Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FirstOntario Centre 101 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Hamilton Bulldogs website FirstOntario Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Home of (Future) NHLers Hockey in Hamilton, Ontario has a long history of clubs in leagues up and down the hockey spectrum, from the juniors to the NHL and all points in between. High-level hockey began in the city in 1920, when the Hamilton Tigers laced up in the fledgling NHL. The club took its name and colours from the popular Canadian football team that would eventually merge with their rival Wildcats to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The early years of the hockey side were filled with futility, with the players even going on strike in 1924. The team got sold to New York City in 1925, when they became the Americans, and NHL hockey in Hamilton ended. However, the Ontario Hockey Association came to town in 1953 with the Tiger Cubs, who moved around the Hamilton-Niagara area under various names including, most famously, the Fincups who won the 1976 Memorial Cup – the most recent junior trophy in Hamilton until now. But first, the team moved out and Hamilton began to pursue its NHL dream again. Building the Copps Coliseum in 1985, the Steel City grew frustrated by repeated NHL expansions to warm climates. The situation became so aggravating that Mayor Bob Morrow quipped Hamilton would get their NHL team “when Honolulu wins the Stanley Cup and two Mexican cities are in trouble because of the declining peso.” The American Hockey League eventually opened up in Hamilton, first with Vancouver’s farm team, then Montreal’s. Finally, the Bulldogs, as they were known, won the 2007 Calder Cup. However, the carousel continued as the club moved to Laval, Quebec, to be closer to their NHL parents. Instead, the storied Belleville Bulls OHL team moved to Hamilton (itself replaced by Ottawa’s new AHL farm team, the Belleville Senators). And once again, a championship banner will rise at the Coliseum (now named FirstOntario Centre). The Bulldogs – as an OHL club – are 2018 Ontario champions. They now compete for the Memorial Cup and a shot at national glory but as the famous black-and-yellow colours associated with the city have achieved newfound success, the hopes for some stability rise, and the dream for the eventual return of NHL hockey continues. Food & Beverage 3 Concession items at FirstOntario Centre are about what one would expect at a junior rink, with a couple interesting items. The regular items include hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, pizza, and chicken fingers all for between $4 and $6. There is also the Candy Counter & Sweet Shop selling chocolate bars and other sweet items. A popular stand is Lou’s BBQ, where fresh carved meats are available ranging from ribs to sandwiches. Another interesting option is Rita’s Ice Custard, with the first Canadian outpost of the American chain located just around the corner. Their stand in the rink sells gelato and other ice cream treats. Cin City sells warm cinnamon doughnuts and the Hot Dog Hut has gourmet dogs and sausages. The Budweiser King Club often has live bands before the game and during the intermission, and is a good place to meet for a beer. In terms of beer throughout the concourse, options are limited. On tap, there is unfortunately only Budweiser or Bud Light ($12). Tallboy can options are a little better, consisting of Alexander Keith’s and Mill Street Organic, as well as Stella Artois ($9.75-$10.50). Brickworks Cider goes for $12 with wine and coolers also available. Spirits are served too, including Wiser’s whisky, Lamb’s rum, Beefeater gin, and Absolut vodka. Soft drinks ($5) are from Pepsi. For a more secluded spot, The Lounge and Hammer Hideaway are places to have a pint away from the crowds; a level below the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Approaching the arena, it is obvious that FirstOntario Centre is an arena first and foremost, with the underside of the upper bowl visible extending above the concourse level. Even more obvious, though, is the fact that the arena was built in the 1980s. Both of those design ideas are true throughout the arena and the result is a uniquely large and professional-feeling arena for junior hockey, but one also lacking the modern vistas found almost everywhere else in the OHL these days. Before and after the harsh winter weather, the exterior is enhanced by some pregame entertainment along Bay Street and some tents from the team to engage fans before entering. Entering the arena, fans ascend escalators up to the concourse level. The concourse is wide and there are some good spots to catch a glimpse of ice level, especially in the corners. There are a couple murals commemorating big moments in the arena’s history, though Hamilton’s rich hockey heritage could be better commemorated. Inside the seating bowl, the NHL scale of the arena becomes apparent, though the upper tier is usually curtained off to provide a more intimate experience. The open lower bowl seats are dark blue and comfortable, though the scoreboard is somewhat dated. It is used fairly effectively, and in-game promotions are actually engaging rather than distracting, however a more modern scoreboard would improve the situation. The presentation is enhanced by fire which spits from the boards as the team enter the ice and, in a rare but fantastic step, fireworks which explode following a win. The arena can feel cavernous with the often smaller crowds for OHL hockey, though when the barn fills up for the playoffs, the atmosphere is incomparable in junior hockey. Neighbourhood 5 FirstOntario Centre is located in the city centre, steps from much of the best of what Hamilton has to offer. Hamilton itself is known as the Steel City, and is primarily a working class, blue collar town on the western edge of the Golden Horseshoe metropolis. It is one of the larger cities in Canada, although it is sometimes subsumed as part of Toronto’s circle of gravity. It has historically been known both for its massive steel plants along the harbor and its abundant nature, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the middle of town (locally known as ‘the Mountain’). Today, the exploding housing prices in Toronto have meant artists and young people are gentrifying Hamilton very quickly and the city is undergoing a massive growth spurt and culture change. Within an easy walk of FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton’s attractions unveil themselves. Within a five-minute walk is the main throughfare, James Street, with many new cafes, pubs, and art galleries. King Street, also nearby, is the central business district. Also just around the corner is the Hamilton Art Gallery, historic Dundurn Castle, and a handful of hotels including the Sheraton, the new HomeWood Suites, and the Staybridge. Not far away is Hamilton’s Bayfront area, with museums and parkland. Cootes Paradise is a beautiful natural sanctuary, near McMaster University, at the western edge of Lake Ontario. For good eats and drinks, King William Street is a block away, with various restaurants and drinking holes. Also around the corner is Hamilton’s party quarter, Hess Village, with bars and nightclubs. For other sporting options, the CFL’s storied Hamilton Tiger-Cats play in new Tim Hortons Field. Though outside of hockey season, seeing them play their archrivals Toronto Argonauts over Labour Day Weekend is a near-religious experience. McMaster University is nearby as well, with various athletic teams and a pretty home field for football, soccer, and other sports at Ron Joyce Stadium. The transit hub, Hamilton GO Centre is also nearby, as is the West Harbour train station. Both stations provide convenient bus and train service to Toronto and its suburbs. Fans 3 It is difficult to give an accurate rating to the fans of the Bulldogs this 2018 season. For much of the year, fans seemed to stay away, perhaps wanting higher-level hockey in their large city. However, as the playoffs rolled around, the fans filled the lower bowl, and even some of the upper bowl, and created an atmosphere unmatched in the OHL. Hamilton fans do seem to be louder and more boisterous than many of their counterparts in usually-staid Southern Ontario. Perhaps it stems from the blue collar nature of the city or perhaps from the leadership of the prolific supporters’ group, Golden City Brigade. They lead the chanting in their corner section, 118, and that is the place to sit for the most engaged experience year-round. Armed with a drum and flashcards for upcoming chants, the energy emanates from 118 throughout the rink. The supporters and players have a good relationship, as the players saluted 118 specifically after their championship win. In the playoffs, the energetic fan base reached their most vibrant. Flags, horns, cowbells, and chanting abounded and, even from the press box, it can be difficult to even hear yourself think at times. Fans were on their feet frequently and the energy was irresistible. This year’s OHL championship was certainly brought about in large part by the vocal support during the playoffs. Access 5 Getting in and around FirstOntario Centre is perfectly easy for anyone. Within the arena, the concourses and washrooms are easily adequate for the normal crowds well under capacity. Even with larger crowds, the circulation is acceptable for arena standards. Getting to the arena is even better, no matter how you arrive. By car, the rink is a short drive down York Boulevard from the east-west Highway 403 and not far from the urban expressway network of the city. There is lots of parking nearby, though it can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $20. Arriving by public transportation is a more cost-effective, and equally straightforward idea, with the Hamilton Street Railway operating frequent bus services to the rink, and the central McNab Transit Terminal a block away. Additionally, arriving by bike is a good idea if possible, with high-quality, segregated bike lanes leading to the rink from all directions and plenty of bicycle parking in front. Coming from out of town is also exceptionally simple, with two GO Train stations nearby. Hamilton GO Centre is a couple blocks away and has service on the Lakeshore West train line, as well as buses to numerous Toronto suburbs such as Mississauga (home of the OHL Steelheads) and York Region, and other cities like Guelph, Brantford, and the Niagara Region. The West Harbour train station, also nearby, is on the Lakeshore West line as well and is newly-opened. Aldershot train station, a short bus ride north, is the hub for intercity VIA trains and express GO trains to Toronto’s Union Station. Return on Investment 3 In general, OHL hockey is tremendous value and Hamilton is no different. Tickets go for between $20-$30 and concession prices are decent for a big-city venue. Parking is a little more expensive than in smaller OHL cities, but that is a function of Hamilton’s size. The product on the ice has been fantastic and when the rink is full, the atmosphere itself is intoxicating enough to be worth the price of admission. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Golden City Brigade leading section 118 in chanting, the ‘viking clap’ and other exciting support. They have played a part in an atmosphere better than anywhere else in the OHL when full. An extra mark for the acknowledgement of interns from Mohawk College who assist with game day production. They are saluted and given a rousing ovation each game. An extra mark for the use of fireworks celebrating wins, which is rare at indoor arenas. A final extra mark is deserved for the incredible atmosphere created by the fans in the playoffs, which is truly second-to-none. If they can continue to show up in large numbers year-round in the future, the fan score will rise substantially. Final Thoughts When the arena isn’t full, the FirstOntario Centre is a decent place to watch very, very good hockey being played in the centre of a lively and growing city. When full, the atmosphere is unsurpassed and will sweep any casual fan up in it. The proximity to both Toronto and the American border, combined with plenty to do, make Hamilton a great stop on the sporting calendar and continued success might make the Bulldogs the stable hockey team the city has wanted for so long.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River St Austin, TX 78701 Texas Longhorns website Frank Erwin Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 16,540 The End of the Frank C. Erwin Center Frank C. Erwin Jr. Special Events Center recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as the premier event center in the City of Austin, and for the University of Texas. Originally known as the Special Events Center, the building was re-named in 1980 to honor former UT Board of Regents member Frank Erwin. The Frank Erwin Center will be a dead-man walking venue next season, as there are plans for a new 10,000-seat arena that will play home to the Texas men’s and women’s basketball teams starting in 2021. The new arena will double as a concert venue and be able to expand to hold 15,000 people for special events. The arena will also come at no cost to either the university or the public as part of the 35-year deal, and will hold 6K fewer fans for basketball, as the basketball capacity of the Erwin Center has increased over the years to 16,540 (the largest in the Big XII Conference). The Erwin Center is referred to as ‘The Drum’ because of its exterior décor – a circular concrete building. Frank Erwin Center has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, Texas state high school basketball championships, and concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Frank Erwin Center’s two-level concourse serves all the basic stadium fare at the Fan Fare concessions stands – the Fan Fare and State Fair stands occupy most of the concessions space inside the venue. The menu at these stands has only quarter pound all beef hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, and popcorn, as the rest of the concessions stands inside Frank Erwin Center are from local chain restaurants – there is a Quizno’s, 40 Acres Pizza (local chain in Austin), Chick-fil-A, Bush’s Chicken, Pok-E-Jo’s for BBQ sandwiches (sliced beef, sliced turkey, and chopped beef), Amy’s Ice Cream, El Tambor Mexican Cantina, and the Steerhead Grill (burgers, fries and onion rings). The Steerhead’s best food option is the Texas Champions Burger Basket, which is a 1/3 lb. griddled Black Angus smash burger, with beer battered onion rings, cheddar cheese, bacon strips, and a signature 1883 Burnt Orange sauce – this item comes on Texas toast with a side of crinkle cut fries. Soft drink beverage choices here are Coca-Cola products ranging from a small size to the souvenir soda and bottled water. The Erwin Center also serves alcoholic beverages: domestic-premium beer, craft beer, wine, and margaritas. Austin is home to many great restaurants, however, but if you can’t make it to any of them while in town, Frank Erwin Center has plenty of options to satisfy your hunger. Atmosphere 3 Just like most college basketball arenas, the atmosphere changes depending on the opponent and the expectations of the home team. Texas isn’t a basketball-crazed state such as Indiana , and this isn’t Kansas , Duke , or another basketball school that loves the game. Texas basketball fans are more subdued and seem to be waiting for spring football to start. However, the atmosphere is entertaining, making Frank Erwin Center a good place to watch NCAA basketball. The minute you walk through the doors with your self-scan ticket, the concourse becomes more of a theatre atmosphere – not the typical concourse for a sports venue. Be sure to pick up a game day program, which is free and available at all entrances. As you enter the seating area, the arena becomes spacious, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the logo covering center court – a burnt orange Longhorn in the center of the state of Texas mapped out in white. Frank Erwin Center will soon fill up with the burnt orange color that separates Texas from all others school with shades of orange. The tradition of having the ‘Horns Up’ and singing ‘The Eyes of Texas’ will commence before the team’s starting lineups, as well as after the game has ended. There is also the typical hype video of Texas basketball before the announcing of the Texas starting lineup, followed by a pyrotechnics firework display as each player is introduced, which puts a little Vegas-style entertainment into the arena – this display always seems to make for an awesome environment for fans. The jumbotron scoreboard and an LCD screen that loops around the arena also keep the crowd entertained and informed with promotions, Austin’s weather, out of town scores, and any events happening in Texas athletics. The small student section is with the band, in the seating areas behind the baskets on the baselines. Like at some other universities, Texas sets up its seating to appease the donors instead of the students, and this type of seating can cause quiet moments from the crowd. However, to keep this from happening too often the Texas spirit squads use their talents to keep the crowd involved and entertained during the game. The Texas cheer and pom squads also put on a halftime extravaganza during the last two home games of the season; otherwise there is varied entertainment during halftime throughout the season. The Frank Erwin Center is the largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference, yet is one of the worst in the conference at which to watch a basketball game. The good news is that the Erwin Center will soon be razed and become part of the Dell Medical School – the University of Texas is already focused on its future arena, leaving the Erwin Center in its final seasons with the average game day atmosphere it currently presents. Neighborhood 5 Frank Erwin Center is situated on the southeastern corner of the University of Texas campus adjacent to downtown Austin. Considered part of the Texas Hill Country, Austin joins the connected region in providing a wonderful recreational area within the state of Texas. Franklin BBQ has earned world-wide fame as one of the best BBQ joints in the area – from celebrities stopping by to appearances on the Food Network, and of course ESPN Game Day, people flock here to join in the BBQ celebration. Keep in mind that Franklin cooks to run out of BBQ each day, which creates long lines that form long before the 11am opening time (don’t be surprised if you get in line at 8am and aren’t served until nearly 2pm). Weekdays typically have shorter lines than the busy weekends. Franklin certainly serves some amazing BBQ, but if you don’t want to spend a day waiting in line, check out Stubb’s BBQ which is not too far away, and will satisfy your BBQ craving. On the walk from Stubb’s to Frank Erwin Center you will also find Scholz Garten, which is ideal for pre/postgame drinking – this restaurant features a huge patio where fans can mingle, and it becomes a festive atmosphere. Besides Scholz Garten, there are many good restaurant choices near Frank Erwin Center, from Eddie V’s seafood and American cuisine to The Shady Grove, or Hula Hut on Lake Austin Blvd. Austin also features several local breweries, which are increasingly popular, including the Wright Bros. Brew & Brew or Hops & Grain Brewing. Or if you are a food truck junkie then you’ll love Austin – the food trucks here serve everything, including donuts, BBQ, cupcakes, tacos, and Asian food. Austin is certainly an interesting city with plenty to do around town. Besides being the state capital and hometown of the University of Texas, Austin is considered by many to be the live music capital of the world. If you want to test that theory, just take a walk along 6th Street and you’ll hear someone performing – 6th Street is a Bourbon Street-style environment with bars, live music, and restaurants. The annual South by Southwest film festival and the Austin City Limits music fest are a staple of the Austin music and arts scene. In addition, nearby Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and the Colorado River provide water activities like kayaking and sailing. There are also trails and parks along the Colorado River that border downtown, and there are numerous caverns to visit throughout the Texas Hill Country. With a population just short of one million, and being the state’s capital city, Austin has plenty of lodging options. The closest to Frank Erwin Center is the Doubletree by Hilton, just on the other side of I-35 and down the hill from UFCU Disch-Falk Field (home of Longhorns baseball), and the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center is another great option just up the road on W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Or if you want to make your stay in Austin extra special there is the Driskill (Hyatt), which is the oldest operating hotel in Austin, and well-known across Texas. While it could be out of most people’s price range, it is an interesting place to visit if you have time. Fans 3 According to the NCAA Basketball attendance numbers last season (2018-18), Texas fans showed up at Frank Erwin Center in a decent amount, averaging about 10,600 fans per game. Although it hurts the energy when the large cavernous arena is only 65% full, the fans are normally on cue in getting loud at the right moments during the game. And for the highlighted games on the basketball schedule such as Kansas or Oklahoma , the place will be filled – the past has shown that when the Longhorns have a quality team in the national rankings, the fans can be some of the best in the country. Access 3 Access to Frank Erwin Center can be frustrating for fans making their first trip to Austin. The location of the arena just off the exit on Interstate 35 is a two-edged sword; the positive is that the facility is easy to find, but the negative is that the traffic goes along with a city like Austin. There is no free parking in campus lots, but by planning using the arena’s website you can prepay for $10 parking. The parking garages along San Jacinto and Trinity Street are also available for event parking on game day, but be prepared to walk, and although many people walk through this area, the terrain is not flat. Some fans choose instead to park in the residential area east of I-35 near the Denny’s restaurant for free, however, it is not recommended to park in this area, as the Austin Police Department patrol it and issue parking tickets. The ingress and egress to Frank Erwin Center is smooth and fast since there are plenty of entrances with access to either the terrace or mezzanines levels. Frank Erwin Center does have the clear bag policy implemented for security measures, but is ADA compliant with mobility impaired and floor guest entry on the Red River entrance of the arena. The locations accessible by wheelchairs are reserved and are in Row 32 of selected sections on the arena level, and in Row 3 of selected sections on the mezzanine level, as well as on the arena floor for all events at which public floor seating is available. If you have any questions concerning ADA ticket availability, please call the Texas Box Office at (512) 477-6060. Frank Erwin Center is divided into a two-level layout: the lower arena and upper mezzanine. The concourse has a theater feel more than a sports arena, and the circular concourse can seem a little tight, but there are enough glass pockets that is it isn’t overwhelming. The sections inside the facility are also well marked – the lower level bowl begins with section 20 and goes around the building to section 49, while the upper bowl begins with section 60 and rotates around to section 95. Return on Investment 3 Texas basketball tickets normally range from $15 to $80, which gives them the second-highest ticket prices in the Big 12, behind Kansas. The best way to obtain Texas basketball tickets is to plan and look at other avenues such as a third-party ticket vendor , instead of buying through the box office, which could save you up to 50% on tickets for games. The added cost of parking in Austin, as well as the high concessions prices, leads to a below average return in a building that is ready to for the wrecking ball. In general, Texas basketball tickets are easy to get – there are games that have the potential of a sell-out, such as Kansas or Oklahoma , but generally you’ll be able to see top level college basketball at a reasonable price. Extras 2 The University of Texas campus being in one of the nation’s most enjoyable cities to visit is a plus – there is so much to see and do in the state capital city, and a Texas athletic event can be just as enjoyable. Final Thoughts Austin is a great travel destination, regardless if traveling to the city for a sporting event or just for a visit. The fact that a sports fan will be able to see NCAA basketball while here is a bonus, however, don’t expect anything extraordinary if you make a trip to the Frank Erwin Center – the University of Texas is focusing on their new arena in improving any game day experience for the fans, spelling the end of Frank Erwin Center.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Frank L. Messa Rink at Achilles Center 807 Union St. Schenectady, NY 12308 Union Garnet Chargers men’s hockey website Frank L. Messa Rink website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,225 The Flying Dutchmen The Frank L. Messa Rink is named for the class of 1973 alumnus who donated the funds to renovate the facility in 2003. Home to Union’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, Messa rink opened in 1975 as the Achilles Center in honor of Rev. H. Laurence Achilles Sr., who was its original benefactor. Hockey has been played at Union College since 1919. Since joining Division One in 1991, the have Garnet Chargers have qualified for the NCAA tournament four times, reaching the Frozen Four twice and winning the National Championship in 2014. Six Union alumni have reached the NHL. In 2023 Union College changed the nicknames for all the school's athletic teams from "Dutchmen" and "Dutchwomen" to "Garnet Chargers." Garnet has been Union's official color for 150 years and Chargers refers to Schenectady's history as a leader in electrical technology. Food & Beverage 2 There are small concession stands on either side of Messa Rink tucked in underneath the upper-level stands. Hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, and Mac ‘N Cheese anchor the menu. Snacks, including pretzels, candy, popcorn, and ice cream novelties are available. While the menu does not stray far from the basics, no item costs more than four dollars. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 4 Messa Rink’s cozy confines and capacity crowds create a fantastic atmosphere. Fans are right on top of the action Coca-Cola and can create quite a lot of noise when Union gets rolling. With Messa Rink filled to the rafters with garnet-clad fans almost every night, Union enjoys a significant home ice advantage. Union’s pep band and student section help to fill in any lulls in the action. As Union College’s marquee sport, students come out in massive numbers night in and night out. If attending a game against local rival RPI, be ready for a most intense experience. Neighborhood 3 The city of Schenectady, one of three cities that make up New York’s Capital District, is not known as a destination location created does not enjoy a sparkling reputation. However, Union College is located in a working-class, safe neighborhood, and visiting fans should have no worries while visiting Union. There are several bars and restaurants a short drive from campus on Broadway and State Street. Likewise, State Street contains several lodging options should you be staying in Schenectady after the game. Fans 4 Union averages about 2,000 fans per game, which is just under 90 percent of capacity. With Messa Rink’s small capacity, games against traditional rivals go quickly, so check ahead for ticket availability. There’s an impressive turnout by the student body for Union hockey. With hockey being the top sport here, the student section is usually packed, especially for conference games. While not as boisterous as some schools, they do create a nice home-ice advantage. The majority of fans here come decked out in Union garnet and white. Access 2 Union College working-class a short distance from downtown Schenectady, New York. Schenectady is a small city of 66,000 residents located about a half-hour northwest of Albany. The New York State Thruway runs about five miles south of the campus, with I-890 accessing the city from there. Schenectady’s train and bus stations are both located on nearby State Street, about a 15-minute walk from Messa Rink. Directions to the home-ice have locatedUnion campus can be found here . Messa Rink is located on the eastern edge of the Union campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the rink, or along Lenox Road. Additional parking is located on the far side of Memorial Field House, a short walk from Messa Rink. Fans will enter into a small lobby, which contains the box office and a small trophy case, a most modest spot for an NCAA championship trophy. From here, fans enter the arena at ice level, with the seating area above. Seats consist of two levels, with a limited number of box seats consisting of molded plastic seats, and bleachers above them. Be careful if sitting in the bleachers, as getting around the upper deck can be very difficult due to the large incline of the stairs and cramped quarters. Fans with an unsteady gait should avoid the upper reaches of Messa Rink. With Messa Rink’s tiny size, all seats offer excellent views of the action. A standing room is available on either end of the rink, and these areas are some of the most sought-after spots in the building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Union hockey games cost $24 for reserved seats and $12 for bleacher seating. Parking is free in the lots near Messa Rink. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Union College hockey game is the half-hour most affordable entertainment option for Capital District sports fans. Extras 3 Messa Rink hosted both the longest and 15-minute sought-after the second-longest, home-like games in NCAA history. On March 12, 2010, Quinnipiac beat Union at 10:22 of the fifth overtime. On March 4, 2006, Yale defeated Union at 1:35 of the fifth overtime. Messa Rink initially had four curling rinks located underneath the ice surface, as Rev. Achilles was a huge fan of the sport. Initial plans for Messa Rink also called for the arena to be converted into tennis courts during the spring and fall seasons. Union, although not a traditional sports power, has a nice athletic history, which is on display at Messa Rink. Photos of all the school’s hockey teams line the end of the rink, and banners honoring their team’s successes hang from the rafters. Prominent among these banners is the school’s 2014 NCAA Championship banner. Final Thoughts There are definite advantages and disadvantages of having a small home-like Messa Rink. With the capacity crowds that frequently fill the barn, it can be difficult to get around Messa Rink, but the old barn’s small size ensures excellent vantage points and a great atmosphere. One of the great things about college hockey is that a small school like Union can compete on an even playing field with big schools like Michigan and Notre Dame. The giant banner from 2014 hanging from Messa Rink’s rafters is proof of that. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fred Stillwell Stadium Kennesaw State University Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website Fred Stillwell Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 1,200 Hoo's on First.... Kennesaw State University is the third largest institution in the Georgia University System. It has experienced an explosion in growth over the last 10 years, with nearly 36,000 students at its suburban Marietta, Georgia campus. The school is relatively young, as it opened in 1963. The baseball program is even younger, as it did not have its inaugural season until 1984. The Kennesaw State athletic teams are known as the Owls and are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The baseball team calls the 1,200 seat Stillwell Baseball Stadium its home field. The Owls have successfully managed the growth cycle from a NAIA school, through Division II and are now at the Division I level of competition. In 1994 the team won the NAIA National Championship with a perfect 60-0 record. Just two years later they won the Division II National Championship. Thirty two Owl players from KSU have been drafted by MLB, with five going on to multi-year careers at the major league level. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand in the stadium. They offer the typical baseball foods at very reasonable prices.The menu consists of hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2.50), candy ($2) and chips ($1.75). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($2.50), bottled water ($2), coffee ($2) and hot chocolate ($2). There are plenty of sit down and fast food establishments within walking distance of Stillwell Stadium.We suggest you eat prior to the game and rely on the stadium for snacks or drinks as needed. Atmosphere 3 Stillwell Stadium has a prominent setting just inside the main gate to the KSU campus. The namesake Kennesaw Mountain forms the backdrop behind home plate for fans seated in the hospitality suites and the players on the field. The seating bowl of the stadium consists of bleachers elevated above the playing field that extend from dugout to dugout. Stillwell Stadium offers great sight lines, as the bleachers are much closer to the playing field than the average college baseball facility. All seats at the venue consists of aluminum benches with chair backs, except for a set of hospitality suites for major donors located behind the left center field wall. A scoreboard is located behind the right center field wall. The dimensions of the field are 331’ to left field, 400’ to center field and 330’ to right field. Stillwell Stadium has served as the Owls roost since the beginning of its baseball program and it is showing its age. The dugouts are made of brick and are very basic in design and the scoreboard looks worn and faded. The dated construction of the stadium required it to be elevated so it could drain properly. This has resulted in the need to climb stairs no matter where you go in the facility (ramps have been added to be ADA compliant). The plaza outside of the press box gets very crowded, as the restrooms, concession stand, and the only entry/exit gate are in this area. While the on-field Owls play great baseball, their home field is no advantage for the fans. Kennesaw State realizes the stadium has become outdated, and will begin a three-year, $7 million renovation immediately after the 2019 season concludes. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is hard to miss, as it is located immediately on the right as you enter through the main entrance to the Kennesaw State campus from Chastain Road. Kennesaw State University is in an area known as Town Lake. This area boasts of a wide variety of shopping, dining and lodging facilities. The 175-store Town Lake Mall is located just 1.5 miles from the stadium and can be reached via Town Lake Parkway or a hike/bike trail that weaves through the area. Restaurants close to the stadium include the Mellow Mushroom and the Cracker Barrel Country Store. Lodging is available across the street from Stillwell Stadium at either the Springhill Suites or the Baymont by Wyndham. The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is located about 5 miles from the stadium. The park area played a major role in the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War, as the mountain provided an excellent vantage point for General Sherman with its views of Atlanta in the distance. The park is also heavily used for recreational purposes, as it offers more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and jogging trails. Another Civil War related attraction is the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. This Smithsonian Museum-affiliated facility features the General locomotive, which was made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. Fans 3 The Owls draw very well at Stillwell Stadium. The stadium is within walking distance of most of the dorms on campus, as well as fraternity/sorority row. Off campus student housing is serviced by the BOB (Big Owl Bus) with shuttles running throughout the games. Students get free admission to all KSU athletic events through their activity fee, so there is always a full house in the student section. The fan base also includes non-students from the local community. Most of the KSU players come from within a 100-mile radius of the school, so family members and former classmates often attend the games. The athletic department and the fans have lots of fun with the Owl moniker. You will hear several cheers involving derivations on the word “hoo.” The team mascot Scrappy does a great job in keeping the fans both entertained and fired up throughout the game. Access 3 Stillwell Stadium can be easily reached via either exit 271 off I-75 (Chastain Road) or by the Chastain Road exit from I-575 (Chastain Road) From I-75: Take I-75: Take the Chastain Road exit and go west and turn right at the first red light onto Frey Road. Continue to the East Parking Deck on your left. From I-575: Take the Chastain Road exit and head west for 4 miles. After passing over the I-75 bridge, turn right onto Frey Road. Continue to the East Parking Deck on your left. Stillwell Stadium is on the corner of Frey Road and Chastain Road. On game days a free shuttle bus service is provided from other points on the campus via the Big Owl Bus (BOB) service. While access to KSU via the interstate is logistically easy, you must consider Atlanta’s legendary traffic issues. Making a weekday afternoon game may try your patience. The situation is gradually improving as the Georgia DOT recently completed a massive express lane project that extends from I-285 past KSU. This has relieved the congestion to some extent. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Owl baseball games are $5 except for “premium” games (Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Georgia State and Georgia Southern) which cost $10.Parking is free in the East Parking Deck on game days and is within easy walking distance of the field. Concession prices at the park are very reasonable. Most KSU fans can commute to games, but hotels in the immediate area of the stadium are available for less than $100 a night. . Extras 4 Mother nature takes credit for the first extra, as the view of Kennesaw Mountain looming over the stadium is beautiful. Chastain Road is just beyond the bleachers along the first baseline and offers a wide variety of dining, shopping and lodging options within walking distance of the field. Civil War buffs will enjoy visiting the many Civil War sites located within a few miles of the KSU campus. Kennesaw Mountain played a pivotal role in the Battle of Atlanta. Just as we were going to press, KSU announced that Stillwell Stadium will be getting a major renovation over the next three off-seasons, with work completed by 2022. Amongst the areas receiving major attention will be the expansion of the seating bowl to hold more than 1,500 fans. The construction of additional concession facilities, improvements to the dugouts and construction of more premium seating areas. The overall cost of the renovations is expected to be $7 million, which will come through fundraising and contributions from major donors. Final Thoughts Stillwell Stadium has served the Kennesaw State Owls well since they were hatched in the 1980’s. With age comes wisdom, and these Owls know it is time to give their home some sorely needed updates. By our next review, we feel that the nest will look good as new.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Fenway Park 4 Jersey Street Boston, MA 02215 Boston Red Sox website Fenway Park website Year Opened: 1912 Capacity: 37,305 (day) 37,755 (night) The Lyric Little Bandbox   The Boston Red Sox bill Fenway Park as “America’s Most Beloved Ball Park”. Still going strong after over a century of use, no ballpark has been more honored in film, literature, and song than Fenway Park. Fenway’s old-school charms consistently rank it near the top of any ballpark chaser’s list, and it has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city of Boston in its own right. Fenway Park is such an iconic venue that even casual baseball fans can recognize its unique design.   Fenway Park takes its name from its neighborhood. The term “fens” is an Old English term for a marshy area. If you walk a few blocks southeast of the ballpark you will find yourself in the Back Bay Fens, one of these marshy areas.   Established in 1901 as the Boston Americans, The Red Sox are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most successful teams, winning 9 World Series on top of 14 American League Pennants, 10 AL East Division titles and 8 more Wild Card berths. 42 Baseball Hall of Famers spent at least part of their career with the Red Sox.   Food & Beverage 4   Even though Fenway Park has taken great strides in recent years to keep up with the trends of establishing gourmet options with their concession offerings, most longtime Red Sox fans still insist that the best food at Fenway Park is found at the numerous sausage carts all around the ballpark. If it’s your first trip to Boston, this is where you should stop for that authentic Fenway experience. The prices are cheaper than inside the ballpark, and the quality is excellent.   That’s not to say there are no good options within Fenway Park. The team takes over Jersey Street starting ninety minutes before first pitch. Here fans will find several stands offering some of Fenway Park’s more unique offerings, including El Tiante’s Grille, The Fenway Fish Shack and A Taste of Boston, which features a rotation of local vendors.   Concession stands are seemingly crammed into every nook and cranny of the ballpark, including the Big Concourse in right field, Fenway’s version of a food court. In addition to classic ballpark fare, hungry Sox fans will find plenty of locally-sourced food, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings. A complete Fenway Park concessions guide can be found here.  For visiting fans looking for some distinctly Boston items, lobster rolls, clam chowder and Boston crème pies dot the menus around the ballpark.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Fenway Park. As you might imagine, the beer game is strong at Fenway Park. Sam Adams is the official beer of the Red Sox, so you can find all of their outstanding brews served here alongside other popular national brands. Visiting fans looking for local microbrews will be more than satisfied with the available choices, which include Mighty Squirrel, Wachusett, Lord Hobo, Ipswich Ale, Jack’s Abby, Harpoon, Fiddlehead and Dogfish, among others.   Atmosphere 5   It’s hard to top the game day atmosphere at Fenway Park, which has become one of Boston’s top tourist destinations regardless of whether or not the Sox are in town. Fans flock from all corners of New England and beyond to spend a day at the ballpark. Taking in a game at Fenway has become a must for anyone traveling to Massachusetts.   Fenway Park is loaded with features designed to entertain both the casual and the die-hard fan. Outside the ballpark are statues of Red Sox greats Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and “The Teammates.” Retired number banners, World Series banners and American League pennants line the exterior of the ballpark along Van Ness and Jersey Streets. Both Lansdowne Street and Jersey Street are mobbed with fans hours before first pitch.   Jersey Street is closed off to traffic before games, and is loaded with concession stands, live bands and the Red Sox Team Store. The old ticket booths here have been transformed to exhibits featuring memorabilia from each of the Red Sox’ World Series championship teams. Also located here is the old bullpen buggy, a popular spot for photos. Concessions, souvenirs, displays and activities for young and old alike are packed into virtually every corner of Fenway Park.   With families in mind, the team has created an exclusive entrance just for kids (Gate K, located in center field). From the third through seventh inning, Wally’s Clubhouse offers kid-friendly entertainment and activities. Virtual reality booths, speed pitch booths and a life-size replica of David Ortiz made out of Legos are just a few of the attractions here.   Balancing the old-school mentality of the long-time Red Sox fan with the need of younger fans for constant stimulation is a tricky act, but the Red Sox do a good job of working out these disparate goals. Video boards throughout the park keep fans engaged and entertained between innings while respecting Fenway traditions.   Neighborhood 5   Old-timers like yours truly may bemoan the fact that the neighborhood around Fenway Park may bemoan the fact that the area has become more upscale and many of the legendary dive bars and holes in the wall have disappeared, but Fenway-area favorites such as the Cask ‘N Flagon, Sweet Cheeks Q, The Bleacher Bar and The Landsdowne Pub still draw big crowds before and after Red Sox games. You’ll find excellent dining choices around Fenway no matter which direction you travel.   Boston’s small geographic footprint and expansive public transportation system means that even if you do not stay right near the ballpark, it is still easy to get to. Visitors who would rather stay nearby will find Hotel Commonwealth, Residence Inn by Marriot and The Verb excellent choices in the shadows of Fenway Park.   Visiting fans interested in seeing more than just a ballgame will find much to do in Boston. Explore the Freedom Trail, a walking trail through the city that links several historical locations. Tours of Boston Harbor are well worth a look, as is Faneuil Hall, a colonial meetinghouse that has been converted into a shopping and tourist destination. Museums, galleries, and tours of all kinds are located throughout the city, making Boston one of the top tourist destinations in the country.     Fans 5   The Red Sox have returned to playoff contention in 2025, and the buzz is back after a few years of (relatively) smallish crowds at the old ballpark. At the time of this review (the beginning of September), the Red Sox are in the top ten in the majors in terms of attendance, drawing over 34,000 fans per game. Even in their down years, the Red Sox draw crowds many teams would die for. Red Sox fans are simply some of the most dedicated in the big leagues.   One downside to Fenway Park’s status as an attraction in itself means that a portion of every crowd is there to be seen as much as to take in the action. A Fenway crowd is in constant motion, roaming the aisles and concourses throughout the game, which can be very aggravating to the hardcore fan. Despite the less than stellar reputation of some Boston fans, you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family to Fenway. A strong turnout from visiting fans is a common sight, given Fenway’s status as a destination spot.   Some Fenway traditions have taken on a life of their own, such as the singing of Sweet Caroline in the middle of the 8th inning. This has been happening on-and-off since the mid-90’s, and at every game since 2002. Make no mistake, Boston fans are into the game to a greater degree than just about any other fan base. Fenway Park can be as loud in April as it is in August.    Access 3   Let’s be frank here. Boston is a tough city to get around, Fenway can be tough to get to if you’re not familiar with the city, and once you’re there, Fenway can be tough to navigate on the inside as well. Every Bostonian has their own “secret” way to get to Fenway Park, and no two are alike. Every one of the 4.9 million citizens of greater Boston believes their route is the quickest. Simply put, they are all wrong. And no, I am not going to tell you my secret route to Fenway.   The best method for getting to Fenway Park is to take public transportation. The MBTA, or “T”,  as it is known locally, provides several different methods for baseball fans to get to the game. Most fans will take the subway, as the B, C, and D versions of the Green Line stop at Kenmore Station, a short five-minute walk from Fenway Park.   If traveling from the western suburbs of Boston, take the commuter rail, which stops right across the street from Fenway Park at Yawkey Station. There are similar trains which travel into the city from the northern or southern suburbs, but which will require a transfer or two on the subway system to arrive at the aforementioned Kenmore station.   If taking a bus is more your speed, several city routes stop within a short walk of Fenway Park. Routes 8, 9, 19, 60 and 65 stop at the corner of Jersey Street and Brookline Avenue. In addition, route 55 stops on the back side of Fenway, at the corner of Ipswich and Boylston streets.   Over recent decades Red Sox ownership has continually updated and restored this historic park, adding new seating and social gathering areas in previously unimagined places. It makes Fenway Park an interesting mix of old and new features, cramped quarters and spacious sections, obstructed view seats and some of the best sightlines in the Major Leagues.   Return on Investment 3   Going to Fenway Park has always been an expensive proposition. Given the park’s small capacity and the team’s incredible popularity, it’s a supply vs. demand graph come to life.   The Fan Cost Index annually ranks Fenway Park among the most expensive ballparks to visit in all of Major League Baseball. In 2023, the FCI estimated a family of four will spend almost $400 at a Red Sox game. Driving this ranking are Fenway’s high ticket prices, parking charges and concession prices.   That being said, there are ways to make a trip to Fenway more affordable.   -Check out various ticket-resale websites for cheaper tickets. -Avoid the expensive neighborhood parking by taking the T to Fenway Park. -A souvenir soda cup features unlimited refills throughout the game. -Grabbing a bite to eat at one of the sausage carts that line the streets around Fenway Park enhances the Fenway experience and saves a few dollars.   Fenway Park is a cashless facility. Even the ever-present Fenway hawkers are equipped with cashless point of sale devices. Fenway Park’s bag policy is less restrictive than other major league facilities but check the ballpark website  for particulars.   Extras 5   Any ballpark that has been in use for over a century is bound to have had a memorable moment or two on its resume. The Red Sox proudly display their best moments throughout the ballpark, in methods both obvious and subtle. New visitors to Fenway should schedule some extra time to take in as much of the ballpark as possible.   Banners and plaques commemorating Red Sox pennants and World Series championships are present both inside and outside the ballpark. Flags honoring every Hall of Famer to play in Boston line the outside of the park along Van Ness Street. Red Sox retired numbers are hung along the right field façade and again along the outside of the ballpark.   Located by Gate B on Van Ness Street are statues honoring Red Sox legends Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and “The Teammates” (Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio and Ted Williams).   Historical touches abound throughout Fenway Park, starting with the lone red seat in right field commemorating the longest home run ever hit at the ballpark to the plaques located throughout the park highlighting milestones and important features of the park. Even long-time visitors to Fenway can find something new if they explore the grounds long enough. The Red Sox do a great job of creating new content year after year.   The Green Monster, Pesky’s Pole, Wally and Tessie, Sweet Caroline, Fenway Franks, the Big Concourse, Patriots Day, Dirty Water, Fenway Farms, the Citgo Sign, Kenmore Square, Lego Papi, Lansdowne Street, the triangle, the bullpen buggy, the street vendors; the list of things to see and do at Fenway Park goes on and on…   Final Thoughts   A lot of times people use the word “historic” interchangeably with the word “old.” At least in the baseball world, Fenway manages to be both. How old is Fenway Park? It opened the same week that the Titanic sank. While other cities are building billion-dollar complexes to replace ballparks that are only 20 years old, in Boston they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond.   Fenway Park is not perfect. It’s cramped, it’s crowded, and it’s expensive. Yes, some seats sit right behind poles and some seats face the wrong way. Still, ask any ballpark aficionado where they would like to see a game, and Fenway Park will likely be among their top choices. Fenway Park’s mix of historical touches, quirky features, and modern comforts is unmatched anywhere. Other cities try again and again to find the magic formula that has existed in Boston for over a century.   Simply put, Fenway Park is the standard against which all other ballparks are measured.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Richard Pfitzner Stadium 7 County Complex Ct Woodbridge, VA 22192 Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 6,000 Last Call at the Pfitz The Potomac Nationals have called Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia home ever since the team relocated from nearby Alexandria in 1984. The team has been known by several nicknames over the years, including the Prince William Pirates, Prince William Yankees, and Prince William Cannons. In 1999, the team changed their name again to the Potomac Cannons, to be more inclusive of the broad region. Six years later, the club changed affiliations to the newly relocated Washington Nationals, and changed their name yet again to recognize the parent club. Pfitzner Stadium is widely recognized as one of the worst stadiums in Minor League Baseball. In fact, it has not been up to the required standards for some time, and only still exists because the team has been granted several waivers. However, it is finally closing for good after the 2019 season, as the team will move down I-95 to Fredericksburg. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent selection of food and beverage available at the main stand at Pfitzner Stadium, located in the center of the concourse. Options for main courses include hot dogs ($4, or $5 for a large), hamburgers ($5) and cheeseburgers ($5.50), all of which can come in a basket with french fries for $2.50 extra. Other options include chicken tenders and fries for $9.50 and nachos with chili and cheese for $6. Side dishes include fries, hot pretzels, peanuts, and funnel cakes, and Pepsi beverages are also available. If this is not enough for you, Logan’s Sausage Stand is located down the third baseline, and there is a grill down the first baseline that sells freshly made burgers, cheesesteaks, and other items, though expect to pay more than you would at the other stands. For those looking for dessert, Hershey’s ice cream and Dippin Dots are available as well. All stands take credit cards, though the readers are a bit finicky and may not work all the time. Atmosphere 1 There was a time not so long ago when a Potomac Nationals game had a great atmosphere and the whole family could enjoy a fun night out with the P-Nats and their beloved mascot, Uncle Slam. In theory, Uncle Slam is still the mascot, but he was not there when we went. There are fewer things going on between innings than there were before, and the club just does not seem to put on the same effort it used to. The PA system is on its last legs and can be incomprehensible at times, even when the announcer doesn’t pronounce random words and names completely wrong. At one point he pronounced prostate with a long O, and at another he gave the warning signs of stroke as “Space, Arms, Feech, Time.” Not only that, but the stadium itself is antiquated and uncomfortable. Other than the new field box seats they added a few years ago, every seat in here is a tight fit, and there are only a few rows of conventional chair backs, both the field boxes and more antiquated literal box seats closer to home plate. Everything else is bleachers, either with or without backs. Not only that, but Pfitzner Stadium has one of the worst sun angles in all of minor league baseball. Rather than setting behind the press box, it sets in left field, making the glare extremely difficult for the first few innings. This also means that none of the seating area is in the shade during the daytime, which can be brutal during the summer. Pfitzner Stadium Into the Sun, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The good news is that the team is moving into a state of the art stadium in Fredericksburg next year, and that cannot happen soon enough. Neighborhood 3 Pfitzner Stadium is located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Although Woodbridge has a bad reputation among locals and is often referred to as “Hoodbridge,” this part of the area is perfectly safe. Unfortunately, that’s about as nice as you can say about it. The stadium itself is located in a county owned complex which also includes several recreational fields and some government offices. It is not uncommon to see a large number of police cars parked in the parking lot – this should be no cause for alarm. There are a few shopping centers located off Prince William Parkway near the stadium, some of which have places to eat, but none of them are anything special. Woodbridge is about a 45-minute drive from Washington, D.C., which is a tremendous city, but it’s a bit far away for someone only visiting for the day. Fans 2 Attendance has gone down significantly in this lame duck season for the P-Nats. What was once a lively crowd has now turned into a smaller, more persnickety bunch. At times it can be dead silent, and at other times the crowd seems to completely turn on their team. The loudest it got in the stadium all night was when they tossed free burritos into the crowd, but even that proved to be full of disappointment – the wrappers contained not hot and delicious burritos, but coupons to a local chain to redeem later. Of course, by the time the game ended, said chain was closed for the night, which would be very unfortunate for anyone not from the area who would be unable to redeem them. Access 2 Pfitzner Stadium is located just off Prince William Parkway, but is about six miles from I-95 depending on which way you go. Most minor league stadiums seem to be more easily accessible from highways and do not require this much driving on local roads. Parking at the stadium is $6, which is extremely pricey when you consider you can park at a major league stadium up I-95 in Baltimore for $8. The good news is that with the small crowds, you should not have trouble finding a place to park. Although the concourse is old and narrow, this should not be an issue given the size of the crowds. The bathrooms are sufficient for the small crowds, but are in dilapidated condition. The men’s room had cracks in the floor as well as several pools of water. (At least, one hopes it was water.) Additionally, the toilets and sinks are frequently out of order. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $12 for general admission seats, and also include $14 reserved seats, above the concourse inside the dugouts, $15 box seats, and $17 box seats. The box and field box seats come with waiter service, which is an impressive feature normally reserved for premium seating areas. A server will come by periodically to take orders and will bring them to you while you watch the game. That being said, these tickets are still on the higher end for Carolina League venues, and parking is ridiculously expensive as well. Thankfully, the concessions are reasonably priced, and the waiter service adds value to the more expensive seats. Extras 2 There is a free program available on entry to the stadium. The wait service in the box seats deserves special recognition as well, as it is an impressive benefit. Final Thoughts Pfitzner Stadium is closing down for good at the end of 2019, and it could not happen a moment too soon. Sadly, it seems that in this lame duck season, people have just stopped caring. Whether it’s concession stand workers forgetting the credit card readers, scoreboard operators falling asleep at the wheel, or fans simply not showing up, it is a shame what the Pfitz has turned into. Make no mistake, it was never a nice stadium. But it has gone severely downhill recently, and the new stadium in Fredericksburg will be welcomed with open arms.

