Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Thompson Arena Western Rd. & Philip Aziz Ave London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada Western Mustangs website Thompson Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 3,615 Purple Ponies on Ice London, Ontario is the home of Western University, formerly The University of Western Ontario. Western was established in 1878 and has amassed a strong athletic program amidst its beautiful campus and strong athletic facilities. Western joined the OUAA in 1971 as the newly formed Ontario Conference in what would become Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). Since then, the Mustangs have been fielding great teams in a number of different disciplines. The Western Mustangs hockey team was established in 1937 and claim three Queen’s Cups as Ontario Champions and one University Cup as National Champions. Home for the Purple Ponies is Thompson Arena. The arena is on the campus of Western University and part of the greater Thompson Recreation & Athletic Centre. The Centre opened in 1974 and is also the main recreation home for Western students. The arena is multi-functional, also serving as home for the women’s hockey team and figure skating team, as well as the indoor season for the track and field team. It is named after Col. J. Thompson. Thompson Arena is an excellent facility for university hockey and Western does a pretty good job utilizing it. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Thompson Arena are fairly limited. The main concession stand is at the east side of the arena. Before entering the arena itself, there is a Booster Juice smoothie bar which may be of interest to you. The main concession stand within the arena has fairly limited options. They sell popcorn ($2), chocolate bars, candy and hot dogs ($2.50). In the eastern concourse there is also a temporary Domino’s Pizza tent. There are a few beverage options at the Thompson Arena as well. The main concession stand offers Coca-Cola products ($2.50) along with coffee. There are also vending machines in the eastern concourse. Inside the arena, there is a licensed area behind the south boards. The beer garden offers limited alcoholic selections that may only be consumed in the licensed area and not brought into the seating area or concourse. Atmosphere 4 Compared to other CIS Hockey venues, Thompson Arena has a pretty good atmosphere. The exterior of the Thompson Recreation & Athletic Centre is fairly non-descript from the street. Clearly a building that has been added onto over the years, the newest section appears to be the student rec centre which offers large windows from the main entrance from the parking lot to the northeast. The entrance is fairly spacious and splits with the rec centre off to the left and the arena straight ahead. Inside the arena you will be sticking to the east concourse which is decorated with large banners of current Mustang hockey players. A large trophy case holds some Mustang achievements. The exterior wall is also being prepped for a future Mustang Hockey Wall of Honour. Inside the seating bowl, the east side features plastic stadium seats in purple with more than enough for the number of fans in attendance. The west side has wooden bleachers that can be pulled out for really big crowds. At ice level, an indoor track surrounds the ice, leaving plenty of space for other activities when the bleachers are away. The north and west sides feature inflatable fun for the young kids in attendance. The score clock at centre ice must be the original from 1974 and is still in good working order. However, it does lack other information usually found at hockey games, including shots on goal. North of the score clock are the banners honouring past Mustang teams including the 1995, 2005 and 2009 OUA Conference Championships and the 2002 National Championships. Other honours for figure skating, women’s hockey and track and field are also here. The arena, overall, features plenty of purple and lots of Western markings. There is no mistaking that this is the home of the Mustangs. The in-game production at a Mustangs game is better than most CIS hockey experiences. As with most other OUA arenas, the majority of the production is handled by students. For the most part the presentation is fairly simple and what you would expect from a CIS experience. The music is the usual mix of pop and classic rock, however, unique for this venue is the presence of the Mustang band behind the visitor’s bench. Off and on throughout the game the band plays a variety of tunes but especially the Mustang fight song. Just before the teams enter the ice the theme from “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” is played, a definite play on the Western school name. Play is started with the typical Western horse whinney. The seating area is divided into an upper and lower area, with the upper area featuring permanent seating and the lower featuring moveable bleachers with backs. Since the east side is the one that is normally open, your seat selection will probably be limited to that side. The upper section offers the better sight lines and more comfortable seating and if you must have that picture with the centre ice logo looking just perfect, then the east side is where you want to be anyway. Neighborhood 3 Thompson Arena is located fairly centrally in the Western campus. There are a few interesting places that you may want to get to. The campus pub at Western is The Wave. If it is a place that you are considering then make sure you do your research and consider the limited hours that they are open. The Barakat Restaurant is located to the west of the arena on Western Road. If you head north of the arena, the best choices can be found. You may want to consider the Waltzing Weasel Pub or Beertown Public House. The campus of Western is located northwest of downtown London. There are a number of other food options there, but you will also find some more hockey options, specifically the OHL’s London Knights at Budweiser Gardens. Other sporting options on campus include Mustangs football at TD Stadium and Mustangs basketball at Alumni Hall. If you want to do some shopping, then check out Masonville Place, which is also close by. There are a few places to stay around campus. Windermere Manor offers something a little out of the ordinary and may be worth a try. If you are looking for something a little more mainstream, then head downtown for a more recognizable chain. Fans 3 Attendance is very difficult to gauge at CIS hockey games. Often times attendance goes unreported and there are few resources to compare attendance figures. Attendance at CIS hockey is usually measured in hundreds as opposed to thousands. That being said, Western has a fairly decent following for hockey. Games will usually draw between 250 and 500 fans. The crowd in attendance is fairly laid back and reserved. They do get excited upon a Western goal and remain silent during opponent goals. There are some students in attendance, but there is no significant student presence that would manifest itself in a specific section that you would see at an American university. Access 4 Getting in and around the Thompson Arena is not difficult at all. Thompson Arena is located at the corner of Western Road and Philip Aziz Avenue, at pretty much the centre of the campus at Western University. Western’s campus is located a fairly significant distance from highways 401 and 402, which would be the major arteries in and out of London. Western Road is a large road that moves fairly quickly, but if you are coming from out of town to Western, you will have to do some significant driving through the city. Entry to the arena is from the centre of campus, the north side of the arena, which can be accessed from the Huron Drive parking lot or from the main entrance to the university at Lambton Drive. Public transit is available that travels on Western Road and Sarnia Road. London Transit Commission buses stop right at the arena. Check out the LTC website for rates, schedules and maps if you are interested in public transit. There is plenty of parking on the Western Campus. Parking is free on the weekends, when lots are unattended. The most convenient lot would be just north of Thompson Arena and can be accessed from Huron Drive. The entry for the arena is spacious enough for the needs of Western. Do not get confused with the arena ticketing area and the recreation centre help desk. Go past the rec centre desk to the box office for Thompson Arena to pick up your tickets in person. Tickets are also available online. Getting around the arena is no problem considering the number of patrons that are in attendance. The east concourse may be a bit squishy if there is a capacity crowd, however it is not an issue normally. Washroom facilities are more than adequate in the east concourse. Return on Investment 5 Mustangs hockey is a great event to catch for a pretty small investment. Tickets for Mustangs hockey go for a mere $8 a person. There are also discounts for seniors, non-Western students and youth. Kids 5 and under are free. Combine the low ticket price with free parking and decent concession prices and you have a recipe for a very affordable brand of entertainment. CIS hockey is fast-paced and tends to play a little smaller than the professional ranks. There is hitting, but league rules prohibit fighting so there is just the right amount of rough stuff. Extras 3 An extra mark for Mustang Days. Mustang Days are a celebration of Mustang athletics with as many athletic events packed into one weekend as possible. An extra mark for ample opportunity to pair Mustang hockey with Mustang basketball for an awesome CIS doubleheader for little money. An extra mark for distinguished Western alumnus Steve Rucchin. Rucchin played for the Mustangs from 1990-1994 after playing high school hockey in London and Junior D hockey in Thamesford, Ontario for only a couple of games. Usually, CIS players come from Junior A or B ranks. Eventually Rucchin would go on to play for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim from 1994 to 2004. Steve Rucchin’s path to a significant NHL career was unorthodox to say the least. Final Thoughts The Western Mustangs are continuing to do their best to provide an athletic experience that is closer to their NCAA cousins rather than their CIS brothers. Western hockey is a fun experience with a few extras that you may not expect. The price is absolutely right and seeing the Purple Ponies on ice will not be a disappointment. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 O’Keefe Gym 151 Sixth Street N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets website O'Keefe Gym website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 1,500 POINT TECH! Originally the gymnasium of O’Keefe High School, which opened in 1923, Georgia Tech was given control of the building from Atlanta Public Schools in the 1960s, after which it remained home to both high school and middle school teams until 1973. Georgia Tech began sponsoring volleyball as a varsity sport in 1980, playing their home matches at the then Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Yellow Jacket Volleyball would move next door to O’Keefe Gym in 1995, just before the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. While the team plays nearly the entirety of their schedule at O’Keefe, they will play a match or two back at their original home, the now McCamish Pavilion . Since the inception of volleyball at Georgia Tech, they have played as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), winning five regular season titles (1994, 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2005) and two ACC tournament titles (1995 and 2002).   Food & Beverage   2 Georgia Tech serves a rather basic menu comprised simply of hot dogs, nacho chips with cheese sauce, and Bavarian pretzels. Candy and snacks are also available. Soft drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages. The alcoholic beverage selection is more extensive, featuring domestic beers, Georgia Tech-branded beers like New Realm Brewing’s Ale of an Engineer and Helluvienna Lager, and Hazy Like a Fox IPA, along with Bud Light and Nutrl seltzers, wines from Stella Rosa, and a Sauvignon Blanc spritzer.   Atmosphere   5 O’Keefe Gym is a great example of a historic building being preserved and repurposed for present-day use. To call O’Keefe Gym cozy would be a massive understatement – given its limitation of space and near-capacity crowds nearly every match, crowds are shoulder-to-shoulder. The gym’s acoustics enhance the energy of the fans and band, producing an electric atmosphere, but can muffle in-house speaker calls, making them a bit difficult to understand. The Georgia Tech pep band plays an integral role in creating a college atmosphere with their in-match drops and performances. Every point is celebrated with music clips, and the arena announcer quickly calls out “POINT TECH!” as the band responds with an equally rhythmic drumbeat. It truly is a fun atmosphere that is easy to get caught up in.   Neighborhood   5 Situated in the shadows of the Midtown Atlanta skyline, just a step out of O’Keefe Gym leaves no doubt you are in the heart of Atlanta. O’Keefe Gym is neighbored by McCamish Pavilion and Mewborn Field, Tech’s basketball and softball venues, respectively. This is also where the main concentration of Georgia Tech’s athletic facilities are located; the gym directly abuts Atlanta’s Downtown Connector. The main concentration of restaurants in the area can be found across the highway, just a short walk across the 5th Street bridge. A bit further, but in the neighborhood to the north of campus, is one of Atlanta’s top pizzerias, Antico’s Neapolitan-style pizza, about a mile to the west of campus. Also less than a mile away is Vortex, known for its specialty burgers. Just be aware some of the décor at Vortex might not be the most family-friendly. For those seeking more entertainment, Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park is only a short distance away from O’Keefe Gym – the park is home to attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.   Fans   4 Tech fans pack O’Keefe Gym close to its 1,500-seat capacity on a match-by-match basis and create a lively college volleyball environment. Each point is enthusiastically celebrated with “POINT TECH!” and for set points, fans rise to their feet and circle their index fingers above their heads with a synchronous “oh” in anticipation of calling out “POINT-TECH!”. Rallies with a lot of action save, and flat-out hustle plays are commonly celebrated with a standing ovation. In general, Tech fans are appreciative of good volleyball and quick to celebrate the success of the Yellow Jackets.   Access   3 Reaching Midtown Atlanta for an evening match can be challenging due to Atlanta’s notorious traffic, especially on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector. Although match start times aim to avoid the worst of rush hour, traffic can still be problematic. Parking can be found in the lot behind McCamish Pavilion or in the smaller lot down 6th Street. Friday night parking especially can create some angst when football plays at home the following day since signs are posted regarding on-campus towing starting at 8 pm on Friday. Assurances are made that despite the posted signs, ticketing and towing do not begin in this area until well after the match ends. The lot on 6th Street does provide the most direct access to O’Keefe Gym while parking at McCamish  requires traversing several sets of stairs, going in through the O’Keefe Building, then exiting to access the front doors of the gymnasium. Upon entry, the lobby houses a long concession and apparel stand that makes an already narrow area feel even tighter. Once in the gym, a large game operations and media table at the center court makes accessing the far side of the seating a bit challenging during the match – the layout of the facility and playing surface requires fans to exit to the lobby to get to seats on the opposite side of the venue. These inconveniences can be attributed to playing in such a historic facility, where there simply is not enough space to accommodate any sort of concourses.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets go for $12, which seems to be consistent with most Division-I volleyball programs. If purchasing tickets online, many matches may show up as sold out, but if you are willing to take the chance, there are often tickets still available for purchase at the door. Concession pricing is consistent with what would be found at any other athletic event on campus – there is not necessarily the feel of items being overpriced when considering concession prices in general and during sports events.   Extras   4 During player introductions, the starters take the court and throw mini volleyballs to fans in the crowd. Georgia Tech’s ever-present mascot, Buzz, makes his way around the stands, interacting with practically every fan in attendance. Banners recognizing Georgia Tech’s All-Americans and ACC and NCAA tournament successes cover roughly three-fourths of the wall space of O’Keefe Gym. After the match, stick around for a bit to witness one of the great but lesser-known traditions in college athletics, namely the Georgia Tech band playing “The Horse” – the band, spirit squad, and fans bob-and-slide while the song is played and then scatter throughout the stands at the break to finish the remainder of the performance. It is a fun way to end the evening.   Final Thoughts There is no denying that O’Keefe Gym might be one of the most intimate Division-I volleyball settings in the nation. There certainly is not a lot in the way of amenities or comforts at Georgia Tech volleyball matches, but this is part of what makes O’Keefe Gym such a special place for Yellow Jacket Volleyball.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 QU Stadium 1800 Sycamore Street Quincy, IL 62301 Quincy Gems website QU Stadium website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 2,500 Gems in Quincy In 2009, the summer collegiate Prospect League was formed in the Midwest. Several teams from the former Central Illinois Collegiate League joined in the inaugural season including the Quincy Gems. The Gems play in historic QU (Quincy University) Stadium, which they share with the University’s baseball team. In their time in the Prospect League, the Gems have won three league championships. Food & Beverage 3 While there is no real signature item, QU has all of the traditional ballpark fares for a reasonable price. A standard hot dog is $3.50. A hamburger is $6. BBQ Pork Sandwiches are $6.50. Bratwurst, Corn Dogs, Pretzels and Cheese, French Fries, and nachos are all in the same range. A Sweet Treats window has a large variety of candy and candy bars plus cotton candy, funnel cake fries, ice cream sandwiches, and nutty sundae cones. Candy is $2 or less and the premium items are $3-$6. Bottles of Pepsi products and lemonade, iced tea, and Gatorade are $3.50. The beer selection is good. There are usually 8 different draft beers for $5 each (12 ounces, a dollar more for 16 ounces). The current selection is Blue Moon, Summer Shandy, Kona Big Wave, Space Dust IPA, Anti-Hero IPA, 312 Wheat, Killian’s Red, and Mango Cart. 16-ounce bottles of Budweiser, Bud Light, Busch Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra are $5, with a bucket of 5 going for $22. 24-ounce cans are $7. There is also a bar stand that has vodka, whiskey, tequila, gin, and rum for $5 ($8 for a double). The top shelf is a tad more. Vizzy and Sonic Seltzers are $5. The food stands are in the left field patio area. Since all of the concessions are down the line, it can get a bit crowded out there. There is also a beer stand beyond the first base seats. Tuesdays are $2 special nights. Tickets, beers, hot dogs, and nachos are $2 each. This tends to bring in a fairly big crowd. Atmosphere 4 QU was originally built in 1938. It’s been renovated over the years, but the original limestone wall around the park still exists. The wall goes around the entire block and also encompasses the football stadium next door. The infield is artificial turf while the outfield is natural grass. The official seating capacity is 2,500. That includes about 1,500 chairbacks from base to base, seats all along the left field wall, and two group patio areas, one down each baseline. The seats are general admission, and for night games, the third base side tends to fill up first because the seats are in the shade. On Tuesday night, the seats tend to mostly fill up because of $2 tickets. This leads to a good crowd experience. The scoreboard is in the right-center field. It has all the player information and a picture, but no video. The mascot is an eagle named “Gem Bird” who works for the crowd and takes part in various between-innings promotions like “Race the Mascot.” A very nice Wall of Honor is on the left field patio that honors local servicemen from past wars. The names are chiseled into granite. Wall of Honor at QU Stadium, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 QU is built in a residential neighborhood. So residential that foul balls often hit houses across the street. There are not any restaurants or bars within walking distance. If you drive a mile or so away, you’ll find the downtown area where there’s a good variety of eateries and a couple of breweries. I enjoyed the Quincy Brewing Company. While there is a Holiday Inn and a few other hotels in Quincy, I found it quite a bit cheaper to stay in nearby Hannibal, Missouri, which was the home of Mark Twain. The whole town is a touristy homage to the author. The area around the stadium feels very safe, and there is plenty of free street parking available in the general vicinity. Fans 3 I had the good fortune to show up on $2 Tuesday night. This led to a fairly full house and a loud crowd experience. Every time the home team scored, the fans took notice. A large portion of them stayed until the end of the game. Access 3 QU Stadium is located at 1800 Sycamore Street. It’s about 3 miles off of Interstate 172. There is no actual parking lot, but there is plenty of free street parking in the local vicinity. There are two gates, one at the home plate entrance, and one at the left field entrance. Note: the home plate entrance has a lot of stairs and is not handicap-accessible. The only permanent bathrooms are down the left field line, so it can be a bit of a trek to get there. There are also two porta-potties down the first baseline that are beyond the private patio area. Return on Investment 4 If you go on a Tuesday, tickets, beers, and a few items are $2. You can’t beat that. On any other day, general admission tickets are $8 ($2 off for seniors and children under 13). The front two rows of reserved box seats are $10. Food prices are very reasonable as are the drinks. Combine that with free parking and you have a very affordable game experience. Extras 3 One point goes to the original limestone wall that surrounds the entire block. It’s a very nice aesthetic. Another point goes to the Wall of Honor in left field. It’s not uncommon to have a memorial to local heroes, but this one looks nice. Finally, a third point goes to the plastic chairback seats in general admission. Much more comfortable than metal or wooden benches. Final Thoughts The Gems have been part of the Prospect League since its inception 13 years ago. They’ve had on-field success and the crowds show up to support their team. The baseball community is alive and well in Quincy, Illinois.