Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Smoothie King Center 1501 Dave Dixon Dr New Orleans, LA 70113 New Orleans Pelicans website Smoothie King Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,900 Laissez les bons rouler at "The Blender" For most people when it comes to New Orleans, they think the Crescent City is a football town. After all, this is the South, and New Orleans has a love affair with the Saints  and LSU  football that remains unmatched by most major cities. However, for some people New Orleans can be considered a pretty big basketball town as well, and like the long and winding Mississippi River that runs through the city, New Orleans has a long and winding history with hoops that rivals its football history. First there was future Hall of Famer Larry Brown, who would lead the 1968 New Orleans Buccaneers to the ABA Finals. Then in 1974 the NBA placed an expansion team here, the New Orleans Jazz – the Jazz were led by former LSU  star and Louisiana sports icon "Pistol" Pete Maravich, a man considered the greatest ball handler ever. Venue and attendance issues playing in a cavernous Superdome , combined with never making the playoffs, plagued the Jazz  from the beginning, however, causing the team to relocate to Utah in 1979, where they remain to this day. Over the next 23 years, New Orleans would be without a professional basketball team, but the city would have plenty of great basketball moments – it was in New Orleans where Michael Jordan won his first championship, as his UNC Tar Heels  won the college tournament in 1982. It was also where Indiana  coach Bob Knight would win his third and final championship in 1987, and where UNC coach Dean Smith would win his second and final championship in 1993; ultimately the Crescent City has hosted seven Final Fours as of 2024. The newest era of basketball in New Orleans began in 2002, when the Charlotte Hornets  moved here and began play at Smoothie King Center, located right next door to Caesars Superdome . Re-named the Pelicans in 2013, the Pels have added another chapter to New Orleans' rich and storied sports history thanks in part to names such as Baron Davis, Jamal Mashburn, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and now Zion Williamson, who have all donned Hornets/Pelicans jerseys over the last 23 years.   Food and Beverage   4 When you're in a culinary staple of a city like New Orleans, you can expect nothing less when it comes to concessions here, with over 30 points of sale where you can get food and drink throughout the arena. Smoothie King Center also has only two levels (100 and 300), so it doesn't take long at all to go up and down between floors. On the 100 level you can find different stands, each with their own unique New Orleans flavor. Tip Off offers jambalaya and alligator sausage dogs, while Nola Nachos offers custom and specialty Cajun or seafood nachos, or check out Krispy Krunchy Chicken for friend Cajun chicken tenders and wings. You can also get pizza by the slice at Parish Pizza, or gourmet burgers from Back Court Burgers, while for New Orleans seafood try Pier 121 for fried catfish, oysters, or shrimp po-boys. There are even portable stands that sell Creole fixins' like red beans and rice and gumbo, and if you like spicy Cajun food then you are in luck coming to a Pels game. The 300 level features 14 stands, with many of them the same stands as on the first floor; the only notable difference being the addition of Sweet Shack, which is a decent sized candy store. Make sure you get some pralines, as New Orleans has some of the best pralines in the world. For beverages there are plenty of drink offerings, as well as several bars you can sit down at located throughout the arena. The great thing about the bars is they are open to the public – on the 100 level at the main entrance there is Jameson Sports Bar with over 20 beers on tap, while on the 300 level there is a bar called Shooters, with big screen TVs and excellent views of downtown New Orleans. Alternatively, for a unique setting try Hennessey Lounge, located on the north side of the 300 level; this dimly lit lounge area features couches, and provides a much more intimate and less crowded spot than any other bar in the arena. While at Hennessey you can purchase plenty of domestic or imported beers, in cans or on draft. Be sure to try one of Faurborg Brewery's local beers on tap – this east New Orleans brewery offers custom beers for the region such as Velvet Voodo, Westwego West Bank IPA, Golden Cypress, and Beignet Au Lait (flavored after Cafe du Monde's famous beignets). New Orleans is also known for their daiquiris, and you can find plenty of daiquiris at most of the bars on the concourse, including two daiquiri only stands. And of course Smoothie King Center has a Smoothie King located inside the venue; at the 100 level near the main entrance you can get a smoothie in any of their delicious flavors.   Atmosphere   4 Nicknamed "The Blender", Smoothie King Center opened its doors in 1999 as New Orleans Arena, with the sole purpose to attract an NBA franchise. The building was purposely built unfinished, to take into account any renovations the building would require to land a team. The Blender is slowly beginning to show its age, and has received some flack in recent years as not being up to comparison with other NBA venues. The Blender also doesn't really stand out amongst the New Orleans skyline, being overshadowed by its neighbor next door, Caesars Superdome . But for everything the arena is lacking, and in a city known for its partying, the Pels gameday staff does an excellent job trying to make it an exciting and festive atmosphere. You'll know it's Pelicans gameday in New Orleans as soon as you lay eyes on Caesars Superdome  and Smoothie King Center heading into the city, as both venues will be lit up from the outside with red and blue LED lights (Pelicans colors), along with searchlights lighting up the sky in all directions. There are two entrances into the arena, on the north and east sides – I recommend entering at street level on the north side, which is the main entrance, and outside the arena there is usually a jazz or brass band playing as you enter, and the street is sometimes blocked off for a street party. You’ll enter the facility into a wide-open and spacious lobby and have a chance to be on TV, as Pelicans Live, the official pre-game show on Bally's Sport, is set up broadcasting with former Hornet  point guard David Wesley leading the crew. Next door is the huge team store that was recently renovated for last season, as well as another cool exhibit, on the northwest side of the first floor concourse, in the Louisiana basketball history display. Here you can find wall exhibits and touch screen displays of some of the past figures in Louisiana basketball history. You can also find a display showing the history of all the different college basketball programs in the state, and on the wall as you walk the long hallway, you'll find all the high school jerseys of all the basketball programs in the state. A large pelican statue is also located near the displays, which makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Upstairs on the 300 level you'll also find other exhibits, such as an arcade area and a replica locker room area with all the players’ jerseys and shoes in their lockers – you can compare your wingspan to Brandon Ingram, or measure your shoe size versus Zion Williamson. The entire north and east side upper concourse is glass as well, providing you with excellent views of the New Orleans skyline. Once in the seating bowl the arena is separated into two levels, with 40 club suites and 16 premiere suites that make up the 200 level. There is also the semi-private Hub Club located above Section 118; the club features premium seating for 127 fans, and also features a full-service bar. There is also a part of the Hub Club open to the public with TVs and a large bar that overlooks the arena floor. The in-house DJ is also located right here in the Hub Club, playing music over the arena PA system. Above center court hangs a large videoboard that shows a pretty impressive cool intro video when the Pels make their intro. The video really captures the essence and spirit of New Orleans, and has a dark voodoo theme, featuring the players backdropped by various places around New Orleans and in the French Quarter. The game day staff also does an excellent job during timeouts; you'll find the in-house emcee doing various promotional contest and giveaways. The t-shirt cannon they have is huge and has the ability to shoot up to 50 shirts into the stands at one time, and they also have staff in the rafters throwing out shirts to those in the upper decks.   Neighborhood   4 ‘Tis no other city in the world like New Orleans, but there is more than just Bourbon Street and drunken tourists. If you come to New Orleans you'll find a very rich and storied city filled with lots of culture, music, and attractions for all ages, as well as some of the best foods, some of which can only be found here. Smoothie King Center is nestled among the skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD) – in this neighborhood you’ll find mostly high-rise and government buildings, but the CBD does have a few attractions worth checking out. For example, about a mile south is the National World War II Museum, a must visit if in New Orleans and the largest collection of WWII memorabilia in the country. A few other attractions nearby include Harrah's Casino, Saenger Theatre, and Roosevelt Hotel, which hosts an amazing Christmas lights display. Also, across the street from the Roosevelt check out Orpheum Theatre, an old vintage 1920s theatre with a downstairs speakeasy called Double Decker. Compared to most big cities, New Orleans actually has quite a small metro area, so no matter where you are in the city you are less than 10 miles from all the attractions. The French Quarter is a must visit when in the city – most people associate the French Quarter with Bourbon Street, but there are so many more sights to see around the Quarter besides that, including Jackson Square, the French Market, Jax Brewery, St. Louis Cathedral, and many other historic sites and museums. It's impossible to list all of the restaurants in New Orleans, but must visits in the French Quarter include Cafe du Monde, Mother’s Restaurant, and Pat O'Brien's, which is famous for its hurricane drinks and dueling pianos. About a block south of the arena you'll also find a Walk On's as well as Dave and Buster’s, either of which can be a great pre-game spot. New Orleans also has a few family friendly options, including the Aquarium of the Americas located just off the French Quarter on the river. You can also either take a riverboat or streetcar uptown to visit the Audobon Zoo, or the Garden District is only about a ten minute drive from the Superdome , where you can take a tour of many historic houses. City Park also makes a great visit for the family as well, just for its gardens alone.   Fans   4 After the Charlotte Hornets  moved here overnight in 2002, they had a hard time establishing a solid fan base in the Crescent City. The Hornets had a rough start from the beginning – for one, moving to a small market already dominated by the Saints  didn't help matters either, not to mention the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which forced the team to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City. The team also didn't have a lot of winning seasons during those first ten years; not even superstar players like Chris Paul and Baron Davis could help the lowly franchise. Ultimately it would take football to save basketball, as the team was purchased by Saints  owner Tom Benson in 2012. The team would get a complete re-brand in 2013, being re-named after something that suited the region a little better: the state bird of Louisiana, the pelican. The mascot's name even suits the area more, as "Pierre" the Pelican has a name that matches Louisiana's French and Creole history. Pierre walks the arena throughout the game and is very active; he even has his own little area where he hangs out with the kids, on the 300 level near the arcade. The secondary mascot is a giant walking baby in a diaper that is modeled after Mardi Gras' famous king cake babies – though this latter mascot has been voted the NBA's creepiest, this is New Orleans and everything is different here, so what can you expect? The baby mascot has become a big hit with fans in the city since coming over from the old New Orleans Baby Cakes AAA baseball team. With the Saints  affiliation and the Benson Family owning the team, the team re-brand has only been positive for the franchise, bringing in a new wave of fans. Walking the concourse you'll find a lot more people wearing not only Pelicans gear and Zion # 1 jerseys, but also Saints jerseys or Drew Brees jerseys. Walking the hallways you can also expect to find many Saints tickets sales executives trying to sell tickets for football season, and when you are at Saints games expect to find Pelicans executives trying to sell basketball tickets. The partnership between the two has only benefitted both teams, as well as helped the city and both franchises recover from Hurricane Katrina. The Pelicans average about 17,200 fans per game, which as of last season ranked near the bottom of the NBA. However, the building only holds 17,900, so take that into account when you hear about the Pelicans not drawing well.   Access   3 Getting to Smoothie King Center should be easy no matter where you're coming from – the arena is located behind the Superdome  to the west, so you may not see it if coming from the east, but just look for the Dome. Interstate 10 will be the main way you come into to town; if coming from the west use Exit 13A onto Clairborne Street, while if coming from the east use Exit 235B. Navigating the one-way streets and aggressive drivers to get to the arena once in the city may pose some issues though. Also, New Orleans isn't exactly known for their nice streets, as many of the streets are congested and need of lots of upkeep. On the property there are seven covered parking garages and two public surface lots that hold over 7,000 cars, including five parking garages surrounding the Superdome  and two Smoothie King Center.   Parking is actually pretty cheap, with parking in the garages costing between $12 and $15 depending on which one you park at. There are tons of public lots and garages scattered throughout the Central Business District as well, where you might find cheaper parking, but it will require walking a couple of blocks to the facility. Certain areas around the neighborhood can get kind of sketchy after dark, so take that into account if you decide to park in the city and walk to the game. I advise against parking at any lots under the interstate along Clairborne Street or north of the CBD, as these areas aren't exactly the safest. However, once inside the arena you should have no problem getting around, as the concourses are wide enough to allow frequent flow, and due to having so many concession stands they tend not to back up. The arena is also quite small with only two public levels, so you shouldn't have any issues traversing your way around while inside.   Return on Investment   5 Coming to a Pels game is a great return on investment, as the Pels remain one of the cheapest tickets in the NBA. Like most NBA teams the Pels have dynamic ticket prices, where tickets to certain games against big opponents cost more than others, and pricing also depends on whether the Pels are having a winning season or not. Most games are pretty reasonable, and you can get tickets in the upper deck for most games between $8 and $15 – for certain teams like the Lakers , Celtics , and Warriors , however, expect to pay between $50 and $100 to sit in the upper deck. Weeknight games are the best games to attend as these will be some of the games where you can park and get a ticket for less than $20, which is an absolute steal to see some of the best basketball players in the world; this season’s team is one of the hottest, young teams in the NBA, led by Zion, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum.  New Orleans is also a very vibrant city filled with amazing foods, cultures, and of course Mardi Gras. It is a city everyone should visit at least once, so just by coming to Crescent City you are getting your money's worth.     Extras   5 One extra for all the big events Smoothie King Center has held over the years; besides the Pelicans the venue has also held the NBA All-Star Game three times (2008, 2014, and 2017), and has been a popular host for March Madness, serving as a first and second round site for the Men's NCAA Tournament twice (2007 and 2010), as well as hosting the Sweet 16 in 2011. The arena has also hosted two Women's Final Fours (2004 and 2013), as well as the first and second rounds of the 2008 NCAA Women's Tournament. The 2012 SEC Conference Basketball Tournament was also held here in 2019, not to mention the 2024 SEC Gymnastics Tournament. Besides the Pelicans, the Blender was also the home of the New Orleans Brass ECHL hockey team from 1997 to 2002, as well as home to the New Orleans VooDoo arena football team, from 2004 thru 2008, and again from 2011 thru 2015. Another extra for the Louisiana basketball exhibits on the first floor – in a region not traditionally known for basketball, the exhibits do an excellent job honoring the players, colleges, and high schools of Louisiana. They have exhibits on the wall as well as interactive touch screens; some of the players honored include those who went to college or high school in the state, names such as Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Elvin Hayes, and Joe Dumars. Smoothie King Center even has exhibits on the old New Orleans Hornets  and Jazz  franchises, including old jerseys and programs, plus a special exhibit on "Pistol" Pete Maravich, who was considered a folk hero in Louisiana due to his days at LSU  and with the Jazz. You could easily spend 15-20 minutes just reading the exhibit text if you love sports history. One extra for the name change in 2013 from the Hornets  to the Pelicans – the cool thing about the history of New Orleans professional sports franchises is they all have nicknames that tie into the spirit and culture of Louisiana. The Saints , Jazz , Brass, Zephyrs, Baby Cakes , Gold, and Buccaneers are all names of past and presents sports teams in New Orleans; now the basketball nickname fits the identity of New Orleans, and the Pelicans staff do an excellent job at marketing that name. One extra for the Saints -Pelicans partnership that formed when Tom Benson purchased the team in 2012; even though Mr. Benson is no longer with us, his wife Gayle is the sole owner of both the Saints and the Pelicans. The two franchises even share a training facility, as the Pelicans indoor training facility is located in part of the Ochsner Sports Complex in Metairie, which also includes the Saints indoor and outdoor training facilities.

Photos by Taiyuan Banks-Tillman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Golden Lions Stadium 1200 University Dr Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions website Golden Lions Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 16,000 Football is Golden In 2000, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff opened their new 16,000-seat stadium known as Golden Lion Stadium. The team is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and took home the conference football championship in 2012. This may not be major destination for college football fans, but if you do make the trip to central Arkansas, you can expect to find a welcoming atmosphere, filled with southern hospitality. Food & Beverage 2 There are plenty of concession stands, but like many stadiums, there never seems to be enough at halftime. If you’re thinking about getting something to eat in the stadium, consider sneaking out to the concourse a little before halftime to avoid the lines. Better yet, eat before you go, or save your appetite for later. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is always very welcoming. You really feel the southern hospitality. The school is doing a lot of things to enhance the campus, and if you have the time, it is worthwhile to walk around the campus a bit before the game. UAPB has a very strong alumni presence, and the school takes pride in making sure that new students are afforded opportunities to succeed. In the stadium, the view is amazing no matter where you sit. Most of the seating is bleachers, but there are also stadium seats available if you would like a more comfortable spit to watch the game. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located near Lake Pine Bluff. For the most part, tailgating may be your best option for food before the game, although you can get fantastic BBQ turkey legs for just $5 from Markie D’s, or other street vendors around the stadium. About a mile and a half to the southeast of the stadium you can find the Tastesetter Eatery, and Colonial Steakhouse. The Tastesetter offers casual dining including a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Colonial Steakhouse is the spot for carnivores, and they have an outstanding prime rib. Fans 3 The Golden Lion fans are welcoming to outsiders, and there is usually a good turnout for games. Access 3 Moving around the stadium is relatively easy. It can get a little congested at halftime as fans head for the concession or restroom, but overall, this is a very accessible facility. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are fairly expensive for this level of football. Bleacher seats go for $25 per game, while chairback seats go for $40. It isn’t a completely outrageous price, but feels just a little high for the overall experience. Extras 2 One extra point for UAPB being the home of defensive great L.C. Greenwood. One final extra point for the friendliness of fans and staff at UAPB.

