Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TD Ballpark 373 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training website TD Ballpark website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,509 TD Park Renovations are a Home Run for the Jays The Toronto Blue Jays have held Spring Training in Dunedin, FL since 1977. However, the 2021 preseason marked the first time the team had played in a stadium built to their specifications and desires. The stadium also entered this new era with a new name… TD Ballpark. The stadium now holds 8,500 fans and provides several enhancements to improve the fan experience. Fans who have not been to a Blue Jays preseason game in a while are in for a very pleasant surprise. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage programs received a great deal of attention in the relaunch of the stadium. The number of point-of-sale locations and beer/soda service locations both increased. A new concession area was built behind the batter’s eye in deep center field. The boardwalk in the outfield also allowed a Tiki Bar and the WestJet Flight Deck to be added to the food and beverage service locations. Drink rails were added so fans could socialize without worrying about their beverages spilling on their friends. The concessions menu for the most part your standard American (and Canadian) stadium fare. This menu includes jumbo hot dogs ($8.75), pulled pork sandwiches ($10) pizza ($5.75), chicken tenders ($11), nachos ($.7.75), fries ($6.50), peanuts/Crackerjacks ($6), popcorn ($6) candy/chips ($5.50) and pretzels ($6.25). Drinks include sodas ($4.75), bottled water ($4.50), craft beers ($13), and Labatt’s ($10). Some of the non-standard food items available at TD Ballpark are poutine ($8.25), peameal sandwiches ($17.50), gator bites ($17.50), and grouper tacos ($17.50). Atmosphere 4 There is a different vibe in the newly remodeled park. Both locals and the Canadians who have traveled down for the games are stunned and pleasantly surprised by all the changes in the park. The process of just getting around the stadium is greatly enhanced by the addition of a boardwalk in the outfield, allowing fans to travel 360 degrees around the playing field for the first time. Fans are also enjoying the new 23’ X 40’ videoboard in center field. The park now offers new opportunities for adults and children. The adults can enjoy a cold beverage while watching the game from a vantage point that did not exist a season ago. The kids enjoy the new play park, with plenty of new games to choose from. The players also seem to enjoy the new facility as well. It offers many new support facilities for the players that are not evident to the fans. They take pride in playing in the new facility. One on-field thing that did not change is the dimensions of the playing field. They are 328’ in left field, 400’ to deep center field, and 327’ in right field… the exact same measurements for the playing surface at Rogers Center. Neighborhood 5 Thankfully one thing that has not changed is the wonderful neighborhood that surrounds the park. Dunedin is still a pleasant town along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Its tree-lined streets still offer some shade from the heat. The people of Dunedin are still the welcoming bunch that welcomes you to park in their front yard, rather than complaining about the baseball traffic. You can still enjoy a cold brew at one of the eight breweries spread around the town, including the Dunedin Brewery just down the street from the park. It is the same town that offers plenty of places to eat brunch before the game or enjoy a nice dinner after a game. In other words, if it is not broke… don’t fix it. Fans 4 As you would expect, the fans from the Great White North are more than happy to escape the harsh winters and enjoy sunny Florida. Many have winter homes in the Dunedin area. They are a proud bunch, as they are easy to spot in their Blue Jay gear or some manner of the maple leaf on their clothing. They are also easy to pick out as they know the words O Canada when the National Anthem is played before the game. Blue Jay games also draw the locals, many of whom are retired, who long ago adopted the Blue Jays as their own. Another set of fans who help fill the stands is the ballpark chasers. These baseball fanatics are determined to visit every stadium in the Grapefruit League in just one season. Access 4 Accessibility was a critical consideration in the stadium rebuild. The new capacity of the stadium was going to be much higher, so making sure fans could get in and out of the park with no problems was a major concern. Stadium designers also want to make sure the new stadium allowed a smooth flow inside the stadium during a game. The flow in and out of the stadium is now improved, as the number of entrances and exits has increased. Some entrances/exits will be for the use of season ticket holders, while others will be specified for the general audience attending the game. This will reduce the number of people trying to use a specific entrance and exit door. The concession stands were redesigned so that they did not take critical space up in the concourses. The new boardwalk is also being used to spread out the additional fans over a larger footprint in the stadium. Unfortunately, the roads leading to and from the park have not been part of the renovations. Dunedin is still more than 20 miles from any interstate. The streets surrounding the park are more residential than commercial in nature, and the construction of wider roads might be harmful to the values of the homes surrounding the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 Ticket Prices at TD Park remain lower than average in price compared to other Grapefruit League stadiums. Price points for tickets are $29 for upper-level seats in the infield, $21 for seats along the baselines in the outfield, or $16 for SRO/ General Admission for the boardwalk in the outfield. One area that has not changed when you arrive at TD Park is the lack of parking at the stadium. This means that fans will still need to appreciate the goodwill of the businesses and townspeople to use their parking lots and front yards while they are at the game. The going rate for parking in these areas is $5-$10, depending on how close you are to the stadium. Concession prices have gone up in price since last season. These prices are detailed in the Food and Beverage section. Extras 3 During the closure of the U.S.A /Canada border during the pandemic, the Blue Jays spent the first two months of the season playing at TD Ballpark. Chad the Beer Guy is still around to lead fans in Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th Inning Stretch. Day games at TD Ballpark start at 1:07 pm. The two extra minutes in start time are to allow for both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems to be played during pregame ceremonies. Final Thoughts TD Park should earn the Comeback Award for the most improved stadium in the Grapefruit League. It has addressed nearly every deficiency that haunted the many incarnations of the stadium in earlier years.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 JetBlue Park 11581 Daniels Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33913 Boston Red Sox Spring Training website JetBlue Park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 10,823 Red Sox Are Flying First Class JetBlue Park at Fenway South (we will use JetBlue Park for brevity’s sake) opened in 2012 as a replacement for the Red Sox's longtime home at City of Palms Park. City of Palms Park did not offer the ability to have both the game stadium and the training facility at the same site. The Red Sox training facility now surrounds the 11,000-seat JetBlue Stadium, offering six different practice fields. JetBlue’s playing field replicates the exact dimensions of Fenway Park… 310’ to left field, 379’ to left center, 420’ to deep center, and 380’ to right field. It also has its own Green Monster in left field. These identical settings help prepare the Red Sox players for the conditions they will face in home games during the regular season. Food & Beverage 5 Unlike most spring training ballparks, JetBlue Park offers a great selection of food and beverages before you even enter the park gates. It’s their way of recreating the Yawkey Way feel at the Red Sox spring training home. Yawkey Way becomes Fenway South Drive with a menu geared to remind you of New England. In the first food tent, you’ll find Rib City BBQ, Pinchers Crab Shack which offers your favorite crab rolls and crab nachos, as well as Grouper sandwiches and Grouper tacos. Dutchkinz is also on hand, as it offers some great beignets. Finally, Taste of Fenway South offers lobster rolls and Fenway franks. Once inside JetBlue Park, most of your food and beverage choices will consist of traditional stadium favorites. Home Plate Pizza offers up pizza slices ($6), a Wally Bowl of ice cream ($8), chips ($2.75), and candy ($2.50). The 3rd Base Grill serves chicken tenders ($10), Italian sausages ($7.25), cheeseburgers ($7.25), jumbo hot dogs ($6), and French fries ($6.50). The Fenway South stand carries pizza slices ($6), meatball sandwiches ($8.50), pretzels ($5), cotton candy ($3), and milkshakes ($6). Taste of Fenway takes you back to BAH-STON, with a set of Bay State favorites, including lobster rolls ($20), Fenway franks ($5), ice cream helmets ($5.50), and popcorn ($7.50). All stands serve Coca-Cola brand sodas for $7. Bottled water is $5. The beer selection will differ from stand to stand. Atmosphere 5 The designers of JetBlue Park have done a great job of bringing all the things that make Fenway special into a stadium that also needs to take the Florida heat and sun into account. Before you even enter the stadium, you’ll see the familiar statue of Ted Williams that stood at the City of Palms Stadium. Nearby you’ll see a set of numbers on the Hall of Fame Plaza. These numbers belonged to an elite set of Red Sox players, who had their numbers retired after their playing days were over. They belonged to Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Johnny Pesky, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk, and Jackie Robinson, whose number was retired throughout baseball. Once inside the park, you will continue to see the things that make Fenway Park special. You have the Green Monster on left and the Pesky Pole along the right field foul line. You’ll also notice the unique “triangle” in right field that makes it so difficult for visiting players to play a ball off the wall. If you are sitting in the right-field bleachers you’ll notice a single red stadium seat sitting by itself, well beyond the outfield wall. This seat represents the distance from home plate that the longest home run ever hit in Fenway Park traveled, courtesy of Ted Williams's bat. Neighborhood 3 Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic damage in the Ft. Myers area. Despite its distance from the coast, JetBlue Park suffered damage to its signage, light poles, and padding along the walls. All of that damage was repaired well before the spring training season began. However, many parts of Ft. Myers have still not recovered. Before you head out to a restaurant or attraction in the area, it is a good idea to call ahead and make sure it is open. The immediate space around the Red Sox training facility is being reserved for future development. There are several restaurants lining Daniels Parkway. Fort Myers Brewing Company is a postgame hotspot, as it is only 1.5 miles from the ballpark. Fat Katz Sports Bistro offers another popular postgame site that is especially popular with Red Sox fans. One non-sports attraction in the Ft Myers area is the Edison- Firestone Estate. Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone both had winter homes in Ft. Myers. They are virtually next door to each other. They provide a terrific look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous of yesteryear, but they also provide you with a look at the other inventions Edison created beside the light bulb. Fans 4 Depending on who you talk to, Boston Red Sox fans are either the most obnoxious, conceited fans ever…...or the most knowledgeable, loyal fans in the world. All we know is that half of the Bay State comes to Florida for Red Sox spring training. A ticket to a game at JetBlue Park is by far the hottest ticket in the Grapefruit League. Maybe it’s the stadium…. maybe it’s the food…. All we know is the stadium is packed for every game. There’s no need to worry that the JetBlue ushers and vendors won’t understand your New England accent here…... most of them are retirees from the New England states who moved down to Florida to escape from the region’s harsh winters! The portion of the crowd that didn’t fly down from Massachusetts to catch a few games…. are the locals from Ft. Myers… who decided to retire from their jobs in Massachusetts…and picked Ft. Myers because it is the longtime spring training home of the Red Sox! It also explains why they did not retire to Tampa…. home of the Yankees' spring training facility! Access 4 JetBlue Park is very easy to get to as it is less than 2 miles from I-75. It is also less than a mile from the Southwest Florida International Airport if you are flying in from out of state. Gates at JetBlue Park open two hours prior to the first pitch. This leaves you plenty of time to check out the stadium. Return on Investment 3 JetBlue Park has a wide variety of price points as far as tickets. Due to the popularity of the Red Sox, the tickets are much more expensive than at neighboring Grapefruit League ballparks. Tickets are broken down into Grandstand and Box seats. Grandstand seats are further from the field, while boxes tend to be at field level. The cheapest seats are atop the Green Monster and are considered SRO ($15). The Bleacher seats beyond the right field wall are $19. The Grandstand seats in the right field and along the first baseline are $20. Grandstand seats in the infield are $35, while Grandstand seats behind home plate are $38. Right field and first baseline box seats cost $39. Box seats behind home plate are the most expensive at $68. Oddly enough, some of the hardest tickets to get are amongst the cheapest seats in JetBlue Park. Seats inside the Green Monster are only $35. However, there are only three rows of seats inside it. The area on top of the Green Monster is even cheaper, at $15. However, these are “standing room only” and are limited for safety reasons. Parking at JetBlue Park is $12 in the East and West Lots nearest the ballpark. Credit cards only for payment. Extras 4 In keeping with Fenway tradition, JetBlue Park has a singalong of “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of the eighth inning. When the Red Sox wins the game, “Dirty Water” is played. JetBlue Park is only 6 miles from Hammond Park, the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins. This allows you to get in a day/night doubleheader if you are trying to see as many spring training stadiums as possible during your visit. The scoreboard at the base of the Green Monster has quite a history with the Red Sox. You will notice the number on the scoreboard has to be hand changed at the end of every half-inning by a stadium worker. This very scoreboard was used at Fenway Park before 1934 when it was taken out and replaced by an electronic board. One thing that will not remind you of Fenway Park is the roof at JetBlue Park. It is very modern, with several wing-like sections. The reason for this roof design is simple…. It provides the most shade from the sun of any stadium in the Grapefruit League. The wings also allow the breeze to get under the roof to cool off the fans sitting in the stands. Final Thoughts JetBlue Park has received great reviews for its architectural design, which helps to keep the fans out of the sun and as cool as possible during the springtime afternoons in Florida. It has also been applauded for including the many quirks of Fenway Park in its design. Still, others love the New England cuisine available inside and outside the stadium. Whatever the reason, we must agree that JetBlue Park is a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 W.B. Mason Stadium 320 Washington St. North Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks lacrosse website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 Skyhawks Lacrosse On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. W.B Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks lacrosse team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, football and track and field teams. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions sold at W.B. Mason Stadium for lacrosse games. Fans are able to bring their own snacks in to enjoy while watching the game. Hot beverages from the nearby Dunkin’ are popular choices on chilly Massachusetts spring afternoons. Atmosphere 2 There are a lot of sports fans out there who have never experienced a lacrosse game. For those of you who have yet to see a game, you’re missing out. An afternoon at a lacrosse game is a lot of fun, and the Stonehill staff use the resources at W.B. Mason Stadium to put on an entertaining show. There’s a basic scoreboard in the north end zone which displays basic game information, and a PA announcer who performs his job in an unobtrusive manner. Music plays during play stoppages, but that’s not where most of the noise comes from. As a rule, lacrosse fans are boisterous in their support of the teams down on the field. The crowds at a Skyhawks game can be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality. With the compact footprint of the Northeast Conference, you’re likely to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s suburban location and sprawling campus belies its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24. More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here. Fans 2 The majority of fans in the stands have a personal connection to the players on the field, and are enthusiastic in their support. A Skyhawks crowd can most accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Stadium Journey attended Stonehill’s second-ever home game as a Division One squad. For both of the Skyhawks’ first two games, attendance has been announced in the vicinity of 200 fans. These figures appear accurate, but as mentioned before, what a lacrosse crowd lacks in quantity, they make up for in quality. Expect crowds to grow as the weather warms. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban North Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field, Merkert Gymnasium and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library located a short walk from the stadium. The entrance to W.P. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium. Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA compliant and easily accessible for all fans. With the smaller crowds present at Skyhawks lacrosse games, there is plenty of room to spread out. Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Rest rooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns are available behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Skyhawks lacrosse game is free of charge, as is parking. With no concessions, you can attend a game here without spending a cent. Extras 0 There’s not a lot going on at a Stonehill lacrosse game that can be considered extra. That’s not a knock on the experience by any means. Final Thoughts Stonehill has built themselves a nice group of athletic facilities to create homes for their fledgling Division One program. While the women’s lacrosse team doesn’t get the publicity that some other sports at the school receive, taking in a game at W.B. Mason Stadium is an affordable, entertaining way to spend a nice spring afternoon. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Reese Smith Jr. Field 635 Champion Way Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders website Reese Smith Jr. Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,600 Reese Smith Jr. Field – Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders About thirty miles south of Nashville is the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, home of the Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee State athletics garnered a great deal of notoriety with the men’s basketball program’s 15-over-2 upset of Michigan State in the 2016 NCAA basketball tournament. The women’s program has also seen its own successes, first in the Sun Belt Conference and now in Conference USA. The track and field program has been highly touted in its own right. Middle Tennessee State baseball has seen its own successes, having made 13 NCAA tournament appearances in the program’s NCAA Division I history. Food & Beverage 4 The Blue Raiders concession stand offers a well-rounded selection of options. There is the typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, and peanuts. What sets concessions apart though are some of the secondary items – Italian sausage, various versions of mac and cheese (BBQ, Korean style BBQ, and sriracha chicken), pulled pork nachos, and bacon grilled cheese help liven up what might be an otherwise typical concessions menu. The Blue Raiders offer Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water, along with various domestic beers, craft beers, and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 3 Reese Smith Jr. Field is almost an exclusively brick facility, trimmed with the university’s strong hue of blue. Season ticket seating consists of four rows of blue seatbacks that run dugout to dugout, as well as along some of the upper grandstand directly behind home plate; there are only a handful of these seats available for purchase though. General admission seating makes up most of the second tier of seating and mostly consists of multiple rows of aluminum benches with seat backs. The Blue Raiders play on mostly natural turf, with a synthetic turf halo around the home plate area. The field plays with symmetrical distances around the uniform, 8-foot fence. Both lines run 330’, power alleys go 365’, and center field 395’. The medium-sized scoreboard sits over the right centerfield wall and provides fans with player-by-player, in-game statistical information, inning-by-inning scoring, and pitch speed. Between innings, the time is filled with a handful of fan-interactive activities, either in the stands or as features on the scoreboard. The grandstand is uncovered, which can create a bit of an uncomfortable experience if there happens to be rain or extremely hot, sunny weather. The only place to escape and get relief from the elements is in the concourse area below the stadium, where you cannot see the game being played. Neighborhood 3 Reese Smith Jr. Field is at the front of the Middle Tennessee State campus, amongst most of the other on-campus athletic facilities. The university’s football field, Floyd Stadium, is a towering presence behind the left field wall – the football stadium is so close to the baseball field that the back side of some of the concession stands and restrooms there are used to tout the baseball successes in conference and NCAA tournament play. Middle Tennessee State University’s campus is just under two miles from downtown Murfreesboro, which features numerous shops and restaurants built around the town square. One of the more popular eateries here is Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. Civil War buffs might enjoy a visit to the nearby Stones River National Battlefield that is about 5 miles from the MTSU campus. Fans 3 The Blue Raiders have a decent turnout at their baseball games, but they probably will not be breaking attendance records. For the most part fans are engaged in the game, but are more reactionary to the action on the field, rather than anticipating or willing the Blue Raiders to a big play or strikeout in a key situation. Access 3 The Middle Tennessee State University campus is conveniently located less than 4 miles from I-24. Even though it is not directly off the interstate, it is still easy enough to get to. Once at the stadium, parking is a bit trickier. There is some parking alongside the stadium, but while classes are in session these spots can be tough to come by. There is also a large lot in the area, but due to ongoing construction, navigating from the lot to the field is a bit of a challenge. Once at the stadium, ticket booths are adjacent to the main entry point that leads to the concourse area below the seating bowl. Here fans are instantly greeted by the concession stand before making their way up the aluminum stairs to the main seating area. For the most part, all seating is accessible from this location. There are some areas for fans to stand down the line, but it is limited mostly to the third-base side of the field. Return on Investment 4 With general admission tickets running $5 and reserved seats $10, ticket prices are consistent with most other schools of its size. However, there just doesn’t seem to be much reason to pony up the extra $5 to sit closer to the field. Parking is free and concessions are priced reasonably, so a day with the Blue Raiders comes at a reasonable price. Extras 3 The Lee Victory Wall of Champions looms over the left centerfield wall – the large blue wall lists the conference and tournament championships, as well as the NCAA Regional appearances. The school’s fight song is played after each home run; this goes a long way in creating the atmosphere that is unique to college baseball. The radio broadcast is played throughout the concourse to allow fans to keep up with the game while grabbing concessions or taking a quick restroom break. Final Thoughts Baseball at Middle Tennessee State is a nice college baseball atmosphere that lends itself to an overall enjoyable game experience. While it might not be a destination visit for baseball enthusiasts, it is located just outside of Nashville, so it is easily paired with a visit to the Music City as a part of a bigger swing of baseball in the heart of Tennessee.

