from $10 – $69 per seat. The cost of a food item (hot dog / sandwich) and a drink item (soda / beer) together will range from $10 – $20. The parking is free. The entrance prices are okay but the entertainment is less than what live pro sports should be. Money can be saved on tickets by purchasing season tickets or a multi game flex package. Extras 1 Minor league soccer always surprises me with the number of in-game promotions. Unlike minor league baseball or hockey, there are no game stoppages during which to run promos.The team, like other NASL and USL teams, announce games and contests while the ball is in play. Final Thoughts I went expecting more excitement and fan participation and what I got was a tame unappreciated soccer game.I’m not sure if the atmosphere that I experienced will be helpful in North Carolina FC’s push to become one of the newest MLS teams in the near future.

Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Jupiter Hammerheads website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 MiLB on the Florida Coast Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. After March each year, two FSL (Florida State League) Single-A clubs, the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads, share the stadium. Founded in 1998, the Hammerheads are the Single-A affiliate of the MLB Miami Marlins. Just a few notable Hammerhead alumni are Tim Raines, Miguel Cabrera, Martín Prado, and Giancarlo Stanton. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Food & Beverage 3 The Hammerheads offer a satisfying selection of food and drink at lower than MLB prices. Two concession stands are open for a Hammerheads game. A permanent, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. The Nathan’s hot dog for $5.50 is a decent selection. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo Dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Pepsi products run $5.75 - $6.75 + tax. Concession stands sell canned beer (16oz and 25oz) and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). Lines form at the concession stands, so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is bland. Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading to the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Third Base Seating with Canopy at Roger Dean Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans can’t understand what the announcer is saying as music overrides his voice. My recommendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board that shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Instead of handing out a game day program, the team now offers the program via a QR code. For the first game I attended, they put the QR code on the video board but left it up for just 10 seconds or so; not enough time to get your phone out and take a picture. At another game, they put the QR code up on the video board as dusk approached (fifth or sixth inning), and most phone cameras (at least mine) got a white blob as a photo, so the QR code wasn’t readable. Finally, they placed the QR code on the customer service booth on the concourse for easy scanning. I am told they now hand out printed copies. Good for the game day staff for finally figuring it out! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa, a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art places, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater, and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana (Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. But there is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from, and it’s all within walking distance to/from the stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Luci Mets are 40 miles north, which is also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Hammerheads game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. There is a good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street, in the Abacoa parking garage, or in the garage right across the street, next to the hotel. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus service. Route 10 makes a stop near the stadium. The town does not provide service on Sundays. And it looks like return service for an evening game is not an option. Upon arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I brought in my clear stadium sports bag (12” x 6” x 12”) with no questions asked. No bags allowed for a single-A baseball game?!!?#! What’s up with that? Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for those families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12, and all seating is general admission. Tickets are two bucks less if purchased in advance. The game day program is available as a QR code, but the print is too small to read on your phone. Food prices are acceptable. Best of all, the team has all kinds of ticket promotions throughout the season: Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, and Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. The Hammerheads hold theme nights like Star Wars and Space Night, and they offer giveaways throughout the season. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for fixing things quickly like the placement of the QR code and slowing down a scrolling food menu so fans can read it. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, or batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Stadium is the only park in the minor leagues to house two teams. Final Thoughts Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game.

Photo by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Millis Center 922 W College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website Millis Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,750 Panther Pride High Point University may be familiar to fans across the nation for a number of reasons. The primary reason for most people to know the university is this extensive feature on its grounds and impressive perks offered to students. The school's beauty and appearance will certainly catch one's eye upon arrival. A large part of that beauty can be found in the Millis Athletic and Convocation Center. Just over twenty years old (for the most part -- the gym is inside Alumni Hall, which opened in the 1950s), the facility perfectly fits among its surroundings. The building is flanked by large windows and grand white columns, along with a statue of the Panther mascot. Once inside, the structure is a great blend of modern conveniences and intimate atmosphere. If you crave a small-gym feel with the trappings of a gigantic arena, this may just be your place. Food & Beverage 3 One will not find a culinary paradise at the Millis Center, but there is enough variety available to calm your cravings at a fair price. There are a few entrees, including Domino's pizza slices ($2), hot dogs ($2), gourmet pretzels ($2.25) and nachos with cheese ($2.50). For a simple snack, choices include popcorn ($2), candy ($1.50 for regular sizes, $2 for theater sizes), gum (10 cents), Air Heads (50 cents), peanuts ($2) and chips ($1.50). Coca-Cola serves as the bottler for the facility. Sodas and Powerade are available in bottles ($2), with water a slightly less expensive option at $1.50. The building's lone concession stand can be found in the lobby, just outside the main entry to the arena's seating area. Atmosphere 4 The Millis Center is a rather intimate setting, to say the least. The building seats a mere 1,750 fans, which ensures that every fan has a great view of the action. The media seating and team benches are on the same side of the arena, allowing certain fans -- more on them in a bit -- to be just a few feet from the floor. There are just six rows of seats on the sides of the floor, allowing for incredible proximity to the floor from each reserved seat. Additional seats are available behind both baskets, in the form of semi-fixed seating and bleachers. Before we proceed, let's again recap the close-up seating we referenced. Though there are no real suites in the Millis Center, there are special chairs just off the floor that are reserved for dignitaries and local businesses. The chairs are emblazoned with the names of the individual seat holder or company represented. The High Point pep band can be found just behind one of the baskets. The group is quite loud -- aided by the setting of the arena -- and talented. Be sure to arrive early to a Panther game, as you will be treated to a mini-show from the band, employing a diverse playlist in the process. There is not a conventional video component to the scoreboard, as the primary board is a low-profile, center-hung structure that shows the basic required game statistics. The underside of this board displays the school's interlocking "HPU" logo on a purple background. The lack of video component on this board, however, is remedied by the placement of four individual video boards around the arena. The boards display the in-game action, as well as pre-produced video packages, in-game promotions and advertisements for upcoming games. If noise is a concern for you and you are attending a key game, bring ear plugs. You very well may need them. Of course, if you want to simply immerse yourself in the atmosphere, a couple of ibuprofen may do the trick. Neighborhood 2 High Point University is located in a more residential area of the city, leaving very little in terms of walkable dining or entertainment options. There are a couple of options about a half-mile from the arena along Lexington Avenue, including Lubrano's Pizza and Kozzy's Grille. For more plentiful options, however, it is recommended to make the two-plus mile drive back to North Main Street, where dining choices of every stripe can be found. High Point is in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, just miles from Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Though a trip to the other portions of the region is not required to dine, find recreation or sleep, either market can be accessed within a half-hour. This opens up even more entertainment and dining options, should you need them. Fans 5 It is, of course, reasonably easy to fill a smaller arena, so that fact obviously comes into consideration when talking about the fans at the Millis Center. That said, the fans at High Point routinely pack the arena and make noise for the hometown Panthers. High Point draws quite well, even for games against lesser schools. The night I attended featured a record crowd of 1,780. The game was close throughout, with High Point pulling out a last-second victory. The crowd was specifically complimented by the players and coaches for their involvement from beginning to end. The school also occasionally conducts "black-out" promotions, encouraging fans to wear black in support of the team. Despite the team wearing silver or white home jerseys instead of black, the sight of black shirts throughout the stands is quite impressive. Access 3 The Millis Center is located directly in the center of campus, just steps from a guard house. There is no parking whatsoever near the building. Therefore, you will need to park on the outskirts of campus and take a shuttle (check the Millis Center website