Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 LaVell Edwards Stadium 1700 N Canyon Rd Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website LaVell Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Independent (And it feels so good) The Brigham Young Cougars have been playing football since 1896, but have been independent since 2011. Since then, the stadium and the school have seen quality opponents come and go, but the excitement at games continues to remain and impress. And with a new head coach and coaching staff at the helm, there is even more excitement surrounding the program. The stadium was built in 1964, but with the near-constant sellouts, the upgrades to the stadium and the quality of the opponents, you probably wouldn’t think it is that old. But as one of the few independents in the nation, does the LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES) fit the bill? Food & Beverage 4 As the largest stadium in the state of Utah, there are plenty of food options to choose from, whether you want just a snack or a full fledged entree. There are even a few specialty items that will get your taste buds going. Some of the more popular items include “Cougar” Dogs ($4), Polish Sausages ($5), Popcorn ($4), Nachos ($4) and Candy ($4). The BYU Creamery is a big staple on campus and it is available on game day – you can get a pint of BYU Creamery ice cream for $4. The more unique items on the menu include Pulled Pork Sandwiches ($9) and a Bratwurst combo with chips and a drink ($7). As a Coke campus, all soft drinks served on game day are Coke – a regular sized soda will cost $4 while a souvenir cup costs $7 but you do get unlimited refills during the game. Minute Maid frozen lemonade is also available for $5 and is available in regular and strawberry flavors. The biggest note here is that as an LDS (Latter-day Saints) campus, there is no alcohol served during the game. The Creamery items and any of the sandwiches are definite must tries if you ever attend a game at the LES. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Atmosphere 4 With more high quality opponents on the schedule, LaVell Edwards Stadium has a bigger game day atmosphere than in years past. The stadium is a bowl-shaped stadium, so fans will have a great view of the field no matter where they sit. The biggest features are the two HD scoreboards on both the north and south ends of the stadium. The video boards are connected by a video ribbon that surrounds the entire edge of the stadium. The graphics are top notch, especially on replays, which shows the actual replay system officials use during the game. The sound system is pretty good, and music is played often in between downs and during game breaks such as TV timeouts and quarter breaks. Before the game, there is the ceremonial lighting of the “Y” and the pregame prayer, which take place before every home game. There are different “cams” that are interspersed throughout the game, including the Air Guitar Cam and the Dance Cam. The BYU Marching Band does a terrific job throughout the game keeping fans entertained while playing very good music as well. You will have a pretty good view of the field regardless of where you sit. But if you want a view that faces the mountains, you will want to sit closer to the west side of the stadium. As a reminder, if you come during the winter months, it will be a lot colder and the chances of snow increase – just keep in mind there are no umbrellas allowed in the stadium so plan ahead. Neighborhood 4 LaVell Edwards Stadium is located on the extreme northern end of campus and along University Parkway, which is the main road to get from Interstate 15 to the stadium. As an atypical college town, there are no bars around town – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t stuff to do. Even though there are no bars in town, there are plenty of places to eat within driving distance of the stadium. One of my favorites is Pizza Pie Cafe – where it is all you can eat Pizza, Pasta and Salad – for around $7 (drinks are a buck or two extra). They have several different kinds of pizza (including dessert pizza) and have 10 different kinds of pasta with six different kinds of sauce. For a more local feel, you can try Burgers Supreme which is just down the road. As a bacon fanatic, I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger. There are a lot of shopping areas as you come down University Parkway, but not much in the way of attractions. If you’re craving a flick before the game, there is a Cinemark theater on the way to the stadium, which includes new Luxury Lounger seats that recline back. For LDS faithful, the Provo Temple is about a half-mile to a mile away. Coming into the stadium, I noticed a Super 8 that was just two blocks away and a Days Inn that wasn’t far behind that. If you’re coming from I-15 and using University Parkway to get to the stadium, you will pass anywhere between 7 to 10 hotels within driving distance. So if you’re coming from out of town, book in advance because rooms tend to fill up and it can be more expensive closer to game day. Fans 5 If there was one thing that made my visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium special, it would be the fans. They are about as passionate a fan base as I have seen so far. And the game I went to was homecoming, which made the night even more special. The capacity of the stadium is 63,470, which makes it the largest stadium in the state – and it was a near sellout with very few empty seats. It may be a little emptier during the winter months, but it looked just about full from where I was. Add to the fact they were playing an SEC opponent AND they’re getting opponents like these to come play there – I’m not at all surprised the stadium was near capacity. Up in the press box, it is still LOUD – glass vibrating and floor rumbling loud. The fans are in the game the whole time – the only time they get up is at halftime and quarter breaks. Both the student section (known as The ROC) and all other fans join in to the fight song “Rise and Shout, the Cougar is out!” and everyone gets loud on third and fourth down plays. It is an exciting fan base to say the least. Access 4 In terms of accessibility, the stadium has enough features and parking to make game day an enjoyable experience. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has buses and Trax lines that run near the stadium, but they fill up on game day, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the game. And if you’re coming in by plane, the nearest major airport is Salt Lake International, about a 45 minute drive north of the stadium. There are numerous lots around the stadium open to Cougar Club members or reserved parking – otherwise it will be a little of walk but should cost around $10 to park further away. Traffic wise – make sure to pack your patience. If a game is sold out or close to it, you could be looking at a 20 to 30 minute wait just to get out of your lot – but campus and city police do a nice job of directing traffic before and after the game. You can either pick up your ticket at will call or print it out at home and bring it to the game. When entering the stadium, as long as you don’t have any of the prohibited items with you, you will be just fine. Event staff are very friendly and they are there to help answer your questions. The upper concourse has a little less room than the lower, but it didn’t cause too many problems during the game. The restrooms are a little hard to find but look nicely kept at least during my experience. For those wanting to move between the upper and lower concourse, there are ramps located throughout the stadium for those that want to move around. Return on Investment 4 The stadium has done a great job of keeping everyone happy, so you really do get the bang for your buck. Seats in the upper bowl start at around $15 and lower bowl seats start at around $35 to $40 dollars, so depending on where you sit, you may be getting a good deal. The concession prices are right on par in regards to other stadiums in the country. And parking is not bad if you take public transit – you’ll also pay as little as $10 for parking. Extras 3 One point for the pregame rituals. The marching band spells out the word “Cougars” before the game, with the crowd getting into it. There is the Cougar Walk, where students line up outside the stadium and then rush in to take their seats. And starting something new this year (2016), the athletics program is inviting active service members to come and participate in the lighting of the “Y” prior to the game. One point to “Y” Mountain. It is well kept all throughout the year, and was lit up for the homecoming game, which I thought was a nice touch. One point for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. With fall in full swing, you can see the colors changing on the trees. And with just the right sunset (which we had), the mountain gives off a beautiful glow that is remarkable. It truly is breathtaking to have that type of beauty within range of the stadium. Final Thoughts It may not be a bucket list experience quite yet, but it is certainly getting close. You may be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t attend at least one home game during a season. With quality opponents and a very devoted fan base, LaVell Edwards Stadium is a must visit the next time you’re in town for game day.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center 7201 Rossville Blvd Baltimore, MD 21237 CCBC Essex Knights website CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: n/a A Knight At The Gym One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Essex began in 1957, operating out of nearby Kenwood High School. CCBC Essex has one of the top-rated associate nursing programs in the region. The school mascot is the Knights and they play nine sports. Essex has won nine NJCAA national championships including the 2004 Men’s Lacrosse Championship. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, CCBC Essex has had over 100 NJCAA All-Americans. The basketball program runs out of the Wellness & Athletic Center (WELL). There is only a women’s team currently. In 2022 advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Quarterfinals while eventually losing to the eventual second-place team of Morton College. The Knights did win the NJCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship 3rd Place Game. Major renovation of the Wellness and Athletics Center started in 2022. We did not see that the arena and basketball floor are getting remodeled, but there are chances that overall enhancement also makes some changes to this area. According to CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis, “The planned renovations for the Wellness and Athletic Center will truly enhance the overall experience for anyone who steps into this facility. Not only will the building be more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be a more functional learning space for students.” An 8,000-square-foot, $16.8 million project, the addition will be attached to the building for a new fitness center, announced CCBC-Essex, to go with plans to build two large dance studios with changing space, faculty offices, and a restroom that will materialize after renovating about 6,500 square feet on the existing mezzanine level. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food options except for some snack machines. Signs say food is not allowed in the venue, although no one seems to check that. Atmosphere 1 There is not much else in terms of the atmosphere at the WELL. There are some simple PA announcements and some music played from a small speaker. The basketball court is a rubberized surface and not the preferred hardwood court. The court sits at the center of the arena, with even the small grandstands floating out inside the venue’s running court. There is a very large amount of extra space around the basketball floor. One of the stands is larger than the others. The smaller set of stands seems to serve as the visiting team stands and is strangely located behind the scorer's table and benches. It almost seems to not belong. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Essex is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the sprawling Franklin Square Hospital. You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Closest to campus is the neighborhood Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill. There will be some other options around this area that are referred to as Golden Ring. One of my favorites is Pizza John which is a bit further away in Middle River. This extremely popular pizza joint has some pretty good, albeit a bit greasy pizza. And greasy does not equate to being a bad thing. Just expect very large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. White Marsh Mall and the area around it are not too far away as well. There are numerous options around that area. Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub is a very good restaurant on the Avenue at White Marsh. Also, look at Ledo’s Pizza near the Lowe’s store. Their square pizza is very good, and a pretty good value. Mission BBQ is another great option. This small BBQ chain is quite impressive and honors the veterans of America as part of its design. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 CCBC Essex is located just off of both the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95. The quickest and best way to access campus is to exit off I-695 at either the Philadelphia Road or US-40 exit and find your way east to Rossville Boulevard. Directions should be easy to follow but also follow signs for Franklin Square Hospital. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Because of current construction, you should try to enter from Lot 2 towards the hospital. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 There are a few plaques around the little park-like setting of the athletic fields that honor student-athletes from Essex that has passed away. Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. Final Thoughts The CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center serve as a decent venue for intramural sports and classes, but currently, it is a strange venue for any level of intercollegiate sports. Hopefully, the venue will be better after construction finishes.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Prairie Meadows 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 Prairie Meadows website Year Opened: 1989 Thoroughbred Iowa Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA offers live horse racing (thoroughbreds and quarter horses) from May through September. Post time usually begins around 6 pm, although there are earlier races on special race days. Besides the one-mile dirt horse track, the facility also has a casino on site that offers slot machines and casino game tables featuring poker, blackjack, etc. About 2.7MM people attend the races each year. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food and beverage options available at Prairie Meadows – inside the grandstand building itself you can find a full-fledged, upscale Steakhouse called AJ’s if you are looking for a full meal, while for snacks and beer, there is Hop’s, which offers pizza slices, popcorn, chips, candy, and beef sticks, as well as beer, wine, alcohol seltzers, Monster energy drinks, water, and soda. Outside at the track, there is a full bar, as well as two eateries, Trackside Eats and Furlong’s, which have burgers, chips, Philly cheesesteaks, and sausage, as well as all the same beverages you can get inside at Hop’s. Atmosphere 3 There is a parade ring at the track if you want to look at the horses before the race, and there are multiple seating options, including benches you can sit on, or small round tables you can stand at. There is also a raised patio which has tables with umbrellas if you want some shade, although since most of the racing is at night you probably won’t get much use out of those. Many fans also stand and watch from the rail around the track. For wagering, there are computer terminals inside, and live attendants outside if you prefer the personal touch. The nicest feature here is that you can get close to the action, as the concourse isn’t that big, and everything is therefore close together. Neighborhood 4 There are all sorts of restaurants and hotels near the racetrack to fit any budget, as I-80 goes right by the facility, so it is in a good location – plus the attached casino is a pretty major tourist attraction in and of itself, so it a lot of the lodging and cuisine options in the area was created with the casino in mind, with racegoers getting to take advantage. Altoona is about 15 minutes northeast of Des Moines, and if you want to try and catch another sporting event while in town, the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League may still be in a season depending on when you go (the IFL usually has games from March thru July). There is also a sizeable antique mall ( Brass Armadillo ) in Des Moines if you are into that kind of thing. Fans 3 There were not a ton of people there when I last visited, but you will see the facility get a little more crowded as the night goes on for Friday and Monday races – with the 6 pm start time people may not be done with work quite yet. Saturday and Sunday nights tend to be the busiest days; there is no live racing Tuesday thru Thursday. Access 4 Prairie Meadows offers free parking for all guests and the further right you can get (as you face the building) the less walking you will have to do once you enter the building, as the track’s main entrance is on the right end. The concessions lines are pretty short both inside and on the track itself, and there are nice bathrooms inside the building. The crowds are not that heavy, and you can sit inside in-between races if you prefer. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission cost to get into Prairie Meadows, and it only costs $4 for a program, so the only thing you may have to pay for is concessions (if you get any), and of course, the cost of any wagering you do. With free parking and free admission, this is a superb return on investment – if you have never seen any horse races I would recommend it, and this track is a great, low-key way to begin. Extras 2 There isn’t a ton here at Prairie Meadows that you wouldn’t find at most any other track, but they do have some great horse racing-themed artwork on the walls as you walk thru the grandstand building, and the bugler here (unmistakable in his red attire) stands right next to the finish line, so you can get a good view and hear him very clearly – I don’t recall being able to see the bugler at the other horse racing tracks I have been to.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Tavistock & District Recreation Centre 1 Adam Street Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 Tavistock Braves website Tavistock & District Recreation Centre website What exactly is Crokinole? Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 600 Hockey in the Capital of Crokinole Small-town hockey is just a little different.  Tavistock, Ontario is less than a kilometre from Sebastopol.  Sebastopol probably holds no significance to anyone outside of the immediate area, and even most Ontarians are unfamiliar with the conjunction of Line 29 and Oxford Road 59.  Sebastopol was the home of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, who was the maker of the earliest known Crokinole Board. For those not in the know, Crokinole is a disc-flicking game of dexterity combining elements of shuffleboard and curling scaled down to table-top size. Tavistock is the nearest village and annually hosts the World Crokinole Championship.  Part of the rural township of East-Zorra Tavistock, the village is also home to the Tavistock Braves, a Junior C hockey team part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  The Braves have been part of the fabric of the community since 1970, when they began as a Junior D team.  When the Ontario Hockey Association reorganized in 2012 and eliminated the Junior D level, the Braves moved up to Junior C and became part of the PJHL in 2016 with the amalgamation of Junior C hockey in Ontario. Servicing the community of just over 7,000, the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre has been a part of the community since opening in 1996.  At a capacity of 600, the facility is home to the Braves, the senior Tavistock Royals, and also houses the Tavistock Curling Club.  Food & Beverage 2 For the game that was reviewed, concession options were very limited.  What appeared to be a concession window on the main floor was not open during the game.  There were vending machines with Pepsi products and small snacks.  The Blueline Club, above the lobby on the west side of the arena, sells a very limited selection of domestic beer and spirits.  Alcoholic beverages must be consumed in the Blueline Club and may not be brought into the stands.  There are windows from the club that look out to the ice, so fans will not miss any of the action. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is very simple.  Light-coloured brick and siding with red accents in a simple rectangular-shaped building is what fans will find upon arrival.  The parking lot is shared with the Memorial Hall, and in both cases, fans must drive through the fantastic Queen’s Park Stone Gates.  The gate was restored in 2016 and is a nod back to a time long past.  Fans will notice the feed mill to the north, a reminder that Tavistock is a rural community surrounded by farming.  Inside the Recreation Centre, fans are welcomed by temporary tables selling tickets, 50/50 tickets, and Chuck-A-Pucks.  The lobby has several trophy cases dedicated to minor hockey teams, along with championship team pictures posted above the windows.  Of note in one of the trophy cases is a display with pictures of a training session held in Tavistock by Canadian Ice Dancing Olympians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.  Retired jerseys of Brent Loggan and Keith MacMillan, former Tavistock Braves who passed away at 18, are memorialized in the lobby also.  Beside the wooden benches in the lobby is a crokinole board, a reminder that this is the home of the World Crokinole Championships every June. Inside the arena, the ice surface runs from east to west, with the seating all on the north side.  The seating consists of two sections of wooden benches with five rows and two sections with four rows of plastic arena seats. The standing room section is behind the seating.  Behind the seating, there are trophy cases for the various Tavistock teams, including the Braves.  The Braves display has an impressive array of artifacts and championship team pictures.  The rafters are littered with minor hockey championship banners, and the east side wall is where fans will find the Braves championship banners from both the Junior D and Junior C levels.  The banners all feature the former logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, which has since been retired.  The simple score clock also hangs on the east wall.  A curious aspect of the Tavistock Rec Centre is that there are no ads on the boards at all, and the top and bottom trim, which is normally yellow, is blue in Tavistock.  Don’t be mistaken. There are plenty of local ads here.  They just hang above the benches on the south side or are on the southeast glass, where there are no spectators to worry about. The gameday production in Tavistock is very simple.  The Rec Centre has a good PA system, and announcements are easily understood.  Simple promotions, including a 50-50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck, are present also. Neighbourhood 3 Tavistock is a village located between Stratford and Kitchener.  For a small community, there are a surprising number of food options.  Quehl’s, D&D Homestyle Cafe, Double D’s Roadhouse, and Madmash Brewery are all a short walk from the arena.  The Rec Centre is also home to the Tavistock Royals of the OEHL, which is a Senior level of hockey.  Neighbouring towns of New Hamburg and Woodstock also have PJHL teams and are a short drive away.  As far as other tourist type options, the Tavistock Fall Fair and World Crokinole Championships have annual spots on the calendar that probably won’t cross with the hockey season.  For accommodations, heading out of town is probably necessary heading west to the Shakespeare Inn or east to the Newburg Inn. Fans 3 Fan support is difficult to assess in the PJHL as attendance statistics are not consistent across the league and not readily consolidated.  That being said it seems that Tavistock readily draws between 150 and 225 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 250 fans in attendance, no doubt due to the Braves hosting the rival New Hamburg Firebirds.  This probably puts the Braves in the middle of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive but not over the top, not unlike most Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is not difficult.  Tavistock is 15 km southeast of Stratford and 38 km west of Kitchener.  The village is very small, just 2.25 km2, so there is not much of the village to get through.  The Rec Centre is located at the end of Adam Street.  There is free parking available at the Rec Centre.  There is some public transit that links the villages of East-Zorra Tavistock, but timing will probably be an issue for hockey.  Interested fans should consult the EZTransit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Rec Centre is not terribly difficult and, of course, there are a number of stairs, which is to be expected.  The washrooms in the facility are fairly small, but should not be a huge issue. Return on Investment 4 There is tremendous value in PJHL hockey.  Tickets for the Tavistock Braves are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.  Youth are $4 or free with a paying adult.  Tickets must be purchased at the door.  Drinks in the Blueline Club will go for $7 and parking is free.  