Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jim Darden Field 11th and Maple St Golden, CO 80401 Colorado School of Mines Oredigger Baseball website Jim Darden Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 500 Oredigger Baseball What is an Oredigger? Based on what I can tell from the Colorado School of Mines logo, an Oredigger is a burro with a stick of dynamite in its mouth, and a backpack and shovel strapped on its back. It is the team name of all athletic sports of the Colorado School of Mines. Started in 1874, the Colorado School of Mines (known as the Mines) initial academic programs were focused on gold and silver and the analysis of those minerals/ores. Hence the name Oredigger, I presume. The Mines began playing in the Division II RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) in 1906. The RMAC consists of 10 educational institutions in Colorado, two in New Mexico, one in South Dakota and one in Nebraska. Originally known as CSM Baseball Field, the field was built in 1937 as part of PWA (Public Works Administration) after the Great Depression. The seating is built into the hillside behind home plate. Significant renovations occurred in 2007, after which the ballpark was renamed Jim Darden Field honoring the Mines longtime baseball coach. It is part of the Colorado School of Mines Clear Creek Athletics Complex. The 2007 renovations incorporated new lights, a new scoreboard, dugouts, new bullpens, batting tunnels, foul poles, perimeter fencing, a backstop, an irrigation and drainage system and restored flagstone seating. A new concessions/bathroom building was added in the summer of 2015. Jim Darden Field sits just below the Mines “M” mountain monogram and has a beautiful view of Golden and the Coors brewery in the background. It is said Satchel Paige once pitched here (although not as an Oredigger). Food & Beverage 2 Jim Darden Field provides one concession stand with minimal food options, but enough to sustain a fan for a two hour or so ball game (even a two, seven-inning doubleheader). The concession stand, called “The Ore Cart,” is at the entrance area beyond the right field line. It offers three hot items, several snacks and beverages, and a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream treat. Hot items are 6″ hot dogs ($4), bratwurst ($5), and nachos w/cheese ($4). Snacks include peanuts or corn nuts, pretzels w/cheese, chips, candy, and popcorn and range from $2 to $4.50. Drinks on offer are coffee/hot chocolate for those cooler Colorado winter/spring days, Powerade, Coca-Cola in the bottle, and Genius juice water. Prices range from $2.50 to $3.50. No alcoholic beverages are sold at any Oredigger game. It appears outside food and drinks can be brought in. While there’s not a slew of selections, there’s enough for a baseball game and the prices are reasonable. A merchandise table/stand is not available at an Oredigger baseball game. Atmosphere 3 If you like the ping of the ball on the bat and watching the game of baseball, a Mines game is a perfect afternoon sporting event when weather cooperates in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado. The pregame music is a bit too loud for easy conversation, but it is broadcast more for the player warmups and batting practice. During the game, walkup music is played for home team players only and it is not intrusive. Between innings, plenty of country music is played, however there is a decent variety of top pop songs inserted into the mix. Bullpens are outside the fences beyond the dugouts. The symmetrical dimensions of the field (real grass and dirt in all areas) are 330′ L – 409′ C – 330′ R. A net is in the way of all seats unless sitting on rocks down first baseline (sitting on the rocks doesn’t look too comfortable; some fans bring chairs to sit on or near the rocks). The main seating area is built into the hill behind the home plate. It has updated slate and brick steps but no handrails to assist folks with traversing up and down the steps. A few picnic tables are provided in an area just behind the infield net and before the lower hill seating area begins. It’s a delight to see real grass and real dirt at this college ball field. As with many college venues, expect to see the ball players and coaches grooming the field before the game. Within the past few seasons, a blue Mines halo has been painted around home plate adding a little bit of the home team colors: blue and white. The scoreboard provides the basics: batter number, ball, strike, hit / error, and runs per inning. It is a little hard to read during an early afternoon game as it faces the sun. It gets clearer as the afternoon progresses. The Coors Brewery can easily be seen in the distance beyond right field. When entering the sports complex, a picturesque view of the “M” insignia in the mountain behind the ball field is in sight. Jim Darden Field is between the softball field and football field and next to the soccer field. Neighborhood 5 Colorado School of Mines is located in the beautiful downtown city of Golden, Colorado (about 15 miles west of Denver). Plenty of historic sites, restaurants and pubs, and outdoor activities are just steps away. For a bit of history, check out the Astor House, Clear Creek History Park, or the Golden History Center. For the outdoor enthusiast, the Clear Creek trail system runs through Golden and is just beyond the parking lot of Jim Darden Field. Kayaking, tubing, sunbathing, running, cycling, and even gold panning are just a few of the activities available along the waterway. A free Coors Brewery tour is worth a visit as it also provides a quick bus trip around historic Golden, as well as the brewery tour and free beer sampling. Golden also boasts four craft breweries with Golden City Brewery just two blocks from the ball field. Woody’s Pizza is the place to go for eats with an all you can eat pizza, soup, and salad bar menu for $12. Other places worth checking out are Buffalo Rose Saloon, Old Capitol Grill (the former Capitol Building), and the Golden Diner (good for breakfast or lunch). If staying downtown, the Golden Hotel near Coors (four blocks from the field) and Table Mountain Inn (about five blocks from the field) are non-franchised hotels in Golden that may be worth checking out. For more popularly known chains, several are off of US 6 including a Hampton Inn and a Holiday Inn Express about 3 1/2 miles from the field and downtown. Fans 3 The most vocal fans are the players; not the ones in the stands. The fans are mostly the family and friends variety with plenty of parents out watching their sons on the field. A respectful number of visiting teams’ fans are in attendance as a handful of the RMAC schools are within an hour or so drive. No distinct student section is found though several fellow Mine athletes attend the games which is nice to see. Access 3 Getting to the ballpark is relatively easy as it is just a mile off Interstate 70 and C-470, and off of US 6. Free parking is found in a lot on the corner of 11th St and Maple St. A short walk from the parking lot behind the outfield brings fans to the entrance (which is a folding table manned by students). The gravel walkway from that table down the first base side towards the seating doesn’t look too stable, but quite a few fans attend games with walkers or strollers so it must be steady enough. The attendants at the entrance table are pretty clueless about the stadium and its history. Maybe a fact sheet including stadium history and other information would be helpful for those students manning the entrance. However, they do know where to direct a visiting fan for food, drinks, and brews. No pets are allowed – that point was made clear. Although the Denver light rail system has the W line that goes to Golden, the station is not very near the Colorado School of Mines. One can take the W line from the Auraria train station (the station where Metro State is located) to Jeffco Government Center station in Golden. After getting off the light rail in Golden, the number 16 bus makes numerous stops and can take up to an hour before arriving at the Colorado School of Mines. It’s a two mile hike to hoof it from the light rail station to the school so that might be a better option if using public transportation. For security and safety purposes, the entire sporting complex at Mines is locked and closed when none of the sports have matches. So if only a look-see is desired, check the Orediggers team schedules first to make sure the complex is open during your visit. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices run $10 (adult); $5 (child, senior 65+, college students), and free for Colorado School of Mines students. Concession prices are fair, and parking is free. If there’s a doubleheader (there are several of those throughout the season), a fan gets to watch two games for the price of one. If watching the game without the frills and antics found in professional parks these days is your preference, the few dollars spent is worth an afternoon/evening out. Extras 4 Printed game day rosters are available when purchasing a ticket; good for those who keep score or want to keep tabs on the players on the teams. Doubleheaders – two games for the price of one; go to the second game, no one is at the ticket table (in fact the table is folded up and put away) after the end of the first game. There’s something to be said about watching a game at a field built in 1937. The PWA-installed flagstone seating was restored in 2007, so I’m not quite sure how original it is now. With more and more college ballparks using artificial grass and dirt, real grass and dirt are nice to observe on Jim Darden Field. Final Thoughts Set in a historic, outdoorsy, lively neighborhood, it is worth checking out the ballpark and complex on a warmer Colorado winter/spring day from February to early May. Then spend some time visiting Golden and experience all it has to offer.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Rawlings Field Bartley Blvd Pueblo, CO 81001 CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolves website Rawlings Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 2,500 Pack Baseball Colorado State University-Pueblo is a public higher education institution based in southern Colorado. The athletic teams of CSU-Pueblo are known as the ThunderWolves and the motto of the athletic department is Developing Champions through Athletics. The baseball program for CSU-Pueblo began in 1964, had a brief hiatus from 1986 until 1994, when the program was picked up again and the team began prospering under Coach Stan Sanchez. The ThunderWolves play in the NCAA Division II RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) and have had winning seasons for most of those years including going to the 1996 NCAA Division II College World Series. They play at Rawlings Field on the campus of CSU-Pueblo, which is said to be one of the nicer ballparks in the RMAC. Let’s find out. Food & Beverage 2 The food offerings at Rawlings Field are minimal. This is similar to other RMAC baseball fields. Concessions are in the lower level of the press box in the entryway behind home plate and consist of hot dogs, nachos, candy and seeds. Drinks are Pepsi, water, and Gatorade. Prices for these snacks range from $2 – $4.25. It’s a cash only concession stand. No outside food or beverages are allowed, though that is not enforced at the baseball game. Atmosphere 3 The ThunderWolves baseball game experience is ho-hum. All seats are in the sun so remember to bring sun screen. A net is across the entire seating area which extends all the way behind the dugouts. Behind home base are four sections of seven rows of standard blue fold down stadium seats. This seating area is directly under the speakers and the music can be loud in this section. Poles holding up the netting can get in the way when sitting in this area. A walkway extends from this area down to the ends of both dugouts, then 12 rows of aluminum bleachers with backs fill up the rest of the seating The bleacher section does not have handrails, and yes, yours truly did slip and fall, so be careful on those. The announcer calls the starting line up too fast and music is played when announcing the home team so it is a bit difficult to hear and complete a scoresheet. Walk up music is only played for the home team, which is common. Fielders lose sight of fly balls during sunny afternoon games as the sun blazes from behind home plate. The infield is artificial turf (including the baselines and pitcher’s mound) while the outfield is real grass (often light brown after the winter season). A solid blue wall lines the outfield and all of this causes an unattractive field color scheme. A clever howl sound is played when the ThunderWolves score a run. Neighborhood 3 Pueblo is not known as a tourist destination yet it is quite a nice historic town to visit. Pueblo hosts the Colorado State Fair each year in late August Rawlings Field is on the CSU campus about 5 or so miles from downtown Pueblo and the Riverwalk. No restaurants are within walking distance of the field, though several chain restaurants are off the State Route 40, I-25 exit getting to the university. I’d recommend traveling a few exits south to the downtown area for better choices of food and beverages. Recommended places for a craft brew and a bite to eat are Shamrock Brewing Company and Brues Alehouse (located right on the Riverwalk). A place for good burgers is Bingo Burger only two blocks from the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk in Pueblo is a mile long walking trail around the Arkansas River with artwork, places to eat and rest along the way. If it’s a nice day, get your steps in by taking a stroll then stop for a craft beer at Brues Alehouse. Other places to visit in Pueblo are El Pueblo History Museum and the Buell Children’s Museum. Or if you get to town early check out the Pueblo Zoo (four miles west of the city). No hotels are within walking distance of Rawlings Field though there are plenty at the intersections of I-25 and State Route 40. Those include Baymont Inn, LaQuinta Suites, Clarion, and the like. If staying downtown, both the Springhill Suites and the Courtyard Marriot Pueblo are nice places to stay. Fans 2 Fans trickle in throughout the game. On the day of this review, about 50 or so fans were in the stands (certainly less than 100) so not a whole lot of backing for the team. They do applaud good plays made by either team. And there’s super nice game day staff. Access 3 To get to Rawlings Field, head east from I-25 on to State Route 40. Follow signs to the university and the Neda and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl stadium (football); the baseball field is next to that. Parking is available between the football field and the baseball field. There is a local bus service, bus route 9 goes to the university (not in operation on Sundays). Pueblo Airport is six miles from the university yet it only services Denver with flights on Great Lakes Airlines. Driving is probably the best method of getting to the game. Once in the ballpark area, walking around is easy; installing handrails in the bleachers would be an improvement. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for a ThunderWolves game are lower than some of the other RMAC schools. Prices are $5 adult tickets, $4 seniors and non-CSU students, and CSU students get in for free as do kids under 5. Families (two adults, two kids) can get in for $12. It’s all general admission seating. Payment is cash only. Parking is free. Is it worth it? If you live in Pueblo then yes. If coming from parts north (Colorado Springs, Denver) or parts south (Trinidad) it may not be worth the drive even with the lower ticket prices, unless of course you want to check out the downtown Pueblo attractions. Extras 4 CSU-Pueblo has a superb athletic website with lots of information available about the team and its history and it even has links to jpgs of their logos. Rosters are available on picnic tables in the entryway. All across the top of the seating area, baseball shaped banners honor previous All American, All Conference, All Regional, etc. players as well as supporters of the ThunderWolves baseball program. On the outside of the stadium other banners display former players, teams and records of the ThunderWolves. It’s a remarkable job at recognizing players and the history of the team. A statue of a baseball player at the entryway honors local businesses and individuals who contributed towards the building of Rawlings Field. Final Thoughts A nice ballpark. A nice town. If you happen to be in Pueblo, CO in the Feb – May time frame, take the opportunity to see a ballgame at Rawlings Field.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State Denver 1600 West Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80204 Metro State Roadrunners website Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State Denver website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 400 Metro Roadrunners Baseball Metropolitan State University of Denver, known as Metro or Metro State in the Denver, CO area, achieved university status in 2012. Their athletic teams, known as the Roadrunners, play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), NCAA Division II. The campus in the Auraria neighborhood of Denver is a unique one, with three public education institutions sharing facilities and services on a single campus: the Community College of Denver, the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Denver. The Roadrunners last RMAC baseball tournament championship was in 2002. The baseball team used to play at Auraria Field across from the Pepsi Center. In 2015, the team moved to the newly constructed Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State University Denver, which houses not only baseball but softball, tennis, and soccer. Food & Beverage 2 The complex offers basic food and snacks; enough to hold you over for two or so hours. One concession stand is located in the plaza area beyond the third baseline. Note: It doesn’t open (at least on the day of this review) until just a few minutes before game time. For snacks, it provides pickles, candy, chips, popcorn, muffins, cookies, and peanuts. For something a bit more substantial, hot dogs and nachos are for sale. Bottled Pepsi and water, lemonade, and iced tea are the available beverages. Prices are reasonable; it is a cash only concession. Signs say no outside food or beverages are allowed in the complex but plenty of folks bring in drinks and snacks; one fan even had a cooler, so that rule is not enforced. The concession stand is also the merchandise stand with a sorry selection of only a few t-shirts and hats on offer. Atmosphere 3 If it’s a nice winter/spring day in the Denver area and one is in need of a baseball fix, attending a Roadrunners game is a good place for just that as it’s about the game without any of the silly antics, blaring music, and advertisements found at minor and major league ball games. Six rows of aluminum bleachers with handrails are behind the home base area. Recommendation: bring a bleacher seat or cushion for better comfort. Another seating area is located after the third base dugout where fans can bring their chairs and watch from behind a chain link fence. This area is more calm and quieter than in the bleachers behind home. There are areas on top of the dugouts that look like they would be a good place to park a chair and watch but those are chained off. The field itself is all artificial turf: infield, outfield, pitcher’s mound, between the bases, warning track, and the area behind home plate and towards the dugouts. I’m not a fan of this, though I completely understand its need as trying to maintain a grass field in Denver when games begin in February would be a difficult endeavor. Lights are available for evening games, though most of the games are played in the afternoon. Music is played between innings and the Roadrunners each have a walkup song played. It is not obtrusive and fans can have conversations with each other without having to yell to be heard. One thing a bit different is where fans and players face to see the flag during the National Anthem; all players, fans, and even broadcast personnel about face away from the diamond as the flags are behind the press box (which is situated above the bleachers behind home plate). From where I was sitting, I looked directly into the press box; no flag in view. It appears the flags are centrally located for all the fields at Regency Athletic Complex. The view behind the outfield walls is not much to write home about but looking behind the third base line will show downtown Denver. A beautiful view of the mountains and Sports Authority Fields can be seen beyond the first base / home plate area. Neighborhood 5 The baseball field is located right next to the MSU campus; just south of downtown Denver; a 1/2 mile from Broncos Stadium at Mile High, a mile from the Pepsi Center, and two miles from Coors Field. All that Denver has to offer is within easy reach especially with the light rail system. A bountiful amount of restaurants, bars, and grills are available in downtown Denver. Less than a mile away from the ballfield is Original Brooklyn’s, a sports bar/tavern with decent beers and bar food and a nice patio for those warmer winter/spring days. Domo Japanese Restaurant is about a 1/2 mile walking distance. This restaurant also provides a traditional Japanese garden and a museum. For those into the local craft beer scene, Strange Craft Beer Company is just a 15 minute walk from the athletic field at Metro. The brewery I recommend in downtown Denver is Wyncoop. Freshcraft is an excellent low-key restaurant/bar in downtown on Blake St. Both places have yummy food and excellent beer selections. For things to see and do near Metro take a stroll along the Ninth Street Historic Park, a tree-lined street of working class Victorian homes and the oldest restored residential block in the Denver community. Be sure to visit the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. And of course, if in town visiting, there’s the plethora of other Denver attractions including the State Capitol Building, the Aquarium, Molly Brown House, Children’s Museum, 16th Street Mall, and more. The closest hotel is the Springhill Suites in downtown Denver, a little less than a mile walk to the complex and perfectly located for visiting many of the attractions in Denver. Fans 3 Many fans show up for Roadrunners games, especially if it is one of those warm winter/spring weekends. Since there are several RMAC schools within driving distance, expect to see fans from opposing teams visiting a Roadrunners game. Some of the fans really get stressed when a call is not made in their team’s favor. It’s a ball game, people; relax and enjoy it. The fans are very familiar with the players and the team. Comments such as, “Hey, we finally got a bunt down,” can be heard amongst the discussions in the stands. No distinct student section is found though students do attend the games. A lot of retirees are in the stands soaking up a game being played on the diamond. Access 4 Getting to and around the Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State is quite simple. The stadium is one and a half blocks from the Auraria West Station of the RTD Light Rail. After exiting the train, just head to 5th St (to the right and across the parking lot), cross over train tracks (no bridge) and under the highway and the facility is right there. For those traveling by car, parking is available at the Beech and Birch parking areas for $3. Parking is free for Sunday games. These lots are just off I-25 exit 210A (Colfax Ave). The closest airport is Denver International Airport (DIA) which is a 40 min drive. Beginning April 22, 2016, the RTD Light Rail will begin service from the airport to downtown so getting to Metro State may just get a little easier. Ramps to the seating area are available as well as wheelchair specific seating sections; those seats are at field level. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for alumni, and $4 seniors, students and kids. Metro State students get in for free. Tickets are cash only; no credit cards. Free parking on Sundays adds to the return. If you like the game of baseball without the frills and don’t mind the clink of the bat (vs the crack of the bat) attending a game at Metro is worth the money spent. Extras 3 Both teams’ rosters can be picked up prior to entry of the venue. The starting lineups are called in a clear voice and not too fast; this is an excellent benefit so for those who keep score. For train buffs, both freight trains and the light rail pass beyond the stadium’s perimeter. Being adjacent to a metropolitan city and all the events and entertainment that offers is worth a mention. Final Thoughts Set in an urban neighborhood, it is worth checking out the venue on a warmer Colorado winter/spring day from February to early May and then spending some time visiting downtown Denver and other sports in and near the city. It’s a decent place to get in a game after the long winter.