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

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

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Sparks website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 13,141 A Spark of Life The Los Angeles Sparks, one of the original eight WNBA teams founded in 1997, have entertained basketball fans from Inglewood to the center of Los Angeles for close to two decades. Though not as popular as the NBA brand, the fact that the WNBA has been able to maintain their product for close to 20 years is a true testament that basketball fans will come out to their venue to watch the lady ballers. Being in the L.A. market, the Sparks have always been one of the focal points of the WNBA. The Sparks have had a solid history of excellence during their WNBA tenure, qualifying for the post season 11 times, reaching the WNBA finals three times and winning the big prize twice in 2001 and 2002, while losing to Detroit in 2003. Prior to playing at the Staples Center, the Sparks played their home games at The Forum until the 2001 season. Note: The Staples Center name changed to Crypto.com Arena in 2021. Food & Beverage 3 During a Sparks game, the selections are not as varied as they would be for the other major teams. If the game should have a big enough crowd that the upper concourse is open, the majority of the stands open would still be in the lower level. If you’re hankering for a hot dog, the Skyscraper Dog at $7 is a good sized 12-inch beef dog that should more than satisfy your appetite. If you should bring your sweet tooth to the game, Popcornopolis has some large bags of sweet specialty popcorn from caramel corn to kettle corn at $6. Candy apples are also available for $6.25, as well as bottomless popcorn for $6.75. If it’s pizza you want, California Pizza Kitchen also has stands open that sell personal sized pizzas at a reasonable $10. The selections range from BBQ chicken pizza to your standard pepperoni pizza. For adult fans, the Harbor and Figueroa Bars are located by each of the main entrances. Not surprisingly, for a Sparks game, there are not too many patrons at either location. Atmosphere 4 Upon arriving to the Staples Center you should enter through the 11th Street plaza (the grand plaza to many who attend events here) where you will be greeted of statues honoring Lakers greats and Wayne Gretzky. However, the Sparks do what they can to let you know that they are the main attraction of the day by displaying a huge banner adorned in its purple and gold glory. The opening player introductions are nothing out of the ordinary with the lights being dimmed along with loud hip-hop music being played to pump the crowd up. A tradition here among the Sparks fans is for everyone to remain standing while making loud noise until the Sparks score their first bucket. Also of note, the P.A. announcer is also the in-game emcee, so don’t expect him to be like your typical P.A. announcer as he goes above his duties of just announcing in game information by revving up the crowd to get behind their team. The crowd here is anything but a typical NBA type crowd. Though crowds here rarely , if ever, fill up to the Staples Center rafters, the enthusiasm level here is at a fevered pitch, with the majority of the crowd consisting of young women and kids from various youth groups, as well as various church groups, which could be typical for a Sunday afternoon game. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is still impressive and the excitement with the crowd is something you may never experience among the elite crowds during Lakers games. Neighborhood 5 With the L.A. Live entertainment and dining complex across the street, there is no shortage of pre and post game dining and entertainment options such as the Grammy Museum or Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge for you upscale bowlers. Dining options at L.A. Live include Yard House, Wolfgang Puck, Rock N’fish, and Smash Burger. If you should opt to stay away from the L.A. Live Complex, a Hooters is located across the street from the Figueroa Street entrance. There are plenty of other entertainment and dining options in the Downtown L.A. area should none of the above mentioned be to your particular craving. Fans 4 The type of fans who come here to an L.A. Sparks game are a different breed as opposed to those who come out for Lakers games. The fans are a lot younger, especially female fans, and they are certainly in force. Plus you get that feeling that the fans are here for the entertainment aspect of watching a basketball game, unlike those of their NBA counterparts in purple and gold, whose fan base tend to be celebrities and those on a who’s who list, and have the reputation of going there to be seen. This is a refreshing change for the everyday fan who wants to simply enjoy a basketball game. Access 4 One of the nice things about attending a Sparks game is ticket availability. Tickets can pretty much be bought on a last minute, walk up basis for that casual fan who wants to see an entertaining basketball game at an affordable price. During most games, the upper bowl is closed off so all fans are close to the action. For those who opt to drive to the game, the Staples Center is really close to the major freeways, the 110, 10, and 101, with the 405 being about 20 minutes away pending traffic. Notice I said, pending traffic. This is L.A. after all. There are about 3,300 parking spaces within the Staples Center area including L.A. Live, as well as some various private spots scattered throughout the area ranging from a five to twenty minute walk. The spots can range from $3 to $15. If you should choose to be frugal, the walk to the Staples Center isn’t far from even the most distant spots. If you should opt to use public transit, the Metro Blue and Expo lines drop fans off across the street. For transit assistance to Staples Center and other transportation options, you can click on this Staples Center transit link or use the Metro Trip Planner. Return on Investment 4 L.A. Sparks basketball is the type of entertainment that is perfect for that type of fan who wants to see some great basketball action live without leaving a huge hole on the wallet. Tickets typically run from $15 to $65 as you venture closer to the floor. Third party sites are also a great option as you can generally get tickets far below face value. This is one of the few times the average fan can attend a professional basketball game and be as close to the action without breaking the bank. Extras 4 One aspect I really enjoy about attending a Sparks game is the energy felt not only among the fans but the in-game entertainment as well. The Sparks must be well aware of what fan base they are catering to for them to have a local dj/emcee act as the P.A. announcer as well. As for other in-game entertainment, the Sparks also provide two dance teams. The Sparks Kids and The Old Skool Crew, made up of a group of women dancers 30 and over who got some moves that even the younger kids would enjoy. Of course, let’s not forget that the Staples Center is the home to four professional franchises with a lot of history behind them. If you should enter the Staples Center through the 11th Street entrance you will pass through statues of Lakers greats Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as former L.A. Kings legend Wayne Gretzky. Championship banners from both organizations, as well as the Sparks banners, are on display on the upper south walls and the rafters. Final Thoughts Though the Sparks may not get the type of attention the other 3 tenants would get, they still provide quite an entertaining professional basketball experience. What often gets lost when observing a women’s basketball game is that the ladies play the game in its purest fundamental way. You won’t see many flashy plays, and you would be hard pressed to see any slam dunks. That is not to say that the ladies lack any excitement, as the Sparks have had such notable players from Lisa Leslie to Candace Parker. Hopefully, the Sparks and the WNBA will continue to expand their fan base and they will be around for many years to come.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Michelo Ultra Arena 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 Las Vegas Aces website Michelob Ultra Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 12,000 Todo dentro Los Ases de Las Vegas de la WNBA juegan sus juegos en casa en el Mandalay Bay Events Center de Las Vegas, NV. El equipo tiene historia fuera de Las Vegas jugando en Salt Lake City, UT y San Antonio, TX antes de mudarse a Las Vegas en 2018. El Mandalay Bay Events Center es un lugar excepcional para observar a un equipo de la WNBA. Ofrece muchos asientos cerca a precios asequibles y una fantástica experiencia de día de juego para los juegos de Ases. Organizó el Juego de Estrellas WNBA 2019 y alberga otras formas de entretenimiento durante todo el año. Alimentos y Bebidas 3 Los precios de alimentos y bebidas en el Centro de eventos me parecen un poco altos. Para las bebidas, una botella de agua cuesta $ 5. Los cócteles varían de $ 15 a $ 22, una copa de vino cuesta $ 12, la cerveza cuesta $ 10 – $ 14 con un tall boy a $ 15. No sé qué es esto (en cuanto a bebidas), pero un ‘tarro de masón’ tiene un precio de $ 24. Los carros y las concesiones a lo largo del concurso ofrecen tacos para caminar ($ 8.50), Aces Dogs con papas fritas ($ 9.50 – $ 10), Real Pit BBQ (carne de cerdo, carne de res, pavo a $ 10.50) y filete de queso ($ 13). Los conos de Sno, Dippin ‘Dots, Five Spot Coffee, Dole Soft Serve y mini-donuts también adornan el vestíbulo. El recuento de calorías de los artículos se proporciona en los principales puestos de venta. Aunque el vestíbulo es amplio, las líneas de concesión son largas. Ambiente 5 Los asientos tienen forma de U alrededor de la cancha. Una sección VIP de piso y el DJ están en el extremo abierto. Dos niveles de asientos están en su lugar; el nivel superior sube a la fila K. Hay disponibles pasamanos. No hay pasarela entre los niveles, sube a los 200 asientos de nivel o baja a los 100 asientos de nivel. Muy fácil. Los asientos en la arena son acolchados pero bastante estrechos con muy poco espacio para las piernas y están placenteramente cerca de la acción en la cancha. El marcador de video cuelga en la cancha central y tiene el tamaño perfecto para la arena. Proporciona el juego, las repeticiones, las estadísticas individuales de los jugadores, el tiempo restante en cuartos, faltas y casi cualquier cosa para aquellos que llevan la cuenta. La temperatura en la arena es cómoda y para aquellos que tienen frío, solo se necesita una camisa de manga larga. Las leyes de Nevada todavía permiten fumar cigarrillos en los casinos, incluido el Mandalay Bay Casino (pero no en la arena), por lo que los fanáticos pueden atragantarse atravesando el casino antes de llegar al evento de baloncesto. Barrio 4 El vecindario más cercano es el casino con sus más de 5 restaurantes (algunos de los cuales parecen ‘presumidos’ si no eres parte del grupo o asociación que tiene un evento allí) y el centro comercial justo al lado con su propia variedad de alimentos y bebidas. opciones que incluyen Slice of Vegas, Fat Tuesday y Hussong’s Cantina (mexicana). No recomiendo Libertine Social, ya que parecen los más reacios a aceptar a un visitante informal para tomar una copa. Los restaurantes del casino son agradables pero son caros. En su lugar, visite el Slice of Vegas en el centro comercial. Tienen excelente cerveza y pizza decente. Ofrecen una rebanada de pastel de queso gratis (del tipo que doblas y no comes con un tenedor y un cuchillo, como debería ser) cuando se muestra tu boleto de Ases. Y tienen ofertas de comida y bebida todos los fines de semana. Al lado de Mandalay Bay se encuentra el Luxor Casino and Resort y luego está Excalibur con el Tropicana al otro lado de la calle. Todos estos casinos tienen habitaciones si pasan una o dos noches. El Mandalay Bay tiene el Acuario Shark Reef, el Luxor tiene el Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Excalibur tiene un teatro de cena medieval y el Tropicana tiene un club de comedia. Por lo tanto, hay mucho que hacer a poca distancia, además de apostar en un casino lleno de humo. Para ver otros deportes en el área durante la temporada de la WNBA, echa un vistazo al nuevo Las Vegas Ballpark (inaugurado en 2019), Las Vegas Lights (USL), y dependiendo de qué tan lejos lleguen los Ases en la temporada posterior, ser capaz de ver un juego de pretemporada de Vegas Golden Knights (NHL). Ventiladores 5 Una buena mezcla de fanáticos asiste a los juegos de ases: familias, parejas, niños y grupos. Los fanáticos gritan “Noche” durante el lugar apropiado en el Himno Nacional. Me dijeron que esto se hace en todos los lugares deportivos de Las Vegas desde que el hockey Golden Knights se instaló en Las Vegas. Los fanáticos hacen un buen trabajo gritando a los árbitros por faltas injustificadas y se aferran a cada regate, pase y tiro, y rugen de emoción cuando los Ases hacen una canasta o un buen juego. En la primera temporada de los Ases en 2018, una asistencia promedio de aproximadamente 5,300 fanáticos entró por las puertas. A pesar de que el Centro de eventos tiene 12,000, un gran bloque de asientos (detrás de un objetivo completo) no se usa para los juegos de Ases, lo que hace que la arena se sienta abarrotada. Acceso 4 Llegar al Mandalay Bay Events Center es relativamente fácil. Está justo a la salida de la I-15. El estacionamiento oeste parece ser el más cercano al Centro de Eventos. El monorraíl MGM Grand Station de Las Vegas está a una milla a pie. El aeropuerto internacional McCarran está a 2 millas y media del lugar. Muchos hoteles ofrecen servicios de transporte hacia y desde el Mandalay Bay Resort, así que aproveche aquellos que no se hospedan en el centro. Las puertas no se abren a las 6 p.m. (como me dijo el agente de boletos) pero se abren a las 6:30 p.m. a través de grandes cantidades de seguridad, aunque no fue desagradable. Solo espere una larga cola si llega temprano. La explanada puede estar un poco congestionada, especialmente alrededor de las concesiones de alimentos y al medio tiempo. Los baños son adecuados y se mantienen excepcionalmente limpios durante todo el juego. Retorno de la inversión 3 Los precios de las entradas cuestan $ 24 (cancha central, segundo nivel, fila alta) con filas más bajas que cuestan $ 42. El asiento final es un poco más bajo. Agregue una tarifa de servicio grande de $ 5 incluso si se compra en la taquilla a esos precios. Consulte su calendario para cualquier regalo durante la temporada. Tome el monorriel u obtenga un servicio de transporte desde su hotel para reducir las tarifas de estacionamiento. Los precios de concesión son altos para un recinto deportivo. Sin embargo, vale la pena asistir a un juego de ases y gastar sus dólares en entretenimiento deportivo. Extras 2 Los ujieres en la arena son extremadamente amables y serviciales. En el Mandalay Bay Casino se muestran pancartas y letreros en columnas y otras áreas. ¡Recuerda ir a Slice of Vegas antes o después del juego! Pensamientos finales Cuando asista a un juego de Las Vegas Aces, verá el esfuerzo que contribuyen todos los involucrados: los jugadores, el personal, la seguridad, los entrenadores y, sobre todo, los fanáticos. Desafortunadamente, WNBA no está recibiendo el reconocimiento que debería y eso es una pena. Es un gran deporte para ver sin las travesuras de la NBA. ** Special thanks to Jim Minard and Raul Perez for translation assistance. **

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Barclays Center 620 Atlantic Ave New York, NY 11217 New York Liberty website Barclays Center website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 17,732 A Liberty Tree Grows In Brooklyn The NY Liberty are charter members of the WNBA, as they were a headline franchise at the inception of the league in 1997. The team has won four conference titles and gone to 4 WNBA Championship series but has yet to win the league title. Over the years the Liberty has boasted of a team filled with the top talent in women’s basketball, including Teresa Witherspoon, Rebecca Lobo, and Sabrina Ionescu. The Liberty has had a nomadic existence as far as where they have called their home court. The team called Madison Square Garden their home from 1997- 2010, moving across the river to the Prudential Center in Newark from 2011-2013. They then returned to Madison Square Garden from 2014-2017. In 2018 major renovations got underway at Madison Square Garden, forcing the team to relocate to the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY for the 2018-2019 seasons. They have also played an outdoor game (at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium) and games in Radio City Music Hall. In 2020 they were set to play in the $1 billion Barclays Center in Brooklyn…. only to have the season shifted to a “bubble season” in Florida due to the COVID pandemic. The team finally moved into its new permanent home in time for the 2021 season, just in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary as a team. The Barclays Center is a one-of-a-kind facility, as it combines the spectacular building initially designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry with the basketball- street smarts of the borough of Brooklyn. The exterior skin of the building combines pre-weathered steel and glass to evoke both the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the gritty industrial neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The structure also boasts of an oculus reaching out from the front of the building, which includes looping advertising messages on the interior portion of the structure. The Liberty shares the building with the Brooklyn Nets. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage program at Barclays is known as the Brooklyn Taste and focuses on having the typical foods you would find on any street in the borough of Brooklyn. These stands include Biaggio’s Pizza (pizza), Paisano’s Meat Market (deli), Brooklyn Bangers and Dogs (brisket hot dogs), Calexico (nachos), Parm (meatball sandwiches), Buffalo Boss (wings), Crabby Shack (lobster rolls) Graze Steakhouse (beef brisket BBQ), Habana’s (Cuban sandwiches) and of course, straight from Coney Island…Nathan’s Hot Dogs. Unfortunately, the Barclays Center only offers a minimal dining experience for the Liberty’s games with only two concession stands open in the arena. This was the biggest disappointment in our visit to the Barclays Center. Paisanos Burgers offers a burger and fries combo ($11), a chicken tenders and fries combo ($13), and Nathan’s hot dog ($8). The other stand that was open was the Buffalo Boss concession. It offered a Beef Brisket Brat ($11), a Smoked White Cheddar Brat ($11), hot dogs ($6), and a Buffalo Boss Salad ($15). Beverages sold at the two open stands included Pepsi brand sodas ($7.75), bottled water ($10.99), Red Bull energy drinks ($6), Snapple ($7), and both brands and craft beers for $15. Alcohol can be found at the Cîroc Bar, the Corona Beach House, the Jack Daniels Distillery, or Johnnie Walker’s Place. Nene’s Taqueria, Birria Street Tacos. None of these were open during our visit to the Liberty game. Atmosphere 4 The Barclays Center interior comes in varying shades of gray and black shiny surfaces. Both the Liberty and Nets have uniforms that boast these two colors. However, the Nets go decidedly darker in their gameday mode, as they play on a gray court and use theatrical lighting that darkens the seating bowl while illuminating the court like you would a stage in a play. The Liberty uses a more traditional wood grain court and has teal highlights framing the court and the circle at midcourt. They also use theatrical lighting at their games. Brooklyn Fanatics, the team store for both the Liberty and the Nets, has one of the most extensive sets of team gear that we have seen in an in-house setting. Neighborhood 4 Barclays Center lies at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, the historical heart of Brooklyn and the Prospect Heights neighborhood. There are plenty of things to do in the borough of Brooklyn, with most activities within close walking distance of the Barclays Center or a neighboring subway station. The Atlantic Center shopping district is just across Atlantic Avenue from the arena, offering several national retailers and some fine dining options. Fifth Avenue has located two blocks from the Barclays Center and is home to both the Alchemy Restaurant and Tavern and The Montrose Sports Bar. Two attractions include on your visit to Brooklyn are the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the weekly Brooklyn Flea Market, one of the largest of its kind in the nation. The many other attractions offered in the greater New York City area are just a subway station away. Fans 4 Even though the Barclays Center has a basketball capacity of 17,732 the Nets utilize only the lower seating bowl, resulting in sellouts at only 8,000 fans. The team feels that this concentrates the crowd closer to the court, resulting in a better fan experience. It also means that the team can get by with half the gameday staff that the Nets use. The Liberty organization does a great job of maintaining a high energy level throughout the games. Ellie, the team’s elephant mascot, roams the stands, leading the cheers and posing with fans for selfies along the way. The team has a fan participation activity on the court during breaks in the action. Between periods the team brings out two distinctly different dance troupes, one made up of younger break dancers, and a more seasoned group of dancers known as the Timeless Torches. Once the music cranks up, it is hard to tell the difference between the two groups. Access 4 The Barclays Center lacks one thing that every stadium, arena, or ballpark calls a necessity, which is a dedicated parking lot. However, in the metropolitan setting of greater New York City, this is not a liability. Accessibility is excellent in a city where having a car can be a liability. Barclays Center sits atop a transit hub under its front plaza. The subway station is known as the Atlantic Avenue – Barclays Center Station. Subway lines serving Barclays Center include Lines 2,3,4,5, B, D, N, Q, and R. The Long Island Railroad has a facility next door to the arena. MTA bus routes B37, B41, B45, B63, B65, B67, and B103 all have stops located at the venue. Connections via public transit are so good that you can reach most any of the top sightseeing attractions in the Big Apple in less than an hour after you leave the Barclays Center. Access to the building itself is also well designed. There are major sets of entrances and exits along Atlantic Avenue, Dean Street, and Flatbush Avenue. Doors open 90 minutes before tipoff. The concourses at the Barclays Center are wide and the concession stands are well spaced out, so you should not encounter too many lines during breaks in the action. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices at the Barclays Center come at two levels. Baseline seats and corner seats are $30, while sideline seats and midcourt seats are $30 each. Your cost of getting to the Barclays Center is determined by what type of public transportation you take to the game. Food prices are expensive compared to street prices but are in line with what most professional sports facilities charge. Extras 4 In addition to hosting the Liberty and the Nets, the Barclays Center has hosted the Atlantic 10 Men’s College Basketball Tournament, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and early rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Barclays Center has put its theatrical lighting system to good use, as it has hosted numerous concerts and the MTV Video Music Awards since opening. You would think that the Liberty’s dance team would have been named the Belle’s. However, the team’s over sixty dance team is known as the Timeless Torches. The Liberty’s team mascot is an elephant named Ellie. Why do you ask? When the Brooklyn Bridge opened, circus showman P.T. Barnum drove a herd of 21 elephants across it to prove its sturdiness. The elephant’s name is a play on the word Ellis, as in Ellis Island in NY harbor. Final Thoughts After a mostly nomadic existence over its first 25 years, the New York Liberty has finally reached a permanent home in the basketball-crazy borough of Brooklyn. The team has quickly built a fanbase of local fans and has been embraced as “Brooklyn’s own”. The Barclays Center fits in perfectly with its surroundings, as it uses steel and glass to mimic the many skyscrapers in the area while using a more weathered exterior to suggest the grittier industrial history of the area.