linked in this article for a parking map) or walk nearly a mile from your car to the gym. If you have plans to stay for any period of time after the game, those plans will also be quickly thwarted. The public address announcer makes the "last call" for shuttle service shortly after the final buzzer, so make your celebration a quick one, or your walk will be a lengthy one. Once inside the building, though, the facilities are spotless. There is plenty of room to walk in the hallways that contain the restrooms and concession area, limiting any possible crowds. The restrooms are clean and appointed in a modern fashion. The main bottleneck -- such as it is -- occurs as you return to the floor from the restroom area. If the stands are crowded, there will be many fans standing on the floor, so you may need to navigate around those fans to return to your seat. Return on Investment 3 The lower-level seating in the Millis Center is primarily reserved for Panther Club (the school's booster group) donors and students. These seats might be available through an external marketplace, but it is wise not to count on their availability. This leaves upper-level balcony seating available for fans, and these seats can be purchased for $12. These seats are behind the basket and are the furthest from the floor in the facility. Considering seats can be found for lower prices closer to the floor at just about every Big South institution, one would really have to want to be at a Panther game to rank this a top value. Despite this, however, a ticket, slice of pizza and drink will total $16. This is not the best deal in the conference, but will also not require a second mortgage. Extras 3 There is a stand that sells High Point merchandise just outside of the arena doors, located toward the restrooms. If you need a Panther shirt or other form of memorabilia, the ability to purchase your gear just steps from your seat is a nice touch. The prices are about what one would expect when buying items at a game. If you look around at the walls of the arena, you will notice nods to the school's athletic history. Banners hang just above the seating area behind the basket honoring great players and coaches in High Point's past. Additional banners honoring championships among High Point basketball and volleyball hang from the wall behind the team benches. The Panthers have enjoyed a good number of regular-season and conference championships, and these are commemorated on the purple and white signs. The actual design of the building also deserves some note. As we previously mentioned, the building features prominent columns that make it a perfect architectural fit on the campus. If you look to the left (going toward the gym) or right (going between the gym and restrooms or concession stand), you will notice the university's pool through a series of windows. For those who like to admire buildings, the Millis Center is quite the interesting structure. Final Thoughts Though the Millis Center may not be a 20,000-seat facility with all the latest modern trappings, there is much to be said for its existing layout. There is tremendous action on the court, as the Big South Conference regularly produces some of the best mid-major basketball in the country. The fans are loud and present from the first tip to the final horn. Sure, you won't confuse yourself for being in a seat at Cameron Indoor, for instance, but the Millis Center provides a wonderful snapshot of basketball at this level.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Munster Fieldhouse 8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321 Munster High School Mustangs website Munster Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,200 Munster Fieldhouse – Big, Bright & Bold The Munster Fieldhouse might just be one of the largest dome facilities of its kind not only for high school basketball in Indiana but perhaps the entire nation. The mammoth-sized roof stretches almost to the gymnasium floor and creates an ambiance that is most likely never to be forgotten by anyone who steps foot inside for a game. The fieldhouse was constructed along with the high school in June 1966 and hosted its first game in December of that year for the Munster High School Mustangs basketball program. The town had never had a high school before its completion and students would be bussed to nearby Hammon High or Tech while others commuted to Griffith High School. The cost of the gym and school campus was $6.2 million. The dome structure was a popular choice among many schools of this era that also included designs in Greencastle, Frankfort, Shelbyville, Benton Central, and Southern Wells High Schools to name a few. However, Munster’s distinct look and overreaching design sets it apart from its sister buildings and provides seating for 3,200 people on four portable bleacher seating that are rolled up under a massive old-school electronic scoreboard. The cost of the fieldhouse was $1.5 million and it’s more than just the home for basketball games. Munster High uses it for all physical education programs and it is large enough to house five separate courts for adult leagues and community use on the weekends and summers. The design is striking and the brown curve beams from the frame of the building that has been almost unchanged since it opened more than 50 years ago. Food & Beverage 2 The building and roof are massive but not so much in terms of concessions and it was somewhat disappointing to see one window open for fans during a well-attended game against a nearby rival on a Friday night. True, there are many wonderful options for dining in the area and perhaps that is an option most fans, both young and old take when attending a Mustangs game. The usual food items are present from nachos to hot dogs to popcorn. The prices are reasonable and most items will cost just a few bucks. However, the lines can get long and there are no other portable areas for food options inside the fieldhouse. Atmosphere 4 The seating consists of four portable wooden bleachers that are rolled out to form the seating configuration that puts fans close to the action on the court. The two sideline bleachers are much larger than the end bleachers (that were added recently) which creates a massive amount of space behind the seats where little kids bounce balls against the back of it during the game. The fieldhouse features a large electronic scoreboard that appears to have been installed sometime between 1991 and 1998 based on the date, but amusing, Pepsi logo. Beneath the scoreboard is a freshly sanded court with the school’s colors of red and white along with a massive logo at the center court. The sanding was in 2019 and was the first time it was redone since the venue opened in 1967. An AC system was added in 2018 and includes two bold red tubes that look like field goalposts. It was the first time that the building had an air-conditioning unit installed in its history. Championship banners have been moved to the wall of the building but there are a few still hanging from the ceiling honoring the school’s past champs in all sports. The boys’ basketball program has captured 19 conference, 10 sectional, and two regional championships in school history. It also won three conference championship tournaments during the six years of its existence. A track circles the bleachers and provides ample space for tables to offer 50/50 tickets and other information from a local business. This is where you will also find the two entrances and exits to the building along with additional restrooms. The open space is very different than what basketball fans are used to in Indiana but the dome structure and crowd noise create an atmosphere that is unique to Munster High School. Neighborhood 4 The high school is close to several restaurants and breweries that are worth visiting before or after the game. 3 Floyd’s Brewing Company is one of the most recognizable breweries in the nation and visitors can also enjoy award-winning food at its restaurant. The options are varied and the brewery has legions of fans from all over the country. Tours are available on Saturday. There is almost everything imaginable in terms of eateries in town and the nearby cities of the region. Cafe Borgia is a fine spot for Italian cuisine, Docs Smokehouse and Craft Bar is ideal for barbecue and craft beers, Edwardo’s Natural Pizza is the spot for a deep-dish pizza, El Salto is your pick for Mexican food, Mishkenut serves Mediterranean cuisine, and Miner-Dunn is a local diner with a variety of dishes at affordable pricing. Community Veterans Memorial, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Monastery, and Centennial Park are three options to visit in town. There is also an array of shopping malls and stores close to town in Dyer and Schererville but downtown Chicago is about 30 miles north of town for more options for entertainment. Fans 4 The Mustang loyalist has a lot to be happy with when we attended the game late in the season. The boys were enjoying a 19-1 record including a 17-game winning streak; it’s the type of basketball not seen in recent memory until the last few seasons. The crowd was frenzied, the student section stood and jumped (until they were told by the athletic director to stop since they broke a section a few games prior), and the away crowd and student section did their best to be heard. Access 4 The Hammond Fieldhouse is located on Calumet Ave. and just south of I-94. The parking can take some maneuvering based on how well the team is playing and it is advisable to arrive early for weekend games. Once inside the building, there is one entryway into the seating bowl area. There is a lot of room inside the dome building but one has to walk up and down the wooden bleachers to get to and from your seat. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $6 and is in line with other high schools in the state and region. The concession prices are cheap but do yourself a favor and grab something to eat before the game and grab a beer at either 3 Floyd’s or Doc’s Smokehouse after the game. Munster is a nice area with several options to make your trip worthwhile. Extras 3 The Munster Fieldhouse earns a point for its massive dome shape which is the focal point of the entire building. There are many dome structures where high school hoops are played and perhaps this is the state’s largest and brightest. The Fieldhouse earns an additional point for its scoreboard that is old-school college, well least from the 1980s, and features a 1990s-era Pepsi logo. Perhaps no one wants to climb up a ladder to change the logo, the company has rebranded twice since the scoreboard was installed, but it makes for a great anomaly while looking at it from your seat. The building earns the third point for its renovations of a perfectly sanded basketball court and cool air from the massive AC unit hanging from its roof. The locker rooms have also been renovated, a positive for the players. Final Thoughts The Munster Fieldhouse is big, bold, and brass. The dome-shaped building has a look that grabs your attention the moment you walk underneath its ceiling. The dark support beams spiral out from the center which is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. When the Mustangs are winning and they have a combined record of 46-6 the last two seasons as of this writing, there may not be a better spot for high school hoops in the region than the Fieldhouse.