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Regis Baseball Field 3333 Regis Blvd Denver, CO 80221 Regis Rangers website Regis Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,000 Regis Rangers Baseball Regis University is Colorado’s only Jesuit Catholic University. It has an enrollment of close to 15,000 students amongst all its schools and offers educational programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, education, computer and information sciences and health care. For athletics, the Regis Rangers are more known for its basketball achievements than its baseball success. Even so, the baseball game day event is a delightful afternoon experience. The baseball program began in 1969 and has been a part of the Div II RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) since then. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Regis Field are minimal yet enough to satisfy the fans in attendance. One concession stand is under the press box and offers soda (Pepsi), water, Gatorade ($2), nachos, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts, seeds, and candy ($1 – $3). The hot dog looks quite tasty. Alcohol is not sold at Regis Field. Atmosphere 4 Watching a baseball game at Regis Field on a warm spring day in Colorado provides a fabulous, stress-free afternoon. It’s an excellent venue for a relaxing game of baseball just five miles from downtown Denver. The field is a beautiful natural green grass and there’s real dirt between the bases, at home plate, and on the pitcher’s mound. None of that fake turf here. The backstop is a handsomely designed brick wall which blends in well with the press box and the home plate area. Seating is the perfect size for the attendance. Four rows of blue fold-down stadium seats are on each side of the press box then a section of aluminum bleachers with handrails ending at the beginning of the dugouts rounds out the seating. There is a separate set of bleachers down the third baseline. A net extends from dugout to dugout. Yet there’s still an area where one can stand next to the dugout and watch the game net free. Many fans sit on a hill on the first base side behind the dugout. This area is also net free. Unlike several other RMAC venues, one does have to watch out for foul balls at this venue. There are no lights – only day games are played here. For music during a game, a mix of country, Christian, patriotic, and top pop songs are played and it’s not too loud. In fact, it is the perfect volume, enough to enjoy yet still hear and talk with friends in the stands. Trees adorn the left and center fields. A new LED scoreboard was installed in 2011 and sits above the left field wall. It provides the basic information needed for score keeping: batter number, ball, strike, hit / error, and runs per inning. It can sometimes be difficult to read between the net and the sun. Neighborhood 3 Regis University sits just five or so miles from downtown Denver and all that city has to offer. Several places for food and beverage are just a block or two from the university. Fast food options include Wendy’s, Taco Bell, McDonald’s and the like. Good Times (a regional ‘Burgers and Frozen Custard’ fast food chain) is a block away. Also within walking distance are some non-chain food and drink establishments. A spot to visit for a beer (between those double headers or after the game) is Goldspot Brewing Company, a local craft brewery which has a friendly and welcoming environment. Next door to Goldspot is Dubbel Dutch (European sandwiches, salads, and coffee). The one hotel within walking distance is a Motel 6 (it is a safe neighborhood to stroll). Plenty of other hotel chains are just a few miles away in or near downtown Denver including Quality Inn, LaQuinta Inn, Residence Inn, etc. For a fancy hotel, try the Crawford Hotel at Union Station (it’s quite pricey). Most of the tourist attractions are in downtown Denver. Check Visit Denver for points of interest. Fans 4 A good crowd is on hand. Lots of families, particularly dad’s with sons. The dads/granddads take the kids and play catch or Frisbee on the hill and park area adjacent to the field. It’s very much a joyful family environment. Plenty of visitors from the opposing team are in the stands as a handful of the RMAC schools are within an hour or so drive. Many cheer on players as they know them personally. All are friendly, polite, and welcome to conversation. Access 3 While getting to Regis University is relatively easy, parking and finding the ball field is a chore. The university is off of I-70 exit 272 (Federal Ave / US 287) then north a few blocks to 50th Ave. Once arriving onto the campus, no signage of the ball field is visible. Parking is difficult to figure out; I ended up parking in a small visitors lot (Entrance #1 off Regis Blvd) near the David M Clark, SJ Hall building. Walk around that building and the Field House and you’ll find the baseball field. RTD Bus 52 is the available public transportation. Get off at W 50th St and Irving Ave or Regis Blvd and Irving Ave to get to the Regis University. Wheelchair access is limited. No tickets are handed out; just pay at the folding table (cash only). Seating is on the honor system; bleachers are general admission; the fold-down blue seats are the reserved seats. Return on Investment 5 Attending a warm, sunny Saturday/Sunday afternoon game is well worth the ticket price. Prices are: General admission (bleachers/grass) $6, Reserved seats (chair back) $9, Non-Regis students $3, Regis students and faculty free, under-7/over-65 free. A season ticket package is $50. Doubleheaders are common at Regis Baseball Field. Two seven-inning games for the price of one. Can’t beat that. Concession items are no more than $3 and as far as I could tell, parking is free. It’s a splendid game day experience on a warm spring day. Extras 2 An excellent game day program with a sharp-looking glossy photo cover is available upon entry. It includes rosters for both teams, game notes, Regis baseball schedule and results so far in the season. A ball player recites the RMAC sportsmanship code of conduct before the game. Final Thoughts A refreshing afternoon of baseball can be witnessed at Regis University. If needing a baseball fix and the weather cooperates, check out a game at Regis Field. It’s a good overall relaxing, entertaining afternoon of baseball. Note: Snow outs and cancellations do occur because of the versatile weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re in town visiting a Rockies game in the early part of the season, check and see if the Rangers are at home and extend your vacation activities.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dom Cardillo Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Z6 Kitchener Rangers website Dom Cardillo Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 7,777 East Avenue Blue In 1963, Kitchener, Ontario businessman Eugene George purchased the junior hockey affiliate of the New York Rangers and moved them to Kitchener. The next step for George was to give the team to the season ticket holders and make the newly minted Kitchener Rangers a truly local, community team. To this day, the Rangers remain a not-for-profit organization, run by a board of directors and owned by the season seat subscribers. Eugene George has been honoured by the city of Kitchener with the renaming of the street outside the Aud to Eugene George Way. The mailing address for the team is 1963 Eugene George Way. The Rangers have also become a cornerstone franchise in the Ontario Hockey League. The affiliation with the New York Rangers is long gone, but the moniker and colours have remained in Kitchener. The Rangers have enjoyed a number of league titles in the regular season, four OHL championships and two times been crowned as Memorial Cup Champions, the top team in the entire Canadian Hockey League. Home for the Rangers since their inception has been the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Designed as a mini Maple Leaf Gardens, The Aud remains one of the most unique venues in a league where new venues are becoming increasingly homogeneous. The arena with the main ice is named after former beloved mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, making the home of the Rangers the Dom Cardillo Arena at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Rangers provide one of the best experiences in the entire Canadian Hockey League and are a must see for all junior hockey fans. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience at The Aud is comparable to a professional sports experience. All of the expected items are in attendance including burgers, hot dogs, nachos, chicken fingers, fries and popcorn. Slices from Pizza Pizza are also available. The Candy Corner offers ice cream, sundaes, lemonade and Twizzlers. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice. The newest addition to concessions at The Aud, which is extremely popular, is the Beaver Tails stand, just up the stairs from the concourse. A uniquely Canadian experience, Beaver Tails are fried dough, flat like the tail of a beaver, available with a variety of unique toppings. The difficulty will be choosing which one. Oktoberfest Beer Nuts are an Aud staple and uniquely local. The beer selection is solid with Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Molson Ultra, Heinekin and Creemore Springs available. Local brewery Four Fathers has their Light Lager available in a specially designed Kitchener Rangers 60 Seasons can. The main bar has a number of cocktails available as well as Two Oceans Red and White Wine. Atmosphere 5 In an era where classic arenas all around Ontario are being replaced with shiny new, homogenous arenas, the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium remains a unique standout in the Ontario Hockey League. The Aud, as it is locally known, was built in 1951 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. The East Avenue entrance is the original main entrance to The Aud and maintains the grand, concrete facade with engraved lettering at the top to go with large windows. However, rather than enter at the west, most will enter the complex from the north or south. The ticketing windows are found at the Eugene George Way entrance at the south. Fans heading through the breezeway to the arena will notice the huge, wooden dedication plaque commemorating the memorial nature of the building. Across from the plaque is a poignant display for the Kraut Line. Bobby Bauer, Milt Schmidt and Woody Dumart were a line for the Boston Bruins during the thirties and forties where the Bruins won two Stanley Cups. All three are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame and share German heritage. Also, all three were products of the Kitchener hockey system and were born and raised in Kitchener or Waterloo. There are also a number of wooden plaques commemorating events that the Aud has hosted, including the 1986 Labatt Brier, 2001 University Cup and 1984 and 2008 Memorial Cups. Climbing the stairs in the middle of the breezeway to fans are met with the ticket takers, underneath a large mural for late Mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, whom the arena is named after. The concourses at The Aud can keep fans busy for hours. Murals for legendary broadcaster Don Cameron and Ranger championship seasons are among the highlights. There are a plethora of photos of local sport teams that fans can sift through as well. The beams in the concourse feature the names of prominent Rangers in the Walk of Fame and include such names as Brian Bellows, Steven Rice, John Tucker, Boyd Deveraux, Derek Roy and Sandy Fitzpatrick to scratch the surface. There are no beams left for newer players so a mural for new members of the Walk of Fame has been created. Team photos for every season back to the beginning can also be found. Inside the team store, Rangers Authentics, fans can find McLelland Hall, which shares a number of Rangers artifacts. There is no arena in the NHL, let alone the OHL that shares the sheer volume of history that The Aud does. When fans enter the seating bowl their gaze will immediately be drawn to the sheer volume of banners hanging in the rafters. The east end of the rink features banners commemorating those Rangers who have played in the World Junior Hockey Championships throughout the years. The honoured numbers of Hockey Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Al MacInnis, Paul Coffey, Bill Barber and Larry Robinson also hang on the east side. To the north, the top scorers in Rangers history, Dwight Foster and Andre Benoit have banners honouring their accomplishments along with a banner honouring the achievements of broadcaster and local legend, the late Don Cameron. The west side finds the various division, league and conference banners. The Rangers were Hamilton Spectator Trophy winners as regular season champions in 1967, 1968, 1974, 1984, 1989, 2003 and 2008. The J. Ross Robertson banner hangs in the rafters four times as OHL Champions in 1981, 1982, 2003 and 2008. The culmination of the entirety of the history in banners are the 1982 and 2003 Memorial Cup Championship banners, the ultimate accomplishment in Junior Hockey. The north side of the arena features two tiers of seating along with the suites. The west end also has two tiers along with the restaurant. The east end has only one tier along with more suites. The south side is where the majority of seating is with three tiers, including the seating from the latest renovation which raised the roof of The Aud to accommodate more seats. The pitch for the seating is steep and allows fans the feeling of being right on top of the action. The gameday atmosphere is not over the top and balances music from across generations. The videoboard is among the best in the league and the team uses it to its advantage for promotions and information. The Timbits mini-game and prize shootout are staple promos between periods. The Rangers also feature a semi-original goal song, similar to the one used by the New York Rangers. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a Ranger game! Other sporting options locally would include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium , their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex . Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 5 The Kitchener Rangers are among the elite in the entire Canadian Hockey League with regards to attendance. With one of the bigger buildings in the OHL, the Rangers consistently rank third in attendance behind Ottawa and London, who each have bigger arenas. Friday night is Rangers Night in Kitchener and the biggest crowds can be found then. Sunday afternoons and other mid-week games will find more empty seats which often belong to season ticket holders who decide not to show for those games. Ranger fans are typical Southern Ontario fans who are not too rambunctious but can get very loud at the right time. Access 4 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Ranger game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Traversing the concourses during intermission is definitely a challenge as the concourses are definitely not large enough for that kind of traffic. Expect long lines at concessions and washrooms around intermission time as well. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Kitchener Rangers have progressively increased over the years. As of the 2022-2023 season, Ranger tickets go for $25 per person with a discount for children available. All seats, regardless of the section, are the same price. OHL hockey remains among the best experiences in sport with a very high quality product on the ice. Concession prices are about what one would expect and parking is free. The end result is an excellent evening of entertainment at a price far cheaper than any professional experience. Extras 5 An extra mark to the City of Kitchener in recognition of the contribution of the late Eugene George. The city has renamed the street travelling to the west of the Aud, from East Ave to Ottawa St, Eugene George Way. His gifting of the Rangers to the subscribers created a unique ownership situation that galvanized the bond between city and team. An extra mark for the special events the Rangers run, specifically Teddy Bear Toss Night and Don Cameron Potato Night. Seeing thousands of stuffed animals strewn to the ice just before Christmas is an experience in and of itself. Potato Night is a unique evening run by legendary retired Rangers broadcaster Don Cameron where fans bring in donations of bags of potatoes. An extra mark for the long and illustrious hockey history of the Rangers and the Kitchener-Waterloo area, and the great job the Rangers do of putting that history on display. An extra mark for the City of Kitchener and the Rangers in not abandoning their classic arena and instead improving upon it to bring it up to today’s technological and luxury standards. An extra mark for all of the Kitchener Minor Sports history on display at the Auditorium Complex. Final Thoughts The Kitchener Rangers remain one of the cornerstone franchises in the Ontario Hockey League. The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium is one of the most unique venues in the league and a treasure for the league. Hockey fans need to make a trip to Kitchener-Waterloo to catch a Friday night in Kitchener at The Aud. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photo courtesy of Gallaudet University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Gallaudet Field House 800 Lincoln Circle NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallaudet Bison website Gallaudet Field House website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,000 Bisons Of DC Gallaudet University was founded in 1864 in Washington, D.C. as the only college in the United States exclusively for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Since then, it has grown to almost 2,000 students. Gallaudet’s athletic teams, known as the Bison, compete in the Northeastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) at the NCAA’s Division III level. Until 1981, the Bison’s basketball team played its home games in Hughes Gym, but they then moved into the newly built Gallaudet Field House, which is also home to the school’s fitness complex. Food & Beverage 4 The Gallaudet Field House has a surprisingly good selection of food and beverage for a Division III school, all available at a window in the lobby of the building. Prices are quite affordable as well. Meals include hamburgers ($4, $5 with cheese, or $6 with cheese and bacon), veggie burgers ($4), hot dogs ($3), mozzarella sticks ($2), and chicken tenders ($3). Snacks include candy ($1), pickles ($1), popcorn ($2), chips ($1), brownies ($1), and cookies ($1 for 3). Drinks include soda and water for $1 and Gatorade, hot chocolate, tea, for $2 each, and coffee for $3. Most items are made fresh on site. As you walk in, you will see two employee working a grill to prepare the burgers and hot dogs, and if you time things right, you can grab some cookies or a brownie right as they come out of the oven. All of this is very impressive given the level of play here. Atmosphere 3 Seeing as Gallaudet is a college exclusively for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, the atmosphere here is certainly unique. The basic layout of the arena is relatively standard, however. All seats are chair backs, and generally, only the seats on one side of the floor will be available unless they are expecting an unusually large crowd. There are two scoreboards, one on each end, which show only the basic information. There are also large closed-captioning boards the same size as the scoreboards themselves which show messages during the game in addition to transcribing announcements if necessary. However, unless there is an emergency during the game (highly unlikely), the only announcements you will hear during the game are the mandatory pregame ones, such as the standard message on good sportsmanship and the starting lineups for the two teams. This will also be translated by an ASL interpreter at center court so there is no need for closed captioning for that. For most home games, the national anthem will be performed in ASL without musical accompaniment, but when we went, it was not performed at all. During the game itself, there are no announcements over the PA system about players scoring, fouling, etc. like you would at just about any other arena in the country, though this is rather unsurprising given the circumstances. For fans who aren’t deaf or hard-of-hearing, the only sound will be the action on the court. Neighborhood 5 Gallaudet is located in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which stands for “North of Massachusetts .” Although this wasn’t always the nicest neighborhood, it has improved a lot in the last few years and is perfectly safe. The main attraction in the neighborhood is Union Market, located a short walk away from campus, which is an indoor market featuring a wide variety of food stands. Just about anything you can imagine is offered, ranging from arepas to pizza to Korean tacos to Ethiopian food to an old-fashioned New York-style soda shop. There are also many other attractions throughout D.C., including many monuments, memorials, and museums. All of the government-run attractions are free, though some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 Gallaudet averages a couple hundred fans a game, which is pretty standard for this level. However, considering the vast majority of the fans are themselves deaf or hard of hearing, and all of them except possibly a few for the visiting team are cheering for players who are, the interactions you will see here are certainly unique. While there is some standard clapping, fans will also wave their fingers above their heads in the ASL sign for applause. Access 5 Gallaudet is far enough away from downtown D.C. that driving is relatively easy. There is a small lot located behind the Field House where fans can park for free. The NoMa-Gallaudet stop on Metro’s Red Line is a short walk away as well. Unsurprisingly, the Field House is easily accessible to fans who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as to those who are not. All arena staff are bilingual and able to communicate in both spoken English and ASL, so fans of all abilities should have no issues in that regard. Restrooms are located around the corner from the arena entrance in the lobby and are of a sufficient size to accommodate the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $5 each, with children 12 and under getting in for free. Throw in the affordable concessions and free parking, a rarity in this city, and a visit to Gallaudet basketball can be a very good value. Extras 4 There is a giant bison statue outside the Field House, honoring Gallaudet’s nickname, as well as a Hall of Fame and trophy case within the lobby, around the corner from the arena doors. A third star is due for the several unique experiences here due to the nature of the school, and a fourth for the high accessibility to fans who are deaf or hard of hearing. While that last point should surprise nobody given where you are, it can often be an issue elsewhere. Final Thoughts A visit to Gallaudet basketball is certainly a unique experience. Whether it’s the ASL announcements and anthem before the game, fans applauding in sign language, or just the unique experience caused by a game with no announcements, music, or any other form of PA, all college basketball fans regardless of abilities can have an enjoyable experience here. Of course, the accessibility is a huge plus for those fans who require it, but even those who don’t should check it out if they are in the D.C. area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info Harrington Auditorium 100 Institute Rd. Worcester, MA 01609 WPI Engineers basketball website Harrington Auditorium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,800 Home of the Engineers Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, or WPI for short, was one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. With an enrollment of approximately 6,200 students, the school offers 50 graduate and undergraduate programs. It frequently ranks in many “Top 100” lists of universities in the United States. WPI’s athletic teams are known as the Engineers and compete in Division Three as members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). The school has sponsored a varsity basketball program regularly since 1918. The Engineers have qualified for 11 NCAA Division Three Tournaments, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2005. An interesting footnote to WPI basketball history is that the school was the opponent for Bobby Knight’s first coaching victory in 1965. Built in 1968, Harrington Auditorium serves as home to WPI’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is named for Charles A. Harrington, class of 1895 and Frank C. Harrington, class of 1898. The brothers were instrumental in getting the varsity athletic program started at the school and were responsible for the construction of many of the facilities built in the early 20th century. Harrington Auditorium has served as the home to the MIAA Central Massachusetts Boys and Girls Basketball Championships for decades. Renovations completed in 2015 installed a new floor, bleachers, scoreboard and remodeled the locker rooms. Additional renovations completed in 2019 updated the lobby and added the Athletic Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available at Harrington Auditorium. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks in to the game. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere at an Engineer game is typical of other small schools in New England. The small size of the arena lets fans hear the squeak of sneakers on the court and the coaches shouting instructions to their players. Game announcements are made over a sub-par public address system and can be difficult to understand, even in a facility as small as this. There are no cheerleaders or pep band here, and music plays only sporadically during play stoppages. Much of the noise during Engineer games comes from the fans themselves, who often have a personal connection with the players on the court. There are scoreboards on either end of the gym, which display basic game stats and little more. The new video board on the far end of the facility is difficult to see from the seating area, as it’s blocked by basket supports. Neighborhood 4 WPI is located in the residential Highlands neighborhood of Worcester, about a mile from downtown. It’s a walkable area filled with great local restaurants, shops and green spaces. The city of Worcester has traditionally suffered from a poor reputation but has made great strides in recent years and has many strengths. Visiting fans may be surprised to learn that Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England. Fans will find plenty to do in the immediate area of WPI. Fans looking for places to eat near WPI should head to The Boynton, which offers large portions of American fare, or Sole Proprietor for some excellent seafood. Visitors to Worcester may head to Shrewsbury Street, home of the city’s legendary “Restaurant Row,” where over 40 of the city’s best eateries are jammed into a 1.5 mile stretch. The downtown area also has a great many choices for lodging and dining. Fans looking for sporting options in Worcester can head downtown, where the Worcester Railers of the ECHL play at the DCU Center. Starting in 2021 the Worcester Red Sox will begin play at their new $101 million home, Polar Park. Despite being the home of many colleges, Worcester’s only Division One school is Holy Cross. Fans can head across town to catch the Crusaders play basketball and hockey at Hart Recreation Center, or football and baseball at Fitton Field. Fans 3 WPI averages around 400 fans per game at Harrington Auditorium, with crowds ranging anywhere from 200-500 fans. The crowd consists of a good mix of locals, families and students. While the crowd is generally laid-back, it’s not unusual to hear some noise when the Engineers get on a roll. Since the WPI schedule consists of many nearby teams, it’s not unusual to see a contingent of visiting fans at Harrington Auditorium. Access 3 The WPI campus is located in the residential Highland neighborhood of Worcester, less than a mile from downtown. It is easily accessed from Interstate 290. Highland Auditorium is located on the eastern edge of the WPI campus, adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities. The entrance to the auditorium is on the main quadrangle of this attractive campus. Parking is available behind the auditorium in the Park Street Garage. Fans will enter a large lobby, which contains the WPI Athletic Hall of Fame display, and enter the gym area on the second floor. A walkway encircles the gym, offering standing room for fans wishing to take in the action from a different perspective. All seating at Harrington Auditorium is on one side of the facility. The seating area is separated into two levels, bisected by the walkway. Seats in the lower level consist of molded plastic bleachers, with seats in the upper level consisting of individual stadium seats. Be aware that if sitting in the upper sections your view may be obstructed by pedestrian traffic and safety railings. It is recommended to avoid the first few rows. Restrooms are located on the far side of the gym, and are new, clean and more than adequate for a typical Engineer crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to an Engineers game costs just five dollars. Children are admitted at no charge. Free roster sheets are available for all fans. With free parking available in the Park Street Garage adjacent to the facility, a basketball game at WPI is a most affordable entertainment option. Extras 2 The WPI Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of Harrington Auditorium. Featuring a display of Engineer memorabilia, honorees and important moments in WPI sporting history can be searched through a touchscreen that is part of the display. WPI is one of two colleges in the nation that has a goat for a mascot. Gompei the goat, named for Gompei Kuwada, member of the class of 1893 and the school’s first goatherder, is immortalized in two statues on campus. One, of a charging goat, is located behind Harrington Auditorium. The other statue, The Proud Goat, can often be seen wearing a sweater in the winter. Final Thoughts Harrington Auditorium is typical of many small gyms that dot the northeast. It’s far from the bright lights of big-time college hoops, and that is part of its charm. Schools like WPI offer entertaining basketball at an affordable price in an intimate setting. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Staake Gymnasium 3 Babson College Drive Wellesley, MA 02481 Babson Beavers basketball website Staake Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 650 Defend the Dam Babson College is a private business school in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1919, its focus is on entrepreneurship education. The school has an enrollment of over 3,600 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs. Babson College was recently ranked by CollegeFactual as the top college in Division III for combining academic and athletic success for student-athletes in basketball. Babson’s 22 varsity teams are known as the Beavers and compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) of Division III. For a small school, Babson College has enjoyed a great amount of athletic success. In addition to three national titles in soccer, one in hockey and one in tennis, the Beavers captured the National Championship in basketball in 2017. The Webster Center houses the indoor athletic facilities at Babson. It was named after former Toronto Blue Jays owner R. Howard Webster, class of 1932. In addition to the 650-seat Staake Gymnasium, other facilities here include the Morse Swimming Center, PepsiCo Pavilion, Lunder Fitness Center, Chandor Dance Studio, an indoor track, four squash courts, a racquetball court, varsity weight room, and athletic administration offices. The Staake Gymnasium is named in honor of Paul and Margaret Staake. Mr. Staake served as Babson Athletics Hall of Fame member and former Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions available at Staake Gymnasium. It is unclear if this is due to Covid restrictions in place during Stadium Journey’s visit in January 2022 or if this is standard operation. Fans are able to bring in snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 3 The gameday presentation is pretty standard for a small school in a small gym with a small crowd. With crowds measuring in the hundreds, not thousands, you wouldn’t expect a rowdy atmosphere, and you won’t get one. Hoop heads won’t mind the low-key, comfortable vibe of Staake Gymnasium, where the game is the focus. Watching some of the younger fans in attendance take over the court at halftime to shoot around was a touch you would never find at a larger facility. Scoreboards are located on either end of the gym, providing basic game stats. Music plays over the arena speakers during play stoppages, with a PA announcer helping to keep things lively throughout the game. Check out the halls around the gym, where murals hang commemorating the Beavers’ 2017 National championship as well as all the other teams Babson College sponsors. Neighborhood 3 Babson College is located in Wellesley, MA, a town with a population of about 30,000 residents located 14 miles west of Boston. Along with Babson, Wellesley College and Massachusetts Bay Community College call Wellesley home. Given Babson’s suburban location, there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of campus to attract visiting fans. Wellesley Center, a few miles from campus, contains a number of restaurants and shops, but most out of town visitors will want to head into Boston to spend their time. Fans 2 Babson annually averages about 300 fans per game, which is a fairly typical number for most smaller schools in the Boston area. While a crowd at a Beavers game could be considered a “friends and family” crowd, the personal connection the fans have with the players on the court ensure that the fans in attendance are really into the game. There is a good turnout by Babson students and the compact geography of the NEWMAC Conference ensures that fans of visiting schools are often well represented as well. Access 4 Stadium Journey visited Staake Gymnasium in January of 2022, with Covid precautions in place. All spectators are required to present proof of immunization upon entry and to wear masks throughout the game. Babson College is located in the Boston suburb of Wellesley, fourteen miles west of downtown Boston. Situated near the intersection of Interstates 95 and 90, the suburban campus is most easily accessed via Route 9. Driving is the primary method to arrive at the Babson campus. Boston’s public transportation system (the “T”) does not serve Babson directly, but the Wellesley Hills commuter rail station is located a couple of miles from Babson, as is the Green Line’s Woodland station. Driving directions to campus, along with information on local hotels, can be found here. Staake Gymnasium is located on the ground floor of the Webster Center on the western edge of the Babson College campus. Several parking lots are adjacent to the facility. Fans will enter on the second level of the Webster Center, where the mezzanine track and balconies overlooking the court are located. The main entrance to Staake Gymnasium is located on the ground floor. Seats consist of molded bleachers without backs and are located on either side of the court. There are no seats on either end of the court. Rest rooms are clean and large enough to handle a typical Beaver crowd. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Beaver basketball games is free of charge. With free parking and no concessions on site, you will not spend a single cent at a Babson College basketball game. You will even be given a roster at no charge when you enter. Extras 2 Banners hang along the far side of the court commemorating conference championships in many sports, 1,000-point scorers for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, statistical leaders in several volleyball categories, along with Final Four appearances and a banner dedicated to the men’s basketball 2017 National Championship. The Babson College Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Webster Center. Plaques honoring the enshrined athletes line a wall outside of Staake Gymnasium. Final Thoughts The Babson Beavers are a regional athletic power, and the Staake Gymnasium provides a relaxed, low-key place to catch some affordable, quality hoops. This is another hidden gem to be found when you take a Stadium Journey off the beaten path. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 WLU Athletic Complex 75 University Ave W Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks basketball website WLU Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,197 __________________________________________________________________________________ Golden Hoops Wilfrid Laurier University is normally viewed as a football school in USports and the OUA. However, the Golden Hawks can trace their basketball history quite deeply and boast some national accolades as well. The Hawks basketball squad was established in 1961 and have led a roller coaster existence on the court over the past six decades. The Golden Hawks were quite strong in the sixties and seventies which coincided with seven provincial conference championships in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1971. These were all earned when the Hawks were members of the OUA’s predecessor the OIAA. Basketball glory culminated for the Golden Hawks in 1968 with Laurier earning the W.P. McGee Trophy as Canadian National Champions. All basketball championships were won before Laurier changed its name from Waterloo Lutheran University. Lean times were found on the court throughout the eighties and nineties and a bit of a renaissance was found with the Hawks in the new millennium. However, with the Carleton Ravens dominating OUA and USports basketball in the last twenty years, there has not been much hardware for the Hawks, let alone the rest of the OUA. Wilfrid Laurier University was established in 1911 as a Lutheran Seminary and would morph into a full-fledged university as Laurier in 1973. The final name change which would coincide with Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, who had no local connections, would be filled with controversy and panned as just an easy way to keep the WLU initials, which belonged to Waterloo Lutheran University. This public university features over 15,000 students with the main campus located in Waterloo, Ontario on a small campus in an urban area. Waterloo features a population of over 121,000 and is a twin-city with neighbouring Kitchener. Not close to the same scale as basketball schools in the NCAA, the Golden Hawks put together a simple, entertaining product in a decent facility for a great price. In the end, is there anything else that a paying customer can ask for? Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at the Athletic Complex are very limited. The Hawk Shop on the north side of the gym offers soda and water, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, chocolate bars and sometimes pizza. It is clear that the Hawk Shop is being reimagined and fairly unfinished in the post-Covid era. What that looks like going forward and how it affects concession options remains a bit of a mystery. Atmosphere 3 As with many OUA basketball venues, the Athletic Complex serves the greater university and is not just an arena for basketball on gameday. Located on the edge of campus, right at the corner of King Street and University Ave, the exterior of the Athletic Complex has been renovated numerous times. When entering through the main entrance, which is on the opposite side of the building from King Street, fans are greeted with plenty of glass and an attractive view of the fairly pedestrian building. The student fitness facilities can be seen from the outside. Entering the Athletic Complex has fans greeted by the main ticketing desk which doubles as the recreation help desk. There is a huge collage above the desk featuring pictures of great moments in Golden Hawks athletics including their Vanier Cup wins in football and National Championship in Women’s hockey. Past the entryway and around the corner and up a couple of stairs is the main entry to the gym. Just outside of that is the former Hawk Shop which serves as concession and used to have team merchandise. A large trophy case is across from the entrance and kitty corner is the Hawk Lounge, which houses the Laurier Athletics Hall of Fame. The gym is fairly simple with two entries on the east and west sides of the court. The court runs from north to south and the perfect spot for that centre court logo photo is in the west bleachers. The gym is used for more than just basketball games and the seating is two sets of retractable plastic bleachers and folding chairs. There is nothing overly exciting about the interior of the gym. Championship banners for all sports used to hang on the south side of the gym, but those have been removed as a part of some renovation. A large team photo of the 1968 National Championship basketball team was temporarily in the Hawk Shop, but it is unclear where that went. Although there is plenty of purple and gold in the gym, there is plenty that could be done to bump up the atmosphere at the AC. The gameday production of a Laurier Golden Hawks game is fairly simple. Pregame warmups are dominated with rap music no doubt chosen by the players. Once the game begins there are a few student run promotions and simple halftime games like the beanbag toss. Neighbourhood 4 Wilfrid Laurier is an urban university located just up the street from another urban university. As a result there are a ton of great options for pre and post game meals. University and King streets are where fans would find most options. There are a ton of great spots to get something to eat before or after the game. Some places worth considering include Pin Up Arcade Bar, Philthy Philly’s, Williams Fresh Cafe and Smoke’s Poutinerie. The on-campus pub is Wilf’s and offers a great atmosphere and food while being student run and managed. The place fans probably should settle on, however, is Morty’s Pub. Home of arguably the best chicken wings in the city, Morty’s always satisfies the post game craving. As far as entertainment goes, there are a few options in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. When planning on catching a Laurier game around Canadian Thanksgiving, there is the possibility of catching Oktoberfest. This is the signature festival of Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany. There are a number of great events that take place over the 10 day festival at a variety of locations including the numerous Fest Halls. Head south on King Street toward Uptown Waterloo to find a great spot for some evening entertainment in the Huether Hotel Jazz Room. One of the top jazz venues in the province, The Jazz Room offers weekend performances at a great price. There are also a number of pubs in Uptown Waterloo that feature live music. If interested in enhancing the sporting weekend then there are also a few other options. Wilfrid Laurier also fields other athletic teams, specifically football at Knight-Newbrough Field and hockey at the Sun Life Financial Arena. Just up the road, the University of Waterloo also fields USports athletic programs. Football is found at Warrior Field, basketball at the Physical Activities Complex and hockey at the Columbia IceField. Driving across town to Kitchener brings the opportunity to catch the phenomenal experience of the Kitchener Rangers at the legendary Aud. For fans planning on staying the night, the Inn of Waterloo or the Delta are short drives from the Laurier campus. Fans 3 Evaluating fans in the OUA is very challenging. All games are doubleheaders with the women’s team and attendance figures are not published. The Golden Hawks usually top out at a couple hundred fans. Big games against Western or the rival down the street, Waterloo, will provide a better fan atmosphere. When members of the football team are in attendance there is always a bigger buzz in the building. Periodically a group of students will sit behind the visitors bench and cause a ruckus, however the fans in attendance are not over the top or obnoxious. Like most other Canadian universities, connecting current students with athletics remains a big challenge and more students in attendance would go a long way to making Laurier basketball a better experience. Access 4 Getting to the Athletic Complex and around is not very difficult. The Athletic Complex is located right on the corner of University and King. Normally, the entry for parking would be at the main entrance at University and Hazel. However, due to construction in 2023, fans will have to enter campus off of King Street for parking near the AC. Fans coming from out of town, will have a decent drive through the city as the university campus is a fair trek southwest of Highway 85. Traffic on University Ave moves fairly quickly, so getting to the gym should not be too much of an issue. Parking is available in the main lot on the other side of Alumni Field, by the Science Building. Parking is free, but fans should be conscious of parking in a permit spot during the wrong time. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the ION Light Rail stops at Waterloo Park and Seagram Drive, a short walk to the AC. Otherwise, there are buses that travel along King Street and University Ave. Fans should check the Grand River Transit website for maps and schedules. Ticketing is located at the main entry of the Athletic Complex at the fitness desk. Credit and debit cards are accepted for those not pre-purchasing tickets. Finding a spot in the general admission grandstands is not too difficult. However, washroom facilities and access to the northwest grandstand requires fans to go around the Hawk Shop and down the breezeway, alongside the pool to the other side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Laurier Golden Hawks basketball are $9.50 when purchased in advance. There are discounts for alumni, students, seniors, children, faculty and staff. In most cases there is a $2 surcharge when purchasing at the ticket desk right before the game. Parking can be found for free and concession prices are good. OUA basketball is very underrated and the product on the court will surprise sports fans. Being able to get to a game for under $10 is nearly impossible now. The investment is small and the return is strong so the value is excellent. Extras 2 An extra mark for Wilfrid Laurier University and their simple, traditional approach to presenting basketball. An extra mark for the unique Golden Hawk mascot, which has an interesting history. Final Thoughts The experience of Laurier Golden Hawks basketball may not blow fans away like a professional or big-time NCAA game would. However, a Laurier basketball game is a nice afternoon or evening’s entertainment and for the price that fans are expected to shell out, there isn’t too much more that fans can ask for. A few more people in the stands would make the Laurier basketball experience even better. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Gymnasium 1201 Lions Path Rushville, IN 46173 Rushville High School website Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 2,600 Still Looking Good After 90-plus Years of Hoops Memorial Gymnasium in Rushville, Indiana has been home to high school basketball since 1926. It is now home to the Rushville Consolidated High School Lions basketball program and the small 2,600-seat facility is in pristine condition for its age. It has been preserved very nicely and is ideal for the small town of 6,600 located 45 miles southeast of Indianapolis. City boosters formed the Rushville High School Athletic Corporation in 1925 to raise money for a new gymnasium to house the basketball team. The corporation raised $27,000 through the sale of special bonds. The gym would be completed the following year for $80,000 and paid off from gate receipts in 1944. The original seating configuration was for 5,000, but renovations in 1988 cut it down to almost half its capacity. The construction of the Memorial Gymnasium kept it as the site of sectional play and brought regional play to the city. The gymnasium would host sectional (1926-1971) regional (1926-1958), and county (1926-1968) play through the years. The basketball programs would flourish for both boys and girls as various teams captured 77 sectionals, 30 regionals, and 5 semi-state championships combined. The boys’ team would lose a heartbreaker to Marion High School 82-76 in the 1976 state championship – their lone appearance. The gym has served as a fully functional multi-purpose arena hosting a myriad of events that have included the circus, concert performances, county fairs, and high school commencement. It was the home of the 4-H Club, home economics, and garden exhibits. It also housed physical education classes at a time when the original high school was six blocks away, making PE class quite an adventure. However, the most unusual use of the facility was as a rifle range underneath the north bleachers; participants would lie down on their stomachs and open fire at a target. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands at the gym, a larger one in the facility’s annex and a smaller one at the rear entrance. Both locations offer hot dogs, freshly popped popcorn, nachos, and fresh slices of pizza from an Indiana staple, Pizza King. The thin, cracker-style pizza is offered by an unusual slice, rather than the typical party square. Ask for it with crumbled pepperoni or sausage. Slices are $3, while hot dogs are $2. Atmosphere 3 What Memorial Gym lacks in size makes up nicely in charm and old-time feel. It is a classic study of facilities from this era that was once commonplace before the massive gyms of the 1950s and 1960s. The small-town atmosphere is alive and well before the start of the varsity game. The band lines up on the stage and fans slowly walk to their seats from the main entrance lobby. Pretty soon it will be game time. The varsity squad runs onto the court followed by cheerleaders holding up flags. Everyone in the building is up on their feet clapping and rooting for the Lions The band gets into a frenzy and pretty soon players are introduced over the P.A system. Supporters fill up many sections of the arena, visitors are relegated to their section of the stands, and the student section sits behind the nets opposite the large stage. The stands are made of blonde wood that is in sterile condition forming a horseshoe 15 rows deep from the floor. The small seating area can provide an ideal setting for basketball. The crowd can become intense at times, creating an impressive home-court advantage. The glass case at the entrance to the gym displays memorabilia from the erstwhile Rush County schools dating back to the ‘30s including gym shoes, varsity sweaters, belted shorts, photographs, and the Good Luck Horseshoe that would be awarded to the annual winner of the Rush County Tournament. The original blueprint of the gymnasium is on display above the entryway. Neighborhood 2 There are a few options to choose from in the small town that includes both national and regional chain restaurants; there are some nice local spots to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The Corner Bar prepares freshly baked biscuits on site and serves breakfast all day, while locals swear by the Mexican cuisine at both El Reparo and Mezcal Bar & Grill. Pizza King is one of my guilty pleasures; their pies are cracker thin and can be served with crumbled sausage or pepperoni. There are not a lot of lodging options in town. The Comfort Inn is located less than a mile away from the gymnasium on the main street in town. The Covered Bridge Motel is located south of downtown on SR-3. Fans 4 The fans quickly fill their seats inside the gymnasium and stand and cheer for the team as they march onto the playing court. The game has been embedded into the community for over a century and generations of fans have been attending games in the facility since 1926. There are many stories to pass on to a younger audience and the mix of people inside varies in age. Access 3 The town of Rushville is located 40 miles southwest of Indianapolis on SR-52, a very nice drive through a few small towns of the state. The city is also 17 miles from I-74 at the Shelbyville exit. Inside, the arena access is quite efficient and bathrooms and concessions are located in the outside lobby of the gymnasium. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is only $5, along with the same lines as many other high school basketball gymnasiums, and well worth the price of admission. The concession prices are inexpensive and whenever you can watch a game in a historic facility, it is always well worth the investment. Extras 3 The gymnasium is in magnificent condition; the seats are refurbished, the lighting is sharp, the floor well sanded, and the sightlines are extra close. The exterior is in spotless condition as well after 90 years of high school basketball. There is a sense of community spirit inside the gym; the bigger gyms in the state are amazing, but there is something a little different here in Rushville. It is among the oldest gymnasiums still being used for high school basketball in the state of Indiana, perhaps even the country. The intimacy and proximity of the stands to the court provide a time capsule to the old-fashion design of gyms of yesteryear. Final Thoughts Memorial Gymnasium is the third oldest facility still in regular use for high school basketball in the state of Indiana. After 90 years of service, the place is in fantastic condition and a pleasant diversion for a comfortable night of basketball. Many of these facilities are no longer in use and lay vacant only for us to imagine what it must have been like; fortunately, that is not the case here in Rushville.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Spuhler Field 10723 School Street Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website Spuhler Field website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 900 Patriot Games at Mason The George Mason Patriots baseball team has been in existence since 1968, but for the first two decades of their existence, they were forced to play their home games on temporary or high school fields. Finally, in 1986, they got their own field on campus when Spuhler Field opened. The stadium seats only 900 and is part of a sports complex on the George Mason campus which also includes the Field House and various other stadiums. It is named after Raymond H. “Hap” Spuhler, the school’s first baseball coach. Food & Beverage 2 There is a food truck at select Mason home games selling a basic selection of food. Hot dogs are available, as are assorted chips, candy, other snacks, soft drinks, and beverages. Prices are reasonably affordable with nothing being more than about $5 but the selection is not very good. Fans are also permitted to bring their own food into the stadium, so we suggest doing that or eating before. Atmosphere 2 There are three sets of bleachers at Spuhler Field, all of which are behind netting. While it can be frustrating to watch the game through a net sometimes, this is a necessity as the seats are very close to the action and the ball can come off the aluminum bats very fast. All seats are bleacher seats with no backs, although fans in the top row can lean against the back fence. There is a small digital scoreboard in right-center field which shows the line score in addition to the count and other standard information. Once the game starts, the team doesn’t really make a lot of effort to keep fans engaged. There is a PA announcer and music played between innings and at-bats, but that’s about it. There isn’t even so much as a marketing table to keep fans informed of what’s going on with the team. 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 the Oh George! Taphouse (whose name is derived from the university) as well as several chain places and a movie theatre. The Glory Days Grill on Nutley Street 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 Mason averages about 100 fans a game, and most of them into the game at all. There were a handful of cheers occasionally, but these were mostly from friends and family cheering on one particular player rather than the whole team. Some fans didn’t seem to be paying attention to the game at all, but they were thankfully a small minority. Still, even a few fans completely ignoring the game can be noticeable when the crowd is as small as it is here. 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, ample free parking is available in the lot between the Field House and the stadium, with more parking available on the other side of the Field House in the unlikely event it is actually needed. Parking in the lot is $7.50, payable at a kiosk or via the Parkmobile app on your cell phone. The lot usually does not fill up, but if there are other events at the Field House or George Mason Stadium, it may. You can also park on the side of University Drive for free - just make sure to pay attention to all signs. There is one port-a-potty right outside the entrance to the stadium, and fans looking for a real restroom can walk the short distance to the Field House, where they will find some inside. Unfortunately, the George Mason campus is not easily accessible by Metro. The closest station, Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange Line, is about five miles away. There is a shuttle bus from the station to the George Mason campus that takes about 15 minutes, but then it is another 15-20 minute walk across campus to the stadium. The Virginia Square-GMU station serves Mason's satellite campus in Arlington and is nowhere close to the main campus in Fairfax, despite the name, so under no circumstances should you use that. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for weekend games (typically Friday-Sunday) are $10 for adults with discounts available for children, seniors, and Mason faculty/staff. Weekday games are free and GMU students get in free to all home games. As mentioned above, parking is $7.50, which is absurd, particularly since it was free just a few years ago. Although a visit here certainly won't break the bank, it is far too much for the barebones experience you are getting. Extras 2 There are free programs available in a bucket attached to the center set of bleachers. Although they don’t provide much other than rosters and a very basic scorecard, it’s hard to complain when they don’t cost anything. The outfield fence has banners showing the Patriots’ postseason appearances as well as three retired numbers. Final Thoughts Although college baseball is huge in the southeast, including parts of Virginia, George Mason doesn’t seem to be located far enough south to take advantage of that. With sparse crowds and little done to encourage more people to attend, there is not much to make the casual fan want to come here. If you’re a fan of George Mason or their opponent, or are just baseball crazy and will check out any game anywhere any time, you’ll want to check out Spuhler Field. However, for a typical neutral fan, there is nothing here of note.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Russell C. King Field at Switzer Stadium 429 N Church St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Russell C. King Field at Switzer Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,500 Russell C. King Field at Switzer Stadium Wofford College is less than two miles from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, but a quick walk around campus makes you feel a world away. For decades, the Terriers played at Law Field that sat on the site of their current home. When Wofford made the jump to Division I, Law Field did not meet minimal size requirements, so Wofford moved to the cross-town Duncan Park in the mid 90s. The Terriers would call Duncan Park home for 8 years, but would move back to campus in 2004 with the opening of Russell King Field. Wofford has played as members of the Southern Conference (SoCon) since their move to Division I in 1997 – the Terriers were SoCon tournament champions in 2007, and back-to-back regular season champions in 2021 and 2022. Food & Beverage 2 Russell King Field does not have a traditional concession stand, but what it does have is the 429 – the Road Boss food truck which is part of the Wofford food system. While having a food truck as a concession stand is a novel idea, it falls short of expectations when it comes to food options; the main options of substance are either a hot dog or nachos. There are also a handful of snack choices, such as the traditional baseball peanuts, Cracker Jack, and sunflower seeds. Drinks consist of bottled Coke products or PowerAde. Atmosphere 3 Russell King Field sits at the bottom of an embankment, at the end of an oak tree-lined drive. During the spring months, after the trees have filled out with their canopy of leaves, it is quite a stunning sight. The stadium blends in so well with its surroundings that if walking up from behind the press box, it would be difficult to tell there was even a baseball field here. Upon approach, it has the feel of an amphitheater. The seating bowl is made up of nine rows of permanent seating, spread out into five sections from dugout to dugout. The middle three sections are covered with a steeply sloped roof. Many fans choose to bring lawn chairs to set up on the concrete pad along the top of the seating area, or along the hillside on each side of the field. Other than the small press box at the top of the seating area, the stadium has no built-in amenities. Restrooms are conveniently available, however, at the adjacent Richardson Hall, which could quite easily be peppered with foul balls, or at the food truck providing concessions at the neighboring soccer field. The natural grass, symmetrical stadium plays a bit small, but is offset a by a roughly 10’ fence. Down the lines the distances run 325’ with 385’ power alleys, and 395’ to straightaway center field. Hot cloudless days will make seats under the overhang a popular option, as would the hillside seats along the first baseline in the shade of the oak trees. Neighborhood 4 A train trestle with “Wofford” painted across it welcomes visitors to the southeastern edge of campus. Russell King Field is neighbored by the school’s softball field, soccer pitch, Snyder Field, and the newly built Jerry Richardson Hall that houses locker rooms, athletics offices, and student housing. Wofford’s campus is less than 2 miles from downtown Spartanburg, so there is a wide variety of food, lodging, and entertainment options just minutes away. The University of South Carolina-Upstate is less than 4 miles away, also. A bit further from campus, in the neighboring town of Greer, is the BMW manufacturing plant and Zentrum Museum. Fans 3 Wofford has a sizeable fanbase given the size of its student body. The crowd is seemingly three-quarters family and alumni, and the other one-quarter is students. Adults in the crowd tend to be the most vocal of the bunch. Students come and go throughout the game, but are not the ones to create a substantial home field advantage. With an enrollment of just over 1,800 students and an average attendance of about 400 fans per baseball game, the Terriers draw well in comparison to the size of their student body. Access 4 Wofford is easily accessible from nearby I-85, or from I-26 which passes through just south of Spartanburg. These main arteries of travel provide rather direct routes from Ashville, Columbia, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Once at the Wofford campus, parking is available on the first base side of the field. If this lot is full, there is a good amount of on-street parking along the perimeter of campus. From that point, it is just a short walk to the field. With free admission, there is not a gate entry point to pass through and there does not appear to be enforcement of a clear bag policy. A handful of fans even brought small coolers with drinks and snacks. Return on Investment 5 When the only thing you must invest in when going to a Wofford baseball game is time, it is time well spent. While concessions are a bit limited, the prices are affordable and the day will not break the bank. The picnic tables along the third baseline also encourages fans to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during the game. Extras 3 The aforementioned picnic tables that line the hillside along the third base line are a nice touch, and create space for a great afternoon picnic lunch as you take in a game. The large oak trees along the right field line create a great deal of shade, and provide wonderful aesthetics. Spartanburg does not have much of a skyline, but Denny’s Tower, the corporate headquarters for the diner’s chain, is prominently visible in the distance behind right field. Final Thoughts Russell King Field offers a wonderfully beautiful environment for baseball, paired with a rather quality team. From the oak-lined drive to the meticulously maintained grass, to the simpleness of berm seating and players watering down the infield on their own, baseball at Wofford is an overall pleasant way to spend an evening or afternoon.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium 375 E. McClain Ave. Scottsburg, IN, 47170 Scottsburg Warriors website Charles E. Meyer Gym website Capacity: 3,677 Opened: 1956 Welcome to The Pressure Cooker They say that little matters in Scottsburg, Indiana, as much as basketball. When the team is winning, the crowd is loud, the band is booming, and the place becomes a pressure cooker. The high school basketball program has been playing its games since 1956 at the Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium. The home of the Warriors and Warriorittes was built for $500,000, featuring 2,909 fixed wooden bleachers and 768 additional roll-away seats. In 1954, a non-profit holding company was formed to fund a new building. It was financed through bonds that were sold to Scott County citizens starting at $5. Work on the gym also featured four dressing rooms, ten classrooms for the junior high, and a “useful lobby” in the front. The dedication game took place in front of a packed house against Paoli on November 20, 1956. The boys’ program would make three Sweet 16 and two Elite Eight appearances in underclass basketball. The girls would make three Final Four appearances, finishing as runner-up in 1986 and culminating in a state championship in 1989. Today, the crowds don’t regularly pack the old place, but the passion is still there; the gym gets loud even with a fraction of the audience. The high school arena would go through a $1 million renovation project that included replacing the heating and cooling system, new lighting, and windows. The lobby was renovated for the 50th anniversary that involved a granite stone project. Fans, alumni, and students purchased small pieces, with personal messages, to help fund the restoration of the main lobby. The gym’s namesake, Charlie Meyer, was the head coach of the Warriors for 13 seasons. He guided the boys to a 178-125 record and four sectional championships. He would be inducted into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame in 1986. Food & Beverage 2 Due to COVID-19 protocols, there are no food or beverages served at the Meyer Gymnasium this year (2021). There has been a mixture of results from around the state this season. A few gyms offer a full range of concession items (White River Valley), a few items (South Adams), and no items (Clay City). Atmosphere 4 The Meyer Gym has a stunning wow factor when walking inside the building. The brick gymnasium is an advertisement for Indiana high school basketball. The hardwood bleachers could tell a thousand stories; the purple and gold banners aging with mites, and the walls could confirm if those stories are accurate. The atmosphere is loud, despite the reduced attendance figures during our visit and the pandemic. The noise level bounces off the low ceilings to create a home-court advantage for the Warriors. The audience is seated on three sides of the court with a modern purple rolled-out bleacher section for the students and the band. The view is ideal from the majority of the seating, but higher up, it could be blocked by the multiple banners hanging from the ceiling. The main lobby has been transformed into a basketball museum for the school. A large mural honoring the school’s basketball history for both boys and girls is proudly displayed for all visitors to see. There is a focus on former players who are now enshrined in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, along with the granite project with personal messages from citizens and alumni. A section of the lobby is replicated to form the original basketball court. There are also multiple trophy cases featuring accolades and memorabilia, along with the gym’s original center-court S logo and signage hanging up on the walls. Neighborhood 3 Scottsburg has a population of 6,747 residents and is 30 miles north of Louisville on I-65. The town is home to two unique events in August that includes the Leota Country Frolic, a festival to celebrate the town’s heritage with live bluegrass music, a watermelon eating contest, a flea market, in a euchre tournament. There is also the Pig Roast in the Park with live music and a slow-pitch softball tournament. These two events occur outside the basketball season but could be an option to return if you live near Scottsburg. There is a town square that features a courthouse and war memorial. The surrounding buildings offer a few interesting places to eat, including Hardy’s which serves pub food, and Java Station 56 which is a coffee house in a relaxed atmosphere. They offer sandwiches, soups, and pastries. Jenny’s Pizza is known for its stromboli and, at times, offers a buffet. There are also an array of national fast-food restaurants right off the interstate exit for more options. Clifty Falls State Park is 20 miles west of Madison, Indiana, that features nature trails along the waterfalls and campgrounds. The Scott County Heritage Center offers historical artifacts and information on the local area. Goat Milk Stuff is a farm store offering cheese and other products from goats. Fans 4 The small and loyal passion group of fans makes quite the ruckus during the contest. There are quite a few dressed in purple and gold and many were residents who were taking in the early afternoon basketball game at the old gym. Attendance has been a mixed bag this year, and rightfully so, with sparse crowds at many big-time arenas, but that is not the case at the Scottsburg gym–it’s business as usual. Access 3 The building is not located at the high school but a mile east of the main downtown square and courthouse. The address does not show up on GPS, and it is wise to know the address before heading into town. However, I am sure asking for directions–remember that–would be simple. Just in case you miss it, look for the crowded parking lot and school banners from the gym’s exterior. Once inside, the main lobby opens up to wrap around the court and seating bowl. There are multiple entryways around the venue, and there is plenty of parking in the main lot. Restrooms and concession stands are located in the hallways outside the seating area. The bleacher seating is easily accessible by various main aisles. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket for a basketball game is $6, and food options are around the same price as other basketball gyms in the state, during non-COVID seasons. There are a few nice, local eateries to visit after the game and a few state parks nearby to enjoy during the warmer months. However, it is the gym itself and the lobby that is the main attraction. Extras 4 The main lobby receives a point for its restoration that includes pieces of the original flooring on the walls, large murals honoring the history of the program, and a small replica of the original court design on the floor. It is very nicely done, and one of the better-looking lobbies in any Indiana gymnasium. The granite project earns a second point and is also in the lobby. When the gym celebrates its 50th anniversary, citizens purchase a piece and inscribe a personal message. They are now displayed for everyone to see inside the building. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wade E. Miller Arena 601 N Breiel Blvd. Middletown, OH 45042 Middletown High School Middies website Wade E. Miller Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,410 Middletown Middies New Chapter in Basketball The next chapter of Middletown High School basketball debuted on December 9, 2017, with the opening of Wade E. Miller Arena. The hometown Middies new home replaced the iconic Wade E. Miller Gym that had been its home since 1952. The Miller Arena is part of a $96 million project that has seen renovations to the adjacent high school and the addition of a new middle school. The arena has a capacity of 2,140 with ample standing-room-only spaces around the court’s upper perimeter. The other additions feature improved lighting and sound system, a walking track, a strength center, an athletic office, a community room, trophy cases, a strength center, and a wrestling room. The school’s most famous alumnus is basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas who guided the Middies to back-to-back state championships in 1956 and 1957, including a 76-game winning streak and 63 points in his final game. Lucas later stated that he never lost a game at the old Miller Gym during both his junior and senior high school playing career. Other alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter who ranks seventh with 1,299 points on the court and current Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber who posted a .408 career average on the diamond while with the Middies baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 There is one area for concessions and it is located inside the high school down a short hallway. The area is large enough that tables are set up for fans to sit and talk while they eat before or during halftime of the game. The usual high school snacks are available, but the one to try is the Peil Dog which is topped with pickled jalapeno peppers and melted nacho cheese sauce; it’s also a bargain. All of the menu items are no more than $2-3, except Chick-fil-A sandwiches which seem somewhat steeper in price per sandwich in comparison to the other items on the menu. The other items include pizza slices, hot dogs, pretzels, and bottle pop for $2, nachos for $2.50, and brats for $3. Patrons can also enjoy popcorn, candy, and water for just a buck. Atmosphere 3 Miller Arena has that wow factor the moment you walk through the front door. The bright lighting, wide concourses, school colors of purple and plastic seating create beautiful aesthetics not found at too many other gymnasiums of its kind throughout the area. The arena is equipped with four 9-foot by 12-foot video LED scoreboards at four corners that provide scores, game time, and advertising space. The court, named after Lucas, is emblazoned with a small purple M inside a giant wood-grained M that is tilted. There is quite a bit of purple that easily identifies to the untrained eye that Middletown bleeds purple. The color is everywhere from signage, doors, plastic bucket seating, and murals that are featured on all four sides of the building. The exterior color is also offset by brick and cream coloring. The arena is new, but there is a ton of history with trophy cases displaying jerseys of former basketball greats, championship trophies, and photographs of past teams. There are retired numbers on display along with the school’s six state championship banners-tied for most in the state of Ohio. Fans easily can view all of these displays throughout the wide concourse that also serves as a walking track on non-game days. Before tip-off, Cris Carter is featured in an introduction video that highlights the basketball team's history through videos and photos. The band plays the school song while the home crowd points their index fingers to the center of the court. The tradition has been performed before every game at Middletown for many years. Neighborhood 3 Middletown is in between the major cities of Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, and near the campus of Miami University. The 48,702 town offers a few nice places to eat and drink before or after the game. Comb’s BBQ is a cute little spot that has a decor of old knickknacks ranging from guitars, neon lights, signage, and an old phone booth. The barbecue is affordable and delicious. The smoked wings are a bargain at 6 for $5, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are large enough to fill you up ranging from $6.25-$8 each, sides are extra. Just down the street is Stefano’s Italian Cafe which is famous for wood-fired pizza and calzones, affordable sandwiches (all cost $6.95), and house specialties that include veal, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. Downtown offers a rarity, Rolling Mills Brewing Company a gluten-free brewery that serves both a lager and pilsner. The Sorg Opera House was recently refurbished and hosts live concerts. The historic venue first opened in 1891 and was recently closed for six years before being bought and renovated. Located 17 miles south of Middletown is Jungle Jim's International Market, the Disney World of supermarkets offering everything from beer, wine, cheese, produce, cigars, international foods, and so much more. Grab a pint at the bar and have a drink while you shop for products from around the world. Fans 3 The Middies fans are your typical basketball crowd made up of students, alumni, and parents who cheer on their home team to victory. They create a nice ambiance that begins with the singing of the school’s fight song and create noise to inspire the boys on the court. Access 4 The spacious arena offers plenty of areas to walk around, sit, and locate bathrooms and concessions. There is also plenty of parking outside the building and its location near I-75 makes it convenient for visitors driving from Dayton or Cincinnati. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets and concession items are affordable to all visitors. The price of an adult ticket is $6 with most concession items no more than $2.50. There is plenty of parking in front of the arena which is free. Extras 4 There is one point for the purple, black, white, and gray murals that are displayed in all four sections of the building which add quite a flare to the game. The arena gets a second point for the 6 championship banners and retired numbers that chronicle the school’s basketball program and history. A third point towards the LED video boards and sound system that gives the high school arena a slightly different feel than other similar gyms in both Ohio and neighboring Indiana. A fourth point to the Peil Dog features jalapenos and nacho cheese sauce on a hot dog. A simple tweak to the traditional menu options that other high schools overlook. Final Thoughts The Miller Arena hopes not only to be a gem of a basketball arena in Ohio but a centerpiece to the community of Middletown. There are many classic basketball gymnasiums in the area offering history and a plethora of memories; that should be the case 50 years from now with the Miller Arena. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Butler-Vandalia Student Athletic Center 600 S Dixie Dr. Vandalia, OH 45377 Butler High School Aviators website Butler-Vandalia Student Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 4,500 The SAC Packs Them in for High School Hoops The Butler-Vandalia Student Athletic Center may or may not be the biggest high school basketball gym in the state of Ohio but it may have the most comfortable seats in the state or perhaps any other high school gym in the nation. The 150 purple cushion theater-style seats in each balcony set the standard for viewing a high school gym. Not to be outdone are the reserved plastic theater-style seats located on the lower west side of the building. The SAC was built in 1986 and is home to the Butler High School Aviators, located in Vandalia just a few miles from the Dayton International Airport and 15 minutes north of the University of Dayton’s UD Arena. The area is known for its college hoops, NCAA First Four, and Flyin’ to the Hoops high school invitational but how is the high school basketball scene in town? The city does have some other great high school gyms that include Fairmont’s Trent Arena, Oakwood’s The Pit, and Northmont’s Thunderdome–where the school plays a non-conference game against Richmond (Indiana) High School in 2020. Food & Beverage 3 The SAC offers concession options on both levels and the options include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. These options are similar to other high school venues in neighboring Indiana and what can be found at the Wade E. Miller Arena a few miles south in Middletown. Atmosphere 4 The SAC hosted district finals that pitted Anna versus National Trail in boys basketball Division III. The building filled up the lower level first and soon the upper seating was close to near capacity. This made for a frenzied atmosphere where the opposing school colors of green and orange did their best to cheer on the boys on the court. The facility provides a nice canvas for high school hoops and offers several features that are sometimes overlooked at other buildings of its kind. The two scoreboards feature the names of both schools in place of “home” and “away” and feature a plethora of ads. A video screen provides more areas for advertisements but also includes a pre-game introduction. Then there is the comfortable theater-style seating located on the western section of the lower level and the balcony section on the upper level. The building has a capacity of 4,500 and is somewhat of an updated version of some of the big box gyms in Indiana that were constructed in the 1970s. The colors of purple and gold are speckled throughout the building and multiple banners hang from the rafters representing the various high school championships from numerous sports. The outer concourse offers two trophy cases but also a memorial to the men and women who lost their lives in service. Staircases allow fans to enter the upper level and bathrooms and concession stands are also located in this area. The upper concourse offers two window areas that provide a glimpse of the camps with one view of the school’s football field. Neighborhood 3 Vandalia is a suburb of Dayton and is located at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 75 and the Dayton International Airport. There is a core of regional and national restaurant chains near the high school and downtown Dayton is a short 15-minute drive south on I-75. Other sporting venues include the UD Arena, Day Air Ballpark, and Nutter Center. Restaurant options include Bunkers, Oscar’s, Airline Dairy Creme, Jim’s Donut Shop, Warehouse 4, and Ray’s Wine Shop and Grill. There are also regional options of Skyline Chili, Frisch’s Big Boy, Fricker’s, and LaRossa’s in nearby Englewood. However, the Oregon District is a short 15 drive from the SAC for further options. Five Rivers Metro Parks, Scene 75 Entertainment Center, and the Charleston Falls Preserve are a few tourist attractions when in town along with the other options in the area that include the US Air Force Museum and Dayton Art Institute. Fans 4 The fans of both high schools are decked out with their respective school colors and provide great support throughout the entire game. The students’ section was also packed with supporters hoping to provide an additional boost to their classmates on the court. The arena was at near capacity and the building was alive and well with Ohio high school hoop fans. Access 4 The school is located about half a mile from the I-75 exit and there is plenty of parking at the school for the event. The gym itself features two levels of seating in the main concourse with bathrooms, concessions, and exits and entrances. The upper level offers a wraparound concourse that makes it easy to get to and from your seats. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are $7 for the district final games and concession prices range between $2 to $3 for most items. Game day programs cost $3 and there is a parking fee of $3 for all cars, something that was somewhat surprising, but proceeds go back to the school. However, this could make for a little bit of backup from the main road before the game. Extras 3 The SAC earns a point for the cushioned seating backup of the balcony which is plush and very comfortable. The arena earns an additional point for its scoreboards that offer both the home and away from the school’s names and a final point is awarded for the memorial for servicemen and women in the outer concourse. Final Thoughts There is a lot to like about the SAC from its cushioned balcony seating to its massive seating capacity; this is a facility that could very well be among many other finest examples of high school hoops. The crowd provides a nice background of cheering and clapping and the action on the court provides the focal point. It is a nicely designed high school venue that is worthy of checking out if one finds themselves in Dayton, Ohio.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 RWJBarnabas Health Arena 1245 Old Freehold Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753 WOBM Christmas Classic website RWJBarnabas Health Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 3,180 A Holiday Tradition in Toms River, NJ The RWJBarnabas Arena is the largest high school basketball gymnasium in the state of New Jersey. The facility was dedicated on June 19, 2003, and hosts a variety of events such as professional and varsity sporting events, live music concerts, trade shows, and much more. The facility holds 3,500 and serves as home to the Toms River Regional School District. Due to its size, all three high schools of North, East, and South call the venue home. The arena also hosts a variety of entertainment options from concerts, wrestling, and graduation ceremonies. Kenny Rodgers, Paul Anka, Jay Leno, and Natalie Cole have performed at the RWJBarnabas Arena. The arena is home for 7 days during the Christmas season to one of the largest high school tournaments in the state, the WOBM Holiday Classic. The event is home to 32 teams, 16 boys and girls varsity teams, from all over Ocean Township that play a total of 52 games. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand in the lobby of the building that provides your typical snacks and drinks. The menu items include deli-style sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, granola, and varieties of fruit. You will also find the regular menu items of nachos, pizza slices, chicken fingers, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and soda. The prices range from $1 for the popcorn to $4.50 for deli sandwiches. Atmosphere 3 A typical day at the arena begins at 10 a.m. and ends at a 9 p.m. tip-off for basketball games during the tournament. Fans are treated to four girls and four boys' games and one ticket gets you into all the games for one day. The atmosphere of a crowd depends on who’s playing and usually, the evening games bring out a more raucous crowd to the facility. The arena serves as home to all three Toms River high schools and there appears to be a lack of any conference or Championship banners for any of these three schools in the building. However, there are plenty of colorful banners from the conference high schools that hang from the rafters and there are several banners from the various elementary schools of the district. The arena also is home to a large scoreboard that can keep individual stats and styles throughout the game. There is bleacher seating on all four sides and bathrooms are located in the main lobby near the concession stand. Just around the corner from the bathrooms is the Hall of Fame atrium which houses various memorabilia, photos, and plaques from all three High School’s sports programs. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located in a mixture of both retail and residential neighborhoods that includes local and national restaurants and the Ocean County Mall. Fans are also not too far away from Point Pleasant Beach, but probably wouldn’t be the best place to spend some time during late December. There are various places to enjoy food and beverage and a little shopping before or after a game or two. The area offers various local establishments to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink that includes Social 37, SWAGGERS Restaurant and Sports Bar, Toms River Ale House, The Office, and Christopher’s Pub. The Jersey Shore Premium Outlets is located off the Garden State Parkway and Insectropolis is a bug museum that provides everything you need to know about all types of bugs. Fans 3 Depending on the school and its basketball prominence, you will find a vast selection of fans rooting for the players or their alma mater. The largest schools the ones closer to the arena will more than likely bring out the best of the fans in the stands. However, there is a selection of both young and old rooting for their favorite team on the court and showing a lot of team spirit. Access 4 The arena is located about two miles off the Garden State Parkway and is easily accessible from both the north and south. If traveling from the western portion of the state, expect to travel on various county roads and through small towns to arrive at the arena. The arena does have plenty of parking surrounding it and once inside everything a fan would want to be able to get to – their seat or to the bathrooms – is easily marked. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket for an adult is $7 for an all-day pass. This means that one can enjoy eight different games for one low price. Children's tickets are only $5 for the same all-day pass. If you are planning on staying around for a few days a $20 tournament pass allows entry to all 52 games played at the arena. Extras 3 The arena gets one point for its large and informative scoreboard. I have been to many high school basketball gyms over the past few seasons and I hate to say this, but the best one that I’ve seen is in New Jersey. It is one of those old-school scoreboards from the early 1990s but works perfectly here providing statistics of each player throughout the game. The arena gets a second point for having a collection of wonderful banners from various schools throughout the county. It’s a little bit different to see rival schools hanging up in the arena, but it does add a nice touch of color to the building. The arena gets the third point for being more than just a basketball arena. It houses concerts and other events and has attracted entertainers such as Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Jay Leno, and the late Natalie Cole throughout its 15-year history. Final Thoughts The RWJBarnabas Arena is the largest of its kind in New Jersey and provides a perfect centerpiece for basketball and entertainment in Ocean County in Toms River. It has easy access off main highways and ample parking spaces for patrons

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Switz City Gym 5644 Indiana 54 Switz City, IN 47465 White River Valley Wolverines website Switz City website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,500 Switz City: Small Town, Big Gym On December 10, 1955, the Switz City Gym was dedicated to the hometown Tigers defeating the Linton Miners 54-43. The $185 million basketball venue was spacious and swanky by the local media and its capacity received the most acclaim. At the time, the population of the town was 328, but its gym had a seating capacity of 3,500. The “sunken gym” design was constructed with the plans conceived by Evansville architect Ralph Legeman. The concept of a new gym had begun two years earlier with a much larger 5,335 capacity. The project was financed by the sale of long-term bonds by a holding company formed in the community. The venue was constructed in a large excavation with the basketball court situated 15 feet below the ground level. This provided for a 16-foot running track to serve as the main concourse for home dates that also could house additional bleachers that would boost its capacity to 5,200. The gym’s size would be ideal for the Green County sectionals and the Green County Invitational tournament that are housed annually in the building. Switz City would become Central High School in 1958 after it consolidated with Newberry High School and would become the smallest school in the state to win a sectional championship in 1973 with an enrollment of 150 students, where most in the tournament averaged between 500 to 1,000. The school’s enrollment would be 90 by the time it consolidated once again with nearby Worthington and Lyons & Marco for the 1990-91 season to form White River Valley High School. That same season the gym received a fresh new coat of interior paint of navy blue, silver, and white to match the new colors and a new nickname of Wolverines, which was unique to any school in the state at the time. The new school would find instant success capturing sectional titles in its first three seasons and regional championships in 1992 and 1993. Food & Beverage 5 A large concession stand is located in the main lobby of the building which houses an array of items that should fill most people up during the game. Despite the pandemic, when most gyms in the state are offering pre-packaged snacks and bottled soda, there is a full menu option at the Switz City Gym. There are also two smaller concession stands inside the seating bowl, but were closed during our visit. The main concession stands sell hot dogs, cheese dogs, chili dogs, and chili cheese dogs between the prices of $2 to $3.50. There are also hamburgers, cheeseburgers, barbecue pork sandwiches, and sloppy joes. Fans can also enjoy nachos, chili cheese nachos, and tacos in a bag or served traditionally on a plate--complete with jalapeños. For a sweet treat, there are more than enough candy bars to choose from along with pretzels dipped in cinnamon and sugar. You can wash it all down with bottled Coca-Cola products, and that would go well with freshly popped popcorn that hits the senses the minute you walk through the front door. Atmosphere 3 The gym’s interior design is somewhat vapid, but what makes it appealing is the sunken gym design that allows excellent views from all vantage points in the building. Fans can enjoy unobstructed views from their seats along with standing on the main concourse. However, our visit was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and attendance was capped, providing less than the normal crowd in the gym. The ceiling is somewhat lower to the court than other similarly designed gyms. The interior colors also stand out to the visitor. The colors navy blue and silver are everywhere from the seating bowl, baseline, walls, and ceiling. The court itself also offers a simple design with the school's name in bold print at the center court. The baskets extend from the ceiling; with two scoreboards on opposite ends of each wall. There are multiple sectional and regional championship banners, photos of other high schools from its conference, and even a mention of the three schools that merged to form WRV in 1990. An interesting little aspect of the gym is the staircase that leads to an open loft that used to serve as a weight room for PE classes but is now designated for storage. I think it could be put to better use as an exhibit of the city’s basketball past. The lobby offers a large trophy case that includes WRVs past championships trophies, along with every class picture from previous years dating back to 1930. There is also a wall of former school greats on the inside concourse. Neighborhood 2 Switz City had a population of 293 at the time of the last census and features a limited number of eateries, but Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant is worthy of a visit before or after a basketball game. Nearby Linton is 6 miles from the gym and offers many more eateries that include The Vault Bar & Grill, Joe Etta’s Pizza Villa, Country Harvest Smorgasbord, The Sportsman Pub, and Grill Inc. Fans 3 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the attendance figures are nowhere near where they would be in any other season. There were a handful of fans cheering for both the home and away teams, and they did their best to make sure their voices were heard throughout the game. This is similar to every other high school basketball game that's taken place during the pandemic years. The gym normally attracts fans from towns with no connection to the school, but who enjoy a good basketball game. Access 4 The sunken gym looks like many others in the state, and visitors are greeted by a large open concourse on the upper portion of the building. The stands are 10 rows deep, and there are no obstructed views. During the time of our visit, the effects of the pandemic were still evident as capacity was capped. This made for easy movement on the concourse, concession area, and seating bowl. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $5 for a regular game during the season and $8 for a ticket to either a sectional or invitational game. Concession items varied and ranged in between the prices of $2 to $4, for a cheap night out for sports and food, you can't go wrong at a WRV game. Extras 4 The gym earns a point for its Green County Invitational which is held every January in the building, along with another point for its school logo and wordmark on its exterior. There is an array of classic basketball photos from the former county schools that have all merged into White River Valley which garners the third point in our review. Finally, the concession stand is among the best in the state of Indiana. If you're looking to have some food before the game, do yourself a favor and wait till you see their options. Final Thoughts Swiss City Gym is a classic rock Legamin design facility that was built to last. Fans have many memories here from their days of the 1950s to the formation of WRV. The local fans love this gym and continue to support the basketball that is played here doing both wars and pandemics. However, it is the concession stand that is the best that I have seen in the state so far during my travels. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey & Scott Fosdick Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jim Mann Green Dome 4590 Sarah Myers Dr. W. Terre Haute, IN 47885 West Vigo Vikings High School website Green Dome website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 2,600 Green with Envy at West Vigo The Jim Mann Green Dome has been the only home to the West Vigo High School Vikings since the school’s inception in the fall of 1959. The fieldhouse would open later that school year in 1960 and for nearly 60 years has been the state’s most striking facility with the school colors of green in almost every portion of its interior The 2,600-seat venue is of the “sunken gym” style that was popular at many gyms around the state during the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, it's the hues of green that make it stand out undeniably as the home of the Vikings. The gym was renamed after longtime Athletic Director Jim Mann 2011 who spent 30 years at the school. The Vikings boys and girls basketball teams captured six sectional championships during his tenure from 1969-1999. Another interesting note is that Larry Bird did his student teaching at the high school following the 1978-1979 season with Indiana State University. That year Bird guided the Sycamores to a Final Four appearance in the championship game. He would spend the rest of the school year at West Vigo before signing with the Boston Celtics and NBA stardom. Food & Beverage 3 The gym offers a collection of familiar concession items found at most high school gyms and field houses. A small concession window is open at one corner of the building offering hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and fountain drinks. On certain nights the school features various money-raising efforts that include pulled pork dinners for $10 and baked goods for $.50. The pulled pork is the real deal and not the type found in a tube container or drenched with barbecue sauce. Atmosphere 4 The parking lots surrounding the gym are usually filled before most weekend games and the gym does not stand out from its exterior to most passersby, but once you walk in through the double-door entrance, you know you are somewhere much different. The colors of green smack you in the face and run up your nose. A large concourse surrounds the upper portion of the gym that also serves as a walking track during gym class and the walls are decorated with almost 60 years of school memories from old photos, sweaters, team photos, and news clippings. A few interesting clippings and photos hang on these walls giving the gym a classic fieldhouse atmosphere. However, it’s the color of Kelly green that makes this gym stand out from most venues in Hoosier State. The colors are splashed in almost every point of the building from the backdrop of the walls, the area behind the benches, and railings up above the court on the roof. To many, it’s The Green Dome, and it’s easy to see why. Neighborhood 3 West Terre Haute is a short few miles from Terre Haute and the campus of Indiana State University. The major chain restaurants can be found near the I-70 interstate exits, but there are more than a few ample places to visit in downtown Terre Haute. Moggers has been a staple for casual dining in town for many years and across the street from the building is the Terre Haute Brewing Company. The Verve is a nightclub offering live entertainment and J. Gumbo’s offers affordable cajun and creole-style meals in both traditional and non-traditional ways. The Clabber Girl Museum is worth a visit to one of the country’s oldest brands. It also features glimpses into the history of Terre Haute and the evolution of American baking over the past two centuries. The Sycamore Winery is one of the newest editions in town located on a scenic property overlooking two lakes. Visitors can taste both homemade wine and beer at the picturesque building. Fans 3 West Vigo fans love the Green Dome and many who move away enjoy a stroll down memory lane with a visit to their favorite place. A few in attendance took me around to show me a few names of people they went to school with or once played on the court. Access 4 The simple design of the gymnasium makes getting around rather simple. The bathrooms are located outside of the seating area in the main lobby and when the game is over, multiple doors open up directly to the parking area. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is $5 and is in line with other basketball venues in the state. The pricing of concessions is also affordable with most items well under $3. If you are here with former alumni, the game might be more interesting due to the history lesson you may receive about the gym and its former occupants. Extras 3 The gym receives one star for the school colors of green everywhere in the gymnasium; from top to bottom any visitor or opponent knows they are in Viking Country. A second star is for ticket raffles throughout the game which adds a little bit more sense of community during the game. A third star for the entire crowd singing the school fight song to the tune of the Wisconsin Fight Song. A nice way to begin the game. Final Thoughts The Green Dome is a very striking facility in West Terre Haute, an interesting field house that includes itself in the list of great, small gyms in Indiana. In a state that prides itself on its field houses, The Green Dome is among the best of the smaller-sized schools.- ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tipton High School Gymnasium 619 Main St. Tipton, IN 46072 Tipton Blue Devils Tipton HS Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 3,500 A Great Little Gym in Tipton When the current gym of the Tipton Blue Devils opened along with the high school for the 1961-1962 academic school year the boy’s basketball team finished with its first winning record in 7 seasons that included defeating rival Peru 65-68. The Devils also won its own Holiday Tournament title with a 91-77 victory in the final game against Winchester. Basketball games against other high schools would not be played against other schools until the 1912-1913 academic school year. Those first few seasons saw club teams formed to play against other Tipton students and the nearby Gawayne Castle or outside on the outdoor court of the high school building. However, a few games against other schools were scheduled during the 1911-1912 season “but owing to a misunderstanding” weren’t played. The 1912-13 season resulted in a 7-11 record for Tipton against various schools in the area and within two years became the dominant sport at the high school. Tipton High School has an impressive history of basketball and its 3,000-seat gym is worth a look on a fieldhouse tour in the state of Indiana. The low ceiling, two-level seating section, tasty concession items, and the band on the stage set the tone for a boisterous crowd during the cold winter nights. The Blue Devils program has produced 21 sectional, 18 conference, and 6 regional championships dating in its history. The blend of old-fashion showmanship and Hoosier Hysteria gives the 3,000-capacity basketball gym much-needed pop in the small town of Tipton about an hour north of downtown Indianapolis. The facility features two levels of seats at both ends with a stage situated behind one of the nets that include the school band that has ample space to play throughout the contest. The walls are also decorated with flames, slogans, and numerous championships won by multiple sports programs. Food & Beverage 3 The basics of hot dogs, popcorHoopfestand nachos can be found at the concession stand outside the main gym floor in a separate room. The pretzels and hot dogs cost a buck and a half, popcorn (some of the tastiest in the state) is just a dollar, and nachos are $2 for an additional charge including chili. Coca-Cola products are sold for $2 a bottle. Atmosphere 4 The home of the Blue Devils packs a wallop with a pre-game ceremony that gets the audience standing up in their seats. The team mascot charges around the court waving the school flag and the basketball team follows behind him. The student section then comes out onto the court and forms a line for the players to run through to shake hands and give high-fives as they return to the bench. While all of this is occurring, the school band. perches up on the stage and creates the soundtrack to the evening’s proceedings. The gymnasium feels much more like a high school gym compared to some of the other larger venues located in nearby Kokomo, Frankfort, and Muncie. However, the atmosphere is larger than life for the small town. Neighborhood 2 Tipton has a population of 5,106 people and is part of the Kokomo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The high school and gymnasium are located on Main Street and close to various local, regional, and national chain retail options. The downtown features a square with a courthouse, typical of what you will find in many small towns in the state. The options for dining include Faye’s Northside Restaurant, Izzy & Eddy’s, South Pole Drive-In, and Jim Dandy’s Restaurant. Access 3 Tipton is located miles away from the nearest interstate in the center of SR-19 and SR-28. The gymnasium is very accessible to move around as seats feature two levels with staircases for easy maneuvering. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $5 and concession prices range from $1 to $3 at the concession stands. The prices can’t be beaten and are comparable to that of other high school gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. Extras 3 The first point is for the team introduction which begins with the mascot running up and down the court and then having the fans coming out to greet the players. The second point is for the band that remains on the stage and performs throughout the game. Its presence is felt and provides a nice backdrop to the night’s proceedings. The third point is for the student section which is also very dominant, adding to the home-court advantage. Final Thoughts An interesting little spot for high school basketball, the Blue Devils' gym doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what it is, a great little basketball gymnasium.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raider Dome 9120 S 300 W. Poneto, IN 46781 Southern Wells HS Raiders website Raider Dome website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 2,223 Welcome to The Raider Dome The Raider Dome opened in 1967 and is home to the Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High School basketball program. The dome debuted the same year as the high school after the four remaining southern township schools of Southern Wells country agreed to consolidate for the 1966/1967 school year. Those four last schools of Chester Center, Jackson Center, Liberty Center, and Petroleum Center have banners hanging in the gymnasium as a reminder to all who walk the concourse of this magnificent basketball arena. The small gym holds a cozy 2,223 fans and is situated between State Road 218 and 18. It is indeed a nice little find. The domed ceiling dominates the entire building with multiple LED lights and its dark brown color. The 50-plus-year-old facility is in great shape and looks somewhat more modern than its actual age. The basketball nets used to hang from the ceiling but it was discovered several years ago that it was harming the roof and soon replaced. During practice roll away nets have to be brought into the gym. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand outside the gymnasium in the main lobby with prices that are much cheaper compared to other high school gyms. The hot dogs are just a buck and cost a dollar more if you want to add cheese or chili, pretzels, popcorn sells, and nachos. Bottled soda is available and there are even ice cream sundaes offered in the main concourse by the track and field team for $3 that support their program at every home game. Atmosphere 3 There is a lot to like about the Raider Dome beginning with the moment you walk through the main entrance. The ceiling design is majestic and dominates the interior with multiple LED lights. The white walls are decorated nicely with murals, red and white championship banners, and blue tiling to add a little pop to the place. There are two murals featuring a display of basketball players while the one on the opposite side of the gym spells out the words Raider Dome. The main concourse wraps around the upper-level seating area which are pull-out brown bleachers that also house a couple of scoreboards at each end. The area is also a common area for fans to mingle during the game. There are several tables offering ice cream sundaes and railings where you will find several people standing above the court, getting a bird’s eye view of a drive to the net. The team puts on an energetic pregame show where the lights are dimmed and a spotlight is shined on each home player who makes his way off the bench and onto the court. Once the tip-off has concluded the focus is on the game, but there also might be a few side conversations from the fans in the audience. Neighborhood 2 The Raider Dome is on the county road and several miles from the nearest restaurant or service station. The town of Bluffton is a 15-minute drive and offers several eateries and a downtown square with a few more options that are worthy to discover before tip-off. Yergy’s State Road BBQ serves award-winning barbecue and reasonable prices and might be a great option for dinner before the basketball game. The local joint features smoked chicken, brisket, and pulled pork platters and stuffed potatoes, burgers, tacos, and barbecue nachos. Tyeger’s Pizza Parlor is another local favorite for pizzas, subs, and calzones. However, it is the restaurant’s take on its crispy, thin pizza that turns heads. The Country Cork pizza featured sausage, corn, and mushrooms and was inspired by the pizzas the owners saw in Ireland. There are also pizzas of the month that range from Irish Stew pie, Ruben pie, and the Chicago dog pie. Billy Ann’s Supper Pub opens at 5 pm and offers a selection of home-cooked meals and a wide variety of beers in a hip setting. There are daily food and drink specials that provide another great place to grab a bite to eat before the game. Fans 3 The local populace does its best to support the Raiders on the court and is decked out in team colors of red and blue. The gym is never at full capacity and it does not necessarily have to be to notice the great fan support that this team gets during the cold winter months in Southern Wells County. Access 3 The high school is located about 30 miles south of Ft. Wayne and 20 miles east of I-69 through a few twists and turns on state roads. The use of a GPS will help guide visitors to the high school and gymnasium and once inside, offers two levels of seating that offer easy access during the game. Bathrooms and concession stands are located in the main lobby of the gymnasium. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $6 and is on par with other gyms in Hoosier State. The price of concessions is among the cheapest in the area and provides the ideal snacking food for enjoyment during a game. Extras 4 The Raider Dome receives a point for its magnificent domed ceiling that looms brightly up above both the court and seating areas. The gym itself is kept up rather nicely. The Raider Dome receives a second point for the two murals on each end of the building that add a nice touch to the aesthetics of the place. The Raider Dome receives the third point for its various vantage points that help eases congestion and give visitors a unique look at the game from up above. The Raider Dome receives a final point for the ice cream sundaes that are served by the track and field team at every home game. You can also get ice cream served with a brownie or in a cup by itself. Final Thoughts The Raider Dome is a rather distinctively designed building that features an equally impressive interior design. The colors pop brilliantly inside the venue, the crowd is passionate, and the local restaurant scene has a lot to offer in variety. A great small-time gym located just south of Ft. Wayne and a 90-minute drive from Indianapolis. It is a nice place to check out to get your fix on high school basketball in Indiana. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stardome 1000 Parkway St. Berne, IN 46711 South Adams HS Starfires website The Stardome website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 2,800 Basketball Under the Lights in the Stardome About a year ago I was in Northeast Indiana attending a basketball game at the Raiderdome at Southern Wells High School. I bumped into a family at Tyeger's Pizza Parlour and struck up a conversation with them. I told them that I was in the area to write a review of the basketball gym, and the wife indicated that I needed to check out the Stardome the next time I was in the area. The South Adams Junior/Senior High School basketball program plays its home games at The Stardome, a dome-shaped facility that offers a capacity of 2,800 -- down from the 4,001 it held when it opened in 1972. The removal of the additional seating allows patrons to move around and view the game from multiple vantage points in the building. During the pandemic, the capacity is maxed out at 250 per game during the 2020-2021 basketball season. However, it is an enjoyable experience for many in attendance who spend winter nights under the white-painted dome ceiling. The athletic teams are known as the Starfires and depending on who you ask is the name for a different reason. The more popular version stems from its first principal’s car, an Oldsmobile Starfire. However, if you ask someone else, they might tell you something else. The high school is in Berne, Indiana, and opened up for the academic school year of 1966-1967. The school was a consolidation of four Adams County high schools in Berne, Hartford, Jefferson, and Geneva. The basketball team had its best moments from 1989-1993 capturing a regional championship in 1993 and four sectional championships in 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1993. Food & Beverage 3 Like with most other schools during the pandemic, the items at the concession stand are limited. The usual items of nachos, hot dogs, and pizza slices are unavailable. The options include prepackaged snacks, popcorn, candy, and bottled beverages. It is recommended to have something to eat before the game. Atmosphere 3 The Stardome is a circular facility offering bleacher-style seating on both sides of the basketball court. The seating bowl is divided into two sections with a great view in either area, and the balcony offers the majority of the seating. There are usually seats for long-time fans and the elderly underneath one end of the basket. The upper bowl area offers balcony views of the court down below and perhaps just as good as any other seat in the house, but there is not a bad one in the entire building. The open space also serves as the track for PE programs and can be accessed by two staircases at both ends of the concourse. The school colors of black and yellow are decorated nicely throughout the facility with scoreboards on each end wall, athletic program championship banners, and the four previous high schools that merged into South Adams in 1966. The ceiling is painted entirely in white, and four American flags form a cube in the center point. The center logo of the Starfire logo is a direct copy of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, but it is being used quite appropriately at the school. The hardwood court was installed sometime in the mid-1980s and replaced the rubbery tartan surface that is similar in feel to the upper-level track. Neighborhood 2 Berne has a population of about 4,000 and features an ornate clock tower. The school is about a mile from the main center of town. The city was settled by Mennonite immigrants who named the town after the capital of their home country in Switzerland. It is not uncommon to see a horse and buggy on the state roads in and out of town. The clock tower is located in Muensterberg Plaza and was constructed in 2010. The design is modeled after the Zytglogge in Bern, Switzerland, and the plaza features The Settler’s Statue commemorating the arrival of the first settlers and a series of flowerbeds that resemble quilting patterns. The city's downtown structures are in an architectural Swiss chalet style. A few of these buildings consist of places to eat: the White Cottage, Alpine Rose Coffee Shop, and Happy’s Place bar. Outside of the downtown area is an East of Chicago pizzeria and a McDonald’s that offers signs in its parking lot in German: “Willkommen” and “Danke”. Fans 3 A loyal group of fans cheers on both the junior varsity and varsity games. In other years the crowd would be much more than the 100 plus that made the trip to the Stardome. Depending on how well the team is doing also dictates the number of people in attendance. The Stars are playing .500 ball, but look to be a force later on in the county tournament. One interesting tidbit is the acoustics in the building; when the buzzer goes off with a few people in attendance, the noise is deafening. One can only imagine what a packed gym would sound like with the noise bouncing off the domed structure. Access 5 The gym is spacious and offers enough room for visitors to move around before and after the game. The concourses are wide at both ends of the upper and lower seating bowl, and staircases offer fans easy access to both parts of the dome. The upper level is perhaps the most spacious as a track circumnavigates the area. Return on Investment 3 A ticket is $6 and includes lineup sheets at the table in front of the entrance. Food and beverages are mere snacks this season due to COVID-19, and they will average out in price of a couple of bucks. Depending on where you live in the state, the trip can be anywhere from 40 minutes from Ft. Wayne to a couple of hours from downtown Indianapolis. If you can, schedule a game here and at the Raiderdome (Southern Wells High School) or The Hangar (Adams Central High School). It makes for an ideal visit to Northeast Indiana basketball gyms in one day. Extras 4 One point for the specialty design is water bottles with the Starfires logo. A second point for the Berne Clock Tower downtown and only a few miles from the high school. A final point for the design and roominess of the gymnasium. The field house uses pro baskets instead of the extended nets that hang from the ceiling. There is always something special about a dome basketball gym in Indiana, and The Stardome is among the distinctive ones.' Final Thoughts The Stardome stands out among the fieldhouses in Northeast Indiana. It was built at a time when many were giant boxes void of any character. Although the crowd was nowhere near where it should have been for a Saturday night in January, it was great to be back at a high school basketball game (in fact, any sporting event). The state is full of great gyms, and the home of the Starfires gets somewhat overlooked. It is a shame; the place is a winner. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Jack Butcher Sports Arena 201 Brooks Ave Loogootee, IN 47553 Loogootee High School Lions website Jack Butcher Sports Arena website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 4,571 The Lions Roar at Jack Butcher Sports Arena When you enter the small town of Loogootee, Indiana you will more than likely spot the giant water tower that honors its former high school basketball coach Jack Butch. During his 45 years as head coach, he would amass a then-record 806 victories at the time of his retirement in 2002. The water tower sign would remind visitors to town about his accomplishments. Butcher held the title for almost 17 years until Bloomington South High School’s J.R. Holmes captured his 807th victory and eclipsed his record on February 22, 2019. Butcher was there to pass the torch to Holmes, but during his time as head coach, he put the tiny school on the map. Butcher was a 1951 graduate of Loogootee High School and went on to star at Memphis State, leading the Tigers to the 1957 NIT Championship Game before turning down an offer to play for the Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics in favor of a chance to coach at his alma mater. He would keep the job as the basketball coach for the next 45 years. He would lead the Lions to a then-record 806 victories, 30 sectional, 10 regional, and 4 semi-state championships, plus state finalists in 1975 (the last class-A-sized school to reach single-class state championship game) before retiring after the 2001/02 season. The basketball gymnasium at Loogootee High School was named after Jack Butcher and is also known as The Lion’s Den by the local populace. The building has a capacity of 4,571 and is the largest in Class 1 A, placing it as the 40th biggest building in the state but would easily be the largest in many other states. The arena was dedicated on Friday, November 8, 1968, in a game against Blue Chip Conference rivals Shoal Flat Rox. Almost 50 years later, the Lions have only had 4 losing basketball seasons. It is also the last of the Ralph Legeman-style gymnasiums that were popular in the area from 1949-1968. Food & Beverage 3 The usual array of high school snacks is available at the JBA including pizza slices, nachos, hot dogs, candy, and soda pop. Bags of popcorn sell for almost a steal at just .50 cents per bag and Orange Leaf frozen yogurt is available at $3 in four varieties including birthday cake and salted caramel. Like with most high school gyms the quality of food is for snacking and if you are really hungry it might be wise to eat before attending a Lions game. Atmosphere 4 The parking lot of the school was at capacity with cars parked along the open grass field between the gym and the baseball and softball fields. All was quiet outside 10 minutes after tip-off with a small gathering of people making their way to the school’s main entrance. Once inside the noise began to blossom and as you crept closer to the ticket table, the roar of the fans blasted through the small two-door entrance like a wildfire in a forest. The stands were at around 90% capacity and all around the gym evidence of the gym and the school’s past glory. The sunken gym features a bench seating eleven rows deep, some appear to be the original wood that was installed over 50 years ago, the time has created a distinctive smell that adds to the aurora of the facility. The main concourse wraps around the upper portion of the gymnasium providing great views from an SRO perspective. Interestingly, the gym’s walls are decorated with painted pictures of championship seasons including the 1970 team that was Final Four participants, the 1975 and 2005 teams that were state finalists, and the 2012 team that brought home the school’s first State Championship. In July of 2019, the gym renovated its court complete with a new center logo that replaced the iconic lion character with a stylized L logo. The new-look floor also added the school colors of black and gold to give it a fresh and modern look. The arena stands among some of the great southern Indiana gyms in nearby Jasper, Huntingburg, and Washington. The best crowds of the season are at the first game of the year and both sectional and regional tournament games. You can expect capacity or near-capacity crowds that provide insight into Hoosier Hysteria. Fans 4 The small school with the big gym and the winning records has been dazzling fans for many years, the last 50-plus years at the JBA. Crowds do not usually sell out the arena for regular-season games, but can fill the place up near 50% capacity. Contests against heated rival Barr-Reeve are usually heavily attended and there are more than enough fans who can talk your ear off about Lions basketball. Neighborhood 3 The town of Loogootee features a population of 2,708 people; the school itself has an enrollment of only 284 students. The town is accessible by US-231, US-50, and US-150 and is accessible off the recently completed I-69 from Evansville (73 miles) and Indianapolis (99 miles). There are two restaurants that locals suggest: Stoll’s Lakeview Restaurant and The Lodge. The two local establishments offer scratch-made food in rustic, scenic settings in town. The Lodge prides itself on serving the best-fried chicken in the area but also has steaks, pork chops, chicken parmesan, and fried shrimp on its menu for very reasonable prices. Stoll’s is an Amish restaurant that overlooks West Boggs Lake offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets that depending on the day cost anywhere from $9.89 to $14.49. There are also daily specials served for lunch and dinner. Dairy Master is an old-school ice cream joint offering great cheap eats, including a giant tenderloin that covers the Styrofoam plate that it’s served on. Access 3 Loogootee is located 2 hours south of Indianapolis and an hour north of Evansville on SR-231. The school is easy to find once you cross into town and see the signs for the school. Once inside, the sunken gym feature allows fans access to the main concourse to walk around freely but can become crowded during heavily attended sectional and regional games. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $5 and they come with one of the better programs in the state that are loaded with the boy's and girls' history season by season with player profiles, records, and championship information. It helped out a lot with this review. Extras 4 One star for the renovated basketball court during the summer of 2019. The new flooring gives The Den a fresh new look with the addition of the school colors of black and gold. Another star for the game day program that is one of the better publications at an Indiana high school gymnasium. The program is packed with historical information, player profiles, records, and photos of past teams. It is not your typical heavily laced program with advertisements. A third star for the water tower that hovers above the town and is scripted with Jack Butcher’s record amount of wins for an Indiana High School Coach. The Loogootee native has cemented his legend in this part of the state and beyond. The fourth star is for the painted designs of past championships on the arena’s walls. Many gyms hang banners (always a plus) or generic posters shaped like the state of Indiana. However, the painted wall designs give the place a nice dose of regional aesthetics. Final Thoughts They say that basketball in the southwest part of the state is much different than in other parts of Indiana. Based on my experience, there is something much different and a game at the Jack Butcher Sports Arena is a fine example. The program's winning tradition, large gymnasium, and friendly staff make it a must on anyone’s wish list of basketball venues in the state of Indiana. The small town of Loogootee stands out at the JBA. ____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jay County Gymnasium 2072 IN-67 Portland, IN 47371 Jay County Patriots website Jay County Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 4,470 Red, White, and Hoops in Jay County When you walk into the Jay County High School gymnasium in Portland, Indiana, the colors red, white, and blue are evident throughout the building. It should not be a surprise since the sports teams that play in this facility or call the Patriots and that the gym itself opened for the 1975 -1976 basketball season along with the brand new high school. The new high school was the result of the five remaining schools (Pennville, Dunkirk, Bryant, Portland, and Redkey) consolidating into one large building for Education. These four schools and four others are honored with several displays throughout the gym. The name and colors were both chosen by student representatives to coincide with the upcoming bicentennial. The gymnasium is similar in design to Lafayette Jeff’s Marion Crawley Athletic Center which was built for the same school year. The Jay County Gym has a much smaller capacity of 4,450 seats and offers original seating of brown bleachers on the upper level and blue seating on the lower level that features the word “JAY” inscribed on both sets. The upper level features a wrap-around concourse with a Patriots Wall of Fame and a simple, but very nice set of eight banners honoring the former high schools that once existed in Jay County. The boys’ basketball has been a member of the Allen County Athletic Conference since 2014. The conference made up of four northwest counties of the state features 7 teams. The Patriots have captured 17 sectional titles and were state finalists for the Class 4A Championship in 2006. Food & Beverage 3 There are four concession stands located at the corners of the gym on both the top and bottom. The upper-level stand is a small window behind the bleachers offering the trademark menu items of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, candy, and soda. The prices range from $1 to $3.50 and provide ample snacking during the evening. The popcorn is hot and tasty and goes better with a Patriot victory–however–if hungry, grab dinner somewhere in town before the game. Atmosphere 4 The roar of the crowd should tell you how things are going when outside of the gym in the main hallway of the school. The impressive size of the gym has a lot to offer from a Patriot Wall of Fame on the upper concourse, a large wooden Patriot figure adjacent to the corner staircase, and an array of colorful banners hanging from the center of the gym’s ceiling. However, there is one more item that should strike your fancy. The court design features an oversize map of Indiana that stretches from one end to the other at the center court. Inside the state, is a county map with all 8 former high schools and their names that once existed in the county and that were all eventually consolidated into the current school. The Madison Tomcats, Rolling Yellow Jackets, and Dunkirk Speedcats are forever immortalized at center court. The lower level features seating on all four sides, while railings on the upper concourse provide fans a birdseye view of the game above the nets. The student section is loud and boisterous, the band, the band up to par with their instruments, and the cheer team getting the crowd excited during a game that was won on a last-second 3-point shot by the Patriots. Neighborhood 2 The population of Portland, Indiana is estimated to be around 6,163. the town was first planted in 1837 and was named after Portland, Maine. The town is also located quite a few miles on State Road 27 in between two major interstates of I-69 in Indiana and I-75 in Ohio. Ft. Wayne is 30 miles north and Muncie is about a 30-minute drive southwest of Jay County High School. There is a small downtown that features a historic courthouse along with several local and national establishments to grab a drink or bite to eat before the game. Dick’s Pizza Palace has been serving Portland since 1961 and features a vintage Vibe along with pizzas, Subs, tenderloin sandwiches, and salads. It has been voted the best place in the county for pizza for several years. Richard’s Restaurant has a location in town offering Burgers, salads, seafood, and chicken dishes. However the country favorites of ham steak, country fried steak, and Bones pork chop plates with two sides is a must. It is also recommended to try one of their turkey or beef Manhattan’s while in town. Fans 4 The crowd was energetic during our visit and everyone from the student section to the town faithful cheered on their team to victory in the closing seconds. The high school band music echoed throughout the building and everyone seemed to be enjoying the game at hand as they have since 1976. After the game, a few talked about some of their favorite memories and how the crowds used to be only a few short seasons ago. However, I think they’re still pretty good. Access 4 The high school in the gymnasium is located on State Road 27, but there isn’t an interstate within quite a few miles from town. The building itself is designed efficiently to give proper access to all visitors entering and exiting the building. The bathrooms are located in the main lobby of the gym and when the game is over a series of doors exit onto the parking lot. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $6 in our common with other gymnasiums in the counting. The concession prices are fairly inexpensive and the crowd is always up for a very good time, but it does take a little bit of a trek to arrive at the school. However, that may just be part of the adventure does someone who wants to check out all the gyms in the state of Indiana. Extras 3 The Jay County Gym receives an extra point for honoring the past high schools of the county. There are eight banners hanging up on the wall in the upper deck and the same 8 schools are forever inscribed at the center court. The student section gets a second point for providing much of the boisterous noise throughout the game. The wooden Patriot that sits near the Wall of Fame earns the gym the third point. It is a great opportunity for photos. Final Thoughts The Jay County High School gymnasium is one of the great examples of an Indiana gymnasium. It has the color, the fans, and the Aesthetics to make it a pleasant evening high school hoop during the cold winter months of the year. It may be a bit of a trip, but Eight banners are hanging a lot of fun.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McAnally Center 910 E Washington St Greencastle, IN 46135 Greencastle Tiger Cubs website McAnally Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,900 One of Indiana’s Best-Kept Secret Russell S. Hessler served as the principal of Greencastle High School for 40 years from 1978 to 2018 and was the woodshop teacher before moving into his administrative role. His experience and craftsmanship paid off when the school decided to renovate the gymnasium seating and replace its home court several years ago. Hessler was instrumental in redesigning the look of the McAnally Center that opened in 1969 and at one time sat 5,200 spectators. The first phase was recoloring the bleachers, resulting in the gym's capacity scaling down to 4,900. The new bleacher seating went from dark brown to school colors of purple and gray. A few years later, the court was altered, resulting in the two-tone surface brown hues matching the brown awnings on top of the gym’s dome roof ceiling. The court design was part of a school-wide contest by 15 students. The winning design included the schools giant “G” logo–modeled after the University of Georgia and not the Green Bay Packers–and the new Tiger Cub logo that Hessler co-designed and paid the $125 trademark fee. He included the proper shape of the Tiger Cub teeth. The school gets its name from DePauw University, which is known as the Tigers. The high school began using the Tiger Cubs name a little while after. The basketball team was a finalist for three straight state tournaments from 1931 to 1933, losing in the 1931 and 1933 title games. The gymnasium would be named after its star Jess McAnally who would pass away shortly after graduating. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at the McAnally Center are what you will find at most other basketball gyms in the state. The menu items include hot dogs, jumbo hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, candy, and Pepsi products. There are two concession stands at the bottom corners of the building and for an added treat, ice cream sundaes are offered for $4 on the upper concourse. All of the proceeds benefit the all-sports booster club. Atmosphere 4 The McAnally Center is much like any other high school gymnasium in Indiana in its framework. It is large, offers bleacher seating, has two sections of seats, features a couple of small concession stands, offers a student section, and has the school band playing in a designated area. However, the arena is very well-lit and provides a “wow factor” the moment you walk in through the door. The dome ceiling offers LED lighting that hangs above the court and a modern scoreboard decked out in school colors that also adds a bit of “pop” to the building. At both ends of the court are areas where school championships are displayed prominently and four banners hang which feature the state finalists of 1931 to 1933. Just outside the arena on the upper concourse is the trophy room that is dominated by Jess McAnally who led the Tiger Cubs to those three state championships. He went on to play college basketball at Northwestern University in Chicago but died unexpectedly during his sophomore year. When the building was being constructed, his family made sure that it was named after him. There was no team mascot during our visit, but the PA announcer did quite a nice job throughout the game introducing players to the sound system that was loud and clear. There are also fellow booster clubs on the upper concourse selling merchandise and even ice cream sundaes during the game. Neighborhood 4 The town of Greencastle is located about 60 miles west of Indianapolis and is accessible by I-70. It is known as being the home to DePauw University, a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of around 2,300 students that was established in 1837. The town of 10,508 people does offer quite a bit of local eateries to enjoy after the game. Wasser Brewing Company combines well-crafted beers with fine foods in a slightly upscale atmosphere. The beer is quite good and the recommended dishes would be the smoked pork banh mi and breaded tenderloin sandwiches. Almost Home contemporary cuisine is surrounded by a vast amount of Chicago Cubs paraphernalia on the brick walls. Bridges offer wood-fired pizzas, chef-inspired dishes, and a selection of fine wine in a very “swanky” setting. If you are looking for freshly made burgers, hand-cut fries, drafts, and a fun atmosphere, Tap House 24 is your destination. Fans 3 The Tiger Cub fans put on a good showing for home games and support the boys in purple out on the court. The student section stands throughout the game and is highly visible and also extremely supportive of the basketball team. Access 4 The gymnasium is 50 years old but appears to be somewhat newer based on recent renovations to the seating area, lighting, and flooring. Fans enter the main entrance at the bottom and staircases take them to the upper level. The main concourse wraps around the entire court for easy access and viewing of the action of the game. Return on Investment 4 The cost to see a basketball game is $5 and falls in line with many other high school gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. However, this is one of the best-lit gyms in the state and it has a court that is unparalleled to any other that I have seen in my last four years of touring various facilities in the Hoosier State. Downtown Greencastle also provides some great restaurants for dining and drinking and you’re not too far away from Indianapolis to make the commute. Extras 3 The McAnally Center receives a point for the LED lighting that makes everything pop throughout the facility. The lights hang from the dome roof and provide a visual that is stunning to the first-time visitor. The second point is for the basketball court which is among the prettiest that I have seen in the state. The multi-color wood floor features the school's “G’ logo in the center as well as the updated Tiger Cub logo on both sides of the floor. The third point is for the scoreboard which is among the newest and brightest in the state. There are also two other scoreboards at each end of the gym that make it much easier for referees, players, and coaches to see how much time is left in the game. Final Thoughts I had not heard too much about the McAnally Center but after looking through a list of gymnasiums recently I saw a few pictures and thought it was worth my effort to make a trip out to see a game. I am glad I did since the very gorgeous-looking building offers wonderful colors, lighting, and plenty of visuals to set it apart from any other gymnasium. It was also a pleasure to talk to former school principal Russell S. Hessler; I learned a lot more about that gymnasium than I would have ever fathomed. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Franklin Community Gym 2600 Cumberland Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,758 Home of the Grizzly Cubs It has been a century since the town of Franklin celebrated its first state championship and the team that captured it would become so famous they would be coined the Franklin Wonder Five. The team began playing together in elementary school and under the tutelage of head coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner would win five straight championships at both the high school and collegiate levels. The school won three state championships in a row from 1920-1922. They would dispatch Lafayette, Anderson, and Terre Haute Garfield by combined scores of 92-50 at the state finals. The championship-winning team put the small town on the map and its legacy continues to this day. That state championship team became known famously as the Franklin Wonder Five which played together first in elementary school and went 104-10 during its four years under coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner. The Wonder Five would graduate and play at Franklin College where it captured the 1923 and 1924 Indiana State Collegiate Champions defeating powerhouses such as Illinois, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin during a 50-game winning streak. The next season the team was Indiana State Collegiate Champions. That was five straight championships for the Wonder Five and their exploits captured the fancy of not just Indiana but around the country. The cagers put Franklin on the map and both the high school and university use the Grizzlies nickname in honor of coach Wagner. The team’s legacy continues 100 years after its first championship-winning season websites and Twitter pages have been created to honor these men. The Grizzly Cubs have captured 46 sectional championships, 12 regional championships, and 6 semi-state championships in its history. The school made it back to the finals in 1939, 1973, and 1974 but lost both times. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the main lobby near the entrance to the gym and offer the usual food items that can be found at most gyms in the state of Indiana. However, the prices are somewhat on the cheaper side. Pretzels are $3, hot dogs are $2 (chili cheese dogs are $3), popcorn and candy are $1, and nachos are $2 (super nachos $3 with sliced jalapenos). Coca-Cola products are available for $2. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium looks a lot different than many of its contemporaries and that is because it is among the most modern in the state having been built in 2007. The 2,758-seat gymnasium offers fans seating on all four sides of the court with some of the seating a few inches away from the foul lines. The seating is made up of blue plastic seats and the fans are close to the action no matter where they sit for a game. The walls are decorated with multiple championship signs won by the various school programs but the basketball state titles won by the Wonder Five are blended in with the rest of the championships–these guys need three separate banners hanging from the rafters, they are that legendary. However, the outside lobby has three giant pictures honoring these fellows along with the three other teams that were state finalists in 1939, 1973, and 1974. The main lobby is also quite impressive and is home to the Grizzly Cub Walk of Fame which is home to accolades and past players who made their mark in athletics at the school. There are also two ticket booths leading up to the lobby that provides an old-school feel to the very modern building. Neighborhood 4 Franklin, Indiana is situated about 30 miles south on US-31 and the high school itself is about 3 miles northwest of downtown. Downtown offers plenty of options and includes eateries such as Court Street Cafe, Bojak’s Bar & Grille, Jefferson Street Pub, and Shale Creek Brewing Company. The Historic Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and restored to its former glory. The movies are of the older variety and cost just $6, but a few nights feature beer or wine included in your $10 ticket price. For more history, visit the Johnson County Museum of History during its hours of business from Monday to Saturday. Fans 4 At the game of this review, the student section made its presence felt like each member dressed in jeans and flannels as a sign of unity–perhaps it was to honor the 1990s grunge era, but the look was also mimicked for the away student section who also made an impact on the atmosphere with similar garb on the opposite side of the court. The rest of the fans made a lot of noise themselves cheering on their Grizzly Cubs in a tightly contested battle with rival Whiteland. A lot of them have been coming to games for years and can tell you a few stories about the program dating back a few decades. Access 3 The high school and gymnasium are located about a mile west of US 31 which itself is a few miles west of I-65. There is plenty of parking for the gym and the main lobby consists of concession stands, bathrooms, and a Walk of Fame. The seating itself offers four separate stands with various aisles in the middle offering access to your particular seat. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $6 and is on par with other high school basketball gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. The price of a hot dog is $2 and super nachos loaded with pickled jalapenos are $3. There are also free athletic programs and scorecards at the entrance of the lobby. Extras 3 The gymnasium earns a point for its aesthetically pleasing ceiling that provides a spectacular backdrop for the action underneath the net. The gym gets a second point for its main lobby which is modern and offers fans concession stands, championship team photos, and the Walk of Fame. The last point is for the lighting and sound system that provides a polished feel to the game. Final Thoughts There is much to enjoy at a Grizzly Cubs game and the size of the gymnasium alone makes for a spirited atmosphere even if the crowd is not at full capacity. It’s modern, comfortable, clean, and unlike most other buildings of its kind for high school hoops in the state of Indiana. Franklin is not too far off the main roads and interstates and its charming little downtown makes for a nice little weekend treat for your basketball pleasure.