The product on the ice is good and fans will have an enjoyable evening of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves being part of the fabric of the community and the Recreation Centre as an East-Zorra Tavistock community hub. An extra mark for Tavistock as the Crokinole capital of the world. An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves giving fans actual physical tickets, something that is nearly extinct. Final Thoughts There is a lot to be said for hockey in the Crokinole capital.  The Tavistock Braves provide a good product and fans will enjoy themselves in a small town atmosphere.  The Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is a good facility and acts as a hub for the village.  Overall, an experience worth taking in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin 9, Schapenatjesduin Den, 2554 BW Den Haag, Netherlands Silicon Storks website Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,000 Fiesty Birds Baseball has surprisingly old roots in The Netherlands, but the trauma and want of WWII and the immediate post-war years mostly killed the sport until the Marshall Plan brought relief to the continent and helped revive dormant interests such as baseball, allowing the founding of many new clubs in the early 1950s. The capitol of the country got on board with this post-war trend, and the Storks Sporting Club was founded in early 1952. The 50s saw a boom in interest in the club that grew it from the original twelve members into three divisions of teams. Bouncing between the top Honkbal Hoofdklasse and lower levels, the Storks finally clawed their way back to the top level in 2018, though they still struggle against the more established competition. The team moved around a lot during its history, from sharing football club fields in the fifties, to open fields, before eventually ending up at Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin in 1975, once called “the most beautiful baseball and softball field in the Netherlands.” While that title has surely passed it by, the sportpark is still located in a lovely stretch of parkland. Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin definitely has a scenic location and one of the most interesting locales for all of Honkbal Hoofdklasse.It is also easy to get to and covers all the other stadium basics quite well. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 As with nearly all the clubs in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, all the concessions are handled through the team’s clubhouse, where a bar and grill or perhaps a bar and other small kiosk will dole out the food and drink. The difference is usually in the selection, and the Stork’s pub grub menu is about par for the course. There’s a modest selection of grub to be had at excellent prices. Of course, there are various incarnation of frites (€2.15 and under), as well as Dutch broodjes sandwiches (€2.10 and under), tosti sandwiches (€1.70 and under), and Dutch bittergarnituur (fried meatballs — €2.75, €4.25, or €10 for 8, 16, or 40 pieces). If you want to get your drink on, there’s wine (€1.80), Jillz (a Dutch cider, €1.75), and Dutch beer Hertog Jans (€1.85 each, or a case of 24 for €36). Yes, that’s right: If the cheap prices aren’t enough, you can buy your beer by the *case* . The lack of selection is made up for by cheapness and volume. Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of the team. Although a case of beer might be tempting, try out the Jillz cider for a new taste to explore. You obviously have to get some frites (try the Dutch traditional mayo), and maybe give the local bittergarnituur a taste? Popping these fried appetizers while watching the game is surprisingly addictive. Atmosphere 3 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is a baseball and softball-only facility nestled in a scenic little park, overlooked by a wooded hill next to the park. Although there apparently was a bit of a rabbit problem when the park first opened, the bucolic setting is now seemingly rabbit-free. While the setting is serene, you won’t mistake it for anything more than a Rookie-league park in America. Several fields are right next to each other, and most of the walls and structures are made from chain-link fences. The team clubhouse is located by the park entrance, a good deal away from the main field, a departure from most Honkbal Hoofdklasse parks. The main seating area behind home plate is four rows of benches on stone steps, mostly underneath the shade of the trees on the hill behind the park. The dugouts are on the outside of the fences, and a small, separate trailer on the first base side of home plate houses the announcer’s booth. A small digital scoreboard just records the score, balls, strikes, outs, and inning in right-center field. Trees rise above the chain-link outfield wall in an unbroken line. Smoking is very much still a thing in the otherwise progressive Netherlands, and there are several picnic tables in the area in front of the clubhouse with ash trays built in to accommodate them. There is also a small play area near the tables, so make of that what you will. Here is an important bit of information: Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin does *not* have lights. While this does not affect the afternoon games on the weekend that start at 2 PM, this does affect the Thursday night games that start at 7:30 PM. Even if the Storks are scheduled for a home game, they will *not* be playing at Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin. They either will be the home team at an opponent’s field or play at other fields beside this one. So be alert if you’re visiting on a Thursday. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Neighborhood 4 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is located very close to the coast and the beaches it houses. While there is even more to do in the city center of The Hague, unlike many of the other parks in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, there is a lot to do and see. There are a good selection of restaurants close to the stadium. The upscale Meer en Bosch Tavern is to the east at Park Meer en Bos, not far from Bistro Borracho. Just to the north overlooking the beach, there are a clutch of multicultural restaurants, including Italian La Tourterelle B.V., Mexican Chicoleo, Turkish Marmaris, Greek Restaurant Apollo, and American Restaurant Hudson Kijkduin. Further west is foodie haven Suiderstrand. A short walk from the park is most obviously, the beach. There are several resorts and pavilions in the Kijkduin locale offering a wide selection of beach entertainment, including a nearby parasailing school. If you’ve had your fill of the beach, the Park Meer En Boos is close to the ballpark, complete with a bird sanctuary in addition to its arboreal charms. And just to the north is the beginning of the massive Westduinpark, a nature sanctuary that also houses some WWII historical sites. The shore-adjacent location means there are several hotels in the area, but perhaps not as many as you’d expect. The upscale Hotel NH Atlantaic Den Haag is the closest to the park, very close to the Foundation Beach Resort Kijkduin. Holiday house rental Haags Duinhuis are to the south, and the Bed and Breakfast at the Beach is further to the north, as is B&B Ereprijs. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Storks are newly back in the top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse and seem to draw on the low-end of average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local and visiting fans make up the crowd, and the crowd seems invested, even if their team’s fortunes aren’t the brightest right now. Access 4 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is accessible by mass transit from The Hague and by transfer from nearby Rotterdam, and it is easy to navigate once you get there. The only mass transit to the park from the city center is a rather painless half-hour bus trip. From The Hague Central, the HTMbuzz Stadbus 24 will take you to Kijkduinsestraat, Den Haag (€2.55), a short walk from the ballpark. Driving, cab, or ride share will set you about a little over 20 minutes from the city center, if you were so inclined. The Hague is extremely close to Rotterdam, and it is only a half-hour drive from there to the ballpark. There is a small parking lot by the ballpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance. There is one entrance to the facility through the main gate. This is the only choke point in the entire park, as it opens out onto wide-open pathways in the fields that reach to all the different fields in the complex. Return on Investment 5 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Drinks (even beer) are all under €2, and food is mostly under €2.75 except for some truly large amounts of bittergarnituur. How can you argue with these prices? . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There are two memorials: a retired number of Win Remmerswall (49) on the clubhouse, and the terrace outside the clubhouse is dedicated to Ed Lakwijk. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts In one of the better and easier-to-reach locations in all of Honkbal Hoofdklasse, Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin hits all the basics well, even if the physical facility won’t turn your head.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dunn Field 546 Luce St. Elmira, NY 14904 Elmira Pioneers website Dunn Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 4,020 An Old Dependable in Elmira Dunn Field has been hosting baseball for 80 years dating back to the 1939 season and is the home to the Elmira Pioneers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, a college wood bat league that operates during the summer months to provide college ball players a minor league-style experience. Before the arrival of the latest incarnation of the franchise, the name first dates back to the turn of the last century in 1900. The ballpark was home to minor league baseball in various leagues from the Eastern League to the New York-Penn League producing 13 league championships. After a decade of independent baseball, the college wood bat variety took up shop at Dunn Field and does not appear to be looking back, producing the fourth-highest average attendance totals in all of summer collegiate baseball last season (2017). Dunn Field comfortably seats 4,020 people and is still a grand reminder of what ballparks used to look like at one time. It still holds up handsomely well for a midsummer night of baseball. Its setting and location along the Chemung River and its history make up a strong baseball cocktail that should be sipped slowly on a warm summer night in the southern tier of New York. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand operates two windows directly underneath the grandstand and in front of the main entrance. There is not a huge selection of food, but the prices range from $3-$5. Highlights include the grilled chicken sandwich, pulled pork, and the nachos grande. There is an additional concession booth on top of the grandstand that serves a spicy jalapeno pretzel and cotton candy. A nice little touch near the park’s entrance is a local coffee shop that does business only during home games. They serve the high-end iced coffee varieties you would find at Starbucks or Tim Horton’s. If you have a few people with you on game night, opt for the nachos served in a batting helmet for $10. This can easily feed two to three people. In the adult beverage department, the prices are even better. While many parks up the prices beyond belief, even at this level, the Pioneers offer domestic cans of 12-ounce beers for $3 and 24-ounce cans for $5. Hey, who needs Thirsty Thursdays? Atmosphere 4 Dunn Field provides a nostalgic atmosphere for baseball and begins with a magnificent art deco entrance. The entrance still houses its original ticket booths that are narrow and small. There is no need to look for food since the concession stands are smacked down in front of your eyes. The souvenir shop is to the left and has a few nice bits of team paraphernalia. A few t-shirts sell for $5 and that is a bargain. There are also a lot of activities for the kids that include plate painting, bouncing bubbles, and the classic carnival game of strength-ring the bell. The splat of the mallet and the ringing of the bell can be deafening at times, but try telling that to the crowd of kiddies waiting in line to give it a try. If you love cuddly mascots, the Pioneers employ Stitches who makes his way around the stadium and field throughout the game. Dunn Field is quite large and filled with nostalgia throughout every corner of the building. The covered grandstand features full-service box seating, plastic bucket seats, and theater-style teal seats that are peeling and cracking. The teal color was from when the Florida Marlins had their Single-A franchise in Elmira from 1993-1995 and it needs a fresh coat of new paint. Other evidence of the Marlins and their teal revolution exists on the roofs of the dugouts that were installed at the time of their arrival. Many stories can be told about the baseball that has been played here. Photos of Babe Ruth, Don Zimmer’s wedding, and a contract signed by Earl Weaver don the interior royal blue walls. Also in this area are the twelve different championship banners won by the Pioneers in numerous leagues that date back to 1914. If you need more proof of the stadium’s glorious past, talk to a few fans and they will tell you one of their favorite stories from their youth. Neighborhood 3 Dunn Field is located along the river and situated in a residential neighborhood. Many of these homes look as if they are post-Victorian models and are kept up quite nicely. You may be lucky to see groups of folks outside on their wraparound patios entertaining guests en route to the ballpark. Unfortunately, there are not any restaurants or entertainment options within walking distance. Downtown is three miles away and there are a few local establishments I would recommend. Legends Bar & Grill has the local delicacy of chicken spiedies on their menu, and the Elbow Room features a great selection of wings and burgers. If you are a fan of microbreweries, Upstate Brewing Company is a popular destination in town. Chubby’s is popular among the local populace for its pizza and atmosphere. Fans 4 They have been playing baseball in Elmira for more than 126 years and games at Dunn Field has become a rite of passage. They have seen the Pioneers play in Single-A, independent, and now in the collegiate wood bat league. The crowd is laid back and relaxed underneath the historically covered ballpark. They are willing to share a few baseball stories from when they were younger and all indicate that the place has not changed much in quite some time. One gentleman’s wife was looking through an old program from the early 1980s and discovered that it was signed by Wade Boggs when he was playing in the Red Sox system. The husband remembered asking for the autograph but blanked out that it was the major league Hall of Famer. There are many more great stories to share and they could fill up a book. Access 5 I enjoy having signs and directions to the ballpark directly from the interstate. They are listed on I-86 with other Elmira attractions in town. There are a couple more signs that will guide you to the stadium’s entrance and once you are there, there is ample free covered parking near the stadium. This is the one time when you can put the GPS away and enjoy the ride to the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for adults are $8 and for students/seniors, the cost is $5. The Pioneers offer VIP seating in their box seats that include wait service for $10. These are the old fashion seats that are two rows in the back of the home plate. Extras 4 The charm of Dunn Field would be enough to attract any ballpark traveler to Elmira. The amply-sized stadium has the look and feel of many great minor league ballparks that are no longer around. It is clean, spacious, and ideal for a relaxing day of baseball viewing. What is better than watching a simple game at a perfectly simple and beautiful historic stadium? ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The University of Kansas announced this week a renovation project to the 68-year-old Allen Fieldhouse that aims to enhance the fan experience at Jayhawk men's and women's basketball games. These renovations will include a new center-hung scoreboard, LED lighting, and a new sound system, along with enhancements to concession and hospitality areas. Since opening on March 1, 1955, Allen Fieldhouse is generally considered one of college basketball's best venues. The project, funded by private donations, will occur in two phases to minimize disruptions to the Jayhawks' 2023-24 seasons. All renovations are expected to be complete by the fall of 2024. “Allen Fieldhouse is a preeminent destination for sports fans and has long been heralded as the best in-game experience in basketball,” KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff said in a press release. “There is no arena in sport that provides the tradition and character of the Fieldhouse, and this project will go to great lengths to maintain that, while dramatically enhancing the fan experience for our men’s and women’s basketball supporters. This is a strong statement to our commitment to not just sustaining but elevating Kansas Basketball to new heights, and it will be a game-changer for our programs, student-athletes and fans.” The project will also expand the Fieldhouse's concourses, add a "Jayhawk Pub" concept on the venue's second level, and a new team store with flexible mezzanine space above it. Further, the adjoining Wagnon Student Athlete Center will be remodeled to create a "front door" to Allen Fieldhouse while maintaining space for student-athlete services. The renovations to the Fieldhouse come as KU is also developing a new campus gateway just outside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks' home football stadium for the past 102 years. That project will significantly upgrade the stadium and will also feature the construction of conference, entertainment, and retail space at the corner of 11th and Mississippi Streets, on the campus's north side. Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 E. Claiborne Robins Stadium 23B Boatwright Dr Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website E. Claiborne Robins Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 8,217 Richmond Spider’s Web Robins Stadium opened on September 18, 2010, when Richmond knocked off Elon in overtime 27-21, in front of a sellout crowd. The stadium is named for E. Claiborne Robins, in recognition of decades of support to the University of Richmond athletics program. In addition to being the home of Spider football, it is also the home of Richmond’s lacrosse and track and field programs. The all-brick façade of the stadium fits in well with the surrounding campus buildings. Despite seating less than 10,000 fans, the stadium is beautiful, and intimate, and serves as the perfect home for the Spider football program. Food & Beverage 5 A wide variety of concession items are available at Robins Stadium for reasonable prices. Concession items range from hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($4.50), cheeseburgers ($5.50), chicken tenders ($5.50), steak and cheese subs ($7.00), Papa John’s 8” Pizza ($10), and Italian Sausage Sub ($7). Also available is the Spider Special for $5, which changes each week and features a food item from the opposing team’s home state. When we attended, the Spider Special has Loaded Tater Tots. Side items include fries ($3), fried pickles ($5), nachos with cheese and salsa ($5), popcorn ($3), caramel corn ($4), soft pretzel ($4), and peanuts ($3). Healthy items such as mixed fruit cups ($4) and veggie cups with ranch dip ($4) are also available. A gluten-free bun can be substituted on any sandwich for $2 extra. There is also the RVA Combo Meal which is 1 hot dog or 2 chicken tenders, fries, and a small drink for $5. This is a great value. Pepsi products are offered as fountain drinks and are $3.50 or $4.50 depending on the size. Bottled water ($3.50), coffee ($2.00), and hot chocolate ($2) are also available. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted at the concession stands, and the lines move quickly. Robins Stadium also offers GrubHub, where you can order ahead of time and just go pick it up from the concession when it is ready. Atmosphere 4 Robins Stadium features split-level grandstands on each side of the playing field, with the east grandstands being slightly higher than the west grandstands. Atop the west grandstands sit the suites, while the press box sits atop the west grandstands. There are three sections of chairback seats between the 30s in the west grandstands. All the other seats in the stadium are bench back. One interesting item of note is that the Richmond team bench is on the west sideline, opposite the pressbox. The playing surface consists of field turf, with the giant spider logo at midfield. New for the 2021 season is a large 60’ by 28’ LED video board that stands 75 feet above the north endzone. It features both replay and live video, in-game stats, and out-of-town scores (which is updated throughout the game!). There is a track surrounding the field, but it does not take away from the experience of the game. This is due to the fact the first row of seats is elevated quite a bit above the field level, providing great sightlines for even the lower rows. While the University of Richmond, does not have a marching band, they have a different area high school band performs pregame and at halftime on the field. They also play in the stands throughout the game. After each Richmond score, a large bell on the east grandstand rings. Due to the size of Robins Stadium and with most seats being either chairback or bench-back, there is not a bad seat in the house. Sightlines are great from anywhere in the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Robins Stadium sits in the northern part of campus near the Robins Center (home of Richmond basketball) and Pitt Field (home of Richmond baseball). Many of the parking lots in the vicinity of these three venues fill up with tailgaters before the game. The campus is beautiful, clean, and well-kept up. Westhampton Lake is a short walk from the stadium and is a great place to bike or jog around. There is also a bridge that crosses the lake with a nice gazebo on one side. Richmond is the capital city, so in the downtown area, there are many museums and the capitol building, that can be visited. If you are looking for a variety of shopping or dining options, take a 15-minute drive to the Short Pump area which offers several restaurants and a two-level outdoor mall. Marriott is the official hotel of the Spiders, so if you are looking to spend the night check out the Visitors Guide for a list of Marriott hotels in the Richmond area that offer special U of R rates. Fans 3 While the Spiders’ fan base may not be as large as some FCS powers, they are undoubtedly a passionate and committed bunch. While many games sell out, the crowd is upscale and many seem to view it as a social event. That said, there are some die-hard fans that are into the game and get loud after big plays and on third downs. However, overall the crowd would not be described as raucous. Access 4 Being on campus, Robins Stadium can be a little difficult to find, but if you point your GPS to the address for Robins Stadium you shouldn’t have a problem. Not familiar with the campus or where to go once you park? No problem. There are signs around campus directing you to the stadium and how many minutes walk it is. Many of the parking lots surrounding the stadium and reserved for Spiders’ donors, but general parking is well-marked and is free. When we attended, however, all the general lots were full, and the campus police told us we could park anywhere on campus we could find! There are entrance gates on the east and west sidelines and in the south endzone. Bags are checked upon entrance, but the attendants are friendly. All tickets are now mobile tickets; this created a backup when we attended as the scanners were having a hard time reading people’s phones due to the sun’s glare. This created quite a backup just before kickoff at each gate. The concourses under each grandstand are clean and spacious. The restrooms are also clean. Handicap seating is available on each side of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $30-$40 for conference games. This may seem a little high for FCS, but given the quality of competition in the CAA, this is not too bad. Concession prices are also reasonable and parking is free. Extras 5 Robins Stadium has several features that give it extra points that are worth noting. First, is the friendliness of the staff, from ticket takers to ushers to concession workers. These folks were all extra friendly and thanked us for coming to the game. A second extra point is for the free game program. A third extra point is for the free parking at various points around campus and the friendly parking staff that help direct you to where these areas are. There is also a Spider rock near the Spider Walk the players touch as they enter the field. The family fun zone in the north end zone is a big extra for those of us with small kids. This area has giant inflatables, games, balloon artists, and face paint. This area is right below the giant video board, so you don’t miss any of the action while in the family fun zone. The GrubHub option ensures that you can get concessions without waiting in line! Final Thoughts The CAA is one of the top football conferences in the FCS, and the Spiders are often competitive in the league. This ensures that you will see competitive, high-quality football on any visit to Robins Stadium. Combine this with a beautiful stadium, passionate fans, and affordable prices, you have a great football experience in the capital city of Virginia. While FBS programs such as Virginia Tech and Virginia are definitely more well-known in the state, a visit to Robins Stadium is definitely a must for college football fans in the Commonwealth.