Mygameballs.com gave ball hawking – which is snagging baseballs at the ballpark – an online clubhouse. Hundreds of hawks from around the country reported their snags and all the details to the site. On February 12, 2021, MGB founder Alan Schuster - the man who snagged Big Papi's 500th dinger - sold the site to TrueRank, a Toronto-based list-making and ranking app. StadiumJourney.com caught up with Chris Hughes, TrueRank’s social media coordinator, who’s also an enthusiastic ballhawk, for a quick Q&A. STADIUM JOURNEY: So how and when did the purchase of MGB come about? Why did you purchase the site? CHRIS HUGHES: The purchase of www.mygameballs.com came about after telling my dad (TrueRank's co-founder Bob Hughes) that it was for sale. I felt that MGB dovetailed nicely with everything that TrueRank was doing. With MGB’s impressive community of passionate hawks, I felt that we could find ways to integrate this energy with that of TrueRank, and vice versa. The main goal of the purchase was to grow the ball-hawking community and create a more efficient way to log baseballs. STADIUM JOURNEY: How and when did you personally get into ballhawking? What about it gets your adrenaline going? CHRIS HUGHES: I got into ball-hawking in late 2016. While watching YouTube, I stumbled upon a documentary about Zack Hample and was instantly drawn to his passion. I thought it would be something fun to try since I already enjoyed baseball a lot. What gets my adrenaline going about it is the unpredictability, not knowing when a home run ball might come your way. When I caught a home run on the fly at Dodger Stadium, I was filled with an inexplicable amount of adrenaline immediately after. Since 2016, I have snagged 90 baseballs and look forward to going for 100 this season. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your most exciting ballhawking adventure? CHRIS HUGHES: My dad and I went on a road trip from Toronto to Cincinnati, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. Before the game in Milwaukee, we went to Friday's in left field. The restaurant’s patio gave us access to batting practice before the gates opened. I snagged three baseballs, including one from Curtis Granderson. After getting a ball in front of the bullpen before the game, I caught a third-out ball when Garrett Cooper lined out to Mike Moustakas to end the top of the 8th. Catching five balls in that game, along with watching 11 runs scored during the top of 5th, made this an exceptional experience. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's the ballhawking scene like in Toronto? Are there a lot of hawks? How stringent is security? Does Toronto have its version of Zack Hample? CHRIS HUGHES: The ballhawking scene is strong in Toronto. With a group of eight to ten regulars, you are bound to run into other members of the community at a game. Security is not that stringent, and I’ve had no issues. As for who is the Hample of Toronto, the current leaders from the area are Justin Swartz @JustinSwartz63 with 362 balls snagged and William Launderville @Threejag with 360. We’re especially excited here in Toronto, as we get to experience the long-awaited outfield renovations to the Rogers Centre. The fan experience and the ability to snag more balls, because of some changes to the dimensions of the field, promises to elevate Toronto ballhawking. Ballhawkers meet at the first Game at Rogers Centre after the COVID pandemic, July 30, 2021. Pictured: Chris Hughes, Arsen Nikolic & Michael Farkouh STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your favorite stadium to hawk in? And what's your favorite stadium to just watch a game? CHRIS HUGHES: My favorite stadium to ballhawk has to be Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. If you buy a ticket to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, you can get into the ballpark for early batting practice. I snagged four BP balls doing this. Oracle Park in San Francisco stands out the most for just watching a game. With the gorgeous view of the bay, a game there is a very memorable experience. STADIUM JOURNEY: Best stadium or two to eat in? CHRIS HUGHES: The best stadium I've eaten at was Citi Field. The lobster rolls in right field are amazing and a must-have if you are ever at a game in New York. Another must-have is California Pizza Kitchen at Dodger Stadium. The BBQ chicken pizza is amazing, and I would have it again! STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for www.mygameballs.com? CHRIS HUGHES: We’re excited to announce that we have been coding a mobile version of the MGB website, which is scheduled to launch this season. It will allow users to easily and quickly log the baseballs they snag, using their mobile device. We’re also bringing back our Survivor Pool, which is starting on June 2nd. This is a weekly competition whereby participants select one MLB game to predict from a list of 10 being played from Friday through Sunday. Making an incorrect pick results in a strike. When competitors get three strikes, they’re eliminated from the competition, which will continue until one person remains. The winner gets a $100 Amazon gift card. We’re also excited to bring back Ballhawk Fest, the annual in-person ballhawk convention, which we’ll be taking applications for soon. Follow us on @myGameBalls for the latest. ----- Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Ogren Park at Allegiance Field 700 Cregg Ln. Missoula, MT 59802 Missoula PaddleHeads website Ogren Park at Allegiance Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,500 A River Runs By It When people think about Montana, images of fly fishing come to mind. The Treasure State has hundreds of miles of legendary waters from which anglers try to coax trout. The 300-mile Clark Fork of the Columbia River is one of those streams, descending into the university town of Missoula from the Bitterroot Mountains. The Clark Fork provided the setting for author Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella, “A River Runs Through It,” from which came the 1992 film starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. Along the Clark Fork’s south bank, just west of downtown Missoula, sits Alliance Field & Ogren Park, the 3,500-seat home to the Pioneer Baseball League’s Missoula Paddleheads. Fans can make pre-game casts into the Clark Fork a few hundred feet from the cages where players take batting practice or put in a drift boat from the launch in one of the stadium’s parking lots. The confluence of fishing and baseball is celebrated at Ogren Park. Not only that, but Missoula’s extensive trail system provides a convenient way to get to a Paddleheads’ game without a car. Fans can (and do) bike, walk, and scooter to the game from all around “Zootown,” as Missoula is known. These trails connect Ogren Park to points all over town, including downtown, the University of Montana’s campus, and a seemingly limitless bounty of parks and open space. Ogren Park’s connection to stream and trail has created one of professional baseball’s most unique settings. Food & Beverage 3 Ogren Park has concession stands on the concourses along both baselines. There are no major culinary surprises but the food is good quality: hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), chicken tenders and fries ($9), veggie burgers ($8), cheeseburgers ($8) are all available. So are fries ($4), tater tots ($4), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($4), and Cracker Jack ($3). Ogren Park sells Coca-Cola products in 20-ounce, plastic bottles for $4. Beer lovers will not be disappointed. The Paddleheads sell a good range of craft beer ($7 per draft) that includes brews from Missoula’s Highlander Beer (Strawberry Wheat, Strange Haze, and Devil’s Hump Red Ale, named for the profile of a grizzly bear) and Draught Works Brewery (That’s What She Said Cream Ale). Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Coors Lite sell for $6 per draft. Draught Works’ hard seltzers (Citrus Cowboy, Mountain Berry, and Tropical Express) are available, along with wine ($8) and hard cider ($6). Atmosphere 3 There’s nothing particularly unusual about Ogren Park’s design or experience. Seats (chairbacks and metal bleachers) rise from field level to the concourse at street level, above. One concession stand has been placed on the concourses along each baseline, with a bar on the concourse behind the press box. There’s no seating behind the outfield walls; however, the Paddleheads allow fans to watch games for free from a knoll beyond the center field fence, under the osprey nest. That area can be accessed from Missoula’s Riverfront Trail along the Clark Fork River’s south bank. Try for seats along the third baseline. You’ll enjoy a nice view of Mount Sentinel and its hillside letter “M,” which rises above the University of Montana’s campus. An important note: there is very little shade at Ogren Park. Temperatures for day games, particularly those late in the season, can make life miserable in the grandstand. Mercifully, the Paddleheads have placed several tents in the right field corner to create a party area. When that area is not used for hosting an event, it provides the ballpark’s only shade and a nice place to watch the game. Neighborhood 5 Ogren Park’s greatest asset is its location. The city’s Riverfront Trail parallels the Clark Fork River for approximately two miles on each side. That trail is paved, vining through several Missoula parks and providing easy access to the Clark Fork for anyone interested in fishing or boating. The trail also connects with other trails in Missoula’s extensive trail system and provides an excellent thoroughfare for anyone exploring Missoula. Allegiance Field & Ogren Park Clark Fork River, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey The trail system connects Ogren Park with downtown Missoula and to the University of Montana’s main campus. Downtown Missoula has a restaurant or bar for just about everyone, along with shops, parks, theaters, and museums. The University of Montana is set against Mount Sentinel, where hikers can scale to the school’s hillside “M” 620 feet up the side of its west face. Not only that, Ogren Park neighbors McCormick Park, which itself contains playgrounds, fields, a stocked fishing pond, an aquatics center, and the renowned Mobash Skate Park. Ogren Park sits near a public boat launch on the Clark Fork, approximately 500 feet west of the left field corner. Drift boats are put in and taken out at this launch even while games are being played. Just south of the stadium, the Old Sawmill District development has brought new shops and restaurants within walking distance. Fans 3 Despite losing their longtime affiliation with MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020, fans have continued to come to Ogren Park. In 2021, the Paddleheads drew an average home attendance of 1,604, with local pandemic