Photo Courtesy of Cody Beard Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Lawrence-Dumont Stadium 300 South Sycamore Street Wichita, KS 67213 Wichita Wingnuts website Year Opened: 1934 Year Demolished: 2018 Capacity: 6,400 Wichita Declares Independence from the Independents The Wichita Wingnuts joined the American Association and took up residence at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 2008 when the affiliated Wichita Wranglers relocated to Springfield, Arkansas to become the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The ballpark which originally opened in 1934 received new life in the form of the Wingnuts who won 8 division championships in 11 seasons. The 2018 season, however, become the swan song for Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and for the Wingnuts as well. The City of Wichita has announced intentions to demolish the 84-year-old ballpark with plans to build a new state of the art facility on the same site along the banks of the Arkansas River. The new ballpark will bring with it a return of affiliated baseball as the Triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes will relocate to Wichita for the 2020 season. The stadium’s most prolific tenant was the National Baseball Congress; it hosted the annual NBC World Series pitting the best semi-pro baseball teams in the country. In 1935 it welcomed one of the first integrated baseball teams – the Bismarck Churchills led by Hall of Famer Satchel Paige. The Churchill’s wound up winning the very first tournament and its accomplishments are still talked about till this day. In 1949 it was the last venue to host the College World Series before that moved to its permanent home in Omaha, Nebraska the next season. In 1978 it would be renamed Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in honor of sports promoter Ray “Hap” Dumont who was an influential figure in the Wichita sports scene throughout his career. Food & Beverage 3 Lawrence-Dumont Stadium presents the normal options one would expect at a ballpark, the main concession stand located behind home plate on the concourse houses the main food and beverage options. In this area, you will find hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, and other ballpark favorites. This stand also offers soft pretzels, fries, and a variety of other ballpark staples. This is also where you will find fountain sodas, basic draft beers, and bottled water. The gem of Lawrence-Dumont is found on the concourse down the first baseline, tucked away under an awning near the team office is a small bar with a wide variety of beverage. A craft beer enthusiast will be happiest here as many local options are available in bottles, cans, and on draft. Wichita Brewing Company WuShock Wheat is a delicious easy drinking option on game day. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Lawrence-Dumont is lacking. For a normal run of the mill game, the ballpark can feel cavernous due to a small crowd and the spacious layout of the seating bowl which extends almost all the way down each baseline. The spacious foul territory also detracts from the atmosphere, an aspect that was once common in ballparks is now so rare that it detracts from the intimacy of the game and is noticeable. Awkward bucket seats attached to the top of metal bleachers similar to those found at Pohlman Field in Beloit, Wisconsin, also detracts from the atmosphere and causes a hodgepodge impression to the ballpark. A positive is the large and spacious team store which is stocked with a wide variety of merchandise that is at times hard to come by at the independent level. The stadium houses an array of history of former minor league teams and NBC players who honed their skills in the last eight and a half decades. There are plaques of former greats on the concourse and a pavilion area that honors the likes of “Hap” DuMont and Satchel Paige for their commitments to the NBC World Series. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is situated along the banks of the Arkansas River and provides a picturesque view of downtown Wichita; one view from behind home plate and it is easy to see why the new ballpark will be constructed in the exact same spot. With a great view and easy access to everything, downtown Wichita has to offer the location could easily check every box on any checklist. There is one exception however and that is the immediate neighborhood behind the stadium. The issue is that it is a large residential area with single-family homes which means two-lane residential streets which could slow entering and exiting on busy game days. A nice find however close to the ballpark and situated on the same side of the river is Aero Plains Brewing. Here you will find tasty craft beer with a constant limited food menu. With a little research of the brewery website or social media however you can find a food truck schedule and plan accordingly. Old Town is where the action is in Wichita. The red brick streets house a bevy of options from restaurants, breweries, shops, music venues, and nightlife destinations. Emerson Biggin’s is a sports bar pub, GangNam Korean Bar & Grill is the only one of its kind in town, and Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar offers 160 martinis. The district is also home to live music at Barleycorns and rooftop entertainment at Industry Rooftop. Fans 3 The baseball fans of Wichita enjoy and appreciate baseball; they typically average in the top half of independent baseball in attendance and know the game. These fans embraced and appreciated independent baseball and supported the Wingnuts for 11 seasons; they know the game and watch the action on the field closely. Access 4 Lawrence-Dumont is easily accessible and conveniently located in downtown Wichita. With ample parking this location is almost perfect, the only concern is the egress of the two-lane roads immediately surrounding the ballpark. This, however, is likely only an issue on large attraction games. Return on Investment 4 With tickets ranging in price from $8 for general admission up to $15 for lower box reserved prices are pretty in line with others across the American Association. The Wingnuts do have the dreaded day of game ticket premium so purchasing tickets in advance can save $2 per ticket in all sections. Where the real value comes in at Lawrence-Dumont is when everything else is taken into consideration. Many items in the concessions stand come in under $6 while good local craft beer options can be found for $5. Paired with reasonable priced items in the team store and the result is the real value being found at a Wingnuts game. Extras 3 The stadium receives the extra point for the history on display throughout the concourse and in the pavilion that wraps around the right field corner. The pavilion includes a large plaque dedicated to Satchel Paige and Hap Dumont, along with smaller plaques that extend to the concourse featuring Joe Carter, Roger Clemens, and Buck O’Neil. The stadium gets a second point for the Tecate Field Pass, a section of seats that puts fans right on the field of play in the left field foul territory. The stadium receives a final point for the possible haunting presence of “Hap” Dumont who succumbed to a heart attack at his office in the stadium in 1971. There have been times when staff members have heard his voice, seen shadows, and felt a presence before or after a ball game. One such time is when they were testing the microphones for the NBC World Series when an eerie voice told them to turn down the volume. Final Thoughts Baseball in Wichita will live on and some may even see it as a rebirth when the Triple-A franchise moves into a new state of the art facility in 2020. There is something to be said however for a classic facility offering an affordable family option while also providing a quality product on the field. Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is a grand old lady who has served her time well in the city, perhaps 80-some years from now, fans will be saying the same about the new facility getting ready to be constructed.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LIU Athletic Center 161 Ashland Pl Brooklyn, NY 11201 LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds website LIU Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Hoops of LIU *Editor’s Note – At the time of the writing of this review, the LIU system had not yet merged, and the team playing in Brooklyn was known as the Bluebirds. When the LIU campuses merged, the teams adopted the nickname Sharks.* The LIU Blackbirds, which plays out of the Northeast Conference, made the NCAA tournament in 2018, and they have an arena befitting a championship team. The LIU Athletic Center (also known as Steinberg Wellness Center), which is a short walk from Barclay’s Center as well as a plethora of worthy destinations, is an arena with the intimacy of a gym. Food & Beverage 3 LIU has two competent concession stands, offering candy, soda, chips, fresh popcorn, and hot dogs. No item costs more than $3. You might consider saving your appetite, as the immediate area has no shortage of dining options. Just a block away on Dekalb Avenue, there are several old-schools, hole-in-the-wall spots. Teriyaki Burrito House, which offers Mexican with Japanese flavors, is worth a look for its name alone. For something more conventional, Appleby’s is a field goal up the block. The legendary Junior’s is close by as well. For new schools in Brooklyn, the Dekalb Market Hall offers an array of choices. Atmosphere 3 It’s low-key and eclectic. LIU has a fun band and a very capable dance squad. Both add a lot to the package. Neighborhood 4 The Blackbirds fly in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, which is growing by the day and has no shortage of activities, everything from the arts at BAM to axe throwing. Perhaps the best activity is strolling around, checking out the different, adjacent neighborhoods. If you crave more college ball, St. Francis plays just over a mile away. Fans 3 New York City is a professional sports team town, so it’s an uphill struggle for colleges to garner big-time support. However, Blackbird fans, which range from students and alums to casual neighborhood spectators to mothers with kids, are engaged. And yes, the kids take the court at half-time. The Blackbirds attract about 600 fans a game. Access 4 LIU is a short walk from every imaginable public transportation option. It’s a 20-minute subway ride from midtown Manhattan. If you choose to drive, expect to hunt and peck for space, which is certainly doable. Or, you can pay for a garage, which there appears to be no shortage of. Return on Investment 4 All tickets go for $5, and there are no bad seats. Snacks are cheap. In short, it’s one of the best deals to be had. Again, this team is coming off an NCAA year. Extras 2 When I attended, the Blackbird players stuck around after the game to sign complimentary posters. They lost, but the Blackbird players put on happy faces. They seemed like good, talented dudes, worthy of support. Derek Kellogg, who formerly coached at UMass, is the Blackbird's head coach. A John Calipari disciple, it’s interesting and fun to watch how Kellogg's operates during a game. This is something you will not see at a place like the Barclay’s Center. In short, it’s big basketball at a small venue. Final Thoughts The LIU Athletic Center is a first-rate facility, which offers D1 basketball at unheard-of prices. When the LIU Blackbirds soar, they will fill up. There is no shortage of interesting activities for pre or post game fun. _____ You can follow Jon Hart @ManVersusBall.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cardinale Stadium 4441 2nd Ave Seaside, CA 93955 Monterey Bay FC website Cardinale Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 6,000 Soccer in the Bay The Monterey area is known for its great weather and beautiful scenery, but perhaps what is missing most is a true professional sports franchise – until 2021, soccer fans here had to look north to San Jose  for the closest place to quench their thirst for sports. Now, thanks to Monterey Bay FC, this need has finally been met. The team plays at Cardinale Stadium, on the famed campus of Cal State Monterey Bay, featuring views of the ocean from the grandstand and a hearty mix of local food vendors to satisfy cravings while at the game. All things considered, this may be the hidden gem of California’s bustling soccer scene.   Food & Beverage   4 To go hungry at Cardinale Stadium is to be blind – everything you could imagine, from typical stadium fare to food from local businesses, can be found here. Favorites like elite cups ($10), baked potatoes ($13), baked pasta ($20), mac ‘n cheese ($15-$20), cheesesteaks ($20), chicken wraps ($20), specialty corn dogs ($9-$14), calamari ($20), and so much more can be found at the various vendors. Drinks are easy to find too, with Alvarado Brewing as the main attraction for local beer. If you can’t find anything to eat or drink here, you’re simply not looking hard enough.   Atmosphere   4 The game day vibe at MBFC games is unmatched; the grandstands are filled for each game, and a family-friendly atmosphere permeates throughout. Pre-game fan activities include a kids’ zone outside the main gates, giving the youngest fans a chance to have fun before the match kicks off. Sponsor activations are also plentiful, with giveaways prevalent at most games. Theme nights are also popular here, with the likes of Star Wars night and others on the schedule. The stadium itself is simple enough, and features grandstands with backed benches for seating. The middle sections on the home side feature individual seats, and the end zone supporters’ section is the place to be for the team’s rowdiest fans. Vista views of the Pacific Ocean greet fans to the west of the stadium, while coastal pines provide shade to fans on the north side of the western end of the facility. With the stadium’s color scheme matching that of the team, and logo merchandise available at several locations, it’s easy to see what makes this such a sought-after experience for local sports fans.   Neighborhood   5 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small-town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay at, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from CSU-MB, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go, and no matter what time of the year you are going, there is always some form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, or Octoberfest. For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful here, including the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. The stadium’s immediate location, the town of Seaside, also features numerous restaurants and hotels.   Fans   4 The fans in Monterey are loyal and diehard. Best of all, they’re incredibly family-friendly, with many young fans making up those who are in attendance – this makes for an enjoyable atmosphere. Most of the games feature full or nearly sold-out games, and the chants from the supporters’ section don’t stop from the first kick until the final whistle.   Access   5 Parking is plentiful on-site for $20 – these lots offer easy in-and-out access to fans attending games at Cardinale Stadium, making for a seamless experience on game day. To get to the stadium, you just need to take the Lightfighter Drive exit from Highway 1; from there, you’re practically dropped off right next to the parking lot entrance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at just $22 for MBFC games at Cardinale Stadium, which is a steal for professional soccer, and with the incredible atmosphere and stellar weather, you’re in for great value. Add in parking on par with many other events at $20, and you’re right on target for what you’d expect to spend at any other sporting event. The prices for concessions can be a bit high, however, and that is likely to be what puts the biggest dent in your wallet, but with the quality of the food included, you’re sure to see value there as well.   Extras   3 The stadium features various seating options – from the supporter section in the far end zone to the sideline premium VIP seats, you have multiple options to pick from. You also can see vista views of the ocean from the stadium and entrance area, which makes for something unique among sports facilities. Finally, with MBFC games being held on CSU Monterey Bay’s campus, you’re also among the rest of the school’s athletic fields, meaning you can easily schedule your trip to also include some college baseball or softball nearby.   Final Thoughts You may not think of Monterey as a soccer mecca, but the fans here are sure to impress even the most diehard soccer fans around. For a professional team in a relatively small city in America, the setup at Cardinale Stadium is well worth a visit for anyone looking for a day of sports when visiting the California coastline.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02305 Army-Navy Game website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened : 2002 Capacity : 65,878 Real Patriots at Patriots Place   The Army-Navy Game marks the end of the college football regular season and is one of the oldest rivalries in the nation. This rivalry was first played in 1890, with the 2023 game marking its 124th edition. Traditionally played at neutral sites, this year’s game marked its first visit to New England and only third trip outside the mid-Atlantic region.   In 2002 Gillette Stadium, a $325 million privately funded stadium opened as the new home for the NFL's New England Patriots. The team immediately began to make the area not only a football venue, but an entertainment, dining, and shopping destination. In 2006 construction began on Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center located adjacent to the stadium. Patriot Place has proven to be so successful that imitators have begun to sprout up at stadiums around the country, and have become almost a standard feature in new stadium designs.   Food & Beverage 4   With an active tailgating scene and dozens of dining choices located just steps from Gillette Stadium’s front door, you may not expect much from the facility’s concessions. While Gillette Stadium may come up short on signature food items and high-end options, you will be satisfied with the choices available here should you choose to eat inside during the game.   Stands are located around the outer edge of the Gillette Stadium concourse, organized by the types of foods they offer. You may have to do a little searching to find what you want. All the stadium basics are covered, with stands that sell pizza, burgers, dogs and sausages, chicken tenders, and BBQ ringing the field. Portable carts selling drinks and snack foods line the inner edge of the concourses.   Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. As you may expect, the beer game is strong here, with national brands lining the menu boards alongside dozens of local craft favorites. For the most extensive selection of local beers, check out the Taproom or Draft Kings Lounge.   A complete guide to Gillette Stadium’s concessions can be found here .     Atmosphere 5   The atmosphere at an Army-Navy Game is unique among all college football games. The spectacle of the day usually outweighs the excitement of the game itself. The activities that surround the game are more than enough to keep even the most casual fan interested and involved.   The parking lots surrounding Gillette Stadium open up a full six hours before the game, giving fans plenty of time to tailgate or explore the shops of Patriot Place. In 2023 a FanFest was going on in the north entrance plaza to Gillette Stadium, filled with activities, games, swag, and even the filming of College Game Day. Of course, watching the Cadets and Midshipmen get into formation and march into the stadium is a highlight of the day and are not to be missed.   Once inside Gillette Stadium, the atmosphere is dominated by the facility’s new scoreboard, which is the largest outdoor scoreboard in North America. Videos, replays, crowd cams, and more are played throughout the afternoon, keeping energy levels up and engagement high.   The march of the middies and cadets into the stadium, the paratroopers, and the flyovers make this one of the best experiences in all of college football. The student sections and bands compete throughout the game and can be more entertaining than the game itself at times.   Neighborhood 5   Gillette Stadium sits on what was once a lonely stretch of Route One containing only a harness racing track and a trailer park. That started to change in 2007 when the Kraft Group began construction of Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center located mostly on the site of the old Schaefer Stadium. Patriot Place was constructed piecemeal and has grown to now include, among other things, a four-star hotel, entertainment complex, and outpatient health center.   Fans visiting Patriot Place can choose between numerous eateries ranging from casual dining to fine fare. Options vary from brew pubs to fancy steakhouses. Fans looking for entertainment options before or after a Patriots game can visit Splitsville Bowling Alley, Cinema de Lux, explore the on-site nature trail and cranberry bog, or take in some live music at Showcase Live! Fans looking to stay on-site will find Hilton Garden Inn and Renaissance Hotel steps from the stadium. Visit the Patriot Place website  for more information.   Fans 5   You can expect the stadium to be packed, no matter where the game is being held and no matter what the weather. Virtually every person in the stands has a rooting interest in the game, and chants of “Go Army!” and “Go Navy!” ring through the stadium throughout the afternoon. The student sections are featured on the jumbotron frequently to great reactions, no matter which side.   Despite the high emotions and intensity of the rivalry, there is a respectful tone to the cheers. After all, we’re all on the same team here, aren’t we?   Access 3   Gillette Stadium is located in the small town of Foxborough, MA (alternatively spelled Foxboro). Foxboro has a population of almost 19,000 residents and is situated about halfway between Boston and Providence, RI at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 495. This location was picked for the original Schaefer Stadium due to its apparent convenience, but access has always been an issue at Patriots games.   Gillette Stadium is located on Route One, a busy four-lane road. It is the only way into and out of the stadium complex. As you might imagine, traffic is extremely heavy on game days and can back up for miles in both directions. The Patriots constantly tweak their systems to try and get visitors moving as quickly as possible, but no plan seems to consistently work. These issues are exacerbated at the Army-Navy Game, as thousands of fans who are not familiar with the processes in place at Foxboro descend on Gillette Stadium.   Fans who have not visited Gillette in a while will notice changes in the parking system. The lots closest to the stadium are now reserved for prepaid parking only. Fans arriving on game day will park on the opposite side of Route One, a bit of a walk from the facility. The perk to parking further away is that these lots are now free of charge. A complete guide to Gillette Stadium parking can be found here .   Once arriving at the stadium, fans will enter through one of three gates. Concourses, while busy, are large enough to move about without issue. The renovations to the north end of the stadium have improved flow greatly. Three sets of ramps lead to the upper levels of the stadium. There is standing room available at certain points on all levels of the facility. Handicapped seating is plentiful. Fans should have no issues moving about the facility.   The concourse is filled with concession stands, both permanent and portable. Lines can be long, particularly at halftime. Restrooms are plentiful and clean considering their busy usage. Just time your visits wisely. Be aware that Gillette Stadium is a cashless facility with a fairly aggressive clear bag policy. What can and cannot be brought into the stadium is advertised in all parking lots. Pay attention and save yourself a long walk back to your car.   Any veteran fan of the Patriots will tell you that the key to avoiding the legendary Gillette traffic is to arrive early and plan to stay a bit after the game. Luckily, with Patriot Place next to the stadium and the excellent tailgating scene, this is not the worst plan.     Return on Investment 4   Going to the Army-Navy game isn’t cheap, but somehow you won’t leave the stadium feeling gouged. Tickets sold through the Army and Navy websites go fast. According to the sites, upper-level seats are sold for $135-$150 and lower-level seats cost $200-$215. Prices were much higher than those on the secondary market.   General parking on the opposite side of Route One is included in the ticket price for 2023. The private lots that line Route One were charging between $30-$60 for parking. Since the game is held in an NFL stadium, expect to pay NFL prices for concessions.   Extras 5   It would be tempting to award the full score in this category simply for the grandeur of the game, but that would be the easy way out. There’s more than enough going on at “America’s Game” to warrant the maximum score here.   As mentioned before, don’t miss the March of the Cadets and Midshipmen before the game. Whether you are watching them march into the stadium or fill the gridiron in formation, it’s an emotional moment that is worth the price of admission all by itself.   The fanfest, located in the north entry plaza at Gillette Stadium, features giveaways, interactive games, and of course, ESPN’s College Game Day.   The pre-game flyover and paratroopers skydiving into the stadium balls are worth extra points.   Finally, an extra point is awarded for bringing America’s Game to the birthplace of the American Revolution.   Final Thoughts   Even though neither team is a national power, the Army-Navy Game is one of the highlights on the sporting calendar every year. The players on the field are not your typical college athletes, and the pageantry of the game transcends the action on the field. It should be a bucket list item for any college football fan.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Brisbane Cricket Ground Vulture St Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia Brisbane Heat website Brisbane Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1895 Capacity: 42,000 The Heat is On Formally named the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the stadium almost universally known as “The ‘Gabba”, is the home of cricket in the state of Queensland. The area was originally established as cricket ground in 1895, but has been used for many sports over the ensuing decades. For this reason, the playing surface was surrounded by an iconic grass dog racing track for many years. In the early 1990s an extensive redevelopment began that would eventually see capacity increased to 42,000 within a continuous seating bowl. While rugby league and rugby union internationals are no longer played here, it is the home ground for Queensland Cricket and features an annual test match as well as various one-day internationals. In winter the Brisbane Lions AFL club call the ‘Gabba home. The Brisbane Heat, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. As the only team in the state of Queensland they enjoy strong support in their home state, and were champions in the 2012/13 season (BBL2). Food & Beverage 3 The ‘Gabba boasts 31 food and beverage outlets located throughout the venue, meaning refreshments are always close by. While they may have hit a six when it comes to quantity, the same can’t in good conscience, be said about quality – or, unsurprisingly, price. There is a definite focus on the standard, mass produced items that can be easily prepared en masse. As a price guide, expect to pay between $15-$20 for a serving of food and a drink. At $7.70 for a beer, it will be an expensive trip to the cricket if you fancy a big night out. Even a basic meat pie will set you back $5. Atmosphere 4 The first of Australia’s cricket grounds to receive a major facelift in the modern era, the ‘Gabba is now virtually unrecognizable from what it once was. This quickly elevated the status of the stadium and differentiated it from other cricket venues around the country. However, given more recent redevelopments in Adelaide and the new Perth Stadium currently being constructed, it is arguable that perhaps the ‘Gabba now lacks some of the modern comforts of the newer stadiums. Despite this the ‘Gabba has again broken new ground for the 2016/17 season, and in an Australian first, has opened a splash pool within the stadium. This is a welcome addition and generated much interest amongst the cricket-going public. As with all the Big Bash franchises, the on-field action is regularly supplemented to provide a non-stop experience. The ground announcer for the Heat is very active which some may find annoying, but he at least seems to have a sense of humour. Expect the usual musical interludes, acrobats, and opportunities for audience participation. The half time (between innings) break also saw a mini fireworks display. Neighborhood 3 The suburb of Woolloongabba is located within a couple of kilometers of the Brisbane central business district. There’s not a lot of great options within the immediate neighborhood, although there are a couple of pubs and cafes, but the stadium is within close proximity to the South Bank area which is one of the most popular tourist destinations for the city. Overlooking the river, the area is a hub of recreation, entertainment and dining. If you are visiting Brisbane, exploring South Bank is a must. Given the city itself is built on the shore of Moreton Bay, the best beaches are some distance away. City planners have overcome this by building a man-made beach and lagoon at South Bank. Fans 3 Fans of the heat turn up in numbers, there is no doubt of that. In fact, in recent years they have averaged close to 30,000 spectators per game as the general popularity of the BBL and Twenty20 cricket has grown sharply. The BBL is particularly attractive to families all across Australia, and Brisbane is no exception. One thing to note though, is that many fans are there for the party atmosphere and therefore fully embrace all aspects on the experience; including regularly leaving their seats to visit the concession stands – worth mentioning, as depending on your seat your view may be regularly interrupted. Access 2 There is no specialized stadium parking. There are a few nearby options such as a parking station near the hospital, but with a train station and bus options, public transport is likely to be the best option unless you are within walking distance. Try to ascertain the best entry point for your seat, as there is no central path surrounding stadium; rather you need to walk up the block and down another street. Once inside the upper levels are largely serviced by stairs, with no escalators. The surrounding concourse is well designed however inside the seating bowl does not enjoy the same luxury. The constant flow of people in and out of their seats makes for a regularly interrupted experience should you be seated near an aisle. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets start from just $22 and with Child tickets from only $8, the Heat definitely offers an affordable entry to the ‘Gabba. The highest price point for a reserved seat is $55 and there are family packages available. Unfortunately this is somewhat tempered by the high cost of refreshments. Extras 2 The biggest plus here is the new pool area, a groundbreaking development for an Australian venue. Final Thoughts The Brisbane Heat largely offer a competitive experience for all at the ‘Gabba. Entry is well priced and the overall experience will be enjoyable for fans of all ages.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 CHO Airport Field 1400 Melbourne Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 Charlottesville Tom Sox website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 3.256 Tom’s Sox in Charlottesville The Valley Baseball League is a collegiate summer baseball league with 12 teams up and down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. The league is one of the oldest in the country and dates back to at least 1923. Baseball had been played in the Valley for decades before then, but at that point in history it is fuzzy what constitutes a distinct league and several different dates of founding are claimed by different sources. One Valley League team is the Charlottesville Tom Sox, who play at CHO Airport Field, located on the campus of Charlottesville High School. The Tom Sox began playing here in 2015, and financed some improvements to the field, in exchange for being allowed to use it over the summer when high school is not in session. The “Tom” in the team name is taken from Thomas Jefferson, who lived in the Charlottesville area and built the University of Virginia, which is located here. Despite playing in the Valley League, Charlottesville is not actually in the Shenandoah Valley, as it is on the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located behind home plate, which sells a basic menu. Hot dogs are $2.50, which is a good deal, but burgers will cost $5.50 for a single or $8 for a double, plus an additional dollar for bacon, which is a bit pricey for this level. Nachos cost $3.50, as do fries, which is not super expensive, but you would not expect a basket of fries to cost more than a hot dog. Even the Gatorade and soda, at $3 and $3.50 respectively, cost more than the hot dog. Peanuts are $2.50, water is $1.50, and candy is $1.75. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is also available, for $6 for a two scoop cup. Sprinkles in Tom Sox colors can be added to ice cream for free. Both credit cards and cash are accepted. Atmosphere 4 CHO Airport Field has a pretty basic layout, with a few sets of bleachers located behind home plate and to either side. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore, count, and runs, but no other information, not even the hits and errors for each team. Despite this, the team manages to put on a good show here at Tom Sox games. There are plenty of between-innings contests where kids get to go onto the field, including the shoe race, where kids have to race to retrieve their own shoes, put them on, and run back. In addition to the bleachers, there are plenty of grassy areas surrounding the field where fans like to set up chairs and watch the game. Pretty much the entire third baseline beyond the bleachers is open grass, and there is plenty of space to watch from the top of a hill beyond the outfield fence as well. Some fans even set up chairs in the giant grass patch in the middle of the traffic circle in the parking lot and watch from there. There is less space available on the first base side, which abuts some train tracks, but fans sitting down the third-base line can watch freight and Amtrak trains pass throughout the game through a gap in the trees. The Tom Sox have a mascot, a prairie dog named Prairiewether Lewis, who can be seen roaming the stands and interacting with fans throughout the game. Prairiewether Lewis, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Charlottesville is a beautiful college town known mostly for the University of Virginia. Once you head into town, you will find many options to choose from. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off the UVA campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Keep in mind that many of the places near the University may offer limited hours during the summer when the Tom Sox play, as the UVA students are not on campus. Fans 5 The Tom Sox draw large crowds to every game, consistently finishing towards the top of the Valley League in attendance. Fans pack all three sets of bleachers in addition to lining the other areas surrounding the field in their own chairs. The fan base here skews younger than at most other Valley League venues, with small children showing up in droves with their parents to cheer on the Tom Sox. Fans are passionate, loud, and proud of their team. Although the Valley League in general is known for its loyal fans, the fan base here is larger than what you'd see at most other places. Access 4 CHO Airport Field and Charlottesville High School are located right off US 250 and are easily accessible via US 29 from the north and south. There are clear signs from 250 directing you to Charlottesville High School, and once you get there the stadium will be clearly visible. There is plenty of parking available for free in the lot near the stadium, and further down on the other side of the high school if that lot fills up. Keep in mind the spaces closest to the field are within foul ball territory, so park at your own risk if you choose to park there. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Tom Sox games is $5 for one individual or $10 for a carload, no matter how many people are in your vehicle. Concessions range from decently priced to very affordable depending on what you are getting. As such, a Tom Sox game is a great deal regardless, and can be an even better deal if going in a large group and all traveling in one car. Plan accordingly. Extras 3 There is a merchandise tent down the third baseline where fans can buy Tom Sox t-shirts and caps. Free roster sheets are also available. A third and final star for all the unique vantage points where fans can watch the game from. Final Thoughts The Valley Baseball League is a hidden gem for summer baseball in Virginia. Although fans in the Valley are certainly in on it, many fans from other parts of the state have never heard of the league and are missing out. While a college town like Charlottesville is not the most attractive destination in the summer, except for people checking out nearby Monticello, for those who find themselves in town, a Tom Sox game can be a great way to spend a beautiful summer evening taking in a baseball game.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park 30 Tweedsmuir Avenue West Chatham, ON N7M 2A4 Chatham-Kent Barnstormers website Rotary Park website Year Opened: circa1950/2010 Capacity: 1,100 Barnstorming Baseball Chatham, Ontario is the home of Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins.  Arguably the greatest Canadian baseball player ever, Jenkins’ mark on his hometown is significant.  His link to Chatham baseball is even deeper as his father played for the 1934 Chatham Coloured All-Stars, which became the first black baseball team to win the Ontario baseball championship. In 2024, baseball in Chatham kicked it up a notch with its entry into the Intercounty Baseball League; the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.  The name Barnstormers harkens back to the days of Babe Ruth when the off-season of Major League Baseball saw the biggest stars go on “barnstorming” tours, bringing baseball to smaller towns throughout the country.  Owned by Dom Dinelle and Matt Nahdee, the team has enjoyed success on and off the field in its first season. Home for the Barnstormers is Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park.  Originally opened in the fifties, Fergie Jenkins Field, as it is now known, has undergone significant improvements making it more of an appropriate field for the league.  The original grandstand was razed in 1984 and the current one was constructed in 2010.. There are several aspects of the operation this season that have proven to be successful, however, there are also bumps that the bus has taken in the inaugural season. Food & Beverage 2 The concession scene at Rotary Park is at the very least confusing.  The menu includes hot dogs, burgers, soda, popcorn, ice cream, and sunflower seeds.  Concessions are run on a ticket system rather than having specific prices.  Tickets are purchased near the admission tent, and patrons must line up to redeem their tickets for whatever concession item they wish.  Items can be purchased for anywhere from 1 to 3 tickets.  Alcohol tickets are purchased separately and can be redeemed for beer or wine. Atmosphere 3 Fergie Jenkins Field is located in Rotary Park and offers decent grounds for baseball but has some limitations.  The main grandstand is a brown brick structure, which looks like it has been upgraded from a previous structure.  The covered grandstand offers bleacher seating with backs behind the plate.  These are reserved seats and sold as season tickets.  Aluminum bleachers on either side of the main grandstand round out the seating which totals around 800.  There is ample space behind the main grandstand for gathering but not much on the baselines.  The placement of the bullpens beside the dugouts behind the fence reduces the space for seating and produces terrible sightlines for those not seated in the grandstand or bleachers.  The fieldhouse and headquarters of Chatham Minor Baseball along with Kiwanis Stadium, a local soccer facility past centrefield, make the park dimensions rather odd with an extremely short porch in right field. The park has some attractive decor.  Decorative rocks commemorating Fergie Jenkins, the 1934 Chatham Coloured All-Stars, and Rotary Club are found in the well-maintained flowerbeds behind the first base side.  Large posters of Fergie Jenkins and Chatham native Bill Atkinson are also found on the brick exterior. The Barnstormers do their part to build the gameday atmosphere.  Live music is played before each game behind the grandstand and there are plenty of promotions between innings.  The Barnstormers “Animation Crew” provides entertainment as well, although they were not prevalent during the game that was reviewed.  It appears that the Barnstormers are finding a happy medium between the over-the-top Savannah Bananas philosophy and some of the older IBL teams. Neighbourhood 3 Rotary Park is located in a residential area in central Chatham.  For fans wishing to get some pre or post-game food, Mike’s Place and Frick’s Fish and Chips are a close walk.  Otherwise, hopping in the car and heading toward downtown might be a better option.  Sons of Kent Brewery, Centro Wood Fired Kitchen, and Mamma Maria’s may be interesting local options.  Rotary Park is also located near Chatham Memorial Arena which is home to the Chatham Maroons of the GOJHL.  The Chatham-Kent Museum may also be a tourist spot of interest.  The Holiday Inn beside Cascades Casino may be a good choice for those wishing to stay in town. Fans 4 It is difficult to assess fans in the IBL as most teams do not publish their attendance figures.  That being said, the game that was was sold out as the seating was at capacity.  Fans in attendance are into the game.  Unfortunately, the park does not adequately accommodate the number of fans in attendance and many are left unhappy about the seating and sightline situation.  It will be curious to see how attendance changes after the inaugural season.   Access 2 Rotary Park is almost 4 km north of Highway 401, the major artery through Southern Ontario.  It is also 4 km west of Highway 40.  The ballpark is not that difficult to get to and traffic should not be an issue. There are parking spaces along Tweedsmuir Ave, but most of the parking should be found at the Chatham Memorial Arena.  There is a bus that goes to Rotary Park for fans who wish to take public transit to the game.  The Ride CK  website should be consulted for fares, maps, and schedules. Inside the park, it can be a bit challenging to get around.  Although there are some permanent washroom facilities, there are several portable facilities on site.  The seating area is not overly conducive for fans with mobility issues but is not awful.  The seating is insufficient for the number of fans in attendance and should be addressed.  The main grandstand was all reserved for season ticket holders and the bleachers on the third base side were also completely reserved.  The bullpens significantly hinder sightlines and the grass seating beside the bullpens makes for poor sightlines.  The Barnstormers website does list lawn chairs as a banned item, however, numerous fans who could not find a spot in the grandstand brought lawn chairs in.  Concession lines are significant and the system of purchasing concessions is confusing for those who are not regulars.  Overall, the Barnstormers and Municipality of Chatham-Kent need to address these shortcomings in subsequent seasons. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for a Barnstormers game cost $12 for adults with discounts for seniors and children.  Packages with concessions can also be purchased.  Seats are listed as General Admission, but a full explanation as to the reserved nature of the grandstand is not present on the Barnstormers website.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent but confusing.  The Barnstormers do what they can to provide a solid gameday production, however, the poor sightlines and lack of seating can leave fans with a sour taste in their mouths. Extras 2 An extra mark for the nod to the history of the Chatham Coloured All-Stars and the historic “Barnstormer” name, which is a bit of a throwback to baseball generations ago. An extra mark for Fergie Jenkins, who is undoubtedly Chatham’s favourite son. Final Thoughts The inaugural season for the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers has endured some bumps in the road and some of the issues at Fergie Jenkins Field must be addressed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Estadio Santiago Bernabeu Avda. de Concha Espina 1 28036 Madrid, Espana Real Madrid C.F. website Estadio Santiago Bernabeu website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 81,044 Stunning Estadio Santiago Bernabeu The city of Madrid was a reluctant capital city. The apparent scarcity of architecturally grand buildings and monuments testify of its lateness to the world stage. Madrid, it is said, is more about the people than its beautification. These truths are turned on their head, the minute you arrive at the famous Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. This iconic football stadium, the 6th largest in Europe, has a grandeur and presence that demands your attention. From the outside you can tell it is going to be special; it is only when you step into the arena that you understand what all the fuss is about – stunning! The brand of Real Madrid and Santiago Bernabéu transcend the city of their birth. Although fiercely proud of their roots, a visit to the Bernabéu is a bucket list event in a globalised world. This member’s owned club (known as socios) was founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, their famous white kit in evidence from the beginning. The title ‘Real’ (royal) was given to them by the football-mad King Alfonso (13th). Initially the club played at grounds including Campo de O’Donnell and Campo de Ciudad Lineal but ultimately a larger ground was required. Opened in 1947, the Santiago Bernabéu became home (although the name, dedicated to clubs president, wasn’t introduced until 1955). Over time it has become one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. After years of talk, in 2018 it was finally agreed the stadium was due a refurbishment. This being Real Madrid, the refit was announced with a YouTube video already watched by over 1 million people. The £500 million revamp will be built up and over the current structure and will include wraparound LED lightning and a retractable roof. Work is due to start in the summer of 2019 so plan your trip to the current stadium now and then come back ready to be even more impressed in 2024! Food & Beverage 3 Outside the stadium the most popular food on sale seems to be packets of sweets! The stadium itself has four restaurants within its confines, Asador de la Esquina, Puerta 57, Real Café Bernabéu and Zen Market. Book in advance, telephone numbers are on the club website. Alternatively, refreshment kiosks are dotted around inside the stadium selling the usual football fayre including popcorn for the tourists. If you want to blend in then bring your own sunflower seeds to nibble during the game! Atmosphere 4 Los Blanco’s (Real Madrid) are used to winning. Very used to winning. They currently have 33 La Liga titles to their name and, their proudest record, 13 European Cup wins (Champion’s league in new money). Thirteen! Incredible! The reputation for winning coincides with a reputation for signing galactico’s who add to the expectation that the club will conquer all before them. As you enter the stadium itself the view will take your breath away. Seats at the very top of the stadium (the cheapest) provide an incredible view around this vast enclosed coliseum of football. The four sides of the ground are named Rafael Santiago (north), Padre Damian (east), Concha Espina (south) and De la Castellina (west). Inside all merge into one wraparound bowl-shaped arena with mostly blue and some white seats. The west stand also contains the museum and trophy rooms. Whilst away fans are not as part of the football culture here as the UK or Germany our game had over 2k away fans nestled in the top two tiers of the south stand providing a vocal and passionate support. The home atmosphere is generated by Madrid fans at the north end of the ground. Expect cheers when things are going well and deafening whistles when they are not! Neighborhood 4 The stadium can be found in the Charmartin district of Madrid, north of the city centre. Aside from the stadium, the other attraction in this area is the distinct ‘Gates of Europe’ towers that peer down onto the Plaza De Castilla. You can see them in the distance from the Bernabéu but to visit simply walk 20 minutes to the north of the stadium using the Paseo de la Castellana. The Charmartin district is a rich and exclusive area with a business park containing four of the tallest skyscrapers in the whole of Spain. The ‘105 Cafeteria’ sits opposite the metro entrance and is perfect for a pre match beer and burger as it is not too busy. A burger and chips basket costs 6 euros, steak and chips 10 euros, eggs bacon and chips 7.50 euros and a small Mahou cerveza (beer) is 2.50. Across the road from the Café 105, behind the south stand, is another popular bar called the Volapie. Aside from the match however most visitors will not spend a lot of time in this district. The centre of Madrid including the ‘royal’ and ‘old town,’ Triangulo de Arte (for the three main museums) and the area around the Gran Via metro stop will give you a better glimpse into the ‘city of cats,’ a nick name from medieval times that applies these days too as Madrilenos love to stay up very late! Cathedral de la Almudena and Royal palace of Madrid are two must-see iconic buildings in Madrid. The Cathedral in particular is a fabulous piece of architecture, consecrated by Pope John Paul 2nd in 1993. Eating establishments across the city are plentiful. A fashionable place to eat is the Market of San Miguel which sells an array of seafood, wines and beers which you can pick at as you move from stall to stall. Bring a coat just in case though as the sides of the large iron structure are open to the elements. Elsewhere in Madrid, the largest queues are for the Tacos! For a less ‘local’ meal try the Ribs restaurant on Calle De La Abada, just around the corner from the Plaza Del Callao. There are various accommodation options within a stone’s throw of the stadium such as Holiday Inn Madrid, or AC Hotel by Marriott Aitana. If you are here for other matches too or just to see the Madrid sites then a more central option is Hotel Anaco in the Gran Via area of the city. Many football fans will take the opportunity to visit another match whilst in the city. TV schedules dictate and finalise the La Liga kick off times around a month before match day and the smaller games sometimes don’t have a kick off time confirmed until a week before the game. To counter this, book flights Friday-Monday and a visit to two or three new grounds is easily achievable. After the team’s poor home form during the 16/17 season, the club started a ‘singing section’ behind the southern goal. The Grada fans, the most vocal, moved down from the higher tiers and agreed to stand for the entire 90 mins and wear a white Real shirt. The improvement has been a positive one with the singing drowning out the moans and groans typically associated with such expectant supporters. Fans 3 Founded in the 80s, Madrid Ultras Sur has a reputation for trouble and was reported to be involved in skirmishes before recent matches against Barcelona, Athleti and Malaga. Hala Madrid will be heard throughout your visit – roughly translating to ‘Come on’ or ‘go’ Madrid! Just 48,446 attended the 18/19 season opening match v Getafe, the first match without a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, the late kick off time on a Sunday night did not help. In 17/18 season the average attendance was 65,653 second only in La Liga to fierce rivals FC Barcelona (65,824). Access 5 Fly into the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, (Madrid–Barajas) which is situated in the northeast of the city and is served by the cities efficient metro system. The nearest train station to the stadium is Nuevos Ministerios, it is south of the ground and a 10 – 15 minute walk away. To the north is Charmartin station but that is 3k from the Bernabéu so not the best option. The nearest metro is Santiago Bernabéu on line 10 (the blue one) which brings you right outside the stadium. To avoid the queues, particularly after the game, you can walk west to the Estrecho metro stop which, south bound, will take you back to the city centre. You could also catch a bus. These numbers all take you close to the stadium, 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 126, 147 y 150 Tickets can be purchased directly from the club website. If you plan to visit a number of matches here, pay 35 euros to become a Madridista and get priority when tickets are released. For matches unlikely to sell out you can buy tickets on arrival at the ticket office. For La Liga fixtures there are a myriad of prices, starting at 45 euros behind the goals and 60 euros along the sides. Tickets will be either print at home or a QR code sent directly to your phone. Tickets are numbered beginning with 100 which is the lowest tier to 500 which is the top tier. As you enter the stadium there are a plenty of steps up and down into the different sections of the stadium. If you have mobility issues do contact the club in advance. Return on Investment 3 On the face of it, a trip to Madrid either booked yourself or via a travel company such as ‘football breaks’ will not break the bank. Hotel tickets and flights for a less glamorous fixture can be purchased for just over £200. However, stay the whole weekend, add a couple of other matches and then pay ‘capital’ prices for your food and drink and the money will soon begin to drain. As such, a visit to the Bernabéu may well be more in the ‘trip of a lifetime’ category than a cheap weekend of groundhopping! Extras 4 Tours of the stadium are available at 25 euros for adults. Tours can be booked online and reduced versions (without changing rooms) are available on match days. The tour includes the press room, the presidential box, the tunnel and benches plus amazing views of the pitch. The prestige of the stadium is such that it has hosted the national side, champions league finals, European and world championship matches. The club shop situated at the north end of the stadium is, of course, huge and every possible item you can think of can be purchased with a Real Madrid logo on the front. Club shirts sell the world over however at 100 euros+ you’d need to factor them into your Madrid visit budget! Printed match day programmes are available inside the stadium for free. The 28-page glossy ‘Grada Blanco’ provides an excellent memento of your visit. Final Thoughts The stadium and the city are even more impressive than any pre-visit research suggests. Whilst there isn’t the ‘San Siro’ wow factor outside the stadium (it is still very impressive), once inside you will be glad you came. The four steep stands provide an imposing yet intimate atmosphere that bowls such as Wembley Stadium fail to muster. The city of Madrid, too, has more interesting architecture, street art and positive vibe than the guide books might suggest. To enhance the trip still further check the fixtures for La Liga clubs like Real Vallecano, Club Deportivo Leganés, Club Atlético de Madrid and Getafe Club de Fútbol to make it a double. Alternatively there are numerous lower league sides you can visit in Madrid, a visit to Unión Adarve on the west of the city is recommended.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Fuessenich Field Coe Place Torrington, CT 06790 Year Opened: 1918 Capacity: 1,500 Frederick Fussenich’s Field In 1918 Frederick Fuessenich donated eight acres of land to the town of Torrington to be used as a “place of amusement and recreation for the men, women, and children of Torrington”. Over the years this land has been used for a variety of purposes, including baseball, soccer, ice skating, and carnivals. Fuessenich Park also served as a professional ballpark, if only for one season. The Torrington Braves of the short-lived Colonial League called Fuessenich Park home for one season in 1950. The Colonial League actually folded before the end of the 1950 season, relegating Torrington and its quaint little park to obscurity for decades. It served the town well, hosting local American Legion and amateur baseball until the New England Collegiate Baseball League came calling in 1997. The Torrington Twisters played in the NECBL for a dozen years before moving to Paul Walsh Field in New Bedford, MA. In 2010 the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League placed a team in Torrington, where the Titans led the league in attendance. The Carminucci Sports Group purchased the team for their new enterprise, the Futures League, where the Titans have played since the league’s inception in 2011. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single concession stand located underneath the grandstand at Fuessenich Park offering your standard ballpark fare. Hot Dogs ($3), hamburgers ($5), chicken fingers ($5), and French fries ($3) are sold here. Items can be combined with fries into a combo meal to save a buck or two, and veggie burgers are sold as an alternative. The menu’s centerpiece is the “Titan Burger”, which features two burger patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a grilled bun for $7. Cans of Coca-Cola products are available for $1.50, as well as bottles of Snapple for $3. A variety of snacks, including candy, chips, pretzels, sunflower seeds, peanuts, ice cream novelties, and fried dough can also be purchased here. New for 2014 is the portable beer stand, which sells Budweiser, Bud Light, and Shock Top for $4.50, as well as Long Trail IPA and Heineken for $5.50. It’s an impressive menu for a stand of this size. Atmosphere 2 Of all the summer collegiate leagues in New England, the Futures League tries the hardest to be similar to the game day experience of the minor leagues. Batters come to the plate accompanied by their individual walk-up songs, and there are plenty of between inning contests and promotions. Unfortunately, in a smaller venue like Fuessenich Park with a small crowd, these games and gimmicks often fall flat. For example, I witnessed three people turn down the opportunity at a seat upgrade from the bleachers to a pair of recliners located directly behind home plate. Also, due to the dearth of children in attendance, the same group of kids got to participate in several between innings contests. Still, the Titans staff try hard to get the fans involved, and the contests are enjoyable. The contests aren’t so intrusive as to distract from one’s enjoyment of the game, and the atmosphere at a Titans game straddles the line between laid-back and upbeat well. Neighborhood 2 Fuessenich Park is located adjacent to the Torrington Armory in downtown Torrington, a town of 36,000 in northwestern Connecticut. The town is working towards recreating a traditional Main Street environment, and their efforts are evident a short distance from the ballpark. Perhaps most evident is the Warner Theater, a 1930’s era theater which has been restored to its original luster and is now home to the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Several restaurants, businesses, and parks are in the area. Sunny Brook State Park is nearby, as well as Paugnut State Forest. There’s a definite small-town vibe here, and it’s a nice place to spend a summer afternoon. Fans 2 Torrington’s attendance has remained constant at around 400-500 fans per game over their four years in the Futures League. This places them in the bottom third of the league in average attendance. The fans here are similar to those you will find at many summer collegiate venues, in that they are very dedicated and knowledgeable about their team and players. Many have connections to the team as house parents or volunteers. It’s not unusual to see a sizeable portion of fans present from the visiting team’s city. Access 3 Fuessenich Park is located in downtown Torrington, within walking distance of a shopping plaza, a park, and Main Street. The ballpark is located about a mile from Route 8, the main north-south highway in western Connecticut. Hartford is located approximately 30 miles to the east. Driving to Fuessenich Park is relatively simple, just take exit 44 (Route 202/Downtown Torrington) off of Route 8, follow East Main Street about ¾ of a mile to South Main Street. Coe Place will be on your left, immediately after the Torrington Plaza. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the park (beware, this is dangerous foul ball territory), or in a larger lot a short walk away across the street from the Armory. When you arrive at Fuessenich Park you will enter the ballpark at the top of the seating area. There are six small sections behind home plate featuring individual seating. Down the first base line are three sections of metal bleaches with backs. These seats are a chiropractor’s dream, as they are very hard and angled towards the outfield. The advantage of these seats are that there is no netting to interfere with one’s view. Be aware that the stands here have a steep pitch to them, making for excellent sight lines, but also making them a bit difficult for those with problems walking. Handicapped seating is available at the top level of the seating bowl for those who may require it. The restrooms and concession stand are located underneath the grandstand behind home plate, accessible by a set of stairs from the bleachers or via a vomitory behind home plate. There is a paved area here as well as a few picnic tables where fans can enjoy their food if they so desire. Farther down the right field line are a couple of rickety looking sets of bleachers that are used only by the visiting team’s bullpen. Also located here is a single bouncy house that gets some use by the kids in attendance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Titans games cost $8 for reserved seating behind home plate, and $6 for general admission bleacher seats. Youths and seniors will enjoy a $2 discount, and children under 12 are admitted for free. A bunch of fans avoided the ticket charge altogether by simply watching the action from behind the fence at the top of the seating bowl. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. These prices, while maybe a little higher than other college parks in the area, are in line with the other teams in the Futures League. Extras 1 There is not a whole lot going on at a Titans game that will qualify as extra here at Fuessenich Park. The Titans hold a 50/50 raffle each night to raise funds for operating costs, as well as several between inning promotions to create fan involvement. In Torrington, the game is the main focus. Final Thoughts Fuessenich Park has been serving the citizens of Torrington for close to 100 years. While unsuccessful in its one brief attempt at hosting professional baseball, it has found a successful niche as a summer college ballpark. The Futures League has staked a claim to several abandoned minor league ballparks in New England, giving Torrington several sister cities to band with. Ballpark chasers will find Fuessenich Park a quaint and unique venue at which to catch a game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of Binghamton University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bearcats Baseball Complex 4400 Vestal Pkwy E Vestal, NY 13902 Binghamton Bearcats website Bearcats Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 464 Bearcats Ballpark In 2012, Binghamton University opened its updated Bearcats Sports Complex, which included new softball, tennis, and baseball facilities. The ballpark is light on bells and whistles, but is a comfortable place to see the Binghamton Bearcats of the America East Conference. The ballpark has seating for 464 spectators in green plastic bucket seats. There are no lights here, nor seats that would be in the shade, so if you’re fortunate enough to get a warm day on the eastern edge of the Southern Tier, then bring your sunscreen and enjoy a ball game. Food & Beverage 2 There is a table set up behind the main grandstand offering concessions. The food and drink available is somewhat determined on the weather, but even when the full menu is available, there still isn’t a lot, so you may consider bringing in your own snacks and drinks. On a recent visit, they didn’t set up for hot dogs because it was too windy. The prices are quite reasonable with all items going for $1-$2 including fresh fruit, cookies, candy, and chips. Prices are not posted so just ask the staff member working the table. Drinks include bottled water and Coke products in 20 ounce bottles for $2.50. If you are feeling peckish, then you should be able to get something to keep you satiated for the game, but if you want something more substantial, consider bringing in your own food. A trip to the Spiedie & Rib Pit just down the road on Vestal Parkway would be an excellent stop pre-game. Atmosphere 3 For this part of the country, this is a nice little college ballpark. It’s a no frills experience, but is a fine and functional facility. All of the seats are green bucket style chairback seats. They’re reasonably comfortable, but a little narrow. If you like a little extra room, then consider bringing your own chair and setting up along the left field line where there is a small hill that presents a good alternate view of the game. All of the seats in the grandstand have a net to protect the fans. The ballpark is symmetrical with 325 feet down each line, 365 to the power alleys, and 390 feet to straightaway center. The scoreboard is located in left center field and offers just the basics for you to follow along with the game. The PA announcer is to the point, just sharing a batter’s name, number, and position. You’ll also hear music in between innings. Neighborhood 3 Binghamton’s athletic facilities, including the Events Center, are located just off of Vestal Parkway, and there are plenty of chain restaurants that line this busy thoroughfare. Just name your favorite chain, and you’ll likely find it here. However, when you’re in Binghamton, a spiedie really is a must. A spiedie is basically a sandwich with marinated meat (sort of a kebab sandwich). The Spiedie & Rib Pit is a great choice, and it’s located within walking distance from the baseball field. A little further down Vestal Pkwy is the Ale House, a good place to have a couple of beers. They also have surprisingly good pizza. If you come later in the season, you may be able to make it a doubleheader by seeing the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at NYSEG Stadium . If you’re looking for something besides sports, then consider a trip to the Robersom Museum and Science Center, or Bundy Museum of History and Art. There are plenty of hotel options along Vestal Parkway. The Holiday Inn Express is a good choice just down the road. Fans 2 You won’t find a lot of fans at a Binghamton baseball game, but the good news is that since it is a small facility, it doesn’t take much to fill up the venue. You are likely to find a couple of hundred fans at a Bearcats game. Mostly it’s a mix of friends and family, and some of the students. The good news is that the fans have had a lot to cheer about in recent years. Binghamton was the regular season champion of the America East Conference in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Additionally they won the conference tournament, and a trip to the NCAA Regionals in 2009, 2013, and 2014. Access 4 Parking is free and plentiful on the other side of the tennis courts which sit next to the ballpark. Overall, it is very easy to move around the ballpark since it is so small. There is plenty of public transportation throughout Broome County, with the 47 bus being the one that will drop you nearest the ballpark. You can check out the entire system of routes online . You’ll buy tickets and enter the ballpark near the big pagoda near the main parking lot. If it’s your first visit, you may be a little confused, but just head to the pagoda and you’ll be all set. There is also a permanent restroom here for each gender, if you would prefer that over the port-a-potties they have at the field. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are just $5 for general admission seating. It’s hard to complain about a $5 ticket, free parking, and reasonably priced concessions, but there are plenty of college programs that don’t charge admission at all. Still, it’s worth the cost for what you’ll get. Extras 2 One extra for being able to bring a spiedie into the game. It really adds to the experience and gives you that true Binghamton vibe. I visited on a day of a doubleheader, and it was just what I needed between games, and close enough to get it and come back without missing a pitch. Another extra point for the small size of the ballpark. It really is the perfect size for this program. They built a new facility and did it the right way. Final Thoughts You’ll enjoy a trip to Binghamton’s Baseball Complex. Whether you’re in the area for business, pleasure, or following your school on the road, Binghamton provides a good ballpark experience for a decent price with plenty to do in the immediate vicinity of the field.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Portland Exposition Building 239 Park Ave Portland, ME 04102 Maine Celtics website Portland Exposition Building website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 3,000 The Home of Crustacean Nation   The Portland Exposition Building, more commonly called “The Expo”, is part of a larger sports and convention center complex in Maine’s largest city. Built in 1914, it is the second oldest arena in continuous operation in the United States, behind only Matthews Arena in Boston. Over the years the facility has hosted Presidential speeches, trade shows and concerts by artists as diverse as Phish, Natalie Merchant, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, James Brown and Janis Joplin. The Expo also serves as home to Portland High School basketball teams.   The Maine Celtics are the NBA G-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. The team has called the Expo home since their founding in 2009. Initially named the “Red Claws” in tribute to longtime Celtics’ coach and executive Arnold “Red” Auerbach and the local Maine lobster industry, the team was rebranded in 2021. The Red Claws have qualified for the G-League playoffs six times in their history, reaching the G-League Finals in 2024.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a single concession stand located immediately to your right as you enter the arena. It serves up arena basics, including hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices. Pretzels, fries, popcorn and nachos round out the menu. Of course, since this is Maine, you really should try a Whoopie Pie.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Expo. An additional stand in the lobby sells adult beverages. Thirsty fans can choose from several brands of domestic beer, canned seltzers and wine. Since Portland has a strong craft beer scene, local brews from Bunker, Definitive, Bizzell Brothers and Orono Brewing are featured here as well.   Atmosphere 4   The Expo is the second-oldest gym in continuous use in the country, and in many ways, it looks every day of its 110 years of age. But the staff here do their best to put on a show with all the bells and whistles modern basketball fans expect when coming to a professional game. The results are, well, mixed.   There’s a DJ who handles the music duty and a PA announcer who goes about his job with typical hoops energy. The arena emcee handles promotional duties and the Hype Squad performs dance routines during intermissions. All the elements are in place for an energetic game day atmosphere to keep the younger and casual fans interested. The staff here use light, sound and video in much the same way as the big-time arenas do, despite not having the same technology at their disposal.   Perhaps it’s the Expo’s old-school limitations that holds back the Celtics game day presentation from being all it can be. Or perhaps these old-school charms add to the atmosphere. We’ll let you decide. There’s a scoreboard on either end of the gym, one of which contains what is, by today’s standards, a tiny video board. Celtics staff don’t let the screen’s size hold them back, as they utilize it for crowd shots, replays, graphics and hype videos.   The Celtics’ schedule is filled with promotions, and each game is filled with activities for younger and older fans in attendance. One of the more popular contests is the lobster toss, where fans thrown softee basketballs into a giant lobster pot placed at center court to win various sponsor prizes.  Neighborhood 4     The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league sports. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. There is also an active craft beer scene here, with several fine breweries located throughout the city. If visiting from out of town, you’ll want to head downtown to the Old Port for the best dining, drinking, and entertainment options after the game. While there’s much to do in the city of Portland, there’s not a whole lot in the immediate vicinity of the Expo for visiting fans.   Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. The Maine Mall, the largest shopping center in the state, is located just a few miles away in South Portland. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay, swooshing down the slopes or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out Visit Portland  for more details.   Fans 5   You wouldn’t think it, but basketball plays an important part in the Maine sporting scene. The Red Claws have been a massive hit since their arrival in 2009. Sports Business Journal named Portland as the top minor league market in the country in 2024, in no small part due to the support and success of the Celtics.   While actual attendance figures for the G-League can be difficult to access, the Expo is consistently filled to the brim with hoop fans. The fact that Portland is only 100 miles from Boston doesn’t hurt the passion shown by the fans in Maine. Despite playing in one of the G-League’s smallest markets, the Celtics are second in per-cap revenue and fourth in merchandise sales. The team has over 1,000 full-season ticket holders, meaning the Expo is almost half-filled with long-term fans before anyone else walks through the doors. The team sold out 15 games in 2023-24.   If you can make any criticism of the fans at the Expo, it’s that they are pretty quiet unless prompted to make some noise, and that they are in constant motion. When you purchase tickets to a Maine Celtics game, select your seats carefully, as many seats will be obstructed with passing traffic throughout the game.   Access 3   The Expo is easy to get to, located just off of Interstate 295. Also nearby are Hadlock Field , the Portland Ice Arena, and Fitzpatrick Stadium. Parking is available in several lots in and around the facilities, as well as in the Maine Medical Center Garage a couple of blocks away. There is plenty of on-street parking on the streets around the Expo, but pay attention to signs in the area, as there are restrictions.   Fans enter The Expo into a small lobby, where they must pass through a security checkpoint before proceeding to the arena. Also located in the lobby are the restrooms, a souvenir stand and a beer stand.   After passing through the lobby, fans will enter into the arena behind a set of bleachers. To get to all seats, you’ll walk courtside in front of the bleachers to your section. The constant flow of traffic along this walkway will obstruct your view if you sit in the first few rows, so selecting seats higher up is recommended. The center court sections feature individual seats, with the remainder of the seating consisting of molded bleachers.   The Expo has a real old-school feel to it. While this may trigger nostalgia in some fans, the tight quarters may be a nuisance to others. Be aware that this bandbox of a gym features tight quarters and long lines no matter where you are trying to go. Plan your trips to the concession stand and restrooms carefully.   Return on Investment 4   The Celtics utilize variable pricing for their games, with weekday tickets starting at about $20 per seat and increasing to a high of about $50 for a center court ticket for weekend games. Check the team website for particulars.   Parking is similarly variable in pricing. There are lots a short distance from the Expo which will charge you ten dollars to park. There is ample free on-street parking in the neighborhood, just pay attention to signage for restrictions.   Concessions are inexpensive, with no item priced at more than five dollars (alcoholic drinks not included). Overall, a night at a Maine Celtics game can be a very affordable entertainment option for southern Maine sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 The Celtics display banners honoring every Red Claw/Celtic alumnus who has been called up to the NBA.   One point is subtracted for the decision to rebrand from the unique local nickname “Red Claws” to the parent club’s “Celtics.” One point is added for the decision to retain Crusher the lobster as the logo for the Maine Celtics, substituting for Lucky the Leprechaun and keeping some local flavor.   Another extra point is awarded for the historic Expo itself. The second-oldest gym in the country may have some issues with access, but the intimate setting makes it a great place to catch a game. A mural in the lobby highlights important events to take place in the building’s history, while another commemorates Union Station, which once stood near the Expo on St. John’s Street. The mural was completed in 1979. Final Thoughts   The NBA G-League is full of many unique arenas, and the Expo would certainly be near the top of that list. The second oldest gym still in use in the country may be cramped and show its age from time to time, but it’s packed most nights with Maine hoops fans who wouldn’t want to watch their basketball in any other place.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

The Des Moines Menace introduced a new look today for one of soccer's older franchises. According to the club's website, the crest has been modernized without changing its original integrity. The new branding combines the look from 1994-2001 and its current branding. The colors of black and white remain the same, along with keeping the original identity. It is a style that is not your ordinary mark in the soccer world and one that should appease the fanbase in Iowa. The horizontal wordmark features the handwritten typeface and updated logo, plus the two gold stars to represent the two championships won by the franchise in 2005 and 2021. It is a throwback to the 1994 logo that featured the soccer head but with a few tweaks. The secondary logomark features the main logo without the wordmark, featuring enhanced coloring in the eyes and mouth with bolder black borders. The flames feature a forward motion. The Des Moines Menace are members of the USL League Two. Founded in 1994, the team has found success in the last 31 years with two championships and three regular season championships. The club plays its home games at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. Check out the video from SAC Sports Adventures for the stadium experience, ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Muncy Bank Ballpark at Bowman Field 1700 W 4th St Williamsport, PA 17701 Williamsport Crosscutters website Muncy Bank Ballpark website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 2,366 Cutting it in Williamsport Historic Bowman Field, home to the Williamsport Crosscutters, opened in 1926 and is one of the oldest stadiums in baseball. Prior to the Williamsport Crosscutters losing their affiliated minor league status in 2020, it was the second oldest stadium in minor league baseball, and still claims to be, although of course that depends on how you define "minor league". Baseball has a rich history here at Bowman Field, with numerous teams calling it home over the years in the Eastern League and New York-Penn League. Beginning in 2021, the Crosscutters joined the MLB Draft League along with five other contracted minor league teams. The Draft League consists of draft eligible prospects looking to improve their stock. The most famous incident ever to take place at Bowman Field is the Great Potato Caper. In 1987, backup catcher Dave Bresnahan of the Williamsport Bills attempted to trick a Reading Phillies player by throwing a peeled and rounded potato over the head of the third baseman to entice the baserunner to run home. Bresnahan then tagged him with the ball that was still in his glove but the umpire was having none of it and ruled the runner safe due to the chicanery. Bresnahan was removed from the game and never played again, but became a hero in Williamsport and has received numerous honors and tributes over the years, many of which can be seen right here at Bowman Field. Beginning in 2017, Major League Baseball has played one regular season game here a year, the Little League Classic. Played every August while the Little League World Series is in town, the game is open exclusively to participating players, their families, and a small number of locals selected by lottery to attend. Food & Beverage 4 Walking into the entrance plaza at Bowman Field will put you directly in front of several concession stands. Unless you have a ticket to a picnic or party area, this is where you will get your food. The stadium has all of the usual offerings, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, and fries. More unique offerings include pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and turkey and ham subs. The snack menu is pretty typical as well, with popcorn, cotton candy, chips, Kettle corn, ice cream, and more. beer is available at a separate stand for those of age, and fans have the option of getting it in a souvenir team mug. Prices vary significantly here. A basic hot dog is $3, although fans can get one with chili and onions for $7. A burger ranges from $11-$13 depending on whether fans want cheese or bacon on it, although it is fairly sizeable for a ballpark burger. Ultimately you get what you pay for - the more unique or fancier food will cost more, and that is to be expected. Atmosphere 4 Williamsport does a great job of combining the historic and modern here at Bowman Field. Walking in will put you in an entrance plaza surrounded by food options. You will then walk up a ramp to the inner concourse ring surrounding the stadium, and up or down to your seat. Other than the picnic and party areas, all seats are chairbacks in a grandstand that runs from dugout to dugout. Thanks to recent renovations, all seats are now chairbacks, although they do not fold up. No matter where you sit, you will be up close to the action. All seats are behind a net, and the ones between the inner edge of the dugout and home plate also have netting above, making it impossible to catch a foul ball. The seats above the inner concourse are under an overhang reminiscent of many other old time ballparks. The team often plays sound effects and music over the PA system to keep fans engaged. After key outs or big defensive plays, they will often play a jingle that goes "Oh, down goes another/By the hands of a man called a Crosscutter". Fans seem to enjoy this song. There are also between inning contests and events, enough to keep fans interested but not so many that it becomes a distraction from the game. The most interesting one occurs at the end of the sixth inning. In honor of the Great Potato Caper, three costumed potatoes wearing hats of various colors will enter in right field and race around the warning track to home plate. They will then enter the crowd and mingle with the fans. In addition to the Racing Potatoes, the Crosscutters have a mascot named Boomer who is a blue creature of some sort. He is a fan favorite as well, and will ride his cart out on the field before the game to fire up the crowd in a similar manner to the Phillie Phanatic. Neighborhood 3 Bowman Field is located in a residential area and not much is located in the immediate vicinity other than some houses. Downtown Williamsport is a few miles away and offers the standard options you'd expect from a small town in Central Pennsylvania. New Trail Brewing Company is popular locally, and there are a few other options as well. What brings this score up significantly is what is across the Susquehanna River in South Williamsport - the world home of Little League Baseball. Although the Crosscutters typically go on the road while the Little League World Series is in town to avoid the massive traffic and crowds that accompany it, the World of Little League Museum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily. It is located in the Little League Complex, adjacent to the fields the World Series is played on. Fans 5 Although Bowman Field only seats a couple thousand fans, Crosscutters fill it to near capacity. They are knowledgeable, loyal, passionate, and boisterous, and the roof over most of the stands helps trap in the sound and make it even louder. Many of them have been coming to Cutters games here for years, but there are also families with small children taking in their first game, in awe of it all. Chants of "Let's Go Cutters" and "Timber" can be heard throughout the game, as can thunderous applause after big plays. Many fans come decked out in Crosscutters gear, but this being the home of Little League Baseball, it is not uncommon to see fans in gear from the Little League World Series as well. Access 3 Bowman Field is located just off US Route 15, the main north-south road through Williamsport. Fans coming from the east or west can also take US Route 220 and connect to other roads as needed. Parking is available in a lot next to the stadium, with overflow parking nearby as well. The closest spaces cost $3 to park in (cash only) while all other spaces are free. There is a clear bag policy in effect at the stadium, which is disappointing to see at this level and does bring the score down a bit. Once inside, there is ample room to move around. The ramps down from the seating bowl can get a bit cramped as everyone leaves at once, but they clear out quickly. Restrooms are available on the entrance plaza and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $8 and go up to $10 as you get closer to the field. However, any of these seats will offer a great view of the action. Group seating in the party and picnic area is more expensive than that but includes all you can eat food, so if you are bringing a large group, this is still a good deal. Members of the Senior Loggers Club (open to fans 60 and up) get free tickets and a hot dog at every Sunday home game. Joining this club is $35 and can offer added value if you are going to multiple games. Parking is free if you are willing to walk a bit, and affordable even if you want to park close by. Concessions will vary in price depending on what you buy, but you will get what you pay for. All in all, this makes a Crosscutters game in Williamsport a great value for all baseball fans. Extras 4 Look for the historical marker outside the stadium explaining the history of baseball here. The Potato Race is worthy of another extra star as a unique between inning tradition. Be sure to check out the Bowman Field Hall of Fame on the ramp to the stands on the first base side. This honors baseball legends who have played here or otherwise been involved in Williamsport baseball and their contributions to the history of Bowman Field. One notable inductee is Dave Bresnahan, the mastermind of the Great Potato Caper, who was inducted in 2012 for this "achievement". Finally, be sure to check out the team store by the entrance, which sells Crosscutters gear, as well as gear from the team's alternate identity, the Potato Capers, which they rebrand as every Friday home game. Final Thoughts Baseball has been played at Bowman Field for almost 100 years and you can feel a part of the history when stepping in here. However, this very much feels like a modern ballpark as well, not an old decrepit one that is falling apart. By combining history with everything you'd expect of a ballpark in the modern age, the Williamsport Crosscutters have made Historic Bowman Field one of the best places in the country to watch a game.