When the original professional Brockton Rox baseball franchise decided to demote itself from the independent Can-Am League to the Summer Collegiate Futures Collegiate League, they promised their fans the move was a temporary one, and they would move back to the professional circuit once they straightened out their finances. That was in 2012. Today, at a press conference held in the Brockton City Hall, the return of the Brockton Rox to professional baseball was finally announced. The new ownership group, consisting of members of the Frontier League’s New York Boulders' ownership group and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, proudly unveiled their new logo and mission, calling 2025 a “revival season” for baseball in Brockton. The original Rox franchise, which has played in the summer collegiate Futures League for 13 seasons, folded at the end of the 2024 season. The team’s owners decided to focus their finances and energies on the professional New England Knockouts. This new ownership group’s first act was to revive the city’s recognizable franchise name, the Rox, which is a derivative of the names of the nearby Red Sox and local boxing legend Rocky Marciano. The Rox ownership group poses at the press conference announcing the rebranding. Co-owners Bill and Rob Janetschek were part of the group that purchased the New York Boulders in 2020. The elder Janetschek and Rice were both part of the Fenway Sports Group at the minor league level. Joining forces in Massachusetts was a no-brainer for both of them. Said Janetschek, "The first person that came to mind, as far as trying to engage someone from the local community, was Jim. When I found out about this opportunity, I reached out and said, 'Would you like to be an owner of the team in Brockton?' It took him 30 seconds to say yes." Co-owner Shawn Reilly stated that ownership’s first mission will be to put a competitive team on the field for 2025. They will then focus on longer-term projects, such as hosting non-baseball events like concerts and holiday festivals at Campanelli Stadium. Reilly said the team will offer lower ticket prices and a series of promotional nights, such as Star Wars night. Re-engaging the community after years of lackluster attendance will be a priority. Reilly pointed to a sold-out game played by the Savannah Bananas in 2023 as proof that “if you give them a reason to come, people will come.” Rox co-owner Shawn Reilly addresses the crowd. “This is a great sports town. We know it’s here,” Reilly said. “We’re really excited to be here to bring professional baseball back. I can promise you our ownership group and front office will work hard every day to bring affordable family entertainment to the residents of the city.” The Rox open their Frontier League season on the road on Friday, May 9 at the Tri-City ValleyCats. Their home opener is scheduled for Friday, May 16 against the New York Boulders at Campanelli Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Northwest Stadium 1600 Ring Road Landover, MD 20785 Army Navy Game website Northwest Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 85,000 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series, which has had seven ties. The 2022 game was the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually considered the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField) is located in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. It replaced the Washington NFL team’s longtime home RFK Stadium in 1997. The late Jack Kent Cooke, former owner of the Washington Redskins, spent the early 1990s looking for a new stadium. Finally, a location was found in the town of Landover. The former owner died before truly enjoying his team playing at their new home. The team's location was also even known by the United States Postal Service as Raljon, Maryland to honor Cooke’s sons, Ralph and Jon, although it was always technically in the Landover area. Northwest Stadium has seen an amazing number of expansions and reductions in seating capacity in its short lifespan. Entire seating sections have been physically removed from the stadium to reduce capacity. Some seats have been removed to make standing-room-only “party” sections, while other seats have been covered by advertisements and tarps. There is talk every year about the Washington Commanders moving either back to the District of Columbia or to the Commonwealth of Virginia. At this point, there is no specific plan in place or motion. Food & Beverage 5 There are many decent concession stands around the stadium offering the usual stadium options. The prices are not cheap, but they are pretty much in line with most NFL venues. If you worry about high food costs, your best bet is to eat before game time. There have been changes to some options to make them cheaper. There is an increasing number of self-checkout, and grab-and-go food stations added around the concourse. The team has been adding many interesting food options and keeping choices fresh and interesting. Chicken Guy, a Guy Fieri chicken finger stand is very tasty. The team has done a good job of enhancing the food offerings at both the Club Level and the main concourse. The upper concourse options seem a bit sparer, although that is common with large stadiums. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Commanders' merchandise will be unavailable. The atmosphere is top-notch even with the limitations of this facility. Once inside the stadium, you may be less impressed with some aspects of the physical structure. Some areas are just poorly designed. The stadium is not aging well. The addition of a fan zone on the main concourse, which includes areas where the fans can gather and still be in sight of the on-field action, is a welcome addition to the stadium. The Commanders have brightened up much of the stadium and kept it consistent in theme. This is an improvement over our past visits to this stadium. The upper deck seems incredibly too high to enjoy the game. Some seating sections in the upper deck require your having to go both up AND down a set of stairs to find your seat. A former walkway has been filled in with three rows of seating. Doing so has created some navigational issues, in that fans may need to go up and then back down a small set of stairs just to move from one area to another. It is weird to see entire seating areas in the Club Level that are blocked off and covered up. The upper deck also still has some audio issues. There are areas there where the sound is nearly inaudible. In addition, the lower deck still has some obstructed view seats. They do often go for quite low of a price but it is still incredible that a stadium built just one year before Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium has the severe design flaws that it does. Many other parts of the seating bowl are just a bit weird here at Northwest Stadium. It opened with 80,000 seats. A few years later, the Redskins added many temporary and permanent seating areas to bring the total seating to over 91,000. Now the stadium is getting smaller, with many seats changed over to those standing-room-only areas and/or tarp-covered areas to bring the official capacity down. Cadets in Formation - Army/Navy Game Neighborhood 2 Suburban Landover is not the most exciting neighborhood. Northwest Stadium sits in an area surrounded by parking lots. That kind of setting can be good for tailgating but often means the area is lacking a bit. It would be nice if there could be food, drink, and entertainment options located in the area, such as at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Live complex. I would love to see something similar, even if they are temporary, game-only, locations. Currently, fans who are not tailgate types have very few pregame options. The closest thing really to the stadium is some newer housing developments. Luckily Washington D.C. is close by. If you are arriving by Metro, pregame activities are best spent there. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is a good option in D.C. as there are still plenty of restaurants to choose from. Georgetown is another great option The choices there will astound you, but Martin’s Tavern will always be a good choice. Did I mention you are right near Washington, D.C.? The number of other attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 3 Northwest Stadium’s location close to the Washington Beltway is not usually seen as a positive. This suburban location compounds the traffic nightmares in the area. The stadium is located far from public transportation and with limited parking alternatives, the stadium can be hard to get to. The opening of the Washington Metro’s Morgan Boulevard Station in 2004 gave attendees at least one public transportation option. It is slightly less than one mile away, and there are decent walkways between the station and the stadium. Sure, it could be closer, but at least it is an option. The Largo Town Center Station, also on the same Blue line as the Morgan Boulevard Station, is another walkable option but is far less convenient. There is plenty of parking available around the stadium. The problem has been that it is pricey. There are a few non-approved lots to the north of the stadium around Brightseat Road, but that is an exception. In the last few years, the stadium staff made major strides in improving the operations of their lots. Fans are required to enter their designated lots from specific access roads. The idea was to allow for a more efficient entry and exit from the stadium. It seems to have worked. Return on Investment 5 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is a much-desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra-enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest make it a must-see for any real sports fan. We have often been critical of Northwest Stadium, and rightfully so, but the team has made the stadium as nice as they really can.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Liberty First Credit Union Arena 7300 Q St Ralston, NE 68127 Omaha Beef website Liberty First Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 4,600 Beef! Liberty First Credit Union Arena , formerly known as Ralston Arena among other names, is located in a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska. The multipurpose venue hosts concerts and other events, as well as being home to the Omaha Lancers of the USHL (minor league hockey) and the Omaha Beef of the Champions Indoor Football League. The Beef has been to the CIF championship game for two years running, and took home the title in 2021 – the team has a rabid following who look forward to another trophy. Affectionately known by Beef fans as The Slaughterhouse, Liberty First Arena offers a superb atmosphere for indoor football; read on to hear what makes it so great. Food & Beverage 4 Liberty First Arena has a ton of concession options and with stands large and small all over the arena. Tacos, barbecue, and pizza are all available on one side of the arena with prices starting at $9, but if you walk around to the other side of the arena you can also find more budget-friendly $6 burgers and $5 hot dogs, plus similarly priced chicken tenders, soft pretzels, and other snacks. There are also a couple of smaller stands offering just beer, or beer and smaller snacks - beer starts at $6 while soda (either fountain or bottled) and bottled water can be found for $4. Atmosphere 5 The three best things about Beef football, besides the winning product on the field of late, are, in order, the killer logo (a wicked-looking steer skull outlined in orange, which sparks when shown on screen, reminiscent of a steer being branded), the great promotions and entertainment for the fans, and the range of great seating options. Starting with the fan entertainment, the Beef has a cheerleading/dance team, and a great mascot named Sir Loin who interacts with fans throughout the game – Sir Loin rides into the stadium before the team takes the field in an Omaha Beef-deco Jeep, and revs up the crowd in the lead up to kickoff. That same Jeep is used following the first quarter in a promotion where fans throw mini footballs from the stands onto the field, trying to get them through the windows of the Jeep, which is sitting at midfield – one lucky fan who manages to toss their ball through one of the windows wins a Beef prize pack. They do the promotion again during halftime as well, except with a trash can at midfield this time with fans throwing tennis balls. Continuing with the fan entertainment, there is also a Beef-themed inflatable tunnel the team runs through when they take the field, and tchotchkes tossed to the crowd during breaks in the action. The staff also plays the ‘Chicken Dance’ at least once during the game, which kids and many adults love to dance along to. The halftime shows are also well done – at the most recent game, I attended they did a tribute to the musical ‘Annie’, complete with staff members garbed as orphans, furiously sweeping and scrubbing the turf at midfield under the watchful eye of the crowd. And don’t forget the inflatable beach balls the crowd can bat around, and the ultimate staple of arena football, i.e. being allowed to keep the ball if you happen to catch it when it leaves the field. In terms of seating options, you really can’t go wrong at Liberty First Arena – first of all the seats in the stands have chairbacks, and there are also tables with chairs at the top of the grandstand that fans can watch the game from, or use temporarily to eat their food, so they can avoid bumping elbows down below. There are also suites up on the main level if you want to pay a little more for tickets, and for a truly special experience, there are 2 field-level Super Club suites where you can eat free popcorn, order other concessions and have them brought to you. Neighborhood 4 Liberty First Arena is located in Ralston, a suburb of Omaha, which is a decent-sized city with plenty of attractions, hotels, and restaurants. The city and region are known for their pioneer heritage – Omaha is located just across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Creighton University is not far from the arena, and the birthplace of President Gerald R. Ford is also nearby. If you plan to fly in for the game, Omaha has what I consider to be the perfect-sized airport – large enough to have flights coming in from many destinations, but small enough that the rental cars are located on-site, so you don’t have to ride a shuttle bus to some distant garage before getting on your way. Note that some of the closest hotels and gas stations to the airport are located in Carter Lake, Iowa, due to the Missouri River (which is technically the eastern border between the 2 states) changing locations over a century ago, followed by a Supreme Court ruling stating that the original border still stands. To join the Beef after party, be sure to check out Therapy Bar & Grill after every Beef game – Therapy is located at 5059 S 108th St (between O Street and Q Street), and offers drink specials, karaoke, and dancing. The same DJ from the Beef game is on hand running the music. Therapy is located a couple of miles from Credit First Arena. Fans 4 Beef football has some amazing fans – while they may not fill the stands, they are loud and proud of their team, some of them almost to (and some past) the point of raucousness, which I consider a good thing when it comes to sports fans. A huge percentage of them show up in Beef team gear, and the team store does some pretty hefty traffic as well before and during the game. You will hear the fans getting loud throughout the game – they are constantly on their feet, ringing their cowbells enthusiastically during big moments in the contest. Access 5 Access to Liberty First Arena couldn’t be better – there is free parking right outside the arena, and there are plenty of different entrances, making it easy to get in and out. There is plenty of room to walk around the concourse, and there are elevators open to take fans to all levels if needed. Concession lines are short, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd size. There are also plenty of staffers on hand to help you find your way if you happen to need help. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Beef football start at $20, which is a great price for pro sports, and they can be purchased directly from the Liberty First Arena box office, so you don’t have to worry about those pesky Ticketmaster fees. And, if you’re a technophobe like me, you can even get printed tickets at Will Call, if you would like that type of souvenir to take home. Of course, you can also opt for digital tickets instead, either print-at-home or mobile, if you prefer that route. Extras 5 Besides the stellar logo, which I can’t say enough about – be sure to pick up a Beef t-shirt or hat to take home so you can show it off – and the great crowd, which is loud and brings the energy, Liberty First Arena offers so many other extras during Beef football. The DJ does a great job with the music, and besides the female cheerleaders/dance team, the Beef also has a male dance team called the Rump Roasters, who join in keeping the crowd riled up. Another great plus is that after the game, fans are allowed onto the turf for about 15 minutes to meet the players and get autographs, as well as meet the cheerleaders and other staff, and toss footballs around and/or run around on the turf – this is a great bonus which not a lot of other teams offer. The Beef also has its chain gang dressed in red karate kid outfits with black hachimakis (headbands), as a nod to one of its sponsors, Black Belt Movers. Final Thoughts If you have never seen arena football, I recommend it – the faster pace and shorter field make for a lot of excitement, and the Omaha Beef does it superbly. The staff puts on an amazing show, the facility is awesome, and the team itself is on a roll. If there is any possible way you can make it out to Nebraska for a game, you should take advantage of the opportunity. Let’s go, Beef!