control measures limiting capacity for part of the season. Winning the Pioneer Baseball League title in 2021 may have contributed to a modest bump in 2022’s home attendance, with the team averaging 1,786 fans per home game. With a capacity of 3,500, Ogren Park can and hopefully will accommodate continued increases in home attendance. Access 5 Ogren Park does not have extensive parking. It doesn’t really need it. Missoula’s trails provide an easy way to walk, bike, or skateboard to a Paddleheads game. Boating is also an option. Several drift boats ferried anglers down the Clark Fork just before a recent Sunday afternoon game, taking out at the adjacent launch. The Paddleheads even encourage a more riparian route, sponsoring an annual “Float to the Ballpark” promotion to raise money for local charities. (A parking warning: signs abound in the adjacent Old Sawmill District that baseball parking is verboten there. Be mindful of that fact or you will quickly become acquainted with one of Missoula’s towing companies). The adjacent trails also provide an easy and scenic route to and from downtown Missoula. A 15-minute walk along the Riverfront Trail and across the Orange Street Bridge will take you to great, local restaurants and pubs while also providing beautiful views of the town. Once downtown, try Bob Marshall’s Biga Pizza or the Thomas Meagher Bar (aka the “Mar Bar”) for food. Downtown also has several breweries, such as Tamarack Brewing Co., the Conflux Brewing Company, and Imagine Nation Brewing. The stadium’s concourses are sufficiently wide to accommodate large crowds. Bathrooms are spacious and clean and can provide shade during a hot game. Return on Investment 3 Pricing for the Paddlehead experience is right where it should be in all categories. General admission tickets sell for $11 and club seats, the priciest available, sell for $17. Discounts are available for seniors and children. Food and beverage prices align with other Pioneer League teams. Parking is free. Extras 3 The Paddleheads earn a point for their commitments both to ornithology and their prior identity. An osprey nest stands behind the center field wall, home to a pair of ospreys that feed in the adjacent Clark Fork River. From 1999 until 2019, the team was the Missoula “Osprey.” The aerie and its residents survived the name change and continue to be a point of pride for the team. A second point goes to the free viewing area along the Riverfront Trail in center field. The team welcomes the use of this location to catch quick glimpses of games and even to set up a lawn chair and watch more than that. It’s a nice feature akin to locations at MLB parks such as the Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park and the San Francisco Giants Oracle Park where fans outside the stadiums can enjoy peeks of the action inside. Third, the Paddleheads receive a point for their commitment to the Clark Fork River. Pairing with the ClarkFork Coalition (“CFC”), the Paddleheads host an annual river clean-up day. Fans can earn a free ticket to the game by venturing out to the Clark Fork and collecting trash. A local artist designs trout-themed jerseys, which are auctioned off to raise money for the CFC. The Paddleheads recognize the importance of the river’s health and are good neighbors to it. Final Thoughts Ogren Park’s proximity to the Clark Fork River and the rest of Missoula can provide a unique baseball experience: pre- and post-game fly fishing, punctuated by a ball game. Or pre- and post-game eating and drinking, punctuated by a ball game, but without the need for a car. Or just by coming to a game at Ogren Park and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains, under the watch of a nesting osprey. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy a game at Ogren Park.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kibler Field 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Kibler Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,000 On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium has been named by Lacrosse Magazine as one of the top 10 venues for collegiate lacrosse. The current stadium was built in 2006, but the location has been the site of lacrosse at Washington for many years. Food & Beverage 2 There are only simple food options at the stadium, but you can expect temporary options on occasion. Atmosphere 4 A few years back Lacrosse Magazine mentioned this stadium as one of the “Ten Best Venues for Collegiate Lax” and was the only Division III venue on the list. Their quote was: “Traditionalists may still call it Kibler Field. It was one of the coziest places to see a game. The school modernized the facility, building an impressive grandstand that includes an indoor dining/viewing level above the bleachers.” This is one of those special sports locations that a fan of any sport should attend, even if not a lacrosse fan. The simple grandstand is nothing special, but it still exudes a special atmosphere. There is a track around the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College makes for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 Washington College has many fans who gather for lacrosse games. The college teems with them and they bring their cheers and support to great levels. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend unless it is an NCAA tournament event. For the low cost of attendance, the return on investment is great. Extras 2 There is a multi-purpose room on the skybox level of the stadium that is used for various events. Just the fact that this is one of the top 10 venues for collegiate lacrosse, makes it special and is extra. Final Thoughts Lacrosse is a popular sport in Maryland, and at this oldest college in the state, lacrosse is king, so a visit to Kibler Field At Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium is worth a visit.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it will be the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which are surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Homewood Field 3399 San Martin Dr Baltimore, MD 21210 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Homewood Field website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 8,500 The Home (wood) of College Lacrosse Johns Hopkins University has one of the most storied programs in the sport of college lacrosse. The team was founded in 1883 and has won 44 national championships including nine NCAA Division I titles (1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2005, and 2007), 29 USILL/USILA titles, and six Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association titles. The university was named after its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. And yes, his name was “Johns”, not “John.” Don’t look like an outsider by pronouncing it wrong. The university is one of the most recognized colleges in America. Thirty-six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with Johns Hopkins over the years. Famous departments in the university include the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Institute, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. There are also, of course, world-famous affiliated medical hospital campuses as well. The Johns Hopkins University’s sports team are called the Blue Jays. The rest of their teams are Division III, but the lacrosse teams are Division I. Starting in 2016 the Blue Jays men’s team is now an affiliate of the Big Ten Conference, joining Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Rutgers. Homewood Field opened in 1906 and is also the home of men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, and football for the university. Food & Beverage 4 There are no permanent food stands at Homewood Field. The school does sell peanuts and sodas in roving carts. What makes up for the absence of any permanent stands are the food trucks. Five or six trucks are at the north end of the stadium and offer a pretty amazing variety of food, especially for a sports event. One of the best options, if the truck is there, is the Elvis Got The Blues burger at Chowhound. Atmosphere 5 I have heard Homewood Field referred to as “the Yankee Stadium of Lacrosse.” That may be an overstatement (never mind that the new Yankee Stadium is hardly legendary either), but this is a facility that has hosted some of the greatest lacrosse players ever. Homewood Field does have one of the best lacrosse atmospheres in the sport. If you are a fan of this sport, you must attend games here in Homewood. Johns Hopkins does have a small pep band as part of the atmosphere. For 2023, the school has added a larger video board. Neighborhood 4 The University is located in the Charles Village and Homewood neighborhoods of Baltimore. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the Charles Village area where Hopkins is located, such as THB Bagels, Gertrude’s at the BMA, and One World Café. The Baltimore Museum of Art, or BMA, is located right next door to campus. Try and stop by and see some of the great masters of the art. It is a real treasure of a museum. And it makes quite a unique pre-game ritual. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the stadium is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. There is a Doubletree Hotel located across the street from the stadium. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Café on West Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Johns Hopkins is the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 5 The Johns Hopkins lacrosse fans are arguably the most knowledgeable in the sport. They understand every detail and minutiae of what is happening on the field of play. Access 3 The stadium is not far from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83). Take the Coldspring Lane exit east and go south on Roland Avenue and it is a short drive to the university. There is paid parking around the stadium and campus. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 to $15 with kids getting in for $5. You will see a pretty high quality of lacrosse being played so the prices are quite reasonable. You will likely have to pay for parking at varying costs depending on where you end up. Extras 3 You will see the history of Johns Hopkins lacrosse on display in this stadium when you see the banners and trophies all around. The sense of lacrosse history is pretty evident. The JHU Hall of Fame in the lobby of the neighboring Newton H. White building will show the storied history of the lacrosse program, as well as other teams on campus. The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place. The highlight of the museum is the Cone Collection. That collection includes works by artists including Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Final Thoughts While Homewood Field may not be on par with new lacrosse venues, Johns Hopkins’ status within the sport makes Homewood Field worth a visit for any lacrosse fan.