Photos by Blair Hughes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Campbelltown Sports Stadium Pembroke Rd Leumeah, NSW 2560 Australia Wests Tigers website Campbelltown Sports Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 20,000 GO WEST of Sydney Campbelltown Sports Stadium outside of Sydney, Australia comprises one of New South Wales's premier football stadiums and an international standard athletics facility. This is a ground that brings back the good old days of rugby league and takes any fan back to the retro glory days due to its homely local suburban footy feels. Campbelltown Stadium, formerly called Orana Park is a multi-use stadium in Leumeah, New South Wales, Australia, and is owned by the Campbelltown City Council. It is one of three home grounds for the Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, who are a side merged from Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers who compete in the National Rugby League (NRL). The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 and is well known amongst locals due to having a functional purpose in the lives of most young Campbelltownians as it doubled as the local athletics track for school carnivals. The original Orana Park stadium opened in the 1960s and was redeveloped ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The stadium has played host to Wests Tigers, Newtown Jets, and Western Sydney Wanderers W-League Women’s team games as well as the old black and white Wests Magpies up until they folded in 1999. Since 2000, this ground has been used on an occasional basis by the Wests Tigers, with four of their twelve annual home games played here, by their stadium deals. The Western Suburbs Magpies junior teams and Ron Massey Cup side also play most of their home games at Campbelltown. Food & Beverage 3 The venue is only open sporadically for events therefore food options are quite limited to traditional ‘footy’ stadium grub. However, there are a few interesting additions on offer for fans. The food served here is traditional in the sense of pies, burgers, chips, and hot dogs, and the offerings are very limited due to the scarcity of major events. Food at various outlets does not look very fresh or appetizing, but there are a variety of interesting options that make up for the general snack bar foods. The stadium has a variety of food trucks serving donuts, coffees, ice cream cones, and slushies which prove very popular, especially on a hot day. During a recent visit, the visiting team was the NZ Warriors, so the stadium was offering traditional New Zealand food in ‘Hangi’ which went down as a treat with fans. It was a unique offering that really impressed fans of all ages and both teams and drove home a positive family vibe through the community spirit of food. The stadium offers a blend of typical soft drinks from Coca-Cola products as well as water, Powerade, spirits, and beers including Cascade Light, VB’s, and Carlton Mid-Strength brews along with both white and red wine. There is a variety of food and bar stands throughout the venue and lines are short at each. It’s great that when you buy a beer here (average price $6-$7) you can get it in an ice-cold can rather than having to have it poured into a plastic cup. Servers at each food and drink concession are quick and attentive and considering they do not work here very often, the lines move well and people are served quickly. There is a bit of a flow issue in the Eastern grandstand due to the venue design whereby fans block the aisles while waiting for food and drink, but this is a difficult thing for the venue to manage. Atmosphere 4 There is nothing quite like experiencing a game of rugby league here in the heartland where it is very true to rugby league’s roots. The seats are all close to the action, families of fans are brimming with smiles due to the buzz of a great day at the footy, and it’s an experience that a sports fan needs to see in the flesh. The fan engagement is a step above previous years and fans are happy here due to the pumping atmosphere and ability to feel more apart of the game than at other massive venues. The stadium comprises plenty of nice vantage points to take in the game in its typical four-ends football stadium design. From the family (alcohol-free) hill where kids and families can run around with footies to the Western and Eastern grandstands, this is a stadium in the old style. While the stadium does not offer a great deal of weather protection, it makes up for it with seating that is very close to the action, so much so that you can hear the plays from the players from 20 rows back in any of the stands. Seats and the general stadium outlay are a bit dated due to not being used frequently however they are all clean, adequate in size, and comfortable. There are no cup holders or special features as this is very much ground with a considerable history, but the field shows no sign of age as the grass is pristine and glistens in the afternoon sun. The stadium has a large screen on the family hill which showcases game highlights, stats, and replays and sits above families so when a try decision comes it’s always a good sight to see kids jumping around under the screen and on TV. The ground announcers do a great job of pumping up the fans with music, trivia, and fan chants. As a good deal to entice new members, the club even offers a game day membership that gives fans the option of paying about $3 more than a standard ticket to get an invite to the after-game party at the local leagues club as well as a $10 merchandise voucher and a ticket to the game. Overall, the Tigers have greatly improved their fan engagement in previous seasons and offer a great family day out at Campbelltown Stadium with a variety of free and fun activations for NRL fans. While you could sit undercover in the Eastern stand and pay a little more for that option, the best spot here is to pull up a spot on the hill and revel in the atmosphere. Bring a picnic rug and grab some food and take in the action from the breezy location on the family hill. Most areas of the ground would be open to rain in wet weather so the East and West grandstands would offer cover but fans would be wise to sit as close as possible to the action to feel the crunch of the tackles and feel like they’re more part of the game. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located about 50 minutes or 45 km via train from the central Sydney CBD. However, it has easy access to main transportation hubs and the train station is a one-minute walk from the stadium. The neighborhood is low on attractions or shops, but it is served by a bottle shop, a local corner store selling game snacks, as well as the local leagues club which is directly next to the stadium. The stadium is located in a suburban area and therefore there are no hotels or accommodation facilities nearby due to the largely residential area. However, regular trains and buses run directly back to the Sydney CBD meaning most fans who are traveling from other places will stay here as the cost of a train ticket is only $8 return on weekends. The area where the stadium is located in Leumeah is a safe part of town due to the proximity of local transport, restaurants, lighting, security and policing, and residential housing. Options for food are limited, but there is a local Thai and pizza restaurant right outside the stadium along with a local pub all of which serve traditional and Australian-inspired dishes. There is an abundance of ATMs both inside and outside the stadium so fans can purchase food and drinks. Most places here and inside the ground accept cashless pay-pass payments. The stadium area is serviced by a local sports leagues club which offers food, pokies, drinks, and live sports as well as the Leumeah Club hotel which offers a similar vibe. These venues are inclusive and offer a local flavor of entertainment and are both worth investigating for a pre-match feed or drink. Fans 4 Wests Tigers fans are passionate rugby league supporters and while Wests Magpies fans are prominent from the old-school retro jerseys on show, this is very much a group of fans who support the merged team through thick and thin. Tigers fans have often gone through periods of unsuccessful campaigns, but the 2016 campaign has seen the team win back-to-back opening games and the buzz and excitement in the air from Tigers fans is thrilling to see. As the fans have to watch the Tigers play games across three ‘home’ grounds in Sydney, the four games per year at Campbelltown Stadium are special occasions and fans young and old come out of the woodwork to come back to one of the spiritual homes of rugby league in Sydney. Along with this, the die-hard members who come here and to the other games get a real kick out of this stadium due to the no-nonsense retro and suburban vibes of the venue. There’s a certain type of romance about seeing a team like the Tigers play in a classic old venue without all the new ‘connected stadium’ bells and whistles and it appears that many fans appreciate coming here to see the team play. Standard attendance for the Wests Tigers games averages about 10,000-15,000. As the venue is not used frequently, many fans will come here only for these four games of the year. Many fans are season-long members and will attend all of the Tigers games throughout the year. The fans here are loud and proud and passionate throughout the game. Due to the high level of play and outstanding performance which has at times been missing from the Tigers, the fans here are considerably louder and more engaged than in previous matches. Chants of Tigers, Tigers, Tigers ring out at various points in the game while the fan engagement activities set the tone for a fulfilling day out for families and fans. Access 4 Campbelltown Stadium is serviced both by trains and buses and offers limited parking inside the stadium as well as in adjacent streets, however, the best way to get here is via train which on a weekend only costs around $8 return and is a relatively short 45-60 minute ride with fellow fans to the ground. The ground is fairly accessible for people with disabilities, but it would be advised to contact the venue in advance to check regarding the best seating options for wheelchairs and to secure a space in advance. If not, venue staff here both from the stadium and Tigers are very approachable and friendly and are on hand to deal with poor crowd behavior and special requests. The local Leumeah train station is located at O’Sullivan Road, Leumeah, and is a one-minute walk from the stadium and about a 500m walk to the main entrance. Tickets for adults cost around $8-$10 return on weekends and offer a fast speed service from Sydney Central or Town Square train stops to the game. Attendants at the train stop in the city are very helpful and will show you how to purchase an ‘Opal’ card, which is an even cheaper way to get to the game. Some games offer free train travel with your tickets, however, for most fans, the easiest way is to just get on a train heading to the stadium on either the T2 or T5 line. The closest airport is about 45 minutes away and this train line conveniently goes direct to the airport. Accessibility is good here as there are lifts and ramp access at the station. Parking can be done around the ground but should be avoided due to the presence of ticket officers who will fine nonresidents on match days. Parking inside the stadium is very limited and is around $20 per car and needs to be prearranged as it is a very small car park. There is only one entrance to the ground which fans will see if they come in via the train station or the yellow footbridge near the tennis centre on the other side. Security is tight and even though you’re allowed to bring bags in, they will be checked. No alcohol is allowed and smoking is banned inside the stadium however there are allocated smoking areas. Tickets cost around $25-$60 with fewer fees and can be paperless for members or purchased at the gate. It is very easy to walk up and buy a ticket, but the lines can get long so it is advised to get to the ground before kick-off to secure a ticket quickly and get into the stadium. The stadium can be tight in parts when the ground starts to fill up and fans line up to get food and drinks, particularly in the Eastern stand where lines push right back to the start of the aisles. This is due to the makeup of the venue and impacts the flow of fans as they walk through this area. The rest of the ground is open and easy to walk around and is worth doing just that as there is a lot to take in. A general admission seat on the hill or the family area is a good cheap albeit non-undercover option that is still nice and close to the action. Return on Investment 4 If you’re looking for a world-class connected stadium experience then this is not for you, however, if you are looking to harken back to the good old days of rugby league and what sports was all about in the 80s and 90s, but of course with a bit of a modern touch, then there is absolutely nothing quite like a trip to Campbelltown Stadium for a Wests Tigers NRL match. Put simply, this is a must-do on any sports fan’s list as there is nothing quite as unique and exciting as a game of football in the burbs. For $25 a ticket, the ROI here is well worth your money. Nothing can compete with being this close to the action and buzz of the game, the exceptional fan engagement, and free giveaways to all fans as well as the positive fan experience that presents itself here at Campbelltown Stadium. This is not a modern fan experience that is all the rage around the world at the moment, but something that will make sports fans of all ages appreciates an authentic day at the rugby league. One of the ticket promotions that the Wests Tigers offer new fans is the option to sign up for a game day membership where they pay $30 and receive a ticket, a $10 merchandise voucher, the opportunity to be counted as part of the club’s official membership tally and access to the after game members-only fan party. A good deal considering general admission tickets are $30 anyway. Extras 5 The Wests Tigers control the fan engagement on the day and it is an exceptional fan experience here. The Tigers have just started running themed event days for their matches including ‘multicultural’ themed days. The fan engagement consists of free posters for fans which they are then encouraged to hold up before kick-off. This makes for a great sight and deeply connects the fans in the stadium, not to mention families and fans being happy with taking home a large free team poster. Fans can also pick up free food samples, and free Wests Tigers magnets, play in the Tigers fan zone, have their picture taken with the Tiger cheer squad (not to mention the young Tiger cheer squad), participate in street art workshops and enter competitions for Tigers gear. The food offering of having a traditional Kiwi ‘Hangi’ available for fans was a great bit of fan experience excellence that was a favourite amongst fans. It will be interesting to see what else the Tigers do for fans throughout the season on these themed game days. If the first is anything to go by with all of the fan engagement activities then the Tigers will be leading the way regarding the fan experience in the NRL. Final Thoughts As the title says, GO WEST of Sydney and experience local suburban rugby league footy in the essence of the good old days. Wear your old retro jerseys, grab a pie and beer, and have a laugh on the hill as there truly is something here for every fan.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Reese Court 1136 Washington St Cheney, WA 99004 Eastern Washington Eagles website Reese Court website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 5,000 Fly Eagles Fly Welcome to Cheney, Washington. This small, quiet town is situated about 16 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington and is home to the campus of Eastern Washington University. Here is where you find Roos Field or what people call The Inferno, but also here is Reese Court (also known as the EWU Special Events Pavilion). Reese Court is a 5,000 seat, multi-purpose venue home to basketball, volleyball, and special events. Eastern Washington athletics are a part of the Big Sky Conference in all sports. Reese Court gives off the small town gym style vibe which makes this an intimate setting for a basketball game. You definitely will feel like you are a part of the action on the court. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands definitely leave a lot to be desired if you are looking for food. There is not much variety in terms of getting something to eat if you attend a game here. The concession stands do accept credit/debit cards so that's a plus. Depending on what you want to eat, you might be left wishing you could have something else. The concession stands offer deluxe nachos ($6.50), teriyaki chicken and rice ($6.50), hot dog ($3.25), pretzels ($2), two different sizes of popcorn ($2 and $5), and candy ($1.50 and $3). One special offering is a stand offering hot or cold espresso and jet teas for $4. The prices really are good for what you are getting at the concession stands. The food looks to be of good quality and what seems to be floating around the most are the nachos. The speed of service is very good and no concession stand seems to have more than 5 or 6 people in line at a time. Pepsi is the major soda brand served inside of Reese Court and you can get a bottle of soda or Gatorade for $3. Beer and alcohol is not served at any concession stands. Atmosphere 4 Reese Court definitely provides a fantastic atmosphere for a college basketball game. The small town gym feel provides an intimate experience for fans. The style is more like a gymnasium with bleacher seating for the students with a few stadium style seats in the lower level and all in the upper level. The sight lines throughout Reese Court are perfect for basketball and honestly, even at the top of the upper level, you could still have a perfect view of the play on the court. The Eastern Washington pep band is active throughout the game and they are situated right behind one of the baskets. The Eagle Club is an exclusive area for donors to the school. This area is completely off limits to the general public so when you are walking around, you cannot cut through the Eagle Club. This is specifically a booster club/donor area only. Reese Court has one video board that does show replays and has great angles on the replay screen. The court also features two scoreboards that are complete with the players on the court, how many fouls the players on the court have, and how many points each player on the court has scored. It also features how many team fouls and whether a team is in the bonus or double bonus. The possession arrow is at the scorer's table. The sound quality is amazing and the PA announcer can be heard loud and clear. Music is played at the perfect volume during timeouts when the pep band is not playing. They do a few special promotions on the video wall as well as on court during stoppages and during halftime. Seating options are limited to the general public, but they have four sections in the lower level and then the entire upper level for sale for home games. You'll see the center court logo upside if you sit in the lower level for the general public. The upper level on the student section side will give you the correct view of the center court logo. Neighborhood 2 This is where Reese Court gets a bad score. Cheney is a college town, but the area around the arena is the campus itself so housing and classroom buildings surround the area. The only hotel located close to the arena is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites about 1.5 miles from Reese Court otherwise be prepared to stay in Spokane, Washington which is about 16 miles from the arena. Fast food is your main option close to the arena. McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Carl's Jr. are about 1.5 miles from the arena. A place I would recommend trying is El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant which is located about one mile from the arena as well. Fans 4 Reese Court is home to some rowdy fans, both students and fans alike. This is where it gets fun to be at a game at Reese Court. The student section is aptly named the Flight Club and this is one rowdy group. The game I attended featured Idaho State visiting Eastern Washington and the student section never let up during the entire game. Attendance might have been a little more due to it being Senior Day. The crowd gets loud during the game especially with the help of the Eastern Washington cheerleaders and their mascot, Swoop. These fans are engaged throughout the entire game and the student section makes that all possible. I could not believe how loud and how rowdy they got throughout the game. Access 4 Reese Court is very easy to get to on game day and moving around inside is not hard at all. The concourse is very spacious and allows people to move around freely. The nearest airport is Spokane International Airport if you are flying in to see the Eagles play. Spokane Transit Authority buses stop near the arena as well if you are interested in public transportation. Parking is free if you park behind the press box of the football field (parking lot P12). It has enough room to fit everyone who is attending the game. Traffic flow is also very good coming and going to/from the game. There is only one gate to enter the arena and it is very speedy in terms of getting people inside. Parking lot P12 offers a ramp down to the entrance of Reese Court with plenty of handicap parking as well. If you have someone in a wheelchair you do not have to worry about stairs when parking in P12. Also, the arena offers handicap accessible seating on the lower level. Return on Investment 4 You definitely get your money's worth coming to a game at Reese Court. Ticket prices are $17.00 for adults, students are $11.00, and general admission is $8.00-$11.00. You also get a free roster sheet when you walk in the front gate. With parking being free, that saves you a good chunk of change and concession stands offer great pricing for both food and beverages. Extras 2 One extra point for the championship banners and retired numbers. It is always a great thing to be able to see the history of the programs that use the venue. One more extra point for the radio station being advertised at the arena. Some fans like listening to the radio call while watching the action on the court and for it to be advertised is fantastic for the fans. Final Thoughts Reese Court may be situated in a small town, but the intimate feel of the arena is second to none in my opinion. Although food and beverage and the neighborhood may have left a little bit to be desired, this is definitely an arena I would visit again.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 New Smyrna Speedway 3939 Florida 44 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 New Smyrna Speedway website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 8,000 A NASCAR Home Track in Florida New Smyrna Speedway may not be a household name in motorsports, but for diehard NASCAR junkies and locals, it is a storied facility that has seen some of racing’s best young talent come through its gates. Nestled south of Daytona just inland from the coast, this raceway is a gem of short track asphalt racing. With updated grandstand seating and plenty of parking, this small high-banked raceway in Central Florida is a must visit for anyone looking to see some of racing’s future stars every night. New Smyrna Speedway operates much like most local short tracks, with weekly racing and track championships, while also hosting the likes of NASCAR’s K&N Pro East Series. It is also a popular destination for testing purposes, and features the Governor’s Cup race weekend in the late fall. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage options at New Smyrna Speedway are limited but not inherently disappointing. All beverages, from various sodas to coffee and water, cost no more than $3, with food options including hot dogs ($5), cheeseburgers ($5.50), BBQ pork sandwiches ($6), popcorn ($3), nachos ($4.50), fries ($3.50 or $4 with chili or cheese), and the popular chicken and fries basket ($7.50). The track’s concessions stands also offer seasonal favorites like pork tenderloin, Chesapeake wings, and sausage with peppers and onions – kids meals with hot dogs or chicken nuggets are also available for $6. For fans with pit passes, there is also a concessions stand in the infield by the tech inspection building. Atmosphere 4 New Smyrna Speedway has the feel of a historic local short track – its high banks make for great racing action no matter if you’re watching pro-stocks, NASCAR stock cars, or modifieds. Fans can look forward to a great product on track, and with victory lane located right on the front stretch, you are certain to feel like you’re right there celebrating with the winners. Another aspect that makes the track comfortable is the renovated seats in the main grandstand – the seating here mirrors that of most major racetracks, with metal bleacher-style seats and stairs. In addition, there is also another grandstand located above turn 3, where fans can sit on older wooden bleachers for a different view of the race action. The PA system is also top notch, meaning you get to hear the announcers quite well even during the race action. Neighborhood 2 There isn’t really much near New Smyrna Speedway itself, aside from the gas station across the street. The facility is located in a rather secluded location, so anyone wanting food, shopping, or lodging will have to drive to the coast, a minimum of 10 minutes east on Route 44. Once at the coast, however, you can find the Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach, the official hotel of the New Smyrna Speedway (the hotel is located 13 miles from the track). Another option fans choose is the Best Western New Smyrna Beach, while for food, Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen & Bar is a popular stop in New Smyrna Beach, as is Amalfi’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria. For tourists, driving up to Daytona International Speedway and taking the speedway tour is a must. You can also drive south to the Cape Canaveral National Seashore and Kennedy Space Center. Fans 4 The fans show up week after week, through cold nights in the fall and winter to hot muggy evenings in the summer. The locals love their short track racing, and some of the biggest names in NASCAR come to watch the future stars get a shot. Names like Burton, Wallace, Gillilland, and McReynolds race here on a regular basis, but it is the children of their famous parents who are the stars. Expect a packed crowd of both locals and racing diehards when you arrive, and fans who love a good show on track. Access 3 Getting to New Smyrna Speedway is pretty simple, but it involves some driving. Located equidistant from both I-4 and I-95 along Route 44, the track is not hard to find on the map. From the east, I-95 exit 249 will take you to Route 44, and from there it is a straight shot west to the track; from the west, I-4 exit 118 will drop you off at Route 44. Parking is also plentiful on site, meaning you won’t have a hard time finding a space. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from event to event, as bigger races like NASCAR’s K&N Pro East Series are higher profile than the nightly short track racing. Generally, tickets tend to run $15 for general admission for adults, but rise for bigger events – this is relatively low compared to other tracks in Florida, and the low cost of parking and concessions adds to the affordability. Children 11 and under are free, and the track offers both military and senior discounts. Extras 2 New Smyrna Speedway invites fans onto the front stretch before feature races to get an up-close view of the track, cars, and the drivers – this is a perfect opportunity to get photos and autographs with the drivers. In addition, there is also a NASCAR cup series car on display under the main grandstand – this is another great place for fans to get a photo standing next to a former Jeff Gordon race car. Final Thoughts The facility at New Smyrna Speedway feels like Florida…there are palm trees around the track, it gets pretty hot in the summer, and the fun is plentiful. Also, the track itself is historic, and a favorite among diehards in short track racing, and the updated speedway style seating is a big plus – this is a must-visit track on the list for race fans in Florida and beyond.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hoy Field 509 Campus Rd Ithaca, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red website Hoy Field website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 500 Give My Regards to Davy Cornell has one of the more scenic campuses in the United States. The rolling hills, beautiful vistas, mix of modern and historic buildings, and active college town make for an enjoyable visit regardless of the sport you may be following. The Cornell Big Red baseball team is part of the Ivy League and plays at David F. Hoy Field, located on central campus in the shadow of the football facility, Schoellkopf Field. The ball field is named for a graduate of the class of 1891, who also lends his name to the Cornell Fight Song, Give My Regards to Davy . Baseball has been played on this site since 1922, although the current look of the ballpark is a result of renovations completed in 2007. At that time, FieldTurf was installed, the playing field was re-orientated, and new dugouts, grandstand, and a press box were all installed. The result is a cozy little park with few perks and seating for 500 spectators. While Hoy Field can hardly be described as a must-see venue, it certainly makes for an enjoyable afternoon if the weather is nice and you find yourself along the Southern Tier of New York. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions offered at Hoy Field, and fans are allowed to bring in their own food and drink if they would like. There is a Gimme Coffee location that opened in 2014 inside the nearby Bill & Melinda Gates Hall, which is a beautiful modern building located along the first base side of the field. Otherwise, your only option is to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. Atmosphere 3 Overall Hoy Field provides a very laid back and simple atmosphere in order to watch a college baseball game. All of the seating is located in the grandstand. There is one section with seven rows of gray chair back seats. If you sit the back row (Row G) toward the third base side (seat 15) you can hear the radio play-by-play from the press box, which is a nice added bonus. The remainder of the 400 or so seats can be found on silver metal bleachers, which provide above average leg room. Your only chance for limited shade would be in the back row of the bleachers on the third base side. Some fans choose to tailgate directly from the adjoining parking garage (176 Hoy Rd). From the top deck you can have a bird’s eye view of the action on the field below, while perhaps partaking in a cold beer if it is a warm spring day. There is netting that obstructs the view of the entire grand stand. Some fans choose to stand or sit along the baselines, and there are a few permanent benches in between the field and Gates Hall. Fans may also choose to bring their own chairs and sit along the baselines. The scoreboard provides only the basic information needed to follow along with the game. There are no lights at Hoy Field, so if you’re headed to a game, you can be sure that it will be an afternoon start time. There are no promotions during the game, with limited music and straightforward announcements from the PA. The focus here is on the baseball game alone. Neighborhood 4 Cornell has a lovely campus, and the baseball field is located just up the hill from the area of Ithaca known as CollegeTown. Here you’ll find several bars and casual restaurants, including a nice variety of Asian cuisine including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Indian food. Koko’s, located on College Avenue, presents affordable and authentic Korean food, but gets very busy at lunch time, so consider going a little earlier or later than the typical lunch hour. Downtown, you should make a stop in to the Ithaca Ale House. They serve burgers and sandwiches with additional specials that elevate the standard pub food a bit. On the night of my visit they were serving lobster mac & cheese which was very good indeed, along with a great selection of beers on tap. It’s a friendly environment with plenty of TVs to stay on top of the day’s sporting events. Another recommendation is Agava, which serves somewhat upscale and inventive Mexican food, along with a solid selection of beers and cocktails. The rustic and hip interior with separate bar and dining areas is a good place to spend some time, although the restaurant can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights. They also boast that they serve “farm-to-table food,” and where possible source their ingredients from local producers. There is a hotel on the Cornell campus, the Statler Hotel, which is located just across the street from Hoy Field. Many of the staff at the hotel are students who are studying hospitality in the School of Hotel Administration. However, rates are very expensive. The Hilton Garden Inn is about 1-2 miles from Cornell. More budget conscious choices can be found in downtown Ithaca (Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn), but in general hotels are rather expensive within close proximity of Cornell. Nature lovers may consider visiting the Ithaca Waterfalls or Robert Tremen State Park to experience some of the natural beauty the area has to offer. Consider visiting the Hangar Theatre or the Johnson Museum of Art if you would like some culture. You’re also in New York wine country, so consider a visit to one of the local wineries. Fans 2 It’s unlikely that you’ll see a packed house when attending a Cornell game at Hoy Field. You should be able to find the seat you want. Cornell fans are relatively subdued and are friendly. Because many of Cornell’s opponents are found within the region, you will also find several fans of the visiting team at games. Access 3 Getting to Ithaca and Cornell will generally mean driving some winding and hilly roads, but it is a beautiful journey regardless of what direction you may be coming from. There is a large parking garage located next door to the ballpark. If you park on the bottom level you can step right from the garage into the park. If you park on the top level, then you may choose to just sit above the action for a unique perspective. The parking garage is for “permit only” from 7:30am – 5pm Monday-Friday. If you come for a weekday game, then stop at one of the information booths on campus to get a guest parking pass. When driving on the Cornell campus, be aware that there is a lot of foot and bicycle traffic. Take your time, and be aware of crosswalks. If you’re staying in Ithaca, then you can take a bus (T-CAT) to the Cornell campus. Routes 83 and 92 have stops nearest Hoy Field at the corner of Campus Rd and Eden Ave. If you’re flying in, then Tompkins Regional Airport is your nearest choice, served by Delta, United, and US Airways. Restrooms are a little difficult to find. Your closest option is to take the steps up to Campus Road (behind the grandstand) and use the restroom inside the Belkin Squash Courts building. They may be inconvenient, but it’s better than a port-a-potty like you may find at many other northeast college ballparks. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. There are no concession stands, nor is there any merchandise for sale at a baseball game at Hoy Field. It may not cost you a penny to see a game at Cornell, but you get what you pay for. That is, a very bare bones but enjoyable experience, especially if you just want to sit back and enjoy a day of baseball. Extras 3 A free program is available with a color cover photo, rosters for both teams, and some notes about the series you’re seeing which is actually fairly nice. Cornell is truly one of the loveliest college campuses that you’ll see. It’s hard not to fall in love with the town and the school. Finally, an extra point for the great view of both the field and the surrounding area that can be found from the top level of the parking garage, truly one of the best vantage points in college baseball. Final Thoughts Cornell baseball at Hoy Field is a good example of what the sport is like in this part of the country. On a cold day, only the true baseball diehards would want to see a game here, but if you get a warm spring day, then the chance to meander around the beautiful campus, see some baseball, and explore the town makes this a very worthwhile trip.