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

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium 1 Avenue of Champions Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 83,350 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium – Clemson Tigers In what otherwise would be a sleepy college town of just over 17,000 sits the 83,350-seat Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, ominously dubbed “Death Valley”. Originally founded as a military and agricultural school in 1889, Clemson began playing football in 1902. The Tigers were successful in their early years, but it would be Frank Howard who would bring consistency to the program, leading the Tigers for 30 years and nearly 300 games. It was Howard who would start the tradition of rubbing the chunk of quartzite from Death Valley, California. Howard implored players, "If you're going to give me 110 percent, you can rub that rock. If you're not, keep your filthy hands off of it". The legend of “Howard’s Rock” was born and is the centerpiece of the famed, “Greatest 25 Seconds in Sports”. Clemson would go on to national prominence in 1981 under Coach Danny Ford when the Tigers won their first National Championship in an Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska. It would be 35 years until Clemson would reach such heights again, winning the BCS Championships in 2016 and again in 2018. Whether it is the history, tradition, or year-round passion for every morsel of the off-season and recruiting news, there is just something about college football in the South that resonates differently than it does in the rest of the county. Football at Clemson University is a true Southern football experience, rooted deep in traditions old and new. Food & Beverage 4 As with schools with a heavy tailgating presence like Clemson has, there are always impressive setups and spreads throughout the tailgating encampments. Fans are eager to offer up a plate to passersby or to share with neighboring tailgaters. Once inside the stadium fans have a bit more than just the usual concessions stand suspects. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches are the main staples but can be partnered with fries and a beverage for a combo meal. Those looking for a bit of a taste of the south can grab boiled peanuts on the top deck, marked ‘TD’ on stadium signage. Mac Attack with their mac-and-cheese serves three variations of the comfort food classic, while Fort Hill Grill in the southeast corner of the main level concourse has a limited menu, but does provide grilled bacon burgers and chili dogs. As with most schools in the south, Coca-Cola is the soft drink of choice at Memorial Stadium. Fans wanting something with a bit more of a kick to it are out of luck, as alcohol is not sold inside the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The game-day atmosphere of college football in the South has the feel of a highly formal event, from the tailgating to the game. By tradition with Southern Greek life, fraternity, and sorority members come dressed to the nines for college football games – sports coats and ties are common attire for fraternity members, while many female members of the student body don dresses in various hues of purple and/or orange. It is a rarity for any Clemson fan to show up without orange as a featured color in any outfit. The team’s arrival at the head of the “Tiger Walk” two hours before kickoff signifies the unofficial end of tailgating, as many fans crowd the walkway from Perimeter Road to Memorial Stadium to catch a glimpse of the team as they head to make final game preparations. Much of what makes the Clemson football experience so special are all the traditions that are interwoven from the pre-game warmups to after the final seconds tick off the clock, the highlight of these being what has been dubbed, “The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in Sports”. The Tigers board buses outside of their locker room on the west end of the stadium and ride them around to the east end. The stadium of more than 80,000 then erupts as the buses come into view and stop at the gates under the scoreboard. Head Coach Dabo Swinney gathers players for one last word of encouragement before a cannon blast signals the Tigers down the hill as they rub Howard’s Rock. The band erupts into “Tiger Rag” and fans ring out with, “C-L-E-M-S-O-(PAUSE)-N!”, as the spirit squad leads the team onto the field with flags spelling out “CLEMSON.” All this excitement comes in about 3-4 minutes, but the adrenaline of it all carries on throughout the game, from first down chants, touchdown cannons, and a well-choreographed musical selection that combines the traditions of the Clemson band with an in-house DJ. The in-game entertainment staff does such a good job combining the importance of Clemson’s traditions, partnering them with keeping students and fans engaged to perfectly complement the game, while not taking the spotlight off the reason everyone is there. As if there were not already enough traditions going on before and throughout the game, in one of the more...interesting...traditions in college football, win or lose, Clemson's students rush the field to sing the school alma mater with the team and coaches. While students rushing the field following a big win is not completely an uncommon occurrence, seeing it after handily beating a non-conference opponent does catch you off guard if you are not expecting it. It is so easy to get caught up in the traditions and events going on to complement the game, it almost makes you feel as if you are a Clemson alum. Neighborhood 5 With a population of just 17,000, game days bolster that number significantly. What typically would be a sleepy rural South Carolina town is transformed into a moderately populated city. Clemson, South Carolina is a great college town. College Avenue sits just off the northern edge of campus and is a stretch of apparel shops, bars, and restaurants. The sidewalks are crowded with fans dressed in orange, purple, and white. The street gets backed up with cars for close to a half mile. It is everything you would expect from a college town’s main thoroughfare on game day. For fans looking to take the game day experience late into the early morning hours, the Clemson nightlife continues until 2 a.m. If there is a drawback, it is that Clemson does not have a large hotel inventory city-wide, but does have a concentration of both locally owned and chain hotel options along Highway 123. Clemson’s small-town nature, along with the tailgate culture of the area, helps make Clemson a great game-day college town. Fans 5 Clemson football fans are every bit as passionate as any college football fan base you will find in the nation, and the recent successes of two National Championships in three years have done nothing but push that passion to a nearly unmatched level. Even for evening kickoffs, fans start setting up tailgating encampments in the pre-dawn hours for a full day of revelry before the main event. Tents and pull-behind trailers are set up as far as the eye can see, as fans spend the day grilling and putting down a few beverages as they toss footballs and take in the day’s early matchups. As game time nears and fans begin to empty the tailgating fields and head toward Memorial Stadium, they seem to already be filled with fervor in anticipation of kick-off. The game entertainment crew does a great job whipping fans into a frenzy before the game starts, but the fans need little help making “Death Valley” a difficult place for the visiting team to play, in turn making it such a memorable experience. Access 3 One of the biggest drawbacks is given its location, getting in and out of Clemson before and after games can be quite the challenge. Leading up to approximately 3 hours before kickoff, traffic patterns start to change with lanes and street closures. The streets of Clemson are not overly wide to handle a high volume of traffic. The volume of traffic paired with the number of pedestrians in and around campus can make navigating the streets challenging. There are free shuttles that bring fans from parking areas at the furthest reaches of the area and drop them off at Kingsmore Stadium . So, those who might not want to park in the heart of the game day festivities have the option to park closer to the main travel arteries into Clemson, to make getting out post-game a bit quicker. The most popular lots for tailgating enthusiasts though seem to be the intramural fields adjacent to Littlejohn Coliseum . Some fans have tried to circumvent the traffic issues with golf carts to make getting around town a bit easier. It works well for those in the carts, but it does create some uncertainty with pedestrians. As fans begin making their way into the stadium, the easiest access point is found along the northern side of the stadium and provides full navigation of the main level. Fans with tickets on the southern top deck will find an entry point at the apex of the steep hill. Some carts can assist fans in getting up the challenging grade. When looking at the navigability of Memorial Stadium, the lower-level concourse is split into inner and outer concourses – one side allows for lines of concession stands to back up without impeding the flow of fans. Other than some challenges in getting between levels on the southern side, Memorial Stadium does allow fans to get around the stadium with relative ease. Return on Investment 4 When looking at price points for college football, there are a lot of factors that go into ticket pricing besides the face value. Tickets for many of the high-profile programs get snapped up almost as soon as they go on sale, which leaves fans to navigate the secondary market. The secondary market can end up being rather deceiving, easily turning what looks like a bargain of a ticket into an expensive venture once service fees are tacked on. The further ahead you can plan, the more affordable the overall experience will be, and this will also increase the likelihood of securing a ticket when it goes on sale. Parking can get a bit expensive if waiting until the last minute and the need arises to pay for private lots. Off-campus prices typically run $40-$60 whereas on-campus lots typically run $10 - $30 if purchased ahead of time. A free lot and shuttle are available from the New Spring lot in neighboring Seneca, approximately 2 miles from campus. Extras 5 Clemson recognizes its heritage as a military school with a series of medallions honoring each of the branches of service. The medallions are embedded in each of the brick pillars that make up the exterior gates of the stadium along Williamson Road. Not enough can be said about the role Clemson’s traditions play in creating a top-notch experience. Clemson’s entrance down the hill is one of the few that can legitimately be considered in the discussion of college football’s best entrances. For $10 fans can rent cushioned seatbacks to make their game experience a bit more comfortable. Except for club-level seating, Memorial Stadium has exclusively aluminum bench seating. A rarity in college football, Clemson does provide fans with a half-time pass out, allowing them to leave and then later return to the stadium. Around the main level concourse, large banners highlight Clemson’s 1981, 2016, and 2018 championship seasons. Key bowl victories are also memorialized with similar type banners. Final Thoughts Clemson is one of the top game-day atmospheres in college football. Even in years when a championship season might not be realized, the passion from fans and the electricity that builds up inside the stadium leading to kickoff creates a one-of-a-kind college football experience. From the pregame festivities along both University Avenue and in the tailgating lots around Memorial Stadium, the energy that is built up inside the stadium leading up to kickoff, and a typically high caliber level of football, both contribute to creating an unforgettable college football experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bud & Jackie Sellick Bowl 4600 Sunset Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Bud & Jackie Sellick Bowl website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 7,500 A Relaxing Day at the Butler Game The Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl is the home to the Butler Bulldogs football program. The stadium was constructed in 1928 and at one time sat 36,000 with the option of increasing capacity to 72,000. At the time the Butler Bowl, as it was known until 2016, hosted the likes of Red Grange and the University of Illinois and Notre Dame football. However, throughout the preceding nine decades the stadium’s capacity would shrink to 20,000 and then to 7,500. The facility has seen copious transformations in the last decade that included the construction of student apartment housing on the east side of the field, a new brick press box, new stadium lighting, and new south-end seating and entrance. The stadium sits below the fame of Hinkle Fieldhouse and provides an intimate feel to any football contest. 5,647 seats include 250 chair back seats along the west side of the stadium. The most prominent feature might be the student hill that takes up the south side of the stadium that fills up with many fans at the beginning of the game. Food & Beverage 3 The Hinkle Fieldhouse concession stand is the main area for food and beverage. The choices include hot dogs, chips, candy, popcorn, and Pepsi products. However, it contains Italian beef sandwiches and nachos with house-roasted beef and cheese. Premium and domestic beers are available at popular pricing. There is an outside kiosk that features breaded chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, brats, and pretzels for additional choices. Atmosphere 4 The Bulldogs play in the 11-team Pioneer League and entertain schools from eight different states from coast to coast. During our visit, the Princeton Tigers were making its first-ever trip to the state of Indiana in 150 seasons and brought along quite a few followers with them to the stadium. The night was clear, the weather was comfortable, and the crowd is intimate. All of this made for an ideal night of college football on the last weekend of summer. The parking lot is filled with tailgating, campers, and various picnic tables adorn with brats, burgers, dips, and plenty of chips and drinks. Inside, the views from the student hill are quite perfect when holding a can of beer and cheering on your favorite team. The stands themselves are of bleacher quality and provide a close enough experience to the game. The Sellick Bowl has all that one would expect from the program and perhaps all you would ever need: two opponents, a few friends, and a nice night to enjoy the football game. The wrought iron fencing, the brick exterior and interior, and the presence of the Hinkle Fieldhouse provide a beautiful backdrop to an already picturesque Butler campus. If there is time, take a stroll around the historic buildings, just a short walk from the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The campus is located within walking distance of Broad Ripple Village, a nice place to shop and walk around during the day, but a destination for the younger college crowd after dark. Downtown Indy is only six miles south of campus, but the best place to enhance your visit is in SOBRO (South Broad Ripple). Twenty Tap offers distinctly different craft beers, along with their own, that are unavailable throughout the city. They offer menu options of vegetarian banh mi sandwiches, fried cheese curds, and poutine during the fall and winter months. The beer options also include a $4 pint of the day. Next door is Fat Dan’s offering mouthwatering and lip-smacking smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, juicy burgers, pressed Cubanos, Italian beef, and house-smoked meatloaf and Reuben sandwiches. There is even a draft beer of the day. Across the street is Yats, which offers Cajun and Creole cuisine at affordable prices with eclectic surroundings. If you are looking for a hangout with pub food and sports, The Bulldog the traditional Butler hangout, and the Broad Ripple Village is a few miles up the street off of College Ave for more bars, small pubs, and shopping. The best slice of pizza in Indianapolis is served at Goodfellas - Jersey Shore large slices. Fans 3 The Butler fans were energetic during our visit to the stadium. It was homecoming and alumni and students set up tailgating several hours before kickoff, with many opting to remain in the parking lot instead of attending the game. Once inside, a small student section did their best to cheer the home team and many enjoyed a much more relaxing day on the hill in the back of the south end zone. Access 4 The football stadium shares the parking lot with the basketball arena, but many people park throughout campus or on the residential streets surrounding the campus. This can make for an interesting beginning to the football game as many people walk in droves toward the main entrance. There is parking down the hill on the north end near the baseball stadium, but it does require a little bit of a hike. Once inside the stadium, the concession areas are all located on the west side along with bathroom facilities. If you happen to be on the visitor’s side or down the hill, it may take a little bit of walking to get a drink or use of facilities. Return on investment 3 The cost of a ticket ranges from $12 to $15 depending on what type of seating you wanted the game. The price of a youth ticket is $8. The parking is free and the concession prices are extremely reasonable. If you are at the game on the right night and with the right crowd, it can be a very welcoming place to watch football and one that should not be overlooked. Extras 3 The stadium receives a point for the hill on the south side of the stadium. It’s a great way to enjoy the game with friends and cheer on the Bulldogs to victory. The stadium receives the second point for the Hinkle Fieldhouse looming in the distance of the football bowl. The iconic basketball venue towers over the field and creates an ambiance that’s second to none in the city of Indianapolis. The stadium receives the third and final point for the brick exterior and interior of the stadium. The historic venue feels right in place in the 21st century. Final Thoughts This was my second football game at the Sellick Bowl and I was satisfied with what I witnessed during my visit. The stadium was full of festive moods, and plenty of socializing, and was just as good as any other small college football program in the area. It’s nice to know that somewhere tucked away on the Butler campus one can enjoy college football the right way. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

While many baseball fans stick to visiting the ballparks of Major League Baseball and its affiliated teams, there is a culture of quality baseball and impressive facilities located from coast to coast across the continent - independent baseball. Since the great minor league reorganization of 2021, these independent leagues have become more closely affiliated with MLB and serve as a testing ground for proposed rule changes and initiatives, some of which have come to be used in the majors. There are seven professional independent baseball leagues located throughout the continent. Players who fill the rosters of these leagues range from former Major Leaguers fighting to keep their careers alive to players who never got the chance to play under the bright lights of the upper levels of pro baseball. Stadium Journey has visited 52 of these cathedrals to the game, ranking them according to our patented FANFARE Rating scale, which takes into account a ballpark's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more ballparks were tied, we consulted a Stadium Journey Council of Elders to break those ties. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present our list of the 20 best game day experiences in independent baseball for 2023. 1. Fairfield Properties Ballpark - Long Island Ducks - Atlantic League 4.29 Meg Minard - Summer on Long Island can be a lot of fun with the beaches, piers, and boating. When on Long Island, be sure to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a laid-back, entertaining nine innings with friends and family at Bethpage Park. 2. Duly Health and Care Field - Joliet Slammers - Frontier League 4.29 Eric Hasman - Duly Health and Care Field has a surprising lot of pros to make it one of the best ballparks in the Chicagoland area. It offers a wraparound concourse, creative food options, cheap prices, a healthy selection of craft beers, and an active surrounding neighborhood to make it well worth your while to visit. 3. Jimmy John's Field - United Shores Professional Baseball League 4.29 Marc Viquez - There is a lot to say about Jimmy John’s Field and the USPBL. There have been leagues in the past that have operated out of one baseball stadium, but those stadiums were nowhere near the caliber of Jimmy John’s Field. 4. Shaw Park - Winnipeg Goldeyes - American Association 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around a great time are what makes a visit to Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar. 5. Dehler Park - Billings Mustangs - Pioneer League 4.14 Meg Minard - This is an excellent ballpark to visit with the focus of entertainment on the ballgame while still providing modern conveniences, good food, and engaging fans. 6. Clipper Magazine Stadium - Lancaster Barnstormers - Atlantic League 4.00 Gregory Koch - Although Lancaster has not had an affiliated baseball team for 60 years, that has not stopped the fans here from cheering for their local independent league team. You wouldn’t know from looking at Clipper Magazine Stadium that it’s Indy Ball rather than affiliated, and the experience here is as good as it is at many “real” minor league parks around the country. 7. Mercy Health Stadium - Lake Erie Crushers - Frontier League 4.00 Chris Green - The Lake Erie Crushers are a team that is perhaps overlooked too often, which is unfair to their extremely family-friendly atmosphere. Mercy Health Stadium is well laid out, and while it may not feature multi-level suite boxes or upper deck seating, the venue offers great sightlines and comfortable seating in all areas. 8. Thomas More Stadium - Florence Y'Alls - Frontier League 3.86 Marc Viquez - Thomas More Stadium is a small stadium that packs in a big punch. It is a simple facility that makes up for it by getting base hits with free parking, local food variety, affordable prices, and a positive attitude. The use of the water tower and the phrase "Florence Y'all" is awesomely fun. 9. Joseph L. Bruno Stadium - Tri-City ValleyCats - Frontier League 3.71 Paul Baker - While “The Joe” may not stand out from the crowd as a facility, the ValleyCats do a whole lot right at Bruno Stadium. With a game day experience that features a top-notch menu, excellent customer service, and numerous extras, a trip to Tri-City is certainly one worth taking. 10. Franklin Field - Milwaukee Milkmen - American Association 3.71 Marc Viquez - Milkmen Stadium is a fancy new facility that will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects who are currently building the Ballpark Commons around it. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen and the numerous dairyland themes make for a nice alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee. 11. Haymarket Park - Lincoln Saltdogs - American Association 3.71 Paul Baker - Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out the nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small-town feel and modern amenities. 12. Field of Legends - Kansas City Monarchs - American Association 3.71 Marc Viquez - CommunityAmerica Park is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the T-Bones are playing, it might be worth your effort to watch a game on the Kansas side of the city. 13. Wellspan Park - York Revolution - Atlantic League 3.71 Paul Baker - PeoplesBank Park represents the York community perfectly. It is not a flashy place but has plenty of features to keep the casual fan interested. Plus, it is a comfortable place for the serious baseball fan. Loaded with local vendors and touches, PeoplesBank Park is worthy of a Stadium Journey. 14. Stade Canac - Quebec Capitales - Frontier League 3.71 Paul Baker - Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales has been one of the more successful independent teams both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. 15. Grizzlies Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies - Frontier League 3.71 Marc Viquez - It is a marvelous, little ballpark that has become one of the better ones in independent baseball. The ticket prices are affordable, the food is creative and fun, and promotional nights should attract fans to the stadium. When in St. Louis, there is more than one option for a baseball game. 16. Impact Field - Chicago Dogs - American Association 3.57 Marc Viquez - Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and one that pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. 17. Bosse Field - Evansville Otters - Frontier League 3.57 Marc Viquez-Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. 18. Truist Point - High Point Rockers - Atlantic League 3.57 Michael Rusignuolo - While they aren’t selling out their spacious stadium, the Rockers are drawing decent crowds for their games and seem to be developing a respectable local following. The fans that are showing up seem dedicated, with most already decked out in team gear and lining up a good half hour or so before the gates open. 19. Newman Outdoor Field - Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks - American Association 3.57 Paul Baker - Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor-league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan. 20. Wild Things Park - Washington Wild Things - Frontier League 3.57 Steve Bloom - Located adjacent to I-70 and near the Washington Crown Center shopping mall, the colorful ballpark offers various food options, between-inning promotions, and even cookies and milk.