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Lacrosse website Anderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Friar Away Anderson Stadium is the new on-campus home of the Providence College lacrosse and soccer teams. Located next to Schneider Arena, the stadium is part of the overall upgrade and consolidation of the school’s athletic facilities. Formally known as Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium, the facility is named in honor of Mike and Maura Chapey, class of 1986, who donated one million dollars, and Board of Trustees member Karl and Kerri Anderson, class of 1988, who donated $1.5 million towards the construction of the facility. Providence College has been sponsoring lacrosse teams since 1980. Competing in the Big East Conference, the Friars have qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 2007. Food & Beverage 2 Anyone who has been to any sporting event at neighboring Brown University is familiar with Frenchy’s catering. They handle concessions at all the events on the East Side of Providence. At Anderson Stadium, Frenchy’s operates a food cart. Hungry Friar lax fans can pick up some snacks while watching the game. Popcorn, hot dogs, nachos and assorted candy bars comprise the entire menu here. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are also available. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have not experienced a college lacrosse game may be surprised by the enthusiasm shown by the relatively small crowds at the games. Many of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field, and wear their hearts on their sleeves throughout the action. Lacrosse fans as a rule are enthusiastic. Anderson Stadium is a new facility with state of the art sound and video systems that are put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats and music during play stoppages. You’re not going to get an elaborate game day presentation at a Friar lacrosse game, but you will enjoy yourself at Anderson Stadium. Neighborhood 3 Anderson Stadium is located at the northeast corner of the Providence College campus next to Schneider Arena. Downtown Providence is located less than two miles away. With the PC campus’ location in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood, there aren’t a lot of dining, lodging or entertainment options right around campus, but visiting fans will find plenty to do in Providence just a short drive away. Providence has a reputation as one of the top small cities in the nation for culinary options. Most fans visiting the area will head downtown for things to do, but fans looking for options near campus will find some pub style restaurants near Anderson Stadium. Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and wide variety of draft beer. Fans looking for something a little fancier should head over to Federal Hill, Providence’s Little Italy, where a concentration of top-notch restaurants can be found. Fans 3 Providence College averages between 300-500 fans per game for lacrosse. Understandably, crowds increase in size as the weather warms over the course of the season. Lacrosse fans as a whole are very enthusiastic and connected to the players on the field, and it can be a fun atmosphere despite the relatively small crowds in attendance. With many games against local rivals on the Friars’ schedule, it’s not unusual to see a significant number of visiting fans in attendance. Access 4 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To reach Anderson Stadium, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to reach. Detailed driving directions can be found here. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop right next to Schneider Arena, adjacent to Anderson Stadium. With the majority of fans driving to Friar lacrosse games, parking is at a premium. Luckily, there is plenty of parking in the area. There is a two-level garage attached to the west grandstand of Anderson Stadium, as well as several lots within walking distance of the facility. Many fans opt for on-street parking on Huxley and Admiral Streets. Seating at Anderson Stadium consists of bleacher seating in grandstands on either side of the field, with some individual stadium seats around midfield of the main (west) grandstand. There is a berm on the south side of the field, which is a popular place for students to gather. Fans can walk the entire perimeter of the facility, with views of the action available from all points. Restrooms are available in Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Friar lacrosse games is free, as is parking in the garage adjacent to Anderson Stadium. While the food at the Frenchy’s cart may be a little more expensive than expected, it’s not outrageously priced. Fans are able to bring their own snacks into the game with them. In the cold winter months of the season, it’s common to see lots of Dunkin’ coffee in the stands. Extras 1 The game day presentation at a Friar lacrosse game is fairly standard, with not a whole lot going on that could be considered extra. There are free roster sheets available to all fans. If time allows, duck into Schneider Arena next door and check out the displays in the lobby there, including the national championship trophy the school won in 2015. Final Thoughts Providence College is a small school with a big history in intercollegiate sports. In recent years the Friars have experienced success in several sports, including consecutive appearances in the NCAA basketball tournament from 2014-2018, a final four appearance in soccer and national championships in hockey and cross country. They have been working hard to improve their on-campus facilities, and Anderson Stadium is a fine representation of these efforts.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 E. Claiborne Robins Stadium 23B Boatwright Dr Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website E. Claiborne Robins Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 8,217 A Beautiful Web E. Clairborne Robins Stadium is located on the campus of Richmond University and is home to the Spiders’ football and lacrosse teams. The stadium seats about 8,000 fans and has a turf field with a running track surrounding it. The stadium was built in 2010 and later renovations expanded the seating and replaced uncomfortable concrete bleachers with metal ones and a few chairback seats. Stadium Journey visited Robins Stadium for lacrosse during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing and masking requirements were in effect. Capacity was officially limited to 1,000 fans, but the Spiders seldom drew more than that before the pandemic. Except for a few differences (which are mentioned below) things are pretty much the same as normal. Food & Beverage 1 Stadium Journey visited Robins Stadium during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, and to minimize removal of masks, the only concession item available for sale was bottled water, which at least was affordable at $3. There is normally a much more extensive menu for football, which you can find in our football review, and some of these options are probably available for lacrosse under typical circumstances as well. Atmosphere 2 Walking through the gates in the beautiful brick exterior of Robins Stadium will take you onto a concourse with even more brick architecture. Walking through the portal to the seats, you will find sets of bleachers with backs, one on each sideline. The west sideline (which is more north than west based on compass direction) has a few chairbacks in the center section. Normally seating is general admission, but due to the pandemic, all seats are currently reserved. Those not affiliated with the university can only sit in the west bleachers, while those who are affiliated with the university (i.e. students, faculty, and staff) can only use the east bleachers. For football, the east bleachers serve as the designated student section, so students may prefer to sit here during lacrosse games in normal times as well, but this would not be required. There is a large video board behind one goal and a small digital scoreboard behind the other. There is not a lot going on here to keep fans engaged beyond the usual playing of music. Part of this may be due to the pandemic, but it also feels like the lacrosse team plays second fiddle to the football program. Although there are a lot of signs, banners, and posters honoring the feats of the football team, you wouldn’t even know the lacrosse team plays here if you weren’t actually taking in a lacrosse game. For a normal game, the Spider Walk on one end of the stadium would be open featuring even more tributes to the football team, but this just further enforces the notion that this is a football stadium, not a lacrosse one. In any event, the Spider Walk is closed due to the pandemic so fans cannot access it at the moment. Neighborhood 3 Richmond’s campus is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Richmond, right on the edge of the city limits. In fact, as fans of rival school VCU will love to point out, only about half of the University of Richmond campus is actually in the City of Richmond. The other half is in neighboring Henrico County. If you head down Three Chopt Road, there are a few restaurants and other places available, but your best bet is to head about three miles east on Route 147 to the Carytown neighborhood which has far more options available. We recommend the Galaxy Diner and Carytown Burgers and Fries as your best bets. Fans 3 Although capacity is limited to 1,000 fans at the moment, Richmond rarely drew more than that anyway, so the pandemic has not really impacted this at all. The fans who do show up are loud, but unfortunately, they are few in number. Often many of the fans will actually be there to cheer for the other team. This effect is more pronounced when they are playing a nearby opponent like Virginia, but when we went, the opponent was from halfway across the country, and about half the fans were still cheering for them. It would be nice if the Spiders could grow their own fan base, but they don’t seem to put the same effort into attracting fans for lacrosse that they do for football. Access 4 The Richmond campus is located a couple of miles off I-64, the Downtown Expressway, or the Powhite Parkway, depending on where you are coming from. The first route is toll-free but the second two have small tolls. Once you arrive on campus, parking is free in any of the numerous lots surrounding Robins Stadium. Fans should have no trouble finding a spot and shouldn’t have to walk far to get in. The concourse and restrooms have plenty of capacity to accommodate all the fans, as they were designed for much larger football crowds. The fact that you have to drive a bit off the highway to get here, and possibly pay a toll, costs Robins Stadium the top score, but it is still easy to access the stadium and get around. Return on Investment 4 Admission to lacrosse games at Robins Stadium is free unless the Spiders are playing a big-name opponent like Virginia or Duke, in which case tickets will be around $10 each. If visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, note that tickets must be obtained in advance through the Spiders’ website or by calling the ticket office. Otherwise, just show up and walk in if they are not charging admission. There is a $1 delivery fee for the otherwise “free” tickets, which is the same charge regardless of the number of tickets you are reserving. This is disappointing but given the unusual circumstances, can’t really be held against the Spiders. Still, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 There are normally free game day programs available, although they are not being offered during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize touch surfaces. Fans can still download them onto their smartphones. Other than that, there are no real extras for the lacrosse team. There are plenty of unique sights to see here honoring Spider’s football, but for a lacrosse game, all that does is make the team feel like second-class citizens in their own stadium. Final Thoughts Although Stadium Journey recently ranked Robins Stadium the #1 FCS football venue in the country, the experience at a lacrosse game here sadly doesn’t come close. The Spiders have a gem of a stadium, and it is a shame that they are not putting it to good use for lacrosse. If the athletic department put the same effort into lacrosse games here that they put into football games, this could be a great experience, but they don’t, and it shows in the result.