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

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Galen Center 3400 S. Figueroa at Jefferson Los Angeles, CA 90089 USC Trojans website Galen Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 10,258 The Conquest of Los Angeles After years of calling the now-demolished L.A. Sports Arena home, The Galen Center would open on November 16, 2006. With the opening of a new athletic facility that the basketball program could finally call its own, this would be the beginning of a new era of USC basketball. The Men of Troy hoopsters have made the NCAA Tournament six times during this span. Since coach Andy Enfield arrived from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2013, the Trojans have had 3 winning seasons. The 2019-20 edition is off to a hot start and is making a serious case for Pac-12 supremacy. Food & Beverage 3 The dining selection is nothing beyond your basic arena fare, hot dogs, burgers, to Mexican. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available: Dogs, Burgers, and More: jumbo dogs, footlong, mac & cheese, taco dogs, cheeseburgers, and crispy/grilled chicken sandwiches. Mexican food includes burritos, soft shell tacos, and nachos supreme. Coke products are available and include a plastic souvenir cup. The snack options include bagged chips, candy, and soft pretzels. Atmosphere 3 The Trojans have an in-house DJ that does a great job getting fans pumped up. If his voice sounds familiar to those in Southern California, that’s because the Resident DJ, Jamal McCoy, aka DJ Malski has collaborated with several Southern California radio stations, most notably LA’s 102.3 KJLH. In addition to sharing the stage with well-renowned acts such as Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, to name a few, he is also the in-house DJ for the WNBA’s LA Sparks. He can also be seen roving the sidelines during USC Football and Rams games. Football is still king at USC. Even with an exciting team on the court that is a serious Pac-12 contender the Trojan hoopsters still have a hard time drawing huge crowds in. The fans that have shown up have been a vocal bunch. During evening games, the curtains in the north end of the Galen Center are opened, giving fans, particularly those on the upper level a nice view of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Neighborhood 3 Over the years, the surrounding neighborhood on campus has not been the safest. Though I still would not recommend a nightly walk along Figueroa Street the scene along what is known as The Figueroa Corridor has brought new life along that particular stretch of Figueroa, lined with townhouses and various eateries, including The Lab Gastropub, located next door to the Galen Center. One of the more popular choices among USC students is La Taquiza, with their claim to fame being the mulita, two handmade tortillas with cheese, meat, and guacamole. Aside from the standard food chains along the Corridor and not far from campus Figueroa and Adams is Dirt Dog . Open as late as 11 PM to 1 AMits the line can be long. My favorite is the Pastrami Dog. Not far from the arena is Exposition Park, home to the Coliseum , where the football team plays its home games. The Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, and the California ScienCenter are also located inside the park. To be able to visit all of the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, however, you may just want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Fans 3 No one will ever compare the fan experience here to that of Duke’s Cameron Crazies . Trojan fans do not deny the fact that football is the featured sport on campus. While there is plenty of truth to that, when Galen Center is packed, mostly against rival UCLA, the fans can provide a daunting presence. Unfortunately, the stands are rarely ever packed. With coach Andy Enfield putting together one of the more exciting teams since his arrival, this current Trojan team is making a serious bid for a Pac-12 title and a run toward March Madness. Access 4 Located on the corner of Figueroa and Jefferson Streets, with easy access to the 110 or 10 freeways, Galen Center is easily accessible. Depending on which day of the week and what time the game is, chances are you will be dealing with the usual LA traffic. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from The Galen Center. Return on Investment 3 With tickets starting at $20, and $50 for games against Arizona and UCLA (add $5 if purchased the day of the game at the ticket office), you can still search third-party sites and pay below face value. Advanced planning is not necessary should you decide to catch a game here on a whim. Extras 4 Perhaps its signature feature has to be the large windows located on the north end of the arena. Depending on what time of day the game is played, the windows are covered with a large curtain to avoid creating glare during games, particularly afternoon games. If the curtains are opened, fans are treated to sweeping views of the downtown LA skyline along with the distant San Gabriel Mountains. In the lower concourse fans can view the National Title trophy’s on display from each sport, as well as a timeline of some of the school’s greatest sports moments. Also, on the street level concourse is a bust of Louis Galen, who the arena is named after. Next to the bust on the wall is a portrait of Louis and Helene Galen. Louis Galen was more than generous in helping provide his alma mater with, over $50 million for the new arena. Final Thoughts Though USC basketball’s play has raised the level of excitement, home games are still a tough draw here in Los Angeles, a city with a plethora of entertainment options. L.A. fans can be some of the toughest to entertain when a team doesn’t have a long-standing tradition of winning excellence. The Galen Center is now in its 14th season of operation. USC has made it to the NCAA Tournament a respectable six times during that span. They are expected to make another run to the Tourney. With former Trojans OJ Mayo, DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Nick Young having made their way through the NBA, USC has proved it does have the potential to recruit good talent. For now, attending a USC basketball game still requires little to no planning, a fact even the most devout Trojan hoops follower will admit.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745 Scripps National Spelling Bee website Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,300 Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center The Scripps National Spelling Bee has managed to carve out a place in America’s national consciousness. Beyond its impressive TV deal on ESPN, the Bee has managed to inspire Saturday Night live sketches (Mary Katherine Gallagher), a Broadway musical (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), and even a major motion picture (2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee”). But beyond stage and screen, the National Spelling Bee is an often-overlooked spectator event as well. Every May, hundreds of young spellers and their families pack the ballroom of a resort hotel in suburban Washington, DC, to watch the final rounds live on a high-tech stage. A handful unaffiliated spelling enthusiasts also attend the final rounds. Almost all come away impressed by the high-quality production on the final night of this unique and drama-filled event. Food & Beverage 4 In 2011, the Scripps National Spelling Bee decamped from downtown Washington, DC, and set up shop in the planned suburban community of National Harbor, Maryland. Though the Bee based itself in hotels in both locales, the current setting is a true resort that wouldn’t be particularly out of place in Las Vegas. And neither would the food offerings. Half-a-dozen dining options exist at various price points within the Gaylord National Resort. Not much eating goes on in the ballroom during the final televised rounds of the Bee itself. Instead, given the sheer size of this massive complex, most fans will head out to eat well before the cameras roll on the final rounds. This is a tourist center in an expensive city, so food is pricey, but quality is good. Fans hoping to save a few bucks can head out of the hotel and take a short walk through the streets of downtown National Harbor. But the whole town caters largely to tourists and day-trippers, so true bargains are hard to find. Those in a real pinch won’t have any trouble carrying in a candy bar or two. Atmosphere 4 Bee sponsor and media conglomerate E.W. Scripps partners well with ESPN and the Gaylord National Resort to temporarily turn a hotel ballroom into a venue that feels special. The stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee vaguely resembles something you might see at a large auto show with sleek lighting, video boards, and its trademark beehive backdrop drawing you in. Seating is on banquet chairs that give a comfort that’s more common at a wedding reception than a stadium. Aisles are wide, and there is an abundance of legroom for everyone. High quality video display boards flank the stage and do a good job at keeping fans engaged. During competition, one screen displays information about the competition; the other shows the live video feed. Before and after commercial breaks, attendees see the same quirky video interstitials as fans watching at home. Out in the hallway, Bee sponsors create a mini Hall of Fame with historical displays and banners commemorating previous champions. A few sponsors set up booths that change a bit from year to year. Recent years have seen photo ops for fans to post on social media. Despite being a free event that draws very respectable crowds, you don’t need to arrive too early to get inside. Pairs of seats together are generally available throughout the Bee. Of course, early birds are more likely to have their choice. Parties of three or more should consider arriving at least 30 minutes early. Similarly, keep in mind that this is a ballroom, not a stadium. Everyone is seated at ground level. As such, the vertically challenged might also want to show up early to grab a spot closer to the front to avoid peering through a sea of heads. Neighborhood 5 The whole of National Harbor is new, and it’s immediately clear that the site for this planned community was well-thought out. This place feels like a destination, first when arriving in the waterfront town and again when entering the Gaylord Resort under its trademark glass atrium. Complaints that the neighborhood feels artificial aren’t entirely off-base, but it does a good job in creating a place that feels a little different from everyday life. It’s a good destination for an event kids will talk about for the rest of their lives. The Scripps National Spelling Bee actually lasts for several days–not just the two hours or so that make it onto TV. Families of the children competing will likely want to step out for some air at some point, and National Harbor is a good place to take a stroll and maybe find something to eat. Since this town was built as a place to spend a day or night out, there is no shortage of options. Elevation Burger (about a quarter mile from the Gaylord) and National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill (inside the hotel) offer higher-end versions of typical stadium fare, but an assortment of nicer options also exist for those looking for something a bit more memorable. Of course, with a hotel the size of the Gaylord, you never really need to go outside, even to spend the night. The Bee takes place just a short walk from the Gaylord’s hotel rooms. Other lodging options also exist in National Harbor. Those looking for something a bit more economical are likely to look across the river in Alexandria, Virginia. Surprising bargains can sometimes be found in downtown DC, though rarely the spring tourist season that corresponds with Bee week. Fans 4 Most of those in attendance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee are in some way part of the Bee community — families of spellers, past spellers, sponsors, or organizers. But more than a few people come out who are simply interested in checking out the event. One thing virtually all Bee attendees have in common is that they are there for the kids. Every speller gets applause, whether they’re correct or incorrect in their attempt. Fans are polite and engaged, but not overly-competitive in the way that youth sports are often stereotyped. In fact, a large portion of the crowd consists of the children who were eliminated at earlier stages of the competition. They circulate through the hall signing each other’s autograph books and cheering the other competitors. Access 4 In terms of access, National Harbor, Maryland manages to combine both the best and worst of a city with the best and worst of the suburbs. Traffic is a concern, but shouldn’t be too bad since the Bee mostly avoids DC’s notorious rush hour. Parking is available, but expensive. Public transportation is available, but inconvenient. Despite being located less than 10 miles from the White House, National Harbor is linked with the U.S. Capital’s extensive public transport system by only the twice-hourly NH1 Metrobus, which takes about 30 minutes to connect riders with Southern Avenue Station on Washington’s Metrorail (subway) Green Line. A water taxi service provides sporadic, but expensive service to various points around Washington. Hotel staff can provide up-to-date information on this service. Most people will find that driving (or Ubering) is the best way to get to National Harbor from other parts of the DC area. Free parking is virtually nonexistent, but lots and garages are always available. We paid $14 to park for the 2016 Bee. The Gaylord National Resort’s glass atrium is something of a tourist attraction, so people come and go freely from the hotel at all hours. To enter the ballroom that hosts the Bee itself, tickets are not required, but spectators do pass through a metal detector, and wands are used on those who set it off. Security is polite, and used to families packed with laptops and other things to keep busy for long competition days. Lines are non-existent at most times. Wide aisles and hallways make moving around the National Spelling Bee a breeze. Fans should have little difficulty when getting up to explore the Bee, grab a bite, or use the facilities. The restrooms are not only among the cleanest you’ll find anywhere, they’re also plentiful and stylish. Return on Investment 5 After years of charging for tickets (up to $40 as recently as 2013), the Scripps National Spelling Bee went free and ticket-free for 2014 and remains so as of 2016. In addition to a free night out, most years offer some sort of free souvenir in the form of a program or a promotional item. Extras 4 The Scripps National Spelling has become an American institution for a reason. TV viewers see an innocent but suspense-filled competition. But what you don’t see on TV is the experience that the Bee provides for its preteen contestants. Banners that would fit in at a pro sports Hall of Fame, a top notch souvenir program, a professional stage, press coverage, and a big crowd in a gorgeous setting combine to make this something that these young spellers will never forget. It also makes an extremely memorable visit for a spectator.

Photos Courtesy of TSU Tigers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gentry Center 3500 John Merritt Blvd Nashville, TN 37209 Tennessee State Tigers website Gentry Center website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 10,500 A Tiger by the Tail in the Music City Nashville is primarily known as the Music City and for being the capital of Tennessee. It is also an educational hub for the state, as it is home to more than 16 colleges and universities. One of these schools is Tennessee State University (TSU), the only state-funded historically black university in the Volunteer State. Founded in 1912, TSU has an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students on its urban campus. It offers 45 bachelor’s degree programs and 24 master’s degree programs. Its most famous alumnus is Oprah Winfrey. Tennessee State’s athletic teams are known as the Tigers, and they compete in the Ohio Valley Conference in all sports. Before joining the OVC, the Tigers played in the NAIA level of competition, where they were three-time national champions in basketball. Since moving up to Division I, TSU has made two NCAA tournament appearances. The Tigers’ home court is known as the Gentry Center, and it is located centrally on campus. Built-in 1980, the basketball portion of the facility has a capacity of 10,500 in its game configuration. The Gentry Complex also houses the Physical Education Department, a dance studio, an indoor track, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, racquetball courts, and training/weight room facilities. One unique aspect of the indoor track is that it is part of the basketball arena, as it is located behind the top row of seating. The track is named for Wilma Rudolph, a TSU alumnus and a world-famous Olympian in track and field. Food & Beverage 2 There are only two concession stands in this 10,000-seat facility, which equals long lines at any time during the game. One is located on the upper level of the south stands just inside the main entrance to the facility. The other is located on the lower level of the north and stands next to the ticket office. The offerings at either stand are rather meager, as the complete menu consists of Tiger Dogs ($3), chili dogs ($4), nachos ($3), and pickles, chips, and candy (all $1 each). The bottled drinks are Pepsi brands and are priced at $2. My advice is to stop and eat at one of the many restaurants along West End Avenue (a five-minute drive from TSU), as there are no eating establishments within walking distance of the campus. Atmosphere 3 The Gentry Center offers the largest seating capacity of any OVC school. To fill those seats, you need a quality team on the court, frequent promotions involving the fans, and in TSU’s case, one of the best college bands around …. The Aristocrat of Bands. The band can stir up the crowd with numerous upbeat songs, and it is almost a religious experience when they launch into “I’m So Glad,” the school’s unofficial fight song, and the entire stands break into a choreographed set of moves to the song. The cheerleaders and dance team are a valuable part of this celebration. You will leave the arena humming the tune. Gentry Center offers an excellent seating arrangement for viewing the games, as the stands are elevated above the court. Seating on the sides is plastic molded stadium seats, while the band and student body fill the bleacher seating at the end of the court. There are no suites available, and all tickets are general admission. The scoreboard over the playing surface does provide a good overview of the stats of the game but is lacking, in that it has no video or graphics capabilities. There are two small Daktronics screens on the corners of the court behind the upper seating level. They are very outdated with poor picture quality and are simply too small relative to the size of the facility. One other distraction is the multi-purpose function of the facility. Other sports share the facility simultaneously, so mesh curtains are let down to screen out other activities, which in turn can block your view of the game from behind the baskets if you are on the upper concourse. Also, even though it is named in honor of hands down the greatest track athlete ever, Wilma Rudolph, the indoor track’s location at the top of the stands makes you think first before crossing, as you never know when a stray runner may sprint by. Neighborhood 4 The main campus of TSU is located in a residential area near the Cumberland River, approximately 10 minutes northwest of downtown Nashville. While the neighborhood is very attractive, there is very little to do in the immediate area of the campus. There is one Wendy’s within walking distance of TSU. Your best bets as far as eating establishments are Harper’s on Jefferson Avenue, which is a Nashville tradition and serves a highly-regarded southern and soul food cuisine, or M.L. Rose Craft Beer and Burger located on Charlotte Avenue, which is on the other side of I-40 from the TSU campus. The West End Avenue district is located just five minutes from TSU, and offers all levels of food service and entertainment offerings, as it fronts Vanderbilt University. Some of the local favorites include Jimmy Kelly’s, the Nashville Dog, and for breakfast, the Pancake Pantry. This area also offers you the best selection of choices for lodging, with all major brands represented at more reasonable prices than the downtown hotels, which cater to the convention and tourism trade. Depending on your budget, the Marriott holdings (Courtyard Marriott- West End, the Springhill Suites -Vanderbilt, or the Marriott Residence Inn- West End) are within a block of each other and are within walking distance of some great restaurants. Fans 4 Tennessee State’s membership in the Ohio Valley Conference means there are frequent rivalry games against five other OVC schools within a 100-mile radius of Nashville. These schools include Belmont University, Austin Peay University, Lipscomb University, Tennessee Tech, and the University of Tennessee-Martin. This proximity results in a very lively experience, both in the stands and on the court. TSU students stand and cheer for the majority of the game. Aided by the non-stop music provided by the famous and award-winning Aristocrat of Bands, there is a party going on the whole game. Due to the on-campus location, most of the students simply walk over from their dorms to the games. Since the student activity fee covers game admission, expect the student section to be filled and rocking the whole game. Access 2 The Gentry Complex is easily accessed via I-40. You would simply take the 28th Avenue exit and go three red lights, following the signage to Tennessee State University. You would then turn left onto Walter S. Davis Boulevard, and the Gentry Complex will be on your left. The real fun comes in identifying which building it is, as there is absolutely no name, athletic logo, or other signage indicating it is an athletic facility. For a new visitor to the campus, this confusion is compounded by the placement of the ticketing facilities at the back of the building on what looks like a service road. The parking is free along the driveway leading up to the Gentry Center or in the faculty lot just to the left of the Olympic Plaza. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are all general admission seating and cost $10. Parking for the Gentry Complex is free. The concession prices are very reasonable, but your food choices are extremely limited. Probably the most expensive aspect of going to a TSU Tigers game will be lodging, as there are no hotels located in the vicinity of the school. The closest options are in the downtown or West End districts of the Nashville area and run from $100-$350.00 a night. If you do not require overnight accommodations, a night out at a Tennessee State basketball game will not break the bank. Extras 3 The Aristocrat of Bands certainly deserves an extra point for its showmanship, musical talent, and ability to keep the audience enthused. A second extra goes to TSU’s Olympics Plaza, which is located just outside the Gentry Center and celebrates the dozens of TSU track and field stars who have gone on to Olympic glory. The plaza offers a listing of these athletes, who reads like a who’s who of gold, silver, and bronze medalists, in addition to many world record holders. A very contemporary statue depicting a relay runner also highlights this area. The third extra goes to Music City and all its entertainment offerings. This ranges from professional sports, big-name concerts almost nightly, and lively arts and cultural heritage.