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

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Bankwest Stadium 11-13 O’Connell St Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia Parramatta Eels website Bankwest Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 30,000 Western Sydney Stadium is #PARRAdise The new $300m Populous-designed Western Sydney Stadium opened in April 2019, promising to be a game-changer for sporting venues in Australia. With a capacity of 30,000 it features the steepest stands in the country, and is the first new major stadium in the harbour city since the venues for the Sydney 2000 Olympics were constructed. Bankwest Stadium is owned by the NSW state government, operated by VenuesLive, and will host rugby league, rugby union, and soccer (football). Sport has been played on this site in Parramatta since the 1850s. The first ground here was called Cumberland Oval, and hosted a diverse range of sports including rugby union, rugby league, cricket, and even motor racing. In 1947 the Parramatta Eels were admitted to the NSWRL premiership, the forerunner of the modern-day National Rugby League (NRL), and they too called Cumberland Oval home. After the club won its maiden premiership in 1981, exuberant fans partied so hard they inadvertently burnt the grandstand down. A modern replacement venue, Parramatta Stadium , opened in 1986. The new stadium also became the home of the Western Sydney Wanderers A-League club, and at various times also hosted international rugby league and rugby union. However, by 2015 a number of faults with the stadium were clearly evident. Located somewhat awkwardly on a portion of Parramatta Park, the stadium lacked a prominent entry plaza, and did not meet modern security and safety standards. Similarly, the alignment of the playing surface was not directly north-south and hence was not deemed FIFA compliant. Furthermore, there were only one set of dressing rooms and poor corporate and media facilities. A knockdown-rebuild was the first stage of the NSW government’s new stadium policy announced in 2015. Twenty years after being opened by Queen Elizabeth II, Parramatta Stadium was demolished in 2016. During the re-build the club based themselves down the road at ANZ Stadium in Olympic Park, a venue shared by several other Sydney clubs including Canterbury and South Sydney . The Eels came of age in the 1980s, winning a total of four premierships from five grand final appearances over the course of the decade. However they’ve experienced turbulent times in recent history, finishing at the bottom on the NRL table in 2018. A promising start to 2019, along with the opening of Bankwest Stadium, has given fans renewed hope of once again experiencing premiership glory. Food & Beverage 5 Pleasingly, Bankwest features a range of stadium staples priced at $5 or less including meat pies, hot dogs, hot chips, and sausage rolls. This is an excellent initiative and we hope to see more of it. Some of the more substantial (and expensive – generally around $15) items include chicken noodle stir fry, buffalo wings, salt and pepper squid, and pulled pork rolls. Specialist food stands include Barbeque Pit (pork riblets, beef brisket, BBQ chicken ribs), The Base Pizza (various pizzas including chicken, margarita, and meat lovers), Mr. Chicken (items such as fried chicken, and chicken burger), Craving, Frank’s (hot dogs), Catch (seafood including tempura prawns, barramundi burger, and fish and chips), The Burger Place, and Nourish (healthy options). There’s not a huge selection of alcoholic drinks with a distinct lack of craft beers. Standard beers cost around $8, pre mixed spirits $10, and wine $7. If you’re so inclined there are a couple of smallish bars (age 18+) where you can relax pre-game. Soft drinks and water are supplied by Coca-Cola. Lastly, there’s also various snacks and ice creams on sale at numerous outlets around the concourse. Atmosphere 5 The new stadium does indeed live up to expectations. The exterior is unmistakable as you approach the venue. A new entry plaza provides a site for pre-game fan activation. There’s plenty to do including small rides, ball games, animal displays, and a DJ. Local food trucks are also present to provide you with sustenance while you soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to check out the statue of Eels legend and dual international (rugby league and rugby union), Ray Price, before you enter. Once inside you’ll find face painting and photo booths amongst the wide, open concourses. At regular intervals the playing surface is visible, and there are also television screens along the walls keeping you in touch with the game. The steepness of the stands is immediately apparent. The reported gradient is 33.94 degrees, meaning there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. All seats feel close to the action, and the cauldron-like atmosphere is both intimate and loud. Each side of the stadium is named as a grandstand to honour past champions; Mick Cronin, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, and John Thornett. The entire eastern stand is inaccessible to the average casual fan; instead it is dedicated to media, corporate areas, and VIP seating. Therefore, if you’re attending a daytime game and prefer shade then look for seats at the northern end, or the lower bowl in the northeastern corner. The restricted access also impedes your ability to circumnavigate the stadium interior in its entirety. Video screens are located in the northeastern and southwestern corners. The screens aren’t huge but are sufficient. Sound quality of the public address system is excellent, and the free Wi-Fi is fast with no pesky sign-up process. Aisle width in the stands is good, but the seats themselves are perhaps a little small for the larger fan. However, the stadium has a wonderful ambiance and provides an unrivalled experience in Sydney – and indeed, is in the top echelon of venues in Australia. Neighborhood 4 Parramatta is located at the geographical heart of Sydney, and has been the site of significant transformation over the last few years. A hub of multiculturalism, all the attractions of a modern city are close by. In addition to a thriving CBD, nearby Church St is known as “Eat Street,” where any number of great restaurants and cafes await. Cruise the strip and make a decision based on what you feel like on the day – it’s difficult to go wrong here! Similarly, there are numerous bars and pubs in the area. The Rose & Crown (11 Victoria Rd) is a solid choice for a drink and a feed, and the Parramatta Leagues Club next door to the stadium will be buzzing on game days. If you are in town for more than just the Eels, there are several hotels close to the stadium, notably the Novotel Sydney Parramatta (350 Church St) and the Parkroyal Parramatta (30 Phillip St). It may also be worth checking the schedule at the Riverside Theatre or the horse races at Rosehill Gardens. Westfield Parramatta, a short walk away, was also once famous for being the largest indoor shopping complex in the southern hemisphere. Fans 4 In recent years the Eels have roughly averaged between 11,000-13,000 at their home games, including during their temporary relocation to Olympic Park while the new stadium was under construction. After experiencing the highs and lows in recent years “Parra” fans are parochial and vocal supporters of their club. Expect to see plenty of blue and gold in the stands. As the club continues its resurgence, and with the added bounce expected from the new stadium, crowds should continue to be good. Access 4 Fans are strongly advised to use mass transport to get to and from the venue, with most game tickets also including the cost of public transport. The Parramatta interchange (buses and trains) is around a 10-minute stroll from the stadium. Even then, there are often shuttle bus services for the less mobile fans. There’s not much parking in the area, and then most of it is metered. Leave the car at home for this one if you can. If you insist on driving then aim to arrive well in advance of kick off and try your luck in streets north of the stadium, potentially as far away as the lower portion of Pennant Hills Rd (1.5km from the stadium). Inside the stadium crowds move well through the concourses, although expect some initial congestion as fans explore the new stadium. Bathrooms are plentiful, but under the same amount of stress as any other well-attended major event. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest adult tickets for reserved seating are around $40. For this price point you’ll likely be seated at either end. To get a sideline seat will cost a minimum of $50, while “Gold” tickets set you back over $70. While there are discounts for family passes (admits 4), you will still spend close to $100 just to get in the door. Yes, this will not be a cheap family day out. However, keep in mind that this is a high-quality venue, and tickets do include free public transport to and from the stadium. Additionally, stick to the “stadium staples” to save some cash at the concession stands. Extras 5 There’s plenty to like about Bankwest Stadium. There were lots of staff and we found them particularly helpful and friendly – hopefully this will continue. There are numerous environmentally sustainable features, earning the building a gold rating for LEED energy. There are quite a few nice additions to improve the experience including pram parking areas, parent rooms, a prayer room, and free Wi-Fi. We also rate the club’s commitment to its history – before each game an Eels legend raises a flag for the fans. While the main tenants will be the Eels and Wanderers, there are aspects of the stadium which can be customized to suit the home team. Lastly, and we hope it is an ongoing trend, fans were allowed onto the field at the conclusion of the first game. Final Thoughts The new Bankwest Stadium is a whole new level for Sydney stadia. All fans should take the opportunity to check it out during its inaugural season of operation.

Photo Courtesy of FDUKnights.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Naimoli Family Baseball Complex 1000 River Rd Teaneck, NJ 07666 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights website Naimoli Family Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 A Curious Little Ballfield Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest private institution, founded in 1942. As of 2015, it is the state’s largest private institution of higher education with approximately 11,619 students. There are two campuses in the state in Madison and Florham Park, as well as Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck and Hackensack outside New York City in Bergen County. The Metropolitan Campus is where the school competes in NCAA Division I athletics and are known as the Knights, while the Madison/Florham campus competes in NCAA Division III athletics and use the Devils nickname for its sports teams. The Knights baseball team have called the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex home since the spring of 2011. The field features both a synthetic infield and outfield playing surface, while further improvements will feature lighting, stands, and a press box. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage served at the complex, and it is wise to either eat before your arrival or bring your own food to the game. A very common occurrence at many baseball fields across the copious college campuses in the country. However, there are many fast food choices nearby that are easily accessible to the ballpark that could help out in a pinch. Do not be surprised to see a few fans brown bagging it during the ballgame. Atmosphere 2 The baseball field is recognizable from Route 4, but it does feel somewhat hidden from the rest of the FDU campus. The ball field stands directly below the very busy state road that connects commuters to New York City via the George Washington Bridge. It is a very peculiar place for a baseball field, and there is not a lot of room for many things that are common at ballgames for the fans. The main issue is that there are very few spots to grab a seat at the game, with the exception of a couple of movable small wooden bleachers near home plate. The majority of the fans either stand, bring their own chairs, or will find a sporadic plastic chair to use to watch the game. This is not your most fan friendly baseball complex, but this is due more to its cramped spacing and proximity to the highway up above than anything else. A small scoreboard stands down the third baseline, while the entire field is heavily enclosed with netting to prevent foul balls from striking cars down the left field line on the highway. The backstop itself looks like it would be better off behind a t-ball field. The outfield walls are decorated with the name of the complex, and the all synthetic field is in immaculate condition featuring the college name and logo down the first and third baselines. Neighborhood 4 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending a FDU game is that you are in close proximity of many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well known chain franchises including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella which give their pizza a one of kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 1 There are not too many places for the fans to sit and cheer on their Knights baseball team, and perhaps this is why there are so few fans who attend the game. The ones who are in attendance, make sure they are heard loud and clear. Access 2 The baseball complex can be a bit of a hassle to access for the first time. There are not too many clear signs for drivers and one could get lost or frustrated trying to figure out where the baseball field is. Add rush hour traffic from the city into New Jersey, and you have the makings for a few headaches. The best way to reach the field is to drive past the campus, under the Route 4 bypass, and make a right into the field house parking. Once you are there, park your car, and take the tunnel to the ballpark – one of the most original ways to arrive to a baseball game and a little fun to take photos inside. Return on Investment 2 Even though there is no cost for admission, attending a game is definitely left up to the imagination. Without proper seating, concessions, and even bathrooms, returning for games in the future might be limited for an average customer. There are many other college ball fields that do not offer a lot of seating, but it is usually compensated with a large grassy hill or a small knoll to spread out a blanket to enjoy the game. Unfortunately, this does not exist here at FDU. Extras 3 One star for the quirkiness of the stadium’s location that includes a somewhat secret tunnel entrance. A second star for its all synthetic turf and lack of a dirt infield. For the type of weather that exists in New Jersey during the spring time, there is less of a chance for rain outs due to flooded fields. A third star is not baseball related. Just beyond the outfield walls is the university’s soccer field. A rather basic configuration, but one that should be noted as the first professional home to US Men’s National Team Goalkeeper and New Jersey native Tim Howard. In 1997, a then 18-year-old rookie began his professional career with the North Jersey Imperials of the United Soccer League posting a 0.99 GAA before moving up Major League Soccer and eventually the English Premier League. Final Thoughts The game that I attended most recently was quickly washed out due to a wintery mix of rain and snow. Unfortunately, few were in attendance due to the gunpowder skies and chance of precipitation. However, I am not sure how many more would have been at the game due to the limited and lack of seating. The university does have plans to add lighting, a press box, and more seating to the complex in the near future. Perhaps the much needed updates could be just what the baseball field needs to enhance the fan experience at the game.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Durham Bulls Athletic Park 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701 Duke Blue Devils website Durham Bulls Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 10,000 Durham Dukes From 1937 until 2009, Jack Coombs Field was the home to Duke Baseball. In 2010, Duke began a partnership with the Durham Bulls and began playing their conference game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). This agreement was expanded in 2016, Duke began playing the majority of their home games at the DBAP. The agreement called for Duke to play up to 36 games per year at the minor league park, a limited number of Duke practices, and a permanent Duke locker room and clubhouse at the facility. The DBAP sits in the midst of the American Tobacco District and offers plenty of restaurants and activities pre and post-game. Food & Beverage 2 Unfortunately, due to the small crowd size, only 2-3 concessions stands are open for Duke games. Therefore, you do not get the concession variety and choices that you do for a Durham Bulls game. This is unfortunate since the DBAP has some of the best concession choices around for Durham Bulls games. Concession choices for Duke games include hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. None of these choices really stand out, but will get you by if you are hungry. DBAP offers fountain Pepsi products for Duke games, as well as alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 With office buildings and restaurants rising up in the outfield, the DBAP is one of the most picturesque ballparks that you will visit. There is the blue monster that towers above left field, and sitting atop is the famous Snortin’ Bull from the movie Bull Durham. There is a huge video board in left field as well, and next to it is a manual scoreboard. Whenever Duke hits a home run, the Bull blows smoke out his nose and his eyes light up. The DBAP offers great sight lines from any seat in the house. Since it is general admission seating for Duke games, you are free to select any seat you want. If it is warm and sunny, you will probably want to sit under the overhang in the upper level, but if you desire to sit in the sun, the lower level should be your choice. There are also several picnic areas around the park, which are generally open during Duke games. Again, due to the small crowd size, you are free to sit pretty much wherever you want, except for the suites. Neighborhood 5 The Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the surrounding American Tobacco Campus have revitalized downtown Durham in the last 10 years. There are a plethora of restaurants and bars surrounding the DBAP for a variety of pre and post-game activities. Be sure to visit the Tobacco Road Sports Café which sits above the blue monster above the left field wall. It offers great food, and several TV’s so you can keep up with other games. You can even watch the baseball game from the outdoor patio overlooking the field if you’d like. Other popular restaurants around at the American Tobacco Campus include Mellow Mushroom, Tyler’s Taproom, and the Bullpen. For a complete list of restaurants surrounding the DBAP visit: American Tobacco Campus . The Durham Performing Arts Center is only a couple blocks from the DBAP and offers a variety of concerts and performing arts shows. If you have extra time, just take a stroll around the American Tobacco Campus to take in the waterfalls and history of the area. If you need to spend the night, Aloft Downtown Durham is right next to the ballpark. Fans 2 The fan support is about the only downside to a Duke baseball game. Unless Duke is playing NC State or UNC, only expect about 500-1000 fans in attendance. Therefore, the 10,000 seat ballpark can seem a bit cavernous for Duke games. However, the fans in attendance make noise and cheer for their Blue Devils. The roof over the seats can make the crowd noise from the few hundred fans in attendance sound even louder. Access 4 The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is located right off the Durham Freeway (NC 147) in downtown Durham. Once you exit off of the Durham Freeway, you will be at the parking decks surrounding the American Tobacco Campus in a couple minutes. Parking is usually plentiful for Duke games, unless there is an event at the Durham Performing Arts Center. If you are flying into town, the Raleigh Durham International Airport is only about 15 minutes away, Only the main DBAP entrance is open for Duke games. The concourse at the DBAP is spacious and easy to navigate. Concession and restroom lines are generally short due to the small crowd size. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Duke games at the DBAP are $8, which might seem high due to the small crowd size. However, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to see a ranked ACC opponent taking on the Blue Devils. Couple this with the fact that you can sit wherever you want, $8 is not a bad deal. Concession prices are on par with what you would expect at any other college game, and parking at the nearby garages is $5. If you park on the street, down the road a little from the DBAP, it is free. Extras 1 Duke baseball gets an extra point for playing at the DBAP, with all the amenities and restaurants surrounding the park. There is plenty to do before and after the game – all within walking distance! Final Thoughts While you will most likely want to visit the DBAP to see the Durham Bulls play, it is worth it to visit DBAP to see Duke play, especially if they are playing a weekend ACC series.