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Bulls website United Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 20,917 Bulls are United with Chicago The Chicago Bulls moved into the United Center for the beginning of the 1994/1995 NBA season, at the time Michael Jordan was still retired and playing baseball but would rejoin the team later on that year and help usher in a string of three more NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Twenty years later after his retirement, it is hard not to notice MJ’s accomplishments throughout the building and how magnetic that era was to the fans in Chicago. The United Center replaced the iconic Chicago Stadium which debuted in 1929 and had been the home to the Bulls since its inaugural year in 1966. The plan to build the multipurpose arena was created by Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The cost of construction was $175 million and would have a capacity of 23,129 for basketball. The arena was also designed with an Art Deco style much like its predecessor providing a nod to the past and progress toward the future. The United Center introduced an 8,600-square-foot screen display giving it the most high-definition space of any NBA arena. It is four times larger than the previous one that was installed in 2005. Fans on the 100-section level will be able to see videos and stats on a continuous LED inner ring underneath the main screens. Food & Beverage 4 The United Center has a massive selection of food and beverage options featured on the main concourse. They range from regular stands to the fancier sections with additional seating, while many others have their own social area space. Chicago staples and favorites from around the country are available at the United Center. The main concession stands are labeled Madison Street Eats, Chicago Sausage Shop, Chicago Dish, and Vienna Beef. Customers can order Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, chicken tenders and fries, and crinkle-cut fries. A few specialty areas include the Honey Butter Chicken stand which sells chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and fries with pimento cheese. Lillie’s Q is home to pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches. This Little Goat Went to the Market fuses Mexican and Korean flavors. Short rib and Korean-style tacos are recommended. Legacy Burgers offers steak and plant-based burgers. A few more Chicago specialties include Giordano’s open space that sells thin and deep-crust pizzas, and the Goose Island Pub is a stand-alone bar that offers turkey, corned beef, and roast beef sandwiches. Many stands also feature Garrett’s Chicago Mix (cheddar and caramel popcorn) to conclude the city’s culinary tour. Atmosphere 4 The Bulls are still a popular draw at the United Center and many games are filled at or near capacity. The main concourse aisles are usually buzzing with commerce, folks grabbing something to eat or checking out many of the interactive video screens that highlight the history of the team including those six NBA titles between 1991 and 1998. There are also various areas such as the Goose Island Bar and Giordano’s where patrons can relax and enjoy a few drinks and Chicago-style eats while being away from their seats in the main bowl. The upper concourse also offers four social area bars at each corner that open up to the seating area for views of the game. The attention grabber at the United Center is the championship banners that hang from the rafters of both the Bulls and the Blackhawks. One only has to gaze at the six championship banners by the Bulls and the retired jersey numbers of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to breathe in the rich history of the team from two decades ago. The massive seating bowl is large and never feels too steep or cramped. The main aisles open up in the middle resulting in a very easily accessible way to your seat. You never feel as if you’re hiking up a mountain to get to your seat. The same goes for the lower concourse where you feel almost on top of the action taking place on the hardwood. The Madhouse Team Store, located in the east addition to the arena, is a 10,000-square-foot retail store offering official team merchandise and exclusive Madhouse apparel. Fans have the opportunity to make play-by-play calls via interactive touchscreens located inside repurposed CTA train cars. They can also insert themselves into iconic team photos to share on social media. There are also special sale prices on certain gear and giant-size replicas of both the Stanley Cup and Larry O’Brien Trophy for more photo ops. However, the main spot for photo opportunities is just outside the store at the Michael Jordan statue. The 12-foot high bronze and black granite is now located indoors inside the atrium and is a work of art. Neighborhood 3 When there is an event at the United Center the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Bulls game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games. Hawkeye’s is known for its homemade chili and hamburger specials. There is also an array of wine, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game. Park Tavern serves $3 drafts before every Bulls game, a savings of 70 percent off the price of beer at the arena, and The Ogden and WestEnd offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat-screen TVs. If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular from Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. Fans 4 The Bulls are still one of the top-drawing clubs in the league averaging well over 20,000 as of last season with the NBA lead in overall attendance. You would have to go back to 2009 to the last time Chicago did not finish on top of average attendance figures. Access 4 CTA buses are the best option for public transportation – either the #20 Madison or the #19 United Center Express. After the game, a fleet of #20 buses will be lined up on Madison heading back to the Loop. Buses run past CTA elevated and subway lines as well as Ogilvie Station for connections via Metra rail to the Chicago suburbs. The #9 Ashland and #50 Damen buses are options for travelers heading north/south instead. CTA elevated trains are within walking distance via the Ashland/Lake station (Green/Pink Lines). Once inside, the seating areas are divided evenly to make for easy access to all sections of the seating area. The upper and lower concourses are somewhat narrow in certain parts but large enough to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Return on Investment 4 There is a demand for Bulls tickets and the team still attracts 20,000 plus for most games during the regular season, regardless of record. The prices differ depending on what night and who is in town to take on the Bulls. The secondary market is probably the cheapest option for tickets. A weekday game will cost around $40 for the least expensive ticket, but weekend games can rise to $75. There is also the factor of a popular team visiting the United Center that will up the price. Games against the Bucks and Nets can be pricey, but not so much against the Thunder or Kings on a weekday evening. With that being said, a little research and flexible time would be beneficial for finding the most affordable ticket. There are multiple online ticket sites, along with the United Center box office. Chicago is one of the most high-demand NBA markets with teams among the league leaders in attendance on an annual basis. Concession prices are somewhat high but not anything different from other NBA arenas, expect to pay around $10 for sandwiches, $15-18 for beers, and up to $18 for premium food items. Parking lots are $24 to park a car, a definite steal in Chicago, or park along Wood Street under the elevated train line for free–if available. Extras 4 The United Center gets an extra point for its design which pays homage to the old Chicago Stadium that existed from 1929 to 1994. The signage inside the concourse aisles all have Art Deco fonts, and there are plenty of other nods to this design in the interior and exterior of the building. The second point goes to all those championship banners that hang from the rafters and provide a defiant exclamation point and wow factor to any first-time visitor walking to their seats. The third point goes to the atrium that houses the Michael Jordan statue, Queenie’s Supper Club, and the Madhouse Team Store. There will be further additions to the atrium, perhaps creating a festive vibe just outside the building and underneath the roof. The final point goes to the extensive video screens on the lower concourse that showcases team history, player profiles, and photo opportunities for fans. There is also a trophy case that displays all six NBA championship trophies. Final Thoughts The United Center has enough of what you need for an enjoyable evening of professional basketball. The history of the Bulls is on display all over the building, the social areas are great for spending time away from the game, and there is always an energetic crowd to liven up the mood of the building. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harold K. Brandt Baseball Field 1241 9th St Las Vegas, NM 87701 NMHU Cowboys website Brandt Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 500 NMHU Cowboys Baseball The New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys are a part of the Div II RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference). Nestled in the small town of Las Vegas, NM, the baseball team calls Harold K. Brandt Baseball Field their home. Brandt Field, as it is locally known, received renovations in the late 2000’s with a new clubhouse and dugouts, and a pleasing new stone backstop. Although not overly successful this season (2017), the Cowboys are the 2000, 2005, and 2010 RMAC Tournament Champions, and received a bid to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament in 2005. Baseball purists will enjoy watching a game here as it the simple things like the game and cheering on the boys on the field. No bells, no whistles; just the joy of the game. Food & Beverage 3 Basic food and beverages are available for a Cowboys baseball game. One concession building located behind the third base dugout is open and is shared with the softball and football fields. It opens closer to the start of game time; it is not open 30 minutes prior to the first pitch. It offers basic fare such as burgers/cheeseburgers, nachos, and jumbo hot dogs. Combos include a medium drink and chips and run $5 – $5.50. For something to snack on chips, popcorn, candy, and pickles are available for $1. The burgers and dogs are freshly grilled. Inviting, mouthwatering smells permeate the stands as the burgers are being prepared. A fan may have to come back 10 -15 min after ordering their burger waiting for it to be cooked. Soda, water, hot coffee and hot chocolate (sometimes desired on cool spring days), and Gatorade run $1 – $2. To get a special deal on soda, purchase an HU souvenir cup for $5 and get $1 refills the entire season. Smart Cowboy fans bring food and drinks from home (more often than not it is drinks for their son on the team). NMHU merchandise is not available for sale during a baseball game at Brandt Field. Atmosphere 3 Brandt Field is a basic baseball diamond with watching the game and rooting on the players, the teams, and good plays the purpose for visiting. Four sets of metal bleachers, 10 rows each with handrails, are located behind home plate. No cover is over the seating area so be prepared for any expected weather elements. A net surrounds the infield in front of the entire seating area, so there’s no place for fans to watch the game net free. The scoreboard is located beyond the right field wall and provides the basic line score: batter number, ball, strike, hit / error, and runs per inning. It can be a little difficult to read during early afternoon games as the sun shines on it. The music pregame is painfully loud. I’m guessing this is more for the players as they take batting practice and warm up. The volume is lowered when played between innings. Thankfully, no walk up songs are played as it just wouldn’t fit in this environment. The announcer has a fabulous, nice, clear voice; he calls the starting line up a little too fast to capture on a scorecard but always repeats the name when the player comes to bat. Roster sheets are not provided. The playing surface consists of real grass in the outfield and real dirt on the warning track but artificial turf on the infield. Trees grace the outfield view with leaves just beginning to bud during the early spring to mid-season games. There is a walking trail and creek behind the outfield. Third base is the Cowboys home side. Brandt Field does not have stadium lights so all games are played during the day. Several doubleheaders with 12pm/2pm start times are played throughout the season. Neighborhood 3 Las Vegas, NM sits in the northern part of the state, about an hour’s drive east of Santa Fe, and 125 miles northeast of Albuquerque. The New Mexico Highland University’s Brandt Field is located next to the John A Wilson Athletic Complex, the softball field, and the football field at the intersection of 9th Street and Raynolds Ave. It sits in a residential neighborhood and is a mile or less to restaurants and hotels. The closest restaurant is El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant just two blocks away. Another great restaurant in town is El Fidel Restaurant who claim they have the largest craft beer selection in Las Vegas. The Historic Plaza Square Park is about a mile away and has several restaurants in the area: Landmark Grill (located in the haunted Plaza Hotel; this also has a bar with several NM craft beers on tap), El Rialto Restaurant and Lounge (good for New Mexican food and their green chile), and JC’s New York Pizza Department (bowling lanes and pool tables are upstairs). Visit the City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection to learn about the history of the city and the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. Three national parks are in the vicinity of Las Vegas: Pecos National Historical Park, Fort Union National Monument, and the Sante Fe National Historic Trail which passes through the old town of the city. Most of the hotels sit along Grand Ave and are about a mile from the ball field and price from $50 – $90 a night. I stayed at the Knights Inn and it is clean, comfortable, and safe. For a unique experience stay at the Historic Plaza Hotel built in 1882. It is gracefully restored and includes modern day comforts without tarnishing the history. Fans 3 Fans turn out in limited numbers for Cowboys baseball. Most appear to be family and friends with a spattering of students and locals. Dogs are allowed. A good contingent of the visiting team fans (parents) can often be found. Some of the biggest fans are the players in the dugouts. Access 3 Getting to Brandt Field is best by automobile. I did not notice any public transportation. The ball field sits on the corner of 9th St and Raynolds Ave. There’s no signage to ballpark – look for the John A Wilson Athletic Complex or the football stadium. The parking lot is next to the Wilson Complex. Entry to the field is from the parking lot beyond the first baseline. I don’t really see how anyone in a wheelchair would be able to watch the game as the stone brick backstop looks like it is too high and would prevent someone sitting in a wheelchair to see over it. Bathrooms are shared with the other sports facilities and located in the same building as the concessions. The ladies room is cement and has three stalls, enough for fans at the ballgame. Return on Investment 4 The expenditure is quite worth the value (especially for those who go for the game). Tickets run $6 for adults / $4 for 55+ and youth 13 – 18. Kids and students get in at no cost. Concession prices are quite reasonable (or bring your own) and parking is free. Go on a doubleheader day and get to see two games. Extras 1 Sometimes a softball game is played at around the same time as the baseball game and a fan can easily stroll over to see the softball game. Final Thoughts Las Vegas, NM is definitely not a vacation destination like its namesake in Nevada. However, if a resident of northern New Mexico or if passing through from Albuquerque to Denver one spring weekend, think about stopping in and catching a Cowboys baseball game at New Mexico Highlands University’s Brandt Field. It’s always a treat to watch a ball game for the game and Brandt Field fits that desire.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Amica Mutual Pavilion 1 LaSalle Sq Providence, RI 02903 Providence Bruins website Amica Mutual Pavilion website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 11,273 Get AMP’ed!!! After carrying the name “Dunkin’ Donuts Center” for 21 years, Providence’s downtown arena entered into a new naming rights agreement with Lincoln, Rhode Island-based Amica Mutual Insurance company, in 2022. The deal, signed for ten years, is worth $900,000 per year. The Amica Mutual Pavilion, which opened in 1972 as the Providence Civic Center, was built to house the Providence College basketball team and the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. The Providence Bruins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the nearby Boston Bruins. The P-Bruins moved to the Ocean State from Portland, Maine, in 1992 and currently enjoy the longest uninterrupted affiliation in the AHL, playing their 33rd season in 2024-25. The team won one Calder Cup championship during their time in Providence in 1999. Providence is one of minor league hockey’s legendary cities, with a history that predates the AHL. The Reds called Providence home from 1926 to 1977. The Reds won four Calder Cups and three Fontaine Cups as champions of the Canadian-American Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Amica Mutual Pavilion don’t stray far from your typical arena fare. Hot dogs, burgers, sausage sandwiches, and chicken nuggets comprise the bulk of the menu. Most concessions are sold out of a pair of food courts on either side of the arena. Sal's Pizza has taken over the pizza sales at the AMP, selling their oversized slices for $13. Fans looking for something outside the typical should head to the far side of the rink, where beef barbacoa and chicken tinga tacos can be found at a Mexican-themed stand alongside Corona and Modelo beers. A large variety of snacks are available at all stands, including what may be the most popular item here: fried dough. Coca-Cola products are featured at The AMP, along with a local Rhode Island favorite, Del's Frozen Lemonade. Fans looking for an adult beverage while at a P-Bruins game will have plenty of choices. Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, Miller Lite, and Narragansett make up the bulk of the choices. New to the menu are some craft beers from local favorite Union Station Brewery, 5-Minute Major Golden Ale, and Friartown IPA. Locals enjoy Music Express IPA from Narragansett Brewery. In addition, wine and mixed drinks, including Stoli Blueberry and Lemonade, Bacardi and Pepsi, and Hornitos Margaritas, are served straight from the tap. Be warned that you aren't paying minor league prices here at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The craft beers go for as much as $18 a can. Atmosphere 4 The AMP is a pretty entertaining place to be on weekend nights. The affiliation with the nearby Boston Bruins ensures that the fans who visit downtown Providence are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. The team has finally seemed to have figured out how best to use the large new video board installed several years ago. Videos, replays, and crowd shots grab fans’ attention during play stoppages. Contests and giveaways during stoppages get the younger fans involved, filling the arena with noise at the most random times. A P-Bruins game is a really fun place to be, especially if you’re ten. Neighborhood 5 The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, the capital and largest city in Rhode Island. It is within walking distance of numerous attractions, shops, bars, and restaurants. Providence has a reputation as one of the best small cities in the nation for foodies, and the downtown area has no shortage of choices for visiting fans. A short walk from The AMP is Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, an area lined with dozens of nationally renowned restaurants. It’s a popular destination for visitors, particularly if visiting in the spring. If the walk to Federal Hill is too much for you, simply cross the street to Trinity Brewhouse, one of the area’s original brewpubs. Their menu of craft beers and pub grub is hard to beat. Entertainment options in the area include the Trinity Repertory Company, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and historic sites such as the Arcade (the nation’s oldest indoor shopping center) and the State House. If visiting during the warmer months, be sure to experience Waterfires, where cauldrons lining the Providence, Woonasquatucket, and Mosshasuck Rivers are lit on fire as part of an outdoor festival on several weekends every year. Fans 5 Providence received the equivalent of the New England hockey “Golden Ticket” when the incredibly popular Boston Bruins placed their top farm team here in 1992. Since then, the P-Bruins have ranked near the top of the American Hockey League attendance rankings in almost every one of their 32 seasons. During the 2024-25 season, the P-Bruins once again found themselves among the biggest draws in the AHL, averaging over 7,500 fans per game. Rhode Island is one of the most hockey-crazed parts of the country, with a rabid fanbase and strong youth programs in all parts of the state. This is reflected in the typical P-Bruins crowd, which is a mix of long-time diehards, casual fans, families, and groups. The AMP is full of noise and energy throughout the season. Access 4 The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence and is easily accessed via Interstate 95. Be warned that traffic in and around Providence can be quite heavy if visiting on a weekday, so prepare to take some extra time to arrive. The recent closure of the Washington Bridge, the primary route into Providence for everyone living on the East Bay side of the city, has only made it more difficult to get into the city. There is ample parking in the many surface lots and garages around the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Downtown Providence can be a busy place, particularly around the holidays. At this time of year, hockey fans compete for space with holiday shopping at the nearby Providence Place Mall and shows at Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Performing Arts Center. Fans utilizing public transportation will be pleased to know that both Kennedy Plaza, the hub of the local RIPTA bus service , and Union Station, the local Amtrak stop , are located a short walk from the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The entire facility received a makeover in 2008, which still holds up well today. There is a single concourse that circles the playing surface. Fans will enter the seating bowl halfway up. One hundred seats are below 200 seats above. All seats are individual folding stadium seats with excellent views of the ice. Expect lines to form in the food court and restrooms between periods, so plan your trips accordingly. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to P-Bruins games start at $22, with prices topping out at $42 for glass seats at center ice. The P-Bruins run specials that will help defray the cost of tickets, with $10 off and Me Plus Three packages offered for practically every game on the schedule. As you may expect, parking in the downtown area around The AMP will incur another charge. Parking in the lots and garages around the arena can cost as much as 30 dollars, depending on location and the night of the event. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can park at the Providence Place Mall and get your parking validated for just $5. Enclosed walkways bring you from the mall to the AMP. There is plenty of free parking in the neighborhood for those who want to search a little bit. Concession prices have jumped up in recent years. As mentioned earlier, a slice of pizza will cost you $13, a craft beer as much as $18, and a bottle of soda for $6. Even with these higher prices, local fans comparing a P-Bruins game to the big boys in Boston will undoubtedly enjoy the lower prices here. Extras 3 Providence is an original AHL city with a professional hockey history that predates the league. Hanging from the rafters of The AMP are banners commemorating championships won by the Providence Bruins and their predecessor, the Providence Reds. Located in the lobby are plaques honoring local soldiers, the Providence Bruins's 1999 Calder Cup championship team, and Providence player of the century Zellio Toppazzini. A banner honoring former P-Bruin Colby Cave hangs alongside the championship banners. Be sure to seek out the historical touches that abound around the arena, in particular the interactive kiosks on the far side of the concourse that commemorate the long history of the Providence Reds. The Reds have their historic society that continues to operate today. In addition, the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame has added an interactive kiosk to the display. Fans looking to pick up some Providence or Boston Bruins gear will enjoy the well-stocked Pro Shop located at The AMP. In addition, there is a kiosk with a smaller selection of swag on the concourse and another kiosk in the lobby. Final Thoughts Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion are often mentioned among the top American Hockey League travel destinations. The combination of a modern arena, frenzied fan support, and a fantastic downtown area makes The AMP a first-rate destination. Even though the prices may be on the rise, the value found at a P-Bruins game still makes this a worthy Stadium Journey. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Centerville Bank Stadium 11 Tidewater Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Rhode Island FC website Centerville Bank Stadium website Year Opened:  2025 Capacity:  10,500 Wicked Good Soccer In December 2019, the United Soccer League announced its top division, USL Championship, would be coming to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, giving birth to Rhode Island FC (RIFC). Construction delays pushed back the opening of RIFC’s new home, leaving the club to play its inaugural season at Beirne Stadium  on the campus of Bryant University. For a city that had just lost its beloved AAA baseball team, the Pawtucket Red Sox, who relocated to Worcester  after 50 seasons, a new professional club would not fully replace the PawSox, but it gave Pawtucket a new team to rally around.   Food & Beverage   5 Centerville Bank Stadium delivers, providing quality food options that really highlight local foods, while still giving fans classic stadium favorites. Concessions here use a mixture of traditional stands, food carts, and the grab-and-go markets which have been growing in popularity in recent years. Gansett Grill serves smash burgers, boneless wings, and a Rhode Island-style hot dog with meat sauce, onions, and mustard, followed by Taft Street Tacos offering beef, chicken, and Groucho tacos. In addition, Rhode Island Roost is known for fried chicken sandwiches and wings, while Veggie Nook caters to vegan and gluten-free fans with hummus bowls and red quinoa. A Chick-fil-A trailer also operates along the riverfront. The food stations around the concourse are also definitely a highlight; first up is Chip’s Catch Seafood, dishing out lobster rolls and New England clam chowder (in cups or bread bowls), along with Maven’s Delicatessen, a Pawtucket staple, bringing hefty portions of pastrami, corned beef, and five variations of its Reuben sandwich. The grab-and-go markets stock candy, chips, sports drinks, Pepsi products, beer, seltzers, and cocktails. Adult beverage options are plentiful. Macrobrews are available, but local brews really shine, headlined by Narragansett, as well as Pawtucket’s own Guild Brewing Company, featuring five RIFC-branded brews. Seasonal offerings include “Opening Day Ale” and “Pride Ale” alongside staples like Slater Lager, Striker Light Lager, and a strawberry rhubarb hard seltzer. The beer list rounds out with Newport Craft’s New England IPA, Mighty Squirrel’s Cloud Candy, Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine, Lord Hobo’s Boom Sauce, and Portuguese favorite Super Bock. Not a beer drinker? No problem – wines from Dark Horse, High Noon, White Claw, Angry Orchard, and Sun Cruiser vodka lemonade are available too. The alcohol menu here is diverse and deep, offering something for everyone.   