Everton are set to move into their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium for the 2024/25 season. It is an ambitious project that will leave the Toffees with one of the most impressive footballing homes in England. The Blues will be able to host up to 52,000 thousand fans. However, they could begin life in their new stadium as a Championship club depending on how their fortunes pan out. Everton's goalscoring struggles this season Everton are firmly involved in the Premier League relegation battle for the second year running. Last year Frank Lampard narrowly guided the Blues to safety. In this campaign, Sean Dyche is the man tasked with repeating the feat. The main reason for Everton's woes this season is their struggle to regularly score goals. The Blues are the league's lowest goalscorers and have averaged less than a goal per game. After 30 games this season, they had found the net just 23 times. A large part of their troubles can be owed to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's long-term injury issues. He has rarely been available for Everton this season. Neil Maupay was signed by Lampard in the summer window to provide an extra attacking option. However, he has struggled to perform at Goodison Park. The French striker has found the net on just a single occasion this term. Games involving Everton tend to not involve many goals for either side now that Sean Dyche's defensive tutorship is taking effect. Expert football tipsters at SBP offer advice on a range of football betting markets including goalline selections. A host of leading tipsters offer services including Peter who offers tips relating to Asian goal line bets. He averages a profitable return of 16 units per month. Statistics and strong research take precedence in relation to the tips that are offered. For example, in the Premier League teams like Everton will typically produce low-scoring contests, while leading teams like Manchester City score in abundance. Ultimately, Everton have become too predictable, they rarely look dangerous offensively and often rely on their defence to secure points. The issues will not end this summer If Everton are to survive a successive relegation dogfight this year then it certainly is a huge relief for the club. However, it will certainly not signal the end of their issues in regard to the insecurity of their Premier League status. The club still have financial issues looming over them which will make it difficult to invest in the transfer market. Several players could also leave if the Toffees do not find a way to become more ambitious and avoid a relegation battle next time around. Huge investment has gone into the new stadium project while ironically investment is hugely lacking on the pitch. Everton have for many years spent poorly on players who have not been a success at the club. Such players have left either for free or on measly fees. This has put the club in a position in which they cannot make significant expenditures in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Everton have a huge task ahead if they are to ensure their Premier League status ahead of their Bramley Moore Dock christening. It would certainly be disappointing if one of the country's most impressive stadiums played host to Championship football.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cashman Field 850 Las Vegas Blvd N Las Vegas, NV 89101 Vegas Vipers website Cashman Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 12,500 The XFL’s Sin City The XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers were formed in 2019 and played 5 games in 2020 before the XFL season was canceled (and the XFL ceased operations) due to the pandemic. It would take 3 years for the Vipers to make a return appearance, this time in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. The Vegas Vipers currently play at Cashman Field, a new soccer-specific stadium that is home to the Las Vegas Lights FC, but which used to be home to the MiLB’s Las Vegas ’51s, who now play at Las Vegas Ballpark under their new name, the Las Vegas Aviators. Food & Beverage 4 While food and beverage prices are generally on the high side, there is plenty to be found at Cashman Field – the main concession stand is called Lights Out Grill (named after the soccer team here), and offers a raft of options including burgers, churros, chicken tenders, fries, quesadillas, chips, candy, and beverages such as Jarritos soda, Pepsi products, bottled water, and canned/bottled beer. There are two Lights Out Grill stands, one on each end of the concourse, along what we used to know as the first and third baselines. Besides LOG you will also find a Papa John’s pizza stand on each end, as well as a stand called Tersty Treats Poke LV in the middle of the concourse, which offers Hawaiian fare – options include poke and pork bowls, or nachos, shrimp bowls, Spam Ramen, and Spam Musubi. The Spam Musubi is probably the best value on their menu; for $4 you get a log of Spam and rice wrapped in seaweed, which you can dip in Rooster or soy Sauce. In addition to the options mentioned above, there are also a few other stands serving up things like street corn in various flavors, as well as donuts, and there are also a few stands that have a mini selection of what LOG offers, as well as a couple of stands which only have beer – choices include Estrella, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. Note that all the stands at Cashman Field are cashless (which is slightly ironic given the stadium’s name). Atmosphere 4 There is not a ton of pomp and ceremony at XFL games, but what Cashman Field does have is a great facility despite its age – fans can choose to sit out on the grass in one of two “outfield” berm areas, or on those hot days, can sit under cover in the center section of the grandstand. The Vipers also have a corps of drummers called the Drumbots, who entertain fans throughout the day, and the staff also tosses out towels during breaks in the action. There are also a lot of vendors on hand, both inside and out, giving away freebies like Coke Zero, ZOA energy drinks, and vitamin water – there is also face painting and a football tossing game you can participate in, both of these outside the venue before you enter. There is no fixed videoboard at Cashman Field, but they set one up along the sideline facing the grandstand, complete with scaffolding and an upper deck, which is used by the broadcast crew during the contest. There are also mountains viewable in the distance as you watch the game, which is a brilliant aesthetic. One oddity to mention – while there are stadium lights at Cashman Field, for Vipers games they bring in 2 additional lighting rigs which are driven in on the backs of trucks, and then laddered up into the sky like a fire truck rescue basket; they had 2 of these lighting trucks at the most recent game I attended, but I am not sure why, as the game was in the middle of the day. Neighborhood 5 This is fabulous Las Vegas, so of course there is plenty to do in town. But even better, if you don’t want to confront the hustle and bustle (and noise, traffic, etc.) of the strip itself, there are several options within walking distance of Cashman Field. For example, right next to the stadium is the Old Mormon Fort, which contains the oldest building in Nevada. There is also the Neon Museum on the other side of the street from Cashman Field, which isn’t quite what it sounds like – it is an outdoor graveyard of old neon signs from Vegas’ bygone days, including classics like the sign from the old Area 51 hotel, or the 8-story tall Hard Rock Café sign from its prior location (don’t be fooled – the new Hard Rock Café is right on the strip; what you will find here is just their old sign). The Neon Museum looks especially great at night when many of the signs are lit up. There are also a few other quirky museums in Las Vegas, such as the Atomic Energy Museum, the Mob Museum, which just opened in April of 2023, and the Punk Rock Museum. There are also plenty of wedding chapels around if you are looking to get hitched in a hurry, and if you like gambling of course you can find slot machines in just about any hotel around, or even at the airport. Fans 2 There are not too many fans in attendance at Vegas Vipers games, but they are polite and do cheer at the appropriate times. There is a Vegas Vipers team store on site, however, in case you want to pick up any Vipers of XFL swag during your visit. Access 5 Access to and at Cashman Field is great – the facility is located on the north side of town a couple of miles from the heart of the strip, and you can park right next to the stadium for $30. You can also park for free on the streets in the neighborhood on the south side of the venue if you don’t mind walking a little further. Once you get inside there is plenty of room to move around – there are ramps on both sides of the grandstand, making ingress/egress easy, and there are short lines at nearly all of the concessions stands, with plenty of cashiers on hand to take your order. They are also more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd size, and the aforementioned ramps make it accessible for the differently abled. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are a little on the high side mostly due to Ticketmaster fees – the cheapest ticket will probably run you $50 with half of that being the fees. Parking is also a little on the high side, as are concessions, but being as this is technically professional football the prices are probably to be expected. Cashman Field and the Vegas Vipers certainly offer a pretty good experience, but be aware it comes at a cost. Extras 3 All the giveaways they have on hand are a plus, and you can’t beat the numerous seating options fans can take advantage of – it likely won’t be anywhere full enough for the staff to bother checking tickets, so even if you don’t have seats in that area I would recommend sitting under cover to avoid the sun. Likewise, it is also great to see names like Eric Bellinger performing at halftime. Final thoughts All in all, I think a day at Cashman Field is worthwhile if you are in the Vegas area – a great setup for a football game, and you can also count on being very close to the action. There is also plenty to do in fabulous Las Vegas, so you really can’t go wrong with a visit to Sin City for an XFL game.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 San Antionio Brahmas website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 72,000 San Antonio Brahmas – Alamodome The early months of 2023 saw the second revival of the XFL, this time under the auspices of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his business partners. This third iteration (XFL 3.0?) brought with it a new franchise in the Alamo City with the San Antonio Brahmas. Virtually every startup/experimental/spring/minor league football league has set up camp in San Antonio over the years. Running the alphabet gamut, San Antonio has been home to the WFL (San Antonio Wings), USFL (San Antonio Gunslingers), WLAF (San Antonio Riders), CFL (San Antonio Texans), AAF (San Antonio Commanders), Arena Football League (San Antonio Force and San Antonio Talons), and the New Orleans Saints for a brief spell following Hurricane Katrina. Since the early ‘90s, all these fledgling teams have called the venerable Alamodome their home. The Riders, Texans, Saints, Talons, and Commanders all preceded the Brahmas at the Dome. As always, the pro football-starved citizens of San Antonio have whole-heartedly embraced their new team and are one of the highest-attended teams in the XFL (just behind the St. Louis club), once again making the Alamodome a must-visit spot on the pro football landscape. Food & Beverage 4 While most of the Alamodome’s concession stands are not open on XFL game days (as the lower bowl on the concourse level is all that is available for seating), what is offered is still pretty darn good. As I have mentioned in other reviews of the Dome, there recently was a great emphasis to expand the food and beverage fare at the stadium – this included brining in local and regional chains with pared down, specialty menus for fans. These recent additions include local faves Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant (street tacos), Earl Abel’s (fried chicken), Big Bib BBQ (brisket sandwiches), Lagniappe Today (cajun nachos and tots), Rebecca Creek Distillery (liquor and cocktails), and the Alamo Beer Company (beer, of course, including a signature XFL brew). Other national brands on site include Papa John’s Pizza, Johnny Rockets, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. There are also plenty of other non-branded stands on the main concourse offering up the standard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, bottled sodas, waters, and beer. Speaking of beer, the new Te Amo Micheladas stand serves up the refreshing Mexican-style cocktail. Atmosphere 2 The XFL and the Brahmas will pretty much get a pass this inaugural season as this new iteration tries to get its footing on the sports landscape. With that said, there is still some work that needs to be done in terms of Atmosphere at the Alamodome for the Brahmas. When it comes to the stadium’s main tenants, the UTSA Roadrunners, there is signage, coloring, and banners aplenty. However, for the new team in town, there is not much if anything to be found. The team has converted the two merchandise areas to selling Brahmas gear, and the two emcees that host the games do their best to fire up the crowd (which does sport a surprising amount of Brahmas gear, both store bought and homemade) and get them to follow along with the “Horns Forward” chant. One pretty fun feature is the augmented reality that the team employs on the fan cam. Fans showing up on the jumbotron, through the magic of digital technology, suddenly have either their faces painted yellow and black or are sporting brahma horns. Neighborhood 5 The one thing that has continued to bring pro sports and big events continuously throughout the years to San Antonio and the Alamodome is its location. Situated near two major highways in the middle of the Alamo City’s popular and energetic downtown, the Dome is ideally suited for big-time sports. The Alamodome is within walking distance of the eponymous and legendary Alamo, famed San Antonio River Walk, lush Hemisfair Park, and awe-inspiring Tower of the Americas. All of these are must-see sites when visiting San Antonio, especially for the first time, and all can be seen either before or after (most) XFL games. When it comes to dining, this area of the city has an abundance of dining options, including some of the best in the region. The Historic Pearl has, in the past decade or so, become the go-to spot for those looking to sample some of the city’s finest food – some highlights include Bakery Lorraine, which is a classic French bakery and serves up delicious treats like house-made macarons and croissants. Another spot not to be missed is the award-winning Cured, which can be best described as a charcuterie forward restaurant. When it comes to places to stay, downtown San Antonio has you covered. There are dozens of options to suit everyone’s budget. There are also quite a few that are a short walk from the Alamodome; these include Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center and City View Inn & Suites. There are also vacation rentals aplenty in the area, as the Alamodome abuts a residential neighborhood – again, it all depends on your budget. Fans 4 As a lifelong resident I am still continually amazed at how much San Antonians flock to each and every one of these teams that come to town. Thus far in their infancy, the Brahmas have proven to be a hit with the fans. I attended what was only the second home game in team history, and I was blown away by the amount of Brahmas apparel that was seen in the crowd. Fans came dressed in luchador masks; fans came face-painted, some with horns, some without. I even saw someone in a full Captain America-style outfit, modified with the Brahmas’ colors. The fans were loud, tried to get a wave going numerous times, and did their best to participate in the emcees’ “Horns Forward” chant. This is a city all about loyalty, especially with its sports teams – if the Brahmas can stick around, crowds at the Alamodome will only get bigger. Access 4 The Alamodome is located directly off State Highway 281/37, between Interstates 10 and 35 and a 14-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport, which has flights from destinations far and wide at all hours of the day. San Antonio is an hour and a half south of Austin, three and a half hours west of Houston, and four and a half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Parking is plentiful at the Alamodome with two paid lots ($20); parking is also available at houses and businesses around the stadium. If you would rather not drive yourself to the game or take a rideshare, San Antonio’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, has park and ride options you can take that will run you less than $3 per person roundtrip. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Brahmas games start at $29 per person. The merchandise was a little on the pricey side, with the cheapest t-shirt option around $30. Concessions are what they are, cost wise – the closest comparison would be a high-end minor league ballpark in terms of dollars. The bargain is in the parking, especially if you use park and ride, rideshare, or one of the driveways in the area. To be quite honest, the football on the field is a little rough right now in the XFL. I think there is plenty of room for improvement in the presentation of the product, as well. However, if you’re a sports fan or a football junkie, this will tide you over ‘til the regular season starts in the Fall. Extras 1 There is not much in terms of Extras at XFL games; I can only assume this is being done to keep operating costs down. This includes no cheerleaders, mascots, nor other types of football trappings to engage fans. There was supposed to be a tailgate area/fan zone set up before the game I attended, but that was rescheduled due to the weather. The Brahmas do employ a DJ, so there is that if it’s something you’re interested in. The team also promotes its head coach, NFL great Hines Ward, quite a bit. There are also contests giving away signed swag sprinkled in during the breaks in the action. Final Thoughts I’m a football fan and a lifelong San Antonian – I’ve seen pretty much every one of the defunct teams that I mentioned above, and I supported all of them as well. I want this iteration of the XFL to succeed as a fan; I think it’s better for the sport if one of these spring leagues can sustain itself long-term. With that in mind, I think you have to be a true fan of the sport, or someone from this area, to want to come and see a Brahmas game at the Alamodome. With a little time, I’m hoping the experience will become more of a must see. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Choctaw Stadium 1000 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 Arlington Renegades website Choctaw Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 48,114 Arlington Renegades – Choctaw Stadium In 2020, WWE Owner and Chairman Vince McMahon relaunched the XFL, bringing a team to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Then the pandemic happened and the XFL, like much of the rest of the world, shut down. In 2023, Dwayne Johnson and his business partners relaunched the league and returned a team to north Texas with the Arlington Renegades. The 2023 iteration of the Renegades will once again call Choctaw Stadium their home field. Formerly the home of MLB’s Texas Rangers until 2019, Choctaw Stadium (nee Globe Life Park, among other names) was retrofitted in 2020 for use for football and soccer. As the XFL finds its footing, it seems to have found one of its anchor franchises in Arlington. Choctaw Stadium has also adapted well to this new sports chapter of its existence. Read on to learn more about the Renegades in north Texas. Food & Beverage 4 When it comes to food and beverage choices, the options at Choctaw Stadium are above and beyond the norm. The stadium has carried over many of the options from its MLB days into its new existence, and this puts it on another level. You can always find your typical game day options such as hot dogs (although gourmet options are offered as well), burgers, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, etc. There are numerous stands along the main concourse for these. Fans can also opt for fish and chips, gussied up mac and cheese (Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, for example), barbecue sandwiches (chicken, brisket, and pulled pork), ice cream and milkshakes, and quesadillas. There are also lots of beer vendors and a couple of Irish pubs for those looking to imbibe some adult beverages. Atmosphere 2 When it comes to atmosphere at XFL games, at least the ones I’ve attended so far, there is quite a bit of room for improvement across the league. While the stadium was, as mentioned, retrofitted to accommodate football, there are still tons of vestiges from its former baseball life present. It is, honestly, a little awkward. There are team merchandise stands set out across the main concourse, and the Renegades have also taken advantage of using the physical team store. In addition they set up a DJ and video screen for fans in one of the end zones, but beyond that, there is not much else. Neighborhood 4 When it comes to the neighborhood, Choctaw Stadium is in a prime spot. It is literally next door to the new Globe Life Field and lies in the shadow of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. While (by design) the Cowboys season will be over by the time the Renegades begin play each season, the Rangers will be starting their season at the tail end of XFL play. So, there is a chance that you can double-dip on games when you visit Arlington. What really works in Choctaw Stadium’s favor is the new entertainment district surrounding all the stadiums called Texas Live! This mixed-use area features restaurants, shopping, hotels, and additional entertainment options. Dining options include numerous spots with local flare, including Troy’s, a high-end family eatery from Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. Also on-site is Pudge’s Pizza, a pizzeria from Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. There is also Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and the Lockhart Smokehouse among your dining choices. Texas Live! will also be home in the near future to the National Medal of Honor Museum, giving visitors one more option for things to do and see when they take in games at Choctaw Stadium. The museum will preserve and tell the stories of the select few service members to earn our nation’s highest military honor. It is under construction and is slated to open in the fall/winter of 2024. The compound around Choctaw Stadium is also the site of the largest theme park in the state and its sister water park, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. For fans of roller coasters, wave pools, costumed characters, and inner tubes, you can get passes for the day when you visit Arlington to take in a Renegades game. For lodging, as mentioned, Texas Live! has options for that. The main option now is Live by Loews Arlington, which is on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of cost. On the lower end is Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District, which, while not within walking distance, is less than five minutes away. Fans 3 The Renegades are currently drawing around 12,000 fans per game at Choctaw Stadium. That’s a pretty good number, especially with all the other options entertainment-wise that the Metroplex has to offer. At the most recent game I attended there were a ton of fans sporting Renegades gear, both officially licensed and homemade varieties. The fans were engaged from the jump and were loud throughout the game (which honestly was a bit of a snooze fest). Despite the challenge of the on-field action, the fans never lost interest. They even got a wave going, which was honestly one of the better ones I’ve seen in recent years. Access 3 The city of Arlington is just over a 20-minute drive from both Dallas and Fort Worth. It’s also a three-hour drive from Austin and just about four from both San Antonio and Houston. Choctaw Stadium is right around 15 minutes away from DFW International Airport (one of the largest and busiest in the United States) and just over 20 minutes away from Love Field Airport. Once there, parking is plentiful. If you’re choosing not to drive to Renegades games, your options are a little limited outside of rideshare programs. There is a trolley service in the entertainment district that will shuttle you from spot to spot, including Choctaw Stadium. But however you choose to get there, Choctaw Stadium is easy to find. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium start at just $11 per person; this is the real bargain in the whole enterprise of attending a game. Parking, which again is plentiful, will run you between $20-$30 if you park in one of the designated lots around the stadium. Concessions, while not exactly cheap, aren’t on the same pricing scale as they were when the Rangers were in the building. I think, however, if you’re a football fan this is still going to be far more cost effective than going to a game at nearby AT&T Stadium. Extras 1 In terms of Extras there is not much offered up to fans at Renegades games – there are no cheerleaders nor mascots, and no effects like fireworks or pyro. The team has partnered with a local motorcycle club, and they do ride out before the team at the start of the game, though. The lack of extras is all probably an effort to keep costs down for the XFL as a whole, but more will need to be done going forward. Football games are events and need to be presented as such. Final Thoughts If you’re a football fan, like I am, you’re hoping that the XFL is able to make it stick this time around. There is plenty of room for growth, both with the league overall and with the Renegades at Choctaw Stadium. The product overall will hopefully get better, but if you’re a football fan, you’ll be able to find enjoyment in it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Athey Park 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Athey Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 500 On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. The facility is named in honor of long-time athletic director and coach Edward L. Athey. A new field was installed in 2007 and the current stadium architecture and press box were completed in 2009. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food options at the stadium, although it looks like some parents and fans occasionally bring and sell some offerings at some games, especially on weekends. Atmosphere 4 The field is a very nice low-level college field. The small grandstand fills quickly and many fans sit on their own chairs around all parts of the field. The North Commons student housing lines the outfield view and offers a great view. The actual grandstand does suffer from some obstructed views from the on-the-field press box. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College make for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 There was a decent number of fans, but as with most northeast college teams, many of the fans are friends and family of the players. There was a decent number of college students attending the game, although it did seem that their attention was pretty low. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend at Athey Park. The team does offer free roster sheets behind home plate. For the low cost of attendance, the return on investment is great. Extras 2 The North Commons student housing view and the ability to walk around the outside of the entire field is a nice extra. The offering of roster sheets is a nice extra as well. Final Thoughts Although Athey Park is not worth a long, out-of-the-way drive, if you are on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, stopping in for a game is a fun experience.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114 Boston Bruins website TD Garden website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,580 The Gahden Going to a game in an Original Six city is a sacred pilgrimage for hockey fans, and the buildings these teams once called home were true shrines of the game. While the Boston Garden, Montreal Forum, Olympia, Joe Louis Arena, Maple Leafs Garden, and Chicago Stadium have faded into history, Original Six teams continue to hold a special place in NHL lore. The Boston Bruins are the third oldest team in the NHL and were the first team based in the United States to join the league. 67 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups in their history, most recently in 2011. The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in close to a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank. In addition to serving as home to the Bruins and the NBA’s Boston Celtics, the Garden annually serves as host to the Beanpot Tournament and Hockey East Tournament, as well as numerous concerts and other events. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience at TD Garden has never been at the forefront of the Bruins game day routine. Over the years, the concessions have improved here in both variety and quality. But be warned that concession prices here are among the highest in the NHL. Stands at the TD Garden are organized by their menus, so hungry fans may have to do some searching to find what they want. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free items are available throughout TD Garden. Slices from Sal’s Pizza are among the most popular items. For some of the more unique items on the menu, head to the Test Kitchen on Level 4. A more in-depth description of the menu, including a map of all concessions, can be found here. Coca-Cola products are featured at TD Garden. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they want at TD Garden. As you might expect, local craft beers are abundant. Brews from local favorites Sam Adams and Harpoon Brewery anchor the selections. For a great selection of local brews, head to the Craft Beer Garden between sections 323 and 324. If you prefer the national brands, those are sold all over the arena as well. Atmosphere 5 There just seems to be something special about seeing a game in the home of one of the Original Six teams. The Boston area features some of the rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League. The recent renovations to TD Garden improved the gameday experience here in Boston. The new scoreboard, dubbed “Hub Vision,” is almost double the size of the old one, and features the highest resolution in both the NHL and NBA. A new sound system was also installed for the 2021-22 season. Concourses are wider, more points of sale were installed and more restrooms were added. New social areas such as The Rafters Club on Level 9 and the Back Row Bar at the top of the balcony seating area have become favorite spots to mingle with other fans while grabbing a drink and watching the game. Veteran hockey fans will find much that is familiar here, with hype videos, dance cams, and contests held during play stoppages. 50/50 raffles, silent auctions, and other giveaways ensure that fans have a chance to go home with some mementos of the game. Most of the fans in attendance make sure to stick around after the game when the team celebrations after victories have become a must-see. Punctuating the celebration is the “goalie hug” between Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. In 2022-23 Bruins fans have gone home happy often. Neighborhood 5 The TD Garden is located adjacent to Boston’s historic North End, the city’s version of “Little Italy.” While visiting, hockey fans flock to Bruin legend Ray Bourque’s restaurant, Tresca. Be sure to grab a couple of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry while here, or head to Regina’s Pizzeria, one of the top places to get a slice of pizza in the country. Many visiting fans enjoy walking down Hanover Street, taking in the sights and smells. Table 77 at Tresca, Boston's most romantic table. Photo courtesy of Tresca While the area immediately adjacent to the TD Garden has undergone many changes in recent years with the closure of several legendary restaurants, there are still plenty of dining and lodging options right just steps from the venue. The Harp, Hurricane’s at the Garden, and of course, Halftime King of Pizza are just a few of the many options from which to choose. Fans looking for convenient lodging will find a Courtyard by Marriot, CitizenM Downtown, and Onyx Boston all in the immediate vicinity. Walk a few blocks further south, and you will arrive at Faneuil Hall, a collection of restaurants, shops, and clubs that is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Be sure to check out the Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant and home of the city’s best clam chowder. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell and be found here among all the historic sites. Fans looking to explore Boston’s rich history can follow the Freedom Trail, which passes only a few blocks from the Garden. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick-lined route that connects 16 of Boston’s most significant historic sites. This walking tour winds throughout the city and is one of the best ways to explore Boston. Several points of interest are located near the Garden, including the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and Copp’s Burial Ground. Fans 5 There is an adage in American hockey circles that the most knowledgeable, passionate fans in the United States live in the three “M’s” (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Michigan). Greater Boston is one of the most hockey-crazed areas you will find anywhere, with a dedicated fan base that can rival anything found in Canada. With the incredible season the Bruins are enjoying in 2022-2023, the Garden is once again the place to be in Boston. The Garden becomes a sea of black and gold for every Bruins home game. Keep your eyes open for the “Bruins Avengers,” a group of super fans who have developed their cult following. Even the most casual Bruins fan seems to be louder than your typical fan. The Garden is filled with noise, particularly when the Bruins get on a roll. It provides the Bruins with a significant home-ice advantage and makes the Garden an intimidating arena for visitors. Visiting fans and families can still feel comfortable at a Bruins game, though. Access 3 All tickets for Boston Bruins games are now electronic. The arena practices a bag policy, prohibiting all bags larger than 6” x 4” x 1.5”. The facility is cash-free and provides cash-to-card options for those without plastic. Complete details can be found here. Boston is certainly not an easy city for visitors to navigate. City streets, which date back to colonial times, are laid out in seemingly random directions. Traffic jams and never-ending construction projects are the norms here. While the Garden is located adjacent to Interstate 93, even the most direct route off the highway (Exit 26-Storrow Drive) requires several twists and turns to reach the arena. The best way to get to TD Garden is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T.” The arena is located directly on top of the North Station MBTA commuter rail station, bringing in fans from all parts of suburban Boston. For fans taking the subway, both the green and orange lines stop at North Station, right across the street from TD Garden. The $2.75 one-way fare makes the “T” Stadium Journey’s recommendation for avoiding the hassle of driving. Although there are many options for parking in the area around the Garden it can be quite expensive to park here. There is a 5-level garage located directly underneath the Garden which charges $54 for event parking. There are several surface lots and garages in the immediate area which range from $30-$50 on game night. Despite the Garden’s downtown location, there is little on-street parking to be found. Over the years the TD Garden has undergone a great deal of renovation designed to improve flow into and around the venue as well as the creation of several new social gathering areas throughout the Garden. Some of these areas, such as the Rafters on Level 9, are among the most coveted tickets in the building. Return on Investment 2 Going to a game at TD Garden is one of the most expensive in the National Hockey League. The Bruins utilize variable pricing, placing a premium on weekend games and matchups with traditional rivals. With the success the Bruins are enjoying this season, the demand for tickets has never been higher. The least expensive tickets on the secondary market have been going for over $150 for much of the season. Adding to the high cost of attending a Bruins game is the cost of parking, which ranges in price from $35-54 and above-average concession prices. For example, purchasing a slice of pizza and a large soda will cost you close to twenty dollars. Stadium Journey’s recommendation for significantly cutting the cost of attending a Bruins game: take the T and eat at one of the fine restaurants nearby before or after the game. Extras 4 “The Goal” Statue – A statue commemorating what is perhaps hockey’s most iconic photograph, Bobby Orr’s 1970 Stanley Cup winning goal, stands at the entrance to TD Garden. Banners – Banners honoring Bruins’ Stanley Cup championships hang from the rafters alongside division, conference, and President’s Trophy banners. Eleven Bruins have had their numbers retired. In addition, there are banners commemorating the annual Beanpot Tournament, held every February, and the Hockey East Tournament, held here every March. There are also all those Celtics championship banners hanging around. The Sports Museum – Perhaps the greatest hidden sports gem in Boston, it’s a must-see for any visiting sports fan. Located on levels 5 and 6 of the Garden, The Sports Museum features items celebrating the city of Boston’s long and storied sports history. Exhibits include the penalty box from the Boston Garden and an open theater with original Garden seats. History – As you may expect from one of the NHL’s Original Six teams, many sporting events of great importance have occurred here. Oversized murals depict iconic moments in Boston Garden and TD Garden history on both concourses. Final Thoughts The 2022-2023 season has been an incredible ride for the Boston Bruins and their fans. The team has set NHL records for victories and points in a season. As the playoffs approach, New England sets its collective sights on the ultimate prize in hockey – The Stanley Cup. The entire region is hoping for another long playoff run in one of the more underrated venues in the league, the TD Garden. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 The Diamond 3001 North Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 VCU Rams website The Diamond website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 12,134 The Ram’s Diamond Virginia Commonwealth University, known as VCU for short, is located in Richmond, Virginia. VCU's athletic teams, the Rams, are best known for the basketball team's trip from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011. However, the baseball team has enjoyed success as well, with 13 NCAA Tournament appearances including nine since 2000, and a Super Regional appearance in 2015 after winning the Dallas Regional. The Rams play their home games off-campus at The Diamond, which is also the Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 Although there are many concession stands at The Diamond, only one of them is typically open for VCU games and serves a somewhat different menu than it would for the Flying Squirrels. Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders are all available for meals, as are snacks such as nachos, popcorn, hot pretzels, chips, fries, and of course, peanuts and cracker jack. Water, soft drinks, and Gatorade are available to drink, as is hot chocolate on cold days. Although most college baseball stadiums do not serve alcohol, The Diamond is a professional stadium, so adult beverages are on sale here for VCU games as well. Beer is available in 25 oz and 16 oz cans, including the Flying Squirrels' own brand, Feeling Squirrely. Prices are reasonably affordable, with even the most expensive option (five chicken tenders) being under $8 and most things being much less. Atmosphere 2 The Diamond is a giant concrete monstrosity that is way too big for Flying Squirrels games, yet alone VCU games where only a few hundred fans typically attend. Fortunately, they close off the upper deck to fans when VCU is playing (although a couple fans still somehow managed to find their way up there when we attended) but even the lower level is still way bigger than it needs to be. Fans will have to walk up a large flight of steps from the entrance just to get there, although an elevator is available for those who need it. The end result is that although Rams fans pride themselves on being rowdy, the crowd is just too spread out to create much atmosphere. This stadium is a lot nicer than most college stadiums despite its age - it is a professional ballpark after all - but that winds up working against it in many ways as well. Ultimately, a cavernous and mostly empty stadium is not going to have a good atmosphere no matter how many bells and whistles it has. Neighborhood 4 There isn't much to in the immediate vicinity of The Diamond, which is right across the street from a bus station. However, it is a short drive away from the bustling Carytown neighborhood and everything it has to offer. Carytown Burgers & Fries and the Galaxy Diner are local favorites, but you can also find coffee shops, Thai, pho, and more. There are a few places closer to the stadium but we recommend heading into Carytown if you can. Fans 3 As noted above, Rams fans pride themselves on being rowdy, and the ones who show up certainly are. They cheer on VCU throughout the game, stay until the end, and love playing their cowbells during major moments in the game as well. Unfortunately, their impact is greatly diminished by the fact that The Diamond seats over10,000 fans and there are typically only a few hundred in attendance. When attendance as a percent of capacity is in the single digits, that is never a good thing. That being said, this is not really the fans' fault, and they do try their best to make things work here. Access 5 The Diamond is located just off of Interstates 64 and 95,and parking is available for free in a spacious lot right next to the stadium. It is easy to get to from the airport and right across the street from the Greyhound bus station. The parking lot will almost certainly never fill up, but there are several more lots surrounding the stadium if it does. Given the stadium was designed for much larger crowds than attend a typical VCU game, fans should have no problems getting around the concourse, and there should never be a wait for the restrooms either. Although there is a clear bag policy in effect at The Diamond for Flying Squirrels games, and signs warn fans about that as they walk up to the gates, it does not appear to be enforced for VCU games. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth, which is on the high end for Atlantic 10 baseball. However, concessions are affordable and parking is free, which it is not for Flying Squirrels games in the same stadium, so that is a plus. A trip to The Diamond will probably cost less for a VCU game than it would for a minor league game, but the difference in cost savings isn't as much as it should be given what you are getting for your money. Extras 1 Free programs and posters are available on a table on the concourse. . Final Thoughts Although The Diamond is the home of VCU baseball, it doesn't feel like it when watching a game here. Seeing all the Flying Squirrels banners and all the shuttered concession stands selling awesome food that you can't eat, it is obvious that VCU plays second fiddle here to the main tenants. Unfortunately, with the VCU campus located in a densely populated area of downtown Richmond, it would be pretty much impossible for them to build an on-campus stadium, so this is the solution they are stuck with. It is not good for the fans, it is not good for the team, but somehow everyone manages to make the most of this unusual situation.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Centre Air Creebec 810 Avenue 6E Val-d’Or, Québec J9P 1B4 Val D’Or Foreurs website Centre Air Creebec website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 2,140 Le pot d’or au nord du Québec With a population of 31,000, the City of Val-d’Or is one of the smallest centres in the entire Canadian Hockey League. However, the Val-d’Or Foreurs of the QMJHL are a throwback experience and almost bring hockey back to a pure state. It took 16 long years for Junior Hockey at the highest level to be brought to the “Valley of Gold.” However, it was in 1993 when local builder Jean-Claude Babin secured a QMJHL franchise that would be owned by local shareholders, including G4 Drilling CEO Daniel Gamache. Earning President’s Cups as QMJHL Champions in 1998, 2001 and 2014, the Foreurs have had a fair amount of success. There have also been a number of NHL players who have worn the green and gold, including Anthony Martha, Antoine Bibeau, Kris Letang, Brad Marchand, J.P. Dumont, Steve Begin and Roberto Luongo. Home for the Foreurs is the city owned Centre Air Creebec. Formerly the Palais des Sports, Centre Air Creebec has been around since 1949 and boasts the smallest capacity in the Q with a mere 2,140. However, what is lost in modern amenities and a large capacity is made up for with what is definitely a small town, old school hockey barn which just oozes charisma. Food & Beverage 4 After first entering Centre Air Creebec, fans will get a certain impression of the venue. Upon venturing into one of the concession areas just off of the concourse fans will be pleasantly surprised by the concession options. Immediately looking at the menu, with a little translation from French, it is clear that Centre Air Creebec is a busy arena and used by more than just the Foreurs. All of the expected arena items can be found including popcorn ($3.25), nachos, hot dogs ($3), pizza ($4.75), and fries. There is also a full breakfast menu which is clearly for those early morning minor hockey practices. Easily the most popular food item on the menu is the Québécois staple, poutine. Beverages available include a wide variety of juices, water, coffee, tea and cappuccino. Soda options are Pepsi products ($2.75). Practically a full bar is also available including rum, wine, vodka and other mixes. Beer options include Budweiser, Molson Export and Molson Canadian ($7.50). Overall a very surprising array of concessions are available. Atmosphere 4 For fans looking for a modern hockey experience, Centre Air Creebec is not that. It is most definitely a small town, throwback hockey barn. Built in 1949, at one time Centre Air Creebec was slightly modernized with a few additions. The main building is the typical rectangular building with the peaked roof. The front of the building, which is on the south side, has a more modern addition with glass. The addition houses some of the expanded seating at the south side as well as giving the arena a clear and attractive entrance. It is probably the only part of the building not covered with what seems to be the Northern Quebec staple building material, aluminum siding. After entering and heading up the stairs to the main entry to the arena, fans are immediately struck with sensory overload. Centre Air Creebec is an old school throwback, which with a paltry capacity of 2,140, probably should not be used for Major Junior hockey. The long, barn-like structure complete with the peaked ceiling is obvious. The ceiling is covered with the old school, silver insulation found in local hockey arenas all over the place. The main concourses are behind the seating area and offer a 360 degree path around the arena in full view of the ice. The concourse features Foreurs team photos from each year back to their inception in 1993 as well as some trivia pages to keep fans interested. A huge mural for the 2014 Foreurs who lost in the Memorial Cup Semi-Final in triple overtime to the eventual champion Edmonton Oil Kings is a spot to see and features Anthony Mantha and Antoine Bibeau. Above the ice level there are a number of banners. The retired numbers of former Foreurs Stephane Roy, Steve Begin, J.P. Dumont, Simon Gamache and Roberto Luongo are joined by the number 93 representing builder Jean-Claude Babin. Also, seven banners hang together commemorating three Coupe du Président as well as Conference and Division championships. Minor hockey banners also hang from the rafters helping with the real community feel of Centre Air Creebec. Capacity is made up of six rows of plastic arena seats. The south end of the arena has more rows, no doubt to raise capacity. The video board has seen better days. The six sided board has three decent, yet outdated video boards and three traditional scoreboards. A horseshoe of hanging corporate boxes dot the perimeter of the arena yet still feature aluminum siding. The game day experience in Val-d’Or is fairly simple. The traditional video packages and music drive the production. However, there are no modern pyrotechnics, lighting, lasers or projections on the ice. Truthfully, any of these things would just not fit as part of Centre Air Creebec. The Foreurs mascot, Dynamit, travels through the arena interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 4 Not being a huge city, the neighbourhood surrounding Centre Air Creebec is a little suspect. However, Val-d’Or does offer a cute downtown which is a few blocks from the arena and although there are not an overwhelming number of food and entertainment options, there are enough to keep fans satisfied. Centre Air Creebec is located south of the main highways 117 and 397 on Avenue 6e (6th Ave). Pre and post game fare is best found on Avenue 3e. Pacini, Habaneros Grill Mexicain and Tim Hortons are all close. Mikes and Valentine are solid options. Valentine specializes in Québécois staples like Montreal Smoked Meat and Poutine. There are not a ton of other entertainment options in Val-d’Or due to its small size. However, it offers a ton of winter outdoor activity options. Snowmobiling and ice fishing are very popular in the area. Being the mining town that Val-d’Or is, a trip to La Cite de l’Or for the mine tour may be something to do. For fans looking to stay over in Val-d’Or, the Hotel Continental and Quality Inn and Suites are solid options that are close to Centre Air Creebec. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans of the Foreurs. The sheer numbers don’t flatter the locals. Attendance has been shrinking. The Foreurs averaged over 2,000 fans for the 2016 season but then fell to 1,700 in 2017 and 1,600 in 2018. The Foreurs were ranked 16th in 2016 and last (18th) in 2017 and 2018. Capacity at Centre Air Creebec is small, but the locals are not filling the place and are a little more fair weather than expected. The fans in attendance, however, are solidly into the action that is on the ice. Foreurs fans are more than happy to get on the referee’s case when a call is missed and are loud when the Foreurs put one in the net. However, when the visitors score, it is nearly silent. Access 3 Getting to Centre Air Creebec is not difficult at all. Located south of the main highways, 397 and the Trans-Canada Highway, highway 117, Centre Air Creebec is situated north of downtown Val-d’Or. There are free municipal parking lots around the arena. For fans who want public transit, there are buses available that stop near Centre Air Creebec. Check out the Taxibus website for fares, maps and schedules. The main ticketing windows are in the main entry on the south side of the arena on the right. The entry is not huge and can easily get congested. As to be expected with an arena built in 1949, there is not a ton of space and getting around can be a bit of a challenge. Washroom facilities are also on the cramped side. Return on Investment 5 QMJHL hockey is an absolutely fantastic value. Most spots are more economical than even their sister league in Ontario, the OHL. Foreurs tickets are $19.75 for adults and there are significant discounts for students, children and seniors. Parking is free and concession prices are good also. The product on the ice is top notch as well. The Q tends to feature smaller players than the OHL which tends to lead to a faster, more high scoring game. Combine the on ice product with a throwback, classic barn experience and it can’t get much better than the Valley of Gold Extras 4 An extra mark for the early birds who can catch the players doing their dry land warm ups in the concourse before the game. An extra mark for fan appreciation day with balloons, prizes, games, celebrations and the best attended game of the year. Great time to review the Foreurs. An extra mark for that community feel with minor hockey banners all over Centre Air Creebec. An extra mark for the heated rivalry between the Foreurs and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Those games are the ones to see if possible. Final Thoughts When travelling to Northern Québec, fans should want to get the true feel of the Québécois culture in the north. A trip to see Les Foreurs de Val-d’Or is an absolute must. An old school hockey experience in a gem of a building, the Foreurs will provide a great evening’s entertainment at a cost that will shock fans with how affordable it is. It is truly the pot of gold in Northern Québec! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 GFL Memorial Gardens 269 Queen St. E Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Y9 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds website GFL Memorial Gardens website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,928 The Great Red North If there is one thing above all that the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are known for, it is their connection to the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky. In 1977, the Greyhounds selected the slender, sixteen year old with the third pick in the midget draft. Gretzky would not disappoint by scoring a Greyhound record 182 points in his only season in the Soo. It would be the Soo where the legend of 99 was born. Upon arriving in the Soo, Wayne was distraught to find his coveted number nine, which belonged to his hockey hero, Gordie Howe, was taken by Brian Gulalazzi. After a few games wearing fourteen, Greyhounds coach Muzz MacPherson suggest that Gretzky just double the nines and the most legendary number in sports was born. The Greyhound name has been linked to hockey teams in Sault Ste. Marie since 1919. The name was selected as a jab to their rivals, the Sudbury Wolves as a “greyhound is much faster than a wolf.” The Senior A Greyhounds would win the Allan Cup in 1924. The current iteration of the team began as an NOJHL expansion team in 1962 which would transition to the OHA in 1972. The OHA would eventually become the Ontario Hockey League. The team is currently owned by medical executive Tim Lukenda. The Greyhounds achieved ultimate success in 1995 when they won the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League Champions in front of a home crowd in Sault Ste Marie. The Greyhounds have also won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 1985, 1991 and 1992. The importance of the Greyhounds and the 1995 Memorial Cup is immortalized on the sign coming into town where it is emblazoned with the home of astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. The longtime home for the Hounds was Sault Memorial Gardens. The venerable arena was replaced in 2006 by the City of Sault Ste. Marie with what is now known as GFL Memorial Gardens. The naming rights to the arena changed in 2018 and the “Memorial Gardens” aspect of the arena name was brought back. The Gardens is a great spot for a game and a perfect OHL venue with some local flare. Food & Beverage 4 The concession selections at GFL Memorial Gardens are pretty standard for the OHL. They will neither disappoint fans nor blow them out of the water. There are four main concession stands located in each of the four corners of the main concourse above and behind the seating bowl. Fries, pizza, hot dogs, sausage, nachos, popcorn, and onion rings are all available at reasonable prices. Some new items available include breaded cappelletti, breaded dill pickles, donut holes on a stick and potato twisters. Healthier options are also available on the menu and feature apple slices and Pepsi products are the main soda in the venue, while juice, bottled water, slushies, Gatorade, coffee, tea and cappuccinos are also available. Molson Canadian and Coors Light are available on tap and some other limited alcoholic beverages are also for sale. The food score at the Gardens get a bit of a bump up with the two sitting areas which are a bit more unique. The southwest end of the arena is where the Coffee House can be found with a variety of coffee beverages. The Molson Canadian Hockey House is also a solid place to eat with a number of pub style dishes including club sandwiches, chicken wings and chicken parmigiana sandwiches. Atmosphere 4 GFL Memorial Gardens is one of the best venues in a very venue-strong Ontario Hockey League. The exterior is attractive with red brick, siding and windows for natural light. The exterior of the main building is not terribly different from other modern OHL facilities. However, it is a throwback to years past with a remnant of the old Sault Gardens which distinguishes the Gardens exterior. The Memorial Tower is a tribute to Sault Ste. Marie veterans and remains from the Sault Gardens days. The tower shines a red beacon on Greyhound home game days. The interior of the Gardens is similar to many other OHL venues including Guelph and Sarnia. Entry to the Gardens leads into the main concourse, which is behind the seating bowl. The ice surface runs from northeast to southwest with the best spot to get a picture of the centre ice logo, from the southeast side. There are a number of screens on the walls in the concourse including a collage from the Memorial Cup season, a Captain’s Wall and a number of other screens. Unfortunately the bustle of the concourse can take away from these sites. Above centre ice is the four-sided video board which has seen better days. It is in dire need of replacement as some parts of the video were not even functioning on the date of review. The video board is surrounded by a plethora of championship banners for various division and conference achievements. The highlight is the 1993 Memorial Cup Champions banner, which unfortunately, looks just like all of the others. Along the southwest side of the arena hang the banners of honoured Greyhounds including such hockey legends as John Vanbiesbrouck, Adam Foote, Craig Hartsburg, Ron Francis and Wayne Gretzky. One of the real highlights of the Gardens can be found in the southwest end of the arena. In a spot traditionally reserved for the portrait of Queen Elizabeth, Indigenous art is hung. The wooden and stained glass pieces bring the whole arena together and give it a sense of Northern Ontario and uniqueness that can’t be found in other arenas. The game day production is about what you would expect at a junior hockey game. It is not over the top or too involved. The Hounds enter the ice through an inflatable dog house and the music played is a healthy mix of classic rock with a little country sprinkled in for good measure. The Greyhounds’ mascot, Dash, takes part in the opening ceremonies of the game and then can be found interacting with the crowd and participating in promotions throughout the game. Neighbourhood 4 The GFL Memorial Gardens is located basically a block east of the waterfront, and across Bay Street from the Station Mall. There are a number of options for food or drink before or after the game. It is important to remember that it is very cold in the Sault and fans won’t want to stray too far from the car during an evening game. Some options in the immediate area include the Outspoken Brewing, Solo Trattoria, Johnny’s Chophouse and Embers Grill & Smokehouse. There are a ton of hotels that surround the arena as well, which may be your best bet for a place to stay. The Holiday Inn Express and Quality Inn & Suites are both within walking distance of the Gardens. For fans coming from the other side of town, a stop at North 82 Steakhouse would be a great choice for a place to eat. There are not a ton of other sporting options in Sault Ste. Marie for fans. The Algoma Thunderbirds participate in USports basketball at the George Leach Centre. Otherwise, hopping the border to catch a Lake Superior State hockey game may be the best idea. For other entertainment options, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum or the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre are worth checking out or Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie for the gambler. Fans 4 Greyhound fans are a loyal and hearty bunch. With the Greyhounds occupying the top rung for sporting options in a city of over 78,000, the GFL Memorial Gardens is a great place to catch a game. For the 2019 season, the Greyhounds have drawn over 4,000 fans per game. They typically rank right in the middle of the OHL for average fan attendance, usually ranking between eighth and tenth. Considering the capacity of the Gardens is just under 5,000, the fan support in the Sault is solid. There is some concern that the fan base trends on the older side and the team may need to find ways to entice younger fans to come out for some hockey. The fans are fairly intense with conversations generally being relegated to stoppages in play. When the time is right, the fans do get loud, however there is not a ton of extra noise. Fans also like to get on the officials in Sault Ste. Marie. Access 4 The GFL Memorial Gardens is located between Queen and Bay Streets, not far from the waterfront, and the bridge to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Both Queen and Bay are one-way streets as are most of the streets in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. It’s not hard to get to, but it is not exceedingly close to the Trans-Canada Highway. There is a decent sized parking lot on site, which is reserved for subscribers. Many local patrons park at the Station Mall for game night, which also avoids parking charges. Inside, the concourses are decent size, and the bathroom facilities are good as well. However, community tables and dining areas take up valuable real estate in the concourses and make it kind of crowded. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Gardens, buses run along Queen, Bay and Dennis Streets. Fans should check out the Sault Ste. Marie Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Return on Investment 5 As with nearly all OHL franchises, there is great value in Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds hockey for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Hounds will go for $21, $18, or $11 based on the age of the fan. Parking can easily be found in the Sault for free and concession prices are decent. The product on the ice is fast paced and exciting. The Greyhounds have also consistently put a competitive team on the ice. All in all this equals a fantastic return on investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for former Greyhounds coach Muzz MacPherson and his place in hockey history. It was Coach MacPherson that convinced a young Wayne Gretzky that two nines were better than one when Wayne could not get his traditional number 9. It was with the Greyhounds, that Gretzky’s now iconic number 99 was born. An extra mark for the Dog-Fight rivalry that the Greyhounds have with the neighbouring Sudbury Wolves. An extra mark for the “Memorial” returning to the name of the arena, a nod back to the old Sault Memorial Gardens and honouring the local veterans. Final Thoughts The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are most definitely a competitive experience that can be compared to most any Ontario Hockey League experience. The GFL Memorial Gardens is one of the best venues in the league and the Hounds are a consistently competitive team. When in the Sault, it is a great idea to check out some Hound Power. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fiserv Forum 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee Bucks website Fiserv Forum website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 17,500 Fiserv Forum: Bucks, Beer, and Bird-Friendly The Fiserv Forum has been the home of the Milwaukee Bucks since the 2018-2019 NBA season. The $524 million multi-purpose venue has a capacity of 17,500 for basketball and connects multiple neighborhoods and districts that include The Brewery, Milwaukee Waterfront, Old World 3rd Street, and Wisconsin Center. It also borders the “The Deer District” entertainment center. The forum has a unique design that features “a swooping roof and extensive glass to evoke Wisconsin’s natural beauty and Milwaukee’s rich heritage of industry and craftsmen.” The design was inspired by the bountiful rivers, lakes, and forests of the region. The interior offers soft, white colors and rich zinc hues along with darkly colored seating to allow the court to stand out. The design of the interior structure also has a somewhat unfinished look or resembles a barrel of some type. The curved portion looks like a finely contoured piece of wood and includes strips of window panels that produce natural lighting at each level of the building. There are more windows above the main entrance that emulate green lighting at night. Fiserv Forum is a LEED Certification facility that encourages energy and resource-efficient buildings, and savings from increased building value, higher lease rates, and decreased utility costs. The forum uses native plants that reduce the amount of water needed for nourishment, low-flow toilets that reduce water by 30 percent, heat recovery technology that reduces heat by 12 percent, and only paper straws are available at the concession stands. The forum is the Bucks third home since its inception in 1968. The Bucks called the Milwaukee Arena (now UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena) home until 1988 before moving next door to the BMO Bradley Center. The Bradley Center has been razed and stood in between both sporting venues. It is now a large vacant lot that could be developed sometime soon. Food & Beverage 4 Fiserv Forum does an incredible job of providing multiple foods and beverage options for Bucks games. Several local businesses are detailed in the Southside Market area in the upper concourse, along with a few other favorites on the main concourse. The variety is plenty but limited due to the pandemic and staffing during our visit. It should be noted that a majority offer online purchases only through the Bucks app on your smartphone. FreshFin Poke, Mac Shack, Sobleman’s, Laughing Taco, Iron Gate Barbecue, El Rey’s, and Klement’s are a few local restaurants that can be found inside the building. They all feature custom items, and long lines form before the game and at half-time. A few stands were closed during our visit, but various locations helped out with patrons getting a taste of Milwaukee. The highlights include the brisket or burnt ends platter at Iron Gate, the pork carnitas torta at the Laughing Taco, and pork belly burnt ends mac and cheese at Mac Shack. Klement’s features locally made hot dogs and brats, Canal Street Pizza serves huge squared slices of pizza, and who wouldn’t want a freshly made burger or fried cheese curds from Sobleman’s locations. The Jack and Coke boneless wings and pulled totchos are popular choices. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at multiple locations that include a Jack Daniels, Leinenkugel’s, and Coors Light bar. Drink Wisconsibility locations feature local craft beers from Lakefront, Eagle Park, City Lights, and New Glarus. Coca-Cola products are available for non-alcoholic patrons at the game. Frozen Jack & Coke, Lynchburg lemonade with Sprite, and Jack’s Rye Blueberry Basil Smash are specialty options instead of beer. Atmosphere 4 The Fiserv Forum delivers as promised in terms of the atmosphere; it’s a building as impressive as the Bucks on the floor. There are wide open concourse floors that see a variety of local food and drink, open seating areas providing excellent views of the court, natural lighting from the elongated windows, and flat screens that help patrons order food, move around, and know current information. The forum includes the largest center-hung scoreboard in the league weighing 38 tons. The four main side displays each measure approximately 25 feet high by 29 feet wide, with 6-millimeter line spacing to provide high-resolution imagery to fans throughout the arena. The lower bowl offers 10,000 seats, while the upper bowl includes 6,000 seats. A 100-foot window on the eastern side of the buildings offers beautiful views of downtown Milwaukee day or night. Both main concourses wrap around the building and offer areas to sit down and enjoy a meal or drink; there are also four-team shops to purchase various Bucks gear in addition to a Mitchell and Ness kiosk for old-school Bucks gear. It is on the upper concourse next to the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar giant bobblehead. The 6,000 square foot Bucks Pro Shop is near the main entrance, and fans can choose from caps, shirts, jerseys, pennants, and sweatshirts. The Kohl’s Court is a family activity center located on the main concourse. The amenities include oversized basketball hoops, replica lockers, a DJ, and other family-friendly activities. The Panorama Club features hip décor, neo lighting, cocktail tables, and a private bar with a court view. The sensory rooms feature soft carpeting, tactile wall hangings, and comfortable furniture designed for guests with developmental disabilities who need a quiet space during events. Neighborhood 5 The Deer District is a 30-acre space that offers pre and post-game activities. It includes festivities, dining, and entertainment options within a few steps of the forum. They make great options before a Bucks game due to drink prices almost half the price of what you will pay inside the arena. It is recommended to arrive a little early to enjoy the entertainment district. Good City Brewing offers freshly brewed beer, stone-fired pizza, and burgers. The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill serves pub food and includes a 42-foot wide ultra high definition screen. The Drink Wisconsinbly Pub is another spot for a beer before the game. Punch Bowl Social is a restaurant and entertainment venue currently closed but plans to re-open sometime soon. The district also has a large flat-screen television and patio seating, optimal for springtime contests. Directly behind the Deer District in the Old World, 3rd Street offers plenty more options for restaurants and bars. Carson’s, Brick 3 Pizza, Historic Turner Restaurant, Old German Beer Hall, and Ale Asylum Riverhouse. A few tourist spots include the Wisconsin Cheese Mart and Usinger’s Famous Sausage which offer copious amounts of cheese and sausage products. The Fiserv Forum is next to the Bucks original home venue, UW Milwaukee Panther Arena, where one has the opportunity to take in a doubleheader with either a Milwaukee Admirals (minor league hockey) or Milwaukee Wave (indoor soccer) game. You might also want to take in a Marquette basketball game at the Fiserv Forum if you are there an extra day in town. Fans 4 A crowd of 13,000 fans packed the forum for a Monday night game against a less than stellar team. The ushers were expecting closer to 11,000, but that did not take away from the fans’ reaction as the Bucks dropped close to 80 points before half-time. The Milwaukee fan is a hard-working individual who finally has a modern arena to watch a championship NBA team that should compete for a title with deep playoff runs for some time. Access 4 The Fiserv Forum offers wide concourses, natural lighting, copious escalators and elevators, and plenty of open views of the court from the concourse levels. The doors open an hour before tip-off with plenty of room to wait and mingle in the Deer District, wide bars provide spacing for fans to enjoy food and drink, and multiple sponsored concession areas also provide additional seating. Outside the venue are ample parking lots surrounding the arena and several blocks over to accommodate fans driving into the city on Interstates 43 or 94. Return on Investment 3 A ticket to the game will depend on multiple factors that include the day of the week and the opponent. Tickets can be as low as $15 for a weekday game against a less-than-popular opponent but will triple in price against sexier teams in the NBA. Depending on what website you look at, the average ticket will be anywhere from $50 to $70. Parking will cost around $30-35 at or near the building. There is meter parking for $2 an hour that expires at 9 PM—if attending an evening game and arriving early enough, you could grab one of these spots at around $10 for the night. There are parking garages that charge from $5 to $15 across the river if willing to walk a little further. It does get cold in Milwaukee during the early winter month. Fiserv Forum concession prices are among some of the highest in the league. However, that depends on what website you view. There was not anything that jumped out during our visit. A hot dog from Klement’s is $8 (somewhat high), and a Miller Lite was $12 (somewhat on par with comparable venues). Other prices included a slice of pizza at $9, the fried cheese curds are $8, and a chicken tender basket with fries is $14. Extras 4 The Forum has many points that include wide concourses, specifically designed sections of the building to incorporate a local business, natural lighting from the curved windows, and a friendly staff that caters to fans’ needs at every moment. After a conversation with Connie’s season-ticket representative, I must have accidentally been sitting in her seat. The arena earns a few more points for the Deer District. The area provides a meeting place for fans before the game and an entertainment venue for playoff games and other events. The Forum is a Bird-Friendly Arena and features many window panes with fritted glass, visible to birds to reduce collisions. Final Thoughts The Fiserv Forum is an architectural beauty and offers everything a fan would want in an NBA area. The concourses are spacious, the food is varied, the views are open, and the service is top-notch. When you add the Deer District and Third Street as nearby destination options before the game, the Bucks fans sure have one hell of a place to enjoy their team. It is a beautiful place for a basketball game. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and Instagram.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 3M Arena at Mariucci 1901 4th St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s hockey website 3M Arena at Mariucci website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 10,000 GOpher the Unique Atmosphere at Minnesota's Mariucci Arena The fabric of a collegiate atmosphere transitions to sports in the same way groups of young people embrace campus life. So when a quaint sports venue is blended with the traditions of a passionate hockey community, it makes for something special. Since 1993, Mariucci Arena, named for John Mariucci, the "godfather of Minnesota hockey", has served as the Gopher's home rink and become something special. As you walk through the East gate, above your head reads, "Through these gates walk the greatest fans in college hockey" and it won't take a visitor much time to see why. Well-behaved, but highly passionate, is the best way to describe Gopher hockey fans. While the fans make up a huge part of the experience make no mistake, the venue and the university add a great deal to creating a magnificent live hockey experience. Food & Beverage 3 Unlike TCF Stadium where the football team plays, alcoholic beverages are not sold at Mariucci Arena. While credit and debit cards are accepted in many places in the arena, there are plenty of stands that only accept cash for payment. One thing you must do is visit GO NUTS, just across from sections 8 & 9. Greg and Mark Sullwold operate the stand, part of a local company known as Cindy's Cinnamon Roasted Nuts. Cindy is the mother of Greg and Mark-not only are the candied almonds, cashews, and pecans good, but you want to get there early to buy them. Make it your first stop and avoid the crowd. The overwhelming success of this stand is amazing. I know they have some special things on the to-do list for flavors and promotions. BBQ is also good and served at Famous Dave's across from sections 1 & 14. The Georgia Chopped Pork sandwich ($7) is excellent. Coca-Cola products are sold here. You can get a bottled soda for $4.75 or fountain soda in three sizes, $3.50, $5, and $6, the latter being a sturdy souvenir cup. Bottled water is $4.25 and hot cocoa and small coffee are $3.00, large coffee is $4.75. Entrees are plentiful with a hot dog at $5, bratwurst at $6, nachos with cheese at $5.25, and nachos supreme at $7. Snacks include a pretzel for $6.00, add a cup of cheese for another $1.50.Popcorn comes in two sizes, regular at $4.50 and bottomless at $6.50. Atmosphere 5 The single bowl design for a sports venue has long added uniqueness in viewing the playing surface. Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, and the Los Angeles Coliseum and Rose Bowl in Southern California immediately come to mind but those are much larger structures, built to accommodate a football field, which is nearly three times the size of a hockey rink. For hockey, the one-bowl design is perfect and Minnesota shows it off best. Yes, the long walk from the top row, #24, down to the glass can be long. The walk back up is a bit more difficult, but the magic of the steep pitch and the sound, which seems to nestle itself in the bowl instead of rising, is quite special. There is not one bad seat in the house. In never being more than 24 rows from the ice in a building that fills 10,000 fans (including the standing room), you are immersed in the action. For special private seating, the Club Room is above sections 10-14 while suites are above sections 14-22. If you are sitting at center ice, facing the benches with the penalty boxes closest to you, your seat is in section 19. To your right is section 18 and to your left is section 20. The benches are across the ice, the Gophers to the left in front of section 6, and the visitors to the right in front of section 8. Section 7 is across the ice on the red line. For those who like to get close to where the players walk on and off the ice to and from the dressing rooms, players enter the bench area and ice at about the center of the bench, just inside the blue line. For the Gophers, it is near the higher number of seats in section 6 (seats 12-14) and for the visitors, it is near the lower number of seats in section 8 (seats 1-3). The Gophers shoot twice at the goal in front of Section 13, which serves as the student section. There is a standing area behind every section, marked off with boundaries on the floor to make sure you stay in your place. The pitch in the rows puts you right on top of the ice, feeling like you are very much a part of the match. Row length is never more than 14 seats wide, narrower in corner sections at the lower rows. You will rarely find tickets available from the ticket office as all games sell out. The secondary market is the place to go. As for the atmosphere, gates open 90 minutes before the face-off. There are three entrances, but only one matters. Enter on the east side which has that famous slogan above your head and tons of memorabilia in cases. From there, it is escalators on both sides leading you to section 1. At the top, walk to your left and the sections are sequential, beginning at 2. Go to the right and at the top, sections begin at 24. Section 1 is in the middle. The concourse is full of different history displays on both sides of overhead flat spaces. Don't miss the US Olympic display case in section 5 and see the notable players and teams in Gopher hockey history detailed in photos and memorabilia. Take the time to see everything as you walk around the rink, all of which keep the ice fully visible from where you are walking and standing. Another thing to be mindful of is the brass and pep band at the top of section 14, and boy are they good! Make sure you witness the entire group marching a lap around the concourse as everyone makes a path a little more than an hour before game time. Pre-skate is about 45 minutes before puck drop and if you forget the band will provide a gentle reminder. Things start getting revved up now. Be in your seats 15 minutes before the first puck drop and watch the energy as both teams rush out onto the ice. Then take a look at the Minnesota end of the ice. With all helmets neatly displayed along the top of the dasher boards one by one, the home team is introduced as each player stands along the goal line, filling space from side to side. Starters head to the blue line when announced, receiving a high five from Goldie, the team's skating mascot. Neighborhood 4 Mariucci Arena is right on campus where bus lines run alongside the building and light rail lines just south and within a fraction of a mile. Also just south of the arena, is a bevy of shops and places to eat along University Avenue and alongside streets intersecting this main thoroughfare. TCF football stadium is east and just across the street from the arena. Fans 5 They are magnificent in every way. The build-up begins outside and if you are there on the day of a football game, across the street east of the arena at TCF stadium, it is an all-day affair. You can see maroon and gold for miles and miles on game day. Absorb yourself in the atmosphere leading up to game time and make sure you are not shy about engaging folks. Once you let them know you come from other parts, you can be sure and be welcomed by gracious hosts. The best way to take in the atmosphere and immerse yourself in Gopher fandom is to visit that student section which stretches from sections 12 through 14 at the arena's east end. Sitting on each seat with extras nearby is "The Ice Sheet", a collection of chants to learn on one side with game preview and rosters on the other side. The chants and cheers along with an engaged crowd make this a special place. There are no passive fans here as everyone is riveted to the action on the ice. Access 4 I always like an adventure when attending a game out of town and mass transit typically is the best and cheapest way to do it. If taking light rail, you need the green line and either the Stadium Village Station, which is near TCF Stadium, or East Bank which is a little closer to the arena, but just a little further south than the first stop. Light rail is just $2.25 during rush hour (3 AM - 6 AM and 3 PM - 630PM). Otherwise, it is $1.75. Transfers are free. Day passes cost $5. If you choose to drive and park, the cost is $10, goes into effect 2 to 4 hours before the event's scheduled start time, and typically includes the following lots: 4th street ramp, university Avenue ramp, Washington Avenue ramp, Lot 37, Gopher Lot and Victory Lot. Plenty of restrooms and the concourses are just wide enough to provide ease of movement throughout the building. Return on Investment 5 Outside of the rivalry games which carry a big ticket, prices are very good and highly affordable. Even if you drive to the game and park, $10 is a fair price to pay. To witness a game here at $25 a ticket and affordable food prices, you can't go wrong here. Extras 5 GAME PROGRAM - $2 gives you all you need to know, printed on heavy cardstock, and unfolds for an easy-to-hold and read process, only available once the gates open near sections 2 and 24. MERCHANDISE - good stuff, great variety, and available at multiple locations along the upper ring concourse, including the team store outside sections 11-12. I was disappointed there were no game pucks for sale, but they have lots of variety of souvenir pucks and other apparel. CHEERLEADERS & STUDENT BAND - the skating Gophers cheerleaders are quite good and offer a little more than your typical sideline cheerleaders as their skating prowess is on full display. And as for the band, they are good. They are so good that you will find yourself sometimes watching them when you should be watching the game. They have lots of personalities. Both groups play a role in keeping the energy level high. STANDING ROOM - while you might have a standing room ticket, you don't have a specific space, which is good if you like to move around and see the arena and the game from different perspectives. You do have a railing by which to lean in front of you and to leave, you just back out and go your way. You might even be able to find the fan next to you willing to save your space while you visit the restroom or concession stand. That the standing room is not multi-layered is a big plus here. CHANT AND PREVIEW SHEET - There is peace of mind if you immerse yourself in the atmosphere and be involved, like a choir book at church, just read and play along. Great stuff. Final Thoughts Get there to see a game, you will be talking about for weeks and months after your visit. Witnessing a game here is very special.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Formerly the home of the Texas Rangers, who moved to newly built Globe Life Field next door in 2020, Choctaw Stadium is home to soccer, rugby, and now the XFL – the Arlington Renegades kicked off the 2023 season on February 18th with a 22-20 win over the Vegas Vipers. In fact, so far this season the 3-3 Renegades have notched all three of their victories by 2 points or fewer. The naming rights for the stadium were acquired in 2021 by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts – one of the most unique features of the stadium is Spark Arlington, a 2-level, 30,000-square-foot coworking space inside the facility, complete with balconies that give occupants a view of the playing field. The coworking space opened just 3 days before the Renegades home opener, and was followed on March 3rd by the grand opening of Hearsay, an upscale restaurant and speakeasy featuring Southern cuisine and a rooftop cigar patio. The Renegades open every home game with representatives of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association leading the team onto the field. You will also find plenty of concession stands inside, as well as a full-size Arlington Renegades team store at the main entrance – note that the facility is completely cashless, including the parking lots outside the stadium.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 BayCare Ballpark 601 Old Coachman Rd Clearwater, FL 33765 Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training website BayCare Ballpark website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 8,500 Phanatics in Clearwater The Philadelphia Phillies have called Clearwater their home for spring training since 1947. They originally played at Jack Russell Stadium, before moving to their present home in 2004. The present site has gone through several names in its history, including Bright House Network Field and Spectrum Field. Just before the 2023 preseason, it became BayCare Ballpark. BayCare Ballpark has a capacity of 7,300 seats, plus 1,500 spaces on its two berms. Food and Beverage 5 While BayCare Ballpark still carries the traditional ballpark items, it has a food and beverage program geared towards its most loyal fans from the City of Brotherly Love. Fan favorite Philly Cheesesteaks are available at the Delco stand, while Westshore Pizza is also sold at the park. Pete and Shorty’s sliders are on the grill as are Tony Luke’s roasted pork sandwiches. Brooklyn Knish and Boar’s Head sandwiches are also on the menu and are popular with the Phillies fans. Many regional favorites are available to meet the needs of a fan’s sweet tooth. These include Herr’s potato chips, Kandy Kakes from Philadelphia baker Tastykakes, and Thurston’s strawberry shortcake. On the adult beverage front, it’s hard to beat the Beers of the World concession stand along the third baseline. It sells more than 100 brands of bottled beer and has eight beers on tap on a rotating basis. Bud, Bud Light, and Yuengling can be found at stands throughout BayCare Ballpark. Bay Care Ballpark thoughtfully has picnic tables around the park, so you don’t have to balance your food in your lap. Cupholders are found on every seat in the stadium as well. Atmosphere 4 The Phillies spring training home was a pioneer in several design elements when it opened in 2004. It was the first ballpark in the Grapefruit League to have a 360-degree concourse and a restaurant/bar along its outfield wall. BayCare Ballpark was also the first ballpark to angle all the seats toward the field. It also was the first park to expand its concession offerings beyond the usual baseball fare. The dimensions of the field at BayCare Ballpark are 329L, 408C, and 330R. One of the favorite places in the park to enjoy the game, and have a few drinks is Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion in the left-field corner. Seats are available in the Tiki Pavilion on a first-come, first-served basis. However, fans who want to spend the entire game in this area can buy specific seats in the adjoining Tiki Terrace section of the stadium. One of the most interesting elements of Bay Care Ballpark is the bi-level bullpens, which are stacked up in the third base corner of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Lenny’s Restaurant is a popular hangout for Phillies fans both before and after a game. The restaurant is filled with Phillies memorabilia and serves Pennsylvania favorites like Scrapple. It is less than a mile from BayCare Ballpark. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular attraction located nearby. Clearwater Beach is just down the street from the park, and it offers miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Fans 4 Philadelphia fans have always turned out well for the Phillies' preseason camp in Clearwater. It is a popular spring break destination for kids, as the beach is nearby, and mom-and-pop needs very little convincing to escape the brutal winter weather in Pennsylvania. Clearwater is a known entity to the fans since they have set up preseason camp here for more than six decades. They typically make their reservations at the same hotels at the end of one year’s camp for the next season. The Phillies go all out for their fans, as they are one of the few teams that offer travel packages, including tickets and hotels at group prices. The 2023 crowds have been even bigger, thanks to the enthusiasm surrounding the Phillies' first return to the World Series in many years at the end of the 2022 season. They hope to go a step further in 2023 and bring home the World Series title. Access 4 From St. Petersburg: Take Highway 41 North to Drew Street. Turn left on Drew Street. At Greenwood turn right. At West Coachman turn right. BayCare Ballpark will be on your right. From Tampa: Take the Campbell Causeway (Highway 60) West. Cross over Highway 19 and go to the next stoplight. Turn right onto Old Coachman Road. The stadium will be on your right. Another option to get to BayCare Ballpark is the Jolley Trolley Phillies Shuttle. It circulates between Downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor, and the ballpark. The cost is $2.25 each way. Tampa International Airport is 12 miles from the ballpark. There are two main parking lots at BayCare Ballpark. Parking costs $15. Gates open two hours before the first pitch. Return on Investment 4 BayCare Park offers tickets at several price levels. The cheapest seats are $17.00 and are on the berms located beyond the outfield walls. The areas along the baselines beyond the first and third base cost $33. Seats behind the plate on the lower level are $35.00. The club seating areas on the upper level of BayCare Ballpark are the most expensive seats, as they cost $39.00. Phillies games sell out quite frequently, so we advise you to purchase your seats well in advance of gameday. The food prices at BayCare Park are quite reasonable compared with most of the Grapefruit League ballparks. Parking at BayCare Ballpark is $15. Extras 4 The Single A Clearwater Threshers use the BayCare Ballpark as their home field during the regular season. BayCare Ballpark is only 5 miles from the Toronto Blue Jays spring training home in Dunedin and is also close to the training facilities for the Yankees in Tampa and the Pirates in Bradenton. This makes it possible to get a day/night combination of games if you are trying to visit all the Grapefruit League ballparks. There is a kid’s playground down the third baseline of the park. It also offers kid-sized meals at family-friendly prices. The left, west entrance into the park brings you through a Spanish Mediterranean courtyard with a fountain and a baseball statue called “The Ace”. Final Thoughts BayCare Ballpark may no longer be the best ballpark in the Grapefruit League, but it was the best-planned ballpark. The Phillies' spring training home was a trendsetter for the spring training stadiums that followed it. The ballpark pioneered the use of 360-degree concourses, using berms in the outfield area as a new seating feature, and developed a concessions program that ventured far beyond the typical stadium standards. At nearly 20 years old, BayCare Ballpark is still a great place to enjoy baseball on a spring day.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Community Field 2712 Mt Pleasant St Burlington, IA 52601 Burlington Bees website Community Field website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 3,200 Small Town Baseball in Iowa Burlington, Iowa, has the distinction of being the smallest city in full-season minor-league baseball. The town of 25,000 nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River has been home to professional baseball since 1889 and for the majority of the last 130 years, has hosted a ball club of some type. The most popular nickname is the Bees which was first used in 1924 and has been the name of the current Burlington Bees club in the Midwest League since 1993. The home of the Bees is Community Field, a facility that has had an interesting history since debuting in 1947. The 3,200-capacity ballpark’s original grandstand burnt down on June 9, 1971, but no games were lost due to temporary bleachers being installed. The ballpark would be rebuilt in time for the 1973 season. The stadium was upgraded in 1999, including new bleachers and box seating, the elevation of the party deck, and an upgraded scoreboard. This was followed by a much more extensive 2005 renovation that made use of more than $1 million from the Vision Iowa fund. The changes resulted in a fully covered and expanded main concourse, a new press box, a new outer brick facade with wrought iron gates, and a separate building to house team offices, a ticket office, and a team store. The cost of the renovation came in at about $3 million. The ballpark’s most distinguishable feature and what makes it unique to any other ballpark in the country is the canopy that arches over the main concourse behind the grandstand and the first few rows of the grandstand seating itself. Perhaps the ballpark’s other distinct feel is the hometown atmosphere from the small concession stand, affordable pricing, the friendly banter among fans, and the hospitality by the Bees front office. To many, this is what the minor league ballpark should be all about during the spring and summer months. Food & Beverage 4 Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of food that most baseball fans will not find at other stadiums in the country at Community Field. The majority of the menu items are featured at the main concession stand behind the grandstand and most items are well-priced. The Lippy Dog is a must if you happen to be at a game from Thursday to Sunday. The item is made from a giant fried chicken tenderloin that is dipped in buffalo sauce and then served on a hot dog bun with either blue cheese or ranch dressing. The Lippy Dog is the Bees take on the chicken lip, the same item that is served on a stick instead of a bun throughout the state. The price is $5 for an item not found at any other stadium. Another take on an Iowa favorite is the Bees-Rite sandwich which is the club’s take on a Maid-Rite sandwich. The loose-meat hamburger is best enjoyed with pickles, onions, and mustard. The Bees version seems a bit more glued together but equally tasty, even better is that it costs $4. Iowa is also known for pork tenderloin sandwiches, a flattened piece of pork that is breaded and fried and served on a very small bun. Some tenderloins are big enough to share with someone you are at the game with. The cost is $6. The concession stand offers both chicken and hog wings baskets for $7, a hog wing is a pork shank that I first tried last year at a Reading Fightin Phils game. There are also chicken strip baskets, brats, Chicago dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. There are also macho nachos and taco ‘n bag. You can wash all of these tasty treats down with Pepsi products. The beer selection includes a variety of domestic beers from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller. Coors Banquet, Mich Ultra, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are also included at $4 for a 16-ounce can. A few premium brands will cost you .50 cents more and include Blue Moon, Bud Light Lime, White Claw, Red’s Apple Ale, and Smirnoff wine coolers. Two craft beers are on tap: 6-4-3 Double Play Brew and Kölsch-45 for $5 a pint. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is small, quaint, and just how you might remember minor league ball from your youth. The grass parking lot offers plenty of space in front of the stadium and small ticket booths are housed by friendly staff who tell you to enjoy the game. There are a few more greeters at the wrought iron gates on both sides of the building that spell out the team’s nickname. The concession stand, team offices, bathrooms, and a small team store that houses every game day program in team history and a trophy case are located in the same building and underneath the large canopy. The area features the four-team championship banners won by the Bees and perhaps the official team mascot Buzz can be seen posing for photos. The grandstand is made up of a majority of bleacher-style seating except for the first four rows of box seating. The party deck located on the first baseline is raised ten feet above the field and features Stingerz Landing which offers four box seats with half-moon tables. The scoreboard just tells the score and does not include a video board and ads fill up the outfield fencing of the field. Homers @ Third is a social and bar area down the third baseline where many conjugate to enjoy a beer or two while viewing the game. The area is slightly lower than the playing field and many lean up against the wooden fence. The area features table tops and stools and is quite busy on Thirsty Thursdays. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood and about 3 miles from downtown along the Mississippi River. The Catfish Bend Casino has located two blocks from the ballpark; the casino includes a water park, go-karts, an arcade, and bowling for the kids. There are also bars, restaurants, a spa, and a golf course for adults. If you stay at the hotel, it includes free tickets to the Bees game. A few more places near the ballpark are Dillons BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs), Lips to Go (chicken lips and even a chicken lip pizza), Maid-Rite (loose meat sandwich), and Gators Grill and Sports Bar (pub food and drinks). Fans 3 There is a collection of fans who reside at Homer's @ Third and share a few stories about the history of the club along with the ballpark itself. There are also a few fans who travel 200 miles round trip to watch the Bees. There is also Dancin’ Bobby who dances to every song that is played over the PA system in between innings. The average attendance for games is around 900 and is among the lowest in all of full-season minor-league baseball. That is not surprising due to the town’s population and the three other Midwest League franchises within 117 miles of Community Field. Access 4 Community Field is located on Mt Pleasant Road about half a mile north of the intersection of Route 34 and 61. The stadium offers a free grass parking lot and once inside, most of the ballpark’s essentials (bathrooms, concession stand, and team store) are located behind the press box and grandstand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 The price of a general admission ticket is $8, reserve tickets are $9, and box seats are $10. The ball club offers seating on Stingers Landing that sell for $48 and includes 4-box seats with half-moon tables. The parking is free of charge and concession items include affordable pricing and regional items. The cost of a general admission ticket, a hot dog, pop, and popcorn are $2 on Monday nights. Tuesdays are 2 for 1 and Thirsty Thursdays include two domestic beers for $6. There are also specials on Bud and Busch Light on Friday evening games. Extras 4 Community Field earns a point for its roof that creates a focal point at the ballpark and gives the facility its signature look. Another point for Homers @ Third is that features some of the club's most ardent fans plus a few regulars who enjoy hanging out with friends during the game. A third point for the small-town atmosphere that can only be achieved in a town like Burlington and reminds many of us what minor league baseball once was a few short years ago. The fourth and final point is for the friendly staff that engages in stories either at the concession stand or in the gift shop. Final Thoughts Community Field is a rare treat in the world of minor league baseball and fits in a sort of like a square peg with many of the other ballparks in the Midwest League; however, that is fine, since sometimes it’s nice to attend a baseball game where the action on the diamond is the focal point and childhood memories can conjure through 9 innings of baseball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Parkview Field 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Fort Wayne TinCaps website Parkview Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 8,100 The Apple of Ft. Wayne’s Eyes Parkview Field is the home of the Ft. Wayne TinCaps and attracted well over 4,000,000 people to their beautiful downtown facility. The stadium opened in 2009 and spearheaded the redevelopment of the surrounding area with apartments, office buildings, restaurants, and new hotels. In a little over a decade, the ballpark has become a fan favorite of ballpark hunters and travelers, along with the Ft. Wayne community. The TinCaps began their existence in 1993 as a Single-A Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The team was relocated from Kenosha after the support of a new ballpark never materialized. The franchise dates back to 1947 when based in Mattoon, Illinois. The city had been without a minor league baseball club since 1948 and constructed the $6 million Memorial Stadium in the parking lot across from the Allen County Memorial Coliseum. However, the times changed dramatically in ballpark aesthetics, and Memorial Stadium became obsolete and a relic. A planned downtown ballpark known as Harrison Square would be built for $30 million and include a hotel and parking deck. The effort was to redevelop downtown and was met with mixed reactions from many ballpark fans. That quickly dissipated when Parkview Field opened its doors in 2009. Today, the ballpark and area attract thousands of people to games, new businesses have relocated downtown, and abandoned buildings have been repurposed for entertainment usage. Ft. Wayne is now a happening place to be for many in the area. The team also went to the TinCaps and its clever apple logo with a tin pot for a hat, an homage to local legend Johnny Appleseed. What is it like to attend a Fort Wayne TinCaps game? Keep reading to find out more about one of Minor League Baseball's most revered ballparks. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at Parkview Field is impressive and includes a wide range of options. Fans can dig into hot dogs, nachos, and burgers. They also can enjoy the lighter fare of salads, hummus, and black bean burgers. Asian rice bowls, barbecue nachos, and Buffalo chicken sticks are a bit more adventurous. There are four main concession areas on the main concourse located down each baseline with a unique item at each area, including pork tenderloin, assorted pizzas, corn dogs, boneless wings, elephant ears, and chicken chips. The Hot Corner (Section 107) offers cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, and cheesesteak nachos. Another popular area is the Bases Loaded BBQ stand (Section 110), featuring barbecue pork and beef brisket sandwiches, grilled chicken strips and wings, and barbecue nachos. There is also the option of gluten-free buns. In keeping up with the apple theme; the Apple Cart sells sweet eats, including apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple pie, and cheesecake. A few more dessert options include Oreo churros, funnel cakes, Dippin Dots, Siberian Chill Frozen Drinks, and hand-dipped Edy’s ice cream. The Third Base Bar (Section 114) and Leinie Lodge (Section home plate entrance) offer around 12 drafts and 19 bottled beers, wine, and wine slushies, plus rotating beers every homestand at the Leinie Lodge. Domestic beers, premium beers, wine, wine slushies, and mixed drinks are at common ballpark prices. Atmosphere 5 TinCap games are a highly attended event, and one can expect to find a festive atmosphere throughout the ballpark. The spacious wraparound concourse takes visitors on a journey through various points of the ballpark that should appeal to the single visitor, families, and large groups of co-workers. The park is known for its myriad of picnic and group outings seating areas, highlighted by the Tuthill 400 Club perched atop the centerfield wall providing a bird’s eye view of the diamond and the downtown skyline. Adjacent, in the right field, is the Ortho Northeast Rooftops, designed to offer groups of 50 or more a Wrigley-Esque rooftop experience. The Xfinity Home Run Porch is atop the left-field wall featuring extra-padded seats, food rails, and an overhead trellis. If you are at the game by yourself, there are plenty of options to view the game up close and personal. The seats behind the backstop are among the closest in minor league baseball, and grass berm outfield seating offers a great option to lay out the blanket, catch some rays, and enjoy the game, but unlike some ballparks, you are not allowed to bring in any outside food. The left-field section offers a collection of downtown restaurants, offering patio seating that extends into the concourse. Wine Down and O’Reilly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant are two of the popular dining options. Robert E. Myers Park, located behind center field. It is open to the public from dusk to dawn and features a mini-amphitheater. Fans can enjoy a walk around the stadium’s concourse during non-games. A popular spot for kids is the splash zone and the playground down the first baseline. If you are with the kids, bring a bathing suit and towel. The Orchard team store is an impressive souvenir store offering merchandise for all shapes and sizes, along with the team’s mascot Johnny, who can be seen walking around the stadium posing for pictures and providing hugs to fans of all ages. Neighborhood 4 When the ballpark was in its planning stages, the hope was to revitalize the downtown area. In the decade since its opening, you can see the results from the construction of new hotels, and living spaces, businesses moving their headquarters downtown, and the development of Electric Works in the old GE Building. Before the ballpark opened, the downtown had around 600 residents but has blossomed to 2,000. However, few traditional spots have been in town for a combined total of 195 years in business. Ft. Wayne’s Famous Coney Island opened in 1914 and has not changed much in appearance, offering it topped with meat sauce and chopped onion. The dogs taste best sitting on the wooden stool countertops with mini glass bottles of Coca-Cola. You can also enter and exit the shop via the kitchen, ala Goodfellas style. Powers Hamburger Restaurant grills up sliders with mounds of sweet onions and ranks up there with the great American hamburger. The small shop is located near the end of the stadium’s parking lot and attracts a large audience. A few miles away, Summit City Brewerks is housed in the former Wayne Bun Candy Company that offers a laid-back atmosphere with billiard tables, pinball machines, and an outside patio. The brewery features the original flooring from the old candy factory that opened in the early 1920s. Fans 5 The fans responded with a resounding impact when the TinCaps took the field in 2009. The ball club has averaged well over 4,000 fans a game since, and the many group areas are packed for the majority of the year. The ballpark has become the focal point of downtown, and you will always find a great gathering of people at Parkview Field. Access 4 The downtown ballpark is within 5 miles of the major interstates of I-69 and I-469. There are one-way streets that bring visitors in and out quickly through the city, and there are various lots near the ballpark. Once inside, the concourse is spacious and wraps around for access to all areas, including the gift shop, restrooms, concession areas, playground area, and exits. Return on Investment 5 There are multiple price points for single-game tickets, beginning with the extremely affordable $6 lawn seats. The reserved seating down each baseline is $10 and offers theater-style seating, while All-Star seats behind the backstop and home run porch seats in left field are $12. The home run porch offers padded seating and food and drink rails overlooking the field for group outings but is available for $12 when not filled. The Legacy seats are $15 and are located behind the main seating bowl providing fans with a personal food rail, wider padded seats, and personal wait service. The highest-priced tickets are the $45 box seats, located down the third-base line; these spacious private boxes include four chairs situated around a high-top table. There are five lots adjacent to the ballpark that are $6, plus a few more city lots within 2-3 blocks from the front entrance of the main entrance. The merchandise options are plentiful and are reasonably priced among other ballparks in the minor leagues. Food options are varied and fairly priced. Extras 5 Parkview Field gets a point for the public park in centerfield that features an amphitheater and splash pad. The park itself is open throughout the day from dawn to dusk, providing fans the option to enjoy the ballpark for eating, running, and networking. Another point is for the bold views from The Treetops and Club 400 seating areas; these areas are sold in groups of 50 or more and provide spectacular vantage points for a minor league baseball stadium. The open space below The Treetops serves as home to a farmers market on Saturday mornings. A third point for the ticket prices that begin at only $6; even if you loathe baseball, there is no excuse to buy a ticket and enjoy the many other festivities occurring during the ballgame with friends and family. A fourth point is for the full-time front office staff and game-day workers; they are well-trained and enthusiastic, and go the extra mile to make every fan’s visit to Parkview Field an enjoyable one. A fifth and final point is for the ballpark being the emphasis of attracting people to downtown Ft. Wayne. In the decade since its opening, there have been new hotels, living areas, restaurants, and redevelopment of older buildings within blocks of the stadium. Final Thoughts Parkview Field is one of my favorite places in the minor leagues, and before its construction, I never looked forward to a visit to Ft. Wayne. It has opened my eyes, and many others, to the downtown area that has changed dramatically since the ballpark’s opening. Redevelopment is still taking place around the stadium, and it has also attracted a few other sports teams to town. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bill Davis Stadium 560 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Bill Davis Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,450 Buckeyes Baseball Bill Davis Stadium at Nick Swisher Field is the largest outright college ballpark in the Big 10 and stands out among its contemporaries in design and features. Even Dorothy M. Davis, who donated $1.5 million towards the $4.7 million to construct the venue in memory of her stepson, was astonished by its size during the construction phase in the fall of 1996. At the time, Ohio State was in desperate need of a new baseball stadium. The Buckeyes had called Trautman Field home since 1966, but the 1,800-seat stadium was severely antiquated. The talks of a new baseball stadium picked up steam as the club was playing some of its best baseballs, making the NCAA tournament five times before the new ballpark opened. It was evident that the university needed a first-class baseball field and would begin constructing The Schottenstein Center, now Value City Arena, around the same time. The ballpark would open on March 14, 1997, and lighting would be installed later on in November. It was a venue that featured 500 lower bowl seats, 2,500 upper grandstand seats, and additional bleacher seating down the lines. An inner concourse separates the two sections, and the outer concourse houses a concession stand and Dugout Digs, a small spot for Buckeye merchandise. In 2011, alumni and former major league player Nick Swisher donated $500,000 towards the installation of field turf. The following season the stadium added Nick Swisher Field to its name. Baseball was the first athletic team founded at the school in 1881 and played in a series of locations around campus that included grounds near the Old North Dorms in 1892, the Baseball Diamond in 1925, and lowlands near Ohio Stadium in 1940. Trautman Field would open in April 1966, but it feels as if Bill Davis Stadium is the school’s first real ballpark. The Buckeyes have made four College World Series appearances, finishing runners-up in 1965 and champions in 1966. They have a total of 22 tournament appearances and 15 regular conference championships. They have also honored four individuals by retiring their numbers: Fred Taylor, Steve Arlin, Marty Karow, and Bobb Todd. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a large concession stand near the entrance of the stadium that offers up a wealth of ballpark cuisine that includes hot dogs, nachos, brats, pretzels, and candy. The ballpark serves hamburgers with chips and brats. If you have a sweet tooth, there is Italian ice and candy served at the concession stand as well. Coca-Cola products are offered from the fountain, and there is alcohol in the form of Bud, Bud Light, Blue Moon, Coors Light, and Fizzy Seltzer cans. The prices range from as low as $4 for a hot dog to $9 for a burger and chips. Soda is priced at $6, domestic beers are $8, and seltzers are $9. It should be noted that visitors bring credit cards or other forms of non-cash payment. The campus sports facilities do not accept cash. Atmosphere 3 Bill Davis Stadium would be akin to either a High or Low ballpark in the minor leagues. The seating bowl opens up to other campus facilities in the background, and there is plenty of room to move around and take in the game from different vantage points. The atmosphere at the game is typical of many other Big 10 ballparks in the area. At the game of this review, the collection of fans was not deterred by the gloomy clouds up above, and as the weather warmed up a bit, so did the atmosphere. OSU mascot Brutus was one of the main attractions posing for pictures with fans young and old. He did not seem to get a break during his walk around the inner concourse of the stadium. The field consists of a synthetic surface, a video scoreboard behind the right field area wall, and plenty of areas to grab a seat. The best bet for a better atmosphere would be against Big 10 rivals and ideal temperatures. However, if you enjoy the action on the field and baseball banter from the dugouts, this is the place to be for a few innings. Neighborhood 4 The Old North District is located just north of campus and is a popular destination for students. The streets are filled with restaurants, bars, and music venues, along with businesses that support the residents. It’s a pretty part of Columbus and worth visiting before or after a visit to Bill Davis Stadium. A few places worth visiting are Jack & Benny’s, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, Condado Tacos, Mother Cluckers, and DiCarlo’s Pizza. There is also a multitude of breweries that include North High Brewing, BrewDog Short North, Seventh Son Brewing Company, and Zaftig Brew Pub. Brothers Drake Meadery and Dulce Vida Short North round out a few other places of interest in the neighborhood. Depending on the time of year, one could check out a Columbus Clippers, Bluejackets, or Crew game. All three teams play about 3 miles away in the Arena District, where Huntington Park, Nationwide Arena, and Lower.com Field are among the best in their leagues in terms of design, aesthetics, and experiences. Fans 3 Despite the overcast skies and two other sporting events taking place over the next four hours, a nice crowd was on hand for the ballgame. Ohio State was playing Rutgers, so everybody was decked on in a hue of red. The fans in attendance were family members, friends, a group of visiting students, and a few onlookers taking in the game. There was a lot of cheering for the Buckeyes to get a base hit or score a run, while a few visiting team fans made their brand noise for their club. Access 4 The ballpark features wide-open concourses that include easy access to all parts for fans. The seating bowl is split with an inner concourse, the concession stands have large windows for easy access, and the parking lot has plenty of spaces for cars. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are as follows in the reserved section: $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students. The cost of a general admission ticket is as follows: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for seniors. No matter your age - you will more than likely find a suitable price while attending a Buckeye game. The price of food ranges from $4 for a hot dog to $8 for a tall can of beer. There is no charge for parking. It is an inexpensive way to enjoy a baseball game. Extras 3 Bill Davis earns a point for the great deals on the retail rack outside the gift shop. The retired numbers and player information garner another point. Finally, the Italian ice earns another point. Final Thoughts Bill Davis Stadium is a good-looking place for baseball, perhaps somewhat large for its size but impressive. Interestingly, I never paid much attention to the ballpark until a few years ago, but it’s worth a visit when in town for the weekend or just a night out with family and friends. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Lower.com Field 96 Columbus Crew Way Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Crew website Lower.com Field website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 20,371 The House the Fans Built There was a time when the thought of the Columbus Crew relocating elsewhere was a reality, but after a campaign to keep the club in town and a new ownership group, the result would be the $314 million Lower.com Field for the club to call home. The 20,371-seat venue is located in the Arena District next to Huntington Park and a few blocks west of Nationwide Arena. The stadium offers a field with a hydroponic heater that can raise the field temperature by 20 degrees if needed and water can drain in less than 3 minutes. The Nordecke supporters section is the steepest and second-largest of its kind in the MLS while offering a beer garden on the concourse. Access has been improved with facilities a few steps away from the seating bowl and views of the pitch in a majority of the venue. The canopy roof directs the sound of the crowd directly back into the stadium, perfect for home matches for the Crew and the US Men’s National Team. The structure’s design will blend into the future 33-acre Astor Park neighborhood that will develop the underused land into a live, work, and play development over the next few years. The site will feature 404 residential apartments, a 2.5-acre riverfront park, outdoor pavilions, retail shops, and public art once completed. Lower.com Field replaced Historic Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific facility in the MLS in 1999, located 4 miles away at the state fairgrounds. The team played its last game on June 18, 2021, and waved goodbye to an old friend that put the city on the map in terms of professional sports. However, let’s look at the future of soccer in the city and what the new venue has to offer fans in attendance. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage feature local establishments offering menu items throughout the stadium, almost 40 percent. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant, Preston’s: A Burger Joint, Dirty Frank’s, Dos Hermanos, Hot Chicken Takeover, Barrio Tacos, Crafter Culture Brewing, Legacy Smokehouse, and Donatos Pizza are among the choices for fans. The hot chicken sandwiches and pieces are plump and juicy, the brisket looks like it was smoked in Texas, the hot dogs and burgers are juicy, and the street tacos are served with roasted jalapenos. There is a healthy dose of local and national breweries that feature Land-Grant Brewing Company, Platform Beer Company, and Rhinegiest. A few highlights include the haystack from Pit Masters, which is mac and cheese with your choice of pulled pork or brisket and crushed corn chips. There is also the spicy Bahama Mama from Schmidt’s served al carte or with a side of German potato salad and sauerkraut. Also, be sure to save room for one of the company’s famous jumbo cream puffs. Dirty Frank’s has a Hot Frankie topped with coney sauce, cheddar cheese, sriracha cream cheese, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The options here are luxurious compared to other venues but also follow trends at many newer MLS grounds. Long lines form at the 42 numerous locations on the stadium’s concourse, along with a few grab-and-go spots for fans on the run. It should be noted that the prices are a tad higher for these local products, but you are also paying for the quality of the product. Atmosphere 4 Lower.com Field offers many vantage points throughout the 360º concourse, including rows 13 feet closer to the field. The stadium’s distinct feature is the large canopy roof that covers every seat in the house. The black steel design replaces the standard floodlights and features an angular pattern that connects to the club’s crest. It also helps reverberate noise back to the pitch for home-field advantage. Another mass area is the Nordecke supporter’s section which seats 3,364 people. The seating area features a rake of 34 to 37 degrees, about 70 percent steeper than the Crew old home. It is where the soul of the stadium is, with supporters waving flags, banging drums, and leading the stadium into their rendition of the Elvis classic “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” before every match. Underneath the Nordecke is a beer garden that is a spot where fans can sit down on bench tables and eat and drink their food before the game. The area features trees and is open to the public during the day when the Crew is not playing. It’s the first beer garden specifically designed for a supporters club in the league. The southwest plaza is home to pregame festivities that include concerts, games, children’s activities, and photo ops with the Crew official mascots – Crew Cat and S.C. The area is utilized on non-game days and house watch parties when applicable. The Crew House Pub and team shop are located in this corner of the stadium. The pub can hold anywhere between 250 to 300 people and opens before the game and non-game days. There are two scoreboards on the north and south ends of the stadium; the biggest is 24 feet tall and 104 feet wide. There are family spaces that include two sensory rooms, two nursery rooms, and a 1,000-square-foot playroom. Five premium areas include 34 suites on the west end of the stadium and 1,900 club suites. The Lower Lounge has 10 bunker-style luxury suites with seats at eye level to the pitch and an outdoor patio with fireplaces. Neighborhood 4 Lower.com Field is part of the Arena District that includes the home of the Columbus Clippers baseball team Huntington Park and the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey club Nationwide Arena. The district offers mixed-used plan development of residential and retail space. There are more than 22 different eateries and bars located within a few steps of the building that are hopping before and after the game. The R Bar is the official hockey watering hole that sits across a small pedestrian bridge offering 16 beers on tap and 32 bottles and cans. Goodwood Brewery and Restaurant and Whistle & Key are also in this area providing outdoor seating and plenty of people-watching. If with the kids, Boston’s Pizza and Ted’s Montana Grill are two nearby choices. The indoor and outdoor concert venue KEMBA Live! and A&R Music Bar is located next to the arena, which provides an ideal later-night atmosphere. The future 33-acre Astor Park neighborhood will develop the underused land into a live, work, and play development over the next few years. Once completed, the site will feature 404 residential apartments, a 2.5-acre riverfront park, outdoor pavilions, retail shops, and public art. Fans 4 The colors black and yellow are dominant with the majority of the fans at the game. The Crew supporters and fans proved their loyalty by saving the team from relocating to Austin a few years ago. It provides a great soundtrack to the stadium’s atmosphere, and the Nordeck supporters are at the center of the revelry. Check them out as they march down Nationwide Blvd. and blow off a little yellow smoke along the way, expect to see that after a goal. Access 4 Getting inside the stadium is becoming easier with facial recognition ticketing, turnstiles where fans can scan their phones to enter, and wands to check for metal objects in their pocket without going through a security checkpoint. The menu options include frictionless and touchless environments. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket on the secondary market averages close to $39 plus taxes and fees. It also depends on the opponent, with FC Cincinnati tickets commanding a $64 fee. There are 6,300 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk with prices between $20 and $25 per vehicle. The beer and drink prices are somewhat on the high side but on par with other MLS venues. Fans should not see a huge sticker shock on menu options inside the building for top-quality foods. Extras 5 Lower.com Field earns a point for the largest supporters section in the league, the Nordecke. The area is steep and comes in at a 34-degree rake, among the steepest in the MLS. Another point of the beer garden is for fans to have a seat and enjoy something to eat and drink. The Southeast Plaza is a fantastic spot for pre-game festivities, concerts, games, and a chance to get ready for the match. A final point is for the canopied seating that protects every fan in their seat. Final Thoughts The Columbus Crew has a fine-looking soccer facility that provides fantastic views of the pitch, quality food, a boisterous atmosphere, and a passionate fanbase. The neighborhood around the facility will blossom in the coming years, making it quite the experience for hometown fans and first-time visitors. The original club in the MLS is right where they belong. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter, and Instagram.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Parque Zaragoza 2608 Gonzales St. Austin, TX 78702 Austin Weirdos website Parque Zaragoza website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 500 Weirdos Bring Baseball to Austin The Austin Weirdos began operations in the Pecos League in 2022 and called Parque Zaragosa its home field. The club was to have played elsewhere for its inaugural season but was unable to secure a location. Perhaps that is why Zaragosa feels a bit different compared to several other ballparks in the league. However, Weirdos management wants to make Austin it's home for the foreseeable future and perhaps add a little flare to the proceedings that could include pre-game concerts, a grill, and a mascot for all games. If you are a fan of bare-bones baseball, then this will be your cup of tears for now. Food & Beverage 1 It is BYOB for all home games, but the team offers cans of beer for a small donation. The beer, along with small bags of chips, is situated on the bed of a pickup truck. However, there is nowhere else where food or drinks are available inside the stadium. An ice cream truck made an appearance in the parking lot, much to the delight of the fans. Management would like to include a grill down the 1st base side for future games, but bring food or eat before attending a Weirdos game. Atmosphere 2 The ballpark consists of one small wooden grandstand that is covered but does not wrap around like a traditional baseball structure. It is said that it was erected over 70 years but feels somewhat older than a 1940’s era edifice. There is an old wooden sign that reads the name of the stadium that appears to be rotting away. The rest of the ballpark feels more like a city field that consists of large trees behind the visitors’ dugout and an incomplete fence down the right field line. The home team will set up lawn chairs to view the game, while the away team will prop themselves up on the thick tree trunks protected by its shade of leaves. There are also a lot of open spaces down the right field side where a few fans bring their lawn chairs to enjoy the contest, much like a collegiate game during the school year. The team sells a sharp-looking and very well-made cap that is both trippy and spacey. However, no other merchandise is available at the game. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located in East Austin which is known for its various outdoor patio restaurants that are all located on Cesar Chavez Street. Visitors can choose from Mexican, barbecue, Peruvian, microbreweries, and even pizza. De Nada Cantina offers tacos wrapped in homemade blue corn tortillas, some of the town’s best Margaritas, and plenty of cool mists to cool you off. Across the street, is Central Machine Works, a microbrewery beer hall that serves New York-style pizza that’s located in a converted machine works factory with a massive outdoor patio. The lager and pilsner are ideal for a hot summer evening. Tillery Kitchen & Bar (Mediterranean) and Jacoby’s (American) are two other outdoor patio options. One of the city’s best places for brisket and smoked sausage is La Barbecue which does not run out by the early afternoon. Llama Kid has a lively outdoor eating section with delicious Peruvian cuisine. The Weirdos play during June and July, and that provides the opportunity for a chance to check out Austin FC at Q2 Stadium or the Round Rock Express a few miles north at the Dell Diamond. If you’re lucky, the Texas Longhorns could be hosting a regional game at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in the early part of June. Fans 2 The Weirdos are a brand new team at the time of our review and the fanbase is not quite there at the moment. The ones who do come out enjoy the game from underneath the covered grandstand, but the team knows it will need a little more marketing to attract a few more fans to home games. Access 4 There is a small parking lot directly in front of the stadium, along with parking behind the outfield wall along the street. The outfield parking is protected by a massive net. Once inside the venue, the small grandstand is easy to access along with port-a-johns down the 1st base side. Return on Investment 2 The price of a ticket is $10, standard in the Pecos League from what we have seen in our travels to other venues (it’s the same in Weimar for a Hormigas game). The team does offer donations in return for a can of beer outside the entrance of the stadium. The only merchandise the club sells are ball caps that are $30, but they are very stylish and represent the city quite well. Extras 3 The Weirdos earn points for their stylish uniforms and caps, beer donations that help out the players, and the ice cream truck that pays a visit to the parking lot to offer some sweet treats. Final Thoughts Parque Zaragoza was not the intended place to call home for the ball club. Management acknowledged that adding a grill for food, pre-game concerts, and a mascot would improve the experience. However, the team’s branding is on point with the city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” If they can find a way to make the ball games a bit weirder in the future, perhaps they will tap into that market.