Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 John M. Belk Arena 200 Baker Dr. Davidson, NC 28036 Davidson Wildcats website John M. Belk Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 5,295 All Hail, O Davidson Some might only know of Davidson College basketball from the success of the Wildcats in the early 2000s, highlighted by an Elite Eight run led by Steph Curry. However, their high level of success on the hardwood dates back nearly 50 years prior – under Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell, Davidson put themselves on the college basketball map during the 1960s. Driesell took Davidson to back-to-back National Quarterfinals in 1968 and ’69; he also lead them to four Top 10 end-of-season rankings in his decade at Davidson. Davidson would struggle to find consistency following Lefty’s departure after the 1969 season, only finishing with back-to-back winning campaigns once. It wasn’t until Bob McKillop was hired in 1989 that the Wildcats found their winning ways again. Under McKillop, Davidson strung together 29 consecutive winning seasons in his 33 years on the sidelines of Belk Arena, which included 19 postseason appearances. McKillop’s tenure was further highlighted by a run from 2004 to 2009, which saw a 128-40 (.762) record for the Wildcats, including three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, and capped by a run in the 2008 tournament to the Elite Eight. After spending more than 70 seasons as members of the Southern Conference, Davidson jumped to its current home in the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Conference at the start of the 2014-15 season. Davidson has called John M. Belk Arena home since 1989, when Baker Sports Complex which houses the arena replaced the 2,500 seat Johnston Gym, which the Wildcats had used since 1949; today Johnston Gym has been repurposed as the Knobloch Campus Center. Food & Beverage   4 Concessions are split between the upper and lower levels of Baker Sports Complex – the lower level has a more traditional concession stand, which serves just about everything one would expect in arena concessions, but also offers a decent break from the norm. The typical fare of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, chips, and candy are all available. The addition of burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, and chicken nuggets are also a nice addition, as these items are not found in most arenas. Davidson offers beverages from the Pepsi line of soft drinks, along with Gatorade. The upper level concessions are a bit more specialized, including bratwurst with onions and peppers, steamed bagel sandwiches from Sully’s Steamers, Domino's pizza, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream served in freshly baked waffle cones. Local restaurant Brickhouse Tavern also sets up shop to pour beer from local NoDa Brewing Company; Davidson sells three of NoDa’s brews, featuring the Davidson branded O’Davidson Lager. Pinot Gris is also available. While the set up might not be ideal with the concessions being separated, the offerings more than make up for the minor inconvenience of possibly having to visit two different locations to fill all food and beverage needs.   Atmosphere   4 John M. Belk Arena is part of the larger Baker Sports Complex – the facility not only houses Belk Arena, but also the college’s swim facility and other athletic department services. Viewed from the front along Baker Drive, the building’s brick exterior and columned overhang give it a much more historical feel than its 34 years of service might suggest, while the entry from Harry L. Vance Athletic Center has a much more modern feel, with its use of bricks, glass, and curves. Seating is divided into court level seats along both sidelines, with a matching level of upper seating. The lower level of seating remains rather tight, while the upper level of seats is a bit more spacious. Two rows of courtside seating are also available opposite each of the team benches, and clusters of student seating are located at court level on each end of the floor. Davidson’s marketing and promotional team puts a great deal of work into making sure stoppages in play are full of some sort of entertainment. The small yet spirited Davidson pep band takes up a portion of the near end bleachers, and often fills time leading into timeouts as the cheer squad or in-game host prepares for a routine or on-court game. Just about every break in the action is filled with a game or contest featuring students or kids from the stands. The rest of the time is used by the in-house DJ, who makes his presence felt until the ball is put back in play. Since there is no center hung scoreboard, the arena has a very open feel. Rather than the overhead scoreboard, single panel boards are hung high above the seating at each end of the floor, while smaller, more basic time and score displays are located in each of the corners at court level. The large boards not only give fans a live feed of the game, but also have a real-time update of player scoring and foul totals. The dead time during stoppages in play is filled with on-court recognitions, contests, cheer displays , and t-shirt tosses. The downtime until the ball is put back in play is definitely used well and is engaging to fans. Given the configuration of Belk Arena, there really is not a bad seat in the house. Seats in the lower level of the arena are right on top of the action, while the lower rows of the upper level are high enough to not have to deal with passersby in front blocking your view. The upper reaches of the second level do tend to get a bit warm though.   Neighborhood   4 Davidson, North Carolina is a quaint lake community of approximately 15,000 people, located just north of Charlotte in the northern most reaches of Mecklenburg County. Main Street Davidson runs along the front edge of campus and is spotted with restaurants, coffee houses, and shops. Those looking for a pregame meal might want to check out Brickhouse Tavern or Flatiron Kitchen & Taphouse, which are two of the more popular eateries near campus. For race fans, about 10 minutes north and just off I-77 in nearby Mooresville, auto racing enthusiasts might find the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame of interest. On campus, Davidson’s athletic facilities cradle the eastern edge of campus. Baker Sports Complex that houses Belk Arena is neighbored by the soon-to-be retired Richardson Stadium  the longtime home of Davidson football and track & field, as well as the outdoor tennis pavilion. Visitors for last season games might be able to pair a baseball game at Wilson Field , or even lacrosse or tennis, if those teams happen to be at home.   Fans   3 Despite ranking in the lower half of the Atlantic-10 Conference in total attendance, Wildcat fans consistently occupy around two-thirds of the capacity in 5,295-seat Belk Arena. Davidson’s enrollment of nearly 2,000 students does not lend itself to large crowds. However, a notable portion of the student body, roughly 200-300 students, regularly attend games, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere – the remaining audience comprises a mix of alumni and Davidson residents who come out to support the home team. Many of those in attendance sit in the court level seats, creating a notably lively atmosphere. A lot of credit should go to the student sections, nicknamed the “D Block”, at each end of the floor, who really bring a lot of passion to the game.   Access   4 Davidson is less than 2 miles from I-77 that runs north from Charlotte. Other than typical traffic congestion the area is relatively straightforward to reach. The Baker Street entrance to campus leads directly to Belk Arena and the adjacent parking lot. For those looking to save on parking and willing to walk a bit, street parking on Davidson city streets might be an option. Make sure to be aware of posted parking signs and regulations. There are several entry points into Belk Arena. Fans parking in the lot adjacent to the facility will find the most convenient entrance through the upper level of Harry L. Vance Athletic Center. The doors on the lower level offer the easiest access to floor seating, though another access point is through the front doors of Baker Sports Complex, which houses indoor tennis, swimming, wrestling facilities, along with Belk Arena. The lobby area that transitions between Baker Sports Complex and Belk Arena serves as a gathering spot for fans before they move to their seats for the game. A spacious, continuous walkway separates the upper and lower seating, providing fans with plenty of room to move around without encountering congestion. Return on Investment   3 Get in the door prices start at around $23 for upper-level seating, which seems a bit high when factoring in $10 for parking on top of the ticket cost; this combination is one of the higher prices in the A-10. Typically, a higher priced ticket will be accompanied by free parking, so the combination of ticket prices and parking rates are a bit of an investment, even for the lowest priced tickets. Concession prices do appear to be rather reasonable when looking at typical arena rates.   Extras   4 It would be easy to think that the school which gained widespread recognition for its successes in the NCAA tournament, and the unprecedented NBA career of Steph Curry, would see him plastered on every inch of the facility. However, while Curry’s career is well recognized here, it tastefully does not overshadow the rest of Davidson basketball history. The Williamson Concourse pays homage to the achievements of Davidson basketball during the '60s, under the leadership of Lefty Driesell – the area features large photos of players, a sizable replica of a Sports Illustrated cover labeling Davidson a "Challenge to UCLA", and other significant moments from this era of Wildcat basketball. Just outside Belk Arena, a display commemorates the life of Mike Maloy, the first Black athlete at Davidson and a key member of the Wildcats success in the late 1960s. Lux, the Wildcat mascot, is a visible part of the in-game entertainment, helping the spirt squad hype up the crowd during timeouts and dead ball situations.   Final Thoughts Even though Davidson basketball might not be at the height of years past, the program remains competitive enough to be a headache for any opponent they face. Fans can expect highly contested game on nightly basis. When considering the overall peripheral factors that contribute to the game experience, a Davidson game would be a wonderful addition when visiting the Charlotte area.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pete Taylor Park at Hill-Denson Field 3321 W 4th St Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Southern Miss Golden Eagles website Pete Taylor Park at Hill-Denson Field website Year Opened:  1984 Capacity:  5,200 To the Top of the Roost In the Pine Belt region of Mississippi lies a beautiful and very intimidating place to play college baseball. The overall game experience and atmosphere here rivals some of the best that college baseball has to offer, inside Pete Taylor Park at Hill Denson Field. The ballpark is named after Southern Miss alum Pete Taylor, while the playing surface pays homage to another Southern Miss legend, former coach Hill Denson. The ballpark opened in 1984, and since then over one million fans have watched baseball at “The Pete.” Pete Taylor Park currently seats 5,200, routinely selling out and placing the Golden Eagles among the top teams in the country in terms of attendance, consistently finishing in the top 20 nationally every season. In 2009 the Golden Eagles reached the College World Series, helping to elevate the program to a level of play like never experienced before. In addition to the 2009 trip to Omaha, the Golden Eagles have competed in 19 NCAA Regionals and won 5 C-USA Tournament Championships; in their first year in the Sun Belt Conference (2023) they won the conference championship. The Southern Miss Baseball program’s inaugural season was 1913, and since then the Golden Eagles have competed as an Independent (1913-1982), in the Metro Athletic Conference (1983-1995), and in C-USA (1996-2022) before joining the storied baseball Sun Belt Conference last season. Often, when Southern Miss Baseball is brought up, people make mention of Clint King, Jeff Cook, Brian Dozier, and Todd McInnis, or younger fans remember names like Matt Wallner, Nick Sandlin, Hursten Waldrep, and Kirk McCarty. A very proud program in Hattiesburg is coming off one of its most successful runs in program history, hosting back-to-back Super Regionals over the past 2 seasons. The Golden Eagles also boast seven consecutive 40-win seasons while beating the likes of Arizona State , Florida State , LSU , and Ole Miss  in postseason play – there is a reason why Hattiesburg has gained the nickname of "Baseburg.”   Food & Beverage   3 There are plenty of concessions at Pete Taylor Park, with three built in stands and several pop-up stands located along the concourse. The three permanent stands offer the basics of hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, sausage dogs, and hamburgers, but everything is grab and go to speed up the lines. There is one permanent stand down the first baseline under the bleachers, and two located under the bleachers behind home plate. Another stand is the BBQ stand located down the third baseline which offers pork sandwiches and brisket. There is also a Chick-fil-A stand set up, as well as a Dippin’ Dots location. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink of Southern Miss Athletics; if you purchase the souvenir cup for $7 you can get $1 refills throughout the game. There is one area where you can purchase draft beer for $10-$12, and you can purchase canned beers (domestic and premium) at any of the stands for $8-$10. The beer is even grab and go like you would see at a grocery store – make sure to check out the Southern Miss exclusive Gold Rush beer, brewed in Hattiesburg at Southern Prohibition Brewing, which also makes for a great place to hang out after the game. St. Thomas Catholic Church sits beyond the outfield fence and shares a parking lot with Pete Taylor Park. On Fridays during Lent, they host a weekly fish fry. So, when the Golden Eagles are playing on Fridays during Lent, I recommend going out to the parking lot and getting a plate of some of Mississippi's best catfish. Everyone is friendly and it's almost like a small tailgate out there on Friday nights during games; Father Tommy has even been known to bless the stadium before big games.   Atmosphere   5 Pete Taylor Park is a beautiful ballpark situated on the north side of campus. The ballpark sits nicely tucked away next to some apartments and the church, with the first base grandstand the only thing visible from the street entrance. The facade’s grey and brick exterior blends in nicely with the surrounding apartments and the Welch Baseball Center, which looks like a giant gray house in front of the stadium mixed in with the apartment buildings. The 6,000-square-foot Welch Center opened in 2002 and is an indoor practice facility with team offices for the baseball team. Because of the way the park is built it looks quite small from the outside, but once inside the park you can see how they fit everything in such a small area, and it’s not as crammed as you would expect. The intimidating three-story press box also stands out from the road, and is one of the first things you notice when walking through the park. There are two main entrances; the main one behind home plate and the entrance to The Roost, which is down the first baseline. As soon as you enter the gate you walk up into a spacious and open concourse underneath the bleachers, which is completely covered for the most part – the only areas not covered are down the first baseline to the area extending to right field. Walking the concourse you can tell Southern Miss takes great pride in their baseball program, as banners of past players and the team’s NCAA Regional appearances line the ceiling as you walk to your seat. Right before you walk out into the bleachers is a giant "Thank You Scott Berry" banner, honoring the winningest coach in program in history, who retired after the 2023 season. There is also a giant banner of the 2009 team that went to Omaha under the first base bleachers. There is also a merchandise stand set up as soon as you enter on the first base side; the merchandise stand is especially popular because it is one of the few places where you can get the Southern Miss parrot head jerseys they wear every year, which are based on Jimmy Buffett, who went to school here in the late 1960s and is probably the school's most famous alum. The stands themselves are four sections of metal bleachers down the first and third baselines, with the seats behind home plate and the dugouts being black and gold chairbacks. You would have a hard time believing this ballpark is over 35 years old; the concourse remains very clean and there’s no sign of aging anywhere on the facade. The grass field at Pete Taylor Park for many years was nicknamed Scott Berry's Garden, because the coach would spend hours before every game making sure the field was immaculate, carefully inspecting every blade of grass – every speck of dirt had to be just right. But in 2020 the grass was replaced with an artificial turf field that provides a much fresher look, and prevents having to put the tarp on the field during the frequent Mississippi rainstorms, although fans still refer to it as Coach Berry's Garden. Southern Miss also installed a large videoboard in left field in 2021 that replaced the old, outdated scoreboard. The videoboard shows highlights of in game action and stats, as well as a pretty cool intro video when the Eagles take the field.   Neighborhood   4 Hattiesburg (aka The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city, but still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the city. A cool little spot near Pete Taylor Park to check out is the Long Leaf Trace; what was once a railroad is now a paved trail that runs right through campus; it is also possible to get on the Trace and ride a bike into the city. A couple of places within walking distance to campus from the Trace include Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar – if you are looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia then 4th Street Bar is your place. Another popular spot on the Trace about a half mile away from campus is Colludium Brewing Company, Hattiesburg's newest brewery. Colludium has a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Long Leaf Trace, and makes for a great spot to have a beer before the game. Closer to downtown you'll also find popular spots like Keg & Barrel, The Porter, Hattiesburger, Fairley Wings, and Nostalgia. As a southern city, Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtown, Chesterfields, Ed's Burger Joint, Strick’s, and Murky Waters BBQ. There is also plenty to be had for all ages – for families there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serengeti Springs Water Park. Downtown also features the popular Pocket Museum, Mississippi's tiniest museum; located in an alleyway downtown, the popular museum has a different theme each month (we can't tell you where the alley is because part of the charm of the Pocket Museum is being able to find it). For shopping there are plenty of chain stores, as well as Turtle Creek Mall, while another popular spot is the Lucky Rabbit – located downtown, Lucky Rabbit is a two-story vintage thrift store with tons of antiques and local Southern Miss memorabilia. Or if you are into the outdoors, in addition to the Long Leaf Trace there is Paul B. Johnson State Park, just south of Hattiesburg and an excellent spot for camping. In addition, another popular pastime is rafting down the Okatoma River that runs right through Hattiesburg, all the way to the Coast.   Fans   4 Southern Miss boasts one of the most loyal fanbases in all of college baseball. Year in and year out attendance is amongst the best in the nation. On weekends The Pete can see 5,500-plus fans pass through the turnstiles, and this dedication is rewarded with a top 20 national attendance ranking annually. Fans in The Burg are also staunch supporters of their head coach – as a program the Southern Miss head coaching job has not experienced a lot of turnover, with only 5 different head coaches over the past 65 years. With national title aspirations in football  out of reach, the Southern Miss fanbase has seized the opportunity to support their Golden Eagles on the national stage in baseball. Fans throughout Pete Taylor Park and the Right Field Roost are truly knowledgeable about both the history of the program, as well as how the landscape of college baseball pertains to them. Located behind the right field wall and down the right field line are reserved parking spaces for 40 vehicles, several grills, and numerous props readied at a moment’s notice to highlight the follies from the opposing team; this area is known as the Right Field Roost. The Roost is a true compliment to how the State of Mississippi does baseball. In Oxford  or Starkville  you can find plenty to do in both outfields, and the same holds true in Hattiesburg. Alumni, students, families, friends, children playing catch, players in the bullpens being heckled, home runs tossed back, and Southern Miss legends Hill Denson and Brian Dozier making appearances are just a few things you may encounter in the Right Field Roost at Pete Taylor Park. The Roost, as it is more affectionately known, is where the diehard fans take in the action. Fans commanding props, train horns, and offering up wisecracks while enjoying a cold beverage make for an exciting and intimidating atmosphere, and a great day at the ballpark. Another popular place to take in the action is the 16 oz. Lounge down the first baseline extending to the visitor's bullpen – this a concrete, bring your own chairs section, but it is also where some of the rowdier fans take in the action. Fans here start arriving more than two hours before the game just to get their spot. It is a party atmosphere here with fans drinking in their chairs and heckling the opponent's bullpen and right fielder; the only downside is there are obstructed views showing home plate, while the visiting dugout takes up the view down the line.   Access   4 Hattiesburg may be one of the more accessible towns in the state. Nicknamed the Hub City, it used to be a prominent railroad hub back in the day for the people wanting to get from the coast to Hattiesburg. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, Meridian, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. This proximity makes a weekend series very doable for the many alumni who live along the coast and in Jackson, and the roads to the Burg aren’t rural either like the ones you would take to the schools up north in Starkville and Oxford. You will not miss the USM campus when coming to town, as the campus is located right on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, two of the main roads through the city. Interstate 55 runs to the west of the city, and you could take that as well, but you may run into considerable traffic on Hardy Street. The ballpark is on 4th Street just across from campus to the north. If coming for a weekend game you can find plenty of parking on campus, and the USM campus is also quite small for a D1 school, so no matter where you park you won’t have to walk far. Once in the ballpark the concourses are navigable and clean, though they are a little dark since they’re under the grandstand. You should have no problem getting around, though, as you are free to roam the park.   Return on Investment   4 With the recent rise of the Southern Miss Baseball program came increased demand for seeing some of the best college baseball in the country. In 2023, for the first time ever tickets to every game sold out, making it nearly impossible to get tickets through the athletic department. Instead, the only way to purchase tickets now is through secondary sites – in fact this year, the athletic department tickets sold out well before the season started. In addition, if you purchase season tickets and are not able to attend a particular game, you can always re-sell it through the Southern Miss app. This makes tickets easier to come by, and fills up the bleachers that were otherwise empty for a few games when people wouldn't show. Bleacher seating tickets are really hard to come by as well; most of the time standing room only tickets are available, however ushers rarely check, so it's possible to go sit in the bleachers for certain games even if you have SRO seats. I would definitely recommend a trip to the Burg to watch Southern Miss baseball – almost any weekend, expect to see a full house and a top matchup with a team that has a good chance at going to a Regional, not to mention Hattiesburg is a wonderful college town, and Pete Taylor Park has one of the best atmospheres in the whole country.   Extras   4 The Southern Miss Baseball program has had over 90 players drafted, with a total of 22 players making it to The Show. As of last season there are three former USM players on the MLB rosters in Twins  outfielder Matt Wallner, Guardians  pitcher Nick Sandlin, and White Sox  catcher Chuckie Robinson. Some of the more notable Golden Eagles include 2x All-Star in the 60s, third baseman for the Giants  Jim Davenport, as well as famous sidearm pitcher Chad Bradford who had a 12-year Big League career, along with perhaps the greatest player to come out of Southern Miss in All-Star and Gold Glove winning second baseman Brian Dozier, who had a 9-year Big League career – before that he took Southern Miss to their first, and so far only, College World Series appearance. The greatest punter to ever play football was also one of the greatest pitchers to ever play at USM; Ray Guy had a standout baseball career, getting drafted by the MLB three times from 1971-73, including in the third round in 1973 by the Cincinnati Reds . Ultimately he pursued football and had a Hall of Fame career with the Raiders  from 1973-1986. The Golden Eagles have also only had five head coaches over the last 60 years, and all five of them have left a mark on Pete Taylor Park. In the mid-80s former coach Hill Denson, for whom the field is named, planted the tall pine trees in the Right Field Roost. In 2022 the late former coach Corky Palmer, who guided the Golden Eagles to their only CWS appearance, had his number 44 retired – his number is painted on the turf in the on-deck circles. So, you have Coach Berry's Garden, Hill Denson's trees in right field, Corky Palmer's number in the on-deck circles, and Coach Pete Taylor for whom the ballpark is named, follow by current coach Christian Ostrander guiding the Golden Eagles beginning last season. One extra point for the Longleaf Trace that runs right beyond the outfield at Pete Taylor Park; this 45-mile bike trail is Mississippi’s premier running, biking, and hiking trail, which starts in downtown Hattiesburg and goes west along a portion of an abandoned railroad line. The Trace is known for its scenic beauty, and makes for a great stroll before the game. It’s also possible to access all of Southern Miss’ athletic venues from the Long Leaf Trace, as it runs right by the softball  and soccer  facilities, and is across the street from the basketball  and football  stadiums. Another point because Pete Taylor Park has hosted its fair share of postseason baseball; Hattiesburg has been selected as an NCAA regional host site three times (2003, 2017, and 2022), has hosted back-to-back Super Regionals in 2022 and 2023, and has also seen a Metro Athletic Conference tournament, as well as seven C-USA tournaments. Over the years The Pete has welcomed opponents such as LSU , Alabama , Mississippi State , Florida State , Ohio State , Cal State-Fullerton , Tennessee , Vanderbilt , Baylor, Missouri , Ole Miss , TCU , Tulane , Rice , and East Carolina . Now with Southern Miss joining the baseball rich Sun Belt Conference, which sent four teams to the Regionals in 2023, on any given weekend series at Pete Taylor Park you are getting to see a potential postseason team play. Another extra for The Roost, providing one of the best atmospheres in all of college baseball. In Mississippi, college baseball season is almost as revered as college football season, and the atmosphere and experience in The Roost prove why Southern Miss is such a big baseball school, and why college baseball is so big in Mississippi.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey “In 49 other states, it’s just basketball...but this is Indiana.” - Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame They began lining up at 4:30 am, as 17,222 fans packed into Indiana University’s Simon Skjodt (pronounced Scott) Assembly Hall for the 2023 regular season finale against the in-state rival Purdue Boilermakers. This marked the first sellout of a women’s basketball game at Indiana University in its 52-season history. While the Hoosiers have seen isolated spikes in attendance over the years, they have struggled to maintain that traction. Many of the large turnouts have been linked to promotions and have not been sustainable. However, the 2022-2023 team’s popularity has grown organically, and has been cultivated by Hoosiers’ head coach, Teri Moren. Crowds and successes in Bloomington did not come overnight – only 2,472 fans turned out for Moren’s debut as head coach of the Hoosiers in 2014. That season, attendance peaked at 3,670 for their match up against Maryland; the average attendance per game came in at 2,609, putting Indiana in the lower third of the Big Ten. Many of the lower attendance numbers changed after the program’s run to the 2018 WNIT championship – the following season saw the Hoosiers jump into the top half of average attendance in the conference. The 2021-22 season would see the Hoosiers move into the top 3 in the Big Ten by attendance, drawing an average of 4,726 fans per night; this season that average has skyrocketed to 7,361 fans per game. Indiana joins just over a dozen women’s basketball programs in averaging more than 7,000 fans per game. As the Hoosiers have been one of the up-and-coming women’s basketball programs in the nation, Moren is quick to credit the program’s former players in getting the Hoosiers to where they are today, “…it takes women before them to build the foundation and do the heavy lifting” she said of the support today’s Indiana women’s players receive. During the 2022-23 season, Indiana women’s basketball topped the 100,000-fan mark for the first time in program history; the Hoosiers drew 117,781 fans over sixteen regular season home games. They have also set individual game attendance records on three separate occasions – first with 10,455 against Ohio State, topped two weeks later with 13,046 filling the stands when the Hoosiers hosted Iowa, and finally shattering that record 10 days later for their matchup with Purdue. Courtesy of Indiana Athletics When asked her thoughts on the sold-out Hall, Moren replied, “Finally, this is what it should look like. This is what women’s basketball should look like. It will be great to look back and say it was great when fans started showing up.” It would be naïve to believe Indiana’s #2 ranking in the national polls is not a factor in the growth of popularity for women’s basketball in Bloomington, but the Hoosiers themselves have put forth a lot of work to build relationships throughout the community. For example, several players have teamed with the non-profit organization Hoosiers for Good , to help support those who support them. It is evident that playing for Indiana University is special for this group of players; they have a genuine appreciation of what it means to wear “INDIANA” across their chests, and this is not lost on the fans. Following each game, the team pays their respects to the University as they interlock across the foul line and sing the school’s alma mater, “Hail to Old IU,” in solidarity with their teammates, the coaching staff, the cheerleaders, and the students and fans. After Indiana’s second round win over Princeton in the 2022 NCAA women’s tournament, All-American and National Player of the Year candidate Mackenzie Holmes sprinted into the Indiana student section, to celebrate the win with her peers. It is personalities like this, along with the grittiness of Grace Burger, the passion of Sydney Parish, and all the Ali Pattburgs, Breana Wises, Amanda Cahills, and Tyra Busses who came before them to create the culture of Indiana women’s basketball, and the program that is so beloved today.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Historic Barron Stadium 300 W 3rd St Rome, GA 30165 Shorter University Hawks website Historic Barron Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,500 Fly Hawks College football was first played at Shorter University in the northwest Georgia city of Rome in 2005, as the Shorter Hawks began their college football journey as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the Mid-South Conference. Following a successful football run in NAIA, Shorter made the jump to the NCAA’s Division II following the 2011 academic year as a part of the Gulf South Conference. Shorter would announce a move to the Conference of the Carolinas to start the 2024 season, which left them as an independent for the 2023 season. While some of the programs at Shorter have not skipped a beat in making the jump to NCAA Division II, the same cannot be said for its football program. Since joining the D2 ranks, the Hawks have tallied just a 19-94 record, which includes a 48-game losing streak that stretched parts of five seasons. The Hawks have played at Barron Stadium since the program was founded. Football at Barron Stadium dates back to 1923, when the stadium was first built, being dedicated in 1924. In its 100+ year history, it has been the football home of Rome High School and also served as home to the NAIA national championship football games from 2008 to 2013.   Food & Beverage   2 Concessions here are fairly straightforward – the bulk of the menu is what would typically be found at most traditional concession stands, such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and nachos. Candy and chips, along with the ever-popular stadium pickle, are also available. Beverages include items from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are not available. Concessions on the home side of the field are cash only, while the visiting side of the field does accept credit cards.   Atmosphere   3 Barron Stadium has every bit of the feel of its historic distinction. The field is surrounded by an eight-lane track and has two separate seating areas. The home-side seating runs from the 10-yard line to the 10-yard line, with a smaller visitors section across the way, but that only stretches between the 30s. Most of Shorter’s kickoffs are slated for noon, so the sun is at the back of the home stands for most of the contest. With the entirety of the seating being general admission, the home side is the best option to try and find some relief from the heat or bright sun. Visiting fans have little they can do to get out of the sun other than retreating under the bleachers to picnic-style tables. Unfortunately, these tables do not have a view of the field. There is a large digital scoreboard at the north end of the stadium, but other than displaying the school’s logo and game score, time, down, and yardage information, the scoreboard is relatively underutilized. A smaller, simpler scoreboard at the southern end of the stadium displays similar game information. Give Shorter credit for trying to create a college football atmosphere with the addition of a pep band, but the limited size of the band does not make a large impact on the ambiance, and the band also gets frequently drowned out by stadium audio drops.   Neighborhood   4 Barron Stadium is just a block from downtown Rome’s Broad Street, the city’s quaint, small-town feeling “Main Street”. Broad St is full of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance from Barron Stadium – Schroder’s Deil and Harvest Moon Café are two of the area’s more popular spots to grab a bite. Almost directly across the street from the western end zone is the Etowah River Trail, a re-purposed railroad bed that has been converted to walking trails. Part of the trail includes Lock Bridge, which has been adorned with hundreds, if not thousands, of padlocks. If a weekend sports schedule is more the plan, Rome offers a handful of options, which include minor league baseball with the Rome Emperors or Division III football at Berry College , which is not more than 4 miles away.   Fans   2 Typical attendance runs from 700 to 1600 fans per game; while they are engaged in the ups and downs of the action on the field, Shorter fans do not necessarily create a home-field advantage for the Hawks. There also doesn’t seem to be an organized student section, which can often go a long way in focusing the rambunctious nature of the student body into a single area, elevating the overall game environment. Shorter fans are supportive of the Hawks, but there simply is not a large enough following to make much of an impact on the game.   Access   2 Rome, in northwest Georgia, can be a bit of a challenge to get to. Fans arriving from the nearby metropolitan areas of Atlanta or Chattanooga will use I-75, then still have more than 30 minutes on state highways to reach Rome. If arriving from eastern Alabama, which borders Floyd County, the venue is most directly accessible via State Highway 20. With just one entry point and multiple stops before getting in, such as having to stop to pay for a ticket, having to get that ticket punched before entering, and not being able to purchase tickets ahead of time, it slows down the entry process. Also, for Shorter football games, cards are not accepted at the gate, so come prepared with cash. Concessions on the home side have just one window open and also only accept cash, so lines can grow rather long. This creates an issue with simply the amount of time spent waiting in line and can obstruct the view of the field, as the line can back up into the bleachers. Simply being able to have just one more window open or accepting credit cards or mobile payments seems as if it would alleviate much of this problem. If concessions are a must, taking the trip over to the stand under the visitor bleachers is advised.   Return on Investment   5 Adult tickets run just $10, and children 5-12 are just $5. Considering there is no cost for parking and that concessions are priced reasonably, Shorter does a good job encouraging fans and the local community to come out simply by providing an affordable weekend experience.   Extras   2 There is not a lot by way of extras that are added to the Shorter football experience, but the promotions team does make a concerted effort to reach out to their youngest fans by way of children-specific giveaways. The fact that this facility holds so much historical significance for the Roman community and has not simply been replaced says a lot about the civic pride shown toward Barron Stadium.   Final Thoughts Upgrades have been made to keep the stadium in use, for which a lot of credit should be given to the City of Rome – they recognize the history of the stadium and are doing all they can to preserve its historic relics. Shorter football at Historic Barron Stadium is what it is – there is no hiding the fact that, other than the game on the field, there are not a lot of bells and whistles to capture the attention of those in the stands, but that is perfectly okay! Sometimes, the game on the field is all we need to sit back and enjoy competition in its simplest form.

The Huntington, W. Va., club in the Appalachian League announced its identity and branding today. They will be known as the Tri-State Coal Cats, paying homage to the area's coal mining industry. The primary and secondary logos were released, featuring the colors of Coal Black, Cool Grey, and Marshal Green. According to the team website, the Coal Cats moniker is derived from the region’s rich and historic coal mines dating back to the 1800s. “Cats” helps create an alliterative wordplay that provides the new ballclub with a one-of-a-kind name that will soon be recognized nationwide. Dylan Winters, a Marshal Athletics graphic designer, created the logos. He incorporated four distinct marks: A cat’s head is made of a piece of coal. A cat’s paw that contains the letters TSCC, an abbreviation for Tri-State Coal Cats. It is also formed from coal A TS monogram that features a pickaxe blending into the S. A roundel logo featuring the cat’s head team name and city. It includes green baseball stitching on the side. The ball club will play at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field in the 10-team Appalachian League. The summer collegiate league will have its first game at Huntington on June 4. ------ 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: 4.00 Falcon Stadium Stadium Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Air Force Falcons website Falcon Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 46,692 Air Force Falcons Football Sings Second Falcon Stadium on the campus of the U.S. Air Force Academy is home to the Air Force Falcons football and lacrosse teams. The stadium, which was built in a natural bowl, has a capacity of 46,692 and stands in the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium is 6,621 feet above sea level, making it the second-highest elevation FBS college stadium, behind the University of Wyoming’s War Memorial Field . The stadium was built in 1962, bringing Air Force football games on campus for the first time. The first game here was on September 22, a 34–0 victory over Colorado State , and the venue was officially dedicated four weeks later on October 20, which included the Air Force’s famous demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. Colorado State continues to be a big rival for Air Force, as the two schools compete for the Ram -Falcon trophy each year. Falcon Stadium does host non-athletic events, such as the Air Force Academy’s annual graduation. The facility will also host the 2020 NHL Stadium Series outdoor game, with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Los Angeles Kings . Food & Beverage 4 The main concessions stand Inside the stadium serve the standard fare such as hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. The prices for these items are all below $5. For more of a variety, search in the end zones of the stadium, where there are food trucks, a beer garden, and local restaurants for fans to up their food and beverage game. Chick-fil-A is the most recognizable tent located near the beer garden, while Dickey’s bright yellow BBQ food truck stands out in the other end zone. Budweiser is covering the domestic beer, with a 16oz Bud Light costing $8, but a 12oz Bon & Viv pear seltzer is available as well for the same price. But for a little more, Pikes Peak Brewing Company offers a few of their beers to fans. For non-alcoholic beverages, Falcon Stadium serves Pepsi products; a Pepsi bottled drink costs $4 while coffee, hot chocolate, and cider are $3. Or, for fans that need that extra kick in their step; there is the $5 Spike energy drink. The concessions lines move quickly, and Falcon Stadium does allow food, which is a rarity at sports venues, but the food must be displayed in a transparent 1-gallon Ziploc bag with only I bag allowed per person. Also, factory-sealed transparent soft plastic water bottles 24oz or less are the only beverages permitted to enter Falcon Stadium. Atmosphere 4 The game day atmosphere begins with fans convoying onto the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds to begin tailgating at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium in the fall/wintry months provide one of the best tailgating atmospheres in all of college football with the cool-brisk air, smell of food, and the sounds of music with a background of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. There are plenty of vendors outside the stadium gates offering free samples or items for fans. For those fans lucky enough to be in attendance for the Veteran’s Day weekend game, a show of military helicopters is on hand for photo ops. The Air Force spirit squad can also be seen walking through the tailgating areas encouraging the fans with upbeat cheers. Air Force Spirit Squad, Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey The pregame festivities are unparalleled by any other college football venue. The march on before the Army / Navy game is well documented, but this tradition is at all the service academies. Before the national anthem starts, various Air Force cadets march into Falcon Stadium in formation filling the field with our future Air Force members. The Air Force Cadets are dismissed and sprint to their seating section. The game football is brought in with a parachute demonstration into the stadium and onto the field. This tradition is always a highlight for fans, both old and new. Then after the national anthem there are various fly overs. Falcon Stadium is bowl-shaped and has two tiers of seating on the home side with the press box, along with a spacious walkway between the seating tiers. Along the walkway wall, previous Air Force teams are honored with game-by-game records on plaques. During the game there is the normal cheering, such as fans on one side yelling “Air” and the other responding “Force.” For fans that like to use halftime as a break, I suggest you wait or go before halftime. At halftime, Air Force’s live falcon mascot soars around the stadium and the PA announcer gives the history behind the bird being the symbol of the U.S. Air Force. During the game, after each score, cadets run down behind the end zone and do push-ups. At the end of the game, for games involving the military academies, Sing Last! college football has a tradition of each school singing their alma mater with their fans, but the teams don’t join in each other school’s songs. However, the academies are different, so win or lose, the teams’ mutual respect is shown with both schools participating in songs. So, the motto for the military academies fans and players is to “Sing Second,” as singing second signifies a win in the game. Neighborhood 4 Falcon Stadium is located at the Air Force Academy, yet still 2 miles from the cadet area. The stadium complex is situated in a natural bowl on the base of the mountain range. Colorado Springs has plenty of things to offer fans in terms of food and lodging, but it is a 25-minute drive from Falcon Stadium. It also depends on which direction or gate you are entering; both the north and south gates have restaurants, shops, and hotels. For fans near the south gate area, the food options could be at the Promenade Shops at Briarwood Parkway, where there are plenty of chain restaurants such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Fuzzy Taco Shop, or Dickey’s BBQ. Colorado Mountain Brewery is a few miles north on I-25 from that gate. Next door to the brewery are Great Wolf Lodge and Drury Inn & Suites, plus a Residence Inn by Marriott and a Hampton Inn Suites-Colorado Springs across the parkway. On the north gate side off Interstate 25, there is Bourbon Brothers Southern Kitchen. However, the best idea would be going north to Monument, where Pikes Peak Brewing, 3 Margaritas, and Broken Bones are all good places to eat. There is also a Ramada by Wyndham in Monument, as well as Fairfield Inn & Suites Colorado Springs North/AF Academy for lodging. There are a lot of things to do around Colorado Springs, the USAFA, Pikes Peak, and Pike National Forest, or you can make the short drive to the Denver area, or some of great skiing options nearby for those later fall games. Unfortunately, the most recognizable building at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado, the Cadet Chapel, is closed for necessary repairs right now, with an estimated completion date of late 2022. Fans 3 The average attendance for Air Force games hovers around 28,000 fans. The top opponents for attendance are the other service academies and Colorado State . This usually translates to Falcon Stadium being less than half of the stadium’s capacity, but this doesn’t affect fans’ enthusiasm, as the Air Force fans get into the game at key moments and can be loud when the opponent is on defense. However, most of the game the fans are there to enjoy the comradery of being football fans. There isn’t the childish fan behavior from opponents seen at other college football games. The opponents’ fans have respect for one another and especially the Air Force players. The fans are truly there to be a part of celebrating the young men and women of the U.S. Air Force Academy, rather than just being at a football game. The fan competition does change to a slightly fiercer atmosphere while playing Navy or Army , and this rivalry between service academies is something every sports fan should see; Air Force’s home schedule allows it to be home to either Army or Navy on rotating years. Access 3 The U.S. Air Force Academy is located northwest of Colorado Springs along the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium is on the USAFA campus, 2 miles from the USAF cadet area and about a mile west of Interstate 25. There are only two entry points to the Academy, the South and North Gates. Both these gates can be accessed from Interstate 25. When going north on I-25 take exit 150B for the South Gate entrance and exit 156 for the North Gate entrance. The North and South gates both open to the public four hours prior to kickoff, while the ticket booths and the gates at the stadium itself open 2 hours before kickoff. Parking is $10 cash without a pre-paid parking pass, and the commute toward the stadium is quick and easy. Parking is plentiful, though most parking is in grass fields; the lots are good to drive across when dry but could be difficult during inclement weather. There are plenty of entrances to get into Falcon Stadium, although the terrain around the stadium is unbalanced due to the location of the stadium. The access to the upper level of the stadium can be difficult, as the climbing can take away the people’s breaths due to the high elevation – once you are settled in to your seating area, though, things are a little less work. After the game, the commute from the stadium to the interstate is time consuming for all fans. There are only two ways out so traffic can be a nightmare; Interstate 25 can randomly back up, and construction is constantly an eyesore. There aren’t many options for public transportation here other than taxis or Uber, and those can be pricey with waiting times; I would suggest your own vehicle or rental to access to Falcon Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Attending a football game at any of the 3 service academies is much more than just ticket prices. The experience of seeing and supporting the best young men and women that the nation has to offer far exceeds any cost for a football ticket. However, even if you just go thinking of Falcon Stadium, then the investment is still to the max on ROI. There is plenty of cash parking around Falcon Stadium at the cost of $10 per vehicle, with Falcons football single-game tickets range from $25 to $65 depending on the seating level. However, the Commander in Chief games (Army and Navy) are great rivalry games with higher attendance, and the prices range from $50 to $90 for these games. For fans that want a little more exclusivity there is the Blue and Silver Club at the cost of $225. Or, for fans that really want to lower the prices for a trip to Falcon Stadium, except for games against the other service academies, tickets on a third-party website can be low as $15 per ticket, where a family of four could easily keep the price under $100 for tickets, concessions, and parking. Extras 5 Falcon Stadium honors teams past by listing conference championships, famous players, bowl games, and famous seasons throughout the stadium. There isn’t a better pageantry before, during, and after the game, than football games held at the United States military academies. The pregame flyover, parachutes, and on-field formations are truly an amazing sight for any college football fan. The comradery among fans, especially fans that served in other services, is just on a whole different level of respect than at a typical college football game. A visit to one of the nation’s service academies and the surrounding Colorado Springs area is well worth the trip for anyone. Final Thoughts Seeing a game at Falcon Stadium is an experience that can only be matched at two other places; West Point, NY and Annapolis, MD. These places have a unique and different atmosphere that isn’t matched anywhere else in college football. The fans are welcoming, and the patriotism runs high. Whether, you attend a game at West Point , Annapolis , or at the Air Force Academy, everyone sings second when it comes to watching a game at our military academies.

Photos Courtesy of Manhattan Jaspers Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Draddy Gymnasium 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy. Bronx, NY 10471 Manhattan Jaspers website Draddy Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,345 Who’s Your Draddy? There are several questions that you’ll ask yourself when attending a Manhattan Jaspers basketball game. The first question everyone asks: “What’s a Jasper?”. Well, the team nickname is derived from Brother Jasper, who was credited with bringing baseball to Manhattan College’s campus in the late 19th century. He served as the first baseball coach of the university, and according to campus lore, was the creator of the seventh inning stretch. The story goes something like this; Brother Jasper also served as the head of discipline for the University and would police the student fans in the stands at home games. He noticed during one game that the students were getting restless during the seventh inning of a close game . He called timeout and ordered the students to stand up and stretch in order to alleviate the tension. Since Manhattan played the New York Giants regularly at the Polo Grounds in New York City, the tradition stuck in the major leagues and continues to this day. The second question you might ask is “Why is Manhattan College located in the Bronx?”. The answer is the school started up in Manhattan in 1853, but outgrew its facilities there, and moved to the Riverdale section of the Bronx in 1922. The campus area feels more like a suburb instead of being in New York City. The Jaspers have a history of good basketball teams. Manhattan has made the NCAA Tournament six times, advancing to the second round twice; once in 1995 after beating Oklahoma and again in 2004 after beating Florida. The team currently plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and has local rivalries with Iona and Marist. Becoming the Jaspers head coach has been a good springboard to bigger jobs for several coaches. The school can count Bobby Gonzalez, Fran Fraschilla and Steve Lappas as coaches who advanced to a Big East head coaching position straight from Manhattan. The Jaspers are currently coached by Steve Masiello, who was Rick Pitino’s head assistant coach at Louisville. Draddy Gymnasium, the Jaspers home court, is named after Vincent dePaul Draddy, a college football hall of famer. He was a Manhattan graduate, and a trophy is given out yearly by the National Football Foundation in his honor to the college football player who has the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance. Let’s stretch out here, and take a closer look at Draddy Gymnasium, the home of the Jaspers. Food & Beverage 3 None of the concession offerings jump off the page, but the fare has some variety and the prices are low (you can get a bottle of Coke and a soft pretzel for $5, for example). In an effort to offer more healthy selections at a sporting event, you can buy an apple or a banana at the snack bar for $1. They’re labeled as “hand fruits”. If you feel like a sandwich, the school offers a variety of “grab and go” sandwiches for $5. Atmosphere 4 Draddy Gymnasium has a very intimate atmosphere, but is in a very large building. The gym seats 2,345 for basketball, but Draddy Gym itself has a full track, batting cages and a basketball arena all under the same roof. One of the coolest things about seeing a game there is when you’re walking in, the Jaspers cheerleaders are lined up behind the ticket-taker, and actually cheer you like a player when you’re walking in. The gym has bleacher seating behind both baskets, with the students and the pep band taking up one of those sections. Between the hoops, you have chair-backs seating on one side, with bleacher seating on the other. There is a center-hung scoreboard, and a crystal-clear replay screen on each side of the gym. When the Jaspers are playing in a rivalry game against a local opponent, the students come out in force and make it an exciting atmosphere. The Jaspers have a dance team that performs during timeouts and halftime. Neighborhood 4 The campus of Manhattan College is very colonial-looking and quite handsome. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has nice apartment buildings and single-family homes. The area around the subway station that services the campus does not share these same characteristics, however. There are a few fast food places around campus (Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King) and a good diner on Riverdale Avenue (The Riverdale Diner) that is open 24 hours. If you’re looking for a drink after the game, check out The Punch Bowl on 238th Street, a good Irish pub that won’t kill your wallet if you’re having more than one. If you like the microbrews, check out The Bronx Ale House, also on 238th Street. They have hundreds of beers and really good wings. Fans 4 The fans that come to Jaspers games are passionate about the home team. The crowd is a diverse mix of students, alumni, college basketball fans and, since most of the players are local, a good representation of family and friends. A Jaspers game is very much a PG atmosphere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take a kid to a game. In fact, with all the area to run around inside of the gym, most kids are racing each other on the track or diving into the foam pit that the gymnastics team uses behind the bleachers. The students did storm the court after their win against local rival Iona, but it was a double-overtime game and it was nationally televised, so it wasn’t beyond reason for them to do so. Access 3 If you’re walking to Draddy Gymnasium from the subway stop on 242nd Street, bring an oxygen tank or a sherpa. You will have a long climb up several sets of stairs just to get to the front door of the gym. Even if you are in really good shape, you will likely be winded from that walk. The school could do a better job of marking where the gym is located when you enter campus. You sort of have to follow the crowd to know where you’re going. There is on-site parking, and I didn’t see them charging for it, but the lot is small and there did not appear to be a lot of nearby off-street parking. Return on Investment 5 It is typical to overpay for everything in New York City, but Jaspers tickets are quite a deal. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. There is usually a giveaway of some sort, so you might end up with a frisbee or a free t-shirt included. The Jaspers offer good Division 1 basketball, and a family of four gets in for $30. That’s cheaper than the movies, and a great way to spend a Friday night in New York City. The concessions won’t break the bank, either. $50 gets everyone a ticket, a soft pretzel and soda each. Extras 4 Four stars are given for the unique setup of the arena, the cheerleaders cheering you when you walk in, the very fair prices and the friendliness of everyone who works at Draddy Gym. Final Thoughts New York City may have better-known venues to watch basketball games, but a trip to Riverdale to watch the Jaspers is worth your time. It may be out of the way of the bright lights and big city, but it’s a beautiful campus and a special place to see really good basketball.

Photos by Afi Ahmadi ,Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 SEFCU Arena 1239 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12206 Albany Great Danes website SEFCU Arena website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,538 Great Danes of Albany As a Division, I basketball conference outside of the Power 5, the America East Conference is generally defined as a mid-major. The reality, however, is that the level of basketball can more appropriately be categorized as low-major, as the competitiveness of its basketball programs simply cannot keep up with the Atlantic-10s and Horizon Leagues of the mid-major world. The primary reason for this distinction tends to reside in the bottom half of conference, where the bad teams are very bad, consequently dragging down the conference’s reputation as a whole. The University of Albany has taken the conference lead in trying to reverse that image. A model of consistency over the past decade, the rafters at SEFCU Arena are adorned by the numerous banners of success for both the men’s and women’s basketball program, all of which has occurred within the past 10 years. Food & Beverage 2 SEFCU Arena generally provides typical small-arena offerings (pretzels, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, LOTS of candy, all costing anywhere from $3 – $5). The venue offers fountain Coca-Cola products. There is one concession area, with two lines, located on the right side of the lobby as you enter through the main doors. Because all of the food is pre-prepared and pre-wrapped, the line moves quickly enough. Credit and debit cards are accepted. There is a hidden “Beer Garden” down a hallway to the right as you face the concession area. It’s not a secret (there is a sign directing you to it), it’s just not obvious or plainly visible from the lobby. The use of the term “garden” is stretched as far as conceivably possible here. It’s basically just an undecorated room with a bar at one end and a series of roundtables. Nonetheless, it’s a nice alternative if you’re of age. Atmosphere 3 SEFCU Arena appears to be the right size and has the proper ambiance for this level of basketball, but it also has a couple of noteworthy deficiencies. The scoreboard is the primary culprit. Outdated and tired, it only offers options for two teams: “Albany” and “Visitor.” The scoreboard also lacks any space to identify current player scoring or timeouts remaining, a staple most fans have become accustomed to at most other venues. There is a large projector screen in one corner offering occasional replays and halftime statistics, but overall one would expect to have certain information available at a glance, which simply does not exist. It also doesn’t help matters that the public address announcer rarely provides the identity of the person committing the foul or even a scorer. Perhaps there was an issue with the microphone or audio during my most recent visit because the lack of information was very noticeable. Neighborhood 3 Albany is never going to get confused for a quaint college town, but for the purpose of attending a college basketball game, you could certainly do much worse. There are ample hotels and eateries just a few minutes from the arena, so no complaints about not being able to find a room or get a table. In addition to standard chain restaurants that lurk around campuses, the locals generally recommend favorites Across the Street Pub, and Maggie’s. Each offer pub fare while providing the opportunity to watch games. A more upscale nearby option is Barcelona, a Mediterranean restaurant, but reservations are recommended if a large crowd is anticipated for the game. Fans 3 For a small, one-bid conference, most America East teams tend to have a bit of a die-hard following, and Albany is no exception. For the most part, the fanbase is made up of community members and alums. When students do attend, they generally sit in the “Danger Zone” (named for the Albany mascot, the Great Dane), which is located under the basket closest to the opposing bench. Students generally generate the extra emotion which can be lacking for a regular season conference game. Venue intimacy gets an assist in keeping the arena loud throughout. Access 4 The arena is an easy find on campus, accessible via near-parallel streets on each side. It’s also just a short drive through campus when coming off the highway, making access a non-issue. SEFCU Arena provides a couple of parking lots containing ample space for a nominal fee. It would be difficult not to find a relatively convenient parking spot. Bathrooms inside the arena are convenient and easy to find (immediately to the right and left as you enter the lobby). Return on Investment 4 Seats with chair backs are located in the center and the first few rows behind each bench, and cost $18 per ticket, while the remaining reserved seats are $12. As noted, the food and beverage are fairly priced. While nobody will mistake the quality of play with its major conference brethren, the America East is certainly a competitive conference within itself, and the quality of the product on the floor makes the ticket cost almost nominal. . Extras 2 The most notable halftime promotion during my recent visit was a game of musical chairs, where contestants were each given a basketball at center court, and dribbled around a series of chairs. When the music stopped, the participants had to dribble to the nearest basket, make a layup, and return to the center to take a seat. Of course, when the players disbursed, chairs were removed from the middle, leaving one or more contestants without a seat upon return. This took place for approximately five to six rounds until a winner was crowned, walking away with a flat-screen TV. As far as halftime entertainment goes, it was quite engaging. All other promotions and t-shirt tosses are nothing that a regular basketball spectator doesn’t become numb to after a while, so such items fail to stand out as extra entertainment. Much of the entertainment slack is adequately absorbed by a solid pep band and dance team. Final Thoughts Unquestionably, the amenities at SEFCU Arena need modernization. On the plus side, when the energy level is high, you feel like you’re in a Hoosiers-type setting. Conversely, a Hoosiers-type setting doesn’t really pass in 2016. For the conference’s premier men’s and women’s basketball programs, a little investment seems justified. It’s unclear whether such changes would garner more student support, but it would certainly improve the overall fan experience.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Arechi Via Salvador Allende Salerno, Italy 84132 Italy U.S. Salernitana 1919 website Stadio Arechi website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,300 Prince of the Stadia The Stadio Arechi, the main sports arena in the city of Salerno, has hosted the home matches of Unione Sportiva Salernitana 1919 since September 9, 1990 (opening with 0-0 draw versus Padova in the first round of the Serie B 1990-1991 season, the second level of Italian football). Previously the team played at the stadium Donato Vestuti, a stadium built in the early 1930s and named in 1952 after the founder of one of the first football clubs active in the city. The Stadio Arechi bears the name of a Lombard Prince who lived in the eighth century. Therefore, the stadium is often referred to by insiders as the “prince of the stadia.” Throughout its history the Arechi has hosted three matches of the Italian national football team, including Italy vs. Hungary 3-1 May 1, 1991 and Italy vs. Estonia 4-1 March 25, 1995, both the qualifying match to a European Cup; as well as Italy vs. Spain 2-2 November 18, 1998 in a friendly match. The stadium was renovated in 1998. Then, in 2014 the pitch was rebuilt. The two Serie A championships disputed from Salernitana were played in the 1947-1948 season at Stadio Vestuti, and in the 1998-1999 season at Stadio Arechi. Food & Beverage 2 On the ground floor, before getting into the central grandstand, there is a small food court. We could try only coffee (1.00 euro) because there were no hot sandwiches or hot pizza. However, you can buy water (1.50 euro), beer and Coke (2.50 euro), packaged salty snacks (from 1-3 euro) or desserts (from 1-1.50 euro). Outside the facility you will find the traditional peddlers, from which you may want to grab a hot dog and a drink (5.00 euro). Atmosphere 3 The stadium is characterized by a rectangular seating plan interrupted at the corners. Among the four stands are the light towers necessary to illuminate the field during the night matches. Each of the grandstands consists of two levels. The upper one is totally uncovered. The lower one is partially covered. So of the 31,300 total seats of the Arechi, only 8,689 are covered. The stadium is primarily designed for football (although it has hosted other events, including several concerts), so there is no athletics track and allows viewers excellent visibility from every sector. The two teams enter the playing field through a movable tunnel present among the Curva Sud and the main grandstand. The supporters for the guests are in the first level of the Curva Nord. Neighborhood 3 The Stadio Arechi is located in the neighborhood of San Leonardo, an area that is a part of the East District. It is on the waterfront of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Around the stadium there are some pizzerias. For a “pizza margherita” and a Coke you can expect to pay around 6.50 euro. There is also a multiplex cinema and several hotels within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 The most ardent fans of Salernitana follow their favorite team from the sector Curva Sud. During matches banners, flags, scarves and sweaters transform this part of the stadium to a noisy spot covered by the color amaranth. Fans with choirs incite their favorites throughout the match. There are good relations with supporters of Bari and Reggiana (the team of Reggio Calabria). The greatest rivalries are with fans of Napoli, Avellino and other teams of Campania, but even with Atalanta , Hellas Verona and Perugia. Access 4 The Stadio Arechi is easily reached by car or train. By train, after reaching the central station of Salerno, you can take the light metro and get off at “Stadio Arechi,” located behind the Curva Nord. If you come from the motorway by car, then simply follow the ring road to the exit near the stadium. Around the structure are several parking lots. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket to watch a match of Serie B during the 2015-2016 season ranges from 40 euro in the Tribuna Rossa VIP down to 13 euro in the Curva Sud. Also, there are discounts for children under 14, people over 65 and women. Extras 4 In the province of Salerno there is the Costiera Amalfitana. From Unescu website : “The Amalfi coast is an area of great physical beauty and natural diversity. It has been intensively settled by human communities since the early Middle Ages. There are a number of towns such as Amalfi and Ravello with architectural and artistic works of great significance. The rural areas show the versatility of the inhabitants in adapting their use of the land to the diverse nature of the terrain, which ranges from terraced vineyards and orchards on the lower slopes to wide upland pastures.” In the city of Salerno there are several additional points of interest including the Castle of Arechi, the Medieval Aqueduct, and the Garden of Minerva. There are also events of interest including “Luci d’artista” between November and January. Some 40 kilometers away from the city of Salerno is the archaeological site of Pompei. Finally, this is one of the best parts of Italy with regard to cooking fish, pizza and cake.

Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 John Smith’s Stadium Stadium Way Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 6PG United Kingdom Huddersfield Town AFC website John Smith’s Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 24,949 Home of the Terriers The John Smith’s Stadium was opened in 1994, originally taking the name of its builders Alfred McAlpine. Both of the town’s football and rugby league clubs left their former historic homes to take up residence at the new state-of-the-art stadium. At a time when many new stadiums were being built in England following the Taylor Report, Huddersfield’s new landmark was a breath of fresh air with its vastly different stadium design. Initially opened with two, then three stands and a fourth added some years later, the stadium was constructed with arch-style roofs covering its stands. The South Stand opened in 1996 and the North (Panasonic) Stand began debuting in 1998 bringing the overall capacity of the stadium to approximately 24,500. The estimated cost of construction was £40 million. With unique floodlight bases, this stadium, along with the Bolton Wanderers’ University of Bolton Stadium , were two different additions to the English stadium scene. Huddersfield was founded in 1908 and spent 86 years at Leeds Road. The club was the first to win three straight First Division titles in England from 1924-1926. After the 1971-72 season, the Terriers were regulated from the First Division and spent the next 45 years between the second and fourth divisions before making it back to the Premier League from 2017-2019. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium’s interior concourse is well-equipped with food and drink kiosks. As normal with Yorkshire clubs, top-quality pies are essential and the ones of various varieties at Huddersfield do not disappoint. Hot dogs and beef burgers are also available, as are hot and cold drinks. Pies are priced at £3 with hot dogs selling at £3.20. However, having sat in the away supporters' stand for my last visit it was a nice gesture by the club to sell leftover hot food at two for £1 to supporters on their way out after the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a Fan Zone that fills up before the game and features food and beverage, live music, and the chance to meet Terry and Till Terrier, the club’s two official mascots. There are various food and beer kiosks that offer craft beer and including Promise Land German Lager, High Wire Grapefruit West Coast IPA, Common Grounds Coffee Porter, and Saucey Session IPA. The stadium’s signature feature is the four arched-shaped stands that set the stadium apart from other venues in England. The steel white tubing contours around each stand and then juts down to the ground. The design of the stadium allows each of its corners of the ground to be open. The North Stand and Riverside Stand are both two-tiered and feature a row of executive boxes. Adding to the ambiance are a set of four floodlights and a video scoreboard at the away end. Even when not full, the stadium’s acoustics are good and help add to the atmosphere. The most vocal of the home club’s supporters are located in the North Stand, whilst visiting supporters are placed in the South Stand. The friendliness of the club’s staff and stewards makes a visit here all the more pleasant, adding to the atmosphere of a game and the day out in particular. I have only ever visited for soccer games but would imagine that the atmosphere would be as good if not better for a Rugby League game as it is predominantly a northern sport. Neighborhood 3 Situated halfway between Manchester and Leeds, Huddersfield is an industrial market town that forms part of the West Riding District of Yorkshire. Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and film star James Mason are the town’s two most famous sons. Other than shopping, the town has little to offer the visitor. Around six miles away in the Pennine Hills the small town of Holmfirth is recommended for a visit. This was the setting for the long-running situational comedy program Last of the Summer Wine. Pubs near the stadium include the Rope Walk, Yorkshire Rose Huddersfield, The Sportsman, Gas Club, and Turnbridge Working Men’s Club. The stadium’s surrounding area offers Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee, Bars, and a multi-screen cinema to fill in the time before a game. The town has many guest houses and both the Premier Inn and Travelodge Hotels are near the stadium. Fans 3 The football club has a hardcore home support of between twelve and fifteen thousand fans. The supporter section is loud and boisterous during the match. The rest of the stands feature friendly banter among the home supporters. Local rivals are Leeds United, Bradford City, and both Sheffield clubs. Access 3 The John Smith’s Stadium is located just off the A62 Leeds Road in the Town Centre. The A62 runs directly off Junction 25 of the M62 motorway. There is plenty of car parking available on the ground, costing between £5 and £7. Other car parks are available within a short walk including that at the club’s Canal Street training ground complex. Huddersfield Railway Station with connections to both Manchester and Leeds is approximately a fifteen-minute walk. The nearest airports are Manchester and Leeds/Bradford. Return on Investment 3 Games rarely sell out and tickets can be purchased on the day or via the club’s website. Prices range between £20 and £32 with a category system in place dependent upon who the opposition is. Yorkshire is one of the cheaper areas to watch sports so this represents good value for the money, especially as you always receive a warm and friendly reception. Wherever you sit within the stadium you are guaranteed an excellent view of the playing area. Extras 3 The stadium is also available for conferences, banquets, and weddings and has much to offer. Both the rugby and soccer clubs have club shops at the stadium. Huddersfield Town now produces a newspaper-style match day program priced at £2, which is cheaper and different from that of most Football League and Premier League clubs who produce a more expensive and glossy version. Final Thoughts The John Smith Stadium is a modern, comfortable football stadium that is inexpensive, features a good range of concession items, and overall has a very good time. The home of the Terriers should not be overlooked when visiting English Football grounds,

Photo courtesy of ESPN It’s no secret that the NFL is far and away the most popular sports league in the United States. Its popularity grows in leaps and bounds each successive year thanks to a combination of the quality of its product, its innovation in technology, its embracing of fantasy sports, and now the added enticement of legalized sports gambling in many states. Television has shown that is where the real juggernaut of the NFL is able to show its strength. The Super Bowl is annually the most watched event on television in the country, and its popularity around the globe is on the rise as well. With the Big Game right around the corner, online casino comparison site KingCasinoBonus wanted to determine which analyst was the favorite among NFL fans. By analyzing a month's worth of Google keyword searches of 395 analysts, it was determined that Pro Football Hall of Famer  Peyton Manning , with an average of 275,840 Google searches a month, was the NFL personality that attracted the most attention online with fans. After spending 18 seasons in the league and winning two Super Bowls, Manning has easily transitioned into the media world. He and his brother, Eli Manning, have served as the commentators for ESPN2’s alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football  since 2021. Second on the list of most searched analysts was another Hall of Fame quarterback, Terry Bradshaw . A four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1970s, Bradshaw has consistently been one of the most popular broadcasters in the sport since entering the field after his retirement. Since 1994 Bradshaw has helped anchor Fox NFL Sunday ; his average search per month was 230,042. Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated Rounding out the top three most popular analysts is one of the most visible former NFL players in the media, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan . A Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants and the NFL’s all-time single-season sack record holder, Strahan smoothly moved into the next phase of his professional career. Currently sitting alongside Bradshaw on Fox NFL Sunday , Strahan is also a host for ABC’s Good Morning America . He averaged a total of 221,491 searches per month. Photo courtesy of Getty Images The other top searches of the year include NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin , now an analyst with the NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning , and the recently retired Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski , now serving as a contributor on both Fox NFL Sunday  and Fox NFL Kickoff .

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium 1605 Avenue Of The Champions Bowling Green, KY 42101 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers website Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 22,113 Topping The Hill As you exit the interstate and/or parkway and make the drive toward campus, it becomes overwhelmingly apparent that Western Kentucky University sits atop a hill in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as you can see the tip-top of campus buildings on the horizon for about three miles until you finally reach the beautiful campus. Western has always had a classic collegiate and university aesthetic and theme as you walk around campus, but with the renovations made over the past 10 years, that look is even more timeless than before. While most schools renovate with architecture that might as well have the year written on it or a design that is so non-descript that the absence of character is overbearing, WKU has a penchant for getting the college experience right. President Gary Ransdell once jumped from a plane and did a drop-in for the 2014 game versus Army. At that game, WKU announced that they became the first university to have a chair reserved for a POW/MIA/KIA. The chair remains empty at both L.T. Smith Field and Diddle Arena for every game. Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium holds 22,113 and opened in 1968. The most major renovations in its history were completed in 2008, the most recognizable of which was adding stands to the west sideline. The renovations put the Hilltoppers’ football home at its current capacity, which qualified the school for a move to FBS in 2009. The field moved from natural grass to Astroplay in 2002, and WKU installed FieldTurf in 2009. Houchens Industries — a huge grocery chain headquartered in Bowling Green– made a $5 million donation/gift to get the renovation rolling. Because of the gift, the Houchens Industries name was added to the name of the renovated stadium. L.T. Smith spent 49 years coaching the Hilltoppers football team (1920-1968). The stadium was originally named for him in 1968 when it opened. Food & Beverage 4 For some of you, all you need to read is the first item on the list and you will vote this stadium best in the NCAA. Beer is sold on-campus at WKU. The food prices are fair, considering you have a somewhat upgraded list of options compared to stadiums of similar stature. And with a product named the SUPER Nachos, you can’t lose. The options are also realistic to enjoy at your seat and practical for a football game. Sometimes you can offer too much and it becomes impractical. L.T. Smith Stadium gets it right. The cost for a bottled soft drink is on the pricey side, but not astronomical ($3.50). Atmosphere 4 The quality of the sound system inside the stadium is apparent, as the booming voice and blaring music can be heard on the stroll from your car to the entry gate. Once inside, you will be given a healthy dose of that audio that sounded so good from outside the stadium. It may hit some ears with a little more zest than others. The video/scoreboard is a relatively good size by today’s standards. It’s utilized well for game presentation between plays, but there are times when you just want to hear the bands play and not be bothered with a random uncomfortably screaming for the fans to get up and get loud on third down. My age is much closer to 40 than 20, so I understand that many of the sights and sounds that I find too stimulating to the senses may be exactly what a 20 year old student/player expects in a game day. My generation’s parents probably thought a scoreboard that showed replays and ads was over-the-top and unnecessary, so I get that and I get “it.” At the end of the day, the college football game is still recognizable in sight and sound. Marching bands are still visible and audible. Cheerleaders and yell leaders remain visible and audible. The “it” remains visible and audible. The west side of the stadium was added during the 2008 renovations. Club level and skyboxes line the west side, while the east side still holds the press box and the largest section of seating. Big Red is one of the premier mascots in all of college athletics. It’s not hyperbole to say Big Red has put WKU in the national conscience. They’ve always had a history with NCAA basketball diehards, but he’s put the school on the national and international map — literally. A perennial nominee for the Capital One Mascot Challenge each year, Big Red gives the school a great identity, although his is still debated across the Ohio Valley. He supposedly embodies the spirit of all the fans in one large red “blot” and does a great job of it. The Grass Berm (Sonic Zone) is great in the north end zone. The fan zone is great in the south end zone. These two features tie the east and west side stands together nicely, so there are fans around the entire stadium, although seating is pretty much limited to the east and west stands. The train behind the north end zone reminds you that the outside world still exists and will be there waiting for you when you exit Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Neighborhood 4 There are many places in Bowling Green to eat, but Mariah’s in the historic downtown district delivers a great dining experience that is not white-tablecloth, but not sports bar dive. The dishes are delicious, and the salads even have black-eyed peas in them. Sounds crazy, but you have to try it. This restaurant has been serving Bowling Green residents since 1980 ,and should be doing so for generations to come. WKU is a true college town. So many pieces of the city cater to the university. Bowling Green is not too big to swallow the campus whole, but not so small that campus is the only civilization around. There aren’t many cities better in the Western Kentucky/Middle Tennessee area when looking for a great area to take in a college football game where options for entertainment are available prior to or following the game. Fans 5 WKU’s alumni base is strong, and the fans are very knowledgeable. There are schools within an hour’s drive that would kill for the alumni pride and support that WKU possesses. There’s nothing else to say other than this school’s fans, for the most part, cheer for their school over the big state school in Lexington. The previous sentence will make a ton of sense if you’ve ever visited or know anyone that has any connection to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Access 4 The walk to the stadium is beautiful. There’s a reason this team is called the Hilltoppers. If you park near Cherry Hall, you will have the pleasure of walking down a very steep hill toward L.T. Smith Stadium. The walk back will be one you can tell your grandchildren about. It’s a walk that every student and alumnus talks about with the passion and emotion of a soldier telling war stories or a grandparent telling kids about walking to school uphill both ways in the snow. It’s steep and it’s nasty. I don’t think there’s a t-shirt at the top that you get for saying you climbed it, but it’s not a bad idea to see if that business model would have legs. Even if you attended college 10 states away and this is your first trip to campus, you will always be a Hilltopper once you’ve hiked the hill. The stadium’s flow is similar to that of a larger venue, without the long hikes to the bathroom or concessions. You may have a rather lengthy and steep walk to the top of the east side stands if you decide to sit that high in the sky, but otherwise, access to everything is rather simple inside or outside the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $35 for seats on the west side, $25 on the east side, $15 for youth tickets and student guests. Western Kentucky students get free entry with their student ID. With the above prices, you can really take part in a fantastic experience, though tickets can be pricey if you sit on the newly-renovated west side stands (much smaller section than the sprawling stands on the east sideline and every seat is close to the action). Although the ROI may not be a tangible one — unless you gamble, is any return from sports tangible? — the product on the field and game presentation go so nicely with the entire atmosphere surrounding the campus. Extras 1 The east side of the stadium carries atmosphere with it 365 days of the year. When facing the east stands, you can read the school’s nickname spelled out in large script letters across every section of the upper deck — H I L L T O P P E R S. Final Thoughts Go see a game in this stadium if you are in the area. The fans are fun, the seats are good and the view is great. The charm of campus rolls right downhill into the historic areas of downtown. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant like Mariah’s after the game. There’s no rush to get out of town, so sit down and relax. Work will be waiting for you when you get back on Monday. It’s Saturday. Let Bowling Green take care of you for the weekend.

Photo Courtesy Fresno State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Pete Beiden Field 1620 East Bulldog Lane Fresno, CA 93740 Fresno State Bulldogs website Pete Beiden Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,757 Beiden’s Bulldogs The Fresno State Bulldogs of the Mountain West may not be the first team that comes to mind when you think of college baseball tradition, but that doesn’t mean the program isn’t lacking in this category. Pete Beiden Field’s namesake won 600 games over 21 seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs from 1948 to 1969. More recently, the Bulldogs are famous for their improbable run to the 2008 national title from a lowly 4 seed in an NCAA Regional. Basically, this is like a 13 seed or lower winning the NCAA basketball tournament. Overall, the team has over 30 NCAA tournament appearances making them one of the more successful long term baseball programs in D1 baseball. Pete Beiden Field opened in 1966 as Varsity Park, but that name was changed in 1972 to honor the recently retired legendary coach. The stadium seats an impressive 5,757 capacity, although it has never formally reached that attendance. The largest D1 baseball program in the San Joaquin Valley, the Bulldogs only true competition for fans in the area is the AAA minor league Fresno Grizzlies that play at downtown Chukchansi Park . Beiden Field offers a much different experience and feel than its downtown Fresno professional neighbor. Food & Beverage 3 Beiden Field doesn’t necessarily offer the widest food selection in baseball, but the open grill behind home plate fills the concourse with the smell of burgers and brats and adds a great touch to the venue. The best options are the grilled food items that run from $6-$8 and include burgers, brats, chicken sandwiches and hot links. Some of the other specialty items available include pulled pork nachos ($7.50), a bowl of Pardini’s Homemade Chili ($4.50) and Clam Chowder ($4.50). Other menu items include nachos ($6), hot dogs ($4.50), chili dogs ($5.50), soft pretzels ($3.50), pizza slices ($5) or even a whole pizza ($17). A variety of snacks are available too for under $5, including churros and gourmet popcorn. Pepsi products are available for anywhere from $3-$5 depending on size. Gatorade is available for $4 and coffee/hot chocolate is available for $3. There are no alcohol sales at Beiden Field. While the pork nachos are delicious and the clam chowder or chili are tempting, it’s hard to pass up the smells wafting from the grill. A freshly grilled brat or a double cheeseburger are ideal options for the game. Atmosphere 2 There’s nothing particularly intriguing about the atmosphere at Pete Beiden Field, mostly because it’s an older and somewhat bland ballpark with very little in terms of attendance. Short of some of the historical aspects of the park, there’s not a lot special here. The stadium itself is pretty plain in design, with one large grandstand bowl extending from beyond 3rd base around the infield and past 1st base. Because the stadium tends to be generally devoid of fans, seating is pretty cozy. You can definitely stretch out and put your feet up. Unfortunately, this means there’s not much in terms of energy in the park. The field itself looks nice enough, if not a bit thin in terms of grass. The nicest part of the park is the plaques, banners and statues all around honoring Fresno State tradition. Of particular note is the large statue of Pete Beiden on the 3rd base line. Unfortunately, the park seems dirty and old, and even the concourse display of famous players seems largely unkempt. There is very little in terms of promotion going on at a Bulldogs game. Occasional T-shirt tosses and are about as engaged as things get. Outside of the normal music and effects, nothing special happens here. There is no covered seating a Beiden Field, which can be difficult because the Fresno heat can get quite intense. You’ll have plenty of seating options available, as attendance is generally sparse. But most of the seats are pretty similar in view and there’s not really an upside for anywhere in particular. All seats have chairbacks, so this at least is more comfortable than bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Beiden Field is located right on campus in the middle of the Fresno State sports complex. Bulldog Stadium (football) is immediately adjacent and the softball stadium is across the street. The area itself is pretty bland, with streets laid out in a grid pattern filled with strip malls. There’s not a lot to do within immediate walking distance, so expect to drive to the game. There are several popular local restaurants that are worth checking out. Dog House Grill is only a few blocks away and is famous for its California tri-tip, but make sure you arrive early because it’s almost always packed. If you drive north into Clovis you’ll find Sequoia Brewing Company, which offers great craft beers and good food. The Tower District is not particularly far and is home to a variety of trending local bars and restaurants as well. If you’re in town for a long weekend, there’s quite a bit to do within a short drive. Yosemite National Park is a straight shot north and you can be there in a little over an hour. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 90 minutes southeast. Fresno is also home to the AAA Fresno Grizzlies, although it’s a pretty tame minor league baseball experience. Most of the local hotels are along Shaw Avenue just two blocks south. The closest option is the University Square Hotel, although it’s not the highest quality option. Just to the east under the Rt 168 bridge you’ll find a Holiday Inn Express and a Hilton Garden Inn, which may suit the picky traveler a bit better. Fans 2 Fresno State is a clear case of the stadium being too big for the fan base. The size of the venue itself makes the ballpark seem even more empty than it actually is. Fresno State actually ranked 42nd in attendance in D1 baseball in 2014. You wouldn’t be able to tell that by visiting the park. In general the stadium feels very empty and is oversized for their small base of loyal fans. The stadium has never truly reached capacity. At Pete Beiden Field you’ll clearly be able to identify the few that are passionate Bulldogs baseball fans, mostly because they will be the only few making any noise. For the most part, the smattering of fans are there to put their feet up and enjoy some ballpark food. It’s largely a quiet crowd with the occasional cheering or heckling of the opposing team. Access 4 Fresno State’s campus lies near a few major routes that cut through Fresno from Rt 99, which is the main corridor in and out of the city. Rt. 41 and Rt. 168 run north on either side of campus and provide quick access in and out of the city. Parking is free and easy and since the stadium is rarely crowded it’s generally pretty easy to get around. With free parking and easy access, there’s no reason to not drive to Beiden Field. Otherwise, a cab may be your best option to get around the city. Parking is free in a large lot just beyond the left field wall with the main entrance beyond 3rd base. It’s rarely crowded, so access to the lot is very simple. Generally, you’ll move in and out of the lot very freely. Baseball tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the main gate on the 3rd base line from what appears to be a shed. This is the only gate for ticket purchases, so it can be a bit of a choke point at times if there’s any sort of a crowd. Moving around the stadium is generally very easy. There’s not a large crowd and the concourse is wide. Restrooms are located on both the first and third base lines. They aren’t particularly clean, and this is a theme for the park as a whole. In general, the park is a bit dirty and old. Return on Investment 3 While a trip to Pete Beiden Field isn’t particularly expensive, you’re not getting a whole lot back in return. The result? This is all pretty much average. Free parking, a $10 ticket and about average food prices means it’s a pretty cheap night out. This would generally rate higher, but the venue doesn’t really warrant more than that cost. Extras 2 The primary extras you’ll find here are all built around team tradition. The large statue of Pete Beiden, the display of Fresno State greats in the concourse and the championship decals on the outfield wall all remind you that despite the humble surroundings, there’s a relatively rich history to this program. Final Thoughts Fresno State’s baseball program has had some success in the past. Unfortunately, the stadium doesn’t fully live up to expectations. This is one of those teams that would be better served with smaller, shinier venue. It’s a good enough place to kick up your feet and enjoy a game in the less than crowded grandstand, but the amenities and frills just aren’t really here.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Security Service Field 4385 Tutt Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80922 Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,500 Looking Back … Looking Ahead Security Service Field (originally known as Sky Sox Stadium) is the highest professional baseball stadium in the U.S. at 6,531 feet above sea level (higher than Coors Field). It sits adjacent to Weidner Stadium where the USL Switchbacks play their soccer matches. The baseball team originated as the Hawaii Islanders in Honolulu, HI; but after that team fell into financial problems, the team moved to Colorado Springs in 1988 and became the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Throughout their existence the team has been the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, and beginning in 2015, the Milwaukee Brewers. The end of the 2018 season brings closure to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox as the team will be moving to San Antonio beginning the 2019 season. The Brewers rookie league team will be relocating from Helena, MT to Colorado Springs the 2019 season and the team name rebranding is currently (summer 2018) under way. Food & Beverage 3 Enticing food and drink options, as well as all the traditional snacks and treats, are available at Security Service Field. The Sky Sox use some local concessionaires to help boost the Colorado Springs economy. Walking in to the stadium entrance, just to the right (first base side) is Zebulon’s Grill providing cheesesteaks, hamburgers, and other grilled favorites ($5 – $9). Specialties at the two other permanent stands include: Buffalo and/chicken tenders w/fries, red hot Chicago and/or chili cheese foot long dog, Wisconsin brat, Pikes Peak nachos, the mighty Colorado nacho plate, and hot and spicy sausages. Prices range from $5.50 to $9 depending on your choice. Snacks include peanuts, candy, churros, soft pretzel, cotton candy, popcorn, kettle corn, fries, etc. and range from $3 to $6.50. Fountain soft drinks are provided by Pepsi ($7) and bottled water is $4.25. Other refreshments include a Papa John’s pizza stand ($8 for a single serving pie), Chilly Willy’s ice cream ($5 – $7 / cash only) and a shaved ice stand. Beer choices at the permanent concession stands are Coors, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Killian’s, Miller Lite, Alaskan Amber, and Colorado Native. A large craft brew cart is down the third base concourse and offers up to eight different brews from local Bristol Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada (a California based brewery). Beers at this stand are $9 (cash only). A local moonshine distillery, 3 Hundred Days of Shine, provides moonshine cocktails (single $6.25 / double $12.50); cash only. Except for sealed soft plastic bottles of water, outside food and drink are not allowed. Atmosphere 3 The concourse runs on top of the seating bowl and spreads from the first baseline to the third baseline. Seating is not available in the outfield areas. Green plastic fold down chairs with cup holders are in the lower level of the seating area (closer to the field). A small pathway separates the upper level. The upper level has metal benches with backs but no cup holders. Both sections provide excellent sights of the game. As with most ballparks nowadays, the net extends down both baselines limiting the viewing pleasure of a ‘net free’ game. A Fun Zone with bounce houses and other kid’s attractions is down the third baseline just above a well-manicured grassy berm seating area. Visiting ballplayers walk across a short part of the concourse and down the third base side steps to get to the dugout, so there may be some autograph opportunities pre or postgame. A set of 18 luxury/club seats are above the press box and behind the home plate area. There is a hot tub down the first baseline that you and up to eleven of your friends can rent for a unique experience at a ball game. All seats (except the luxury/club seats) are in the sun (or other weather elements) and there are no shaded or covered areas except for the cramped concourse behind home plate. Come prepared with clothing layers or sunscreen. Both might be needed the same day. Recommendation: Check the weather before attending the game and always pack sunscreen and at least a long sleeve shirt. The PA announcer does a fine job and the music is even turned down when calling a relief pitcher and a double-switch so those keeping score can record the name properly on their scorecard. More importantly, the music isn’t played too loud and a fan can talk with their neighbor easily – an excellent thing. The scoreboard is viewable from all seats and displays the current score by inning including hits and errors, strikes, balls, and outs. A video board provides the names and current stats of the player at bat for both teams, as well as advertisements and in-game contests. Neighborhood 3 Security Service Field is not in downtown Colorado Springs. It is located in a neighborhood in the northeastern part of the city. The neighborhood has grown vastly over the last several years with more and more shopping and dining available within walking distance of the venue. Two sports bars to check out are Cleats Bar and Grill East (plenty of TVs and bar food) and Rhino’s Sport & Spirits. Both are walking distance from the stadium with Cleats a little closer; though Rhino’s is my preference. Countless chain restaurants are nearby including: On The Border, Egg & I, Pizza Hut, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Zen Fusion Sushi, Noodle and Company, Rock Bottom, and the list goes on. Several craft breweries have popped up near the stadium. Peaks N Pines (offering a diverse selection of their own tasty brews and a welcoming, friendly environment) is across a field from the ballpark. One can walk across the field to the ballpark during an afternoon game, but I wouldn’t recommend it at night as there are no lights. Nano 108 Brewing is about two miles down Tutt Ave and may also be a good place for a beer pre or postgame. The closest hotel to the stadium is the Holiday Inn Express Colorado Springs – First and Main and is about one mile from the field. It is located near the Cinemark Theater and many shopping centers and restaurants. Several other hotels are near the airport. Although slightly more than five miles away, do visit the Air Force Academy when in town and check out the Visitor’s Center and the Air Force Chapel. It houses three distinct worship areas under a single roof and has been named a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It has received many architectural prizes since its construction in 1962. Note: The Air Force Chapel is expected to close late 2018 for major restoration work. Fans 3 The Sky Sox have generally been in the lower half in attendance in the Pacific Coast League. However, heard amongst the conversations in the stands are statements such as, “That player was the number one pick for the Brewers in 2014,” or “He’s been to Miller Park and is trying to get back there,” or ” Will he go for a bunt or try to hit it out?” So you know the fans attending the games have baseball savvy. Visiting fans are welcomed… it IS a minor league game and it is more about the baseball being played and other social activities than any rivalries within the minor league teams. We’ll have to wait till the 2019 season to see how the fans engage with the new team relocating here. Access 3 This is a mixed bag. There is a bus stop right outside the stadium and it looks like Route 23 – Tutt Blvd via Powers Blvd is the one to take, though be mindful of last pick up times. Most fans drive to the game. Check the Sky Sox website for directions . The directions indicate taking Woodmen Rd off I-25 if coming from the north. I’d recommend taking Interquest Pkwy instead, as it is less congested and has fewer traffic lights. Colorado Springs Airport is only six miles to Security Service Field. Denver International Airport is a bit farther – about an hour and 15 min drive. There are more flights to/from DIA and are probably lower in fare than Colorado Springs. Parking is $5. Be prepared to have a lot of patience when leaving the game from the main lot. I recommend, instead of turning on Tutt St (where the signage indicates to turn), continue straight on Barnes Rd till the next light and make a right. That will take you to the ‘back’ parking lot which is way easier to exit after the game. The signs will say it is season ticket parking but they do allow the general public to park there. Only the one gate is available for fans to enter and exit the stadium which funnels behind the home base area. Even with the smaller crowds, it can get so congested it is treacherous. My recommendation: Stay in your seat during the game or just meander on the concourse above the baseline on which you are sitting and remain in your seat for a bit after the game to avoid the mass exit and the crowds. Hopefully, there will never be the need for a quick evacuation of the stadium. The restrooms, one for each gender, are a bit dated but serve their purpose. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are reasonable for an AAA ball game: lower box ($15), upper level ($12), grass berm ($5). Military, seniors (60+), and kids under 12 get an additional $2 off. Add an additional $2 when purchased the day of the game. Food prices generally range from $5 – $9. Parking is $5. The Sky Sox organization provides a variety of promotions throughout the year: Sunday: 50¢ hot dogs Tuesday: Two for Tuesdays – $2 tickets; $2 parking, $2 Coors/Coors Light Thursday: $3 Microbrew Thursday Friday: Friday Fireworks Saturday: Select themed nights like Star Trek Night, Harry Potter Night, and more With all the promotions and perks, attending a Sky Sox game is well worth the investment. Extras 3 A few extra items are worth noting. Listen to Dan Karcher broadcast the Sky Sox games on AM 1300 or on their website. He calls the game without a lot of unnecessary chatter and provides just the perfect amount of passion. He calls the games with superb expertise. I hope he continues broadcasting when the new team arrives in 2019. Jim Thome is the first Sky Sox player to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. The power hitter played with the Sky Sox during the 1991 and 1992 seasons. A team store, called the Fox Den, offers all kinds of merchandise including clothing, hats, shot glasses, foam fingers, pennants, and just about any other collector’s item. Final Thoughts As part of the final hurrah and Sky Sox campaign, the organization has done a decent job at ‘looking back’ at the history of the Sky Sox with the players wearing different ‘team era’ jerseys each month. The organization is ‘looking ahead’ to a new name and a new league in 2019. Thanks for the memories, Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613 Texas Stars website H-E-B Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 8,000 Texas Stars: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Located in the north Austin suburb of Cedar Park, H-E-B Center – since it’s opening over a decade ago – has quickly become a hub for numerous events and concerts, as well as the home for the majority of Austin’s indoor minor league sports franchises, including the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League, the Austin Sound of the Extreme League, and the Texas Stars of the AHL. The minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Texas Stars, the Austin version has called H-E-B Center home since the facility opened in 2009. In that time the Stars have experienced a pretty good amount of success on the ice. The team has won two Division championships (2012-13, 2013-14), three Conference Championships (2009-10, 2013-14, and 2017-18), and the Calder Cup Championship (the AHL equivalent to the Stanley Cup) in 2014. The Stars also have the rare distinction of having retired the jersey of their former player, Travis Morin , who retired holding nearly all of the team’s important offensive records. Texas, understandably, is not known as a hot bed for hockey – however, because of the makeup of the population in the city of Austin, the locals have fully embraced the Stars and turn out in droves in green and black for games. Read on to learn what make H-E-B Center at Cedar Park one of the premier stops in the AHL. Food & Beverage 4 When it comes to food and beverage options, H-E-B Center has fans covered. All the concessions for fans sitting in the general admissions areas are on the main concourse, which is nice. Traditional game day standbys like burgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, etc. are offered, and can come in your basic, run-of-the-mill variety or a little turned up, if you will. For example, at the 183 Chophouse stand you can get a standard cheddar cheeseburger, or you can get a Black ‘n Bleu Hockey Burger (with bacon and bleu cheese). For hot dogs, at the 50s-themed diner Fairlane’s you can get a Nolan Ryan all-beef hot dog topped with whatever you want, or you can get, for example, a Janis Joplin dog (with Hatch green chilis and mac and cheese) or a James Dean dog (bleu cheese coleslaw and Frank’s Rod Hot Sauce) all for $6, which is a great bargain. The Texas tried and true cuisine favorites of barbecue and Tex-Mex are also represented at the Texas Smokehouse and Rojo’s Mexican Hideaway stands. At these two stands you can get such classics as Frito pie, tamales, chopped and sliced beef sandwiches, street corn, and carnitas tacos. Also, chain restaurants such as Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut, Bahama Buck’s, and Amy’s Ice Cream are on site and offer pared-down versions of their signature menus. Atmosphere 3 Quite frankly, minor league sports are a mixed bag when it comes to the atmosphere. You’ll always have your core group of hardcore fans, but, depending on the size of the market, crowd sizes vary wildly. However, for the most part in my limited experience, minor league hockey seems to be an outlier – even here in Texas. In a city like Austin, where a good portion of the populace is transplanted from outside the state – many from places where hockey is a religion – the Stars have become a welcome reminder of their former homes. Since formally adopting the colors of their parent club in the Big D, you will see the stands of H-E-B Center littered with green, black, and white. Many are wearing the sweaters of current and past Texas Stars players or current and former Dallas Stars players. You’ll also see random Detroit Red Wings or Quebec Nordiques sweater or caps, just for fun. The team proudly flies its championship banners from the rafters, including Morin’s retired jersey and those of the Austin Spurs , and the crowd (more on them shortly) has responded to the team’s success in kind with enthusiasm and gusto. They cheer with every near goal and hard check. They have also carried down the parent club’s tradition of emphasizing “Stars” during that portion of the Star-Spangled Banner” – I’m not a fan of it personally, but to each their own. Neighborhood 3 Cedar Park is a suburb of Austin and is around a 25-minute drive from Austin’s downtown area. If you choose to come in for a game, you can’t go wrong staying in either town. Austin has everything you could want; the city is the de facto live music capital of the world with performances of every kind going on anywhere you can fit more than five people and a microphone. It’s also got museums, is a top destination for foodies, and has major league sports , as well as world-class hotel options to go along with all its entertainment and dining options. Cedar Park, while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles Austin does, is still a charming small town nonetheless. When looking for things to do before games, Cedar Park has quite a few options – for outdoor enthusiasts, the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and Balcones Canyonlands offer visitors the chance to see native wildlife, as well as feature hiking, biking, running, and paddling and canoeing options. For a little family fun that’s off the beaten path, the Austin Steam Train Association offers train rides on weekends from their station in Cedar Park, including themed runs such as murder mysteries, as well as dinner ride options. When it comes to dining options, there are many dining and hotel options available in Cedar Park that are not only unique to the area, but are also close to H-E-B Center. For dining, the Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill is a favorite due to its unique southwestern-themed menu, and offers up fare such as tinga chicken rellenos, blue corn crust crispy salmon, and Baja shrimp tacos. Another option to keep an eye out for is Lucy’s Fried Chicken – as the name implies it offers top-notch fried chicken in all its varied forms; a sneaky great option is the fried chicken spaghetti. When it comes to hotels, there are numerous options depending on your budget, and many are within driving distance of H-E-B Center. These include the Springhill Suites by Marriott Austin Cedar Park and Westin Austin at The Domain . Fans 3 For Stars games, H-E-B Center is set up in a horseshoe configuration with the east end seats being mostly removed. Still, even without these seats the team averages just under 5,500 fans per game. The arena normally seats around 8,000, so even at close to 75% capacity, this is pretty impressive on a regular basis. The fans that come out show up decked in their green and black Stars gear, and are engaged from the minute the puck drops until the final buzzer sounds. It’s a passionate fan base that has proven to be knowledgeable, and that makes it fun to watch Stars games at H-E-B Center. Access 3 H-E-B Center is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Austin; it’s also about 28 minutes from Austin’s Bergstrom International Airport. The arena is located directly off state highway 183, though be forewarned that this is a toll road. Once on site, parking for Stars games is plentiful and is free, which is a nice bonus. However, unlike Austin, public transportation options are few and far between in Cedar Park. There are currently no light rail or bus stops at H-E-B Center. Your best bet, if you choose not to drive to the game, is to look into utilizing a rideshare service. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for Stars games at H-E-B Center start at $21 per person. This is pretty much on par with the other teams across the AHL, which also goes for concessions; when you take into consideration the free parking, Texas Stars games at H-E-B Center can be quite a bargain, especially if you’re bringing a family. Since the AHL is the last stop for most players before they get to the NHL, there’s a good chance you’re going to see some top-level players at highly affordable prices. It’s also a great way to introduce novices to the sport of hockey. Extras 3 Like most minor league franchises, the Stars employ a lot of the traditional things to attract fans, and to keep them entertained while they’re in the arena. There are games during the intermission periods, there’s organ music of course, and there are giveaways and theme nights ($2 draft beer night, Halloween goalie mask night, Star Wars night, etc.). All of these are great. Perhaps the biggest draw though is the team’s mascot, which is arguably one of the most unique that I’ve come across, Ringo the Ringtail . Ringo (Ringo…Stars, get it?) is a life-sized ringtail, which looks like a cross between a fox and a raccoon and is a species unique to south Texas. He’s become quite the legend across the AHL, and young fans flock to him whenever he patrols the stands of H-E-B Center. Final Thoughts I’ve been to several events at H-E-B Center, including several Stars games, and I have enjoyed myself every time. This is a great venue, especially for hockey. There is no such thing as a bad sightline here and it still feels new, somehow, even though it is now over 10 years old. The Stars really do strive to put a great product on the ice, and they try to make sure they are worthy of the venue. I think anyone going will enjoy themselves. The arena isn’t necessarily bucket list worthy, but it is definitely more than worth your time to make a visit to Cedar Park. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lavietes Pavilion 65 North Harvard St. Boston, MA 02163 Harvard Crimson basketball website Lavietes Pavilion website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 1,636 Old Walls, New Court Lavietes Pavilion is the third oldest building used for basketball among Division One schools. Only Fordham’s Rose Hill Gym and Northeastern’s Matthews Arena are older. It was originally known as the Briggs Center, named for LeBaron Russell Briggs, who served the University in a variety of roles for almost 35 years, and who later served as the president of the NCAA. Lavietes Pavilion is named for Ray and Estelle Lavietes. Ray was a Harvard class of 1936 alumnus and two-year basketball letterman who was a frequent benefactor to the athletic program. His generosity inspired a $2.1 million refurbishing project to the building that was completed in 1995. Additional renovations were completed prior to the 2017-2018 season. The facility was expanded and modernized, with 5,000 square feet added to accommodate a new lobby, ticket offices and locker rooms. A new state of the art scoreboard was added, and repairs were made to the bleachers, the facility’s skylight and roof. These renovations totaled over $15 million. For years the Briggs Center housed Harvard’s indoor track teams. Harvard’s baseball teams used the building as well. Many Red Sox, including Ted Williams, were frequent visitors to the facility’s indoor batting cages and second-floor track. Harvard’s basketball teams played in the Indoor Athletic Building-Now named the Malkin Athletic Center-until the construction of the Gordon Track and Tennis Center in 1981. The Crimson team has made five NCAA tournament appearances in their history, including a streak of four in a row from 2012-2015. The team made it all the way to the elite eight in their other lone appearance in 1946. Four Harvard alumni have played in the NBA. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single concession stand under the east bleachers which offers a pretty basic menu. Hot dogs, nachos and assorted snack items comprise the entire menu. As you might imagine, with only one stand in the arena, lines can and do form at halftime. Plan your trip accordingly. On the plus side, no item here costs more than six dollars. Coca-Cola products are featured at Laveites Pavilion. While no alcoholic beverages are sold here, The Crimson Pub, located next door to the gym at Dillon Hall is open before and after selected games, as well as during halftime if you feel like running next door for a quick drink during the break. A small pub menu and mixed drinks are sold here in a relaxed atmosphere. Season ticket holders can enjoy a pregame or halftime spread in the Lavietes Lounge, which overlooks both the court and the Charles River. In addition to special food items, this is the only place in the building where you can purchase an alcoholic beverage. Sorry folks, season ticket holders only may access the lounge. Atmosphere 3 Anyone who is familiar with Ivy League sports, or basketball in general in the northeast, can verify that the atmosphere at the games is much more laid-back than in other parts of the country. Lavietes Pavilion is no exception to this rule. If you haven’t visited Lavietes in a while, you will undoubtedly be impressed by the recent renovations which modernized and brightened the arena but kept its intimate feel. The large videoboard which hangs at center court is put to good use with graphics, replays and crowd shots. Game stats are displayed on the front of the press tables. The sound system is sufficient for this small gym, although the PA is a bit muddled. While there doesn’t seem to be a dedicated student section at Lavietes Pavilion, there is plenty going on to keep fans interested in the game. Contests are held during play stoppages; youth teams take the court at halftime and t-shirts are tossed into the crowd throughout the game. Fans can even enjoy discounts on select items in the Coop store in the lobby. Neighborhood 5 While walking around Boston in the middle of winter might not be many people’s idea of a fun way to spend an afternoon, the area around Harvard University is one of the more popular tourist attractions in the city. An ideal place for shopping, dining, or people watching, Harvard Square attracts visitors from all over the world. Before or after a game at Lavietes Pavilion, take a walk across the Anderson Memorial Bridge, which spans the Charles River, and explore Harvard Square. For those wishing to bask in the history, architecture, and aura of Harvard, this is the place for you. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck. Visiting fans looking for places to eat pre- or post-game will find no shortage of choices. Tommy Doyle’s Irish Pub is a popular stop. Mr. Bartley’s Burgers is a favorite of the student body, and Russell House Tavern boasts an impressive array of microbrews. If you are in the mood for something a little bit more exotic, the area surrounding the university contains a seemingly endless variety of culinary options. Surprisingly, for an area with so many colleges around, there aren’t a great number of places to stay in the immediate vicinity of the Athletic Complex, so look towards downtown Boston or Cambridge for lodging. Cheaper hotel rooms can be found in the suburbs. Fans 3 Harvard averages just over 1,500 fans per game at Lavietes Pavilion, which puts them right around the Ivy League average. Traditional rivalries against other Ivy League teams are generally better attended. Even though fans will usually have no problem finding tickets, given the small size of Lavietes, purchasing tickets in advance is advised. As you may expect at an Ivy League gym, this is not a rowdy crowd. Make no mistake, fans here are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but they approach the game in a more reserved manner, as you might expect at a place like Harvard. Access 3 While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Lavietes Pavilion is located on the other side of the Charles River in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Bright-Landry Hockey Center , Jordan Field and O’Donnell Field . There is ample parking mixed in between the many buildings in the complex and you may end up walking a little bit to get to the basketball game. It’s not unusual for several events to be going on simultaneously, as the Athletic Complex is perpetually busy. Boston can be a difficult city to drive in, and if coming to Lavietes Pavilion on a weekday, expect to fight the legendary Boston traffic. The Harvard Athletic Complex is accessible via Storrow Drive or the Mass Pike if driving to the game. Detailed driving directions can be found here . A much more efficient method of transportation in Boston is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station Red Line MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from Lavietes Pavilion across the Charles River. In addition, the 66 and 86 Bus routes stop on North Harvard Street, directly in front of the Athletic Complex. Complete schedules can be found here . Fans will enter Lavietes Pavilion through the new, expanded lobby. There is a small team store to your left. Fans with seats in sections 1-3 will head left through the lobby and fans with seats in sections 4-6 will head to the right. Seating consists of wooden bleachers without backs located closer to the court, with individual stadium seats located at the top of the seating area. There is no seating on either end of the gym. With Lavietes Pavilion’s small capacity, you will enjoy a great view no matter where you are sitting. Return on Investment 3 The laws of supply and demand are in full force at Harvard. The Crimson utilize variable pricing for their games at Lavietes Pavilion, separating their games into non-conference, conference and premium (Yale, Penn, Princeton and UMass) games. Bleacher seats cost $15/$25/$30 and chairback seats cost $20/$30/$35. Parking in the Harvard Athletic Complex can be challenging when several events are scheduled at the same time. There are parking lots on the complex which are open to the public but be aware of signage when you park. Some spots are reserved for those with permits, while others appear to be available at no charge. Other spots are metered at the rate of $1.50 per hour. Feeding a meter for a Harvard basketball game will cost no more than $6.00. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the renovations that modernized the facility while preserving its old-school charms. Banners hang on either end of the court at Lavietes Pavilion honoring Crimson conference titles and tournament appearances. At Harvard, an Ivy League title is apparently more important than an NCAA tournament appearance, as the men’s team’s seven Ivy titles each get their own banner, while the squad’s five tourney bid share a flag. Final Thoughts Former Crimson women’s basketball coach Kathy Delaney Smith once said “you don’t choose Harvard for the facilities,” but in Lavietes Pavilion, Harvard has one of the better small home courts in the Northeast. Plans to replace the aging facility were abandoned for a substantial renovation, which has resulted in a cozy gym which blends Ivy League tradition with modern amenities worthy of any Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of Old Dominion Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Kornblau Field at S. B. Ballard Stadium 5115 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website Kornblau Field at S. B. Ballard Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 21,944 The Dominion is Back The naming of this stadium is a bit confusing. The historic former Foreman Field sat on this spot until the 2018-2019 remodeling and reconstruction, with the S.B. Ballard Stadium designation being added back in 2008. The newer remodeling and rebuild brought in the Kornblau Field name after alumnus Barry Kornblau and his $3 million donations. Old Dominion played their final game in Foreman Field's original form on November 17, 2018, against Virginia Military Institute. The $67.5 million stadium reconstruction project began with the demolition of the old grandstands on November 19, 2018, and was back open in 2019. The stadium is far older than the football team. Opened in 1936 it was the home to the Norfolk Division of William & Mary University, the original name for ODU. The team only lasted a few years under the name Braves and ended up having their program canceled in 1941. The stadium also served as the home stadium for the Norfolk State University football program throughout the 1980s and 1990s and hosted the annual Oyster Bowl game from 1946 to 1995, featuring numerous major college football teams. The Virginia Ambassadors of the World Football League were to play their games at Foreman Field in 1974 before the franchise was sold and moved to Orlando. Old Dominion University (ODU) has only had a football team since 2009 but has shown that theirs is a program on the rise. For the first two seasons, the Monarchs were an independent in the Football Championship Subdivision and then moved to the Colonial Athletic Association in 2011. In 2013 they jumped up to the Football Bowl Subdivision once again as an independent team. Finally, in 2014 the team joined up with Conference USA. Food & Beverage 4 There are many great food options at ODU football games. There are the normal permanent concession stands located on the east and west sides of the stadium, as well as some other temporary stands. The usual food offerings of hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos are found in abundance here, and at decent prices. The main issue is that the concession stands seem to not be able to handle the large crowds. There is a chance this is a Covid related and/or general 2021 staffing issue. Atmosphere 4 Monarch football games are quite the party. It starts with the impressive tailgating around the parking areas. The fan base at ODU does not seem like one that has only had a team for such a short time. Some schools have existed for over a century that wish they had the atmosphere seen here in Norfolk. The party doesn't end at game time. The fans fill the stadium and are engaged throughout the game. This is a highly knowledgeable crowd. The new east and west stands are quite different from the older historic stands. Those were some interesting seating sections but their functionality was true of the past. The new seating structure does seem to use a lot of stairs and multi-level aspects to accommodate the needs of a modern stadium into the space limitations of the old stadium. It is not confusing, but it does make an interesting visit. The massive south end zone structure was built for the 2009 rebirth of the football program. This is where party suites and other high-end seating options are located. I did notice that fans in this area are less involved with the overall game action. There is a good marching band and cheerleaders that add to the atmosphere. Students sit in the north end zone. The field is very close to the seating areas. This provides a better view for the fans and makes the stadium quite loud. Neighborhood 3 Old Dominion University is located in the northern part of Norfolk. This means it is far from the downtown area. Luckily many newer food stores and restaurants are popping up east of the university. Mojo Bones, Raising Cane, and Perfectly Frank are a few of the good options in that area. While not directly accessible by walking, downtown Norfolk and the Ghent neighborhoods are only a few minutes away by car and are worth a visit. Ghent is a historic walkable neighborhood containing many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and antique stores. Downtown Norfolk is gentrifying and is worth a stop. Check out the Selden Market, an artist market at 116 Granby Street. Also, downtown Norfolk may be the only city where you see a battleship (USS Wisconsin) docked right next to the downtown buildings. There is a SpringHill Suites by Marriott on Hampton Boulevard also near the campus. That is an ideal location if staying for the game. The Hampton Roads area is also a large and interesting "neighborhood." Virginia Beach to the east is a major tourist and beach destination, while Williamsburg to the west is full of colonial history, as well as the Busch Garden amusement park. Fans will find the area is larger and more populated than it is widely known. Since it is made up of numerous medium-size cities the overall size is less recognized. Fans 5 Not enough can be said about the Old Dominion University fans. They sell out every game and it is hard to tell this is a relatively new program. Once again, the tailgate atmosphere is pretty amazing. Most schools would love to have an atmosphere and fans like they have at ODU. Access 4 Since the university is located way from downtown the access is fairly good. There are major highways close to ODU: access can be had via I-64/I-664 (Hampton Roads Beltway). The I-564 exit provides quick access to Hampton Boulevard which runs right in front of the stadium and front entrance to ODU. Parking is generally free unless you pay for premium parking or are a member of the athletic foundation. The garage on the corner of Hampton Boulevard and 43rd Street as well as another garage between 45th and 46th off of Hampton Boulevard are a couple of good options. Return on Investment 4 Every game is sold out so fans should plan. The prices, when available, are of a good value. The price levels do depend on the opponent. Expect Conference USA teams to cost more and be much harder to gain access. After-market tickets are expensive. There just are not too many sellers. People go to the games. With the free parking, Monarchs football is a great value. Extras 3 The fans are the best extra. They create a lively atmosphere that makes it fun to be a part of. Although there is not a large amount of history with the Old Dominion football program, the stadium itself holds quite a bit of history, even in its newer modern construction. Banners and signs displaying the great players who played games in this stadium are located on the back of the grandstands. The many Oyster Bowls means that some of the greatest players in college football history played on this field. Final Thoughts S. B. Ballard Stadium is a lively college football stadium that provides for a great place to watch an up-and-coming mid-major program.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Burr Gymnasium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website Burr Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 2,700 Basketball at the Burr Burr Gymnasium is located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. and is home to the school’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The arena opened in 1963, seven years before the Bison joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) as a charter member. Howard University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) in Washington, D.C. The school has over 70 undergraduate programs. The main campus is located in northwest Washington, D. C. Howard University is considered the “Mecca” because it is one of the elite HBCUs. The Howard Bison compete in the NCAA’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The school sponsors teams in eight men’s and eleven women’s sports. The school’s nickname is the Bison and recently they changed the logo so that it no longer used the copyright of the Buffalo Bills. Although “The Burr” is a small arena, at just 2,700 seats, and Howard is much less-known than other regional teams such as Georgetown and Maryland, a visit to Howard is an experience not to be missed for any college basketball fan on a trip to the nation’s capital. Food & Beverage 3 .There are two places to buy concessions at Burr Gymnasium, one on each side of the bleachers. A window on one side offers a basic menu - sausages ($8) and hot dogs ($5) are the only meal options, but you can also buy jumbo pretzels, popcorn, candy, chips, and drinks here. On the other side of the concourse, you will find a table operated by a local restaurant. This offers a more extensive menu, with items like shrimp, chicken, and fried fish for around $10 each, or $2 extra if you want fries. Cheeseburgers and hot dogs are also available here, as are homemade lemonade and fruit punch (many fans prefer a 50/50 mixture between the two which is available despite not being listed on the menu.) The lines here do move slowly so we recommend purchasing your food before the game if possible. Atmosphere 5 Walking into Burr Gymnasium will put you in a small lobby, which will take you to a concourse covered in murals honoring Howard athletics. This isn't some generic arena - it really feels like the home of the Bison. The nice thing about an arena as small as this one is that there are truly no bad seats. Every seat is within a dozen or so rows of the court, so you’ll always be close to the action even up top. All seats in the arena are chair backs and are reasonably comfortable. This is always a plus as some smaller venues have bleachers which can be uncomfortable to sit in for two hours. Two new videoboards were recently installed, one on either end of the court, and they also show player stats. For most games, the Howard band will be in the arena playing music before and during the game. As they play, they will dance along to their own music, as will the cheerleaders, dance team, and the fans. There may be few early-season games where the band is not present, but when they are here, there is a raucous atmosphere from start to finish. Although the Howard band is better known for their performances at football games, they really add to the atmosphere for basketball as well. Howard Bison band, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Howard University is located amidst a number of historically African American neighborhoods in Washington. Shaw, U Street, and Columbia Heights, each of which have their own history in the African American community, surround the college. Ben’s Chili Bowl, located about a 20-minute walk away in the U Street neighborhood, is not just an outstanding restaurant but a historic landmark as well. The chili, hot dogs, half smokes, and burgers are renowned throughout the area, but keep in mind there is often a long line to order due to the popularity. And, of course, you’re in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, and there’s plenty to do throughout the city. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s taking in the many monuments on the National Mall or visiting one of the numerous museums, there is so much you can do here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, but some of the privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 4 Although some early season games are sparsely attended, once the MEAC season gets going, Bison fans will pack the Burr. Many games are sold out or nearly so, with almost every seat in the building filled and some fans forced to sit in the aisles because there is no place else to go. They cheer for the Bison throughout the game and it can get very loud in here at times. The small arena traps the sound in and it can feel every bit as loud as a power conference arena despite having a much lower capacity. As noted above, the fans love to dance along with the band's music and they serve to enhance each other. It is not uncommon to see groups of fans spontaneously break out into elaborate dance routines during breaks in the action. The experience with the crowd will vary widely depending on the game, but for a contest against a conference opponent after football season ends, it will usually be something special. However, this rating gets knocked down a star because it can be quite different for early-season games. Access 3 Howard University is in a tricky spot to get to. It’s just far enough from the heart of downtown that it isn’t easily accessible via public transportation, and just close enough that it’s hard to drive there. The closest Metro stops are Shaw and Columbia Heights, but each is about a 20-minute walk away. You can try parking on Gresham Place or one of the other side streets near the arena, but this may not be possible or even permissible depending on the time of day and day of the week. Be sure to obey all posted street signs, as the police will give you a ticket or even tow you if you don’t. Websites like SpotHero may help you find a guaranteed place to park, but this may cost $50 or more, depending on the day. It will, however, be significantly less expensive on weekends most likely, closer to $10 or $20. There is a lot right next to the arena, but it is for permit holders only. Depending on how far away you are coming from, your best option may be to take a rideshare like an Uber or Lyft, which has the benefit of letting you off right outside the arena. This may not even cost much more than parking, although it will be far more expensive than taking public transit. Return on Investment 3 For a typical MEAC doubleheader, tickets are $20 each for general admission, although this will get you into both the men's game and the women's game before it. Most non-conference games are not doubleheaders and may have different ticket prices. Concessions are reasonably affordable, but getting to the arena, whether by paying for parking or taking a rideshare, may cost more than everything else combined so that does take this rating down a bit. Extras 4 The Hoard band deserves extra recognition, as they really contribute to the atmosphere when they are here. So do the jerseys of notable past players hanging from the rafters, which go several rows deep. One more star for the several murals dedicated to Howard athletics throughout the concourse. And one last bonus star for the fact that most home games are doubleheaders, allowing you to get two games for the price of one. Howard Bison Mural, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Although Howard doesn’t get the recognition or media coverage that Maryland and Georgetown do, Burr Gymnasium is a great venue to watch a basketball game. Be sure to visit when the band is here as it is a much better experience with them present than without them. Therefore, we suggest visiting either for a MEAC game or for the annual Martin Luther King Day game against a non-conference opponent, as the band is typically there for those. Throw in the possibility to see two games for the price of one and it can make for a full day of hoops in an intimate setting.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Eddie Stanky Field 307 N University Blvd Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Eddie Stanky Field's website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 4,500 USA-USA-USA Baseball in Mobile has a very rich and storied history – the Port City can lay claim to more players enshrined in Cooperstown than any other town in the world besides New York and LA, as Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Willie McCovey, and Ozzie Smith were all born, and got their start, playing baseball right here in Mobile. But there is another former professional ballplayer associated with Mobile and his name is Eddie Stanky, the longtime coach for the South Alabama Jaguars. Stanky had a 10-year stint in the Big Leagues for multiple teams from 1943-1953, where he was a four-time All-Star who would play in three World Series and was even teammates with Jackie Robinson. After his playing career ended, he began a 16-year stint as a manager with the Cardinals and the White Sox , and after his firing in 1968, became the head coach for South Alabama. Stanky would put the USA program on the map; he led the Jags for 14 seasons, compiling a 490-195-2 record, and led the program to five NCAA Regionals. During his time with the Jags he took two absences from the team, the first in 1977 when he took a job mid-season to be the manager of the Texas Rangers – he coached one game before deciding to return to Mobile to resume coaching the Jags. He later said he had second thoughts about taking the job, as that meant he'd be away from his adopted hometown of Mobile - his 18-hour stint as manager for the Rangers remains the shortest tenure for a Big League manager in the history of the MLB. The second absence occurred in 1979 when Stanky retired, but as soon as he saw the unveiling of the stadium that bears his name in 1980, he came out of retirement where he would coach for four more seasons. After 43 seasons Eddie Stanky Field has held its age and remains one of the finest facilities in the Sun Belt Conference. South Alabama has been a powerhouse since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 1976 – the Jags are perhaps the most storied baseball program in the Sun Belt, with 27 tournament appearances and 17 conference championships. Over 150 players have been drafted in the program's history, with notable players including Luis Gonzalez, David Freese, Marlon Anderson, Jon Lieber, Frank Bolling, and Juan Pierre. As of the 2023 MLB opening day, three former Jags are on MLB 40-man rosters. Food & Beverage 2 There are two concession stands here, one each down the first and third baselines. These stands offer the usual fare and nothing stands out. Chicken tenders, hot dogs, Conecuh sausage, cheeseburgers, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and candy round out the menu, with prices ranging between $3 and $8. You can purchase hot dog combos with a souvenir soda for $10, or the cheeseburger combo with a souvenir soda for $11. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider at Eddie Stanky Field, with the South Alabama signature cup selling for $6. Alcohol is sold at Stanky Field with 16 oz cans of Bud, Miller, and Coors Lite selling for $6.50, with Michelob Ultra, White Claw, and South Alabama's special beer selling for $7.50; the special beer is called Spotted Tail Jaguar Ale and is brewed locally by Braided River Brewing. This brand is only sold at South Alabama athletic events. Atmosphere 4 From the outside, it's hard to believe Stanky Field is over 40 years old. At the main entrance, a statue of Eddie Stanky greets you as you enter. Also, as Mobile is nicknamed the Azalea City, a nice garden of azalea bushes lines the outside of the stadium right next to the statue. Once you enter there is a wide-open concourse that goes in both directions under the bleachers, with one set of restrooms and a concession stand on each side. There is also a pop-up truck with a team store, where you can buy a nice selection of South Alabama merch. The Jaguars baseball program does a really good job honoring their success on the diamond. On the walls are banners and pennants of past achievements of the program – the Baseball Ring of Honor is down the third base line and is has a nice little setup there with a bust of former coach Steve Kittrell, along with plaques of other Jag greats. Kittrell was another legendary coach who took over for Stanky in 1984 and led the Jags until Kittrell’s retirement in 2011. Also along the wall is a listing of all 28 Regional appearances the Jags have made, as well as all MLB players who have come out of the program. Seeing the names of all the famous ballplayers from here only add to the intimidation, as you can sense this is a hallowed place. The seating bowl is basic with 15 rows of seats, set up with the outer bleacher-style seating painted red, along with blue chairback seating behind the home plate. The press box is two stories high and includes one suite on the first floor; nicknamed the Stadium Club, this area features TVs and a full-service bar and buffet. The field faces northeast with dimensions of 330-400-330. Fans are scattered throughout the seating bowl, but there are also several party decks in the right field, as well as a standing-room-only area with umbrellas in left field. The right field party decks feature elevated wooden decks with mostly college students grilling out and drinking during the game. Beyond the right field is the soccer stadium, and at the last baseball game I attended here there was a spring soccer match going on at the same time, so many fans were going in between the soccer stadium and the right field area. In the left field sits an outdated scoreboard with a small video board and line score. Neighborhood 3 Mobile is really big and spread out, and one could spend the entire weekend here, as there are numerous things to do for people of all ages. Within walking distance of the campus, you will find numerous places to eat, such as Fuzzy Tacos, Mellow Mushroom, Ollie’s Mediterranean Grill (a Moroccan-themed bar and something different for the area), and Heroes Sports Bar (which has cheap drink specials). If you’re looking for some cheap food, Foosackly’s is located a couple of blocks from Stanky Field and has cheap chicken tenders. Or if you are in the mood for BBQ, Dreamland (an Alabama staple that I highly recommend) has several locations in Mobile. Also, Airport Road and Old Shell Road, the two main roads on campus, have all the typical fast-food restaurants and national chains you could want. All in all, you should be able to find plenty to eat within a couple of miles of the university. About 15 miles east of the college is downtown Mobile, and this is where the college kids like to hang out. Dauphin Street is a smaller Bourbon Street with fewer tourists and is lined with bars that get pretty packed on weekends. Mobile is one of the oldest cities in the Gulf Coast region, having been founded in 1702. In addition, it has been ruled by four different nations since its founding over 300 years ago, so there is plenty to do in town for history buffs. Fort Conde, founded in 1723 and located in downtown Mobile, is a cool place to visit; the area surrounding the fort has many colonial-style buildings that are rumored to be haunted. In addition, the USS Alabama, a World War II battleship, is also worth checking out while in the area – the Alabama is located after the tunnel if you are headed east, in-between the main I-10 causeways. If you are interested in something for kids and families, the Exploreum and IMAX Theatre are worth checking out as well. In addition, if you want to make a beach trip during the weekend, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are each about 45 minutes away. If staying in the area you will find numerous hotels located along Airport Road and Old Shell Road, as well as several high-rise hotels located in downtown Mobile. There are also numerous bed and breakfasts located in the historic antebellum houses that line Dauphin Street, so you should be able to find plenty of places to stay. All in all, Mobile is a nice town, and you can find plenty to do here. Fans 3 South Alabama consistently finishes in the Top 50 in terms of attendance for college baseball. South Alabama is a baseball school and it shows here, from all the history and big-time players that have played for the program – baseball is the most successful sport at South Alabama. In 2022 South Alabama averaged about 1,400 fans per game, but the Jags are also off to a rough start in 2023, with the most recent game I was at having just 1,000. Being that this is the University of South Alabama (a.k.a. USA), it is only appropriate that the team colors are red, white, and blue. So, when fans do come out it almost feels like you are at an Olympic game featuring Team USA. The attendance record at Eddie Stanky Field was set in 2018 when a standing-room-only crowd of 4,500 packed the stands for a game against Alabama ; when any school from Alabama visits here expect a raucous crowd, especially if it's Auburn , Alabama , or Troy . In addition, Sun Belt rival Southern Miss also brings a packed house to Eddie Stanky Field. Access 2 There is no easy way to get to campus – USA is located in northwest Mobile on the corner of Old Shell Road and University Blvd, and no matter which direction you are coming from you will encounter numerous red lights en route to the stadium. Mobile can also have horrendous traffic, so it's best to plan for traffic delays. I-10 runs and east and west about 10 miles south of the USA, so that is the main road you will use if coming from out of town. I-10 runs into I-65, which runs north and south; take that for several miles until you hit the Dauphin Street exit, then take Dauphin west for about 6 miles and you'll reach the campus. Once on campus, there is plenty of parking available in the Mitchell Center parking lot right next door. There is also not any congestion on the concourse when moving around the stadium once in the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 The best way to remember the ticket prices is that the red bleacher seats down the first and third baselines are $7, while the blue chairback seats behind home plate are $10. There are also five rows of cushioned chairback box seats located in front of the grandstands, with a price of $15 each. Eddie Stanky Field will rarely sell out, however, so you should have no trouble being able to get tickets. With a program with so much history, I consider a visit a great return on investment – Eddie Stanky Field is a very underrated experience that is usually in the top 50 in the country in attendance every year. Extras 4 One extra for South Alabama naming their facilities after former players; the Jon Lieber Club House sits down the left field line and opened in 2017. Lieber played here in 1991 and 1992, before embarking on a 15-year career in the Big Leagues. Inside is the David Freese Weight Room, named after another Jag great. Freese played here in 2005 and 2006 before playing 11 seasons and winning the 2011 World Series MVP. Also down the left field line is the Luis Gonzalez Hitting Facility, named after the 5-time MLB All-Star and 19-year veteran Luis Gonzalez, who played here from 1986-1988. #5 Gonzalez is the only player to have his baseball jersey retired by the program. Eddie Stanky Field has also hosted the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament 12 times, more times than any other site, with the first tournament hosted here in 1980 and the most recent in 2014. In addition, the 1978 tournament was held on the former field located on the same site as Stanky Field. The Jags have also clinched a Sun Belt Championship 5 times on their field. Stanky Field also hosted minor league baseball in 1994 and 1995 – the independent Mobile Bay Sharks of the Texas-Louisiana League brought baseball back to the Port City after a 24-year absence. The Bay Sharks led the league in attendance, averaging over 100,000 fans per season in each of the two seasons they played here. The success of the Bay Sharks at Stanky Field led affiliated minor league baseball to come to Mobile in 1997 when the Double-A Southern League Mobile Bay Bears began to play at a newly built stadium named after Mobile's favorite son Hank Aaron. The Bay Bears would play 23 years at Hank Aaron Stadium before relocating to North Alabama and becoming the Rocket City Trash Pandas. For a baseball-related attraction, I recommend checking out Hank Aaron's Childhood Home and Museum. His home was moved to the stadium named after him and is located about 3 miles away from South Alabama’s campus. His house has been restored to how it looked on the inside when he lived there in the 1950s. On display in his bedroom are many of his old jerseys and trophies, including the Braves World Series trophy and his home run ball. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you are in town for the weekend for a Jags baseball game.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 A. L. May Stadium at George Sekul Field 1020 24th St N Birmingham, AL 35203 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College website A. L. May Stadium at George Sekul Field website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 5,000 Gulf Coast: Where Champions Play Junior college football is a huge deal in Mississippi. As one of 17 states that currently host JUCO football, Mississippi is one of the stronger pipelines in the country for pumping out junior college players to four-year universities. This is a big reason why Mississippi ranks in the top 5 of players per capita playing in the NFL than any other state. One of the more storied JUCO programs in the country is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – MGCCC is one of 14 schools in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACCC) for football. Located in the tiny red-light town of Perkinston, aka Perk, the Bulldogs have become a football powerhouse in recent years; since their first year of football in 1926 the Bulldogs have won 16 MACCC titles. In addition, MGCCC has won five NJCAA National Championships (1948, 1971, 1984, 2007, and 2019), and the Bulldogs have made its conference playoffs over 25 times. MGCCC originally opened as Harrison County Agricultural School in 1911 and began offering junior college classes in 1925, changing its name to Perkinston Junior College. Today the college has four campuses throughout the Gulf Coast with a total enrollment of 8,700 students, making it the second-largest junior college in the state. Food & Beverage 2 You can find one concession stand open on the home side of the stadium. The usual items are sold here, although they do cook the burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill, which is always a plus. The concessions line does back up from time to time, especially during halftime. The one downside is if you sit on the away side you will have to walk all the way around to the other side just to get something to eat. Also, there are no restaurants in Perk so your only option for food is at the stadium. Atmosphere 3 As soon as you arrive you will realize that game day in Perk is the only show in town. The whole town is the entire campus, so when there are athletic events on campus it is the only form of entertainment in the city. The Bulldogs play on the north side of campus at Historic A. L. May Stadium at George Sekul Field – the venue currently holds 5,000 seats and was opened in 1949 as Perkinston Stadium. The field faces east and west with the home bleachers on the north side and the end zones open. The entire stadium is metal bleachers except for the couple hundred chairback seats near the 50-yard line. The stadium has received several upgrades over the years, the most recent addition in 2016 with the opening of the King Center, a state-of-the-art, three-story brick structure that was built into the north side bleachers. The King Center provides athletic offices and team locker rooms and is one of the finest facilities in the MGCCC. There is also a season ticket holder and Bulldog Club lounge area on the top floor of the King Center overlooking the field. The college also upgraded its home concourse in 2016. As soon as you walk up to the facility you are greeted by different murals of past players and national championship moments. You can tell just by walking around the concourse that the school takes great pride in its achievements; blue and gold color schemes and murals everywhere you look. A small team store is also on this side of the concourse selling a few t-shirts, but you cannot walk into the store – you have to order your items at the window. Once in the stadium, you are greeted by about 25 rows of metal bleachers on both the home and away sides. The stadium has about 5,000 seats, with about the same number on both the home and away sides. Behind the end zone on the west side you can find various tents with a few people tailgating, as well as student organizations set up, while behind the east end zone, a huge videoboard sits in the southeast corner providing live video and replays. The video board was installed in 2016 when the King Center was built. The backdrop of the stadium is a few campus buildings, but off in the distance, you can see miles and miles of woods. If you go to the top of the stadium you can get a good view of the pine forests that make up so much of Stone County, which makes for a great view especially when the sun is going down. Neighborhood 2 There's not much to see here – this area's thousands of acres of undeveloped pine forests made it ideal for the lumber and timber industry, and at one time this area was filled with hundreds of sawmills. Perk was built right on the railroad and was an important stop for the transportation of goods to the coast. When the mills depleted their resources and used up most of the timber, however, the mills shut down and people vacated the little communities along the railroad, Perk included. Today there is nothing in Perk besides the campus; abandoned homes and an abandoned general store line the main thoroughfare along the railroad as you approach the campus. It is a ghost town now around campus, except for an elementary school and post office that are located on campus. Fortunately, with much of the land under protection now, this has led to many outdoor activities around the area. Perk is located inside DeSoto National Forrest, and the forest offers many hiking trails nearby, the most popular one being Tuxachanie National Hiking Trail a few miles south of campus. This trail is 13 miles along an abandoned railroad, which once served as a sawmill. Also nearby is the POW Recreation Area, a campground located on the grounds of an abandoned World War II bunker and barracks. Across the street from campus is perhaps the most famous spot in Perk called Perk Beach – an RV park located on the Black Creek makes for a great swimming hole, and you will find many students out here on the weekends going off the rope swing and floating on the river. About 15 minutes up the road is Wiggins where you can find a few fast-food restaurants and chain stores. There isn't much to do in Wiggins, though, so don't expect too much. Wiggins does have Flint Creek Water Park, a popular camping area right on a lake, and Paul B. Johnson State Park is located nearby as well. Further up the road, you have Camp Shelby Army Base, which has a pretty cool Armed Forces Museum. For hotels, you'll find a few smaller chain hotels in Wiggins as well, but Hattiesburg and Gulfport are your most likely bets for any big hotels or if you want to do any shopping. Both cities are about 45 minutes away, with Perk located right in the middle of the two. Fans 4 Mississippians love college football, and Thursday nights in Perk are no exception. You'll find fans tailgating throughout campus before the game, including behind the end zone. Former Head Coach Steve Campbell established a passionate fan base during the ten years he was here – when he took over the program in 2004 the Bulldogs had had only three winning seasons in the past 15 years. Campbell later moved on to Central Arkansas and South Alabama, but he helped establish a winning tradition that carried over to his son Steve Campbell Jr., who is the current Athletic Director. Now, after winning two national championships in the past 15 years and being a national powerhouse year in and year out, there is a passionate fanbase at MGCCC. In the stadium, Bulldog fans pack out A.L. May Stadium, so much so that almost every game is a sellout or close to a sellout. Many of the hardcore MGCCC fans and Bulldog Club members can be seen sitting in the chairbacks on the 50-yard line and in the lounge area at the top of the King Center. Access 4 Perk is located halfway between Hattiesburg and the coast, conveniently located right off Highway 49, the main road from the coast to Jackson. Perk is about 40 minutes north of Gulfport and 40 minutes south of Hattiesburg. You can't help but see the campus as you drive on Highway 49, with A.L. May Stadium located in the back of the campus attached to MGCCC’s baseball field. There is plenty of parking around the stadium so you should have no problem finding a spot. Once inside, the concourse can back up at the concessions stand, especially during halftime. The bookstore line and the concessions line also often intersect each other which can be confusing. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets cost $10, and you can sit anywhere you want in the grandstand, except for the chairbacks which are reserved for season ticket holders and Bulldog Club members. With the cheap concessions and free parking, I consider this a great return on investment; for $10 you get to see some of the best JUCO football players in the Country. The MACCC can be considered the SEC of junior college football, as the conference has accounted for 17 NJCAA national titles since 1948. Make sure you get your tickets in advance though – when rivals East Mississippi or Pearl River come to town, expect a sellout. You also know you are getting an exciting game at every contest you are at; the 2009 East Mississippi vs. MGCCC game set the record for the most combined points ever scored in a JUCO game, at 146 points, as the Bulldogs lost 75-71. Extras 4 As one of the top JUCO programs in the country, MGCCC has had a ton of talent go on to four-year schools and the NFL. Since 2006 over 150 players have gone to play at FBS schools, and over 30 players have played in the NFL or CFL, including three players currently playing in the NFL as of the 2023 season. MGCCC also has one player in the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame; DT Terrance Cody, who played for the 2006-2007 team and later played for Alabama. MGCCC also has 3 coaches enshrined in the NJCAA Hall of Fame – George Sekul, J.C. Arban, and Steve Campbell. Sekul coached the Bulldogs from 1966-1991, and his 204 wins during that period rank highest all-time among Mississippi JUCO coaches. Sekul also gives his namesake to the field at A.L. May Stadium, and he is also in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame with Ed Khayat, a former MGCCC defensive end who had a ten-year stint in the NFL, and was later head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Some of the other notable alumni of MGCCC include astronaut Fred Haise, who was on board the famous Apollo 13 and was played by actor Bill Paxton in the 1995 movie, as well as Olympic gold medalist Brittany Reese and former MLB All-Star with the Twins Matt Lawton. Some extras for all the big games A.L. May Stadium has hosted over the years – in addition to the Bulldogs the stadium also hosted the 2016 and 2017 Mississippi Bowl, which is one of the bowl games for JUCO football. The 2017 Mississippi Bowl was for the NJCAA National Championship, in which East Mississippi Community College defeated Arizona Western College. A.L. May Stadium is also the home field for Stone High School in nearby Wiggins. The Tomcats have used A.L. May Stadium since its opening, and have won 11 district championships. The final extra is for the five national championships; all five are memorialized with a plaque outside the King Center. The plaque includes the roster of all the players and the 2007 national championship including several players who later played in the NFL including Tramain Brock of the San Francisco 49ers, Terrance Cody from the Baltimore Ravens, and future All-SEC linebacker from New England Patriots and Super Bowl champion, Chris White.

Photos by Chris Green and Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Memorial Stadium 76 Canyon Rd Berkeley, CA 94704 California Golden Bears website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 63,186 Roll On You Bears When it comes to college football’s historic venues, Memorial Stadium in Berkeley is arguably one of the more underrated experiences. Because the football program does not have the glorious history of fellow Pac-12 foe USC or some of the nation’s other top-notch programs, Memorial Stadium is not talked of much when it comes to the ultimate college football experience. Though the University of California may be known to some for its activities away from athletics, Memorial Stadium has produced its share of Sunday afternoon gridironers from Craig Morton, Steve Bartkowski, Chuck Muncie, Tony Gonzalez and Jared Goff, to name a few. So historic is Memorial Stadium on November 27, 2006 it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Memorial Stadium is certainly not short on memorable moments, one that includes one of college football’s most iconic endings on some November afternoon in 1982, one that still conjures up bitter memories to then Stanford’s senior QB and future NFL Hall of Famer John Elway. Food & Beverage 4 There is no shortage of food and beverage choices. Below are some of the vast options available for the hungry and thirsty fans… Standard – Hot dogs, burgers, chips, peanuts, pretzels. Pepsi products and bottled water, candy Peet’s Café – Coffee or hot cocoa in a Cal souvenir hot beverage cup, chicken or veggie wraps, kale & cranberry salads Mexican – Tacos, nachos and burritos, churros Others – BBQ chicken on a stick, pineapple sausage skewers, smoked brats, spicy beef hot links Beer and Wine – Bud Light, Firestone 805 and Cupcake Pinot Noir Rotating food trucks for each game are also available along the east concourse and feature many of the Bay Area’s ethnic tastes, including a Greek Food truck that serves up chicken, lamb or mixed gyro’s. If you’re looking to dine on anything but stadium food, there are vast dining options along Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley. One of my favorites is Ike’s. Ike’s, a popular Bay Area sandwich shop with locations slowly and continuously opening nationwide, is known for its huge sandwiches. My favorite is the off the menu Big Jerry’s Meat on Dutch Crunch bread. Atmosphere 4 Being that the stadium is uniquely constructed into the side of a hill, those willing to make the hike can watch the game for free from Tightwad Hill, providing a view from some 100 feet above the east rim of the stadium. Many of the fans here are regulars even when ticket availability is aplenty. Here also resides the victory cannon, which is fired after each Cal scoring play and after each victory. The views along Tightwad Hill and along the stands of the east rim extend all the way across San Francisco Bay, offering some of the most gorgeous views in college football. Even with its recent, renovations Memorial Stadium still maintains its classic college bowl feel. Because of its bowl shape structure, unless there is a sizable crowd particularly for The Big Game against rival Stanford, crowd noise can fade. That does not put a damper on the enthusiasm particularly from the students who occupy much of the east stands. Sight lines have also improved greatly since the recent renovations and no matter where one is seated, you will never be far from the action. Before you head into the game, the lack of tailgating is made up by the numerous college frat parties going on along the streets leading to Memorial Stadium, giving you the true college feel. Neighborhood 4 If you decide to arrive early, public transit is a great option. A great way to arrive is by way of the Bay Area Rapid Transit subway (BART). The BART has a station in Downtown Berkeley on Shattuck Avenue. Along Shattuck, you will find plenty of pre and post-game dining options. If it’s your first time in Berkeley and you would like to soak in some if its history, you will want to walk up Bancroft Way toward the historic Sather Gate. Once the formal south entrance to campus, the Sather Gate has been the site over the years to many a free speech, and a key location for countless political movements. Not far from the famous Sather Gate is the Sather Tower , another recognizable Bay Area landmark. The Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, is the third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world. A visit to the observation platform gives you some breathtaking views of the Bay Area and is $4 to the general public, $3 for youth and seniors. This is another must-do for first time visitors to Berkeley. Fans 3 Attendance for Cal Bears game can vary depending on various factors, team performance and start time among them. With the recent renovation decreasing seating capacity to around 63,000, a decent crowd of over 40,000 doesn’t appear as empty as say, The Rose Bowl , where its seating capacity of over 80,000 can make attendance look sparse. The fans who do make the trek to Strawberry Canyon are very vocal. The Rally Committee does an outstanding job of keeping the fans involved with traditional cheers such as “Roll On You Bears” and “This is Bear Territory” after each win. Traditions are aplenty at Berkeley. One of the prouder traditions among the students is letting a red-clad fan know whose home they’re in with a chant of “TAKE OFF THAT RED SHIRT!,” a reference to their rival Stanford. Access 3 As with any college town, parking can be a hassle.Fortunately, there is enough public transit passing through campus, provided by Alameda County Transit.If you are traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, or points beyond, the Bay Area Rapid Transit rail system (BART) is a viable option.As you exit the BART station, if you have any pre or post-game dining desires, Shattuck Avenue offers plenty of pre and post-game entertainment and dining.BART fares vary based on point of travel.The Downtown Berkeley BART Station is a 15-20 minute walk from Memorial Stadium.From the Downtown BART, walk a couple blocks south to Bancroft Way, make a left and walk east toward the stadium.If you are worried about directions, chances are great that other fans will be walking from the Downtown BART.In other words, just follow the crowd! Return on Investment 3 Like most athletic programs, the price for tickets can vary with prices starting at $35 for general admission end zone seats, which can border on reasonable or pricey depending on if you’re looking to watch a high-tier program or just looking to soak in the college game day atmosphere. Should you find yourself getting the most affordably priced ticket you will never be too far from the action. Some of the upper rows along the east rim offer not only a good view of the action but some gorgeous views of Berkeley and the Bay Area all the way across the bay. Though the game day experience may not rival the one’s at some of the more top-tier programs such as Alabama or Ohio State, with its on-campus location nestled along the hills, the atmosphere and surroundings will certainly scream college game day. Extras 0 If you have time after the game, check out the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame located outside the west end of the stadium. The HOF features 315 individuals and seven rowing teams. As you walk along the interior concourse you will see murals honoring past Golden Bears greats such as Aaron Rogers and Marshawn Lynch, as well as other great moments in Cal Athletics, among them, The Play , one of college football’s most memorable highlights that occurred against rival Stanford in 1982 that involved several desperation laterals, the Stanford Band and its trombone player (I’m sure many of you know the story to this…) The Cal Band is never short on entertainment, performing for fans not only throughout the game, but prior to as well, as they can be seen performing on campus at Sproul Plaza, and after the games. Often times, when the visiting school brings their band, they are invited to participate with the Cal Band . Final Thoughts Because most games are played during the afternoon the warm California climate and the views extending across the bay make Memorial Stadium one of college football’s more picturesque settings.The football team has seen its share of recent excitement, capped off by its recent victory over Stanford in The Big Game, bringing back The Stanford Axe for the first time in nine years.For the second year in a row, Cal will be in a post season bowl.If the exciting finish to the 2019 season is any indication, more exciting moments are ahead for the Sons of California.