Atmosphere   4 Set along the banks of the Seekonk River, Centerville Bank Stadium is at the base of the neighboring hillside. The stadium’s main seating bowl wraps around three sides of the pitch, while a second tier runs along the near side. The far side remains open, providing great views of the river – especially from the upper deck. All seats are individual chairbacks, with private suites tucked beneath the upper deck. The supporters’ section features safe-standing seats with backrests, with pitch-side seating running along both sidelines, including VIP field suites. There are two video boards; the main one at midfield shows live action with stat overlays, while a smaller board in the northwest corner supports the experience. Ribbon boards in the eastern corners show time and score, and an additional board at the north end displays in-game stats. Goals are celebrated with the Talking Heads’ song Psycho Killer, while the supporters set off blue and yellow smoke bombs along with blasts from an impressive train horn. Halftime features contests like crossbar challenges and penalty spot skill games, alongside shuffle ball and fan cam antics. The excitement of the supporters group goes a long way in creating a fun stadium experience, whether you are sitting in the section along with them or just enjoying the soccer environment they create to accompany the match.   Neighborhood   3 Centerville Bank Stadium is the centerpiece of the Tidewater Landing development, located just outside downtown Pawtucket on the Seekonk River. The area is in a transitional phase, slowly rebounding from the decline of a once-thriving textile industry. Historic Slater Mill, recognized as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, offers tours and scenic riverfront walks. In addition, The Modern Diner, operating out of a 1940s Sterling Streamliner, is a local icon known for custard French toast and corned beef hash. The Guild, a popular craft brewery housed in a renovated industrial building, also serves as a natural pregame gathering spot. Currently the area lacks the surroundings needed to keep fans around before and after the match. However, there are plans for housing, retail, and public spaces, to be built in the coming years to help create a full match day experience, right at Centerville Bank Stadium.   Fans   4 A club’s fan support is only as good as its supporters’ group – RIFC’s group, Defiance 1636, does a great job setting the air of a passionate, festive environment. Shortly before kickoff the group enters the stadium with instruments blazing, as they march though the concourse to the far section of field level seating. As the match is about to touch off, their frenzy ticks up a notch as they unfurl a tifo and set off smoke bombs. Their revelry goes a long way in setting the atmosphere of matches here. Their passion carries through the full 90 minutes and spills into the rest of the stadium. Even those not officially part of the group match Defiance 1636’s energy with loud, loyal support for the team.   Access   3 Pawtucket is conveniently located just off I‑95, and in close proximity to Centerville Bank Stadium. On-site parking is available but expensive, typically ranging from $20 to $30. There is free parking near the old McCoy Stadium site. To help with flow, the city runs a free shuttle (R‑1636) from the Pawtucket/Central Falls Transit Center, with stops at designated lots around town, as well as a drop-off near the stadium at Ivan Perez Memorial Park. However, the free lot near McCoy lacks shuttle service, requiring a 15 to 20-minute walk to get to the match. Centerville Bank Stadium itself is easily navigable; all fans enter on the northwest side of the facility into a wide concourse. Most of the seating is accessible from the top of the seating bowl, with the exception of the field level seating and suites.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets start at $24, which is reasonable on its own, but unless you choose to walk over a mile to the venue using the free parking lot, the cost can quickly approach $50 for one person after adding $20 to $30 for parking, which does seem a bit steep. In addition, the quality level of food here does come with a bit of increase in concession prices compared to other sports venues.   Extras   4 Mascot Chip welcomes fans at the gates and is always available for photos. A banner at the Centerville Bank Stadium’s south end honors RIFC’s 2024 USL Eastern Conference title. The riverwalk outside the stadium helps to expand the concourse, as well as giving fans entertainment and learning opportunities provided by local businesses and non-profit organizations. Following the match, fans are invited down to field level to interact with players, take photos, and get autographs. Soccer is very deliberate with its connection between players and the community that supports them.   Final Thoughts Centerville Bank Stadium is as beautiful a stadium as there is in the USL, between its specificity to host soccer matches and the backdrop of the river behind it. The introduction of Rhode Island FC to Pawtucket helps fill the void that was left when the Red Sox left for Worcester , and early returns show that sports coming back to town has been a success. As the area around the venue takes shape, it will only help support an already fantastic soccer experience.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clarke Field Western Way & Fitzrandolph Rd Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Clarke Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 850 Baseball in Scenic Princeton Located on the campus of Princeton University, Clarke Field is home to the Princeton Tigers' baseball team. The ballpark is named after former major leaguer Bill Clarke, who later became Princeton's first baseball coach. 2024 is likely the last season for Clarke Field, as it will be knocked down and replaced by the Quantum Institute on the same site. No plans for a new baseball stadium have officially been announced, but there have been reports that they will move to the other side of Carnegie Lake next to the new softball stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Clarke Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 Clarke Field is built sunken into a hill right next door to the Princeton football stadium. There are some chairbacks down the first base line built into the hill, but many of these seats will have their view partially obstructed by the dugout. There are also bleachers located directly behind home plate, on field level up the first base line, and on top of the hill down the third base line. These offer a better view of the field, but do not have backs. A scoreboard in the outfield also shows the line score. Overall, a Princeton baseball game is a pretty basic experience. Music is played during breaks in the action, but not loudly, and other than that, it's really just the game. Baseball purists will love it, while some others may get bored. Neighborhood 5 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 2 Princeton baseball only draws a few dozen fans per game, mostly friends and family of the players. The crowd here is not particularly loud, especially with them spread out over several sets of seats. While they may make some noise following big plays, for the most part it is almost completely silent here. College baseball in the northeast often doesn't have many fans, but Princeton has a small crowd even for this region. Access 3 Free parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage about a five minute walk from the stadium. The procedure may be slightly different on weekday afternoons, so check the Princeton website if this applies to you. The Princeton Branch of NJ Transit, more commonly known as the Dinky, is a short commuter rail line (the shortest in the country in fact) connecting Princeton's campus with Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. From the station, the stadium is about a 20-25 minute walk. There are no real restrooms at Clarke Field itself. A single port-a-potty is available down the right field line, or fans can head into Princeton Stadium next door and use the real restrooms there. While the port-a-potty may be occupied at times, there should never be a line in the football stadium as those restroom were designed to accommodate football crowds several orders of magnitude more than what you will see here. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Princeton baseball game, or any other expenses you will incur besides gas. This makes a Princeton baseball game a great value. Extras 3 One bonus star for the Bill MacCoy memorial down the right field line by the entrance. MacCoy was a star Princeton baseball player who passed up the opportunity to go pro to join the Air Force during World War II. He was killed tragically in a training flight a week before he would have received his pilot's wings. Next to the memorial is a flagpole showing not just the American flag, as you would expect, but the flags of Princeton and whoever their opponent is that day. Finally, check out the signage on the outfield walls honoring Princeton's Ivy League Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Final Thoughts College baseball is often not a huge deal in the northeast, and Princeton is no exception. Still, with the stadium closing after this season, fans only have one more chance to get down to Clarke Field before it's too late. For those with some connection to the program, or who just want to see free baseball regardless of where, Clarke Field is worth the visit. It is in a gorgeous setting on an Ivy League campus, and although the experience is barebones, it is still a nice play to take in a ballgame.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Memorial Stadium 3300 Wabash Ave Terre Haute, IN 47803 Indiana State Sycamores website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 12,764 College Football in the Wabash Valley Memorial Stadium was built in 1924 and was the home to everything in town from baseball games, high school football, 4th of July celebrations, soccer matches, and circuses. The original horseshoe-shaped grandstand seated 16,000 and for the size of Terre Haute was quite large and impressive. It featured an aesthetically pleasing arch at the entrance that was dedicated to the memories of all who served the country during the First World War. That all changed when the Indiana State football team took the field for its home opener in 1967, the natural grass field was replaced with AstroTurf becoming the first outdoor venue to feature synthetic grass, and three years later the original grandstand was demolished in favor of permanent seating that also included locker rooms, concession stands, bathrooms, and a press box. The only remaining piece of the original structure was the memorial arch and the outfield wall. In essence; Memorial Stadium was built in 1970 and not 1924 as it boasts. There were plans for additional changes that would have included another 12,000-13,000 grandstands on the north side of the field to increase capacity to 26,000 but those plans appeared to run out of favor by 1976–the same year the Sycamores joined the Missouri Valley Conference and reclassified as a Division I football program. In 1996, the visiting bleacher section was razed in favor of a landscaped knoll that serves as the general admission section. The artificial turf would be permanently removed in favor of the updated field turf in 2009, but for all intense purposes, the stadium remains almost unchanged since the major renovations had been completed in time for the 1970 football season. The Sycamores football program has seen limited success on the field and their tenure at Memorial Stadium may be coming to a close shortly. The only exception was the 1983, 1984, and 2014 seasons when the club qualified for the playoffs. The 2014 squad made it to the second round before losing to Chattanooga 35-14. It was the program’s most successful season in 30 years and a chance for the hometown crowd to get behind its football team. The university and the city hope to construct a new football stadium downtown with various sites having been reported. However, talks have been going on for quite some time. One of the major blemishes about the stadium has been its distance from campus (1.6 miles). The long trek has resulted in “The Walk” during the Homecoming game where fans begin drinking at 8 AM at a downtown bar and making their way to the game while stopping off at other bars and party tents set up along Wabash Street. Food & Beverage 2 There are three concession areas underneath the grandstand that serve a small array of food. Depending on crowds, there may only be one that is open for service. There is not a lot to choose from at the game, but there is enough to keep your stomach satisfied until it is time to leave. King size candy bars, nachos, hot dogs, and popcorn sell for $3. The brat and chili cheese dogs are $4, and the sycamore nachos are $6. Pepsi products are sold inside the stadium. Atmosphere 2 There is not a bad seat in the house at Memorial Stadium and the school provides a spark from their mascot Sycamore Sam, cheerleaders, marching band, and the dance troop, the Sparkettes. However, the atmosphere is rather tame for college football. There does not seem to be any traditions, except for “The Walk,” where students, locals, and alumni walk over a mile from downtown and stop at every bar or watering hole along the way to Memorial Field during homecoming ceremonies. Terre Haute is filled with classy joints and it is too bad this type of revelry is not spread out throughout the season. However, one can find multiple tents from numerous Greek and non-Greek organizations during the warmer months and there will always be a collection of die-hards at the game. An interesting part of the stadium is the general admission section which consists of a grassy knoll where fans are invited to bring out blankets and lawn chairs to watch the game. It is a unique vantage point in comparison to the metal bleachers at the main grandstand. Underneath the grandstands are hollow hallways and spaces that would be ideal to house a few more concession and souvenir stands (the current souvenir stand is a couple of tables and racks outside of the main entrance). The grandiose feature is the original arched entrance that has been left intact since 1924. It is a work of art, and one should take a couple of looks around the base and rows of the structure. It houses two small ticket windows and displays the names of servicemen who fought in the First World War. So revered is the entrance that, if the Sycamores were to relocate downtown, the entrance would be saved from demolition. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Stadium is situated between a commercial and residential area of town. There is a multitude of establishments to choose from after the game for dining choices. Rick’s Smokehouse and Grill is within the footsteps of the stadium’s lot, along with a few fast-food chain restaurants. A little further down Wabash Avenue are a few local places worth checking out after the game. Sonka’s Irish Pub and Grill have a wonderful selection of craft beer on draft and even better food. Across the street at Ambrosini’s one can enjoy thin crust pizza and chicken wings, and J.Gumbo’s offers affordable Cajun and Creole dishes by the bowl or plate. My hands-down favorite place for pizza is at the Pizza King located next to The Bally (a favorite among the college crowd for more than 40 years). The thin crust pepperoni and barbecue pizza make me pass on the fact that it is not New Jersey pizza, just do not tell anyone. If you are looking for fancier establishments, M. Moggers and Stables across the street from one another on Poplar Street are your likely destinations. A couple of great places for a drink later on in the night are The Verve and 7th and Elm Bar and Grille. Another hidden treat is the square-shaped donuts from Square Donuts, a great place for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee. A little further south near the interstate of I-70 is a smorgasbord of familiar chain restaurants, hotels, and retail box shops. This could satisfy the traveler with his or her family and would be the best place to find a great rate on a hotel or motel. It’s a safe, friendly, and convenient area to spend a night in the Wabash Valley. Fans 2 The fans in Terre Haute at times are fickle about the university’s sports teams. It is hard to imagine witnessing a football game with a near-capacity crowd. Then again, there has not been a lot to cheer about since 1984 when the Sycamores last appeared in the NCAA Division I Championship playoff. There have been a few spots of winning seasons, but I sometimes wonder where the fans are since the town could easily support consistent crowds during the warmer parts of the season. Access 3 It is rather simple to enter and exit Memorial Stadium. It is situated less than two miles away from campus and parking is ample around the facility. There are friendly parking vendors to help direct you to the perfect angle for parking in the grass lot and you are never far away from the entrance to the stadium. The best part about attending a game is that the parking is free. The stadium is also a few miles away from I-70 and there are two options for arriving depending if you are visiting from east or west of town. In this day and age, trust the GPS will get you there on time. Return on Investment 3 The tickets are inexpensive at $10, four dollars more for homecoming games, and only $4 for children (2-18). It is a very plausible way for a sports fan to spend the afternoon without setting your wallet back a few paychecks. Extras 1 There are a lot of great places to eat after the game that are nearby. You do not have to travel very far to enjoy friendly establishments along the main drag of Wabash Avenue. Final Thoughts I have attended quite a few games at Memorial Stadium in the last 15 years, and I would recommend anyone to take part in homecoming festivities. However, and speaking as an alumnus, it is time for Indiana State University to put its football program on the map with either a brand new stadium or major renovations to its current facility. Here is hoping for progress in the Wabash Valley.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Joannes Stadium 450 East Walnut Green Bay, WI 54301 Green Bay Blue Ribbons website Joannes Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Ribbon Special They have been playing baseball on the same site of the current Joannes Stadium since 1929 but little is known about who played during its first decade. The current stadium was rebuilt in 1988, but if you look at various media publications little is mentioned that there have been two separate ballparks. However, baseball from minor to semi-pro leagues have all found success on the very same diamond for 90 years. In 1940 the Green Bay Blue Jays called the facility home until 1953 in the Class D Wisconsin State League. In 1958 the Los Angeles Dodgers placed a team in the Three-Eye League adopting the Blue Jays name for the first two seasons before being renamed the Dodgers for its last season in 1960. In 1970 the Green Bay Blue Ribbons in what was known as the Wisconsin State Baseball League began play at the ballpark. The semi-pro team’s nickname was chosen after a $ 3,000-a-year partnership with a local Pabst Blue Ribbon distributor. The club was a hit on and off the field capturing 13 championships and averaging crowds of around 2,000 for games–especially on 10-cent beer night. In 1995 the Blue Ribbons folded and a collection of teams occupied the stadium from the independent Green Bay Sultans (1996), another semi-pro club Green Bay Billy’s (1997-1999), and the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League (2007-2018). When the Bullfrogs opened the new Capital Credit Union Park and rebranded as the Booyah in 2019, it left Joannes without a main tenant. That is when the De Pere Dodgers of the now Wisconsin State League relocated from their ball field five miles south of town into the 2,500-seat venue. The Dodgers were hampered at their home field due to a lack of alcohol sales and both bathroom and concessions being far removed from the grandstand. The Dodgers kept their identity for the 2019 season but announced that in 2020–a half-century after the original team’s founding–it would rebrand as the “new” Green Bay Blue Ribbons. The Wisconsin State League features many of the region’s top college, former college, future, and former professional baseball players. The seven franchises in the league are non-profit organizations, organized by volunteers in their area communities. The league plays a 30-game regular season and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located on the concourse where hot dogs, pizza, and nachos are served at very affordable prices. The hot dogs are $2.50 and fans can pick up a bag of chips or candy to complement their meal. Down the first base side is the beer stand where taps of locally produced Bare Bones Brewery in Oshkosh are poured into plastic cups for the low price of $2.50 to $3. The club is not reinventing the wheel of what is served at the stadium, but the prices are cheap and the food is tasty. Atmosphere 2 Joannes Stadium features a main grandstand with a press box behind home plate with two bleacher-style grandstands down the first and third base sides. It is a very basic and rudimentary facility but perfect for this level of baseball in the WSL. There are plastic theater-style seats down the first baseline of the stadium, There are some leftover features from when the facility was the home to the Green Bay Bullfrogs including signage on the scoreboard behind the right field wall and the old party deck in the right field corner of the stadium. Perhaps a few changes will be made in the future when the club rebrands next season. The atmosphere is very laid-back and reminiscent of either high school or college baseball in the northeast of the United States. The people in the stands or either fans of the players or family members checking out the game. There aren’t a large number of promotions or loud noises from the PA booth–it’s all about the game. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in Joannes Park in a residential neighborhood about 5 miles away from Lambeau Field, restaurants, and other tourist attractions in town. You would need a car to reach other points in town and these are the places that will be recommended to visit before or after a game. Lambeau is not a ghost town during the summer. The facility is home to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, stadium tours, 1919 Grill and Taproom, and one of the largest fans shops in the NFL. Adjacent to the stadium is a community development that features places to eat, drink, and play games. The area offers a large grass hill that kids enjoy rolling down on during the summer months and a massive playground and replica football field. The sprawling community is expanding and within a few years will offer residential homes, lodging, and more businesses. Kroll’s West is known for the best burgers and their version of booyah (chicken soup with a rich and flavorful broth popular in town), the Badger State Brewing Company offers a large open green space with games, and the Green Bay Distillery features Wisconsin dishes in a family-friendly environment. If you happen to be in town when the Green Bay Rockers (Northwoods League) or Green Bay Blizzard (Indoor Football League) are playing, you can make it for a nice sports weekend during the summer months. Fans 2 During our visit on a Saturday afternoon, there was a small sprinkling of fans scattered throughout the stadium. The number was somewhat lower than most games this year (2019) and that was probably because a major concert took place in town that very day. Average crowds could peak more towards the century mark for games but the ones who were there seemed to be enjoying the action on the field. Access 3 The stadium is located in Joanna’s Park in a residential area of town and only has one entrance as of this writing on the first base side of the venue. There is a small parking lot and once inside the venue access is extremely easy to both bathrooms and concession areas. There are rarely ever large crowds at games providing plenty of seating to be found. Return on Investment 3 All adult tickets are $3, children's tickets are just a dollar, and kids 12 and under are admitted free of charge. The price of a game day program with a nice retro design is a dollar and the price of a beer is only $2.50. There is a parking lot near the first base entrance that is currently open and is free of charge. Extras 2 Joannes earns a point for its affordable pricing on tickets and concessions. A fan can easily enjoy two beers, a hot dog, and a game day ticket. Joannes earns another point for its sheer determination it be home for some level of baseball during the summer. The semi-pro Wisconsin State League is a bare-bones league where the focus is on the game. Final Thoughts Attending a game at Joannes Stadium to watch a Wisconsin State League game is an interesting experience. The games are miles away from what you would expect at either a nearby Midwest or Northwoods League game, but the concession prices are affordable and there is great local beer sold on draft. The Dodger management will no doubt make the experience somewhat more alluring when it rebrands as the Blue Ribbons in 2020 and perhaps will make a nice alternative for your baseball dollar in Green Bay.

Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium 1 Stadium Rd Stony Brook, NY 11794 Stony Brook Seawolves website Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,300 Seawolves Making a Splash Stony Brook is a relative newcomer to the college football landscape as the program began play in 1983. Starting at the Division III level, the school has quickly worked its way up the ranks as they now compete in the FCS portion of Division I. In order to properly fit in with this division, a new stadium was completed in 2002 and named in honor of the state senator who pushed for the funding of the facility. LaValle Stadium is a decent place to take in a game, as the intimate seating set-up is combined with a growing fan base and student participation. The current school administration has grand visions for even more program growth, including controversial stadium expansions. At the moment, Stony Brook football is a nice fit for both FCS and their conference, the CAA as the stadium experience is generally good. Food & Beverage 2 For a relatively new stadium that looks to have a lot of room for concessions, there are surprisingly few options. Only two permanent stands exist and they offer the same general assortment of typical blah items including Soft Pretzels ($4), Nachos ($4.75) and Cheeseburgers ($6). Only the Wolfie Dog tries to spice things up with some Chili and Jalapenos on the hot dog. There are a pair of side carts that offer a little something different, one of them selling Oreo Churros, while the other features Mac & Cheese with a meat topping. Water, Gatorade and Bottled Soda is offered for close to $4. Fans are better off eating before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The event starts with a new feature in 2015: Seawolves Town. A section of the main parking lot is cornered off to create a carnival-like setting geared towards families. Activities include games, mini-golf, food trucks and inflatables. The set-up is a nice attempt to engage and welcome fans before the game. A typical amount of footballs can be seen flying around the parking lot during tailgates, while inside, the game day atmosphere is decent. The Stony Brook Marching Band kicks things off with a pre-game concert and then players rush out of the tunnel with fireworks set off behind the north end zone. The full band is quite good and it is worth remaining in place for the halftime show. Wolfie, the Seawolves’ mascot, keeps fans entertained as well and the furry animal is popular with the students too. LaValle Stadium has a seating set-up that offers excellent sightlines, enhanced by the absence of a track, which enables seats to be closer to the field. Three sides of the stadium feature a set of bleachers only 8-10 rows deep and then much of the seating can be found in the upper deck located on the east side of the stadium. It is up here where the view of the game is best and I recommend setting up shop in this area. There are some red reserved chairbacks towards the middle, though the majority of seating is metal bleacher. Students sit on the opposite sideline and if there is any overflow, they are placed behind the south end. On the opposite end is a terrific scoreboard that features a screen with very high quality video. The school does a good job displaying team colors, noted by the splashes of red on and around the field. However, there is some missing character as the lack of a Stony Brook feel is notable in the concourse and by the total absence of recognition for conference championships, NCAA appearances and former players. Neighborhood 3 Though Stony Brook is marketed as being close to New York City, it is actually a good distance away, about an hour to the east on Long Island. The small hamlet’s location on the North Shore is somewhat rural and while Stony Brook may not offer a quaint heart of town, there is a decent section to check out. Located a few minutes northwest of campus and the centrally located football stadium, the Long Island Museum features a multi-building arrangement displaying local history, art and a huge collection of carriages. For a pre-game meal, head a bit further down the road to the Stony Brook Village Center, an idyllic shopping center built in the 1940s that looks much newer. Fratelli’s offers a quick bite with decent deli sandwiches, while Latitude 121 provides a sit-down option in a nautical-themed restaurant. Finally, before heading to the game, walk down to the marshy, tidal harbor. Just a short walk around this area that leads into the Long Island Sound will explain why the university is so heavily invested in marine research. Fans 3 The Seawolves are capable of drawing a sellout crowd, but it requires a big event like homecoming or a playoff game. Otherwise, LaValle Stadium typically features a game where the stands are 50-75% full. The crowd is engaged quite well as the noise and vocal nature of the cheering is more evident than what is seen at a lot of other Northeastern FCS schools. “Let’s Go Seawolves” is a popular chant and home team touchdowns are met with enthusiasm. An encouraging sign is both increased student interest and yearly rises in attendance figures. It will be worth monitoring the progress to see if Stony Brook can achieve more of a consistent interest as they strive towards their major campaign of further growing the program. Access 3 Once on Long Island, which can be a chore to drive to as it involves crossing an NYC bridge, the university is pretty easy to get to. By using I-495 (better known as the LIE), commuters can get off at Exit 62 and take Route 92 North. After about 10 minutes on this pseudo highway, the campus entrance will show up on the left. Parking for those without a season pass can be found next to the basketball arena, however, this lot can fill up quickly. Alternative options include the elongated parking area along Circle Road, which is actually a better option for less traffic when leaving. A path then leads to the athletic facilities and the football stadium. This parking area is also used for those that ride the Long Island Rail Road. The Stony Brook station is on the Port Jefferson line and the train option provides a good means of public transportation. From midtown Manhattan, it is nearly a 2 hour ride with train transfers. Movement around the stadium is excellent as open corners and 360 degree walkways make all seating areas easily accessible. The only shelter from weather is on the east side of the stadium as the upper deck provides some cover from the elements. While stadium access is great, the bathroom situation is surprisingly poor as the few restrooms available have little room inside. Return on Investment 4 Tickets generally average around $15, with the chairbacks costing a little bit more. While Stony Brook promotes buying tickets early by offering a $3 discount, that is cancelled by $4 in online fees. Check the type of game and if you are not a local, it is best to just get a ticket at the stadium. For the 2015 season opener, parking was free and if that remains the case through the entire season, it would be a nice deal for fans as it cost $10 for cars the previous season. Overall, the price is right for FCS and CAA Football. Extras 2 Explicitly written near the entrance gate are items not allowed and one of those items is an umbrella. My feelings are mixed on this policy, but when it is abundantly obvious that the stadium is not close to full, they should be allowed. That is why I applaud security for this event in letting fans bring in their umbrellas on what became a very rainy night. It never caused an issue for other fans being able to see and it was much appreciated in an attempt to stay relatively dry. Another point goes to the Stony Brook Marching Band. For a school that lacks a long history of tradition, the band ignores that and makes it seem like they have been here forever. The sound is terrific and their performance is quite enjoyable. Final Thoughts What Stony Brook has built over the last few decades is impressive and their LaValle Stadium home is a decent one. Though the university looks to get even bigger, fans should take advantage of the program that they have now. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It’s an unseasonably warm February afternoon in Cincinnati around lunchtime. A few men sit at a counter at one of 250 chili parlors in town and engage in normal conversation about business and personal matters as they prepare to order their meals. One of the men orders a large 3-way chili and a coney with cheese on the side, while his friend sitting on the stool next to him asks for three cones with cheese, chili, and cheese on top. I begin eating my coneys with just a mound full of cheese on top and a few dashes of hot sauce. “I like it 80/20,” proclaims one of the workers at the counter. “I enjoy eating my coneys when I get home when just enough of the cheese has melted, roughly 20% of it.” Probably nowhere else in the world is anyone having this conversation, but this is the home of Cincinnati-style chili. Like many other regional foods, the brand of beef, stock, tomato, and spices is headquartered here in many parlors that dot the hilly terrain of the city and surrounding suburbs. Fans check out a Skyline Chili stand at a Reds game. Most Cincinnatians have pledged their allegiances to their favorite chili parlors. Gold Star Chili and Skyline Chili are the two major corporate chain parlors that have created division among residents, but others find solace at the copious independent locations that include Empress, Blue Ash, Camp Washington, Price Hill, or the Blue Jay Restaurant. The chili is poured over general amounts of spaghetti or miniature hot dogs on an oval-shaped plate and topped with amounts of finely shredded cheddar cheese.  The most popular combination is called a 3-way, which includes spaghetti, chili, and cheese; a 4-way adds onions and a 5-way has beans. The chili evolved and is now poured on top of French fries, macaroni, and cheese, open-faced burgers, or wrapped inside a tortilla with cheese and Frito chips. There is even the alligator coney in Northern Kentucky that features chili, cheese, half a pickle spear, and mayonnaise. However, something that is rarely ever heard of is eating the chili by itself in a bowl with a spoon.  Perhaps it was never intended to be a thick and hearty concoction like one would expect elsewhere in the States, but more of a topping for hot dogs. It is what Tom and John Kiradjieff did with their meat sauce in 1922 when they operated Empress Chili. The Macedonian-Greek immigrants added Mediterranean spices along with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to ground beef and stock. Little did the two men know, but they were inventing Cincinnati-style chili. Their first parlor opened adjacent to the Empress Theatre in downtown Cincinnati, and if you were to look at the first menu, the coneys and spaghetti did not include cheese. That wouldn’t be until sometime in the next decade when a customer came in and asked for cheese on his coney. Soon, other chili parlors opened throughout the area, incorporating their recipes and adding items such as triple-decker sandwiches and salads. The independent parlors featured open kitchens, bar stools, and plenty of conversation between employees and customers. “Each neighborhood had its chili parlor up until the 1960s,” said Dan Woellert, author of The Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili . “They created a food industry that’s a several million dollar industry, and it is as strong as ever.” Wollert also added that this was around the same time that Gold Star and Skyline first began franchising and gathering an allegiance of customers who are now as devout about their chili as they are with their sports teams, politics, and favorite soda pop. However, you won’t find a chili parlor outside of the area in many places. Skyline has franchised outlets in nearby Indianapolis, Indiana; Lexington, Kentucky; Dayton and Columbus, Ohio; and all the way south in Miami and Tampa, Florida.  Coneys are being prepared at a UC Bearcats game. Unlike other regional foods served outside their area of origin, the chili parlor is destined to be 100 percent Cincinnati. Then again, the chili wasn’t the local phenomenon when introduced in 1922, according to Woellert. “It took some time for it to become accepted throughout the area. It wasn’t until the first Skyline was franchised that you saw its popularity grow. They tried to broaden Skyline Chili elsewhere, and it just didn’t click, but it took a while here in Cincinnati.” Coneys can also be found at Cincinnati area stadiums including Great American Ball Park , Paycor Stadium , Cintas Center, Nippert Stadium , Fifth Third Arena , TQL Stadium and Thomas More Stadium . At Heritage Bank Center , home of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, fans can enjoy chili on top of nachos and footlong hot dogs. If you find yourself traveling through the Queen City enjoying a Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati, Xavier Musketeers, or Cincinnati Bearcats game, make sure you visit a local chili parlor and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere and savoring the local tradition of chili. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 E.T. Straw Family Stadium College Ln Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website E.T. Straw Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 500 Baseball at The Mount Located in the Catoctin Mountain area of Frederick County, Maryland, in the town of Emmitsburg, Mount St. Mary’s University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. The Mount’s athletic teams are known as the Mountaineers and compete in the Northeast Conference. Most of these teams play at the PNC Sports Complex, which contains several venues – Knott Arena , home of Mountaineers basketball, Waldron Family Stadium, home of the lacrosse and soccer teams, Our Lady of the Meadows Field, which Mountaineers softball calls home, and E.T. Straw Family Stadium, home of the baseball team. Although baseball has been played on this site for some time, the stadium as it currently exists opened in 2007 following extensive renovations that added bleachers, a press box, and various improvements to the field itself. It is named after Erv Straw, a 1952 graduate of The Mount. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at E.T. Straw Family Stadium. However, if you go next door to Knott Arena, you can find some vending machines which sell vending machine things at vending machine prices, including bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks. They accept credit cards, $1 bills, and coins. Use the lower entrance next across from the softball field, not the upper entrance on the other side of the building like you would for basketball. Fans are free to bring in their own food and drink as well. Atmosphere 2 E.T. Straw Family Stadium has a basic layout similar to what you see at many college baseball venues in the northeast. There are some seats located behind home plate, with the center section being chairbacks and the other sections being bleachers. However, it is all general admission so you can sit where you want. There is also a hill down the left field line where fans can bring their own chairs and sit in the shade. This is especially helpful on hot days late in the season, as the main stand has almost no shade for early afternoon games. A scoreboard in right-center field shows the linescore and other basic information. In terms of the atmosphere, there isn’t much going on here other than the game itself. Music is played between batters and during breaks in the action, but that is about it. To a baseball purist, this won’t matter, but fans looking to do more than just watch the game itself will be disappointed. Neighborhood 2 Emmitsburg is a small town in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, and there is really nothing within walking distance of campus. If you make the short drive into town, you will find a few places to eat and stay, as well as some interesting sites such as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and various Catholic shrines. Thurmont is a short drive away, about 10 minutes south on Route 15, and offers more options than Emmitsburg itself. However, this is a very rural area, and while it’s scenic, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. Fans 3 The Mount will typically draw a couple hundred fans a game, at least according to the official attendance numbers. Most of them are friends and family of the players, although you do get some locals turning out as well. The fans do seem knowledgeable about the team and the players and can get quite involved. However, like at most college baseball stadiums in the region, the crowds simply aren’t very large. Access 3 The PNC Sports Complex, of which E.T. Straw Family Stadium is a part, is right off US Route 15. The Complex is clearly signed and contains numerous lots which serve the various fields. You will probably have to park on the side of Knott Arena and walk a short distance, but there are a few spots right next to the stadium. These are reserved for rec center staff on weekdays and you will not be able to park there, but on weekends, they are open to anyone. There are no bathrooms at the stadium itself, but if you head into Knott Arena, you can find some in the lobby. As with the vending machines, use the entrance across from the softball field next door, not the one you would for basketball. Assuming there’s not another event going on in Knott that day, they will be of a more than sufficient size and even though it’s in a different building, the walk takes less time than it would in many large stadiums. Return on Investment 4 Admission to baseball games at E.T. Straw Family Stadium is free, there’s no charge for parking, and you won’t pay anything for concessions because there aren’t any. Your only cost will be the gas to get here, although you may have to drive quite a bit depending on where you are coming from. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the free programs in a mailbox at the top of the bleachers. Final Thoughts College baseball simply isn’t very big in most of the northeast and mid-Atlantic, and Mount St. Mary’s baseball is no exception. This is a basic field and a basic experience, which will be fine for some fans who just want to watch a baseball game. However, fans looking for the kind of experience you get in other parts of the country that can be similar to a minor league game will be sorely disappointed.

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

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 Las Vegas Raiders website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 What Happens In Vegas….Happens At Allegiant Stadium After a year’s delay of opening for fans due to the pandemic, Allegiant Stadium made its debut in front of a live audience during the 2021 NFL season. Allegiant Stadium is the brainchild of the late Al Davis, the longtime owner/managing partner of the Raiders organization. From the time you see the shining black and silver exterior of the building (aka The Death Star), you can see his input into the design of the facility. Everything in the stadium, including the bathrooms, is painted one of three colors…white, black, or silver. One addition made to the stadium after the senior Davis’ death is a 92-foot-tall memorial torch atop the northern end of the stadium. The torch was built using 3-D technology and is currently the largest 3-D printed object in the world. The $1.8 billion stadium certainly offers all the bells and whistles you would expect of any major building going up in Las Vegas. The 65,000-seat stadium features 127 suites and 8,000 club seats spread out over ten levels of seating. One of its most important features is a transparent ETFE roof, which allows spectators to escape the oppressively hot temperatures Las Vegas can experience throughout the year. This also allows the stadium to have a natural grass playing surface, another feature the old school Davis insisted on in the design. Allegiant Stadium uses a similar system to State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, where the 19-million-pound retractable natural turf surface is transported into the stadium via a tray-like structure that can move the grass inside for events and outside to receive adequate sun and water when the stadium is not in use. Food & Beverage 4 Allegiant Field has one of the most diverse sets of concessions offerings in the NFL. Hot dog and burger lovers can choose from Neon Dogs and Holsteins Shakes and Buns (Gold Standard burgers for $16, Nom Nom burgers with cheddar cheese and thousand island sauces for $16 and Veggie Burgers for $16 or Fukuburgers. Pizza is available at Pizza Rock, Evel Pie and Pizza Squared. Mexican offerings include Viva Las Noches, and BBQ Mexicana (Avocado Chicken Burritos, Smoked Brisket Burritos and a BLTA Wrap for $15 each, BBQ Pork Skins or Chips and Salsa for $8) and Mexican Specialties. Other stands include Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (Pulled Piggie, Chopped Brisket or Smoked Chicken for $15 and Kickin’ BBQ Beans for $3), and Graffico Bao Chinese. Your typical stadium food is available at the Taste of the Nations Tailgate Favorites stands (Raider Dogs for $7, souvenir soft drinks for $8 and water for $6). Adult beverages are available at Hop Valley (Hop Valley IPA’s for $13, Domestic canned beers for $13, premium canned beers for $15 and wine for $12) the Modelo Cantina Club, Casamingos Tequila Lounge, Las Vegas’ Area 419 (out of this world adult beverages) or the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Atmosphere 4 Sin City fans have waited an extra year to meet their new team in person and the energy and excitement in the stands is off the charts. Las Vegas residents proved they are definitely “big league” when it comes to sports as they have proven with the NHL Black Knights and now the Raiders. They have quickly adopted the black and silver colors of the Raiders and filled the stadium for each game thus far. Members of the “Black Hole” from Oakland have not turned their back on the team, as they make the quick flight from the Bay area to create havoc for the visiting team. Several of the local casinos have purchased suites or memberships in the many premium clubs at Allegiant Stadium to entertain many of their biggest clients as well. The private areas of the stadium are filled with a virtual gallery of Raiders-themed art with a Vegas twist (how about Elvis in a Raiders jersey or Marilyn Monroe in a Raiderette outfit?). The stadium also salutes the excellence of the Raiders organization through a very impressive Raider’s Hall of Fame as well as oversized tickets from each of the Raider’s three Super Bowl appearances. The black, silver, and white color scheme of the entire Allegiant Stadium complex pulls all these elements together. Neighborhood 5 There is no stadium in the NFL that is closer to more than 200 hotels, the top talent in the entertainment industry, wonderful restaurants, and sunny weather throughout the year than Allegiant Stadium. It is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, just across I-15 (Frank Sinatra Drive) from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The stadium is within easy walking distance of all the casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues that Las Vegas is famous for. Shuttles run along the Strip on gamedays, providing direct service to the stadium. No matter what time the game starts and ends, you will find plenty of things to see and do in Vegas… as it is truly open 24 hours a day. The city welcomes “the bad boy” Raiders with open arms as the city prides itself on being an adult playground. Las Vegas proved it was ready for professional sports a few years ago when the Las Vegas Blacks Knights stunned the NFL with sellout crowds and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans 3 The one element that has changed the most in the move from Oakland to Las Vegas is its fanbase. Raider Nation in Oakland was known as the most rabid fanbase in the league. It was probably most famous for the Black Hole, a seating area in the end zone so intimidating their own mothers would be scared to sit there. They wore outfits with chains, faux spikes on their biker jackets, and skull imagery. Most went by nicknames rather than by their given names. They were the embodiment of what Al Davis was… a rebel amongst a bunch of establishment billionaire owners. Davis famously took in players that had been let go from other teams due to their recklessness both on and off the field. Frankly, the franchise did not leave Oakland due to lack of fan support… it was because they could not get a new stadium deal, a problem the Oakland A’s are still experiencing. This is not a dig at the new fans the Raiders are cultivating in Las Vegas. After all, many people refer to it as “Sin City”. However, Raiders fans in Las Vegas tend to be more prosperous than they were in Oakland. A big reason for this is the PSL’s required to help finance the new stadium. This typically prices out the blue-collar workers that formed the Raider Nation in Oakland. Tickets now are used to reward the big spenders that are drawn to Vegas by the casinos. Rowdy behavior was expected at the Oakland Coliseum, in Las Vegas, that same behavior might get you ejected. Most of the fans in Las Vegas are employed in the hospitality industry… which is famous for welcoming visitors, while the Oakland fans enjoyed intimidating them. Las Vegas has proven that it has great sports fans… as the NHL hockey franchise has flourished in this desert oasis. They also fill Allegiant Stadium every Sunday despite the high cost of a PSL and some of the highest ticket prices in the league. It is simply too early to determine what the fanbase in Las Vegas will become…. and it is unfair to compare them to the Raider Nation of old. Despite the pain and the high cost of tickets, many of the Oakland contingents are still making the trek south to Las Vegas to cheer on their former team. To sum up our score for fans, it is simply a tale of two cities and two distinctly different fanbases. Access 4 Allegiant Stadium is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Las Vegas. It is located only 4 miles from the city’s McCarran International Airport and is within walking distance of many of the hotels/casinos at the southern end of the Strip. Shuttles will also travel up and down the Strip on gamedays to pick up fans. Fans driving to the games will also find the stadium is very easy to get to as it is right next to I-15. From the north: Take I-15 southbound to Tropicana Avenue. Take exit 37 to Tropicana West. Turn left at Dean Martin Drive, then right onto Al Davis Way. From the south: Take I-15 northbound to Russell Road exit (Exit 36). Follow the signs to Tropicana Avenue, turning left at West Tropicana. Turn left on Dean Martin Drive then a right on Al Davis Way. McCarran International Airport offers nonstop service to virtually every big city in the US. As the title sponsor of the stadium, Allegiant Airlines offers special deals on Las Vegas flights when the Raiders play at home. Return on Investment 3 As Las Vegas enters its second year in the NFL, it will be the first time their home fans will see the team in action on their home turf. During the pandemic season, no fans were allowed inside Allegiant Stadium. Due to this year-long delay, the demand for tickets has gone through the roof. During the 2021 season, the only way someone will be able to buy a ticket to a game in Vegas is on the secondary market. Don’t be surprised to see tickets anywhere in the stadium to go for less than several hundred dollars. The food concessions prices can vary greatly, as some of the vendors are run by celebrity chefs, while others is run by the more typical stadium food vendors. Another factor in budgeting for a game in Vegas is the cost of lodging. Hotels that have casinos and name entertainment and are situated on the strip are much more expensive and add a “resort fee” on top of your room price. If you travel just a few blocks off the strip you will find the familiar name-brand hotels that are perfectly decent at a fraction of the price. One thing to remember about Las Vegas… if you have a good night at the tables your gameday expenses will just seem to fade away! Extras 5 Allegiant Stadium also serves as the home of UNLV college football, the PAC 12 Championship Game, and the Las Vegas Bowl. The stadium plans to hold major concerts in the venue during the off-season. Stadium officials also plan to bid on major events, including the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and major conventions. They also plan to campaign for an MLS franchise for Las Vegas. Another unique feature of the stadium is retractable curtain-like windows atop the northern end of the stadium that faces out towards the Las Vegas Strip, resulting in stunning views at night when the Strip is lit up. Allegiant Stadium has the first sports betting lounge of any stadium in the NFL (it is Las Vegas, after all!). As you would expect in a city known for extravagant lighting, Allegiant Stadium offers a top-of-the-line electronics package. There are large videoboards located at each end of the stadium, with ribbon boards encircling the seating areas. Final Thoughts Las Vegas continues to build on its reputation as a great sports town. Now that the NHL and NFL have established themselves in the Fantasyland in the Desert… it will only a matter of time before you see the Super Bowl, the Final Four and other major sporting events played in Allegiant Stadium…you can bet on that!