Pictures by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Master SportsPlex 221 Guelph Street Halton Hills, ON L7G 4A8 Georgetown Raiders website Mold-Master SportsPlex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,156 Raiding Georgetown In 1975, the Georgetown Gemini was founded as a Junior B team.  Bringing hockey back to Georgetown was a priority after the Georgetown Junior C team folded in 1969.  The Gemini moved up to the Junior A level in 1993 when the entire league, which would become the Ontario Junior Hockey League, promoted themselves to the Junior A level.  Georgetown also adopted the Raiders as their moniker to coincide with their move up.  The Raiders name has some meaning in the area as the Junior C team of the 60s was named the Raiders, and a Senior team of the 70s and 80s was also named Raiders.  The Raiders claim Jack Hughes among their alumni. Georgetown is a community in the Town of Halton Hills, located to the west of Brampton. Georgetown is an affluent area of 42,000 people and home to many commuters who work in Toronto or Mississauga.  Home for the Raiders is the Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Masters SportsPlex.  The SportsPlex is a massive complex that houses four ice pads as well as meeting rooms and a skatepark outside.  The original arena was built in 1975 and has been expanded at least two times.  The original arena is named after Gordon Alcott, who was the founder of minor hockey in Georgetown in the 30s. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is found just outside of Alcott Arena.  The menu consists of onion rings, fries, hot dogs, popcorn, and cookies.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex, and Gatorade, water juice, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and Slush Puppies are also available.  There are also several vending machines that offer drinks and snacks around the SportsPlex. Atmosphere 3 The Mold-Masters SportsPlex is a sports complex that has benefitted from two separate additions.  As a result, the different parts of the complex can be seen from the exterior.  The more modern side, which is to the north, has light siding with plenty of glass.  The portion that joins the oldest and newest parts of the complex features dark brown siding and houses the main entrance. Upon entering the SportsPlex, fans are immediately struck with the importance of hockey to this community. A row of trophy cases for a variety of hockey levels greets fans.  Above those are the portraits of recipients of the Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award.  One of the trophy cases is dedicated to the Raiders and houses several team awards as well as some team pictures.  The Gordon Alcott Arena is to the left and is the home to the Raiders.  A dedication plaque to Gordon Alcott is just to the side of the trophy cases.  Fans who wish to check out the  Halton Hills Sports Hall of Fame can head to the right and do some exploring just outside of the Fernbrook Rink.  Inductees of note include Gordon Alcott and former NHL goaltender, Brian Hayward.  An interesting display dedicated to the former Georgetown Memorial Arena is also found in this area and includes seats and the original Zamboni from the 1923 arena. Heading toward the Alcott Arena, fans are met with temporary tables where tickets are purchased, as well as 50/50 tickets and pucks for chuck-a-puck.  The seating area is up the stairs, and fans will find more portraits of those who have added to Georgetown hockey, including former Maple Leafs legend “King” Clancy and Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean.  Inside the Alcott Arena, the ice is oriented from east to west, with the main seating area on the north side.  Lihth- coloured, low peaked support beams cross the ice surface and hold up the silver insulated roof.  The seating area on the north is elevated above ice level and has six rows of plastic ,and resin benches with standing room behind them.  At the east end of the second grandstand are ten rows of benches that start at ice level.  There are a couple of items of note that are found on the east end.  A plaque honoring longtime Raiders fan Norm Lockhurst is found by one of the benches and is a nice touch.  Four honored jerseys for the Raiders are found on the north wall at ice level, beneath the seating area, that are not visible from the north side.  The Raiders have embraced their history honoring former players Mike Knoepfli, Ryan Busby, Dave Bouskill, and Stace Page. The south wall is littered with banners from minor hockey teams, as well as junior and intermediate teams and the Halton Hills Bulldogs Junior B lacrosse team.  The banners are pretty uniform and organized, but unfortunately, the Raiders’ banners do not stand out.  The 2016-2017 Buckland Cup Championship banner as OJHL Champions is of note. The gameday production in Georgetown is very simple.  Music and announcements, along with the 50/50 and chuck-a-puck promotions, make up the entirety of the effort. Neighbourhood 4 Mold-Masters SportsPlex is located in Georgetown, a community on the eastern border of the Town of Halton Hills.  The SportsPlex is located in a bit of a retail area of town and there are a few spots for pre or post game food.  Some more original offerings include Symposium Cafe, St. George Publ, Norval Pancake House, Copper Kettle Pub, The Pickled Piper and a few large chain and fast food restaurants.  The Raiders are the main spectator sports entity in Georgetown.  However, there are a few options that are close by.  The City of Brampton is right next door and is the new home of the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads.  The Brampton Excelsiors  also play during the summer months.  The Raiders have healthy rivalries with the Milton Menace  and Caledon Admirals , both of which are a short drive away.  The area is also known for golf courses and Glen Eden Ski Resort and Kelso Conservation Area.  Harness Racing is found year round at Woodbine Mohawk Raceway and Elements Casino is also on site.  For those interested in shopping, Toronto Premium Outlets is also a short drive away.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western is just off of Guelph Street, close to the arena. Fans 2 The Georgetown Raiders usually attract between 100 and 150 fans per game.  In the 2022-23 season they averaged 130 fans per game and approximately 150 the following season.  A good regular season crowd will top the 200 fan mark, but for the most part it is a friends and family type of crowd.  Raider fans are typical of Ontario fans and pretty quiet and reserved, but get loud at the appropriate time.   Access 4 Georgetown is located 10 km north of the junction of Highways 401 and 407.  It is important to keep in mind that Highway 407 is a toll highway and Highway 401 is the main highway running through Southern Ontario, so it can get quite busy.  Travelers will have to traverse Halton Hills a bit to get to the Mold-Masters SportsPlex, but that won’t be a big issue.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the GO Transit station is very close to the arena and Milton Transit stops are found on Guelph Street.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and Milton Transit  websites for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are good for the size of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Georgetown Raiders go for $15 at the door on gameday.  Students and seniors enjoy a $5 discount.  Cash and credit are both accepted and there is no online option.  Parking at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex is free and concession prices are decent.  The Raiders put a good product on the ice and fans will enjoy the OJHL brand of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the historic championship banners including Junior B and Junior C and Intermediate/Senior teams of the past. An extra mark for the recognition of those who built and maintained Georgetown hockey at all levels found throughout the Mold-Masters SportsPlex. An extra mark for Mold-Masters SportsPlex as a community hub. Final Thoughts Hockey is alive and well in Georgetown, Ontario.  Taking in a Georgetown Raiders game is a great idea for fans who wish to check out some solid hockey for a low price and maybe take in some local history in the process.  The Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Masters SportsPlex offers a good locale for OJHL hockey. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gary Foxall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 MKM Stadium Walton St. Hull, England HU3 6HU United Kingdom Hull City AFC website KCOM Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 25,404 Hear the Tigers Roar MKM Stadium The MKM, formerly KCOM, Stadium was opened in 2002 (also known as the Hull City Stadium due to UEFA sponsorship regulations) and is home to both Hull City Football Club and Hull Rugby League Club. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 25,404 and stands out from other new builds in Britain with its sloping and curving roof. The stadium was known as KC Stadium from its opening until 2016 and was built at a cost of approximately £44 million. The stadium stands in a parkland setting and can be seen from a distance as you approach the area. All stands are single-tiered except the West Stand which is two-tiered. This is the main stand housing the executive boxes, changing rooms, and offices. The stadium is complete with undersoil heating and is also a venue to pop concerts. The complex is a good example of where football and rugby can live together and the venue has become an excellent addition to the city. Food & Beverage 2 Hot Dogs and burgers are priced at £3.20, pies at £3, and hot and cold drinks at £2 are a selection of items available within the stadium. Meal deals are available for £6. The stadium concourse is well-populated with food outlets. Atmosphere 3 The design of the stadium ensures that it retains its atmosphere and this remains the case when the stadium is not full which tends to be the case now that the club is back in the Championship League. Neighborhood 3 Some years back a visit to Hull was not one to be looked forward to, however, over the last decade the city has undergone regeneration and a trip to the KCOM Stadium can easily be turned into a day out. The city center offers a wide range of shops with plenty of restaurants and bars in the vicinity. Hull’s most famous landmark is the Humber suspension Bridge opened in 1981 and is a tourist attraction in its own right. The city also offers a range of maritime museums that are also worth visiting when in the area. Some of North Yorkshire's adjoining seaside towns such as Bridlington are also worth visiting when the English weather allows. The Brickmakers Public House opposite the stadium is a regular haunt for both home and away supporters. The Weatherspoons in the city center offers both affordable meals and real ale. Fans 3 Hull City regularly attracts crowds in the region of 15,000 and for the short time the club was in the Premiership most games were sold out. The club has hardcore support and even when languishing in the lower divisions of English league football for many years, Hull was well supported. The club has decent away support and the team’s gold and black jerseys are prominent within the city and surrounding areas. Local rivals are Leeds United , Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United , and Doncaster Rovers . Access 3 The stadium is reached by car by taking the M62 and then the A63 to Hull City Centre. The stadium is less than a mile from the city and plenty of car parking is available for a reasonable price. Jubilee House opposite the large car park is good value for £5 and is a two-minute walk through the park to the stadium. There is also a park-and-ride scheme in operation on a match day. Traffic leaving the ground after a game can sometimes be slow, but should not take any longer than half an hour. The nearest railway station is Hull Paragon in the center and this is about a twenty-minute OAP walk. Return on Investment 3 On average, normal match day prices are £24 and £26 with reductions for children and OAP and are the norm for this level of the English game. The facilities available make this a good value compared to some other clubs in the league. Extras 3 Stadium tours are available on Mondays and Wednesdays priced at £5 and these last about one hour. The club has a souvenir shop at the stadium and also one in the City Centre selling the normal range of merchandise. Betting shops are also available inside the stadium and a match day program costing £3 is available for each home game.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Amon G. Carter Stadium 2850 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76129 TCU Horned Frogs website Amon G. Carter Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 47,000 TCU Horned Frogs – Amon G. Carter Stadium Amon G. Carter Stadium has been home to the Texas Christian University football team since 1930. The original seating capacity was for 22,000, but over the years the stadium has expanded to today’s current capacity of 47,000. The renovation in 2010 changed the old stadium into the current stadium as it was demolished and reconstructed – the latest upgrade was a $113 million addition completed before the 2020 season that opened a new section of luxury suites. The Carter, as it has also sometimes been referred to, has been home to two claimed National Championships (1935 and 1938), one Heisman Trophy winner in Davey O’Brien, and scores of All-Americans and all-time greats, including Sammy Baugh and LaDainian Tomlinson. The stadium name is in honor, of Amon G. Carter, a prominent Fort Worth businessman, newspaper publisher, and city booster in 1930. The renovated stadium’s brick-and-column facade sits well among the other campus buildings of the same façade and is a neighbor to TCU’s basketball arena, Schollmaier Arena . Besides TCU football, Amon G. Carter Stadium also hosts a post-season bowl game, the Armed Forces Bowl , in December. Food and Beverage 4 The food and beverage selection at Amon G. Carter has received upgrades over the years. The stadium has similarly named concession stands throughout the stadium, so there is no need to go looking for a certain item. These are the basic concessions but more recently, TCU brought local food vendors to give the fans more of a selection – Chicken Express, Chick-fil-A, Bobby’s Fajitas, Railhead BBQ, Pardon My Steak, and the popular pizza near campus, Buffalo Bros, all now have concession stands inside Amon G. Carter Stadium. The basic stand is called the Taste of Funkytown, a Fort Worth nickname. This concession stand provides beef nachos, chopped beef sandwiches, hot dogs, regular nachos, pretzels, peanuts, and popcorn, all priced under $10; the best deal for food is at these stands. TCU also has a happy hour that starts from the time gates open until 30 minutes before kickoff, where you can purchase the above food items, as well as drinks, for $3 each (except for the beef nachos and chopped beef sandwiches). If you want to try the outside vendor food, Chicken Express has a combo meal for $18 (4 tender rolls and a 44 oz drink), while Pardon My Steak provides cheesesteak for $13. However, my favorite two vendors are Bobby’s Fajitas and Buffalo Bros – Bobby’s Fajitas has beef and chicken fajita nachos, quesadillas, tacos, and tamales, while Buffalo Bros has pizza and wings, which are reasonably priced for a sporting event. Amon G. Carter Stadium serves Pepsi products, with the best value outside happy hour being their 44 oz soda. There is also Gatorade, water, and alcohol available besides soda. The alcohol selection is decent with typical sports venue prices of $10-$13 depending on your selection. Wine is served throughout the facility, but hard liquor is not available outside the clubs. The concession stands and bars at all TCU venues are cashless; TCU Athletics will accept all major credit cards, Visa gift cards, and all forms of non-contact payment including Apple & Google Pay. Overall, the food and beverages are on par with other Big 12 stadiums, but the happy hour prices raise this section’s rating to above average. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at TCU is similar to other campuses around the Big 12, but being a smaller school, the pre-game tailgating here is contained to areas right around the stadium. Tailgating begins 5 hours before kickoff when the parking opens, with Frog Alley opening for fans a couple of hours closer to kickoff. Frog Alley has food, drinks, TCU athletics team autographs, giveaways, and music. TCU football players enter the stadium with the Frog Walk, 2 hours before kickoff, and the gates open an hour and a half before game time. Inside Amon G. Carter Stadium, the Frog Horn is blown every 30 minutes up to kickoff. The marching band walks through the concourse before entering the field, and then the pre-game festivities begin. The atmosphere is built up before the Horned Frogs take the field – the TCU Showgirls and band, along with the mascot Super Frog, get the crowd ready. The TCU student section is in the lower bowl behind the visitor bench. They are actively involved with cheers of “Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo” and their Frogs hand sign. The game has fireworks and Frog Horn sounds when TCU enters the stadium, as well as when the home team scores points. The Frog Horn also blows incessantly in the end zone during the game, much to the chagrin of opposing teams. The upper deck of the stadium has reminders of 2 national championships, past bowl victories, and TCU’s 2022 college football playoff appearance. The atmosphere is on par with other college football games, but can become special when certain teams visit The Carter; the stadium is perfect for those games. Neighborhood 4 Texas Christian University is located in the fifth-largest city in Texas, Fort Worth, just 4 miles away from downtown Fort Worth and located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Amon G. Carter Stadium is on the TCU campus. There are a few dining and lodging options near TCU – two popular spots on gameday and within walking distance from the stadium are Buffalo Bros and Dutch’s Burgers. Buffalo Bros serves pizza and wings, while next-door Dutch burgers cover the hamburgers. Both places will fill up quickly on gameday. There are plenty of restaurants around Fort Worth, however, Heim BBQ and Joe T. Garcia’s are among the most visited by out-of-towners, and both provide great food. There are also various choices when it comes to lodging, from downtown hotels to the hotel at the Fort Worth Stockyards; the closest hotels are Hyatt Place Fort Worth and the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth. There are plenty of things to do as well while spending your time in Fort Worth. The closest to TCU’s campus is the Fort Worth Zoo; the zoo is home to over 7,000 unique species and is located on University Drive across from Colonial Country Club, which holds a PGA event every May. The Fort Worth Stockyards is another fun destination, where you can see cattle run during the day, replicating the end of the Chisholm Trail. There are also plenty of shops, but the most famous attraction is the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas, proclaimed as the world’s largest Honky Tonk, which is famous for its live music and indoor rodeo and bull riding contests. Downtown Fort Worth has the Water Gardens, or you can visit the hotel where John F. Kennedy spent his last night before he visited Dallas. Fort Worth has a lot to offer, but if you want more, Dallas is only a 45-minute drive away. Fans 4 Texas Christian University has a small enrollment compared to other Big 12 schools, but the attendance at Amon G. Carter Stadium does not show it. In 2022 the Horns Frogs averaged 46,562 in their 46,000-seat stadium, then broke that mark with an average of 47,416 in 2023. TCU set their all-time attendance record of 53,294 (beating the previous mark of 50,000) in a game against the Utah Utes in 2009. Most of the fans are engaged, especially on third downs – the heart of the fanbase is the student section, located along the first level behind the visitor’s bench. For big games, the fans will show up, and The Carter can become a wonderful home-field advantage for the Horned Frogs. Access 4 In terms of Access, there are a few faults for Amon G. Carter Stadium. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports and is only about a half-hour drive from campus. There is public transportation via Trinity Metro TEX Rail or the Metro 7 bus line to TCU, but watch their schedule as it is not a late-running bus service. If you stay anywhere downtown, it is a short Uber ride. If you are driving there are eight official parking lots available at Amon G. Carter Stadium, but like other college sports venues, these spots are by permit only. There are three paid parking lots and two free parking lots, but those tend to fill up fast, especially the free lots located at Doxology Bible Church and Travis Avenue Baptist Church – the paid parking lots do have shuttle services to and from the stadium, however. Otherwise, there is plenty of paid parking throughout the neighborhood surrounding TCU, usually $20-$40 per spot, but if you get there early you can park in the neighborhood for free. The entrances to Amon G. Carter are easy to find around the stadium. The concourse is wide and there is plenty of signage for first-time visitors – the facility is an easy venue to access compared to the larger stadiums in the Big 12. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for TCU Horned Frog games are a worthwhile investment, as tickets range from $45-$200 depending on the game and the seat; the higher priced ticket will be against in-state rivals such as Texas Tech and Baylor. Concessions are on average compared to other stadiums, but with the happy hour pricing before the game, a family can save on eating while at the game. The parking is up to you, as there is free parking available, but even if you have to pay the price is not as high as at some Big 12 schools. The small confines of Amon G. Carter, and the low cost overall for a top-level college football program, make TCU well worth it money-wise for any fan. Extras 5 Amon G. Carter itself is a beautiful facility and is a perfect setting for college football, showcasing the pageantry of college football with its tailgating, TCU Horned Frogs marching Band, TCU Cheerleaders, TCU Showgirls, and their beloved mascot Super Frog. The Frog Horn was a gift from Burlington Northern Railroad; the horn is decked out in purple and blown before and during the game. There are also fireworks displays, military flyovers, reminders of past players throughout the concourse, plus an area to read about the history of Amon G. Carter – they are all part of the experience at TCU football games. Add in the TCU student section with their frog signs, Riff Bam chants, and the visits from former players, and a game at The Carter is better than most. Amon G. Carter Stadium has everything good about college football and should be on any sports fan’s list of places to visit.