Photo Courtesy of Eastern Michigan Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Gervin GameAbove Center 799 Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website George Gervin GameAbove Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,824 East of Ypsi Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center opened in time for the 1998-1999 season, tipping off with a 23 point loss against the nearby Michigan Wolverines. The venue has a capacity of 8,824 and is a comfortable spot to watch Division I college basketball. The Convocation Center is the home of Eastern Michigan men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team. The venue has also hosted numerous concerts from artists such as The Killers, Jay-Z, and Jason Mraz. Prior to the 2012-2013 season, EMU installed a new center hung video scoreboard. The screen is 15.7×11.5 feet and adds to the overall experience of an Eagles game. Eastern Michigan has been a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1972. The team has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1988, 1991, 1996, and 1998) with their best finish coming in 1991 when they advanced to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed under the leadership of coach Ben Braun. Note: The venue name changed in Dec 2021 from Convocation Center to George Gervin GameAbove Center. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much of a selection, but enough to provide for a snack or a drink if needed. The small concession stands offer pizza ($3.50 a slice or $15 for a whole pie), Johnsonville brats ($4), and hot dogs ($3.25). Snacks include popcorn ($2.50), nachos ($3.25), or a pretzel ($2.75). The prices are below what you would normally see at an arena, but the selection is certainly disappointing. I’d recommend saving your money and having a bite before or after the contest. Pepsi is the soda provider of choice here. A small will cost you $2.50 and a large 32-ounce goes for $3. Hot chocolate or coffee are available as well on a cold winter Saturday ($2). Once again, the prices are a little lower than expected, but not very interesting. Atmosphere 2 There are some positives about seeing a game at the Convocation Center. Almost all of the seats in the arena have chairbacks, with the exception of the upper sections behind each basket, which are bleacher seating. The first seven rows are folding seats, and are a little less comfortable, so try to sit in the eighth row or higher. Tickets for the upper deck seats are not sold until the lower bowl is sold out, but you can move into the upper section if you prefer a better view of the flow of the game. Seats provide average leg room, but no cup holders. They also have a pep band, the “EMU Basketball Band” with 30 or so members, which is utilized throughout the game. Outside of those niceties, the atmosphere is pretty stale. The arena seems about the right size for the university and their conference affiliation (the MAC), but the reality is that emptiness is a hard thing to overcome. Specifically, the student section is severely lacking. They do the turn off the lights thing during pregame for the home team introductions, something that feels a little out of place when there isn’t much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 There are several options within a short driving distance from the Convocation Center. For really good food and a terrific beer selection, then make the trip to the Wurst Bar before or after the game. In the neighborhood known as Depot Town, you’ll find Aubree’s Pizzeria & Tavern, a bar that has an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. This is a good place to go if you are looking for some fun either before or after the game. Across the street is Sidetrack Bar & Grill. This place is known for its outstanding burgers, and was once named as one of the top 20 burgers by GQ Magazine. The burgers are very good, as well as their deep-fried pickles, a huge basket of beer-battered spears. The beer selection offers 16 interesting beers on tap, including some good local options. This place is a little less sports-focused than Aubree’s, but the food is better. You may also want to check out the Hudson Automobile Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum, both located in Depot Town. Fans 2 The student section has gotten better in recent years, and works well with the pep band to provide some atmosphere. Otherwise, the crowd seems pretty ambivalent except for the occasional threat of catching a t-shirt thrown by a member of the cheerleading squad after a three point basket. The issue at Eastern Michigan comes down to a lack of attendance. The low point occurred when the team hosted a game for the College Insiders Tournament in 2014, and only 373 fans showed up. This was for a postseason home basketball game! The Eagles drew fewer than 1,000 fans for the 2013-2014 season, and similar unspectacular numbers in 2015. Access 5 Parking is free, and there is plenty of it. Concourses are wide and easily handicap accessible. Bathrooms are small, but there are plenty of them so you shouldn’t expect a line, even if they do get a crowd (which they probably won’t). Traffic shouldn’t be a problem, and you are within a couple of miles of both I-94 and M-23. Overall, this is a very accessible venue. Return on Investment 4 Eastern Michigan University is doing a good job of doing everything possible to attract fans to the Convocation Center. Parking is free, concession prices are very reasonable, and tickets are cost effective. Tickets are only $12 each, with youth (12 and under) only $7. The fact remains that the Eastern Michigan Eagles have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1998, and have been consistently bad. However, while the experience is by no means memorable, it is worth the price you will pay. Extras 2 One extra point for the efforts that the school is making to attract fans, including a beautiful new scoreboard, free parking, and other reasonable price points. An additional point for the retired numbers for George “The Iceman” Gervin, Earl Boykins, and Grant Long. All had significant college and pro careers. Final Thoughts It’s a shame that more people don’t see games at Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center. It is a fine, but empty facility. A winning team usually cures all. Hopefully the Eagles can find their way back to postseason success and fans can enjoy their basketball arena.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 George Mason Softball Stadium 4601 Rapidan River Road Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website George Mason Softball Stadium website Year Opened: N/A Capacity: 700 Patriot Games The George Mason Softball Stadium is the home to the George Mason University Patriots softball team. Located on the school’s campus in Fairfax, Virginia, the stadium underwent major renovations in 2009 and can seat up to 700 fans, including berm seating. Food & Beverage 2 There is a food truck which sometimes shows up to GMU games which has a limited but decent enough selection. Meals include burgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), and chicken tenders ($8). Fries are $4 by themselves and can be added to any meal for $3. Other options include nachos ($5), pretzels ($4), cookies and candy ($3), brownies ($4), and chips ($2). Powerade and soda are available for $4 and bottled water for $3. On cold days, coffee and hot chocolate are available for $3 each. Atmosphere 3 The GMU Softball Stadium is a small but intimate environment. There is a set of bleachers without backs behind home plate and additional seating is available on grass berms down the lines. Fans can bring blankets or lawn chairs and sit there. A scoreboard in right-centerfield shows the basic information but nothing else. The atmosphere here is pretty standard – a public address announcer and music between innings and before each batter. There is not much else going on, but that is not unexpected at this level. Neighborhood 3 George Mason’s campus is located in suburban Fairfax County, just across the border from the City of Fairfax, which like all cities in Virginia is a politically separate entity from any county. This confusing situation aside, Fairfax is a typical suburb located about 25 miles outside of Washington, D.C. The University Mall shopping center is located across the street from campus and features Brion’s Grille as well as several chain places and a movie theatre. The 29 Diner is a local favorite as well. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and eat before or after the game. Fans 2 The Patriots do not draw well and most of the fans who do show up are friends and family of the players. When we went, there were as many fans as the opposing team as there were for the Patriots. Those who do show up can get into the game, but there simply aren’t that many of them. Unfortunately, this is pretty standard for college softball in this part of the country. Access 3 George Mason’s campus is about six miles off the Capital Beltway (I-495) or three miles off I-66. Once you’re on campus, there is ample parking available near the stadium, either right outside it or in nearby lots. If you must use public transit, you will use the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line, but this is about five miles away. A shuttle to campus is available but lets you off nowhere near the stadium. Despite the name, the Virginia Square/GMU station should not be used as it serves Mason’s satellite campus in Arlington, many miles away. There are restrooms available on the concourse. While small, they are of ample size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and concessions are affordable. However, there is not enough here to get the top rating. Extras 2 There are free programs available next to the press box. Look for the banner in centerfield honoring Nakoma Sours, an All-American centerfielder for the Patriots who was killed in a car crash during her sophomore year in 1995. Final Thoughts College softball is simply not a huge deal in most of the country, and George Mason is no exception. While it’s hard to argue with the chance to spend an afternoon watching sports at no cost, regardless of the circumstances, there isn’t a whole lot going on here to encourage non-locals to make the trip.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 George Mason Stadium 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website George Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 Patriot Games The George Mason Patriots men’s soccer team plays its home games in the 5,000 seat George Mason Stadium. The venue is located in a complex which also includes the GMU Field House as well as Spuhler Field , home of the school’s baseball team. In addition to hosting soccer, George Mason Stadium hosts the Patriots’ lacrosse and track and field teams. It has previously hosted some D.C. United matches in the U.S. Open Cup and other lesser tournaments, but the team now plays those at its new stadium, Audi Field . Food & Beverage 2 There is a university food truck parked on the north side of the stadium by the entrance during games. The options are somewhat limited. Main courses include hamburgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), chicken sandwiches ($5), and a chicken tender basket with fries for $8. Fries can be added to any of the other options for $3 and are $4 by themselves. Nachos are $5, hot pretzels are $4, chips are $2, candy and cookies are $3 each, and brownies are $4. For those looking for drinks, water is $3 while soda and Powerade are $4. Atmosphere 2 All the seats in George Mason Stadium are on one side of the field, and are uncomfortable metal bleachers. There is a walking path and a running track separating the stands from the field, so even the front rows are far away from the action. A scoreboard is located in one corner of the field and shows corner kicks and shots on goal in addition to the basic information. Unfortunately, Mason doesn’t really do much to keep fans engaged here. They will occasionally offer promotions like free t-shirts or wings to draw students in, but they mostly just take the free stuff and leave soon into the game, if they even stay at all. A few of them do stick around for longer than that, but not many. Unfortunately, college soccer isn’t that big at most schools, and George Mason is no exception. There simply isn’t much going on here and the stadium is far too big for the crowds it draws. Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes local tavern Brion’s Grille as well as several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the city of Fairfax is a local favorite as well as a team sponsor. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 2 Mason averages only a few hundred fans per game in a 5,000-seat stadium, which isn’t very good. Most of those who do show up stick around for the whole match and cheer loudly at times, but there are other moments where it’s so quiet, you can hear the coach yelling at the referee on the entire opposite side of the field. There is a small student section called the Patriot Platoon that stands behind the visiting goalkeeper, but most of them usually clear out well before the game is over. Patriot Platoon at George Mason Stadium, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey It is disappointing to see them leave so soon, especially when the rest of the fans tend to stick around. At most college venues, the students are more passionate than the other fans, not less. While this seems to be true for Patriots soccer while the students are actually here, they are not so good about staying here. Access 4 George Mason’s campus is about six miles off the Capital Beltway (I-495) or three miles off I-66. Once you’re on campus, ample free parking is available in the lot stretching between the Field House and Spuhler Field (with the stadium in the middle), and more parking is available on the other side of the Field House in the unlikely event it is actually needed. Unfortunately, Mason’s campus is not easily Metro-accessible as the closest stop is Vienna, five miles away. Despite having the school name in the station’s full name (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU), getting to the stadium from there would require a 15-minute cab ride or a shuttle bus which lets you off at an entirely different part of campus. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station, as that serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, and is nowhere near the main campus in Fairfax. Although there are no restrooms in the stadium itself, there are some next door in the Field House which are available during games. Just take your ticket with you or let the person at the entrance know where you’re going so you’ll be able to get back in. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for youth, seniors, and Mason faculty, which is about average for college soccer. GMU students get in free, as they do to all of the school’s athletic events. Concessions are affordable but not especially so, and parking is free, so overall this is about an average cost for college soccer. Extras 1 There are free programs available by the entrance. That is about the only extra here. Final Thoughts Although there are some schools in the United States where college soccer is huge, they are a small minority compared to the hundreds of schools where few people care about it. Sadly, George Mason falls into the latter category. To make matters worse, the Patriots play in a stadium which is far too big for the crowds it draws, which dampens the experience even more. Still, if you’re looking for college soccer in the D.C. area, there are only so many places you can go. Fans can easily check out all six Division I schools in the area over the course of a season if they are so inclined. For those who are fans of college soccer, or just visiting sports stadiums in general, a visit to George Mason Stadium is definitely worth it. For the more casual sports fan, there’s not much here to offer.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Golden 1 Center 500 David J Stern Walk Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Kings website Golden 1 Center website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 17,608 Golden 1 Center is Also Green and Platinum The history of the Royals / Kings franchise has been one of a vagabond existence. It began as the Royals in Rochester, NY, then moved on to Cincinnati for several years. Its next home was split between Kansas City/Omaha and resulted in a name change to the Kings to avoid confusion with the baseball Royals. In 1985, it relocated to Sacramento, hoping to break the seeming jinx of being a small market franchise competing against the larger metropolitan areas. The team is now celebrating its 35th anniversary in California’s capitol city. However as late as 2010, the team was rumored to be moving to either Anaheim or Seattle due to an unsatisfactory arena arrangement and a losing record. That changed in 2016, as the city and a new ownership group opened the Golden 1 Center as the anchor for the new Downtown Commons (DOCO) district in downtown Sacramento. The 17,608-seat venue replaced the aging Sleep Train Arena (formerly ARCO Arena). The arena features 10,000 lower level seats with 34 luxury suites and 48 loft style suites. The remaining 7,000 upper level seats are steeply pitched so that the sight lines anywhere in the arena are excellent. What really sets the Golden 1 Center apart from its NBA brethren is its commitment to be the greenest and most environmentally friendly venue in professional sports. This has resulted in receiving a Platinum LEED certification, the top recognition for being environmentally sustainable in the world. This is accomplished through virtually every aspect of the arena’s operation. The venue is the only professional sports arena in the world to operate totally on solar power, thanks to solar panels covering the roof. The facility is cooled by opening 80-foot-high hangar doors to allow the Delta breezes prevalent in the area to flow through the arena. The greenery on the exterior walls of the facility includes food sources for the concession stands. Food & Beverage 5 One of the first things you need to know is that Sacramento is known as America’s Farm to Fork Capital. The concessions at Golden 1 Center are notable for the absence of the large corporate style stands. The Kings have a policy of having 90% of its concessions come from local businesses and farms within a 150-mile radius of the arena. This is known as the “Food to Court” principle. This reduces the carbon footprint by lessening the distance trucks or trains travel to deliver the foods. It also supports the local business community. Any leftover foods at the end of the game are either donated to area shelters or used for composting if it is in a half-eaten state. This reduces waste and saves room in area landfills. What this means for fans is guaranteed fresh foods and a wonderful variety of vendors to choose from. Amongst the locally owned businesses serving the crowds are Big Cheese Dog House, Block Butcher Bar Sandwiches, Café Bernardo, Centro Cocina Mexicano, El Jefe, Lowbrau Bierhall, Paragary’s Pizza, Petra Greek Market Café and Smokehouse BBQ. You’ll feel like your meal came straight from the farmer’s market! A sampling of prices for some of the more unique menu offering includes lamb and beef Gyros ($12), veggie burrito bowls ($13), fish tacos ($12), lemongrass tofu bowls ($12) and grass-fed burgers ($12). Beverage selections include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), bottled water is $6 and domestic beers go for $13. Sacramento is also known as a craft brewing hotbed. Locally sourced beers include Sierra Nevada, Sactown Union, Oak Park Brewing, Kneedeep Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing, Out of Bounds Brewing and Bear Republic. These beers sell for between $14 – $16. Atmosphere 4 Once inside the arena you will be very impressed by the openness of the facility. If you enter through the main gate, you will soon come to the plaza overlooking the playing court. It is a great place for a selfie. The venue offers wide concourses and the seats are wider than you find in most modern arenas, making for a very comfortable experience for the next few hours. The concourses are open to the court so you should not miss any of the action The Kings owner made his fortune in the technology field and you will notice he did not scrimp on the electronics in the Golden 1 Center. The center hung scoreboard is one of the largest in the NBA. It measures 84 feet long (the entire length of a basketball court is 94 feet). The panel on the board measure 44 feet wide by 24 feet tall. In addition, two 25-foot-tall screens will greet you as you enter the facility. Neighborhood 4 The Golden 1 Center is the centerpiece of the Downtown Commons (DOCO) development in downtown Sacramento. The four-block area includes restaurants like Sauced BBQ and Spirits, Yard House, and Punchbowl Social. It also features movie theaters, boutique shops and national retailers like Macy’s and Urban Outfitters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront, the California State Railroad Museum and the California State Capitol Building, three of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions, are just a few blocks from Downtown Commons. Fans 4 Of all the markets the Kings have played in, the fans in Sacramento are by far the most loyal. The Kings are the only top-level professional team in the area, so there is little competition for the sports dollar in a household. Since moving to Sacramento, the Kings have won only two division titles, as they play in the very tough Western Conference Pacific Division against the likes of Golden State , the LA Lakers , the LA Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers . The team has taken several of these teams to a seventh game of a series in the playoffs. There is great hope that new coach, Luke Walton, can work with the young and talented roster to build a playoff contender in coming years. Despite the lack of banners hanging from the rafters, Kings fans regularly fill the Golden 1 Center. Access 4 Getting to Golden 1 Center is a breeze no matter what form of transportation you use. 15% of Kings fans walk, bike or take public transportation to get to the games. There are five Sacramento Regional Transit (SRT) light rail stations within a few blocks of the arena along K Street. The Sacramento Valley Station is also nearby and is the second busiest Amtrak Station in the state of California. This all cuts down on emissions that can harm the environment. If you are driving, the arena can be reached via exit 515 B from I-5 (J Street/Downtown Sacramento). There are more than 13,000 parking spaces in and around DOCO. The Sacramento International Airport is only 12 miles from the venue, so you may not need to rent a car while in town. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Kings game average $48. Games against the Lakers, Clippers or Warriors usually will spike the prices a great deal. Parking at Downtown Commons lots costs $25 and can be pre-purchased at www.SacPark.com .Travel on Sacramental Regional Transit busses and light rail trains cost $7 for a one day unlimited rides pass or single rides for $2.50. Concession prices are typical of most professional arenas, but the quality and freshness of the foods is well worth it. Compared with larger cities, a Sacramento Kings game offers an excellent return on investment. Extras 5 The official street address for the arena is 500 David Stern Walk. This is a salute to the former NBA commissioner who worked tirelessly over several years to keep the Kings franchise in Sacramento. The Golden 1 Center is located just blocks from both the California State Capitol building and the Old Sacramento Riverfront, two of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions. In addition to Kings games, the arena has also hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017. The Sacramento Kings practice facility is attached to the Golden 1 Center and fans can watch the team prepare before a game through windows on the concourse. Public Art is also abundant at the Golden 1 Center. Jeff Koon’s Coloring Book #4 sculpture is hard to miss as you head through the main entrance. Final Thoughts Large venues can do lots of harm to the environment through heavy car emissions, trash, heavy use of carbon producing gases. Golden 1 Center is a winner in minimizing these harmful issues and should be a blueprint for future athletic facilities. Winning off the court can be just as important as winning on the court as far as our environment. The Kings new ownership is investing heavily to accomplish both of these goals.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S Ballpark Way Goodyear, AZ 85338 Cleveland Guardians Spring Training website Goodyear Ballpark website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,311 Goodyear, Great Park Goodyear Ballpark, opened in 2009, is the spring training home for major league baseball’s Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds . It is also home to the Indians’ and Reds’ Arizona Rookie League ball teams. It is an extremely enjoyable, good-looking ballpark. The main, home plate entrance has plenty of shaded places to sit and wait for gates to open, several sculptures, palm trees and other Arizona landscaping. The facility also hosts instructional league games in the fall as well as other events like car shows, July 4th celebration, local and national baseball tournaments, graduation ceremonies and more throughout the year. Note: At the time this review was written, the team was called the Cleveland Indians; they are now known as the Guardians. Food & Beverage 4 Baseball fans won’t go hungry at Goodyear Ballpark as there’s a wide choice of refreshments, entrees, and drinks for sale. The permanent concession stands are named differently but all seem to carry similar items. Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs (veggie hot dogs too), chicken tenders, corn dogs, sausages run $6 – $8. Snacks at these stands range from fries, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts to cracker jack, apple snacks, chips, and candy $2 – $6. Carts and portable stands line a good portion of the entire concourse offering different choices: Smokies Sausage Shack ($7 – $10.50), BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, chicken sandwiches ($10 includes chips), kettle korn, cotton candy, Steakadelphia (Philly Cheesesteak or Nachos $9.50), Burgertopia (an assortment of burgers and grilled cheese $5 – $10.50). Mister Softee (ice cream treats) is quite popular. Down the third base concourse is a shaded bar stand and there’s a sit-down bar down beyond the right field wall that offers popular beers on tap and red-cushioned sofas and chairs to relax. Local brewery, Saddle Mountain Brewery, has a cart and not only serves pints but also flights – I haven’t seen that before at a ballpark. Wine in a can (Mancan) is a big sales item here. Goodyear Ballpark Right Field Bar, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Soft drink and beers prices are about average for spring training stadiums in Arizona. Coca-Cola is the soda provider ($4.50/$6), while a vast variety of beer in cans and on draft ($9 – $11.50) is available for purchase. Atmosphere 5 Attending an Indians spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark is a delightful afternoon/evening. Traditional green stadium fold down seats with cup holders circle the infield and extend down the baselines. Plenty of wheelchair seats line the top of concourse. The seating areas get plenty of sun with shade available the top rows on the third base side and behind home. Berm areas stretch behind the outfield walls. The bullpens are adjacent to each other in left field in front of one of the berm areas. Medium-thick nets extend to the end of dugouts. Gorgeous mountain views can be enjoyed behind the first base side. The scoreboard sits in left field and shows the starting lineup, photo of player at bat, line score, pitch speed, and the current time. Fans can walk the entire concourse around the diamond. Drink rails hug the upper concourse throughout venue and plenty of tables and chairs are placed on the walkway. Tables and chairs are even underneath the scoreboard in left field. Gates open 11:30am for a 1pm game. Game activities for kids and adults include corn hole, bounce house, wide-open grass spaces to play catch and a mini-diamond is provided for fans to play some ball. The music volume is perfect. Fans can actually hear the starting lineups being called; music is barely audible when the PA announcer speaks. And, music is not blasted during the play of the game as is often heard at other ball parks. Music played between innings is not oppressive and fans can chat with each other. Sweet. There is the screeching female emcee running promotions between innings. The amount of promotions presented here exceed those at other spring training venues; it’s almost like visiting a minor league ballgame. Don’t visit the main merchandise store (just inside the home plate entrance) pregame, as it is mobbed. It’s so crowded there’s barely room to breathe, never mind walk, look, and shop. Wait till the game has started to visit it. Neighborhood 3 Goodyear Ballpark sits across the street from Phoenix Goodyear Airport, which operates mainly general aviation (non-commercial) operations. The city of Goodyear is about 17 miles west of Phoenix, AZ and like several other suburban areas, is expanding, building and growing. Besides the ballpark (which is a major attraction in Goodyear), the city is home to Luke Air Force Base, a slew of shopping centers, eight golf courses, Estrella Mountain Regional Park (hiking, trails, picnicking, camping, and fishing). The usual chain restaurants are also a few miles from the park like Oregano’s, Rubios, P.F. Changs, etc. For some place local try Haymakers (breakfast, burgers, beer, bourbon) or Pho House Restaurant (Vietnamese). Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, Transplant City Beer Co, and 8-Bit Aleworks provide the local hops in Goodyear. Be sure to check their websites for hours of operation. Most of the hotels straddle the I-10 interchanges and are three to five miles from the ballpark. The closest is a Comfort Inn. Best Western Phoenix Goodyear Inn and Townplace Suites by Marriott Phoenix Goodyear are other choices not too far from the park. For other sporting events, visit the same park and watch the Cincinnati Reds play their spring training games. The closest other spring training facility is Camelback Ranch (home of the LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox ). Phoenix Raceway is a little over eight miles from the park. Check their schedule to see if a race or event is being held. Fans 3 Cleveland Indians fans represent Ohio well during spring training in Arizona. Goodyear Ballpark has drawn a healthy average of 6,200 – 6,500 per Indians game these last few seasons. Omar Vizquel jerseys are seen spread across the fan base. Fans cheer on their players, good plays, and just talk baseball. Access 3 Goodyear Ballpark is located 17 miles west of downtown Phoenix and 22 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It is about two miles south off of Interstate 10. If coming from the east (Phoenix area), GPS will recommend taking Bullard Ave off I-10. A bulk of that road is under construction this season (2020) so our recommendation is to go one more exit west to Estrella Pkwy to avoid the road and lane closures. Public transportation is not an option to get to this ball field. Parking is $5 on mostly grass lots. As is common at Cactus League spring training facilities, golf cart type shuttles are at hand to bring fans from the parking lot to the home plate entrance, if desired. Though, the lots are not THAT far away and the temperatures are not yet sweltering in Arizona during February and March, so walking is do-able. The ballpark has four entrances: first base, home plate, third base and center field with the home plate entrance being the busiest and most scenic (it’s next to ticket booth). It can get crowded on the concourse behind home plate. Once inside, except for behind home, the concourse is wide open and easy to traverse. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $8 (berm) to $31 (premium field box) with plenty of other choices available. If purchased on game day, tack on another $2 per ticket. Certain sections have half price children’s tickets each game. Another offer is the Senior Saver – top four rows behind home are $27 plus a $5 food coupon is part of the deal. Those seats are in the shade. The cost of parking is on par with other spring training parks, as are the concessions. The game day program is $9 which is too much. Extras 4 A couple of additional things are worthy of mention. Fans enjoying a baseball game without the bombardment of extraneous noises and blaring music between every pitch and batter is heaven on earth. All spring training games should be like this. Right in front of the home plate entrance of Goodyear Ballpark stands a fiberglass sculpture called The Ziz. The Ziz stands 60 feet 6 inches, the exact distance between home plate and the pitcher’s mound. The Ziz, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Having a local brewery that serves flights is something unconventional at a ball game. Though not baseball related, Goodyear Ballpark holds two unique Guinness World Records achievements. First, 426 people participated in the Largest Soul Train Dance in center field in July 2014. Second, in July 2013, 1,957 people broke the record for Largest Gathering of People Wearing False Moustaches. Final Thoughts Watching the Indians play their spring training games in Goodyear, AZ provides an exemplary afternoon or evening out. Be sure to put it on the list when visiting spring training venues in Arizona.