Let me start by being abundantly clear; the Providence Steam Roller (“Steam Roller” is two words, not pluralized) may be the coolest nickname in the history of sports. Co-founder, co-owner and former Providence Journal sports editor Charles B. Coppen hated when people called them the Steam Rollers. In his mind they were “one singular unstoppable force of athletic prowess, mowing over opponents like, well, a steamroller.” Coppen overheard an impressed spectator state that the opposition was “getting steam-rolled” during an early game in the team’s history and promptly changed the team’s name. The Steam Roller was only around for a few short years but hold some pretty impressive distinctions in the world of professional football. In 1928, decades before Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady came along to make football in New England a thing, The Steam Roller brought the first NFL championship to New England. Back then there was no such thing as playoffs and the league champion was decided by winning percentage, as there were many inconsistencies in scheduling. So, while the Frankford Yellow Jackets boasted an 11-3-2 record as opposed to Providence’s 8-1-2 mark, the Steam Roller were declared champions based on their .889 winning percentage (ties were not counted in the standings at this time). While the Steam Roller never reached these heights again, they did achieve some additional notoriety, one because of a truly noteworthy event, one because of a scheduling quirk never to be seen again. Between November 5 and November 10, 1929, the Steam Roller played an unbelievable four games in a six-day stretch. They started in Staten Island, came back to Providence, then took a road trip to Frankford, PA, then came back home to Providence. Could you imagine a team today undergoing such a stretch of games? This quartet of games could hardly be considered a success, as the Steam Roller finished with an 0-3-1 record. In what turned out to be a more conventional innovation, the Steam Roller hosted the first ever NFL game played under the lights. A game against the Chicago Cardinals was originally scheduled to be played on November 3. A storm left their home field, the Cycledrome, unplayable. Not wanting to lose a lucrative home date or game pay, the game was rescheduled for the night of November 6 at nearby Kinsley Park. The game, played under newly-installed flood lights, drew a crowd of 6,000 fans. To aid players and spectators, the ball was painted white. The Providence Journal reported the ball “had the appearance of a large egg.” Chicago won the game 16-0. The Steam Roller’s home stadium was as unique as the team’s nickname. The Cycledrome, located just off North Main Street on the Providence/Pawtucket city line, was built as a velodrome to host bicycle races. With a capacity of 10,000, it was the largest bicycle track in the United States at the time. A five-lap wooden track encircled the playing field. The track featured sharply banked ends, which severely cut into the end zones. One end zone was reduced to five yards deep due to the track. Lights were installed for the 1930 season, allowing for night games to be played. The Cycledrome was the first facility to install permanent lighting. The Cycledrome, while a fantastic facility for its day, was far from perfect. There was only one locker room, which was used by the home team. This locker room was for the cyclists, and about the size of a pair of phone booths. The Steam Roller players had to use it one at a time. Jim Conzelman, the team’s coach, joked that the team sustained more injuries in the locker room than they did on the field. Still, the Steam Roller made out better than their opponents, who were forced to change at their hotels. Temporary bleachers were placed on the track straightaways, putting fans right on top of the action. It was said that the stands were so close to the field that players would often end up in the stands at the end of plays. Still, the Cycledrome was known as a great place for fans, with great views of the action close to the field and top local entertainment of the day featured during halftime. The location on the Providence/Pawtucket city line meant that fans from both cities could use their local public transportation to get to the game. The Steam Roller even had their own fight song. (Slowly) Steam Roller… Roll, Roll, Roll (Faster) Across their… Goal, Goal, Goal For while the band is playin’, stands are swayin’ Fans are sayin’ ‘ROLL, Steam Roller’ Through their line Around to the end! That’s fine And, now to swell the score, one TD more So… Roll! Roll! Roll! Unfortunately, the Great Depression had a detrimental effect on the Steam Roller, who folded in 1931. The Cycledrome was closed in 1937 and demolished in 1938. On its site was built one of the first drive-in movie theaters in the country. Now hidden just off Interstate 95, a shopping center stands where the first NFL championship in New England was won. Don’t bother looking for any remnants or reminders of professional football or the Steam Roller here. There are none.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 CAA Arena 265 Cannifton Rd Belleville, ON K8N 4V8 Belleville Senators website CAA Arena website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 4,400 From Bulls to Sens The best word to describe the city of Belleville, Ontario in 2015 was shocked. From 1981 to 2015 the residents supported the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League. Always a bit of an underdog situation with a modest population of just over 50,000, it never seemed that the Bulls were in too much danger. However, it was the changing landscape of the American Hockey League that would really make huge changes in Belleville. The affiliate for the Montreal Canadiens had been in Hamilton, Ontario for a number of years. However, the Canadiens had intentions of bringing their affiliate back to Quebec, in a brand new building to be built in Laval. The long-term survival of the Hamilton franchise was in doubt without the draw of the Canadiens affiliation. It was at that point that Hamilton Bulldogs owner Michael Andlauer made a quick move to simultaneously sell the Bulldogs and purchase the Belleville Bulls and move them to Hamilton to become the Bulldogs of the OHL. Belleville was left without hockey. After two years, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk would purchase the Binghamton Senators and move them to Belleville. Hockey would return in 2017. The franchise was originally christened in New Haven as the Nighthawks. In 1992 they would become the Senators, move to Prince Edward Island in 1993 and then Binghamton in 2002. Home for the Senators is the CAA Arena. Formerly known as the Yardmen Arena, it was originally built in 1978 by the Belleville Yardmen, a group of railroaders who would raise more than $3 million. It is part of the larger Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. With the arrival of the American Hockey League, Yardmen would undergo significant renovations to the tune of over $20 million. The most significant renovations would be to increase the arena capacity and change the size of the ice rink from international dimensions to NHL dimensions. To help placate the costs of the renovations, the city owned arena would sell the naming rights to the arena in 2018 to the Canadian Automobile Association in a seven year deal. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions selection at CAA Arena is strong. Three main concession stands offer different features at each. The Sidney Slice offers pepperoni and cheese pizza slices as well as deluxe nachos, which include beef brisket. The Front Street Grill offers hot dogs, sausage, burgers, chicken burgers, chicken tenders, fries and poutine. The Cannifton Carvery offers beef brisket sandwiches, chili cheese dogs and chili served in a bread bowl. Most stands also offer arena staples like popcorn and candy. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at the CAA Arena. Coffee, water and iced tea are also available. Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Strongbow Cider and Bacardi Breezer are available for fans who wish an alcoholic alternative. Prices are about what one would expect for concessions at minor league hockey. Atmosphere 3 CAA Arena is part of the larger Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. The exterior of the arena itself is not overly spectacular; a dark upper portion with non-descript entrances. The better view of the building is probably from the back side, where fans must enter through Quinte. CAA Arena is not huge or intimidating from the exterior and could probably pass for an industrial building on the exterior. On the inside, the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre brings all of the pieces together. The CAA Arena as well as swimming facilities and other hockey arenas are all joined together with a bright and vibrant concourse. The upper level of the back side of the building will give fans the opportunity to meander through the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. The local sports halls of fame are always fun to explore just to see who can be found. The highlights in Belleville are new inductee Andrew Raycroft and Bobby and Dennis Hull. The arrival of the AHL and Senators in Belleville has brought an updated colour scheme to the CAA Arena. Bright red, white and black entrances into the arena are new and welcoming, even proclaiming to welcome fans home. Inside, the concourses are fairly open giving a consistent view of the ice. The numerous levels featured at CAA Arena offer plenty of little corners and odd spots to view the game which are perfect for the standing room only fan. The south end of the arena offers bar seating and a social area as well as club seating. Upgrades to the arena are noticeable when entering the seating bowl. Lower and upper levels still remain, but the north end of the building has been opened up and numerous seats have been added to increase capacity. Also, fans can see how the ice surface has shrunk down to an NHL size rink. Ice level is fairly wide open now and moving around at the bottom is easy. Older seating is immediately identifiable as the lighter green seats are older than the darker ones. There is nothing wrong with the older seats, but it does give fans a unique perspective on the different iterations of the arena. The brand new video board is above centre ice and at the south end of the arena hangs a simple score clock. The sound system is also new and crystal clear. Unfortunately, remnants of the old Belleville Bulls days are gone. There are no banners hanging to commemorate the old days. The only banner hanging is in the north end and signifies the inaugural 2017-2018 season in the AHL. The game day experience in Belleville is not atypical. A fairly decent selection of music is played during down moments in the game. The Senators employ an in-game host who leads the promotions. Theme nights are also part of the experience. The game that was reviewed featured Super Hero Night and Spider-Man, Iron Man and Deadpool were in attendance and ready for photo ops. Neighbourhood 3 Belleville is not a huge city, but there are a few options for pre and post game fare. CAA Arena is located in a fairly residential area, immediately east of the Moira River. There is not much within walking distance of the arena, so hopping in the car is the best idea. Some of the restaurants fans should consider include the Slapshot Bar & Grill, Quinte Restaurante, Linguine’s, Burger Revolution, Northway Family Restaurant and the Boathouse. In Belleville, the Senators are basically the only game in town. There is not much in the way of other sports in Belleville. As for other activities, heading south toward the lake early in the season will bring fans to a number of different parks. Also, fans may consider the Glanmore National Historic Site. For fans wishing to stay in the Belleville area, there are a number of options. Comfort Inn Belleville and Best Western Belleville are both options to consider. Fans 2 It’s hard to fully get a grasp on the situation in Belleville. All were shocked when the Bulls were sold and moved to Hamilton, but closer analysis sees that the Bulls were consistently near the bottom of the OHL in attendance. The upgrades to the arena have surely helped, but it is hard to say that the situation in Belleville has changed much. Truth be told, AHL hockey is much different than OHL hockey and only time will tell if Belleville truly embraces the AHL experience. In their inaugural season, the Senators averaged just over 3,600 fans per game which ranked them last in the AHL in attendance. In their second season, attendance has fallen off a bit. Although it would seem that the Senators affiliation with Belleville would be a positive, the Senators have been pretty bad in Ottawa in recent years and the fans have been not-so-subtly revolting against owner Eugene Melnyk. It is too early to say that the Senators in Belleville are a failure, but they still have a ways to go to be proven a success. Fans in the stands are pretty reserved and quiet, but do get loud for the big play or goal. Access 4 Getting to the CAA Arena is not difficult at all. For those coming from out of town, CAA Arena is located immediately south of the Macdonald-Cartier Expressway or Highway 401. Fans will not have to travel too much through the city to get there. There is plenty of free parking at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. For those looking for the public transit option, there is a bus stop right in front of the arena. There is also a shuttle bus which runs from the Quinte Mall. Fans are encouraged to check out the Belleville Conventional Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the CAA Arena is not terrible, but the concourses can be on the narrow side and there are plenty of stairs to get around to the different levels of the arena. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate. Return on Investment 4 Going to a Belleville Senators game will not break the bank. Tickets for the Sens will run between $23 and $27. There is a surcharge of $2 for premium games. Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the ice is decent and the game day production is good as well. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the City of Belleville not giving up on hockey after the shock of losing the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. An extra mark for Belleville’s own superfan who dresses up and celebrates each goal with cymbals. He also travels the arena to different sections to share the joy. Final Thoughts The return of hockey to Belleville was absolutely necessary. What the future holds for the Senators will be interesting. The residents of Belleville need to fully embrace the Senators and AHL and get out to the arena to make the Senators at CAA Arena an even better experience. When near Belleville, it is a great plan to check out the CAA Arena and the Belleville Senators. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 AAMI Park Olympic Blvd Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia Melbourne Storm website AAMI Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 30,050 Storm Front in Melbourne AAMI Park is located within the same Melbourne sports precinct as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Melbourne Park (including Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena). The stadium opened in 2010 with a capacity of 30,050 and largely serves the Melbourne Storm (NRL), Melbourne Rebels (Super Rugby), and Melbourne City (A-League). Historically Melbourne’s winter sporting landscape was dominated by AFL, which of course is played on an oval-shaped playing service. However, as rugby league and rugby union began to expand their competitions, along with the explosion of the A-League, it became clear that Melbourne required a purpose-built rectangular stadium. Indeed, AAMI Park was a key selling point of the Melbourne Rebel’s bid to join Super Rugby. Since opening, the stadium has hosted international rugby league, rugby union, and soccer. The distinctive bio-frame domed roof is a unique architectural feature and provides cover for most of the seats, while still allowing natural light through to the field. The Melbourne Storm represented new territory for the National Rugby League (NRL) as the first-ever Victorian-based team when they joined the competition in 1998. At the time a flurry of new teams was formed as the game rushed to nationalize, particularly as News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League fought for control of the administration of the sport. In the end, the Storm has been the only non-traditional market team to survive. While they may have struggled for traction in a market saturated by AFL, the Storm have quickly established themselves as a powerhouse on the field. They have won four grand finals in their short history, however, only two of their premierships are officially recognised. A systematic and secret rorting of the salary cap saw the NRL strip the club of the 2007 and 2009 premierships; an unprecedented severity of punishment in Australian sport. Despite this, the club has rebounded and is led by several of the top players in the league. After moving between the old Olympic Park and Etihad Stadium, the club has found a permanent home at AAMI Park. Food & Beverage 3 There are no real surprises when visiting the concession stands at AAMI Park. The majority of food is confined to mass-prepared hot items such as hot dogs ($6.50), hot chips ($5.80), meat pie ($4.10), large sausage rolls ($5.00), fish and chips ($11.00), chicken and chips ($10.00), beef burgers ($10.50), chicken burgers ($10.50), and dim sims ($5.80). There is also a stand-alone German sausage tent which is the only specialty item available. The cheapest alcoholic beverage available at AAMI Park is a light beer for $7.40 (light in alcohol content), with mid-strength at $7.60 and premium mid at $8.40. Wine ($9.50), cider ($10.50), and pre-mixed spirits ($10.80) are also available. Soft drinks cost $5.40, while carry trays are the usual $1.00, so be sure to reuse them. In general, the service, quality, and variety all rate as average, and the prices are certainly no reason to increase the rating in this section. Atmosphere 4 This modern stadium has a design that offers great views, no matter where you sit – the stadium operators boast of the fact that there are no pillars or supporting concrete beams, resulting in obstruction-free viewing throughout the venue. Likewise, the steep stands keep spectators feeling close to the action, even in the upper deck areas. There are video screens in two corners of the stadium which are adequate, however, I found the score display to be a little small. There is a good feel outside the stadium, with an additional fan zone experience to be found in neighbouring Gosch’s Paddock. The pillars on the lower level concourse feature large pictures of past and present Storm greats. The enclosed stadium roof helps generate an intimate experience that maximizes crowd noise, and AAMI Park also features several environmentally-friendly design features to minimize energy consumption. Neighbourhood 5 One of the strengths of stadium policies in Victoria is accessibility and a centralised location. AAMI Stadium is well within walking distance of the CBD, with a pathway leading directly to the sports precinct at East Melbourne. Given its proximity to the centre of a global city like Melbourne, there are countless options for pre or post-match entertainment. The southern capital is known for being trendy and well-presented; the coffee is great and there is a thriving laneway culture of bars and restaurants. The Southbank area is also a good place to head, with the Crown Casino nearby. In addition, in the opposite direction from AAMI Park in Richmond, which also boasts a bustling nightlife scene. Melbourne also has a wide selection of craft beer bars and craft beer on tap at pretty much every bar, so if good beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed. A must would be Slowbeer in Richmond, as well as Holliava which is quite close to AAMI Park. In terms of attractions and entertainment, there are a variety of nightclubs and bars in the area which are worth investigating. From the rock and roll music venue The Corner Hotel to the rollicking 9T4 bar, there is a bar for any fan. Melbourne Airport is around a 40-minute taxi ride from AAMI Park, and while there are numerous suitable accommodation options within the CBD, the Pullman on the Park is across the road from the sports precinct, offering views of the MCG. Fans 4 In choosing their colours, the Melbourne Storm always intended to choose the traditional navy and white of the state of Victoria. However during the inception phase, it was recommended that several other colours are included to broaden the appeal to the community, and hence purple has since become the defining colour of the club – a unique colour scheme for the NRL. While most native Melbournians have not been raised in rugby league, the passion of the Storm fan base is the equal of most other clubs in the competition. Their average crowds hover around 14,000 to 15,000, which is quite good for the NRL, and especially so for Melbourne. And while the fans may not be as educated on the intricacies of the game, they are loud and supportive of their team. Access 5 The best way to get to AAMI Park from the CBD is by foot, being roughly a pleasant 15-minute stroll. Train stations at both Jolimont and Richmond are good options should you be coming from further afield, and Melbourne also boasts an extensive tram network. Parking close to the stadium is limited, although if you’re willing to walk it is possible to find either street or paid parking in nearby suburbs such as Richmond or even up in Collingwood. If you are catching mass transit be aware that the system operates on a cashless MYKI card that must be bought and pre-loaded with credit. AAMI Park itself is easy to enter, although the steepness of the stands means quite a few stairs. The concourses are a little narrow when congested, but largely it’s easy to move around the exterior and interior of the stadium. The bathrooms are nice and clean, and plentiful. Upon entry expect a brief bag search as is the norm these days. Return on Investment 4 With Category 1 tickets priced over $50 for Adults, this won’t be a cheap day out. However, unreserved General Admission tickets are only $25, which is comparable to other NRL venues. Despite the cost, AAMI Park is well-designed, clean, and modern, and offers a great viewing experience. Extras 3 Additional points for the fan experience and engagement, team store, mascot, cheerleaders, and the multi-faith prayer room – a nice inclusive touch. Final Thoughts Most visitors to Melbourne will be keen to catch an AFL game while in town. By all means, do so, but also make time to see the hometown Melbourne Storm at beautiful AAMI Park.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 William B. Greene Jr. Stadium 1244 Jack Vest Dr Johnson City, TN 37614 East Tennessee State Buccaneers website William B. Greene Jr. Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,694 The Bucs Fans Stop Here East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911. It is the 4th largest university in Tennessee with a student body of over 14,000 students. It primarily offers a liberal arts curriculum, although it does have a separate medical school and school for allied health (public health, nursing, pharmacy, and physiology). The school’s football team is known as the Buccaneers, and they are members of the Southern Conference. The football program at the school first started in 1920, but there have been several interruptions in the program over the years. The school did not field a team during the years of World War II, and from 2003-2015 due to financial limitations. The team had to play the 2015-2016 while the new on campus stadium was being built. Over the years, the Bucs have won four conference championships (two in the Ohio Valley Conference and two in the Southern Conference). The team finally moved into the William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium in time for the 2017 season. The stadium is horseshoe shaped with one end of the stadium built into a hillside. The north end of the stadium features a grass berm, where fans can bring a blanket or beach towel to sit on. The seating capacity for the stadium is 7,649 including 9 skyboxes. The field has artificial turf, as the area is subject to heavy winter storms late in the season. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands at Greene Stadium are found at the plaza level on both side of the stadium. They offer the typical stadium foods including pizza ($4) popcorn ($4), nachos with chili cheese and jalapenos ($6), pretzels ($4), hot dogs ($4), candy ($3), chips ($3), and peanuts ($3). Drink selections include bottled water ($4), Pepsi brand fountain drinks ($4) and coffee/hot chocolate ($3). Beer is not sold at Greene Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Even though the hiatus period from 2003-2015 was tragic for ETSU football, it allowed the school some time to plan and construct a very well-designed stadium. The location of the stadium is very dramatic, as Buffalo Mountain is stunning, especially when it is in full fall color. The designers also took advantage of the natural terrain, building the stadium into the side of a hill, allowing one end of the stadium to include a very popular berm seating area. They also could include two very important traditions in the stadium design, as the Bank of Tennessee Arch is a salute to the program’s past, while the Foundation Rocks are symbolic of the program’s future. Bank of Tennessee Arch, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The use of the terrain in the design is also important, as it brings the stands very close to the action on the field. All the auxiliary elements such as bathrooms, merchandise tables and restrooms can be located on the broad entry plazas. It is very apparent to visiting fans that the William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium is a very well-designed venue. Neighborhood 4 William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium is tucked into the southwestern corner of the ETSU campus at the base of Buffalo Mountain. The campus is adjacent to downtown Johnson City. The northern border of the ETSU campus is located along State of Franklin Street, one of the main thoroughfares in the city. The street features many restaurants, including Cootie Brown’s Campus, as well as hotels like the Carnegie Hotel. Johnson City is the 8th largest city in Tennessee, and it features many attractions for visitors. These include the on-campus Carter Railroad Museum and the Museum of Ancient Brick, as well as off campus sites such as the Tipton-Haynes State Historical Site and the Bristol Motor Speedway in nearby Bristol, TN. Fans 4 The fans at ETSU games play a huge difference in firing the team up. The stadium is nearly full for every event, as the student body and the alums at the game are also supplemented by the many Johnson City residents who either work for the school or have a family relationship with the program. The fans also want to make sure the program never goes on hiatus again. Fans arrive early for games, as tailgating is very popular at ETSU. Many families head to the Food City Fan Fest, as there are games to play, inflatables, and face painting for the little ones. It also is along the route for the Buc Walk. The athletic department and the spirit groups at the university have built some great traditions into the gameday activities. The first of these is the Buc Walk. It takes place two hours prior to kickoff, as the team makes its way from the athletics building to the stadium. They are accompanied by Bucky, the team’s pirate mascot, the ETSU cheerleaders and the Marching Bucs Band. Their route takes them through the campus via the alumni gathering tents and the Food City Fan Fest. It is a great way to fire up the fans and the team. Buc Walk, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The second tradition takes place when the team arrives at the stadium. The Bank of Tennessee Arch sits atop the seating bowl and looks out over the field. The Arch is a nod to the arches at Memorial Stadium, football’s home long ago. The team understands that it is critical to walk through the arch on the way to the locker room. Even the fans practice this tradition. The third tradition features a pair of boulders that were unearthed during stadium construction. They are known as the Foundation Rocks and represent the strong foundation the football program is now built on. The players rub the rock in the end zone on the playing field just before the game kicks off, Fans can rub a companion rock up near the entry plaza to ensure good luck in the game. The color gold is very important to ETSU fans and faithful. The team has always had the color somehow incorporated into their uniforms. Special games (homecoming/ championship games/rivalry games) always bring the “Gold Out” uniforms. The school has also planted gingko trees around the perimeter of the stadium, as they turn a brilliant gold color in the fall… just in time for football season. Access 5 Getting to a Bucs game is easy, and William B Greene, Jr Stadium is also very easy to navigate. Directions to parking for ETSU home games: FROM I-26: Exit at Exit 23 (East Market Street) Head West on East Market Street (Hwy 91). Turn left onto Colonial Way. Turn right onto East State of Franklin Street and go 1.7 miles. Street will become West State of Franklin Road. East Tennessee State University will be on your left. Turn into campus at John Robert Bell Drive. Turn right into Parking Garage. Directional signs will guide you to pregame activities and William B Greene, Jr Stadium. Once you have parked and spent some time at the Food City Fans Funfest, it is a short walk over to the stadium. The stadium opens two hours prior to kickoff, so you have plenty of time to settle in. You will enter through a plaza which sits atop the seating bowl. Make sure you pass through the Bank of Tennessee Arch and rub the Foundation Rock before you go in, as these are considered good luck actions for the Buccaneers football team. Along the plaza you will find the concession stands, a very well stocked team store and the restrooms. After you’ve loaded up and made a pit stop it’s time to settle into your seat. For the most part, the stadium seating is aluminum bench seating. It is a good idea to bring a seat cushion. If you are interested in visiting the other side of the stadium, that is not a problem, as there is a paved walkway at the plaza level that takes you around the top of the seating bowl to the other side. Return on Investment 5 Going to a Bucs game will not break the bank, as the cost of tickets, concession prices and parking are very reasonable. Tickets run from $10 General Admission tickets (berm seating in the end zone) up to $50 (individual stadium seats at the 50-yard line) All other seats are $30 -$40 for bleacher seating with tickets closer to the 50-yard line costing more than ticket closer to the goal line to the 20-yard line. The prices at the concession stands are very reasonable. Parking is available in the parking deck just off State of Franklin Road for $10. Hotels can be pricier on gameday weekends due the limited supply of rooms in Johnson City. You can expect to find hotel/motel rooms for $130 on game weekends. Extras 5 The Bucs played in the on campus Memorial Stadium from 1977 – 2003. It was a domed structure with an artificial turf field. The students jokingly called the building the “mini dome” It was not considered for a return to use by the football team when the program restarted due to its small size. The building has been retrofitted and is used by the sports medicine department, a few of the indoor sports, and some departments within the athletic administration. While the new stadium was being built, the Bucs played one of their games at the nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. It attracted the largest crowd in ETSU history. Unfortunately, it has an * in the record books, as the game was played at an off-campus venue. Mountain Dew was invented in Johnson City and is available at all Buccaneer athletic events. East Tennessee State’s rivalry game each year is against the Western Carolina University Catamounts. It is known as the Blue Ridge Border War due to each school’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ETSU Marching Bucs, the ETSU Dance Squad and Flag Squad and the ETSU Cheerleading Squads deserve their own Extra for working seamlessly together to keep the energy level high throughout the Bucs football games. Final Thoughts William B Greene, Jr Stadium is a terrific venue in which to enjoy a Bucs football game. The natural beauty of the setting, the great traditions ETSU has built into the program, the berm seating behind the end zone and ETSU Marching Band’s non-stop involvement in the game all add up to a very enjoyable day for the fans.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stadio Artemio Franchi Viale Manfredo Fanti, 4 Florence, Tuscany 50137 Italy ACF Fiorentina website Stadio Artemio Franchi website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 47,282 For Fiorentina The Artemio Franchi Stadium is the largest sports center in Florence and the scene of the home matches of Fiorentina. Wanted by the Marquis Luigi Ridolfi da Verrazzano and designed by the architect Pier Luigi Nervi, it was built in two steps between 1930 and 1932. Officially opened on September 13, 1931, during the match Fiorentina vs Admira Vienna, it was initially dedicated to Giovanni Francesco Berta and then it was called with the generic name of “Stadio Comunale” after World War II and, from November 1991, it was named Artemio Franchi. Since its inception it has invoked the attention of athletes and designers due to some architectural solutions considered innovative at the time; the spiral ramps to access some areas, the coverage of the main grandstand without intermediate supports, the 55 meter tower that stands in the middle of the “Tribuna Maratona”. The venue has hosted some matches of the World Cup in 1934, Olympic Games in 1960, and European Football Championships in 1968. After restructuring to eliminate the athletics track where Sebastian Coe on June 10th 1981 had marked the world record in the 800-meters, the venue also hosted the World Cup in 1990. The stadium has also been host to some Italian rugby matches of Six Nations. In particular Italia vs Australia played on November 24th 2012. Throughout its history it has been the site of major concerts: Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Vasco Rossi, etc. Food & Beverage 3 The prices of food and drink are in accordance with other Italian stadiums. For coffee we spent €1, and for a sandwich €3.50. Fans can buy popcorn, chips, ice cream, cakes, and various drinks (that are served in paper cups, because inside the stadium bottles and cans are prohibited). During the game some sellers pass through the spectators. Outside the stadium, but only during competitions, there are peddlers of typical sandwiches; sandwiches with “porchetta”, “trippa” and “lampredotto”. Atmosphere 4 Before each competition the speakers spread the anthem of the home team, “Ale Ale Fiorentina”. The audience participates by clapping to the rhythm of the song. The covered areas are those with access from viale Manfredo Fanti. Both curves and the “Tribuna Maratona” are uncovered. The minimum distance between the playing field and the areas of “Parterre Tribuna” and “Parterre Maratona” is only about 2 or 3 meters. The area reserved for fans of the visiting team is located between “Tribuna Maratona” and “Curva Ferrovia”. A lighted board is behind “Curva Ferrovia”. The most awaited matches are those versus Juventus, Milan, Inter, Roma and Lazio. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in the neighborhood “Campo di Marte”, at the eastern outskirts of Florence. In addition to Artemio Franchi, in this part of the town there are the sports hall (basketball, volleyball, etc.), the stadium for athletics, swimming pools and other sports facilities. Furthermore, there are restaurants and pizzerias, pubs and cafes, as well as guest accommodations. In conclusion, it’s a great place to wait for the start of the match or spend time out of the stadium. Fans 4 Fans that are the most passionate about the team are in “Curva Fiesole”. During some special occasions they are the authors of suggestive choreographies by using colorful flags and banners. The Fiorentina’s fans – these are the warmest of Italy – stand out because they wear t-shirts, caps and scarves colored in purple (gadgets that fans can buy in the benches outside the stadium). Access 3 Reaching the stadium is very simple. The railway station “Firenze Campo di Marte” is about 500 meters away. Local public transport, called “Ataf”, links from the city center to this neighborhood. For those who come from out of town and travel by car, my advice is to leave the A1 highway at “Firenze Sud” (coming both from Naples and Milan) and follow the signs for “Stadio”. It’s more difficult to find parking especially when big matches are planned, so take the train if you can. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from a minimum of €17 for curves and the area of visiting supporters, to a maximum of €140 for “Tribuna d’Onore”. In general, both in “Tribuna Centrale” and “Tribuna Maratona”, ticket prices are much cheaper as we move in the direction of the two curves. In the case of friendly matches, prices can drop to €5 or €10. Extras 3 In Florence there is the Federal Technical Center of Coverciano, the venue of the Italian National football team as well as the Football Museum. The latter is open from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday only by appointment. There are plenty of other great choices for visitors including the “Ponte Vecchio” and “Campanile di Giotto”, “Duomo” and “Palazzo Vecchio”. Florence is truly one of the great tourist destinations. It’s raining and have you forgotten the raincoat? No problem, fans can buy one for €5 at the bar inside the stadium.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena 19200 College Dr St. Marys City, MD 20686 St. Mary’s (MD) Seahawks website Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 1.200 The Other St. Mary's When sports fans think of St. Mary’s College, they usually think of the school in Moraga, California that produces the occasional basketball upset of Gonzaga. However, there is another school of that name as well, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Unlike other schools of that name, this St. Mary’s is a public university that gets its name not from a Catholic saint but from St. Mary’s City, Maryland, where it is located. St. Mary’s City was the first colonial settlement in the State of Maryland, and the fourth-oldest permanent English settlement in what was then the Thirteen Colonies. Today, half of the city is a state-run historical preservation and reconstruction area similar to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, also known as Historic St. Mary’s City, while the other half is occupied by the modern-day SMCM campus. Although the original St. Mary’s City was once a thriving port town, its population had dropped to just 100 by 1644. Today, almost 400 years later, the population is just 733, almost all of them associated with either the college or the historic site. SMCM’s athletic teams are known as the Seahawks, and they compete at the NCAA’s Division III level in the United East Conference. Since 2005, the Seahawks basketball team has competed at the Michael P. O'Brien Athletics and Recreation Center Arena. The long name is because the arena is part of a larger building of the same name (minus the "Arena" part.) This building contains a student recreational facility, a swimming pool, and the athletic department's offices. Food & Beverage 1 There is a concession stand at the St. Mary's arena, but it was closed when we visited. However, there are vending machines in the lobby near the restrooms that sell snacks, water, soda, and Gatorade at vending machine prices. Fans can bring these, or other outside food and beverages, into the arena with them. Atmosphere 2 St. Mary's plays their games in a small arena, seating just 1,200 fans. The first few rows on each side are chairbacks, while the remainder are plastic bleachers. All seats are general admission, and given the small crowds, you should have no problem finding a chairback. Wherever you sit, you will be up close to the action.. There is not much going on here other than the game itself, as you might expect at Division III. This means you will hear everything that happens on the court, from squeaking shoes to coaches shouting at their players. Some may enjoy this purist experience, while others may find it quite boring. Neighborhood 3 St. Mary’s City contains precisely two things – the St. Mary’s College campus and Historic St. Mary’s City , which is a historical reconstruction park similar to Colonial Williamsburg and Plymouth Plantation. It is a popular field trip site for Maryland schoolchildren, and tens of thousands of others visit the site every year as well. It is well worth a visit for the colonial history buff, but for just about anything else, you’re going to have to go into a neighboring town like Lexington Park. There are some places to eat up and down Three Notch Road (Route 235) and Point Lookout Road (Route 5), and some hotels that are mainly used by people visiting the historic site, but you’re going to have to drive at least 10-15 minutes to get there. Fans 2 The Seahawks typically draw only a few dozen fans a game – on a good day they might get 50 or 75. Most of them are friends or family of the players, but you do get the occasional local, or perhaps some tourists who got bored of the historical site and want to do something else for a day. The fans who do show up are not particularly involved, and with so few of them, it wouldn't matter much if they were. Sports is simply not a huge deal at St. Mary's and basketball is no exception. Access 3 Unless you’re already in town to visit the historical site, getting to the St. Mary’s campus will take some driving. Maryland Route 5 and Maryland Route 235 both serve the area, but it’s a long drive from any major city along mostly local roads. It is two hours from Baltimore and an hour and 45 minutes from Washington, DC. Keep in mind that if you are planning to travel here from areas across the Potomac River or the Chesapeake Bay, particularly the Northern Neck of Virginia or Maryland’s Eastern Shore, places that look close on a map may actually be a long drive away as there are no bridges across either body of water at this location. A map may show that the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is only about 40 miles away as the crow flies. Still, it would be difficult if not impossible to see both the Hawks and the Seahawks on the same day as getting from St. Mary’s to Princess Anne requires a three and a half hour drive up to Annapolis, across the Bay Bridge, and back down. Likewise, parts of Virginia’s Northern Neck are only about ten miles away as the crow flies, but require almost a two-hour drive as the nearest bridge is many miles away. Once you make it onto the campus, free parking is available in Lot V next to the arena or lot V-1 on the other side. Although it is marked as being for faculty and staff only, you will be allowed to park here without issue on gameday. Restrooms are around the corner from the arena doors, in the lobby near the vending machines. They are more than sufficient for the small crowds. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are available in the lobby for $5, parking is free, and you won't pay more than a couple of dollars for the vending machine items that function as concessions. So a trip to a St. Mary's game certainly won't break the bank. However, it is hard to justify an experience as basic as this earning the top score. Extras 1 ‘Look for the banner honoring Jamie Roberts. Roberts was a former St. Mary's women's basketball player who also starred in soccer and lacrosse for the Seahawks. Sadly, she was killed in 2014 during a cross-country bike ride to raise money to fight cancer. St. Mary's soccer and lacrosse stadium is also named after her. Final Thoughts College sports, including basketball, are simply not a huge deal at St. Mary's College of Maryland. This is the Division III level, the lowest level of NCAA basketball, and that is reflected in the experience. However, for those like us who think all basketball is good basketball, a trip to a St. Mary's Seahawks game can be an enjoyable experience.

Photos by Paul Baker Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tate Rink Lonesome Rd. West Point, NY 10996 Army West Point Golden Knights website Tate Rink website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 2,648 Hockey Knight in West Point “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps, and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.”–The Sporting News Located in the shadows of renowned Michie Stadium , Tate Rink was built to replace the gigantic ice surface at Smith Rink, which had been home to Army hockey since 1930. Tate Rink is named for Joseph S. Tate ’41 and Frederic H. S. Tate ’42, brothers and pilots who were both killed during combat in World War II. Tate Rink is part of the Holleder Center, which also houses Christl Arena and the Black Knights’ basketball team. The Holleder Center is named in honor of Major Donald W. Holleder ’56, an All-American football and basketball player who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1967. Hockey has been played at West Point since 1903. The Black Knights currently compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The team won one conference championship, in 2008. Army hockey has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stands at Tate Rink are tucked away behind the stairs that bring fans up into the Holleder Center lobby. The menu is limited to your basic arena fare, including hot dogs and nachos. In addition, hungry Black Knight fans will find cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and assorted candy here. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Holleder Center. Many fans will choose the attractive souvenir mug for six dollars. Also located in this area are a Dippin’ Dots cart and a pretzel cart. Fans looking for something a little more substantial will head over to the secondary lobby, located past the Hall of Captains, where The Grill serves up additional items. Chicken tenders, french fries, sausage, pepper sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and burgers can be found here. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have been to Michie Stadium for an Army football game will be disappointed at the relative lack of pageantry and ceremony here. Still, there is something special about attending a game at one of the service academies. At Tate Rink, the game is the main focus. There aren’t a whole lot of extraneous features here at West Point. Unlike many other college hockey venues, there is no pep band or cheerleading squad to distract fans. Disappointingly, there is no student section filled with Cadets. The simple gameday presentation will undoubtedly please hockey purists. There is only a simple dot matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice, which displays basic game information. A large video board at the far end of the rink shows game highlights, advertisements, and graphics. If you come to a game against one of the Army’s big rivals or another service academy, expect a much livelier atmosphere at Tate Rink. Neighborhood 3 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. During the winter months of the hockey season, the ski lodges of the Adirondack Mountains are only a couple of hours away. With Tate Rink’s location on a military base, visitors will have to travel a short distance off-base before encountering any locations for lodging or dining. Fans 3 Army averages between 1,700-1,800 fans per game at Tate Rink, which places them in the bottom quarter of all the Division One teams nationwide. The Black Knights enjoy strong support from residents, who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the team. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be much support from the student body here. The support and antics of the Cadet section, which adds so much to the Army football experience, are sorely missed here. Access 3 When planning a trip to Tate Rink, keep in mind that this is an active military base, so give yourself a little extra time to arrive, as there is added security at the entrance to West Point. Located in the shadow of Michie Stadium, the Holleder Center is home to the Army hockey and basketball teams. With its gray concrete shell, it looks very much like a product of the 1980s. What Tate Rink lacks in warmth and creature comforts, it makes up for in tradition. Parking lots are located a short walk from the entrance to the Holleder Center. Fans must navigate several flights of stairs from the lot to the arena. Be warned, it’s a long walk back uphill to get to your car after the game, and the area is not well-lit. Watching the children in attendance try and scale the steep hillside is almost worth the cost of admission in itself. Fans will enter the Holleder Center into a small lobby, where the ticket offices are located. A pair of staircases take fans up to the main lobby, located between Tate Rink and the Cristal Center. A pair of hallways off this main lobby leads to the seating area. Seats at Tate Rink consist of a pair of grandstands that run the length of the rink. The seating area is a bit unusual in that the first row of seats is located eight feet above ice level. This elevated perch, along with the steep pitch of the grandstand, ensure that all seats have a great view of the ice. The first few rows of seats consist of black plastic folding stadium seats, with the upper-level seating consisting of metal bleachers. There is no seating at the ends of the rink. Return on Investment 4 The army utilizes flexible pricing for their games at Tate Rink. Depending on the game you attend, expect to pay between $10 and $20 for chairback seats and between $9 and $15 for bleacher seats. Detailed pricing information can be found on the Army hockey website . Parking is free in the lots next to the Holleder Center. Concession prices are in line with other arenas in the area. Extras 5 It is doubtful that there is a campus anywhere in the United States that can match the history that surrounds when you step foot on the West Point campus. Campus tours operate seven days a week, highlighting many of the campus’ prominent and noteworthy features. It is recommended that if visiting Tate Rink, you carve out some extra time to explore the campus. In the early fall months of the hockey season, the scenery around campus is breathtaking. The West Point Museum contains comprehensive displays on the history of the United States Military, the Academy, and a most impressive collection of old weaponry. Be sure to make time to take in as much of the history available here as you can. Once inside the Holleder Center, be sure to check out the Hall of Captains, where plaques commemorating every captain for every varsity sport in the history of West Point line the hallway. In addition, photos of every hockey team to represent West Point line the hallways at Tate Rink. Banners honoring legendary coach Jack Riley and his successor, his son Brian, hang from the rafters. Final Thoughts While Tate Rink lacks many of the creature comforts that dominate newer hockey rinks, there is an old-school sensibility here that makes taking in a game at West Point an enjoyable experience. Excellent sightlines and an intimate seating area only add to the enjoyment. Tate Rink’s location on one of the most historic campuses in the country only adds to its allure. It’s an arena that should be included on any hockey fan’s wish list. “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory” –General Douglas MacArthur Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Moretz Stadium 1811 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601 Lenoir-Rhyne Bears website Moretz Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 7,500 Between the Bricks at Moretz Fresh off an $18 million stadium renovation that included new stands on the west side, an updated press box, a new videoboard and VIP suites, plus new concessions and restrooms, Lenoir-Rhyne football enters its 116th season poised for success. Known as football “Between the Bricks”, due to the brick construction of their stadium’s stands, the Bears football program began in 1907 and boasts four Championship appearances and five bowl appearances. Currently competing in the South Atlantic Conference of the NCAA’s Division II, the Bears have gone 28-4 over the past three