The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta recently introduced a new permanent exhibit featuring the important roles Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played in the field of college football. “Celebrating HBCUs” tells the story of HBCU football through videos, collections of memorabilia, and stories told by the coaches and key players at the various HBCU institutions. One exhibit features the biographies of some of the HBCU’s greatest coaches, including Eddie Robinson, Billy Joe, Jake Gaither, John Merritt, and Rod Broadway. A separate module looks at some of the top players to come out of HBCU programs and the impact they made at the NFL level. These players are a who’s who of NFL Hall of Famers, including Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, Buck Buchanan, Ken Houston, and Art Shell. The Gameday Experience exhibit explores the many great traditions, rivalries, and marching bands that make HBCU Saturdays so unique. Interactive panels feature the profiles of the four athletic conferences (SIAC, CIAA, MEAC, and SWAC) that comprise the HBCU world. It explores the power teams, players, and coaches in each conference and looks at the championship teams that each conference has produced. HBCU football has also played a significant role in leading the fight against racial injustice. There is an in-depth exhibit about the Wyoming 14, a group of Black players at the University of Wyoming, who protested the school policies of an opponent, which barred Black people from the priesthood. They stood their ground, resulting in their being cut from the team and being harassed by the leadership at their school. They stood by their principles, and eventually they were able to get the policy of blocking Black people from serving as priests was changed. Unfortunately, the players were never reinstated. However, their actions inspired many other college teams to get involved in social justice issues during the civil rights era. Visitors to “Celebrating HBCU’s” will also see the Celebration Bowl trophy. which is awarded to the winning team in the annual contest between the champions of the MEAC and SWAC conferences. The Celebration Bowl is widely regarded as the Black College National Championship Game. “Celebrating HBCU’s” is a long overdue salute to an important segment of college football. For more information on the new exhibit, go to www.cfbhall.com  .

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Atlantic Union Bank Center 645 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website Atlantic Union Bank Center website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 8,500 The Hoops of J-M-U Opened in 2020, the Atlantic Union Bank Center is the new home of James Madison University basketball. For almost 40 years, the Dukes called the JMU Convocation Center home, but the arena was becoming outdated and showing its age. In 2020, the Dukes moved into the new arena, and although they were unable to have any real crowds that year due to COVID-19, when the fans did return in 2021, they came to a shining new facility that was one of the best in the conference and the mid-Atlantic region. Food & Beverage 3 The Atlantic Union Bank Center has a pretty standard selection of concessions. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and pizza are all available, as are soda, water, candy, and chips. Alcohol is available to those fans of drinking age. Just be sure to pick up a wristband first. Prices are fairly reasonable - bottled water is $5 but you can get a cup for just a dollar. Meal options will cost around $8, and alcohol is inflated as usual. Atmosphere 5 The fun at a JMU game starts before the game even tips off. About 15 minutes before tip-off, the lights will go down in the building, spotlights will illuminate the court, and the costumed mascot Duke Dog will run out onto the court, followed by cheerleaders waving flags spelling out "DUKES" and the JMU basketball team itself. The lights will come on momentarily for the team to warm up as the band pumps up the crowd with the school fight song and "Start Wearing Purple", a song by punk band Gogol Bordello that is frequently played at JMU athletic events due to the fact that purple is a school color. The lights will go back down again as the court is lit up in red, white, and blue for the national anthem before the players are introduced. As the visiting team players are announced, the band will shout "Who's that? Who cares?" after each player. Then, spotlights again light up the court while the Dukes are announced. Once the game actually starts, more gold lights flash in the stands after each Dukes bucket, although it is done in such a way to not mess up visibility for fans or players on the court. The band keeps the crowd energized throughout the game, as do the PA announcer and on-court host during breaks in the action. The Atlantic Union Bank Center is filled with JMU murals, signs, and painted glass depicting athletic accomplishments in the school. From the concourse that encircles the seating bowl, you can either walk up steps to your seats if you are seated in the upper (200) level or down into the main seating bowl if that is where you are sitting. A large videoboard hangs over center court, and smaller boards in each of the corners show variable signage including player and team statistics, out of town scores, and advertisements. All seats are chairbacks except some bench seats behind one basket where the students sit and all, even in the upper level of the arena, provide an excellent view of the action on the court. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are several hotels in the area long Route 33, including a Doubletree, a Clarion, and a Candlewood Suites. . Fans 4 Although James Madison will rarely sell out the whole arena, they routinely draw about 6,000 fans a game to an 8,500 seat arena. Many of the fans are loyal season ticket holders who come to every game, are deeply passionate about the team, and have been following them for years. The student section is also raucous, spurred on by the band and frequent giveaways and promotions encouraging them to show up and cheer on the Dukes. It can get incredibly loud in here when the crowd erupts following a big JMU basket. Expect fans to take heed from the song, show up decked out in purple, and cheer on the Dukes for the entire game. Access 3 The campus of James Madison University is located just off interstate 81. There are several exits which will ultimately get you where you're going - although the sign on the highway says to use Exit 245 to access the JMU campus, Exit 243 actually works better in most cases/ However, it is not a huge enough difference to worry about it too much. However you get on campus, free parking is available in the Ballard Parking Deck, and in surrounding lots once that fills up, which it will. We suggest arriving early to park close by. Note that a clear bag policy is in effect, which does take this rating down a notch due to the inconvenience. Once you make it into the arena, the concourses are more than wide enough to allow room to get around and the restrooms are of a sufficient size for even the largest crowds. The slope of the seating areas is quite steep, which makes even those in the upper rows feel like they are on top of the action, but the tradeoff is that making the climb up to the top of the arena can be challenging. The seating areas are also not very well lit (except for when they flash the gold lights after baskets) although you should still be able to see where you're going. Return on Investment 4 The exact ticket prices will depend on the game, with weekend games often costing a couple dollars more, but tickets will typically start at around $16 for upper level seats. Most lower-level seats are about $25, but club-seats will cost you almost twice that. These are not any better than the sideline seats on the opposite end of the court but do get you into the exclusive club area if that is something that interests you. Concessions are a bit expensive but not unreasonable, and parking is free, which is always a nice plus. All in all, a trip to the Atlantic Union Bank Center is a good value for a basketball game. . Extras 4 :One bonus star here for the murals and other displays honoring JMU athletics. There are free programs available at a table by the entrance. A third star for the pregame display. Make sure you are in your seat early to see the light show, the band, and the impressive player introductions. A fourth and final star for the Duke Dog statue outside the arena, which is a popular photo location. Final Thoughts Although the old Convocation Center had its charm, it was clearly an outdated facility. The Atlantic Union Bank Center is a much more modern arena with more amenities and still manages to bring the same energy that there was in the Convo. If you go to a James Madison game, expect a top-notch fan experience from the time you walk into the arena and see all the displays, to the pregame displays, to the game itself as rowdy Dukes fans attempt to cheer on their team to victory. Although this is still a new arena, it is poised to be a top-notch home for JMU basketball for years to come.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 NOLA Motorsports Park 11075 Nicolle Blvd Avondale, LA 70094 SpeedTour Weekend website NOLA Motorsports Park website Year Opened:  2011 Racing in The Big Easy Touted as an un-tapped motorsports market for years, NOLA Motorsports Park is located outside of New Orleans near TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The one-time host of IndyCar racing has seen the likes of SRO America and others come and go over the years. However, the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend has quietly become a staple on the schedule, giving fans something to help their racecar cravings.   Food & Beverage   2 There aren’t any fixed locations for concessions stands at NOLA Motorsports Park, which means fans must rely on outside vendors who are brought in via food trucks and temporary food stations. Mostly located near the main event center building, fans can often find local food trucks here, as well as some grilled meat food vendors. Local restaurants are also brought in from time to time.   Atmosphere   3 The track itself is challenging enough to drive, according to drivers. The unfortunate part is the massive lack of fan access. The only seating is a group of small grandstands that exist behind pit lane, allowing for a view of the finish line and the small section of the esses across the track. Fans also have access to the second floor balcony of the event center, unless it has been reserved for hospitality. Here, you can get an elevated view of the final few corners. A small portion of the back half of the property is also usually open to fans, with a few viewing mounds available for fans to pitch tents or set up chairs; this offers alternate views of the final few corners. However, no fan access is permitted for over half of the entire outside of the circuit, meaning watching anything that happens elsewhere at the track is near impossible. Future plans have been touted for added viewing mounds, a walking path that encircles the track, and more grandstands, but little to no progress has been made since that was announced several years ago.   Neighborhood   3 The track itself is a good 15-20 minute drive from New Orleans proper. Located across the river and to the southwest of the city, not much is located immediately next to the track. The nearest section of hotels and restaurants is several miles north near the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson and Elmwood. That said, there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans, from the vibrant jazz scene to the National WWII Museum. Hotels are also plentiful in the city, and thankfully, traffic is minimal compared to rush hour in larger metropolises.   Fans   3 The fans in New Orleans have very little when it comes to motorsports to satisfy their cravings throughout the year. Abandoned by IndyCar after just one year, the track sits mostly unused by professional motorsports series aside from testing. Therefore, SpeedTour weekend is without a doubt the biggest weekend of the year for NOLA Motorsports Park, and features numerous fan activities. Autograph sessions for F4 and FR drivers are held throughout the weekend, giving you a chance to meet some of the brightest future stars of open-wheel racing. Trans Am also offers fans the chance to get up close to the drivers and cars during their grid walk on race day. And with the paddock open to all fans, you can see some of the best vintage cars in racing while the crews work on them. The fans also love their racing, and fill in the few fan areas around the track rather well.   Access   4 To get to the track itself, you just have to go south on Highway 90. From there, exit onto Lapalco Blvd and follow the signs to the facility off Nicolle Blvd. Here, parking is free and plentiful on site. One plus to the track having limited access means it is easy to navigate the areas of the track you can get to.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to the SpeedTour start at just $20 for a Friday ticket, and go up only to $30 for a Saturday or Sunday only ticket. Weekend passes for four people are available for just $150, and VIP parking passes are $20 a day or $35 for the full weekend. This makes the NOLA SpeedTour one of the most affordable race weekends in the region, let alone New Orleans.   Extras   3 The facility features a fan store inside the event center. Here you can purchase shirts, hats, and other items from the track commemorating your visit. The circuit also features an open victory lane, allowing fans the chance to get up close and personal to the winners and their podium celebrations. Finally, the track also has a go-kart facility on site, giving fans the chance to race against friends during the weekend.   Final Thoughts NOLA Motorsports Park is located in a great location just outside of a popular destination city. While access is limited to fans, the potential exists for great things at this track. Thanks to the affordability of SpeedTour weekend, this is a great option for race fans in the region to get some professional racing in, while not breaking the bank or having to drive too far.

Photo courtesy of Montana Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dahlberg Arena 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59803 Montana Grizzlies website Dahlberg Arena website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 7,000 Just the Right Amount of Claustrophobia The University of Montana has a knack for designing their major sports venues to maximize the energy and excitement generated by their fans. Dahlberg Arena is located immediately adjacent to Stadium Journey's top rated FCS experience at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. No doubt the basketball home of the Montana Grizzlies served as an inspiration to the famous football venue's designers. Like the newer stadium next door, fans are stacked right on top of the action. The arena's boxy configuration reminds me of an old English football ground, or an old baseball stadium like Ebbets Field. The exterior of the arena has been completely engulfed by multiple athletic facility additions collectively known as the Adams Center. It is located along the banks of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River on the University of Montana's tree covered campus. The arena is named after long time Griz player, coach, and administrator George 'Jiggs' Dahlberg. The Griz have been playing basketball inside Dahlberg Arena since 1953. It is the oldest primary home arena for a men's team in the Big Sky Conference. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are located on either side the arena under the stands in the main concourses. There are also a couple of specialty stands including Pizza Hut where a personal pizza can be had for $6. Another stand sells ice cream sandwiches which is a necessary refreshment in the rather warm arena. The main concession stands have all the standard items including hamburgers ($5.50), Coke products ($4 for 32oz), a generous sized bag of popcorn ($4), and candy ($3) plus much more. Atmosphere 4 Over the years, the Montana Grizzlies and Lady Griz basketball teams have enjoyed a significant home court advantage inside the cozy confines of Dahlberg Arena. Both teams are regularly perched at or near the top of the Big Sky Conference standings. It's hard to believe that they used to pack over 9,000 fans into the space that can now hold just over 7,000 after a major renovation in 1998. All sections have chair back seats except the north end which are bleachers. The small lower bowl around the court is taken up by boosters on three sides with the students and band in the north bleachers. If you're an infrequent visitor to a Griz basketball game you'll probably be somewhere in the level above the mezzanine that holds the majority of the seats. Though it's up high, the view from the upper level offers good sight lines. With the compact size of the arena, no seat feels too far from the game. When the Griz need a boost, or a ref makes a call that goes against the home team, the crowd noise elevates rapidly and to a deafening level. Opposing players typically have trouble communicating with their coach and teammates and often get rattled in these situations. Just one small quibble: I don't know how it is for the players, but even with outside temperatures in the 30's, the seating areas in the upper sections got quite hot and stuffy. Certainly this is a consequence of packing many bodies into a relatively small space. Best to have a short sleeve layer on underneath your standard ball game going sweatshirt. Neighborhood 5 Missoula is Montana's second largest city, but with the proximity of the campus to downtown, it has a quaint college town vibe. There are plenty of typical chain restaurants around, but eating at one could almost be considered heresy with so many unique and quirky establishments to choose from. Baba's Burgers and Gyro's on East Broadway, just across the river from Dahlberg Arena, is a nice lunch stop find. Downtown on Front Street the Tamarack Brew Pub is a fun and delicious choice for pre or post game grub. The Iron Horse Bar and Grill on North Higgins is also a popular choice. If you're a craft brew fan, be sure to sample some of the numerous local offerings, such as a Moose Drool or Trout Slayer from Missoula's Big Sky Brewing Company, or my personal favorite, the delicious Cold Smoke Scotch Ale made by Missoula's own Kettlehouse Brewery. If you're in town, game time is a little ways off, and the weather is good, hike up the zig zag trail on Mt. Sentinel to the big M and take in the view. Or, if you don't have the energy to go uphill, take a stroll or a bike ride along the Clark Fork on one of the many paved trails. If Fido happens to come along, take advantage of one of the best dog parks anywhere, located between campus and the river on Jacob's Island. Fans 4 Griz fans are passionate about their team and play a role in making things go their way in Dahlberg Arena. Every whistle against the home team is roundly derided without exception. Even the most experienced of referees must find it a difficult environment to work in. With the crowd firmly behind them the Griz team can't help but bring up their game usually giving their adoring fans yet another victory. I would not hesitate to go to a Griz basketball game, even as a fan of the opposing team. Despite their passion during the game, the hometown faithful are mostly friendly to fans wearing the opponent's colors. Just know going in that it is unlikely that your team will find success. The Grizzly men's basketball team is always at the top of the Big Sky Conference in attendance along with the Weber State Wildcats, and the Lady Griz are a national leader in women's basketball attendance. Crowds at Dahlberg Arena aren't what they used to be in the 70's, 80's when players such as Michael Ray Richardson, Larry Krystkowiak, and Wayne Tinkle played for Montana, but there's still plenty of passion and energy in the building. Access 4 Dahlberg Arena is easy to locate on the east side of Missoula. Just look for the big M on the side of Mt. Sentinel. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is right at the base of that mountain and Dahlberg Arena is right next to the stadium. Most visitors to Missoula get there via I-90. Take exit 105-Van Buren Street and follow the signs to the University of Montana. Parking is available near the arena for $5. It will be fairly congested after the game so have patience when leaving. If staying over in Missoula, consider getting a motel along East Broadway. There are plenty of choices ranging from Motel 6 to the Double Tree and everything in between. The motels are an easy and pleasant walk across the pedestrian bridge and to the arena. Just follow the crowd of maroon clad fans-as many choose to go to the game on foot or by bicycle. If the weather isn't too cold and blustery (this is Montana in the winter after all), leave the car at the motel, walk downtown and grab a bite to eat, and then walk to the game. Once inside the building, you'll find a maze of narrow hallways leading to the seating areas. If you're not familiar with this arena it's a good idea to get there well before tip-off to navigate to your section. The walls of the hallways are adorned with pictures and plaques from past University of Montana championship teams. Restrooms are convenient to the seating areas, clean, and functional. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $8 to $21, with slightly higher prices when the cross-state rival Montana State Bobcats come to town. The general admission bleacher seats are a real bargain at only $8. Concession prices are reasonable and there's plenty of variety to choose from. Parking is $5, but that charge can be avoided completely if you don't mind walking. Extras 3 A bonus point for the Hall of Champions: This corridor leading to the upper level seating at the south end of the arena is a very well put together museum to Grizzly Athletics' history. A bonus point for Monte and Mo, the grizzly bear mascots that wander the arena and keep the fans entertained. They are a big hit with the fans, young and old alike. A bonus point for the Lady Griz, one of the most storied women's basketball programs in the nation led by head coach Robin Selvig. The legendary coach is approaching 40 years and 900 wins-all at the University of Montana. Final Thoughts Though perhaps lacking some of the comforts and flexibility of more modern venues, Dahlberg Arena has held up remarkably well in over 60 years of service. Where other arenas are multi-purpose and can host many different sports and events, Dahlberg exists first and foremost for basketball...and for the continued success of the Grizzly basketball, that's a really good thing.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cbus Super Stadium Centreline Pl Robina, QLD 4226 Australia Gold Coast Titans website Cbus Super Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 27,000 Titans Super at Cbus Originally known as Robina Stadium, Cbus Super Stadium was opened in 2008 with a capacity of 27,000. The venue was constructed to serve as a home ground for the new NRL entity, the Gold Coast Giants. Former A-League club, Gold Coast United, was also a permanent tenant. Additionally, Cbus Super Stadium has hosted several rugby league test matches, the Gold Coast Sevens tournament as part of the World Rugby Sevens Series, and the Queensland Country NRC rugby team. The stadium is owned by the Queensland State Government and is supposedly a smaller replica of Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The rugby league on the Gold Coast has a chequered history. The region was first granted an expansion team in 1988. The club existed for only 11 seasons, during which time they were variously known as Gold Coast-Tweed Giants, Gold Coast Seagulls, Gold Coast Gladiators, and lastly, Gold Coast Chargers. Unfortunately the club never really gained much support from locals and suffered from various ownership changes and boardroom politicking. Almost 10 years later the Titans were formed and admitted to the NRL, playing their first season at nearby Metricon Stadium. While the Titans have been more successful in growing a fan base and achieving commendable results on the field, they too have found themselves embroiled in several controversies including financial inconsistencies and a salary cap breach. Despite this, it appears the Titans are in for the long haul in their shiny new home at Robina. Food & Beverage 4 Several outlets can be found along the concourse behind the seating bowl. They are well-designed and provide easy flow and efficient service. There is a slightly larger range of offerings normally found at other NRL venues, although unsurprisingly, prices are uniformly high. You’ll likely pay $10-$15 per adult for food, with an additional $5 for a soft drink or $7.60 for a mid-strength beer. Atmosphere 4 Cbus Super Stadium is only young in comparison to most high-level sporting stadiums in Australia. It is considered a smaller boutique venue, and as such, the seating bowl is limited to one stand on each of the four sides. There are screens located in the northwestern corner and southeastern corner, not huge but adequate. The seats match the Titans colours with a nice wave pattern on each side. Interestingly the northern stand was not used at all for the game we attended. The roof is well designed for both weather protection and for enhancing crowd noise. There aren’t many other personalised touches but largely the stadium is a great fit for the Titans. Neighborhood 5 Robina is a development project which has steadily grown over the past 20 years. It is largely residential save for the health precinct and town centre shopping centre. The stadium is at the northern end of the suburb, with the only structure of note in the vicinity being Bond University Institute of Health and Sport building. That being the case, local attractions in the immediate area are minor. However, Robina is of course located on the Gold Coast, famous for its beaches and tourist attractions. The coastal strip closest to the stadium is Broadbeach which has a great beach (Kurrawa, long-time host of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships), numerous hotels and holiday units, Jupiters Casino, and a mall full of great restaurants and cafes. A couple of suggestions include Marigold Indian Restaurant (53/54 Ground Floor Oasis Shopping Centre), Kurrawa Surf Club (Old Burleigh Rd), and Mario’s Italian (Oasis Shopping Centre). Further afield, the Gold Coast is home to several large theme parks including Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and Dreamworld. The best surfing beaches in the area are Kirra, Burleigh Heads, and Snapper Rocks. The Gold Coast is highly populated and the surf is always crowded. Gold Coast Airport straddles the QLD-NSW border at Coolangatta and is around a 15-20 mins drive from the stadium. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast it’s also worth remembering that the state capital of Brisbane is only an hour to the north, while the stunning beaches of Ballina and Lennox Head are an hour to the south. Fans 3 Crowds have steadily declined over the past few years as the Titans have struggled through financial and off-field dramas. The current average is around 12,000 although a derby game against the Brisbane Broncos would be expected to draw higher. To a certain extent, the Titans need to rebuild trust with the community, although if they win more games there’s no doubt fans will return quicker. As the population of the Gold Coast is largely transplanted from around Australia, many locals retain their allegiances to other teams. As a result, you can expect to see plenty of opposition fans in attendance, regardless of who the Titans are playing. Generally, the crowd is good-natured, well-behaved, and supports their team well. Access 3 Cbus Super Stadium is not designed to be accessible via private car. There is pretty much no parking whatsoever, with the stadium offering none and parking restrictions heavily enforced on the local streets. However, if you get there early and look around you can probably jag a spot within 10 minute walk of the stadium. I managed to get a free spot with no time limit across the road from the local high school. It might also be worth trying to park at the shopping centre. You are highly encouraged to utilise public transport with Robina Train Station basically on the stadium's doorstep. The price of public transport is usually included in your Titans game ticket. It’s a little difficult to spot the stadium as you approach by foot, as you are directed down Stadium Drive which is not the most direct route. The Bond University Building also provides a stark visual obstruction. Once inside, it’s a completely different story with nice wide concourses facilitating easy movement around the stadium. The signage is clear and the stadium is very clean, bathrooms included. My only complaint regarding the concourse is that you are unable to sight the playing field, which in itself wouldn’t be too much of an issue except that there are no television screens. An interesting quirk once inside the seating bowl is the small height of each step – and if you are seated up high there will be plenty of steps to climb. Return on Investment 4 Given the reports of excessive match day fees for the Titans to hire the ground, it’s surprising that tickets aren’t more expensive. I don’t often say this, especially for the NRL, but in this case, tickets are well-priced. The best adult tickets run about $40 which is a great value. There’s not r bad seat in the house and while there are ushers at each section, there is still some flexibility in terms of “upgrading” your allocated seat. The Titans also use several fan engagement activities to enhance the experience. Extras 3 Bonus points for fan engagement activities on the stadium forecourt, the merchandise outlets, and the entertainment during breaks in play (large cheerleading display and junior games throughout the afternoon). Final Thoughts The Gold Coast is a tourist hot spot. If you’re in town during the cooler months a visit to see the Titans play at Cbus Super Stadium is recommended for a well-priced and enjoyable, modern stadium experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 The Diamond at UMBC 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website The Diamond at UMBC website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 500 Diamond of Dreams The University of Maryland-Baltimore County, more commonly known as UMBC, competes in the America East Conference in the NCAA. The Retrievers' softball program plays at The Diamond at UMBC, which is part of the UMBC Stadium Complex. The complex is also home to UMBC Stadium, home to the Retrievers' lacrosse program, and Alumni Field , home to the baseball team. Along with the other stadiums in the complex, The Diamond was recently renovated. Stadium lights were installed for the first time, to allow night games, and the netting and fencing was replaced and improved. Several additions shared between the facilities were also added, including new restrooms and a concession stand serving all three stadiums. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at UMBC softball games, although it is not at The Diamond itself but located centrally within the complex, closer to the baseball and lacrosse stadiums. It serves a basic menu of hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, and assorted snacks and beverages. Prices are about average, with the most expensive thing being the grilled chicken at $8, but most things go for under $5. Atmosphere 3 There are small two sets of metal bleachers located at the bottom of the hill that surrounds The Diamond, one on each side of the press box behind home plate. Many fans also bring their own chairs and sit at the top of the hill alongside the path that will take you to the stadium. The bleachers are very close to the action, while the path is somewhat further removed, but still offers an excellent view in most places. All seats are behind a net or metal fence, but with how close they are and how fast the ball comes off the bat, this is unavoidable. Music is played between batters and during breaks in the action, and there will often be a few giveaways such as a 50/50 raffle or a drawing for an autographed softball. For the most part, however, the focus is on the game itself. There may be a few other things going on, but not to the extent that they distract from the game. Neighborhood 3 Alumni Field is located on campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Miss Shirley’s is a particular favorite if you head there. Fans 4 UMBC will typically draw several hundred fans a game for softball. Some of them will pack into the small bleachers, while others will sit in their own chairs further away. Wherever they sit, they cheer on UMBC loudly and proudly. Most of them have some connection to the players on the field, but some are just longtime Retrievers fans there to cheer on their team. Considering this is a small college in the northeast, the crowds are impressive, although they are not what you may find in other areas of the country. Access 3 To get to the UMBC campus, fans will have to take State Route 166, an extension of I-195 west of I-95. From there, simply take the exit to the campus and follow the signs. There are two possible places to park to get to The Diamond. You can park in one of the spaces along Hilltop Circle near the main entrance to the Stadium Complex. Once you enter, turn right and walk past the baseball field. Alternatively, fans can park in the UMBC Technology Park and use the back entrance to the complex. This will get them closer to the softball stadium but further from the concession stand, restrooms, and rest of the complex. If going on a weekday, be sure to be mindful of parking restrictions. On a weekend, you should be fine parking anywhere. Once you get to The Diamond, if you want to sit in the bleachers, you will need to walk down some wooden stairs. The bleachers are not large enough that you will be doing much walking about up them, though, so it is pretty simple to get there. Restrooms are located near the concession stand in between the baseball and lacrosse stadiums, a short walk away, and are of an ample size for the small crowds. However, if there are other events going on in the complex at the same time, that may complicate things. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, at least on weekends, and concessions are affordable. This serves to make a trip to a UMBC softball a great value. Extras 3 There are free programs available at the bottom of the bleachers down the first baseline. Look for signage along the outfield fence honoring UMBC's historic accomplishments. A marketing table along the path at the top of the hill offers giveaways and other promotional opportunities. Final Thoughts While The Diamond at UMBC is a rather simple softball stadium, the team and its fans manage to create a good atmosphere in an intimate environment. With the recent renovations, a trip to see UMBC softball is well worth it for any fans in the area.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Provident Credit Union Event Center 290 S 7th St San Jose, CA 95192 Map It San Jose State Spartans website Provident Credit Union Event Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 5,000 A Sparsely-Attended Spartan Sunday Minutes from downtown San José, CA, Provident Credit Union Event Center is the home of the San José State University Spartans, members of the Mountain West Conference. Opened in 1989 as the Recreation and Event Center, Provident Credit Union became the venue’s naming rights sponsor in 2019 for $8.1 million over 20 years. In addition to men’s and women’s basketball, the arena hosts the Spartan women’s volleyball and gymnastics teams. Capacity is 5,000 for sporting events and 6,000 for concerts, but the Event Center has the feel of a much larger venue due to its high ceiling and gradually sloping seating on three sides, with one of the baselines curtained off below the massive video board. The university really leans into its Silicon Valley location with its unique court design, boasting the Spartan logo enveloped by a computer “circuit board.” Provident Credit Union Event Center Circuit Board Center Court, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Established in 1857 and the oldest public university among the three West Coast states, SJSU is primarily a commuter school with more than 27,000 undergraduates and 5,400 graduate students enrolled as of fall 2024. Spartan men’s basketball has enjoyed minimal success with just three NCAA Tournament appearances (the last in 1996, with a 13-16 overall record) and is still seeking its first Big Dance victory.  Twelve former Spartans have played in the NBA; Darnell Hillman is perhaps their most accomplished pro with 7,339 career points and the 1977 NBA Slam Dunk Contest title after being drafted eighth overall in 1971. Food & Beverage 2 Directly across from the main (west) entrance is one of two concession stands open on the day of my visit in November 2024. With a sign reading “Fan Fare” that looks like it dates to the arena’s 1989 opening, hot food options are limited to a few standard stadium offerings: Hot dogs, brats, nachos, and giant pretzels, all priced between $7-$8. The meager menu is rounded out by popcorn, chips, cookies, candy, sodas ($4-$6) and a decent selection of beer, wine and seltzers. Those alcoholic beverages will set you back $13-$15 apiece. A second, smaller temporary concession stand is set up in the wide area between the court and east baseline seating, with a similar menu. This stand is definitely more convenient for grabbing a quick in-game bite, as you won’t miss any action and get to avoid the trek back up to the concourse. Both concession areas are card-only, cashless establishments. Atmosphere 2 Located on SJSU’s main campus mall at 7th and San Carlos Streets, the Event Center takes advantage of this prime real estate with a video board advertising upcoming events. That marketing didn’t translate into butts-in-seats for my Sunday matinee, with only 1,817 fans in attendance. There is no dedicated student section; most of the college-aged fans appear to be other Spartan athletes. Sideline seating on the north side, across from the benches, is assigned and costs $35 per ticket. This side faces the court logo, with the TV cameras positioned atop the stands. The opposite side, priced at $15-$20 with most seats general admission, is definitely the better value. Ushers do not appear to check tickets on either side. On the day of my visit, exactly zero fans were seated in the aforementioned east end zone, which is set very far back from the court. This seems like a missed opportunity to create atmosphere. If I were running SJSU’s in-game experience, I’d erect temporary stands behind this basket (which is also closest to the opposing bench) and invite students to go wild. Behind the opposite baseline, where there is just a concrete slab and no fixed seating, is the Hardwood Lounge which appears to be a benefit extended to SJSU season ticket holders. There is a buffet, some hi-top standing tables and some press row-like seating just behind the basket. Above the lounge is one of the largest video boards I’ve ever seen, extending the length of the baseline, which Wikipedia tells me is 49 feet! That said, it appears under-utilized to get the crowd hyped. The giant HD display primarily displays sponsor ads and live stats. Provident Credit Union Event Center Video Board, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey The Spartans take the court near the team bench, preceded by cheerleaders running out with four huge flags reading S-J-S-U. The cheer squad then takes the court for a few dance performances, but there are few (if any) fan contests or other engagement touchpoints. No Spartan mascot was in attendance during my visit. Neighborhood 3 San José State has always felt like a “sleeping giant,” sitting a mile from downtown San José which is the nation’s 12th-most populous city, and one of its wealthiest. Surrounding SJSU are student-centered apartment complexes and Victorian-style homes typical of Northern California. It feels relatively safe during the day with ample foot traffic to and from campus. Given the few concession options available at Provident Credit Union Event Center, it’s advised to have a pre- or postgame meal in the neighboring area or slightly further afield downtown. Just east of campus is Sammy G’s Pizzeria , which offers creative toppings as well as a sports fan’s favorite, beer. I ate at Jackie’s Place   on the edge of downtown, a Black-owned BBQ and soul food restaurant which was delicious, if not a bit pricy for the portion sizes. Jackie’s has a full bar, and a house band playing Sunday afternoons. Given the ethnic diversity of San José, one can find cuisine from across the globe both near campus and throughout Silicon Valley. Indian food is particularly well-represented, since a large number of Indian nationals live here and work in tech. While San José will always live in San Francisco’s shadow an hour north, there are some unique tourist area attractions including the Winchester Mystery House , a quirkily-designed mansion designed by an eccentric millionaire. Sports fans will find the nearby homes of the San Jose Sharks  (NHL), San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and San Jose Earthquakes  (MLS). At these venues, keep an eye out for “Krazy George” Henderson , a local superfan credited with inventing the Wave. As a major center of innovation and conventions, San Jose and the wider Silicon Valley is flush with hotels, motels, and short-term rentals in every price range. For those with Hyatt (or Chase Ultimate Rewards) points, an incredible deal can be had at the Wild Palms Hotel   in nearby Sunnyvale, with rates starting at just 3,500 points per night. Fans 2 Those sitting alongside me seemed to fall into three categories: 1) Older San José State diehards/season ticket holders, 2) Semi-interested Spartan students (mainly student-athletes), and 3) Dedicated fans of the visiting UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. The fact that this game was played head-to-head with a San Francisco 49ers home game just five miles up the road in Santa Clara probably didn’t help the crowd size. While Spartan fans made some noise when their team went on a run or took the lead in this close encounter, there wasn’t much of an intimidation factor for the visitors. The arena layout also works against the Spartans – with the cavernous footprint, it’s difficult for sound to get trapped and echo throughout Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Spartans are a typically weak team in a strong conference, with several nationally-ranked Mountain West foes visiting every season for televised games. This helps generate some decent crowds, as evidenced by 4,299 in attendance when #19 San Diego State escaped with a narrow victory in 2024. Access 4 As a commuter school, San José State has no shortage of campus parking . Basketball fans are instructed to use the general parking spots in either the 7th and San Salvador (South) or 4th and San Salvador (West) Parking Garages. Parking on the surrounding streets is restricted Mondays through Fridays, but I was able to find a spot easily on a Sunday afternoon, just a few blocks away. SJSU is also well-connected via public transportation . No fewer than 12 Valley Transit Authority (VTA) bus lines serve campus, as do the Blue and Green Light Rail Lines. Both Uber and Lyft are headquartered in the Bay Area, so you can rest assured there will be plenty of rideshare options. If staying downtown, it’s probably just easiest to walk in 15 minutes or less. San José’s Mineta International Airport (SJC) is well-connected with non-stops across the country, and even a few international flights. Unless a major convention is in town rental cars should be cheap and plentiful. The airport also has a nearby light rail stop that will get you to Provident Credit Union Event Center in under 45 mins.  SJSU’s main ticket office is under the aforementioned marquee at 7th and San Carlos. Knowing the official prices and knowing the game would be sparsely attended, I checked StubHub and scored a GA ticket for just over $6! The resale sites should always be your first option at a venue like the Event Center. Tickets are mobile if purchased in advanced, or paper at the box office. The main entrance is up a very tall staircase; I felt like Rocky Balboa after ascending those steps. There are accommodations for those with disabilities including an elevator. Like most U.S. sports venues these days, Provident Credit Union Event Center has a clear bag policy and a metal detector. Security personnel are friendly and say thanks for attending. The combination of few fans and wide concourses make navigating the venue a breeze. At this game, attendance was so low, in fact that SJSU didn’t bother opening the second concourse concession stand along the east side. Bathrooms are clean but certainly in need of a refresh; they are very institutional-feeling and likely look exactly the same as back in 1989. Return on Investment 3 Aside from the occasional lightning-in-a-bottle season – like 2022-23 when the Spartans won 21 games and reached the College Basketball Invitational – you generally know what to expect with San José State hoops; mediocre performances in front of a mediocre crowd, with not much student enthusiasm given the school’s heavy reliance on commuters. Extras 2 I arrived almost an hour before tipoff and there were no rosters or game programs available at the main entrance, but found them closer to tipoff on a table near the lower-level season ticket member entrance. Look above the east baseline for retired numbers and postseason appearance banners. Final Thoughts The cost of an afternoon or evening at Provident Credit Union Event Center is reasonable, especially if eschewing the overpriced, uninspired concessions. One also has the vibrant Bay Area at their doorstep, easily making a game here part of a wider and fulfilling trip.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bob Ford Field 1400 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12222 Albany Great Danes website Bob Ford Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 8,500 Highway to the Daneger Zone After a 46 year absence, football returned to the University of Albany in 1970 as a club sport. The school elevated the team to varsity status in 1973. The Great Danes competed in Division Three for over two decades, eventually moving to the FCS subdivision of Division One football in 1999. Throughout this time, the team was led by head coach Bob Ford, and played at the 10,000 seat University Field. The University opened a new 8,500 seat stadium in 2013, which they named for the only coach the Great Danes had ever known. After a $10 million gift from the Bernard and Millie Children’s Foundation in 2015, the name of the stadium was changed to Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium. It’s a mouthful, and you will hear the facility referred to as both Ford Field and Casey Stadium. The Great Danes have won six conference titles since beginning play in Division One. The team has appeared once in the FCS playoffs, losing their only game. Several UAlbany alumni have gone on to professional careers in the National Football and Canadian Football Leagues. Food & Beverage 3 While the concessions at Casey Stadium won’t blow you away, there is a decent variety of food available for hungry Great Dane fans. There are a pair of small concession stands on the concourse of Casey Stadium which offer your basic stadium fare. Options include Nathan’s hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices and nachos. Some more unique offerings are the macaroni and cheese and beef brisket. A pair of portable tents from local favorite Nicos Café serve up gyros, pockets, souvlaki and humoli. Fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth should head over to the Ben and Jerry’s tent. Pepsi products are featured at Casey Stadium. There is a beer garden in the south end zone, where fans can enjoy adult beverages, including Miller Lite and Labatt Blue. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at Casey Stadium is similar to most of the smaller football stadiums that dot the northeast. There is a reserved tailgating scene before the game, where longtime dedicated fans meet up in the lots right outside the stadium week after week. The small marching band performs throughout the game, and the staff utilize their talent instead of piping in music during most play stoppages. There is a cheerleading squad and dance team who entertain the fans. While there are a decent amount of students roaming around Casey Stadium, there is no organized student section here. The large grassy berm beyond the north end zone is packed with kids and buzzes with activity throughout the game. T-shirts are tossed into the berm after every Albany score, and there are numerous contests and giveaways throughout the game to keep the casual fan interested. The berm is split in half by a ramp utilized by the Great Danes as they enter and exit the field. The team enters the field at the beginning of the game through a cloud of purple smoke. The $1.1 million, 39 foot by 22 foot Daktronics scoreboard located beyond the south end zone anchors the game day presentation at Casey Stadium. It’s put to great use throughout the game, with replays, fan cams and social media updates posted throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 The University of Albany is located away from the city’s downtown, out by the Albany International Airport on the northwestern edge of the city. Downtown Albany is located just a ten minute drive from campus. The area around campus is quite busy, with many dining and lodging options a short drive from campus. While Albany may not be known as a top foodie destination, there are many options throughout the city . City Line Bar and Grill is a popular gathering place for Great Dane fans. Fans looking for shopping options should head over to the nearby Crossgates Mall. Fans 3 Albany averages around 6,000 fans per game at Casey Stadium, which ranks them in the bottom third of the Colonial Athletic Association. Larger crowds are common for opening night and homecoming. Great Dane fans are pretty typical of northeast college football fans. While they are dedicated and knowledgeable, they are pretty laid back while taking in the action. You won’t find a rowdy scene here at Albany. Most of the buzz at Casey Stadium comes from the many children in attendance, who pack the berm with noise and activity throughout the game. Access 4 The University of Albany is located away from the city’s downtown, on the northwestern edge of New York’s capital city. Located at the junction of Interstates 90 and 87, the campus is easily accessed by car. Fans utilizing public transportation will be pleased to know that several routes of the CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) stop at or near campus. Check out the CDTA website for routes, fares and times. Casey Stadium is located on the southern edge of campus, near the university’s other athletic facilities, including SEFCU Arena and Varsity Field . A drawback to the stadium’s location is the lack of parking lots in the immediate vicinity, but there is ample parking a short walk from the facility. Shuttle busses run throughout the campus to transport fans to the stadium from more distant lots. There are two entrances to Casey Stadium, one on each end of the main concourse, which runs along the western edge of the field. Most of the seating is located on this side of the field, consisting mainly of metal bleachers without backs. There are 629 chair back seats clustered around the 50-yard line. Additional bleachers are located along the eastern side of the field. A large grassy berm rings the northern end zone, which is split in half by a ramp utilized by the Great Danes as they enter and exit the field. Party tents line field level along the southern end zone. The main concourse is quite narrow for a newer facility, and can get crowded during halftime. Restrooms are large and clean. Paved paths provide easy access to most parts of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The University of Albany utilizes variable pricing for its football games, so ticket prices may vary for your selected game. Tickets to Great Dane football games range in price from $15 for berm seating to $40 for chair back seats, with the majority of the seating priced between $20 and $30. Fans wishing to splurge can purchase gold level seats for $100. Check out the UAlbany’s ticketing home page for more details. The Great Danes offer deals for selected games, including a 4 for $44 offer. Fans can take in the game from field level in the end zone for $30, which includes two drink tickets and access to the party tents located in the south end zone. Parking in the lots located throughout campus will cost an additional ten dollars. Shuttle busses are available for fans not wanting to take the walk from the lots to the stadium. Concession prices are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the amount of giveaways available throughout the game. All fans can pick up stat sheets, rosters, posters and schedules upon entry to Casey Stadium. T-shirts are tossed into the stands throughout the game and after every Great Dane score. A second extra point is awarded for the recognition of Bob Ford, who took the Great Dane football program from club status in 1970 to the opening of their new home in 2013. More than 100 coaches who learned their trade under Ford went on to be high school, college or professional coaches. Final Thoughts As a rule, college football is not the big deal in the northeast that it is in other parts of the country. Most facilities reflect this lack of emphasis on the sport, but in Casey Stadium the University of Albany has a modern, attractive facility that is the perfect size for this program, and worth a visit from any college football fans visiting the Capital District. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fisher Stadium 218 Hamilton St Easton, PA 18042 Lafayette Leopards website Fisher Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 13,132 Leopard Spots Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley in Easton, Pennsylvania lies a small school known as Lafayette College. The Leopards of Lafayette play in the Patriot League along with other similarly academic-minded institutions in the northeast and mid-Atlantic. The Leopards’ football team has not enjoyed much success on the field but did manage to win their conference in 2013 despite a 5-7 overall record and advance to the FCS playoffs. The team plays its home games at Fisher Stadium, which seats approximately 13,000 fans. Following the 2006 season, Fisher Stadium underwent major renovations which included new seats and a jumbotron. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand on the upper concourse to the left of where you come in which sells basic items, but your best bet is to head to the food truck parked on the middle concourse which sells a much more extensive menu. Options include the usual foods like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders (all of which come with fries) as well as more unusual options such as pierogis, M&M cookies, and beef jerky. The prices at the food truck are fairly high for this level, but so is the quality. Atmosphere 3 The layout of Fisher Stadium is a bit confusing at first glance but easy to get the hang of. Walking through the gates of Fisher Stadium will put you in the far corner of the upper concourse. If seated in the upper rows of the home side, you will walk around the upper concourse and then down to your seats. Theoretically, you can do this if seated in lower rows as well, but you are probably better off walking down a flight of steps on the side that will take you to the middle concourse. On this level, you will find the food truck mentioned above and you can also walk up or down to your seat. If seated on the away side of the stadium, you will have to walk all the way down to the lower concourse at field level, around the end zone past the hospitality tent, and to the bleaches on that side before walking back up. The Leopards have a costumed mascot who is, appropriately, a leopard, as well as cheerleaders and a dance team. Sound effects (such as “DE-FENSE”) are played over the PA system between plays and the PA announcer tries to pump up the crowd on third-down plays. There is also a small marching band that performs before the game and at halftime (and plays the alma mater postgame). When not on the field, they can be found in Section 7 with the students, occasionally playing in between plays or during breaks in the action. Neighborhood 4 Easton is a small college town of about 27,000 people located at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Most of the action is located close to the college and includes Two Rivers Brewing, a popular brewpub on Northampton Street, and Easton Public Market, which includes numerous food vendors ranging from hot dogs to barbecue to a chocolate shop to tacos, noodles, and more. Easton may be a small town but it is certainly a thriving one. Fans 3 Lafayette only draws about 5,000 fans a game, but what the fans lack in numbers, they make up for in pride and passion. They come wearing maroon and cheer on their Leopards for the entire game. It can get very loud within the confines of Fisher Stadium at times even though the place isn’t even half full. You also don’t see a massive clearout long before the game ends as you do at some venues – these fans stay until the game ends for the most part. The Lafayette students mostly sit in Section 7, and while there aren’t too many of them (as is to be expected for a student body of only 2,500) they are extremely loud as well. That being said, they are also smart fans who are knowledgeable about the team and the game of football. If the ref makes a bad call, they will certainly boo and shout at him, but they don’t boo obvious false starts called against the home team like at some other schools. Access 3 The Lafayette campus is easily accessible via US Route 22 and I-76. How close you can park to the stadium depends on if you are willing to pay. Prepaid parking in the Markel Parking Deck costs $25 and is right next to the stadium, and parking passes can be purchased in advance in the Pierce Street Lot and Hamilton Street Lot as well. If you do not want to pay, you can park in the Bushkill Commons Lot about an eight-minute walk away for free. As mentioned above, the layout of the stadium is a bit complex but the staff is happy to help you find your seat. Restrooms are available on the upper and middle concourses and are of ample size for the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $15 except for a few VIP seats in the Coke Zone at the top of the stadium for $40 which come with a full buffet. This is an excellent deal. If you want to park right next to the stadium, you will have to pay a bit for parking, but a free lot is available a reasonable distance away. Concessions are affordable too, so a Lafayette game can be a great deal for fans. Extras 2 Check out the signs on the upper concourse about Lafayette football history. Be sure to check out the leopard statue outside the stadium on your way in as well. Final Thoughts The Patriot League is not an elite football conference, even for FCS. In fact, it is one of the worst conferences in the Football Championship Subdivision. Lafayette is far from an elite team on the field, but Fisher Stadium has a unique layout, great fans, and great value to attend a game here, especially if you are willing to walk a bit from the parking lot. College football fans in the Lehigh Valley should be sure to check out a Lafayette game.