Photos by Paul Baker,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Danbury Ice Arena 1 Independence Way Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Hat Tricks website Danbury Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,000 Hat City Hockey No story about professional hockey in the city of Danbury, Connecticut can be told without first mentioning James Galante and the Danbury Trashers. In 2004 Galante was awarded an expansion hockey team in the United Hockey League. Needing a place to play, he renovated the local community rink, the Danbury Ice Arena, using three million dollars of his own money. He named the team the Trashers after his waste management company and installed his 17-year-old son A.J. as general manager. The roster resembled something from the movie Slap Shot and the team soon became known for their physical, intimidating style of play and frenzied fan support. Unfortunately, things unraveled when Galante became the focus of an FBI investigation for fraud, extortion, racketeering, tax fraud and conspiracy. The Trashers were found to be guilty of salary cap violations and the team folded when Galante was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Sports Illustrated , ESPN and the Atlantic have done features on the Galantes and the Trashers. Rumors circulate that there is a movie in the works about the Trashers . Since the Trashers folded in 2006, a bunch of teams have tried the fill the hockey void in Danbury. The Stars of the New England Hockey League, the Mad Hatters of the Eastern Professional Hockey League and the Whalers and Titans of the Federal Prospects Hockey League all had varying degrees of success in western Connecticut. On May 7, 2019 the new owners of the Danbury Ice Arena were awarded an expansion franchise in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The FPHL is a low-level developmental minor hockey league that serves as a feeder league to the ECHL, SPHL and European leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Community rinks often have sneaky-good concession options, and the Danbury Ice Arena is no exception. With the facility in use almost continuously, the need for all kinds of snack and beverage options is obvious. The “Rabbit Hole” does not disappoint. Danbury Ice Arena Snack Bar, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey The menu offers a good variety of arena fare, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices, chicken strips, nachos and Jersey Mike’s subs. Any item can be turned into a combo meal with the addition of fries and a drink. Fans looking for just a snack can choose from pretzels, popcorn, mozzarella sticks and french fries, or they can select from an array of cookies, candy, pop-tarts and numerous other treats. Tucked away in a corner inside the arena is a cart operated by The Ice Cream Guy featuring a variety of Longford Ice Cream flavors. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Danbury Ice Arena in both fountain and bottled form. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks at both the concession window and the Rabbit Hole bar in the lobby. Budweiser, Bud Light, Amstel Light and Coors are available on draft. Connecticut hockey fans will definitely want to try the New Haven Nighthawk Light beer sold at the Rabbit Hole bar. Fans can purchase pitchers of beer at the bar and bring them into the arena to enjoy while watching the game. It’s not a bit surprising to see that many fans take advantage of this great deal. Atmosphere 3 The Hat Trick staff put on a pretty entertaining show. While the Danbury Ice Arena is a pretty old-school, bare-bones facility, there’s still enough going on to keep the casual fan entertained. There is an emcee who wanders the stands throughout the game leading promotions and interacting with the fans. The Hat Tricks are well-connected with the local community, with giveaways to several local businesses and restaurants scattered throughout the night. Intermissions feature games including battle-ball hockey and shots on goal for prizes. It’s interesting how a facility with no video scoreboard incorporates dance and kiss cams. An interesting promotion that happens every game is the Carrot Toss, where fans can purchase a bag of three stuffed carrots for five dollars. After the first Hat Trick goal, fans throw their carrots on the ice, with the closest to the center ice dot winning a cash prize. We’re not sure what would happen if the Hat Tricks ever got shut out. The fans in section 102 hang right over the visiting bench and do their best to distract and annoy the guests. While their antics are a far cry from the vulgarity of the Trashers days, it’s definitely more of a PG-13 type of crowd than in other parts of the building. There’s a nice buzz going on inside the Danbury Ice Arena, especially for a building of its size. Neighborhood 3 Danbury is a small city with a population of just over 85,000 located on the Connecticut/New York state line. For a while in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Danbury was known as the center of the American Hat Industry. In 2015 USA Today named Danbury as the second-best city to live in the United States. The Danbury Ice Arena is located downtown, near several points of interest for visitors. The Danbury Railway Museum is located nearby, as is the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Fans looking for a good pregame spot to eat should check out Two Steps Downtown Grille located near the arena, or TK’s American Café, which features over 70 flavors of chicken wings. Fans 3 The Hat Tricks are averaging just over 1,100 fans per game a couple of months into their inaugural season, which lands them in the top half of the FPHL attendance rankings. Crowds appear to be picking up as the team enjoys success, as the game attended by Stadium Journey featured a crowd of over 2,000 fans. While some fans appear to be trying to maintain some of the rowdy traditions of the Trashers days, parents can feel comfortable bringing the family here. Fans in Danbury are proud of their small city’s hockey history, and jerseys from all the former Danbury teams can be seen throughout the crowd. Access 3 The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut on the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. Interstate 84 passes through Danbury about 2 miles from Danbury Ice Arena. The rink is well-connected to public transportation, with several routes of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system running near the facility. The Metro North Railway has a stop near the arena, connecting passengers to south coast Connecticut cities and New York City. For fans driving to Danbury, there is ample parking in the Terrence E. McNally Patriot Garage across the street from the facility. The Danbury Ice Arena consists of two rinks, so the facility is in constant use. Fans coming to see a Hat Trick game will enter into the main concourse, where a table selling tickets and merchandise is located. The facility is a busy one, with youth hockey, birthday parties, public skating and even live music all going on at the same time. Fans enter the arena at ice level, with the majority of the seating located on the opposite side of the ice. Seating consists of metal bleachers, with some sections covered by molded plastic. There are some seating sections, including a luxury box, on the near side of the facility. These sections are located above the ice and are accessible via staircases in the lobby. Seats in these 200-level sections offer obstructed views of the ice surface. Visiting fans may be interested in the two humorously small seating sections at one end of the rink. Section 108 seats a whopping four fans! There is a good amount of standing room available around the ice surface, which fills up quickly. There is a scoreboard located at either end of the rink which provides score and time only. Restrooms in the lobby are more than adequate for the needs of the facility. Return on Investment 5 All seats to Hat Trick games are sold for fourteen dollars. There is generally no need to purchase tickets in advance, unless you are looking to avoid lines at the ticket booths. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the arena for four dollars. Concessions are reasonably priced, especially the pitchers of beer for $17. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the colorful history of the Danbury Ice Arena. A second extra point is awarded for the Hat Trick branding, which managed to incorporate Danbury history, hockey terminology and local hockey history in one neat package. The logo was designed by Dom Allessandro of A-W Design. Allesandro has designed the logo for every Danbury professional hockey team. The Hat Trick logo contains five diamonds, one for every pro team to have played in Danbury. Final Thoughts Danbury, Connecticut is a small city with a most interesting hockey history. The latest team to call Danbury home, the Hat Tricks, hope to find the winning formula that has eluded previous tenants of the Danbury Ice Arena. Despite the plain surroundings of this barn, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had here in Hat City. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dell Diamond 3400 East Palm Valley Blvd Round Rock, TX 78665 Round Rock Express website Dell Diamond website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 11,631 Round Rock Express – Dell Diamond At the start of the 21st century, baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan  and his business partners purchased the Jackson Generals and moved them to the north central Texas city of Round Rock – in time for the 2000 season, the Round Rock Express , named for their famed owner, was born. As the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers , the Express has experienced lengthy periods of success while sending crop after crop of talented ballplayers to the big leagues. Round Rock has taken home seven division titles, three conference titles, and one league title as a member of the Texas League (the latter in 2000). Former MLB All-Stars such as Yordan Alvarez , Chris Davis , Joey Gallo , and Josh Jung  are just some of the ballplayers that have donned the unis of the Express. Since day one the Round Rock club has called Dell Diamond their homefield. In addition to being the home park for the Express, Dell Diamond has also been home to college baseball, rugby, the Double-A All-Star Game in 2001, an episode of Fear the Walking Dead, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s The Simple Life, and an awesome publicity stunt by Will Ferrell . In one of my favorite cities in Texas, Dell Diamond is probably my favorite minor-league ballpark. Read on to learn all about it.   Food & Beverage   5 The food and beverage scene at Dell Diamond is, quite frankly, top-notch. You can pretty much find whatever you’ve got a hankering for, with foods ranging from your traditional hot dogs, nachos, and burgers to rice bowls, mac and cheese, and barbecue. Some highlights to be on the lookout for include beer-battered fish and chips at Cork and Barrel Pub , red velvet milkshakes at Fairlane’s Diner, a “Moa Bowl”, which is chicken tenders in mango habanero sauce with sesame seeds and tater tots from Ono Pacific Grill, and “The Boomstick”, a foot-long hot dog smothered in chili and queso topped with fried onions and jalapeños. You can also find local favorites, such as Mighty Fine Burgers and Southside Market Barbecue, featuring pared-down versions of their iconic menus. All the food  is on the mezzanine/main level, which makes things very convenient; you won’t go hungry in Round Rock.   Atmosphere   4 In terms of atmosphere, Dell Diamond is all about the details. Premium fan areas, such as Bullpen Bar located just beyond centerfield, offer a great respite from the summertime heat, which is inescapable in this part of Texas once the calendar changes over to June. Right next to that is a kid's play area dubbed “The Backyard”, complete with rides, a splash pad, and a rock-climbing wall – this area is restricted to kids 12 and under, and they must be supervised by an adult. The team store, aka The Railyard, is located on the first base side of the stadium. It is pretty massive for a minor league team and has a ton of merchandise, including specialty and collector’s items. Beyond the left field wall is the Home Run Porch; this covered seating area is a prime spot for fans wanting to catch dingers, as well as being the best-shaded spot in the ballpark. The premium seats in this area are rocking chairs, which sit in the shade underneath ceiling fans – again, a bonus during the summer. Behind the seating here you’ll find the Round Rock Express Hall of Fame, which honors important figures in the team’s history. Dell Diamond also has two outfield lawn seating areas; with a general admission ticket, fans can bring in blankets, lawn chairs, or towels to sit on in these sloped grassy areas. Also, photo opportunities abound all through the ballpark for fans looking to get that one for the ‘Gram.   Neighborhood   4 Round Rock is roughly a 20-minute drive north on Interstate 35 from the big city of Austin, becoming pretty much a suburb of the Texas capitol. As such you’ll find a lot of the trappings of a big city, but it still retains some of its small-town charm. The immediate area around Dell Diamond has been built up quite a bit, however – it is across the street from a relatively new Kalahari Resort . This ultra-family-friendly playground is home to rides, a massive indoor waterpark, an array of dining options, and a spa. If you’re taking little ones, this would be a great way to cap off the trip. Also, just down the road from the ballpark is Old Settlers Park , which is the city’s number one public park. For sporting enthusiasts this place is a paradise, offering up areas for fishing, disc golf, cricket, volleyball, basketball, football, and so much more. If you’re looking for dining options either before or after the game, you can’t do much better than Salt Lick BBQ . I will admit some bias, as the Salt Lick location in Dripping Springs is my favorite barbecue spot in the state, which by default makes it my favorite in the country. Mouth-watering brisket, dynamite sausage, and fall-off-the-bone ribs are all ranked as some of the best in the state. I would also recommend not skimping out on dessert, as the blackberry cobbler is sneaky fantastic. One other recommendation I have to pass on regarding food is the hands-down best donut shop in the state, Round Rock Donuts . With its signature orange-glazed offerings, Round Rock Donuts has been a beloved Texas institution for nearly a century. If you can go early, that’d be great as the demand for the sugary treats only increases exponentially during the rest of the day. For lodging, most of your traditional hotel/motel options are going to be closer to Interstate 35; however, not too far from the ballpark is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Round Rock East . This affordable option is within walking distance of the ballpark. Aside from this and Kalahari Resort, the only other option in this section of Round Rock is Redbud Ranch Cabin & RV Resort  – this quaint spot is about 10 minutes from the ballpark.   Fans   3 Last season the Express averaged around 5,600 fans per game, which places them smack-dab in the middle of the minor leagues in terms of attendance. This was about what I experienced, taking into consideration that it was drizzling off and on throughout the day on my most recent visit, which probably affected the crowd somewhat. While this level of attendance is respectable, it is a far cry from the halcyon days of the early 2000s, representing only about half of what the park holds. I believe the lure of Austin and all it has to offer has sapped some of the luster from the Express. With that being said, the fans who attend games here truly care about their team. They’re loud, engaged, and dressed in the team’s garb, and there are also quite a few kids at the game, which is a good sign; get them to be fans while they’re young!   Access   3 As mentioned, Round Rock and Dell Diamond are about 20 minutes from downtown Austin. The exit for the ballpark is marked off Interstate 35, which is nice. Once on-site, parking is plentiful in two main lots. The park is also about a 25-minute drive from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport . If you choose not to drive or use rideshare, the public transportation option in Round Rock, CapMetro , has stops near Dell Diamond.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond start at just $13 per person. This is pretty much on par with the rest of Triple-A; note that costs do vary slightly, however, depending on the day of the week or the promotion that is offered for that game. Parking is also pretty on par with the rest of MiLB at $15 per car. The concession costs vary, but you will still be able to get a pretty good bite to eat and something to drink without bursting your wallet. All in all, it’s still a good bargain in Round Rock, especially considering the talent that comes through Dell Diamond every year.   Extras   4 Like most, if not all, minor league clubs, the Express pulls out lots of stops to get folks to the ballpark. Virtually every game this season has some sort of giveaway or theme night, including $2 Taco Tuesdays, fireworks on Friday nights, Round Rock Donuts jersey giveaways, and meet and greets with the legit Shooter McGavin  and Napoleon Dynamite ! The team also takes part in the Minor Leagues Copa de la Diversión , and for certain games, they don the uniforms of the Chupacabras de Round Rock. For Kids Days, which take place each month, a miniature train is brought in along with balloon artists, face painters, and bounce houses. Last, but most certainly not least is the team’s mascot, Spike  – this lovable bulldog/train conductor can be counted on to entertain the crowds throughout Express games, and is always amenable to taking photos with fans of all ages.   Final Thoughts As mentioned, Dell Diamond is my favorite minor league park. Even though it is approaching 25 years old, it still looks modern. There are tons of nods to baseball’s past, which is both intrinsic and essential to the sport. There is not a bad sightline in the stadium, and it has enough amenities and extras to keep everyone (e.g., young fans) entertained and engaged. I would add Dell Diamond to your bucket list, and I’m sure you’ll understand why when you take in a game here. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Dale Lippert Field 69 Maple St, Franklin, MA 02038 Dean Bulldogs football website Lippert Field website Year Opened: Dedicated 2015 Capacity: 1,500 __________________________________________________________________________________ These Dogs Play in the Yard Dean College is a private college located in the small city of Franklin, Massachusetts. Founded in 1865, it has an enrollment of 1,200 students who work toward bachelor’s and associate degrees at the college’s four schools. Long known as Dean Junior College, the school transitioned to a four-year college in 1995.   Lippert Field is part of the larger Longley Athletic Complex. Also located here are Dean College’s baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Lippert Field also serves as home to the Dean lacrosse team. The facility is located about a mile from campus.   Dean Lippert served as a Dean College faculty member from 1964 until 2006. He coached several of the college’s teams and served as Athletic Director for 13 years. He was also a part of the town of Franklin community, serving on several local boards and teaching at Franklin High School.   The Dean Bulldogs have competed in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference since their debut in 2017. The team won a conference championship in 2019. With the ECFC disbanding after the 2024 season, the Bulldogs will be joining the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, a conference consisting of schools in and around Massachusetts. Dean has played in one postseason game, losing the New England Bowl to Endicott College in 2019.   Food & Beverage 0    There are no concessions available at Lippert Field. Fans are welcome to bring their snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see many beverages from the local Dunkin’ at a Dean football game.   Atmosphere 2   When I entered the Longley Complex and the parking lot attendant asked me if I wanted to park in the tailgating section, I had high hopes for the game day experience here at Dean College. Unfortunately, those hopes were quickly dashed. The tailgating scene here at Dean is very restrained, and honestly, quite typical of what you’ll find at other Division Three schools. You’ll find some people hanging out by their cars having snacks, but you won’t find the big-time barbeques and parties you’re used to seeing in NFL and big-time college parking lots.   The game day presentation at Dean is a basic one, to be sure. Music plays over a decent sound system before the game. Unfortunately, the same four or five songs were on repeat the day of Stadium Journey’s visit. The PA announcer does a good job delivering game information. His style was not over the top, yet not monotone. A scoreboard in the southeast corner of the field displays basic game information. Other than that, there’s not much else to speak of here. There is no pep band, no cheerleading squad, and no student section. Most of the energy generated here comes from the fans in attendance.   Neighborhood 2   Longley Athletic Complex is located about a mile from the Dean College campus in a residential neighborhood. The city of Franklin is located in southeastern Massachusetts, roughly equidistant from the larger cities of Boston, Worcester, and Providence. It has a population of about 36,000 residents. The town was named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, who helped establish the first library in the United States here in 1790.   Visiting fans won’t find much in the way of dining or lodging options near the Longley Complex, as it is located in a residential neighborhood. Fans looking for local dining options will find plenty of options on Central Street by Interstate 495, including Railery Publick House, 3 Restaurant, and Mak’s Roast Beef. Plenty of lodging options can be found out by I-495 and a little further away in neighboring Foxboro where Interstates 495 and 95 meet.   If you’re visiting the area and looking for other sporting options, Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots  and New England Revolution , is only ten miles away. Of course, options are endless in the nearby cities of Boston, Providence, and Worcester.   Fans 3   It’s difficult to accurately gauge the attendance at a Dean football game as there are no tickets to count. Stadium Journey attended the Bulldogs’ 2024 season opener on a beautiful September Saturday afternoon. The announced attendance was 490, which appears to be an accurate estimate of the crowd. Here at Stadium Journey, we often refer to these types of smallish crowds as “friends and family” crowds, as the majority of the people in the stands have a connection with the players on the field. As a result, the fans know their stuff and are enthusiastic in their support of the Bulldogs.   Considering the small size of Dean College and the fact that Lippert Field is located off campus, there is a respectable turnout from the student body. With the Bulldogs’ schedule consisting of local teams, you’re guaranteed to see a good turnout by visiting fans. In fact, during Stadium Journey’s visit, visiting fans outnumbered home fans by at least two to one.   Access 3   The Longley Athletic Complex is located close to downtown Franklin, a small city roughly equidistant to the cities of Boston, Providence, and Worcester. Interstate 495 runs right through the city, intersecting with I-95 just a few miles from Franklin. The sports complex is located about two and a half miles from the interstate but is easily reached through these suburban streets. Fans utilizing public transportation are out of luck. While the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) recently started a route that serves parts of Franklin, the closest stop is over a mile away.   Also located at the Longley Complex are Dean College’s baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Fans will enter the complex into a gravel lot located directly behind the grandstand. The grandstand is handicap accessible, consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is plenty of room in this open field for fans to bring their lawn chairs and set up camp along the western end zone or on parts of the sideline. From Stadium Journey’s perspective, this is the way to take in a Bulldogs game.   There are no permanent concessions or restroom facilities at Lippert Field. A few port-a-johns make up the available facilities. This is as basic a college football facility as you’ll ever see, but it’s nice to be able to set up your shop and take in the action. If you visit with younger fans, there’s plenty of room for them to run around and kick around a soccer ball if they wish. You’re also likely to see some four-legged fans in attendance here.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Bulldogs football game. With free parking on site and no concessions available, you won’t reach for your wallet even once while visiting Lippert Field. Extras 0   There is nothing at a Dean College football game that can be considered extra. This is as bare-bones an experience as you’ll find in college football.   Final Thoughts   College football facilities don’t come more basic than Lippert Field. On the plus side, you can bring your chair and cooler, stake out a spot on the sideline, and enjoy an afternoon of college football without spending a single red cent.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 MetLife Stadium 1 Metlife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Army/Navy Game website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 82,500 America’s Game In New Jersey 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. Philadelphia is usually thought of as 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 Pasedena, CA (1983). The 2020 edition was held on the Army campus in West Point, NY because of Covid-19. Food & Beverage 4 There are numerous food options within the surprisingly crowded inner concourses. Options are in large and small concession stands such as Bubba Burgers, Frank’s, BBQ Shack, Boardwalk Fryer, Wingman NY, and Momma Fusco’s Kitchen. Our personal favorite was Mr. Tot. Food prices are high, as likely expected for an NFL stadium within the New York City area. MetLife sells Pepsi brand sodas. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. Even the game back in 2018, which was played in a driving snowstorm, the atmosphere never suffered. The actual location of the game seems to not matter. MetLife is not the best stadium in the NFL. It seems old and dated compared to some other recent stadiums, but it has a well-designed seating bowl offering great views. The massive Jets/Giants store will be closed, but many smaller stands will be available for Army-Navy game merchandise. Neighborhood 3 The Meadowlands is a swamp. That is not some kind of put-down, but it is in a literal swamp. There is not a normal neighborhood nearby. Of course, New York City is a car or train ride away and offers many options for everyone. The best way to arrive is by car and use the parking lots that surround the stadium. The addition of the recently opened American Dream Mall helps the place in the neighborhood score. While still not 100% open, it is home to many stores, restaurants, an indoor amusement and water park, an NHL-sized skating rink, an indoor ski slope, and an aquarium just to name a few. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone picks a side to root for. “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 4 The Meadowlands is located off many major highways and has massive parking lots. You will not fight to find parking, although expect to pay $40 and up. There are train and bus options but expect long lines and a large number of fellow riders to fight through to use those services. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is the 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 almost always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony, weather dependent. Both the Navy and Army have ships, tanks, and other large equipment around the stadium 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 makes it a must-see for any real sports fan.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Kelly/Shorts Stadium 10 Tower Drive Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 Central Michigan Chippewas website Kelly/Shorts Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 30,199 Fire Up Chips! Established in 1892, Central Michigan University is one of the key football members of the Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas have been one of the most consistent performers on the field over the last twenty years. The Chips lay claim to seven MAC championships and have a 3-6 record in their nine bowl appearances entering the 2016 season. Central Michigan joined the MAC in 1972 and in their final year in Division II football in 1974, the Chippewas won the Division II National Championship. They have also won nine IIAC conference championships. Central Michigan has an enrollment of over 28,000 students and is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a quintessential college town with a smaller population than the enrollment of the school. The home for the Chippewas is Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The stadium is named after a generous alum of 1900, R. Perry Shorts, and former football coach Kenneth “Bill” Kelly. Kelly was the coach of the Chippewas from 1951 to 1966. The Chippewas have seen great success over the years and have many distinguished football alumni including Joe Staley, Dan LeFevour, Jahleel Addae, Ray Bentley, and Antonio Brown. In 2005, the NCAA placed Central Michigan on the list of schools with abusive mascot names. Central Michigan, along with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe appealed the decision by the NCAA, which was granted and the Chippewa name remains in use to this day. The rallying cry at Central Michigan is “Fire Up Chips” a cry that even first-time fans can't help but join in on. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Kelly/Shorts Stadium are pretty standard. There are several regular concession stands with a few portable concession tents. The expected items are found at the main concession stands. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, and candy are all available. The Grill has cheeseburgers, brats, and andouille sausage. Pizza can be found at the Domino's Pizza tents. Other items that can be found at portable tents include kettle corn, apple cider slushies, almonds, and walking tacos. There are no alcohol sales at Kelly/Shorts Stadium so fans are relegated to hot and cold soft drinks. Pepsi products are available at most stands ($3.50/$6) as well as Gatorade and water. Hot chocolate and Tim Hortons coffee are also available in a couple of different sizes including a souvenir travel mug. Atmosphere 3 Kelly/Shorts Stadium is not one of those massive, intimidating stadiums that you can find in various places in college football. It is also not one of those old classic stadiums where it is all about history. With a capacity of 30,255, Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a great venue compared to other football stadiums in the MAC. It is not fancy, but it is also not just thrown together. The exterior of the stadium is not intimidating and features smart-looking brick and wrought iron fencing around the perimeter. The stadium features a horseshoe configuration with all of the seating on aluminum benches. The field has a north-south configuration and is open at the north end. The field is below grade level which aids the feeling that Kelly/Shorts is not intimidating. Seating is a simple bowl with grandstands on the east, west, and north sides. The west side has an upper level which includes the press box and suites. The northwest corner also features the Touchdown Terrace, which is a party deck for large groups. Both the north and south ends of the stadium have scoreboards and the north side scoreboard includes a very old video board that needs replacement. Fans looking for that perfect picture of the field with the logo facing the right way, the west bleacher is the place to be. Central Michigan does a decent job washing Kelly/Shorts Stadium in maroon and gold. Where the players enter from the north end there are large murals honoring the nine IIAC championships, 1979, 1980, 1990, 1994, 2006, 2007, and 2009 MAC championships, and the 1974 Division II National Championship. College Football Hall of Fame member, Coach Herb Deromedi is honored on the murals as well as the retired number 62 of Jim Podoley. The game day experience at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is what you would expect from a good college program. The band and cheerleaders enter from the northeast corner of the stadium. The cheerleaders have their smart-looking, needs,e-game routine followed by The Marching Chippewas, complete with high-stepping drum major, flag twirling, and a full musical ensemble. The raising of the flag is a pretty big deal at the beginning of the game as the national anthem plays. A unique feature at a Chippewas game is the traditional ceremony by members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Central Michigan has done a decent job of partnering with the tribe to help keep the Chippewa name at the university. Before the opening kickoff, the cannon in the northeast corner of the stadium fires, startling those who are not expecting it. The cannon fires on Chip's scores and the band does what it can to keep the energy up from their spot in the east grandstand. The Marching Chippewas play during halftime and do a terrific job. Neighborhood 3 Central Michigan University is a pretty significant part of Mount Pleasant. There are a few options for pre and postgame meals that are in the immediate area of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. On the opposite side of Mission St, there are a few national chain restaurant options including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Some more unique options, like the Mount Pleasant Brewing Company, are available but require a hop in the car to get there. Fans looking to pair a Chips football game with other sporting events may be lucky enough to catch the Chippewas playing basketball at McGuirk Arena in November. For fans coming to the game from a distance and looking for a place to stay, there are a few spots that are within walking distance of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Comfort Inn and Courtyard Marriott are options that are close by and reliable. Fans 3 Considering the success that the Chips have seen over time, the crowds are a bit surprising. In the 2014 season, Central Michigan attracted an average of over 16,000 fans per game to Kelly/Shorts Stadium. That average dropped to just over 15,600 for the 2015 season. The Chips draw about the conference average, which is a little surprising. The game that was reviewed in the 2016 season saw the Chippewas draw under 10,000 fans. For a program that has been as successful on the field as it has, more fans in the stands are generally expected. Of the fans in the stands it is clear that the most ardent, hardcore, and vocal fans are members of the Marching Chippewas. From their vantage point in the east grandstand, the Marching Chippewas are constantly in motion and making noise, above and beyond their musical duties. Access 5 Mount Pleasant is located northwest of Saginaw, Michigan. The town is small and Central Michigan University is not too far from the south end of the city. The campus is easily reached by Highway 127 and fans won't have to drive too much through town to get to the stadium. There are plenty of parking lots on campus so parking should not be a problem. However, a little research will go a long way, and pre-purchasing your parking from CMU is a wise idea and will make game day a little smoother. Fans interested in public transportation can catch the Isabella County, I-Ride green or red routes for transport to and from the Chips game. The main ticketing window can be found at the north end of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. There's plenty of space and no real issues with this permanent part of the stadium. Getting around the stadium is no problem, especially with less than a capacity crowd in the house. The washroom facilities are more than adequate at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Probably one of the best reasons to catch some MACtion, especially at Central Michigan, is the great return that the fans get on their investment. This is not one of the big, intimidating, expensive programs that can be found in the NCAA. Advance sales tickets go for $22 for adults with discounts for seniors and youth. Getting your tickets at the door will cost an extra $3. Parking can also be purchased in advance for $10, which is recommended. Combine this with reasonable concession prices, and an on-the-field product that is vastly underrated, and fans have a recipe for a fantastic evening or afternoon of entertainment, without spending a ton of money. Central Michigan football may not be a bucket list item, but at these prices, it doesn't need to be. Extras 3 An extra mark for Central Michigan University partnering with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan to keep the Chippewa name alive positively and respectfully. An extra mark for the underrated product of the Mid-American Conference. MACtion is pretty darn good. An extra mark for the success the Chippewas have seen on the field, and the solid teams they continue to put out there. Final Thoughts Mount Pleasant, Michigan is not exactly a holiday destination. The Central Michigan Chippewas also do not carry the luster of their brethren in Ann Arbor or East Lansing. However, a trip to see the Chips is worth it. The MAC provides a great product at a great price and Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a good facility. After not too long, fans will find themselves joining the Marching Chippewas in shouting out the Central Michigan rallying cry "FIRE UP CHIPS!"

