Photos by Lloyd brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 Detroit Tigers Spring Training website Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 9,000 The Eyes Are On The Tigers The Detroit Tigers have called Lakeland, Florida their Spring Training home since 1934, and since 1966 that home has been at Joker Marchant Stadium and Tigertown. The stadium is named for Marcus “Joker” Marchant, the city of Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation, who worked tirelessly at the beginning of the city’s relationship with the team. Today’s Joker Marchant Stadium looks very different than it did in 1966, as it has gone through major renovations in 1966, 2003 and 2016. These renovations have brought the stadium up to a capacity of 9,000 fans. The most recent renovations have been to increase fan comfort by creating more shade for the various seating arrangements around the playing field. One thing that has remained constant are the field dimensions of 340’ to left field, 420’ to deep center and 340’ to right field. Food and Beverage 4 There are six main concession stands located at Joker Marchant Stadium: Canteen: This stand is located on the first base concourse. It sells the usual ballpark standards, including hot dogs ($6), chicken tenders ($7), pretzels ( $6), popcorn ($5), Pepsi brand sodas ($8) and bottled water ($5.50). Mac and Tator: This stand is located along the third base concourse and features ballpark standards, as well as chilimac and tator, small mac and tator, an build your own mac and tator. Hot Corner: Also located on the third base concourse, this stand offers the same menu items as the Canteen stand. Hangar Grab and Go: This stand is located in the left field area of the ballpark. It features a convenience store self-serve format. In addition to sodas ($8), Gatorade ($6.50), canned beers ($11 – $12.25) and bottled water ($5.50), this stand offers garden salads ($8), sandwiches ($7) and chips ($3). Grand Slam Favorites: This stand offers BBQ nachos ($130, BBQ sandwiches ($11.50), Kettle corn ($8) and Carmel corn ($8). Little Caesars: There are several Little Caesars stands in the ballpark. This is the only brand of pizza sold at Joker Marchant, as the late owner of the Detroit Tigers, Mike Illich, was also the founder/CEO of Little Caesars. Pizzas can be purchased as a whole pizza ($22.50) or by the Super Slice ($7.50). Pizzas are available in cheese, pepperoni or sausage toppings. One additional item that is sold in season is strawberry shortcake. You may find that to be an odd menu item at a ballpark. However, the Lakeland/Plant City, Florida area is the strawberry capitol of Florida. It is a major part of the local economy… and is a wonderful addition to the ballpark’s food and beverage offerings! All concessions purchases are credit card only. Atmosphere 4 Joker Marchant Stadium is a very pleasant place to take in a Spring Training game. The grounds around the stadium are immaculate and the exterior of the stadium features the Spanish Mediterranean stucco that is very popular in this part of Florida. You’ll also learn a lot about the history of Tigertown and the stadium before you even go through the gates. Once inside the stadium, navigating the way to your seats is very easy, as the signage is excellent. If you have time, it is a good idea to look around the stadium before all the seats fill up. There might be an interesting angle for a photo that you might not be able to get later. Once at your seat, enjoy the game! However, there will be multiple pitchers in a preseason game, due to low pitch counts and the need for the coaching staff to evaluate multiple pitchers for the upcoming season. Take advantage of these breaks in the action to visit the team store, to check out a unique concession stand, or watch the minor league players on the adjoining practice field. One of the major improvements made at Joker Marchant Stadium as a part of the renovations involves the electronics package in the stadium. A brand new videoboard measuring 46’ X 26’ was installed atop the hill above the berm. A LED ribbon board was added to the facing on the outfield grandstand. The sound system was greatly improved as a part of the renovation process as well. Neighborhood 3 Lakeland is in farm country, more specifically strawberries. You will probably see plenty of groves and strawberry stands along the roads between downtown Lakeland and Joker Marchant Stadium. However, there is a lot more to enjoy in Lakeland than just strawberries. It is the home Florida Southern University, whose campus features the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright- designed buildings in the world. Tours are given at the University for those interested in learning more about Wright’s quirky building style. Speaking of building… Lakeland is also the home of LEGOLAND, and those traveling with their kids or grandkids will want to stop there for a visit. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is one of the more popular restaurants in the area to enjoy a postgame meal. The closest accommodations to the stadium are located at exit 33 on I-4. There are several hotel brands represented. This is approximately 2.5 miles from the stadium. It is important to book early as these locations fill quickly during the preseason for baseball. Fans 4 Tigertown has been the spring training home to the Detroit Tigers since 1934, and the first sign of spring is the number of Michigan license plates heading down I-75 to Lakeland. The Tigers fanbase is one of the most loyal in baseball, despite a dearth in championships in recent years. It is easy to convince Motor City residents to head south and escape the harsh winters in Michigan. Tiger fans are like one big family, and they value tradition. Many families head to the Tiger mosaic on the exterior of the stadium for a family photo each year, measuring their children’s growth by how close their heads are to the colorful backdrop. Joker Marchant Stadium and Tigertown have plenty of elements like that, as the complex is filled with the names of Tiger greats like Kaline, Horton, Lolich and McLain. There are also plaques to the legendary 1968 World Series Champion Tigers, and the retired numbers of the Tiger franchise are also prominently on display in the ballpark. Access 4 Joker Marchant is easily accessed via exit 33 on Interstate 4. After exiting the interstate, get on Highway 33 South. Go under the next overpass, then go to the right onto Lakeland Hills Boulevard headed west. The Tigertown complex and Joker Marchant Stadium will be on your left. Here you have two choices. There is a large parking area adjacent to the stadium that is controlled by the Tigers and Tigertown. Parking in this lot is $8 if you prepay for your space online or $10 the day of the event. The Lutheran Church across Lakeland Hills Parkway from Tigertown and the stadium has raised money for its outreach in the community programs by offering parking in its lot for $5. We mention this not to save a small bit of change, but to share that many fans feel it is much easier to get back on the road at the end of a game from the other side of the road from the stadium. We recommend the Tampa International Airport if your visit is limited to Tampa, Lakeland, Bradenton or Dunedin. It offers flights to nearly everywhere. The Orlando airport may seem to be the best choice, but the traffic around the airport and flights are hard to get due to Disney and all the other amusement parks. Like most stadiums in the Grapefruit League, gates at Marchant Stadium open two hours before the opening pitch. This should give you plenty of time for you to orient where your seats are in the stadium, as well as to visit the team store or get something at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tiger games at Joker Marchant Stadium are available at several price points. All the seats on the lower level behind the plate and extending to first and third base are sold out. However, the upper-level seats in these areas are still available. Ticket prices range from $35 for seats in the 200 level, down to berm seating for $13. There are six pricing levels in between the $35 -$ 13 range. The good news is that after the recent renovations the number of seats that are in the shade at the stadium increased 42%. Parking at Tigertown or the Lutheran Church across the street costs $5- $10. We found the food prices at Tiger games was lower than other Spring Training parks. Extras 4 Fans traveling with kids or grandkids may want to take them to the play area near the top of the berm and next to the inflatable Tiger. This is a supervised area, and a great way for the kids to burn off all that in the car too long energy or the sugar high they may be on. The Tigers Spring Training Complex is relatively near the Spring Training complexes for the Pirates, the Blue Jays the Phillies and Yankees. Detroit plays very few night games, so check the night game schedule for the other teams and you might get in a day/night doubleheader. The mosaic tiger at the base of the tower outside Joker Marchant Stadium makes a great background for your selfie shot at a game. The starting lineups for each team are posted the walls in the main concourse. There is also a painted map of all the teams that participate in the Grapefruit League and where in Florida they are located. Final Thoughts The Tigers franchise has the longest relationship with one Florida city of any team in the Grapefruit League. The Tigertown complex has grown and evolved over the years, but has always maintained a strong relationship with the traditions of its past. Joker Marchant Stadium is always looking for ways to improve the fan experience after each spring training season, with plans getting underway for the next year, immediately after the team departs for Detroit to begin the regular season.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stick Williams Dream Field 7531 Tuckaseegee Rd Charlotte, NC 28214 Queens University of Charlotte Royals website Stick Field of Dreams website Year Opened: 2019 Stick Williams Dream Field - Queens University Royals The Queens University Royals are not just one of the newer baseball programs in the NCAA’s Division I, but their existence as a varsity sport is still in its infancy. Transitioning from a club sport in 2018 to a varsity team has come with many challenges, but the Royals have handled them all in stride as they have worked to establish themselves in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are provided through local food trucks – one of the trucks offers various BBQ options and has an accompanying baked goods tent for sweet treats. There is not much in the way of traditional stadium fare, but if the trucks are changed out regularly, prices and options can change from game-to-game. There is a concession stand on the back side of the press box, but it does not appear to be used for Royals’ games. Atmosphere 3 Stick Williams Dream Field is part of the larger Knothole Foundation – Tuckaseegee baseball/softball complex that includes the Queens University softball team’s field (together they are called the Stick Williams Dream Fields). Seating at Stick Williams Dream Field is limited but is just right for the program. There is a small grandstand behind the brick backstop and a pair of aluminum bleachers on the visiting side of the field. A handful of fans choose to stand in the area next to the Royals’ dugout and watch the game from this vantage point. The seating here is cozy, but it works for the size of the crowd typically at each game. There is not a lot when it comes to Stick Williams Dream Field – the Royals play on natural grass with a symmetrical, 8-foot fence that runs 330’ down each of the lines, 375’ to the gaps, and 390’ to dead center. A simple inning-by-inning scoreboard sits just over the right center field fence. The game at Stick Williams Dream Field is as simple as baseball gets – other than walkup music and music between innings, there is not a whole lot going on to entertain fans. While this might be a drawback for some, it does not negatively impact the game experience. Neighborhood 2 Stick Williams Dream Field is located just over 10 miles from the Queens University campus, just outside downtown Charlotte. This separation between campus and the Royal’s home field impacts the student’s motivation to show up and support Queens’ baseball. The Royal’s home field neighbors include West Mecklenburg High School, a small residential neighborhood, a handful of warehouses, and I-85 on the back side of the facility. Given the field’s proximity to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, there are plenty of hotels in the area, but it is a bit lacking when it comes to the selection of restaurants. Fans 3 Queens University is one of the smallest universities in Division I. With an enrollment of just under 1,500 the Royals do not have a large student body to pull from. However, given the size of their population in relation to the size of the crowd, Queens does well in drawing fans to their games. Fans are actively engaged; they get on the umpires just as any fanbase would for calls they see as questionable. It is just that there are not a whole lot of them here when looking at the overall numbers. Access 4 Stick Williams Dream Field is just off the junction of I-485 and I-85, making it accessible from any area. Parking can be a bit tricky, though, especially if there is a softball game being played at the adjacent field at the same time. However, there is an overflow lot across the street at West Mecklenburg High School if space in the primary lot runs out. The seating area for the baseball field is easily accessible and maneuverable – fans can either walk around the back of the press box or pass between the grandstand and backstop. Seats in the grandstand are typically well shaded for early afternoon games, whereas the bleachers are completely in the sun. Seating directly behind home plate is a bit impacted by the team’s camera set up, which is used to analyze the game. It is not overly burdensome, but it does take up some prime seating as the tripod is in the seating area. Return on Investment 4 With no charge for admission or parking, the financial investment of a Royals baseball game is hard to beat. If you choose to get concessions, those can be a bit pricey with the food trucks, but it becomes variable depending on the trucks at each game. Other than the possibility of concessions, the only other investment is time. With that said, if debating about investing time in a Queen’s University baseball game, the volume of sports entertainment choices in and around Charlotte would probably not put Queens’ baseball toward the top of that list. Truist Field just a few miles away, and the newly completed Atrium Health Ballpark just north of Charlotte in Kannapolis, make it difficult for the Royals to attract fans if they were choosing between the baseball options in the area. Extras 2 Knothole Foundation and the Stick Williams Dream Fields were built not just for use by Queens University, but also serve ‘to drive transformative programming for underserved youth.’ Given the proximity to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, planes flying overhead create a bit of a Citi Field ambiance; fans can get a rather good look at the undercarriage of the aircraft as they descend on their final approach. Final Thoughts Stick Will Dream Field is not overwhelmingly impressive when it comes to amenities and extras, but the field does an adequate job serving the purpose it was designed to do. While baseball at Queens probably would not be at top of most “must see” lists, it does provide a pleasant baseball atmosphere for taking in a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Bill Beck Field Tootell Road Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams baseball website Bill Beck Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball at Bill Beck Field Baseball was first played at the University of Rhode Island in 1898, just six years after the founding of the school. The Rams have played on the site of their current ball field, Bill Beck Field, since the program’s inception. Since 1981, the team has competed in the Atlantic-10 Conference. Named for the former URI baseball and football coach, Bill Beck Field has undergone multiple renovations in recent years, including a new FieldTurf surface, backstop, scoreboard, fencing and bullpens. An indoor batting facility was completed in 2011. The Rams have qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2005 and 2016. In addition, Rhode Island has won three Atlantic-10 conference titles. Three former Rams (Dave Stenhouse, Nick Greenwood and Angelo Dagres) have played in the major leagues. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available to fans at Bill Beck Field. Fans can bring their own snacks or drinks to enjoy during Rams baseball games, provided no alcohol is brought on premises. During the chilly spring months of the college baseball season, it’s not unusual to see a bunch of hot Dunkin’ beverages in the stands. Atmosphere 2 You wouldn’t expect an elaborate gameday presentation with the limited resources available at Bill Beck Field. Distractions are kept to a minimum here at Kingston. Music is played between innings and batters, and the PA announcements are limited to lineup changes. A simple scoreboard beyond the left field fence displays basic game information. While there is a lot of energy coming from the stands here, there’s only so much noise that 100 or so people can make. If you’re a fan who likes to hear the chatter coming from the dugouts or conversations between players and coaches, you’ll truly enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 Visiting baseball fans looking for dining or recreational activities within walking distance of the University of Rhode Island may be disappointed with the school’s rural location. The URI campus is fairly self-contained, without many attractions nearby. Those willing to travel a short distance will be rewarded with many wonderful restaurants and sights. The Mews Tavern in nearby Wakefield boasts 69 beers on taps and an extensive bar menu. It is a favorite of the student body. In addition, Narragansett, located 8 miles to the south, Newport, 16 miles to the east, and Providence, 29 miles to the north, offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, and tourist options for the adventurous baseball fan. There are no lodging options directly adjacent to the URI campus. The closest option is a Holiday Inn out on Route 1 in South Kingstown (the different spellings of “Kingstown” and “Kingston” are most likely a colonial thing). Fans looking to make a weekend of their trip to URI would be advised to check out Newport or Providence, both short drives from campus. In addition, Boston is a short 90 minute drive from Kingston. Fans 2 The crowds at Bill Beck Field would certainly fall into the “friends and family” category. Ranging in size from 100-200 fans, virtually everyone in attendance has a close personal connection with someone on the field. This makes for a crowd that is really into the action going on down on the field, and a high level of enthusiasm. Access 3 Bill Beck Field is located on the southwestern corner of the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island near the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Ryan Center and Meade Stadium. The small town of Kingston is located 29 miles south of Providence and 20 minutes south of T.F. Green Airport. Driving to Kingston from Providence will take you about 40 minutes on a normal Saturday. The campus is located on Route 138, approximately a 10-mile drive from I-95 as it passes through southern Rhode Island. The URI campus is served by public transportation, as RIPTA busses have several routes that serve the campus from Providence. In addition, the Kingstown train station is about two miles away from campus, with Amtrak making regular stops at the station. Bill Beck Field has had several improvements in access in recent years, most of which have focused on the playing field and training facilities. For fans, there is little in the way of seating available, with only a single small aluminum bleacher section located behind home plate. There is a nice, terraced seating area on the first base side of the field. There is plenty of room all around Bill Beck Field for fans who wish to bring their own lawn chairs or roam around the field throughout the game. The next phase of the Bill Beck Field renovation project will feature a new grandstand/press box. There is ample parking available in the lot adjacent to Bill Beck Field. In addition to a pair of port-a-johns located near the ball field, rest room facilities are located in the Boss Ice Arena next door. It’s a little walk, so plan ahead. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to attend a Rhode Island baseball game at Bill Beck Field. Likewise, ample parking is available adjacent to the ball field at no charge. With no concessions available for purchase, local baseball fans can watch a game at the sport’s highest level without spending a single red cent. Extras 1 The outfield wall has some nice graphics honoring Rams NCAA Tournament appearances and conference titles. Also honored on the outfield wall are two former URI players, Rick Ligi and Joey Canicola, who both passed away during their playing careers. Final Thoughts Bill Beck Field is a simple facility that meets the needs of the URI Rams perfectly. For fans, there is little going on here to distract from the action on the field. Some may not enjoy this most relaxed of settings, but you can bring your own chair and a cooler, and you won’t have to reach for your wallet even once. It doesn’t get much better than that. If planning a trip to Kingston, remember that the baseball season here in New England largely takes place in March and April, when the weather can be unpredictable at best. Postponements, cancellations and even changes in venue are common. Be ready to be flexible when coming to Rhode Island. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Wil Hapern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium 2149 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 Wilmington Sharks website Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 1,200 Baseball Triumphs in the Shark Tank The Coastal Plain League was founded in 1997 and the Wilmington Sharks are one of the six founding members. The Sharks have had time to settle into Port City and the team does a lot with a little, as they pack far more than the 1,200 seats that Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium houses. Wilmington had been without affiliated baseball for nearly two decades when the Wilmington Waves left town after just a season, so the Sharks are the only team that represents a city of over 100,000 residents. Because efforts to bring minor league baseball to Wilmington have failed in recent years, this leaves the Sharks representing one of the larger markets in Summer Collegiate Baseball. Food & Beverage 3 Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium has run-of-the-mill ballpark food; it’s not great and not terrible, but exactly what you’d expect from a ballpark of this size. The lines aren’t too bad, the food is prepared efficiently, and the concessions workers are friendly. There is one main concession stand at the park on the first base side of home plate, offering basic ballpark fare: candy at $2; popcorn, peanuts, and hot dogs at $3; chili cheese dogs at $4; and hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and pizza at $5. Everything is reasonably priced and made exactly how you’d expect. It is important to bring cash, though, because there is a ten-dollar minimum to use a credit or debit card. With that in mind, if you’re not carrying cash it might be better to plan ahead and only make one trip to the concessions stands if you are planning on eating at the game. Pepsi is the soda served at Sharks games, with Budweiser being the main beer supplier, with different beers under that brand such as Landshark and Michelob. There are a few places to purchase a brew, including a party deck in the right field that has a fairly large seating area. A hot dog and a Landshark are good pairings during any Sharks game. Atmosphere 4 Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium is not a very traditional ballpark, but it has its special charm, as the wide variety of places to sit and mingle in the park allows people to rang out and check out potential future professional baseball stars. The ballpark has rows of traditional seating that are centered around home plate and not much further – these sections are reserved seating, but there is also general admission bleacher seating on both the first and third base sides. Further out in the right field area is the beer garden where people can watch the game from bar seats. Due to the size of the stadium, there is not a bad seat in the park, whether you are sitting on the bleachers, in the reserved seats, or the beer garden. The bleachers are standard, and the seats are a decent size, but there are no cup holders. There is also a reserved box seating section with tall wooden seats and a table right behind the protective netting on the first base side, and there is also a scoreboard in the outfield with a Sharks logo on top and a decent-sized electronic score line, but no video board. A good variety of music is played but the sound effects are played almost too often, from various TV shows and movies; while sometimes this would be amusing, at Legion Stadium they tend to get a bit repetitive after a while. The theme song from the movie “Jaws,” however, is the exception, as this goes well with the shark theme of the team. The Sharks mascot Sharky, serving as the on-field host, does a great job keeping fans entertained throughout the game. There are also a lot of between-inning challenges and promotions, enough so that you almost forgot that the stadium lacks a video board. One notable recent promotion was a challenge to toss tennis balls from the stands into a bucket on the field for a chance to win a trip to New York City. Balls could be purchased for a dollar each, and this resulted in dozens of tennis balls being tossed, (though none of them made it in the bucket). Another notable promotion was when members of the Wilmington Sharks came into the stands, singing and dancing to the children’s song “Baby Shark” with the fans. Everyone, especially the members of the youth baseball team attending the game, got very into the song. Legion Field is completely open-air and exposed to the elements, so the only question in terms of where to sit is whether you want chairbacks as opposed to bleacher seating and whether you’re there primarily to watch the game or to mingle with friends or family and relax on a nice summer evening. For those fans wanting the former, I’d recommend the seats behind home plate, and for fans wanting the latter I’d recommend either the bleachers or the Beer Garden. Neighborhood 4 Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium is located just south of downtown Wilmington as part of the Legion Sports Complex, which includes the ballpark and a now joint-use soccer and football stadium. While this area is by no means an urban area, historic downtown Wilmington is just a short drive or bus ride away, and there are also a couple of places to grab a bite or a beverage right near Legion Stadium. Wilmington has tons of great places to eat and enjoy a drink, but there are two restaurants right around the corner from the Sports Complex. The first is Jamaica House Sports Bar and Grill, which serves classic Jamaican food with a southern soul food twist. Fried green tomatoes, fried okra, and jerk chicken and pork are examples of some of their offerings, and there are also various drink specials all for a good price. Alternatively, if you are in town for an early game, Ezzell’s Breakfast House is a great place to grab classic breakfast fares such as biscuits and gravy, omelets, and various breakfast sandwiches. This restaurant closes at three, however, so won’t be an option for any evening or night Sharks game. If you want to venture further from the stadium, downtown Wilmington has a copious number of restaurants overlooking the Cape Fear River. A great place to go if you decide to make the short trek downtown is Front Street Brewery, a 25-year-old establishment serving tasty American and Southern Food with a twist. The hand-breaded fried pickles, low country grit cakes, and pretzel chicken sandwiches are worth trying, and with daily beer specials and NC’s largest whiskey bar, there is something for everyone. Finally, Wilmington is also known for its seafood, and Something Fishy, located about five miles southeast of Legion Stadium, serves up very delicious seafood in a friendly homestyle setting. The restaurant was visited by Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and it features the best hush puppies I’ve ever had, along with fantastic clam chowder and various seafood such as flounder and trout all at a good price. Wilmington is a fantastic place to visit and it’s not by accident that people from all over the country and the world come to the Port City. There are three main beaches around Wilmington, though the closest one is Wrightsville Beach which is about a 15-minute drive from Legion Stadium. Also, beyond the beaches is The Cotton Exchange, which is located downtown and features numerous shops, galleries, and places to eat. Downtown Wilmington also boasts the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, which has various events and exhibits for fans of all ages to enjoy. Young and old alike will also enjoy Jungle Rapids, featuring a water park, go-karts, and an arcade, but the most famous attraction in Wilmington is the U.S.S. North Carolina, a decommissioned WWII battleship that is well worth a visit. There are a lot of places to stay in or around downtown Wilmington but they tend to be expensive, especially in the summer. However, there are a couple of hotels near Legion Stadium that are cheaper than the others and closer to the ballpark; although you won’t get the immediate downtown experience you are not far away. Fans 3 The Wilmington Sharks have a fairly strong fan base, but such a small ballpark that even when drawing close to capacity, will still only have a small number of fans, as opposed to a lot of bigger ballparks in the CPL. The Sharks averaged 1,001 fans last season, which is the middle of the pack in the league, so it is clear that more work needs to be done to improve Legion Stadium. Upgrades to improve seating and the amenities and add a video board have all been pitched, but so far nothing has become official. The crowd may not be large in terms of raw numbers but they do get very engaged in the game, putting their hands above their hands during at-bats to indicate the Fins Up Sign. The fans are knowledgeable and know their baseball and will cheer not just on hits, but on strong plays by the pitcher. A better ballpark with more seats will only build on the fan experience, and the building blocks are already in place to make that happen. Access 4 Buck Hardee Field is very accessible from all points in Wilmington – the stadium is located on Carolina Beach Road, which is one of the main roads in Wilmington and connects to other major streets in the Port City, so getting to Legion Stadium is a breeze. The Wave Transit offers local bus service around Wilmington, and the 201 bus will take you from downtown Wilmington to the stadium in just eight minutes flat for a one-way fare of $2 per adult, with anyone under eighteen riding for $1. The bus runs from downtown every hour on the hour, so plan, and be at the station early or you may be waiting awhile. The problem will be getting back, however, as the last bus from the stadium leaves at 8:45 pm, which won’t matter for an afternoon game but for a 7 pm first pitch, you may only have time to take in half of the game, unless you plan to drive or use a rideshare back. Legion Stadium offers a large parking lot with free parking, and with such a small ballpark, parking is easy to find and close to the venue, so you won’t have too far of a walk to take in a Sharks game. Traffic is difficult in Wilmington in general, however, especially in the summer with the high influx of tourists and the constant construction, but as you get near the ballpark traffic is not too bad. There is one main entry gate where you can buy tickets and enter with very little hassle, handicap seating is offered, and moving around the stadium is easy. The bathrooms are behind the seating areas in what is likely a converted shed, but they are clean and well-kept. There is also an ATM next to the entrance, which is important for the $10 minimum on card usage at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Sharks game is an affordable and great way to spend a night taking in top-level collegiate baseball talent in Wilmington. Parking is free, concessions are reasonable, and tickets are at a fair price. The prices of general admission or reserved seat tickets are $9-$11. Extras 5 One point goes to receive a free hot dog for any fan who retrieves a foul ball and brings it to the concessions stand. Another point to the Sharks team performing the popular “Baby Shark” dance with the fans during the game, and the general amount of interesting promotions that go on during the game. An additional point goes to the free and ample parking at the complex, which takes the headache out of arriving at the ballpark. A fourth point to the Shark-themed bouncy house located on a small lawn behind the seating area is for the young ones who want a break from all the action. Finally, a point for the incredibly friendly and engaging staff both at the concession stands and throughout the concourse – they make a real contribution to the fantastic game experience. Final Thoughts The Wilmington Sharks are a Collegiate League team that deserves the chance to be an affiliated minor league team. The fan support is there and the city is large enough, although there is work to do to bring Buck Hardee Park at Legion Stadium up to standards. The largest city in Coastal North Carolina is at a crossroads – there are rumors of the Sharks potentially leaving town if they don’t get stadium upgrades. With the renewed thirst for minor league baseball in the Port City, the city needs to invest in the team and the stadium, as it would be a real shame for Wilmington to be without America’s pastime during the summer.