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 LECOM Park 1611 9th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 Bradenton Marauders website LECOM Park website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 8,500 Marauders Home Turns 100 Minor League Baseball’s second-oldest ballpark celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 2023 season. LECOM Park, home of the Bradenton Marauders, opened its doors in 1923. The ballpark opened as City Park and has gone through five name changes during its one hundred years of use. It was known as McKechnie Park from 1962-2017, becoming LECOM Park in 2018 as a part of a naming rights agreement with the Bradenton-based Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, or LECOM for short. As you can imagine, the ballpark has gone through numerous renovations over the years. When it opened, it only had 1,300 seats and cost $2,000 to build. Today it holds 8,500 and includes amenities that could not have been dreamed of a century ago. Major renovations were required after a hurricane hit the park. Lights were added to the ballpark in 2008. The other two renovations took place in 1993 and 2013. The earlier renovation replaced the seating that had been in the park for 70 years and replaced many of the mechanicals that had become obsolete over that period. The 2013 renovation enhanced the fan plaza and completed a boardwalk beyond the outfield walls that allow 360-degree access for fans around the playing field. Even though the ballpark has been used for a century, the Marauders are only the second minor league team to use the facility, and the first to use it since 1926. The Marauders became the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010. The team has won two league championships during its existence, with a Florida State League Championship in 2016 and a Low A Southeast Championship in 2021. One of the nice things about LECOM Park’s location is its proximity to Florida State League parks in nearby Dunedin, Tampa, Sarasota, and Clearwater. Food & Beverage 4 LECOM Park offers a wide range of food and beverages at its concession stands. The concession stands under the grandstand are open for every game at LECOM, while many of the plaza spots open only on Friday/Saturday/Sunday when attendance is larger. Here is a brief overview of each stand: Pirates Cove is along the first base concourse. It offers pulled pork sandwiches, jumbo hot dogs, cheeseburgers, brats, fried fish sandwiches, and Italian Ices. The Home Plate Express offers pizza slices, nachos, popcorn, chips, and pretzels. The Hot Corner Deli is on the third base side of the field. It offers a wide variety of deli sandwiches, garden salads, and chef salads. The Snack Station is located at the base of the video board in the center field area of the boardwalk. This stand offers BBQ pork fries, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches, and cracker jacks. The Craft Beer Corner offers a wide selection of craft beers and mixed drinks. All stands offer Pepsi brand products and bottled water. Atmosphere 5 It is immediately apparent that you are at one of the most historic venues in baseball when you arrive at LECOM Ballpark. The exterior skin of the stadium is constructed in the Spanish Colonial style that is so classic in Florida. Most of the stands offer shade from the Florida sun under roofs or canopies. The steel girders of the stadium are exposed, showing you how the ballpark was built. The first area you enter after you pass through the ticket gate is the Fan Plaza. It is filled with booths offering a wide selection of food and drink. Make sure you check out the historical exhibit that shares the story of LECOM Park on a decade-by-decade basis. The plaza also offers several lawn games on its grass surfaces. If you just want to relax, there are several Adirondack chairs under the shade of a palm tree. Make sure to allow enough time to check out the Marauders team store, which is also on the Plaza. As you head into the seating bowl, you’ll notice that shaded seats are covering both the home plate area and down each of the baselines. The largest of these is the grandstand behind the home plate, which is covered by a steel roof. The press box sits high above these seats. After visiting the infield sections of the seating bowl, take the time to head out to the outfield seats via the boardwalk. This allows you to circle the stadium and check out the different angles to watch the game. When you reach center field, you’ll be entering the Boardwalk BBQ area, which handles groups of 25 people or more. The large videoboard towers above this section of the boardwalk. As you head towards the right field, you’ll come to the Kona Tiki Bar. There are also drink rails along the boardwalk in this section of the boardwalk. The Boardwalk at LECOM Park, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Marty the Marauder is the team’s swashbuckling mascot. He roams the stands throughout the games and is very happy to pose for a selfie with your family members. Neighborhood 4 LECOM Park is located at the corner of 17th Avenue West and Ninth Street West. This site puts you right in the middle of a city neighborhood in Bradenton. There are plenty of things to do before or after the game within walking distance of the stadium. The Village of the Arts is located next door to the park. It is a cottage-like neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, restaurants, and shops. The Bishop Museum offers you a unique opportunity to learn about the manatees that inhabit the wetlands surrounding Bradenton. If you would like a cold beer after a humid night at the ballpark, you can’t go wrong with Darwin Brewing. It is across the street from LECOM, and it offers a wide selection of craft brews. Fans 4 Like most Florida State League franchises, the Marauders have a very loyal fan base. Bradenton has a very large retirement population, and many of these seniors are season ticket holders. They are very knowledgeable about the game, and they love to share the history of the stadium and of the many players who have passed through Bradenton on the way to the big leagues. They tend to be more traditional in their enjoyment of the game, and you’ll notice that there are fewer loud songs and gimmicky activities on the field as a result. Access 3 LECOM Park is easy to get to from I-75 via State Route 64 West. Getting to the park is easy, it is a little more difficult to find parking once you get there. There are two dedicated parking lots for the ballpark that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are the Outfield Lot and the Home Plate Lot. These lots fill very quickly. However, many local businesses, churches, and charities will allow you to park in their lots after hours for the same price charged by LECOM Park in its lots. Once you are at the ballpark, the stadium gates open one hour before the first pitch. This allows you plenty of time to check out the team store on the Fan Plaza or to get something to eat at one of the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 You won’t need a dead man’s chest to pay for a day or night out at a Marauders game. Tickets are $12 for seats in the infield and home plate grandstand areas. Outfield seating is $8. Parking at Marauders games is free on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Saturday games cost $5 for the Outfield Parking Lot and $8 for the Home Plate Lot. Prices are quite reasonable for food and beverage items. Drink discounts are available on Thirsty Thursday games. Extras 5 Games were suspended during World War II. The ballpark was used to store military equipment during those years. Make sure to say “Thank You” to the ticket takers, ushers, and concession workers as they are all volunteers. During the spring, LECOM Park serves as the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Among the former Marauders who have gone on to play in the major leagues are Gerrit Cole, Josh Bell, and Gregory Polanco. Fireworks follow the games on Saturday nights throughout the season. Final Thoughts LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture, and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago Sky website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 The Sky’s The Limit The Wintrust Arena opened in 2017. It is truly a multi-purpose facility, as in addition to the usual sports and concerts, it also serves as the home for trade shows, large corporate meetings, conventions, and other major events. Wintrust Arena has a capacity of 10,387 in its basketball configuration, with 22 luxury suites also available. The Chicago Sky was founded in 2006 and has played in the Wintrust Arena since 2018. They previously played at the Allstate Arena. The club has won two conference championships (2014,2021) and took home the WNBA Championship on their home floor in 2021. The Wintrust Arena also serves as the home arena for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs of the DePaul University Blue Demons. Food & Beverage 3 There are seven concession stands that are evenly distributed throughout the arena and are numerous enough that you should not encounter a long line during a game. The concession offerings include nachos ($7), chicken tenders ($7), hot dogs ($8), an extra-large popcorn bucket ($9), pretzels ($6.50), chicken sandwiches ($13), pizza ($8.50), chips ($4) and candy ($4) Wintrust Arena serves Pepsi brand sodas ($6.50), Gatorade ($6), and bottled water ($5). The arena also offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Domestic drafts are $9.00, premium drafts are $11.00, premium cans are $!0.00, and craft IPAs are $11.00. Wintrust Arena is a peanut-free facility to protect persons with peanut allergies. Atmosphere 4 Wintrust Arena is very impressive from the outside, with a shiny steel and glass exterior. However, the inside of the venue is what is important to fans, and Wintrust scores high for its well-thought-out configuration. The seating bowl is compact without feeling crowded, with seats at all levels enjoying great sight lines. The seats are very comfortable and provide excellent leg room. The Sky’s court features the yellow and sky-blue color scheme of the franchise, with the team logo at midcourt and yellow and blue borders surrounding the court and endlines. Hanging above midcourt is a gigantic scoreboard/videoboard that features all the stats for the game and replays of outstanding shots during the game. You will never be bored at a Chicago Sky game, as the team does a great job of filling breaks in the action with contests, entertainment, and the antics of Sky Guy, the team’s hilarious mascot Neighborhood 4 The Wintrust Arena is a part of the Collection at McCormick Square. This complex includes the McCormick Place Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis Chicago, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. These buildings are connected via skybridges and pedestrian promenades. It draws the largest convention gatherings in the Windy City, and has several on-site restaurants, as well as many dining opportunities in the South Loop neighborhood that surrounds it. The arena is convenient to nearby attractions in the Chinatown area (Chinese American Museum of Chicago) or along the lakefront (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum). Fans 4 The Sky has a large and loyal fanbase. The Wintrust Arena is one of the largest capacity arenas in the WNBA and they manage to sellout games on a regular basis. Winning the WNBA title in 2021 has really created a buzz in a city that has been starved for a major sports title for many years. The Sky and its Foundation are very active in the schools and civic organizations in the Windy City. It is not unusual to see the names of many of these groups running on the videoboard when they recognize the groups in attendance at that game. There are several special fan experiences available at each game. These include serving as an Anthem Buddy, serving as a Ball Kid, standing in the High 5 line as the team enters the arena from the player’s tunnel/locker room, or delivering the ball to the officials prior to the game. These special experiences must be arranged weeks prior to the game you will be attending. Access 4 Wintrust Arena is easily accessed by a wide variety of transportation options. There are multiple parking garages within the McCormick Place complex for those who wish to drive to the Sky games. These lots tend to have plenty of spaces available when the games take place on weekends or at night. However, it is important to remember that Chicago traffic can be a nightmare at most any time of the day. Directions coming from the north: Use the Kennedy Expressway and exit at 18th Street. Take 18th Street east to State Street. Turn south on State Street to Cermak. Turn left on Cermak Road Directions coming from I-55: Take the ramp to the Southbound Dan Ryan Expressway. Exit at 31st Street and head east. At South Martin Luther King Drive head north. McCormick Place will be at the corner of South Martin Luther King Drive and Cermak Road. There are several public transportation options to get to the Wintrust Arena. The CTA’s Green Line offers L service via the Cermak-McCormick Place Station. The CTA’s Red Line serves Wintrust Arena via the Cermak-Chinatown Station. CTA bus service to the arena is available via the #3 and #21 bus routes. METRA Rail services the facility via the McCormick Place Station. The doors to Wintrust Arena open 90 minutes prior to tipoff. Return on Investment 3 There are several ticket price points available for games at the Wintrust Arena. The lowest seating price is $19, which is on the Upper Level at the end of the court. The other price levels are $28 (Upper Level in the corners), $33 (Upper Level on sides of court), $44 (Lower Level at end of the court), $55 (Lower Level corners), and the highest priced seats are $71 (Lower Level on the sides) Vey honestly, Wintrust Arena is a very cozy facility, and there really is not a bad seat in the house at any price point. The arena uses Ticketmaster as its official ticket sales vendor. Parking in Lot A of McCormick Place costs $15 on game nights Extras 3 The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game was played at Wintrust Arena. The facility has hosted the Big East Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament on numerous occasions. In 2020 Wintrust Arena hosted the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game as a part of the city’s celebration of All-Star Week. Final Thoughts The Chicago Sky has been one of the most successful WNBA teams for years. In 2021 the team won the WNBA title for the city of Chicago, a city starved for a sports championship for the last few years. The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It is a shiny place of an arena, with excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas. It also features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung videoscreen/scoreboard. It also offers easy access to fans, as the arena is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that lives on public transit.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Shields Field 1300 East Washington Center Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Fort Wayne FC website Shields Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,200 Protecting the Fort and Lower Level Soccer Ft. Wayne FC operates in the Great Lakes Division of USL League Two, the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. The club plays its home matches at Shields Field at Bishop Dwenger High School. The stadium has a capacity of 3,200 spectators for home matches. The club was founded by a group of eight local businessmen looking to provide a stepping stone for young, talented players in the area. FWFC was to have begun operations in 2020 but was delayed a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The club debuted in front of 2,700 people for its first match and later drew over 3,400 for an international friendly against Chivas U20. The organization hopes to break ground on its own 7,500 soccer-specific stadium and have it operating by 2024. It will also include the plan to jump up the USL League One. The eight-man ownership group includes local soccer icon DaMarcus Beasley who played a 20-year professional career in the US and internationally and made 126 appearances for the US Men’s National Team. Food & Beverage 3 All concession items require fans to purchase tickets at a dollar each. The stadium will not accept either cash or credit cards. The decision was to have lines and services move more efficiently at matches. There are two areas for beverages sales at the stadium, and there is more than enough staff on hand to make sure that your order is expedited efficiently and quickly. Fans do not have to wait long in lines for food and beverages. Items at the game include brats, hot dogs, and kettle chips from 2 to 5 tickets. Local 800 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza offers slices that cost 5 tickets. Beer options include Bud, Bud Light, Modelo Especial, and Bud Light Seltzer for 5 or 6 tickets. Landing Beer Company items are 7 tickets, and wines are 5 tickets. Pepsi products cost 3 tickets for bottled sodas and water. Atmosphere 4 There is quite an impressive atmosphere for this level of soccer, and nice to see such an exuberant amount of people at the game. When attracting well over 1,000 people to a fourth division soccer match, it’s hard not to notice everything from the cheering, staff interaction, and the little things that sometimes get overlooked at this level in other cities. The high school football field is spruced up nicely for matches, and much of the school’s logos and colors have been replaced with FWFC banners and signage. You never feel that the club is relegated to second-class citizens at the venue, which features a nice entrance into the main grandstand. The club’s colors and the crest are everywhere from flags, merchandise tents, banners on the press box, and international and homemade flags hanging over the railing. The supporters’ group, Three Rivers Regiment, can be found cheering on the team, waving flags, and banging the posts onto the aluminum bleachers. A small group plays the drums throughout the game and lets off a little smoke after a home goal. Players are introduced through an inflatable tunnel with music as they make their way to the center field. They are accompanied by local area youth soccer players and remain there until after the National Anthem has concluded. The crowd waits for kickoff, and the next 45 minutes are focused on the action on the field. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is 1.6 miles north of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, and depending on when you are in town, can also enjoy either a Ft. Wayne Komets hockey or Ft. Wayne Mad Ants basketball game. The stadium is also near two main intersections and close to interstate exits. Shield Field is near an abundance of chain restaurants, retail outlets, and berries lodging options. You could want almost everything within a couple of miles from the building, including coney dogs, barbecue, craft beer, and Tim Horton’s coffee. Mister Coney has been a mainstay for over 50 years and offers their take on the coney dog that is a bit meatier in texture than what you would find downtown. Mission BBQ is a Maryland-based chain but provides an array of smoked meats and 8 varieties of barbecue, with portions of their proceeds going back to first responders. 2Tom’s Brewing Company has a range of beers and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for games of all ages. Glenbrook Square Mall is one of the largest in the area and is surrounded by familiar chain restaurants and shops. Tim Horton’s has a location here featuring its coffee that is widely consumed up north in Canada. You can also make a trip downtown for a Ft. Wayne TinCaps game at Parkview Field during the summer months. Fans 4 Soccer fans have been quite loyal to the club this season. The attendance figures for regular-season matches are near or well over 1,000 people a game. A friendly against Chivas U20 attracted 3,600 people during its inaugural season. Even on a rainy and overcast day, an impressive crowd was out to support the club at its last home game of the season. Access 4 The stadium is at the corner of East Washington Center Road and North Clinton Street. The field is accessible and a little over a mile from Exit 312 (Coldwater Road) off of I-69. There is plenty of parking for matches that include police assistance exiting after the game. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a match is $10 a person and $5 for children. There is a $5 charge for cars, something uncommon at this level of soccer. Food prices cost anywhere between $2 to $5, and alcoholic drinks will set you back anywhere from $5 to $7–buckets of beer are 20 tickets. There is a selection of shirts and jerseys; t-shirts cost $19.99, and home and away jerseys are $56.99. All game day programs are free, and fans receive a free scarf while supplies last upon entering the stadium. . Extras 3 The club earns a point for its game-day atmosphere. A large group of volunteers makes sure the fan experience runs smoothly from fast lines at the concession stands, customer service questions, and proper setup for matches. A second point for a nice collection of team merchandise that is not that expensive. A final point for creating a vibrant atmosphere for lower-division soccer in the United States. Final Thoughts I did not know what to expect from a Ft. Wayne FC match, but I was pleasantly surprised by the crowd size, game-day operations, and professionalism of the club. Soccer at this level is a mix of bad and I have had my share of experiences the past 25 plus years; it is usually not operated like this and at times is below a middle school football game. For that, it made a fan out of me and an experience I truly treasured. I think we will be seeing some great things from this club in the coming years. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and Instagram.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kino North Stadium 2817 E Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713 FC Tucson website Kino North Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 3,200 Men in Black Making its debut in 2013, the Kino North Stadium was the first expansion of Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, AZ, a multi-purpose sports and cultural events center. The Kino Sports Complex, originally opened in 1998 for spring training games. When the MLB teams announced transferring to Phoenix for spring training, the city turned its focus to soccer and youth sports. The North Stadium is home to the USL-1 FC Tucson soccer, WPSL soccer, as well as the Tucson Sun Cup (preseason spring training for MLS teams) and tournaments. Besides soccer, the North Complex has several fields and grounds used for rugby, softball, and other events. FC Tucson (known as the Men in Black) began as a soccer club league in 2011 then moved to the USL PDL (Premier Development League) in 2012. The team was quite successful in the PDL, reaching the post season and winning the Western Championship multiple times. FC Tucson transitioned to the USL-1 when that league formed in 2019. The Pima County Stadium District operates the game day events; it provides a pleasant, enjoyable game day experience. Food & Beverage 3 Enough food concessions are for purchase to keep hungry fans happy. One permanent concession stand serving basic stadium food items, one colorful Mexican Peruvian Fusion truck, and one beer/cocktail cart round out the options. The concession stand offers hot dogs, burgers ($4 – $6) and assorted snacks such as cookies, chips, nuts, candy, etc. ($3 – $3.50). The hamburger is surprisingly delicious. The Mexican Peruvian truck has nine different, generous choices; enough for two servings. Cheesesteak, cubano, chicken or carne asada bowls, steak and shrimp, steak fries, and more, all cost $12. The beer/cocktail cart sells adult beverages. Craft beers are not on tap; local Dragoon Brewing beers in cans run a pricey $8.75. The concessions (including a merchandise tent) line an open space when entering the park and just before the stands. Unfortunately, no tables are available to sit and eat the food offerings. Staff at a table near the concessions require showing ID to get a drinking age verified wrist band, certainly not uncommon and a lot smoother than pulling out ID at a drink cart. The table attendees insist on putting the band on the right wrist and a fan must talk with a manager if they want it on the left, which is silly. Atmosphere 3 Two stands are on each side of the spotless green soccer pitch. The west side seating is the main seating area and closest to entrance and above player benches. Both stands have handrails for climbing the steps and ramps for prams and wheelchairs. The seating starts at Row A and go up to Row R (18 rows). The east side gets the setting sun for first part of the game but along with that, the gorgeous orange and purple AZ sunsets. All seating is bleachers without backs except the center section of west side (section 104). Those bleachers have backs and are reserved for season ticket holders. A press box sits above this section. Sunset at Kino North Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The west side is probably the better side to sit as the setting sun is not in fans’ eyes. As with most soccer games, a formal ceremony takes place with the singing or playing of the national anthem. Music noise is thankfully not played during the game (only at half time) as FC Tucson fans make their own excitement by clapping and stamping their feet on the bleachers. An easily read, dot matrix scoreboard stands on the north side of the pitch and shows team names, time played, goals, and half. The US flag and, on the night of this review, the Canadian flag fly near the scoreboard. FC Tucson provide several theme promotion nights throughout the season such as Pride Night, Women’s Soccer Appreciation, First Responders, Youth Soccer Night, and more. Weather-wise, it’s best to attend games in the early or later part of the season as it can get sweltering in Tucson in July and August. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is on the south end of Tucson with several places to dine or drink within a mile and many more a little farther. For places to eat, Chopstix Asian Diner (cafeteria style), Brooklyn’s Beer and Burgers, and BBQ Rush Restaurant are close by. Several fast food places like In-N-Out, Burger King, McDonald’s, etc. are nearby as well. For local brews a mile or less from North Kino Stadium, try the Hardbottle Brewing Company or the Copper Mine Brewing Co. Tucson has loads of breweries and restaurants so head more towards downtown (about 4 – 5 miles) for other choices. The Pima Air and Space Museum is six miles south and worth a visit. Four miles in the opposite direction is the Reid Park Zoo and the Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course (an 18-hole public golf course). Although not really close at all, the Saguaro National Park is worth a visit for its impressive views and scenery. Value hotels like Motel 6, Days Inn, etc. line the I-10 exits north and south of the stadium exit. For more upscaled lodging, head closer to downtown. Other spectator sports in Tucson during soccer season include the Tucson Sugar Skulls (indoor football), and, towards the end of the soccer season, you may be able to catch a Tucson Roadrunners (hockey) game. Depending on time of year visiting, fans can watch a University of Arizona football or baseball game or any of its other sports. Fans 2 In the inaugural 2019 USL-1 season, average attendance was a little less than 1,000 fans at an FC Tucson match, below average for USL-1 attendance. We won’t count 2020. Stadium Journey attended a match in 2021 when some physical distancing and other measures were still in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic so it’s hard to judge the fan attendance. Families, kids, couples, in a variety of languages are heard cheering on the Men in Black. Stomping feet on the bleachers is often heard during and after exciting plays. The supporter section, cleverly named The Cactus Pricks, make a small appearance in the northwest corner of the pitch. I expect they are more influential when their turnout numbers are larger. Stadium Journey will revisit once the pandemic has ended. Access 4 Getting to Kino North Stadium is quite easy. It is right off I-10, E Ajo exit if arriving by automobile. Plenty of free covered parking is at the venue. Getting out is just as easy as a traffic light at E Ajo helps with moving the exiting vehicles. Sun Tran bus routes 11, 15, and 2 stop at the Sports Complex with route 11 having a stop at the Tucson International Airport. Be sure to check the schedule and return times as the last route may leave before the end of the match. The Tucson Airport is 4 ½ miles south of the venue. One gate is open with the ticket booth to the left. If bringing items into the ground, clear bags are required. Getting through security is painless and fans take a short walk on a wide path to get to the stadium. A wide open space greets fans at the end of the pathway where the concessions are located. Clean rest rooms are underneath the west stands; porta potties are by the east stands. For those in wheelchairs, purchasing seats on the west side is recommended as getting to the east side requires traveling across grass which may be a tad more difficult to cross. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets run $10 (Supporters Section), $14 (East Stands), $17 (West Stands). Add $1 – $3 if purchased the day of game. These prices are on par and even a little less than other USL-1 teams. The club offers season tickets, 5-game plans, and flex passes which may be more cost effective if planning on attending more than one match a season. Be sure to check the theme promotion nights when t-shirts or other items are given away. The concession prices are reasonable, parking is free. It’s well worth your sports entertainment dollar. Extras 2 Except for the silly wrist band rule, service is excellent from entry into the facility, to ushers, to service via email and over the phone. Kudos to Tucson city for turning the focus of Kino Sports Complex from baseball to soccer and youth sports when the MLB teams announced transferring to Phoenix for spring training. Final Thoughts A high volume of youth soccer programs, women’s teams, preseason MLS, and USL enrich Tucson, AZ’s sports scene. In February, 2021, ownership of the FC Tucson soccer team transferred to an independent private equity firm led by Brett Johnson, original investor of the successful Phoenix Rising FC. The club looks forward to many years of competition and continued growth of the sport in southern Arizona.

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lamport Stadium 1151 King St W Toronto, ON M6K 1E9 Toronto Arrows website Lamport Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 9,600 Canada's Squad in North America's Rugby Capital Since the Toronto Wolfpack brought the English rugby system to Canada in 2017, becoming the first Transatlantic professional team, spectators wholeheartedly embraced the sport. Now building on that success, a second rugby club joined a professional league, this time in the rugby union code. Rugby, while new as a spectator sport, is hardly new to Toronto. Indeed, rugby union is a major participation sport amongst youth all across Canada. While Canada does have a premier-level domestic league (in British Columbia – perhaps the most important hotbed of rugby in North America), promising Canadian rugby players had been forced to play overseas or switch codes to Canadian football. Now, however, top tier clubs in both rugby league and ruby union mean the game is played at the highest level in Canada’s biggest city. With the addition of the Arrows, Toronto now has a team in the US-based MLR (Major League Rugby). The current team can trace its origins to the interprovincial Ontario Blues squad, who compete on a domestic regional level. With the aim of creating a professional team, the provincial rugby body acquired the rights to participate in MLR, and this represents a huge step for the league, looking to avoid a repeat of the last unsuccessful attempt to establish a rugby competition in the United States. By expanding to Canada, the league has moved to a place with an ingrained culture of rugby, not unlike the transformative decision of Major League Soccer to expand to Toronto a decade ago. Among the corporate partners who own the club, former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke is a minority owner. The Arrows began their inaugural season at suburban York University but promptly switched to the larger Lamport Stadium, also home to the Wolfpack. They have had quickly-rising attendance numbers and achieved success on the field, having just qualified at the time of writing for a playoff spot after a 7-0 finish to their season. Featuring an almost-entirely Canadian roster, the Arrows now represent the pinnacle of rugby union for the tens of thousands of players across Canada, and an exciting new sporting environment for springtime in Toronto. Food & Beverage 4 Like other aspects of Lamport Stadium, the food offerings are fairly simplistic and straightforward, but there are good options and terrific beer choices. For food, there is a concession window under the eastern grandstand serving various options from $7 and up. Some choices include sausages, burgers, and handheld meat pies and Jamaican patties. This menu is repeated at another outdoor grill in the north end, next to the real standout of offerings here; the beer garden. Like in the Wolfpack setup, the north end of the stadium features a beer garden behind the end zone, which is the most popular place to enjoy the game. Open to all fans and operating on a token system, a variety of craft brewers sell beer, cider, and spirits from tents. Roaming vendors also sell these craft drinks for $9 per tall can. Some of the options on offer at the reviewed match included Big Rock brewery, Saulter Street brewery, and Lost Craft brewery. Atmosphere 2 Lamport Stadium is, for now, what it is; a 1970’s-era community venue that has hosted fairly small-scale events throughout its history. That all changed with the Wolfpack, who vaulted the ground into Toronto’s sporting scene, and began a regime of renovations after the 2018 season. Those renovations are expected to resume after this summer’s rugby finishes. In the meantime, the stadium consists of two grandstands set in a leafy neighbourhood park, with the beer garden at the north end and a VIP tented section of bars and a buffet are at the south end. The stadium is located along bustling King Street West with a small car park at the south end. The seats are concrete benches, the scoreboard is simple, and washrooms are mostly in the form of outhouses. However, the atmosphere is created by the boisterous fans, sunny weather, and the enjoyable beer garden areas. Additionally, historic and modern architecture surrounding the tight confines of the stadium create the feel of integration with the surrounding city. Approaching the ground through the park, tents indicate the will call and entrance. A quick pass through the concourse puts fans into the eastern grandstand. Early on, only this grandstand was open to the public, but as attendances continue to increase, it is likely the west grandstand will also open up. The beer garden is accessible to all fans, while the south VIP area is wristband-controlled. This area is akin to suites in a more permanent stadium, and individual tents are rented by corporate groups and some local rugby clubs. A surprisingly well-stocked team store is in the beer garden area, and is very popular. The presentation is straightforward, with music and announcements, but no gimmicks. A halftime game was played by the junior girls of the Toronto Reds side. Neighborhood 5 Lamport Stadium is located in the buzzy central Liberty Village neighbourhood, along lively King Street West. This is not far from any downtown attractions and on a nice day, can make a pleasant walk from downtown. Immediately surrounding the stadium are trendy shops and a host of bars. The neighbourhood has long been a hotbed of support for Toronto FC, who play just south at BMO Field. That stadium is also home to the Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Next door is the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home to hockey’s Toronto Marlies. There is a strong neighbourhood feel here, driven by support of the local teams in various sports, primarily TFC and the Wolfpack. Some of the best pubs around include the Brazen Head and Toronto’s reputed oldest bar The Wheat Sheaf. There are plenty of transport links, and all the diversions of Toronto are a quick hop away. Fans 4 When MLR expanded to Toronto, they quickly opened up to legions of fans who know and play the game of rugby. That has proven true, as dozens of local rugby clubs are represented on the shirts, scarves, and hats of fans. In the first season, attendance has reached new heights with each game, and it seems inevitable the stadium will be nearly sold-out within a season or two. So far, the American-based MLR does not have the local prestige of the English rugby league system, home to the Wolfpack, but the union code is the popular participation sport here, so it seems likely that difference will be erased in time. At the game reviewed for Stadium Journey, announced attendance was 3 200, about 1000 more than the league average. Those fans in attendance were very loud, with constant chants and noise, as well as knowledgeable of the intricacies of the game. Access 5 It could not be easier to get to Lamport Stadium by public transportation, by bike, or on foot. Coming from the central area, the King Streetcar passes by every couple minutes, with the Jefferson Avenue stop right out front. A block to the south is Exhibition Station, which is served by frequent suburban trains. The central Union Station is just one stop east along the Lakeshore West line, with trains up to every fifteen minutes. Driving is less easy, as is the case throughout Toronto. Parking is very limited and driving can be an enormous hassle. King Street, to the east of the stadium, is also virtually car-free and cannot be used as a thoroughfare unless you’re riding the streetcar. It’s best to use the easy transport links locally or with suburban GO train services. Return on Investment 4 For a sporting event in downtown Toronto, or just any activity on a nice day, Arrows tickets are reasonably priced. Advanced tickets go for $29 ($19 for youth) and walk-up for $35. All tickets are general admission. Season memberships are where the real deals are found; $200 is the price for a season of tickets, and that drops to $160/season if you purchase a three-year plan. Food averaging $7-$11 and craft beer for $9 are reasonable, if not incredible prices. In all, $50 will buy a great afternoon, which is quite decent for the area. Extras 4 Fans here have unprecedented access to the squad, sharing drinks and congratulations after each match. Players linger after the final whistle to converse with fans on the field itself. Following the game reviewed, in which the Arrows clinched a playoff berth, thousands of fans stormed the field, drinks in hand, and mobbed their beloved Arrows players. The scene culminated with both players and fans singing on the field and an impromptu game of touch rugby breaking out amongst younger fans. An extra point for the role the Arrows play as the pinnacle of achievement for Canadian rugby union players. While a couple other clubs in MLR feature Canadian captains, coaches, and star players, the chance to represent Toronto is massive. An extra point for the immediate success enjoyed by the Arrows in their first season. They will surely be a threat to win the championship this year, and continually successful based on the strength of local talent to draw from. A final extra point for the renovations and certain future upgrades to Lamport Stadium, which is transitioning quickly from neighbourhood venue to nationally-important home of rugby. It won’t be long before the stadium morphs into a newer and larger version of itself, but the park-like setting gives it character. Final Thoughts Toronto is certainly the spectator capital of rugby in North America now, and between the Wolfpack and the Arrows, there are two fantastic experiences to be had. The Arrows are a very quickly growing force on and off the field, and should achieve immediate and lasting success in both regards. For sporting fans in town during spring and early summer, a trip to the Arrows is sure to be worthwhile, and like the common cheer heard at Lamport Stadium, its ‘Arrows Up’ from here into the future.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 AVEVA Stadium 2055 Mowery Rd Houston, TX 77045 Houston Sabercats website AVEVA Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 4,000 Sabercats' New Era at AVEVA Stadium The close of the 2019 season for Major League Rugby’s Houston Sabercats saw the beginning of a new era for the still fledgling team. After a series of delays due to Houston’s famously fickle weather, the second to last game of the season was witness to the grand opening of the team’s brand-new facility, AVEVA Stadium. With its opening, the venue becomes only the second in the United States to be built solely for Major League Rugby. The opening brought with it tons of pomp and circumstance, including a speech from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and a flyover by the United States Coast Guard. As it goes forward, what will AVEVA Stadium look like on the Houston sports scene? Read all about it from my visit. Food & Beverage 3 As it currently sits, there is one main concessions area for fans at AVEVA Stadium which offers much of your traditional stadium fare, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, and soft pretzels – all of these options are available for $5 to $8 each. The stadium also offers some upgraded items, such as fish and chips baskets and personal-sized cheese and pepperoni pizzas ($10). In terms of beverages, AVEVA Stadium offers bottled soda, water, and sports drinks ($4). The concessions stand, which does have multiple windows, is located directly behind the west grandstand. Because of where it is situated, this does tend to be a high-traffic area and there are bottlenecks throughout the game. However, the staff does a good job of cycling people through fairly quickly. There are also two full bars at AVEVA Stadium, offering mixed drinks as well as beer and wine. One of the bars is located behind the team store on the north end of the field, while the other is on the south end of the field under the jumbotron in the stadium’s Party Zone. Both of these bars are, obviously, very popular and tend to be busy throughout the game. You should plan your visits accordingly to mitigate missing the action on the pitch. Atmosphere 4 As was to be expected for its grand opening, the atmosphere at AVEVA Stadium was pretty electric during my visit. There was a live band performing before and after the game, and the staff also had members of the armed services in attendance for Military Appreciation Night. The venue also had fireworks going off before the game, and it was a virtual sellout for opening night – it will be interesting to see how well the Sabercats can keep the momentum going moving forward. Overall, this is a really well-designed facility. It has a very industrial look and feel to it, with many of the buildings – including the team store and one of the bars – looking like modified shipping containers. Steel and concrete abound, and this seems to fit with the general aesthetics of the sport of rugby. In certain spots, especially the south end, you are virtually right on top of the action. The fans seated on both ends, in fact, are apt to find themselves on the lookout for a falling rugby ball that has sailed through the uprights on a try. Of course, there are still some bugs to be worked out and some finishing touches to be added, but one game in, AVEVA Stadium looks great. Neighborhood 2 Houston is the fourth largest city in the country and is one of the premier tourist spots in all of Texas. It has a metropolitan air to it – the Theater District, Museum District, and Chinatown neighborhoods are attractions not seen anywhere else in the state – that adds to the city’s overall charm. When attending games at AVEVA Stadium, this is something you should keep in mind before and after games. The Sabercats new home is located about 15 minutes east of Houston’s downtown, near the campus of Houston Community College and the Houston Sportsplex, which is the training site of the MLS’s Houston Dynamo – if you plan your visit right, you might be able to catch one of the Dynamo’s practices. Other than that, there is really nothing else to see or do in the area immediately around AVEVA Stadium; it is in a still relatively undeveloped part of the city. While this area is within eyesight of NRG Stadium and the Astrodome, and you can’t miss the Houston skyline, there is a distinct lack of activity in the immediate neighborhood. Fans 3 The Houston Sabercats first took the pitch in 2017, and in that time they’ve developed quite a rabid fan base. At their former home, Constellation Field in Sugar Land, the team averaged just under 1,000 fans per game. For a niche sport in a still growing league, that’s not a bad number. But at their new home in Houston proper, you can expect this number to rise significantly. For this first game the stands were jam packed – tailgaters littered the parking lots and there was a surprisingly large amount of yellow and black Sabercat gear in the stands. Houston, with the multinational and diverse makeup of its citizenry, is the ideal spot for a team like the Sabercats; I expect as they find success on the pitch, you’ll see their fan base get even larger. Fans in Stands at a Houston Sabrecats Match, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey On a related note, I freely admit that I don’t have the depth of knowledge of the sport of rugby to be considered anything near being called an expert – the rules of the game, let alone the nuances, are something that I am woefully under-educated on. With that said, I was glad to have true fans of the game in the stands, to educate fellow novices, like myself, on the finer points. Access 3 You can get to AVEVA Stadium fairly easily from downtown Houston via Highway 288. While there isn’t much in the way of signage yet marking the way – there are signs for the Houston Sportsplex, though – I expect that will come with time. The parking lot at AVEVA Stadium is one of the areas that still wasn’t quite ready yet on opening night, but there was still ample parking to accommodate the large crowd. The fee to park at the stadium is $10 per car, but down the road at the Sportsplex there is parking for $5, with a “valet shuttle” to take you to the game. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for the Houston Sabercats start at $15 per person, which is a pretty spot-on price point for a growing sport in the U.S. like professional rugby. This is especially a good deal for a brand-new facility like AVEVA Stadium, and a great way to introduce new fans to the sport, especially if you want to bring in younger fans to introduce to the game. Couple the ticket cost with the relatively low concessions and parking costs, and you can take a large group or family to a Sabercats game and not have to worry about spending the proverbial arm and a leg. I think fans should get in early on the sport, as it seems poised to take off in the coming years. Extras 2 For their first game at AVEVA Stadium, the Sabercats brought out a ton of extras, but I don’t believe the flyover, the live band, and the vintage military vehicles that were seen this first night will be a regular part of the game day experience going forward. With that said, I think you can still bank on a couple of things to be there every night. Near the main entrance, for example, there were quite a few sponsors and vendors with booths offering games and giveaways to fans. You can also bank on the team’s cheerleaders, the Houston LadyCats Spirit Squad, to be delighting the fans on the sidelines and at halftime during every home game. The team also brings in junior rugby teams to take the pitch during the intermission, which is a great way to cultivate young fans of the sport and of the team. Final Thoughts There is still room for improvement at AVEVA Stadium, but even without all the polish being applied, you can see that this is going to be a great facility. It seems truly designed with the rugby fan in mind – the sight lines are spectacular, you feel like you’re on top of the action from every seat in the building, and the Sabercats have done a great job in educating fans about the team. I expect by the time next season (2020) rolls around, AVEVA Stadium will be the talk of the league. Houston has it all when it comes to sports, so I think it is only fitting that the Sabercats be included in the mix. If you have even a passing interest in the sport of rugby, you should make a visit to catch a Sabercats game. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bold Stadium 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Del Valle, TX 78617 Austin Gilgronis website Bold Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 5,000 Bold Stadium - Austin Gilgronis Started in 2017 as an expansion franchise as part of Major League Rugby’s growth into Texas, the AGs (née Austin Gilgronis) have found a niche in one of the fastest growing cities in the state. After previously playing in Round Rock in 2018 and 2019 (at the Multipurpose Complex and Dell Diamond, respectively), they moved into their new home in 2020 only to have their season cut short by the pandemic. Opened in 2019 on the grounds of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack, Bold Stadium is also home to the USL’s Austin Bold soccer club. The state-of-the-art facility blends seamlessly into the overall aesthetics of COTA and has become part of its overall appeal and year-round drawing power. As the sport continues to grow in the Live Music Capitol of Texas, so too will the already impressive crowds for AG games at Bold Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 On race days at COTA they pull out all the stops (no pun intended) in terms of food and drinks for patrons. For AG games, things are a bit more pared down. Most of the food trucks that populate the main concourse area are gone, as are most of the food stands in the main walkway separating the stadium from the Germania Amphitheatre. There are two permanent food stands, however, fan favorites Southside Flying Pizza and Thirty-Four Chop House. The oversized slices at Southside are perennial favorites; cheese, pepperoni, and meat (sausage, pepperoni, beef, and bacon, etc.) will set you back $12 apiece. Alternatively, over at the Chop House there is more traditional game day fare, such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken finger baskets ($9 each) – an unlisted menu item to be on the lookout for here is the queso fries; combining crispy French fries with gooey, spicy, South Texas queso is a natural choice and a great ballgame treat. Both Southside and Chop House offer bottled water, fountain drinks, and sports drinks, which are essential on hot summer nights in the stands. Karbach Brewing Company is also on hand with a beer stand selling their tasty adult wares. Their Hopadillo is a personal favorite of mine. There is also a full-service bar on site for those who want to venture beyond beer. Atmosphere 3 For AG games, the carnival-like atmosphere that is present during race days at COTA is significantly tampered down. The midway games and rides do not operate (i.e. no Ferris wheel, zip line, or go karts), but that does impact the score here a bit. However, COTA and Bold Stadium do not put away all their bells and whistles for their rugby compatriots. There may not be carnival rides, but there is a helicopter onsite that offers rides for $35 per person. This seems absolutely thrilling and reasonable and something I’ll definitely look into next time I’m there. The Austin Music Foundation presents free live music concerts before each Gilgronis home game. As Austin is a premier live music destination in the country, this is a great treat to get you going before matches. There is also one main merchandise stand that has a surprisingly high number of branded Austin Gilgronis products; it can be found in the main concourse and should not be missed if you’re looking to snag a souvenir. Aside from the fun window dressing, part of the draw is COTA itself – it is a destination and there is always something to see and do there. On the night I saw my most recent Gilgronis match, the final night of the regular home season, there was a motorcycle rally on the grounds, and it was LGBTQ+ Pride Night as well. This made for an interesting crowd and made the game all the more interesting. Neighborhood 3 While COTA is technically in Austin, it is as far away from the action of Downtown as you can get. It is tucked out in a mixed rural/industrial area that rises out of the landscape seemingly out of nowhere, with its signature tower the first thing you see. With that in mind, there is not much in the way of amenities or attractions in the immediate vicinity of COTA for people to take in before or after games at Bold Stadium. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you are only 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin and all of its food, drinks, museums, attractions, energy, and more. You could write books about the culture, nightlife, food, and history of Austin – and many, many folks have. What I mean is that Austin has tons and tons of options and no matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find options for them. In the years that I’ve been reviewing Austin teams for Stadium Journey, I’ve offered quite a few suggestions for things to see and do. Now I’d like to toss out a couple of new ones that I’ve never offered up before. First up is a dining option that is an icon in the area: El Arroyo. This quintessential Tex-Mex restaurant is as much about its menu as it is about its aesthetics. Cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos, tacos, nachos, margaritas, and more are all popular items, but equally as popular is the iconic marquee sign out front. The sign is one of the most Instagrammed sites in all of Austin, with its catchy sayings that are changed daily. The El Arroyo gift shop also sells magnets, t-shirts, and post cards with some of its more popular ones. Make sure you stop by and get your pic before or after you take in an AG game. Another often overlooked experience is Austin Duck Adventures. This amphibious tour of the city gives visitors a great historical and architectural tour that culminates in a splashdown befitting its name in Lady Bird Lake. This is a fun experience for visitors who’ve never been to the city before, or who have been before and are looking to experience it in a different way. Plus, you get a souvenir duck beak whistle, which is fun. Fans 3 Rugby is a growing sport in the country, but it is still a fringe one. Still, it is that outsider-ness that has an appeal and is perfect for a city like Austin. Attendance was not great when they called the Dell Diamond their home, but things look to have picked up since moving to Bold Stadium. They will probably not hit full capacity of 5,000, but they should at least get 50%-75% of that for most games, which is more than respectable. Access 3 Bold Stadium and COTA, as has been alluded to, is a little out of the way. It’s 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin, 30-45 minutes from downtown San Marcos, and an hour and 45 minutes from downtown San Antonio. If you are flying in, well, you’re in luck there, as Bold Stadium is a lot closer to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. There are ride-share options, of course, and there are designated lots for pick-up and drop-offs. If you’re driving, once you arrive at COTA parking is both ample and free, which is nice. Lots are pretty far from the main entrance and from Bold Stadium, though, so if you prefer not to walk, there are free shuttle services. There are also more personal bike shuttles (e.g. 1-2 person rides that are done up to look like oversized butterflies) that are not free, if you are so inclined. Butterfly Bikes at Bold Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for AG games start at $20 per person, though there are deals where tickets can be had for as little as $5 per person. Concessions do tend to run a little high, but that can be balanced out by the free parking. Major League Rugby is all-in-all a pretty inexpensive way to catch some high-quality sports. It also feels like you could be getting in on the ground floor with this team for a relatively low cost. Extras 3 In terms of Extras, most of them have already been touched upon. There are the year-round events at COTA, the helicopter rides, the free shuttles, etc., but the Gilgronis, like a lot of other leagues, also have fan-involved games and contests at the halftime break. In addition, the club also does a pretty good job of trying to explain to the novice what some of the less obvious rules of rugby are by flashing them up on the videoboard in real time. Final Thoughts So, with my third go round with the sport of rugby, my knowledge increased as did my, let’s say “fondness” for the sport. I am nowhere near well-versed in the finer points of the game, but I did have a really good time at Bold Stadium. The sightlines in the stands are great (and my goodness, is the covered seating on the home team side very much appreciated during the hot summer months), the food was good, the crowd was energetic, and the team (as far as I honestly can tell) was really competitive in a lopsided win. I thoroughly enjoyed my time during my visit and plan on catching an AG game again next season, and I recommend everyone do the same at their earliest convenience. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cooper Field 37th St NW & O St. NW Washington, DC 20057 Georgetown Hoyas website Cooper Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,750 The Hoya Coop Georgetown Hoyas lacrosse is one of the top college programs in the country, having competed in 15 NCAA Tournaments and reaching the quarterfinals ten times, although they only have reached one Final Four, in 1999. The Hoyas play their home games at cooper Field, formerly known as Multi-Sport Field, which is also home to the Hoyas' football program. Multi-Sport Field underwent major renovations in 2018 and 2019 thanks to a donation from Peter and Susan Cooper. The stadium was renamed in their honor and expanded from 2,500 to 3,750, and permanent restrooms, concessions, and a concourse were added. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located just inside the entrance to Cooper Field. Typical options such as hot dogs and chicken tenders are available, as are assorted snacks, chips, candy, and soft drinks. The menu is pretty basic but you certainly won't go hungry. If you are looking for something more, there is sometimes a food truck parked outside the stadium selling tacos and quesadillas. Fans can leave the stadium to get the food and return with it. However, this truck is incredibly overpriced with the cheapest item being a whopping $15. The prices at the concession window in the stadium are much more reasonable. Atmosphere 3 Cooper Field has improved a lot since the renovations and is now a venue worthy of such a top lacrosse program. A proper concourse is now located under the bleachers, and fans can walk up steps or a ramp to their seats. All seats are bleachers which can get a bit uncomfortable, but as the stadium is small and the front rows are elevated, you will have a great view of the action from anywhere. A small scoreboard is located behind the end zone to the left of the bleachers. As the stadium is located in the heart of the Georgetown campus, many of the historic buildings are visible from the stadium. Some fans elect to watch the game from the walkway outside the McDonough School of Business rather than enter the stadium and watch from the bleachers. Neighborhood 5 Cooper Field is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to really do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. . Fans 5 Georgetown is one of the top lacrosse programs in the country and the attendance reflects it, as they routinely draw close to 2,000 fans a game and sometimes even more. A rowdy student section sits in Section 3, although "sits" is not the right word here as they will typically be standing for almost the entire game. They cheer and shout throughout the game, and many of them turn up shirtless with painted chests even in weather that is less than ideal for doing such a thing. The seating is general admission and this section is not reserved for the exclusive use of students, but be warned if you try to sit behind them, your view may be obstructed. While not matching the student section, the other Hoya fans are also extremely passionate about their team. Cooper Field can get incredibly loud at times with the fans packed together in the small bleachers. While many lacrosse programs don't draw very well, Georgetown does and that is reflected in the experience here. Access 4 Parking is conveniently available in a garage that is right at the stadium if you use the right elevator to exit. Unfortunately, this bank of elevators isn’t clearly marked, but even if you use the wrong one, you shouldn’t have to walk more than a minute or two. Parking is $5 per hour, which means it will likely cost more than your game ticket, but considering the neighborhood, this isn't out of the ordinary. The concourses are easy to navigate and a massive improvement on the way it used to be here. Restrooms are available off the concourse and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Unfortunately, the Washington Metro does not run to the Georgetown neighborhood and the closest stops are several miles away. There are buses that stop nearby, but your best bet is to drive or take an Uber or Lyft if driving is not an option. Georgetown is nowhere near downtown and is just across the river from Virginia, so you do not have to worry about city traffic coming in. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10, which is a reasonable price for the experience you're getting, and are just $5 for youth. Concessions are affordable as well, at least at the main window. However, the parking that can cost more than twice what a ticket does brings this down a notch. A family of two adults and two children will pay almost as much to park as they will for their tickets. For smaller groups or fans traveling alone, the price to park may make up the majority of the cost of going to a game here. Extras 2 One bonus star for the gorgeous setting of Cooper Field in the middle of Georgetown’s campus. The field is surrounded by historic buildings which remind you of the college setting. A second and final star for the Jack the Bulldog statue near the entrance. Jack is the Hoyas’ mascot, and although neither the live nor costumed versions made an appearance during our visit, the statue is a nice touch. Jack the Bull Dog Statue, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When most people think of Georgetown athletics, they think of the men’s basketball team once led by Patrick Ewing as a player, and later led by him as coach. However, the Georgetown lacrosse program has enjoyed just as much success over the years, and that tradition continues to this day. Georgetown lacrosse has some of the best fans in the country, and the experience at a Hoyas lacrosse game is top notch. A Georgetown lacrosse game is a must for any fan of the sport.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Zions Bank Stadium 14788 South Academy Parkway Herriman, UT 84096 Utah Warriors website Zions Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 Rugby In Utah Zions Bank Stadium is located in Herriman, Utah. The stadium is home to Real Monarchs, an MLS Next Pro team affiliated with Real Salt Lake of the MLS, and the Utah Warriors. The stadium is located in the same facility (Zions Bank Real Academy) as the Real Salt Lake training center which includes indoor and outdoor soccer pitches. There is also a STEM charter school for both developing players and residents of the nearby areas. The location of the school did mean that the stadium had to change the location of its main entrance to the northwest corner to skirt local liquor regulations. The Utah Warriors compete in Major League Rugby. The team started in 2017 as a successor to a previous Warriors team. Food & Beverage 3 The food is reasonably priced at the stadium. The two main concession stands have good food at decent prices. There is usually at least one food truck at matches. The game we attended had a truck offering New Zealand meat pies, which is perfect for the rugby crowd. Atmosphere 5 The stadium is a nicely designed facility that offers a great atmosphere, as well as spectacular mountain views. There is an intimate viewing experience here as the two grandstands are close to the field. The main set of stands has seatbacks and the other only bench-style seating. The scoreboard is well-designed and the Warriors have a fun “cat” mascot to entertain the crowd. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is about a 30-minute drive south of downtown Salt Lake City and is in a rapidly growing suburb. Right now the area around the stadium is a fast-developing residential neighborhood. You will need to drive a small distance towards I-15 for many food offerings. Fans 5 The Warriors fanbase is very rabid and makes attending a game here quite fun. Rugby suits the stadium well. Access 4 Getting to Herriman is easy, as it is located not far away from I-15. Parking is $10. Expect a bit of traffic getting out of the event as the exit roads are monitored by traffic cops who keep it very controlled. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from the low teens to nearly $50. This could vary by game. Parking is $10 per car. The prices are fair and offer a good value. Extras 4 The team mascot seems to engage with the crowds well and there are giveaways at the entrance to the stadium. The fact that there is a high school located in the stadium is unique. You can even see signage for the school right from the stadium stands. You may not be able to take a look around the whole facility, but if you get a chance try and see what you can as the whole thing is pretty amazing. The views! Seeing the spectacular mountains in the distance makes a game here special. Having that backdrop to the stadium is an extra all of its own. Final Thoughts Zions Bank Stadium is a nice and intimate stadium with amazing mountain views, that is a great place to watch rugby.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena 1116 S. State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines men’s hockey website Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,800 New Head Coach; Same Great Arena After a storied 33 years as the head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines hockey team, Red Berenson turned the program over to Mel Pearson in 2017. Berenson will be installed in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame later this year, recognizing his 848 victories, .654 winning percentage, and a record 22 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. In his honor, the venerable facility is now named Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena. The arena is one of the oldest in college hockey, debuting on November 10, 1923, only Princeton (built 10 months prior) and Northeastern (1910) have older rinks. At the time of its opening, Yost was the largest indoor building of its kind on any U.S. college campus. Surprisingly, the Yost Ice Arena was known as the Yost Field House and was first used as a basketball arena for both the men’s and women’s programs before the Crisler Center was built in 1967. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since. This is the definitive “old school” hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans Food & Beverage 4 Stadium Journey has raised the rating for F&B as they have upped their game to include new items and healthy options: Country Inn pizza ($10), hamburgers, fries, veggie wraps ($5), yogurt parfait ($5), chicken tenders baskets ($10), and black bean burgers ($7). There are also small stands offering ice cream novelties and roasted nuts. An extensive number of choices from Bearclaw coffee are offered such as lattes, cafe mocha, and cappuccino along with donuts and biscotti. They continue to offer popped maize (popcorn) as well as traditional arena snacks. There are several stands behind the seating area and the lines are quite reasonable. Coke products run from $5 to $7. Atmosphere 5 The exterior features arched windows and brick walls and provide a timelessly classic appearance. Because it is 95 years old, the U of M has done a remarkable job keeping it up to date for players and fans. Inside, most of the seating consists of aluminum benches on all four sides of the rink. Modern theater-style seating is provided on the upper level, parallel to the rink. After several renovations in recent years, the arena has added a new ice surface and glass around the rink. Overhead, there are many banners reflecting the successful history of Michigan hockey as well as an octagonal state-of-the-art video board. Modern touches such as noise baffles make the environment more enjoyable. The sound system is lively and the announcer’s voice is very clear. During the video review of a Wolverine's goal, the fans are treated to The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” While walking around the concourse, fans can truly experience and enjoy the history of the school’s hockey program. Display cases explain the changes that have occurred over the years, while pictures of former and current players are on the walls and even support pillars. Two maize and blue Zamboni machines maintain the ice, piloted by young men wearing sports coats and ties to dress up the experience. During intermission, a choreographed skating performance by some young women is enjoyable. The results create an intimate, cozy, and vibrant hockey experience. Neighborhood 5 In recent years, various polls have rated the city of Ann Arbor as a great place to live and work. The university plays a key part in the city’s success story as it is located south of downtown; all of the schools’ athletic facilities are on the campus as well. The best-rated nearby restaurants include Ashley’s and Pita Kabob Grill. The Zingerman Delicatessen is iconic and a very popular restaurant; there are now quite a few places with the same name in the area, just search for Zingerman and you will be well-served. Other well-known options are Frita-Batidos, Westside Barbecue, and NeoPapalis. As you might guess, there are a plethora of breweries in and around Ann Arbor. Give a try to Wolverine State Brewing Company, the Biercamp Microbrewery, and the Jolly Pumpkin Brewery. Fans 5 The seating capacity is 5,800 and after the first five matches this 2018-2019 season, the average attendance is an impressive 5,582. Students sit in the southeast corner of the arena next to the school’s hockey band–a very lively bunch all. I laughed at one student’s sign which read: “Don’t Read This!” They keep the place rocking, offering chants and cheers which are quite clever. Access 3 There is good news and bad news. The arena is located near the campus which is close to downtown. Yost is about 2.5 miles north of the State Street exit off I-94. The amount of traffic varies with the time of day and activities at the university. There are plenty of parking lots surrounding the arena; the current price to park your car is $10. Mass transit is available through The Ride bus system. The stadium entrance is on the north side of the building When entering, fans are asked to remove their hats and open jackets for security along with bag checks. The age of the arena means that the width of the concourses can be somewhat congested. There were no lines at the restrooms during intermission during this visit. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Big 10 matches go for $30-$40, and as low as $15 for non-Big 10 opponents. If one wants to buy tickets for multiple games, lower prices are available in advance. Parking and food prices are similar to other universities. It’s all worth it when one considers the quality of the experience. Extras 5 One point for the increased number of food options at the concession stands. A second point for the school’s decision to recognize retired coach Berenson with his name on the ice. The lively student section and band earn the third point, along with another point for the well-dressed men driving the two Zambonis (which can be viewed in the southwest corner). Finally, the overall experience and history of the facility are tremendous, earning the final fifth point. Final Thoughts Change happens and coach Pearson has his chance to add to the history of a very successful program. The university continues to make the fan’s experience better. A good time is had by all at a Michigan Wolverines hockey game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Cooper Field 37th St NW & O St. NW Washington, DC 20057 Georgetown Hoyas website Cooper Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,750 A-Hoya, Mate, it's Georgetown University Field Hockey Located on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Cooper Field is home to the Hoyas’ field hockey, lacrosse, and football teams. Originally known as Harbin Field and later as Multi-Sport Field, the stadium received its present name in 2015 following a $50 million donation from Peter and Susan Cooper to fund much-needed renovations. These renovations occurred during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and involved expanding the capacity from 2,500 to 3,750, adding permanent restrooms and concessions, and upgrades to the press box and locker rooms. This review is about the field hockey experience at Cooper Field. A review of the football experience is also available from Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 0 Cooper Field has a concession stand, but it is not used for field hockey. Fans are free to bring in their own food and beverage. Atmosphere 2 One big problem with Cooper Field is quite literally that – the stadium is too large for the crowds it attracts for field hockey. While most schools at this level have a separate field hockey stadium which may be shared with one or two other non-revenue sports, Georgetown has elected to use their football stadium which is far too big for the crowds field hockey attracts. Playing in a stadium that is over 90% empty is not conducive to atmosphere, particularly when the team does little else to keep fans engaged. Cooper Field feels like a ghost town for field hockey, almost completely empty with little effort to promote the game or draw fans. Were the Hoyas to play in a smaller, dedicated field hockey stadium like most teams, this atmosphere could improve somewhat, but in a spacious (for field hockey, at least) stadium like Cooper Field, it isn’t great. As for the stadium itself, all seats are metal bleachers in what is, at least for field hockey, a large set of bleachers. There is a scoreboard on one end of the field that shows basic information and stats. A newly renovated concourse is located behind the seats and includes restrooms and the concession stand, though as noted above, the latter is closed for field hockey. Neighborhood 5 Cooper Field is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to really do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. . Fans 3 Although it may not seem like a large crowd relative to capacity, Georgetown does draw fairly well at Cooper Field, averaging several hundred fans a game. Those in attendance are loud and passionate, and while the large size of the stadium subdues the crowd noise quite a bit, this isn’t really the fault of the fans, who try their best to create a great atmosphere. The fans are a mix of family and friends of the players and Georgetown students, plus a few locals and Hoya fans with no direct connection to the field hockey program. Access 4 Parking is conveniently available in a garage that is right at the stadium if you use the right elevator to exit. Unfortunately, this bank of elevators isn’t clearly marked, but even if you use the wrong one, you shouldn’t have to walk more than a minute or two. Parking in this garage is free on Sundays, but other days it costs between $15 and $25 depending on what time of day you get there. For an early afternoon start, it will cost $25, but if the game starts in the evening, you may be able to get away with paying only $15. The concourses are easy to navigate and a massive improvement on the way it used to be here. Restrooms are available off the concourse and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, though some toilets were not working by the end of the game when we visited. Unfortunately, the Washington Metro does not run to the Georgetown neighborhood and the closest stops are several miles away. There are buses that stop nearby, but your best bet is to drive or take an Uber or Lyft if driving is not an option. Georgetown is nowhere near downtown and is just across the river from Virginia, so you do not have to worry about city traffic coming in. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, and you won’t spend anything on concessions because there aren’t any. We recommend going on a Sunday if possible to avoid paying high prices for parking. Extras 1 There are no real extras in the stadium itself, at least not for field hockey, but the Georgetown campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and the stadium offers sweeping views of historic buildings, so that is worth one point here. Final Thoughts While the renovations to Cooper Field over the past couple years have significantly improved it, the fact remains that it is far too big for field hockey. This size is understandable as it was designed as a football stadium, but the experience here could be significantly improved were Georgetown to play in a dedicated, smaller field hockey stadium rather than a large football stadium like Cooper Field.