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 TowneBank Stadium 700 41st St Newport News, VA 23607 Christopher Newport Captains website TowneBank Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 4,200 Captain, my Captain! TowneBank Stadium in Newport News, VA is a wonderful enclave with old-school charm, surrounded by trees and beautiful brick campus buildings. The buildings are even adorned in the classic style, complete with gold-domed caps and Gothic columns. The Christopher Newport University Captains take their name from the shipbuilding history of the city, home to Newport News Shipbuilding, which has been building US Navy ships for the past 135 years and is currently working on the Gerald R. Ford class of aircraft carriers, including 10 next generation carriers in total. CNU’s football team competes in the NCAA’s Division III as a football-only member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, but the school sponsors many other sports as well; Christopher Newport (VA) and Salisbury (MD) are the only two non-New Jersey schools in the NJAC. Food & Beverage 3 TowneBank Stadium offers a small selection of concessions items from two stands below the main concourse, and a third stand in the building near the visitor seating, but the prices are very reasonable – the costliest item is only $6 (nachos with chili and cheese), but you can get a slice of pizza for $3.25, a hot dog for $4, popcorn/candy/chips for around $3, and beverages for around $3. The low prices make up for the lack of choices, and you will find plenty to get you through the two to three-hour game. Atmosphere 4 As mentioned above, TowneBank Stadium is a great facility – the surrounding campus buildings with their beautiful architecture, the greenery, and the brick-paved walkways leading to the facility create a wonderful backdrop for a football game. The giant scoreboard behind the north end zone includes a huge video screen to watch replays, and the scoreboard itself is large enough to easily be seen from even the furthest seats away (the Bojangles/Lexus hospitality deck behind the south end zone). The Captains have a mascot and a huge band, as well as a large cheerleading squad, which give you all the pomp and ceremony you would expect from a college football game. The field itself is surrounded by a light blue (CNU colors) running track, and many of the seats on the home side are bucket-style chairbacks, so you can watch the game in comfort. Neighborhood 4 TowneBank Stadium is located in the nicer part of Newport News, about five miles north of downtown along Highway 60/Warwick Blvd. One great attraction nearby is the Virginia War Museum, which is well worth a visit if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend – I didn’t go inside, but I had a fabulous time driving around the property looking at all the tanks, self-propelled guns, cannons, navy Big-Guns, anti-aircraft guns, etc. dotted around the park. There are plenty of nice restaurants around, as well as several fast-food joints – Schooner’s Grill is a popular local establishment that has a wide selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks, so could be a great choice to hang out before or after the game, but note they only sell food to go. There are also an almost endless number of hotels nearby, across all price ranges, most of which are along I-64 to the northeast of the university. Fans 3 The Captains have a fabulous student section – they are very into the game and very loud, and cram their side of the main stands so full it is hard to get by; the students are seated right behind and next to the CNU band. The rest of the fans are also very into the game, and you will see a lot of CNU gear being worn – unfortunately, they shut down the merch stand during halftime, so you will need to go early if you want to grab any Captain's swag. Access 3 Getting to TowneBank Stadium is easy enough – Newport News is on the water, so you may have to fight some traffic on the bridges and in the tunnels depending on which direction you are coming from, but there are several major highways near the venue, such as I-64 and Highway 60, making the university easy to get to. Once you get to the facility, the general parking is a little bit of a walk from the stadium, but they do have shuttle buses from the tailgating areas that drop you off right next to the main stands. The grandstands and concessions here are a bit spread out, though, so you may have to do some walking if you need to use the restrooms, get some grub, or meet up with friends in another section. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets are only $10 each, and you can buy them at the gate (you aren’t forced to buy them online like at many sports venues nowadays). With the low-cost concessions, this represents a great return on investment for a sporting event, given how nice the facility is and the wonderful scenery. Note that the ticket office closes at halftime (just like the merch stand), so you can get in free if you wait until then. Extras 3 TowneBank Stadium is surrounded by some of CNU’s other athletic facilities, so you may be able to see the soccer team, for example, practicing in the distance while you take in the football game. The facility also has several different seating options to choose from, including the Bojangles/Lexus hospitality deck or the dark blue chairbacks, if you are willing to pay a little more for your ticket. Final Thoughts I would recommend a visit to Newport News for Captains football – the stadium is superb and modern, the crowd is great, and you won’t have to pay a fortune to experience it all. If you can make it happen, a visit to TowneBank Stadium is well worth the time.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Ram Stadium WV-480 Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Shepherd Rams website Ram Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 5,000 On the Banks of the Potomac Ram Stadium, home of the Shepherd Rams, is located just off the Potomac River in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, just across the river from Maryland. The Potomac winds lazily south and east toward Washington, D.C. to empty sedately into the Chesapeake Bay. The stadium was built in 1959 and holds 5,000 fans, and was renovated most recently in 2000. The main stands and main press box are located on the west side, with a smaller grandstand and a secondary press box on the east side. The Kenneth J. Boone Field House is behind the south end zone. Food & Beverage 5 Phenomenal concessions options can be found at Ram Stadium – behind the west stands is an area called Coach Walter Barr Plaza you can find myriad food trucks, as well as the main concession stand. The food trucks offer such varied options as burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, pulled pork, brisket, tacos, frozen lemonade, and even Mediterranean options from the Taste of Greece truck, while the main stand offers Chick-fil-A sandwiches, pizza rolls, pretzels, candy bars, and other items. The lines at the main stand tend to be a little longer, as the prices are a little lower at the main stand compared to the food trucks, and some of the food trucks only take cash – but the lines at the main stand tend to move fairly quickly as they work in pairs (one person takes your money while another grabs your items). I recommend the chicken Philly from one of the food trucks or the pizza roll from the main stand. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is jumping at Ram Stadium, especially given how well the Rams are playing of late – the team consistently ranks in the Top 25 of the NCAA’s D2, and currently sits atop the East division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), of which Shepherd is the only member not located in the state of PA. The Rams boast the requisite dance team, cheerleaders, and mascot, who is handed a flag from the student section before the game so he can cheer on the team. The band also performs before the game and during halftime, including most prominently forming their signature ‘S’ for Shepherd University. But more impressively there is also a great tailgating atmosphere outside the stadium, as well as inside the stadium itself – there is a large covered section on the east side of the field, where fans who buy special tickets can tailgate during the game as they cheer on their Rams. That section is overflowing with fans, and you can smell the great food as you walk by (btw – alcohol is allowed in that section, but not in the rest of the stadium). The only thing lacking at Ram Stadium is they don’t currently have a video board – at present, there is just a static scoreboard (meaning you can’t watch replays) at the top of the field house behind the south end zone. Neighborhood 3 Ram Stadium is in a scenic location, with lots of trees and greenery serving as the backdrop for the stadium. Shepherdstown, WV is a very small town (population under 2,000 as of 2019), but there is a lot to do just across the river in Sharpsburg, MD. Located about 3 miles from the stadium down Duke St/Highway 34, Sharpsburg is most well known as the location of the Antietam Civil War Battlefield , so there is plenty there to satisfy history buffs or tourists. Sharpsburg also boasts Captain Bender’s Tavern , which sponsors the Rams and offers seafood dishes, paninis, and other sandwiches, as well as draught, canned, or bottled beer and ale, along with specialty cocktails. Another site worth checking out on the Shepherd side of the river, and a great lodging option if you are staying overnight, is the Bavarian Inn, Resort, & Brewery – this quaint hotel has a bed-and-breakfast feel and offers fine dining and Alpine-style lodging overlooking the river, as well as a Bavarian-style-brewery on site. One last option to consider, about 20 minutes south of Shepherdstown, is Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which boasts John Brown’s Fort , scenic hiking trails, and railroad bridges connecting West Virginia to Maryland and Virginia. The national historic park in Harpers Ferry offers a lot to do if you plan to be in the area for the day or the weekend. Note – your best option when visiting is to park at the main visitor’s center and ride one of the shuttle buses, which constantly go between the visitor’s center and lower town, where the fort and most of the attractions are located. Fans 4 The fans at Shepherd Football games are top-notch – the main stands are fairly full, as is the covered tailgating section on the east side, and many of those attending sport Rams gear. The fans cheer loudly throughout the game, and there is a lot of energy in the stadium. Some fans can even be seen watching from the sidewalk along Duke St/Highway 34 (which technically is not inside the stadium so you could watch there for free if you want). While most fans buy their team gear at the Shepherd University bookstore, there is a small trailer in Barr Plaza which sells Rams shirts, hats, and stuffed animals, if you need to grab a souvenir while at the game. Access 4 Ram Stadium is easy to get to, and easy to get around – you can’t miss the stadium as you drive up using Duke St/Highway 34; it is easily visible. There is a parking entrance along Duke St/Highway 34 (on the east side of the facility, turn onto King St), but if you miss that one there is a second one after you pass by the stadium (turn onto High St and follow it around). Parking is free in these parking areas, just make sure you get there early as they will fill up for certain games. Once you get to the stadium, there are entrances on both the east and west sides – there is a walking path around the stadium, as well as a pedestrian tunnel under Duke St/Highway 34 which connects to downtown Shepherdstown and the rest of Shepherd’s campus. The entrance for the east stands is in the southwest corner, while the entrance for the west side is in the northwest corner – both of those locations sell tickets, or you can buy them online beforehand. There is one large men’s bathroom and one large women’s bathroom under the press box on the east side – these bathrooms are so wide they have entrances on opposite sides, making it easy to get in and out. Unfortunately, the east side only has port-a-johns, but you are welcome to walk around the venue at any time if you want to take advantage of the better option. Return on Investment 5 Admission is only $15 to football games at Ram Stadium, which is a great deal to see college football at this level, especially a ranked program like Shepherd which is most likely to bring home a win during your visit. The stadium is also a great venue to watch from, with multiple different viewing options for fans, and the great energy from the Rams home crowd. Parking is also free, and the concessions options are in line with other similarly sized venues. Extras 5 A plus for the police siren which goes off at the beginning and end of each quarter, and another plus for the local rock and brick wall and décor behind the north end zone. Also, a double plus for the opportunity to tailgate – complete with grilling, food, and alcohol end – inside the stadium; there aren’t many stadiums you can do this at, although it is becoming more of a trend at D2 and D3 stadiums around the country. That is probably the best way to watch a game, so take advantage of this option if you can. A final plus for what the Rams call the 5th quarter – after the game (after the home and visiting teams and officials leave the field), fans are allowed to come onto the field to wait for players and get autographs, or just run around on the field and spend time with family and friends. This is another rarity in college football that is becoming more common, but a fun add-on that you can partake in while at Ram Stadium. Final Thoughts If you have a chance to visit Shepherdstown and take in a game at Ram Stadium, I would encourage you to do so. You are guaranteed to have a great time!

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bennett C. Russell Stadium High School Blvd Navarre, FL 32566 Navarre High School Raiders website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,000 Football on the Beach In terms of entertainment options on the Emerald Coast of Florida, high school football often takes a back seat. Nicknamed Redneck Riviera, the Emerald Coast is a popular summer vacation destination for millions of people around the country, but particularly has become a top tourist destination for people in the southeast United States. From the spring break crowds of Panama City to the family crowds vacationing for the week, to the military crowds from nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola and Elgin AFB in Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast has it all. Though mostly known for its tourists and spring break crowds, there are some less tourist-oriented places along the Coast, where one can go to escape the crowds and the nightlife. Situated about halfway between Pensacola and Destin is the town of Navarre Beach; nicknamed Florida’s Best Keep Secret and Florida’s Most Relaxing Place, the town is mostly void of the many high-rise condos that line Destin and Pensacola Beach, and the town is mostly void of commercial and corporate restaurants. Instead, the city is a bedroom community for mostly retirees and military personnel, but the population has skyrocketed of late, and risen from a tiny 1,500 in the 1970s to over 40,000 people in 2014. With an enrollment of over 2,300, Navarre High School is one of the largest, yet youngest high schools in the panhandle area of Florida. The Raiders play their games at Bennett C. Russell Stadium – the stadium opened when the school opened in the 1970s and is named after longtime Santa Rosa County superintendent Bennett C. Russell, a former principal at the high school. The Raiders have been to the playoffs 12 times, but are one of two Pensacola area high schools never to win a playoff game. Notable alumni include Nationals first round pitching prospect Matt Cronin and former Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett. Leggett, a member of the Buccaneers practice squad, was a crucial part of the 2016 Clemson Tigers national championship team, and played a critical role in their win over Alabama in the 2017 National Championship Game. Food & Beverage 3 As soon as you purchase your ticket you walk into the south end zone and toward the expansive display of concessions stands and various food trucks. There are two concessions stands set up, one on each side, and the usual fare can be found such as cheeseburgers and chicken tenders ($4); hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, boiled peanuts, and funnel cake ($3); fries ($2.50); and popcorn ($2). There are also several unique items sold such as fried Oreos and several types of ice cream, as well as a Kona Ice stand, a Dippin’ Dots stand, a pork and BBQ food truck, and a food truck that sells tacos. Also, if you purchase any meat product from the stand you get a ticket, and can walk over to a grill set up behind the stand to watch it get cooked fresh. Needless to say this is one high school football stadium where I recommend getting something to eat at the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere was intense on this particular night and playoff stakes were in the air. One of the more intense rivalries in the panhandle area took place as the Raiders took on one of the top ranked teams in the state, the Niceville Tigers from just up the road. About 20 miles separate these two schools, so it’s pretty fierce with both teams’ fans showing up in full support. The stadium is located on the east part of the school right next to the school’s baseball and softball fields. The main entrance is in the south end zone, which, with its many palm trees outside the entrance embodies Florida quite nicely. There is no concourse here, so you enter onto the grass behind the end zone, which is separated by the track and a fence. The expansive collection of food trucks and concession stands is located here as well so it can get quite packed, especially before the game or at halftime; there are also two smaller concessions stands located on the north side of the stadium. You cannot walk under the stadium on either side, so you have to walk in front of the grandstands and then go up, which can be quite frustrating. There is also a tent set up with several tables selling various t-shirts and Navarre Raiders gear, which is a nice touch not found at a lot of high school football games. The field faces north and south with the home side and press box on the west side, and visitors on the other. The home stands are regular metal bleacher seats that extend about 15 rows up, while the home side is set up in 5 sections alternating between the school’s colors of red and light blue. The section on the 50-yard line is the chair back section reserved for season ticket holders, though I was able go up and find a spot right under the press box; under the press box is a banner showing all the Raiders playoff appearances. Neighborhood 3 The main attraction in Navarre is definitely the beach; the school is located about 3 miles from the beach and the surrounding restaurants that line it. From Highway 98 take the Navarre Beach Causeway out onto Santa Rosa Island, where there are many public beach access points and several high-rise condos, though not as many as in neighboring Destin and Pensacola Beach. Navarre Beach is known as kind of a secret getaway, and as soon as you get off the bridge is Juana Pagodas, a popular spring break destination known for its club type atmosphere. The bridge empties onto Gulf Blvd which travels east and west parallel to the beach; go east and you encounter miles of sand dunes and sea turtle nesting grounds that are off limits. Also the buffer zone of Elgin AFB is located nearby, so you cannot travel too far east on Gulf Blvd. Going west towards Pensacola Beach would be your best option as there are several seafood restaurants and bars lining this stretch. Navarre Beach Marine Park is located here as well, which is a sea turtle education and nesting center. I recommend paying the $5 admission and strolling through the mini aquarium; there’s a sea turtle tank and various other native aquatic wildlife and fish. Notable restaurants along this stretch include Broussards and Windjammers, which is a bar located at the foot of Navarre Beach Pier – stretching almost a quarter mile into the gulf and rising 30 feet high, the pier is currently the longest pier in the state of Florida. I recommend taking a walk to the end of it; the pier is a popular fishing spot as well and hundreds of people fish off the pier daily. As you walk to the end of the pier just take a glance at all the different types of fish, sharks, sting rays, etc. that people pull out of the water. The town of Navarre Beach is also notable as a filming location for the 1978 movie Jaws 2. Though not as successful as the first one, Jaws 2 was filmed almost entirely in Navarre Beach, and though the majority of the filming locations have been destroyed by hurricanes over the years, the Navarre Beach water tower remains standing and was featured prominently in the film. Keep heading west and you’ll encounter miles of small beach cottages and town houses – celebrities who own town homes on this stretch of the beach include Jerry Jones, goth author Anne Rice, who wrote several of her novels while sitting on Navarre Beach, and professional wrestler Mick Foley, who owned a gym in the area for a number of years. If you head west on Gulf Blvd, the area is protected as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, so there is no development for about 20 miles until you reach Pensacola Beach, though there are multiple areas for beach access and camping. There are also several more attractions and hotels in Pensacola Beach, so if coming into town for the night I recommend staying in Pensacola as there are not a lot of hotels in Navarre. Fans 4 It can be quite frustrating for fans of the Navarre High Raiders; on one hand the school has made seven straight playoff appearances, but on the other hand they were handed seven straight playoff losses. The Raiders are one of two Pensacola area high schools not to have played in a State Championship, and the Raiders haven’t even advanced to the second round, as they have been defeated in the first round of the playoffs every year. Fans still turn out though, and they seem knowledgeable about the players. The student section is rather large, and there is also a large student population on the home side, which shows that students support the school. There’s not much going on in Navarre Beach on a Friday night besides the football game, and many of the schools the Raiders play are local, so many of the visiting teams have a good turnout as well. Access 2 The town of Navarre can be quite easy to access depending on where you are coming from; if coming from the Destin area or Pensacola you can take scenic Highway 98. This stretch of highway takes you right past beach towns with excellent views of the beach. If coming from out of the area, Navarre is located about 30 or 40 minutes south of the interstate, depending on traffic. The traffic on Highway 98 can be a nightmare because of tourists trying to get to Destin and Pensacola, so plan for delays in traffic. The high school is located about 2 miles north of Highway 98, which is the main highway into town. The scenic Navarre Beach is located south of Highway 98 along scenic Gulf Blvd so you can take this route as well. The school is located in a neighborhood and there is limited parking at the school, so many people parallel park in front of people’s houses, which creates a bottleneck in traffic when the game ends. Once inside the actual stadium it can be quite difficult to move around; the stadium is quite small, even for high school standards, and you cannot go under the concourses either, which causes a lot of people to just stand in and around the aisles. The area in the south end zone near the concessions stands and food carts has a lot of congestion with people gathering, and several kids running around almost knocking people over. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are priced as follows: $7 general admission, which allows you to walk all around the stadium on both sides $10 chair back seats on the 50-yard line, though once the game started I was able to go sit in one of the chair backs and didn’t have anybody ask for my ticket. The general admission price is about average compared to most of the area high schools, and the concessions prices are about average as well, so I considered this a good return on investment. The Raiders also constantly play other high school powerhouses in the area, so you could be watching the next great Pensacola area football player. Extras 3 One extra for the outside and architecture of the stadium – the Navarre High School maintenance department does an excellent job of maintaining the area right outside the stadium, giving it a real Florida beachy feel, though there is nothing special about the actual stadium and I think it is quite small. The area around the stadium, however, is lined with various palm trees that embody the State of Florida quite well. Also, there’s no denying that you are near the beach when walking up to the ticket office. Another extra for the location of the high school itself; the school is located a convenient 3 miles from Navarre beach. The town is a really underrated place, and you can’t beat being able to go down and enjoy the water without the constant crowds that plague most Florida beaches. Another extra for the tents set up selling various Navarre Raiders gear. There isn’t just one table set up selling a few t-shirts, but two tents with multiple tables selling basically every sort of gear imaginable. They have one table set up selling all kinds of various t-shirts and pants ranging from sweatpants to pajama pants, and these aren’t just basic cotton shirts either, but Nike dri-fit shirts and polo shirts, many of them ranging from $5 to $20. There are also several tables set up with mostly shirts, but there is also one selling various stickers, programs, foam fingers, etc. Needless to say, the expansive display rivals the kind of thing you would see at a small college, not a high school football game; I was very impressed.