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lexington County Baseball Stadium 474 Ball Park Rd. Lexington, SC 29072 Lexington County Blowfish website Lexington County Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 3,000 Blowfish and Boiled P-Nuts Fans of the Coastal Plain League and residents of the Midlands region of South Carolina are quite familiar with the Blowfish franchise. The team first took the field in Columbia’s Capital City Stadium in 2006. The historic ballpark gradually reached the end of its usefulness, and amidst flooding problems on Assembly Street, land sales, and multiple closing dates at “The Cap,” the team finally saw its final downtown pitch in 2014. Before the last out was recorded, though, the Blowfish had already sealed the deal on a new home. The team moved about a half hour west to Lexington, becoming the star attraction in a brand new ballpark built by Lexington County for baseball, festivals, and other events. The roughly $25 million ballpark was constructed in roughly ten months, allowing the Blowfish to take the field in their new home digs to begin the 2015 season. Lexington County Baseball Stadium will join the new facility off Columbia’s Bull Street for the relocated Savannah Sand Gnats to form a formidable grouping of baseball options for fans in the Midlands. Food & Beverage 4 One would expect a variety of food and drink offerings in a new ballpark, and Lexington County Baseball Stadium fits that bill. Fans who attended Blowfish games in Capital City Stadium will find many of their old favorites, along with several unexpected selections. Food and drink are available pretty much everywhere along the main concourse, with the primary stand in the multi-purpose building behind the first base dugout. The choices are broken into candy ($2 for typical candies), specialty items ($3-$6 for fries, hot dogs, and sandwiches), and snacks ($2-$3 for pretzels, popcorn, and nachos). The specialty items include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and the locally-inspired “Blow-B-Que” barbecue sandwich ($4). The food is of typical ballpark quality but is very popular with those in attendance. Numerous satellite stands are lined around the concourse, including the Ballpark Village food court area behind third base. Coca-Cola is the facility’s bottler. Sodas are available in 16-ounce ($3), 20-ounce bottle ($3) and 32-ounce souvenir ($5) sizes. Bottled iced tea and Coke Zero are among the beverage choices, for those who prefer to avoid full-sugar sodas on muggy Midlands evenings. Powerade is also available for $4. If you’re craving a cold beer, those are also available. Budweiser (along with Bud Light and Bud Light Lime) and Corona/Corona Light are available for $4 apiece. Wine (Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio) can also be purchased, along with the Budweiser margarita flavors (strawberry and lime) for $4. The “definitive” item, however, is available from a small shed just inside the stadium’s entry gates. Boiled peanuts (or “p-nuts,” as they are commonly noted in South Carolina) are sold for $3 (small) or $5 (large), and are a favorite of nearly everyone in the Palmetto State. Vendors also wander through the stands selling the delicacy from time to time, should you not want to miss any game action. Atmosphere 3 For those familiar with Blowfish games at Capital City Stadium, the feel of a game in Lexington County is quite similar. From team mascot Blowie posing for photos on the concourse to “Sandstorm” blaring from the speakers late in the game, fans should find a lot of items that make them feel at home. The fourth-inning Mascot Chase (featuring Blowie and a buddy or two) even made the trip over from Columbia. The stadium borrows — in its own words — much of its architectural style. Part of the seating from the old Lexington High School football stadium (called “Wildcat Hollow”) is implemented as bleacher seating on the visiting (third base) side of the park. Elements from Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium and Yankee Stadium are included, according to the stadium’s architects. The grandstand seating accompanies fixed seats near the field, along with bleacher seating under an overhang behind the plate. A wide concourse features plenty of standing room and drink rails, for those who would prefer not to stay seated. If you want the best view of the action and don’t feel like standing for nine innings, pay the extra and get a fixed box seat. There is also an enclosed hospitality area down the right field line. Be careful when purchasing any seats under the overhang or in the general admission grandstand. The front row of overhang seating behind the plate — especially in section 206 — is largely obscured by a series of stair railings and support columns, making the seats a poor value. The seats are also reserved bleachers, making them very tight, in terms of pitch and width. A child seemed to be squeezed out of the row in which he was seated — he had to ask his mother, “is there room for me?” — and a woman behind me needed to ask an usher for a bandage after cutting her leg on a visible support screw from the bleachers. There are fans from the overhang to help keep those seated underneath somewhat cool on warm South Carolina nights, however, which is a nice touch. The grandstand seating behind third base encounters issues with the sun for the first few innings, as it sets behind the first base bag. The grandstand feels far from the action on the field, as there is a large play area for kids below the bleachers. These seats are also angled toward the outfield, not the plate. Further, the lower few rows of the grandstand are obscured by the dugout in front of them. The team also features a rendering of the stadium on their site that makes the seating behind the plate appear clear of railings or stairs. This is not the case. A basic scoreboard can be found beyond the right-center field fence. The scoreboard offers the pitch speed, ball/strike/out counts, the uniform number of the current batter, and the lines core. This scoreboard is passable — when it works. On the night we visited, the scoreboard began to display odd numbers in multiple categories. The pitch speed indicator also stopped working about halfway through the game. Lexington is two-and-a-half hours inland from Myrtle Beach and the “Redneck Riviera,” as it is affectionately called, but Lexington County Baseball Stadium has a distinctly coastal feel. A soundtrack of Carolina beach music wafts through the air between many innings, with other ballpark standards mixed in at alternating intervals. The stadium is largely free of silly sound effects, save for the occasional breaking glass sound effect and the public-address announcer reminding all fans to return foul balls to the press box for a free frosted lemonade from Chick-fil-A. This is referred to as a Chick-fil-A “fowl ball.” Neighborhood 2 One of the bigger attractions to moving the team to Lexington County is also one of the bigger drawbacks. Lexington County Baseball Stadium is back within a somewhat remote mixed-use development away from South Carolina Interstate 20, so there are virtually zero options for grabbing a quick bite before or after a game within walking distance of the park. Some fans do tailgate before Blowfish games, so this might be the most desirable choice. Luce Cucina Italiano is roughly two miles from the park on Augusta Road (US Highway 1), and is one of the only nearby dining options. All of the Italian food favorites can be found at quite reasonable prices at Luce. Be mindful, however, that the restaurant will likely be closed at the end of most game nights, so fill up on carbs before heading to the yard. There are several additional options for your dining pleasure near the Lexington exits off I-20 (exit 55/SC Highway 6, exit 58/US 1, and exit 61/US 378). Keep in mind, however, that these exits are anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes from the ballpark, depending on traffic and stop lights. Columbia is a half-hour or so to the east, while Augusta, Georgia, is an hour west. Fans 4 Baseball is a popular sport in the Midlands, as one might expect. Between South Carolina’s recent success, the new team in Columbia, and the Blowfish, there is lots of diamond action from which to choose. One of the reasons behind the club’s move to Lexington County was the stated desire to draw consistent support from a more “small-town” group of fans. This has certainly paid early dividends, as fans are coming out in droves to check out the new digs. The club opened the park with a string of consecutive sellouts. The fans who pack Lexington County Baseball Stadium love their Blowfish but are respectful of the opposing team. Cheering is hearty, but not over the top. Several fans, unfortunately, left early on the night we visited (though the game went extra innings, it was a weekend contest), but those who stayed until the final out certainly made themselves heard. Access 2 Lexington County Baseball Stadium is not the most convenient option for ballpark travelers, in terms of proximity to interstates. The ballpark is in a mostly residential area and is either accessed by a lengthy trip down a US highway or sparsely-populated country roads. South Carolina Interstate 20 is the main road one would use to access the ballpark from the east or west, and it is easily 15 minutes from the ballpark. US Highways 1 and 378 are the other primary options. Columbia (CAE) and Augusta (AGS) are the two best airport options, about a half hour and an hour, respectively, from the park. Charlotte (CLT) is also an option but is an hour and a half from the park. Parking is located in a paved lot across the street from the stadium entrance. Though revenue streams are at a premium for summer collegiate teams, the $3 price to park is less than optimal. Ingress backs up a bit, as traffic is trying to simultaneously turn left and right into the parking lot. Egress is a bit easier, as fans can either go left toward Barr Road or right toward US 1. The stadium entry gate is just to the right of the ticket booth, and traffic moves relatively quickly. The team offers an online ticketing system that allows for easy scanning; however, there is an additional $1 (per ticket) fee for buying online. The facility offers a wide concourse, but there are drawbacks to this setup. Numerous fans congregate on the concourse, leading to a bit of a slalom course-type feel in navigating to or from your seat. Concession lines can get a bit long, as many fans want items that can only be purchased at the main stand. Restrooms are near the main gate and offer ample facilities for fans. The other major drawback comes if you are sitting in the third base stands. To get from the concessions or bathrooms to your third base grandstand seat, you will need to navigate the entire concourse, then take the stairs down to field level and walk through what will inevitably be a large group of playing kids to return to your seat. This can become a bit of a hassle as the game wears on. Return on Investment 4 Coastal Plain League baseball is about as good of a baseball investment as one will find. Lexington County is no exception – assuming, of course, that you choose the right seats, or don’t mind standing. Box seats are $9 for a single game, with a dollar discount for seniors, students (with ID), military members, and children 12 and under. Children four and under are free with paid adult admission. Grandstand seats are $8, with the same discount. The third base seats are a reasonable $6. Keep in mind, again, that there is a $1 (per ticket) charge for online ticket purchases. If one were to purchase a box seat ($9), sandwich ($4), bottled soda ($3), program ($3), and parking ($3), that results in a reasonable $22 cash outlay. There are also several tiering options to lessen the cost. The club also offers several season ticket options. Box seats are $250 for 28 games ($224 with a VIP discount), with a half-season option available for $126 ($119 as a VIP member). General admission season tickets are as low as $150 for an entire season, with a 15-game general admission ticket package for $75. Extras 5 The team operates a merchandise stand next to the concession area. This is not a store, per se, but the gear is prominently displayed and decently priced. Many of the options — especially the hats — are popular with fans. A guest relations booth can be found between the entry gates and the concession area. The team conducts silent auctions, giveaway signups, and other business at the booth, and offers most services in which fans would be interested. Blowfish game day staff are easy to spot. The ushers and club staff wear Blowfish jerseys and name tags, so if you have any questions, just look for those Blowfish jerseys and ask away. The staff is friendly and eager to help. Though the Coastal Plain League offers online streaming of all of their games, the Blowfish take things a step further. The team’s games can be heard on Z93.1 FM in the Lexington area. The club also hosts a weekly talk show on the same station. We live in a mobile world, and one’s cell phone is rarely further than a few feet away. The Blowfish have their fans covered there, as well. The team offers a mobile app for Android and iPhone users. The team publishes its roster, schedule, updates, and other news via the app. This is a nice incentive for fans to stay connected with the team. There are two final extras — one easy to notice, with the other not so easy. There is a lineup board on display just inside the main entry gate, and I saw several fans jotting down the starters with the intent of keeping score. It is always a nice touch to see fans keeping score. We also mentioned above the parks from which Lexington County Baseball Stadium draws its influences, and these are on display on the dimension signs in left, center, and right (see the photo gallery for an example). Final Thoughts A night at a Blowfish game is always a fun experience. Nice people, great baseball, and a comfortable South Carolina feel are always featured at every contest. The club aims to treat fans as welcome guests in their home and succeeds in that endeavor. Their new home is a great start but still has room to grow. If you do some homework before you go — and the team can capitalize on the available opportunities with the ballpark — this will be a great night out in the South Carolina Midlands.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Winthrop Ballpark 900 Eden Terrace Rock Hill, SC 29730 Winthrop Eagles website Winthrop Ballpark website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,800 Winthrop Ballpark – Winthrop Eagles Just south of Charlotte and not far across the North Carolina-South Carolina state line is the town of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the Winthrop University Eagles. One of the original members of the Big South Conference, Winthrop made a name for itself in the early 2000s as one of the top basketball programs in the conference. At about the same time the Eagles were also the class of the diamond in the Big South, winning 3 conference championships (2001, 2003, 2005) and advancing to 3 NCAA Regionals (2001, 2005, 2006). Food & Beverage 2 There is a light menu of food options here at reasonable rates – hot dogs and nachos are the featured items and top out at $5. Other ballpark classics such as soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are also available. Beverages include sports drinks and Coke products, along with domestic beers and seltzers. Local craft brewery Legion Brewing also has its IPA available. Atmosphere 2 Winthrop Ballpark is tucked away toward the front of the Winthrop athletics complex. As fans approach the stadium they are greeted by the back side of a towering brick and concrete grandstand, guarded by a black iron fence, which is adorned with the Winthrop Eagle logo atop the entry ways. Upon passing through the gates and climbing the stairs into the seating bowl, the gigantic batter’s eye in baseball jumps out immediately. Standing 77-feet-tall, the batter’s eye that doubles as a sunshade is believed to be the largest in all of baseball. Once the enormity of the batter’s eye is processed, the lack of shade is the next thing that stands out. The grandstand has a short canopy, so this pushes most of the fans to the upper reaches of the seating area in search of shade. This creates a feeling that the fans are removed from the game. The symmetrical, natural grass field plays a bit short at 325’ down each line and 390’ to straightaway center. From afar the brick-lined grandstand looks beautiful, but upon closer inspection the impressive structure could use a bit of sprucing up for its fading paint and section numbers. There are some between inning activities, such as in-game Bingo or the “Let’s Make a Deal” game of “the first person to bring a paperclip to the press box”. The games are at least an attempt to engage fans, but there does not seem to be much fan interest in them. Neighborhood 4 Most of Winthrop’s athletic facilities are located just over a mile from campus, separated by a well-maintained, residential neighborhood. The Winthrop athletics complex has plenty of activities for fans stopping by for more than just baseball – the university runs a 9-hole golf course that can be played all day for $10. There are also 2-disc golf courses which are ranked as some of the best in South Carolina, and best of all they are free to play. Not far from Winthrop’s sports complex is Old Town Rock Hill, home to shops, restaurants, and Rock Hill Brewing Company. Fans 2 Winthrop baseball games tend to be lightly attended – fans appear to be mostly family members and friends of players with a light turnout of student supporters, along with a few Rock Hill residents who have a passion for baseball. Most games here draw between two to three hundred fans each. Throughout the game there does not seem to be an all-out enthusiasm, other than parents cheering on their child or getting on the umpire for his opinion of balls and strikes. Access 3 Winthrop Ballpark is just over three miles from Interstate-77, which runs locally between Columbia, South Carolina, and nearby Charlotte. Parking is plentiful and free at any of the lots in the area. Signs direct baseball fans to park at the lot adjacent to the basketball arena. Those not familiar with the area will want to look for the woodchip path that leads to the stadium, as there is not much to direct fans to the walkway, and the intuition for first-time visitors would be to walk down the long road to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, the visitors side of the entry plaza is closed off and the home side of the entry level is blocked by the Winthrop clubhouse, so fans must use one of two steep staircases to reach the field concourse. There are also ramps from the concourse to field level where some fans stand to watch the game, while children play in the grassy area and chase foul balls. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are broken into two tiers, with $10 reserved seating and $5 general admission; Winthrop Ballpark is a small enough stadium that there is not enough of a difference between them to justify paying the extra amount, unless you just want to be close to the action. Given the size of the crowd, there does not seem to be much of a reason to have the two different price points (one price should be suitable). However, free parking and affordable concessions help balance the slightly elevated ticket price for the front rows of seating. Extras 3 The entry plaza has an apparel shop where fans can to pick up Winthrop hats, t-shirts, and other Eagles souvenirs. Chicago baseball fans will probably recognize the stadium announcer’s odes to Windy City baseball announcing icons – the 7th Inning Stretch’s “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is very reminiscent to that of Harry Caray’s. Also, home runs are celebrated with an impression of Hawk Harrelson’s, “Put it on the board...YES!”. Winthrop does an excellent job of reminding fans of the pride players have representing their university, as the team lines up along the first baseline to sing Winthrop’s alma mater following the game. Final Thoughts At the time Winthrop Ballpark was built, the Eagles were entering one of the program’s most successful stretches. Winthrop was one of the better teams in the Big South Conference, with typical crowds of five to six hundred and occasionally even eclipsing 1,000. A stadium the size of Winthrop Ballpark made sense, but several consecutive years of a sub-.500 winning percentage appears to have taken its toll on the game experience. The game itself is just fine for baseball junkies; Winthrop’s players play with a lot of grit and passion that adds to the enjoyment of the game. Overall though, the game does not have enough to capture the attention of the average fan and draw them out to the ballpark.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McNair Field 214 McNair Dr. Forest City, NC 28043 Forest City Owls website McNair Field website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Give a Hoot The Forest City Owls began their existence in 2003 as the Spartanburg Stingers. After five seasons in South Carolina, the team moved north to the small town of Forest City, where a brand-new ballpark, McNair Field, was being built. The ballpark is named in honor of Forest City native Robert McNair. McNair is best known as the former owner of the Houston Texans. Through the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the McNairs have donated millions of dollars in scholarships to local students. A donation from the McNair Foundation helped to fund the construction of this ballpark. The Owls have won two Petit Cups as Coastal Plain League Champions. Four Owl alumni have reached the major leagues (Josh Edgin, Heath Hembree, Vince Belnome, Spencer Patton). With several players selected each year in the draft, that number should increase soon. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand on the first base side of the ballpark which offers a good selection of food for a ballpark of this size. Your typical ballpark fare can be found here (hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, pizza slices and cheesesteaks) along with french fries and corn dogs. Chili, cheese and cole slaw are available to add to any item as you see fit. Fans looking to save a few dollars can combine a burger or dog with fries and a soda to make a combo meal or you can buy 2, 3 or 4 of each in a family package. Bojangles chicken and biscuits also operate a small stand when large crowds are in attendance. Pepsi products are featured at McNair Field. In addition, several brands of beer are sold here, including Miller Lite, Coors Light, Yeungling, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Natural Light and Busch. If your taste runs toward the craft brews, a few brands from Highland Brewing are sold here, too. It’s an impressive selection from such a small concession stand. Atmosphere 3 When attending a game in Forest City, you can expect a small-town, laid-back atmosphere. The staff are friendly and helpful, and eager to engage in conversation about the team or McNair Field, as are the locals. This community is certainly proud of its ball club. The interns are highly visible all over the ballpark and work hard to make this a fun experience for visiting fans. There is a large video board in right-center field, which unfortunately did not work during Stadium Journey’s visit. All your standard summer college game day staples can be found here, from the 50/50 raffle to the occasional between-inning contest. There are a pair of owl mascots roaming the ballpark, Hoot and Annie. Some of the interns may try a bit too hard (i.e. the crowd hype guy who often screamed at the top of his lungs over the PA system), but it’s a fun place to watch a game. Neighborhood 3 As you may expect, the small town of Forest City is not known as a destination location. Main Street is a short drive from the ballpark, and it certainly has that Hallmark Channel-movie vibe to it. The downtown looks like a great place for walking around and window shopping. At Christmastime Forest City is known for their light display, with a million twinkling lights decorating the downtown area. Of course, you can’t check it out during baseball season, but it may be worth another visit during the winter months. If you’re looking for a place to eat while in Forest City, you’ll find a few spots in the downtown area a short distance from McNair Field. The Copper Penny Grill, Twisted Pear Taproom and Louis Café come highly recommended. You’ll find some chain restaurants out close to Route 74. There are also several lodging options along the Route 74 Business Loop. Fans 2 Forest City generally ranks near the bottom of the Coastal Plain League in attendance. According to league stats, attendance at Owls games has been in a free fall over the past few seasons, from an average of about 500 in 2018 to just over 100 in 2021. Stadium Journey attended McNair Stadium on a rainy Monday night and attendance appeared to be about 150 fans, so take these figures for what they’re worth. Fans at McNair Field are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Owls. Many appear to have a personal connection with the team. In addition, they are friendly to visitors and are willing to strike up a conversation with strangers without a second thought. This is certainly small-town baseball at its best. Access 3 McNair Field is located a short distance from downtown Forest City just off of East Main Street. Forest City is a small town of about 7,500 residents located about an hour west of Charlotte and about an hour southeast of Asheville. Accessible by Route 74, driving is the primary method for arriving at McNair Field. Seating at McNair Stadium is available in many forms, from individual stadium seats to metal bleachers with backs. Fans looking to sit outside of the grandstand can take advantage of high-top tables with stools, a party deck or tables scattered around the patio on both sides of the field. With the small crowds at McNair Field, moving around the facility is not an issue. Parking is available at no charge in the large lot across the street from the ballpark. The wide concourse is easy to navigate, and lines at the concession stand, merchandise stand, and rest rooms are nonexistent. One complaint is that the rest rooms, which are large and clean, are located around the back of the concession buildings and could use some better lighting. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to an Owls game are very affordable, ranging in price from $6.53 for general admission seats to $9.63 for box seats (the odd prices are due to the inclusion of taxes). With the small grandstand, all seats offer excellent views of the action. The Owls also hold promotional nights. Some games are “$1.50 Nights,” where all tickets and several concession items (including beer) are sold at the aforementioned $1.50 price point. You can purchase seats on the first base party deck, otherwise known as “The Perch,” for five dollars. In addition to wait service throughout the game, a ticket on The Perch gets you one-dollar hot dogs, popcorn, soda, water and beer throughout the game. Parking is free in the lot across the street from the ballpark. Concessions, which are affordably priced to begin with, can be purchased in combo meals or family packs to further increase their value. Extras 3 The merchandise stand, with a great selection of affordably priced Owls gear, merits an extra point. Championship banners and retired number banners line the façade of the concessions building. Coastal Plain League standings are posted on the side of the merchandise building. A final extra point is awarded for the friendly and welcoming staff and fans here in Forest City. As mentioned before, they are why we travel the country looking for hidden gems like McNair Field. There’s a feel to an Owls game that just can’t be replicated in the big cities. And, I have never seen a grounds crew work so hard to make sure a game was played on a rainy night as I witnessed here in Forest City. Final Thoughts Forest City isn’t a place you’re going to stumble across accidentally. If you do find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and take in an Owls game. This hidden gem of a ballpark is well worth the trip off the beaten path. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ting Stadium 1151 N Main Street Holly Springs, NC 27540 Holly Springs Salamanders website Ting Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 1,800 Salamanders Find A Perfect Home in The Springs With teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, the Coastal Plain League is one of the most well-known summer collegiate baseball leagues. One team in the CPL is the Holly Springs Salamanders, located in Holly Springs, North Carolina, in between Raleigh and Durham. The Salamanders joined the league in 2015 and play their home games in Ting Stadium, an 1,800-seat ballpark. Unlike many venues in this league which are former minor league venues, Ting Stadium was built specifically for the Salamanders when they arrived in 2015. Ting Stadium is located in the similarly named Ting Park, which also includes tennis courts and soccer fields, among other amenities. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand at Ting Stadium as well as several smaller stands. Meal options at the main stand include chicken tenders ($6), cheeseburgers ($6.50), bratwurst ($5.50), hot dogs ($3.50), and nachos ($6). Fries, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, cracker jacks, and chips are also available for a few dollars, and water, soft drinks, and Gatorade range in price from $3.50 to $5.50. There are also several other stands throughout the concourse, including one selling beer for between $6 and $13 depending on what you get, and another which sells freshly made smoothies. The lines at the main stand can get quite long during the game, so we recommend getting your food early on to avoid a lengthy wait. Fans who purchase the all-you-can-eat option (more on that later) can get their food at a separate table by showing their wristbands. Overall, the concession stands at Ting Stadium is somewhat average, although there are some additional options for fans looking for something unique. Note that at the time of our visit, concession stands were only accepting credit cards. Cash was not accepted. It is unclear if this will be a permanent change or just for the 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but come prepared just in case. Atmosphere 5 Ting Stadium is a beautiful, small, intimate stadium. With 1,800 chairback seats, there is not a bad seat in the house. The seats located behind home plate are under cover, with seats further down the line that are not. Keep that in mind if you visit on a hot summer night. There is an open concourse above the seating bowl where fans come in and a large scoreboard is located in left-center field. The scoreboard is pretty impressive for this level, showing player stats and information as well as information on between innings contests. The Salamanders have a mascot named Sal, who rather unsurprisingly is a salamander. Sal can be found on the field and in the stands throughout the game, interacting with fans. Sometimes he will bring his mascot friends from other teams and businesses in the area to the game but on many nights, it’s just Sal. Sal the Salamander, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The team also keeps fans engaged between innings with on-field contests, t-shirt tosses, and so on. This tends to keep the fans involved throughout the game. Between the action on the field and everything else going on, the Salamanders really put on a good show at a very nice stadium. Neighborhood 3 Ting Stadium is located within a local park, so fans with small kids may want to take advantage of the playground or other amenities there. Beyond that, across Route 58 are several businesses, including Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, a popular regional chain, and Mi Cancun, a popular Mexican restaurant. While Holly Springs doesn’t have the excitement of the nearby cities of Raleigh and Durham, you’re hardly in the middle of nowhere here either. My Way Tavern is also a short drive down Main Street (Route 55), as is the Bombshell Beer Company, a local brewery. Fans need not head into Raleigh or Durham to find things to do, although they will likely find more options there should they choose to make the short trip. Fans 5 Salamanders fans pack Ting Stadium night in and night out to cheer on their team. Although the Salamanders are still a relatively new franchise, they have built up a large and passionate fan base. Most of the fans in attendance stayed until the end of the game even as the score turned into a blowout, continuing to support their team to the very end. Given the vicinity of many of the teams in the CPL, you will often find some fans of the visiting team as well. These fans should not encounter any problems with the home fans but should expect to be in the small minority given how many Holly Springs fans turn up. The fans include people of all ages. While there are no real “long-time” fans due to the team being only six years old, it feels like many of these fans have been around the team a while. If they can build this kind of fan base in only a few years, it will be all the more impressive once they have been around for longer. Access 3 Ting Stadium is located a short drive from several major roads. U.S. Route 64, U.S. Route 1, and North Carolina Route 540 (Triangle Expressway, a toll road) all provide easy access to the ballpark. Once you arrive, parking is free in a large lot by the stadium. However, once you park, it is not entirely clear how to get into the stadium. Fans will need to walk alongside the stadium down the left field line in between the ballpark and the soccer fields to get to the stadium, but there are no signs indicating this is the way to the entrance. Fans just have to either know how to get there or figure it out on their own. Once in the stadium, it is easy enough to get around. The concourse is wide and the restrooms are large. The restrooms are located in an indoor alcove where fans can wait for their spouses/kids/friends while they use the restroom if necessary. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $9 in uncovered sections or $10 in covered sections if you want to sit in the shade. Given how hot it can get here during the summer, we recommend spending the extra dollar to sit under cover. For just $10 extra, fans can add on an all-you-can-eat option, which gets them unlimited burgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and more through the middle of the eighth inning. This can further increase the value depending on how much you plan on eating at the game. If you get a burger, a soda, and a bottle of water, the all-you-can-eat will have paid for itself. Standalone tickets are a great value as well if you don’t plan on eating much. For an environment that can rival many minor league parks, in a small, intimate stadium, a trip to a Salamanders game is a great value, whether for the seasoned baseball traveler, a couple, a group of friends, or a whole family. Extras 3 There is a team store on the concourse which sells Salamanders gear. A second star for the many unique vantage points throughout the stadium including a walkway in right field and a picnic area down the line as well. A third and final star for all the friendly and helpful staff here. Final Thoughts Experiences at collegiate summer games vary wildly depending on what league it is, and even within leagues. That being said, Ting Stadium is one of the nicest stadiums in one of the top collegiate summer leagues in the country. While this part of North Carolina has so many baseball options to offer, a Salamanders game is still well worth checking out. The experience here can rival or exceed that of many minor league parks in the area, at very affordable prices. Fans visiting the area should be sure to make time to check out a Salamanders game while they are here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Damaschke Field 15 James Georgeson Ave Oneonta, NY 13820 Oneonta Outlaws website Damaschke Field website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 3,700 Plenty of Baseball at Damaschke Field They have been playing baseball on the Damaschke Field site since 1905 when it was known as Elm Park. A few famous people such as Babe Ruth and Roger Hornsby played baseball on the diamond during the early part of the 20th century. In 1938, the current grandstand was erected–some accounts list it as 1939 or 1940–and renamed Neahwa Field. Semi-pro and professional ball were played at the stadium along with a few exhibition games from time to time. In 1968, the facility was renamed Damaschke Field in honor of the local sports, coach, referee, and city Recreation Commissioner for more than 30 years. “Dutch” even threw out the first pitch of the season At the time the stadium was home to the Oneonta Yankees who would play an amazing 31 seasons in town until 1998. The field witnessed future hall of fame action as John Elway batted .318 during 42 games for the Yanks in 1982 as he contemplated a career in baseball after refusing to sign with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Tigers established a farm team that would operate until 2009, one of the many upstate New York towns to lose minor league baseball during this time. When the O-Tigers left for Dodd Field in Norwich, Connecticut, a collegiate ball club was quickly established for the following season. The New York Collegiate Baseball League expansion Oneonta Outlaws debuted in 2010 and captured two championship titles in 2011 and 2013. The Outlaws would jump to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League in 2016 and continue to make the 3,700-seat stadium an intimate baseball experience during the summer months. Food & Beverage 4 The first thing that one notices is the large grill that is cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken spiedies (a favorite regional dish that as one person told would not be summer without them). They are favorably priced and offer a few selections that are not always available at your other ballparks. Veggie burgers, popcorn chicken, and sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions are all a bargain in the $3.50-$5 range, so is that chicken spiedie on a sub roll at $5.50? The ballpark staple hot dog is a great price at $2.50 and one can enjoy nachos and peanuts for $3.50 each. Beer is served at a concession stand near the front entrance and features six different taps. Ithaca Brewing Company is the lone local craft beer on draft, but the options of Shipyard IPA, Heineken, Dundee, Bud Light, and Shocktop Wheat offer more than enough choices for $5 a serving. Another bonus is that a poker chip is given for each drink to lure fans to free tastings at the nearby Rail Benders in downtown Oneonta. Atmosphere 3 If this is what the NYPL was like at one time, then much has changed in the league. The ballpark is small but features a very elegant and simple arch-gated entrance. The stadium consists of a tiny covered grandstand and two sets of elongated bleachers down each baseline. There is also old-fashion box seating that makes up the reserved seating and provides a place to stretch out during the game. This place could do wonders for those who are stressed out in life as everyday worries take a back seat to the baseball game. The staff is rather friendly. Greeters meet you at the gated entrance and welcome you. The folks selling concessions wave hello and you are not too far from assistance with seating or your tickets. One can even say that you are right home at Damaschke Field. Where else are you going to learn about the park’s history or the best place to eat in town? The ballpark features a simple electronic scoreboard and gorgeous views of tree-covered hills in the background. On a perfect day, the skies could be magical to look at. I would suggest grabbing a reserved seat for $5, kicking back against one of the box seat railings, and enjoying the ballgame. If you are lucky, you may even catch a foul ball. It would be nice to see a little more history of Oneonta baseball somewhere inside the stadium. There have been a few great ball players that have gotten their jerseys dirty sliding into home. Don Mattingly, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, and two-time Super Bowl champion John Elway were all Oneonta stars at one time. The Outlaws themselves have won two championships since arriving in 2010. This creates a great presence, photo opportunities, bragging rights, and conversation starters. Neighborhood 3 Downtown is full of great places to eat and drink. The small picturesque downtown is worth a visit and the hardest thing to do is find the best place to eat as there are too many of them from which to choose. I would suggest eating at one of these fine establishments first and then having a drink after the game at Rail Benders on Main Street. Brooks House of Barbecue was mentioned by more than one person during my travels in the area. I normally stay away from barbecue joints in this part of the country, but this place challenges any misconceptions. The Depot is known for its burgers, pizza, and wings (they even bottle their wing sauce and have a website devoted to their garbage wings). The Farmhouse Restaurant is another popular choice for fine dining and a great atmosphere. Last, but not least, is Rail Benders (who also serves beer at the game). They have been voted one of the best bars in the area. They have 16 beers on tap and some good pub food. Fans 3 I am not sure what to say at times about the fans at the game, especially in a small little town like Oneonta. I have the feeling that they are mostly out to enjoy the summer months at a place that has been a part of their lives for a very long time. They have a stadium that may have changed in terms of the league of the team, but not in terms of anything else. With that in mind, they are no different from the countless other fans who attend ballgames across North America. The ballpark is the venue for the community to get together. Ask any of the longtime fans, and you are bound to hear a good story. Access 4 Directions to Damaschke Field are visible once you exit the interstate and signage guides you through downtown right to the stadium. If you are arriving from the eastern portion of I-88, the ballpark is found within minutes. When arriving from the west, you are taken through downtown Oneonta, which then gives you a great glimpse of the village. There is plenty of parking on a paved lot at the ballpark and it is free. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are a bargain at $5 for adult general admission and $8 for reserved seating. Seniors, military, and students get in for only $3. The parking is free, concessions have reasonable prices, and merchandise is plentiful and eye-catching at the concession booth. Extras 2 Oneonta is only 30 minutes away from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and makes for a great stopover for your journeys in the area. It is great to see that Damaschke Field is still able to host baseball and its size and location are ideal for collegiate summer wood bat baseball. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours during the summer months. ------ 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: 3.00 Russell Diethrick Park 485 Falconer St Jamestown, NY 14701 Jamestown Tarp Skunk website Russell Diethrick Park website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 3,000 Baseball Goes Dark in Jamestown On November 1, 2018, the Jamestown Jammers announced that they were ceasing operations at that their assets would be donated to a local nonprofit organization. It marked the end of the summer collegiate version of the Jammers who began operations in 2015 when the “original” Single-A Jammers relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia after the 2014 season. There is optimism that local ownership will resurrect a ballclub for the 2020 season at Russell Diethrick Park. When what is now the New York-Penn League debuted in 1939, the city of Jamestown was one of its original members. Two years later when what was known as Jamestown Municipal Park opened, minor league baseball would have a home for the next 73 years except for six seasons. However, by 2014 the ballpark was the second oldest park in the league and rumors of the team relocating elsewhere had been rampant the previous several seasons. The facility was becoming an old hat for professional baseball but fit comfortably in the world of summer collegiate baseball. The stadium went through major renovations in 1984 and one of the men who was instrumental in the work was “Mr. Baseball” Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. In 1997 the ballpark would be renamed in his honor. Most recently, a brand new scoreboard and sound system were installed in 2006, and the press box was renovated before the 2010 season. The first season the new Jammers played in the Prospect League–with a majority of its teams situated in the Midwest–before switching to the upstate New York-based Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The college players were a new concept for many in town and crowds that had been around 1,200 fell sharply to 400 fans per game. In 2018, the team would capture its first championship title in the new league and sported a home record of 22-1 during the regular season. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the local Babe Ruth League, all games had to be played at their opponent’s home in Amsterdam, New York. Note: In 2020, the team name changed from the Jammers to the Tarp Skunk. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium features the main concession stand on the main concourse level behind the backstop offering a selection of food typically found at a baseball stadium. Here, fans can enjoy the quintessential hot dog, peanuts, nachos, and cold soda pop during the game. The prices are reasonably priced and perfect for this level of baseball. There are also a few interesting items that include eggplant parmesan sandwiches, Buffalo wing fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the ability to purchase a whole pizza. Then there are names for food items called the swashbuckler and Jolly Rodger. Coca-Cola and Budweiser products are sold at the stadium, along with Slush Puppies and Dippin Dots. Hop Sun, a summer wheat beer from nearby Southern Tier Brewing, is an enjoyable beer on a hot summer afternoon or night. Atmosphere 3 Tailor-made for a baseball game, Diethrick Park offers a large covered grandstand plus two bleacher sections down both the first and third base line. The best spot is underneath the roof for the perfect view of not only the field but the surroundings inside and outside of the venue. There is a series of large light towers that add to the nostalgia in the foul territories that have been in place for quite some time, lush forestry and rolling hills dot the outside of the stadium walls, and large billboard ads make up the outfield walls of the ballpark. The environment is quiet at times and many in the audience are there to view the game. There are casual promotions and in-between innings contests that are common in both the minor and collegiate wood bat leagues during the summer. One may witness a few kids running around the concourse, friends, and families cheering on a player on the field, or the die-hards who have been coming out to the stadium for years keeping score at their seats. The environment is casual and laid back, much like the Southern Tier region where Single-A baseball was the norm just a few short years ago. The college kids provide a rich tapestry of baseball and it is not much different to the discerning eye that the throw from third to first is not handled by professionals. When one has the chance to enjoy baseball from a stadium such as Diethrick, time stops just a bit to notice every aspect of the game. Neighborhood 3 Jamestown has a population of 31,000 people and is known for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. The museum houses artifacts, memorabilia, and a replica of the I Love Lucy set and props. The town celebrates its favorite daughter every August with a festival on the streets of the town. If you are looking for more laughs, the National Comedy Center should be the perfect spot for a few hours of laughter. Other spots in town include the Fenton History Center, Audubon Community Nature Center, and Enchanted Mountain Spirits Distillery. A few miles outside of town is Southern Tier Brewing Company which is housed in a giant outdoor cabin. There are a few great local restaurants within a few miles of the ballpark that are worth checking out for cheap eats or interesting menu options including Coach’s Tavern Inn which is home to bacon marmalade chicken wings, banana pepper sandwiches, beef and wecks, and their version of Rochester’s hot plate (baked beans and potato salad topped with two hot dogs and covered with meat sauce) and AJ’s Texas Hots, a hot dog joint with good, cheap food. A more upscale dining option would include Shawbucks, upside-down meatloaf and steak options, and Havana Cuban Cafe, ropa vieja, and lechon (slow-cooked pork) plates. If you are in town on a Saturday afternoon, drive down Falconer St, the main road in town, and look for the various barbecue pits and grills that line the streets. One of them is All-American BBQ & Catering, pull your car over and ask for a slab of ribs or a quarter chicken. The area has its version of regional barbecue that is not about the thick barbecue sauce, but all about the fire and technique. Fans 2 The fans have taken their time to warm up to the college kids that make up the Jammers the past four seasons. However, the ones who support the club do their best to make the kids feel at home at the old ballpark. There is a lineage of baseball history in town and perhaps a league championship will reshape opinions in the future. Access 4 The stadium is large enough to move around freely without any hassle. The crowds, even at their largest, never make the facility cumbersome to move around. The majority of concessions are located behind the grandstand backstop and finding bathrooms inside the venue is quite convenient. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $5 and $7 for all home games and parking is free on an adjacent grass lot. The concession prices are very reasonable and most items are under $5. There is a souvenir stand with a nice collection of team merchandise. Extras 3 The team was able to keep the nickname when it switched to the collegiate level and improved the logo dramatically. The colors neon green and navy look good on the uniforms as well as team merchandise at the stadium. Diethrick Park is an old-school ballpark and many of the stadiums in the PGCBL were once home to either NYPL or Eastern League franchises. These stadiums are a bit sleepier than the likes in Brooklyn, West Virginia, or State College, but they are a reminder of baseball from another era. A final point for the tasty barbecue that is available on the main drag in town between Jamestown and Falconer. Cars pull over to a spot, order up some grilled chicken and ribs, and take it home to devour. If you are in town on a Sunday afternoon, follow the smoke and enjoy a regional style of barbecue. Final Thoughts Hopefully, baseball will return to Russell Diethrick Park for the 2020 season. All it would take is local ownership and old-fashion marketing to get the crowds to return during the summer months. The ballpark is a friendly reminder of what baseball is supposed to be and how it can still be in the Southern Tier; there was a reason why a slew of minor league ballclubs operated here some time ago and why many of them are now summer collegiate ballclubs. Russel Diethrick Park is too good of a place to be without baseball for too long. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Falcon Park 130 N Division St Auburn, NY 13021 Auburn Doubledays website Falcon Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 2,800 Memories for Generations Leo Pinckney Field at Falcon Park is the home of the Auburn Doubledays, but the stadium is usually referred to simply as Falcon Park. The Doubledays compete in the short-season single A New York-Penn League. They are an affiliate of the Washington Nationals, with a roster of recently drafted/signed players of the Nationals. Falcon Park was constructed in 1927, with a reconstructed second version completed in 1995. The park is named after an old social group, the Polish Falcons, that fraternal organization owned the ballpark until 1959, the year a local minor league group bought the venue. The current owner is Auburn Community Baseball, a nonprofit group authorized by the city, which bought the ballpark in 1980. The field itself was named in honor of Leo Pinckney in 2004 – Leo Pinckney was an Auburn citizen sports writer, known as Auburn’s “King of Baseball.” He was a crucial figure in bringing the New York-Penn League to Auburn, but his involvement continued into 1984, when Pinckney was named the New York-Penn League’s president, and the league eventually named the division in which Auburn competes after him. In 1993 Pinckney also helped lead the effort to build the current Falcon Park. Although the main tenant is the Auburn Doubledays. Falcon Park has been a centerpiece for the community. The venue has held concerts, been used as a racing speedway for children, and is home to the Auburn Maroons High School baseball program. Food & Beverage 3 Falcon Park has the standard fare of baseball food without the inflated prices. The main concessions stands are on the outer promenade, behind home plate, and on the first base line. There are also smaller stands located on the third baseline under the stands, and near the stadium’s souvenir stand. The concessions menu offers selections from local meat companies such as Hofmann Italian Sausage and hot dogs, along with Indelicato’s hamburgers; the costs for these range from $3.50 to $5. Chicken tenders, French fries, soft pretzels, and nachos are also offered, with the costliest of these being $5 – this is remarkably low compared to other ballparks. The highest-cost food item at the main concessions stands is $6, namely the Veggie burger or wrap. There is some thought given to healthier snack foods under the first base grandstand, at Little Abner’s Snack Shack – the Snack Shack offers pretzels w/hummus ($5), yogurt, popcorn, water, and Gatorade. The ballpark also offers a BBQ menu, which is separate from the main concessions. The BBQ stand is situated on the first base side of Falcon Park, where the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls keeps the ballpark serving local fare. The menu includes pulled pork pockets (with pineapple and coleslaw), brisket sandwiches, and loaded pork nachos; as BBQ is higher in cost than other items, $8 to $10 isn’t an unreasonable price. However, tasting Central New York’s salt potatoes is a must – salt potatoes are a regional dish and a staple for cookouts. At $3 for the small size or $5 for the large size, you can taste the cuisine of salt potatoes – this delicacy has been a favorite since the early 1900s and traces back even farther to the Irish Salt Miners in Syracuse. The beverage service at Falcon Park is impressive for a minor league stadium. The newly expanded first base deck (3700 sq. ft.) focuses on craft breweries. In addition, Bell’s, Brooklyn Brewery, Dogfish Head, Lagunitas Brewing, and Ommegang are available at the Craft Beer Corner. Wine Slushies made with wine from nearby Montezuma Winery are available as well for non-beer drinkers, and the ballpark also serves Pepsi products. Soda, bottled water, 16oz Slush Puppies, lemonade, Gatorade, iced tea, and coffee are all $2 to $3, which is a great price relief compared to other ballparks. Overall, the food and beverages at Falcon Park are plentiful enough to satisfy any fan's appetite. Atmosphere 3 The Doubledays game day atmosphere begins an hour before game time when the gates open. Live music is played on the patio deck in right field, and the home team Auburn Doubledays uses the third base dugouts and warms up along the Holiday Inn Party Pavilion in left field. The Doubledays staff is friendly and helpful, especially the elder staff, as they enjoy being a part of the game day atmosphere at Falcon Park. There are opportunities for player autographs at the entrance to the ballpark, behind where programs are sold. The programs include a scorecard so fans can follow the tradition of keeping score (although there is a scoreboard located in center field). The outfield wall is covered with business advertisements from companies around the Finger Lakes region. Abner, the team’s mascot, walks around the ballpark welcoming fans, signing autographs, and posing for pictures. Abner is perhaps one of the most unique in all of baseball: an old-timey mustachioed representation of Abner Doubleday, credited inventor of the all-American sport. Abner and the staff keep you involved with family games and challenges between innings, and have other entertainment consisting of minor league standards such as races, contests, and quizzes; there is also a Kids Zone behind the first base grandstand near the restrooms. Neighborhood 3 Leo Pickney Field at Falcon Park is in Auburn, New York. The ballpark is situated a couple of miles from downtown, next to the city’s Casey Park and Recreation Center. The City of Auburn, with its population of 27,000 people, is located at the north end of Owasco Lake in New York State’s Finger Lakes region. The City of Auburn has been an important place in American history, and that history can be relived in the homes of William Seward and Harriet Tubman. William Seward, a former United States Secretary of State, was instrumental in the negotiation of the Alaska purchase in 1867. Harriet Tubman, meanwhile, was born into slavery, yet became one of America’s most famous abolitionists and political activists, contributing to rescuing 70 enslaved persons through the Underground Railroad – she is laid to rest in Auburn’s Fort Hill Cemetery. Besides the history here, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is 15 miles west of Auburn. The wildlife refuge is situated on the north side of another Finger Lake, Cayuga Lake, and the land on the west side of Cayuga Lake and around Seneca Lake is home to the Finger Lakes wineries – there are plenty of winery tours available to the public. And if wineries aren’t your forte, then a quick 10-minute drive east will take you to the beautiful village of Skaneateles, on the north end of Skaneateles Lake. Skaneateles Lake is the highest in altitude in the US, ahe cleanest of the Finger Lakes, and the second cleanest lake in the country behind Crater Lake in Oregon. The Auburn restaurant scene begins at the Sunset Restaurant on North Division Street – this restaurant has been a staple of Auburn since 1933. Another historic restaurant is Hunter’s Dinerant, which is on Genesee Street overlooking the Owasco River, which runs through the center of town. There are also a couple of local breweries that serve food; the first is Prison City Pub and Brewery, whose name references Auburn’s nearby correctional facility, while the other is The Good Shepherd’s Brewing Company. All these are very good choices, however, my recommendation would be to take a short drive east to Skaneateles and find a table at Doug’s Fish Fry. Fans 3 The New York-Penn League’s attendance statistics don’t seem to favor the Auburn fan base – the team only averages about 1,200 fans per game, filling only half of Falcon Park’s seating capacity; the only team lower in attendance is the Batavia Muckdogs. However, because the New York-Penn League has expanded over the years beyond its namesake two states into Connecticut, West Virginia, and Ohio, the Muckdogs are the only nearby team. Therefore, when the Auburn Doubledays play the Muckdogs, Batavia’s visiting fans seem to invade Falcon Park. Falcon Park’s stands are filled with families and local boosters that stay involved and enjoy the tradition of spending time at the ballpark – fans stay involved with the game and support the team on the field. The fact that the City of Auburn has been able to keep a minor