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Berry Bowl 1 Berry Ln Logansport, IN 46947 Logansport High School Berries website Berry Bowl website Year Opened:1973 Capacity: 5,830 The Home of Felix the Cat The Logansport High School Berries might just have one of the most interesting nicknames in the state of Indiana. However, do not expect to see a bushel of berries as the school’s mascot running around the gym, but rather a feline character named Felix the Cat. He is recognized as the state’s oldest mascot having been adopted in 1926. There are variations of the story, but they all seem centered around a stuffed black and white cat doll named “Felix” by the players. The most reliable theory states that during the 1926-27 season a stuffed animal was presented to star player Raymond “Curly” Hupp by coach Cliff Wells. During an important game that saw the Berries down by 20 points, Felix was taken from the locker and placed in the center of the floor. The Berries were victorious, and Felix became a good luck charm and the official mascot of the team. This wasn’t the first time Felix was used for good luck, the New York Yankees used him as a symbol during its pennant-winning season in 1922. As for why the school is known as the Berries, there is no definite answer to that question. The first mention was “Loganberries” which can be found in the local newspaper in 1922 and was mentioned periodically. At the time school was known as the Red Devils, but in December of 1925, the local paper began using Berries to describe the basketball team. Perhaps the name Berries was better suited for print or maybe it rolled off the tongue better than Red Devils or Red & Black, another name that was used at the time. One theory states the name came from a popular saying during the 1920s, “That’s berries,” a popular term Flapper Decade that was used to describe something that was the “best”. Another theory is that it comes from the loganberry, a hybrid of wild blackberry and raspberry first cultivated in 1881 by horticulturist James Harvey Logan. The name was officially adopted by the school in 1955 (when both the football team adopted the name after being known as the Red Devils) When the school dedicated its new gym in 1927, it was suggested by the press to name it the Berry Bowl. The old venue sat 5,000 with standing room only and was truly shaped like a bowl with 17 rows of wooden seats on concrete bleachers surrounding the playing court. In 1973 the name would carry over to its current modern basketball gymnasium that has more of a box shape, but the Berry Box just wouldn’t sound right. The current Berry Bowl features a floor that is believed to be the first of its kind in a high school gym in Indiana to feature a stain whitewash technique that is more common on professional courts. The new court was installed during the summer of 2017. Food & Beverage 4 The Berry Bowl has a large concession stand near the entrance of the gymnasium offering the usual goodies found at most Indiana high schools, but with a twist. Two small flat TV screens offer combo meals that save customers a few dollars and credit cards are accepted, a huge benefit to anyone who doesn’t carry cash in their purse or wallet. The idea was that of Brian Strong, an Athletic Director who wanted to mirror what customers would see at a movie theater. Hot dogs and nachos are available with Spanish sauce. A common topping for hot dogs in town is a spicy, tangy version of a chili or coney sauce. The sauce is homemade for all games and compliments the pork hot dog that is served on a steam bun; they sell for $2.50 apiece. A Spanish dog can be found at Haps and B&K locations in town, but why bother, when you can enjoy one while watching the game from the stands? A regular hot dog costs $2, a slice of pizza $2.50, and a small bucket of popcorn is $1.50. Combo meals are available with a Pepsi product for a small discount. Other concessions stand items include donuts, cotton candy, bananas, and caramel corn. A smaller concession booth is located underneath the lower seating level. Atmosphere 4 The Berry Bowl is compacted into a design that mirrors a box of chocolates, or perhaps chocolate-coated berries, and offers a similar design to the gyms built in its era of the 1970s. However, it is the decorations of its famous mascot Felix that adds a lot of character to the facility and furthers it from other venues in the state. Felix is everywhere from a welcome sign at the entrance that proclaims him as the first mascot in the state, to padded wall coverings behind one end of the court, menu boards, and signage above lower court seating. However, the largest display is the 22-foot Felix center court logo. It is not common to hear visitors ask what the connection between the school name and Berries is, but feel free to turn around to tell them if you happen to know the history of the name. The main entrance offers enough room to move around and get a good look at the court down below. This area features the main concession stand, a few tables, and booths selling merchandise or raffle prizes, and a trophy case that honors the 1925 state basketball champions, the Berries lone state title. Bleacher-style seating is featured on both levels and includes an area for fans who need assistance with walking at the top level against the railing, along with a small bleacher section directly behind one end of the court–this area is usually filled for all games and puts the fan the closest to the action underneath the rim. There is not too much room for players underneath each basket, a few inches separate the student-athlete from either a set of padded walls or bleacher seating. The game begins with the Berries marching onto the court as the crowd stands and applauds. Cheerleaders circle the middle of the court and a mascot Felix dances and cheers along with them in unison. Felix also greets fans young and old before tip-off at the entrance of the game before joining in with the student section and band during the game. Neighborhood 3 Logansport is a small town of 18,396 located in Cass County-70 miles northwest of Indianapolis. The town features the main drag offering chain restaurants and plenty of hotel options. However, there are a couple of local establishments that should be a stop before or after the game. Mr. Happy Burger, AKA Hap’s East, is a staple among the residents in the area. There is a lot to choose from and that may be the hardest decision. They are known for their pork tenderloin sandwiches, Hap’s Delight which is smothered in tartar sauce, and Spanish dogs which are topped with spicy homemade chili and also poured over nachos. There is also an ice cream shop that offers cones, sundaes, and milkshakes for dessert. Old Style Inn is another highly recommended restaurant that serves brisket and a blue cheese steak salad. The ambiance of the establishment features a retro corner pub; wood paneling, and a tin ceiling. Fans 4 The Logansport faithful enjoys watching the Berries and proudly represent the team colors of red and black at home games. Older fans line up along the railing on the upper concourse porch for a birds-eye view of the court. Many have been coming to games even before the gym was constructed, and a new generation of fans can be spotted, perhaps a few years from becoming fully ingrained in the Berry culture. Access 4 There are no interstates to take you into Logansport and GPS can be spotty at times in the area. The best access from Indianapolis is to travel north on State Road 31 pass Kokomo and take State Road 35 into town. There are no signs leading to the high school or the Berry Bowl. Once inside the gymnasium, it is easy to get around the spacious venue. Bathrooms are located on the lower floor and outside the corner of the upper concourse. There is also ample parking in front of the gymnasium with staff helping direct cars before and after each game. Return on Investment 4 A visit to Logansport can make for a nice relaxing day trip off the beaten path of the city, sprawling suburbs, and congested interstate. There is quite a bit to enjoy inside the Berry Bowl and when tickets are $5 and concession prices even cheaper, it is a fitting way to stretch your sports entertainment wallet. Kids will enjoy the free Felix the Cat decals and parents can take the whole family out to eat at Mr. Happy Burger after the game. Extras 5 Felix the Cat is everywhere inside the building; a character that is older than Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck has found a home here in Logansport. His image is a welcome addition to the traditional, and sometimes all-too-common, school nicknames and logos throughout Indiana. The menu boards are pretty impressive on bright color flat-screen TV at the concession stands. The concession stand also accepts credit cards, a rarity in Indiana at high school gyms. The school nickname Berries may sound like an odd name, but there is the lore behind its genesis, and both students and alumni have embraced the name. It is considered by many fans and high school hoop enthusiasts as one of the best names in the state. There are mascots in other gymnasiums, but Felix seems to outdistance them in energy and zeal. He greets fans of all ages at the entrance to the facility, dances with the cheerleaders, and energizes the crowd during the game. The art deco lettering for the school’s hall of the legion is an ingenious touch harking back to the school’s only state championship. Lettering you would expect to find from a building constructed in the 1920s or 1930s adds a little shimmer inside the building. Final Thoughts When you think of Logansport High School you think of Felix the Cat and its unique nickname Berries. The Berry Bowl provides a wealth of information about its unusual nickname and its legendary school mascot. Fans are also treated to homemade Spanish dogs, easy access around the gym, and don’t need to carry cash to purchase concession items. There is a college-like feel at the game in a few areas that go a long way for the casual fan. The Berry Bowl is the “berries.” _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Case Arena 1 S Maish Rd Frankfort, IN 46041 Frankfort Hot Dogs website Case Arena website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 4,500 A Basketball Gem and Home of the Hot Dogs Frankfort, Indiana is a small town of 18,000 residents located roughly 50 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Like most small towns in Indiana, Frankfort has a downtown square complete with a town hall and a passion for the game of basketball. The history of the game in Frankfort can be traced back to the earliest part of the 20th century, and like with so many other communities in the state, a magnificent arena was constructed to house the hysteria that is on display in the Hoosier state during the fall and winter months of basketball season. Everett N. Case Arena is the 23rd-largest high school gymnasium in the world. Known throughout the state of Indiana for its architectural design and dome roof, there is not a bad view from any of the 5,000-plus seats in the home of the Frankfort High School Hot Dogs, a rather curious, but fun team nickname. Opened in November of 1963, the arena was built to attract the regional tournament back to town after a neighboring high school built a larger arena a few years earlier. Frankfort built a luxurious gymnasium that would rival no other in the state. It was named in honor of Everett Case who coached the men’s basketball team for 17 seasons between 1922-1942 compiling a record of 385-99-1. Case won 14 Regional Tournaments and four state championships (1925, 1929, 1936, and 1939). The legendary coach put Frankfort on the national map with innovations to the game that included the 10-second rule, cutting down of nets after tournament wins, playing of music before games, inviting the pep band to play at games, placing numbers on players' jerseys, and introducing the time clock. Case would leave Frankfort in 1942 and coached North Carolina State for the next 18 seasons. He would bring his fevered passion for basketball from Indiana and inject it into North Carolina by leading the Wolfpack to 10 conference championships and one Final Four appearance in 1950. Case also become a legend in North Carolina and is regarded as the Father of the ACC. Food & Beverage 3 Surprisingly, concession choices are not that much different than some of the major Indiana universities. The food is inexpensive, all items are $1.50-$2 and are served efficiently in the main lobby. Hot dogs are topped with chili or cheese for no additional charge, and nachos, pretzels, candy, and cookies round out the munchies at the arena. Pepsi products are served in 20-ounce bottles and cost $2. Atmosphere 3 It is a spectacle walking into one of the larger gymnasiums in the state of Indiana, and Case Arena does not disappoint. The facility could easily serve as a college facility or home to minor league basketball. The highlights include the main lobby, wooden seats, and the banners that hang in the rafters above the court. The arena is separated into two sections. The court is on the ground floor with the lobby entrance that houses the concession stand, trophy case, and entrance to the auxiliary gym. The accolades on display in the lobby include the school’s four state championship plaques that are elegantly designed, commemorative plaques dedicated to Case and various other trophies and photographs from years gone by. The original center court is on display as a mural near the staircases to the second level; it served as the floor until 1991. The second level features the original wooden grandstand at both ends of the court, while in the middle, there are modern blue plastic and aluminum bleachers. The wooden seats display two sets of numbers, one for regular season games and the other for tournament games. The facility could easily serve as a college facility or a home to a G-League basketball team. Various banners hang commemorating past high school glory, including the four state titles. There are also the names of the schools that compete within the Sagamore Conference painted on the walls in school colors and a standard electric scoreboard that is centered with the school's iconic Hot Dog logo. It should be noted that Hollywood once ventured to the arena to shoot Blue Chips starring Nick Nolte and Shaquille O’Neal during the summer of 1993. Sadly, there is not one iota of evidence on display that would remind or teach someone that a motion picture had been filmed here more than 20 years ago. Unlike down the road in Evansville which still displays 1940’s era ads from the film A League of Their Own, there are no longer banners, photos, or any visuals from Blue Chips on display inside Case Arena. Neighborhood 3 There are various national chain restaurants within walking distance of the arena; they have become popular meeting grounds for after-game chatter by students and fans. These establishments include Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, Wendy's, and the local place to congregate after the game, Applebee's. A little less than a mile down the road is the town square featuring more places to enjoy a meal or a drink after the game. Main Street Pub, Arni’s, and Pepe's Mexican restaurant are three nice choices set in a small-town American atmosphere. Hoops Sports Bar is yet another local establishment worth visiting if you have some time after the game. Fans 3 There are many fans during the game who remind visitors what a basketball game used to be like not so long ago. You would be squashed against your fellow Frankfort supporter as you rooted and cheered for the home team to win. Except for local rivals and regionals, the crowds are not as frenzied during the regular season as they once were at the arena. Some blame it on the introduction of class basketball to the state after the 1997 season. The state now divides schools into separate classes based on population size leaving many smaller schools that were once historical rivals of the Frankfort High School basketball schedule. Access 4 The arena is located on the grounds of the high school and offers free parking to all visitors during home games. The location of the school is on the main drag in a town near many retail and chain restaurants. It is not hard to find, since the arena stands out predominantly for the passersby. The two levels of the concourse wrap around the building, allowing fans easy access to their seats, concessions, and restrooms. It should be noted that the two seating sections cannot be accessed unless you exit and use the staircase in the main lobby. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to Frankfort High School basketball games are only $5. The parking is also free outside of the gymnasium, making this a highly affordable night with family and friends watching great basketball in a fabulous arena. The concessions are also inexpensive and can satisfy little ones who are in attendance craving a little sustenance. Extras 4 One extra point for the impressive hardware that is on display in the trophy cases and the banners that hang from the rafters. The school’s championship plaques are elegantly handcrafted and are worth studying for aesthetics. There is plenty of memorabilia to keep you busy while at the arena. Another extra point for the friendly conversations that can be had during a visit to the game. Frankfort High School staff and parents can fill you in on many memories that have been created underneath the dome roof. A third extra point for playing a prominent role as the home arena in the movie Blue Chips. During the summer of 1993, the arena was transformed into the “Dolphin Dome” named after the fictitious Western University Dolphins. 5,000 extras packed the building during the four-game shoot. Up until recently, there are memorabilia in a small trophy case in the main lobby One final extra point for the overall design of the arena. The domed ceiling provides an ideal canvas to allow visitors unobstructed views from almost anywhere in the gymnasium. Case Arena feels more like a college basketball arena than a high school gymnasium. Final Thoughts Case Arena would be the largest high school gymnasium in all but four states in the country. There are 18 larger gyms in Indiana and each of them has its sense of pride and nostalgia. In Frankfort, the arena has the historical significance of being named after Everett Case, who helped put the school and later NC State basketball on the map. His efforts would result in enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Winchester Fieldhouse 399 Thompson St. Winchester, IN 47394 Winchester Community Falcons website Winchester Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 2,300 Winchester Fieldhouse a Generation of Basketball The Winchester Fieldhouse has been part of the community since its construction during the 1951-1952 school year. When it opened, it had a seating capacity of 3,000 and was the home of the sectional tournament for 23 years and various county tournaments. It is the home of the Winchester Community High School basketball program. The boys' and girls' teams have had years of success, winning 15 and 19 sectional tournament titles, respectively. The girls made it to back-to-back state championship games in 2018 and 2019, while the boys made it to three state championships in 2002, 2007, and 2008. The boys and girls programs have 19 and 21 Randolph County Championship titles, respectively, as well. The fieldhouse is now over 70 years old but is still a venerable part of town. In recent years it received LED lighting and a new floor surface. However, the original wiring, bathrooms, plumbing, and locker rooms are from the original construction. Most notable is the steam boiler heater that was installed in 1972; when the gym gets too hot, windows at the top of the bleachers have to be open, even in the dead of winter. It has been said that once the boiler system outlives its usefulness, parts will be almost impossible to find and a new system would have to be installed. This could lead to a massive renovation of the building or a new one at the high school. It would be hard to imagine the Golden Falcons playing anywhere else but at their historic home. Food & Beverage 4 There is a large area for concessions that feature two wide windows for quick and easy expediting during games. The menu options are similar to those found at other gyms throughout the state and include hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and nachos. However, there are additional items that make it difficult to choose what to eat. The local Chicago Pizza locations offer pepperoni, cheese, and sausage slices for $2. The concession stand also sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, and soft pretzels. Chili can serve on the nachos and hot dogs for an additional charge. The pork hot dogs are bigger than most gyms and are served in a steamed bun. If you have a sweet tooth, cotton candy, and caramel corn are additional options. Pepsi products are the drinks of choice in the building. Atmosphere 4 The historic gym is dripping with nostalgia from the signage and paneling on the walls, the multiple banners, and the original wooden bleachers in the upper section. The end lines are a few inches away from the padded walls, making it somewhat hazardous to dive for a ball underneath the basket. The team rushes onto the court while the school fight song is sung by the cheerleaders. Fans stand up to sing and clap along. When the starters are introduced a few minutes later, the gym darkens for a light show while the Alan Parsons Project “Sirius”, AKA Chicago Bulls introduction theme, is played over the sound system. The cheer block and band wave their flashlights on their phones during the intro. At half-time, anyone with a dollar comes down to take a shot at the basket for a chance to win a 2-liter bottle of soda pop. It is called Pop Shot and features mostly kids coming down to take a shot at the basket. Also, during half-time, the cheerleaders are introduced by name to the crowd. At half-time, anyone with a dollar is asked to come down to take a shot at the basket for a chance to win a 2-liter bottle of soda pop. This is called Pop Shot and features quite a bit of contestants, mostly kids, coming down to take a shot at the basket. Also during half-time, the cheerleaders are introduced by name to the crowd. Neighborhood 2 Winchester is a town of close to 5,000 people in Randolph County. The fieldhouse is near the town square that offers a small movie theater and Chicago pizzeria. The two businesses are connected, offering flat TV screens. Roots by Tree Hills is a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in stone-baked pizzas and subs, along with pulled pork and chicken. They are served in specialty sauces that include Alabama White, Peach Pepper, and Candy Apple BBQ sauces. A few more places include Mrs. Coe’s Noodles for homemade noodle dishes, Mrs. Wick’s Restaurant for homemade pies, and A&B Cafe for late-night pub food and drinks. The Haines Hallmark Gift Shop & Soda Fountain is an old-fashioned drug store that serves up sodas, milkshakes, and ice cream floats at the counter. It has been a tradition in town since 1954. It should be noted that many of these restaurants close early, except for the A&B Café. Fans 4 The Falcon fans are supportive of both the girls' and boys' basketball teams; many have been attending games for decades. They clap along to the school song, let the referees know of plays they don't agree with, and focus on the game during the entire time. Many arrive early with seat cushions before the end of the JV game to grab a parking space in the adjacent lot. Access 3 Winchester is accessible via state and county roads from many parts of the state. The gym features three outer concourses to move around and staircases to the upper seating bowl. The concession area is massive and offers quick trips back to your seat with your food and drink. Return on Investment 4 The Winchester Fieldhouse is worth the trip. Ticket prices for adults are $5, and concession prices range from $2 for a slice of pizza, soda pop, or a hot dog to $3 for nachos and burgers. The gym is dripping in history, the crowd is friendly, and some nice traditions take place during the game. However, many of the local restaurants and attractions are open before the game, so plan accordingly. Extras 3 The Fieldhouse earns a point for the Pop Shot contest during half-time. A second point is awarded for the ambiance that includes old signage, banners in the rafters, and the smell of the building. The last point is for the food that is slightly above the norm at many high school gyms across the state of Indiana or even nearby Ohio. Final Thoughts The Winchester Fieldhouse is regarded as one of Indiana’s best smaller high school gyms. It is worth a visit and reminds us all that small-town basketball is alive and well. The building's history, tradition, fan involvement, and atmosphere make it a nice little trip during the basketball season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cascade High School Gymnasium 6565 S County Rd 200 W Clayton, IN 46118 Cascade HS Cadets website Cascade HS Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,800 The Gym in the Middle of the High School The Cascade High School basketball gym is unlike any other of its kind in the state of Indiana. The playing court and seating bowl are not in a separate building or even separated by a wall, instead, centered in the middle of the high school, where students and teachers roam the hallways daily. Think of a town square, but instead of a courthouse, you have an open plaza with benches and green space. However, replace the benches with wood bleacher seating and railing and install a basketball court. The students’ lockers, hallways, and individual classrooms are visible from the upper portion of the gym space. It almost feels like the anti-gym in a state where the basketball gym takes precedence over the high school. The high school was the consolidated three former schools of Clayton, Amo, and Stilesville. It cost $1.2 million to build and opened for the academic school year of 1964-1965. The name Cascade was the result of using a combination of the three former schools to create the name Cascade High. It was told to me that the Cadets nickname sounded well when paired up with the school name. The boys’ team captured a sectional title in their first year in 1965 and added five more since then, including three from 2001-2006. The girls’ program won two sectional titles in 1986 and 2007. Food & Beverage 3 Unlike many schools this pandemic year, food is sold at home games. The concession stand is located on the upper level in a somewhat small room. Fans can choose from a selection of hot dogs, coneys, nachos, candy, popcorn, and bottled soda. The prices range from $1 to $3. Atmosphere 3 There is no other place to watch basketball like Cascade High School. The Cadets have a gym that offers a sunken-type design with a wraparound concourse and a mostly unobstructed view from the seating and concourse area. Fans are up close and personal to the action and are situated about 6-7 feet above the court. There are many great vantage points during the game. Fans get an ideal look from all corners of the upper concourse. There is a view from directly behind the basket rim. Fans are not permitted to sit on the court level, at least during our visit. However, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and one can expect a very personal experience at a Cadets game. There are a few oddities at the anti-gym that includes the main concourse being the actual classroom hallways during the school day. Patrons at the game are given lockers and individual classrooms, including the art teacher who has a nice display of student projects in an outside display case. There is also the narrow out-of-bounds area underneath the basket that is no more than a couple of inches. Padded walls as much-needed protection for any player who may need it during a rebound or layup. The floor was replaced in 2014 and looks sharp with the school colors of Columbia blue and black. The large school logo is located on the center court, while the original center court logo is on the walls in the Cadet Center a few yards away. There are also placards hanging up against the walls of past team championships and a few banners on the opposite end. On the concourse, the retired jersey of Stephen V. Long is on display to honor the former student and army veteran who lost his life in the Pentagon attack on September 11, 2001. Neighborhood 2 Cascade High is located in Clayton, Indiana, 9 miles north of the I-70 exit. The town was founded in 1829 as Clayville and named after Henry Clay, a Kentucky statesman. The population is close to 1,000 and is located 27 miles west of downtown Indianapolis. The town is known for its annual Fall Festival in September which features horse pulls, tractor pulls, a live band, kids’ games, food, and a parade. The town also sponsors the annual Triple F Ride in June, which is a non-profit bike rally, and Movies in the Park on Friday evenings. Fan 3 The Cadets have a nice fanbase that supports their hometown team. The pandemic has reduced the crowd side during our visit, but they’re a core group of fans. Access 3 The school is located north of both SR 40 and I-70 and is not hard to get to from Indianapolis. Visitors should look for the event center sign when arriving at the high school for the best access to the court. The sign for the Cadet Center is not for the high school gym, but for the middle school and auxiliary gyms. Once inside, the concourse is wide enough to move fans around to their seats quite easily. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $5, the food is inexpensive, and it is not too far from the big city. The curious little court is worth checking out if in the vicinity. It is one of the most unusual in the state. Extras 3 Cascade High School earns a point for having its basketball court in the center of the school and smacked down in a pit. It is not a separate building or room like many other gyms in Indiana. The gym earns a second point for the colors of Columbia blue and black that are highlighted on the center court. The final point is for the small concession stand way above the gym’s north end. Final Thoughts The home of the Cascade High School Cadets is the anti-gym but offers all of the features of a classic, sunken gymnasium. The views are great from all angles, the atmosphere is warm, and it is a fascinating example of high school hoops in the Hoosier state. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium E Superior St Kokomo, IN 46901 Kokomo Wildkats website Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 5,200 The Kats Are Back! Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated on October 20, 1949, and was named in honor of the men and women from the town who lost their lives in World War II. The 7,200-seat physical education building was one of the largest in the world when it first opened, ushering a new era of bigger and better high school basketball gyms, but subsequent renovations have brought it down to its current capacity of around 5,200 people, ranking it as the 33rd largest high school gym in the world. The home of the Kokomo High School Wildkats basketball programs cost $680,000 to build. It replaced the venerable Hawthorn Gymnasium that stood for 21 years before burning to the ground in the wee hours of March 22, 1944. The team would find a temporary home at the Kokomo National Guard Armory for the next five seasons, while the town contemplated building a new facility. Basketball had always been a hot ticket in town and a new gym was constructed to convince state officials to host regional tournaments to raise revenue. The opening of the modern and more spacious gymnasium gripped the town with a fever known as “Hoosier Hysteria.” Fans would line up overnight to purchase tickets. Standing room only was the only option for those without tickets, according to a former Wildkat who starred in the late 1950s. He added that when he walked into practice on Saturday mornings, there would be lines of people in the frigid cold bundled up and waiting for the ticket window to open. Game nights would be packed and the Wildkats would build off that momentum earning three trips to the state Final 4 championships in 1959, 1961, and 1962. They won it all in 1961. The girls' team captured back-to-back state titles in 1992 and 1993 and a championship one in 2003 The Art Moderne architectural building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, complete with a memorial marker on the corner of Apperson and Superior Streets. It was designed by architect Elmer Dunlap who also helped design various schools, courthouses, and parks in Indiana that are now also on the National Register of Historic Places. Food & Beverage 3 Two small concession stands look as if they have not changed since the gym opened. The items for sale include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pickles, candy, chips, and Coca-Cola products. On busy nights, the lines can get long and stretch through the lobby. Atmosphere 5 The play of junior center Flory Bindunga has attracted fans from all over the city to the historic gym this season. He is among the state’s leaders in block shocks, and the student cheer section has created a dunk meter for him, as he can average several a night. He has also been offered scholarships to 15 colleges and universities, with Michigan State’s Tom Izzo making an appearance the day before our review. As a result, Kokomo has experienced unprecedented levels of noise, fan reaction, and excitement in decades. Some say it reminds them of the old days when fans would wait outside in the cold and the gym would be crammed to the rafters. Memorial Gym is a small, cozy, and comfortable facility that is not your typical basketball gymnasium. It is packed with delightful colors, signage, banners, and other little nooks and crannies. Tickets are taken at the door from workers sitting down at tables at one of the four entrances to the building, conversations are brewing among friends young and old, and students line up to grab a bite to eat at the concession stands. The bleacher seating is separated into two sections on the south side and into three sections on the opposite end. All upper-level sections are reachable by stairs and ramps directly from the lobby. On both ends are two more seating sections that are above the playing court and operate as balconies; one of these sections is populated by the band. All of the seats, except the third level section, are pull-out bleachers. The sturdy wooden permanent seats on the third level are cornered off at the ends which makes for a little abnormality of seating style, but one that is welcomed. All around the gymnasium are banners and signage that celebrate the multiple accomplishments of both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, highlighted by the 1961 boys' state championship and 1992, 1993, and 2003 girls' state championship banners. At one end of the arena, it reads “Home of the Kats” on the wall, and Kats are spelled out in one of the upper sections of seats as well. A basic scoreboard hangs above the center court, while a few more pictures and photos add to the aesthetics of the building. The venue is one of only a handful to include a video board that was installed in 2019. Neighborhood 3 You’ll find a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-931 in Kokomo, which is not too far from the gymnasium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then there are some local suggestions. Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches and is also great for the kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery is a great stop for a bite to eat or enjoy a craft beer after the game. Enjoy a giant tenderloin sandwich at Windmill Grill or Artie's Tenderloin. A tenderloin sandwich is a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two. Ray’s Drive-In is a funky little place that makes a killer beef Manhattan sandwich. Dan's Variety Bakery is a popular destination that opens at 1 AM featuring hot, freshly baked donuts. Fans 3 There is a great abundance of fans who attend Kokomo High School games, but not like the good old days when they used to pack the house to the gills. However, enough fans are out here supporting their local basketball team to easily confirm that there is still a lot of love for the Wildkats in Kokomo. Fans are supportive, dedicated, and interested in the game at hand. Access 3 Arriving at the gymnasium is also fairly simple. There is plenty of signage directing visitors towards the historic facility with parking available on the streets or in one of the small lots outside of the gym. Once inside the gym, the number of people will impact the accessibility during the game. There are points of the two main levels where walkability is easy, but there are sections where it ends due to seating arrangements. The outer hallways outside the seating bowl make it easy to move around, but it does not wrap around the building. Bathrooms and concessions are located on the main floors of the outside lobby. Many of the signs posted appear to date back to the gym’s early years, providing a time portal for fans and visitors to the venue. The one thing to keep in mind, at this time of writing, is that regular season games are near sell-outs many nights; it is advisable to arrive early for games to find parking on the streets or in the main lots near the gymnasium. Return on Investment 5 Adult tickets are $6 for all home games which is on par with other high school games in the state. The parking is free, concession prices are extremely affordable, and it makes for a great night of high school basketball hoops in a historic and cozy basketball gymnasium. The level of play the Kats are playing around this time, including the number of people attending games, and providing the soundtrack, makes this one of the best nights out for sports in the state. Extras 5 The exterior of the Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium is noteworthy for a few reasons. The historic building design features photos and headlines from when the team won the state title in 1961 above the main exterior entrance. There is also a bronze statue of a wildkat and a historical marker describing the facility. The John Turner Memorial Room is located at the west end of the main lobby and was dedicated by his parents, Earl and Ellen Turner. Turner was an All-State basketball player who died during battle in World War II. The room features a portrait of Turner in uniform draped by two U.S. flags, while furniture from that era is set up behind a rope fence. On the opposite wall are three stained-glass windows listing every major battle of the war. Visitors walk through the area to look around and take photos, but no one is allowed to sit in the chairs or couches. The school features a taxidermy wildkat encased behind a glass cube. It is wheeled out to center Court during warm-ups by a group of students and then wheeled back to the John Turner Memorial Room until it is ready for the next basketball game. The wildkat dates back to 1951. The overall aesthetics of the gymnasium are pleasing to the eyes. The red and blue banners hang proudly from the rafters, the seats are also colored red and blue, and little touches on the walls make it a visually pleasing facility for the first-time visitor. It is a classic Indiana fieldhouse. The video board hovers over the center court and features a four-sided video panel that displays ads, photos, scores, and other information. It is one of only a handful of gyms in the state that offers a video display board. Final Thoughts Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium is the perfect-sized facility for high school basketball in Indiana. It is dripping with nostalgia, brimming with history, and a wonderful place to watch basketball in the 21st century. If these walls could talk, they would have a lot to say about the history of basketball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Worthen Arena 1699 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Worthen Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 11,500 Worthy of an Experience at Worthen Arena In the heart of campus at Ball State University is the John E. Worthen Arena, the home to Cardinal basketball and volleyball since 1992. The arena dominates the landscape featuring an octagonal-shaped structure that has a capacity of 11,500. Its size is the perfect venue for commencement ceremonies, trade shows, concerts, and other special events. The Cardinals basketball program began the year the school was founded in 1920, and they have been members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since the 1971/72 season. They won six conference championships in basketball during that time. The Cards have also made six NCAA Tournament appearances, losing to the eventual tournament champions UNLV 69-67 in the Sweet 16. The arena received an upgraded court, new scoreboards in the corners of the court, and a new Daktronics six-panel video board installed above the center court. Before the opening of the Worthen Arena, the Cards called the 6,600-seat capacity Irving Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages have improved at Worthen Arena. There is plenty of options to choose from that are all served by A-Team Concessions. Fans can choose from bratwurst, pretzels, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, and bbq pork sandwiches. There is also Chick-fil-A and Papa John's available at the concession stands. If you have a sweet tooth the Dippin' Dots kiosk has quite a variety and cotton candy and elephant ears are available for purchase. There is also a selection of candy and Pepsi products. Two beer kiosks have Bud, Coors, and Miller Lite, along with locally brewed varieties from Guardian Brewing Company, that are worth checking out after the game. Atmosphere 3 Worthen Arena is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of the atmosphere; this may be because it was built right before sports stadiums started to focus on aesthetics and fan comfort. The 11,500-seat venue offers plenty of comfortable red theater-style seats, but the last ten rows are of the metal bleacher variety and are somewhat of an eye-sore. Seats in the corners are angled toward the court, providing a good view no matter where you sit in Worthen Arena. Cheerleaders and the Code Red Dance team get the crowd excited with energetic performances during breaks in the action and at the beginning of the game. The large group is quite impressive and drowns out the student section that seemed to be absent the night of our visit. Adding to the festivities is Charlie the Cardinal, the school’s official mascot who greets fans at their seat launches shirts from a cannon, and cheers along with the band The vaulted ceiling offers a myriad of banners from all three sports teams that utilize the arena, along with a couple of retired basketball jerseys. Graphic lettering and school sports are featured on larger banners on the top walls of the seating bowl to break up the rather gray and red tone in the interior of the building. The main concourse features a small play area for younger fans that includes paint facing, balloon animals, and inflatable rides, Also, a small kiosk is set up that offers university-themed merchandise and schedule posters. Neighborhood 3 Worthen Arena is located on the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. There are plenty of options for beer, pub food, and the college atmosphere during your visit. Amazing Joe’s offers giant tenderloins and steak dishes, and Savage’s Ale House is your typical brewpub that features juicy burgers, chicken wings, and a bevy of fried appetizers – try the aloha burger. Downtown Muncie features Heorot Pub and Draught House, and the Fickle Peach. Elm Street Brewing Company and The Guardian Brewing Company are two local spots for craft beer. If you are interested in more basketball, the Muncie Fieldhouse is one of the state's oldest and most historic venues for high school hoops. The home of the Muncie Central Bearcats was constructed in 1928 and is home to eight state championships and an impressive historical room. Fans 3 Crowds for Cardinals basketball games are around 3,000 per game, but the fans who are in attendance do an admirable job cheering for their team on the court. The student section appeared barren during our visit, something that was surprising since it was the last home game of the season. Access 4 Worthen Arena is located on campus, just a few blocks south of SR-332, the main drag that brings motorists off of I-69 from Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne. Fans enter the building at floor level and take the stairs to the main concourse and seating bowl. There is a main outer concourse that wraps around the seating bowl and provides access to concession stands, bathrooms, exits, entrances, and the stadium club room. Large exposed piping and windows add a touch of character. The seating bowl does not offer a wraparound concourse, but once the game is over, fans can exit either from the main concourse or at floor level. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a Ball State game is quite affordable on the wallet or pocketbook. The lowest cost ticket is $10 while the highest priced ticket is $20. There are certain games when prices for upper deck seating are just $5 and parking is free for all games. Concession prices are reasonable with food products costing between $4 and $6, while beer sells for $7 and $8. There is a souvenir stand with shirts, caps, and hoodies for fair pricing as well. The Cards offer a $16 ticket that includes two 20-ounce beers from Guardian Brewing Company. Extras 3 The Ball State cheer and dance team are both energetic and provide a good old-fashion college atmosphere during breaks in the action or when the crowd needs to be fired up. During certain breaks, the group throws out t-shirts to fans and waves flags around the court. The updated video scoreboard above the center court is a nice addition to the arena and provides stats, replays, information, and player profiles. Final Thoughts The Worthen Arena does not stand out like quite a few other college venues in Indiana, but it is rather easily accessible, affordable, and a great canvas for MAC basketball. Muncie is certainly close enough to the state’s major cities of Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne that making a trip is quite easy during the basketball season. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Classic Park 35300 Vine St Eastlake, OH 44095 Lake County Captains website Classic Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,157 Location, Location, Location Classic Park is home to the Lake County Captains of the Midwest League. The Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians is located nearby downtown and is one of the various minor league teams that are within close access to its parent club. The 6,157-seat ballpark is set in a residential/retail neighborhood and is located a few miles north of I-90. There are many positive aspects inside the stadium, but its location to bars, restaurants, retail, and even downtown Cleveland, will be a huge drawing card to any outside visitor or traveler. Food & Beverage 3 The Captains have simplified their menu in the last few seasons and offer four main concession stands on the main concourse for a majority of their items. These items are fairly priced and include your normal standards of ballpark cuisine. A few highlights include the cheese fries, mini corn dog basket, Italian sausage, grilled chicken, and boneless wings. There are a few other stand-alone concession stands nearby that include Dippin Dots Ice Cream, Beers of the World, Yuengling portable, and Nautical Nachos. If you are looking to quench your thirst or if you have a sweet tooth, freshly-squeezed lemonade, and hand-scooped ice cream are located in the ballpark. The food is mostly located near one another between the first and third baselines. Also, not all of the main concession stands have the same products. They look similar in design on the menu board but shop around first before deciding on what to eat. You might want to savor something else. Then again, there is more than enough in the way of food choices and you will not have trouble finding something to your liking. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is modern and sleek and familiar to many other suburban designs. A stylish pedestrian bridge offers a safe and hassle-free entrance to the ballpark, and the front entrance is decorated with an attractive arch. The stadium does not feature a wraparound concourse but includes bleacher seating in the left field and a row of red lawn chairs on a small strip of grass behind the right-field wall. It is not as spacious as other venues’ grass berms but does provide a relaxed atmosphere on any given night at the game. When you are the Cleveland Indians Single-A affiliate, just a few miles from downtown Cleveland, you know you will have a great atmosphere at the ballpark. The promotions are varied and should be enough to attract even the most finicky fan. There are various ethnic nights, Superhero nights, peanut-free games, Bark in the Park, Christmas in July, and even Hungarian Disco Night. There is also a weekly promotions list that includes Friday fireworks, Date Night Thursdays (two tickets to a suite for a buffet dinner), and the popular Buck Night Mondays and Thirsty Thursdays. If you are looking to entertain the kids, two mascots run around the field. One is a giant cuddly creature who is available for hugs, while the pirate is encouraged to be vilified by the PA announcer. A play area is located behind the outfield bleachers and every Sunday is Family Fun Day where kids can run the bases and theme activities are located on the concourse area. If you are looking to pick up merchandise, the official team store is decorated with a nautical theme and features a myriad of souvenirs with the club’s popular logo. Neighborhood 5 Classic Park is located within a 20-minute drive of downtown Cleveland, but do yourself a favor and stay in the area – there is a lot of fun waiting for you. Downtown Willoughby is about a mile and a half from the ballpark and is a pure delight to venture to. At night, the restaurants turn into bars, live music is played and the place becomes its tiny hotspot. The drinks are not too pricey, with most pints of craft beer at Ballantine, Willoughby Brewing Company, 1899 Pub, and Peabody’s around $5. At Peabody’s, order the brisket or the award-winning ribs. "Downtown Willoughby is about a mile and a half from Classic Park and is recommended to visit after the game." If you are looking for a quick bite, there are a lot of chain and local establishments on the main street near the stadium. Mr. Chicken and Panini’s Bar and Grille are two local Cleveland legendary eating establishments. Panini’s is known for its stuffed sandwiches that feature homemade cole slaw, French fries, and tomatoes, while Mr. Chicken has fresh fried chicken and tenders. It is a perfect area for food, drinks, and entertainment – all within minutes of Classic Park and without the added hassle of driving or parking in nearby downtown Cleveland. Ask the locals at the game, and they will likely recommend these or other spots nearby. Fans 3 The fans are very tame and involved with the game. There is not anything discerning or alarming about their behavior to think they do not enjoy themselves. Would I have liked to see a little more energy? Perhaps, but they are enjoying being out at the ballpark with friends and family. That is all that should matter most of the time at minor league ballparks. Isn’t that what the promotions are for? Access 4 Classic Park is located two miles north of I-90 with plenty of signs directing you off the interstate. A straight road takes you to friendly people directing you to your car and the parking is free. If you park across the street, a pedestrian bridge takes you over for convenience. When leaving the park, the local police close off part of the street and assist with getting you back home. Return on Investment 4 The Captains have a great schedule of promotional nights throughout the season and offer extremely affordable single-day ticket prices. The lowest price tickets range from $8-$10 and are cheaper than attending a movie. These price points make it easy for the customer to return and the traveler to save a few bucks on their expenses. Extras 3 The Captains do an admirable job of entertaining fans at the ballpark. The creative promotions are visually displayed throughout the concourse or in their free program they give out to fans at the gate entrance. The location near the highway and downtown Willoughby or other restaurants or lodging makes this a destination for a wide age range of customers. The old saying location, location, location is true for Classic Park. Final Thoughts A nice little ballpark outside the Cleveland metro area and close enough to attract fans from around the surrounding neighborhoods, The prices are affordable, the views are great, and there are plenty of activities for the kids. Classic Park is worth checking out when in the Cleveland area. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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