seasons, so the future is definitely looking bright. Lenoir-Rhyne’s home field, Moretz Stadium in Hickory, NC, opened in 1924 and currently has a capacity of 7,500. Food & Beverage 3 Moretz Stadium doesn’t offer a huge selection of food and beverage items at its concessions stands, but there is plenty to get you by, and there are multiple stands on each side so lines don’t get too long. On offer there are Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($6), Domino’s pizza ($8), and hot dogs ($4), plus nachos with cheese ($5), pretzels ($4), peanuts, candy, chips, or popcorn ($3 each for the latter four). Drinks include bottled water, bottled Pepsi products, and Gatorade, also for $3 each. Atmosphere 4 Moretz Stadium has a great tailgating atmosphere both in the main parking lot and behind the stadium on the practice field – plenty of fans are out in force long before kickoff, grilling out, playing cornhole, and tossing footballs around, and generally just soaking up the great atmosphere. The facility also feels new and shiny clean, pleasant to walk around and with lots of different vantage points to watch the game from, from the broad concourse above the stands on the east side, to the rowdy Bears student section behind the end zone, to the shady west side with it black chairback seats in some sections. Bears Student Section, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey The band and mascot also do a great job entertaining fans – the band plays great music and does their signature L-R spellout, while the mascot, Joe Bear, can be seen parading along the west side and revving up the students in end zone. There are also fireworks which go off after every L-R score, and on special occasions they even have a flyover before the game and fireworks after. Neighborhood 5 Hickory, NC is probably the perfect size city – big enough that there are plenty of restaurant and shopping options, including a mall, but small enough that you don’t have to fight too much traffic. About an hour west of Winston-Salem and an hour northwest of Charlotte, Hickory provides a rural feel with lots of greenery and hills, and plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast, including activities on the nearby Rhodhiss Lake (which is shaped much more like a river). The most popular restaurant option for Bears’ fans in town is Kickback Jack’s , which claims to be the only eatery in town with L-R sports “always on”, showing Bears contests on multiple TVs inside, making it a great place to hang out before or after the game. Kickback Jack’s is a sports bar that offers steak, seafood, burgers, and other pub fare, and boasts a great atmosphere inside. It is also a local chain restaurant (with locations in NC and VA only), making it a great option if you are visiting the area from further away. Fans 3 The fans are great at Moretz Stadium, especially in the student section where the most diehard can be seen sitting on the wall behind the end zone with their legs hanging over. There are also a good number of opposing fans in attendance on the east side, which is more common at this level of football given how close the schools tend to be to each other. Access 5 Moretz Stadium is easy to get to and even easier to move around – located on Lenoir-Rhyne’s campus in a quieter part of town (read less traffic), there are multiple roads that come right up to the stadium. If you have a parking pass you can park in the lot right in front of the stadium, which is open for tailgating, or you can park on one of the streets near the stadium and walk up. There is a ticket window on the left side of the main entrance, with will call in a tent set up on the right side; there is also an entrance on the back side of the stadium if you come in that way. Once you get into the stadium there is plenty of room to move around – the concourses are wide and there is plenty of standing room. The new restrooms are also plentiful and easy to access, and there are new VIP suites in each corner of the south end zone, if you want to get away from the elements. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Lenoir-Rhyne football start at just $20, which is a great deal for the beautiful facility you get to enjoy. Plus, with the Bears playing so well of late, you will have the chance to see some great action on the field. Extras 3 Moretz Stadium offers the typical amenities on average days, such as the band and the mascot, and things like t-shirt tosses during breaks in the action. However, be on the lookout for the special occasion games that include bonuses such as fireworks and the plane flyover (which will be advertised by the school well in advance). But even without those special items, a trip to watch L-R football is more than worthwhile – go Between the Bricks when you can!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 John A. Ryan Arena 1 Paramount Place Watertown, MA 02742 Bentley Falcons hockey website John A. Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,250 Hockey in the JAR-o The John A. Ryan Arena, or JAR as it is known locally, is a public skating arena located in the Boston suburb of Watertown, MA. In addition to serving as the home of the Bentley University Falcons, the JAR is home for several local high school teams and local youth hockey teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar located near the entrance to the Ryan Arena. Only your basic items are available here, with the menu consisting of pizza slices ($2.50), nachos ($4.00), and hot dogs ($2.75). Fans looking for snacks will be happy to find pretzels ($3.50), cotton candy ($3.00), candy bars ($1.50), and fried dough ($4.00) available. Cans of Coca-Cola products ($1.50) are available for purchase, but most fans choose coffee or hot chocolate ($2.00) to help deal with the very cold temperatures inside the JAR. Many fans in attendance opted to bring in their own hot drinks from the local Dunkin’ Donuts. As you might expect from a small snack bar, the food offerings are chosen for their value, not their quality. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere inside the JAR is about what you would expect when you attend a game at a local rink. Standard arena rock plays over a tinny PA system during play stoppages, not one, but two mascots roam around, and there is a decent turnout from the student body. Unfortunately, for the most part, students do not sit in an organized section, gathering in small groups to watch the game. As a result, their cheers and taunts tend to be disorganized, and fall flat. For most of the game, the crowd is rather quiet, making for a lifeless experience. In fact, despite the fact that I was seated three sections away, I could clearly hear Bentley’s play-by-play commentator describing the action on the ice. Neighborhood 3 The town of Watertown may be best known today as the site of the gunfight and apprehension of the Boston Marathon bombers that effectively shut down greater Boston for the better part of 24 hours in April 2013. When not in the news, Watertown is a working class suburb known for its quiet neighborhoods, diverse population, and good public schools. The JAR is located in a commercial area in downtown Watertown. Within a short distance are several grocery stores, shops, and places to stop and grab a bite to eat. While Watertown is hardly considered a destination city, there is more than enough to keep local fans happy and occupied. Given Watertown’s proximity to Boston, most fans from out of town should choose to explore the nearby city rather than remain in Watertown. Fans 2 Crowds for Bentley hockey games average somewhere in the range of 400-600 per game. Shuttle busses are available to bring students to the JAR from the nearby campus, and there is usually a decent turnout from the student body. The student section at the JAR is known as the “Falcons’ Nest”, but unfortunately most students seat themselves in small groups throughout the seating area. As a result, there is no cohesive voice coming from the stands. What chants and taunts that students do try and muster up end up disorganized and flat. There does not seem to be a lot of representation from the greater Boston hockey community at Bentley games, as crowds lag greatly behind other area programs. For the most part, Falcon crowds appear to be of the “friends and family”variety. Access 3 While the Bentley University campus is located in Waltham, MA, the Ryan Skating Arena is located in the neighboring town of Watertown, MA, a short ten minute drive from the Bentley campus. The town of Watertown is located six miles outside of Boston on the northern bank of the Charles River. Being this close to Boston, Watertown has several public transportation options. While the Boston subway system, known locally as the “T”, does not serve Watertown directly, Falcon fans looking to use public transportation to get to Ryan Arena will find several MBTA bus lines serving the area around the arena. In fact, Bus 558 has a stop at the corner of Paramount Place, just a short block away from the Ryan Arena. Other busses are available to transport people to and from downtown Boston. Fans driving to the arena (which is not recommended in the narrow, congested streets of most Boston suburbs) will take Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike. Exit 17 will deposit you about a mile from the arena. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Ryan Arena will certainly not break the bank. Free parking is available in the small lot adjacent to the rink. Be sure that you actually park in the Ryan Arena lot, as several other lots near the rink belong to local businesses, and they advertise an aggressive towing policy. Tickets to Bentley games are affordably priced at $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Concessions are reasonably priced, and fans have the option to bring in their own beverages if they choose. Extras 0 The hockey experience at the JAR is as bare bones as you will find anywhere in Division One. Final Thoughts Given the amount of top-notch college and professional hockey available in the greater Boston area, Bentley has a hard time attracting a whole lot of attention for their program. Fans who travel to the Boston area with limited time and resources would be well advised to concentrate their efforts at the other wonderful arenas in the area. Those fans who enjoy traveling to many different arenas will find the Ryan Arena a serviceable, no-frills facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Columbus Civic Center 400 4th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Lions website Columbus Civic Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 7,573 It's Football Time in the Civic Center The state of Georgia is well known for its love of football – from Friday nights under the lights at high school fields around the state to Saturdays on college campuses or Sundays at Mercedes Benz Stadium , there is no denying Georgia’s love of football. While Georgians have a deep love affair with the game in its traditional form, the alternative forms of the game have found a niche audience in the west central Georgia city of Columbus. Columbus, Georgia has been a fixture on the arena football landscape since 2007, when the initial incarnation of the Lions would play in the World Indoor Football League. Since that time, the Lions have played in seven different indoor football leagues, finding their most recent home as members of American Indoor Football (AIF). Over the years Columbus has shown itself to be one of the more formidable teams regardless of the league they played in – the Lions have made the playoffs in all but one of their seasons, and have won four league championships. Arena football’s core rules are similar to typical football, but the limited size of the playing surface (50 yards long and just over 28 yards wide) calls for specialized rules to compensate for the restricted space the game is played. Some rule differences are evident right away, such as 8 players per side and different pre-snap motion rules. Other rule changes regarding defensive stunts and blitzing might not be as obvious right away, but overall the rules here are designed to emphasize scoring, to create an exciting game experience.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Columbus Civic Center are a mix of traditional stadium fare and a touch of local options. The basic concession stands have a limited menu that includes nacho chips with cheese sauce, popcorn, bottled Pepsi products, and Gatorade. Pepsi vending machines are also widely available around the concourse. The line at Chester’s BBQ & Grille should be a good sign that it is probably the best bet when it comes to concessions here; Chester’s has a wide selection of chicken tenders, wings, BBQ sandwiches, and just good old scoops of meat (yes, this is an actual menu option). Chester’s is the best bet to get a decent arena meal at a fair price, including several combo meals that offer a well-discounted price. Besides Chester’s, a combo concession stand serves a limited menu from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, while the other side serves cones from ice cream chain Bruster’s.  Pizza is also served at The Pizza Place, but $7 for a slice does seem a bit steep. Full-service bar stations are set up on the exterior concourse on each side of the arena and offer fans domestic beers, mixed cocktails, wine, Nutrl vodka seltzers, and cans of Cutwater premixed cocktails.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Columbus Civic Center has a rather modern feel to it, utilizing a great deal of windows to the curved entry point of the arena. Once inside the entry foyer is reminiscent of a smaller version of Gas South Arena , with bookending stairways that curve up to a second level. The arena itself has the feel of Macon’s Centreplex , where the seating bowl horseshoes into a wall of what appears to be either offices or suites. A small, four-sided scoreboard hangs over midfield, but the center sideboards either do not work or are just not used for whatever reason. While the enjoyment of the game is not impacted by the lack of a video board, there is nowhere for fans to get down-and-distance information. Stoppages in play are typically accompanied by music rather than ad reads, which fans appear to enjoy, as they are quick to their feet to dance along with the music. Players also frequently take notice of the music being played and are excited to join the fans in dancing. Throughout the game the team mascot, Leo, makes his way around the arena, taking pictures and interacting with fans. There is a lot to make the Columbus Lions experience an exciting one for both those who are there simply to be entertained, and those who are there more for the competition on the field.   Neighborhood   3 Columbus Civic Center is part of the larger complex that sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, just across the state line from Alabama. The complex is home to several of Columbus’ athletic facilities, including R.G. Jones Field and the accompanying softball complex, which hosted softball during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, as well as A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which once hosted the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” between Georgia  and Auburn  – today McClung Stadium hosts the “Fountain City Classic” between Albany State and Fort Valley State. On the western edge of the complex is Golden Park, the one-time home of the Columbus RedStixx, and following major renovations, this venue will become the new home of the Atlanta Braves AA affiliate in the Southern League when the Mississippi Braves relocate following the 2024 season. Though not directly on site, the Civil War Naval Museum neighbors the athletic complex. Just a short drive from Columbus Civic Center, downtown Columbus has a concentration of restaurants, brewpubs, and lodging. The Columbus Riverwalk along the Chattahoochee River also provides access to the Civic Center from downtown, while just across Chattahoochee is Phenix City, Alabama, with more eateries and hotels.   Fans   4 The Lions give their fans a lot to get excited about through their performance on the field, and their fans reciprocate with a great deal of support. Columbus Civic Center typically sees a few thousand fans fill the seats of the arena, and they play a big part in setting the tone for a fun indoor football experience. Columbus players are very interactive with their fans – it is commonplace for players to celebrate by giving fans high-fives as they return to the bench area, or for a fan to help a player tuck his shoulder pad back into his jersey. The Lions have a long history in Columbus, and it has paid off in a symbiotic relationship, where the team is part of the Columbus community and a source of local pride.   Access   3 Columbus is located in west central Georgia, approximately an hour-and-a-half from Atlanta’s southside. Visitors from Georgia’s largest city can access the area via I-85 to I-185. If coming to Columbus from any other direction, be prepared to use US or state highways. Columbus Civic Center is surrounded by a great deal of parking, close to the front entrance to the arena. The layout of the entrance is a bit strange in that the box office is not accessible from the outside, so visitors will have to enter the arena to purchase tickets. This line might be a bit delayed once security checks are set up. Once in Columbus Civic Center, curved staircases lead to a concourse that horseshoes around the back of the arena. There is not an inner walkway that passes fully around the seating bowl, but several entry portals allow visitors to easily access their seats. While the concourse continues completely around the arena, security does not allow access to the back hallway, so fans can’t walk fully around.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets start at $15, which might seem a touch high, but when considering there are no parking fees, it does make the general admission ticket price a bit more reasonable. Concessions are a bit hit or miss. Pizza prices do seem to be rather expensive with a slice going for $7. On the other hand, Chester’s prices are very reasonable, and they do not shy away from serving good-sized portions.   Extras   4 Columbus Civic Center is also home to the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame – th ree of the most notable enshrined athletes come from the world of baseball: Walter Alston, Enos Slaughter, and Frank Thomas (all three are members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame). If you look close enough at the end zones, through the black paint, you will notice the logo of the LA KISS of the Arena Football League; the KISS was owned by band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Like other indoor football leagues, fans are free to keep game balls that enter the stands. Players are also rather generous in tossing touchdown or turnover balls to kids, or to some of the more passionate adult fans. Following the game, fans are invited onto the field for 30 minutes for a player meet-and-greet to get autographs, take pictures, or just interact with players.   Final Thoughts The Lions play a fun, high-speed, high-scoring style of football – the problem is they might be too good, making many of their games not very competitive. It’s a good problem to have, though; no one wants to be on the other end of that equation. American Indoor Football seems to be struggling to establish a competitive balance and sustainability for its league. The 2024 season started with plans for seven teams, but one folded midseason, another moved to a non-league schedule, and a third never got operations off the ground. Games have been so lopsided this year that the playoff format was even changed midseason. The instability of the league does not seem to hurt the Lions as an organization, however, as they appear to be head and shoulders better than the rest of their competition in the league. Regardless of what the future holds for AIF, Columbus appears to be on solid footing when it comes to the stability of their franchise and should continue to prosper regardless of what the 2025 arena football season might bring.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Roy Stewart Stadium 1401 North State Route 121 Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Roy Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 16,800 The Track Roy Stewart Stadium, built in 1973 and named for the former long-time football coach and athletics director, is affectionately known as “The Track” to long-time fans and alumni. The Track holds a respectable 16,800 people. The largest crowd to see a game since 2000 is 11,276 on October 28, 2000 versus Tennessee Tech. The largest crowd to see a game at The Track is 16,600 on Halloween versus Eastern Kentucky in 1981 (Frank Beamer was Murray’s head coach). A couple of high-profile coaches have paced the sidelines of Roy Stewart Stadium before becoming the household names we know today. Houston Nutt was head coach at Murray State from 1993 through the 1996 season before leaving for Boise State for one year and heading to Arkansas in 1998. Frank Beamer began coaching the Racers in 1981 and left Murray State after the 1986 season to take over at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. In other words, Frank Beamer’s last job before taking over at Tech was Murray State. Sure, that was 26 years ago, but you see me working over here. The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1996 through the 2006 season. FieldTurf was installed in 2007, and continues to be the artificial grass of choice for the Racers. 2007 also brought a new surface for the track that surrounds the field, new play clocks, and new goal posts. The first year of football at Murray State was 1924 and the first game was played on September 15th of that year, with the Races eking out a 27-25 win over Western Carolina. The Racers have won eight OVC titles to go along with five NCAA playoff appearances. Food & Beverage 3 Concession prices are very affordable. Don’t expect to pay any less for concessions at The Track than you would at your local high school game. On the other hand, don’t expect to find a selection any greater than a high school game. I still say the low cost outweighs the lack of snacking options: Soda: $2.50 (Regular), $3 (Large) Hot Cocoa/Coffee: $2 Water/Gatorade: $2 Chips: $1 Candy: $1.50 Popcorn: $2 Nachos: $3 Racer Dog: $3 Hamburger: $4 Atmosphere 4 Considering the skyline from your seats consists of breathtaking views of Cracker Barrel, Goody’s, Home Depot, Qdoba, Subway, Radio Shack, Big Lots, among other great American franchises, the atmosphere still has the charm of a small college football town. Racer One, the official horse of Murray State football, running around the track after each Racers touchdown is unique and adds a great amount of pageantry to the afternoon. Another plus — some may call it a minus — is there is no replay board and/or Jumbotron anywhere in sight. Some may say it would resemble a high school atmosphere. In my opinion, it resembles what college football was 15 years ago, at even the highest level. There was no need for huge high-tech ribbon boards, high-def screens the size of a city block. The only thing needed for a great college atmosphere was a cloudless blue sky, colorful leaves falling on crunchy grass, and an air temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot. Speaking of beautiful leaves, I give yet another nod to Murray State for the path of trees along the back of one end zone that provides an autumn backdrop that assures you that the pageantry of college football is served well in Murray, Kentucky. Neighborhood 3 You won’t be deciding on where to eat with much excitement, but you won’t be relegated to just fast food, either. The Cracker Barrel across the street is probably not the worst place in the world to eat, but if you’re in the mood for something unique, you will have to drive about 40 miles to Paducah. If you are looking for the standard fare of chain restaurants, you are within walking distance to most. Qdoba, Captain D’s, Subway and Burger King are also available for a quick bite before or after the game. Murray State’s campus is safe, welcoming, and a nice place to take in a college football game. Again, you won’t be blown away by any hipster coffee shops or a strip brimming with nightlife, but you will find a college campus full of proud students and alumni who are ready to welcome you to a college football Saturday at The Track. Fans 3 The Track is far from a sold-out house, but the fans that come out to watch a game are there to actually watch the game, not to be seen. Nothing stands out as far as gameday traditions — not counting the horse, but this is about the fans and I don’t believe I’m allowed to count the horse — or mass amounts of tailgating, but the fans in attendance don’t let the surrounding empty seats keep them from cheering for their Racers. Access 5 The Track is right in the heart of Murray, Kentucky. Driving in the from the east, the stadium comes into view to the right at about the exact same time Kroger and Burger King become visible on your left. There’s a good chance you could watch the Racers in action on the field from one of the Hinkle Chair rocking chairs on the front porch of Cracker Barrel, as the only set of seats stands behind the north sideline. Return on Investment 4 If buying from Ticketmaster, the most expensive ticket is $25.50, with the cheapest ticket being $12.50. If you are traveling to see your team play at Murray, or if you are in the area and looking for a game to attend on a fall Saturday, you can do so without spending an arm and a leg. This isn’t an SEC Saturday atmosphere, but it does football Saturdays justice. Extras 4 I think the lack of extras give Murray State a few bonus points. Some people want the creature comforts of a modern stadium like the Jerry Dome in Dallas, while some people are Wrigley Field/Fenway Park types. Both types of stadiums are great in their own way, so long as you know what you’re getting into before you arrive at your venue of choice. It’s no different if you are visiting The Track on a given autumn Saturday. Final Thoughts If you are looking for the theme park shopping mall feel of a Cowboys Stadium, a Murray State game will leave you very disappointed at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you go to Murray, Kentucky expecting a campus and stadium overflowing with a throwback charm that has recently faded from the college game, you will be very pleased with your visit.