league baseball team playing in Falcon Park since 1958 (except during 1981) shows that Auburn loves its baseball team; so much so that the Auburn Doubledays and the Washington Nationals recently announced a 2-year extension of their player development contract, to run through the 2020 season. Access 3 Auburn is in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Central New York. The closest airport to Falcon Park is about 35 miles away at Syracuse’s Hancock International Field, but other smaller airports can be utilized in Ithaca, Binghamton, and Rochester. These airports are all about an hour from Auburn, with the larger airport in Buffalo being a two-hour drive across Western New York. The drive to Falcon Park from Syracuse’s airport is an easy drive down the New York Thruway (I-90) to the Weedsport Exit via State Road 34. Auburn’s Falcon Park can also be accessed using State Route 5 or US Route 20 – US Route 20 is the longest surface road in New York. Parking for Auburn Doubledays games is free on North Division Street via a large parking lot across from Falcon Park. Auburn also has public transportation – the CENRTO Auburn Buses Route 4 Casey Park stop ($1) serves the park, and the CENRTO can be reached using Amtrak, Greyhound, and Trailways. Falcon Park is split into two seating areas with a walkway that separates the two; the main stands are covered and host the press box behind home plate, while the general admission bleacher seats extend out to the picnic areas on each side of the ballpark. There are two open entrances, one on each baseline, that allow entrance to the stands – the grandstands have blue plastic seating on the lower level and metal bleachers on the upper level. Return on Investment 5 Auburn Doubledays single-game tickets cost less than a movie ticket. There are three levels of pricing inside Falcon Park; the box seats cost $10, and these seats bring you closest to the field, while center reserved is $8, which is the upper seating behind home plate. The third level is the bleachers for $6, which are general admission tickets. However, the Doubledays offer daily ticket specials that will lower the cost – the promotion schedule is constant throughout the year, and includes family four packs for $44 on Fridays and Saturdays; these four packs include four general admission tickets, four popcorns, four hot dogs, and four sodas. In addition, Sunday games support the community with free tickets for teachers, while Monday games are Auburn’s Salute to Service, with free general admission tickets for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Tuesdays are Two for One Tuesdays, and Wednesday games can be free as well if Auburn produces wins on the field. Lastly, group outings to the party tents for 10 or more people are $9 per person with all-you-can-eat food. The amazing return on investment isn’t just ticket prices at Falcon Park – the affordable food and beverage prices also really help reduce a family’s expense on entertainment. Extras 5 Auburn’s New York-Penn League teams have been named the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Twins, Astros, Red Stars, Sunsets, and Americans. However, the current name Auburn Doubledays is perfect, and the Doubledays can change MLB affiliates without losing that name. This name is in honor of Abner Doubleday, who is credited with inventing baseball, and who spent his early years in Auburn. The Abner mascot, with his likeness to Abner Doubleday, along with his signature mustache provides Auburn with the marketing slogan “Our mascot has the best mustache in minor league baseball” – the Doubledays logo with the mustache across the letter A and ballcap on top is very creative. Falcon Park is a community staple recognizing the history of baseball in Auburn, as well as the fans that have supported baseball in Auburn. There are park dedication plaques and construction donor plaques on the outer wall of the park, and the main entrance gate has many recognition memorials to individuals, including Bill Graney, Jr. (former GM), Thomas J. Poole (baseball instructor), Pat Penafeather (groundskeeper), Dr. Thomas Stapleton (team and league executive), and Leo A. Pinckney (local journalist “Mr. Baseball”). There is also a championship street sign on North Division Road in front of Falcon Park – Auburn has won eight league titles, with the 2007 championship being the most recent. The amazing Doubledays staff, including General Manager Adam Winslow and Assistant GMs Shane Truman and Andy Collier, can be seen at every Doubledays game interacting with fans. Adam and Shane are Auburn natives who both grew up watching baseball at Falcon Park. Adam has a huge connection with baseball in Auburn, going back to his grandfather being friends with Leo Pinckney. His parents were season ticket holders, and his sisters worked at Falcon Park in the summers. Adam is creating a family atmosphere for the Auburn community to enjoy because he understands the importance of baseball at Falcon Park. Final Thoughts There have been baseball played at Falcon Park since the New York Yankees’ Murderers Row. The old wooden grandstand-type facility from 1927-1994 provided Auburn fans a place to learn, play, and enjoy the sport of baseball. Today, Falcon Park II continues to uphold the tradition of baseball in Auburn. Baseball at Falcon Park is much bigger than the game itself – the games are a tradition for Auburn, providing families with memories for generations that last a lifetime.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Corn Crib Stadium 1000 W Raab Rd Normal, IL 617613 Normal Cornbelters website Corn Crib Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,000 The New Normal The Corn Crib opened in 2010. The baseball stadium still feels fairly new ten years later and is an intriguing place to watch a game of baseball. The Normal CornBelters share the stadium, which seats 7,000, with Heartland Community College. The Heartland Hawks play both their baseball and soccer on the stadium’s artificial turf surface. This arrangement makes for interesting field placement and a lot of foul ground. The Normal CornBelters began as a Frontier League team in 2010 but in 2019 moved to the Prospect League. However, due to the coronavirus in 2020 and the Prospect League canceling the season, the CornBelters started the “Kernels Collegiate League.” The “League” consists of mostly local players and includes four teams: the CornBelters, Gems, Bobcats, and Hoots, all playing at the Corn Crib. The stadium is located near the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois which are the home of two universities, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Illinois State University. The stadium’s name is a result of an agreement between the CornBelters and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Food & Beverage 3 The Corn Crib Cafe concession stand has mostly standard food such as hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburger/cheeseburger, chicken strips, nacho, and fries. Then they have some non-standard fare such as BBQ pork, BBQ pulled pork nachos, and corn nuggets. I highly suggest the BBQ pork and corn nuggets, but everything I have had is excellent. Across from the Corn Crib Café, there is another stand, however, this stand is only for people who buy a special ticket package. I am not sure if this is way all the time or just because of the coronavirus. Corny’s Sugar Shack sells sweet & frozen treats such as Slushies, ice cream sandwiches, sundae cups, popsicles, and a pickle sickle (frozen pickle juice). Unfortunately, this stand was closed on my visit due to the coronavirus. However, the same items are for sale at the Corn Crib Café. Huskers Bar features local DESTIHL Brewery beer such as Hawaii or Normal Pils and other craft beers like Goose Island 312 and Shock Top. In addition, they sell buckets (5 – 16 oz bottles beers) of domestic (Budweiser and Miller Lite products) beer for $22 or 16-ounce cans for $5. In addition, the bar has margaritas and mixed drinks, top-shelf mixed drinks, and well-drinks. The food prices for the amount you get are very reasonable. However, the lines are very long due to there only being two stands open. Atmosphere 2 The main entrance and ticket office are located in the outfield. An entrance is behind home plate too. A “corn” theme resonates throughout the stadium. Even the stairs near the office going up to the stadium have corn pictures on them. In addition, usually t, there are a couple of rows of corn in the right center planted in between the player’s clubhouse and their entrance upon the outfield (on this day there was not). The players enter the field of play walking through them, ala a “Field of Dreams.” Though on this day the players did not walk through the “field,” however the managers did. Seating around the stadium box seats and some bleachers, as well as large amounts of lawn seating in left and right fields. You cannot walk around the whole stadium as behind center field is not accessible. The playing surface itself is an artificial turf surface which many local independent league teams are doing so they can host other events and tut down on rainouts. The stadium is also used for soccer so there is a very large amount of foul territory as the seats are not close to the baseball field, especially down the first and third baselines. So sitting at the far end of the foul lines you will be a far distance away from the action. The usual scoreboard and video board are beyond the right-centerfield wall. The video board is pretty small and some of the statistics can be hard to read. On the concourse, one of the women’s room is billed as the “World’s Greatest Restroom.” It is sponsored by a local home improvement vendor so I wish I could see what it looks like. Though, the women I talked to didn’t say it was the “greatest.” About two years ago, an awning was added behind home plate that provides more shade and covering than the ballpark had when it originally opened. The kid's play area, which is located down the third baseline on the concourse, features a few inflatables and is free of charge. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Normal which is the home of Illinois State University and near Illinois Wesleyan University, so there are plenty of “college bars” and fast food places. However, the college is located about one mile south of the stadium on Main Street. Surrounding the Corn Crib is Heartland Community College, a trailer park, and a golf course with some retail businesses. The City of Normal has an “upscale” area which is nice where there are plenty of food choices and shopping. If you do decide to go into town for food or drinks, you need to go to tub II and/or Maggie Miley’s which are good bars with excellent food. Elroy’s (a sports bar) and Maguire’s Bar & Grill are good places for a drink. One local favorite restaurant is Monical’s Pizza of Normal. An interesting fact is that Monical’s is in the first Steak ‘N Shake location. Fans 3 Like in other Prospect League stadiums, the fans are mostly families looking for a cheap night out or people who go out to socialize. The diehard fans sit right behind the plate and are knowledgeable about their team. Most everywhere else in the stadium, you see the more casual fan. The CornBelters left the Frontier League and joined the Prospect League due to attendance/cost issues. Being in the Prospect League makes it easier for the CornBelters to make money or break even. They are still hoping that attendance increases after the virus scare is over. The CornBelters have numerous promotional nights, such as 10¢ hot dogs or family days, etc…. but the fireworks nights or a popular giveaway item, like a bobblehead, usually gets a good attendance bump. Access 4 The stadium is very easy to get to. It is about ½ mile south of the intersection of I-55 and Business 51 off of Raab Rd. The ballpark is small, simple, and easy to move around. The crowds never get too busy, unless for promotional nights or fireworks. The bathrooms and exits are marked clearly for all customers. Return on Investment 4 Last year (2019) the tickets for the ornBelters game began at $5 for lawn seats, $8 for reserved bleacher seating, and $10 for reserved box seats and parking was $2. However, this year (2020), due to the coronavirus, tickets are either $5, $7, or $10 depending on the game and there is no charge for parking. The concession stand prices for food and beer are also inexpensive. A night at “The Crib” won’t break the bank and is kind to your wallet. Extras 3 The mascot, Corny, once again adds to the corn theme and is very accessible during the game. Kids, of course, love his antics and getting their pictures taken with him, as do many adults. The corn theme is carried throughout the ballpark. From the corn stalks outside the ballpark, the pictures on the stairs, and in center field to the random corn facts posted throughout the concourse to the old farming equipment on display. The CornBelters have a “Not Forgotten” seat to honor the men and women lost protecting our country while in military service behind home plate. This is a nice way to honor those who served. Final Thoughts The Corn Crib is a nice stadium and with the large foul ground kinda unusual. It is a place that I would recommend seeing but don’t count on getting a foul ball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Danville Stadium 610 Highland Blvd Danville, IL 61832 Danville Dans website Danville Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 4,000 A Hidden Gem in Danville They do not build them like this anymore and they never will, not by any stretch of the imagination will someone construct a facility like Danville Stadium. It is a place that was constructed on a whim after Brooklyn Dodger GM Branch Rickey passed through town on his way to Decatur, Illinois to place a farm team shortly after World War II. After a few drinks and heavy conversation, Rickey was convinced by a few local people to place a team in town. Rickey agreed based on the stipulation that a ballpark would be built for the following season. The very next season Danville Stadium was constructed at the cost of $71,000 and 67-years later, the Danville Dans of the Prospect League enter their 26th season of operation. The stadium was home to the Danville Dodgers/Dans from 1946-1954 and then the Danville Warriors/Suns from 1970-1976, and the Dodgers once again for the 1982 season. On June 20, 1947, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, and Pee Wee Reese came to Danville Stadium to play for their minor league affiliate. The current Dans debuted in 1989, known as the Highlanders during the first season, as a collegiate summer team in the Central Illinois College League. A couple of years later the ballpark was used for the motion picture “The Babe.” The Dans moved to the Prospect League in 2008 and have been a mainstay in town producing nine championships. Food & Beverage 3 The majority of the food is prepared and served underneath the grandstands at “The Varsity” which has an eclectic selection of hot dogs and sandwiches. There are six styles from the regular Bleacher Bum Dog, the Chi-Town Dog, the Chili Dog and the Junk Yard Dog that features chili, cheese, pickle spears, cucumbers and my vote for all-time best hot dog topping, giardiniera. If you want something else, there are Italian beef and pulled pork sandwiches and Polish and Italian sausages. There is also popcorn, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, pop, and beer in this area along with tables to enjoy your food before you return to your seats. The Dans step it up a notch with grilled brats, ribs, and steak sandwiches on certain dates in the right field picnic area. The steak sandwich is a bargain for $6 and with grilled peppers on top, it might make this the best deal for a piece of steak anywhere in the country. Try paying less at another ballpark or restaurant. You may have to travel to Buenos Aires to find a better deal for steak. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot of history dripping throughout the wooden beams and bleachers of Danville Stadium. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Pee Wee Reese made appearances here. Cecil Cooper, Dave Stewart, Darrell Porter, Pedro Guerrero and Jonathan Papelbon have all donned Danville uniforms. There is only one small entrance into the ballpark where workers greet you and rip your tickets in half, just like the way they did it before scanners took over at ballparks. Once inside, one has to marvel at the wooden covered grandstand that is supported by thick wooden beams and features dusty wooden seats. There are strange, but wonderfully effective, trash removal chutes, and interns collecting 50/50 raffles throughout the contest that gives the place a sense of nostalgia. A picnic area is situated at the end of the third baseline and a set of theater style seats are located behind each dugout, in between these seats is a dirt area that might have been home to more box seating at one time in the stadium. There have been improvements that include a 36′ full digital color message/scoreboard from Watchfire Signs; the state of the art scoreboard was donated by a former member of the board at Danville Stadium. It adds a little touch of modern comfort to the old ballpark. Neighborhood 2 Danville Stadium is a few yards north of I-74 and situated a few miles from downtown Danville. If you happen to get into town a few hours before the game check out Gross’s Burger a few miles south of the ballpark. It is a local institution and offers flat grill burgers with various toppings for super low prices along with thick milkshakes. The Moon Glo is another favorite spot that has been family owned since 1962 offering tenderloin sandwiches, steak dinners, and other pub food. According to its website, Royal Donut has been serving award winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins since 1973. The Little Nugget Steakhouse on 6 South Henning Rd lets customers cook their steaks on a community grill. Yes, sir, I will have that piece of raw meat, sprinkle a little Montreal seasoning and cook it medium well for a few minutes. I admit the last time I did this was with an ex-girlfriend in college almost 13 years ago, but after making a brief appearance on my trip, the place still has wonderful thick steaks and a few other items for the non-beef eater. If you have an extra day or two, trek west about 20 minutes to the University of Illinois in Champaign, which has a beautiful campus and livelier downtown scene. Danville is also an hour away from two other Prospect League cities of Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana with a few more league cities a bit further in Springfield and Normal, Illinois. Fans 4 Danville fans are savvy and enjoy coming to the ballpark to watch the game; they aren’t easily lead to the stadium for clearly promotions or other gimmicks. The Dans have attracted around 1,600 fans per game the last few seasons that usually place them number two in the league behind Chillicothe. A nice number for the ballclub that pulls in a fan base from nearby division foes in Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana. Access 5 Once again I find myself in a rather small city without a sign from the interstate. The field is two-tenths of a mile north off exit 215 B on I-74, but there is not a sign until you are within view of the old wooden ballpark. There is free parking and getting in and out, and back onto the interstate is very easy. When this ballpark was constructed, perhaps someone had the foresight that it would be near the interstate, because it is in a perfect location for one to make a quick stop or take in nine innings worth of action. Return on Investment 5 All adult tickets are $6, children (6-8) are $3, and 5 and under are free of charge. Tuesday night is $2 Buck Tuesday including $2 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products and one brand of beer. There is no charge for parking at the stadium and regular prices are reasonable for concession items. The aspect of watching baseball in a well-maintained historic ballpark also adds value to the price of admission. Extras 3 Danville Stadium receives a point for $2 Buck Tuesdays that includes $2 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products and one brand of beer. Danville Stadium receives the second point for managing partners of the team, Jeanie Cooke and Rick Kurth do not take in a salary for operating the baseball team and have other careers. There are many of us who would love to take on the responsibility of running a baseball team and having a ballpark as your second home and Cooke and Kurth do it with style and class. Danville Stadium receives a final point for its historic nature and memorabilia that is featured in a small room that illustrates the players, the teams, and legacy of the ballpark. Final Thoughts At one time, Danville Stadium was slated for the wrecking ball and left to rot after the Milwaukee Brewers relocated their Single-A team after the 1982 season. True, baseball would have moved away from Danville, but aren’t we somewhat better for having baseball played at Danville Stadium and other buildings of its kind? It is good to know that there are still old-school parks left to watch baseball at these days.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 NelsonCorp Field 537 Ballpark Drive Clinton, IA 52732 Clinton LumberKings website NelsonCorp Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 5,000 An Old-Fashioned Baseball Experience Sitting a mere few hundred feet away from the Mississippi River, FieldCorp Field opened in 1937 as Riverview Stadium and was home to the Clinton Owls, a farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The stadium has been renovated to include new lighting, bigger dugouts, and better locker rooms and batting cages. The home of the Clinton Lumber Kings is the only charter member of the Midwest League from its maiden season of 1956. A quick scan of the list of players who have played in Clinton includes greats such as Denny McClain, Mike Scioscia, Dave Stewart, Orel Hershiser, Jason Bay, and Ian Kinsler. The LumberKings are the last remaining member of the original Midwest League, which began in 1956. For fans of stadiums with an old-time feel, NelsonCorp Field is right up your alley. Additionally, Clinton is a mere 90-minute drive from Dyersville, Iowa, home of the iconic Field of the Dreams movie site. Food & Beverage 3 Much like the ballpark, the concessions offer the basics, with one exception. The featured food item at this ballpark is simply called…the garbage pail. For $8.50, you get a load of mini tacos, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, poppers, cheese balls, corn nuggets, and corn dogs. It’s not the healthiest thing around, but who cares, everyone that was eating them seemed quite happy with their choice. The prices are quite good and for $3-$5 you can have burgers, brats, hot dogs, nachos, grilled cheese, onion rings, cheese balls, ice cream, popcorn, and many other traditional ballpark items. Can and bottles of soda, including RC Cola, Diet Rite, Sun Drop, 7 Up, A&W Root Beer, lemonade, and Snapple along with water are the beverage choices. For the adults, there is a decent choice of beer and malt-type beverages available throughout the concourse and out by left field. Atmosphere 5 Entering the gates gets you to the concourse with concessions, restrooms, and the LumberKings team shop. Walking up the entrance ramps to the seating bowl is like going back in time. The stadium was built in 1937 and not much has been done with its appearance since, which isn’t a bad thing. The seating bowl is very uncomplicated with three rows of stadium box seats that sit in front of the walkway, guaranteeing fans will rarely have their view of the game blocked by someone walking by. Behind the walkway, bleachers encompass the rest of the seating bowl. The bleachers behind home plate have backs to them and are a bit more comfortable than those without. Netting surrounds most of the infield from mid-dugout on the third base side to mid-dugout on the first base side. An overhang covers the entire seating bowl so the likelihood of being in the shade most, if not all of the game is quite good. Over the right field wall is the Leinenkugel’s Lumber Lounge, which hosts groups of 25-200 people. The Coors Light Picnic Pavilion hosts groups of similar size and sits down the left field line along with the Bullpen Patio, which hosts smaller groups and gives the unique experience of sitting directly over the wall from the home bullpen. A kid’s area is also in the left field corner where kids can play on various equipment for $5, good for the entire game. Once the game starts, it’s all about baseball with your typical between-innings promotions. A primitive scoreboard sits over the left-center field wall. You won’t get replays on ancillary stats on the scoreboard, simply the line score and ball and strike count, which only adds to the old-time charm of this stadium. Neighborhood 3 The best part about the location of the ballpark is that you are a couple minutes’ walk from the Mississippi River. A quick walk up 6th Avenue will get you to the Candlelight Inn Restaurant. The Candlelight is a great family restaurant, having a large menu with something for everyone. Chicken George with Jan sauce is the specialty of the house and quite popular. If Mexican food is your thing, just down South 2nd Avenue is the El Toro Restaurant. The locals say El Toro doesn’t serve a bad meal and is well worth a visit. The majority of the hotels are in the same area, about 10 minutes away from the ballpark. It’s a quick and easy drive and there is a wide choice of lodging including a nice Hampton Inn. Fans 3 For those involved in the party areas, many seem more interested in socializing than paying attention to the game. Fans sitting in the seating bowl largely have their focus on the goings on on the field and cheer when the situation dictates. Numerous fans can be seen keeping score of the game, a tradition that seems to be disappearing from baseball stadiums across the country. Fans in Clinton are pleasant to talk with and seem proud of their ballpark. Access 4 The majority of the ballpark is very easy to get around. The concessions are under the seating bowl with another food area down the left field line. The seating bowl is easily maneuverable and you can get to the restrooms and concessions without much difficulty. The left field corner encompasses a kid’s area, concessions, and a party area and can become quite congested on busy nights. The parking areas are close and easy to get in and out of. The concession lines move relatively quickly and are sufficiently staffed. Return on Investment 5 For the price you pay, this might be one of the best experiences in all of minor-league baseball. Parking is free and there are two lots (on the first base and third base sides of the stadium) that make the walk to the stadium minimal. Tickets are $8 for box seats and $7 for general admission. Seniors, students, and the military will pay $6 for GA, and children 5 and under are free. Combine this with very reasonable concession prices and it equals a great time for a minimal amount of money. Extras 4 An extra point simply for having a fun stadium that is 80 years old. The left field wall has a unique semi-circle “inlet” that would allow for some very strange bounces should the ball hit it. Any sports fan will appreciate the cup holders in the restrooms. This should be a requirement everywhere. The LumberKings staff makes the game experience very family-friendly. Families can attend a game without worrying that their kids will hear a lot of things they probably shouldn’t. Final Thoughts FieldCorp Field doesn’t offer the most modern feel in the Midwest League, it offers quite the opposite. It takes fans back in time to when baseball was about taking in the experience of what was happening on the field, rooting for your players and against the opposing team. For a true baseball fan, this is a fabulous venue. Come to the ballpark, turn off the cell phone, and simply enjoy baseball at its purest. If enjoying a ballgame is your goal, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lloyd Hopkins Fied 4500 College Ave. Alton, IL 62002 Alton River Dragons website Lloyd Hopkins Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 2,500 River Dragons Looking to Make their Mark in Alton It has been said that no two ballparks are alike, but many have borrowed elements that have blurred the aesthetics. If you’re looking for a truly different type of venue for baseball, then set your destinations to Alton, Illinois, and Lloyd Hopkins Field. There isn’t quite another place to watch a baseball game in the Prospect League like here. It is the home to the Alton River Dragons, who began operations in 2021 just along the Mississippi River, about 20 miles north of St. Louis. The ball club hopes to attract visitors to the river town with quite a bit of charm and appeal. It is a reminder of a throwback era where towns of all sizes had a baseball team, and the Dragons hope to be here for quite some time. Lloyd Hopkins was a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization who played for them from 1940 to 1942. He went 23-6 in 1941 before heading off to Europe for World War II. He was at the beaches of Normandy and would move up the ranks of the second lieutenant. He would never play professional baseball after the war but would have a stadium named after him due to his sacrifice. The ballpark was dressed upon the arrival of the Dragons, including an all-you-can-eat party deck, concession tables, souvenir stands, 3,000 additional seating, and a new video scoreboard in the right field. Additional team and sponsorship signage are wrapped around the bleachers and fencing, sprucing up the tiny ballpark. Food & Beverage 2 A couple of concession stands offer the basics of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, brats, candy, and other items. However, a few items were unavailable, blackout on the menu board, during our visit to the stadium. The Dragons make up for that with highly affordable prices on alcoholic drinks that include their very own brand of beer called a Radle produced by a nearby Old Bakery Beer Company. City Wide American Pale Ale by 4 Hands in St. Louis and White Claw are other options that are available for $5 each. The ballpark has some great items to snack on; it’s recommended to visit one of the many great eateries in Alton before the game. Atmosphere 3 There’s something different about this stadium, and it reminds me of the town ball stadiums of Minnesota. It has a capacity for 3,000 fans, but it seems much smaller than that. It was never meant to be the home for summer collegiate baseball but will do its best to serve in that capacity for the foreseeable future. There are two party decks on top of each dugout that add a little obvious to the ballpark. This area can be rented for a large group and probably have one of the best spots in the entire ballpark. Protective netting surrounds the suite for fans to enjoy the game without injury. The main grandstand features comfortable plastic bucket seats and is near home plate. It might be one of the closest spots in the league itself. There are more protective netting and two bars that cross each other to hold it up. The rest of the seating is bleacher-style down both foul lines. The stadium has a concession table that offers both t-shirts and caps featuring the stylistic team logo. There is not an adequate amount to choose from compared to other clubs in the league, but perhaps that will improve as the season goes on since a few people in the crowd were wearing items that were out of stock. The stadium has copious amounts of sponsorship banners wrapped around the bleachers to cover up their open spaces. They had a very different touch to the stadium. The video scoreboard in the right field is capable of a lot more than your typical electronic scoreboard. The club also has a Dragon mascot that makes its way throughout the stadium and helps introduce players before the first pitch. Neighborhood 3 Alton has a population of 27,000 along the Mississippi River. The city is known for its limestone bluffs but is also home to multiple restaurants and bars. Visitors may also enjoy riding along the great river road and scenic views of both Illinois and Missouri. The National Great Rivers Museum is open daily, the reproduction of the Piasa Bird painting is northwest of the city, and the Argosy Casino Alton is available for anyone looking for a little luck. The downtown area is worth visiting for its views of the river, turn-of-the-century buildings, and walkable distance to various shops and restaurants. The State Street Market, Big Boys BBQ, The Old Bakery Beer Company, and The Rivers Vedge are a few options for visitors. However, the best spot is just outside of downtown. Fast Eddies Bon Air is nationally known for its appearances inside a 1921 building, originally called the Bon Air. Since 1981, Fast Eddies has been offering grilled food, peel-and-eat shrimp, live music, and an all-around good time. The Big Elwood is a steak kabob, the Salty Pork Kabob, homemade Brat, and red dog are a few tasty options to order at the counter. Fans 2 Rumor at the game was that it was the largest of the young season and hopefully can be the start of something good for the Alton franchise. Visitors packed both main grandstands, and a few took in the option of enjoying the game from the suite decks above each dugout. They appeared to enjoy what they were watching on the field of play. Access 3 The stadium has most of its amenities near one another around the entrance. The covered grandstand may take some squeezing into when the game is packed, but all other points of the ballpark are simple to move around. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to both the left field and right field bleachers are $5 to $8, and reserved seats are $8 to $10 apiece. The party decks are $30 a person and include all-you-can-eat burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, soda, and beer. However, make sure you are there with a few friends to sit in this area. The beer is affordable at the concession stand at $5, but merchandise options are somewhat limited. The club has a sharp-looking logo and could use a few more options to brand itself to its fanbase. Extras 2 The club has an amazing dragon logo that should sell well, not only in Alton but across the nation. It is also on its beer that is made in town by a local brewery. The city is known for its limestone bluffs but is also home to multiple restaurants and bars. The second point is for the Lloyd Hopkins memorial garden bed at the entrance of the stadium. Final Thoughts Lloyd Hopkins Field was never meant to be a summer collegiate facility, but the organization will make sure they do everything they can to make that happen. The ballpark has its pros and cons in terms of design and amenities, but it also harkens back to what minor league stadiums were like when I was younger. However, there is fun expecting anyone at an Alton River Dragons game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Billy Bullens Field Smith Ave Westfield, MA 01085 Westfield Starfires website Billy Bullens Field website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 1,000 Billy Bullens Field Originally named Municipal Field, Billy Bullens Field was built in 1937 as part of a larger project of ball fields, playgrounds and tennis courts constructed by the Works Progress Administration. Billy Bullens was the assistant supervisor of the facilities and oversaw maintenance of the park for many years. The field was dedicated in his honor in the early 1980s. The Westfield Starfires play in The Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a summer wood-bat league featuring teams from throughout New England. The Starfires began play in 2019. In addition to serving as home of the Starfires, Bullens Field is the home field for Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. The ballpark hosted the Babe Ruth 14-year-old World Series in 2016 and the 13-year-old World Series in 2019. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand on the third base side of Billy Bullens Field. A limited menu is available, with hot dogs and hamburgers the main items. Some snack items are also sold here, including chips, cotton candy and the ballpark’s most popular item on a hot day, Italian ice. Thirsty Starfire fans can select from a variety of Coca-Cola products. In addition, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Seltzer, Michelob Ultra and Corona are sold at the concession stand. Stadium Journey recommends you spend an additional dollar and try the Starfire IPA from local Amherst Brewery instead. Atmosphere 2 Stadium Journey visited Billy Bullens Field during the 2020 season with coronavirus precautions in full effect. These precautions may have had a dampening effect on the overall game day atmosphere. The presentation at a Starfires game is a bare bones one, with no between innings shenanigans going on. There is music played over the PA system between innings, but little more to distract one’s attention from the action on the field. Baseball purists will certainly approve of the laid-back atmosphere here. Neighborhood 2 Billy Bullens Field is located about two miles away from downtown Westfield, adjacent to Westfield Technical Academy and Allen Park. Westfield State University is located two and a half miles away. There is nothing within walking distance from the ballpark to attract visiting fans, but visitors to the area should be aware that downtown Springfield, with attractions including the National Basketball Hall of Fame, is only 20 minutes to the east. Boston is located only an hour and a half to the east. Fans 2 The Futures League did not announce attendance figures for its four Massachusetts-based teams for the 2020 season. Coronavirus precautions held down crowd sizes significantly for the Starfires and other teams in the circuit. During the Starfires’ inaugural 2019 season, the team averaged just over 900 fans per game, which ranked them last in the seven-team league. Crowds consist primarily of locals. With the Futures League emphasis on local talent, the majority of the crowd on any given night has personal connections with the players on the diamond. Since the Futures League teams are locally based, you can expect a solid turnout from visiting fans as well. Access 3 Bullens Field is located in southwest Westfield, a city of just over 40,000 residents in western Massachusetts. Interstate 90, better known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, runs through the northern edge of the city, providing easy access to visiting fans. Fans driving to Bullens Field will drive a few miles from the Mass Pike through downtown Westfield to get to the ballpark. Bullens Field is located on the campus of Westfield Technical Academy. It is used by both local high schools for baseball and football, as well as serving the Starfires and the local Babe Ruth League. Parking is available in Westfield Tech’s parking lot, which provides an overlook of the ballpark on the first base side. Fans enter Bullens Field on the third base side. The concession stand and restrooms are located near the entrance. The seating bowl contains plastic bucket seats bolted into the concrete grandstand. There is plenty of room for fans to spread out and move around. Additional seating is located further down the third baseline. Nets, fences, dugouts and light poles obstruct views from all seating locations. There is a scoreboard in left field which can be difficult to see during day games. Lines for concessions or rest rooms are not an issue during typical Starfire games. During Stadium Journey’s visit, we observed that the grandstand felt like it was not aligned correctly to the ball field. If sitting on the third base side, you have to crane your neck to look at the action. For optimum viewing, it is recommended that you sit high up on the first base side of the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Starfire games are priced at ten dollars for general admission. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, topping out at six dollars for a bottle of craft beer and four dollars for a burger. Programs are available for one dollar. A night at a Starfire game is a most affordable entertainment option for western Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 Billy Bullens Field displays Westfield’s Babe Ruth baseball success proudly, with several plaques dedicated to successful teams and important persons in the program’s history located throughout the facility. Final Thoughts Billy Bullens Field is somewhat of an anomaly in the Futures League, a circuit that has given new life to several abandoned professional ballparks throughout New England. Bullens Field suffers by comparison to these ballparks, but it remains a comfortable and affordable place to catch some local collegiate talent during the summer months. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Centennial Field 98 University Road Burlington, VT 05401 Vermont Lake Monsters website Centennial Field website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 4,415 Vermonster Mash The first baseball game ever played at Centennial Field took place on April 17, 1906. During this game, the University of Vermont defeated the University of Maine 10-4. Named in honor of the 100th anniversary of UVM’s first graduating class, Centennial Field is one of the oldest ballparks still in use today. While the university last sponsored a baseball team in 2009, the field remains in use as the home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, the short-season, single-A, New York Penn League affiliate of the Oakland A’s. The site where Centennial Field stands was for decades the school’s original sports complex, hosting baseball, football, soccer, track, lacrosse and even hockey games over the years. In fact, the football grandstands can still be seen beyond the left-center field fence, and the locker rooms are still used by the visiting teams. The original wooden Centennial Field bleachers burned down in 1913. They were replaced in 1922 by the current concrete and steel grandstand still used today. Over the years the ballpark has been host to several minor league and semi-pro teams, including the Burlington Athletics, Vermont Reds, Vermont Mariners and Vermont Expos. During their history, the University of Vermont had 11 players make it all the way to the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Centennial Field don’t stray too far from your basic ballpark fare, but there are several items worth mentioning. Lake Monster fans seeking out something different should look for the food truck featuring chicken and waffle cones, served with powdered sugar and Vermont maple syrup. Ballpark tacos are offered in the right field party area, and since we’re in Vermont, the maple flavored ice cream is a must. If you want some Cracker Jacks, you won’t feel cheated, as Centennial Field sells large bags of the traditional ballpark treat for just three dollars. McKenzie’s Country Classics serves up nachos in their recommended serving size, a batting helmet. Other choices here include Irish nachos, mac and cheese, or for those fans looking for something at the opposite end of the nutrition spectrum, assorted salads. Coca-Cola products are featured at Centennial Field. Burlington is known for its many fine craft breweries, and several are featured here. Fans can choose beverages from Harpoon, Zero Gravity, 14th Star, Citizen Cider, Long Trail, Queen City and Fiddlehead. Alcohol can be purchased at the beer stand on the main concourse, or the new beer deck out in right field. Be aware that many of the concession stands at Centennial Field take cash only, so come prepared. Atmosphere 4 The Lake Monsters serve up a fairly typical minor league presentation in this decidedly atypical setting. The new video scoreboard in left-center field is put to good use with game stats, player profiles, videos and more. The team’s mascot, Champ, participates in promotions and roams the stands meeting with fans. There are giveaways and promotions happening between innings. Champ’s play area, located behind the right-center field fence, is a popular area for younger fans. The Lake Monsters have upgraded the options for adult fans hanging out in the area as well, adding a beer deck and food options in the area. New seating options have put fans closer to the action than ever before, with several field-level sections scattered throughout the ballpark. Neighborhood 4 Burlington is a fantastic city with a real bohemian vibe, known for its microbreweries and excellent dining options. Located about a mile and a half from Centennial Field, it’s one of the more popular destinations in the northeast. The only thing keeping this neighborhood from a perfect score is that the downtown area is not easily accessible from the ballpark. On the plus side, it’s a short drive there from Centennial Field before or after the game, and there is ample parking for visiting fans wishing to explore the area. The Church Street Marketplace is the hub of the downtown. Filled with notable pubs, breweries and eateries, it’s the place to be in Burlington. Visiting fans flock to American Flatbread, The Farmhouse and Leunigs for local food and drink. Burlington has a thriving microbrewery scene, with notable breweries including Zero Gravity, Queen City, Switchback and Magic Hat all operating pubs downtown. In the summer months there are many options for fans looking for outdoor activities in the area. Lake Champlain offers a plethora of beach and boating options, while Greater Burlington’s parks and woodlands attract outdoor enthusiasts. The many ski resorts offer outdoor activities throughout the summer. Fans 3 Attendance for the Lake Monsters has held firm for the greater part of the decade. The team averages between 2,200-2,500 fans per game, which places them right in the middle of the New York-Penn League annual attendance rankings. The crowd at a Lake Monster game is typical of most minor league ballparks. With a game day presentation aimed towards families, you’ll be sure to find many kids running around Centennial Field, mixed in with the casual and hardcore baseball fan. Access 3 Centennial Field is located on the eastern edge of the University of Vermont campus, just off of Interstate 89. Signs in the area guide visiting fans to the ballpark easily. This is where the ease of access ends. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the ballpark. This lot fills quickly, so if you want to park right next to Centennial Field, get there early. Very early. When this lot fills, fans can park either in the garage near Gutterson Fieldhouse on the University of Vermont campus (there are shuttles to and from the ballpark), or at the Trinity campus parking lot (it’s a short half mile walk to Centennial Field). A batch of renovations that took place in 2013 turned Centennial Field from a ballpark that looked, well, 100 years old to a comfortable place to watch a game. Gone are the old concrete grandstand seating areas and uncomfortable wooden chairs in the reserved sections, replaced with modern plastic stadium seats. Much of the old grandstand remains, with its large roof providing shade on summer afternoons and shelter from the chilly Vermont evenings. The seating bowl stretches from shallow left field around to shallow right field. While the old grandstand does feature some obstructed views, there aren’t too many bad seats in the house. The Diamond Deck features seats on field level right behind home plate, and the Dugout Deck seating area has field level seats beyond the dugouts on either side of the field. Further down both foul lines are BBQ/party decks that are popular places for fans to hang out and catch the action. Concessions are located underneath the grandstand, which winds around the ballpark in between the many buildings on site. Nestled amongst the many concession stands and food trucks is a newly expanded team store. Getting around Centennial Field is easier than you would expect for such an old facility. Restrooms are clean and large enough to handle a typical Lake Monsters crowd. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Lake Monsters game is a most affordable entertainment option. Tickets cost nine dollars for reserved seating (in the main grandstand under the roof) and eight dollars for grandstand seating (sections down either baseline). Senior citizens receive a two dollar discount and children under 12 get a three dollar discount. Seats in the two premium seating areas are sold for $16 dollars. Parking in the small lot next to Centennial Field costs four dollars. This lot is very small, so get here early if you want to park here. Very early. Parking in the satellite lots is free of charge. Concessions are very reasonably priced, making a Lake Monsters game a most affordable entertainment option for Vermont baseball fans. Extras 3 There is a historic marker near the entrance of the ballpark. The marker makes mention of some of the famous names to play here, including Tris Speaker, Robin Roberts and Ken Griffey Jr. An extra point is awarded to the renovations which increased fan comfort and amenities while keeping the historic flavor of the venue. A final extra point is awarded for the old grandstand at Centennial Field. Facilities like this are quickly disappearing from the minor league landscape. It’s great to have a throwback to visit every once in a while. Final Thoughts Centennial Field, while an older facility, offers many modern amenities and enough comforts to keep today’s fan happy. With a decidedly small-town feel, this ballpark belongs on any baseball fan’s must-see list. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Below is the transcript of an interview from Eyes Everywhere on March Madness (EEMM), an independent college basketball watchdog group, and freelance dance teacher Danny Moves. The interview was conducted prior to the 2023 season. EEMM: Is Danny Moves your real name? MOVES: I consider it my real name, but it’s my stage name. EEMM: So, it’s an alias? MOVES: It’s the name that I’m registered under with Screen Actors Guild. EEMM: You have no basketball experience whatsoever yet you’re meeting with elite college coaches all over the country. Why? MOVES: Correct, I have no basketball experience, nor do I want any. I’m a dance teacher. EEMM: That’s one we haven’t heard before [laughing]. I’ll ask again: Why are you meeting with these coaches? MOVES: I’m teaching them dance moves. EEMM: You’re kidding. MOVES: Absolutely not. I work with coaches on their post-game locker room celebration dance moves. Dancing is an effective bonding tool. When players see their coach dancing, they become more relatable. If players like their coach more, they play harder, and that leads to more wins, at least in theory. EEM: So what you’re saying is that a dancing coach will help win games? MOVES: Yes. Just look at New York Giants football Coach Brian Daboll. He’s a dancing fool, and he completely turned around his team in just one season. EEMM: Were you his teacher? MOVES: No. But with my help, I could diversify his routine and take it to an entirely different level. The Giants could make the Super Bowl, and he’d win Dancing with The Stars. EEMM: Who were your favorite coaches to teach? MOVES: Impossible to answer. There are so many. I had quite a journey with Jim Boeheim, Syracuse’s coach. He’s the oldest coach in D 1, and he’s, ah, very set in his ways. Last year, his team didn’t make the NCAAs. It was a fragile situation. EEMM: What happened? MOVES: He was very resistant. He stood me up twice before we had an actual session. When we did meet, he said, “I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m not Dick Vitale!” EEMM: How'd you get through to him? MOVES: Eventually. I showed Coach Boeheim footage of Coach K dancing at a corporate appearance, and I played some Bruce Springsteen music videos. I heard that he loves The Boss. Anyway, after he saw the Glory Days video, he finally gave in, and we worked on some low impact moves very similar to the ones that Bruce does in his Dancing in The Dark video, with a few flourishes. Coach Boeheim got into it, and he gave me a Syracuse basketball sweatshirt, which I cannot wear, at least in public, because I must be unbiased. EEMM: Who compensated you for this? MOVES: Coach Boeheim’s employer, Syracuse University. EEMM: Do coaches ever pay you out of their own pocket? MOVES: It’s less common, but it happens. UMass Coach Frank Martin paid me out of his own pocket. He was between coaching jobs, and he was looking for a competitive edge. EEMM: What was Coach Martin like to work with? MOVES: Coach Martin was great, but he lives to talk. Everything is a passionate sermon. After a lot of encouragement, I got him to take his verbal skills and transfer it to his body. The result: Frank Martin is a magnificent break dancer. He can really spin on that bald head of his. I expect his dancing to eventually play huge dividends for UMass basketball. EEMM: Did any coaches refuse your instruction? MOVES: Well, besides Coach Boeheim, who eventually came around, no. But Arkansas’s Eric Musselman refused to stop removing his shirt. He’s the Magic Mike of college basketball. He’s really proud of his torso. But, and I told him this, he takes off his shirt way too often. It has become a crutch, and he has lost the element of surprise. I want my students to never be predictable. I challenged Coach Musselman to keep his shirt on. We developed some new moves, quite acrobatic in fact, but ultimately, Coach Musselman insisted on removing his shirt at the end of each routine. He explained that it’s his signature move, and his players love it. Coach Musselman seemed satisfied with our sessions. He sent me an autographed photo of himself, shirtless of course. EEMM: What’s next for you? MOVES: Well, Miami’s Jim Larranaga is perfecting his moonwalk, so that’s exciting. I'm also looking to expand. Right now, my clientele consists solely of men’s college basketball coaches, but I want to step into the women’s game. I’d love to hire a female instructor at some point. I’d also like hope to branch out to football. For reasons I can't explain NBA and hockey coaches refuse to dance, which is an enormous mistake. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Camelback Ranch 10710 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85037 Chicago White Sox Spring Training website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,000 Southside in AZ The Chicago White Sox have had their spring training in Arizona since 1998. Prior to that, they played their spring ball in Tampa and Sarasota, FL (1954 – 1997) and a whole slew of different cities across the U.S. since 1901. Since 2009, they have shared their picturesque spring home, Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The design and architecture of the stadium fit in well in its desert home. Natural materials like stone retaining walls, real stone veneer, and metal ‘rusty’ pillars are used to blend into the desert landscape. The stadium seats are an unconventional gold or caramel color which help enhance the natural look. Food & Beverage 4 Camelback Ranch offers plenty of food, snack, and drink choices throughout the venue at expected high stadium costs. It has your Dodger Dog and Chicago Vienna beef hot dogs and more. Fans gravitate to the Four Peaks Patio Bar down the first base concourse. Four Peaks was once an independent local brewery, now owned by Anheuser-Busch. The patio has tables, chairs, a huge bar selling brews and cocktails, and is shaded. In the same area, the Baseline Sausage Grill sells its tantalizing foot-long Sonoran dogs, bratwurst, and Italian sausages. Another popular food choice is the cleverly named Wok Off Noodles, also on the first base side. Double Play Deli & Pizza (just inside the home plate entrance) sells pizza, Dodgers Dogs, Vienna beef dogs, chicken tenders and wraps, and assorted snacks. It has a decent selection of beers on tap, including Hazy Little IPA. Several kiosks dot the concourse selling all varieties of beer, margaritas, walking tacos, tostilotes, lemonade, ice cream, popcorn, kettle corn, and more. Pepsi is the soda provider at Camelback Ranch. Expect to miss a half-inning or two when getting concessions during the game. The queues are long. Atmosphere 4 Watching a Chicago White Sox spring training game on a warm Arizona afternoon or evening is a laid-back affair, perfect for spring games. The White Sox side of the venue is the first base side, while the Dodgers utilize the third base side. Twenty-two rows of gold-colored seats furnish the seating bowl from foul pole to foul pole. Berm seating is in the outfield; an all-you-can-eat Bullpen Patio Deck is in left field above the Dodgers bullpen. A medium-thick net extends all the way down the baselines. The first base side gets the shade first as does the higher-numbered rows (16+). Free-standing shelters help over the first base side seats from the sun. Sit on the third base side for afternoon games if you want the sun. The third base side is also away from many of the speakers. The music volume is okay but music is played over announcements and the starting lineup. Boo. The music person sometimes plays those irritating music snippets like the Addams Family and Everybody Clap Your Hands between pitches. Ugh. It’s not between every pitch but is annoyingly noticeable when played. Save it for between batters or half-innings. The scoreboard has a beautiful view of mountains behind it, best seen from the third base side. The scoreboard is easy to read and shows the lineup, the photo of the player at bat (if they have it), the batter’s name and previous at-bat results, and the line score. It shows yellow dots for balls, strikes, outs, and runs in blue. Camelback Ranch Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The venue has a nice wide-open concourse that encircles the entire field. Lush pine trees and other shrubbery decorate the batter’s eye. The right field bullpen has eleven retired Chicago White Sox’ and Jackie Robinson’s numbers posted on its wall. Neighborhood 3 Camelback Ranch is in a very residential area. No choices for lunch, dinner, and other entertainment are available within walking distance. Three miles away is the Westgate Entertainment District. It has many restaurants, all of which are very different from each other in price and menu. A lot of different shops and boutiques, a movie theater, a pottery painting studio, arcades, and breweries are part of the amenities in the district. Places in the district for a pre-game meal or drink include Yard House, State 48 Funk House Brewery, Fat Tuesdays, and McFaddens. Be sure to check their website for happy hour specials; some of the restaurants do not include a happy hour on event days or weekends. First Watch (breakfast/lunch), Manna Korean BBQ, Opa Life (Greek), and Salt Tacos y Tequila are just a few other worthwhile places to eat. I always enjoy Yard House, which has a fabulous beer selection and good food; this one has outdoor seating for those comfortable spring Arizona days and evenings. For something a bit more unique, head to historic downtown Glendale for some culture, shopping, and dining. The historic district is about eight miles from the ballpark. Several hotels are in the Westgate Entertainment District. The closest hotel to the ballpark is the Comfort Suites Glendale – State Farm Stadium, about two and a half miles from the home plate entrance. Hotel rates double during spring training, so keep that in mind when making travel arrangements. Other nearby sports to see in February and March include the Peoria Sports Complex (Mariners and Padres spring training), Surprise Stadium (Rangers and Royals spring training), and Goodyear Ballpark (Guardians and Reds spring training). And, if looking to go downtown Phoenix, sports fans can usually catch an NBA Suns game when in town. Fans 4 Fans are friendly and eager for a laugh and to strike up a conversation. You’ll see fans with Podsednik jerseys and other fans with White Sox shirts and hats. White Sox Fan, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Loads of fans don’t really pay attention to the game and get up and leave their seats when a player is at bat or a good defensive play is in motion. This is common in many spring training stadiums. For the most part, fans here throw away their own garbage; but not everyone does, so you’ll still be walking over peanut shells and tripping over empty water bottles and snack trays. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, and fans are out for a lovely day in the sun while watching a baseball game. Access 3 Getting to the stadium is most conveniently done by vehicle (unless you’re a nearby neighbor and can walk). Valley Metro does provide bus service. The stop is 1.1 miles from the stadium, so there’s still some walking involved if taking public transportation. The stadium offers a designated rideshare dropoff and pickup area. The stadium is 2 ½ miles west of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Fwy on Camelback Rd. The game day security opens four gates for spring training games. All gates open 60 min before the first pitch. Plenty of free parking is available. The staff provides golf cart rides to transport fans who need them to and from stadium entrance gates. That’s a nice service. The stadium offers benches to sit and wait for gates to open or late arriving friends. It has a huge, clean, artfully landscaped plaza area outside the home plate entrance for fans to gather. Clear sports stadium bags 12” x 6” x 12” and small clutch bags (without a strap) are permitted. Those straps are certainly a security risk. Fans walk through metal detectors and security then searches the clear bags. Restrooms are nice and clean. My sister-in-law would approve. The concourse has four family restrooms along its path. Walking around the stadium and the wide-open concourse makes it quite an enjoyable place to stroll. Those directing traffic after the game are not helpful or friendly. No signs are available on how to get back to the 101 if you are forced to exit the parking lot a different way than you entered. Posting directional signs to the 101 would be a helpful added feature. Return on Investment 3 Like many spring training facilities, prices are no longer family-affordable. Tickets for a White Sox spring training game range from $15 - $62, depending on the date and opponent. Refreshments are expensive (fans are allowed to bring in one sealed bottle of water but that’s it). Parking is free, so that helps. Extras 4 Take a photo of yourself in front of the Frank Thomas statue along the center field concourse. Staff hands out a marvelous program upon entry which includes a score sheet and pertinent information on the stadium and the White Sox. Excellent reference! Except for the exiting traffic control individuals, every single staff member is helpful, friendly, and seems eager to make a day at the ballpark a pleasant one. Quite refreshing. The facility’s natural desert design and landscaping make this one of the more unique in the Cactus League. Final Thoughts Spring training games played this 2023 incorporated new MLB rules hoping to increase the pace of play. These rules include: Pitch timer (15 sec / 20 sec with a player on base) Bigger bases (increased by three inches) Two infielders on each side of second base at the beginning of a pitch Infielders must be on the dirt at the start of a pitch Most spring training games lasted less than three hours this 2023 season in the Cactus League so here’s hoping this year’s (2023) MLB games won’t be lasting as long as cricket matches. Camelback Ranch is a fine facility in which to watch a spring training game. Put it on your list if visiting Arizona in the spring.