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Matthew Knight Arena 1585 E 13th Ave Eugene, OR 97401 Oregon Ducks website Matthew Knight Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 12,541 Ducks Basketball at Matthew Knight Arena Matthew Knight Arena, named after the son of Nike founder and University of Oregon alumnus Phil Knight, is the home for Oregon basketball and volleyball. In addition to sporting events, non-university-related activities such as concerts, monster truck rallies, and the like are held in the arena. Opened in 2011, the MKA (as it’s known by many fans) replaced the Ducks longtime home at McArthur Court, where they resided from 1926 – 2011. McArthur Court was no doubt a classic venue, but one that was ready to be replaced. Matthew Knight Arena provides more restrooms, concessions, TVs in the concourse, and better seating than its predecessor. There are a handful of Duck alumni playing professional ball in 2015. Representing the U of O in the NBA are Luke Ridnour (Magic) and Aaron Brooks (Bulls). Tajuan Porter currently plays in the NBA D-League. Former Duck players in Europe include Chris Christofferson (Denmark), Bryce Taylor (Germany), E.J. Singler (Estonia), and Malik Hairston (Italy). The Oregon basketball program is on the rise. In 2008-09 the Ducks had a horrid record of 8-23 (2-16 in conference). Steadily, the program improved. The Ducks made appearances in the NCAA tournament in 2013 and 2014, so the future looks very bright for the team. Food & Beverage 3 Fans can expect most of the normal fare at concessions at Matthew Knight Arena. Hot dogs ($5), popcorn ($4), souvenir soda ($5), and nachos ($7) are available. Some specialties available are a Pacific Salmon sandwich for $10, a Hawaiian plate for $10, and hand carved turkey or roast beef sandwich on ciabatta for $11 (very good). A practice gym on the outside part of the arena has beer and wine for $7 and $8 respectively, and the consumption of these beverages is confined to that room. Atmosphere 5 As with other sporting events sponsored by the University of Oregon, the buzz in the stands is very impressive. A big game atmosphere is what you can expect when attending a basketball game at Matthew Knight Arena. The staff has fun at some unsuspecting fans' expense when they activate “Oblivicam.” It’s humorous watching someone on the screen until they realize what’s going on. There are student free throw and 3-point competitions during breaks and halftime as well as musical chairs for kids and the ever-popular “Shell Game” type entertainment on the video board hanging over the floor. Of course, the signature feature of Matthew Knight Arena is its unique floor design. Meant as a nod to the program’s history, and the team that won the 1939 NCAA Championship, the floor depicts “The Tall Firs.” This is both the nickname of that championship club, but also a tribute to the natural beauty of the state of Oregon. Neighborhood 5 Matthew Knight Arena is situated on the edge of the University of Oregon campus. A residential section is directly behind the arena with other school buildings and dormitories very close as well. Hayward Field, Oregon’s track & field home is also very close. Hayward Field hosts the annual Prefontaine Classic, an event named after former U of O standout and 1972 Olympic distance runner Steve Prefontaine. There are many restaurants very close to the arena, including Café Seoul, House of Chen, and Track Town Pizza (a local favorite). If you are coming from out of town, there are quite a few lodging options nearby. Best Western and Holiday Inn are just a sampling of the options available. Fans 4 The fan base at an Oregon sporting event is like no other school in the Pac-12. One can argue that the fans in Eugene should receive a one-star rating or a five-star rating. This reviewer leans toward the latter. I find Duck fans to be vocally passionate. Matthew Knight Arena gets as loud as any arena I have ever been to. The student section is vocal whenever the visitors have the ball. The crowd is engaged and reacts to the action on the floor. At most sporting events, you can find a few fans that are socializing and not paying attention, but not here. Duck fans love their teams, and it shows at Matthew Knight Arena. Access 3 As with any sporting event affiliated with the University of Oregon, parking is a big negative. There is no parking structure or specific lot for fans at Matthew Knight Arena. Parking on the street or in business lots for a fee is the norm. Most lots have parking spots available in the $10 range, which is fairly reasonable. The arena is at the edge of a residential neighborhood, so even street space is limited. If and when you find parking, be prepared to walkways, sometimes for up to 15 minutes. Once you get there though, Matthew Knight Arena has nice wide aisles, and plenty of room for all fans to navigate. The bathrooms are nice and big to accommodate large crowds. Return on Investment 5 Regular season single-game tickets are $14-$53 depending on the opponent. The padded stadium seating is very comfortable. There are activities for everyone to enjoy aside from the game itself. If you are not attending a sporting event, the venue has all the necessary features for an enjoyable experience. Attending an event at Matthew Knight Arena is a first-class occurrence and well worth the price of a ticket. A Duck basketball game is akin to attending an NBA game, only on a slightly smaller scale. Extras 4 On the day of this review, Oregon’s 2014 Pac-12 football championship trophy was on display as well as the Ducks’ Rose Bowl trophy and Marcus Mariotta’s Heisman Trophy. Fans could get their picture taken with these trophies and have a life-long souvenir from their trip to Matthew Knight Arena. As a halftime attraction, the football team was brought out to the center court as an acknowledgment of the team’s achievements this last year. The Duck Store has anything a Duck fan might want. Items range from hats ($25-$30), t-shirts ($10-$30), sweatshirts, team gear, window stickers, and license plate frames. You name it, they have it. One extra point for the unique floor design. Some like it, and some hate it, but there is no doubt that it is one-of-a-kind. Final Thoughts A trip to an Oregon basketball game should be on any fan's bucket list. Matthew Knight Arena is modern with fantastic sightlines throughout the facility.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Daytona Stadium 3917 LPGA Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32124 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats website Daytona Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 10,000 The Wildcats Lair Bethune-Cookman University is in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was founded in 1904 as the Daytona Educational Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In 1923 it merged with the Cookman Institute. In 1941 it became a four-year college, changing its name to Bethune-Cookman College. It finally achieved university status in 2007. The school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Bethune-Cookman University is renowned for its work in the field of education. It now offers 39 bachelor’s degree programs and six master’s degree programs. The school has a student body of just over 3,700 students. The athletic teams at Bethune-Cookman are known as the Wildcats. The school has had a football program since 1925. They are members of the SWAC Conference, playing at the FCS level of competition in NCAA football. Over the years the Wildcats have won two Black College National Championships (2010, 2013), as well as seven conference titles. They have participated in five FCS playoffs but have yet to win a game. More than thirty Wildcats have gone on to play in the NFL. They include Boobie Clark, Larry Little, and Eric Weems. Larry Little is also in the NFL Hall of Fame. The Wildcats play their home schedule at the off-campus Daytona Stadium. The stadium is located seven miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. The city-owned stadium was built in 1988 and has a capacity of 10,000. The field at Daytona Stadium is known as Larry Kelly Field, in honor of the late Daytona mayor who spearheaded the building of the stadium. Food & Beverage 2 After enjoying the pregame feasts among the tailgaters in the parking lot, the food and beverage offerings sold inside the stadium seem like an afterthought. The concession stands are located along the concourse beneath the stands. They offer the stadium standards, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, chips, and Pepsi brand sodas. If you fill yourself up in the tailgate lot, you probably can get by with some bottled water or a soft drink during the game to quench your thirst on the often-balmy days and nights. Atmosphere 4 Bethune-Cookman football games are a sporting event, a family reunion, and a concert all rolled into one. Fans, family, alumni, students, Greeks, and locals arrive early to set up their tailgates in the grass parking lots outside of Daytona Stadium. It is a sea of maroon-clad fans and maroon tents to protect against the hot Florida sun. After the food, fun and good conversations are over it is time to head into the stadium. Daytona Stadium is a traditional stadium, with stands on both sides of the field. The home side is on the eastern side of the stadium. This side is populated by the parents, the student body, and the Marching Wildcats. It features seating for most of the crowd, with a very small suite at the top of the stands near the press box. There are three concession stands located underneath the stands at ground level. The visitors’ stands are on the west side of the stadium, with a much smaller set of bleachers. The playing surface is artificial turf, as there are multiple games played on it every weekend. This is because both Mainland High School and Seabreeze High School also call Daytona Stadium home. There is a 33’ X 16’ videoboard behind the end zone. It features replays of major plays during the game, as well as statistics at the end of each quarter. Anytime we talk about the atmosphere at a SWAC football game we must highlight the school’s band. They play a major role in how the game feels, whether you are 20 points ahead or 20 behind. Bethune-Cookman’s band is known as The Marching Wildcats. The band has over 300 members, making it the largest student organization on campus. The band also includes the Sophisticats Flag Corp and the 14-Karat Gold Dancers. The band plays nonstop throughout the game and is known for its halftime shows. Many fans come just for the band alone, leaving after the halftime program. In addition to Wildcat football games the band has performed at several NFL halftime shows, the Orange Bowl Parade, the Walt Disney World Holiday Parade, and the Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase. Neighborhood 2 Daytona Stadium is located several miles from the school campus. Daytona Stadium is owned by the city of Daytona Beach, and most of the neighborhood surrounding the stadium is part of the civic complex for the city. This includes office buildings, as well as the city’s water treatment plant. There are no restaurants, hotels, or shops along LPGA Boulevard. The stadium is just west of I-95, and there is very little in the way of shops and restaurants. However, just east of I-95, there are a great deal of restaurants, shops, and attractions to choose from. We found BJ’s Restaurant to be an excellent choice for a pregame or postgame meal or drink. This corridor also includes the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. It offers a wonderful tour and has a great gift shop. You can’t visit Daytona without stopping at the track! The closest hotels to Daytona Stadium are just east of I-95. They include the Homewood Suites and the Courtyard Marriott, which are both located along International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Our low score for this section reflects the fact that the Wildcats play more than 12 miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. Football games always suffer when they are played away from the campus of the school. Fans 3 Bethune-Cookman fans make a full day out of a Wildcats game. They arrive very early, as BBQs in the stadium parking lot are a cherished tradition. Many of the fans will decorate their tailgate in the maroon and gold colors of the Wildcats. Many of the fraternities and sororities will have tents set up for their members. You can’t be a Wildcats fan on an empty stomach! One of the traditions at Bethune-Cookman games is the Legacy Walk. This begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The Wildcats team bus parks outside the stadium, and team members walk through the crowds to their locker room. A team captain leads the Legacy Walk, and he holds a portrait of Mary McLeod Bethune, the school’s founder. Once inside the stadium, the fans create a sea of maroon and gold. They are energized by the combined efforts of the Wildcat cheerleaders and the Marching Wildcats. The school fight song is sung after each Wildcat score and the crowd also cheers for any major defensive stops or takeaways. The fans are also entertained by the antics of Dr. Wyld D Catt, the school mascot. They also wildly applaud the Marching Wildcats after each fabulous halftime show. We found the crowds to be very welcoming of any visiting team fans. Access 2 It is very easy to get to Daytona Stadium from either I-95 or I-4: From I-95: Take the exit for International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Go west on I-92 for two miles. Turn right at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. From I-4: Take Highway 92 exit on go east on Highway 92. Turn left at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. If you are flying in, the Daytona International Airport is less than 6 miles from the stadium. You would just head out the airport exit to International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92) and head west until you hit LPGA Boulevard. There are more than 2,100 parking spaces at Daytona Stadium. These are located on a grass lot just outside of the stadium. Tailgating is very popular at Wildcat games, so parking opens two hours prior to kickoff. You pay for parking on site. The main drawback in the accessibility of Daytona Stadium is getting in and out of the venue before and after the games. This is because there is only one way in and out of the stadium complex via LPGA Boulevard. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Wildcat game at Daytona Stadium will not break the bank, as the ticket prices are in line with what most college football games cost. A basic General Admission ticket costs $40. Tickets along the 50-yard line cost $60. The most expensive seats sold are in the VIP section atop the stands along the 50-yard line at a cost of $70. The VIP section receives special perks, including free food and beverage service and more comfortable seats. Parking at Daytona Stadium is $10. Probably the biggest cost of attending a Bethune-Cookman is related to how big a tailgate feast you want to have before the game. Many families split these costs with other members of the family. Extras 5 Daytona Stadium hosted the NAIA Football National Championship Game from 2014 through 2016. Another extra must go to the Marching Wildcats, as they play a major role in creating a high energy level in the stands at each game. The 2023 season marked the 100th year of Bethune-Cookman football. Numerous observances of the centennial were held before and at halftime of each Wildcat home game. Former UNLV and NBA basketball star Reggie Theus is the Bethune-Cookman Athletic Director and head basketball coach. Daytona Stadium is less than 6 miles from Daytona International Speedway . Even if you aren’t a race fan, it is well worth a visit. Final Thoughts Bethune – Cookman home football games are always an event to circle on your calendar. They begin with a food fest and a family reunion outside the stadium. The party continues inside Daytona Stadium with great Wildcat football on the field and a second party in the stands as the Marching Wildcats play nonstop tunes.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Williams Athletic Complex 1315 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27610 Saint Augustine’s Falcons website George Williams Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 2,500 HBCU Football in Raleigh In 2011 Saint Augustine’s University hosted its first ever on-campus football game at the then newly constructed George Williams Athletic Complex in Raleigh, NC – the venue holds 2,500 fans and cost $10M to build. The complex includes a field turf playing surface surrounded by a track, a scoreboard, and two main grandstands, plus a couple of much smaller grandstands behind the end zone. The press area is located in the top row on the home side, and is recognizable by the white tent above it. Food & Beverage 3 George Williams Athletic Complex offers pretty standard fare at its concessions stands for this level of football. The most popular items here come from a food truck near the scoreboard, and their specialty is fried fish, which comes in a really large portion for the money. You can choose either the fish basket with fries and hush puppies for $10, or the smaller-sized fish sandwich (which also includes fries and hush puppies) for $8. Other items available from the food truck are hot dogs, wings, canned soda, and bottled water – the wings are only available in a combo with fries, but hot dogs can be purchased either way. There is also a concessions table next to the home grandstand, which offers some of the same items as the food truck, namely wings, hot dogs, soda, and water, but also offers Polish sausage, candy, chips, and Gatorade, all at similar prices to the food truck. Between these two stands, you should find plenty to get you by for a couple hours while you take in the game. Atmosphere 3 George Williams Athletic Complex doesn’t pull in much of a crowd during St. Augustine football games, but the facility does provide a very intimate atmosphere – the fans who are there really enjoy it, and the band is very entertaining to watch, especially the drum majors. The stadium includes two main grandstands, one along each sideline, and also has a few very small grandstands underneath the scoreboard if you would rather watch from there. The home side has a mix of bucket-style chair back seats and metal benches, while the visitor’s side only has metal benches. However, all the tickets cost the same price, so you may as well sit in the chair backs, unless you want to be closer to the field (the chair backs start a few rows up from the bottom). Neighborhood 4 George Williams Athletic Complex is located near downtown Raleigh, and there are a ton of restaurants about a mile to the west (along Capital Boulevard). A few great options to mention are Brewery Bhavana, which features brews plus dim sum, or Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, which specializes in country-style breakfasts. And of course, what trip to North Carolina would be complete without barbecue? The Pit Authentic Barbecue is a few blocks west of Big Ed’s, and is definitely worth a look if you want to grab a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, Raleigh offers plenty to do. A few good options downtown include the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of Art, but there is also a kids’ museum (Marbles) as well as a couple of parks to visit. There are also plenty of hotels in the area depending on your preference and budget. Fans 2 Very few fans show up at Saint Augustine football games, perhaps only 1,000 or fewer at a typical contest. However, there is a surprising amount of crowd noise for the number of fans in attendance – the folks who are there really get into it. Given that the student population of the school is only about 1,500, it is not surprising there aren’t more fans at game. Access 3 Parking at George Williams Athletic Complex only costs $10, but the parking lot is literally right next to the grandstand, so you don’t have to walk very far. Unfortunately, however, the bathroom situation is not very good here, as only port-a-johns are available, and there is also no ticket office at the grandstand – for that you need to walk to the next building over (about a hundred yards away), which isn’t bad but is just not very convenient. Also, the lines at the ticket office are very slow, so it would be a good idea to arrive early to make sure you can get squared away in time for kickoff. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to Saint Augustine football games at George Williams Athletic Complex cost $16, regardless of whether you sit on the home or visiting side. This is about average for D2 football – some venues will be a little cheap, while others will charge a lot more. In addition, parking is reasonable and concessions are on the cheaper side as sports venues go, so you can find a pretty good return on your entertainment dollar watching a game here. Furthermore, you will spend a LOT less to see a football game here than at nearby Carter-Finley Stadium. Extras 1 Besides the football and the band, George Williams Athletic Complex doesn’t offer much in the way of entertainment during your visit (for example there is no mascot in sight). But the stadium is currently undergoing some construction, as evidenced by the fencing on the back side of the home stands, so the facility may feature some nice improvements in the near future. Final Thoughts While there aren’t too many frills here, George Williams Athletic Complex offers an intimate experience for fans of college football, without the high prices and traffic of other football stadiums nearby. Be aware that the lower cost comes with some tradeoffs, however, such as having to use port-a-johns instead of regular bathrooms. Nevertheless, if you can get past those you should have a perfectly fine time seeing a Saint Augustine Mighty Falcons game here.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The Houston Chronicle   reported on Tuesday, September 17th that the University of Houston’s football stadium will have a new name in time for the 2025 season. A merger between the current naming partner, Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) with Space City Credit Union will see the formation of a new company: Space City Financial. While the merger is still awaiting regulatory approval, expect the newly christened Space City Financial Stadium to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2025. Since 2014 the Houston Cougars have called the current TDECU Stadium  their home – the school and TDECU announced a 10-year extension  to the naming rights to the stadium earlier this year. The Cougars moved to the Big 12 Conference in time for the 2023-24 season, after being part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) from 2013-2022. Houston won AAC division titles in 2018 and 2019, as well as won the AAC Championship in 2018. The 40,000-seat stadium located on the University of Houston’s athletics complex was opened in time for the 2014-15 season, and was built for a reported $128 million. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Detroit Grand Prix Detroit, MI 48243 Detroit Grand Prix website Year Opened: 1982 Downtown in Motown The Detroit Grand Prix has a long history in motorsports. Initially racing through downtown streets, it moved to the city’s Belle Isle for several decades. Finally, starting in 2023, it has returned to downtown Detroit, complete with a wild mix of difficult corners ripe for exciting racing. On top of the on-track product, one could argue this is one of the single most accessible street races from a fan perspective, with an overwhelming majority of the track viewing opportunities in non-ticketed areas. Food & Beverage 4 There are several ways to approach the topic of food and beverages here. First, a look at the fan ticketed areas of the course shows a wide variety of foods. Food trucks and vendors line the area with everything from burgers and hot dogs to nachos, tacos, and salads. However, because the circuit is also located in the city streets, part of the track offers food options outside of the fan areas. A perfect example of this is the GM Renaissance Center – located right in the middle of the circuit but still outside of the ticketed area for fans, anyone can walk in here and grab a bite from Panera Bread or the other dining options here, and still catch the on-track action. Atmosphere 5 There is something about the sound of roaring engines echoing through the canyon of city high-rises. Fans can expect the usual action on track, with IndyCar as the headliner and Trans-Am, Indy NXT, and IMSA playing support at the event. The fans cheer and roar with every daring pass and exciting finish, and with the track so close to the grandstands, you can’t help but feel the energy in the air. The track layout also winds through city streets that showcase stunning city backdrops, with Detroit’s historic buildings and architecture on full display. Neighborhood 4 The city of Detroit has seen its share of hard times in recent years. That said, the track does avoid the rougher areas of the city, and winds through downtown’s more renovated areas. Hart Plaza and Spirit of Detroit Plaza both serve as fan areas to gather and watch from down near the tight hairpin corner downtown. GM’s headquarters is also located in the middle of the circuit itself, as the track races past the Detroit Riverwalk on Atwater Street. Trees line the streets on Jefferson Avenue where the long backstretch is located, providing shade for fans during the warm summer days. Even the famous Joe Louis “Fist” statue is located in the middle of the circuit. As far as Detroit goes, the track layout showcases the best of the city as it continues to claw its way back to prominence. Fans 4 The fans here pack the track as they have in years past. The grandstands near the finish line and the hairpin were full for nearly every on track session, as were the suite boxes along the track’s unique double-sided pit road. It’s hard to argue against the passion of the fans in Detroit for motorsports, given the city’s unique history in the car industry, and it was on full display here at the Grand Prix. Access 5 Access is where the event gets massive points – the layout of this year’s Detroit Grand Prix takes it past some unique locations in Detroit proper. First, you have the fact that only the paddock, finish line area, and the hairpin are technically ticketed fan areas; these zones feature grandstand seating and fan concessions for the event. Spirit Plaza is where driver intros take place, while Hart Plaza features several concerts throughout the event. On top of that, the Center Garage adjacent to turns 5, 6, and 7 features a rooftop fan zone for ticket-holding fans. Here, food stands and a DJ booth feature prominently, while giving you an elevated look at the track action down below. However, the shining stars for fan access are the non-ticketed areas. The Detroit Grand Prix’s unique location means many areas for viewing are located outside of ticketed zones. Victory lane is located along the Detroit Riverwalk – speaking of the riverwalk, the entire track that runs along Atwater Street is easily seen from there without needing a ticket. The GM Renaissance Center is also not a ticketed area, with the autograph sessions being held inside for all fans. Additionally, numerous free viewing platforms are located along Jefferson Avenue, offering free track viewing of the track itself. But perhaps the best free view of the Detroit Grand Prix is from the numerous parking garages that are near the finish line complex. The Port Atwater Garage, Beaubien Garage, Franklin Garage, and River East Garage all offer multiple floors of elevated viewing. These garages are not ticketed for fans, meaning anyone can walk inside without a ticket, although you will need a parking pass should you wish to park inside any of them. On race day, many fans are seen tailgating from their cars parked in the garages overlooking the track, offering stunning trackside views of pit lane, the finish line, and the last few corners on the track. Finally, while the majority of the paddock area is inside the ticketed zone by the finish line and pit road, the Trans-Am series paddock is outside of that, allowing all fans with or without a ticket to get up close to the cars and drivers as the teams work on the cars for the event. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices to the Detroit Grand Prix start at $50 for grandstand access in the ticketed areas, and rise to just over $100 for some seats. However, with the majority of the track visible from non-ticketed zones, as well as the numerous free viewing platforms along the backstretch, you can easily watch the Detroit Grand Prix from multiple areas around the track without needing a ticket for access. Extras 3 Throughout the weekend there are several free autograph sessions for IndyCar, IMSA, and Trans-Am drivers in the GM Renaissance Center. This gives you a chance to meet the stars of the respective series without having to pay extra. Also, as stated above, victory lane is located in a free area, giving everyone a chance to get up close to the post-race celebrations. Finally, Detroit Grand Prix fans can look forward to Free Friday – this allows all fans free access to the track’s ticketed areas, including the paddock and fan zones, without needing to pay for a ticket. Final Thoughts While the loss of Belle Isle’s park-like location was lamented by some, the gain of a unique layout that features unparalleled access for fans perhaps has been the best outcome for the Detroit Grand Prix. Unique in setting and layout, this track offers everything that is great about street racing for race fans. Add to that the usually great summer weather the mid-west is famous for, and you have a great recipe for a wonderfully enjoyable race weekend in Motown.