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium 1400 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12222 Albany Great Danes Lacrosse website Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 6,394 Great Dane Lacrosse The University of Albany first sponsored a lacrosse team in 1970. The Great Danes began to play in Division III, where they qualified for three NCAA tournaments before moving up to Division II for the 1995 season. The highlight of their six seasons of competition in Division II was finishing as national runners-up in 1997. UAlbany moved up to Division I for the 2000 season. Since moving to the sport’s top division, they have experienced a great deal of success, qualifying for ten NCAA Tournaments and reaching the Final Four in 2018. Among the Great Dane’s lacrosse alumni is Lyle Thompson, who is considered one of the sport’s all-time greatest players. Thompson won the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to college lacrosse’s player of the year, in 2014 and 2015. He is the only player to win the award twice. His brother, Miles, shared the award with Lyle in 2014. The Great Danes lacrosse team traditionally played at John Fallon Field, located just to the north of Casey Stadium. As the lacrosse program grew in popularity over the years, the 2,500-seat venue became too small for the team’s needs. In 2015 the Danes played their first game at Casey Stadium and continue to play there today. Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium is named for the longtime football coach at UAlbany. Ford also served as the men’s lacrosse coach from 1971-1973 and as the school’s Athletic Director from 1978-1982. Ford retired after the 2013 football season, coaching for one year in a stadium named for him. The facility was given its current full name after Tom and Mary Casey donated $10 million to the school in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand open during the Great Dane lacrosse games. A basic menu is offered here featuring hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and assorted snacks. It’s not the most diverse menu around, but it will do the job if you need a snack during the game. Pepsi products are featured at Casey Stadium. No alcohol is permitted inside the venue during lacrosse games. Atmosphere 4 Lacrosse games generally feature a fun, party atmosphere. As you approach Casey Stadium you’ll notice the tailgate setups in the season ticket holder lot. Fans will get here pretty early to prepare themselves for the game. The tailgates are not as numerous as they are on football Saturdays, but that doesn’t diminish the atmosphere here. Lacrosse fans in general are a bit louder and more enthusiastic than many of their counterparts. It’s no different at UAlbany. The many family members in attendance seem to make their presence known. With a good turnout by the student body, the stands at Casey Stadium are filled with noise and activity. There’s a video board in the south end zone that is put to good use with game stats, videos, and graphics. The sound system is excellent, with music playing during all stoppages. The PA announcer does a great job of injecting some energy into the proceedings. Shooting contests for younger fans in attendance and t-shirt tosses add to the fun atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Casey Stadium is located on the southern edge of the University of Albany campus near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Varsity Field and SEFCU Arena. The University of Albany is located in northwest Albany, out near the airport. Downtown Albany and the state capital are located about a 15-minute drive away. The area around campus, particularly along Route 20 (Western Ave.), features a great many dining options in the vicinity of the University. A complete listing of dining options can be found here. You’ll find many options for lodging on the north side of campus near Interstate 90. You can find a listing of all local hotels here. Fans 4 Lacrosse fans just seem to be a different breed. When compared to fans at a school’s other sports, lax fans appear to be just a little louder, a little more involved, and a little more connected to the team than other fans. At UAlbany, Great Dane lax fans fit this description to a “T.” The lower-level stands are abuzz with enthusiasm and noise throughout the game, particularly when the Great Danes are playing well. Albany draws between 1,000 and 1,500 fans per game at Casey Stadium. There’s a good turnout here from the student body and the requisite amount of family members in the stands. Remember that the lacrosse season runs from February through May. Crowds increase in number as the weather warms throughout the season. Even with larger crowds in attendance, there’s plenty of room to spread out at Casey Stadium. Access 4 The University of Albany is located in the northwestern part of New York’s capital city, right by the intersection of Interstates 90 and 87. The downtown area is about a 15-minute ride from campus. The Albany airport is just a 10-minute ride to the north. Casey Stadium is situated on the southern edge of the sprawling campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities. Entering campus via Route 20 (Western Ave.) gives visitors the easiest access to Varsity Field. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the stadium which is reserved for season ticket holders. Other visiting fans will be forced to park in the more distant Dutch lots, located about a half mile from the stadium. Fans will also be forced to pay a premium for the privilege. The area around the athletic facilities is well-manicured with wide sidewalks for easy access. Casey Stadium consists of a single large grandstand on the west side of the field, with a berm on the north end of the facility. Bleachers on the east side of the field are not utilized for lacrosse games. A narrow concourse runs along the top of the lower deck. Center sections of the lower deck contain individual stadium seats, while the remainder of the seating consists of metal bleachers without backs on both levels. Views of the field are excellent from all seating areas. The restrooms are clean and large enough for a typical Great Dane crowd. Lines are not an issue here or at the single open concession stand. There’s even a small souvenir stand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for Great Dane lacrosse games start at $30 for chairback seats in the central grandstand sections, with lower-level bleacher seats priced at $25 and upper-level bleacher seats priced at $20. Children’s tickets are discounted at $10. Add on a two-dollar handling charge, and tickets to a UAlbany lax game are not cheap! Likewise, you’re going to pay to park at UAlbany. Parking in the preferred lot adjacent to the stadium will cost you $20 if you can even get in. Generally, these spots are reserved for season ticket holders, with a few spots available on a game-to-game basis. Parking in the Dutch lots, about a half-mile walk from the stadium, will still cost you $15. Fans looking for free parking can park on the far side of Varsity Field in the lot behind the Management Services Center. It’s a good walk to get here. Judging by the number of cars here, it’s not an option chosen by many fans. Concession prices are not outrageous for a sports venue but overall, you will spend a bit more money at a UAlbany lacrosse game than you might expect. Extras 1 Digital programs are available for all fans in attendance. There’s a small pro shop on the concourse which sells Great Dane gear. Flags of all the America East Conference teams fly atop the east side bleachers. Final Thoughts During their time in Division One, the Albany Great Danes have been a constant presence in the postseason. At Casey Stadium, the team enjoys a modern, comfortable home at which fans can enjoy some quality lacrosse. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Walls Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here. Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls. The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls, Drexel Dragons, Villanova Wildcats, LaSalle Explorers, and St. Joseph’s Hawks. Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers, is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info Fanfare Score: 3.57 Scotiabank Centre 1800 Argyle St Halifax, NS B3J 2V9 Halifax Thunderbirds website Scotiabank Centre website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,595 You’ve Been Thunderstruck Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Following the lead of the Halifax Hurricanes (National Basketball League of Canada) and HFX Wanderers (Canadian Premier League), along with rumors of the Atlantic Schooners (Canadian Football League) kicking off play in a few years, Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. What is a thunderbird? In Indigious cultures, a thunderbird is a mythical creature, and a symbol for strength and power. A fitting name for a team playing an indigious game on native lands. Originally opened as the Halifax Metro Centre in 1978, Scotiabank Centre has undergone multiple renovations to keep the venue up-to-date and attract major events. The most significant renovations came in 2015, inconsequentially, when the Scotiabank took over the naming rights. With the addition of the Thunderbirds, the arena is now home to three major tenants, including the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) and the Halifax Hurricanes. With a capacity of 10,500, Scotiabank Centre is amongst the smallest in the NLL. Food & Beverage 4 Scotiabank Centre offers an expansive variety of unique food options that rival venues with higher capacities. Canadian and Maritime classics such as Poutine (Cavendish fries, beef gravy and cheese curds) and Donairs (spiced beef shaved from a spit and served on a gyro with tomatoes, onions and donair sauce) are available ​a-la-cart ​ or in a combo with chips and a Pepsi product. Other unique offerings include: mac & cheese (with or without fried chicken), footlong hot dogs, $5 sandwiches, a butter chicken bowl and burrito bowls. Look for most of these concessions in the wide plaza area behind section nine. Traditional stadium food choices include: individual pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, nachos, popcorn and candy. Alcoholic beverages are $7.25 for a 14-ounce domestic draft (Bud, Bud Light & Alexander Keith’s), and $2 more for 20 ounces. Alexander Keith’s also has their own kiosk offering craft brews, including the Lunenburg Coffee Stout and Highland Pilsner starting at $8.25. Cocktails can be “shaken or stirred” at the bar located outside section eight. Vendors rarely walk the seating area, so you’ll likely need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the arena. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at one of the multiple water fountains available around the concourse. Overall, the concessions are well maintained and clean, with enough food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. Atmosphere 4 Largely due to its downtown location, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, the game day atmosphere outside Scotiabank Centre can prepare you for the thrilling action on the field. With the brick and glass bottom, concrete paneled top, and hints of the concrete seating area viewed from underneath, the arena is clearly distinguishable from Citadel Hill and Brunswick Street. Topography slopes down quickly around the sides of the building where the architecture is not as pronounced. However, large illuminated “Scotiabank Centre” signs were added to the blank facade, which can clearly be seen from Rogers Square, located a few blocks away down Grafton Street. Once inside Scotiabank Centre there is a “big-event” feel to the atmosphere. Walking around the concourse provides a variety of visual experiences. The side concourses are closed off from viewing the game; however, walk to the ends of the arena and suddenly you’re one with the crowd and have a full view of game action. The lower seating bowl offers great viewing angles to catch all the plays, without fans in front of you obstructing your view. The playing field is surrounded by 16 to 22 rows of seats; however, legroom is an issue no matter where you sit. If you consider yourself of average height or taller, avoid rows 19 thru 22. These rows were not part of the original arena design, but instead were squeezed in as part of a renovation years ago. This renovation closed off a walkway inside the seating bowl, resulting in more congestion on the concourse. Also, be aware of some obstructed view seats in sections 13 thru 17 (rows Q through S) due to metal posts supporting the skyboxes. An upper level is located on both sides of the playing field, consisting of 21 rows with decent viewing angles in the lower rows. Avoid seats next to the aisle in rows A thru G since the railing located at the bottom of the aisle may be right at your eye level. Also, stay clear of the top 16 rows (rows H thru W); hanging skyboxes diminish the game atmosphere and the scoreboard/video board over centre ice is not visible. A scoreboard and video board is projected on the backside of the skyboxes, but the acoustics are awkward and you feel distant from the action. Over forty skyboxes are located in a horseshoe style around the field of play. Handicap seating is available nearly all the way around the seating bowl at the concourse level. New seats were added as part of the 2015 renovations. They are larger, padded, comfortable, and are equipped with cup holders. The four-sided scoreboard hanging from the rafters is new as of 2019. This crisp, clear jumbotron is a welcome improvement and accentuates the atmosphere as exciting graphics are displayed after a big play. Scoreboard at Scotiabank Centre, Photo by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey The Thunderbirds have done a fantastic job celebrating the roots and culture of the Maritime region, not just through their name and logo, but also during the pre-game ceremony. Prior to the Thunderbirds taking the field, a high-tech video production introduces the players and creates a sense of what’s to come. Afterwards, bagpipers play and march from the concourse to the field where traditional Scottish dancers represent and help celebrate the Scottish roots of Nova Scotia. In-game promotions and entertainment keep you involved during breaks in the action. Free programs with information regarding both teams’ players and records are available on the concourse. The Thunderbirds’ dance team performs a few times prior to the game and during game breaks.The Thunderbird mascot, Bolt, roams the arena stopping for selfies and other fan interactions along the way. Arena acoustics are fairly good, unless you are seated in the back rows of the upper level. Upbeat music is played seemingly non-stop during play which is an NLL staple. The music helps keep the crowd’s energy up. The fans especially seem to respond well with loud rhythmic clapping whenever a classic Maritime song like “Barrett’s Privateers” (by Stan Rogers) plays over the loudspeaker. Neighborhood 5 Halifax has a rich history to learn and explore. As stated by the public address announcer prior to a game, Halifax lies on Indigenous lands belonging to the Mi’kmaq before the British settlers arrived and developed the area. For a few hundred years, Halifax was an important British army and navy base to help protect against potential French invaders. Halifax Harbour is naturally protected from the ocean, and is the second largest natural harbour in the world. Thousands of immigrants came to Halifax to find work in the fishing, shipping, and trading industry created by the protected harbour. In 1912, Halifax played an important role in rescue efforts following the sinking of the Titanic. In 1917, the city suffered a tragic event itself, when two ships collided in the harbour. One of those ships was full of ammunition, causing an enormous explosion that killed 2,000 people and destroyed a large part of the city. Check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about these fascinating events. Downtown Halifax is located on a steep hill, which slopes from the Halifax Harbour to Citadel Hill. The arena is integrated into the hill, which makes the arena look smaller from the outside than it actually is. Downtown Halifax is evolving into a popular destination again after years of dormant construction throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. If you want to grab a drink and a bite before or after the game, Argyle Street is a great area full of options with Antojo, Pint Public House & Gahan Restaurant all excellent choices. For a relaxed atmosphere during your stay, take a walk on the boardwalk along the Halifax Harbour; see some historic architecture, high-end restaurants, and the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. All of these destinations are within a 5-15 minute walk from the arena, making it a great location for the season ticket holder or a tourist. The Hampton Inn by Hilton and the Prince George Hotel are both located less than a block away from the arena. Plenty of other hotel options are scattered around the city depending on your desired price range and location. Fans 3 The Thunderbirds first game in Halifax came less than a year after the relocation announcement in early 2019. So naturally the franchise needed to work hard to attract and develop a loyal local fan base. In such a short time, it’s obvious the marketing folks have done a great job promoting the sport and franchise to a wide range of demographics. Every home game has a promotional theme including First Nations Night, University Student Night, a Salute to Veterans Night, among others. Through the first few home games, Thunderbirds attendance has averaged 6,500 spectators. Though some markets draw over 10,000 patrons per game, Halifax attendance ranks a respectable 8th out of the 13 franchises. Thunderbirds attract fans of all ages, from young families, young adults on a date, and long-time friends. Fans tend to be pretty quiet and respectful outside of a home goal or a big hit. The crowd (with help from the public address announcer) could easily create some unique traditions or chants during the game, and there’s little doubt the scores have potential to improve as the loyal fan base continues to develop. Access 4 Direct flights to Halifax are available from most major Canadian cities, and a few American cities in the Eastern Time Zone. Though Halifax looks close to the United States on maps, a drive from Portland, Maine would take around ten hours due to a lack of a direct route. However, the drive is beautiful no matter where you are coming from. When you arrive downtown, you are only minutes from the arena. It is easy to get there by foot or car. Two parking garages are within a block of Scotiabank Centre for $8, and metered parking is free on weekends and after six pm on weekdays. Metro Transit is another great way to get to the game. Several routes from all over the municipality converge into downtown for $2.75. Halifax is known for wet and icy winter weather conditions. Fortunately pedestrians can stay dry and not risk slipping on ice by using the “Halifax Link” indoor path system. See ​Halifax Link’s map here. Though there is not a dedicated main entrance, the most popular entrance is on the low (east) side of the arena. Stairs or ramps take you into an atrium where the Box Office, Will Call, and entrance to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame are located. However, prepare for a stair-hike if you enter the arena from this atrium. The entrances along Brunswick Street may be easier and less congested if you already have your ticket. The easiest wheelchair accessible entrance is from the Brunswick and Duke Street corner where the doors are level with the concourse. Once doors open, access around the arena is simple and straightforward. The concourse is a continuous 360 degrees around the field on an even level. Finding your seat should not be difficult, as plenty of helpful signs point you to the sections. The east side of the arena is open, wide and grand. Part of it was an alleyway that used to separate the arena and the former convention centre. This additional concourse space has a relaxed feel with tables to stand at and enjoy your drink and/or meal. Restrooms are clean and fairly large due to a 2015 renovation. Some restrooms are located on another level of the arena, so watch for signs. Return on Investment 3 Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside Scotiabank Centre or online through the team website. Ticket prices are more expensive than Halifax residents are used to for other local sports teams, and the “best seats” appear to be slightly higher than other NLL franchises in similar markets. An adult seat ranges from $28-$81 depending on your seat location preference. University student tickets range from $17.25-$23. Children 12 and under are a flat rate $23. And accessible seating is a flat $11.50 per ticket. Tickets for an applicable promotional night can save you around 50% on tickets. Purchasing group tickets saves money and includes incentives like field admission prior to the game. Other ticket buying options include discounts for fundraiser nights, senior citizens discount games, two-game rivalry pacts, season tickets, and “family section” tickets, which is a family season ticket in a dedicated area close to washrooms. Extras 2 An extra point for the incredible job the franchise does recognizing and celebrating the many historical and cultural aspects the Halifax region represents. Another for the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. The entrance is through the atrium, and admission is free with a game ticket. The Sidney Crosby exhibit is a must see.” Final Thoughts Indoor lacrosse is one of the most high intensity and thrilling sports you can watch. The game has a long history, as it was first introduced by the First Nations and now is the official summer sport of Canada. For fans who have yet to witness an NLL game live, it’s well worth spending an evening with loved ones or great friends to take in the excitement. Hopefully the Thunderbird franchise will continue to develop fan experience to maintain and build the local fan base.