The 2022-23 NCAA basketball tournament will go down in history as one of the most unpredictable in the event's history. Top seeds went down at an amazing rate, creating an incredible buzz for the championship weekend. Stadium Journey wanted to get in on this buzz, too. Since the two things we do best are traveling to different sporting venues and ranking things, we are presenting our top 25 rankings of college gymnasiums to coincide with the Final Four. Stadium Journey endeavors to visit each college basketball gymnasium at least once every four years to keep our reviews current for those of us who love to travel the country visiting these cathedrals to the sport. Over the 2022-23 season we were able to visit 60 of the 363 Division One basketball gymnasiums nationwide. Unfortunately, there are 21 D-1 teams still missing from our database. We're working hard to fill these gaps in our coverage. We currently have over 94% of all the D-1 gyms reviewed on our site. Here we are ranking the top 25 college basketball gymnasiums according to our patented FANFARE rating scale. This scale takes into consideration a facility's concessions, game day atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. It's a bit of a different way to evaluate a facility, and historically our rankings have created much debate. That's OK, we can take it. Plus, isn't healthy debate the reason why we make lists like this? Besides, everyone loves a Cinderella story this time of year, right Florida Atlantic? The fact that 65 venues scored over 4.00 on our FANFARE score is a testament to the number of incredible venues all across the country. To see the full review of each gym, just click the link underneath the photo. You'll notice that there have been some changes in our rankings as we move to our newly-redesigned site. There is no longer a place for readers to contribute their scores. After much consideration, the decision was made to discontinue crowd reviews, as the vast majority of them came from previous Stadium Journey reviews and simply were not being utilized as designed. Our rankings are now based solely on the reviewer's FANFARE score. Where two or more venues are tied, a counsel of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break any ties. We encourage our readers to share your input on our social media channels. Stadium Journey can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We hope you are enjoying our new site. Without further ado, we present our top 25 college basketball arenas of the 2022-23 season. 1. Hinkle Fieldhouse - Butler Bulldogs 4.57 Marc Viquez - There are college basketball arenas and then there are its cathedrals. The Hinkle Fieldhouse is the latter and entering its eleventh decade the atmosphere gets only better. The Bulldog program continues to rank high on AP Top 25 and provides its fans with winning basketball and an atmosphere that is loud, energetic, and exciting. Hinkle is what college basketball is meant to be and how wonderful is it that near the end of this current decade, the building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary? 2. Finneran Pavilion - Villanova Wildcats 4.43 Richard Smith - Finneran Pavilion is one of the most unique looking arenas around. It offers a great place to see some very high-quality basketball in a fun environment. In a world when some basketball arenas are getting larger and more corporate, it is good to know there is a building in Philadelphia that is a true classic hoops hall. 3. Moody Center - Texas Longhorns 4.43 Michael Davis - Overall I want to say Moody Center is the best new basketball arena in the country, and it just might be a true statement. It is a venue that any sports fan should visit, whether it is for a University of Texas event or a non-UT event. Texas Basketball has an amazing new home, a venue that will bring in recruits, and fans, and give a home-court advantage like no other. Moody Center has already shown that the price was worth the investment for the city of Austin; now it is only time to see if the new culture of Texas Basketball will bring in championships. 4. Joyce Center - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Brian O'Sullivan - Even though Notre Dame is not located near a major city, heading to campus on a non-football weekend is a great way to catch a basketball or hockey game and see the campus with far fewer people. In short, attending a game at the Joyce Center is well worth the cost of admission. 5. Dee Glen Smith Spectrum - Utah State Aggies 4.43 Tyler Huskinson - Attending a game at the Spectrum is something that should be on the bucket list of every sports fan. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip. 6. Madison Square Garden - St. John's Red Storm 4.43 Jared Goodman - While a half-empty seating bowl would usually be a detractor at other venues, it is actually a benefit at Madison Square Garden. The more relaxed ambience during St. John’s games, for the most part, provide fans with a chance to enjoy and appreciate the architecture and the history of The World’s Most Famous Arena. 7. Phog Allen Fieldhouse - Kansas Jayhawks 4.29 Cory Sims - Simply put, nothing matches the atmosphere of the Fieldhouse. In 2017, the arena set a new Guinness World Record for loudest indoor stadium at more than 116 decibels, louder than a jet or chainsaw. And, that's not with piped in crowd noise or speakers blaring music, that is pure fan jubilation. 8. UD Arena - Dayton Flyers 4.29 Marc Viquez - The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. 9. Memorial Gym - Vanderbilt Commodores 4.29 David Welch - Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium is definitely an arena that is a must-stop for stadium enthusiasts. Beyond the rarity of the raised court and the quirks of the building itself, the whole experience of a basketball game at Vanderbilt is extremely fan friendly and a great college basketball atmosphere. 10. Mizzou Arena - Missouri Tigers 4.29 Sean MacDonald - Overall, this is an impressively designed venue that looks much younger than its 20 years and it was rocking for the game I attended, making it one of the best college basketball experiences that I have enjoyed. 11. Gallagher-Iba Arena - Oklahoma State Cowboys 4.29 Michael Davis - Gallagher-Iba Arena is one of the best basketball facilities in the nation. Every sports fan should make a visit to Stillwater, and visit the arena once known as “The Madison Square Garden of the Plains.” Oklahoma State University does a great job with the venue, as Gallagher-Iba Arena continues to make history, while staying connected to its past. 12. The Pavilion at Ole Miss - Ole Miss Rebels 4.29 Paul Donaldson - When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts which come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. 13. Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium - Wofford Terriers 4.29 Lloyd Brown - The Wofford Terriers have the best home court advantage in the Southern Conference thanks to the opening of the Richardson Indoor Stadium. It's close to the court seating, state of the art electronic graphics package and luxury seating far exceeds what you would expect from a school in one of the smaller conferences. Wofford has also done a terrific job in ensuring that the exterior design of the venue is very much in keeping with the architecture of the surrounding campus. 14. Jon M. Huntsman Center - Utah Utes 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Jon Huntsman often serves as the site for regional tournaments due to its large city capacity and the large inventory of hotel rooms in downtown Salt Lake City. The Utes play a crowd-pleasing up-tempo game that has brought them success since the championship days of the late Rick Majerus, a time when the Utes were regulars in the NCAA tournaments. 15. Breslin Center - Michigan State Spartans 4.29 Steve Ohnsmann - This is one of the holy grails for college basketball fans. If you are lucky enough to attend a Big 10 game vs one of MSU’s traditional rivals such as Michigan, Indiana, Purdue or Wisconsin, you will have a memorable experience. 16. CHI Health Center Omaha - Creighton Bluejays 4.29 James Hilchen - CHI Health Center Omaha has great food, a fabulous atmosphere, and the fans are tremendous. It is rarely thought of among the elite arenas in college basketball, but the arena combined with a fabulous downtown Omaha makes any effort to attend a game here well worth the trip. 17. Don Haskins Center - UTEP Miners 4.29 Jason Bartel - The 1966 Texas Western College men’s basketball team is arguably the most important college basketball team in the history of the sport. That Texas Western team took down Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA National Championship, and became the first team to start five black players. Though they didn’t play at Don Haskins Center (opened 10 years later), the presence of that team is felt throughout the arena. 18. McLeod Center - Northern Iowa Panthers 4.29 Chuck Utech - A trip to Cedar Falls to see a Missouri Valley Conference basketball game can be rewarding. With the 2018 trip to the Final Four by Loyola of Chicago, “Hoosiers” images were conjured for folks dreaming of the smaller school defeating large universities. The McLeod Center houses those dreams and passionately puts them on display. 19. Betty Engelstad Sioux Center - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.29 Daryn Skjefte - The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is truly a work of art that deserves to be recognized. College basketball is often a tradition for families and friends and this location does not disappoint. The ticket prices are hard to beat, the parking is easy and priced appropriately, and the in-game experience is second to none. I would definitely recommend checking out The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center if you find yourself in Grand Forks. 20. Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke Blue Devils 4.14 Joseph Oakes - Even though Cameron Indoor Stadium is old, small, and cramped, the experience of attending a Duke game is like one you won’t experience anywhere else. From the sellout crowds to the Cameron Crazies to the product on the floor (which is always good) a trip to Cameron is a must for any college basketball fan. 21. McCathey Athletic Center - Gonzaga Bulldogs 4.14 Libby Kamrowski - Gonzaga University’s McCarthey Athletic Center is a state of the art 6,000-seat arena that is home to the Kennel and the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane, Washington. The $25 million McCarthey Center came as the much-needed upgrade from the former Charlotte Y. Martin Center in 2004. The Bulldogs, known frequently as the Zags, are part of the West Coast Conference and made school history by competing in the NCAA National Championship in 2017. 22. Pauley Pavilion - UCLA Bruins 4.14 Andrej Ojeda - The recent facelift to Pauley Pavilion has vastly improved the game day experience beyond expectations. With much wider concourses, improved sight lines, enhancements to the scoreboard, and the various additions that pay tribute to many a great UCLA basketball moment, including the statue of John Wooden, a trip to a UCLA game at Pauley should be on every collegiate hoop fans bucket list (no pun intended). 23. Matthew Knight Arena - Oregon Ducks 4.14 Paul Hilchen - A trip to an Oregon basketball game should be on any fan's bucket list. Matthew Knight Arena is modern with fantastic sightlines throughout the facility. 24. Jersey Mike's Arena - Rutgers Scarlet Knights 4.14 Richard Smith - Jersey Mike's Arena is outdated and borderline dilapidated, but it's still an amazingly vibrant arena to watch a very high level of basketball action. Should Rutgers have a better, newer, and bigger arena? Probably, but the basketball-watching experience is pretty amazing here. 25. Siegel Center - VCU Rams 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Virginia Commonwealth University basketball team has proven that their trip to the Final Four in 2011 was no fluke, as the Rams are perennial champions in each of the conferences they have played in over the past decade. The VCU student body and the fans in Richmond know a good thing when they see it and have packed the Seigel Center for every game over the last 10 years.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL 32502 Sun Belt Basketball website Pensacola Bay Center website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 8,150 March Madness Runs Through the Emerald Coast 2023 marks the third straight year that the Road to the Final Four has run through the Florida panhandle, with the Sun Belt men's and women's basketball tournaments. In 2020 the City and Conference signed a four-year contract for the tournament to be held at Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola. The event's operations are run by Pensacola Sports, a non-profit sporting event services group. The 8,150-seat building also servs as the home of the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL. The Sun Belt Conference is one of the premiere mid-major conferences in college basketball. Since being founded in 1976 the basketball-rich conference has sent 54 teams to the NCAA tournament, accounting for 18 wins. The winner of the Sun Belt tournament automatically advances into the NCAA Tournament every year, and there have also been some years when the conference sent multiple teams dancing to the Tournament, most recently in 2013. Perhaps the best year for the Sun Belt was its inaugural year, when the Charlotte 49ers made it to the Final Four and finished the season ranked third in the country. Western Kentucky has won the most men's and women's Sun Belt tournaments with nine wins, while South Alabama and Louisiana are the current conference teams with the most tournament wins, at five for the men's, while Old Dominion has won five for the women’s. The 2023 Sun Belt tournaments marks the 47th installment of the tourney, which has been played at 15 different sites over the years in the Southeast region – Biloxi, Birmingham, Hot Springs, Mobile, Charlotte, and Little Rock are just some of the cities which have hosted over the years, with New Orleans hosting the most tournaments at seven. Prior to the 2022-23 season the Sun Belt welcomed four new teams for basketball (Southern Miss, Marshall, James Madison and Old Dominion); because of these additions there was a slight change for the 2023 tournament, with the top 4 teams getting a double round bye in the single-elimination format, with all 14 teams invited. Food and Beverage 3 The Bay Center features four permanent concession stands, with two on each side of the concourse. On the west side concourse is Coop's Chicken Stand, which sells chicken tender baskets and sandwiches with prices from $7-$10. There is also a stand called Savor which just sells the basics, where prices range between $4 and $7; popcorn, hamburgers, nachos, jumbo pretzels, hot dogs, beef jerky, and candy is what rounds out the menu at Savor. On the east side concourse there is also another Savor stand, as well as a Tarragona Taco Stand, which sells various nachos and tacos with prices ranging from $7-$10. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider of Pensacola Bay Center, with large drinks costing $5 and regular drinks costing $4. For alcohol you can purchase 20 oz. draft beer for $10 with the options of Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Shock Top, or McGuire's Irish Red Ale. There is also a pop-up bar on the north side concourse with a better selection of alcoholic drinks. Atmosphere 4 Pensacola Bay Center opened in 1985 and is typical of the civic center-style arenas built in mid-sized cities during that time period. With a seating capacity of 8,150 it remains the largest indoor venue in Northwest Florida. At over 35 years old the building is beginning to show its age, but it did receive some renovations as part of the agreement with the Sun Belt Conference – the most notable improvements include the new state-of-the art scoreboard that hangs over center court, which shows the game action as shown on TV. It replaced an old dot matrix style scoreboard from the 1990s. The new videoboard presentation is sharp, and with the LED ribbon that wraps around the videoboard is just the type of upgrade the building needed. Also new for 2023 is the Sun Belt Fan Fest that takes place outside Pensacola Bay Center. Here you'll find live entertainment, vendor booths, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more, set up in the parking lot getting people in the mood. Each school was well represented at Fan Fest, with cheerleaders and mascots from each respective school making appearances. There was even a basketball court set up in the parking lot where you could practice your shot before heading into the venue, including various three-point, free throw, and HORSE competitions. Also, if you want to experience the beach life before coming to the game, the Pensacola Beach Trolley was making round trips from the Beach to Pensacola Bay Center; about a 15-minute drive. There is one entrance on the west side where the box office is located – fans walk up a winding ramp to the third floor where the entrance is. Inside the venue there is a lower level that wraps around the building, with an upper level on the east and west sides. The concourse is designed in a wraparound configuration, with the east and west concourses featuring the concession stands, plus a small merch table that sells various Sun Belt Conference gear. The arena does have a dark and cavernous feel to it; I've seen plenty of hockey games in the building, and the feeling is not as evident for hockey as it is for basketball. I think this might have something to do with all the tarps and curtains put in for basketball, making it seem really dark then. However, the sound system and acoustics echo off the hardwood floor a lot better than they do on the ice. The Sun Belt Conference logo is everywhere throughout the building, inside and outside – there is no denying what tournament is being played here, from the giant logos outside the venue to the curtains and banners surrounding the court, and of course the actual court itself. Neighborhood 4 Pensacola Bay Center is located in downtown right at the foot of the I-110 bridge. The arena is located around some parking lots, but a couple of blocks over takes you to Palafox Street, where you should be able to find every kind of bar and restaurant imaginable. Popular bars and restaurants on this strip include the pricey Jackson's Steakhouse, O'Riley's Pub, Intermission, Graffiti Pizza, World of Beer, Wild Greg's Saloon, Taco Agave, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar, Blend Lounge, Tin Cow, Play Pensacola, and many more. Also downtown is the famed Seville Quarter, which is modeled after the New Orleans French Quarter. This block features seven bars and restaurants, with the oldest and most famous being Rosie O'Grady's. Famous for its hurricane cocktails and dueling pianos, this two-story bar has been serving patrons since the 1920s. The Seville Quarter is also filled with other options such as End of the Alley, Marlene Aviators Pub, Apple Annie's, Palace Oyster Bar, and the upscale District Steak & Seafood. The closest bar within walking distance of Pensacola Bay Center is the famous McGuire's Irish Pub. Over 100,000 one-dollar bills line the ceiling and prices are reasonable, unless you want to try the famous McGuire's $100 burger. Across the street from McGuire's are Fish House and Atlas Oyster House, two popular seafood spots overlooking the bay. There are also three breweries in downtown as well – Gulf Coast Brewery, Emerald Republic, and Pensacola Bay Brewery. Pensacola is also home to the famous Blue Angels, based at Pensacola Naval Air Station. If you have never seen the Blue Angels you must see them – they fly through the air upside down and in different formations; it is quite a view to see. The Blue Angels begin their spring practices at the beginning of March, so if you are lucky you may catch them flying over the beach or Pensacola Bay Center while practicing. And if you want to make a beach trip, the beaches of Pensacola Beach are located on Santa Rosa Island just across the bay; there are tons of attractions on the island as well. There also tons of hotels to stay at – the closer to the water the more expensive the rooms. Fans 3 You cannot pick a more prime location to have the Sun Belt basketball tournament than in Pensacola. Right in the middle of the Sun Belt region, it makes the commute easy for most of the schools' fanbases. Pensacola is also a destination city, with many people taking advantage of the warm Florida weather to come down here to spend a week at the beach, while getting to watch their team play – the weekend games are obviously more packed than the earlier round games. By the Championship game on Monday, I would say the venue is about 70% full; for each game there are at least a couple thousand of each team's respective fan bases there, with lots of family and friends of players who made the trip down. Outside at the Fan Fest you can find fans from all 14 schools fanbases well represented. You could also tell that a lot of people who came from out of town are staying on the beach, because the trolley is constantly dropping people off. I saw many fans walking around at Fan Fest with island drinks in their hands that they brought over on the beach trolley. Pensacola Beach is cool little beach resort community on a barrier island with tons of beach bars, dive bars, and seafood restaurants, as well as plenty of shopping. I would say the school with the most fans would be conference newcomer for the 2022-23 season, Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles had their best season in recent memory and were Conference champs, plus Hattiesburg is only about 120 miles away, so the Golden Eagles faithful flocked to Pensacola for the tournament – you could see yellow and gold all throughout the building when they played. South Alabama, Troy, and Louisiana also travel really well, and Old Dominion actually had a nice selection of fans as well, for a school as far away as it is. Access 4 The Bay Center is located at the southern end of I-110, a north and south auxiliary road that connects I-10 to downtown Pensacola, with the arena about 10 minutes south of the main interstate through town. The building is not hard to miss, as it sits at the foot of I-110 and is the first thing most people will see when entering downtown. There are many parking lots around the arena, charging $10 per car to park. New for the 2023 Tournament the Pensacola Beach trolley makes a stop here from the Beach, which is about a 15-minute drive to Pensacola Bay Center, costing $5 one way to make the trip. There are some other lots and metered parking nearby as well, but those further lots charge more than $10 to park at. Once inside the facility concourses are not crammed, so you should have no issue getting inside and getting to your seat. None of the games will be sellouts either, so you can move around as you please and not get hassled by ushers. Return on Investment 3 General Admission tickets can be purchased for $18, while seating in the first five rows for single game tickets are $22. If you buy a ticket to an earlier game and want to stay for the next you are free to do so, as there are no ushers kicking people out in between games. However, there is a no re-entry policy, so once you leave the building you will have to purchase another ticket to get back in. With general admission, parking, and food, one person could get in to watch a game for about $50, which is about average for a postseason D1 basketball tournament. I would consider this a good return on investment just because you are in a prime vacation destination in the panhandle of Florida, and are guaranteed to see a team play that'll get a chance to compete for the Final Four. Just remember the tournament takes place during prime Spring Break time in Pensacola, so finding a hotel room could be a nightmare – I recommend booking ahead of time if coming from out of town. Extras 3 One extra for the upgrades Pensacola Bay Center undertook in order to host the tournament -- the new video board was what the venue needed to add that extra spark, and it definitely added a major league feel to the place. The City also did an excellent job transforming Pensacola into the Sun Belt Conference's main headquarters for the week. The conference logo was on everything throughout town, from the bars and restaurants to the airport and beach. Because Pensacola does not have a D1 college in town, the city has adopted this tournament – for one week the city becomes a major college town. The staff also did an excellent job at Pensacola Bay Center as well. Outside the venue were 14 giant inflatable basketballs located at the main entrance, each with the 14 different Sun Belt team logos on it. At night the giant SBC logo was illuminated from the top of the building for everyone in downtown to see, while inside the venue the main colors that stand out are yellow and blue, from countless conference logo signs and banners hung up around the court. All 14 teams have banners high above Pensacola Bay Center as well. The Fan Fest going on outside is also a plus, as well as the trolleys that brought fans to the venue. Pensacola Sports and the Sun Belt Conference definitely go all out with this tournament every year.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 George M. Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 Tampa Tarpons website George M. Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 Yanking at Pinstripe Loyalty in Tampa It is a brand which ranks high among the most popular marks in the world. The ‘bat in the hat’ logo is adored by tens of millions and even when outside the New York area, it continues to be a strong brand. While capitalizing on the loyalty of Yankees fans is expected outside the Bronx, in Tampa, there are a few things lacking. Missing the opportunity to fuel the brand, particularly since the strength of the major league team has its fingerprints all over George Steinbrenner Field. Witnessing a Tampa Yankees game affords a chance to embrace the pinstripe brand, but there are a number of missed opportunities. It is worth checking off your list if that is what you are into, but it ranks low on the list. Note: After operating as the Tampa Yankees for 24 seasons, the club was rebranded as the Tarpons in 2018. Food & Beverage 2 Much of this rating has to do with what might have been had they just imported some New York food and drink. Not just types of food, but maybe the brands, could have been represented. Prices for what you get were pretty high, too. A hot dog is $2.50 but not very tasty. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bratwursts and chicken sandwiches are $6. Peanuts are $4 with a pretzel for $4.50 (add cheese for another $1). A large popcorn is $5, small popcorn $3. A nacho helmet is $11. Pepsi products are sold with a regular size $3, souvenir cup for $6. Bottled water is $3. As for beer Budweiser products are sold here and draft beer is $8 with a refill for $6. Atmosphere 2 Crowds are light during the minor league season, you can see where it might really be a busy place during Spring Training but this doesn’t carry over to the Florida State League. The complex is impeccable, the largest in Florida seating more than 11,000 fans, and looking great for 20 years old. In front of the main steps, you are greeted by the impressive statue of George Steinbrenner. To the right is Monument Park and further to the right is the 9/11 Memorial, all nice touches to the entrance. Multiple fields surround the main stadium, all part of the Yankees spring training complex. It has been laid out quite nice. Fountains and clever landscaping and walkways are integrated to make it a great site. Currently there is lots of concrete and metal, like the stadiums of the 70s and 80s. There was a lot of remodeling being done in 2016 and a new merchandise store will be at the front of the complex for the 2017 season. Changes to the front stadium entrance and ticket windows are also expected. Step into the seating area and it is a sea of blue, just like Yankee Stadium. You will notice the identifiable hat on a bat Yankees logo on each end of the aisle seat. You will also notice no cup holders to use anywhere. The distinctive frieze lines the upper perimeter of the stadium from the seating interior, attached to the overhang which covers the heads of those in the top six rows. Between each spacing in the concrete supports is a letter which spells out the team nickname in distinctive typeface. There are two scoreboards, both in left field. The first is the smaller, box score version, low to the ground and just in line with the top of the wall. In left center field, the larger video board provides high quality replays, expanded statistics and additional ways to provide entertainment value. Neighborhood 3 Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and some retail establishments are nearby. The complex is not far from historic Ybor City and the famous restaurant, The Colombian. Cigar City Brewing is within a mile to the south and has some of the finest craft beer. Fans 3 It appears that many Tampa Yankees fans are either from New York, from Tampa or visiting from other areas, which is to say there is a mix of folks; nothing stands out to scream “knowledgeable.” Access 4 Highway 275 is the major interstate which connects Tampa to St. Petersburg to the west. The stadium is just north of this at exit 40B from the west and 41A from the east. Take Highway 92 (also known as Dale Mabry Highway) three miles north. Parking is free and there are plenty of restrooms no matter how large the crowds. Return on Investment 4 $6 for the highest price ticket is pretty good and the free parking is not common. Program prices at $2 is a fair rate, food prices are fair to high based upon the lesser quality and the size. Extras 1 Give a star for the stadium design, with signage and replica gables mimicking those of the famed Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Final Thoughts The stadium is a fortress – it exudes Yankees power, money and status. Steinbrenner Field befits a team like the New York Yankees, yet the presence of their Single-A team in this cavernous building is almost an embarrassment.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey, and Johnathan Puello Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Clover Park 31 Piazza Dr Port St Lucie, FL 34986 New York Mets Spring Training website Clover Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 7,160 The Mets and Their Field of Clover The New York Mets have held their spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida since 1988. This is the third longest relationship between a city and a Grapefruit team after the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Phillies. They have played those 35 seasons in the same stadium, although it has gone through several names, including Thomas j. White Stadium, Tradition Field, Digital Domain Park, and First Data Field. In 2020, the park was rechristened as Clover Park. In conjunction with this change on the marquee, the venue began a two-year, $57 million renovation to address the many shortcomings of an older facility competing with much newer stadiums in the Grapefruit League. We’ll address those improvements through each section of this review. Food & Beverage 3 Clover Field has a wide variety of food and beverage items available to suit almost any taste. The concession stands are grouped by section within the stadium, with sites behind home plate, along the first and third baselines, next to the Budweiser Terrace, and atop the berm in right field. They tend to replicate between these areas, so you should not have to venture far from your seat to find the stand item you want. Stands carry the traditional ballpark favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken strips, fries, and popcorn. Many other stands offer regional foods that New Yorkers have come to expect. This includes knishes, bagels, and deli sandwiches. Still other stands feature only one item…. Funnel cakes, cotton candy, or Italian ice. There are several places to purchase adult drinks at the ballpark. One of the most popular places in the park is the Corona Beach House in the outfield. It carries brands including Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, and Funky Buddha. There are more brands available along the Budweiser Terrace also in the outfield. Atmosphere 4 Branding has become very important in the world of professional sports, and the previous incarnations of the park had fallen behind the times in this area. The exterior of the park now leaves no doubt as to what team plays there. It features the blue and orange colors of the club, with branding messages and graphics featuring some of the Mets’ top players on display. The seating bowl is in the midst of a multi-season phasing in of 7,160 seats in the Mets shade of blue. In the midst of all the renovations, it is nice to know that some things at Clover Park have remained the same. The capacity is still the same at 7,160, a comfortable amount considering the stadium’s footprint. The stadium design maintains the same two level seating bowl, with the clamshell canopy designed to keep as many fans as possible in the shade and out of the hot Florida sun. Most importantly, the field dimensions are still 338L, 410C, and 338R. There are two Mets team stores at the complex. The outside store is open on non-game days and prior to home games. The second store is located inside the stadium along the concourse and is accessible only during the game. Neighborhood 4 The bond between the city/county of Port St. Lucie and the Mets has been a strong one over the nearly 40 years of their partnership. The longtime link between the two has actually led to a population increase in the area, as many longtime Mets fans have chosen to have their winter homes near the Mets Spring Training facility. The Port St. Lucie location just off of I-95 allows the Mets to get to the Jupiter, Florida spring training home of the St Louis Cardinals/Miami Marlins, which is only 30 miles south of Clover Park. Port St. Lucie is also close to Vero Beach, the former historic home of the Dodgers. Many New Yorkers still remember that team from their days in Brooklyn. Ironically, the Dodgers move west to California led to the creation of the Mets. Baseball is not the only game in town in Port St. Lucie. Golf is extremely popular in the area, and the PGA Village also calls the city home. There are dozens of private and public courses in the city. There are a wide variety of accommodations available in the city, with the Holiday Inn Express and Suites being the closest to the ballpark. Folks looking for a bite to eat either before or after a game can’t go wrong with Duffy’s Sports Grill. In addition to great food and drinks, Duffy’s has a bank of TV’s tuned in to every sport imaginable. Fans 4 New Yorkers are some of the most loyal fans in baseball…. If you are for “their” home team. If you are fans of the “other” New York team… you are their greatest enemy. That is unless you are a Red Sox fan… and then both sets of New York fans consider you their greatest enemy. All kidding aside, Mets fans had to endure the horrible teams of the early 1960s until the Miracle Mets breakthrough occurred in 1969. Since then, the Mets have fielded several World Series teams, and always seem to be in the hunt for a playoff spot in most seasons. Over the years the Mets fans have been treated to many Hall of Fame players, as well as many colorful personalities. They have treasured great memories of both types of players. Many of the practice fields in the spring training complex bear the names of these Mets immortals. Many Mets fans have made Port St. Lucie their winter home. They tend to make up a large percentage of the season ticket base for Spring Training. There is even a contingent of the 7th Line Army present at this southern outpost of the Mets world. Access 5 Getting to Clover Field is relatively easy from I-95. Take exit 121 (St. Lucie West Blvd) and go east on St. Lucie West Boulevard. Follow signs and make a left on Peacock Boulevard. Although there's no public transportation, rideshare pick-up and delivery is right in front of the stadium. Some hotels will shuttle fans staying at their hotels. A major portion of the renovation budget at Clover Park was devoted to improving accessibility at the ballpark. This starts outside of the stadium, where a new left turn lane was added to Peacock Boulevard, making it easier for fans to enter the stadium parking lot. Once people exit their cars, the main entrance to the ballpark has been reconfigured with a new staircase, and additional security lines were added to make the entry process easier. The ballpark also went to electronic ticketing only, as this makes that process go much quicker. The next area that has been improved through the renovations is the widening of the concourses inside the stadium. In the past, this area was very congested, especially between innings and prior to the games starting. The flow is much smoother now. The concourses are three times wider than before. Concession stands are set back into walls so they do not protrude into the concourse. The area where fans access the seating area from the concourses was also enlarged, enabling fans to get to their seats quicker, and also providing more air circulation into the interior corridors. One last structural deficit was addressed with the extension of the walkway on the third base side of the field out to the outfield concessions area. Sets of elevators are available to the left and right of the main staircase. Ramps are located in other areas of the stadium. More restrooms have been added, each with stalls and sinks that are accessible. And, private areas for nursing mothers are on the concourse. The gates at Clover Field open 90 minutes before the first pitch, allowing you plenty of time to check out the concession stands and find your seat. Return on Investment 4 You might think all these renovations have led to an increase in the cost of attending a game. However, the Mets have one of the most reasonable prices to attend a game in the Grapefruit League. Tickets are priced based on the level of the field and the location in relation to the field. First off, we need to share that all seats between the bases are for season ticket holders. You might be able to get tickets on the secondary market, but they will likely be pricey. The standard single game prices are $35 for lower level seats beyond the infield, $30 for upper reserved seats beyond the infield, and $25 for berm (known as “The Hill”) seating in right field. Parking at Clover Park lots is $15. Please remember that all features at Clover Park are credit card only. You can prepay for your parking on the team website. Concession prices vary widely between stands, but the rule of thumb is that the specialized stands selling a limited menu tend to be pricier. Extras 5 Clover Park’s street address was changed in 2020 to 31 Piazza Drive to honor its longtime All Star catcher Mike Piazza with both his name on the street and his uniform number as the location on the street. There is a display of more than 850 baseball bobbleheads on the concourse at Clover Field. These figurines feature the Mets players, broadcasters, and managers who’ve worn the blue and orange, as well as many other Major League stars. The Mets hosted two exhibition games at Clover Park with teams from Nicaragua and Venezuela prior to the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The Mets and the Yankees Spring Training homes each feature a memorial to the lives lost on 9/11. They both were constructed of steel recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center Towers. Clover Park also serves as the home stadium for the Class A affiliate of the Mets, the St. Lucie Mets. Final Thoughts The renovations at the longtime spring training home of the Mets have been a big hit with the fans. It functions at a much higher level, with greater accessibility, and new concession areas. The lack of branding in the ballpark has also been addressed with a name change in the street address, as well as new graphics featuring the blue and orange colors of the team throughout the park.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Michael Rusignuolo, and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 New York Yankees Spring Training website Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 The Pride of the Yankees George M Steinbrenner Field has been the home of the New York Yankees spring training since 1996. It was originally known as Legends Field, but the name of the stadium was changed in 2008, as the late Yankees owner had become very ill, and the team wanted to honor him while he was still alive so he would know about it. The stadium has a capacity of 11,026 and is the largest stadium in the Grapefruit League. Steinbrenner Field is also the only spring training facility in the city of Tampa. The stadium underwent a $40 million renovation in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage program at Steinbrenner Field has improved tremendously in recent years. This includes more food selection, types of dining options, and the number of concession locations in the stadium. The expansion of the concourses at Steinbrenner Field has allowed for many more concession stands to open. This consists of both static concession stands, as well as carts devoted to a specific product. The increase in the number of stands/carts has resulted in a decrease in congestion in the concourses and faster service. The types of dining options a fan is looking for have also greatly improved. First, a majority of fans just want a specific item as quickly as possible so they can get back to their seat and not miss much of the action. The traditional concession stands service this segment just fine. Other fans with a larger budget may want to consider dining in at Steinbrenner Field. The 2017 renovations included a pair of bars/restaurants with dine-in service. The Bullpen Club is open to all fans and is located above the right field foul line. The décor features the many great pitchers the Yankees have had over the years. The Third Base Club is on the left field side of the stadium. Its décor features the many sluggers that have worn the pinstripe uniforms of the Yankees. There are also sections where rounded tables and stools are located in right and left-center field that provide service on demand. Drinking rails and eating rails are also available in the outfield sections at Steinbrenner Field. Most importantly, the food selection and food quality have improved. You can order the stadium standards, but you also can order many non-traditional items as well. New York is a melting pot of people who have come to this country to better their lives. There are many stands or carts that feature distinct ethnic favorites to serve these fans. The concession stands tend to carry the more generic items like hot dogs and hamburgers, while carts often are representative of a certain brand or product like a Boar’s Head sandwich or a specific brewery’s beer. Atmosphere 5 Steinbrenner Field serves as a mini version of the Yankees home in the Bronx. This is readily apparent even before you enter through the stadium gates. There is a smaller version of Monument Park that honors 18 Yankee icons just outside of the stadium. You will also see a memorial to the victims of the 911 attacks and first responders nearby. This memorial includes a steel beam that was rescued from the debris of the Twin Towers. A short distance from these two areas is a statue of “The Boss” himself. It was dedicated after the death of Mr. Steinbrenner in 2010. Once inside the gates, you will see additional elements in the stadium that make you feel you are in the Bronx. The decorative elements atop the roof of the stadium replicate the latticework found at the top of Yankee Stadium. The stadium also features a large number of pennants that fly above the stadium. These flags represent each of the years that the Yankees were the World Series Champions. If that is not enough to remind you are in a facility used by today’s Bronx Bombers, Y-A-N-K-E-E-S is spelled out on the windscreens of the ballpark. In keeping with a Yankees tradition, the Frank Sinatra version of “New York, New York” is played on the sound system after each hometown win. Steinbrenner Field has the same dimensions as Yankee Stadium (318L, 399LC, 385RC, 314R). This is done so that players will be used to the field dimensions once the regular season gets underway. The stadium went through a $40 million renovation in 2017 which greatly enhanced the fan experience. These changes included replacing the stadium seats with wider room to sit, as well as cup holders for the drinks. The concourses were extended to 360 degrees around the stadium, making it much easier for fans to check out other areas of the stadium. Several bars, restaurants, and clubs were added to the facility for fan enjoyment during games. A huge video board with very sharp graphics was also added during the renovations. Neighborhood 2 Steinbrenner Field is different from the other Grapefruit League stadiums in that it is in a major Florida city, rather than a quaint small-town feel. This may make it easier to access, but also has its drawbacks, including traffic, very limited parking at the stadium, and the safety of walking in the areas surrounding the park. Unfortunately, Steinbrenner Field receives its lowest score in this area. Traffic in Tampa is always heavy, whether there is a game occurring that day or not. The parking outside of the football stadium is not convenient, as it requires a long walk over a pedestrian bridge to get to the stadium. The neighborhood surrounding the Yankees complex is rather seedy, as it includes seedy hotels and strip joints. We would not recommend any of the hotels that line Dale Mabry Highway, even if they are close to the Yankees complex. We do have some recommendations of places to stay, nice restaurants, and attractions located in Tampa. Busch Gardens is a beautiful place to visit, both for its gardens and the amusement park attached to it. It is only seven miles from Steinbrenner Field. Fans 4 There is a huge fan base for the Yankees in the Tampa area. First, you have the locals and the snowbirds. Tampa only has one outpost for Grapefruit League action in its city limits. The Yankees are the hometown favorites. George Steinbrenner had a home in the area, as do many former residents of the Big Apple. These transplants have an allegiance to the team that carries over to attending the games at Steinbrenner Field. Secondarily, you have the snowbirds who come to Florida to escape seasonally to avoid the tough winters in the northeastern U.S. Another portion of the fan base is much more transitory. These are true baseball fans who are interested in games at Steinbrenner Field due to the mystique of the Yankees brand. They relish going to games to check out the many salutes to Yankee history that are found in and around the Yankees spring training complex. Finally, you have the corporate leadership in the Tampa area. Most of the seats behind home plate or in seats with added amenities are owned not by an individual, but by a corporate entity. They see Yankee games as a way to treat their most important clients to an experience they will remember. Access 3 Getting to Steinbrenner Field is relatively easy, but there is a bit of a walk after you park your car. Take I-275 to Dale Mabry Highway and head north for three miles. Steinbrenner Field is on your right. Parking for Yankee games is on the large grass field adjoining the football stadium on your left. After parking your car, cross over Dale Mabry Highway via the pedestrian bridge to Steinbrenner Field. Persons with mobility issues can be dropped off at the stadium, but drivers must still park in the grass lot across the street. Steinbrenner Field is only three miles from Tampa International Airport. The stadium lot opens four hours before the first pitch. The stadium gates open two hours before the first pitch. It is a good idea to arrive early when traffic is lighter. This will also allow you time to visit the many Yankee salutes outside the stadium gates, as well as time to visit the Yankees training camp that adjoins the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The renovations in 2017 created many new choices of seating for fans to consider. These include group areas, areas that include special food and drink options, as well as seat selections based on the view of the field. This has resulted in more than twelve different price points for tickets to Yankees games. Game selection may also differ by who the opposing team is. Games involving the Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox are always sellouts, driving the cost up accordingly. One thing all fans need to know is that moving from your ticket location to a better seat located in another section which is “empty” is strictly forbidden. Ushers at Steinbrenner Field are legendary for sending folks back to their ticketed location with strict admonishment. Parking is $15 in the grass lot adjoining the football stadium. Extras 4 During the regular season, Steinbrenner Field serves as the home field for the Class A Tampa Tarpons in the Florida State League, which is one of the minor league affiliates of the Yankees. There are several great selfie locations at Steinbrenner Field. Outside of the stadium, the Monument Park salute to the Yankee icons, the Steinbrenner statue, and the 911 Memorial form great backdrops. Inside the stadium is a statue featuring the iconic “NY” found on the Yankees’ ballcap. There are also two numbers of retired Yankees located along the outfield concourse. Derek Jeter (#2) and Thurman Munson (#15) are featured in this area. The spring training homes of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Philadelphia Phillies are located close to Steinbrenner Field. This allows you to visit two Grapefruit League stadiums in a day if they line up in a day/night combination. Each of the entry tunnels along the concourses of Steinbrenner Field feature graphics about Yankees history and the many World Series that the team has won. Each tunnel highlights a different decade in the timeline of the history of the Yankees. Final Thoughts The Yankees are truly an iconic brand in Major League Baseball. Steinbrenner Field certainly realizes that in the many ways it salutes the many players who have worn the pinstripes over the years, while also preparing new players for the upcoming season. The ballpark is still one of the most popular stadiums to visit in the Grapefruit League, as it is very convenient for travelers to the Tampa area to catch a game due to its close proximity to the Tampa International Airport.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 BMO Stadium 3939 South Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90037 Los Angeles FC website BMO website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 22,000 LAFC Soccer From L.A. to The O.C. (Los Angeles to Orange County), southland sports fans will never suffer from a shortage of teams to cheer for. With fans having a choice of two teams to cheer for in each major sport, as of this season, Major League Soccer fans throughout the southland will also have their choice of two teams to cheer for with the addition of the Los Angeles Football Club. The first MLS game to take place in Southern California would take place at storied Rose Bowl in 1996. The L.A. Galaxy would call The Rose Bowl home until 2003 when they would move to more intimate settings at the Stubhub Center in the city of Carson. Throughout the early stages of the MLS, most teams often found themselves playing home games in front of sparse crowds at NFL venues. Banc of California Stadium, located on the spot formerly occupied by the Los Angeles Sports Arena, kicks off its inaugural season with a seating capacity of 22,000, all but securing a packed house for every contest. Banc of California Stadium is the first open-air professional sports venue to open in Los Angeles since Dodger Stadium in 1962. Note: In early 2023, the name of the stadium changed to BMO Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 Much of the dining options offer a local flair. Some of the items featured are The Srirach Beast Burger from the Beer Belly stand, Kalbi Pork from Seoul Sausage, Pita Nachos from The Roost, and a Brisket Sandwich from Bludso’s BBQ, a favorite among locals. Domestic and premium adult beverages are available throughout several stands as well as Coca-Cola brand sodas. Atmosphere 5 One word…LOUD. From the moment you step inside L.A.’s newest outdoor sports venue, the atmosphere is at a fevered pitch as throughout the stadium fans are chanting and yelling long before the match begins. The crowd is a great mix of diehards and fans new to the sport, led by the 3252’s, LAFC’s Independent Supporters Union. From the pregame tailgates to the ninetieth minute, the passion runs non-stop as the fans show their never-ending passion throughout the match. Neighborhood 4 Located on the grounds of Exposition Park, in addition to pregame tailgating that is permitted along Christmas Tree Lane, the Natural History Museum, California African American Museum and the California ScienCenter are all located inside the grounds of Exposition Park. If you do plan to arrive early, it is possible to take in two of the three museums prior to taking in the match. Should you choose to visit two museums in the same day I would recommend visiting the California African American Museum first before visiting either of the other two museums. Not far from the venue is a stretch along Figueroa Street known as The Figueroa Corridor. This stretch has revitalized a piece of Figueroa Street leading to Downtown L.A., lining the street with townhouses mostly geared to the students at nearby USC as well as various chain eateries. Should you desire more than just your typical fast food selection, L.A. Live is only a 10-minute drive from Banc of California Stadium where you will find more variety ranging from casual to upscale dining. Fans 5 If you should get the opportunity, sit, ahem, stand among The 3252 in the venue’s North End. The 3252 is comprised of a number of supporter groups that contribute greatly to the highly charged atmosphere throughout the venue. Though the 3252 are self-monitored, this passionate group of fans, perhaps the most passionate of all L.A. teams, makes no bones about their passion, encouraging flags, banners, drums and singing of the various groups rally songs. It is a party zone that while passionate and encouraging diversity while welcoming all types of fans, from the casual to the soccer novice and even kids, this party zone is not for the faint of heart. It is undoubtedly the loudest section in the venue and some of its traditions, particularly the 3252 Splash Zone, where beer and water throws are a proud tradition provided that cups, bottles, cans or other debris aren’t thrown. The level of enthusiasm is felt throughout the venue as fans have quickly warmed to the LAFC, regularly filling the stands through each contest. Access 4 Banc of California Stadium is about three miles southwest of Downtown L.A. and can be easily reached by the 110 Freeway. The 110 can have some of the most daunting traffic throughout the week, however, the Metro has a light rail, the Exposition Line, that has a stop a short walk from the venue. The Expo Line can be accessed from points serving Santa Monica, L.A’s west side to Downtown. Metro also offers several bus lines that run through the surrounding area. Unlike Rams or USC football games, because of the venue’s small capacity, parking for LAFC games is plentiful albeit pricey at $30. Pregame tailgating is limited to the area along Christmas Tree Lane. Inside, the concourse runs throughout the entire venue allowing fans to walk around and explore the stadium’s vast dining options prior to the matchup or during breaks in the action. Return on Investment 3 Like most organizations today the price to see a game at BOC Stadium is based on various factors, night of week, opponent. For a game against the L.A. Galaxy expect to pay a hefty price. Otherwise, ticket prices start at $20 for General Admission to as much as $147 for seats along the sideline. When factoring in the cost of parking if opting to drive ($30) an LAFC outing can be on the steep side. With the first year success of the LAFC Soccer Club, the organization is wasting no time raising the season-seat prices for the 2019 season. Extras 2 For a first year organization don’t expect too many extras such as a Wall of Fame of LAFC greats and other great moments. LAFC will develop its history inside BOC Stadium in due time. BOC Stadium offers its share of premium club seating for the elite but the ultimate experience is really in the stands where all the energy is. If you have a chance, sit, or in this case stand, in the North End, and be a part of the atmosphere, regardless if you belong to any of the support groups. Final Thoughts As with any first year organization there’s a special connection among the fans and the team. Even with the premium areas offered to the high rollers, and in L.A., there are plenty of them, the excitement in the stands and particularly among the support groups is nothing short of electric. After an unfortunate incident in the stands earlier this season, the LAFC organization along with MLS has made it a point of emphasis to provide all fans the ultimate game day experience. The 3252’s have played a huge role as well in making all fans feel welcomed. The LAFC fan base is a good variety of soccer diehards as well as newcomers to the sport. The LAFC Soccer Club has had a successful first season. Their success on the field, along with the excitement of a new franchise playing close to the heart of Los Angeles, can only help expand an already rabid fan base.

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

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fukuoka PayPay Dome 2-2-2 Jigyohama Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-8660 Japan Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks website Fukuoka PayPay Dome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 38,561 Ad Hawks Corporate ownership is the norm in Japanese baseball, with franchises merely considered an asset among many in the large conglomerates that control them. As such, when a company falls on hard times, it often looks to sell the team as they are often money-losing operations that provide little more than publicity. Such was the case in the 1980s when Nankai Electric Railway, based in Osaka, found their overall business hampered by their terrible ball team known as the Hawks. The board wanted to sell, but the chairman prevented it as he was an ardent supporter of the team. When he died in 1988, the last obstacle disappeared and Nankai sold the Hawks to Daiei, a retail business with supermarkets throughout Japan. Daiei moved the team to Fukuoka, the largest city on the southern island of Kyushu, where they became the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. The team played four seasons in Heiwadai Stadium, a relic from 1928, and the new owners realized they needed a modern venue to show off their shiny new possession. In 1993, they opened the Fukuoka Dome, Japan’s first stadium with a retractable roof and the Hawks have stayed there ever since. Of course, Daiei themselves fell into bankruptcy and in 2005, they were forced to sell the team to mobile phone operator SoftBank who renamed the team Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. That same year, they sold the naming rights to the dome to Yahoo! Japan, and the venue is now known as the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, or Yahoo Dome for short. The dome is now known as the Fukuoka Yahuoku! Japan Dome It is the biggest dome in Japan, which has six of these monstrosities in the NPB, a necessity due to the rainy season that slams the country in late spring. The roof is made of titanium and is so valuable that in 2004, Tom Barrack, a billionaire real-estate mogul, bought the dome simply because the roof alone was worth the purchase price. All that is well and good, but the key question is how does the Fukuoka Dome measure up in the important aspects of the fan experience? Food & Beverage 3 Food options are not as good as at some other parks in Japan and I struggled to find something unique. This is not to say that the offerings are limited, but that they are generally things you can find at other stadiums or cheap restaurants on the outside. I settled on a chicken burger in a focaccia bun, which came with a soft drink for 780 yen. Not exactly cheap eats. Interestingly, you fill up your own drink here, something I’ve not seen at other ballparks – the clerk puts a lot of ice in an empty cup and you fill the cup much like at fast food restaurants. Speaking of fast-food, KFC and Subway are two of the American brands here, each with several stands around the main concourse. Mos Burger, a smaller, tastier hamburger is also present, but I would recommend the DomDom Burger stand instead, simply because it is not widely available. Another popular spot was Umakamon Street with yakitori, various types of yakisoba (fried noodles) and crepes for dessert. If you want something unusual, the fried squid should fit the bill. As usual, explore all the options and you should find something to enjoy. Alcoholic beverages are plentiful with all the Japanese staples widely available, beer being the most popular choice. The beer servers moved up and down the aisles pretty much up to the end of the game. Atmosphere 1 Japanese baseball games are loud due to the two cheering sections in the outfield, but the Hawks take things to the extreme and it can be painful if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. To begin, there is an MC named Max, an overly hyper DJ from Chicago who started working here in 2007. He first appears before the game to get things going with lots of rah-rah (in both English and Japanese) and then becomes more and more irritating with between-inning appearances (called Max Time!) where he interviews fans. You probably have to live in Japan for a while to appreciate just how bloody awful this is; foreigners acting goofy is a staple of Japanese TV and seeing it brought to the ballpark was depressing and really brought down the experience, at least for me. Tourists may think differently though and so I’m not docking more than 2 points for the constant bombardment of noise. There was a dance team and at least six mascots to keep fans entertained and the size of the dome keeps the cheering sections relatively quiet when you are sitting near home plate. In fact, I would say it was quieter while the game was being played and only became noisy during the inning breaks, a change from the usual pattern here. Neighborhood 2 The dome is a 10-minute walk from Tojinmachi subway station, which is itself just 15 minutes from downtown Fukuoka, so it is easy to get to. The venue is part of a larger complex called “Hawks Town” which consists of a mall, several restaurants including a Hard Rock Cafe, and a Hilton hotel (called the Sea Hawk in keeping with the theme). The surrounding area is next to the waterfront and there is a beach just on the other side of the highway, although I didn’t immediately see how to access it. If you have time and the weather is nice, it is worth exploring this area before the game but afterwards, you’ll probably want to take the subway back to Tenjin, the main nightspot in Fukuoka. If you are staying around Tojinmachi, a new izakaya recently opened right next to exit 2. Nipachi is a chain restaurant where all items are just 280 yen. There are other branches throughout the city that provide a simple and affordable post-game dining experience. Fans 4 Hawks fans are excellent, usually showing up in large numbers and staying active throughout the game. Nearly everyone participated in the balloon release during the lucky 7th inning and after the team won, most stayed for the celebrations. For about 30 minutes there were hero interviews, singing of the team song, fireworks, and more balloons being released and few left to beat the traffic. I must say that the fans seemed to really enjoy themselves here and although the atmosphere is not something I particularly like, having such good supporters around me made a big difference. I find that fans here have been friendly whenever I’ve attended a game and this time was no different as I chatted with a couple of ladies who were kind enough to show me around town after the game. Access 3 Despite being much larger than the Tokyo Dome in terms of its actual footprint, Fukuoka Dome only has a single seating bowl with 32 aisles that provide access from the main concourse. You can walk around the entire concourse, but it gets busy when a crowd of 35,000 fans is on hand. Don’t try to enter the good seats without a ticket; each aisle is manned by an eager usher who will not let you pass unless you are ticketed for that specific aisle. Once in the seating area, you are again limited to how far you can go as plastic fencing blocks you from moving to a different section of seats. Not good if you are trying to get pictures, but you can enter the outfield sections at any time as they are the least expensive, so no ticket check is required. Washrooms are not sufficient; I noticed large lines both during and after the game. Return on Investment 2 The Hawks have been one of the NPB’s most successful teams in recent year, and are the defending Japan Series champions. As such, they are charging much more for tickets than the other clubs, with seats behind the plate going for as much as 10,000 yen. The seats are the big and comfy type, but $120 is way too much for a baseball game in my mind. If you like to be close to the action, the S reserved seats are 5,500 yen, still a bit overpriced. The best bet might be the outfield reserved seats listed at 1,800 yen but marked down to 1,000 yen at the game I attended. If you are not interested in getting inside the stadium proper, you can try the museum experience. Above the outfield seats is a museum dedicated to Sadaharu Oh, the world record holder with 868 home runs. For just 1,400 yen, you can visit this and see the game. This used to be a restaurant (similar to Windows in Rogers Centre) and I sat here a few years ago and found it strange, as you can’t hear the sounds of the game. Perhaps the Hawks thought the same as they created a museum to honor Oh, who managed the team for several years and is now the chairman. The museum is open before the game as well, so try to get there early and pay it a visit. There are three video boards above the outfield seats but two of them are used exclusively for advertising. These were given the names “Left Wing Vision” and “Right Wing Vision” in an obvious attempt to show that regardless of political bent, commercialization is the key to happiness. In fact, that was the main theme I took away from my visit here – spend, spend, spend. Things are expensive here, and I found myself inundated with commercials, right from when I walked through Hawks Mall on the way to the stadium. There are logos everywhere around and even Max got into the act, interviewing a couple of young ladies in English, sponsored by a local language school. The combination of an overpriced product and the non-stop solicitation to spend even more money really makes this the least cost-effective stadium in the NPB. Extras 4 There are a few displays worth noting as you wander around. First, at every gate there are “V” shaped pillars that commemorate each of the Hawks’ 15 Pacific League titles as well as the two championships they won in the Japanese Baseball League. There is a Material Wall that simulates a pitchers mound and home plate, exactly 18m44 apart (that’s 60’6″ for those who don’t know metric). There are pictures of every member of the entire Hawks’ roster, including those on their minor league team, shown under their place of origin. Most importantly is the Oh museum, located near gate 9 and open during non-game days as well. You can also take a tour here but I did not have time to do so on this occasion. Final Thoughts The Fukuoka Dome is an impressive structure and well worth visiting just for that. The game experience is a different matter though. For me, I found much of it to be excessive, from pricing to noise to advertising and that put a damper on what should otherwise have been a fun evening. The Hawks have a great team and should spend less time distracting their fans from the product on the field. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Sports Road Trips.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camelback Ranch 10712 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85037 Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,000 Dodgertown West This year (2018) the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their 10th anniversary at Camelback Ranch, their Spring Training facility in Glendale, Arizona. The Dodgers made their move from their fabled digs at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida to be much closer to their West Coast fan base. Camelback Ranch is the largest spring training facility in the Cactus League and is the second newest facility after the Chicago Cubs Sloan Park. The main stadium opened in 2009 and has a capacity of 13,000 (10,000 fixed seats and room for 3,000 on the outfield berms). It features 12 suites, a party deck, and several outfield terraces for groups and parties. The latest new amenities are an extended sunshade along the first base stands and a new 30’ X 50’ HD video board in the right center field. Food & Beverage 4 As you would suspect, the concessions at Camelback Ranch are a mix of baseball standards, southwestern cuisine, and regional favorites from the host teams’ areas. The broad menu includes hot dogs ($6), hamburgers ($8), pretzels ($5), pizza ($7), nachos ($6), tamales ($7), burritos ($6) and chili cheese fries. Camelback Ranch does offer the famous Dodger Dogs ($5). It is extremely important to stay hydrated in the hot and arid climate of Arizona. Beverages available at Camelback Ranch include bottled water ($5), Pepsi brand sodas ($5), fruit drinks ($5) and beer ($10 for domestic brands and $12 for premium brands), and other alcoholic beverages such as margaritas ($12) or wine ($8). Sunscreen is also available at both concession stands and the team stores in case you forget to bring it with you. Atmosphere 4 Camelback Ranch differs from its Cactus League brethren in that it truly embraces the Arizona landscape in its design. The stadium and surrounding facilities truly blend in with nature in an eco-friendly way. The stadium itself is very low profile, as the field is sunk 12 feet below grade and the seating is 12 feet above grade. The materials used in the stadium include stone native to the area, stucco, and earth tones for its metallic surfaces to mimic the surrounding terrain. Even the seats are caramel colored to blend in with nature. The areas outside of the stadium are equally park-like. More than 5,000 plants and trees dot the property, including an orange grove. Several nature trails dot the property, taking you to the various practice fields that are on-site. The Dodger and White Sox facilities are separated by a lake filled with fish. This lake serves as both a cooling zone from the hot Arizona sun and a water source to irrigate the many grass fields on site. A day at Camelback Ranch is truly a day in the park, both in the ballpark sense and in the natural connotation. It is a very relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy a ball game. Neighborhood 4 While the Camelback Ranch is a large facility it is somewhat isolated from services such as restaurants, shops, and lodging. The “neighborhood” when referencing Camelback Ranch can be found on just the other side of the Highway 101 interchange. The Glendale Sports and Entertainment District offers a wide variety of options for visitors to the area. It includes more than 26 restaurants, including Culver’s Butter Burgers and Frozen Custard, as well as McFadden’s. Glendale is also home to two professional sports franchises, the Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Coyotes. Fans 4 You will see a wide spectrum of fans at Camelback Ranch games, or at any Cactus League games for that matter. First, you will see many locals who are spending their retirement years in the greater Phoenix area. Sun City is located just a few miles from the Camelback complex. They may originally have hailed from one of the cities involved in the game or have no rooting interest and simply love the game. White Sox fans gravitate towards the 1st baseline, while Dodgers fans typically sit along the 3rd baseline due to the designation of a dugout for each of the partnering teams. A second set of fans will come from the home base of the teams involved and they are checking out the prospects for their team for the season to follow. This is the primary reason the Dodgers moved closer to their fan base in Los Angeles. Since they have a large Hispanic fan base, you will see touches like a wider choice of Mexican foods available, Mexican music being played during the games, and items in the team store bearing the Los Doyers name. Another portion of the crowd is a combination of families from multiple generations. You will see many grandparents bringing their grandchildren to a game. Pre-season baseball is famous for being the easiest time to get a player’s autograph and Camelback Ranch’s design makes it very easy for that to happen. The best thing about fans at spring training time is that the vibe is very relaxed and there is not a great deal of competitiveness in the stands. Everyone understands that teams are getting the veterans into shape and prospects are getting evaluated in this period. A game result or team record is not necessarily indicative of the team’s performance once the regular season starts. This makes the fan experience very enjoyable at Camelback Ranch. Access 4 Camelback Ranch is one of the most accessible facilities in the Cactus League. Its location at the intersection of the multi-lane West Camelback Road and Highway 101 makes it very easy to reach by car or public transportation. It features several parking lots which surround the stadium, allowing you to park as close as possible to where your seats are. There are two main entry points, with one in center field and one in the home plate area. Upon entering the stadium, the concourse is at grade level, which is very easy for the large number of seniors who attend the games to navigate. Concession stands and restrooms are plentiful. The berms in the outfield are on a very gradual slope, making it easy for fans to reach their seat. Cooling stations and shaded areas dot the stadium to protect fans from the hot Arizona sun. Return on Investment 3 Camelback Ranch games command one of the highest ticket prices in the Cactus League. They range from $10 for a seat on the berm up to $45 for a seat in the home plate area. Concessions are also above average in cost compared to other stadiums. Parking at Camelback is free. There are many hotels at the West Camelback / Highway 101 interchange at various price points. Extras 5 The Dodgers kept the original name of the property as it was a working ranch at the base of the Camelback mountains. The Dodgers share the Camelback Ranch facilities with the Chicago White Sox. Both teams also use the facility as the base for their Arizona League teams. Two other professional sports franchises are located just across Highway 101 from Camelback Ranch. Gila River Arena is home to the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL and the University of Phoenix Stadium hosts the NFL Arizona Cardinals. The Dodgers have some interesting art pieces along the lakeside trail. You will meet a life-size bobblehead of Tommy Lasorda at one point and encounter the Walk of Fame featuring a large baseball signed by Dodger greats in another area. When the Dodgers are hosting a game, Dodger Dogs are served at the concession stands. Final Thoughts Baseball traditionalists who bemoan the loss of the original Dodgertown in Vero Beach forget their regrets when they see Camelback Ranch. The Dodgers’ Cactus League headquarters does a great job of remembering the Brooklyn origins of the club while providing the Los Angeles fans with a much more convenient location to visit and a great set of amenities.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Ed Smith Stadium 12th St and Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 Baltimore Orioles Spring Training website Ed Smith Stadium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 8,500 Orioles Sport the Best Nest Ed Smith Stadium opened in 1989 and has served as the spring training home for the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. It was a basic ballpark that had begun to age. In 2010, that all changed when the Baltimore Orioles arrived in Sarasota. Before the team played its first game in the stadium, a more than $31 million renovation was underway to make the ugly duckling into the well-feathered nest of the Baltimore Orioles. As the work got underway, refurbished seats from Camden Yards were installed to replace the worn, weather-beaten seats used by the Reds. The seats were also moved closer to the field. The concourses of the stadium were more than doubled in width to allow a better flow of fans during the game. Fan comfort was improved with the addition of three air-conditioned suites and the installation of a fabric sunshade to keep fans in the top ten rows out of the sun so they could enjoy the games in much more comfortable conditions. Other amenities added to the stadium included increasing the number of concession outlets, addition of a gift shop, and a deli where people could enjoy their sandwiches in the comfort of air-conditioning. A new pavilion was added in left field, fitted out with tables and drink rails, and a bar for fans who liked to socialize during the game. The overall seating capacity was increased to 8,500. The Orioles did not stop with the interior. The exterior of the stadium was redone with a Spanish Mediterranean finish that was much more inviting than the previous entrance to the park. Fans now enter the home plate gate through a grand hallway, complete with a chandelier made of balls, bats, and pennants the Orioles have won. To top everything off, ceramic oriole weathervanes were added to the top of the press box and the outfield’s HD scoreboard. Ed Smith Stadium had become one of the nicest stadiums in the Grapefruit League. Food & Beverage 5 A nice-looking nest is fine, but it is equally important that your guests are well-fed. The Orioles added several outlets of their Birdland concession stands to keep the lines from backing up. The stands offer typical baseball fare, including hot dogs ($4.25), hamburgers ($7.25) pork sandwiches ($8), nachos ($5), popcorn ($4.75), sodas ($5.50), and domestic beers ($7.25) They also offer foods native to the Baltimore area, including seafood, chowders and crab cake sandwiches. Boog’s BBQ joined the food stands in 2019, with the Oriole's former first baseman offering his famous fare. The Orioles also offer a deli-like concession area near the front gate called Café 54, which offers deli sandwiches, rollups, and vegan fare. The Orioles Fit Grill offers several healthy food options. Ed Smith Stadium Boogs BBQ, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 5 If you close your eyes at an Orioles game, it is hard to believe you are not at Camden Yards when you attend a game at Ed Smith Stadium. You are sitting in a seat that once served in that iconic venue. The Orioles do a great job of branding, whether it is the Oriole weathervanes or the baseball chandelier you entered under before the game. The Baltimore fans get fired up even before the games start, as they shout “O” at the beginning of the national anthem (after all … the battle the song about happens literally in their backyard!) They continue their cheering through the announcement of the starting lineups. Typically, the stadium announcer gives the Baltimore weather report, which is usually much colder than Sarasota, which elicits yet another cheer from the crowd. Neighborhood 3 You will need your car after the game is over as there are not much entertainment or eating options nearby. The stadium itself is surrounded by the Orioles training complex which is off-limits to fans. You will need to travel south on Tuttle to visit the many attractions and great restaurants downtown Sarasota has to offer. If you are lured to the coastal beaches, head west on 12th street. For those who are baseball fanatics, both Bradenton and Tampa have spring training complexes less than an hour away… you can catch a day/night doubleheader! Fans 4 Despite their poor record in the last few years, the Orioles have a very loyal fanbase. You will see many Baltimore natives make the trip down from Maryland. They know the team well and are happy to talk baseball with visitors. Another contingent will be locals from Sarasota. They are very proud of the investment they made in the stadium, especially when major league baseball was threatening to leave town due to its poor condition. Sarasota is less than 50 miles from several other spring training facilities, and it is not unusual to see people in the stands wearing colors other than the competing teams. Many people without a specific loyalty to a team come to Florida on vacation to escape the cold weather and have an opportunity to see MLB when they may live hours away from a major league team when they are at home. The best thing about spring training crowds is that they do not take the games too seriously. They understand games will feature youngsters trying to make the team and that veterans are not likely to start or play in games early in camp. Access 4 Ed Smith Stadium is easily accessible via I-75. Coming from the north: take exit #213 (University Parkway. Go west on University to Tuttle Avenue. Turn left on Tuttle and the stadium will be on your right at the corner of Tuttle and 12th Street. Coming from the south: Take I-75 to exit #210 (Fruitville Road) Go west on Fruitville and turn right on Tuttle. The stadium will be on your left. Parking in a stadium lot is $12. Stadium lots can accommodate up to 1,800 cars. Return on Investment 3 Let’s face it…. going to Florida in late winter/early spring means you are going to pay high season prices. Spring training fans book their hotels months in advance as they know they sell out way in advance. If you are from the Northeast, it may be cheaper to fly rather than to spend days on the road to get there. Flights to Tampa are easy to get and, in some cases, you can even fly into airports in smaller cities like Bradenton or Sarasota. Your expected cost for an Orioles game can run between $20-$40. Parking is going to be another $12 and a family of four can easily eat $60 worth of food at the concession stand. If you did not drive down in your car expect premium prices for that rental car. However, these costs may be worth it, as going to as many spring training games and sites are often a bucket list item for many people. Enjoy… the bill won’t come for another month and your friends will be so jealous about your great trip. Extras 4 One big extra to the Orioles for the massive transformation they made in Ed Smith Stadium. A second extra for being in Sarasota…a city filled with beaches and interesting museums to visit before or after the game. Another extra goes to having the regional favorites (a taste of home) at the stadium’s concession stands. A fourth extra is fans can once again go out and see live baseball! Final Thoughts If you close your eyes at an Orioles game, it is hard to believe you are not at Camden Yards when you attend a game at Ed Smith Stadium.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 CoolToday Park 18800 South, W Villages Pkwy Venice, FL 34293 Atlanta Braves Spring Training website CoolToday Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 8,000 The Braves New World CoolToday Park opened in 2019 as the new spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. However, the stadium only hosted the last spring training game at the park in 2019. The spring training games with fans in the stands were wiped out by the pandemic in 2020-2021 and the lockout in 2022, so the 2023 season is only the second opportunity to see a Braves game in person at Cool Today. The stadium’s location is shown as North Port, which is actually a suburb of Venice, FL. The stadium has 6,300 seats, but it has a berm capacity of 1,800 people, bringing total capacity to 8,000 fans. The field has dimensions of Left Field: 335 feet; Center Field: 400 feet; Right Field: 325 feet. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage selection at CoolToday Park is both delicious and varied in selection. While most ballparks feature just the standard, safe staples, CoolToday Park explores some unusual offerings. We start with the Tomahawk Tiki Bar (I know… politically incorrect!) along the left field foul line at the venue. It offers burgers ($14), tacos ($14), subs, sandwiches, po boys ($14), quesadillas ($14), and salads ($10). It opens to the public on non-event days for Happy Hours from 11am to 4pm, with $3 Bud Lights, Michelob Ultra, and $5 craft beers. We did not say it was cheap. It is a Tiki Bar…. Drink a few $3 beers and you will not feel the pain in your pocketbook for a few days! The variety of foods comes with the other concession stand offerings. Along the third baseline is the Florida Fish Camp. It features fried fish with hushpuppies and fries and is served in a tackle box for $12. Other items on the Fish Camp menu are shrimp and conch fritters. The Chicken Coop offers both fried and grilled chicken plates, which include fried pickles and boom boom sauce for $10. Atlanta’s own Chick-fil-A is also on-site, selling its specialty at the same price as any of its retail stores…. and never on Sundays! Other stands along the concourse are Salsa Supreme, Dawg’s N Burgers (please note: there is only one way to spell “dog” in Georgia!), Sausage Shack, and Greenfield’s Ice Cream. Oh, if you still have a desire for another drink… there is a Landshark Landing on the first base side of the stadium. We rate the quality and variety of food and beverages at CoolToday Park very highly. Unfortunately, we find the prices charged for food and drinks to be extremely expensive. Atmosphere 5 You begin to enjoy the atmosphere at CoolToday Park before you even enter the ballpark. The exterior skin of the stadium features large murals featuring the team logo as well as photos of Braves elites Bobby Cox, Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews, Tom Glavine, Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz. These players are also recognized with their numbers on display on the plaza outside the park. It makes for a great selfie location. Once inside the park, the first two things you will notice are its openness and the 360-degree concourse. The concourse is open on the field side so you will not miss any of the action on the field while you are away from your seat. This openness also allows the breeze in the area to keep you cool throughout the game. The 360-degree concourse allows you to travel to all the different concession stands and the opportunity to check out the action on the field from different angles. The stadium has two levels of seating. A majority of the stadium bowl is below the concourse level, bringing the fans very close to the action. An upper level (known as the Terrace level) offers suites and very limited single seats at a premium charge. These seat locations have air conditioning and controlled access to a bar and the Smokehouse BBQ restaurant. CoolToday Park offers a state-of-the-art electronics package. This includes a video board in left-center field, three LED boards along the concourse and TV’s along the concourse so that you will not miss any of the action during visits to the concession stand. Neighborhood 2 The Braves are the owners and developers of CoolToday Park. The plan was to develop the property around the stadium for retail, restaurants, and possibly some hotels. This would be in keeping with their very profitable Battery development adjoining Truist Park in Atlanta. These plans have been unproductive thus far, due in part to the pandemic and the slowing down of the economy. There is some thought that the absence of a Florida State League team to occupy the stadium after the Braves return to Atlanta for the regular season has been a factor in the situation. The only restaurant in the area at this time is JoJo’s Stadium Café and Pub, which is located on Tamiami Trail just before the intersection with South West Village Parkway. Its motif features the Brave's red and blue colors, with plenty of Braves memorabilia on display. The closest lodging to the stadium is at exit 191 of I-75, or in Venice, FL along the Gulf Coast. Fans 4 The Braves have always drawn well at their spring training locations going all the way back to their days at West Palm Beach. This dates back to being the first MLB team in the Deep South, and to their days as “America’s Team” on Superstation 17. Former Braves owner Ted Turner was a pioneer in Cable TV, and telecasting his team’s games to the entire country was a cheap way to fill air time and create a fan following in the South. The fans soon were coming to Braves games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field, both of which were located along I-75. So it only follows that those Braves fans would travel just a few hundred miles further south on I-75 to see Spring Training games and enjoy the Florida weather. The Braves recent string of Division Championships, appearances in the World Series, and a World Series Championship in 2021 have only strengthened and enlarged the Braves Nation. Although politically incorrect for many, the Braves fans continue to perform the Tomahawk Chop when the Braves are in scoring position, despite the best efforts of the team. Access 3 CoolToday Stadium is easily accessed from exit 191 (River Road) off of 1-75. Once you arrive at the stadium there are 1,000 parking spaces, many of which are designated for disabled persons. There are bicycle racks outside of the park for those who prefer this alternative form of transportation. There are three entry gates to CoolToday Stadium. Gate 1 will bring you in on the first base side of the stadium. Gate 2 brings you in on the third base side of the stadium. Gate 3 brings you in at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar, which is also open for business when there is no game scheduled. The closest airport to CoolToday Park is the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. It offers direct flights from Atlanta, but few connecting flights. The Tampa International Airport is the next closest airport and offers many more connecting flights. Gates open a full two hours before the first pitch. This allows fans plenty of time to check out the various concession stands and the team store before going to their seats. Once inside of CoolToday Park, the accessibility is excellent. The park was built well after the Americans with a Disability Act was passed, so the park meets, and most often exceeds ADA Requirements. There are shuttles which come out to your parking space to the stadium and return you after the games. Elevators are available to get you to any level of the park. The concourses are wide and easy to negotiate, and there is plenty of designated wheelchair-viewing seats along the concourses. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Braves spring training games are available at several price points. They include tickets behind the plate at $60; behind the dugouts cost $55; tickets down the foul lines beyond the infield at the lower level for $50 and tickets in the upper (also known as Terrace level) at $45. The least expensive seats at CoolToday Park are the bleacher seats in the Truist Pavilion high above deep center field at $34, and the space on the grass berm in left field for $20. However, many fans purchase the least expensive ticket and station themselves along the drink rails along the concourse, which encircle the entire field, for the whole game. The Braves have built the parking fee into the ticket prices so you will not have to pay an additional fee to park when you arrive at the park for a game. CoolToday Park has more than 1,000 parking spaces. Food prices are very expensive compared to their true cost and value. This brings this segment of our stadium ratings well down from any other segment. Extras 5 The Braves played both Team Puerto Rico and Team Dominican Republic at CoolToday Park in 2023 as part of the World Baseball Classic. CoolToday Park was very close to the path of Hurricane Ian. However, it sustained much less damage than its sister Grapefruit League stadiums in Port Charlotte and in Ft. Myers. Repairs were completed at CoolToday Park well in advance of the 2023 Spring Training season. In the offseason, the ballpark hosted a Jingle Jam celebration during the Christmas holidays. The Jingle Jam included a 5 K run, a holiday market, carnival games, and a tree lighting ceremony. CoolToday Park also hosted several Big Ten baseball games and the Mizuno College Invitational Tournament. The Braves spring training complex adjoining the stadium offers six major league sized practice fields. Fans are welcome to watch the action on these fields at no cost. Final Thoughts The Braves are once again serving as the developers for their home stadium, as the plans are to build hotels, restaurants, and shops in the empty lots that adjoin the CoolToday venue. Revenues from these businesses will be added to the Braves bottom line for use when they need to resign current players or go after free agents. The graphics package that covers the stadium exterior is unlike any other stadium in the Grapefruit League. It cements the Braves brand in people's minds, much as its days when former owner Ted Turner’s early cable TV network introduced them to the country as America’s baseball team in the 1970s.