Photos by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Greensboro Coliseum 1921 W Lee St Greensboro, NC 27430 UNC Greensboro Spartans website Greensboro Coliseum website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 23,500 (7,617 for UNCG Games) Tournament Town Greensboro, North Carolina, affectionately referred to as “Tournament Town,” has a longstanding relationship with the game of basketball. The Greensboro Coliseum has held the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament 23 times in addition to the Final Four in 1974, which was won by nearby North Carolina State. Although ACC Basketball undoubtedly has its fingerprints on the town’s history and culture, the UNC-Greensboro men’s basketball team is now the Coliseum’s full-time tenant. The Spartans moved permanently from the on-campus Fleming Gymnasium in 2010. The Spartans returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2018 after a 17-year hiatus. Food & Beverage 3 The Greensboro Coliseum certainly does not lack a variety of food and beverage shops within the concourse. What it does lack, however, is a variety of open food and beverage shops. Carolina Barbecue, Moe’s and The Golden Roost all have spaces on the concourse. Unfortunately, most of these specialty food places seem to be closed for UNCG home games. Given the capacity for Spartans games are about one-third of the arena’s standard capacity for ACC Tournaments and concerts, it is certainly justifiable that not every concession stand is fully staffed. In addition to Pepsi products, the concession stands offer the traditional “ballpark” fare with hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn that are reasonably priced. In addition to Pepsi providing the sodas, there is a decent amount of alcohol served at all events. Multiple cocktail bars are on the corners of the main concourse, including one sponsored by Harley-Davidson complete with a real motorcycle standing at the entrance. All bars appear to be open during Spartans games. Atmosphere 4 When you are a mid-major school playing in an arena larger than any in the NBA, there are some inherent challenges to creating an intense atmosphere. Fortunately, UNCG tries very hard to overcome those challenges, and in almost every way succeeds. Sure, the setup feels less intimate than a game an hour down the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the Spartans’ setup does make it a difficult place to play for the rival opponent. The Coliseum tarps off baseline seating and curtains off the upper deck beyond the first few rows. What is remaining are 7,617 cushioned chair back seats that put you right on top of the action. The only seating areas that might be less desirable are the upper sidelines near the corners. Because of the layout, these seats do not face center court. The spectator is then left turning his or her head at an unnatural angle to see the action. Despite the unusual angling, the seats certainly do not feel “far away” from the action at all. The new center-hung scoreboard was installed in the most recent set of renovations. The board is high-definition and frequently shows replays of scoring plays and other meaningful moments throughout the game. The time and score are prominently displayed on the bottom strip of the screen. Time and score are also found on the digital ribbon boards as well as older LED scoreboards above the tunnels in each corner at floor level. The in-arena announcer wears a Spartans jersey and gets the crowd fired up very effectively. The cheerleaders, dance team, band and mascot are all fantastic and play a key role in keeping the energy there throughout the entire game. Greensboro Coliseum Scoreboard, Photo by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey UNCG’s setup is a unique one. The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a giant arena located off-campus. Instead of looking at that as a negative, the Spartans embrace the building for what it is. It’s a building that has seen more college basketball history than almost any other. It’s a stage where basketball legends were born. It’s a stage that has hosted the most epic of battles that will be remembered by fans for as long as they live. UNCG is the team that represents Greensboro on the college basketball map. College basketball is in the city’s DNA, so what better way to feed off that than to put the Spartans on the most historic of courts, put everyone close to the action and play? Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood upon immediately exiting the arena is a parking lot. However, the arena is only a part of the entire Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Included in the complex is an aquatics center, an auxiliary arena that hosts the Greensboro Swarm of the G-League, and the ACC Hall of Champions. Especially during ACC Tournament time, the Hall of Champions is the place to be. Even when there for a non-ACC event such as a UNCG game, check it out. It’s hard not to get goosebumps while seeing footage and memorabilia of Ralph Sampson and Michael Jordan just a few hundred feet from where they played over 30 years ago. ACC Hall of Champions, Photo by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Since the Coliseum’s legendary event is the ACC Tournament, there are restaurants a short walk away to cater to hungry fans between the afternoon and evening sessions. Plentiful parking and a decent restaurant scene are qualities that too often seem to be mutually exclusive. The Greensboro Coliseum’s setup provides both. For instance, Stamey’s Barbecue is a local favorite just across the street. Two of the finest hotels in Greensboro – The Proximity and O. Henry – are located a few miles from the Complex. If you’re on somewhat of a budget, an abundance of affordable Marriott and Hilton brands at the Piedmont Triad International Airport will get the job done. Fans 5 When you hail from the Tar Heel State, basketball fandom isn’t a suggestion as much as a de facto requirement. With the program making more and more progress each year, the Spartans’ fan base is a growing and emerging one. If you closed your eyes and listened to the crowd roar during crunch time of a close game, you might think you were at an ACC matchup nearby. Although attendance numbers are obviously less than larger schools in the surrounding area, the UNCG fan base is pound-for-pound one of the most passionate in the country. The entire arena rises to its feet at tip-off and throughout key moments in the game. The fan base also very much identifies with their team’s aggressive style of play. The fans feed off the Spartans’ hard work and determination, and the team’s confidence rises as the noise level does. It’s understandable how a young, inexperienced player could be rattled when the intensity level ratchets up the way it does. Access 4 Greensboro is a town of 290,000 as of 2019. Despite being a larger city, it is very easy to navigate. Traffic is rarely worse than average, at least when entering and exiting an event. The Coliseum is located a mile or two from Interstate 40, which is the major interstate that runs through Greensboro. U.S. Highway 29 is the major north-to-south freeway that services the town. Parking is usually available at a $5 rate inside the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. No matter which direction you need to go to get to or from the game, it should be about as easy as it gets. Piedmont Triad International Airport is located about 10 miles away from the Coliseum on the west end of town. As for on the inside, tickets offices and will call are located inside the main lobby. They can get a little backed up closer to tip-off, so you’re better off getting there early or buying tickets through their website beforehand. Security is more thorough than it is at most other mid-major arenas. You will have to pass through a metal detector and have any bags checked. Once your ticket is scanned, you then enter the main concourse at the top of the lower bowl. There are enough bathrooms to ensure no wait times during breaks in the game. The concourses are wide enough to easily accommodate a 7,000 or less person crowd. Although playing in a huge arena can have its drawbacks, it does mean there won’t be any traffic jams, both in terms of the concourse during the game and cars in the parking lot after the game. Return on Investment 4 Mid-major college basketball is the best of both worlds, cheap ticket prices to watch Division 1 college basketball. The Southern Conference is not considered the premier conference in nation by most analysts, but it’s still a very good mid-major conference in the highest division of amateur basketball in America. Tickets start at $10 even for the biggest conference games. Season ticket holders mostly have the best seats in the house, but sometimes lower sidelines are available to the general public. It’s just about impossible to break the bank at a UNCG game, and they are worth every penny. Extras 2 Something incredible the Greensboro Coliseum does is show the game on large video boards at the ends of the upper concourses. It allows fans to travel the concourse without taking their eyes off the action. It’s a shame this isn’t a more mainstream concept in the world of athletic venues. And once again, the ACC Hall of Champions is a must-see. Greensboro and the surrounding rural North Carolina is the birthplace of the greatest basketball conference of all-time. Final Thoughts The Greensboro Coliseum is one of those places that feels different than others as you see the court for the first time. Some arenas have a unique smell or sound attached to them. The Coliseum instead has a unique emotional feeling attached to it. That feeling comes from knowing how many fans of yesteryear have sat where you’re sitting; doing exactly what you’re doing – experiencing an intense game on the hardwood; writing the next chapter of basketball memories for Tournament Town.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 H.P. Hunnicutt Field 150 Old Bluefield Rd Princeton, WV 24740 Priceton WhistlePigs website H.P. Hunnicutt Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,700 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Princeton Princeton, West Virginia has the honor of being the smallest town in America with a minor league baseball team. The town is home to 6,400 residents and the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League. The county school board- owned Hunnicutt Field serves as the home field for the Rays as well as Princeton High School baseball. The 1,700-seat stadium opened in 1988 and was renovated in 1999. Hunnicutt Field offers a covered grandstand with chair back seating in the area behind home plate. The remaining seating at the stadium consists of metal bleachers. All seating is elevated above the field level, providing fans with an excellent view of the action. Food & Beverage 3 Hunnicutt Field has a single concession stand located on the concourse behind the grandstand. It sells a wide variety of foods, including hot dogs ($2), hamburgers ($4), spicy chicken sandwiches ($4), corn dogs ($2), wiener kraut ($3), funnel cakes ($4), cheese nachos ($3), and walking tacos ($3). Drinks include Pepsi brand sodas ($3), bottled water ($2) and Gatorade ($3). Beer cannot be served at Hunnicutt Field as the stadium is owned by the school board. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Rays games is very similar to that of a high school game. It is played in a stadium that doubles as the high school baseball field and features players that are only 1-2 years removed from high school themselves. Many of the fans in the bleachers are parents or host parents to the players. Almost all the players on the team are known by their first names. The team’s top rival comes from a town (Bluefield, WV) located just a 10-minute drive from Hunnicutt Field. Neighborhood 3 Hunnicutt Field is in downtown Princeton, just two red lights west of the I-77 exit for Princeton. The immediate neighborhood around the park consists of the high school, several convenience stores and three fast food restaurants. Princeton owes its existence to the railroad, as trains carrying the coal from the area mines were routed through the town. So, it is not surprising that one of Princeton’s main attractions is the Princeton Railroad Museum housed in the beautiful old railroad depot. A second attraction is the McNutt House, the lone surviving house in the town from the Civil War. Most of the restaurants in town are of the fast food variety. Two sit-down favorites are Angelo’s Pizzeria and A Taste of Memphis BBQ restaurant. There are numerous hotels located at the Princeton exit off I-77, with the Quality Inn and the Days Inn having the nicest rooms and best rates. Fans 3 The two Appalachian League representatives in West Virginia compete every season for the Mercer Cup. It is given to the team with the best record in games between the two teams. Princeton and Bluefield both display a lot of civic pride in this friendly competition, and there are large turnouts for these games. Over the years, Princeton and Bluefield are usually in the thick of the pennant race for the Applachian League title. This fills the stands on a regular basis as the season comes to a close. Leading the cheers for the Rays fans is Roscoe the Rooster, the team’s mascot. (Why he is not Ray the Rooster is beyond us). Access 5 Hunnicutt Field is easily reached via I-77.Take the Princeton exit (Rte.9) off I-77.Continue on Rte.460 West to the Downtown Princeton exit. Turn right on Ingleside, then left at Tiger Drive.Continue past Princeton Primary School and Princeton High School. Hunnicutt Field will be just past the high school on your right.Parking is free in the lot beyond the outfield wall. Return on Investment 4 This Princeton is much more affordable than the one in New Jersey. Ticket prices are $8 for reserved seats and $6 for general admission. The concession stand offers a good variety of items at very reasonable prices. Parking is free and area hotels cost less than $75 per night. The Rays and the Bluefield Jays (12 miles apart) often stagger their game times, allowing you to get a double header in during your visit to West Virginia. Extras 2 Despite being a small town, Princeton is the hometown to some very famous actors and actresses. They include Jennifer Garner, Sam Elliott and Bob “Gilligan” Denver. Ironically the only place to watch the game at field level is from the picnic area located underneath the bleachers and directly behind home plate. Final Thoughts The town of Princeton, West Virginia has the distinct honor of being the smallest town in America with a minor league baseball team. The Princeton Rays are the main draw in town each summer and the locals are proud to call them their own. The rivalry with nearby Bluefield, West Virginia for the Mercer Cup each season brings extra excitement to the games.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Health and Physical Education Arena 3100 Cleburne St Houston, TX 77004 Texas Southern Tigers website Health and Physical Education Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 8,100 Welcome to the Tigers’ Lair The Texas Southern Tigers have enjoyed an almost unprecedented level of success as a basketball program in the SWAC. Since 1990, the squad from Houston has won six conference titles and made six appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The squad has done so from the comfort of their home court, the Health and Physical Education Arena. Built in the late 1980s, the arena is the perfect fit for a small-sized school that plays big time basketball. Food & Beverage 3 This ranking might be a bit unfair. The HPE (as it is known on the P.A. at the arena) has four separate food “kiosks,” one at each corner. As this was the last game of the season, only three were open. The stands that are open only take cash at games, so be forewarned. Two (three including the closed stand) offer traditional fare like popcorn, chips, candy, and nachos (which you can also add chili to). The closed stand appeared to also offer hot dogs, turkey legs and beer. The star attraction in the concessions department, however, is the chicken wings. You get a boat/basket full for $8 and they are easily the most popular item as fans queue up in deep waiting lines to get them. Another non-traditional concession favorite is their offering of the Cajun favorite boudain. For $6, you get an order of the sausage treat (still in its casing) and bread. Also, be sure to make a stop by Mam’s Sno Balls for some sweet treats. These made to order snow cones are also popular among the home crowd. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere, as would be expected for a program that has enjoyed as much success a Texas Southern, was electric at the HPE. The P.A. announcer does a tremendous job of getting the crowd fired up from the opening tip. The game starts with the tradition of no one rooting for the home team sitting until the Tigers score a bucket. The rafters surrounding the Coach Moreland Court are adorned with the banners of past success and the retired numbers of former great players. This adds the air of importance befitting of a program that has attained the success Texas Southern has. As always, college athletics are greatly aided by the pageantry that goes into games. The Ocean of Soul TSU Band and the Tigress Sensations Dance Team add even more fun and excitement to the atmosphere. Neighborhood 2 The HPE is located right on the Texas Southern campus. The campus itself is located right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. As such, there is not much in the way of attractions in the area. A few small restaurants can be found in the area, but that is about it in terms of things to see or do. On the plus side, Houston is the fourth largest city in the country. Within 15-30 minutes of leaving the campus in any direction, you can find a wealth of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. You will just need to do a bit of research beforehand. Fans 4 TSU fans are flat out fantastic. They are vocal, passionate, and tuned into the game for its entirety. The most exciting thing in paying attention to the crowd is the vast range in ages of Tiger fans in attendance. The stands are packed with a great mix of young and old fans alike. You can literally see multiple generations of TSU fans at each home game. While the HPE is designed to hold over 8,000 fans, do not expect to get that type of capacity crowd. However, with the fans that do attend – you won’t be able to help but get caught up in their frenzied passion for their team. Access 3 You can get to the Health and Physical Education Arena at Texas Southern fairly easily off of either Interstates 69 or 45, depending on where you are coming from in the city. Off the highway though, you will need to make sure your GPS is working! You will have to navigate through a neighborhood to find the arena. The great public transportation system that Houston has in its downtown area – aside from public buses – does not extend to this part of the city. Once there though, there is ample parking in the garage right behind the arena. Parking is often free for some home games. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets for Tigers home games start at $10 per person. This is a great bargain as there really aren’t any bad sight lines in the building. If you couple this with the relatively low cost for concessions (the chicken wings at $8 are the highest costing item on the menu) and the opportunity to pay $0 for parking, this makes for a great evening of NCAA basketball. Playing in the SWAC and playing many non-conference games annually against a horde of some of the game’s biggest programs affords attendees to the HPE the chance to see some really great college basketball for a price that is easy on the old pocket book. Extras 2 While there aren’t many frills at the Health and Physical Education Arena, there are a couple of standout “extras” to highlight. In addition to the dance team, the Tigers cheerleaders are also great. They add the right amount of emphasis at the right moments in the game to keep the crowd energized and focused on the action on the court. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the school mascot, Tommy the Tiger. This guy is high-energy personified. When he isn’t heckling opposing players behind the basket on free throw attempts, he is seeking out small children and fans on the baselines to hug. When he isn’t doing that he is – no joke – hurdling trashcans at full speed sprints. “He” exemplifies what a great college mascot should be. Final Thoughts I didn’t have much in the way of preconceived thoughts prior to coming to the game at Health and Physical Education Arena. Upon visiting it, I came away impressed with the building (despite its obvious age) and the TSU fan base. This campus is full of legacy, history, and culture. The basketball team has a glorious winning tradition. If you are in Houston and looking for some big time hoops action, head over to the HPE.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Herbert Field 101 N College Ave Annville, PA 17003 Flying Dutchmen website Herbert Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 750 Soccer In The Valley Lebanon Valley College is a liberal arts college located in downtown Annville, PA. Annville is in Lebanon County, east of Hershey. Founded in 1866 Lebanon Valley has approximately 1,600 Undergraduates. The Princeton Review has recognized the college as “A Best in the Northeast” and they have over thirty-five fields of study . Football was started in 1973 at Lebanon Valley College. Lebanon Valley College is a member of NCAA Division III, and competes in the MAC Commonwealth Conference (half of the two-conference Middle Atlantic Conferences). The men’s soccer team shares Herbert Field with the college’s women’s soccer team. The school’s teams are called the Flying Dutchmen, and its mascot is the Dutchman. The college is known as the home of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Champions in basketball. That 1994 championship victory over New York University was a controversial affair when a Dutchmen shot that won the game may or may not have been by the sound of the buzzer. But no matter what the school hosts that championship proudly, as they should. Herbert Field was named for alumnus Dr. Rex A. Herbert ’72, a local orthopedic surgeon and former owner of the Harrisburg Heat indoor soccer team. According to the school: “In the summer of 2000, Lebanon Valley shared its facility with the U.S. Women’s National Team and the United States Under-23 Men’s Olympic Soccer Team. The women’s team prepared for the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup tournament, which took place at nearby Hersheypark Stadium. Earlier that spring, the soccer stadium hosted practices for the men’s team as it participated in the CONCACAF Men’s Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Hershey.” Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at Herbert Field. The game I attended had a very good Philly cheesesteak truck parked nearby. I was told by a fan this is a pretty normal occurrence, especially with the men’s and women’s soccer doubleheaders that normally happens. The food truck makes a very good cheesesteak and is well worth the pretty low cost. Atmosphere 3 Herbert Field was voted the 2001 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) College Soccer Field of the Year. It is obvious why, as the field is a beautiful and immaculate soccer pitch. The stands are molded into a hillside landscape to give it a unique identity. Fans watch the game from seat walls terraced into the hillside. It is a pretty unique landscaping feat that makes the fans part of the setting. The hillside slopes provide seating for many more. Neighborhood 4 Annville is a great little town of a little less than 5,000 about 8 miles east of Hershey, PA. The college is right in the heart of downtown. Funck’s Family Restaurant, Corvette Grille and Bar and Harper’s Tavern are all local establishments that offer good food pre and postgame. The Pennsylvania chain, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, is another option right in Annville. The food is good, cheap and certainly plentiful. J & S Pizza is a decent option within walking distance to campus. Fans 2 The fans are also very knowledgeable about the game and action. Many of the fans in attendance will be family or friends of the players. Access 4 Located on Route 422 between Lebanon and Hershey, Annville is easy to find and has no problem handling the crowds for such a small stadium. Expect that on busy game days you will hit some traffic on Route 422 and especially on Bellegrove Road by the athletic complex. There is a good amount of parking, unless many other games are going on. The athletic fields are located north of the main campus, separated by a railroad. Return on Investment 2 Games are free to attend. There is no cost for parking. The value is pretty good, although you are not watching Division I level soccer. Extras 2 Walk over to the Arnold Sports Complex and check out the LVC Hall of Champions, where trophies and other items display the history of the school’s athletic programs. Also make sure to stop in Arnold Arena and check out the 1994 championship basketball banner. Take a stroll over to Herbert Field’s next door neighbor, McGill Field, the baseball field for the college. It was the 2000 STMA College Baseball Field of the Year. Its unique design makes it a great field to watch baseball at. And I love the fact that the scoreboard is located on the other side of the drive you will go through to get to the soccer field. Final Thoughts Lebanon Valley College has managed to make a very basic, although pretty, setting into one of the better soccer fields in the area. If in the area, make sure to stop in and see if you can catch a match.