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

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Findlay Toyota Center 3201 Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Northern Arizona Wranglers website Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,200 Turnaround City The Northern Arizona Wranglers started playing indoor football just three seasons ago, the third indoor football franchise to play in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The Indoor Football League (IFL) Wranglers won just 1 game during the 2021 campaign, but amazingly, came back the following season to win 12 games, and then went on to win the 2022 IFL National Championship, stealing a 47-45 victory over Quad City. The Wranglers home arena is Findlay Toyota Center, a multipurpose 6,200-seat venue that was previously home to hockey and NBA G League basketball, as well as hosting the two prior indoor football teams in the city. Despite its small size, the venue offers some pretty solid amenities for indoor football. Food & Beverage 5 Findlay Toyota Center has a wide range of food and beverage options, and perhaps more important, offers most of them at very reasonable prices. Fans can choose from burgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, fries, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, nuts (chocolate-covered, cinnamon-covered, or salted), Dippin’ Dots ice cream, kettle corn, cotton candy, funnel cake, churros, shaved ice, and packaged candy, with some items starting as low as $4. Drink selections are just as varied, including coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Gatorade, energy drinks, bottled water, Pepsi products, and a range of alcoholic beverages from beer to hard seltzer to mixed drinks. Fans should plan to wander around the small concourse to check out all the options. Atmosphere 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a great PA announcer, a cool mascot, and an amazing dance team to keep fans entertained and engaged throughout the game. There is also a team store on site if you want to pick up any Wranglers gear, and plenty of fans tailgating in the parking lot before games. The facility itself, however, is a bit lacking in some of the amenities you may be expecting based on visits to other professional venues – for example, the videoboards are quite small, and it can be hard to keep track of down and distance based on the static scoreboards as well. There aren’t any on-field games like you may see at other arenas, and the facility does not offer free Wi-Fi, which is odd for an arena that boasts mainly mobile ticketing. On the plus size, all the seats have chairbacks, and there are several “deluxe” seating options, such as the floor-level club seating and the Bucky’s Casino suite level. Fans are also invited out to an after-party/coach’s show with the team at Buffalo Wild Wings following the game. Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley is in a small town about an hour north of Phoenix, but there is plenty of shopping right across the street from Findlay Toyota Center, and plenty of restaurants in the area, both fast food and otherwise. The town of Dewey-Humboldt, sort of a tourist destination thanks to the old west deco buildings along its tiny main street (even the Subway restaurant), is about 10-15 minutes south of Prescott Valley along Highway 69, and the Agua Fria National Monument (Native American petroglyphs and local wildlife) is not much further. Fans 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a really solid fan base, who are loud enough and engaged in the game, but there are just not that many of them in the stands, likely due to the small city they are pulling from. For such a small venue the empty seats are a bit noticeable. Access 4 As long as you don’t mind the drive from Phoenix through the lonely desert, access to Findlay Toyota Center is remarkably easy – there is free parking right outside the stadium, and there is plenty of room in the concourse to move around, little to no lines at the concession stands and team store, and more than enough bathrooms. The only negative is that the facility does not offer Wi-Fi, even though you are directed to purchase mobile tickets when you go to the Wranglers website; fortunately, if you go to the ticket office they can print your ticket out for you if you are unable to pull it up on your phone. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Wranglers football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for this level of sporting event – add in the free parking and low-cost concessions, and you have a wonderful return on investment, better than a lot of similar venues. Extras 3 The biggest plus is that the team did win a National Championship last year, so you are likely going to see a good product on the field. The staff also does have some promotions and special events at certain games, for example at the last game I attended the flag bearers during the National Anthem were all decked out in Revolutionary War-era apparel. Final Thoughts While it may not have the over-the-top feel some sports fans may crave, a visit to a Northern Arizona Wranglers indoor football game at Findlay Toyota Center is a pleasant experience that won’t break the bank. With its proximity to Phoenix, you can also likely pair a game with some other sports down south (Arizona has 2 other IFL teams in the state, for example, as well as the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks), if you want to make a weekend of it. I recommend seeing an indoor football game if you have never seen one, and Findlay Toyota Center would be a great place to start.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 KeyBank Center 1 Seymour Knox III Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo Bandits website KeyBank Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,070 The Crown Jewel of Banditland The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into their existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever. Home for the Bandits since its opening in 1996, is KeyBank Center. Located at Canalside in Buffalo, New York, KeyBank Center is the latest in a long line of corporate names which has coincided with a number of bank mergers. The Bandits are owned by the Pegula Sports & Entertainment empire, which also owns the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Rochester Americans and recently also the Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL. The success of the Bandits on the floor and at the gate can be attributed, in part, to the stable ownership the team has enjoyed under the Pegulas. Ultimately, what has made the Bandits so successful, has been the warm embrace that the fans in Buffalo have wrapped around lacrosse, the Bandits and the legends who have walked through the door over the over twenty-five years of Banditland. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at KeyBank Center is about as good as anyone out there. There are plenty of Buffalo favorites for sale at KeyBank including Perry’s ice cream, pizza logs and Beef on Weck. Pizza, hot dogs and other expected arena fare can be found as well. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice and Tim Hortons coffee can also be found in the arena. Local brews like Genesee and others are available for those who wish a beer with the game. Fans should keep in mind that there are many stands that are not open due to the lower numbers at Bandits games versus Sabres games. One spot that should be considered is the Blue Light Zone, which is a great spot to meet and hang out before the first faceoff. Atmosphere 4 There is no question as to whom the main attraction at KeyBank Center is. From outside the arena with Alumni Plaza and the French Connection Bronze statues, it is very clear to all that this is preeminently the home of the Buffalo Sabres. The exterior of KeyBank Center does have a bit of a flying saucer look to it with the light coloured, oval shaped roof. The main atrium is not unattractive, but from the exterior, with the building up of the area with HarborCenter and other large buildings, it can be a little hard to find amongst the downtown. Inside the main atrium at the northeast side of the building, the large Sabres banners and markings do not give much indication of a lacrosse game any time soon. The concourses are similar in this regard. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find terrific sight lines in most any seat in the three levels of seating. The new turf for the 2019 season has the main Bandits logo on it and can be best seen from the southwest side of the arena. The south corner of the ceiling is where fans can find the retired numbers of Bandits legends Darris Kilgour, Rich Kilgour and John Tavares. Alongside the retired numbers are the championship banners from 1992, 1993, 1996 and 2008. Hanging above the center of the floor is a four sided video board with ribbon rings above and below it. A full 360 degree ribbon board on the fascia of the luxury box level is also used throughout the game. The game day presentation at an NLL game is unlike any other. The game on the field resembles a cross between hockey and basketball and the game day presentation does the same. Many purist sports fans do not enjoy the consistent rock music throughout the play but the fans in attendance dig it. Public Address announcer Chris Swenson also interacts with the fans in a way that is unique in sports. Swenson acts as announcer, cheerleader and fan all wrapped up in one package. The Bandits also feature one of the best entrances in sport as a piper enters the field from the top of the southwest lower level and walks down the stairs to the center of the field. The Bandettes cheer team dance during breaks and the Bandits mascot, Rax, makes his way around the arena, interacting with fans and participating in promotions. Overall, the Bandits do a great job of putting on an entertaining show. Neighborhood 5 It is fair to say that Buffalo would not be considered a premier tourist destination compared to other NLL cities like Toronto, Philadelphia or New York. However, fans in attendance at a Bandits game will not be at a loss for eating and drinking establishments in the immediate neighborhood. This is to be expected which is renowned for its various additions to the American cuisine scene. A trip to Buffalo without sampling some Buffalo Wings or at least a Beef on Weck is really a shame. Pearl Street Grill, Washington Square, Cobblestone, (716) Food and Sport, Panorama on Seven, The Draft Room and Labatt Brew House are among the best and closest. Fan favorite, Dinosaur BBQ is a short drive or train away in Downtown Buffalo proper. There are plenty of other sporting options available in the immediate vicinity of the Bandits. The KeyBank Center is, of course, shared with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. Right across the street is HarborCenter, which is where the Canisius Golden Griffins hockey program can be found. Also, just up the street at Sahlen Field is the home of the Triple-A baseball Buffalo Bisons. Canisius College is a short drive from KeyBank Center and the Golden Griffins basketball team plays on campus at the Koessler Athletic Center. New Era Field, home of the Buffalo Bills, is found just outside the city at Orchard Park and is a unique experience itself. Finally, the University at Buffalo is located in nearby Amherst, where the football team plays at UB Stadium and the basketball team calls Alumni Arena home. Other entertainment options in the area would include the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum. A trip to Canalside and the Buffalo Naval and Military Park is also fun. There are a couple of hotels that are within a few steps of the arena. Courtyard by Marriott and the Buffalo Marriott HarborCenter are good choices that are very close. Fans 5 Buffalo Bandits fans are truly the class of the National Lacrosse League. The Bandits are consistently in the top two franchises in average attendance. The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw Buffalo hold down the number two spot and they led the league in 2017. Each year they average more than 13,000 fans per match. In addition to having just about the most fans in the league, Bandit fans are also amongst the loudest. The little sayings and traditions that the fans bring to the table give the Bandits almost a college hockey feel to the game. Fans in Buffalo love the banter back and forth with Public Address Announcer Chris Swenson and enthusiastically respond to a big save when Swenson questions aloud “What’s he got?” The fans respond with a boisterous “NOTHIN!” Bandit fans may even enjoy an opponent penalty more than a goal as they will blast out the “B-O-X” chant to the delight of all. Access 4 Getting to the KeyBank Center is not too difficult. Located in Downtown Buffalo, KeyBank Center is right at the Buffalo River, east of the Buffalo Skyway and south of I-190. Access to the arena right off of the highway is solid. There are plenty of parking options in the immediate area and prepaying for parking is easy through the Bandits, KeyBank Center or a third party app like ParkWiz or Parking Panda. Public transit is pretty decent near the arena. The best bet is to take the Buffalo light rail, which is free when it is above ground and has a station just to the west of the arena. Buses are also available right along Perry Street. Check out the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority website for public transit details. The main atrium is the main entry to the arena. It can get pretty crowded just before the game begins. The concourse level is also up a flight of stairs or escalator. There are a number of ticket windows on the west side of the atrium. Getting around the arena is not too difficult. The concourses are fairly wide, although a little more crowded around the bends. There are also ample washroom facilities. The KeyBank Center offers a “soft opening” with concessions and security opening 1.5 hours before and the full arena opening an hour before the game. Return on Investment 5 The National Lacrosse League provides great value for the sporting dollar and the Buffalo Bandits are in the forefront of that category. Tickets for the Bandits run from $25 to $60 with many seats available, including some in the 100 level, for only $30. Add affordable parking and decent concession prices compared to top notch sporting entertainment, and a formula for an amazing time is at the fans’ fingertips. Extras 3 An extra mark for the rivalries the Bandits have developed and maintained with the Rochester Knighthawks and Toronto Rock. An extra mark for the longevity of the Bandits, now the longest running franchise in the NLL. An extra mark for Bandit superfans. Final Thoughts Since 1992 the Bandits have represented Buffalo in the National Lacrosse League. Over that period of time they have solidified Banditland and become the premier franchise in the league, having success both on and off the turf. With franchises like Buffalo, the NLL looks to continue to grow and improve its position in the sporting market. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Canada Calgary Roughnecks website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,289 Back in the Saddle The Calgary Roughnecks are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the National Lacrosse League. Since they started playing in November, 2001, they have only missed the playoffs once (their first year) and they have won two championships (2004 and 2009). This makes them the winningest professional sports franchise in the city’s history. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fan base is dedicated and enthusiastic. The Scotiabank Saddledome is the home of the Roughnecks. The ‘Dome has been open since 1983 and is also host to the NHL’s Calgary Flames, and the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Conveniently, the Flames own all three franchises, so it’s very much an All In The Family situation at the Saddledome. While the Saddledome was state of the art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. Consequently, the Flames have begun talking about building a new facility in the not-too-distant future, although their CalgaryNEXT proposal may never come to fruition. Talks of building a new arena aside, the Saddledome remains a solid structure that has seen a number of renovations over the years to keep it fairly modern, and is still a good place to watch an event. Food & Beverage 4 For the most part, there are the standard concession stands selling the standard selection of soft drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, etc., at fairly typical prices (hot dogs are $4.75, popcorn is $5.75). You’ll also find Budweiser on tap at all the regular concession stands ($8.75). There are also a few specialty locations around the concourse. For instance, at Flame Broiled BBQ locations you can get yourself an excellent hamburger or cheeseburger made of delicious Alberta Beef (cheeseburgers are $7). In addition, there are Pizza 73 stands, Italian ice kiosks, little doughnut stations and Good Earth Coffee available for fans who want something a little different than cola and popcorn. There is also a Jugo Juice stand on the east side which offers some healthier choices with their yummy juice concoctions and wraps. On the west side of the concourse there is a kiosk called the Mac Shack which sells mac and cheese as well as sandwiches with a strong cheese theme. The Sicilian Grilled Cheese ($8.50) is excellent (and probably about a day’s worth of calories). Disappointingly, a number of concession stands remain closed during Roughnecks games due to the smaller crowds in attendance as compared to Flames games and this means some food options you get at Flames games are not available. Dutton’s Lounge, a sports bar downstairs under the west entrance, is open for ticket holders before games for a tailgate party as well as after games for postgame revelling, and has a fully stocked bar for those looking for a more sophisticated adult beverage. Likewise, there are several other spots around the concourse with a selection of highballs, bottled beer, and wine. Atmosphere 4 Box lacrosse, as the indoor game is known, is the best spectator sport in the world in my humble opinion. It is fast and furious, full of strength, finesse, speed and grace. I have never yet taken a sports fan to a game and had that person say they didn’t enjoy the experience. The atmosphere, not surprisingly, is pretty fired up. Music is played throughout the game (some people like this; some not so much) and fans are encouraged by the announcer to cheer their team and taunt the opposition. As a result, the fans at Roughnecks games are quite boisterous. The Roughnecks have won two league championships in their 10 seasons in the NLL and have earned the Champion’s Cup both times at home in the Saddledome. Consequently, the energy and sense of pride the team brings to the stadium is very strong and the entire building and the people inside seem to feed off it. It is infectious and makes for an entertaining, exciting event. The lacrosse community in town is 10 times larger now than it was when the Roughnecks arrived here, so the audience has a significant group of younger fans and their parents. The powers that be within the organization do a good job of appealing to them with meet-and-greet opportunities after games, youth-oriented events between quarters and at half time, etc. The net result is that kids of all ages are likely to have a great time at a game. Adding to the overall atmosphere are the championship banners displayed in the rafters, giving a sense that the Roughnecks are indeed home. The downside is that attendance at Roughnecks games is usually around half of the Saddledome’s capacity. In spite of the energy in the occupied parts of the stands, it still at times can feel pretty empty, although crowds of 10,000 or more are becoming more and more frequent. In fact, in the 2016 regular season only three of the team’s eight home games had fewer than 10,000 fans in attendance. Neighborhood 3 The Saddledome is situated on the Calgary Stampede Grounds, located on the southeast edge of the downtown core. There isn’t much happening in the immediate neighbourhood, but it is slowly becoming more and more gentrified, which means more dining and entertainment options in the immediate vicinity are popping up. One of the relatively new locations is the Cowboys Casino, just north of the ‘Dome on the Stampede Grounds. The Casino now features no fewer than four different restaurants. The Zen 8 Grill in the casino offers a great meal. Across the street from Cowboys Casino is Vagabond, which has a menu with something for everyone on it, a wide variety of beers (50-plus listed on their menu), and which seems to have made a special effort to cater to pre and post-event crowds. Just across Macleod Trail from the Stampede Grounds, on 14th Ave, you will find Loungeburger. It is a more upscale gourmet burger place, with burger selections running from $10.50-$17 (a la carte), but they’re well worth it. I recommend the Black and Blue ($12.25). Just a few blocks due west of the ‘Dome lies the heart of what has come to be known as “The Red Mile,” a string of nightclubs, bars and restaurants that gained a certain amount of notoriety during the Flames’ Stanley Cup run in 2004. There you’ll find places such as the Ship and Anchor Pub which has been named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary several times by local publication, “Fast Forward Weekly.” Fans 4 Roughnecks games generally draw between 10,500-12,000 fans to the Saddledome, which fills it to about half or two-thirds. Calgary has sold the ‘Dome out twice in past years, however, including the 2004 Champion’s Cup game, which the ‘Necks won. The fans are fiercely loyal and very enthusiastic, resulting in lots of noise and great energy during the game, especially in comparison to the relatively quiet crowds you might find at a hockey game in the ‘Dome. With the explosion of interest in lacrosse within Calgary, the crowds have become more stable and have seen gradual but steady growth over the years. Access 3 Located downtown, the Saddledome is relatively easy to get to, aside from the traffic woes that are par for the course in the inner city. Expect stop-and-go traffic and delays getting to and from the facility, which can be anywhere from distracting to downright irritating. Calgary is one of the most expensive places to park in North America and consequently parking on the Stampede Grounds will run you $15. The lot also fills up fairly quickly, especially if there are other events happening around the Grounds. There are other alternate off-site parking options at similar or slightly lower rates, but plan for a bit of a walk after that. The other option is to take the city’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has a stop on the west side of the grounds, making it easily accessible from all over the city heading north, south or west. This can be a much more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get pretty crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $3.15, youths are $2.10. The concourse itself is spacious enough for a typical Roughnecks crowd on the east and west sides, but gets pretty narrow to the north and south. This isn’t too much of a problem at Roughnecks games where the building is only at half capacity, but it can get badly crowded when the house is full. Return on Investment 3 Compared to the price of a Flames game, the cost of a Roughnecks game is a bargain. Prices start at $21.99 for upper bowl end zone tickets (these passes are available at local Safeway stores); tickets at the door go for anywhere from $25.50 for the higher rows of the upper bowl to $64.50 for the Avison Young seats in the lower bowl. With as good a price as this is for a professional sporting event, coupled with the entertainment value provided by box lacrosse, this is a pretty good deal. Extras 5 The Saddledome provides a good environment for enjoying sports, with good sight lines for everyone. There are a number of points of interest along the concourse walls, including 1988 Olympic displays and Alberta’s inductees into the NHL Hall of Fame. Virtually every concourse wall has something to look at. There is always a memorabilia auction held in the main concourse for collectors who are interested in bidding on autographed photos and jerseys. Several times during the game, the Drill Crew dance team makes appearances on the floor to wow the fans with their award-winning moves. When they’re not center stage performing, they can be seen in the concourse and the stands selling their always-popular calendars. In my opinion, the Drill Crew are arguably the most talented dance team in the NLL and certainly no worse than top three. The Roughnecks also have a mascot, Howie the Honey Badger. Howie helps entertain the kids in the crowd and also helps out with giveaways and promotions during the game. There are two locations of the Flames Fan Attic on the premises, on the east and west sides of the concourse. In either of those stores you can stock up on all the Roughnecks, Flames and Hitmen merchandise you can carry, from shirts and jerseys to hats, mugs and key chains. The players stick around after games to sign autographs on the field for dedicated fans. This is a really cool feature of attending one of the smaller scale pro sports and really helps get the fans in touch with the athletes they’re supporting. Final Thoughts When you put it all together, attending a Roughnecks game, or any NLL game, is almost guaranteed to be a fun and entertaining experience. The game itself is more than worth the price of admission and there are any number of other excellent reasons to make the visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Colisee Desjardins 400 Boul Jutras Est Victoriaville, QC G6P 3Z4 Victoriaville Tigres website Colisee Desjardins website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 3,420 Ils Ont le Tigre Par la Queue The Victoriaville Tigres are one of those stalwart franchises of the QMJHL. They have been a part of the league since 1987, when they moved from the Montreal suburb of Longueuil, to the city known for producing the famous Victoriaville hockey sticks. The Tigres have gone on to see some success in the QMJHL, winning the President’s Cup in 2002 and making an appearance in the Memorial Cup. The Tigres have also produced a number of solid NHL hockey players including Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, and Matthew Barnaby. Perhaps the most famous Tigre is also one of the biggest busts in NHL history, Alexandre Daigle, who was drafted first overall by the Ottawa Senators. The Tigres play in the city owned Colisee Desjardins, an older arena which has had a few upgrades over the years. The inner arena is named the Amphitheatre Gilbert-Perreault, after the legendary, Victoriaville native, captain of the Buffalo Sabres. The Quebec bank, Desjardins, purchased the naming rights to the entire building. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few main concession stands in the upper walkway. They serve pretty much what you would expect at a snack bar in Quebec. The added French staples of poutine and Montreal smoked meat are available here, which may be common for Quebec arenas, but not others. Budweiser and Molson Canadian are available for $4.50 for a regular sized can. Coca-Cola products are the soda of choice in Victoriaville. The concession prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee Desjardins is an older arena, built in the early 1980’s. It lacks the natural light and large concourses that seem to be staples in newer buildings. Upon approaching the Colisee, you will notice that it is a pretty nondescript building, featuring siding on the exterior. There is not much of an atrium inside, but there is a bit of a waiting area you may choose to wait in before going into the Amphitheatre, either upstairs or downstairs. Inside the Amphitheatre, you will notice that there have been some upgrades to the arena over time. The seating area is a single bowl, with walkways above the seats. Three-quarters of the walkways have luxury boxes hanging above them. The seats have been updated in the entire arena, and no longer are the wooden seats featured in the Amphitheatre. They have been replaced by plastic seats. The seats are more comfortable than the wooden ones, but are narrower than you would expect. Chairs are black, with some select yellow seats in certain sections that spell Tigres. Above the walkways on the north and south there are very small videoboards. It is a bit challenging to use the videoboard when it is in a non-traditional spot. The low ceilings of the Colisee make this probably the best option though. There is a simple scoreboard above the ice surface. The east end of the arena features a small team store to buy Tigres merchandise. Just left of that you will find the Tigres’ honoured players and the championship banners. These are posted on the wall of the walkway, instead of hanging over the arena. Featured players include P.J. Stock, Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, Reggie Savage, Carl Mallette, Matthew Lombardi, and Yves Racine. It is a little surprising that Alexandre Daigle is not among this group. There are also banners for the 2002 President’s Cup and a couple of division banners as well as a montage of team pictures. The in-game presentation is simple yet effective. There is a mix of music including modern, modern-French, and traditional organ. They make a big deal every time the Tigres head to the ice, even for warm-ups. The emcee does a decent job and the mascot shows great enthusiasm and gets the kids involved. Neighborhood 3 Located on Boul Jutras E, the Colisee Desjardins is pretty easy to get to. There is plenty of parking, especially with the mall across the street. There are a couple of options for before and after the game. You could give Valentine a try, which is a French fast food chain, or if you are looking for something more original, you could try Restaurant Plus. Fans 3 Attendance for the Tigres ends up averaging between 2,500 and 3,200 per game. This average puts the Tigres smack dab in the middle of the QMJHL. The fans in Victoriaville are a bit more subdued and quiet for Quebecois fans, but they are hearty and follow their team with more than a passing interest. It was extremely disappointing, however, to hear and see hundreds of fans engaging in conversations during the national anthems. Definitely a lack of respect. Access 2 Getting to the Colisee is not too difficult as it is located on Boul. Jutras E. As mentioned above, there is some free parking in the complex, and there is a mall across the street. Getting in and out of the area is not the problem. The problem is getting around once you are inside the Colisee. The walkways are very small and crowded. Many people enjoy the standing room behind the seating area, which further complicates manoeuvring around the arena. Outside of the Amphitheatre, there is little in the way of space as well. The washroom facilities inside the Amphitheatre are less than adequate, with washrooms so small that you can see inside from the walkway. Add to this that the team store and concessions are in that same general area, and you will find it more than just a minor challenge to get around during intermission. Return on Investment 5 In general, QMJHL hockey offers the best value for your dollar anywhere, and Victoriaville is no different. Adult tickets go for $15 each, and children are a mere $8. It appears to be a common theme in the QMJHL that the children are key, and they should be targeted. A great family environment is provided. Concession prices are reasonable, and parking should be free, so you are in for a great day of great hockey for a price that will not break the bank. Extras 3 An extra mark for the display of local favourite Gilbert Perreault outside of the Amphitheatre. An extra mark for the original idea of naming the sections after other local heroes. Section 4 is named after Jean Beliveau and Section 2 is named after Gilles Marotte. An extra mark for the old school quarter vending machines, which were once found in every minor hockey rink in every town, and are still prevalent in Victoriaville. Final Thoughts Travelling through Quebec can be a bit intimidating for any Anglophone, especially in the smaller cities, away from the tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City. However, stadium travellers should attempt to see real grassroots hockey the way it was meant to be seen in Quebec. The passion is there, and the price is right. This is as applicable in Victoriaville as anywhere else in La belle province. In Victoriaville, they have the tiger by the tail, and the Tigres will put on a show for you! Follow Dave’s sporting journeys on Twitter @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet 360 Rue Cegep Sherbrooke, QC J1E 2J9 Sherbrooke Phoenix website Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 3,646 Renaetre de ses Cendres des Castors In 2012 the Phoenix rose once again. The folding of the Lewiston Maineiacs brought the opportunity for expansion once again in the QMJHL, and a return to the Quebec town of Sherbrooke. Famous for being the home of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, Sherbrooke had a few opportunities in the QMJHL on previous occasions. Ironically enough, the Sherbrooke Castors left Quebec for the greener pastures of Lewiston, Maine. The original Castors were founded in 1969, and left Sherbrooke in 1982 and would eventually become the Rimouski Oceanic. The Castors would return to Sherbrooke in 1998, coming from Trois-Rivieres, and making that stop in Lewiston before finally rising back in Sherbrooke. The group that brought hockey back to Sherbrooke was led by former NHL goaltender, and former Sherbrooke Faucon, Jocelyn Thibault. However, the new Phoenix would not be satisfied to play in the old Palais des Sports. The City of Sherbrooke and Government of Quebec agreed to a huge renovation of the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet. This old arena, named after the founder of Sher-Wood, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. In the end, what is exciting to see is that, in what may be the final opportunity for junior hockey in Sherbrooke, the fans have realized what they have been missing, and embraced the Phoenix with open arms, showing their support. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options were not too bad, but if you speak only English you will have to manage through the menu which was in French. You will find what you would expect plus a few Quebec staples. Beer is sold in tall-boys and sell for $5.50. They are actually sold in the stands, a la baseball, which was a bit of a surprise. There are four main concession stands; one in each corner of the concourse. Two feature fries, poutine, onion rings and other fried offerings, and the other two feature salads and sandwiches. Subs and smoked meat are on the menu, as well as maple butter. The prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. The local flavour gives the concessions a bit of a bump up, and you will be satisfied if you choose to eat at the game. Atmosphere 4 As mentioned above, the Palais des Sports is an older arena that has undergone a significant renovation. The Palais is part of a greater sporting complex that is on the campus of Cegep de Sherbrooke, a kind of junior college that is part of the Quebec education system. Upon arriving at the Palais, there is nothing that will blow you away about the exterior. It is a pretty plain building, that has been decorated with some photo murals in the windows that make it a bit more homey for the Phoenix. There is a small monument outside dedicated to local speed skater Sylvie Daigle, who earned medals in the Albertville and Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Stepping inside, there is a small atrium which offers access to the ticket office (Billetterie) and the team store. There is also some local team decor, which makes it feel a little better for the home team. In the seating bowl, the concourses travelling around the arena are above the seating bowl, similar to many other arenas in junior hockey, and the opportunity for standing room is available at the ends as well. Both sides are lined with luxury boxes, and the concourses travel behind them, with access to the seats available through small doorways. The seats themselves are a bit of a disappointment. They are the classic wooden seats, that have been given a wonderful Phoenix-navy blue paint job, but the novelty of sitting in the wooden seats wears off after a while, right around the time your butt goes numb. Other key additions to the Palais are the crystal clear video board at centre ice and the ribbon boards on either side of the arena. There is also a traditional scoreboard at one end of the arena. The videoboard does not boast a scoreboard attached to it, so another traditional scoreboard may be on the menu for future developments. They do use graphics on the board to show the score and time among other things, but the traditional board is far better for this. The ceilings in the Palais are low, so a larger videoboard, with a scoreboard attached is probably not an option. The in-game production is fairly strong, and that is obvious from the participation of the crowd. Music is a mix of modern pop/rock and traditional hockey organ music. The PA announcer, although speaking far more in French than English, gets a great reaction from the crowd. There are a group of young people who act as cheerleaders on ice-level and get the crowd involved, as well as the in-game emcee, who is far less annoying than in many cases. They all travel with Onyx, the Phoenix mascot, who does a great job engaging the crowd. Overall, whether you are English-speaking or French-speaking, you will enjoy the game in Sherbrooke, even if it is a blowout (as was the game for this review). You may even want to step out of your comfort zone and buy a Moitie-Moitie billet (50-50 ticket). The one thing that was really missing, was any sort of recognition of the past Sherbrooke hockey teams. There were no banners or recognized players that I could find. The Castors did have some success as they made it to the Memorial Cup in 1982. Neighborhood 3 Being part of a larger sporting complex, the neighbourhood surrounding the Palais does not immediately jump out with numerous options for pre or post game meals. If you head down to Rue King, you may find a couple of options. Mike’s Restaurants are an Italian chain in Quebec that you may want to try, or possibly you could try Louis’ Luncheonette, which has a reputation for great poutine. What pumps up the neighbourhood mark is that there are some decent ski destinations in this region. You may want to add a Phoenix game to a little recreational skiing if you are in this region of Quebec. Fans 5 During the 2013 season, the Phoenix welcomed over 108,000 fans to the Palais for hockey. This was a record for an expansion team in Quebec, which is impressive considering that the capacity for the Palais is not very high, under 4,000. At this particular game, the Phoenix welcomed 3,800 patrons to the Palais. What jumps out about the Sherbrooke fans is that they are loud! When gameplay is on, the fans treat the game with intensity, focusing on the play. However, between plays and at key moments, the noise level in the Palais is really high! What makes the Phoenix a feel-good story in the QMJHL is that the fans seem to understand what they have lost in the past, and both the Sherbrooke fans and the management of the Phoenix are not going to let another team leave Sherbrooke. Access 3 Getting to the Palais is not that difficult. Not being a huge city, navigating to the Palais from the Autoroute in Sherbrooke is no problem. There is plenty of parking in the general vicinity, around the complex, and there is no charge for it. If public transit is your option, there are a number of bus stops just outside of the doors of the Palais. Inside the Palais is where the building shows its age. Getting around the concourses can be a real problem. The atrium was not that full, but the weather was beautiful. On a cold day, before the game, the atrium is more than likely packed. Also, people tend to stand and visit in the concourses, which makes travel even more difficult. The washrooms are below the seating bowl, and are not easily accessible. Return on Investment 5 Tickets in the QMJHL are a fantastic value. Adult tickets for the Phoenix go for $16, while children’s tickets go for a ridiculous $6! You get a high quality product for an excellent entry fee, in a great atmosphere with fantastic fans. Add to that, free parking and some decent concession prices, and the opportunity for an outing with the family for a good price is not to be missed. Extras 4 Two extra marks for the pre-game ceremony. Being the final game of the 2013 regular season, the Phoenix put on a great show for those players who would be “graduating” from the QMJHL as over-age players. It could be considered like a senior day at a university sporting event. A great job by the Phoenix, who not only honoured each player individually, but also put together a short video highlight reel for each player. An extra mark for the first intermission entertainment, which was a lovely young lady who did an amazing rendition of “Skyfall.” An extra mark for the fans of Sherbrooke who have embraced the Phoenix, and are making sure they have a long future in Sherbrooke. Final Thoughts We are in an era where teams are beginning to return to markets that had previously lost them. We have seen examples in the Winnipeg Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Sherbrooke Phoenix. This will continue in the future as Ottawa will receive a new CFL team, and the North Bay Battalion will begin playing in the OHL. In all cases, what is most important, is that the fans embrace the team, and create a situation where the fans make it almost impossible for the new team to leave. This is what is happening in Sherbrooke, where the Phoenix have risen from the ashes of the Castors. If you have the opportunity, a trip to Sherbrooke will not be disappointing, and watching the Phoenix rise again will bring you to your feet! Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on twitter @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Centre Gervais Auto 1200 Avenue des Cedres Shawinigan, QC G9N 1P6 Shawinigan Cataractes website Centre Gervais Auto website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,195 L’Energie de les Cataractes When the QMJHL formed in 1969, one of its first franchises was the Shawinigan Bruins. Since then, almost everything about The Q has changed, with the exception of that team located between Montreal and Quebec City. What is now known as the Shawinigan Cataractes is the only original team from The Q to continuously run in the same city. Known as the City of Energy for its production of hydro-electric power, the city of Shawinigan is also known as the home of Canada’s longest serving prime Minister, Jean Chretien, and legendary Montreal goaltender, and first goalie ever to wear a mask, Jacques Plante. The Cataractes have a long standing tradition with the city, formerly playing in the Arena Jacques-Plante. In English, Cataractes literally means “waterfalls,” which is also a reference to the Shawinigan Falls, which is used to produce energy. The Cataractes were a community owned team, until 2007 when “Le Club de Hockey de Shawinigan Inc” was sold to a group of 15 investors. The former home of the Cataractes, Arena Jacques Plante, was one of those arenas that oozed history and tradition. However, the Cataractes moved to a new arena in 2008, which was built and owned by the City of Shawinigan. The new area sold naming rights to a water treatment company known as Bionest. Although tragic that an old arena with a great tradition and name had to be abandoned, it is probably for the best. The Cataractes were the host team for the Memorial Cup in 1985, but Arena Jacques Plante only hosted 2 games of the tournament. The support columns in the seating area made it impossible to televise the games, and the remainder of the tournament was moved to Drummondville. Shawinigan has been rewarded for their loyalty. They are the host city for the 2012 Memorial Cup, a tournament in which the Cataractes are guaranteed a birth as the host city. Food & Beverage 3 There is decent variety of food at the Cataractes game and the prices are decent as well. Budweiser and Bud Light are the available beers at Centre Bionsest ($4.75). Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, fries, and soda are available here. There is a Van Houtte Coffee stand that offers various flavours of coffee. You can also try some Quebec staples which would include a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich and some poutine. Atmosphere 5 Centre Bionest de Shawinigan has a newer look to it. The classic, red brick look to Arena Jacques-Plante has been left behind for something a little more modern looking. Once inside you will notice a couple of unique items in the causeways. There are numerous places to sit and eat, or stand and eat. You can also find a nursing station/kids area. Finally, there are a few “rod hockey” games for the kids to play as well. Once inside the seating bowl, you will see a split level seating bowl with a 360 degree walkway around the centre of the seating bowl. That walkway offers much desired standing room which seems to be important at all junior rinks. The back wall of the walkways, which would normally be a bland painted concrete, are painted a sharp navy blue with numerous Cataractes logos around the arena. Above the seating bowl there are numerous banners hanging. A couple of banners are for division and conference championships. These pale in comparison to the 9 banners that honour former Shawinigan players. These include the retired numbers of: Michel Briere, Benoit Plouffe, Marcel Giguere, Dean Bergeron, Patrice Lefebvre, Stephan Lebeau, Patrick Lalime, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Stephane Robidas. However the biggest banners belong to two men who never played for the Cataractes. There is a banner honouring former Montreal Canadiens, and Shawinigan native Andre Pronovost, who won four Stanley Cups. The largest banner is of course for hockey innovator and icon, Jacques Plante. Plante was the first goalie ever to don a mask, and kicked off the era of colorful and exciting face masks. He is a native of Shawinigan and his number has been retired at Le Centre Bell in Montreal as well. Neighborhood 2 Centre Bionest is located on what is basically the edge of town, not far from the river. It is north of what would be considered downtown Shawinigan. There is nothing that is walkable for pre or post game fare. You are pretty close to Arena Jacques Plante, which is worth a drive-by at least. If you are looking for a place to go, head downtown where you can find a few places that may interest you. For something pretty close, you may want to try the Broadway Pub where they have a good beer selection. Fans 5 Attendance in Shawinigan has been in the top 5 in the QMJHL, especially since they have christened the new building. This is one of the reasons that the Cataractes have been rewarded with the ability to host the Memorial Cup in 2012. Even more than the support at the box office that the Cataractes have received, Cataractes fans are LOUD! They seem to be in the play all the time, and when a goal is scored, the place gets really loud. On the other hand, when the opposing team scores, you can hear a pin drop. Shawinigan fans are intelligent and passionate, and much more hospitable than I ever expected. Access 4 Getting to the Centre Bionest is very easy. It is right on the edge of town, so traveling there by car is a piece of cake. Parking is free, but you might want to get there early enough to ensure that you are getting a good spot. Parking goes down to Arena Jacques-Plante, but is a little less organized down there. Centre Bionest does seem a bit small to host the Memorial Cup, but I’m sure they will do a great job. Washroom facilities are adequate, and traveling throughout the arena can be tight at times. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to see the Cataractes are an unbelievable deal! Adult tickets are only $15, and tickets for children are a staggering $5!! At this rate, a night for the family at a Cataractes game is cheaper than a night at the movies. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The Q is a fast-paced, high-scoring league, that never seems to disappoint. At the end of the day, I don’t think it is possible to get a greater return on such a small investment. Extras 3 An extra point for being the host city of the 2012 Memorial Cup. An extra point for the large hanging aboriginal in the upper corner. He flashes with lightning when the Cataractes score a goal. Extra points for the stability of the Shawinigan franchise and their great history in the Q. Final Thoughts If you REALLY want to see what Quebecois hockey is all about, make a trip to see the bedrock of junior hockey in Quebec. The Shawinigan Cataractes are a fantastic entertainment experience and a must for all hockey gurus. When in Shawinigan you will most definitely feel l’energie!