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Nick Denes Field Avenue of Champions Bowling Green, KY 42101 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers website Nick Denes Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,500 Welcome to Western Just a few hundred feet from the watchful eye of Pearce-Ford Tower sits yet another athletic facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky on the campus of Western Kentucky University that offers up a large dose of the college/university look and feel. The Pearce-Ford Tower is the 13th tallest building in Kentucky standing 130 feet and 27 stories tall that serves as a female dormitory known as PFT to students and Bowling Green locals. Western Kentucky offers up this college/university look and feel about as well as any school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Football ( Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium ) and basketball ( E.A. Diddle Arena ) are represented well on campus with great structures that lack pretentious and ostentatious personalities while simultaneously providing fans with architecture that is rich in both charm and tradition. Baseball's Nick Denes Field's understated beauty does nothing but strengthen the above claims about Western Kentucky's athletics facilities. With brick wrapped around the entire outside facade of the ballpark, the Nick pays homage to what a baseball field should be. The one game that can be directly affected by the architecture of the stadium is baseball and the Nick takes this position seriously. The walls are tall, the grass is as green as envy, and the shadows fall on the field in the middle of a late afternoon game as if God Himself felt the need to put a finishing touch on the atmosphere that can't be designed in blueprint or AutoCAD. Food & Beverage 4 A bratwurst, nacho and souvenir soda will run you $13. You could eat the bratwurst OR the nachos, but then again, you could use soap in the shower OR just let the water run over you. Do us all a favor in either situation and have both. The price tag for concessions is a little high, but you get a good selection of food and with the price of admission hovering at a very affordable $3 for youth/$5 for adults, it is easily a fair trade. There is nothing you can order that is exclusive to Nick Denes Field, but the food is good and worth paying the prices to get a taste of the ballpark. PRICE LIST: Souvenir Soda ($4.50), Bottled Soda ($3.50), Small Soda ($2), Bratwurst ($4.25), Large Popcorn ($4.25), Nachos ($4), Hot Dog ($3.50), Candy ($2.50), and Sunflower Seeds ($2.50). There's a good selection with no exclusive WKU flavor, and the 21-and-up decks on each baseline that the student journalism guys in the press box agreed we would call the Cold Beers Deck bumps up the overall food and beverage. Basically, it's a place for anyone who enjoys an adult beverage at a college baseball game to do so in his or her own designated area. According to a Bowling Green Daily News article from March of 2012, these Cold Beers Decks accommodate 100-125 people. There is a grill and beer is sold in this area. Anyone inside Nick Denes Field has access to this deck, but there is someone there to check your ID before entering, so if you are 14 years old and are thinking of sneaking up there, don't try it. Atmosphere 4 With Big Red running around shaking his hula hoop tire gut to the beat of every hip hop and country song that plays while a player makes his way to the plate, it's tough not to give this facility and surrounding presence a high rating. The sound system is no glorified boom box either. The sound is fantastic which keeps Big Red shaking his money maker the entire game. The Cold Beers Deck is a pretty cool idea for those who like to have a beer at a game, and adds to the overall atmosphere. Western Kentucky sells beer at football games at well, so the skill of sneaking in a beer to a game is not needed. If you are like me and don't drink and are not a fan of dealing with drunk people at a sporting event, don't you fret. You can have a great time anywhere you sit. The Cold Beers Deck is very laid back and relaxed so you can count on a great atmosphere to sit back and take in a game. WKU junior Josh Holland has total control behind the public address microphone. It's as if the day he was born, rather than cry, he just bellowed, "Pleeeeeeeease welcome to the worrrrrrld... YOURRRRR.... JOOSSSSSSH. HOLLLLLLLAND!!!!" From the moment you step inside Nick Denes Field from Big Red Way's left field entrance you can smell and hear baseball. You can even hear and smell it before looking to your left to take in the lush grass, the tall green walls and the large 25-foot wall in center field that also acts as the batter's eye 400 feet from home plate. The walls grow taller from left-to-right field, crowning in dead center, then slowly becoming shorter as you make your way to the right field foul pole. The net behind home plate extends a little wider than most ballparks to cover most any seat not in the Cold Beers Deck. The netting removes the stress of losing teeth from a screaming foul ball. So go ahead and buy that second bratwurst and nachos. You won't need a free hand to snag any errant foul balls. Neighborhood 4 Western Kentucky has a great campus and the ballpark sits right on the edge of it. Not so far away from campus that you can't tell you are on campus, but not too deep in the center that traffic is nightmare on game days. A short 0.7 of a mile from Big Red Way is a great local restaurant in the downtown area on East 8th Avenue called Mariah's. I can tell you first hand that the pork chops are great, the burgers are fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderful. It's not a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The salads have cold black eyed peas in them and yes, even this is delicious, but in the event you shiver at the thought of this, by all means, just order your salad sans peas. Fans 4 The fans really bring energy and understand the game. A good Thursday evening crowd after the students have already headed home for the summer shows there's good backing from the locals. Access 5 There's really nothing negative to say about the access. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but not terribly so. Access to restrooms is easy, there are no steep mountains to climb to get to your seats, and food is only a few steps away. Return on Investment 5 Two words that will warm my heart until the day I die: cheap tickets. There is really no way around a great return on investment when you place "affordable for the family" and "baseball" in one sentence. The concession prices are little high, but when you can get a family of four less than $20, it's a win for all involved. You may be out a few bucks on concessions, but that's an issue you can plan for before you get to the ballpark. A ticket price is what it is. If you want in, you pay the price, but you don't HAVE to buy a hot dog. You won't be sorry if you do get the hot dog or the nachos, but it's not a prerequisite to enjoying the game. Extras 1 Western Kentucky has everything a baseball game needs with no extras. I'm going to give one extra star because the Cold Beers Deck is something unique to the college baseball experience in this region, so one bonus star for the Hilltoppers. Final Thoughts Western Kentucky has always had a firm grasp on the perfect college appearance. From nearly every administrative and academic building standing on campus to the athletic facilities, Western gets it right every time. Very little on campus has a dated appearance and the athletic facilities follow suit. Western Kentucky falls in the mid-major category, but the facilities are a major bright spot for the city of Bowling Green. The architecture of Nick Denes Field serves the game of baseball well. The architecture of a baseball field needs to be well thought out and submissive to the game that relies so much on the blueprint of the field. Nick Denes Field does just that.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UB Stadium 102 Alumni Arena Buffalo, NY 14260 Buffalo Bulls website UB Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 29,013 Bullish Improvement Once they were ranked 119. At the time, it was the worst ranking possible in all of Division IA football. The Sports Illustrated annual preseason ranking didn’t leave much hope for the program, either that year or too far into the future. The Buffalo Bulls were perennial NCAA Mid-American Conference doormats and it didn’t look like that was going to change any time soon. However, UB was thankful to be back in the game. Football began at Buffalo back in 1894. However, the student body of the State University of New York at Buffalo voted to stop funding the football program and in 1970 and football disappeared. The Bulls would return to football in 1977 and play at the Division III level until 1992. A commitment was made to move the team up to the top division and that journey was completed in 1999 when Buffalo joined the Mid-America Conference. Coinciding with the move up to Division I was the opening of UB Stadium. nestled neatly on the North Campus in the town of Amherst, New York, UB Stadium has been the home to football as well as other UB programs including track and field and soccer. Still, the Bulls failed to put a strong product on the field and the bottom of the MAC was practically owned by Buffalo. Key recruits in the late 2000’s including Drew Willy and James Starks along with head coach Turner Gill would turn the Bulls fortunes around. The Bulls success would culminate in their 2008 MAC Championship and a birth in the International Bowl, their first bowl appearance. Since that season the Bulls have been up and down but are no longer synonymous with the basement. Food & Beverage 3 Concession selections at UB Stadium are fairly pedestrian. There is not too much to get fans overly excited about the culinary experience. UB Stadium is made up of the main concessions along with a few mobile stands. The main stands feature pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, sausages, and grilled chicken. Probably not the greatest selection for fans. However, for fans that require to get something at the game, a Buffalo staple, Beef on Weck is available at the Red Osier stand. Soda selections feature Pepsi selections. Other options include Gatorade, water, coffee, and hot chocolate. There is no alcohol available at regular concessions. For fans heading to UB Stadium a couple of things to keep in mind. First, only the main concession stands offer the ability to pay with debit or credit. Mobile stands, including the Red Osier stand, are cash only. Second, for fans that are not jazzed about the options inside the stadium, perhaps it is best to grab something outside the stadium. Food Truck Row is an option for fans before heading in and the selection is far better than inside the stadium. Atmosphere 3 UB Stadium is by no means the greatest football structure going. Fans will approach most likely from the southwest corner. Pre-game festivities can be found in the lot to the southwest of the stadium known as Stampede Square. A large inflatable gate welcomes fans and is about as close to a main entrance as there is at UB Stadium. The design of UB Stadium is rather disjointed. Built originally as two main grandstands along the east and west sides of the north-south oriented field, UB Stadium has been expanded with seating in the end zones. The extra seating in the end zone is unnecessary as there are nowhere near enough fans to warrant expansion. The east and west grandstands are large, concrete behemoths that seem to have more structure than seating. There is not too much to make UB stadium stand out and it is pretty plain even compared to other MAC venues. Metal Benches are throughout the stadium and the perfect picture of the logo at the fifty-yard line is going to come from the west grandstand. The field features a synthetic surface and an eight-lane track keeps the stands rather far from the field. The Football Centre entrance does feature large posters advertising the few historic moments in Bulls history. Those include their MAC Championship in 2008 and birth in the International Bowl. Their Bowl appearances are few but featured with the 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl joining the International Bowl. Khalil Mack, the Bull taken highest in the NFL Draft also has a large display. A poster honouring UB legend Willie Evans and his dedication to the Bulls program during and after his tenure as a player is also exciting. Finally, Buffalo’s refusal to play in the 1958 Tangerine Bowl, a team that featured Evans, due to racial tensions is also featured outside the Football Centre. There are no featured or retired numbers within view from the grandstands save for the number 41 which is decorated on both sidelines. The number is immortalized on the field for former Bull Solomon Jackson who unexpectedly died in 2016. Buffalo does its best to offer a top-notch game day experience. The Stampede Square tailgate area is a good spot to be pregame and they even offer a concert series to bring in more fans. In the game that was reviewed, the feature act was Better Than Ezra. The Bulls mascot, Victor E. Bull makes his way around the field and throughout the stands. The Bulls’ cheerleaders do their part leading the crowd in cheers and performing gymnastic stunts. Finally, the Buffalo marching band, Thunder of the East is very good and cements that college feel to the GameDay festivities. They play throughout the game and are not forced to compete with the PA music. The Bulls enter the field through a community outreach high-five line and the highlight of defensive drives is the playing of Hell’s Bells on third downs. Neighborhood 3 UB Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the University at Buffalo North Campus in the town of Amherst. The campus is rather large and the location of the stadium itself precludes much in the way of neighborhood attractions within walking distance. As far as pre and post-game fare goes, heading just off campus is the best bet. Just west of campus, on Sweet Home Road is the Blue Bull Tavern. It features all sorts of UB paraphernalia. Other options in that immediate vicinity include Papi Grande’s Mexican Restaurant, Zetti’s Pizza and Pasta, and Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill. Maple Street in Amherst features a ton of familiar franchise restaurants. For fans that are looking for something unique to the locale, perhaps the Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the Buffalo Wing, is the place to stop. There are not many attractions to satisfy fans in the Town of Amherst. The Boulevard Mall is not too far away and there are several nature trails close to campus. On the opposite side of Millersport Highway are the Audubon Town Park and Amherst Audubon Golf Course. As limiting as Amherst may seem, it is a very short drive into the City of Buffalo and major tourist centers in Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. As for sporting options, there are a ton. Right on campus, UB offers other college options, the most prominent of which is basketball at Alumni Arena. Other closeby college basketball options include Canisius Golden Griffins and the Niagara Purple Eagles. Both schools also participate in Division I hockey. A short trip to Orchard Park will bring fans to New Era Field, home of the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. Downtown Buffalo houses KeyBank Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL. A couple blocks away from KeyBank Center is Coca-Cola Field, home of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons . Fans 3 Buffalo Bulls fans have shown a huge improvement to coincide with the improvement of the program over the last 15 years. UB Stadium usually averages over 17,000 fans for a home game. That ranks in the bottom portion of the NCAA when compared to massive Power 5 schools. However, the number of fans that turn out to support the Bulls is not out of character for the conference. UB Stadium is too huge for the number of fans supporting the team, but the fans that show up are a hearty group and are engaged in the game day festivities. Unlike many other programs, Bulls supporters are not over the top and are more on the relaxed side. A nice feature at Buffalo is the proximity of the student section to the field. The student section is on the 50-yard line on the east grandstand and close to the field. Fans interact with the players before and after the game and players make a point of heading over to the student section. Access 4 UB Stadium is located at the southeast corner of the university’s north campus. Getting to campus is pretty easy as it is just east of the I-990 and I-290 junction and just north of I-90. Getting a parking spot is also pretty easy as there is plenty of free parking on campus, just a short walk from the stadium. There are plenty of attendants around to help direct traffic to an appropriate spot. For fans who require public transportation, some buses travel on Augspurger Road and Millersport Highway with stops close to UB Stadium. Check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the stadium can be a little bit of a challenge. Entering the west side of the stadium requires patrons to climb a fair number of stairs. Getting through the concourses is no problem given the average number of fans that attend games. The washroom facilities are also adequate about the average crowd. Return on Investment 4 Bringing the family out to a Bulls football game results in a great return on your investment. Tickets for the Bulls will usually run around $30 or less. There are plenty of available options as far as different seating goes. Parking on campus is free and concession prices are pretty decent. The tailgate concert at Stampede Square can cost an extra ticket. The beauty of Bulls football is the MAC experience, which offers a terrifically underrated product on the field. The Bulls’ improvement in recent years is testament to that. The game that was reviewed ended after seven overtime sessions. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Buffalo Bulls improvement that they have shown on the field. There is no question that the improvement on the field is directly linked to the improvement in football experience. An extra mark for the improved gameday experience including the tailgate concert series. An extra mark for the 1958 Buffalo Bulls and their ability to do the right thing in refusing to play in the Tangerine Bowl. Final Thoughts The Buffalo Bulls experience has improved over time. Coinciding with their improvement on the field, it is easy to say that the Bulls are no longer the basement of the NCAA. Their improvement has breathed new life into the program and made the experience much more enjoyable. Checking out UB Stadium and the Buffalo Bulls for some MACtion is an experience fan won’t regret. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Central Arizona College Baseball Stadium 8470 N Overfield Rd Coolidge, AZ 85128 CA College Vaqueros website CAC Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 650 DB9ers Central Arizona College (CAC) has seven campuses with the main one (Signal Peak Campus) in rural Coolidge, AZ. The college serves Pinal County students. It features on-site housing options for students, caliber athletic programs, and provides arts and entertainment for the community. The baseball team – Vaqueros, aka DB9ers, began as a club team in 1970 and joined the NJCAA in 1972. They are in the ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletic Conference), region 1. The team has been to the world series six times winning three championships, most recently in 2019. Nineteen CAC players have made it to the majors including Ian Kinsler, Tom Pagnozzi, and Doug Jones. The team plays on the ballfield on the Signal Peak Campus, which has a newly installed grandstand, deserving of a winning team. Food & Beverage 0 Concessions are not available for sale at the ballpark. Fans can bring snacks and drinks into the park, most likely needed if staying for both games of the frequent doubleheaders played. Atmosphere 3 If watching the game of baseball is your enjoyment pleasure, then a visit to a Vaqueros game is the ticket. The field has been in existence since 1970, however, the grandstand is brand shiny new; completed during the 2020 pandemic season. Gone are the old dilapidated bleachers, shade cloth covering, and chain link fence backstop. In its place is a grandstand with a permanent cover, eight rows of bleachers with backs, holding 450 fans. The center seating section contains 40+ green plastic stadium fold-down seats with names on them (presumably of individuals who contributed to the construction costs). The top row encompasses a closed press box. A ramp is available on the third base side with several places on the bottom floor for wheelchairs. Handrails are readily available for climbing the steps in the grandstand. An ‘easy-enough-to see-through’ net runs across the entire grandstand seating area to protect fans from foul balls. Much better than the old chain link fence. Three sets of older bleachers sit down the first baseline beyond the visiting team dugout. No handrails on those and one set of bleachers is under a tree allowing for some shade. Fans bring lawn chairs and watch the game from this shaded area as well. No net is in front of this seating area. Not uncommon, no lights grace the playing surface. Only day games are played. A dot matrix scoreboard in the left field shows the basic line score; it’s a little hard to read on a bright day. The three national championship years are proudly displayed on the outfield wall underneath the scoreboard. The right field wall highlights CAC players’ numbers who have made it to the majors. Small trees line the outfield wall making it a picturesque view. Behind the grandstand is Signal Peak so players on the field get a nice few as do those fans sitting down the first baseline. CAC Baseball – Grandstand and Signal Peak, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The team plays music between innings and home team players each have walk-up songs. More importantly, the volume is not intrusive and fans can still have conversations without yelling at each other. Nice job. Neighborhood 1 The campus is about seven miles west of Coolidge’s downtown core. Farms, ranches, desert, and open land run in between the two. The campus is peaceful and has a calming effect driving through on a Saturday morning. The big attraction in Coolidge is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument . The monument highlights preserved remains of an ancestral Sonoran Desert people’s farming community and “Great House” and it is an educational stroll through the park on a spring day before a game. Arizona Community College has the visually stunning Don P Pence Performing and Visual Arts Center. That is closed because of the pandemic (2020 – 2021) but if visiting once this is over be sure to check its schedule for events and entertainment. For places to eat, the Casa Palomino Restaurant offers delicious Mexican fare. For more of a bar type environment, Gallopin’ Goose may be worth checking out. It’s a bar that serves food, has an outdoor patio (but it’s the smoking area) and bands perform on weekends. I only saw two independently owned motels in Coolidge. For traditional brands, head to Casa Grande, AZ (8 – 9 miles from campus) and right off the I-10 Interstate. Seventeen miles from campus is Francisco Casa Grande , a former sports resort and training facility for the San Francisco Giants with a baseball bat shaped swimming pool and lush golf course. Baseball fans can drive down to Tucson and watch a U of A Wildcats game, a Pima Community College baseball game, or head northwest towards Phoenix and catch spring training games or other ACCAC teams such as Mesa Community College . Fans 3 Teammates are the biggest fans. Some scouts and lots of players’ parents are in attendance. Because Central Arizona College is about an hour or less from several of the other schools in the conference, often a contingent of visiting team fans attend the games. Fans in the stands are vocal and encourage the players and politely mutter, under their breath, about certain umpire calls. Access 3 Since Coolidge is in rural Arizona (about an hour from Phoenix, an hour 15 mins or so from Tucson), getting to the campus is best by car. There is the Cotton Express (local bus service) and the Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART) bus service (Florence to Casa Grande). It operates Monday to Friday, however, CART canceled stops to the campus (spring 2021) because of the pandemic. Heading southeast on I-10 from Phoenix to Tucson, CAC is about four miles off the interstate. Plenty of parking is available next to the stadium. Be aware of speed bumps when traveling through campus. The grandstand provides ramps, spacing between seats is comfortable, sidewalks are plenty wide. The Shipping/Receiving Building across the street houses clean, automated, touch-free restrooms. Return on Investment 5 Attending a game is free. The Vaqueros provide rosters in a cubby on the front center edge of the grandstand. If you’re a fan of watching baseball, it’s worth the drive (most Saturday games are doubleheaders). And, the team wins and expects to win; a nice combination. Extras 5 Several other items are worth mentioning. First, that peak behind the grandstand? Players run that mountain every morning for conditioning. Wow. The team’s jersey is fetching. Green jerseys tops with DB9ers in a yellow trimmed panel/banner across the chest. Next, the college built respectable bullpens and batting cages for the baseball team just a few years ago. The motto DB9 is present throughout the team and stadium. Its meaning is classified, but what I gather, it is a belief system and style of play that represents past, current, and future Vaqueros ballplayers. It helps build this championship team. Finally, the team expects to win. Final Thoughts If in the neighborhood or traveling between Tucson and Phoenix in the spring, take a side trip to Coolidge and visit the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and a winning baseball team in the Central Arizona College Vaqueros, aka DB9ers.