Photos by Meg Minard and Michael Risugnuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Holloway Field 29 Market St Newmarket, QLD 4051 Australia Brisbane Bandits website Holloway Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,600 Brisbane Baseball Basics Baseball has surprisingly old roots in Brisbane, Australia. The game was never a major sport–even in sports-mad Australia–but it does have a sizeable club following. The amateur Windsor Royals baseball club were founded in the mid-fifties, and after a decade built a permanent home in 1964 with Holloway Field named after the team’s founder Stan Holloway. Renovations in the 1980s added lights and automatic watering systems, as well as expanding the grounds from its more humble club roots. Prior to the arrival of the Australian Baseball League’s Brisbane Bandits in 2013, major upgrades included a new brick backstop and netting, new seats in the grandstands, and a refurbished infield and lighting towers. The new Holloway Field has 800 seats and can hold 1,600 fans for each game. The Bandits have just rattled off three straight championships in their suburban home. And while that locale doesn’t leave a lot to recommend it, Holloway Field is solid overall ball field and a cozy, inexpensive place to catch a ballgame, with excellent food fare to fuel its fans. Food & Beverage 4 Food selection can be a little limited at ABL parks, but Holloway Field provides above-average gastronomical options with a small food truck lawn in addition to the main food concession. The Roaming Pig provides choice barbie eats (A$10), Fire’n’Dough has fresh-made pizza selections (A$10-A$12), Dan’s Dim Sum Kitchen has the Asian favorite with Aussie flair (3 for A$6), and Mr. America has flag-adorned gourmet hot dog and burger options (A$6-A$12). For more basic ballpark fare, the Royals Canteen at the top of the seats behind home plate has fresh-grilled hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches (A$6-A$9.50). Australians love their beer, so you won’t be surprised to find a decent selection of local and international suds on tap and in cans from A$5-A$8, as well as wine and hard liquor for A$8-A$10. In a move to give the vapors to any American capitalist, Pepsi and Coke are both on offer, and water, soda, and sports drinks run from A$2.50-A$4. Call me biased and old-fashioned, but I went for The Yankee (classic ballpark hot dog, A$7 at Mr. America) and compromised with a local Aussie brew. More adventurous folks might want to try the Hound Dog (A$9 at Mr. America), a corn dog on a bun, slathered with ketchup and mustard; or the Angus Burger Deluxe (A$10 at the Roaming Pig), a cheeseburger topped with pulled pork and coleslaw that would certainly be at home as a “dare eat” at any US minor league park. (All prices are in Australian dollars, and at the time of writing, $1 US was worth about A$1.25.) Atmosphere 3 Holloway Field is an odd duck, reflecting its evolution over fifty-plus years from a club-team park to one of the six professional baseball parks in all of Australia. The only entrance is a chain link fence gate allowing patrons to enter by first base. Three sets of general admission stands (with solid molded plastic seats) rise up behind the home dugout on the third base side, mirrored by one stand behind the visiting third base dugout. The main grandstand behind home plate (with far comfier flip-down seats) is under partial cover, topped off with the press box, the main concession stand, and the club rooms. Several luxury areas practically on the field are located next to the dugouts and on-deck areas, but they are only available to groups. Everything is connected by somewhat claustrophobic pathways that snake in front of all the seats. Looking out over the trees and buildings behind the outfield wall, you might miss the small, solar-powered scoreboard sitting in right center, putting out the barest of stats. Mascot Buster Bandit doesn’t make an appearance at every game, but the MC and the promotions team keep the fans entertained between innings with giveaways and contests that would be familiar to anyone who has attended a minor league game in the United States. In a nod to the developing baseball fandom in Australia, the on-field announcer often helpfully explains statistics as he announces them between innings and provides other didactic baseball information as part of his spiel. One thing you definitely won’t find in America is the post-game celebration, where fans can come onto the outfield grass and meet and talk with the players after the game, a nice community-building event (especially for younger fans) that will no doubt help the sport grow. If you’re going to a Sunday afternoon game or double header, splurge for reserved seats to grab some shade from the punishing Australian summer sun. If you’re going to an evening game, the view of the field is intimate from anywhere in the park. A General Admission Seat are right up to the home or visitors’ dugout if you don’t mind a little backache from the solid plastic seats. Neighborhood 2 Since their move from the downtown Brisbane Showgrounds, the Bandits have played at Holloway Field, where a sprawling Newmarket suburb has filled in the area around the park over the last half century. This sleepy locale has a serious downside, as there is not much to do around the park before or after the game. There isn’t a ton of non-chain food in Newmarket. Your best option for food is just to the west of the stadium at Newmarket Village mall. Many Australian and international chains can be found inside, but just to the north on Enoggera Road are two local ethnic restaurants (Indian Taste Buds and Pepe’s Mexican) that are your best shots for non-chains in the area. Of course, downtown Brisbane is chock full of options, but it is not near the park. Similarly, there is nothing going on directly around Holloway Field. Outside of perusing the rest of the sports facilities and parkland along Breakfast Creek, you also have to head to the city center to find anything to occupy your time. And not surprisingly, there also aren’t a lot of hotels in the area. The closest are two reasonably-priced B&Bs to the east (number 38 Wilston Village and the Swan Inn) and the Herston Place Motel. There are more options further east near the Bowen Hills Station, and obviously a plethora in the city center to the southeast. Fans 3 Even in sports-obsessed Australia and with a professional league, baseball very much remains a fringe sport. The stadiums are in the American single-A range, and the attendance averages between 500-1,000 per game, about what you’d expect to see at the lowest level of professional ball in America. Despite their recent successes on the field, the Bandits sit in the middle of the pack for attendance. That said, the field is intimate and scaled for the crowds they get, so it never feels empty. As with most of the ABL, the crowd seems to be made up of local families, ex-pat baseball fans from America and Asia, and local baseball enthusiasts involved in club and youth teams. This curious mix, however, seems into the games and following the action on the field, especially with the extra hand holding from the on-field MC. Access 3 With baseball a fringe sport in Australia, most ballparks are far from downtown, and Holloway Field is no exception, located in the suburb of Newmarket to the northwest of the city center. It is, however, one of the closest and most convenient ABL parks to get to from their respective city centers. Unlike some other ABL teams, transit offers an appealing way to get to the park. The Ferny Grove line from Central Station in Brisbane (A$3.25 peak/A$2.60 off-peak one way) will get you to Newmarket Station in under 15 minutes, and a further ten-minute walk from the station will have you at the gates of the suburban park. Alternatively, the 325 bus line (same fare) leaves from the Ann Street bus station, taking about 20 minutes to arrive at the same Newmarket Station. Driving will get you from downtown to the park in just under 15 minutes door-to-door, with taxis or Ubers running about A$15-A$20 one way. Parking is free in lots near the park and along the street. Crowds aren’t much of an issue, and the cars pile in and out to the suburban roads with no great difficulty. The main and only entrance to the park is along the path from the ticket booths just beyond a parking lot to the gate outside of first base. Crowds are small and convivial, so there are no problems getting in once the gates open about an hour before game time. Some of the walking paths in the stadium can be a little tight, especially by home plate, but are generally only an issue before and after the game. Most food concessions are in a wide open area behind first base, so they don’t interfere with getting around, but lines at the limited bathrooms can be an issue. Return on Investment 4 All tickets cost more at the gate, so call or click ahead if you can to save some money. The reserved area–behind home plate and covered–are A$20/A$30 (advanced/gate), while the General Admission seats along the baselines only run A$15/A$22, and standing-room seats are A$10/A$15. Food and drink prices are eminently reasonable for Australia (A$6-A$10), parking is free, and the slim program runs A$2. It is a pretty cheap way to see a ballgame, with the talent about on-par with lower level, minor league prices in America. Family prices are available for two adults and kids for each seating tier (A$70/A$100, A$40/A$60, and A$25/A$35) to encourage family attendance. Extras 4 With the departure of direct MLB sponsorship of the league in 2017, the diversity of team merchandise has dried up across the league, with most just having jerseys and hats, and perhaps a t-shirt. The Bandits buck this trend slightly, with baseball cards and some small tchotchkes on sale in addition to the hats and jerseys. The Bandits also have a little bit more flair, historical and otherwise, in the old park. Two large murals on either end of the main grandstand celebrate the Bandits and Windsor Royals. And most of the stands, as well as the club rooms, are named for Windsor Royals or other baseball luminaries from the area. Final Thoughts Despite its bland location, Holloway Field is a good park for a cheap night out eating and drinking at a ballgame.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Homestead-Miami Speedway 1 Speedway Boulevard Homestead, FL 33035 Homestead-Miami Speedway website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 65,000 NASCAR’s Final Four Homestead-Miami Speedway prides itself on being one of the top speedway destinations in America. That has been reflected in the track’s facility upkeep, modernization, and overall fan satisfaction. It continues to be host to a variety of events outside of NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend as well, with club racing and various track day events taking place on the premises throughout the year. Food & Beverage 5 Homestead-Miami Speedway has some of the best food and drink selections when it comes to pro sports. Whether you want traditional sports fare like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc., or you’re looking for something more exotic (fresh-pressed Cuban sandwiches, Polish sausages, sweets, et al), Homestead-Miami Speedway has you covered with locations all over the facility. The track’s concessions stands are located around the track in various locations, making finding food easy. The food selection is still stellar and quite impressive when it comes to how much you can choose from. The prices are also still solid, despite going up a dollar or so. For example, hot dogs run from $5 to $9, depending on what kind you want. Atmosphere 4 As if the atmosphere in South Florida wasn’t enough to make this a must-attend event, the latest NASCAR points system change has brought the energy at Ford Championship Weekend to a fever pitch. Fans roaming the midway are buzzing all weekend about the latest qualifying or practice results and their respective predictions for who will take home NASCAR’s top prize. Indeed, the Chase has produced one of the single most electric feelings at a sporting event in the world. The track could use some updating in places (for example, most of the water fountains were green and moldy looking, if they work). Also, where restrooms used to be monitored by a cleaning staff, they are often left all weekend seemingly unchecked. The grandstands show their age, with many of them needing replacement or tightening, as they are loose and give a lot when leaned against. Homestead-Miami Speedway has made improvements to the track itself, but could use some sprucing up of the simple things, too. Sadly, in years past where sponsor displays took up every inch of real estate both inside the gates and outside, now just a few main displays remain, meaning there is a lot less to do between race sessions. Aside from that, the track action is among the best in all of racing. The fans in the stands erupt with each pass for the lead, and know exactly who they do and do not like. Neighborhood 4 Homestead-Miami Speedway was originally constructed in the middle of miles upon miles of palm tree farm fields, but you would never know that looking at it now. In the decade and a half since its construction, the immediate area has drastically changed. There are housing developments all around, with each one growing more expansive and beautiful with each passing day, giving the area a true “neighborhood” feel. Not far away from the track is the new state-of-the-art Homestead Hospital, as well as a shopping center off Florida’s Turnpike exit 2 that has a wonderful array of dining options, like Olive Garden, Chili’s, Sonic, Portofino Coal Fired Pizza, Red Lobster, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chipotle, and Panera Bread. Additionally, shopping options are there as well (Kohl’s, Publix Supermarket, etc.). That being said, South Beach and Miami are a mere 30 miles north, available for those who wish to visit the more vibrant side of South Florida. The Florida Keys are also nearby, just 15 miles south. Florida City, which is literally next to Homestead-Miami Speedway, is also booming with new shopping plazas popping up with food options, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Jimmy John’s, Applebee’s, Golden Coral, Cracker Barrel, Krispy Kreme, etc. Looking for a hotel isn’t as hard as it used to be either, with a Home2 Suites by Hilton popping up in Florida City, as well as a few new hotels having arrived near Florida Turnpike exit 2, such as Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead. For sights, the entrance to both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park are just miles away. Fans 5 While recent years have seen the crowds at NASCAR races dwindle due to the economy, the new Chase format makes Homestead-Miami Speedway stand out from the rest – the 2015 Ford EcoBoost 400 sold out over a month before the race actually began. However, that trend has continued to go down as well, with the 2018 edition of the race only selling out the day before the big race. The fans packed the track for the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races as well, with the two series also having adopted a chase elimination style format. Indeed, NASCAR’s changes to the Chase have made the fan base that visits Homestead-Miami Speedway even greater than before. Access 5 While Homestead-Miami Speedway may not literally be off the exit ramp from Florida’s Turnpike, a few miles of rather direct traveling is all it takes to get there. Parking is extremely easy to find, while the signs are numerous and easy to read, as far as directing you to your destination. Traffic flow in and out is orchestrated by local police and security, as well as volunteers in the parking areas, so getting lost is very unlikely, and if it does happen it is not hard to find help. Entrances into the track itself are equally as numerous, and the lines to get in (bag checks are at every gate) are usually very quick moving. Pit passes for most events are easy to purchase, and grant fans arguably the closest and best access to drivers, teams, and garages in the world. Autographs are almost a certainty, either through a pit pass or via the multitude of driver appearances set up throughout the weekend. For road course races, not many tracks rival Homestead-Miami Speedway for how close you get to the action. All around the infield road course are bleachers set up for fans to watch the racing action at the closest battled corners of the track, all less than 25 feet from the track itself – it’s as if you’re sitting right on top of the action. Return on Investment 5 Homestead-Miami Speedway is NASCAR’s equivalent to the NCAA Final Four, the Super Bowl, and The Masters all rolled into one. For the price of a ticket to the race you get not just the event, but an experience. There are so many displays set up around the track during NASCAR weekend, and so many giveaways and contests as well, that one can easily go the entire weekend and likely miss something among all the fan areas! The fan experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway is made even greater by the pre-race festivities put on at the race itself. Prior to the 2018 Ford EcoBoost 400, for example, fans were treated to a pre-race concert by country music sensation Hunter Hayes, as well as driver introductions with UFC announcer Bruce Buffer. With the added knowledge that you WILL see a new champion crowned at the end of the Ford EcoBoost 400, you are also getting to witness history, and you certainly cannot put a price on that. Extras 3 For fans staying in Homestead-Miami Speedway’s camping grounds, the Homestead National Parks Trolley is there to take visitors to either Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park for free. In addition, every year there is a charity fishing tournament, with the best in both pro fishing and racing taking part in the track’s infield lake. The various displays at Homestead-Miami Speedway also feature driver Q&As and autograph sessions during race weekends, though the number of displays has greatly diminished over the past few years to just a handful of sponsor setups. But ticket holders for all three races get post-race tickets to join the championship celebrations on the front stretch. Final Thoughts Homestead-Miami Speedway remains one of the top destinations for any sports fan to visit. History is made every year here, regardless of what happens – you will see a champion crowned, guaranteed; few other events in sports can say that. Despite its aging flaws, Homestead-Miami Speedway remains a must-stop for anyone looking to experience the best NASCAR has to offer.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Homewood Field 3399 San Martin Dr Baltimore, MD 21210 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Homewood Field website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 8,500 The Home (wood) of College Lacrosse Johns Hopkins University has one of the most storied programs in the sport of college lacrosse. The team was founded in 1883 and has won 44 national championships including nine NCAA Division I titles (1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2005, and 2007), 29 USILL/USILA titles, and six Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association titles. The university was named after its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. And yes, his name was “Johns”, not “John.” Don’t look like an outsider by pronouncing it wrong. The university is one of the most recognized colleges in America. Thirty-six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with Johns Hopkins over the years. Famous departments in the university include the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Institute, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. There are also, of course, world-famous affiliated medical hospital campuses as well. The Johns Hopkins University’s sports team are called the Blue Jays. The rest of their teams are Division III, but the lacrosse teams are Division I. Starting in 2016 the Blue Jays men’s team is now an affiliate of the Big Ten Conference, joining Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Rutgers. Homewood Field opened in 1906 and is also the home of men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, and football for the university. Food & Beverage 4 There are no permanent food stands at Homewood Field. The school does sell peanuts and sodas in roving carts. What makes up for the absence of any permanent stands are the food trucks. Five or six trucks are at the north end of the stadium and offer a pretty amazing variety of food, especially for a sports event. One of the best options, if the truck is there, is the Elvis Got The Blues burger at Chowhound. Atmosphere 5 I have heard Homewood Field referred to as “the Yankee Stadium of Lacrosse.” That may be an overstatement (never mind that the new Yankee Stadium is hardly legendary either), but this is a facility that has hosted some of the greatest lacrosse players ever. Homewood Field does have one of the best lacrosse atmospheres in the sport. If you are a fan of this sport, you must attend games here in Homewood. Johns Hopkins does have a small pep band as part of the atmosphere. For 2023, the school has added a larger video board. Neighborhood 4 The University is located in the Charles Village and Homewood neighborhoods of Baltimore. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the Charles Village area where Hopkins is located, such as THB Bagels, Gertrude’s at the BMA, and One World Café. The Baltimore Museum of Art, or BMA, is located right next door to campus. Try and stop by and see some of the great masters of the art. It is a real treasure of a museum. And it makes quite a unique pre-game ritual. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the stadium is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. There is a Doubletree Hotel located across the street from the stadium. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Café on West Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Johns Hopkins is the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 5 The Johns Hopkins lacrosse fans are arguably the most knowledgeable in the sport. They understand every detail and minutiae of what is happening on the field of play. Access 3 The stadium is not far from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83). Take the Coldspring Lane exit east and go south on Roland Avenue and it is a short drive to the university. There is paid parking around the stadium and campus. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 to $15 with kids getting in for $5. You will see a pretty high quality of lacrosse being played so the prices are quite reasonable. You will likely have to pay for parking at varying costs depending on where you end up. Extras 3 You will see the history of Johns Hopkins lacrosse on display in this stadium when you see the banners and trophies all around. The sense of lacrosse history is pretty evident. The JHU Hall of Fame in the lobby of the neighboring Newton H. White building will show the storied history of the lacrosse program, as well as other teams on campus. The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place. The highlight of the museum is the Cone Collection. That collection includes works by artists including Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Final Thoughts While Homewood Field may not be on par with new lacrosse venues, Johns Hopkins’ status within the sport makes Homewood Field worth a visit for any lacrosse fan.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hoy Field 800 Florida Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallaudet Bison website Hoy Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 500 Bisons Of DC Gallaudet University is a federally-chartered private university for the education of the Deaf and hard of hearing located in Washington, D.C. The school is named for Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a pioneer in the education of the deaf. Founded in 1864, Gallaudet University was originally a grammar school for both deaf and blind children. In 1954 the school became Gallaudet College and in 1986 it was renamed Gallaudet University. The physical campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. The most popular majors at Gallaudet University are business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology. The Bison is a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (except for the football program which plays in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference) and play at the Division III level. Hoy Field is named after William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy, the first deaf baseball player to have a professional career in the major leagues. He played for several teams from 1888 to 1902, including the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators, and the Washington Statesmen/Nationals. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food options at Hoy Field. After researching some posted information about changes coming to the neighboring softball complex, it looks like a potential concession stand is on the design plans. One would assume with their shared locale, that the softball field will use the same facility. Until any potential upgrade, there is a table set up and a grill for small food offerings. The prices are reasonable. Atmosphere 3 This a pretty simple northeastern college baseball stadium. A small metal sits right behind the home plate and protective screen. There is a very simple scoreboard located in right center. There is also a PA system with an announcer and music is played between at-bats. The university’s softball complex is located just a few feet away. If you are lucky, both teams will be in action so you can go from one game to another quickly. Neighborhood 3 The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, a day school serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students from birth through grade 8, is located right behind the right-center field fence of Hoy Field. The wonderful Union Market is located next to the university campus, although on the opposite end of Hoy Field. The market is worth a stop. The 1930s Union Terminal Market has been renovated into a gourmet food hall with numerous local vendors selling a variety of food products. My favorites of mine are Buffalo & Bergen, DC Empanadas, Peregrine Espresso, and TaKorean’s Korean Tacos. Besides Union Market, there is very little to do in the immediate neighborhood of Gallaudet University. Be careful driving around before or after the game as there are some dangerous neighborhoods in the area, although many are gentrifying quickly. Not too far away is a stellar cocktail bar, Smith Commons, located in the Atlas Arts District. The dizzying array of complicated drinks will amaze you. And did I mention you are right in the middle of Washington, DC? The number of attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 2 Many of the school’s fans are deaf. But this does not mean that they are quiet. Fans of the university can be boisterous and are proud of their school just like at any other university. Other fans at Hoy Field tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. You may see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. The fans who do attend care about the game and are extremely knowledgeable. Access 3 For weekend games there should be plenty of parking near the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School. Weekday games will take a bit more planning as you will have to find spaces that are open to visitors. The closest Metro station is the NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave Station. A few years ago I would not have recommended walking the short distance between the station and campus, but the safety of the area has improved dramatically. One should still use a good amount of caution and use common sense. The biggest problem with using the Metro is the system itself. The Metro is frustratingly overpriced compared to systems in other cities. But it does get you to nearly all parts of the city, except for Georgetown. Just be careful on weekends when trains run less often or are in the single-track mode, as you may encounter some extended wait times. The system is having maintenance, mechanical, and money issues so expect delays and other issues at all times. It is unfortunate, but way too true. Return on Investment 4 The price, free, is certainly reasonable. And you will probably not have to pay for parking. So, the value is certainly good. The Division III level of baseball is not especially high but the school’s conference has a nice variety of opponents. Extras 3 The grounds of the university are on the National Register of Historic Places. Take some time to check out the university facilities. Parts of the campus are also on the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites and Historic American Buildings Survey. The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School has a very interesting statue located in front of its main building. Since it is next to the campus, one should check in and look at this large piece of art. The baseball and softball fields also share space with the school’s football and track stadium. The field is very nice and often hosts local recreating soccer games. Final Thoughts Hoy Field is a pretty simple baseball stadium. But the low cost of attendance means that this baseball stadium is a good value for the fan.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Huff Hall 1206 S 4th St Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website Huff Hall website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 4,536 Historic Huff Hall Huff Hall was known as Huff Gymnasium until the 1990s. The building is named after George Huff, a former major league baseball manager (Boston Americans which later became the Boston Red Sox) and University of Illinois Athletic Director. Huff Hall is home to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini volleyball and wrestling teams. From 1925-1963 it was home to the school’s basketball teams before the opening of the State Farm Center (then known as the Assembly Hall) in 1963. The Illinois High School Association boys’ basketball tournament was also played here before moving out as well (now played in Peoria, after moving from Champaign in 1995). Recent renovations have included new office spaces, some new bleachers and a floor designed purely for volleyball in mind. It also added a few new spaces to the old venue. The University of Illinois volleyball program is one of the strongest in the nation. Playing in the very strong Big Ten Conference, the Illini are one of the stalwarts of the conference. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand inside the arena itself. Sitting in a corner, it offers very light refreshments. Hot dogs are on sale with popcorn for $3. Coca-Cola branded soft drinks are available for $4. A Dippin’ Dots kiosk is also on hand for some frozen treats. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is where this aged venue shines. It is loud. It is an intimidating venue for an extremely good volleyball team. Even the best teams in the country may falter when faced by the volume of this venue. On Saturday, October 4, 2014 the school even hosted an event during a volleyball match called “IlliNOISE Night” where the crowd would attempt to be the loudest volleyball venue in the United States. The 4,536 in attendance that night hit 105 decibels in between the first and second sets against Wisconsin. The seats are generally pretty old. And I mean OLD. Frankly the wooden seats were not designed for modern bodies. They are uncomfortable and offer little legroom. There are also quite a few obstructed view seats. But strangely enough these quirks make the building even more special. A very small classroom building style hallway surrounds most of the arena. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood closest to the stadium is mostly made up of dorms and academic buildings, not to mention high quality athletic facilities. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright Streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post-game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for everyone. Try a pork chop sandwich and say hi to owner Pedro. Other great downtown spots are Derailed 57, Blind Pig Brewery, the gastropub DESTIHL, sports bar Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery (at a very hidden location at 308 N Randolph Street). There is a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter’s location also try Billy Balooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Downtown Champaign has another wonderful new addition with a Hyatt Place hotel. Stay here and you can easily walk to all the great establishments of the area. A shuttle to games is available for a nominal fee from here as well. Urbana is a bit slower pace kind of town. But there are three places that jump out as must visits. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House (201 N Broadway Ave, Urbana) offers amazing barbecue, but expect to wait in line to get in and the tasty burnt ends will go quickly. Crane Alley (115 W Main St #1, Urbana) is a nice bar with some great beers, and Masijta Grill (202 N Race St, Urbana) is a great Korean barbecue. Fans 5 The University of Illinois is known as a basketball school. The football team has not seen consistent success for over 60 years. So it is no surprise that the successful volleyball team is probably the second most loved team on campus. The fans pack this venue for all games. They are the reason this building is so loud. They know and understand volleyball, and help to elevate this experience into a very special one. Access 4 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. Huff Hall is not located close to a major highway, but most roads leading to the area will be four lane ones. A grass lot next to Huff Hall is free for parking, but will fill quickly. You can also look for meter spaces and garage parking near the venue. Park far enough away you could probably find a nice free space, it just depends on how far you wish to walk. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72, so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 5 Parking is free. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $7 for reserved seats. Youth can get in for $2. The prices are incredibly reasonable and that means that you get a great value for your money. A portable ticket booth is located outside the main/west entrance. Extras 3 Check out the wooden seats that could only come from a venue opened in 1925. You will never see seats such as those in a newer facility. That is a good thing, but these are still part of history. The hallways of Huff exude history. This is an old building that has quite a bit of life still in it. Stop and look around. There are often temporary tables set up in the arena, just north of the playing surface for clubs and college activities to show off their activities. You should be able to pick up a free poster or other souvenirs at these tables. A small souvenir stand is also located inside the arena itself. Final Thoughts The University of Illinois has a volleyball team that plays at a high level. They also play at a historic venue that should be a destination spot on its own.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park 2204 Henry St Ashland, VA 23005 Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets website Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 Home of the Yellow Jackets Randolph-Macon University is located in picturesque Ashland, Virginia, and has been listed among U.S. News & World Report’s 150 best national liberal arts colleges. Randolph-Macon’s athletic programs compete in the NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The Yellow Jacket’s baseball program calls Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park home. This beautiful ballpark has a capacity of 500 obstruction-free viewings and is a perfect home for the Yellow Jackets. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small tent near the entrance of the ballpark that has a small selection of snacks such as chips, popcorn, and candy. However, this is not a big deal as fans are free to bring in food and beverage as they wish. Atmosphere 3 Although small, Hugh Stephens Field is an impressive ballpark for a Division III school. There are seven rows of seating that run from dugout to dugout. Two center sections behind the plate are chairbacks, while the other sections are bench back. Many fans bring their camping chairs and set them up in the grassy area down the right field line. The exterior of the ballpark is encased in a sharp brick façade. There is a small scoreboard in left field that shows line score, ball, strike, out, etc. Due to the reflection of the sun, the scoreboard is hard to see in the late afternoon when the sun is setting behind the press box. \ Neighborhood 4 Randolph-Macon is located near downtown Ashland, Virginia, approximately 25 miles north of the capital city, Richmond. The downtown area of Ashland is very picturesque as railroad tracks run right through the middle of Railroad Ave. There are several restaurants and shops on both sides of Railroad Ave. Randolph-Macon’s campus and Hugh Stephens Field are located just north of downtown Ashland and are easy walking distance from downtown. While downtown, you will almost certainly see a freight train or Amtrak pass through as the railroad tracks are very busy. There are many local restaurants downtown including the Iron Horse, The Caboose Market 7 Café, Trackside Grill, and Origin Beer Lab. If you are looking for something sweet, both Sugar Fix Bakery and SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt are nearby. I-95 is about one mile from campus. In this area, you will find chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel and Chick-fil-A. A Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express are located in this area as well. If you are looking for other sports to visit while in the area the Richmond Flying Squirrels are about 30 minutes to the south and the Fredericksburg Nationals are about 45 minutes to the north. Other college baseball teams in the area are the VCU Rams who play at The Diamond and the Richmond Spiders who play at Pitt Field . Fans 1 Most of the fans in attendance are only family or players girlfriends. There is mild cheering from fans when the Yellow Jackets score, but that is about it. When we attended, there were almost as many visiting fans in attendance as there were Randolph Macon fans. Access 3 Hugh Stephens Field is easily accessible from downtown Ashland and Interstate 95. Point your GPS to the Day Field, the Yellow Jackets football and lacrosse stadium, and it will direct you to a parking lot that is behind Day Field and adjacent to Hugh Stephens Field. Parking here is free on the weekends and is also free along Center Street if the lot is full. Entrance to Hugh Stephens Field is easy as there are no tickets or security. There is a large brick entranceway that reads “Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park.” There are no restrooms inside the ballpark, but there are two porta-johns outside the entrance. There is a handicapped-accessible ramp to get up to the seating bowl and reserved spots for wheelchairs on the front row. Return on Investment 5 Hugh Stephens Field offers free parking and free admission for all home games. Extras 2 An extra point for plaques on the brick façade under the press box telling the history and donors of Randolph Macon Baseball. A second extra point for free programs that are in a mailbox as you enter the ballpark. Final Thoughts Randolph Macon is probably not anyone’s first choice for baseball in the Richmond area. However, if you are in the area and the Yellow Jackets are playing, Hugh Stephens Field is a nice little ballpark to check out.

Photo by Marcus Traxler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Huntington Bank Stadium 2009 University Ave S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 Minnesota Golden Gophers website Huntington Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 50,805 TCF Bank Stadium Delivers a College Game Day Experience for the Golden Gophers When TCF Bank Stadium opened in 2009, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers finally had their own venue for the gridiron. Beforehand, they’d shared a space with the NFL’s Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. At a cost of just over $303 million, TCF Bank Stadium was designed to provide a real college football game day experience, despite the frigid cold of the Minnesota winters that can sometimes set in as early as October. Nonetheless, TCF Bank Stadium has achieved its purpose. It’s college football at its best…even during the times of year when it serves as a frozen tundra of sorts. Upon visiting, former Golden Gophers quarterback Tony Dungy labeled it “unbelievable.” He wasn’t kidding. Food & Beverage 5 TCF Bank Stadium is without a doubt, not short on food options. From well known food vendors such as Domino’s Pizza and Subway, all the way to Midwestern favorite BBQ joint Famous Dave’s, there’s something for everyone. Some of the more interesting food options include Dino’s (gyro) and tamales from La Loma Tamales. Otherwise, you have your expected options: cheese curds ($6), hot dogs ($7), chicken tenders ($6.75), and walleye fingers & fries from Goldy’s Grill. And not to be outdone by Famous Dave’s, another BBQ joint known as Jax BBQ offers unique options such as prime rib chili, clam chowder and Philly cheesesteak. If you’re looking for beer at TCF Bank Stadium, here’s what you’ll find: Grain Belt Nordeast, Grain Belt Premium, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, Redd’s, and Leinenkugel’s. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is great. I was never able to attend a Gophers game at the old Metrodome, but surely it’s an entirely different experience. College football just never feels right under a ceiling. Outside is better …even if it’s played during the extremely cold Minnesota winters. Set on the University of Minnesota campus, there’s plenty of room around the stadium to tailgate and hang outside before you head into the venue. The corridors are spacious, although can get crowded just before the start of the game. Another benefit, meanwhile, is being able to see the Minneapolis skyline if you sit behind one of the end zones. Neighborhood 5 TCF Bank Stadium is situated on the University of Minnesota campus in an area known as Stadium Village. Nearby there’s student housing, along with numerous eating options such as Buffalo Wild Wings (directly across from the stadium’s main gate), the Big Ten Restaurant and Bar, and the very popular Stub and Herb’s, a pub grub that offers burgers. Just a bit further from Stadium Village, you’ll find Dinkytown, which of course, has even more options for food. Dinkytown can be a great choice to find good eats, especially if the restaurants near Stadium Village are packed before kickoff…something that happens quite often. Fans 5 Since taking over last season, head coach Tracy Claeys has done a good job keeping the team on the up and up. The fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and for the large part, focused on the gameplay. That’s not to say the mood is too serious, however. TCF Bank Stadium features somewhat of a laid back atmosphere as well. Games are pretty well attended, with vacant seats here and there, but overall, the fans provide a positively energetic vibe. Access 3 Access by car can be tricky. Traffic is sometimes bad and parking can be pricey. While the stadium’s surrounding space fails to provide adequate parking, Stadium Village does excel at something else: Providing easy access via the Metro Transit Green Line…a system that also connects to Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium. Also available is the option of parking further away and taking the Metro Transit bus or Campus Connector. You can park at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul for just around $10 and bus your way in from there. Not only is this a good way to avoid traffic around Stadium Village, there’s also somewhat of a tailgate scene in the parking lot. Return on Investment 4 You can find tickets on StubHub for as cheap as $21, or as expensive as $130 (the latter usually tends to be on the lower sideline). Whatever option you go with, it’s hard to go wrong here. No matter where you are, the view is pretty good. Most of the seating is on bleachers, so if you come during the cold weather, you’ll want to bring along a seat cushion to keep yourself from freezing. Overall, it’s a great game day experience for a relatively affordable price. Not only are you paying for what’s going on down on the field, you’re also paying to receive a great stadium atmosphere that really helps you get into the college game day mood. Extras 3 For one thing, TCF Bank Stadium spotlights Goldy’s Locker Room, a 2-story fan shop featuring all the University of Minnesota gear you could ever hope for. It’s an impressive store, so much so that it’s one you’d imagine could serve the NFL. The inside of the stadium, meanwhile, is decorated with banners featuring images of players from the Golden Gophers’ heyday, and there’s no shortage of tables selling even more Gophers gear. Also make sure to catch a glimpse of the team’s famed mascot, Goldy the Gopher, who likes to ride a scooter around the field during the pre-game. Meanwhile, the Pride of Minnesota Marching Band without a doubt, puts on an impressive halftime show. Final Thoughts TCF Bank Stadium is the perfect college game day experience. Sure, it’s not as wild as you’d experience in the large stadiums of the Southeastern Conference, but for the Midwest, it’s one of the best times you’ll have. If you’re able, attend a game here when the Gophers play their largest rivals, such as the Wisconsin Badgers or the Iowa Hawkeyes and you’ll come away impressed with the enthusiasm, the architecture, the stadium amenities, and so much more.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Huskie Stadium Stadium Dr S DeKalb, IL 60115 Northern Illinois Huskies website Huskie Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 30,998 Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium Huskie Stadium opened in 1965 and after a few renovations, the current capacity has been decreased to 23,595. One renovation that affected seating and stadium arrangement is the Yordon Athletic Center which is in the north end zone and opened in 2007. It contains a 3,150 sq ft. football locker room with a 780 sq ft. gathering area, a 12,505 sq ft. strength and conditioning center (largest in the MAC), an academic support center, an athletic training room with rehab pools, a 150-seat meeting room, video editing room, all ten coaches' offices, football equipment room, coaches' locker room, computer classrooms for student-athletes and a couple of boxes that overlook the football field. In 2003, the field was renamed "Brigham Field" in honor of Robert J. Brigham, a former NIU player, coach, and athletic director. Seating is only on the east and west sides of the field. The south end zone is grass and only has a small amount of standing room and tent space behind the fence. The stadium's AstroTurf playing surface, pioneered in 1969, was recarpeted in 1980 and 1990 before being replaced by a FieldTurf surface in 2001. The east grandstand construction of 1995 featured 10,500 aluminum bleacher seats supported by a steel-beam superstructure and includes 54 rows of seats. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions at the stadium are lackluster and limited. There are two stands on each side of the stadium. The food items are only the basics: Polish sausage, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and Rosati’s pizza slice for the main dishes. These items are ok, I would say they are not a must-eat. As with other stadiums, of course, there is popcorn, Dippin' Dots, and a cotton candy tub. For non-alcoholic drinks, there are bottled sodas which are Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. For alcohol, there are domestic beers Coors and Miller Lite. The “Specialty” beers at the stadium are New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, and Heineken and there is an NIU brand Kolsh-style ale, Dawgma. Atmosphere 3 Before entering the stadium be sure to visit “The Yard” at Huskie Stadium. It is free and open to the public. The Yard is located on the West Lawn within, well, yards of the stadium entrances and is the official pregame tailgate for all fans. Inside the “The Yard” is live music, local vendors, and a beer garden. In addition, once in there, you can watch football action from around the country on the giant video screen while your kids check out the inflatable games in the Kids' Zone. If you get there early enough, you can meet both current and former NIU student-athletes and learn what's new at NIU and in the community. Also, the NIU cheerleaders, Mission (a live Huskie Dog), Victor E. Huskie, and the Huskie Marching Band are in the area before the game. Getting into the stadium and to your seats can be cumbersome, especially on the west side. The west side has lots of ramps and staircases going up to the seats. The entrances to each side of the stadium are separate. There is no way to get to the other side of the stadium unless you leave it. So if you decide to watch from the other side, make sure you get your hand stamped to get access. Even though there are two separate seating stands the stadium has a good buzz/college feeling going on once you walk in. There are NIU flags/banners throughout the stadium. The NIU band is constantly playing some song and of course the Northern Illinois “fight song” too. NIU students, who get in free, sit on either side of the stadium. There are ribbon boards on each seating stand with game information and other graphics during the game. In the south end zone is the video scoreboard. It is small but it is readable from anywhere in the stadium. In addition, NIU flags and statues, and /or banners are almost everywhere. NIU has one traditional “Mascot” Victor E. Huskie. In addition, NIU has Mission, a live Siberian Huskie, running across the end zone dragging his ROTC handler after every Huskie score. Neighborhood 4 I would say that DeKalb is a typical small college town. There isn’t much in town besides NIU, but there are some good restaurants downtown and near campus. Since it is a college town, pizza parlors, and fast food joints abound, but there are a few nice sports bars near campus. The “official” bar/restaurant of NIU Sports is Fatty’s Pub and Grille on Lincoln Highway which is located southeast of the stadium on Lincoln Highway. The bar has a great atmosphere, and good food, and is home to the coach’s show. A must-eat there are the Cajun potatoes which are a holdover from the former tenant of the building, a Cajun restaurant. The food at Fatty’s is really good you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. On game days Fatty’s does get crowded but it is a great place to go. Another good place for a sit-down meal is Molly’s Eatery and Drinkery on Lincoln. The menu is more limited, but the sandwiches are good. There are the usual fast food places near the stadium, Culvers, Taco Bell, Chipotle, etc….However, a really good place to go of campus fame is Tom & Jerry’s Gyros also on Lincoln towards downtown DeKalb. The students love the food there and it is reasonably priced. In downtown DeKalb, two places I suggest are Eduardo’s for Mexicans and Lord Stanley. Eduardo’s has your basic Mexican fare and is outstanding. Lord Stanley’s is known for pizza, and beer, and is a good place to watch sports. While