Photos by Dave Cottenie & Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Centre Slush Puppie 500 Boulevard de la Cité Gatineau, QC J8X 2P8 Gatineau Olympiques website Centre Slush Puppie website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 4,000 Slush on Ice The Gatineau Olympiques played at the venerable Robert Guertin Centre for 45-years, an aging rink whose time had passed. The city of Gatineau awarded the non-profit organization Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) the contract for construction and management of a 4,000-seat arena, including three community ice rinks. The venue is now known as Centre Slush Puppie after naming rights were acquired by the maker of the “original non-carbonated frozen beverage treat enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.” In addition to the main rink, there are three other skating rinks, which combine to give 7,700 hours of ice time per year. These hours are distributed to the various sports associations and are used for various free activities offered by Gatineau’s recreation department. The project demonstrates how local governments can work together with sports franchises to deliver venues that serve more than just sports fans. Still, we are concerned with understanding the venue as it applies to a fan attending a game. So how does Centre Slush Puppie measure up? Stadium Journey went to an early-season game and came away impressed, though there are some areas where improvement is necessary, as you would expect with a new venue. Note that all prices are in Canadian dollars, which at the time of writing is about 80 cents U.S. Food & Beverage 3 Recessed within each corner of the concourse are the concession stands, and this design limits the impact of long lines on those who are walking by. The food offerings are basic and include nachos ($7), popcorn ($5), and cotton candy (barbe à papa, $6) is your heaviest option, with chips ($4) and chocolate bars ($3) to round out things. Of course, there are two flavors of Slush Puppie, with small cups going for $2 and large for $3. Coca-Cola beverages are available in bottles for $4, and you can get 473ml cans of beer for $8 or $9, depending on the brand. There is one specialized concession that sells only liquor and includes vodka, gin, and whiskey. Atmosphere 4 The main entrance and box office is on the ground floor. This is where vaccination credentials will be checked. From here, take stairs up a level to get to the arena proper, where your ticket will be scanned. The arena is very clean, with a shiny concourse and black padded seats that match the team’s colors. It is aesthetically pleasing. In the corners, the top rows have 32 seats; avoid getting in the middle of those, as you will have to traverse 15 other people to get out. The concourse is quite wide, and each corner has a concession stand in an alcove of sorts. There are drink rails around the entire concourse, and these provide the best views of the action. But once the game starts, patrons are asked to sit in their seats, due to COVID, which doesn’t make a lot of sense. Fortunately, by the third period, this rule was no longer being enforced at the game attended. There are two video boards at either end of the rink, although they don’t show replays. What I found particularly interesting is that the back of the video boards are open, showing just how complicated these things are. The arena does not have an overhead scoreboard above the center ice; however, there is a small steel structure that seems to have no purpose. The Olympiques have had several players and coaches move on to the NHL; they are all honoured with banners hanging from the rafters. There is also a banner for Guy Lafleur, who was born in nearby Thurso. The team also has had success, with the 1997 Memorial Cup the highlight, and a separate set of banners celebrating these accomplishments. There are suites and a Budweiser Club that are located one level up; these are not accessible from the arena proper but require you to go up more stairs. As is the case with most hockey arenas, music plays during every stoppage in play, but it is not excessively loud. Neighborhood 4 Centre Slush Puppie is located in the eastern part of Gatineau in an area of strip malls and shopping centers. It takes 10-15 minutes to drive from downtown Ottawa, which is likely where most visiting fans will be staying. There is not a lot within walking distance of the venue, but a Pizzédélic is located in a nearby strip mall, a good spot for a pie and a pint. Gatineau does have some attractions in its own right, including the Canadian Museum of History, which is about 15 minutes away and would be a good spot to visit during the afternoon before a night game. Of course, Ottawa is the nation’s capital and has dozens of worthwhile attractions, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene in the Byward Market and on Elgin Street. Fans 5 I attended a Friday night game and was very impressed with the turnout. Many fans were wearing Gatineau garb, and they understood and paid attention to the game and cheered at the right time. They also stay to the end and are polite and respectful. Access 3 The arena is located at the corner of Boulevard de la Cite and Boulevard de la Gappe and takes about 5-10 minutes of surface street driving if you take Highway 50 from Ottawa. If you arrive early enough, you can find street parking on Cite right in front of the building. If you come later, there is a parking lot on Gappe that is right beside the arena. You can also take a bus from downtown Ottawa right to the rink; the #87 STO bus takes about 40 minutes, while the return would use the 400 bus. Use Google Maps to confirm the details. Once inside, fans will have to have their vaccination credentials verified. Once you enter the arena, there will be no problems walking around the concourse. At intermissions, however, concession stand lines are very long, and you could spend the entire break waiting to pick something up, so get your food and drink before the game. The drink rails are the best place to watch the game, and it is not clear why fans are not allowed to stand there. Once that rule is eliminated, this category will get an extra point. All of the restrooms are along the concourse, and in the case of most hockey games, long lines form after the end of each period. It would be wise to time your trip before this time to avoid long lines. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $24 for sections along the sides and $20 for end zone seats. There are discounts for seniors, teens, children, while those under 3 can get in for free. With food relatively cheap and free parking, the Olympiques provide an affordable evening of entertainment. Extras 2 The club was known as the Hull Olympiques until the provincial government amalgamated all of the cities in the area in 2002. Gatineau was chosen as the new name of these cities. The club’s mascot is a panda named Hully to retain some sense of the past. The arena earns a point for the overall aesthetics. It is well designed and much more pleasant than a typical rink at this level. Final Thoughts Centre Slush Puppie will undoubtedly receive a few guffaws due to its name, but it is a very comfortable and enjoyable place to see a junior hockey game. If you happen to be in the Ottawa region to see the Senators or 67s, check the QMJHL schedule to see if you can add the Olympiques and a bit of slush to your icy itinerary.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Aréna Iamgold du Centre Dave-Keon 218 Avenue Murdoch Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 1E6, Canada Rouyn-Noranda Huskies website Arena Iamgold du Centre Dave Keon website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 3,500 Les Cors des Huskies (avec Dave-Keon) The horns, oh the horns! They may not be the horns of justice or the horns of victory. They may only be made of plastic and cardboard, but the horns are a staple of Aréna Iamgold du Centre Dave-Keon. Home for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL, Aréna Iamgold was built in 1951 and formerly named after the favorite son of the area and former Toronto Maple Leafs legend, Dave Keon. The building is as old school as they come and totally fits the Northern Québec area. However, if there is one thing that the hockey experience in this mining town of 41,000 should be known for, it is the horns the fans play throughout the game. The Huskies originally began their existence all the way back in 1933 as the legendary Montreal Junior Canadiens. In 1982 the team moved to Verdun as the Verdun Juniors before moving again to Saint-Hyacinthe in 1989 to become the Laser. The final move for this franchise was in 1996 when they moved north to become the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The team is currently owned by 16 local shareholders and decisions are made through a Board of Directors structure. The area is known for copper mining as they claim to be the Copper Capital of Canada, and hockey players Dave Keon and Jacques Laperriere. When naming rights were purchased by the Iamgold Corporation, a Toronto-based, international gold producer, the arena was renamed Aréna Iamgold but the entire building retained the moniker of the legendary Leaf. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Aréna Iamgold are a bit of an adventure. Although there is a decent variety of items that you would expect at a hockey arena of this calibre, there is a distinct lack of modern amenities. Concessions require cash purchases and a clear price list or menu is replaced with piecemeal hand printed and computer printed sheets of paper. Combine this with a distinctly French culture and those already intimidated by the language, will probably steer clear of concessions all together. The north side of the arena has the major concession area, entitled “restaurant.” Poutine remains probably the most popular selection. Soft drink options feature Pepsi products as well as other items. What is of significant surprise is the variety of alcoholic items available. Although the beer selection is of typical nature including Molson Canadian, Molson Export and Coors Light, other alcoholic options are plentiful. Practically a full bar is available including rum, vodka and cognac. What bumps up the food score higher than expected is the absolutely terrific pricing in Rouyn-Noranda. Fans that venture into the concessions will not be upset by high prices. Atmosphere 4 Aréna Iamgold is a classic, Northern Québec, hockey barn, plain and simple. The exterior of the building evokes thoughts of the fifties when it was originally built. The exterior is covered in brown brick with the exception of the top part of the north side of the building which is clearly a renovation and covered in various colours of brown siding. Both the north and south ends of the arena received additions to build up capacity and slightly modernize the arena. Upon entering the arena, fans are greeted by a very small entryway which houses the ticketing windows. A step in past the ticketing area opens to the lower concourse, a decent meeting area for the pre-game which includes a small bar where fans can purchase drinks. There are a couple of interesting displays to keep the interest of fans while waiting for the doors to open one hour before the puck drops. One of which explains the connection between hockey and the area of Rouyn-Noranda. Once the doors open, fans are required to ascend the staircase to where tickets are scanned and fans are welcomed into the arena proper. Inside, the arena oozes charisma and history. All around the main concourses, which are behind the seating, are photos of NHL players from the area or who played for the Huskies. Other photos include Huskies team photos as well as team photos from the area that go all the way back to the fifties. Above the ice are three banners honouring former Huskies. Mike Ribeiro and Jérôme Tremblay have their numbers retired and former coach André Tourigny has a banner honoring his ten years in Rouyn-Noranda. On the opposite side of the video board are the seven banners honouring the Huskies for their successes in the QMJHL, culminating in their 2016 season where they took home the President’s Cup, Jean Rougeau Trophy and were finalists in the Memorial Cup. The perfect accent for the arena hangs at the south end at the top of the arena. It is the Dave Keon number 14 banner directly from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The seating area is quite small with seven rows of spacious, plastic stadium seats, on the east and west sides. The north and south ends have more seating as a result of additions in 2011. The roof is white painted hardwood and is arched as opposed to peaked. However, some of the seating is curious and requires some expertise to manoeuvre. There are box seats which hang above the east and west seating ends which obstruct the views of the scoreboard from at least the top row of seating. Also, there are seats right under the diagonal I-beams, which could cause some serious headaches for fans who tend to jump out of their seats. The perfect centre ice photo will be from the west side of the arena. The game day experience in Rouyn-Noranda is fairly simple. Game day lineup sheets are free and hockey cards are often handed out at the door. The music is about what you would expect from a junior game and the PA system is remarkably clear. Upon a Huskies goal, an original Huskies goal song is played. The fans also participate in their own post-goal rituals with their horns. The mascot, Lappy, heads around the arena, greeting fans and making noise by banging two empty plastic jugs together. Neighbourhood 3 Centre Dave-Keon is located just off the path of downtown Rouyn-Noranda. There is a small retail area around the arena and there are a couple of options for pre or post game food and drink. Chez Morasse offers a massive variety of the Québec staple, poutine, but only accepts cash as payment. Other options would be better found in downtown, including Pizzé. Rouyn-Noranda is an outdoor, winter enthusiast playground. Popular activities in the winter include ice fishing, snowshoeing and skiing. It is also very common to see snowmobiles around town and even in the downtown. The theatre may be a consideration while in the area. Cabaret de la Derniere Chance could be considered. For fans staying in the area, the best idea is to head downtown for accommodations. The Best Western Albert Hotel is a good option. Fans 4 The Huskies draw slightly below average for the QMJHL. In the 2018, 2017 and 2016 seasons the Huskies have averaged 2,015, 2,228 and 2,161 fans per game respectively. This has ranked the Huskies between 13th and 15th in the league. Attendance in Rouyn-Noranda is pretty steady and ebbs and flows as any average team would. What bumps the score to the next level for the Huskies is how the fans that are in the stands act. Fans are loud and proud. Home goals get a massive pop and away goals are met with silence. After scoring and the goal announcement, fans take to the horns. One fan leads and others follow with a whole prepped routine for goals. It is something that is definitely unique to Rouyn-Noranda. Access 3 Aréna Iamgold is located east of the main highways 101 and 117. Getting in by car, fans will have to manoeuvre through the streets of Rouyn-Noranda, although that should not be a big issue. Getting out of the area can be a bit challenging after the game, but it is not that big a deal. Parking can be found around the area in local lots or on the streets and is free on Sundays. Fans who desire public transit can check the Ville Rouyn-Noranda website for fares, maps and schedules. The ticketing windows are in the entryway at the north side of the building. There is a self-service, automated machine for printing will call tickets directly across from the ticket window. Getting around the arena can be extremely challenging. Concourses are very narrow and crowded. Washrooms are also pretty small. Return on Investment 4 QMJHL hockey continues to offer great value for the dollar. Huskies tickets go for $18.75 per game with no other discounts. Parking is often free and concession prices are excellent. The product on the ice is excellent. The Q usually plays with smaller players, is faster and has higher scoring. Overall, the return is excellent. The only drop in return is a result of the challenges of getting around the arena and finding a good seat. Also, for fans who do not like the shrillness of the horns, it will be a long game. Extras 4 Extra marks for clinging to Northern Québec hockey history at all levels as well as their favorite son, Dave Keon. An extra mark for the creativity of the fans and their horn sequence. An extra mark for the Huskies’ heated rivalry with the Val-d’Or Foreurs. Just 100 km apart, those are the best games to go to and the house is always packed and loud. Final Thoughts Touring through the QMJHL will bring a diverse group of arena experiences. Aréna Iamgold du Centre Dave-Keon is definitely an older venue that has its quirks. That being said, it is a great experience and totally worth checking out. Maybe even “Les cors des Huskies” will play often for a home win. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park 400 Victory Farm Ln Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Gaithersburg Giants website Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 Summer Collegiate Baseball in DC The Gaithersburg Giants are one of six teams in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate summer wood bat league in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, and play their home games at Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park. Kelley Park is currently a town park but is in the process of being converted to an elementary school. Although this should not affect the stadium in the long term, the effects of construction will be noticeable if visiting a Giants game at the moment as the field is surrounded by it. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located out of a window behind home plate. The stand serves basic items like hamburgers ($5, or $5.50 with cheese), hot dogs ($3.50), nachos ($3.50), and various snacks which range from 25 cents to a dollar. Water and soda are available for $1 or Gatorade for $1.50. Combos are available with a meal item, chips, and a drink which can reduce the price a bit. The concession stand is cash only so come prepared. Additionally, it typically does not open until right before the game starts, so be prepared for that as well. Atmosphere 2 There are four small sets of bleachers at Criswell Automotive Field similar to what you would see at a Little League stadium. All but one of them are behind the backstop, which is a black chain link fence that can be hard to see through. There is one set of bleachers down the first baseline with a relatively unobstructed view. The third base side is shadier in the afternoons and early evenings, but also has an obstructed view of the scoreboard which is located down the left field line. Other than the game, there is not a whole lot going on here. The team will play music in between innings or batters but doesn’t do much else. It is a barebones experience. The one perk of that is that you can hear just about everything that happens on the field. Whether it’s the umpires asking for more balls or the dugouts chirping after a bad call, you can hear just about everything that is said. Neighborhood 3 Kelley Park is located in a residential area, which makes sense as it is (for now) a neighborhood park, but this also means there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity. Your best bet is to head into town where you will find a lot of things to do, both chain restaurants and local. Most of the good options are on the other side of I-270. Coastal Flats is a favorite restaurant locally known for its seafood and steak, and the Old Town Pour House is a top-notch pub, but all of these are quite a ways from the stadium so you will need to drive. Fans 2 The Giants typically have about 50 fans a game, 100 if they’re lucky. Sadly, this is consistent with most of the CRCBL. However, those fans who do show up are extremely loyal, and most of them are either the players’ real families or host families. Many of them go to just about every game throughout the whole season. As a result, they can be quite passionate. Sadly, the Giants don’t seem to draw much more than this. It would be nice if the Giants could draw from a wider pool of fans, but unfortunately, few who have no connection to the team even know they exist. Access 2 First, the easy part. To get to Kelley Park, take I-270 to I-370, then take that for about a mile, and Kelley Park is about two more miles off the highway. Unfortunately, once you get to the park, the access becomes a lot more complicated. The normal lot is currently being used as staging for construction vehicles to build the new elementary school, so fans are unable to park there. There is a small gravel lot right next to the stadium that involves driving down a long gravel path, but that fills up very quickly as it is where the players park so you will need to arrive very early if you want to park there. Additionally, the lot is in foul territory, so park at your own risk. If you choose not to park in this lot, you will need to park on the street. Victory Farm Lane is the road right outside the stadium, but all legal spaces on this road may be taken when you arrive. If so, you will need to park on one of the back roads near the stadium. Just be mindful of where it is legal to park and where it isn’t or you could get ticketed or even towed. If walking in from the street, you will need to walk down a narrow pedestrian path to avoid dealing with cars coming to and from the lot. Once you are at the field itself, it’s easy enough to get around. The restrooms are small but of sufficient size for the small crowds that normally show up. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all Giants regular-season games is free, and concessions are affordable. There’s no charge for street parking in Gaithersburg, so you don’t have to worry about that either. However, there simply isn’t enough here to earn the top rating for this score. Extras 1 There are free roster sheets available at the concession stand. That’s about the only extra here. Final Thoughts Most in the D.C. area don’t even know the Cal Ripken League exists. Those that do generally are those with some connection to one of the teams. Sadly, the Gaithersburg Giants are no exception and a visit to Criswell Automotive Field is very barebones. There are Little League fields that have more to offer. That being said, it’s a chance to see potential future stars of the majors for no cost at all, and it’s hard to argue with that opportunity. While it would be nice to see the Giants attract more fans from Gaithersburg, a game at Criswell Automotive Field is still worth checking out if you are in the area.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 South County Sports Complex 8501 Silverbrook Rd Lorton, VA 22079 Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 700 Home of the Braves The Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League is a collegiate summer wood bat league consisting of six teams in the Washington, D.C. area, including three in Maryland, two in Virginia, and one in the District of Columbia itself. One of these teams, the FCA Braves, plays its home games in Lorton, Virginia, in Southern Fairfax County. The Braves, which are affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, have had difficulty finding a long-term stadium in recent years. Although they enjoyed great stability for many years playing at Alan McCullock Field in Herndon, the team has now had four home stadiums in the last four years. 2016 was the team’s last stadium playing full time in Herndon, while 2017 saw them split time between Herndon and Oakton High School in Vienna, ten miles to the east. In 2018, they got yet another home venue, Annandale High School, while 2019 saw them move to their current home at South County High School in Lorton. As the name would imply, Lorton is in the southern part of Fairfax County. The baseball stadium at South County High School is part of a sports complex that also includes stadiums in several other sports. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale here. Outside food and beverage is permitted with the exception of alcoholic beverages, so feel free to bring some in. You’ll definitely want to bring bottled water to cope with the heat. There is a water fountain in the adjacent football stadium that trickles out warm water if you’re really desperate, but it’s better to bring your own. Atmosphere 2 There really is not a lot going on here. The team plays music between innings, but that’s about it. No between innings contests, no raffles, nothing to involve the fans. That being said, sometimes less is more and the nice thing about this is you can hear just about everything that goes on in the game. Whether it’s the players chattering with each other, the umpires calling for more balls, or the sound of the players’ cleats on the pavement as they head to refill the water cooler, you’ll be able to hear it. This is a baseball purist’s dream, but for just about anyone else, there isn’t a lot here at all. There are a few sets of metal bleachers with no backs that fans can sit in, with the third base side in the shade for most of the game and the first base side looking directly into the sun for the first half of the game or so. There are no seats directly behind home plate, as that is where the press box is. There is a scoreboard in the outfield which shows a line score, the count, and any score keeping decisions. Neighborhood 2 South County High School is located in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Lorton, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. If you turn right out of the parking lot and head a mile or so down Silverbrook Road, there is a little strip mall with a few restaurants including a gyro shop, a pizza place, and a Burger King. Texas Donuts, which has some of the best doughnuts in Northern Virginia, will be opening in the strip mall soon, but as of the time of writing was not open yet. Other than that, there is not much here. Fans would be better suited to head to Woodbridge or Occoquan, both of which are about a 15-minute drive away and have far better options. Fans 1 The Braves average only a few dozen fans per game, and for the most part, they are dead silent. Although the Cal Ripken League is not known for high attendances, the crowd here is small and quiet even compared to their rivals. The one time we heard a few fans get rowdy all night, it turns out they were cheering for the wrong player. As it turns out, the Braves have two players with exactly the same first and last name who attend the same college during the year, and these fans were there to support the one with the other middle initial. Access 2 South County High School is located a few miles off Interstate 95 via exit 163 (Lorton Road). There is ample parking available in the lot near the stadium, but make sure not to park too close or your car may get hit by a foul ball. Lorton does have a commuter rail station, but the line only runs during commuting hours and it is located several miles away from the stadium, so this is impractical for fans attending evening games. One unique option for fans traveling from far away (or at least one very specific far away destination) is to take Amtrak’s Auto Train from Orlando, Florida to the other terminal in Lorton (at a separate station from the commuter rail one.) Passengers can drive their car onto the train in Florida, then head to their seat or overnight cabin for the journey. Upon arrival at Lorton the next morning, passengers can drive their car off the train to wherever they plan on heading in town. One nice benefit is that you can load up your trunk exactly like you would for a car trip, so no need to worry about hauling all your bags around the station or finding room in the overhead compartment to store them. Although the vast majority of fans will never benefit from this, it is an interesting enough option that it deserves mention. The restroom station here is very bizarre. The men’s room in the adjacent football stadium was open when we visited and contained ample space for everyone. However, the women’s room was locked and inaccessible. The only options for ladies were to use a single port-a-potty beyond the outfield fence that was in an area that was difficult to access, or to use the men’s room while someone stands guard outside to make sure no men get in. Most women chose the latter option. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, there are no concessions, and you won’t pay for parking. It’s hard to argue with that, but there really isn’t enough here to get it the highest ranking. Extras 2 The stadium opens two hours early so fans can watch batting practice, the earliest gate opening time in the league. There are free programs available under a rock on the bleachers. They don’t have much, but it’s hard to argue with the price. Final Thoughts Most sports fans in the DC area don’t realize the Ripken League exists, and it shows in the league’s attendance numbers. The FCA Braves in particular have poor attendance, perhaps due to their isolated location within the league and the fact that they have changed home venues so many times. The team also does not seem to do as much to publicize themselves as other teams in the league, even though that is a relatively low standard. The team’s website still lists the address in Annandale, and the team’s Twitter account is even worse, referring to the team as the “Herndon Braves.” With this kind of publicity, it is not really any wonder almost nobody shows up despite the free admission.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy 3675 Ely Pl SE Washington DC, 20019 D. C. Grays website Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 The Other District Team Founded in 2005, the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League features six teams in the Washington, D.C. metro area. One member, the DC Grays, is the second of two summer league teams by that name. The first Grays team played in the Clark Griffith League from 2006 to 2009 when the league folded, although they only played in the District for one of those years. After an absence in 2010, the second and current version of the Grays was founded in 2011 and joined the Ripken League for the next season in 2012. The Grays played their first two seasons at Hoy Field on the campus of Gallaudet University before moving to the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Southeast D.C. in 2014. The Grays nickname pays homage to the old Homestead Grays, a Negro League team that used to play in the District. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at a window down the right-field line, staffed by two friendly employees, which sells a typical selection of food and beverage. Meals include hamburgers ($4, or $5 with cheese), pizza ($7 for a personal size), nachos ($5, or $6 with chili), and $5 for a “meal deal” that includes a hot dog, chips, and soda or water. A wide assortment of snacks is available for $1-$2 each, and soft drinks and water will cost $2-$4 depending on the item. Note that if paying by credit card, there is a $1 service fee for transactions under $5. To avoid this, either bring cash or buy enough in each visit to be above this threshold. Theoretically, hot chocolate and coffee are available between 9 AM and 12 PM, but this is mainly for the kids, parents, and coaches who are at the complex during the day. The Grays do play one 1 PM game a year for various youth groups, and if you arrive early enough for that game, you may be able to get some of these drinks. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get them at a Grays game. Atmosphere 4 The DC Grays’ home stadium is located within the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, nestled among various youth baseball and softball fields. Numerous youth teams call the Academy home, as do various softball teams up to the college level. However, the Grays’ stadium is the main stadium in the complex as reflected in its quality. The all-turf field is surrounded by several sections of bleachers with backs with a wide-open, large concourse for fans to walk between the seating bowl and other areas of the complex. All seats have an excellent view of the action, but be careful of the sun setting down the left-field line for the first few innings of a night game. There is also a scoreboard in left centerfield which shows a linescore and other basic information. The team does a good job of keeping fans engaged, playing walkup music, making announcements throughout the game about the various ways fans can get involved, and holding a 50-50 raffle in the later innings for a chance to win some money and raise some money for the team, which after all is a non-profit. Neighborhood 2 Although many parts of D.C. are great, the Nationals Youth Academy is not located in the best neighborhood. This choice of location makes some sense, as the complex was intended to help inner-city children play baseball. The area directly around the stadium is safe enough, and expect some police presence during games to make sure it stays that way, but as always in an urban environment, be aware of what is going on around you. You probably don’t want to venture too far away from the stadium though. Many more options are available downtown, but unless you want to drive down there and try to find parking, you’re probably going to have to take an Uber or Lyft. Fans 3 Like most teams in the Cal Ripken League, the Grays are lucky if they get more than a couple hundred fans a game, but those who do show up are passionate, loyal, and knowledgeable about the team and the league. Even as the hour grew late and the game went into multiple extra innings, most fans stayed until it was over, cheering just as loudly in the final inning as the first. That is real dedication. As all Ripken League teams are located within about 40 miles of each other, and the Grays are the most centrally located team of them all, you will often get a number of visiting fans making the short trip into the District as well. Access 3 The Nationals Youth Academy is conveniently located a short drive off either I-395 or DC Route 295 (which is the only “state” highway in the District of Columbia.) Parking is available for free in the complex lot, although you will have to walk past some of the other fields to get where you need to go. Unfortunately, the Academy is not easily accessible by any D.C. Metro line, but free parking is a rarity in this city so take it where you can get it. The concourses are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds. The restrooms are of sufficient size as well, although the men’s room is tucked away in a corner under some stairs, so you may have to look around a bit for it. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Grays home games is free, one of only two clubs in the league where that’s the case. Concessions are affordable as well, and parking is free, so fans shouldn’t have to pay much to see the Grays. Throw in the fact that the Academy stadium is much nicer than most fields in the league and a visit to a Grays game is a pretty good deal. Extras 3 There is a tent on the concourse down the first base line which sells Grays merchandise at affordable prices. The tent also has free programs available, which earns another star. Finally, there are batting cages located on the concourse behind home plate where fans can watch the Grays and their opponents take some batting practice. Final Thoughts Few in the Washington, D.C. area even know the Cal Ripken League exists. That is reflected in the low attendance numbers at the vast majority of teams in the league. However, the DC Grays play in a beautiful stadium, and the chance to watch a baseball game for free on a summer’s night is an opportunity not to be passed up. Despite what people think, the Nationals are not the only baseball team in this city, and while the quality of play isn’t nearly as high at a Grays game as at a Nats one, it’s a chance to see a game for free as opposed to paying a lot of money to sit far away from the field, and who can argue with that?

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Denny Sanford Premier Center 1021 N W Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Sioux Falls Storm website Denny Sanford Premier Center website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 10,600 Sioux Falls Indoor Gridiron Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the multipurpose Denny Sanford Premier Center is home to both a junior hockey team and an arena football team, namely the Sioux Falls Storm of the Indoor Football League (IFL). Opened in 2014 and built for $117 million, the venue holds 14,000 for concerts but only 10,600 for football, as the top tier is curtained off during Storm contests. Food & Beverage 4 Denny Sanford Premier Center has a wide range of concession options, which are available at the typically inflated prices seen at most professional venues. Fans can choose from Philly cheesesteaks (including a mini version for a lower price), burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and pizza, as well as popcorn, cotton candy, fries, packaged candy, pretzels, nachos, and a huge range of ice cream flavors. There aren’t any main stands selling everything, so fans just need to walk around and find the stand which has what they want, for example, Boss’ pizza, Family Treats for ice cream, or Fat Kid Fillys for a cheesesteak. Bottled and fountain sodas (Pepsi products), bottled water, Gatorade, and both draft and canned beer are also available – canned beer can be purchased at just about any stand, while draft beer can be purchased from one of the bars on the concourse. Atmosphere 3 The Sioux Falls Storm offers some great entertainment for fans in attendance besides the product on the field – these include the Lightning Girls dance team, the polar bear mascot Blitz (born in Canada and then homeschooled), and games for the kids like turf bowling. The lights are turned off before the team takes the field, and the spotlights come on to highlight the Lightning Girls’ opening routine, followed by Blitz riding into the stadium on a motorcycle. The staff also has different promotions and special events, for example at the game I most recently attended they had national guardsmen repel down from the ceiling during pregame. You can also purchase a bag of mini footballs for $5, which at the end of the third quarter fans throw onto the field, trying to get them into a bucket to win a prize. Neighborhood 4 Denny Sanford Premier Center is part of the Sioux Falls Convention Center, and there is another sports arena that is also part of it, namely the Sioux Falls Arena, which is home to the Augustana Vikings basketball team. The Vikings also used to play at the football stadium behind the convention center, before moving to an on-campus facility back in 2009. And rounding out the sports venues on site is Sioux Falls Stadium, a.k.a. the Birdcage, home of the minor league Sioux Falls Canaries. There are also plenty of hotels and restaurants in the immediate vicinity, to support events at the convention center, so you are sure to find something suitable if you make the trip out for Storm football. One unique attraction in the area is the USS South Dakota battleship memorial – being that the state is landlocked with no rivers nearby they don’t have the actual battleship on site, but they do lay out the footprint of it in a local park (to actual size and shape) so you can get a feel for how big it is; there is also a small building on site which shows you the history of the ship. Fans 2 The fans are pretty rowdy at Denny Sanford Premier Center during Storm football games, but there are not very many of them – there are lots of empty seats despite the reduced capacity during football games. Fans do sport a lot of Storm team gear, however, which is available on-site, and the prices are actually on the low end – the staff makes a point to have a few basic items (shirts, mini footballs, etc.) at low prices points to accommodate fans. Access 5 Access to Sioux Falls Storm football couldn’t be easier – there is free parking right outside the arena plus plenty of room in the concourse, with both escalators and elevators if you need them. Lines are very short at the team gear stand and for concessions, and the seats are great as well (all chairbacks with padding). In addition, there is plenty of staff member on hand to answer questions or to help you find your seat, and you can pretty much sit wherever you want once you get to the stands. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Storm football start at under $30 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal, and not having to pay for parking only adds to the return on investment. As mentioned the concessions prices are a little on the high side for some items, and there are not a lot of fans in attendance – which is a good thing on one hand as there is less traffic, but also may not provide the raucous atmosphere some fans are looking for. Extras 3 The Storm have a giant American flag, one of the largest in the state, which they roll out during pre-game. They also have charging stations dotted around the concourse, with connectors to fit all different sizes and styles of phones, for fans who need to get charged up during the game. In addition, there is also a section of field-level seating, behind the near end zone, if you want to get close to the action. Final Thoughts Arena football is fun to watch with its faster pace and shorter field, so you will see some excitement, and seeing the Storm provides some additional amenities, which other clubs don’t offer, so that will certainly make for a fun day. If you are in the area I recommend making time to see indoor football at Denny Sanford Premier Center – go Storm!

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Children’s Mercy Park 1 Sporting Way Kansas City, KS 66111 Sporting KC website Sporting Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 18,467 A Home to be Proud Of Children’s Mercy Park is home to both Sporting KC of Major League Soccer and the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. The stadium opened in 2011 on day that saw Sporting KC and the Chicago Fire play to a 0-0 draw. Over the years, Children’s Mercy Park has won numerous awards. It is also the only venue to host the MLS All-Star Game, the United States Men’s National Team, and the MLS Cup all in the same year. The stadium has also held numerous World Cup qualifiers, Olympic qualifiers, CONCACAF Gold Cups, and international friendlies. Food & Beverage 4 Children’s Mercy Park is cashless, so plan accordingly. The park offers up a litany of different food options. I you want to know what’s available and where before heading to the game, the team’s website lists all the concessions available and where they are located. It’s a very handy feature. Further, Sporting KC also has an app that is recommended. Within the app, you can order food/drinks and pick it up thereby cutting down your time in line waiting for the food. I’d recommend the El Capitan stand. They offer a variety of Mexican food. The Chicken Hatch Chili taquitos are really tasty as are the fish tacos. If Mexican food isn’t your thing, not to worry. Being in Kansas City, there are numerous BBQ options of course including pulled pork, burnt ends, and pulled pork nachos. Additionally, chicken sandwiches, burgers, Dominos Pizza, and vegan Italian sausage are among the many other options. Typical snacks such as popcorn, pretzels, candy, etc are also available. Coke products are the soda of choice along with Bodyarmor flavors, tea, and Powerade. As for adult beverages, Goose, Corona, Modelo, Bud Light, Kona Big Wave, Michelob Ultra, wine, and a few mixed drinks are options. Overall, the food and drink options are great, although the portions could be a little bigger for the cost, which is about average of what you would pay in most stadiums. Atmosphere 4 The stadium was built for soccer so the layout inside is very easy to maneuver and logical. Concession areas are sprinkled throughout along with 32 restrooms. The stadium is bathed in blue and indigo, the colors of Sporting KC. There are no bad seats in anywhere. Many of the seats in the corners of the stadium are angled so you get a better view of the entire pitch without having to constantly turn your head. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. The supporter’s stand is on the north side of the stadium. This is general admission and sitting in this area means you will be amongst the crew that sings and chants for the entirety of the game. The south side stands are also GA and are the cheapest tickets available. Pregame festivities include a video and fireworks display when introducing the home team. This is when the supporters crew starts their singing/chanting and they don’t stop until games’ end. Once kickoff occurs, it’s all about soccer. With the constant chanting and ebbs and flows of the crowd overall, it’s hard not to enjoy your time watching the game. Neighborhood 4 Children’s Mercy Park is located just off I-435. The area is a mixture of retail and a few interesting places. Just across State Avenue is the Kansas Speedway. A great NASCAR track, it’s fun to be able to see another great sporting venue. On the property of the racetrack is the Hollywood Casino. Within the casino are three different restaurants, including “Turn 2” which gives you great views of the racetrack. There are numerous food and drink options within walking distance. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is a great option. Other options include LongHorn Steakhouse, El Toro Loco Mexican Bar & Grill, and Granite City Food and Brewery. With the racetrack and casino, there are plenty of lodging options including a Best Western and Hampton Inn which are right across the street from Children’s Mercy Park. If you’ve never been to Kansas City before, there is plenty to see. Take some time to explore before or after the game and make sure to see the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the World War I museum. Fans 5 As of this review, Sporting KC is averaging about 18,500 fans per game, which happens to be about what their capacity is. As such, you can expect a full house more often than not. Many fans arrive early and wait for the gates to open. Once kickoff occurs, fans are engaged and other than halftime, there is a constant buzz in the stadium. Access 4 There is a clear bag policy is effect here. The stadium is easily accessible, just off I-435. If you don’t feel like battling post-game traffic, public transportation is available and will drop you off right next to the stadium. Once inside, getting around is not an issue. The concourses are plenty wide and the restrooms are sufficient to handle the crowds. Post-game is a little slow getting out of the stadium because you have about 18,000 people heading out all at once. Plenty of ADA seating is also available. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices will average $30-$60 depending upon where you choose to sit, which seems about average for MLS. There are a few different parking options. For $20, you can park directly across the street and be out of your car and in the stadium in just a couple minutes. A little further away, you can find free parking. The final option is parking at Hollywood Casino and you can take a shuttle to the stadium. This is the best option if you want to avoid some of the post-game traffic issues that occur at every sporting event. With concession prices being the norm and the great atmosphere of the game, you get an above average return for your dollar. Extras 3 Be sure to get the Sporting KC app before going to the game. It will save some time on concessions and has other helpful hints and information. A nice feature here is that important announcements are made in both English and Spanish. Another point goes to the ushers who are very helpful and polite, whether you simply need directions or assistance carrying food and drinks to your seats. Final Thoughts I’d heard good things about Children’s Mercy Park and I wasn’t disappointed with the experience. The stadium is clean and roomy, the atmosphere provides an air of excitement, and the experience is quite enjoyable throughout. It’s not surprising that Sporting KC has won numerous awards for their presentation and stadium…this is a great place to catch a game. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter