Photo courtesy of Boston.com Recently, the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts surprised just about everyone but themselves by winning the NCAA men’s soccer national title, their first ever. While the Cats had never been to a Final Four before this season, they had made two Elite Eight appearances, most recently two years ago. For a majority of this season though, the Cats flew somewhat under the radar. However, they went on a magnificent post-season run, winning three road NCAA playoff games, including a cross country jaunt to U San Diego, before winning two games in Cary, North Carolina. Brian McLaughlin, the Catamounts play by play announcer, took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other miscellaneous fun, including his experiences with Vermont Green FC. Here's Brian broadcasting the highlights of this year's America East championship game:    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did the Cats pull this off? Not only did they win it all, but they did it, except for one game, on the road. Of course, they have great talent, but a lot of teams have great talent. BRIAN:  The core of players who had previous wins in the tournament were able to instill belief in the very talented newcomers. Leaders Zach Barrett and Adrian Schulze Solano were massive parts of that, but Mike Bleeker who transferred in from American, also became a big part of the leadership group. This was a team that felt they belonged on any field they showed up at. The tone setting center-back pairing of the hulking Max Murray and Barrett made sure that no opponent was ever comfortable with the ball. Then of course, they got such timely goal scoring. Yaniv Bazini was the star for much of the run, but when David Ismail, Marcell Papp and Max Kissell are chipping in with Barrett and Murray - both dangerous on set pieces – it’s a brutal attacking group to keep off the scoreboard for 90 minutes. And I haven’t even mentioned Sydney Wathuta who was maybe the best isolation winger in the country. Niklas Herceg was also fantastic during the tournament run and made countless important saves, which every championship soccer team needs.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for the Catamounts? They have a lot of talent graduating. Do you have any idea who's returning?  BRIAN :  Of course there's a chance players who still have eligibility remaining do not return, and they lose such a massive group of long-time contributors, so it will be a daunting task. But if the young guys do stick around a core of Herceg, Kissell, Ryan Zellefrow, Andrew Millar, Jeremy Tsang and Nick Lockerman is not a bad starting point. And others as well will be back who contributed to this run. These coaches have proven to be outstanding recruiters and have developed loads of talent over the last few seasons. I would anticipate more key additions both from the States and international talent pools to fill some of those gaps vacated by the longtime Catamounts.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Perhaps your most memorable call was for the Catamount  women's  soccer team, which is featured here: How does a broadcaster prepare to make a call for the ages? How do you find those words at that precise moment? Is this something they cover at Penn State? (Brian is a Penn State grad.) BRIAN:  I try not to script anything before the game even if I know there's a chance the game has a memorable ending. Sometimes you can’t help it like Dalen Cuff for this UVM national title. “Don’t Call them Cinderella! You can call them national champions” is almost definitely pre-planned in some way, but he still delivered it with authenticity, and it felt natural. He absolutely nailed it. It is most important to feel natural and not forced. That Basa call was honestly me just letting it rip in the moment and people really enjoyed the result. In my mind, I just want to make sure I know why this game matters and why this moment matters and try to use my voice to match the emotion of the moment. Whatever comes out is hopefully concise and clean. If I had to redo the Basa call, I probably wouldn’t scream her name for so long, but I think people really related to the emotion in my voice and felt I matched the moment well even if what I said wasn’t perfect. As for what they taught at Penn State, I think we definitely were always discussing what makes a great highlight call. You want authority in your voice. Connect the moment to what makes it meaningful. Try to have punch in your voice without a straight scream or a growl sound. And you don’t want to be too wordy, especially on tv. My approach is a bit different for radio. Luckily, I went to school with some people who were also broadcast nerds, and we would constantly be evaluating each other and announcers on TV. I still take notes on the best broadcasters in the game to try to implement things they do into my own skill set. As for big moments nobody is better at the moment than Ian Eagle who uses wit and humor mixed with a great vocabulary or Kevin Harlan who has such an awesome voice and delivery and a mastery for the language.  Photo courtesy of Brian McLaughlin   STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont Green FC, which has a rabid following, has a special place in your heart. What makes this USL League Two squad such a special experience? Explain the magic. BRIAN:  Rabid following may be putting it lightly. There has been a lot made of the incredible fan support for UVM in Cary for the College Cup, and I think Vermont Green deserves some credit for helping grow this soccer crazed community. They have built such a distinct culture in Burlington during the summer. It’s an environment that you just want to be around - so many smiling faces at games, passionate community members who have a love for soccer. Or maybe many who don’t, but they relate to the broader message of creating climate justice through sports. The branding is bold and colorful. The games are loud and rowdy. The social media is engaging and feels down to earth. It’s fun for the players who also happen to play such a delightful brand of attacking soccer. They have great coaches who develop the on-field talent and invested leaders who care about every single detail of their organization. And UVM has only helped assist Vermont Green as a partner. It’s become a really special bond between the two, and they share a fanbase in many ways. They have built such a wonderful culture in such a short time, and it has transformed many locals into soccer fanatics. I do not think it’s a surprise that their explosion has coincided with Vermont’s national title.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So a fan wants to hit a soccer or basketball game in Burlington. What are a few spots you'd recommend for before and after the game? Hidden gems? BRIAN:  Well, it depends what time of year. Burlington feels like two different towns from winter to summer. If you are in town for a Vermont Green game over the summer, I love to find places on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. Foam Brewers is a great spot by the water with outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with most of the breweries regardless of the time of year with Zero Gravity as a standout in my mind. Vivid Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop that I love and sometimes has watch parties for games. For breakfast or lunch, Handy’s Lunch is an old school diner and is a must stop. Postgame downtown classics like Halvorson’s or Ken’s Pizza are solid as ever.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention that your time behind the mic in the Northwoods League and the Cape Cod League were pivotal in your development. What's it like to cover summer league baseball? Is it as good as it sounds? BRIAN:  Those summers were some of the best of my life. Far from glamorous and I will say I was an unpaid intern on both occasions, and I would really recommend any college student try to find a paid internship first. But calling 70 plus games in about 75 days in the Northwoods is still the time of my life where I think I took the biggest step as a broadcaster. Reps are so important. While I didn’t have such a wild schedule on Cape Cod, I met some outstanding friends and had the chance to watch some incredible baseball talent. Current Yankees catcher Austin Wells was the star of my Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox team, and he was just one of many future big leaguers. That is a very competitive league for broadcasters, and I was fortunate to get to meet many future stars in the broadcast industry, and it honestly forced me to grow and improve just so I could keep up. I also think I played about 200 rounds of mini golf at Pirates Cove over a 3-month internship.    Photo courtesy of Vermont Public STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've worked games all over the northeast and elsewhere. What are some venues that are worth visiting? BRIAN:  Well if you haven’t been to Gutterson Field House for a UVM hockey game that place is pretty special. I would also say that Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a pretty neat and classic small baseball stadium. I have been fortunate to see so many basketball arenas around New England and Yale’s John J. Lee Amphitheater stands out in my mind. I will always refer to Providence’s Gym as “The Dunk,” and that place and those students have a well-earned reputation. Again, I will say any of the Cape Cod Baseball League has to be a bucket list item for sports fans. It really feels like a trip back in time to when things were simpler. All the fields are unique and have different dynamics to them.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you get into broadcasting? Did you play a lot of sports growing up or were you always on the sideline doing play by play? BRIAN:  It was probably when I was about 14 that I started to realize playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs wasn’t very likely. I played sports my entire life and knew that I wanted to work in sports in some manner. I always liked the idea of broadcasting and paid close attention to the broadcasters probably without knowing it but because I was such a massive sports fan. I had the opportunity to shadow Penn State’s legendary radio broadcaster Steve Jones when I was in middle school. I went to Penn State knowing that I wanted to study journalism but wasn’t sure if I wanted to end up writing or broadcasting. But the moment I had my first broadcast of a State College High School soccer game I knew that I was drawn to being behind the mic. Things only took off from there and by the end of my freshman year of college, I was a full-on sports broadcaster nerd. I was fortunate to go to school that put me on the air right away so I could learn on the fly and work through growing pains. Many of my best friends in college were also involved in the broadcasts in some way, and I have had countless mentors who gave me advice on how to achieve my goals.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  What were some of your favorite calls? BRIAN:  I’ll start with anything from Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan. Harlan’s “Goooooooood” is one I think about a lot in basketball. He always has the perfect emphasis and knows when to bring it out. Eagle is more creative and relies on his humor. He has had some really memorable moments: “He is not human!” or just a simple “Oh Yeah!” which I really love on TV. Joe Davis had some monster moments recently in the World Series. Jim Nantz just makes every moment feel big, especially on golf broadcasts. I’m not a Celtics fan but love Drew Carter’s work for the Celtics on television and have laughed really hard at some of his recent calls for Payton Pritchard: “Pitch Please” and “Where’s my money?” These are great examples of how to have fun in the booth while still providing a highlight worthy call.  And I have to mention Hall of Famer Pat Hughes on the radio for my Cubs' classic home run call: “It’s got a chaaaaaaance. Gone!” I imitated that so much growing up playing wiffle ball in my front yard.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club 4040 Central Florida Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 PNC Championship website The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club website Year Opened: 2003 A Family Golf Celebration The PNC Championship is a quietly growing tradition in the world of professional golf. Held each year since 1995, the tournament features Pro-Am pairings with some of the PGA Tours legends and their family, often their children, playing alongside. The four-day event is split into two components, with Thursday and Friday played as de-facto practice rounds, while Saturday and Sunday count as a 36-hole tournament for the yearly crown. Held in Orlando at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, this affordable event is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pro golf atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   5 There are numerous food vendors at the PNC Championship, with the majority of them located around the fan zone adjacent to the 18th green. Here, you can find everything from local food trucks and vendors (BBQ from $12-$19 and street tacos from $9-$14) to established chains (Chicken Salad Chick for $14 and Flipper’s Pizza from $13-$14). Tournament booths also offer food and drinks, including breakfast sandwiches ($10), beer ($9), hard seltzers ($7-$9 for single cans and $40-$50 for six-packs that include a banded cooler bag), wine ($14), and cocktails ($7-$15). In addition, around the course smaller vendors with snacks and drinks are located between Holes 5 and 6, as well as between Holes 14 and 15.   Atmosphere   4 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a stunning facility for professional golf. Located in Orlando just minutes from the theme parks, this luxury resort features Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott resorts on property. The towers of these two resorts dominate the landscape, while lush green palms and pines remind you that you’re still in Florida. Played in December, the weather for the PNC Championship is almost guaranteed to be perfect year after year, thanks to Central Florida’s ideal climate in the winter. The course is large and spread out, meaning you may have a lot of walking to do during the event if you want to see multiple holes, however. Unfortunately, unlike most pro tournaments there are only two small grandstands on the course, located at the first tee box and at the 18th green. The tournament does offer complimentary tickets to all active duty and retired military for the weekend, and also features the Pepsi Patriot’s Pavilion on the 17th green. Here, military and their families can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with their own dedicated seating area overlooking the penultimate hole on the course.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the course is a mix of residential and tourist. Not far from the course is International Drive, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions like Sea World and ICON Park. Hotels are plentiful as well, the two luxury resorts on property notwithstanding.   Fans   4 The fans at the PNC Championship are diehard golf fans. Tickets to the tournament are limited by the organizer to specifically reduce crowd sizes on the course, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, so you won’t find those signature massive oceans of fans following Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh from hole to hole like you would at other tournaments. Additionally, the event is incredibly family friendly, meaning you will see many young golf fans in attendance from day to day, thanks in part to the event’s affordability. Another plus is that the event is a no-autograph event, meaning the resellers and autograph hounds found at other tournaments are not to be found here, a welcome change for the casual fan.   Access   5 Parking at the PNC Championship is plentiful – free parking is available nearby at Sea World Aquatica water park, with free fan shuttles available to drive you back and forth from the lot to the main entrance. Paid parking is also available on site, with several lots open at the course itself. Getting to the course is also easy, thanks to its location on John Young Parkway, just a few minutes from Highway 417. The parking lot at Aquatica is also easy to access, with exits from both Highway 408 and I-4 leading you right to the parking lot. Once at the course, signage is plentiful for access around the course.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for the PNC Championship. Thursday and Friday single day grounds access passes cost just $36, with upgraded tickets available for $75; these include parking on site at the course itself, as well as access to the covered VIP viewing area on the 18th green. Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $45, with the same VIP upgraded tickets going for over $400 per day, thanks to the inclusion of premium parking, free food and drinks, and private restrooms.   Extras   3 The course features a pro shop that sells both course specific merchandise as well as hats, shirts, and flags featuring the PNC Championship flag. The fan zone also features several sponsor activations, including golf swing analysis, free giveaways, and merchandise vendors. Finally, fans can watch the players warm up at the putting green as well as on the driving range, both located right in the heart of the fan zone.   Final Thoughts The PNC Championship is a great event for golf fans to watch some of the greatest players in the game compete in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Often competing alongside their children, this tournament is both competitive and relaxed. With incredibly affordable ticket options, free parking, and countless concessions, this may be the best professional golf tournament in Florida when it comes to per-dollar value and pure enjoyment of the game.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Bowl Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is one of the earliest college football bowl games of the post-season. The game is played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas . The bowl game started in December 2017 and has been hosted by a few corporate sponsors; DXL was the original sponsor in 2017, followed by Tropical Smoothie Café, before moving to the current sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee. Toyota Stadium has a capacity of only 20,500, which is plenty, as the bowl attendance is well under the capacity. The highest attendance for the Frisco Bowl is 15,801, achieved in 2021 when the University of Texas-San Antonio  defeated San Diego State 38-24.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at the Frisco Bowl are decent – Toyota Stadium has a good variety of options at its concession stands, including alcohol selections, but at major sports-level prices. The main stands offer most of your typical stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and cinnamon-glazed nuts, but they also throw in a bunch of less commonly found items, such as chicken tinga nachos, buffalo cauliflower bowls, hot garlic sausage, and a brisket hot dog. The stadium’s drink selection provides Coke products throughout the Frisco Bowl. The alcohol selection is also abundant, due to the stadium being a major sports venue, with plenty of choices throughout the stadium at the concession stands or from the mobile carts – you can find alcohol ranging from both canned and draft beer to wine and high-end specialty cocktails. Just be prepared to pay high prices for alcoholic drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmospheres at smaller bowl games are usually similar to each other, as the teams are traveling to a venue outside their familiar pre-game set-ups. Therefore, the team’s traditional entrance into the stadium, as well as the tailgating on weekday evenings, is less common. At the most recent game, for example, West Virginia  just held a small pep rally with fans in the parking lot. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl has plenty of seating, as attendance is historically small with this bowl. Toyota Stadium only has seating along the two sidelines – the north end zone has a bare stage, while the team bands are seated behind the south end, where the National Soccer Hall of Fame is located. During the most recent version, both participating schools brought their bands, along with their mascots and spirit squads – for this Frisco Bowl a large shout-out goes to the University of Memphis band. Their high energy throughout the night kept the atmosphere going, as the play on the field was lackluster until late in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Toyota Stadium is located about 30 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Outside the stadium is a small, quaint area of restaurants and shops, but the city of Frisco is much bigger with an approximate population of 165K. Some fans may recognize the Frisco name as having one of the nicest minor league baseball stadiums; nearby Riders Field  is home to the Frisco Roughriders. The restaurants outside Toyota Stadium are plentiful – a couple of great options close to the stadium include Green Gator and Blue Goose Cantina. Others are within a short drive; for BBQ you can’t go wrong with Hutchins, and there is also Babe’s Chicken for a unique family-style dining experience. There are a few things to do and see while you are in Frisco, helping to keep your trip local. Toyota Stadium is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which can be entered by using the Main Street side of the stadium. Frisco is also home to the National Videogame Museum, which features a huge collection of game consoles, all of which are playable, including a classic video game arcade. In addition, a few miles south on the tollway in Dallas is The Star, namely the headquarters, practice fields, and home of the Dallas Cowboys . This facility can be toured daily and has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are three hotels close to Toyota Stadium: Courtyard Dallas, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites, but other options are abundant within driving distance.   Fans   3 The fact that fans travel to watch their team play bowl games that don’t matter outside the college football playoff says a lot about them. The loyalty, dedication, and love of the fans are what truly make the bowl games special. The Frisco Bowl is usually played on a weeknight and is one of the first bowls of the bowl season. The fans in attendance at the most recent game were solid, which is expected when it comes to bowl games – very loud and engaged in the game.   Access   3 There are two airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, which are both about the same distance (25 miles) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The city is a city of about 225,000 in population, about 30 miles north of Dallas, and part of the DFW Metroplex. That said, there is no direct public transportation from either airport, so you will likely have to drive to get to Frisco and Toyota Stadium. The best plan is to stay up in the Frisco area, as the Frisco Bowl is played at 7 pm on a weeknight; coming from outside the Frisco area in the early evening can be time-consuming for travelers. Toyota Stadium is not far from the Dallas Tollway, and the stadium and parking have plenty of signage, so the ingress and egress are fast once you get there. Due to the small attendance, walking around the stadium to restrooms and concessions takes little time away from your seat. However, the stadium’s security does cut off the National Soccer Hall of Fame end zone from other ticketholders, so most fans don’t have full access to the stadium. Return on Investment   3 The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is at a perfect venue – if your team is one of the participants, then the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, it is a little high in cost for the casual local fan who doesn’t care about either school. Tickets range from $30 for the end zones to $65 for midfield and $55 for sideline seating (there is an ESPN Zone VIP ticket that starts at $149, but I don’t know what that entitles a fan to experience). The cost of VIP parking is $20; otherwise, parking is free. The cost of concessions is really where the ROI hits a negative. However, this is a bowl game and most people have spent a lot of money to travel here, so the Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is on par with other ESPN bowls in terms of return on investment.   Extras   2 The Frisco Bowl is played in a top sports venue and makes good use of the facility – holding the FCS National Championship here, as well as various high school football games, helps the operations team prepare to make this event almost perfect. The Frisco area also has a lot to offer, without fans feeling the need to spend time in the larger city of Dallas. Final Thoughts The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is part of ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide, flooding the college football scene with college bowl games that the majority of football fans don’t care about, let alone would get excited by. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl may be wonderful for the teams/fans that participate, and a wonderful boost to Frisco’s economy, but a must-see bowl game it is not. Disclosure: Due to the renovations of Toyota Stadium for the MLS tenant, FC Dallas , the FCS National Championship will move away from Frisco in 2025; how this will affect the 2025 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl remains to be seen.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Daniel S. Horgan Arena 403 Oxford St. Auburn, MA 01501   Anna Maria men’s hockey website Daniel Horgan Arena website   Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500 AMCATS MIH   Anna Maria College is a private Catholic college located in Paxton, Massachusetts. Founded as a women’s college in 1946, it became coeducational in 1973. Today the school boasts an enrollment of 1,500 students who study in six graduate and undergraduate schools.   Anna Maria’s athletic teams are known as the AMCATS, which is an acronym derived from “Anna Maria College Athletic Team Sports.” The school started sponsoring men’s and women’s hockey in 2018. Beginning in the 2024-25 season, the Amcats hockey teams joined the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Association. Neither team has appeared in the NCAA D-3 Tournament yet. Both teams play off campus: the men’s team plays at the Horgan Arena in Auburn, and the women’s team plays at Buffone Arena in Worcester.   In the 1970s Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins were taking Massachusetts and New England by storm. The demand for ice skating rinks all over the region skyrocketed. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) responded to this demand by building dozens of rinks all over the state. One of these rinks was Horgan Arena in Auburn, a town in central Massachusetts located just to the south of Worcester.   Daniel S. Horgan served as the chief engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. He settled in Auburn and served as the President of the Auburn Rotary Club. Mr. Horgan passed away in 1973, before the completion of the hockey rink. In recognition of his service to the community, the rink was named in his honor.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small snack bar in the lobby that serves up a variety of snacks for visiting fans. In this chilly rink, hot coffee, hot chocolate, and tea are the most popular items. If you’re in the mood for something cooler, a variety of slushies are available. Also on the menu are pizza slices, hot dogs, and an assortment of breakfast sandwiches. Fans looking for snacks can grab some nachos, popcorn, pretzel bites, cookies, or ice cream treats. If you’re looking for a soda, candy, or chips, the vending machines in the lobby have you covered. Pepsi products are featured at Horgan Arena.   Atmosphere 2   Community rinks like Horgan Arena don’t have much in the way of amenities that are conducive to creating a lively game-day atmosphere. The Anna Maria staff do their best with the limited resources they have. The DJ does double duty as the PA announcer, filling the rink with noise during play stoppages and doing a nice job keeping fans up to date on game information from his post behind the penalty boxes. If sitting near the temporary speakers set up here, be warned that it will be loud. The DJ here plays more hip-hop music than you may be used to hearing at a hockey game. As someone who is not a fan of the genre, his selection of music is outstanding, if a bit out of place at a hockey game.   There’s a basic scoreboard on the west end of the rink that displays score and time. Some banners are hanging around the facility recognizing the different teams that call Horgan Arena home, but little to identify this as the home of the Amcats besides a small sign under the scoreboard.   Neighborhood 2   Horgan Arena is part of the Auburn Recreational Complex, which also includes a baseball field, softball field, tennis court, basketball courts, dog park, and track. Much of the surrounding area near the Complex is residential, but with two interstates cutting through the area, there is also a significant commercial presence in the area.   The Auburn Mall is a short drive away for fans looking to do a little shopping. Routes 12 and 20 contain the majority of the businesses in town, and fans will find all the typical chain options as they drive through Auburn. Fans looking for some local flavor should check out J. Anthony’s Bar and Grill, Bar One and Sushi, and the Bentley Pub. There is a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn Express and Suites near the arena should you be looking to stay in the area after the game.   Fans 1   As you would expect, a crowd at an Anna Maria hockey game is what we at Stadium Journey would call a “friends and family” crowd. Stadium Journey visited Horgan Arena on a snowy Saturday night during semester break, and the crowd in attendance numbered about 50 hardy fans. Everyone in the stands appeared to have some sort of connection with the players on the ice and were enthusiastic in their support of the home team. With the Amcats’ schedule consisting entirely of New England teams, chances are you’ll see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. With the Anna Maria campus located 11 miles away in neighboring Paxton, there’s not a big turnout from the student body. Access 4   Horgan Arena is located in the center of Auburn, MA, a town of about 17,000 residents located just to the southwest of Worcester. Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 290 intersect right near the rink, making it easily accessible from all points in Massachusetts and beyond. The rink itself is located in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, which will give visiting hockey fans a few options for things to do before or after an Amcats game.   If anyone has ever been to any of the DCR rinks in Massachusetts, you will notice that they all have an identical design. If you have ever been to a UMass Dartmouth game at Hetland Arena in New Bedford , you’ll be sure to feel a case of déjà vu.   There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. Fans will enter a small lobby where the skate shop, vending machines, and snack bar are located. The visiting locker room is also here. It’s also the place to be during intermission, as it’s the only place in the building with heat.   As you enter the rink, seating on the near side consists of molded bleachers while seating on the far side consists of wooden bleachers. There is a standing room available at either end of the rink. Bathrooms are located to your left as you enter. You will be sharing the restrooms with the home team (well, the men’s room). Nets obstruct views of the ice from all points in the facility.   Return on Investment 4   Admission to an Anna Maria hockey game is seven dollars for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the rink. Concession prices are reasonable, and visiting an Amcats game is an affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1   While nothing is going on at an Amcats game that can be considered extra, an extra point is awarded for the team’s name itself. The acronym is a most clever alternative to the typical Wildcats and such.   Final Thoughts   With the great availability of rinks in the greater Worcester area, it’s kind of surprising that the Anna Maria men’s hockey team has chosen to play so far from campus. Perhaps as the program becomes more established, they will move to a facility closer to home. For now, Horgan Arena serves as an adequate, if unspectacular, home for the Amcats. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Harry A. Gampel Pavilion FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harry A. Gampel Pavilion 2095 Hillside Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Harry A. Gampel Pavilion website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 10,299 The Basketball Capital of the World   The University of Connecticut bills itself as “The Basketball Capital of the World.” While fans from certain corners of the country may take issue with this self-designation, a solid argument can be made for its veracity. Not only was the game of basketball invented just a few miles up the road in Springfield, MA, but since 1995 UConn has brought home a combined 17 national titles. The men’s team is reigning back-to-back champions and has won six titles. Their success pales compared to the uber-successful UConn women’s team, which has brought an incredible 11 trophies home to Storrs.   Home for Huskies basketball is the on-campus Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Built-in 1990, the venue is named after the UConn class of 1943 alumnus who donated one million dollars towards the arena’s completion. The facility serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. The Huskies play a portion of their schedule every season in downtown Hartford at the XL Center,  which has a larger capacity.   Both Husky basketball teams boast impressive resumes. In addition to their six national titles, the UConn men’s team has qualified for 37 NCAA Tournaments and has reached 7 Final Fours. 41 Husky alumni have played in the NBA, including Naismith Hall of Famer Ray Allen.   The women’s team has won 11 national titles, qualified for 35 NCAA Tournaments, and has reached 23 Final Fours. 20 UConn players have been selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, with five of them being the first pick overall. 49 Husky alumni have played in the WNBA, including Naismith Hall of Famers Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash. Food & Beverage 4   There’s not a whole lot of room at Gampel Pavilion for concession stands. There are cramped concession areas tucked into the four corners of the gym. Stands run by UConn dining offer stadium basics, such as Husky Dogs, burgers, calzones, and mini chicken tacos. Fans looking to save a few dollars can grab a combo meal. There’s a decent variety of snack foods here, too, so hungry Husky fans can pick up some pretzels, nachos, fried dough, popcorn, or even mozzarella sticks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Gampel Pavilion. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks at the main stands as well as stands set up specifically for alcohol sales. UConn has partnered with local breweries to make some specialty beers for UConn fans, including Husky Hops by Kinsman Brewing, TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads, and UConn Territory by Urban Lodge.   Fans looking for some more unique menu items will find what they’re looking for at stands operated by local favorites Bear BBQ and The Family Brick Oven Pizza. Stadium Journey recommends the Bear Attack, a tray of mac and cheese and cornbread crumbles topped with your choice of brisket or pulled pork.   Atmosphere 5   When you visit Storrs, be ready for a professional show and a raucous atmosphere. Recent renovations have modernized the look and feel of the gym, and the staff here have kept pace. The sound system is top-notch, and the proceedings are moved along with an emcee who keeps the volume and energy level up throughout the game. His counterpoint is the professional PA announcer, who will add the appropriate energy level to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed of the goings on.   The new video boards on either end of the gym are put to good use throughout the game with hype videos, replays, crowd cams, and more. There are giveaways, t-shirt tosses, and other contests to keep the casual fan involved. A student hit a half-court shot during Stadium Journey’s visit to win a $2,000 scholarship.   The student section is packed with rowdy students who come complete with their chants, songs, and routines designed to distract the opponent and entertain themselves. The pep band plays during stoppages and the cheerleaders perform and participate in the promotions. Johnathan the Husky roams the arena interacting with fans. Not content to let the students have all the fun, some UConn superfans get involved in the fun, leading cheers at designated times during the game. Neighborhood 3   The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, part of the town of Mansfield. Downtown Storrs is located just outside the entrance to campus. Storrs has a population of just over 15,000 residents, which pales in comparison to UConn’s enrollment of 32,000. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town.   Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. After the game, head to the Mansfield Town Square, where Blaze Pizza, Dog Lane Café, and MOOYAH Burgers are located. Visitors looking for lodging options in town may want to look at the Graduate by Hilton or Spring Hill Inn. If you want more information about things to do in Storrs, check out DowntownStorrs.com .    Since there aren’t a ton of options near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast.    Fans 5   As you might imagine, demand for tickets for the two-time defending champions is high. For the 2023-24 season, the Huskies sold out 13 home games and boasted their highest average attendance since the 2005-06 season. Stadium Journey visited Storrs on a Saturday afternoon near the end of semester break and Gampel was filled to the rafters with crazed Husky fans. Even the student sections were packed, even though school was not yet back in session.   UConn basketball is the hottest ticket in the state, and fans are proud to call the Husky hoops teams their own. Fans are into the action in a big way, and Gampel can get loud when the Huskies are on a roll. You’ll be sure to find a mix of students, diehard UConn fans, alumni, and locals when you visit Storrs. Despite how hardcore the fanbase is here, this is a place where you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors.   Reported attendance for every game thus far in the 2024-25 season has been a sellout of 10,299, even for the so-called “lesser” games that generally drew smaller crowds in the past. Access 3   The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Gampel Pavilion will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn. Complete driving directions to Gampel Pavilion can be found here .   Gampel Pavilion is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Tuscano Family Ice Forum , Elliot Ballpark ,  Marrone Stadium, and Burrell Field. Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years.    There is plenty of parking within a short distance of Gampel Pavilion for fans arriving by car. The South Garage is located right across the street from the arena, with several surface lots, and the larger North Garage is located about a five-minute walk down the street. Just be ready for a slow egress after the game.   Fans enter Gampel Pavilion through one of four entrances at each corner of the facility. Located near these entrances are concession stands and restrooms. There is a single small walkway located halfway up the seating bowl that circles the court. Fans can watch the action while moving around Gampel, but there is no room to stop and loiter here.   Lower-level seats at Gampel are individual blue folding stadium seats. One side of the upper-level seating consists of these same stadium seats, while the rest is made up of molded bleachers without backs. With Gampel’s small size, all seats are right on top of the action and offer excellent views of the court.   Getting around Gampel Pavilion can be difficult, particularly at halftime. Plan your trips around the arena carefully.   Return on Investment 2   With the high demand for UConn tickets and the smallish capacity at Gampel Pavilion, tickets can be difficult to come by. A quick scan of the UConn website shows ticket prices starting at $69 but with only single tickets available as of this writing in mid-January. A look at secondary ticket sites shows even the cheapest tickets starting at $90 and above. It looks like your best bet is to get tickets early on in the season.   Parking in the South Garage right across the street from Gampel Pavilion costs $20. We’ll assume the North Garage is priced similarly. Concessions prices at Husky hoops games are also a bit on the high side, especially when compared to other venues in the area. Extras 5                                                                                                 Gampel Pavilion is split evenly in half, with each side of the facility dedicated to one team. It’s refreshing (and only fair) to see the tremendous women’s program receiving its due here.   Recent renovations to the Gampel Pavilion have removed some of the clutter in the place and have modernized the displays of Husky hoop success. Check out the banners honoring national titles, Hall of Famers, UConn Ring of Honor members, and more.   J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is located just a few minutes from Gampel Pavilion. It is billed as the ultimate destination for Husky fans. Click here  for more information.   UConn Bookstore – While there are no souvenir stands inside Gampel Pavilion (where would you put them?), the UConn Bookstore is right across the street. They have an extensive selection of Husky merchandise, with specials available every game day.   Stadium Journey’s top recommendation for any trip to Storrs is a visit to the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields.    Final Thoughts   For some reason, it feels like UConn and Gampel Pavilion get overlooked when people talk about the best college programs and venues in the country. Maybe it’s because no one thinks about New England as a college hoops hotbed. But if you’re planning a basketball Stadium Journey, Gampel should be on your shortlist. Gampel Pavilion combines the best of big-time college basketball with the best of small-town college life. ____   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Men’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth-oldest state college or university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After a fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present-day location; the name was changed to East Texas State Normal College when it received full state funding in 1917. In 1923, the school again changed its name, this time to East Texas State Teachers College.   The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, then added university instead of college in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996, the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024, when the school became East Texas A&M to better connect with the region where most of its traditional students reside.   With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, which is on the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and only 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas.   ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions, and the school sponsors twelve varsity sports, which have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division I level in the Southland Conference; previously the sports teams had been members of the Lone Star Conference for most of their history. The men’s basketball team was formed in 1916 and won the first of over 20 conference championships in 1931 – they won the NAIA National title in the 1954-55 season and have made the national tournament 19 times.   The home of Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring set up to accommodate multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite a contrast to the rest of campus, which is mostly an expanse of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ 58-foot ceilings in The Field House can host five full-court basketball games at the same time. Rumor has it this is the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; it is unique and a peek back into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions in The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect – food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy, while drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox Wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold.   There is only one concession window with one or two workers, but that is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people in line is during half-time. Prices are a little higher than what is expected for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6, except for nachos which are $7.50, and Beatbox Wine which is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining for all ages. Because the school is located in a smaller community, the NCAA D-I athletics contests are consistently the top entertainment option around here. The Lions are supported by a cheer squad, a dance team, a pep band, and fans of all ages from Commerce and the surrounding towns.   On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games – the inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When I asked if these were set up at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, and said this allows their kids to play so the adults can enjoy the game.   There are crowd participation games that take place during long stoppages of play, and there is also half-time entertainment – at the game I most recently attended there was a game of “basketball” musical chairs involving several children, followed by a scrimmage involving a couple youth basketball teams. All the activities planned created an environment where there was very little downtime when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Being in such a small town the college is the center of activity, as well as the largest employer and biggest attraction in the region.   If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.   The area across Highway 24 from the university consists of convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores that reside in Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes and modest single-family homes, as well as small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. At games during Christmas break, before the start of the spring semester, there is not much life on or around the campus.   If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town – Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across the street from ETAMU include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Domino's.   For a small town, Commerce has just a few viable hotel options, which include Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away along Interstate 30, include Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away along I-30 as well and also has multiple hotel options. In addition, if you are coming from the north Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive, and both have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lions fans are a loyal and supportive group; this loyalty is displayed by cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and the student section. The support led by these three groups goes deeper than just simple cheering, however, as there are also organized chants for specific actions by the opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until he is seated, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding areas, as well as older adults – at a recent game I attended there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – just look for the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful, with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 All tickets inside The Field House are general admission, costing $10 or $15 depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are also available for $30. In addition, once conference games begin in late December, there is at least one men’s and women’s doubleheader against the same opponent for one ticket price.   Concession prices are slightly more here than at most comparable-sized schools, but this is offset by free parking and the no-cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House is worth extra recognition; most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated.   The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience – while void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students.   What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout-out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are entertaining, and also help to give some home-court advantage to the Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lion basketball, as a member of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience. The game day activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Considering The Field House is a venerable edifice, an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested.   Though there are no current plans in place that I am aware of, I would suggest putting a trip to the northeast Texas campus near the top of my basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in the historic Field House.

Facing a $24 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, Sonoma State University, a public university that is part of the California State University System, announced a slew of budget cuts last week, including the cessation of all eleven of its sports programs at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts were announced via email by University administrators with virtually no notice to the student body or staff. In the email, administrators stated the cuts were being made to “best serve its current and future students and adapt to a changing higher education landscape.” In addition to the entire athletic department, more than 60 other employees will be losing their jobs. The art history, dance, earth and environmental sciences, economics, French, gender studies, philosophy, theater and women’s studies programs are all being eliminated. Administration pointed to a decade-long decline in enrollment and a resulting loss of tuition, scholarships and grants as a main reason for the budget deficit and need for cuts. The school’s current enrollment stands at under 8,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Sonoma State athletics has enjoyed some success over the years, winning national titles in women’s soccer in 1990, men’s soccer in 2002 and men’s golf in 2009. Five Sonoma State alumni have reached Major League Baseball (Marshall Brant, Daniel Barone, Tommy Everidge, O’Koyea Dickson and Scott Alexander). Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen attended Sonoma State. Seawolves teams have competed in 105 NCAA Division II Tournaments across 13 sports in their history. In the week since the announcement, there have been actions taken by people trying to save jobs and programs at the school. A complaint has been filed with the Office of Civil Rights, claiming that the school’s decision targets minority students unfairly. The Athletic Department at Sonoma State is more diverse than the student body at large. Meanwhile, affected students try to figure out what happens next, while trying to hold on to what they’ve built at Sonoma State. "On one hand, we're trying to get them somewhere else, but on the other hand we're asking them to fight and that's a lot to put on them," said assistant soccer coach Benjamin Ziemer. "It takes commitment from our family and our friends to get us the opportunity to go to college, and to have that take from athletes and non-athletes alike, it just breaks my heart because I know probably a good amount of those students are not going to be able to go to college again somewhere else," said Joseph Sotelo, a golfer and third-year student.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ramsey Center 92 Catamount Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Ramsey Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 7,826 Catamount Country Basketball has been played at Western Carolina University since 1928 when it was a junior college. Just a year later, the school would be chartered as a four-year teacher’s college named Western Carolina Teacher’s College. Originally playing as members of what is now the Conference Carolinas starting in 1930, Western Carolina would continue this partnership until 1969 when they left the NAIA ranks to join NCAA’s Division I. After starting their transition as an independent program for the 1969-70 season, the Catamounts have played as members of the Southern Conference since 1977. The highlight of Western Carolina basketball likely came in 1963 when the Catamounts advanced to the NAIA national championship game before losing to Texas Pan-American. 1996 would see another major high-water mark in Catamount basketball history, as the team won the Southern Conference tournament and advanced to their only NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. The 16 seeded Catamounts would give the number 1 seeded Purdue Boilermakers all they could handle, before falling in the final minutes by a score of 73-71. Western Carolina basketball has had three on-campus homes, first playing at Breese Gym which was a product of the Works Progress Act of the New Deal in 1939, until that venue was replaced by Reid Gym in 1956. Reid Gym would be home to Western Carolina basketball for 30 years until it was replaced with today’s home, Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. All three of these facilities are still in use on campus.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are available both on the concourse and on the court level. Options are a bit on the limited side, but the staples are taken care of – hot dogs, personal sized pizzas, jumbo pretzels, and nachos with cheese sauce are available, along with the familiar candy, popcorn, and chips. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered. Soft drinks are from the Pepsi family, as is bottled water and Gatorade. A handful of hard seltzers and teas, as well as wine, are also available. Typical nationally recognized beers are offered, as are Sierra Nevada's’ Hazy Little Thing and the Western Carolina Catamount-branded Paws Pilsner.   Atmosphere   3 Ramsey Center is a multi-use facility that hosts concerts, graduations, and other large events, so it is considerably larger than the typical crowd basketball might draw. The upper levels of seating are tarped off, which helps to concentrate more fans around the court itself, while student seating runs the entirety of the seating bowl behind the team benches; both of these go a long way in creating as much of a home court advantage as possible. The seats here are colored with a gradient pattern that emulates the setting mountain sun, which does a good job bringing the personality of the western Carolina mountains into the Ramsey Center. In a bit of subtlety, the interior lighting also creates a purple hue as the backdrop for the arena. A four-sided overhead scoreboard shows a video feed of the game; despite the screens being a bit on the smaller size, they fit the size of the Ramsey Center perfectly. A secondary screen at one end of the court provides individual player statistics, but it uses a screencast computer display which can be a bit busy to sort through. Alternatively, the opposite walls of the seating area have more traditional, time-score-foul scoreboards. In a bit of a throwback to a past era of college basketball, the Cathouse pep band is a featured part of breaks in the action at Ramsey Center, and while popular music still has its place as part of the game experience, the Cathouse band really dominates the time during stoppages in play. Many breaks in the action are filled with on-court games involving both students and members of the general fan base. Though some of the games are what might be found at many other sporting events, a handful are unique twists on old favorites. In all, the game is a fun experience that just seems to be missing the air of excitement that consistency in the win column would bring. Over the past two decades, the Catamounts have struggled to string together consecutive winning seasons, with just two during that period – the atmosphere is right for a truly electric experience that comes with consistent winning. With four coaches since 2017, though, being able to build a stable program appears to have been a challenge; such is life for small school programs, whose coaches who are often poached by schools in larger conferences following a successful run.   Neighborhood   3 On campus, Ramsey Center is in the Western Carolina University concentration of athletic facilities. The eastern concourse of the arena overlooks the adjacent Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmore Stadium , home of Catamounts’ football. The town of Cullowhee is nearly exclusively made up of Western Carolina University, so there are a limited number of places to grab a bite to eat near campus. One stop might be Rogers Bros., whose menu is typical pub grub, while Nobel Residence Hall on Centennial Drive houses a selection of options, such as Chili’s and Subway, along with a taproom for local Innovation Brewing. The neighboring town of Sylva has a larger selection of restaurants, both chain and locally owned, as well as the main brewing operations for Innovation Brewing. Throughout the winter months, the Tuckaseegee River is a popular spot for fly fishing. The area is also known for its numerous waterfalls through nearby Cashiers, Franklin, and Highlands. In addition, the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs just west of Cullowhee is known for its picturesque drives. Though Cullowhee itself might not have an abundance of stops to fill the time before or after a game, the area has plenty of options to make a full day of a trip to Catamounts basketball.   Fans   3 Crowds at Ramsey Center do tend to be a bit on the smaller size, averaging roughly 1,800 fans per game; this puts the Catamounts in the lower half of the Southern Conference in terms of attendance overall. Students do their part showing up to support Catamounts basketball – a line for students starts forming more than an hour before the doors open. While students fill much of the seating behind the benches, however, they tend to be a bit more reserved in their enthusiasm, other than a cluster of them at center court. Credit should be given, though, to the Catamounts pep band and their efforts to create a home court atmosphere. Support for the basketball program seems to be split evenly between students and alumni/community members.   Access   3 With no direct interstate access in the immediate vicinity, Cullowhee, North Carolina is not a town that one would just happen upon while passing through the area. The town is most readily accessible from the south via US Highway 23, or from northern points by way of US-74. The mountainous nature of its surroundings also limits the number of roads leading to Cullowhee. Parking is available in close proximity to Ramsey Center, with surface lots concentrated on the west and northwestern sides of the arena – both of these lots are just a short walk across the street. A large parking garage is also found to the south. Inside the facility, an exterior concourse runs around the entirety of the arena and is wide enough to make navigation pretty easy. The top of the seating area is also wide enough to allow fans to move to almost any other part of the arena without losing their view of the court – this set up is a small, but nice feature that helps simplify getting around the arena.   Return on Investment   4 Online tickets for Catamounts basketball games start at $11 for adults and $6 for children. A $3 fee is added to online ticket purchases, so you should factor in roughly $15 per ticket when you attend. Concessions prices at Ramsey Center are as forgiving as you will probably find at any other college basketball arena; given these low costs, the primary factor in terms of return on investment may simply be the time associated with traveling to Cullowhee.   Extras   4 Catamount mascot Paws is an active part of the game experience – the purple accented mountainous feline makes its way around the stands, helping lead the rounds of the Western Carolina fight song, stopping for photos, and assisting with on-court contests. The wall of the southwest entry point displays the story of Henry Logan, who became the first Black intercollegiate athlete in the state of North Carolina in 1968. Logan was a four-time NAIA All-American and still holds the school record for points in a game (60), points in a season (1,049), and career scoring average (30.7). Logan also led the nation in scoring as a senior, averaging 36.2 ppg. The rafters of Ramsey Center recognize the retired numbers of Catamount legends, as well as the accomplishments of the teams that call the venue home, namely men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball. One banner of note that hangs amongst the Catamounts retired numbers is one recognizing Ronnie Carr, who made the first three-point basket in college basketball history. Western Carolina also might display the largest American flag in all of college basketball during the singing of the National Anthem ; just prior to the start of the song, a massive flag unfurls at the visiting end of the floor, an impressive display of patriotism.   Final Thoughts Western Carolina does a good job at taking what could easily feel like a dated facility and bringing a modern feel to it, helping to create a comfortable college basketball atmosphere that nicely complements the game on the court. But the experience goes beyond just the comfort of the arena – there also seems to be a special connection between the athletic program here and the surrounding community. Unlike larger schools with massive followings, Western Carolina appears to have a deep emotional bond with its students, alumni, and community members; this close-knit relationship helps makes the game experience truly special, going beyond just the action on the court.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ocean Bank Convocation Center 11200 Southwest 8th Street Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Ocean Bank Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 College Basketball in Miami’s ‘Burbs FIU basketball isn’t exactly steeped in historic excellence – known more for their hiring and firing of Isiah Thomas as their head coach a decade ago than for consistent winning, the FIU program has had a rough go of it the last few years. Ironically, the team’s facility seems to show the same dreary emotion; in an arena that looks state-of-the-art from the outside and in the lobby, the reality of what awaits inside is rather disappointing. The exterior and lobby are a result of a facelift that makes the venue initially welcoming, akin to that of the Tampa Bay Rays. While the program is doing the best with what they have, however, it clearly shows its age and deficiencies. Food & Beverage 3 There isn’t anything spectacular about the Ocean Bank Convocation Center concession stands, nor is there anything inherently bad. Food is not very expensive either; cheeseburgers cost $9, hot dogs are $8, and salted pretzels are $7, while treats like candy ($3), and chips ($3), cotton candy ($6), and ice cream ($8) are also available. Drinks are $4 for water, soda, or Gatorade, but you can also find lemonade ($3) and Celsius ($8). Beer ranges from $8 to $9. Atmosphere 2 The best thing here is the unique floor design that FIU’s court features – with waves crashing onto a beach on one side and tropical palm trees on the other, the floor definitely stands out. That, however, is where the uniqueness ends. The arena echoes a lot with poor acoustics, so the little noise that is made by the few fans in attendance is amplified, oddly making it seem even more empty. Also, the extremely old lighting in the rafters hums loudly whenever it is turned on, making the arena feel every bit of its nearly 40 years of age. The upper stands were rarely ever opened all the way for fans, and in recent years have been completely folded back into themselves, creating seating only in the bottom-most sections. The blue folding seats have seen an upgrade in recent years, but still remind you more of old high school gymnasium seating than Conference USA college basketball, and the entire inside of the arena seems old, stuck in the midst of the 1980s. In fact, it’s hard to tell any difference between now and when the arena was used for the filming of an episode of Miami Vice, thanks to the wood paneling used for the end zone and upper-level seating sections. The upper concourse is no longer open to the public due to the small size of the crowds, so fans enter at the ground floor and continue into the arena through the ground floor instead of walking up to their seats. The nicest part of the arena is the exterior of the main entrance, which is complete with new entry doors, ticket booths, landscaping, and a statue of a Florida Panther, while the second floor features suites that are available but rarely used. Neighborhood 3 FIU’s arena is located on campus, which makes it convenient to attend for students. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, though, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn’t exactly the best in Miami. However, upgrades have come to the Sweetwater area in recent years, thankfully, making it better. While Sweetwater is a town known locally for its political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, a recent increase in restaurants and high-rise apartments across from campus has meant that the immediate area looks better than before. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place and new buildings popping up. Ocean Bank Convocation Center is on the far west end of campus, situated in a corner near FIU’s tennis courts and a parking garage. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you want to stay close to the action. Fans 2 It is hard to get really excited about college basketball when few fans show up. Most students who do show up only stay for part of the game, often coming and going throughout the evening – few are actually passionate fans who follow the progress of the team on a game-by-game basis. Some student athletes do attend to support friends on the team, but that also is on an “as I was passing by” basis. One of the most disappointing things is the fact that the arena, as old as it is, looks even more so without fans, and the lack of excitement and electricity in the facility is hard to ignore during college basketball games. Access 3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn’t too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU’s campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer that day, you may be in for a late arrival. That said, plan accordingly and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need – the campus is right off Florida’s Turnpike. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for FIU basketball start at just $8 for general admission seating, and go up to $10 for assigned seats. Courtside seats are impressively priced at just $60, a steal for college basketball in a big market. Parking is plentiful nearby in school lots (Lot 10) and garages (Panther Garage 3), both of which offer parking which can be paid for using your phone. The investment in a ticket, travel, and concessions may be affordable in terms of what you get back, but there simply isn’t anything to get overly excited about here – for the same amount of money and investment of time and travel, one could travel to the eastern side of Miami for another NCAA basketball experience that far outperforms FIU in a better location, or you could go north to Boca Raton for an FAU basketball game. Extras 3 There are often giveaways to students and fans at FIU basketball games, and that is never a bad thing. FIU’s mascot Roary is also a frequent visitor to games, mingling with fans and trying to pump up the energy. Lastly, the FIU dance team, cheerleaders, and band are always on hand to liven up the experience, including the use of a spiral wheel and inflatable mascots to distract visiting free throw shooters. Final Thoughts FIU basketball is doing the best they can with what they have been given. The face lift to the arena was much needed, and has improved the fan experience, but not by much. Unfortunately, a lack of success on the court, mixed with not having a rich history, means this program is often overlooked and skipped by fans in the over-saturated sports market that is Miami.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Goldfarb Gymnasium University Parkway Baltimore MD 21218 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Goldfarb Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 550 Gold for the Blue Jays Johns Hopkins University is often known for its successful lacrosse programs but it has many sports teams that are very successful. The university was named after its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. And yes, his name was “Johns”, not “John.” Don’t look like an outsider by pronouncing it wrong. The university is one of the most recognized colleges in America. Thirty-six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with Johns Hopkins over the years. Famous departments in the university include the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Institute, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. There are also, of course, world-famous affiliated medical hospital campuses as well. The Johns Hopkins University’s sports teams are called the Blue Jays. Most of their teams are Division III and are members of the Centennial Conference, while lacrosse is Division I and plays in the Big Ten. Fencing competes in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association and the Eastern Women’s Fencing Conference. Goldfarb Gymnasium opened in 1965 and is home to the Blue Jay men's and women's basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and men's and women's fencing teams. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food stands inside of Goldfarb Gymnasium. You should be able to find a vending machine for a quick drink or snack, but you should plan for anything more. Atmosphere 4 Goldfarb Gymnasium is part of the Newton H. White building. There is a nice videoboard, as well as a couple of other scoreboards. It is a bit hard to keep up with the action as so much is happening at the same time. The gym is very small, smaller than many high school gyms. Only half of the seating is used for fencing and may even be only half pushed out even then. You may have to stand to watch the action. Fencing will also likely use the auxiliary gym next door as well as the main Goldfarb Gym. The auxiliary gym has no fixed seating. Because of its small size, both gyms can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 The University is located in the Charles Village and Homewood neighborhoods of Baltimore. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the Charles Village area where Hopkins is located, such as THB Bagels, Gertrude’s at the BMA, and One World Café. The Baltimore Museum of Art, or BMA, is located right next door to campus. Try and stop by and see some of the great masters of the art. It is a real treasure of a museum. And it makes quite a unique pre-game ritual. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. There is a Doubletree Hotel located across the street from the university. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Café on West Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Johns Hopkins is the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 4 The venue is small but you cannot underestimate the fans and the atmosphere they bring to the game. Access 3 The university is not far from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83). Take the Coldspring Lane exit east and go south on Roland Avenue and it is a short drive to the university. There is paid parking around the campus. Parking may be free on weekends but that varies depending on other events happening on campus. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge to attend regular-season games at Goldfarb Gymnasium. The biggest cost of attendance will be parking, which will vary greatly depending on the day or time. Extras 3 The JHU Hall of Fame in the lobby will show the storied history of the lacrosse program, as well as other teams on campus. The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place. The highlight of the museum is the Cone Collection. That collection includes works by artists including Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Check out the hallway behind the gym and you will see even more history and successes of past Blue Jay teams, not just the ones in the Hall of Fame section. Final Thoughts Goldfarb Gymnasium is a small venue, but watching a cool sport such as fencing, as well as the low cost, you might want to stop in while in the Baltimore area.

For writer Matt Caputo, hockey heaven isn't in Montreal, Edmonton or Boston. It's in Danbury, Connecticut, which is about ninety minutes north of NYC and an hour south of Hartford. Caputo, an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut, is the Damon Runyon of Danbury hockey. Most recently, for the New York Post , Caputo wrote about the first Hawaiian male to play professional hockey . "The Flyin' Hawaiian" plays for the Danbury Hat Tricks, Danbury's current minor league team. You might be familiar with Danbury from the very entertaining Netflix documentary, Crimes and Penalties. A cross between  Slap Shot and The Sopranos, the doc chronicles the trials and tribulations of the Danbury Trashers, the now defunct ultra-popular minor league team. Matt took a few moments to discuss his passion for Danbury hockey and a few other fun things. STADIUM JOURNEY: So, what made you go all in on Danbury hockey? Describe the magic. MATT CAPUTO: Before I get into that, I want to thank you for the invitation to chat with Stadium Journey. I’m in awe of everything the site does to support true sports fans. Being a frequent reader, this is so humbling. To answer your question, I was 25 years old and working at the New York Daily News and a former editor there, Bruce Diamond, tapped me on the shoulder - very much like a hockey coach might - and asked me if I’d be interested in trying out for a new Brooklyn-based pro hockey team playing at the Aviator Sports Center at Floyd Bennett Field. The thing was, I hadn’t played hockey in over a decade and even though I had absolutely no equipment, I told Bruce I’d go try out for the team that Sunday. The next day, a buddy drove me all over Brooklyn to find new equipment and my first pair of hockey skates in ages. I skated around a bit, tried some drills, but the whole thing was crazy. The league, the Northeast Professional Hockey League (NEPHL), was a mess from the start. The season started with three teams, and it was a disaster. Danbury wasn’t in the league, but during the tryout, I learned that the city had evolved into this low-level minor league hockey hot bed in the wake of the Trashers. After the Trashers, people kept trying to start low-level leagues with Danbury as the anchor location of the circuit. When the NEPHL folded, Brooklyn joined the newly forming Federal Hockey League where the Danbury Whalers would take the ice. I knew Danbury from having gone to college there for one year back in 2002-2003, and as I started driving up there to check out games, I realized the community had been deeply impacted by the independent pro hockey culture. Eventually, I convinced a great editor I worked with at Penthouse , John Bolster, to let me write a story that focused on the Danbury Whalers and the lives of the players, staff and fans. I spent a long weekend wandering around the city and hanging out in the rink. I found the people there to have been deeply impacted by the pro hockey tradition that started with the Trashers. I wanted to write about how something so far from the spectacle of big-league sports could fill hearts and win minds. Danbury hockey might not be the stuff of the New York Rangers, but there’s no convincing the local fans that the NHL is more important. So, Penthouse  was sold in a sealed plastic bag at newsstands and bookstores so that you couldn’t just look through the mag and check out the article. It was a shame because people knew about it but could not find it in most cases. The story never appeared online. Late last year, I worked with Dominick Alessandro – a graphic designer and artist who created the Trashers logo and has worked with corporate clients like Pepsi, Colgate and Goya – to re-release the article as a limited edition zine. The first 50 sold raised $1,000 for the Danbury Hat Tricks Booster Club. We brought the story out for its 10-year anniversary. It’s available on Etsy. In 2021, the Trashers documentary, Untold: Crimes and Penalties , came out on Netflix, and I wrote a story for Connecticut   Magazine that aimed at bringing people up to date with the story of Danbury hockey. It was like the Penthouse story but set in the 2021-2022 season. I have also written stories about or related to Danbury hockey for the New York Post and The Hockey News . Right then, I decided I was going to write a book about the Hat Tricks. I went on a few road trips at the end of that season, but ultimately set the book during the next season, wherein Danbury won it all. I pretended to be the equipment manager for the Hat Tricks and rode along for most of the road games the second half the year and mingled with the fans at home games all season. We’re looking for a publisher. STADIUM JOURNEY: Why should someone put the Danbury Ice Arena on their stadium bucket list? What's so special? MATT CAPUTO:  The first thing that comes to mind is the intimacy of the venue itself. There are a lot of great views of the ice. When the Federal League started, Danbury Arena was probably the biggest venue in the league and today it’s one of the smallest. Still, I think every team in the league would rather own a building with a capacity for 2,500 people than rent a much larger venue like other teams do. In Danbury, we’re right on top of the action. The fans sitting in Section 102 have full-on conversations and arguments with players from the other team. This season, an opposing coach threw a water bottle at those fans. During the championship season, I often sat in Section 200 – across from the bleachers – where we the fans are merciless in their pursuit of chirping the opposition. One night, Donnie Olivieri of the Binghamton Black Bears was waiting for the puck to drop. I decided that uttering the “You’re out of your element, Donnie” line from The Big Lebowski would be appropriate, but it backfired. Olivieri scored right off the faceoff and pointed right up at me, placing his index finger over his lips to symbolize that he’d silenced the crowd. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some must-try spots to pre-game in Danbury? MATT CAPUTO:  If I’m looking for pizza, I go to Stanziato’s Wood Fired Pizza where they have a fantastic menu, super-friendly staff and a pizza named after me. The “Prof. Caputo” combines red, vodka and pesto sauces on one tasty pie. There’s TK’s American Café, which is one of Connecticut’s all-time great sports bars. There are like two dozen TVs, 76 flavors of chicken wings and sports stuff everywhere. Lastly, a lot of the diehards go to the Polish American Citizens Club on Ives Street, where, if you’re in the loop, you can enjoy cheap beers and eats in a really cool clubhouse setting. STADIUM JOURNEY: Where do you go if you want to hang with players after the game? And will the players give regular Joes the time of day? MATT CAPUTO:  Danbury Arena opened a great axe throwing lounge in a space that was once used for storage on the second floor of the arena. It’s called the Axe Tricks Lounge, and the fans who are truly invested in the team mingle there with the players after every game. The Hat Tricks do a great job visiting schools and connecting with kids after the game, but the players in Danbury have always been great about mingling with fans. There are some tight friendships between current and former players and fans of the team. STADIUM JOURNEY: As far as the morning after the game, is there a go-to spot to refuel? MATT CAPUTO:  Holiday Diner is one place you wouldn’t leave hungry; they have classic diner food and milkshakes the kids love. STADIUM JOURNEY: How similar is the Hat Tricks' Federal Prospects Hockey League to the one portrayed in Slap Shot ? MATT CAPUTO:  The Fed is an independent professional sports league. It governs itself. Just like in Slap Shot , we see player-coaches and all the crazy travel that goes into a league that now stretches from Michigan to Mississippi. That said, there’s freedom and creativity in the Fed, it’s not ruled by commercial and corporate interests like the big leagues are. That liberty translates into a lot of fun for fans. It might not be the highest level of player, but it helps players, coaches, broadcasters, sales people and others advance to better jobs. STADIUM JOURNEY: Connecticut has become a hub for elite college hockey. Quinnipiac, UConn and Sacred Heart look like sure things to make the NCAA tournament this year. Yale won the national title in 2013.  What's unique about each of these institution's hockey facilities? MATT CAPUTO:  I had the chance to write about the Quinnipiac, UCONN and Sacred Heart arenas for Connecticut Magazine a couple of years ago. They are all great places to see games, though I don’t get into college hockey as much. I think what makes them unique is that they are part of a new era of college sports. College hockey, and college soccer, to a degree, have always been a little under-utilized by the NCAA. There’s a lot more buzz around college hockey now that all those Connecticut schools have their own on-campus rinks. STADIUM JOURNEY: And your school, Western Connecticut AKA WestConn, is starting a hockey team this year. What can fans expect? MATT CAPUTO:  WestConn has a long tradition of doing college athletics the right way and I expect nothing less. I’m not aware of all the details yet, but I know they plan to play at Danbury Ice Arena. WestConn football and basketball have always enjoyed local support, and I feel strongly that people will support an NCAA DIII hockey team. I’m looking forward to checking it out. (Editor's Note: Western Connecticut will be joining the newly-formed Little East Hockey Conference for the 2025-2026 season along with several other D-III colleges from throughout New England, including UMass Dartmouth, where Stadium Journey President Paul Baker works as an announcer. Instant rivalry.) STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a Queens, New York native, and you've also written about Mets fandom. What do you most remember about Shea Stadium - good, bad, ugly? MATT CAPUTO:  The good has always been that I can get there quickly: Q47 bus right outside my front door went to the 7 Train and I could be at Shea inside a half hour. I always felt like the dimensions were bad; it had a deep outfield that seemed a little unorthodox, but it was a great place to watch a game, and the energy could reach a frenzy if the team was  winning. I remember once giving an usher $5 to let us sit in box seats right before a terrible downpour and rain delay. We were soaking wet just waiting for the Mets and Expos to start playing again. When they did, it felt like there were only 500 people there. The ugliest nights I can remember at Shea Stadium were on the Irish-themed nights when the legendary Irish rock band Black 47 played. Nico Wormworth was their manager; his father was the great jazz drummer Jimmy Wormworth, I remember grabbing his attention during Black 47’s set and chatting with him. The crowd there was crazy and relentless during the entire night, people were urinating everywhere instead of using the restrooms. STADIUM JOURNEY: You wrote a well-known piece for The New York Times on emergency goalies . Has an emergency goalie ever been upgraded to a team regular? What's the greatest emergency goalie success story? MATT CAPUTO:  Sure, in some cases, emergency goalies are often younger players or less experienced guys who are trying to get their chance. Obviously, that’s mostly in the minor leagues. In the NHL, I don’t think any emergency goalie has been invited to training camp or back to the show in any way. Dave Ayers, who drove the ice-resurface machine for the Maple Leafs, got into the game for the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2019-20 season and helped them defeat the team he worked for. Mostly, that story is about how people live their life and how they spend their time. It’s what I like to write about. STADIUM JOURNEY: Of course we had to ask. With hockey booming in Connecticut, is there any chance that the Whalers make a return to the nutmeg state? MATT CAPUTO:  There’s no doubt that people love hockey here, but there are a few things working against it. First: Hartford has a great new AA baseball stadium, a fantastic set-up for USL soccer and there’s still a fanbase for the Wolf Pack. Obviously, you’ve also got UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, as well as football playing in the city. There are some, but not a ton, of corporate interests who could support an NHL team. I think when the NHL looks at expansion, they’re looking at places where the population is growing. People forget that Phoenix was one of the fastest growing cities in Americaat one point. What Hartford does have working for it is that the love of hockey that is so strong in the area. If Springfield Mass and New Haven are counted in the metroplex, then you’ve got a region where there's a strong base of genuine hockey devotion. The Boston Bruins will probably never let it happen, but it never made sense to me that the New York City metropolitan area has three teams, and New England has but one. I’ve heard the Governor has had serious talks with the NHL about what it would take, but that’s the last I’ve heard of anything solid. Matt Caputo can be found on Instagram @MattCaputo Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena University Ave. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Messiah Falcons website Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,000 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena opened at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year after being renovated. Jordan Court is home to Messiah men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and wrestling. Food & Beverage 3 There are no permanent food stands open for basketball games. The arena is attached to the student center which has a cafe, and there are vending machines all around. There is a sign saying no food or drink in the arena itself. Atmosphere 4 Hitchcock Arena has a true arena-like feel, more than a normal small college gym. This does make it have a pretty good college basketball experience. Messiah does have a very engaged sports fan base, so expect it to get loud at times. The PA system is also very loud, louder than we usually experience at college events. You can also expect music to have contemporary religious music mixed in with secular music. Neighborhood 3 There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on around campus, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. There should be plenty of parking available on campus but check regulations for weeknight games. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Hitchcock Arena. Parking is also free around campus. Extras 4 The attached student center has a nice cafe and college bookstore which is worth checking out. Go to the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. There is a campus fitness trail that offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports with some very engaged fans usually in attendence.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth oldest state college/university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present day location in Commerce, Texas. The school received full state funding in 1917, and in 1923 changed its name to East Texas State Teachers College. The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, and changed to a university in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996 the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024 when the school became East Texas A&M in an effort to better connect with the region where most of the traditional students reside. With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, in the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and a mere 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the Dallas metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas. ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions; the school sponsors twelve varsity sports and have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division 1 level in the Southland Conference; previously the teams were members of the Lone Star Conference for much of their history. The women’s basketball program began in 1971, making the Elite Eight in 2007 and having qualified for the national tournament five times since their founding. The home of Lady Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring lined for multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite in contrast with the rest of campus, which consists mainly of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ ceilings can host five full-court basketball games simultaneously. It is believed to be the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; unique and a peek into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect. Food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy. Drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold. There is one concession window with one or two workers, which is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people is during halftime. Prices are a little higher than what you might expect for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6. Nachos do cost $7.50 and Beatbox wine is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining and fun for all ages. Due to the fact the school is located in a smaller community, NCAA D1 athletics are consistently the top entertainment option nearby. The Lady Lions are supported by a cheer squad, dance team, and pep band, as well as fans of all ages from Commerce and surrounding towns. On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games. The inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When asked if the inflatables were featured at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, to allow kids to play so adults could enjoy the game. There are crowd participation games at Lions games that take place during long stoppages in play, as well as half time entertainment. At the most recent game I attended, there was a relay race between a group of young children followed by a scrimmage between two youth basketball teams – all these activities created an environment where there was very little down time when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Located in such a small town, the school is the center of activity, largest employer, and biggest attraction in the region. If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The area across Highway 24 from the school consists of the convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores of Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes, modest single-family homes, and small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit the historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. For games during Christmas break prior to the start of Spring semester, there is not much life in and around campus. If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town.  Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across from ETAMUl include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Dominos. For a small town there are just a few viable hotel options, including Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away on Interstate 30, offers Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away on I-30 as well, and also has multiple hotel options. Alternatively, if you will be coming from the north, Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive and have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lady Lion fans are loyal – their support is displayed through cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and student section. The support of these groups goes deeper than simple cheering, as they have organized chants for specific actions by their opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until she takes her seat on the bench, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans here are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding communities, as well as many senior adults. At a game I recently attended, there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – it will be the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 The experience overall provides about what you would expect for the cost involved. All tickets are general admission for $10 or $15, depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are available for $30. Once conference games begin in late December, there is also a men’s and women’s double header against the same opponent for one ticket price during every home game. Concession prices are slightly more at The Field House than at most comparably sized schools. This is offset by free parking and the no cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House’s entrance is definitely worth extra recognition. Most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated. The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience. While void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students. What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are both entertaining, and also help give some home court advantage to the Lady Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lady Lion basketball, as members of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience – the activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Stepping into the confines of the venerable building is like taking a stroll into the past; an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested. It was recently announced that a new multimillion dollar event center has been approved. There is no planned date or other details available at the time of this article, however. Nevertheless, I would suggest putting a trip to this northeast Texas campus near the top of your basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in The historic Field House.

The Cleveland Guardians are in the midst of a $200 million renovation project that will enhance the gameday experience for many in attendance. Debuting this year are the Terrace Hall and KeyBank North Coast and the completed Blue Moon Terrace Garden on the left field line of the ballpark. All of these areas were inspired by the architecture and imagery of downtown Cleveland, from the West Side Market to the Guardians of Traffic. The KeyBank North Coast is one of those spots that offers a blend of indoor and outdoor seating. The sleek retro vibe of the area features exposed steel and a wood baffle ceiling that adds a touch of nostalgia to anyone with a game ticket who fancies a local craft beer from the many taps at the bar.  The colors of steel, black and old gold, are remarkable in Cleveland, and several of the walls are decorated with colorful murals by local artists. Just upstairs is my favorite section of the ballpark and one that captures the new vision of the ball club. The Blue Moon Terrace Garden is fully completed with the addition of the Jack Daniel's Bar. Located along the left-field concourse, the terrace offers a stunning view of the field, fresh food and drink options, and a lush garden atmosphere that sets a new standard for modern stadium experiences. The social area offers stunning 360-degree views of the Cleveland skyline. Those views are gorgeous. Who knew that Cleveland looked so good? It is one way the team hopes to blend in with the rest of the city’s buildings. A summer heat wave was gripping the Midwest during the visit, but many would rather face these elements than a cold streak in late March.  In addition to drinks, the garden features a rotating menu of shareable plates, small bites, and vegetarian options—aimed at broadening the appeal beyond traditional ballpark fare. Seating is flexible, with high-top tables and lounge areas encouraging mingling and socializing during the game. As with the KeyBank North Coast, there is local artistry, including a giant 3-D mural near the section's entrance. For those not interested in the game of the field, this could be the hippest place in downtown during the afternoon or evening during the baseball season.  To make room for many of these changes, the old hunter green seats were torn out, but capacity has not been altered due to the changes. The additional social spaces have been in check with other ballparks: T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Coors Field in Denver, and Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City. Progressive Field is the 11th-oldest stadium in the major leagues, but it sure doesn’t want to feel that way heading into its fourth decade. “The Blue Moon Terrace Garden is part of our mission to modernize Progressive Field without losing its charm,” said Guardians President of Business Operations Brian Barren. “It’s a place where fans can connect, relax, and enjoy the ballgame in a whole new way.” The new terrace is open to all ticket holders and is already proving to be a hit among both casual attendees and season ticket members. With Progressive Field continuing renovations and fan-focused upgrades through 2026, the Blue Moon Terrace Garden signals a promising shift toward a more immersive and memorable ballpark experience. Ask ChatGPT There was plenty of commotion at the Blue Moon Terrace Garden. Fans were either sitting down or standing with friends having a drink, others watched fervently along the upper rails in hopes of a home run, which was soon granted off the bat to Steven Kwan in the third inning. He would repeat the feat two innings later. To those who prefer to keep score in their seat with a bag of peanuts or a hot dog in hand. There are plenty of areas for that at the stadium. The action on the field is to be taken seriously by the baseball purist, and not the who’s who in a social area.  Attending a major league game has changed since Progressive Field first opened its doors in 1994. A whole new generation of fans has been born, and they like their baseball with a touch of hobnobbing. The reveling with others over a craft beer or hard vodka is the norm, and the Cleveland Guardians hope to appeal to this type of fan.  So far, so good. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc .Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 UPMC Park 110 E 10th St Erie, PA 16501 Erie SeaWolves website UPMC Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,000 A Great Ballpark on the Shores of Lake Erie UPMC Park is the home of the Erie SeaWolves of the Eastern League. The home of the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers was built in 1995 to lure minor league baseball back to town after a one-year hiatus. The stadium seats 6,000 people, features a unique seating bowl configuration, and has a left wall that is connected to the city’s hockey venue , Erie Insurance Arena. The SeaWolves began as a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate in the New York-Penn League and proved very popular, setting a league attendance record of 181,815 in their first season. They broke the record in 1997 with 196,212 fans through the turnstiles. The club's popularity was such that it advanced to Double-A ball in 1999, serving as GGthe farm team of the Anaheim Angels. That affiliation would last until 2001 when the Detroit Tigers became the parent club. Minor league baseball in Erie dates back to 1906, and for the majority of those years, the team's name was the Sailors. For much of that history,  games were played at Ainsworth Field. The site was first used in 1913, and in 1947, a new structure was erected. However, by 1993, the facility was outdated and not aligned with the modern standards for minor league stadiums. The team would relocate to Fishkill, New York, and be renamed the Hudson Valley Renegades.  The construction of UPMC Park, originally known as Jerry Uht Park,  provided a sense of pride to the community. The cozy ballpark produced sell-outs and put the city on the map in comparison to the nearby larger markets of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark selection of food at the many concession stands and kiosks. Fans new to town may want to purchase a few local options that can only be found in Erie.  Smith’s natural casing hot dogs are locally made and offer a wonderful snap with every bite. They are the hot dogs of choice at the ballpark and are one-hundred-percent beef. Pepperoni balls might be the city’s official food, and they can be found at the stadium. The warm balls of dough are stuffed with pepperoni and cheese and then deep-fried. They are the perfect type of snack to enjoy at the ballpark. The third option is the roast ox sandwich, which is a roast beef sandwich served on a hamburger bun with its natural juices.  A few more local options include the Greek Dog, made famous by the local New York Lunch restaurant, and Slow Hat Ice Cream, featuring the following flavors: bourbon caramel pecan, grasshopper pie, graham canyon, and deep sea treasure - served by the scoop down the first base side of the stadium. The alcoholic drinks are varied and offer everything from beer, hard seltzers, lemonade, and canned cocktails. The brand names include Bud Light, Corona, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Yuengling Lager, and varieties from New Belgium and Southern Tier Breweries. You can even get a tall 24-ounce can of Labatt Blue and Busch Light at the game. A few items of note include deep-fried Oreos, a mac and cheese helmet, a chicken and bacon wrap, beer bats, and the South of the Border grill that includes a burrito bowl and super nachos. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice, and cash and credit are both accepted at most concession stands. Atmosphere 4 You can always tell what the atmosphere will be like an hour before the game. Fans line up outside the main entrance in the right field corner and watch the stadium crew prepare for the game. Giant inflatable rides are positioned in the Flagship Funland area, a small brass band prepares for tonight’s performance, programs are placed on racks, and a soundcheck tests out the PA system. All of this is well before the gates are open to the fans. When the gates open up, the ballpark comes alive. The right field entrance is the hub of activity, including the team gift shop, which is packed with SeaWolves merchandise, ranging from faux back caps, the alternative Moon Mammoths, and their normal on-field fashions. Customers come out of their store with handfuls of shirts, caps, and other items to take back home.  Outside the team store is Celebration Cove, offering numerous picnic tables and standing-room-only seats that line up the left field line. The Flagship Funland is a play area for kids, featuring putt-putt, a bouncy house, basketball nets, and other inflatable slides and rides.  The design is vastly different from the typical Double-A stadium. It offers lower box seating on both sides.  However, the left field seating bowl is a traditional design that incorporates a large area of seats and suites on top with concession areas below. The right field seating area is an upper deck design. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is downtown and next to the Erie Insurance Arena , where the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League operate from September to March. If in town during the summer months, there are many options a few blocks away, offering indoor and outdoor seating before and after the game. BIGBAR is known for deep-dish pizzas, cheesesteak sandwiches, calzones, and chicken wings, with 22 varieties of sauces and dry rubs. The corner restaurant is a popular destination, but the kitchen closes at 10 pm every day of the week. Further down from the stadium is Calamari’s Squid Row, which features flatbread pizzas, wraps, and chicken parmesan sandwiches, including an outdoor patio. A few spots for a drink or two exist at Cloud 9, Room 33 Speakeasy, and the Plymouth Tavern. There are also two microbreweries near UPMC Park: Voodoo Brewing Company and Lavery Brewing. Voodoo is off the busy State Street and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Lavery features a free parking lot, couches, board games, and a food menu of handheld sandwiches and small bites. The Lake Erie waterfront is worth a visit. There are pirate ship tours, stunning sunset views from The Shoreline Bar & Grill. The Erie Maritime Museum and Bicentennial Tower are two places to visit. Presque Isle State Park is a 3,112-acre state park located on a sandy, curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, just 4 miles west of the city. Visitors enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and sunset views. For the baseball traveler, Ainsworth Field is worth checking out. It is less than 3 miles from the SeaWolves home and is a 1947 structure that has seating for 3,000 people. There might be an event taking place during your visit, and adding another baseball game is always a plus in our book. Fans 3 SeaWolves games are well-attended on most weekend nights. The visitor should expect a large crowd ready to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. The fandom has supported the team with record crowds in its 30-plus-year history. Those numbers are not as big as they used to be, but various promotions and giveaways draw in the Erie faithful.  Access 3 UPMC Park is a downtown minor league ballpark and offers very little parking. The best options are to park on the street and pay the meter (25 cents every 20 minutes) until 6 PM. There are private lots near the ballpark that charge a small fee and a few free spots further down the road.  The stadium’s design is unusual, featuring a small concourse that leads fans to their seats. The third base side offers a majority of upper box seating, and the first base side features a majority of lower box seating. The main entrance of the stadium is in the left field corner. Return on Investment 4 There are two price points: $16 for upper box seating and $20 for lower box seating. However, if purchasing within a day of the game, the price is reduced by $3 and $4, respectively. The concession prices are in line with other Eastern League stadiums, and there is quite a variety of options, including 24-ounce cans of beer for $9. The gift shop is brimming with merchandise on the shelves, and a hat and t-shirt combo sells for $40, but expect to pay $28 and up for most team caps and special identities. Extras 4 UPMC Park earns a point for its pre-game celebration at the third base entrance that includes a festive play area for kids, free programs, a live band, and plenty of food options. The second point is for the regional foods that include pepperoni balls, ox tail sandwiches, and Smith’s natural casing wieners.  The design of the ballpark earns a third point. It stands out among other venues in minor league baseball and offers a few quirks, including the hockey arena doubling as the left field wall and stadium club building, offering a rooftop view of the field. Final Thoughts UPMC Park was a fun night at the ballpark. The pre-game ceremonies, food options, merchandise variety, and vantage points place it in a category all of its own in the Eastern League. When you add the city of Erie to your travels, you have a pleasant weekend to spend along the lake with friends and family. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc .Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cheney Stadium 2502 S Tyler St Tacoma, WA 98405 Tacoma Rainiers website Cheney Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 6,500 Home of the Tacoma Rainiers Opened in 1960, Cheney Stadium plays host to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. The stadium has a unique history. Cheney Stadium needed to be built in short order in order for Tacoma to obtain the AAA team that was based in Phoenix. The mission succeeded with the stadium being built in a mere three and a half months to meet the Opening Day deadline. In 2011, Cheney underwent a comprehensive $30 million renovation that included luxury suites, a kids play area, more restrooms and concessions and shoring up the main seating area. In addition to the Rainiers, Cheney Stadium hosted the Tacoma Defiance and OL Reign soccer teams in addition to hosting the AAA All-Star Game in 2017. Food & Beverage 4 Cheney Stadium offers up all the items you expect. From hot dogs to burgers to pizza and BBQ sandwiches, there is no shortage of ballpark fare. Cheney takes their concessions one step further. As a nod to their location near the Pacific, give Ivar’s a try. They serve different dishes including fish & chips and clam chowder. If you are feeling adventurous, try an Ivar Dog. The Ivar Dog is a seafood-based hotdog topped with cole slaw and tartar sauce. In addition, Cheney offers up the regular snacks of popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy, pretzels, etc. As for beverages, Cheney serves Coke products. Additionally, there are a multitude of beer and mixed drink options. Want coffee? Stop by Grounds Brew where you will find all sorts of different types of coffee and tea. Concessions run about the norm for minor league baseball. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is aesthetically quite nice. There are no bad seats. One thing you notice quickly is the seating area is a bit steeper than many stadiums. This creates great views of the field without having to worry about partially blocked views if taller fans are sitting in front of you. A video board sits just left of the batter’s eye, with the scoreboard just to the right of the batter’s eye. Down the first base line is a nice grass berm area. The berm gives a great view of the Rainiers bullpen which is near the right field corner. Behind the berm is a kids play area which includes a whiffle ball park. Restrooms and concessions are below the seating deck. On the night I attended, while the crowd was not particularly large, there were no issues with lines for the restrooms or concessions. Neighborhood 3 Cheney Stadium is set in a residential/retail area. As such, there isn’t much in the way of places to walk to before or after the game. However, about 3 miles away, you will find a litany of places in a very scenic area…Commencement Bay. This area is also where you will find most of the hotels in the area. Among your dining options are the E9 Firehouse and Gastropub on Pine St. E9 brews their own beer and, yes, is located in a former firehouse. Down on 6 th  St., we stopped at the Southern Kitchen. If you are a fan of southern cooking, this is your place. Be sure and try the catfish…it’s great! Fans 4 Having attended far more minor league games than I can remember, I was hard pressed to remember too many crowds that were more attentive during the game. A large percentage of fans knew the players, the important situations, and were engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Cheney Stadium is located just off Highway 16 on South Tyler St. and is easy to get to. There are two parking entrances, one in front of the stadium and one behind the stadium in the Foss High School parking lot. On the evening I attended, the stands were about half full and there were no issues getting around the concourse or finding a restroom. Concession lines were minimal and yielded a very short wait, if any. Return on Investment 3 You can get a ticket in the main seating area for about $23. I’d recommend using the Foss High School parking lot for parking as the cost is $10, which is half the cost of the home plate parking lot which is $20. Concessions are about the going rate at all minor league parks. While the cost to attend a game is a little more pricey than other parks, Cheney Stadium offers a fun experience that that gives you a good return on your money. Extras 5 Cheney Stadium has a unique setup. While hard to describe, it is a very enjoyable look. If you like old time light towers, Cheney is your place. The light towers were reclaimed from Seals Park in San Francisco, which is the stadium the San Francisco Giants initially played in when relocating from New York. On a clear day, head up to the left field party deck. Should Mt. Rainier be peaking out, you will have a great view of it. In the concourse, you will find a nice little display of the Tacoma Baseball Hall of Fame. Final point for Rhubarb the Reindeer. Rhubarb is the Rainiers mascot and quite active during the game. Final Thoughts I wasn’t sure what to expect of Cheney Stadium. I walked away very impressed with the stadium and the game presentation the Rainiers staff puts together on a nightly basis. The prices are a little on the high side, but there are some unique factors that make a visit to Cheney Stadium well worth your time.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Breese Stevens Field 917 East Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703 Forward Madison FC website Breese Stevens Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,000 Full Mingo Breese Stevens Field was built in 1926 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal through the Civil Works Administration. Over the years, the stadium has seen a wide range of uses – it first served as the home of the Madison Blues, a minor league baseball team that played as a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 1942. In 1982, the ballpark welcomed the Madison Muskies, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics , for their inaugural season in the Midwest League. Today, Breese Stevens Field is best known as the home pitch of Forward Madison of USL League One, but it also hosts the Madison 56ers of the United Premier Soccer League, Madison East High School athletics, the Madison Radicals of ultimate frisbee, and soon Madison’s entry into the USL Super League, a top-tier women’s professional soccer league. Madison’s unofficial slogan, Keep Madison Weird, has been fully embraced by Forward Madison. The club’s crest features a flamingo, one of the last birds expected to be associated with Wisconsin’s northern climate, a deliberate nod to the city’s tradition of plastic pink flamingos. In 1979, the University of Wisconsin’s satirical Pail and Shovel Party planted more than 1,000 flamingos on Bascom Hill, the campus’ main quadrangle, in a prank that became an enduring symbol of Madison’s quirky spirit. From that tradition emerged Forward Madison’s nickname, the Mingos.   Food & Beverage   5 Breese Stevens Field offers a wide variety of gameday food and drinks, blending local favorites with classic stadium fare. The south end of the stadium has more traditional stands built into the stadium’s original grandstand, while the north end features a food hall vibe with several options housed in converted shipping containers. Fans can enjoy entrees like the Wisconsin Double burger on a pretzel bun, bacon Munster cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, bratwurst, hot dogs, and a vegetarian Southwestern sweet potato burger. Tacos with pork carnitas or smoked chicken with crema, onion, and lime, and loaded nachos with optional meat provide fresh, customizable choices, while Tamale Land serves shredded beef, chicken and cheese, or green chili and corn tamales. Snackables include Wisconsin cheese curds, French fries, Bavarian pretzels, ice cream novelties, and an assortment of candy. One of the most creative touches is the ‘Promotion/Relegation’ stand, where menu items compete head-to-head, with the more popular of the two remaining on the menu while the other is dropped. Beverage options range from Pepsi products, Gatorade, and lemonade to Bubblr sparkling flavors such as Cherry Guava and Pitaya Berry, along with bottled water. Alcoholic offerings include draft beers like New Glarus Spotted Cow, Bell’s Oberon Ale, Leinie’s Tropical Hazy IPA, and selections from local breweries such as One Barrel Brewing and Lake Louie Brewing. Canned cocktails and Wollersheim wines, including Blushing Rose, Prairie Fume, and Scarlet Fume round out the drink menu. By blending regional specialties with traditional favorites, the menu at Breese Stevens Field provides fans with a well-rounded selection of choices.   Atmosphere   4 Breese Stevens Field is certainly a historic relic from a time of stadium design gone by. The Mediterranean Revival design was constructed with brick and locally sourced stone from Hoyt Park in Madison, then finished with terracotta tile. The south end still reflects its baseball roots, where the former grandstand has been repurposed into the Baer Balcony, a ticketed, covered group seating area. Most seating runs along the west sideline, with VIP field suites opposite, while the north end belongs to The Flock; Forward Madison’s supporters’ section, known as The Flock End, packs the bleachers behind the goal, where many fans stand right along the ad boards, about as close to the action as any fan could hope for. The Flock brings a festive atmosphere that rivals many larger soccer venues. Weekend matches often include pregame tailgates and a march to the stadium, while weekday games have a more relaxed vibe. In years past, the Flock added to the atmosphere with a pyrotechnic smoke display, bellowing from a large cauldron resembling a coffee mug marked Wake the Flock Up. That tradition appears to have been discontinued, and while its absence does not ruin the experience, it is a small disappointment since such displays help create a more international soccer feel. Beyond the antics of The Flock, there is not much in the way of in-game entertainment or fan engagement, but soccer’s non-stop pace doesn’t naturally lend itself to breaks in the action anyway, other than a hydration break when the temperatures are high. In truth, the flow of the match is engaging enough that it is refreshing to simply enjoy the game in its uninterrupted form.   Neighborhood   4 Located on the Madison Isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Breese Stevens Field serves as a buffer between the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood and East Washington Avenue, one of the main arteries into downtown Madison. In recent years, the area has seen significant development, most notably the modern Galaxie High Rise Apartments, which have several balconies draped with banners supporting the Mingos. Across the street, additional projects include new condominiums, office space, and restaurants, as well as Hotel Indigo and the Moxy hotel, both within walking distance of the stadium. Directly west of the venue are two of Madison’s well-regarded restaurants, Little Tibet Madison and Hot Lunch, while to the south, Salvatore’s Tomato Pies (Livingston) offers another local favorite, and the ground floor of the Galaxie features LJ’s Sports Tavern and Grille just steps from the south gates. Madison is not short on points of interest, in general. Less than a mile from Breese Stevens Field is the Wisconsin state capitol building, which offers self-guided tours; the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison is on the opposite side of the isthmus, which borders the shores of Lake Mendota. In the summer months, Madison also hosts the Madison Mallards  of the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate baseball league. Lastly, just outside Madison in Middleton is the National Mustard Museum, a quirky stop many visitors are sure to relish.   Fans   4 Forward Madison is known for its passionate and loyal supporters – that energy is led by The Flock, a collection of five supporters’ groups: Los Rebeldes de Mingo City, AccessiMingos, Featherstone Flamingos, La Barra 608, and Mingo Ladies. The atmosphere, however, extends well beyond the supporters’ section. Throughout the stands, fans proudly wear flamingo-themed prints, shorts, shirts, and scarves in the club’s vibrant light blue and pink. This area’s passion for their Mingos is reflected in their attendance – Forward Madison consistently ranks in the league’s top third, drawing an average of roughly 4,000 fans per match and standing among the most well-supported clubs in League One.   Access   3 Parking is available in any of the eight lots around the stadium , with the Galaxie lot offering the most convenience. Early arrivals can find a decent amount of street parking nearby. Fans are asked not to park in the neighborhood west of the stadium; street parking along East Washington Avenue or on nearby side streets to the east is encouraged instead. Other lots and garages are promoted on game day as well, and the team also promotes fans to take advantage of the bike valet at Gate 8 along Mifflin Street. Breese Stevens Field features only three points of entry, which can lead to long lines when the gates first open. Once the initial rush passes, however, entry becomes relatively smooth. Historic stadiums often come with constraints that limit potential improvements. At Breese Stevens Field, the only way to move from one end of the pitch to the other is via a walkway that passes directly in front of fans along the touch line, blocking the view for those in the front rows. Limited pathways and blocked sightlines make moving around the stadium one of the most noticeable drawbacks to the overall experience.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $22 for entry to the supporters’ section at the north end of the stadium; this might feel slightly high, but demand for tickets keeps pricing at this level. The club does not operate any parking lots. Instead, fans are directed to nearby privately owned garages, with spaces generally available for around $10 per car. Street parking is free, though the club asks visitors to avoid parking in the neighborhood directly around the stadium. Still, it is more of a neighborly request than an actual parking restriction. Street parking along East Washington Street, or on side streets on the east side of the stadium, is suggested instead. Concessions and apparel can feel pricey compared with other aspects of the match day experience. Fans can get better value with ticket packages under $25, which often include a drink, a snack, or even a Forward Madison scarf. Planning with these packages is an easy way to enjoy the full experience without overspending.   Extras   3 Forward Madison features one of the most extensive team stores in League One. Flamboyance, as it is called, occupies a large portion of the area beneath one side of the original grandstand. A kids' play area has been part of the stadium experience in years past, though it does not appear to be consistent, and seems to have been replaced in some areas by tented group outing spaces. Instead, a mini petting zoo offers a rare attraction compared to most sporting events, drawing not just children but plenty of adult visitors, too. Stonework just outside the southeast entrance commemorates the stadium as a CWA project; such historic pieces are increasingly rare, and their preservation makes them worth noting.   Final Thoughts It can be difficult to maintain a historic stadium as a comfortable venue for sporting events while also preserving its historical integrity. Breese Stevens Field does a good job of retaining its historic charm while still providing a terrific setting for professional soccer. There are aspects of the experience that could be improved, not because they overly detract from fans’ current enjoyment, but simply to make the overall visit more comfortable. Nevertheless, Forward Madison and the community have completely adopted the Mingos mentality, which embraces the fun and “weird” side of Madison’s personality as a city.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Block Stadium 1601 E. 144th St. East Chicago, IN 46312 East Chicago Thunder website Block Stadium website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 3,500 East Chicago's Block Stadium is Ready for Business Block Stadium has been the home to baseball in East Chicago, Indiana, for many years and went through a $5.5 million renovation in 2021 and 2022 that transformed the historic grandstand into a full-fledged ballpark worthy of a summer collegiate baseball team. That occurred in 2025 with the creation of the East Chicago Thunder of the Region Collegiate Baseball League . The stadium debuted on Memorial Day in 1942 and was a gift to the city by the Block family, who owned the Inland Steel Company. Work on the $40,000 stadium began in July 1940 and is dedicated to the memory of E.J. (Jimmy) Block, who suddenly passed away in 1939. He was an avid baseball fan and played for regional teams. Its opening was accompanied by a large parade by the U.S. Army Band, area high school bands, and a flag-raising ceremony by a contingent of U.S. Army troops. Vendors made their way throughout the large covered grandstand selling peanuts, popcorn, pop, and candy to the 20,000 who were on hand for the opening ceremonies. The stadium was used for a variety of activities:  football, baseball, soccer, boxing, wrestling, and even the occasional open-air opera. It could be expanded to accommodate up to 12,000 people.  It included a ticket window, canteen, lockers, and showers for the players and a public comfort station when it opened. The stadium hosted the East Chicago Conquistadors of the independent Mid-America League, known more for their uniform controversy.  Today, it’s the home to the East Chicago Central High School baseball team, the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave, and the East Chicago Post 369 American Legion club in addition to the Thunder. Food & Beverage 3 Block Stadium houses a concession stand that serves hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, snacks, and soda. However, there are home dates where food trucks are brought in to offer an array of ballpark food. During our visit, there were Loli’s Mexican and Kona Ice.  These options are great to have, but not being able to grab a hot dog and a soda at the ballpark is against all laws of baseball. If you are looking for a cold beer, you won’t find it at Block Stadium, but according to league commissioner Dave Sutkowski, that could change in the future. Atmosphere 3 Block Stadium is a beautiful ballpark that offers a covered grandstand. The renovations turned the venue into an impressive baseball stadium. Fans enter under the giant stadium marquee into an open area where food trucks and the concession stand are located. Signage hangs from the light poles honoring former players who played at the stadium, including former major league outfielder Kenny Lofton. The grandstand is made up of metal bleacher seating and several rows of plastic seats. A thick netting protects fans from foul balls, and the original stadium’s framework and pillars add a nostalgic feel to the game. There is a small scoreboard with video features in left field. Another old-time touch is the two light towers that are in foul territory on the right and left field lines. The Thunder does not offer a merchandise stand, announcements on the PA, or in-game promotions to engage the crowd in between innings. The team does not feature a merchandise table, nor are there game day lineups or standings anywhere inside the stadium.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium borders a residential neighborhood and the school’s equally impressive football stadium. East Chicago is a city of 29,000 residents and is located in The Region of Northwest Indiana, 24 miles from Chicago. It is home to ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Works, the largest steel mill in the country, U.S. Steel’s East Chicago Tin, and the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal complex. Indianapolis Avenue features various eateries, shops, and other commercial retail stores in town and the neighboring cities of Hammond and Munster. Bugatti’s Steak and Pasta is located along Lake Michigan and offers fine dining, the Cavalier Inn offers Polish cuisine in a relaxed setting, and Johnel’s Restaurant offers American fare. Saul’s Chicago Style Grill offers iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, gyros, and Italian beef, and Millo’s Pizza Shack has deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust style pizzas on its menu. Two of Indiana’s best breweries are near East Chicago. Three Floyds Brewery & Pub is world-renowned for its beers and is worth a visit. The brewery gets very busy, but visitors can enjoy a Gumballhead, Lazersnake, Zombie Dust, or Yum Yum on draft. 18th Street Brewery is located in Hammond and also offers a place to eat, while you can order a Candi Crushable, Devil’s Cup, or the Best Patio Pils. Fans 2 There were a few fans in attendance due to Mother Nature dropping buckets of rain over the stadium. The faithful audience cheered on their hometown squad, while a few were there for the nearby visiting Lake County Corndogs team. Access 4 Block Stadium is easily accessible by car and offers a parking lot and plenty of street parking near the entrance. The stadium is north of I-90 and west of US-12. Once inside, there is more than enough room to roam, and crowds don’t appear to get crowded enough to cause congestion at the concession stand. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $8, and a senior citizen and children's tickets are $5; and kids under 12 years old are free. The parking is free, and concession prices are well below what you would expect at a ballpark.  Extras 2 Block Stadium has been updated quite handsomely. It looks modern but holds its old-school charm. The main entrance marquee is a nice addition to the stadium and stands out along with the exterior plaza design. Final Thoughts Stadiums of this magnitude don’t usually get the royal treatment of a $5.5 million renovation, but it has transformed the old place into a beautiful new palace for baseball. If the game day atmosphere can feature more of what fans expect at a summer collegiate game, then this will be the place to be in the area. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Does baseball on an island work? Dave and Paul examine the truly unique phenomenon of FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators. Grab a beer and take in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. ⚾🏟️ __________________________________________________________________________________ You can find Stadium Journey's review of FNB Field and the Harrisburg Senators game day experience here.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hillsboro Stadium 4450 NW 229th Ave Hillsboro, OR 97124 Hillsboro Hops website Hillsboro Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 4,500 Hillsboro Hops With Baseball, Beer Editor's Note: In March 2024, the venue name changed from Ron Tonkin Field to Hillsboro Stadium. Baseball and beer have complemented one another perfectly for decades. Professional baseball teams sell beer at their stadiums but do not generally market the relationship between suds and strikeouts. The High Class-A, western division Hillsboro Hops are a notable exception and their ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field, enables even non-beer drinkers to enjoy a serendipitous baseball experience in a venue that opened in 2013 and 4,500 fans. Tonkin Field is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, 15 miles northeast of downtown Portland. According to a 2020 report from the Colorado-based Brewers Association, Hillsboro sits in one of the nation’s most prolific craft brewing states. Oregon has a total of 312 craft breweries (11th most in the nation), with 9.6 such breweries per capita (7th most in the nation). The Hops are nicknamed after a key brewing ingredient grown in Oregon (the second-largest hop growing state by volume), and have a mascot, Barley T. Hop, styled after the flower of the hop plant. The Hops celebrate the importance of brewing in the Beaver State throughout the ballpark. In August 2021, for instance, the Hops hosted a pre-game craft brewing festival that attracted numerous local brewers and fans from as far away as Austin, Texas. Couple the celebration of beer with a beautiful stadium, replete with seats close to the action, high-quality ballpark food, and the chance to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks ’ players of the future, and fans will enjoy a game at Tonkin Field. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of culinary options are offered at Tonkin Field, so much so that coming to the ballpark hungry may call for an amuse bouche while evaluating what to order. Smartly, the Hops have made online ordering available at concessions stands behind seats on both the first and third base lines. Fans can order food from their seats, retrieve the food when ready, and avoid spending an inning or two waiting in a line. The familiar favorites can all be found at Tonkin Field, with a cheeseburger and French fry basket ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), and hot dogs ($5). Fans wanting something slightly different can order a blue cheese bacon burger ($11), bacon cheeseburger ($11), or a burger topped with a bratwurst ($12), all with fries. Coca-Cola products are served, with a 32-ounce drink ($6), a 21-ounce drink ($5), and a 16-ounce drink ($4) on the menu. Bottled water ($4) and bottled soda ($5) are also available at most concession stands at Tonkin Field. The Hops have devoted one concession stand to barbecue: chicken and pulled pork are offered for $10 and served with chips, while BBQ nachos sell for $10. Quality, hand-made Mexican fare is available, as well, with tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas all served on freshly grilled tortillas. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, too. A veggie burger and fries sells for $10, as does a veggie wrap (grilled vegetables with a hummus spread wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla). A veggie dog is available for $5. Not surprisingly, a broad panoply of beers is sold throughout Tonkin Field. Premium beers include those brewed by Crux, Migration Brewing Co., Deschutes, and several others. Those beers sell for $9 (20 ounces) and $8 (16 ounces). Domestic beers sell for $8 and $7, respectively, for those sizes. Mixed drinks are available for $8-$9, depending on size, and wine is available for $8-$10, depending on brand. Like many teams, the Hops sell ice cream in miniature batting helmets ($8) or waffle cones ($6). The Hops, however, have 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream available. Most ballparks sell soft serve ice cream, but not here. The flavors are also more exotic than the typical chocolate-and-vanilla, with local favorites huckleberry and mountain blackberry sold along with such flavors as moose tracks, cotton candy, espresso chip, and birthday cake. Atmosphere 4 Tonkin Field has one main entrance, behind home plate. Fans enter on ground level, pass the team shop, and walk up a set of stairs to reach the stadium’s concourse. The seating bowl spans from just beyond third base to just beyond first base, with bullpens situated beyond the outfield walls. Seats are very close to the field, bringing fans close to the game’s action. Groups have several types of party rooms available to them. Several party decks and suites provide views from behind home plate; a picnic area in the right field corner can accommodate as many as 2,000 people. Because of Tonkin Field’s orientation of home plate facing southwest, the sun sets behind the first base side of the stadium. The setting sun thus poses a retina-burning challenge to fans sitting along the third base line. At evening games, fans should consider seats on the first base side of the stadium. Fans on the third base side whose vision survives several innings of direct sun can reap the reward of a beautiful sunset. The stadium has a crisp, clear public address system. Fortunately (given the close dimensions of seating to speakers), music is played at a lower volume than the PA announcer’s voice. Walkup songs are played for the home team and, in true MiLB fashion, visitors’ walkup songs relate somehow to the batter’s name (Vancouver’s Orelvis Martinez received “Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley, as an example). Neighborhood 3 Hillsboro’s Gordon Faber Recreation Complex surrounds Tonkin Field, so fans do not have restaurants, bars, and other attractions within easy walking distance of the ballpark. Those amenities are a short drive away, however. Several bars and restaurants sit just to Tonkin Field’s southeast, including McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, Pho Tango Bistro, the Front Row Bar & Grill, Oasis Lebanese Cuisine, and O Sushi. Fast food is available there, too, including Wendy’s, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, and Big Town Hero. Fans looking for pre or post-game craft beer do not need to look far. Three Mugs Brewing Company is approximately two miles from the ballpark. Although it does not serve food, Three Mugs has more than 20 beers on tap and in cans. Just under three miles from Tonkin Field, Deep Space Brewing offers four “flagship” beers and rotates more than 12 others through its taps. Many more craft breweries can easily be found in Hillsboro and beyond. Several chain hotels are within a short driving distance of Tonkin Field. Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Aloft, Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Extended Stay America are all within a 10-minute drive. The Orenco is a more luxurious option, with free wine tastings and various styles of rooms. Fans 3 The Hops’ faithful may not reach large numbers, but they do know baseball and pay attention to the game. The Hops have frequently seen sellouts since debuting in Hillsboro in 2013, providing a level of support that helped the franchise move from short-season low-A in 2019 to its full-season high-A affiliation in 2021. Although the crowds do not match those at higher levels of baseball, the crowd at Tonkin Field is engaged and enthusiastic. Craft brewing is celebrated throughout the stadium, both with the beer available at concession stands, Tonkin Field’s décor, and even the mascot itself. This distinguishes the Hops from other sports franchises that disregard what makes their cities unique. Access 3 Tonkin Field is most accessible to those coming by car. Parking is plentiful, as the stadium’s parking lot also serves the softball fields in the Faber Recreation Complex. One note: fans wanting to park near Tonkin Field’s home plate entrance should drive until reaching the end of the parking lot. Otherwise, a longer walk awaits. Mass transit is an option, albeit a tricky one. Portland’s Metropolitan Area Express, or “MAX,” light rail connects Hillsboro with downtown Portland via the Blue Line. However, Hillsboro’s MAX station is more than two miles from the stadium and requires a 45-minute walk. The Hops typically operate a shuttle between Tonkin Field and the MAX station, but suspended that service for the 2021 season. Alternatively, fans can take the 47 bus to the station at NE Century and Evergreen Parkway (North) and walk approximately 10 minutes to Tonkin Field. Inside, wide concourses and abundant standing-room areas enable fans to spread out and enjoy nice sight lines of the game. The ticket window, situated just outside the home plate entrance, is well staffed and efficient. Restrooms are kept clean and are near the seating areas. Return on Investment 4 The Hops provide an excellent return on investment. Parking costs $5, with game tickets ranging between $7 (general admission) and $20 (premium box). There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so even a general admission ticket will permit fans to enjoy the game. Food is quite reasonable at Tonkin Field. Burgers and fries are sold together as “baskets” starting at $10. The Hops also offer a combination meal for $18 consisting of a hot dog, a choice of potato chips, and a medium soda. A kids’ meal costs $6 and includes a hot dog, fresh fruit, and juice. Game programs are available for free via QR code. Signs placed throughout Tonkin Field enable fans to pull up a copy of a high-quality, well designed game program on their phones. Extras 3 The Hops earn a bonus point for introducing online ordering at their concession stands. This enables fans to enjoy the game – not a wait for food. Another point goes to the Hops for great fan relations staff. Immediately upon reaching the concourse, the Hops have a guest relations table with posters, information, and several of the team’s trophies. Ushers gladly take photos of fans posing with Barley and provide directions to seats, prioritizing fan enjoyment. A final point is awarded because, at least for 2021, the Hops’ staff is working double duty. Tonkin Field is also home to the Vancouver Canadians, a division rival. After the Canadian government closed the border with the United States because of the global pandemic, the Hops organization offered to host the Canadians in 2021. Hops employees have thus served two baseball teams, doubling their work but not in any manner diminishing the quality of the fan experience. Final Thoughts The Hops have created an environment that highlights everything that makes minor league baseball so enjoyable: inexpensive tickets and food, involved fans, and a beautiful stadium. The team’s thoughtful celebration of Oregon’s place as a craft beer mecca blends well with the action on the field, yet even non-beer drinkers will enjoy themselves. A game at Tonkin Field is well worth the “hop” from anywhere in Oregon. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Modern Woodmen Park 209 S Gaines St Davenport, IA 52802 Quad Cities River Bandits website Modern Woodmen Park website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 7,140 NOTE: I attended the River Bandits game on Sunday, July 14, 2024. To complete a review of the stadium experience wouldn't be a fair representation. In addition to being incredibly hot and humid, the Mississippi River (literally feet from the stadium) was in flood stage. As such, many roads were closed, parking lots were underwater, etc. I've updated a few things from my previous review and hopefully can return in 2025 to do a complete review. Ferris Wheels and Fantastic Views Modern Woodmen Park opened in 1931 as Municipal Stadium. The stadium seats 4,024 and can hold many more with a large number of open seating bleachers, a few grass berms, and eight group areas that are mostly standing room only. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, and is the home stadium for the Quad Cities River Bandits, of the Midwest League. The River Bandits began an affiliation with the Houston Astros beginning in 2013. In the past few seasons, a sky deck has been added along with a 20′ x 35′ video board in left field. In 2014, the park added a 110′ Ferris wheel beyond the left field wall. The Ferris wheel is a very popular attraction. Modern Woodmen Park is the oldest stadium used continuously (since 1960) for Minor League Baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Food is served in the traditional concourse style. Outside of the traditional baseball fare, which is all available, there are a few items worth mentioning. The ballpark has your typical standard fare with a few extra surprises, which, unfortunately, weren't open for the game I attended (see bold type above). Pepsi products are available from the fountain in various sizes or bottles are also available. Draft beer is sold throughout the concourse for those who want the name brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc. The Good Hops craft beer stand is located on the first base side. Here, you have your choice of many microbrews. Atmosphere 5 The view from Modern Woodmen Park qualifies as one of the best in baseball. Albuquerque has a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains, Salt Lake has a spectacular view of mountains, and Modern Woodmen’s view of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge is just as amazing. The view at night with Centennial Bridge lit up is worth the price of admission by itself. Between the Ferris wheel and left field wall is a grass berm where fans can sit. The general admission seats are down the left field line and although they are bleachers, they do have backs so they aren’t as uncomfortable as regular bleachers. Down the right field line is a play area for kids including a jumper, rock climbing wall, and speed pitch game. There are picnic tables and other seats in the play area that allow for watching the game and keeping an eye on the kids at the same time. A nice feature of the park is that you can walk around the field. There is a walkway behind the batters eye that allows for great views of the river and bridge while standing right on top of the Mississippi. Neighborhood 4 The Quad Cities have a lot to offer. Front Street Brewery is located down the road and is worth a look. The main brewery and restaurant are over 100 years old. It’s a great place to stop before or after the game. Numerous fans mention Boozie’s Bar and Grille as another place to stop. Boozie’s has traditional bar food and the burgers are top-notch. Just across the river in Moline, Illinois is the Bier Stube, a great German food/pub. They have a friendly staff and some quality German food. There are numerous museums within a few blocks of the stadium, including the German American Heritage Center and the Figge Art Museum. If traveling to the Quad Cities with children, the John Deere Pavilion is located in Moline. For any child that likes big mechanized equipment, this is the place for them. They can climb in all the different farming equipment and the visit is free. Fans 3 With so much to do, the fan’s attention isn’t always on the field. With rides, games, and views, some fans come for reasons other than to watch the game. However, there are quite a few of the hardcore fans that follow every pitch and know their team. Access 4 Modern Woodmen Park is located right off the Centennial Bridge and is easy to find. Parking at the stadium is $5. There is another parking lot west of the bridge where parking is free. When the ballpark is full, getting through the concourse can take some effort. Many mobile concession areas in the concourse along with lines at the permanent concession stands cause some gridlock. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the size of the park. Return on Investment 5 Tickets range from $2 (yes, $2) to $17 when buying before game day, running $1 more when purchased on game day. Prices vary throughout the week, but on some game days, you can get berm and/or bleacher seats for just $2. Whatever level of seating you choose, it is well worth the money. Parking cost is minimal at $5 or free just down the street. With the food prices being in line with other ballparks, Modern Woodmen Park is well worth the money. Extras 5 I will add an extra point for the views because five stars just aren’t enough. Especially for night games, you can’t beat the scenery. Recommended you sit between home plate and third base for the best view of the bridge and a comfortable stadium seat. An extra point goes to the game day staff. They are very pleasant and willing to help make the fan experience the best it can be. An extra point is awarded for a ceremonial rock at the base of the American flag in left field. The large rock, encased in plastic, has the names of all the local men and women who lost their lives in defense of our nation. Also in left field, there is a tribute to Dorothy Kohn Wulf, the fan of the century. A nice feature is more apparent later in summer. Behind the bullpen down the left field line is a small cornfield. The cornfield is an ode to the Field of Dreams movie site located a couple of hours away in Dyersville (and well worth the trip). The final extra point goes to some of the great promotions. Fireworks are every Friday and look tremendous with the scenic backdrop. Sundays are great for autograph seekers. Every Sunday, the players are on the field to sign autographs before the game. Final Thoughts Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beaten, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Homer Stryker Field 51 Mills St Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Kalamazoo Growlers website Homer Stryker Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,171 Kzoo Baseball The Kalamazoo Growlers are a popular Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball team, playing their home games at Homer Stryker Field in Mayors’ Riverfront Park, Kalamazoo, MI.  In addition to the baseball field, the city-owned riverfront park has picnic tables, hiking and nature trails, fishing, basketball, a playground, and more.  Besides the ball field, the park also features Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field, home to the Kalamazoo FC, a USL League Two member.  Families can easily enjoy their day at the park and head to a Growlers game in the evening. The Growlers joined the Northwoods League in 2014, have made it to the playoffs multiple seasons, and clinched the league championship in 2022 and 2024.  The name Growlers was chosen in a community vote; a growler is a 64-ounce refillable container that can be filled with beer at breweries in Kalamazoo and across the U.S. and Canada.  Fans love it and keep coming back, as it’s more of a social activity than a baseball game. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions, restrooms, and the merchandise stand are located behind the grandstand and along the first base side. These areas are not in view of the playing field, so fans will miss game action while visiting them. Most food options come from a lineup of food trucks, offering a diverse selection such as sandwiches, pizza, chicken tenders and fry baskets, cheddar cheese curds, hand-dipped ice cream cones, snacks, sweets, and Pepsi products. Local flavor is well represented at the beer stands, with Midwest brews and ciders from Leinenkugel, Bell’s, and Ciderboys. Spiked seltzers are especially popular among fans. Pricing is consistent with other Northwoods League ballparks—on the higher side, but within reason. Fans with club seat tickets have access to designated areas behind the grandstand featuring all-you-can-eat options, adding extra value to the premium experience. Atmosphere 3 The seating layout at Homer Stryker Field offers a distinctive mix of options. In the left and right field corners, fans can enjoy two group party zones: the Miller Lite Trap and the Oberon Oasis—both popular spots for social gatherings. Along the third base line, you'll find six sections of metal bleachers with backrests, while the first base side and the upper area behind home plate feature rows of green bucket seats paired with long communal tables. The chairs are generously sized, though they can become uncomfortable during longer stretches. The tables, however, are perfect for holding drinks, food, and scorecards. For a more comfortable and shaded experience, we recommend upgrading to the Dugout Club or Home Plate Club. These premium sections include individual chairs, tables, and umbrellas—especially valuable since much of the stadium seating is exposed to the sun. These seats come with an all-you-can-eat package included in the ticket price. One standout feature of the Dugout Club is its backstop: hockey-style dasher boards that allow fans an unobstructed view of the field without needing to peer over fencing. Homer Stryker Field Hockey Dasher Boards Back Stop, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The game day experience at this venue is driven more by the between-innings entertainment than the baseball itself. From dizzy bat races to dancing, jugglers, and fire breathers, the in-game promotions are relentless and often the highlight for casual fans. For those who enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, it’s a hit. However, baseball purists and those who want to have a conversation may find the constant noise, crowd prompts, and off-field distractions a bit overwhelming, as the entertainment department rarely lets the game breathe. Players engage with fans as they arrive, welcoming them at the gates and distributing programs. One of the between-inning activities invites kids to run a portion of the bases, starting at first and looping back, where players enthusiastically greet them with high-fives as they cross the foul line. The starting lineup is discreetly displayed on the back of the first base dugout, making it easy to overlook. The narrow walkway in front of it is busy with foot traffic, leaving little space to pause and jot down names on your scorecard. Unfortunately, team rosters are not available. Even though the sound system is new, understanding the PA announcer is difficult.  The scoreboard, on the other hand, is crisp and easy to read, though there’s no line score. Neighborhood 4 Homer Stryker Field is 1 ½ miles from the downtown area of Kalamazoo, MI.  While there are no restaurants to eat or drink within a mile, several are within two miles of the park.  CJ’s Pub (a local watering hole known for its wings), Ty’s Joint (best soul food in Kalamazoo), Cairo’s Kitchen (Egyptian/Mediterranean), and Greenhouse Café (breakfast, lunch, brunch) are just a few to try.  Kalamazoo is becoming known as a craft brew destination (hence the team’s name Growlers) with the popular Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (brewpub) and One Well Brewing (outdoor patio, and pinball and arcade games) highlighting the list. Favorite museums to visit when in Kalamazoo are the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum  and the  Gilmore Car Museum .  Downtown, visit the historic Kalamazoo Mall, the first pedestrian outdoor mall in the United States.  Or take a stroll on one (or many) of the trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, six miles north of the park. Downtown Kalamazoo offers a range of accommodations, including the Radisson, Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Inn, and several charming bed-and-breakfasts.  Budget-friendly options are clustered near the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport, with familiar names like Fairfield Inn and Candlewood Suites. Fans 3 Fans enjoy the social aspect of attending a summer collegiate baseball game and spending time with family and friends.  That said, they stomp their feet on the metal floors to create a loud rumble and make some noise when told to do so by the high-energy entertainment team.  The fans show up as indicated by the team being in the top five of average attendance in the Northwoods League the last several seasons.  It’s worth noting that fans take responsibility for their trash, disposing of it properly rather than leaving it behind for others to clean up.  Access 3 Homer Stryker Field is conveniently situated about 3.5 miles north of I-94, just over a mile east of downtown Kalamazoo, and roughly 4 to 5 miles north of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.  Once arriving via auto, attendants wave you to the left for free grass parking or to the right for $10 VIP paved parking or free handicapped parking.  Kalamazoo’s bus system offers service from the airport to a stop near the ballpark, though fans should be prepared for a walk of approximately 1.5 miles total to reach the stadium. Service typically runs until shortly after 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with earlier end times on Sundays. Check Kmetro for more information. Entry is easy thanks to the absence of bag checks. Fans arrive through the right field corner and follow a walkway lined with championship plaques and the Growlers Hall of Fame.  Directional signage for seating and other areas of the park is minimal, and staff assistance isn’t readily visible, which may leave guests unsure of where to go.  Apart from the party zone areas, there is one men’s and one women’s restroom, each equipped with a generous number of stalls to accommodate crowds efficiently. Return on Investment 3 For a summer collegiate team, the Growlers’ ticket prices are surprisingly steep: Bleacher seats : $18 + $2 fee Reserved box seats : $26 + $2 fee Suite seats : $43 + $2 fee — includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and five drink tickets (alcohol included). If you’re planning to eat and drink, this is likely your best value .  These seats are in the upper section behind home plate. They’re bucket-style, not shaded, and appear to lack wheelchair accessibility. Buy single-game tickets in advance to save $3 per ticket.  Opt for the free grass lot to avoid the $10 parking fee — which feels excessive for collegiate ball. Homer Stryker Field Grandstand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Growlers pack their schedule with themed nights like Christmas in July , Harry Potter Night , and Salute to Service . While the game itself often takes a backseat to the ever-present entertainment crew, many fans seem to embrace the diversion. Extras 4 The Growlers offer an engaging gameday program. In addition to advertisements from sponsors, theirs includes actual content—short articles, interactive games like bingo and word searches, and even a coloring page. Be sure to take a walk behind the seating area to discover a creative display along the property fence. It features fun “baseball bests” like top stadium foods, classic baseball films, and a map of the Northwoods League. One of the most distinctive features here is the use of hockey dasher boards behind home plate. The merchandise store offers an outstanding selection of shirts and souvenirs. Final Thoughts Kalamazoo locals clearly embrace the experience at Homer Stryker Field. It’s not just a ballgame—it’s a full-on entertainment spectacle from first pitch to final out, whether you're seeking it or not.

Photos by Meg Minard and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 LMCU Ballpark 4500 W River Dr Comstock Park, MI 49321 West Michigan Whitecaps website LMCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 9,500 Catch the Wave The West Michigan Whitecaps are the successful High-A affiliate of the MLB Detroit Tigers.  A member of the Midwest League (MWL), their home games are at LMCU Ballpark near Grand Rapids, MI. As part of a multiye ar modernization project , the turf at LMCU Ballpark was completely removed and resurfaced this past season and it looks brilliantly green and thick.  Other noticeable renovations include moving the bullpens beyond the outfield fence, swapping the home and visitors dugouts, an updated team clubhouse, adding new tiered party/group areas in the outfield, and construction of a new suite-level club space. The spruced-up stadium looks newer than its 30+ years. Joining the MWL in 1994, the Whitecaps have won the championship six times, the latest in 2015. Food & Beverage 5 Fans won’t go hungry at LMCU Ballpark, thanks to a solid lineup of food options. The busiest permanent concession stand is Crash’s Cr avings, with locations on both the first and third base sides of home plate.  It sells stadium staples like burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches, nachos, fries, pizza, etc.  Snacks include popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, chips, and a Midwest favorite, Bosco sticks.  Prices range from $4.50 (bag of Great Lakes chips) to $14.25 (double cheeseburger).  Gluten free choices are available.  Beverage choices at this stand include Pepsi products and a selection of mostly domestic beers. We recommend walking the concourse to discover a range of specialty food kiosks, featuring rice bowls, gyros, quesadillas, build-a-burger, soft serve and hard scoop ice cream, popcorn, elephant ears, and more.  The park features several Midwest brewery outposts, including Founders Brewing, Mitten Brewing, and Leinie Lodges, all located along the concourse and offering a solid selection of craft brews.  In addition, numerous portable beer stands are scattered throughout the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Fans can expect a good time at a Whitecaps baseball game; noise and crowds are part of the package. The main seating bowl consists of 24 rows stretching from field level to the concourse, with a small walkway dividing the sections around row 9 or 10. One notable omission is the lack of handrails along the steps—something that may be addressed in future renovations. Fans with mobility concerns may prefer seats in the higher-numbered rows. Seats are on the narrow side and offer limited legroom. Premium suites occupy the second level, while bleacher seating is available farther from home plate, just beyond the bases. Grassy berms provide additional viewing areas beyond the outfield fences. For evening games, the third base side benefits from shade earlier than other sections. Tiered group areas are located near the foul poles. The playing surface is a lush, natural green turf.  In left field, fans will find both a video board and a separate manual scoreboard, requiring them to glance in two places for player and game updates. The video board highlights the current batter, while the manually operated scoreboard displays the line score. Typical between-inning shenanigans fill the game downtime with entertainment like dance teams, frisbee tosses, kids racing the mascot, pizza tosses, etc.  Sound effects between every pitch often distract from the on-field action, and the music volume makes it challenging to hear the PA announcer. Neighborhood 3 LMCU Ballpark is six to seven miles north of downtown Grand Rapids in the tow n of Comstock Park. Few pre or postgame places are nearby.  Two hotels are within ½ mile of the ballpark:  Comfort Inn Grand Rapids North and Tru by Hilton Comstock Park. A GameTime Fun Park (go-karts and arcade) is adjacent to the ballpark if you want to bring your kids there before the game.  Otherwise, your best bet is to head to downtown Grand Rapids.  For a bite to eat, consider Rome by Sanchez (international fare), Littlebird (farm-to-table bistro), Poke Toki (Hawaiian), or Butchers Union (gastropub); these are just several of the many fine choices.  Often referred to as Beer City USA, Grand Rapids boasts over 35 breweries.  Popular picks include New Holland, Atwater, Founders, a nd Mitten Brewing (a baseball-themed brewpub).  Grand Rapids even has a meadery - Arktos Meadery. When in town, be sure to spend a few hours in the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum.  The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (5 miles east of downtown – botanical garden) is worth a visit, as is the Grand Rapids Public Museum, home to a planetarium and a carousel. Depending on schedules, you may be able to catch an AHL Grand Rapids hockey game or a Grand Rapids Rise volleyball game in the early season . Grand Rapids has no shortage of things to see and do, but most of the highlights are a bit of a trek from LMCU Ballpark. Fans 3 A group outing is the way to go when visiting the Whitecaps.  Lots of groups fill the stands (especially appealing with the new group areas down the lines).  The team’s attendance ranks high in the Midwest League and averages over 5,000 fans per game.  Most fans aren’t glued to every pitch, but they’ll enthusiastically applaud a big play.  For many, it’s more about hanging out with friends than keeping score, as that’s the appeal of minor league baseball.  Expect to see lots  of Detroit Tigers attire in the crowd, reflecting the strong support for their MLB affiliate. Fans Fill the Stands at a White Michigan Whitecaps Game, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Disappointingly, many fans leave their trash behind rather than disposing of it themselves, relying on others to clean up. Access 2 The ballpark is seven miles north of downtown Grand Rapids in suburban Comstock Park. Although Grand Rapids offers public bus service, it does not extend to the stadium—driving remains the only viable option. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, with a designated drop-off and pick-up zone in the outfield lot. Parking is $10 in paved lots. For those flying in, Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) sits 17 miles to the south.   Be prepared for delays when exiting, as the venue has only one street entrance and exit. Fans must ascend a series of steps or ramps to reach the home plate entrance. Elevators are available, though they’re not conveniently located near the main entrances. Clear sports bags are permitted following a security check. The concourse can become congested due to its narrow layout, the presence of kiosks, and high fan volume, making navigation somewhat challenging. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Whitecaps game is well worth your sports dollar entertainment, though $10 to park seems high for this league. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the team offers several promotions. For the 2025 season, tickets range from only $22 for premium box (padded seats behind home plate) to lawn seats for $12.  Weekly deals include:  Half Off Tuesdays  - When you show a community or worship bulletin Winning Wednesdays  – Free Chick-fil-A sa ndwiches for each home run a Whitecap batter hits, and seniors (50 and older) get half off box seat tickets Three-Dollar Thursdays  - $3 hot dogs, Pepsi, and domestic beer, plus college students and military get half off tickets Fireworks Fridays   Family Fun Sundays  - Kids 12 and younger get in free Extras 3 The cleverly-named merchandise shop, CapSized Shop, offers a superb selection of shirts, jerseys, caps, and souvenirs.  Be sure to pick up a roster and the starting lineups at Guest Services.  The game day program is spectacular: a glossy magazine-sized publication with sponsor ads and coupons, articles on the team and other topics, the Whitecaps Hall of Fame information, games, maps, a scorecard, and more.  Very well done! Final Thoughts It could be easily said that a West Michigan Whitecaps game is a party with a baseball game going on.  It’s an affordable way to spend a fun afternoon or evening.  And with major upgrades underway, LMCU Ballpark is being transformed into a state-of-the-art venue that fans will enjoy for years to come.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 ABC Supply Stadium 217 Shirland Avenue Beloit, WI 53511 Beloit Sky Carp website ABC Supply Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 3,850 A Beautiful Setting along the Riverin Beloit The Midwest League has been part of the Beloit, Wisconsin, community since 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers placed an affiliate at Pohlman Field. The team would change names to the Snappers in 1995 and shuffle affiliates from Milwaukee to Oakland until 2020 when it was painfully obvious that a new facility was needed to save baseball in Beloit. ABC Supply Stadium was built along the Rock River downtown for $37 million through private funds. The 3,850 seats and grandstand contain concessions, larger clubhouses, and a 5,000-square-foot stadium club that can be converted into banquet space for non-baseball events. The difference between the two ballparks is night and day and with its proximity to downtown shops and a restaurant, an ideal way to spend an entire day in town. With the new ballpark, came a new name for the ball club. The Sky Carp name was chosen from a set of five finalists that honed in a local colloquialism. It is a slang term for a goose that does not migrate in the winter and prefers to stay in its home city. The Sky Carp name represents the city of Beloit as a flourishing town that is so vibrant that no one wants to leave. The ball club also became an affiliate with the Miami Marlins and includes many of the styles and colors of the parent club. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark has plenty of food that reflects the state’s brand of cuisine from brats, cheese curds, and favorites from Chicago. All four main concession areas are located on the main grandstand behind home plate next to each other, while other carts and kiosks are sprinkled throughout the stadium down the left and right field foul line. The Pohlmans Stadium Grub offers burgers, Italian beef, Chicago dogs, brats, and hot dog baskets with french fries. Fans in large groups can order a supper box that includes 2 Italians, 2 Chicago dogs, and a pound of fries and cheese curds. A few feet away is El Jefe Street Tacos which features birra and chicken tacos, loaded chicken tacos, and mango margaritas. Wisco on a Stick brings the atmosphere of the state fair to the ballpark. Ribs on a stick, bier braised brats, chicken tender baskets, corn dogs, loaded baked potatoes, funnel cake fries, and cheese curds are all on the menu. Fans can also select from boozy milkshakes, frozen sangrias, and margaritas, along with canned and draft beer. The Deck Deck Goose is located along the first baseline and offers a great place to enjoy the game while engaging in an adult beverage.  The full-service bar offers draft domestic and craft beers, along with mixed drinks. Fans can enjoy favorites from Goose Island IPA or a Spotted Cow, along with frozen Old Fashion or Blue Mule.  Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is a vast improvement over old Pohlman Field and is situated in a better location. It’s constructed in a manner that allows easy access for fans, provides a wrap-around concourse, and has an interior design that is quite different from other venues of its kind around the minor leagues. It was a slow night when we attended the game, but there was plenty of room for movement including drink rails and tabletop seating for various views of the field and socialization. The seating in the grandstand is the typical green color, but there is a turf berm area in front of the party deck behind the outfield walls for additional space to view the game. The ballpark has a pleasant setting along the Rock River and at the steps of downtown. It is also near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. A giant water tower can be seen from beyond the right field wall to add to the small-town charm of the facility.  Sadly, the ballpark does not offer covering behind the backstop of the grandstand. However, the gift shop is nearly 1,000 square feet in size and offers an array of team merchandise. The Goose Island Party Deck (right field) and Coors Light Chill Zone (3rd 3rd baseline). The Chill Zone is a blend of patio seating, turf lawn, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in downtown Beloit, a city with a population of 40,000 (163,000 in the metro area). Downtown is historic and an attractive place to visit before or after the game and includes several restaurants a few blocks from the ballpark. Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar and Hatley’s Pub are across the street and recommended by locals. The Wisconsinite combines all of the state's favorites into one burger: cheddar cheese, fried onions, brat slices, and beer cheese sauce. Hatley’s Pub’s food is toned down a bit and includes ribeye steak, chicken, and Italian beef sandwiches. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Truk’t: Street Tacos, Tequila, & Whiskey is a fun little place to grab tasty tacos and something to drink. The tacos include chicken tinga, al pastor, short rib, Korean barbecue, and shrimp curry. The cocktails include a smoked Manhattan, cucumber cilantro margarita, and a bourbon peach smash. If you desire a brewery, CheezHead Brewing is your destination for a wide selection of Wisconsin beers and their very own varieties.  A note to ballpark travelers, the home of the Rockford Rivets, Rivets Stadium, is a 20-minute drive south of ABC Supply Stadium on I-90. It is possible to take in two games easily if the schedule permits. Also, Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards, is a bit further up the interstate at an hour’s drive. Fans 2 The team currently ranks last in average attendance in the league and that is unfortunate because the ballpark has almost everything a person would need at a stadium of its kind. The food, views, locations, and hospitality are all here waiting to be explored by the local population of Beloit and surrounding towns. Access 5 The ballpark is located in downtown Beloit and off of I-90. There are 900 spaces of free parking outside the stadium and 100  more spots within a 7-minute walk of the stadium off of Mill Street (for a $5 fee). There is a clear bag policy for Sky Carp games, so pack accordingly. The crowds are sparse and movement around the concourse allows easy access to all parts of the stadium. Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices depend on the time of year you attend a game. The range from $14, S17, to $21 if you are there between April to May. For the rest of the summer months, the prices are $16, $19, and $23. These prices are somewhat on the high side for a Midwest League club, but parking is free near the stadium. Food and concession prices also reach a bit on the high side for games, but isn’t that the case at most newer stadiums across the country? However, there are certain nights where one can save a few dollars including Thirsty Thursdays where prices on drinks are discounted and Wednesday nights include a ticket, a hot dog, and soda for $18. If with the family, Saturday nights are firework nights and kids run the bases and play catch on the field on Sunday afternoon games, Extras 3 Poopsie is the official mascot of the Sky Carp and he earns a point for his contribution to the game. The ballpark itself earns a point for its design and location in downtown and along the Rock River. A third point is awarded for a veteran raising the flag before each game. Final Thoughts The history of baseball in Beloit almost came to an end, but the construction of ABC Supply Stadium helped save the franchise from relocations or being ousted by Major League Baseball. It is located in a beautiful setting in Beloit and has a charm that is not found at many minor league stadiums across the country. It has all the bells and whistles any fan would desire at the ballpark and perhaps they will find their way there soon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 John L Guidry Stadium 1 Stadium Dr Thibodaux, LA 70301 Nicholls State Colonels website John L Guidry Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 10,500 Down on the Bayou Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium is home to the Nicholls State football team, which was founded in 1972 and has always played its home games on this site. In 2005 the 10,500-seat facility became home to the Manning Passing Academy; the Academy was originally founded by Archie Manning at Tulane  in 1996, and was also held at Southeastern Louisiana before moving to Thibodaux. The field itself was renamed after the Mannings in 2006, in appreciation of their support of the school. The stadium features grandstands with bleacher seating along both sidelines, including a three-story press box on the home side. Instead of regular grandstand seating, the area behind the south end zone holds the recently renovated Barker Athletic Building, while the area behind the north end zone features tented field-level suites.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at John L. Guidry Stadium feature a wide selection of items at reasonable prices, including some local favorites like jambalaya. Burgers, boudin, or jambalaya can be had for $5 (add $1 for cheese on your burger), while nachos and hot dogs can be found for $4. Other snacks such as pickles, popcorn, cotton candy, and bread pudding run $2 to $4, or you can splurge on kettle corn or a Jersey Mike’s sub for $8 each. 20 oz. bottled drinks are $4, including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Powerade, and bottled water, with Smoothie King slushies or beer such as Coors Light costing a little more – all in all a good selection at decent prices compared to other sports venues.   Atmosphere   3 John L. Guidry Stadium has a solid atmosphere for football – there is a good crowd on hand, and they offer several amenities to create a pleasant time for fans. The first item worth mentioning is the cooling fans set up all along the concourse, which really help during those early afternoon kickoffs, especially for games early in the season. The Colonels also have a great mascot, always willing to pose for photo ops with fans; he can be seen on both sides of the field during the contest. The staff also has contests during breaks in the action, such as a pizza eating contest, and of course shoots t-shirts into the stands several times during the afternoon or evening. The PA announcer is also very lively, helping to get the fans revved up for their team.   Neighborhood   3 Nicholls State University is located about an hour from New Orleans in Thibodaux, LA along mostly back roads and smaller highways. That said, there is not a ton to do in town, but more than enough to keep you entertained for the day or over a weekend. Food options in the area start out with Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, or you can find seafood options from eateries like Off the Hook (calabash platters & po’boys) or Geaux Fish (sushi & hibachi). There are also some non-chain fast food places like Jude’s Hot Chicken and Shakes. There are a couple of hotels in the vicinity as well, including well-known chains such as Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, as well as local lodging options such as Carmel Inn & Suites. There is also a children’s museum in town, as well as several parks, or you can take a boat tour down Bayou Lafourche.   Fans   3 Last season Nicholls State saw an average of about 6K fans per game, or about 60% of its capacity. The student section takes up the middle of the visiting side, but as there is less shade on that side due to the location, and height, of the press box, more fans tend to sit on the home side, making the home side a little livelier. However, there is still a good crowd in the student section, and you will see plenty of Nicholls red being worn on both sides of the stadium.   Access   4 The only potential downside of access at John L. Guidry Stadium, if there is one, is simply getting here, since you have to drive down some one-lane roads for a few minutes. However, the drive from New Orleans isn’t bad at all, presenting no issues even for fans who want to fly in and drive over, like I did. Parking is free, although on a first come, first-served basis in a lot next to the stadium, but I did see many fans simply park along the road in front of the facility, or along the streets a little further away. There are no lines to worry about at the concessions, nor at the restrooms, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. The biggest plus is that the stadium likely won’t be full, so you can move from your assigned sheet to sit in the shade of the press box, in the higher rows on the home side toward the south end zone – the only bad part about that is you may not be able to see the scoreboard from there.   Return on Investment    4 Tickets are $21 for general admission, which is perfectly reasonable for football at this level. As long as you are okay with the heat, you should have a great time at a Nicholls football game, and they do have the cooling fans, and some seating in the shade, that can help with the heat as well.   Extras   3 John L. Guidry Stadium does offer a small team gear stand, and unlike some colleges in the south, you can purchase alcohol in the stadium, as mentioned above. You can also get really close to the action here, something you can’t do at certain much larger stadiums in the wider area – you can walk down to the front row and watch the game literally within arms’ length of the players on the sidelines. The only downside I would mention is that the videoboard doesn’t feature any instant replay that I saw, meaning you have to be careful not to miss any of the action.   Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to John L. Guidry Stadium Greene Stadium to watch some Colonels football; Thibodaux is a great little town, and if you absolutely must have the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, it is less than an hour up the road. Personally, however, I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of a smaller stadium down on the bayou.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Constellation Field 1 Stadium Drive Sugar Land, TX 77498 Sugar Land Space Cowboys website Constellation Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 7,500 Sugar Land Space Cowboys – Constellation Field In 2008 the city of Sugar Land, Texas (which was founded to be a company town for the Imperial Sugar Company in the early 1900s) approved of a plan to build a new ballpark in the hopes of luring a minor league franchise to the city. After several years of negotiations, the route to bring an independent league squad was born, in the form of the then Sugar Land Skeeters, in 2012. As members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the Skeeters made headlines by bringing in baseball greats like Roger Clemens and Rafael Palmeiro, as well as NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, to serve as members of their ever-rotating roster. The team would win league championships in 2016 and 2018. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Skeeters reached an agreement with the Houston Astros  to become their Triple-A affiliate, rebranding as the Sugar Land Space Cowboys  in 2021. As members of the Pacific Coast League, they would add another championship to their trophy case in 2024. From the beginning the team has called Constellation Field their home – the venerable park has become a key feature in the city of Sugar Land and is one of the main draws in the Pacific Coast League. Read on to learn more about it.   Food & Beverage   4 I am always pleasantly surprised when Minor League Baseball facilities go the extra mile in terms of concessions. While I am always a fan of hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts, sometimes you crave just a little bit extra at a ballgame. Constellation Field scratches that itch in a lot of ways. You can, of course, find the aforementioned ballpark staples at numerous kiosks on the main concourse. However, if you want that something different, it can be found in abundance. Chain favorites such as Bojangles, Double Dave’s Pizzaworks, Dippin’ Dots, and HTea0 all have pared-down menus of their wares (i.e. chicken sandwiches, pizza slices, ice cream, and artisanal iced tea) for fans to sample. At other stands you can find burgers, chicken fingers, barbecue, nachos, sausages, funnel cake, and cotton candy. There are also multiple spots in the ballpark where one can find beer, hard seltzer, and cocktails. Also the costs are relatively reasonable, considering what you’re getting – you’re getting a pretty good deal, food and drink-wise, at Constellation Field.   Atmosphere   3 Despite being in use for over a decade, Constellation Field still looks and feels like a brand-new ballpark. The team has done a lot to make the overall game day experience something fun for fans of all ages. One of the signature features of Constellation Field is – what must be – one of the largest scoreboards I have ever seen. As a Texan I love any and all things shaped like our great state; at Constellation Field they have applied this principle to their giant scoreboard in center field. It is eye-catching and an attention grabber right off the metaphorical bat. Beyond the outfield walls, Constellation Field offers up an area called HEB Picnic Plaza – this full-scale playground and splashpad area for the kids is sure to keep young fans occupied and engaged during Space Cowboys games. There are also stands that serve adult beverages – a.k.a. bars – in both areas, for folks of age who are not interested in swing sets and climbing walls. Also of note is the Moonshot Alley area on the main concourse behind home plate. This is a batting cage for fans to test their mettle just like the players on the field. There are also two team stores in the stadium, each chockful of Space Cowboys gear for fans. Beyond the right field wall is The Grassland, where fans can watch the game on a grassy berm. Attendees can bring in lawn chairs and/or blankets to catch a Space Cowboys game truly out in the elements. Lastly, and conversely, the Regions Bank Club offers up a premium seating experience for fans. There is a climate-controlled area with a full bar and food options, along with balcony seats. It’s a great place for fans to cool off during those warm summer evenings in southeast Texas.   Neighborhood   3 As mentioned, Sugar Land has become a de facto suburb of the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston. Space City, with all that it has to do and see, including major sports franchises such as the Houston Texans , Houston Rockets , Houston Astros , and Houston Dynamo FC , is less than an hour north of Sugar Land. However, if you’re looking to stay in Sugar Land proper, there are plenty of options to keep you occupied. In terms of things to do, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land should be right at the top of your to-do list, either before or after a game at Constellation Field. The vast collection of artifacts at the museum allows visitors a chance to explore the multiple floors, with a variety of hands-on science exhibits. Also, no trip to Sugar Land is complete without a visit to Sugar Land Town Square. Like a lot of great towns in Texas (and across the country), Sugar Land was originally built outward from its now historic town square. Home to historical sites, public spaces, dining, and shopping options, the square offers visitors a chance to park, stroll, and explore. Speaking of dining options, I recommend State Fare Bar & Kitchen and Live Oak Grill; State Fare offers up a fun take on a lot of classic dishes, such as Frito pie, burgers, and street corn, while Live Oak Grill serves up classic Texas favorites like chicken fried steak, fried catfish, and tacos. For lodging, there are plenty of options very close to the ballpark (though I wouldn’t recommend walking to and from them), including Residency Suites Sugar Land and Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Sugar Land.   Fans   3 The Space Cowboys have consistently averaged around 3,800 fans a game over the past few seasons. This puts them near the top of the Pacific Coast League and makes them one of the premier destinations in the league. Fans that attend can generally be found rocking Space Cowboys gear – I even spotted a few Clemens Skeeters jerseys at the last game I attended. There is also quite a bit of Astros  gear to be seen, but that is to be expected. With Sugar Land being basically a suburb of Houston, the club is competing with everything that Space City has to offer. The fact that the Space Cowboys get the support they do is a testament to the organization and to what the staff does at Constellation Field.   Access   3 As mentioned, Sugar Land is just under an hour (depending on the time of day and the traffic) from Houston. Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport in Houston offer flights into and out of Space City to spots all over the world, if you’re flying in. Once in Sugar Land, Constellation Field is easy to find and has plenty of signs marking the way. Parking is abundant at the ballpark as well. The only thing keeping this section’s score from being higher is there are no real public transportation options to get you to Space Cowboys games; ridesharing is going to be your best bet if you don’t want to drive.   Return on Investment   4 Single game tickets at Constellation Field can be had for as little as $9 for general admission seating. This is truly a unique bargain, even for a lot of clubs at the minor league level. Parking is also quite the bargain at $10 at the gate, or $5 if purchased ahead of time. The concession costs here are pretty much on par with what you’d expect to find in the minor leagues. Not overly cheap, but there are options that won’t bust your budget or empty your wallet. This is triple-A baseball and a spot where a lot of Astros  do their rehab work. To get the chance to see the future (and sometimes the present) of the big-league club at these kinds of prices is really a bargain that more fans should take advantage of.   Extras   4 Like pretty much all the teams in the minor leagues, the Space Cowboys do a ton of promotional nights for fans. These include Star Wars night, Harry Potter night, and Barbie night, just to name a few – the game I most recently attended had a Taylor Swift theme. Sugar Land also takes part in baseball’s Copa de la Diversion (“Fun Cup”) that reaches out to Hispanic communities across the country. Teams that take part don new uniforms and swap names that are both area appropriate and culturally fitting; when it’s Sugar Land’s turn they become the Payasos del Rodeo de Sugar Land (aka the Sugar Land Rodeo Clowns). Lastly the Space Cowboys have their own unique costumed mascot, Orion . This blue-furred alien space dog can be found throughout games dancing on the dugouts, riding around in the bed of a pickup shooting his t-shirt cannon, and interacting with fans. He’s a great addition to the team and a real hit with young fans.   Final Thoughts I had not been back to Sugar Land since the team rebranded itself and became affiliates of the Astros . I wasn’t sure how much had actually changed in the ensuing seasons, but I was optimistic. Having now gone back, I can say my optimism was rewarded. Constellation Field takes its place among the great minor league parks in Texas, right up there near the top. It’s a great venue for fans, with a ton of options to make sure everyone has a good time. It also doesn’t hurt that the team has ridden the wave of success that’s carried their parent club. Sugar Land is also a sneaky good place to have a weekend getaway – it’s far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of Houston, but has enough amenities to ensure a good time. If you’re a baseball fan, Sugar Land, the Space Cowboys, and Constellation Field need to be added to your bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) Community Park 75 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301 Staten Island FerryHawks website Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) Community Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,171 Welcome to Hawk City Following Major League Baseball’s contraction of the minor leagues after the 2019 season, Staten Island was left without affiliated baseball for the first time in two decades. The New York–Penn League’s Staten Island Yankees had come to the borough in 1999, first playing on the campus of the College of Staten Island, before moving into their permanent home at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, then known as Richmond County Bank Stadium. That absence did not last long – in 2022 the independent Atlantic League introduced a new team, the Staten Island FerryHawks, with a name honoring one of the borough’s most recognizable symbols, the Staten Island Ferry. The stadium is also the home of both Wagner College  and New York University baseball. Baseball has long had a home on Staten Island’s waterfront, from the Metropolitans of 1880 to the Yankees  and now the FerryHawks. Today, Staten Island University Hospital Community Park continues that presence, offering fans a ballpark experience highlighted by its waterfront setting, skyline views, and community atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   3 At SIUH Community Park fans can find something to suit both traditional ballpark tastes and local flavors; concessions here are typical for minor league stadiums, with a touch of local flavor. Frankie’s Tenders and Tots focuses on classic ballpark favorites, including chicken tenders, crispy chicken sandwiches, and wings, each accompanied by a side of fries, while Hawk City Burgers serves up traditional burgers with optional cheese or bacon, alongside grilled chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers for non-beef eaters, all also served with fries. The standout concession, Flour & Oak by Angelina’s, offers authentic New York pizza slices, mozzarella sticks, and Italian-style fried dough, zeppole. The Kills Boro beer tent on the third base side provides a selection of craft beers, including the Ferry Hawk-branded Hawk Eye Lager and six additional brews from the Staten Island-based brewery; non-alcohol options are limited to Pepsi products.   Atmosphere   3 The main point of entry is directly behind home plate at street level. The entry plaza features orange and light blue bollards, giving the entrance a personalized touch, while the canopy over the gates resembles the sails of boats in the harbor. Once inside the concourse fans are greeted with a breathtaking view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City, with the Statue of Liberty standing proudly in the distance. The stadium’s sea of light blue seats complements the harbor just beyond the outfield fence, and the playing surface is artificial turf, including the baselines, with a large orange interlocking “SI” woven into centerfield. The main scoreboard, located in left center, is topped with a silhouette of the Verrazano Bridge. While this board provides a detailed rundown of batter statistics, information on pitchers is limited, leaving fans without details about who is on the mound. The game presentation features several mid-inning contests to fill downtime. The contests are not especially unique, but they provide a lighthearted break and a touch of entertainment between innings. Sound effects are used regularly throughout the game, while remaining subtle enough not to be distracting, helping maintain the stadium’s lively atmosphere. Common wisdom might say seats closer to the field provide the best game experience, but this comes with some drawbacks. The closer the seats are to the action, the less a view of the skyline and harbor can be enjoyed. The Atlantic League often features rosters with a handful of former major leaguers – during the most recent game I attended, former World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval played for the FerryHawks. While most former major leaguers may not have the same notoriety as Sandoval, the league has seen stints from legends such as Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Roger Clemens.   Neighborhood   4 SIUH Community Park sits on New York Bay, adjacent to Empire Outlet mall. The surrounding area is largely urban,  where apartment buildings have transitioned from the borough’s single-family houses. While the Staten Island Ferry offers easy access to Manhattan’s endless food and entertainment, there are plenty of options closer to the ballpark as well. Just across the ferry terminal viaduct, the National Lighthouse Museum highlights the borough’s maritime heritage, while Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens houses both the Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Staten Island Museum. For dining, Empire Outlets next to the stadium features several national chains, and the nearby St. George ferry terminal has additional casual options. Those looking for something more local might try Mavi Cafe, a highly regarded Mediterranean restaurant. Other acclaimed restaurants in the neighborhood lean a bit more formal for a pregame stop, but fans will find no shortage of choices within a short walk of SIUH Community Park. Fans 2 Staten Island has long struggled with attendance; neither the Staten Island Yankees nor the FerryHawks have topped 2,000 fans a night since 2017, when the Yankees, then a New York-Penn League affiliate, averaged 2,040 per game. Even in their 2006 title season, the Yankees ranked just 8th out of 14 teams in attendance. Today, the FerryHawks sit last in the Atlantic League, drawing around 1,100 fans per game. The fans who do show up can spark some excitement, but the small numbers make it hard to sustain a true home-field atmosphere.   Access   3 If you’re visiting just for a game, getting in and out of Staten Island brings the usual challenges of driving in America’s largest city. Traffic along I-278 generally moves reasonably well,  but it can be a lot to contend with. In addition, one of the problems with traversing Staten Island is that it is not served by the New York City subway system, creating additional logistical hurdles to contend with. For most visitors the easiest way to reach the ballpark is to stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn, take the subway to the Whitehall Street-South Ferry station, and then ride the Staten Island Ferry across. Both the subway and ferry run 24 hours, making this route dependable no matter when the game ends. For those driving, the Empire Outlets parking deck next to the stadium is the most practical option. Limited street parking is available within a short walk of SIUH Community Park, but be sure to watch for posted parking restrictions. The stadium has three entrances, two in the outfield and one behind home plate, but only the gates along Richmond Terrace are open. The concourse circles the top of the seating bowl from behind home plate down the third base line, and on the first base side, stairs descend to a lower concourse that stretches toward right field. The walkway ends at the outfield wall on both sides, as there is no seating beyond the fences. One benefit of the ballpark’s urban setting is how quickly the area clears after games – fans seem to disperse fairly quickly afterward, simply blending into the regular commotion of New York City.   Return on Investment   3 With general admission tickets starting at $18, prices are on the high side for independent league baseball, especially compared to other Atlantic League teams where entry often begins at $12. Concessions also carry the usual stadium markups, with several main items running a few dollars more than typical restaurant prices. The stadium does not have its own designated parking, so the costs there depend on personal choice; either paying $10 to park in the neighboring Empire Outlets garage, which is reasonable by city standards, or searching for a free street spot within walking distance.   Extras   4 In a moving tribute, Staten Island native and former Major Leaguer Anthony Varvaro is honored with his # 24 displayed on the suite level and scoreboard. Varvaro, who pitched for the Mariners , Braves , and Red Sox , retired to serve as a Port Authority police officer before tragically losing his life in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver. FerryHawks mascot Frankie is everywhere, seemingly having his feathers in everything from leading the pre-game festivities to keeping fans entertained between innings. Behind the first-base seating area, the Professional Baseball Scouts Wall of Fame, established in 2008 by the Topps Company, recognizes the accomplishments of the game’s top scouts. If possible, plan your visit for a fireworks night – the display against the Manhattan skyline is nothing short of spectacular.   Final Thoughts SIUH Community Park’s location has a rich history of hosting baseball, rooted in the borough’s love for the game and its waterfront setting. With intimate sight lines, breathtaking skyline, and harbor views, the park offers a unique and memorable outing for fans. Today, the borough’s baseball tradition continues at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, where the FerryHawks provide a modern, family-friendly experience while celebrating waterfront baseball.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Toyota Field 5106 David Edwards Dr San Antonio, TX 78233 San Antonio FC website Toyota Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 8,000 San Antonio FC – Toyota Field In 2016 the United Soccer League (USL) awarded its newest franchise to the Alamo City, and San Antonio FC  was born. For the entirety of their existence the club – which is owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment – has called Toyota Field home. The facility was constructed to be a soccer-specific stadium, opened in 2013 as home of the now defunct San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League. The ultimate goal was to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to San Antonio, but that no longer appears to be in the cards. Regardless, futbol-mad fans have flocked to Toyota Field in droves since its opening, and have supported San Antonio FC with rabid passion. By and large the club has rewarded this loyalty with success on the field; this culminated in winning the USL Championship in 2022. The club and the stadium are now entering their second decade of existence, but both still feel brand new.   Food & Beverage   4 The centerpiece of the food and drink scene at Toyota Field are the stands operated by local celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez , who has opened outposts of two of his celebrated restaurants, La Gloria  and Burgerteca , on the second concourse at the south end of the stadium. Offering Mexican-style burgers, nachos, tacos, and churros, the stands (which are built out of old shipping containers) are some of the more popular spots in the stadium. The staff also added a Kickin’ Chicken chicken strips stand in one of those shipping containers, which offers up chicken strip and French fry combo baskets – the smell coming off this stand is quite frankly intoxicating. On the lower level you will find more traditional food stands, including a few self-serve options that sell soda, water, hot dogs, and popcorn. These are always a welcome feature, and have greatly reduced the wait time in the concessions area. In a nice touch that is a nod to the city’s Latino-centric roots, there are also two fruit cup stands in the stadium, one each on the first and second levels. These stands offer fresh fruit seasoned liberally with chile, as well as other traditional favorites like aguas frescas, shaved ice (i.e. sno cones), and corn cups. You can also find barbecue sandwiches, pizza by the slice, and other game day favorites like soft pretzels at stands on the first and second levels. It really is a great scene considering this is ostensibly a minor league facility.   Atmosphere   3 Like many soccer stadiums, the main draw in terms of atmosphere at Toyota Field is the energy and excitement that the crowd brings. The fan groups dominate the northeast corner of the stadium, with banners flying and drums banging the entirety of each match – these groups let off red smoke at the start of each game and after each goal scored. They are as much of a part of the game as the players on the pitch. Additional items to be on the lookout for are the team store on the second level, below the Sky Court, and the multiple enlarged San Antonio FC shield logos placed throughout the stadium, which are perfect for photo ops. Lastly there are some newer innovations at Toyota Field, two of which I frankly have not seen at other stadiums. The first is a lactation pod for women with infants who are breastfeeding; this climate-controlled pod offers a private and comfortable space for mothers to take care of their children. The second is the Nook pod, which is a private, recessed area that is noise controlled and allows fans to take a break from the energy and noise of the stadium – it features benches and a table, as well as a charging area.   Neighborhood   3 Toyota Field is in the middle of a mix of residential and industrial areas, on the northeast side of the Alamo City. It is about a 20 to 25-minute drive from the city’s tourist-centric downtown area, which is probably what most people think of when they think of San Antonio (i.e. the Alamo, Tower of the Americas, Alamodome , River Walk, etc.). However, the area around Toyota Stadium is not without its own attractions. For example, the facility is adjacent to one of the city’s most unique attractions in Morgan’s Wonderland . This one-of-a-kind theme park was created with the goal of making it completely accessible to people of all abilities. There are roller coasters, a water park, giant Ferris wheel, games, and more, with each designed to be as inclusive as possible. Also within walking distance of the venue are Ricos S.T.A. R. Soccer Complex and Heroes Stadium . These top-notch facilities were designed for amateur athletics (the S.T.A.R. is also the practice facility for San Antonio FC) and can be counted to on be hopping during the spring and fall, during the local high school soccer and football seasons. With the soccer field located where it is, there aren’t many options in terms of dining or lodging nearby. However, Interstate 35 is less than five minutes away, and heading north or south will put you within reach of dozens of restaurants and hotels. However, I will make one recommendation here for dining. Thousand Oaks Cafe  is only a few short minutes away from the field along the eponymous Thousand Oaks Drive – this place is one of my all-time favorite spots for Tex-Mex; it is only open for breakfast and lunch, so keep that in mind if you want to grab a bite.   Fans   4 San Antonio FC has averaged between 6,000 and 7,000 fans per season, with most nights being virtual sellouts at Toyota Field. As mentioned the energy and engagement from the fans really adds to the overall atmosphere. There are regular tailgates in the parking lot before games, and the fan groups themselves are a real draw. As an example of how engaged the fans are, the most recent game I attended was a “Red Out.” The club was handing out t-shirts that night, but by and large from what I could see, most fans were already decked out in red. To me, that’s a sign of a good fanbase.   Access   4 Toyota Field is conveniently located off Interstate 35, which runs north and south through San Antonio. It is a major thoroughfare, and you can get to anywhere in the city in 15-30 minutes by traveling it. The stadium is visible from the highway, and there is signage leading the way. If you’re traveling into the city for a game, the stadium is about a 12-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport . If you choose not to drive, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , has bus routes that drop fans off near the facility. Once on site, parking is plentiful. I must also add that this is one of the easiest sports venues to get both in and out of that I have ever experienced – if only all of them could be this simple.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for San Antonio FC games start at around $21. This seems to be pretty commensurate with how things are going in the sports world. Parking, if you wait until you get to the stadium, can be had for around $10 depending on how much you’re willing to walk. When it comes to concessions there are plenty of bargains to be had; fountain drinks, for example, if you buy the souvenir cup, have unlimited refills. Considering how successful the club has been in recent years, attending a match at Toyota Field continues to be one of the best bargains in the city in terms of sports.   Extras   2 In terms of extras, there continues to be a lack in this category for San Antonio FC and Toyota Field. The one thing that keeps this score from being lower is the theme nights that the club utilizes throughout the season. This season, for example, there was a Harry Potter night and a loteria night. The team also hosts a Hispanic heritage night and a cancer awareness night. During certain summer games they also show movies on the jumbotron; things like that are a step in the right direction, in terms of adding more for fans to enhance their gameday experience.   Final Thoughts I will freely admit that I am not that big of a soccer fan. However, even someone like me can recognize when something good is happening. The team and the city have done a lot to get behind San Antonio FC, and Toyota Field looks and feels like a first-class facility. It feels like the days of getting a larger team to come into the venue have passed, but right now, it’s great for what we have. If you’re a fan of the sport, I would highly recommend catching a game at Toyota Field. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CARSTAR Field @ Bernie Arbour Stadium 1100 Mohawk Rd E Hamilton, ON L8T 2S4 Hamilton Cardinals website Bernie Arbour Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,000 A Fresh Coat of Red Paint With the 2023 Intercounty Baseball League season, the Hamilton Cardinals began a new era.  The purchase of the team by Eric Spearin and his group brought forth a ton of changes.  First and foremost, the identity of the team saw a punch of the reset button with a new, modern logo, which strayed from the traditional St. Louis Cardinals type logo and embraced some of the local lore.  The new hammer-wielding cardinal was not the only change.  A new focus on the fan experience and promotions thrust the team out of the traditional “1919” era (the year that the league was formed).  In 2025, the Cardinals also made a splash, signing 48-year-old, former Major League closer, Fernando Rodney.  The Cardinals have come a long way since their original Hamilton Beaver days.  The team was also known as the Red Wings, Marlins, Real McCoy's, and Thunderbirds. Home for the Cardinals is CARSTAR Field @ Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium.  Bernie Arbour Stadium, the common reference for the home of the Cardinals, opened in 1970 and was a former home to Minor League Baseball with the Single-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals calling Hamilton home from 1988 to 1992.  The team was known as the Hamilton Redbirds and played in the New York-Penn League.  Hamilton also housed the Hamilton Red Wings, a charter member of the PONY League, a precursor to the NYPL, from 1939 to 1956.  The stadium is named after the late Bernie Arbour, who was a former Hamilton police sergeant and had a number of roles in youth sports in the city.  Food & Beverage 3 The concession options available at Bernie Arbour Stadium are found at The Bird Feeder Concession Stand and have improved over the years.  Hot Dogs, sausage, fries, poutine, pretzels, popcorn, freezies, and ice cream are all available.  Adding chili or pulled pork is also an option.  Cans of Coca-Cola products are the crux of the soft drink options, which also include water, coffee, and tea.  Alcoholic beverages are available from local Shawn & Ed Brewing as well as Flat Rock Cellars, and Vodka Friday.  A number of unique options are available.  The Cardinals employ a unique system where purchases are made at a desk, and customers are given tokens to redeem at the concession window.  Some vendors also come through the grandstands periodically, which is definitely unique to this league. Atmosphere 3 Bernie Arbour Stadium is located at Mohawk Park and is part of a massive sporting complex complete with other baseball fields, football and soccer fields, and a track facility.  Being a former MiLB affiliate, it does feature a permanent structure that is a decent size.  With the new branding, Bernie Arbour Stadium has received a facelift, complete with new logos and more use of the colour red overall.  The exterior of the stadium is unassuming and welcoming.  The permanent structure houses the main grandstand, concessions, washrooms, and press box.  In the concourse, a renewed focus on merchandise is found at “The Perch” pop-up team store.  Along the chain link fence, behind the third base line, the Cardinals have some nods to their history with banners showing the variety of logos they have employed over the years, including the brief Hamilton Thunderbirds period.  A banner celebrating Tyler Duncan and his 2023 IBL MVP award and the retired number 13 for Dean Dicenzo is also found here. The main grandstand is raised from field level and is an inverted octagon with 11 rows of plastic-covered aluminum benches.  The sightlines are terrific from this vantage point, which is probably the highest compared to any other IBL stadium.  At the top of the grandstand is the press box, and on the front is another nod to the retired number 13 and an acknowledgement of the Cardinals lone IBL Championship in 1978.  On both the first and third base sides, there are sets of “permanently temporary” bleachers to handle the overflow.  The natural surface field boasts massive amounts of foul territory, which is great for the pitcher but not so great for the batters. The gameday atmosphere at Cardinal games appears to have been a point of focus.  The improvement is significant with a renewed focus on the fan experience.  Regular promotions include the “beer batter,” where it becomes “happy hour” for an inning, and there are specials on alcoholic beverages if the specific opposing batter strikes out.  As opposed to posting “Ks”, as seen in many ballparks, Little Caesars sponsors the Cardinal strikeouts, with a young intern running across the grandstand with a spear impaling pizza-designed pillows equal to the number of strikeouts.  The in-game host is full of energy and does what she can to engage the crowd.  The staple 50/50 draw is also found at Cardinals games. A variety of other promotions take up the season calendar.  For the game that was reviewed, it was “Murder Mystery Night,” and the team gave away little notebooks at the door.  The in-game host led the crowd through a murder mystery involving various Cardinals personnel, encouraging fans to try to figure out “who-done-it.”  A very unique and well-done promotion. Neighbourhood 2 Bernie Arbour Stadium is found in Mohawk Park, which is located on “The Mountain” in Hamilton, in the southern half of the city, near the Lisgar, Huntington, and King’s Forest neighbourhoods.  A nice area of the city, Mohawk Park is huge, with numerous sports facilities; however, there are not a huge number of pre- and post-game options for food or drink.  Lime Ridge Mall can be found to the west of Mohawk Sports Park, but for the most part, chain restaurants are what will be found there. There are a few other sporting options that can be found in Hamilton.  First and foremost, would be the Hamilton Tiger-Cats  of the CFL and Forge FC  of the CPL, who play at Hamilton Stadium.  The Canadian Football Hall of Fame can be found on the second level of Hamilton Stadium. The newly renovated TD Coliseum can be found downtown and is the home of the NLL’s Toronto Rock.  As of this writing, the City of Hamilton is hoping to attract an AHL franchise to town.  The Hamilton Kilty B’s  can be found on the Mountain as well.  On the northwest side of the city is McMaster University, and the Marauders play football  at Ron Joyce Stadium and basketball  at Burridge Gymnasium.  The south end of Hamilton is where the airport can be found, and a top-notch tourist attraction near the airport is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. For fans looking for a place to stay close to Bernie Arbour Stadium, the Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton near South Hamilton Square is available. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the Intercounty Baseball League is difficult, as nearly all teams do not publish and compile attendance figures.  That being said, the IBL has boasted improved attendance figures, league-wide, over the last few years.  Anecdotally, the crowd at the game that was reviewed was solid, spreading out to one of the sideline bleachers.  The fans were definitely into the promotions as well as the action on the field.   Access 4 Getting to Mohawk Sports Park is not difficult at all.  The park is north of both the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and Red Hill Valley Parkway and is significantly easier to get to than the downtown venues from out of town.  There is plenty of parking available in the park for the number of fans that attend Cardinals games.  There are HSR bus stops along Upper Kenilworth on the west side of the park for those who wish to take public transportation.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for schedules, fares, and maps. Moving around the ballpark is not difficult at all; however, there are plenty of stairs in the grandstand and bleachers, which could be limiting for those with mobility issues. The washrooms are part of the permanent structure and spacious enough to accommodate Cardinals patrons. Return on Investment 5 Intercounty Baseball offers one of the lowest-cost sporting experiences around.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $12.  Parking at Mohawk Park is free, and concession prices are decent.  The experience that the fan receives for the very small investment is great, and fans will want to make a return trip, especially with the renewed focus on the fan experience. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Hamilton Cardinals Alumni Association, which connects former players and the teams to the community and fanbase.  An extra mark for kids running the bases … at the top of the 3rd Inning! An extra mark for the improvement in the gameday experience and focus on fan engagement. An extra mark for the “Murder Mystery Night” promotion, which was unique and engaging, and something that should be an annual part of the Cardinals calendar. Final Thoughts Taking in a Hamilton Cardinals game is a great way to spend a summer evening or afternoon.  Bernie Arbour Stadium is one of the best venues in the province, too.  It may not be a tourist destination, and Intercounty Baseball may be lower than the affiliated ball; however, it is the top league in Ontario, and for a hardcore ballpark traveler, a trip to Bernie Arbour Stadium will be worth it.  The new paint at Bernie Arbour, along with the renewed focus on the fan experience, enhances the trip to the ballpark and will have fans wanting to make return trips. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Dave and Paul head south to visit a train station? Or is it a ballpark? Only one way to find out is to grab a beer and check out the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views and take in Minor League Baseball's Arkansas Travelers. __________________________________________________________________________________ You can read Stadium Journey's review of Dickey-Stevens Park and the Arkansas Travelers game day experience here.