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Gene Polisseni Center 200 Lomb Memorial Dr Henrietta, NY 14623 RIT Tigers men’s hockey website Gene Polisseni Center website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 5,980 Canadian Tigers in Rochester A glance at the roster of the hockey team for the NCAA’s Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers will reveal something that may be a bit surprising … it is distinctly Canadian. The vast majority of players on the school’s only NCAA Division I team are Canadian imports. Is it then possible for an NCAA Ice Hockey experience to compete with hockey experiences north of the border? Absolutely. Playing Division I since 2006, RIT has become a solid program in the Atlantic Hockey Conference, earning Conference Championships in 2010, 2015, and 2016 and tournament championships in 2010. The culmination of RIT hockey success was when they competed in the semi-final of the 2010 Frozen Four in Detroit’s Ford Field. The Tigers have also earned Division II and Division III National Championships. With the growing success of the RIT hockey program came the need for a new facility. In 2014 the Tigers moved out of their longtime home, the Frank Ritter Center, and into their sparkling new, on-campus home, the Gene Polisseni Center. Named after the business partner in Paychex of former Buffalo Sabres owner, Tom Golisano, the Gene Polisseni Center was made possible with a $4.5 million donation from the Polisseni Foundation. The Gene Polisseni is clean and crisp with a distinct shock of orange and provides a solid NCAA hockey experience, no matter who is on the ice. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at the Gene Polisseni Center are pretty good. All of the expected items are available with a few additions that bump up the experience slightly. At the main concession stands popcorn ($3), nachos, candy, hot dogs ($4), burgers, chicken fingers, and fries are all available. Some of the portable stands offer items that are a little more interesting that may be a spot to stop. Local favorites Perry’s Ice Cream, Tater Tots, and Boneless Wings can all be found throughout the arena. Soft drink options are Coca-Cola products. Other soft drink options include hot chocolate, coffee, and bottled water. As a college venue, there is no alcohol available for the most part, however, there is beer available in the Alumni Loft. Atmosphere 4 Being built in just 2014, the Gene Polisseni Center offers a strong atmosphere with a building that was designed specifically for college hockey. Keeping in mind that RIT hockey is the centerpiece of the RIT athletics program, the Gene Polisseni Center is the proper venue for their most high-profile sport. The exterior of the Gene Polisseni Center is attractive and modern looking with a significant glass atrium at the front and a mix of brown brick and silver siding. The main entrance leads fans through the main atrium. Spacious and bright, the atrium houses the RIT Athletics hall of fame as well as the trophy case. Fans should look for the 2010 NCAA Hockey Semi-Finalist trophy which commemorates the Tigers’ most significant season on the ice. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans are greeted with the north-south oriented ice surface and a bright, clean-looking atmosphere. The 360-degree concourse behind the seating bowl gives fans a full view of the ice surface even as they walk around, except on the west side, where fans must walk behind the luxury boxes. On the north side of the arena, fans will find the National Championship banners from when the Tigers were in Division II and Division III as well as the 2010 Frozen Four banner. The west side features team banners from the Atlantic Hockey Conference as well as Conference and tournament championship banners. All around the concourse, there are items to keep the wandering mind interested. Team pictures from every Tigers team back to the sixties are on the Tradition of Excellence board. There are also pictures of Tigers in the NHL and Nationally Recognized Tigers. If that is not enough, there are several informative displays on all aspects of the RIT program. The seating bowl features general admission benches and club seats with chair backs. There are very nice video boards at each of the ends behind the nets. The best spot to get that picture with the center ice logo is from the east side. The game day experience at RIT is a very good one. The game is very well-produced and a solid balance between PA music and the pep band exists. The band sits at the south end of the arena, right beside one of the more interesting aspects of this college hockey experience, The Corner Crew, which is further explored in the Fans section. The Tigers enter the ice to the typical Buffalo fog horn and “Eye of the Tiger.” The mascot, Ritchie moves throughout the arena, interacting with fans and aiding in the promotional items that one would expect at similar experiences. Neighborhood 3 The Gene Polisseni Center is located on the campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Henrietta, New York, southwest of Rochester. Being on campus, it is probably best to head out in the car for pre or post-game food options. Just north of campus, on Jefferson Road, fans can find several recognizable franchise restaurants. For something a little more original, fans could consider Lucci’s Pizza & Grill or the Texas Bar-B-Q Joint. However, the crown jewels of the area are probably found in Rochester proper, which is the home of the Garbage Plate, Genesee Beer, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. For other entertainment options, fans will want to vacate Henrietta and head for Rochester. The Strong National Museum of Play is fantastic for fans of all ages and features a working, old-school, video game arcade. Fans should also consider the George Eastman Museum. For other sporting options, Rochester remains the place to be with AHL hockey and NLL lacrosse played at the Blue Cross Arena, home of the Rochester Americans and Rochester Knighthawks respectively. Also, the nicer weather brings out the Rochester Red Wings of the International League who play at Frontier Field. Fans looking for places to stay should consider heading to the airport area where there are several hotels including the Holiday Inn and Radisson. Fans 4 The RIT Tigers enjoy a very solid following, especially when compared to other programs in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. In the 2017-2018 season, the Tigers are averaging over 3,100 fans per game, which is not too far from what they have averaged in the previous two seasons. When compared to other NCAA programs RIT consistently ranks in the mid-twenties and ranks 23rd in 2017-2018. The Tigers feature a group known as the Corner Crew at their home games. Unlike a typical college hockey experience, the Corner Crew is not just a student section but acts more akin to a support group that would be found supporting a soccer team. Members include students, alumni and faculty, and staff. They bring extra energy to the game and come with their own set of chants and songs. Access 4 The Gene Polisseni is located at the southern end of the campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The campus is located in Henrietta, New York, east of the Genesee River and southwest of Rochester. It is west of I-390, the Genesee Expressway, and north of I-90. Getting to campus is not difficult by car. There is also plenty of parking on campus that can be found for free but may require a bit of a campus walk to get to the arena. For fans interested in public transportation, some buses travel along Andrews Memorial Drive, which encircles the campus. Check the Rochester Transportation Services website for schedules, fares, and maps. The ticketing windows are found in the main atrium and lines move quickly. Moving around the arena is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for a venue of this size. Return on Investment 5 As with most NCAA hockey experiences, there is great value in attending an RIT Tigers hockey game. Tickets for the Tigers run from $35 for club seats to $15 for reserved seating and $12 for general admission. There are discounts also for youth. With a small capacity of under 6,000 and terrific sightlines throughout the arena, the majority of fans will be more than happy with a reserved seat. Such a small investment is balanced with a tremendous fan experience and a consistently competitive team on the ice. There is not much more that can be done to maximize the experience for the dollar. Extras 4 An extra mark for the continued success of the RIT hockey program, moving up the ladder from Division III to Division I and finding success at all levels. An extra mark for the unique nature of the Corner Crew, threatening to change the way college hockey is consumed. An extra mark for the acknowledgment of the Canadian National Anthem for RIT games, when technically no Canadian teams are playing No doubt, this is due to the significant Canadian content on the Tigers’ roster An extra mark for building what may be the perfect college venue for a program the size of RIT. Final Thoughts A trip to Henrietta to see the RIT Tigers is an excellent experience that college hockey fans should consider undertaking. Although probably not considered a bucket list venue, even among college hockey die-hards, the Gene Polisseni Center more than meets the expectations of the hockey fan and is easily competitive with other college hockey venues. As a Canadian hockey fan, the Canadian content on the roster is a bonus. ______ Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Prudential Center FANFARE Score: 4.00 Prudential Center 25 Lafayette St Newark, NJ 07102 Seton Hall Pirates website Prudential Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 18,500 The Hall or The Rock Seton Hall – or The Hall as many refer to it – is a private Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey. It is named Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Many people know more about the basketball program than the university itself. The men's basketball team has appeared in many NCAA Division I men's basketball tournaments and achieved national renown after making it to the final of the 1989 tournament and losing in overtime to the Michigan Wolverines. The school's athletic teams are known as the Pirates. The Prudential Center replaced the Meadowlands Arena (and its various names) as the home to both the Pirates and the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. The arena is also a popular concert and event venue. Food & Beverage 4 The Prudential Center's food offerings are varied. There is also a nice emphasis on local New Jersey food offerings. Try something with Taylor Ham on it, it will be worth it. The prices are high. Very high, but that can somewhat be expected for a venue of this high caliber. Atmosphere 5 The arena blocks off the upper level of seats for Hall games. I was expecting this to be a bad idea and to limit the atmosphere, but it does not. It does make the lower bowl seem much more intimate than one would expect. The cheerleaders and dance teams, along with the mascot, known as "The Pirate", create that great game feeling one expects for a Big East team. It almost feels like an on-campus venue. There is a very large scoreboard that offers great information and viewing. There are even smaller screens underneath so everyone should have a good view. Prudential Center Scoreboard, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Newark is a very urban environment where one should use caution when not in the larger crowds before or after the game. It is a short walk to many parking options or the nearby Penn Station, but if there is no crowd around, it may feel a bit lonely. Use caution and you should be fine. There are some good restaurants near the venue. We recommend American Whiskey Newark and Redd's Biergarten. The Ironbound neighborhood past the train station offers many great food and drink options. One should look into parking at Iberia Tavern & Restaurant, that way you get good value parking as well as a great pre-game meal. Fans 5 It is not an on-campus arena, but the crowd is great and makes the venue a much more intimate and enjoyable feel than one may expect. Access 4 There are many train options to both Newark Penn Station as well as to Newark Broad Street Station. Penn is within a nice walking distance, but Broad Street Station is further away and you may need to grab a light rail trip to cut down that distance. There are also many parking lots around the arena with prices that start at around $10. The closer you park, expect more traffic after the game. Return on Investment 3 The prices of food are not the only thing that is not very cheap, as tickets, especially for Big East rivalry games, can be quite expensive. Expect to pay different prices depending on the opponent. Extras 4 The cheer squad and The Pirate will do things such as throwing t-shirts into the squad, as well as mingling with fans. The video screen may be one of the largest seen at an arena and is an extra all of its own. Prudential has an attached Grammy Museum Experience, an interactive experience, which could make a great visit before or after a game. Check out some of the high school hockey sweaters as part of the enormous display inside the main entrance. Final Thoughts Seton Hall and the Prudential Center belong in the discussion for best New York City area sports venues to attend. It has as close to an on-campus environment as one will get to an off-campus venue.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Presley Askew Field 1815 Wells St Las Cruces, NM 88003 Map It New Mexico State Aggies website Presley Askew Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 1,000 Aggies Baseball Nestled amidst a grove of trees sits Presley Askew Field, home of the NCAA D1 New Mexico State Aggies baseball team.  The field is on the university’s Las Cruces campus next to the Softball Complex and the school’s football stadium, Aggie Memorial. After 18 years of being members of the WAC (Western Athletic Conference), NMS Aggies athletic teams joined the C*USA (Conference USA) beginning the 2023-24 season. The baseball team was conference champions in 2002, 2003, 2012, 2018, 2019, and most recently in 2022.  And it has had 71 MLB draft picks and 24 NCAA All-Americans.  Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has basic food truck choices for sale along with a separate cart selling just alcohol, all at decent prices.  Items for sale include hot dogs, Frito pie s , nachos, pickles, popcorn, candy, chips, and hot Cheetos with cheese.  The prices range from $2 - $5.  Sundays are $1 hot dog days.  The truck accepts cash or credit/debit cards.  Bottled soda, water, and Gatorade cost $4.  16-ounce cans of Coors Light, Modelo, and Hop Knot IPA run $8 a can.  A 12-ounce Mixed-Up Aggie-Rita (a canned raspberry margarita cocktail made especially for NM State) costs the same amount.  Nutrl (a canned vodka seltzer) is $6 a can.  Pistol Pete’s 1888 (a blonde ale), made by a New Mexico brewery, Bosque Brewing, is also offered.  Pistol Pete’s 1888 is named after the Aggies mascot (Pistol Pete) and the year the university was founded (1888).  It’s quite intriguing. Atmosphere 3 The music volume is brutal.  Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to deafening recorded noise.  The music person plays loud tunes at the same time the PA announces the starting lineups (especially the visiting team), and the lineups are called way too fast to record on a scorecard.  The music person also blares songs the same time the PA is announcing  a batter, so you can’t hear who is at bat.  Very bad.  And he/she plays it between pitches.  Ugh. The stadium’s grandstand is behind home plate and the infield.  Presley Askew Field does not offer any other seating for fans.  Canopies cover the seating area for shade (the sun sets to the west behind the seating structure/grandstand).  You’ll be in the shade, so wear warmer clothes or bring jackets during the early part of the season.  Fans appreciate the shade as the season progresses. The seats and rows are labeled and numbered, but seating is $7 general admission except for several rows directly behind home plate, reserved for season ticket holders.  Otherwise, sit where you want.   The seats are traditional stadium fold-down seats with no cup holders.  The rows offer minimal legroom.  A medium-thickness net protects fans from foul balls. The infield incorporates artificial turf and turf is between all the bases.  The home plate area is fake dirt, and the pitcher’s mound is real dirt.  The outfield is real grass.  I find it an odd combination, but it’s not unusual in college ball. The home dugout is on the third base side.  Trees line the outfield wall, making it quite attractive.  Sit high up in the grandstand, on the first base side, to see a nice view of the Organ Mountain Range. The scoreboard is in left-center field.  It is difficult to read during afternoon games because the sun shines directly on it.  If fans bring foul balls to the press box, they win a sweet prize (softball does this as well).  Kids enjoy this.  The staff throws t-shirts into the crowd for excitement.  Two kids participated in a ‘dress like an Aggie’ contest where they had to put on a jersey and other articles to win a prize. Neighborhood 4 Presley Askew Field is near the other on-campus NM State Athletic fields in Las Cruces, NM.  Plenty of restaurants and hotels are within 1 – 2 miles of the arena.  Ten or more restaurants (including fast food) are along University Ave from I-10 to the arena:  I-Hop, Burger King, Panda Express, and Chick-fil-A.  The Game Sports Bar and Grill  is a decent pregame place to visit for a beer and a bite.  Weck’s, an NM breakfast/lunch chain, is a worthwhile visit before an afternoon game.  Other things to see and do when visiting Las Cruces include the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum  about three miles from Pan Am Center.  The Museum of Science and Nature or the Las Cruces Railroad Museum may also be worth a visit, depending on your interests.  Of course, a visit to see the world’s largest chile pepper  may be in order, too! Plenty of hotels are near the university.  The closest are the Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces, Comfort Suites University, and Sleep Inn University.   A whole slew more is within two–three miles of Pan Am Center. Other sports in the area are the Aggies softball team and the men’s and women's basketball team.  A trip to El Paso, TX (a 45-minute drive) will take you to the El Paso Chihuahuas , AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres.  Fans 4 Full crowds attend Aggies baseball games, with attendance records averaging about 725 a game so far in 2024; weekend games get the larger crowds.  Some fans set up grills, tables, chairs, and tailgate before the game. Some fans bring their dogs.  A good mix of families, alumni, and students make their way into the grandstand.  Tailgating at NMS Aggies Presley Askew Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans are vocal and quite active in the stands.  A good portion of the attendees generate a lot of traffic traversing up and down the grandstand; they can’t seem to sit still during and between innings.  Maybe they just need to leave because of the music volume. Access 3 Presley Askew Field is near the rest of the university’s athletic fields, south of the Pan American Center.  Getting to the stadium is an easy drive off I-10.  Free parking, including handicapped, surrounds the stadium.  The entrance has a strong, stable ramp up to the grandstand, in addition to two sets of steps. Las Cruces does have a bus stop (Aggie Green), but it looks operational only M – F, 7am – 6pm, so it is generally suitable only for early midweek baseball games.  Las Cruces Airport is 12+ miles from the university, but only one commercial airline uses the airfield.  The next closest airport is ELP in El Paso, TX, about 50 minutes south. The ticket office is a separate building right in front of the entrance. I didn’t notice any rules about a bag policy.  Your best bet is to bring a clear stadium bag 12” x 6” x 12” or a small clutch. The venue has one set of clean, accessible restrooms with plenty of stalls. Return on Investment 4 New Mexico State Aggies baseball is a very affordable afternoon or evening out.  Tickets are $7 general admission.  You can’t beat that for D1 baseball.  Fans receive a hard copy ticket at the ticket office; no need to download it onto an app.  It is quite a pleasing way to purchase tickets.  More venues should do it this way.   The parking is free, and the food prices are reasonable.  Extras 3 Several other things are worth noting.  The batter’s eye cleverly has the NMS Aggie logo silhouetted in it.  It’s quite unique.   The stadium boasts an ‘All American’ corner displaying photos of and honoring former players and coaches. All American Aggies Baseball Corner at Presley Askew Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A huge merchandise stand across from the food truck sells all kinds of Aggie’s gear (shirts, hats, sweaters, jerseys, etc.). Final Thoughts Except for the music volume, taking in a New Mexico State Aggies baseball game is a perfect way to spend a few hours when in Las Cruces.

Photos by Paul Baker Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Whittemore Center 128 Main St. Durham, NH 03824 New Hampshire Wildcats men's hockey website Whittemore Center website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 7,500 100 Years of Wildcat Hockey   The first hockey team at the University of New Hampshire took the ice in 1925. For many years, the team played on an outdoor rink that was dependent on the elements for use. That all changed in 1965 with the construction of Snively Arena. Named for former coach A. Barr “Whoop” Snively, the classic barrel-shaped barn served as home to the Wildcats for 30 years. Snively Arena still stands today, used as a recreation center located adjacent to its successor, the Whittemore Center.   In 1995 the Whittemore Center was built next door to its predecessor for $30 million. Frederick B. Whittemore was a noted philanthropist and founding director of the UNH Foundation. The facility was dedicated to Frederick and the Whittemore family. Originally built with an Olympic-sized (200 feet by 100 feet) ice surface, the Whittemore Center ice surface was reduced slightly to “NHL size” (200’ by 90’) in a 2022 renovation. The venue hosted the Women’s Frozen Four in 2002, 2005, 2016 and 2024.   The Wildcats have qualified for the NCAA tournament 22 times, most recently in 2013. UNH has reached the Frozen Four seven times, finishing as national runners-up in 1999 and 2003. UNH counts among its alumni 25 First-Team All-Americans. 47 former Wildcats have played in the National Hockey League, most notably Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Langway.   The UNH women’s hockey team also calls the Whittemore Center home. They have qualified for five NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2010. They reached the Frozen Four once, in 2006, and won a national championship in 1998, before the NCAA sponsored the annual national championship tournament.   Food & Beverage 3   There are small concession stands located on each side of the rectangular-shaped concourse. Each stand features one pillar of the arena menu standards (hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken tenders) A variety of snacks can be found at each of these stands. Again, the basics (popcorn, pretzels, candy, nachos) are well represented. Fans looking for unique items can search for chili and cornbread, meatball subs, or baked goods served up at one of the portable stands. A stand serving up Dippin’ Dots is popular with the younger fans in attendance.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Whittemore Center. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from several national brands of beer and wine. If craft beers are more your style, brews from several local breweries are featured, highlighted by the Go Cats IPA from Deciduous Brewing.   Atmosphere 5   At any college game, the game day atmosphere is driven primarily by the pep band and student section. At the Whittemore Center, the students don’t disappoint. While this student section may not be as loud and salty as others in New England, they make their presence known with a repertoire of chants and songs. The band plays through most play stoppages, creating a lively atmosphere.   Even though the Whittemore Center is a gray, concrete building, UNH has made great efforts to soften what could be a drab and cold facility. Photos fill the walls all over the Whittemore Center of current and former UNH teams, alumni who played in the NHL, displays of New Hampshire hockey history, and more. Banners honoring championship and tournament teams hang over the ice. There’s a lot to check out at Whittemore Center.   There are 50/50 raffles and in-game contests to keep casual fans interested. A large video board hangs at center ice and is put to good use with replays, hype videos, fan cams, and graphics.   A highlight of every Wildcat game is the tossing of the fish onto the ice surface. After New Hampshire scores their first goal, a student tosses a fish from the crowd onto the ice. The tradition is said to have begun in the late 70s to mock the opponents having to “fish” the puck out of their net.   Neighborhood 3   The University of New Hampshire dominates the small town of Durham. The Whittemore Center is located about a mile west of downtown on Main Street. Durham has a nice, traditional small-town college feel to it, and there are a few places worth checking out for a bite to eat if you are visiting here from out of town. Clarks American Bistro and the Hop and Grill highlight several options located in the downtown area.   Fans visiting UNH from out of town will often head east to Portsmouth, located just 11 miles from Whittemore Center. Portsmouth features a picturesque, walkable downtown with numerous quaint shops and excellent restaurants.   Since there are not many lodging options in Durham, head to Portsmouth for more choices. Boston, Massachusetts is about an hour’s drive south on I-95. The White Mountains are located just a ninety-minute drive north of Durham and feature spectacular foliage in the fall and many outstanding ski resorts in the winter.   Fans 5   New Hampshire averages around 5,000 fans per game annually, which places them in the top 15 of all Division One teams nationwide. New Hampshire is a hockey-crazed state and UNH has a legion of dedicated, knowledgeable fans. With the Wildcats’ membership in the Hockey East Conference, the home schedule is guaranteed to feature several top-ranked and local teams. It’s not unusual to see visiting fans in solid numbers at Whittemore Center. When traditional rival Maine is in town, expect the intensity to ratchet up a notch or two.   The student section is located behind the goal on the east end of the arena. Often packed to the brim, the students fill Whittemore Center with noise throughout the night. Access 3   Durham is a small town with a population of 15,000 located fifteen minutes west of Portsmouth and an hour north of Boston. The town is easy to reach from Interstate 95 and New Hampshire Route 4. The University of New Hampshire dominates Durham, with the campus straddling Main Street.   The Whittemore Center is located on the western edge of campus alongside UNH’s other athletic facilities, including Wildcat Stadium and Lundholm Gymnasium . There are several parking lots surrounding the athletic facilities, but most fans will park in Lot A across the train tracks from the arena.   Whittemore Center features a large lobby located between Hamel Recreation Center (the old Snively Arena) and the Whittemore Center Arena. After the long walk from your car on a cold New Hampshire winter night, this indoor lobby is most appreciated. A 360-degree concourse circles the rink atop the seating bowl. The rink is visible from most spots on the concourse.   Fans will walk down to their seats, which consist mostly of blue folding stadium seats, with molded bleachers on either end. Views from all seats are excellent. Although there are several concession stands and three sets of restrooms around the arena, lines do form during intermission. Time your trips wisely.   Return on Investment 3   Tickets to Wildcat hockey games cost $32 for sideline seats and $24 for end zone seats. Discounts are available for seniors, youth and members of the military. Parking in the many lots surrounding Whittemore Center is free. Concession prices feel a little bit on the high side but are comparable to other venues in the area. Overall, a night at a Wildcat hockey game is an affordable entertainment option for southern New Hampshire sports fans. Extras 5   The Wildcat statue that guards the entrance to the Whittemore Center on Main Street provides an excellent gathering spot and opportunity for a group photo before you head inside.   Extra points are awarded for the displays of New Hampshire hockey history all around the Whittemore Center. From the moment you enter the lobby of the Whittemore Center, you are presented with the best UNH has to offer.   Oversized photos of UNH All-Americans line the lobby walls along with the Hobey Baker Award won by Jason Krog and the Patty Kazmeier Award won by Brandy Fisher. Banners hang from the rafters honoring Wildcat tournament and championship teams, including the National Championship Women’s team in 1998.   The Charles Holt Gallery displays photos of every men's hockey team to represent the school and the Russ McCourty Gallery shows photos of every women’s hockey team. Look closely at the photos of the women’s teams from 1977-1991. You may notice that in every team photo, coach McCurty is holding his pet cat.   A final extra point is awarded for the tradition of throwing a fish on the ice after the Wildcat's first goal.   Final Thoughts   This mid-sized rink in a tiny town with an oversized ice surface is loaded with displays of New Hampshire hockey history and enthusiastic fans. Despite the small-town feel here in Durham, Boston is just over an hour away. The University of New Hampshire is well-situated for their second century of Wildcat hockey.   Just be careful, the fish toss doesn’t always go as planned…     Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of Ragin’ Cajuns Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field 201 Reinhardt Dr Lafayette, LA 70506 UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns website M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 3,755 Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball at The Tigue When it comes to college baseball, it’s hard to beat the overall fan experience for a Ragin’ Cajuns game at M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field. The Tigue features a passionate fan base that regularly ranks near the top of Division I in attendance and was tenth overall in 2014. Adding to the game day environment is a quality on-field product. The UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns have captured seven Sun Belt Conference regular season titles and are a perennial noise maker in the NCAA Division I baseball postseason with 14 total regional appearances since 1988. Located on the campus of the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field has served as home field to the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team since 1978. The ballpark features a newly installed synthetic turf system, a seating capacity of 3,755, and 71 foot scoreboard featuring video replay and graphics. If you consider yourself a college baseball fan, a visit to The Tigue in south Louisiana needs to be on your bucket list. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions experience at The Tigue comes through with quality items and a surprisingly good variety of options. Whether it’s craft beer, a fried catfish plate, or Dippin Dots, there should be a taste of something to meet just about everyone’s craving. Credit cards are accepted at most of the stands, which comes in handy if you’re short on cash. Quality and Variety of Food Options . Both the quality and variety of food options at The Tigue are strong. The primary stand is located behind the main grandstand in the courtyard as you come through the entrance gate. Here you’ll find your ballpark staples including hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), and popcorn ($3). Also in the courtyard, you’ll find several cart vendors including Dippin’ Dots, Great American Cookie, a frozen lemonade stand, and a sno-cones stand. Down the left side of the main grandstand, some of your more unique food items will include a stand selling catfish plates and fried pickles, a roasted peanuts stand, and another which offers up poboys, ultimate nachos, ultimate tator tots, and chicken tender baskets. One of the fan favorites is the Deano’s Pizza cart which offers up personal sized pizzas for $7-$8 (try the Ragin’ Cajun). Get there quick since the pizza is known to sell-out as early as the third inning. Variety of Drink Options . The drink options at The Tigue are exceptional are headlined by a wide variety of craft beers (including local favorites like Abita Strawberry and Canebrake) which run between $6-$7. Soda options include fountain-style Coca-Cola products for $4 and bottled Dasani water for $3. Recommendation . While there are plenty of options to satisfy your craving, I recommend grabbing a bag of roasted peanuts and an Abita Strawberry draft brew to cool you on a warm Louisiana spring day. Atmosphere 4 The Tigue provides a strong college baseball atmosphere which features a historic venue with touches of modernity. Stadium Aesthetics . M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field has served as home field for the Ragin’ Cajuns for over 35 years. While the main grandstand shows some sign of wear, it’s complemented with a contrast of new bleacher seating along both baselines, a recently installed synthetic turf, and a beautiful scoreboard with video replay and graphics. UL-Lafayette does a good job of highlighting past accomplishments with a large board just inside the main entrance that lists conference championships and regional appearances. There is also a retired jersey pasted on the outfield wall honoring former Cajun great Ron Guidry. With so much history and success over the years, UL-Lafayette could do even more to feature these impressive accomplishments further. A couple of small changes could be made to improve the visual aesthetics of the stadium. The main grandstand could use a new coat of paint and chair back seating with cup holders could be added in. The athletics master plan calls for enhancements to the main grandstand and also connecting to the bleacher seating down both baselines. Work hasn’t started yet, but when these upgrades are completed, The Tigue would undoubtedly be one of the finest college baseball stadiums in America. Also, though the tree coverage outside the main entrance certainly adds to the natural look to the stadium, it makes it difficult to get a good view of the exterior through the leaves. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment . While there are a few on-field promotions and music played between innings, expect a more traditional college baseball atmosphere. Being in south Louisiana, the music selection played between innings is typically either Cajun or country in genre. For the seventh inning stretch, a neat tradition is the playing of John Fogerty’s “Center Field.” While this may be blasphemous to some baseball purists in place of “Take me Out to the Ballgame”, the fans all stand and sing along. When the music fades out near the end, the fans pick up volume and finish out the song with a loud “center field!” The fight song is traditionally played between the eighth and ninth innings. It would be nice to have the Ragin’ Cajun mascot “Cayenne” out interacting with fans during games, but he typically does not make appearances for baseball. The dance team is on hand selling raffle tickets, but not to perform. Seat Location Recommendations . Typically, the best view of the on-field action can be found in the seats behind home plate. These chair backs also offer up shade from an overhead awning (though the lower half of the seats may still be in sunlight). At The Tigue, the bleachers down first baseline will put you near the more rowdy, younger fans and the bleachers down third base line seem to be a little more family oriented. The patio box seats run down the outer baselines on both right and left field. This is a unique area where you can sit on fold-out chairs next to the baseline wall in groups of 4-6. Neighborhood 4 The Tigue is located on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette near several other athletics facilities including the Cajundome (home to UL-Lafayette basketball), Cajun Field (home to Ragin’ Cajun football), and between both the tennis and track complexes. As the capital of Cajun Country, Lafayette is home to some great restaurants and attractions which are a short drive from The Tigue. Where to Eat . There are plenty of great eats in the Lafayette area. One of the staples is Olde Tyme Grocery (218 W Saint Mary) which serves up classic poboys. I recommend ordering either the fried shrimp or the Olde Tyme Special (ham, turkey, roast beef, and swiss). While Lafayette isn’t famous for barbecue, Johnson’s Boucaniere (111 St. John’s) serves up a delicious pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwich as well as regionally popular hot boudin. Other recommended restaurants include Prejean’s (480 NE Evangeline), Blue Dog Cafe (1211 W Pinhook), and Bon Temps Grill (1312 Verot School). Attractions & Entertainment . As a mid-sized city, Lafayette has a good variety of options to keep fans entertained outside of the stadium experience. For traveling families, I recommend stops at both the Children’s Museum of Acadiana (201 E Congress) and the Lafayette Science Museum (433 Jefferson). Budget some time for a stroll through downtown Lafayette. There are several restaurants and shops in the area and also a nice park with a large “Lafayette” spelled out in block letters which is ripe for photo opportunities. Just outside of the city, you can catch tour of the swamp at Cajun Country Swamp Tours (1209 Rookery) in Breaux Bridge. The Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse (215 E Convent) offers up some live Zydeco music. Where to Stay . Just across the street from the Cajundome is Hilton Garden Inn – Lafayette/Cajundome (2350 W Congress). You could literally walk to the game from this location. Fans 5 Ragin’ Cajun baseball fans prove that you don’t need 90,000+ people in a stadium to have a great fan base. Fans at The Tigue show up in droves for the typical weekend baseball series, wear red, and remain engaged throughout the entire nine innings. Typical Attendance . If you were to review the NCAA DI baseball attendance rankings, you wouldn’t be surprised to notice handful of SEC, Big 12, and ACC teams dominating the top 10. Despite hailing from a smaller conference, the Sun Belt, the Ragin’ Cajuns rounded out the top ten in 2014 in average home field attendance with 3,671 fans per game. Each year, the Cajuns are typically in the conversation as one of the best attended college baseball venues in the country. Being located less than an hour’s drive from the perennial attendance dominator LSU makes this feat it even more impressive and shows just how passionate Ragin’ Cajun fans are. Crowd Noise & Engagement . UL-Lafayette fans don’t just show up, they are actively involved throughout the game. Expect to hear an antagonizing “ball four” chant every time the opposing pitcher gets behind 3-0 in a count. Fans don’t wait for the last out in the ninth inning to stand and clap. This will happen regularly throughout the game in key situations. When big plays happen, expect a big response from a typically at-capacity crowd. Traditions and Chants . You will pick-up on several traditions and chants throughout the game day experience. A fan favorite audio clip of Homer Simpson’s take on Rock and Roll (Gary Glitter’s “Hey!” song) is played routinely throughout the game. After it runs through, fans follow-up with a chant of “Ragin’,Cajuns, Go UL…woo-hoo!” An occasional back and forth chant will break out where one side of the stands yells “Ragin” and the other responds with “Cajuns!” As mentioned, there’s also the “ball four” chant and the sing along with “Center Field” during the seventh inning stretch. Access 3 Access throughout the Ragin’ Cajun baseball experience is a mixed bag. Getting to and from the stadium is relatively stress free, however, moving around inside the stadium can be a headache at times with long lines at small restrooms and tight aisles in the seating areas. Transit to and from Stadium . Located a few miles off I-10, the drive to The Tigue is a breeze. There can be a little congestion on the streets leading up the area at times, but not enough to cause frustration. As you are approaching the stadium, look for entrances to the parking lot on the west side of Cajun Field off either West Congress or Bertrand. Parking . Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. Your best bet is to park in the lot on the west side of Cajun Field. You can also find parking on the east side the football stadium off Cajundome Boulevard and can make the short walk from there behind the south side of Cajun Field. Ticketing & Gate Entry . The primary entrance gate at The Tigue is located immediately behind home plate and the main grandstand. The lines here are typically short and the staff are very helpful. The will call / player list window is on the right side of the ticket booth and walk-up sales on the left. Since it’s a relatively small booth, you’ll figure this out pretty quickly, but it would be helpful if better signage was posted to make this clear. Once you have your ticket, you will breeze through the gate and baggage check, walking into a small courtyard where you’ll find the main concession stand, a fan information booth and several concession vendors. If you already have your ticket, there is also a smaller entrance about mid-way down the first baseline. Moving around the stadium . Where access can get a little frustrating is after you’ve entered the stadium. The concourse which wraps around behind the main grandstand is pretty narrow. This can cause the foot traffic to get congested at times. While concession lines are typically small, the restrooms in the main grandstand are completely inadequate for the size of the crowd. Expect to run into long lines for both the men’s and women’s stalls. If you don’t mind using a port-o-potty, you will find a row of three at the end of the concourse down both the first and third baselines which are typically immediately accessible. As you make your way to the seating areas, the walkways are tight, but adequate. The aisles between seats, however, are a little too tight making it difficult to get up and down from your seat location. Return on Investment 5 The cost of attending a Ragin’ Cajuns baseball game at The Tigue is an absolute steal when you consider the level of play and overall game day environment. Tickets start as low as $8 for general admission and are only $12 chair backs, box seats, and patio boxes. Free parking is a big bonus and concessions won’t break the bank. Getting a craft beer for $7 feels like a deal compared to what you’ll pay at other major sport facilities. Extras 4 There are several “extra” items which make the overall experience at The Tigue one of the best in college baseball. There is an indoor apparel shop built within the outer side of the main grandstand to the left of home plate. While many college baseball venues have an outdoor booth set-up, it’s nice to have an indoor shop, even if it’s small. UL-Lafayette pays homage to past accomplishments with a large display board as you enter the gate which lists championships and regional tournament appearances. There’s also a display down the third base wall. It’s always great to see former players memorialized in the stadium. On the outfield wall, there is a retired jersey for former Ragin’ Cajun pitcher Ron Guidry painted to the left of the stadium name. Guidry was born and raised in Lafayette, where he would go on to play for the hometown Cajuns on the way to a professional career where he helped the Yankees capture the World Series in 1977 and 1978. Immediately once you enter through the gate, you’ll be greeted by a fan information booth which is also selling programs. This is a nice place to check-in if you have any questions. Located at the end of the first baseline you’ll find an area reserved for the Cajun Cooking Club . This group of culinary Cajuns contribute to the baseball experience by preparing meals for the Cajun baseball team and also offering up meals to the visiting team after every home game. You’ll wish you were a member as you take in great smells and see good looking food while the club cooks throughout the game.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Crusader Stadium 1040 Oradell Ave. Oradell, NJ 07649 Bergen Catholic Crusaders football website Crusader Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Home of the Crusader Crazies Texas A & M has the 12th Man, Duke has the Cameron Crazies, and the Bergen Catholic, BC for short, the legendary New Jersey high school, has the Crusader Crazies. They arrive hours before the game, paint their bodies and enthusiastically cheer on their brethren. As far as student body cheering sections, they’re one of the best. Often, the Crusader Crazies have something to celebrate. Located in the shadow of New York City, BC is a perennial powerhouse, winning the state championship in 2017. Not surprisingly, every season, Bergen’s roster has a slew of D1 talent and even some future professionals, notably, former Houston Texan Brian Cushing. Crusader Stadium is an intimate arena, encircled by magnificent, tall trees. The capacity is 2,000 and usually has close to capacity crowds for each home game. In short, it’s a taste of Friday Night Lights – except the pizza and bagels are way better. Lastly, tickets are $5. Food & Beverage 4 Burgers and chicken kabob are cooked on an outdoor grill by the friendly BC staff. Nachos, as well as drinks (Gatorade and water) are also on the menu. Everything is very reasonable ($5 for burgers) and a notch above what you’d find at a typical professional venue. For dining outside the venue, check out the Neighborhood section. Atmosphere 5 The Crazies are very passionate, as are most of the fans in attendance. However, BC is a victim of its own success. If you come late, especially for an important game, don’t expect a general admission bleacher seat. For big games, BC brings in extra bleachers. Sometimes, it’s still not enough. However, there’s plenty of standing room, which can go two or three deep. While exact attendance figures are hard to come by, it’s not unusual for BC to draw 7,000 plus fans. As far as restrooms, BC utilizes Porta Potties. Recently, BC announced plans for a stadium renovation, so help is on the way. Neighborhood 4 It’s suburban with a slice of rural. Deer sightings are not uncommon. BC plays in the middle of a quiet, residential neighborhood. The Oradell train station, and Oradell’s cuisine offerings are just over a mile away, within walking distance. Schreibers Delicatessen , offers classic deli offerings. For something a bit more upscale, fancy-casual Andiamo Restaurant, in nearby Haworth, is an amazing Italian restaurant. Fans 5 When the Crusader Crazies are done tailgating, they march together through the woods and then the quiet, residential streets of Oradell. The Crazies are passionate, fun and not mean-spirited. And the same can be said for the non-Crazie, clothed BC fans. Check out the Crusader Crazies in action here: Access 4 A parking lot where the Crazies tailgate is a short walk away. You can also shoot for a space on the street. BC is accessible via public transportation, either by bus or train. It’s a 45-minute train from Penn Station and everything NYC offers. Return on Investment 5 You can’t beat $5 tickets for an afternoon of top notch high school football and spirit. The Crusader Crazies alone are worth this fee. Extras 5 The Cameron Crazies stand for the entire game and keep the chants and cheers coming. There’s no band, but BC pipes in the AC/DC and other standards. The cheerleaders bring it. Don’t expect to be bored. Final Thoughts In this overpriced professional sports universe, Crusader Stadium is a refreshing taste of Americana. Norman Rockwell would feel right at home in Oradell. The football is elite for a very modest price. The atmosphere is equal intense and cozy. And the Crusader Crazies are some of the best football fans anywhere. North Jersey’s Bergen Catholic offers a Friday Nights Lights experience – though it’s often on Saturday afternoon. Jon Hart is @ManversusBall

Photos by Drew Cieszynski Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Earl E. Wilson Stadium Swenson St Paradise, NV 89154 UNLV Rebels website Earl E. Wilson Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,000 Hustlin’ Rebels Many programs claim to play baseball in paradise, but only one can claim it in a literal sense. With Paradise, NV being home to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels, this is one ballpark that fans from all over the country will gladly travel to. The Rebels home field is known as Earl E. Wilson Stadium, named for Hazel and Earl Wilson. The Wilson estate donated $6.5 million to the University, $1.2 of which was used for the construction of the baseball stadium. Beyond just location, the facility is easily one of the most reputable in college baseball. Able to accommodate 3,000 fans, this venue has experienced a rather consistent stream of improvements every few years. The program started the Hustlin’ Rebel tradition in 1973, playing at Rebel Field. Later, in 1980, it was renamed Roger Barnson Field for the University’s previous Athletic Director. In 1993, construction of the current stadium began on the site of the previous stadium. When it was dedicated in January of 1994 as Earl E. Wilson Stadium, it was decided that the Roger Barnson namesake would remain on the field. Food & Beverage 2 If fans have any stomach room left after the all-you-can-eat buffets on the strip, they will find a single concession stand behind home plate. Fans should note, however, the concession stand is cash only. The food options are limited to pretzels ($3), popcorn ($2), nachos ($3), Rebel Dog ($4), caterpillars or gummy bears candy ($3), Twizzlers ($6 – not a typo), sunflower seeds ($2), or a sliders and chips combo ($6). The beverage options include bottled water ($3), Powerade ($3), and bottled Coke or Sprite soda ($3). Being one of the few schools to offer alcohol options on campus, fans can get Bud, Coors, or Miller beers for $6, coffee or hot chocolate with Bailey’s Irish Cream for $5, and lastly wine for $6. Atmosphere 3 Attending a Rebels game while in Las Vegas is a great change of pace from the strip or even downtown. The stadium is indeed a beautiful one and while you can see the towering hotels in the distance, there are not a lot of diversions detracting from the game at hand. The public address announcer is easily one of the best in the Southwest United States and gives the venue a major-league feel. Neighborhood 5 If you’ve never visited the campus of UNLV, you would be surprised by its proximity to the strip. Before or after the game, fans have access to some of the best entertainment and food options in the world. Lodging is never an issue as there are likely more hotel rooms within a 10-minute radius than at any other venue in the world. Of course, not every fan wants to deal with the intensity of the strip, so there are many more low-key options in the immediate area. Roy’s Hawaiian, Buca di Beppo for Italian, the Hoffbrau House, Capriotti’s Subs, Red Lobster, Origin India Restaurant, Johnny Rockets, and Kaizen Fusion Roll & Sushi are all just minutes away. Fans 3 The turnout of the fan base was a bit surprising considering the success of the program, but the school was on spring break during the game, so many students may have been away. There appeared to be many locals at the game who would have little or no interest in the nearby entertainment and simply were there to cheer on the home team, as they do every game. Earl E Wilson certainly draws more opposing fans than any other venue due to the nearby entertainment options and marketing of the city. This can create some interesting atmospheres with the bantering among fans. Access 5 Access is possibly the best feature of this stadium. During the game, many airplanes will fly overhead as the venue is just minutes from the airport. If fans are driving rather than flying, the campus is just moments off of the 15 freeway. Lastly, if fans are staying on the strip, it is even feasible to walk to the venue. Parking is available just outside the main gate, but spots do appear to be limited. There does not seem to be an attendant on hand, so my parking was free on game day, although I would caution that vehicles do require the hourly permit during school hours. Once inside the stadium, you’ll notice a rather spacious concourse and easy-to-find restrooms. There are two restrooms per gender, all located behind the main grandstand. In the men’s room, fans are greeted by a sea of red paint and have six stations for use. The seating area has mostly fold-down seats, rather spacious, but lacking cup holders. There are some bleacher seats a bit higher, but with a capacity of 3,000, they are seldom used. Return on Investment 5 With many items in Las Vegas at exorbitant prices, this is easily one of the best entertainment values. Fans get to witness one of the best stadiums in college baseball, one of the more successful programs in the sport, and often gorgeous weather for reasonable prices. A regular ticket is a mere $8, with seniors at $6, kids admitted for free, and a “Student Buddy” for just $4. Even more impressive is that creative promotions are often offered to save fans even more. Some of the promotions that I took note of included “wear green on St. Patrick’s day” or bring your NCAA conference tournament stub for half-price tickets. Extras 5 While many of the extras are not immediately apparent upon walking through the gates, Earl E. Wilson does have many extra touches that enhance the experience. First are the many benches both outside and inside of the stadium. Not just everyday benches, some are made of granite and other materials to memorialize those that have contributed to the program. Benches for Charles & Selma Knauss are found outside of the stadium, while inside both James A Kelly and Blair L. Woofter are honored. Unfortunately, not everyone is rather engaged in a baseball contest. Whether consciously or not, during the design of the stadium a large grass area was placed along the third base side. During the game, many children were taking advantage of this area for their imaginative sports. Upon entering the stadium, the plaza that greets fans has a large flowerbed that spells “UNLV” as well as a plaque honoring Earl E. Wilson. The prominent red facade of the stadium reinforces the school colors and once fans get to the top of the plaza steps, they’ll find the starting lineup for the Rebels displayed prominently. The retired numbers from the programs are found on the large 12-foot outfield wall. The players immortalized in Rebel baseball include Ryan Ludwick (18), Matt Williams (15), and coach Fred Dallimore (13). The UNLV bullpen is both elevated to see the playing field and shaded from the hot sun. The opposing bullpen is simply an aluminum bench. Nothing more needs to be said except “home-field advantage.” Lastly, the “335 Club” needs to be mentioned. Named for their position beyond the 335-foot marker of the outfield wall, this section is reserved for the most passionate Rebel fans. These fans seem to start tailgating hours before the game, are always spotted in red, and have an exclusive view of the playing field. Final Thoughts Baseball fans cannot deny Earl E. Wilson Stadium as one of the best in the sport. There is probably no venue that can compete in the slightest in the “Neighborhood” category with significant points in the Access, ROI, and Extras categories. A few of the changes I would love to see at the ballpark include cup holders on the seats, additional concession options and the acceptance of credit cards, and an awning of some sort that could shield fans from the hot desert sun. All in all, however, a visit to see the Hustlin’ Rebels is time well spent!