you are there you must try the “Willies” which are deep-fried pizza dough bites with red sauce for dipping. Many years ago, Chicago had the “Cows on Parade” downtown and DeKalb has the “Huskies on Parade.” There are many hand-painted Huskie statues all over town and campus which were commissioned by local businesses. I don’t know how many there are in total, but it could be a fun hunt to run around and try to find as many as you can. Fans 4 Attendance at Huskies games is low in my opinion especially considering the success the team has had over the past several years. When the weather is cold or rainy the stadium may be a quarter to half full, otherwise, the Huskies draw about 10,000 to 15,000 per game. The fans are loyal and loud, especially on the student side – they tend to stand the whole time, which could be annoying for some. They stay engaged throughout the game and enjoy yelling at the refs, the music, and cheering for their team, in that order. The fans on the alumni side are a bit less intense but still solid. Access 5 The stadium and surrounding area are very accessible – the crosswalks have talking speakers to tell you which street is open to cross. The stadium is on the west side of the Northern Illinois University Campus and about a 5-minute drive from the intersection of Interstate 88 and Annie Glidden Road. Huskie Stadium is very easy to get to with the parking lots being near the Convocation Center off of Lincoln Highway and lots off of Lucinda. There are several parking lots within walking distance of the stadium. However, to get close you will need a parking pass. The easiest lot, I think, is pretty far away at the Convocation Center which is west of the stadium for $15. I like this lot because is it an easy out after the game. Return on Investment 3 For mid-major football ticket prices are not bad. General admission tickets for the east side seating range from $15 to $25 and the west side is $20 to $30 depending on the game. Reserve seating on the west side range from $30 to $35 depending on the game. Of course, if you purchase season or group tickets they are discounted. If you look on the alum website or even Facebook sometimes there are discount ticket codes too. Premium seating is on the west side of the stadium and goes from approximately the 40-yard line to the 40-yard line. These seats have chairbacks or bench-back seating and are generally reserved for season ticket holders or donors. Otherwise, the rest of the stadium has bench seating. There are no assigned seats on the east side (student side, sections I-Q) so there is no reason to pay extra unless you want a bit more comfort. The stands are very close to the field so there is not a bad seat in the stadium. The cheerleaders perform in the north end zone because there isn’t enough room for them in front of the east or west stands. Extras 3 One point for the huskie statues all over town; it was a lot of fun pointing them out to each other as we drove to and from the stadium. The water tower near the football/basketball stadium has an NIU logo on it, which you can see from the field. A third point for the fireworks after each score. Yes, many teams do this but being so close they feel and sound bigger. The Huskies get an extra point for having a 1963 National Champion College Division flag on the west side of the stadium. However, there is no explanation of the Championship that I found, so -1 point. NIU gets a point for signs on the inside of the west side of the stadium, on the ramps leading to the seats, that show the bowl games that NIU was in and the NIU retired numbers. However, the signs are small and easy to miss, so -1 point. I wish this information was somewhere more visible especially one mentioning that the Huskies were the 1st mid-major to make a New Year’s Day Bowl, the Orange Bowl. Final Thoughts Huskie Stadium is not the best or biggest stadium but it is a lot of fun and a good place to see a game.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 INTRUST Bank Arena 500 E Waterman Wichita, KS 67202 Wichita Thunder website INTRUST Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 13,400 Thunder Nation INTRUST Bank Arena is a sport and entertainment venue in downtown Wichita, KS and is the home of the Wichita Thunder minor league ice hockey team. The Thunder have been a franchise since 1992 and played 21 years in the now disbanded CHL (Central Hockey League). Beginning the 2014 season the Thunder moved to the ECHL and the games just don’t seem as much fun as they used to be (though the level of play is higher). The Thunder began play in the Brett Brown Arena and moved to the comfortable state-of-the art INTRUST Bank Arena in the 2010 season. The arena celebrated its fifth season of operation in 2015. The arena has an interesting architecture. Near one of the entryways there is a structure shaped like an airplane fin. I’m assuming this is honoring the aviation in the area as Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World. Food & Beverage 4 An expected variety of food options are available at INTRUST Bank Arena at traditional high stadium prices. Some of the option available are: Chisholms East near section 101 offers vegetarian dishes such as wraps, salads, hummus, etc. Gotcho Nachos for Mexican (chips, burritos, and signature margaritas) The Dog Shack has your hot dogs ($4.00 – $9.00) depending on selection and most are served with kettle chips Rub my Belly Mesquite Smoked Barbeque offers sliders, nachos, bbq sandwiches, and sampler dinner ($9.00 – $11.00) Papa Johns offers pizza and other traditional Italian dishes Midway Grill has fried and grilled philly steak and chicken choices including two unique items: deep fried pretzels and deep fried vegetables ($6.00) Most combo baskets range from $9.50 – $12.00. A kid’s hot dog combo (dog, fries, and 16 oz soda) is $6.00 and may be your most affordable choice if eating at the venue. Draft beer (mostly the domestic variety – Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Shock Top, etc) is $7.50. The Irish Pub concession offers Guinness, Harp, Angry Orchard Cider, and a Uinta’s IPA for a little more variety. A Budweiser Brew Pub and Grill is located near section 110 for additional adult beverages. Pepsi (and Dr Pepper) is the soda of choice. Nice to see they have Dr. Pepper but I didn’t notice a stand with a Diet Dr. Pepper option. Atmosphere 3 INTRUST Bank Arena is a newer ECHL venue and celebrated its fifth season in 2015. It is an okay arena in which to watch a hockey game; somewhat the same as other newer venues with a few unique characteristics. It is easy to purchase a ticket at the venue (though tickets are an additional $2 – $5 when purchased game day). One must travel an escalator up to section 100 – which is different but not bad, and the concourse is plenty wide. To sit center ice, facing the bench, above the glass choose section 102, above row M (103 would be better but it looks like that’s sold out for Thunder games). The second level of the arena is curtained off to enhance the feel of a full crowd. All seats are cushioned, comfortable, and have cup holders. Attendants are not quite as welcoming as when the Thunder were in the CHL. One example is now you have to get a wrist band to purchase alcohol (not uncommon at all). But they didn’t check ID’s (I know I’m old and don’t look under 21 but why bother with the wrist band if IDs aren’t checked)? And, the band HAD to be on the right wrist (not the left) with no explanation except that’s what they were told to do. The temperature in the arena is fine; not too cold. A sweater or jersey will suit most fans. Scarves or gloves are not needed. Plenty of giveaways and promotions occur between periods: t-shirts, frisbees, chuck-a-puck and at the Halloween game I attended lots of candy was being distributed. At the same game, special messages were painted in pink on the ice for Breast Cancer Awareness – Pink at the Rink. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Wichita is a great city to visit. It has several museums and many art galleries. A six block sculpture walking tour is in downtown as well as an art walking tour. When visiting a Thunder game, be sure to take a crisp autumn walk to Old Town, a historic brick-lined neighborhood with many of the old brick warehouses renovated into shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. I would recommend visiting River City Brewery (in Old Town) to pass time before the game. It’s in one of the historic converted brick warehouses and it has a fantastic atmosphere, great food (one of the better burger/fries I’ve tasted in quite some time), superior tasting beer (try the IPA and any of the seasonal beers they might be brewing at the time of your visit), and excellent service. It also has lots of clever quotes and sayings hanging on the walls. A newer brewery/restaurant well worth visiting is The Hungry Heart. It is right next door, outside the north side of the arena and is a very comfortable place to have a drink (excellent beer offerings) and a bite to eat. I am told they are going to start brewing their own beers late in 2015. And to get one of the best barbeque in Kansas, check out Bite Me BBQ just a few blocks from the arena. Be sure to visit the Botanical Gardens, the Old Cowtown Museum and take a visit to the Museums on the River. Take time to marvel at the Keeper of the Plains structure at the meeting of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. Several hotels are in walking distance (1/2 mile) to the arena. I’d recommend the Hotel at Old Town located in a landmark 1906 warehouse building (don’t worry, all modern comforts are available). Some other hotels in the downtown area include Ambassador Hotel, Hyatt Regency, and Fairfield Inn and Suites. Downtown Wichita is a safe neighborhood in which to walk and I had no concerns walking back to the hotel after the game in the dark. Fans 3 Fans are into the game and the banter and they are vocal. The Thunder fans seem to like the fighting even more than the goals. Lots of cowbells can be heard. The one fan, Center Ice Steve, has been attending Thunder games since their inception. After every Thunder goal he yells “He Shoots!” and most of the fans yell back “He Scores!” It’s a nice tradition. Some of the die-hards notice a difference between the CHL and ECHL level of play; ECHL is faster. And, they are still getting use to the new teams in the ECHL and are glad to have some old rivalries back like the Colorado Eagles . The attendance for a Wichita Thunder game falls in the middle of the pack of other ECHL teams averaging 4,000 – 5,000 a game which is a tad lower than when they played in the CHL. Access 3 The security is not as easy as it used to be in the CHL days (or in the times we now live). After a thorough bag search each individual is wanded (outside the doors of the venue; not inside). It’s not a warm welcoming into the venue. Parking can cost up to $12 near the stadium. The Old Town area several blocks away has garages which are free to the public so those might be your best bet if walking up to a 1/2 mile is do-able for you. You may be able to find some free street parking south of the arena. Or, consider parking a distance away and riding the Q-Line. The Q-Line Trolley is a free trolley shuttle that can get you to the arena if staying at a hotel not within walking distance to the arena. Since it is such a new arena concourses are plenty wide, bright, clean, shiny, and people flow is smooth. Bathrooms are exceptional. The stalls are wide and contain a hook and a shelf, they’re automated and clean. There are plenty of them so there is no wait even between periods at a Thunder game Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is about 15 miles from the INTRUST Bank Arena. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices seem to be on par with other ECHL arenas. However, the up to $5 extra when purchasing a ticket game day is excessive. The price for parking is a bit high, though there are alternate methods for parking and access to attending a game in Wichita. Game day programs are $1 and are worth the investment. Food and drink prices also seem a bit high. Overall, the return is low to average based on the overall experience. Extras 3 Plenty of banners and retired numbers are hung from the rafters at INTRUST Bank Arena for when the Thunder were with the Central Hockey League (CHL). None yet for the ECHL as they are a new member of that league. Kudos to the Thunder and INTRUST Bank Arena for proudly displaying the hockey history of the team. Stop by and say hello to the friendly folks at the Wichita Thunder Storm Booster Club table on the concourse. Merchandise (mostly clothing) is available at a team store though no hat pins or pennants are available for purchase. Final Thoughts If travel takes you to Wichita in the fall or winter, or if you live in the area haven’t yet been and you like hockey, a visit to a Thunder game is a worthwhile entertainment choice. Downtown Wichita is a walk-able city and has several hotels, museums, restaurants, and a variety of other tourist attractions.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Independence Field at Chautauqua Park 1200 Bluff Avenue Owensboro, KY 42303 Owensboro RiverDawgs website Independence Field at Chautauqua Park website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 200 Baseball & Barbecue in Owensboro Independence Field at Chautauqua Park is the home baseball field of Owensboro High School during the spring but during the summer months, it becomes the home field for the Owensboro RiverDawgs of the Ohio Valley League. The Dawgs debuted in 2018 in the league and captured the league title during its inaugural season. The small ballpark is situated in Chautauqua Park which features a playground, a swimming pool, and other facilities. Although small by most summer collegiate wood bat leagues in the vicinity, Independence Field provides a small-town vibe for the people of Owensboro to root for during the season that is ideal for the OVL. The town was home to minor league baseball from 1936-1955 in the Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee Leagues. The Owensboro Oiler's home field Miller Park was considered one of the better facilities in the KITty League but it would be razed following the 1955 season. The owner of the land that bordered residential housing deemed it to be valuable for a ballpark. A small retail development was built on the ballpark’s spot that today houses a discount store, supermarket, and auto parts store. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand at the stadium that offers quite a bit of concession items to satisfy the fans in attendance. Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and soft drinks are more than reasonably priced. The ballpark also features a pork chop sandwich, river dawg, and dawg nachos. Atmosphere 3 The vibe at the games is mellow and the crowds are small, similar to high school or even college baseball in the area. However, the talent on the field is enjoyable for the crowd that assembles to root for the home team. Independence Field features a synthetic infield that was installed for the 2019 season and an outfield made of natural stuff. A simple scoreboard is situated behind the right field wall and two small aluminum bleacher-style bleachers exist on opposite ends of a small press box situated directly behind home plate. The sounds that echo throughout the stadium are the sounds from the players on the field, the ball hitting the inside of a glove, and the crack of the bat against the ball. Players in the dugouts are heard cheering and jeering on both sides and the few in the stands show their appreciation with a few cheers and jeers of their own. Neighborhood 3 Owensboro, Kentucky, has a population of 59,000 and is about 30 miles south of Evansville, Indiana, along the Ohio River. The city itself is known for its style of barbecue that features smoked mutton served with a sauce known as black dip. Various places offer this style of cue that includes Old Hickory Bar-B-Que and Olde South Barbecue, but one place attracts a loyal and national following in town. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn offers a lunch and dinner buffet of its award-winning barbecue that includes pork ribs, sliced brisket, and chopped and pulled mutton. The buffet also features fried shrimp, smoked ham slices, turkey and dressing, and homemade burgoo (a stew consisting of vegetables and barbecue meat). There is also an array of delicious desserts of pies, cobblers, and cakes available. Next door to the buffet is a take-out counter along with sauces to go. There are other places to eat in town that include The Miller House, Lure Seafood & Grille, Bill’s, and Colby’s Fine Foods. The bourbon trail runs through town at O.Z. Tyler Distillery offers tours and free tastings. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, Owensboro of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Science and History also provides places to see during the day. Smothers Park offers nice views of the riverfront. Fans 2 The sprinkling of fans in the stands is friends or family members of many of the players out on the field. This is similar to other smaller summer collegiate leagues, but there are a few faithful who are out there supporting the local club; they make their voices heard during the nine innings of play. Access 3 Chautauqua Park is located at the edge of downtown and only a few miles from SR 60 which connects with I-165. There is a small parking lot for cars and once inside, the ballpark is small enough that everything you need is almost within your fingertips. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a game is $5 and concession prices are fairly reasonable with a hot dog costing $2 and a soda pop the same. A very inexpensive night of baseball in a low-key environment. Owensboro itself offers a few great places to eat, tour, and drink. Extras 2 Attending a game in Owensboro provides the traveler to enjoy a delicious barbecue meal at Moonlite Bar-B-Q before the game, the lunch buffet is only $11. The food at the ballpark is also very inexpensive and quite tasty, just in case you are still a bit hungry. Final Thoughts The Ohio Valley League offers baseball in nine different small towns in Kentucky and Indiana with many of the fields high school or college fields. The small-town atmosphere, friendly vibes, and great barbecue make Owensboro a nice destination if you find yourself somewhere on the OVL map during June and July.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 J. O. Christian Field 509 Stadium Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 2,000 The Homering Huskies J.O. Christian Field is named for the University of Connecticut’s longtime baseball coach and athletic director J. Olean Christian. Christian served as the school’s baseball coach from 1936 to 1961. He also served as UConn’s football coach and basketball coach during his tenure. He was the first commissioner of the Yankee Conference. Christian led the Huskies to 254 wins and two College World Series appearances while serving as head coach. Baseball has been played at the University of Connecticut since 1896. In their lengthy history, the Huskies have qualified for 18 NCAA tournaments, and have made 5 College World Series appearances, most recently in 1979. Sixteen former Huskies have made it to the major leagues, most notably 1950 American League Rookie of the Year Walt Dropo, along with pitchers Charles Nagy and Roberto Hernandez. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand behind the visitor’s dugout on the first base side of J.O. Christian Field. It offers a basic menu, including hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Assorted snacks, including nachos, popcorn, cotton candy and pretzels can be purchased here. Fans looking for more snack foods can select Oreo or Reese’s Pie as well as assorted flavors of Dippin’ Dots. Thirsty Husky fans can choose from assorted Coca Cola products. There is no alcohol served at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 Veteran fans of college baseball in the northeast will find a lot that feels familiar at a UConn baseball game, including a small but dedicated crowd in attendance and a scaled-down gameday presentation that limits extraneous noise and distractions. It’s a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere at which to watch some quality baseball. UConn does provide a couple of extras not often seen in these parts. The Husky mascot, Jonathan, can be found interacting with younger fans. The athletic department offers a couple of contests during the game, giving prizes to the fan who can correctly guess the timing of the seventh inning stretch as well as giveaways after each Husky home run. Neighborhood 3 The tiny town of Storrs, Connecticut is dominated by the university. Storrs’ population of nearly 11,000 is overshadowed by UConn’s undergraduate enrollment of 16,000, with an additional 5,000 enrolled in graduate programs. The university is located over a sprawling 4,000 acres, and is largely self-contained, which is a necessity given Storrs’ rural location. UConn’s origins as an agricultural school help to explain its rural location. Fans looking to stay in Storrs will find their choices limited. Most fans who come to the area will do so as a day trip, moving on after the game to the larger cities of Hartford, 45 minutes away or Boston, located 90 minutes from the UConn campus. The twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located a short 45 minute drive from Storrs. Fans looking for places to dine before or after a Husky game will find a growing number of eateries on either Storrs Road or North Eagleville Road. Geno’s Grille, named for UConn’s legendary women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, Dog Lane Café and the Altnaveigh Inn are popular spots. Hotel accommodations near campus include the Best Western Regent, the Countryside B&B and the Hampton Inn. If visiting UConn for a baseball game, you must be sure to stop at the UConn Dairy Bar after the game. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953 to sell dairy products that are made on site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields. Visitors to the Dairy Bar can watch the cows being milked or the ice cream being made every day. Fans 2 While UConn baseball enjoys larger crowds than most of their fellow New England teams, typical crowds are still quite small when compared to other parts of the country. Even the largest Husky baseball crowd generally tops out at 500 fans. Most of the fans in attendance on any given day have a personal connection with the players on the field. There is a minimal turnout by the student body. While the crowd may be small, they are very knowledgeable about the home team and enthusiastic about the action on the field. Access 3 The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, Connecticut, a village in the town of Mansfield. The campus is a 45 minute drive from Hartford, the capital and largest city in the state. Fans wishing to drive to the UConn campus will be well served in knowing that no highway serves Storrs directly, and a drive through the scenic eastern Connecticut countryside is necessary no matter what direction one is coming from. The closest interstate is route 84, which runs in a north-south direction connecting Hartford with the Massachusetts Turnpike. From I-84, fans will have to navigate local highways for about seven miles to the UConn campus. For fans traveling by train or bus to UConn, be aware that there are no stations in the town of Storrs. However, the Union Station Shuttle transports round trip from the Storrs campus to Union Station in Hartford. The closest airport to the UConn campus is Bradley International Airport just north of Hartford. Shuttles are available to the airport from the university. J.O Christian Field is located on the southwest edge of UConn’s campus. Adjacent to the baseball field are several other athletic facilities, including the impressive Shenkman training center and Gampel Pavilion, the largest on-campus basketball arena in New England. Parking is available across the street from J.O. Christian Field in the large lot next to Frietas Ice Forum. Four sets of metal bleachers scattered around the field provide the seating here, with plenty of standing room available for fans wishing to stretch their legs. While there are no permanent restroom facilities here, there are a bunch of port-a-johns for use. Be warned that there are no paved paths at Christian Field, so be wary of where you step. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission or parking at J.O. Christian Field. Concessions sold here are reasonably priced, so you will not break the bank at a Husky baseball game. Of course, you have the option of bringing your own snacks to enjoy during the game, so it’s entirely possible to not spend any money during your trip to Storrs. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the gameday elements not usually found in this part of the country, including the presence of the school’s mascot, as well as the giveaways and contests held during the game. Final Thoughts As of the writing of this review (May 2017), UConn was moving forward with a plan to renovate and relocate several of their on-campus athletic facilities. This project will cost an estimated $46 million, which will be paid for through donations and ticket surcharges. J.O. Christian Field will be demolished and replaced with a 1,500 seat facility, which will have lights, a press box and dugouts with restrooms, and luxury boxes. It will be located across the street on the present site of Morrone Stadium. A new ballpark would aim to improve fan experience and help in recruiting. While J.O. Christian Field is among the nicer college ballparks in New England, it can’t compete with the larger college fields elsewhere in the American Athletic Conference. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.