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ball Arena 1000 Chopper Circle Denver, CO 80204 Colorado Mammoth website Ball Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,800 Get in the Box Note: The name of the venue changed from Pepsi Center to Ball Arena Oct, 2020. Founded in 2003, the Colorado Mammoth are celebrating their 15th season in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) this 2018/2019 season. They have made the playoffs in all but one of their years in existence. They captured the NLL championship in 2006 and won division titles in 2003, 2004, and 2007. It’s been a while since they’ve placed a banner on the rafters. Two professional lacrosse teams are located in Denver, CO. The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Outlaws play at Broncos Stadium at Mile High and the Mammoth play at the Pepsi Center. The Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose venue in downtown Denver, CO. It is also home of the NBA Nuggets and the NHL Avalanche, as well as an event center for many concerts and conventions throughout the year. The team less featured in its souvenir shop, along the walls, and in advertisements is the NLL Mammoth. Food & Beverage 4 Some concession stands are closed during Mammoth games as the fan attendance is not as large as at an Avalanche or Nuggets game. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Pepsi Center. That said, the Pepsi Center still offers a wide range of options at expensive prices. Many more food and drink choices are on the first level than the third. If you have tickets for the third level, I recommend strolling around the first level before heading up. Tables are scattered throughout the concourse for consuming the food and drink, people watching, and soaking up the surroundings. Selections include the standard hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, candy, etc. Different or unique options are baked potatoes, chicken sandwiches, cheese steak sandwiches, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese balls, grilled cheese sandwiches, Go Nuts, bratwurst, Caesar salad, and onion rings. Pepsi varieties (of course) are the soda choice. The traditional domestic beer offerings like Coors, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light, and Miller Lite are available. The venue offers local brews such as Colorado Native, Dales Pale Ale, Odells, Breckenridge (most of these are on the first level) and other beer offerings include Fat Tire, Stella, Shock Top, and Red Hook. Premium cocktails, vodka lemonade, Moscow mule and basically, anything you might want to drink is here. For those looking for a sit-down meal inside the arena, the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House fits the bill. Its mountain lodge theme will transport you to the Rockies… while sparing you the frosty temperatures. Atmosphere 2 The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a half time show includes various entertainment acts. Several promotions are offered throughout the season such as Lacrosse Put Out Cancer, player autographs after game, and youth lacrosse games to name a few. Get in the Box posters and both teams’ line ups are handed out on entry to the Pepsi Center. An announcer/emcee for the Mammoth does a good job getting the fans to ring their cow bells, make noise, and is a fine source of entertainment and motivation at a game. The temperature of the venue is fine. Bring layers just in case it’s too warm or too cold. Two lines of closed captioning is offered in each of the four corners of the banner board section of the Pepsi Center and provide announcer comments and scoring and penalty results. Nice job to the Pepsi Center for providing that. More venues should do that. Closed Captioning at Ball Arena, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey At the game of this review, when entering the ticket box office area to purchase a ticket, a security rep stormed over and shouted “NO, you can’t come in here! We don’t open till 12 noon!” I would have left and never come back if I wasn’t doing a review for Stadium Journey. It’s a very poor way of welcoming Mammoth fans. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Denver is a happening place to be. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping are within four or five blocks of the arena. It is safe walking in and around the downtown area before or after a game. Denver is known for its craft brews. Be sure to take a brewery tour if you’re a connoisseur of the hops. I’d recommend Wynkoop’s at the corner of 18th St and Wynkoop St or Jagged Mountain (good IPAs) at the corner of 20th St and Lawrence St. The 16th Street Mall is just within a few blocks and is a pedestrian outdoor mall containing many of those shops and eateries. Free shuttle buses cruise the 1.25 mile strip and one can hop and off at most corners as desired. Check out recently renovated Union Station, a historic train station just a few blocks away. This houses a hotel, shops, bars, restaurants, and a public park atmosphere. A good place to eat pre or post game is the Thirsty Lion – it has a happy hour every day with a wide variety of beers and appetizers (enough for a meal) choices. Brooklyn’s (a sports bar) is in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center. Although convenient, this place is not recommended as the food is not great and the drinks are quite expensive. A better place worth checking out just two blocks from the Pepsi Center is Tivoli’s Brewery who serves their own beer and has really good food choices. The closest hotel is the Springhill Suites by Marriott and is only a 0.2 mile walk to the Pepsi Center and is walking distance to most of the downtown activities and venues. Fans 4 The Mammoth fans are pretty spectacular. As Mammoth player introductions are made, all fans stand, ring their cow bells and cheer. They boo the visiting team during their introduction. When the Mammoth score a goal, fans high-five their neighbors in celebration; doesn’t really matter if you’re a stranger. When an opposing team’s player gets a penalty, fans chant, “Hey #xx – Get-In-The-Box,” and stand up and point at the player as he walks toward the box. The last two minutes of the game all fans stand and applaud the players. Average attendance has declined a bit over the years and the arena is not as packed as it once was: In the 2000’s, the average attendance ranged from 16,000 – 17,000; that number has reduced slightly to 13,000 – 16,000 a game with 14,465 the average attendance in the 2017 season. Access 3 My recommendation for a Mammoth game (and any event/game at the Pepsi Center) is to take the RTD Light Rail and get off at the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens Station. An A Line train from DIA (Denver International Airport) travels direct to Union Station which is a short 0.5 mile walk to the Pepsi Center. Fans who want to visit a Mammoth game and downtown Denver won’t necessarily require a car anymore. If driving, take I-25 and get off at Auraria Parkway if coming from the south or Speer Blvd if coming from the north. Parking on the Pepsi Center grounds ranges from $15 – $30. The $30 is valet parking and is open to the general public. The nearby Auraria Campus, home of the University of Colorado Denver and Metro State University, has cheaper parking while only being a 5-10 minute walk to the arena. A designated Lyft/Uber area is just outside the venue. Getting through security is hit or miss. Sometimes the gate staff are courteous other times they appear to growl and roll their eyes in annoyance at fans entering the venue and security area. This needs to be improved as fans don’t always feel welcome. One must go through a security and metal detector just to purchase game day tickets which is asinine. Plenty of operational bathrooms are available with minimal or no wait. Hang out for a few minutes after the game and don’t leave immediately after the winning goal (but only just a few minutes otherwise you’ll be told to ‘Get Out’ about only 10 minutes after the end of the game; another un-fan friendly experience I’ve had at a Mammoth game). Players celebrate; shake hands with opponents like they do in the hockey playoffs and Stanley Cups finals. Players walk the entire court raising their sticks to the fans to show their appreciation. Sometimes there’s an interview with a player after the game; other times a post game autograph session is set up. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 (the $2 surcharge is not added when purchasing game day tickets this 2018/2019 season!) through $32 for fieldside VIP seats. Go to Happy Hour at the Thirsty Lion to lower food/drink expense and consider taking the light rail. Although ticket prices are extremely inexpensive compared to the other teams at the Pepsi Center, I just can’t give a high ROI rating at a sports team whose security team sternly tells me I’m not allowed in and I have to go through metal detectors just to purchase a ticket. Extras 3 Four retired Mammoth jerseys hang from the rafters: #22 Gary Gait (widely known as the best lacrosse player of all time), #6 Brian Langtry, #9 Gavin Prout, and #24 John Grant Jr. Colorado Mammoth Retired Numbers, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Kudos to those ‘conversion crews’ who convert a basketball court on a Fri evening to a hockey arena for the following Sat afternoon to a lacrosse venue that same Sat evening then back again for a Sun evening basketball game. For being able to take in a double header. Once or twice a year a fan can see an Avalanche and a Mammoth game at the Pepsi Center the same day. Final Thoughts The game of box lacrosse is an exciting, enjoyable, fantastic game to watch live. I’d recommend anyone who hasn’t seen a game yet to check it out. Customer service and being made to feel welcome each and every time needs to improve at Mammoth games at the Pepsi Center to make the entire experience worth coming back.