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Tank 6760 IN-42 Eminence, IN 46151 Eminence HS Eels website The Tank website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 1,400 Welcome to The Tank The Eminence Eels are one of the last small-town high school basketball teams in the state of Indiana. The town is situated 34 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis and was able to fend off consolidation from the 1950s to the 1970s. The 7-12 school has a total enrollment of 189 students. Its basketball teams play in The Tank, built in 1957 and proven to be long-lasting compared to its previous gyms. The Eels’ first gym was built in 1920 for $5,000 and provided the team with a gym to call their own. It burned down after a Tuesday night practice on December 14, 1928. The destruction was estimated at $3,800, above the cost of insurance. A new gym was constructed a few years later that would have a seating capacity for 500 people, but that too would be destroyed by ablaze by an overheated coal stove that was attempting to heat the gym for a game on February 12, 1955. A favorable wind prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby classrooms. The fire exceeded the $25,000 in insurance on the building, also damaged other parts of the school, and stocks were sold at $10 to the public to fund the new basketball facility. The basketball team would be homeless and played home games at nearby Monrovia High School for two years before moving into their current home in November 1957, and they have been there ever since. The Tank has outlived all its predecessors combined as it enters its 64th season. The most extensive renovations took place in September 2009 to the tune of $110,000. It included the walls painted, the wooden bleachers and floors sanded and refinished, and new red and blue covers and end caps for the bleacher seating. There was also a fresh coat of paint for the stage and ceiling, new stripes and logos on the court, and six new basketball goals that replaced the original backboards. Eminence is one of two high schools in the country named the Eels; the other school, Clay City is 45 miles down the road to the west. Both schools get their name from the nearby Eel River, and surprisingly, there are no eels found in the river or anywhere in the state. The boy’s basketball team captured four sectional championships and one regional title in 1962. The Eels have also won several conferences, invitational, and conference championships. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession window just outside the gym in the main lobby that has limited menu items. However, they include the standards of hot dogs, nachos, candy, snacks, and cola. There isn’t enough to keep you full and it is suggested that you grab something to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Despite its size and the current pandemic, The Tank does not disappoint when it comes to its energetic crowd and ambiance. The 1,400-seat bleacher seats are 4 feet off the ground, providing fans with an ideal view of the court, where they focus heavily on the hometown Eels. A stage is situated at one end with a red curtain. The 12-row sections are colored in royal blue and red with a small walkway on top. There is also a series of large wooden archways that hold up the roof, and provide a unique look from the stands. Staircases are on both sides of the seating section to provide easy access. The colors and logos are sprinkled throughout the venue that includes the school’s giant eel logo at the center court, the school’s official seal on one side of the wall, a “Welcome to the Tank” sign near the entrance, and a collection of sectional, regional, conference, and tournament banners above the doorway entrance. There are also many red and blue stripes to add to the aesthetics of the small gym. The outside lobby features a trophy case with memorabilia that includes photos, banners, basketballs, and trophies. A small table is set up for collecting tickets, and there is even merchandise for the kids available at another table. The concession stand and bathrooms are also both outside the gym doors. A light show is performed when the Eels enter the court that features music and a player introduction. A few other schools have similar introductions of their players, but the small confines and acoustics get the already passionate crowd a little more pumped up for the contest. Neighborhood 2 According to the school’s website, the area is almost entirely agricultural with a family atmosphere. Community support is strong, and they take pride in being a smaller rural school corporation. The town was laid out in 1855, and two years later its post office opened that is still in operation. The high school was founded in 1885, and the current building was constructed in 1931. There have been multiple additions to the school since, including the gym after the fire in 1957. However, there is not much to see in town besides a basketball game. Once you enter Eminence, you are almost about to leave Eminence. The town is 3 miles south of I-70 at Exit 51 and about 35 miles away from downtown Indianapolis. It does not have anywhere to eat, and the closest spots are towards the intersection. Fans 4 The small community gets behind the basketball team, and it is evident even when a limited amount is allowed inside the building. The fans provide an atmosphere that isn’t too far removed from a normal year of high school basketball. The small gathering showed their dismay when a tight contest slipped away from the Eels in the fourth quarter of play. Access 3 The high school is located 3 miles south of I-70 and is easy to locate once you have entered the town. The setting is easy to access with the staircases and could get somewhat cumbersome during larger crowds in the building. That was not the case during our visit and fans are up close to the action in the lower seats on each side. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $5 a person, and snacks are inexpensive. However, the gym has that wow factor and is a small drive from downtown Indianapolis. One great thing about many Indiana gyms is that they are not too far a drive from larger cities. It is also a great value to enjoy one of the last great small Hoosier temples. Extras 4 The Tank earns points for the light show that introduces players at the beginning of the game. It is a great way to get the crowd hyped before the contest. The second point is the wow factor of its design, colors, and setup. The third point is for the main school building which greets patrons when they pull into the parking lot. The final point is for the wooden arches that hold up the gym’s ceilings. A unique look that gives this small town a gym its distinction. Final Thoughts Small-town basketball is alive and well in Indiana at The Tank. The home of the Eminence Eels is a throwback experience and a reminder that a small school can rank with bigger schools in terms of atmosphere and fan participation. The Tank is a short drive from Indianapolis and easy to add to your high school basketball gym tour. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Edinburgh Gymnasium 202 Keeley St. Edinburgh, IN 46124 Edinburgh Community Schools website Edinburg Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 2,080 A Source of Community Pride in Edinburgh The Edinburgh Lancers have been playing high school basketball at its gymnasium since tipping off against Mooresville High School on November 15, 1958. At the time of its construction, the town’s population was 3,200 and its gym sat 2,456. Its style was of the “sunken gym” variety made popular during the decade by Evansville architect Ralph Legeman. His gym cost just under $500,000 and included new dressing rooms and locker rooms for both the boys and girls' programs. It was one of 15 new venues that opened up in the state that year that included facilities in Orleans, Whiteland, Columbia City, Evansville Reitz, and Eminence. The state was in a basketball gym frenzy and Edinburgh was no different, more than 60 years after its completion, the home of the Lancers is a vital part of the community. Before the town’s new gym basketball games fans would squeeze into what they called “The Pit”. The conditions were cramped and steel girders obstructed views of the court. The boys’ biggest moment at the old building was capturing the regional and sectional championships in 1951. Before opening the new gym for basketball, the school changed its colors from maroon to red and white in 1956 and also adopted the Lancers nickname in favor of the Maroons. The new nickname beat out the Highlanders and Scotties. The new gym was part of the forward-thinking for the school that was going through a lot of changes in the late 1950s. The gym itself held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 1958–six months before its first basketball games. Today the gym holds a crowd of 2,080 and the population has risen close to 5,000 but the Edinburg Gymnasium is still the source of pride in the community. Thousands of basketball games have been staged from regular-season contests to sectional tournaments. If one would dare utter the words of building a new gym the public would most likely cringe at such a thought. The gym was built to last and many wouldn’t have it any other way. Food & Beverage 4 The tiny arena offers something that many facilities of its kind do not offer, multiple concession areas of sales. The main concession stand is directly outside the seating area offering the usual products found at many other high schools in the state. All products range between $1 to $3 with Chick-fil-A sandwiches topping off at around $4.25 a sandwich. The main concession area is large enough to handle larger crowds and the two stands inside the seating bowl offer a little more variety of snacking options at the game: fresh-baked cookies (4 for $1) and pizza slices and cotton candy ($2 each). Atmosphere 4 The gym has all the elements of a classic sunken gym but is much smaller than the big boys in New Castle and Huntingburg. The facilities offer 9 rows of permanent seating with an about 15-20 foot concourse that wraps around the seating bowl. The walls are decorated with Johnson County championship banners dating back to the early 1930s along with conference opponents' banners and local business ads Two Final Four banners hang from the rafters, one for the 2012 basketball team, and banners honoring two former players who are enshrined in the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame: Moses Pruit (Class of 1916) and Bill Depp (Class of 1957). Depp’s, whose number is also retired by the school, 65 points and 31 rebound effort against Charlottesville his senior season is still a school record. The student section is packed with Lancer fans standing on the edge of their seats and the rest of the seating is full of residents who have been making their way to the gymnasium for the past seven decades. There are a series of speckled lighting hanging from the ceiling, a series of doors that provide easy exits after the game, and there are many who might be here just to socialize with friends and families. The usual sights and sounds that can be found heard include cheerleaders, students turning their backs when the opposing team is introduced, banners of other schools in the conference, and people filling themselves up with snacks from the concession stand. The sunken gyms all have the same features and their designs are mass-produced but do not let that fool you, there is a charming element here in Edinburgh. Neighborhood 3 Edinburgh consists of 4,800 residents and is about 30 minutes south of Indianapolis on US-31 or I-65. The town is known mostly for the Outlet Mall which bears the city's name and is visible off the interstate. Here, visitors can find discounted merchandise and plenty of places to eat and sleep during their visit. The Great American Grill, Max & Erma’s, and Montana Mike’s Steakhouse are just a few of the dining options near the outlet mall’s parking lot. Lodging options include Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and Best Western. The town does feature a historic district that is one block offering a few bars and retail options, along with El Jefe Mexican restaurant just around the corner. Hickory Hills BBQ is on US-31 offering smoked meat by the pound and sandwiches in a simple décor establishment, but it is closed for a period during the year. Fans 4 Lancer’s fans are a notable bunch who enjoy a winner, not surprisingly when their team is scoring in bunches they cheer in unison raising the roof and the decibel level in the building. However, when the Lancers are in the funk, the fervor of frustration can also be heard from these same fans. Access 4 The gymnasium is easy to get around since it consists of only one main concourse, but during heavily attended games, the crowds can become congested during half-time concession visits or when fans exit the building. Thankfully numerous doors open up to the main street outside the gym to ease congestion woes. There are ample-sized bathrooms located outside of the gymnasium’s entrance in the school’s lobby and its location near I-65 and SR-31 makes for easy access by car. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a regular-season game is $5, much in line with the rest of the schools in the state. The concession prices are affordable, varied, and spaced out nicely to ease traffic for visitors looking for the elusive in-game snack. Extras 3 One point is given to the three concession areas that all serve different items. The second point for the looking pretty good for its age, the seats are remodeled, the aisles are nicely waxed, and the place looks as sharp as when it opened over 60 years ago. The third point is for the tall water tower reads “Home of the Lancers" which is visible to all motorists in town. Final Thoughts The Edinburgh Gym ranks up there with some of the state’s great small sunken gyms that still provide an ideal home for basketball 50-70 years after they have been constructed. The school’s location off the interstate is close enough to Indianapolis that attending a game is simple and easy. A nice way to spend an evening with 2,000 friends. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Spartan Bowl 1900 N Grand Ave. Connersville, IN 47331 Connersville High School Spartans website Spartan Bowl website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 5,134 Spartan Bowl is Still a Palace for Basketball Connersville, Indiana, loves its basketball and when its Spartans are playing on top of their game the crowds swell at its home building the Spartan Bowl, one of the state’s most iconic venues that holds 5,134 people and what locals have dubbed “The Grand Palace on Grand Avenue.” The facility opened on November 25, 1958, and was designed by Ralph Legman who also constructed the New Castle Fieldhouse a few miles northwest of town which opened the following season. A recent $300,000 renovation replaced the original gym floor and added sound barriers to its ceiling that give the buildings a unique look. The facility is home to the school’s two state championship teams of 1972 and 1983 and two large team photographs are located on its concourse along with two massive banners hanging from its rafters. The center court logo also acknowledges the school’s accomplishments. The boys’ basketball program has captured 10 Conference Championships, 59 Sectional Championships, and 19 Regional Championships since 1922. The school had an impressive streak from 1922-1997 when it captured 57 sectional tournament championships and only two have come in the current century. The “Grand Palace” begins its 7th decade of use and is still in excellent shape, offering basketball memories to a generation of fans of Connersville High School. The noise barriers that hang from the ceiling, the red coloring on its walls, and its residential location provide an atmosphere that reminds us that Hoosier Hysteria is alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 There are three concession areas located in the gym that offer the standard options at many high school venues across the state. Fans can enjoy hot dogs and chili dogs, nachos with chili, pizza slices, pretzels with cheese, popcorn, and assorted candies. There are additional treats of donut holes from regional chain Jack’s Donuts and walking tacos. Coca-Cola products are available in 20-ounce plastic bottles for $2.The prices range from as low as $1 for a bag of popcorn to $3 for a slice of pizza. Like with many other high school venues the products here are for snacking pleasure and if you are really hungry, it is advised to grab something before arriving at the basketball game. Atmosphere 4 Unlike other gyms that are a connection to the school and are surrounded by a massive parking lot, the Spartan Bowl is tucked in between the residential streets of the town. Fans park their car in a few vacant lots but many parks in front of homes and make their way to the game with fellow supporters on the city’s sidewalks. Like with many of the Legeman-designed gyms, the Spartan Bowl does not stand out since its seating is designed below ground level but the outside support trestles are visible on its exterior. Once inside the building is where one can fully appreciate its design and aesthetics. The gym features an old-fashioned electronic scoreboard that hovers above the center court. The arena floor is built 18-rows deep under the ground incorporating a running track that serves as a concourse on the top. The walls are decorated with championship team photos, small banners, and trophies from the school’s history. The main concourse is a community event where fans mingle, purchase concessions, and frequent various tables selling team merchandise, raffle tickets, and sentiments from glory years past. Basketball is also heavily discussed by long-time fans and season-ticket holders. Up above and hanging from the roof are sound barriers that create a fascinating ambiance and add a nice touch to the facility’s decor. The school’s most cherished accomplishments--the 1972 and 1983 State Championship banners--hang proudly on one side of the venue. There are plenty of more accolades, team photographs, and other memorabilia housed along the vast main concourse to browse before or during breaks of the game. Introductions are led by the cheerleaders and official team mascot. The team band and student section also bring a lot of enthusiasm to the pre-game ceremonies and throughout the contest. Through an impressive light show, the town’s starting five make their way courtside to an applauding crowd that has it pretty good when it comes to high school basketball in Indiana. Neighborhood 3 Connersville is a small town of 13,500 people in Fayette County. There are some great local establishments to try when in town and many are perfect if you are with the family. Kunkel’s Drive-In has been a city favorite since 1954 and has not changed that much in appearance either. Enjoy burgers, tenderloins, chicken sandwiches, and soups. Other items include popcorn shrimp, coney dogs, coney and barbecue fries, and fried pickles. For dessert, the drive-in has homemade pies. A newer establishment, Rip’s Family BBQ might be a hidden gem in the area. They offer 5 different regional sauces including white Alabama sauce, along with a few interesting creations: pulled pork nachos and egg rolls, burritos, giant sandwiches, and rib and brisket dinner plates with sides. Southern Family Dining is another area favorite specializing in southern fare including po’boy sandwiches, roast pork Manhattan’s, walleye, and catfish dinners. They also serve breakfast. Daniel's Girls Farmhouse Restaurant is home to the glazed donut burger. Fans 5 The populace in Connersville is among the most passionate in the state. When the Spartans are on the road in sectionals or regionals, it’s not uncommon for 2,000 fans to travel with the team to see them play. That kind of support can make a difference on the road, imagine when that is at or near capacity at the Spartan Bowl. Access 4 Connersville is located about 12 miles south of I-70 (a little over an hour between Indianapolis and Dayton, Ohio) on State Road 1. There is parking on the residential streets free of charge, but crowds for an opening day can reach capacity inside the gym. For most games, parking is ample but does require searching. Once inside, the main concourse offers bathrooms, concession stands, and easy access to seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost $5 per person and are in line with other high school basketball gymnasiums in Indiana. This is a great value for a simple night of basketball in an iconic facility that still looks sharp. Another interesting keepsake is the 1972 championship magazine sold for also $5. This is a very affordable way to spend a day or night watching basketball with friends or family. Extras 4 The center court features a beautiful logo that lists the school’s two state championships before class play. The dangling sound barriers look as if they have been on the ceiling since the bowl opened in 1958; however, they were installed sometime around 2002. There is a sort of satisfaction in listening to the post-game or highlights of the Spartans game on local radio 106.9 FM/1580 AM WLPK. All home games and worth a listen as you drive through the small towns on S.R. 1 back to the interstate. The building’s location adds to its charm that is tucked away among the residential homes and streets of Connersville. Parking your car along the sidewalk and making your way to the bowl adds a nice touch to the proceedings. A final star is given to the girls’ basketball program which some consider the best in the state for game day atmosphere. Whether it’s the boys or the girls playing basketball, the sport-minded traveler should be in for a treat in Connersville. Final Thoughts Indiana is full of great old-fashioned and important gymnasiums that house high school basketball. Every small town seems to have one that is worth a visit from time to time. In the small town of Connersville, Spartan Bowl is worthy of a day trip to enjoy a day or night of basketball sometime during the season. _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Columbus Memorial Gymnasium 1400 25th St Columbus, IN 47201 Columbus North Bulldogs website Columbus Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 6,547 A Nice Night in Columbus When the city of Columbus, Indiana, wanted to construct a new physical education building for its high school in December of 1952 they did it the old-fashion way. This meant getting together without outside organizations, professional fundraisers, or government assistance. In two weeks, a total of nearly $1 million had been pledged and more than half of the amount as cash. A total of 6,952 individuals, firms, and civic organizations had responded to the challenge of funding the new Columbus Memorial Gymnasium. When the gym was dedicated on November 23, 1954, there was a total of 7,046 (now 6,547) unobstructed seats for Columbus North High School Bulldogs basketball games. The building was one of the finest in the nation and contained 173,000 face bricks and 50,000 other interior masonry units, the roof was supported on steel trusses, and the concrete bleachers contained 116 tons of reinforcing steel. The stage located on the north end of the gym is operated by a folding door 72 feet long and 24 feet high. The completion of the gym was nothing new for the citizens of basketball frenzied towns who also pledge donations to construct basketball gymnasiums in nearby New Castle, Muncie, and Kokomo. The 1950s saw a wave of Hoosier Hysteria where larger, modern facilities were constructed to meet the demands of ticket sales and provide the opportunity to house money-generating sectional and regional games that returned to the city for the first time since 1926. Columbus’s venue would be part of the same civic pride and it is interesting to note that the original playing court would not be replaced until 2014. Food & Beverage 4 There is one main concession booth in the remodeled lobby outside the playing concourse that has quite an array of food options for hungry patrons. There are the usual hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels for $2.00; however, there are chicken sandwiches for $3.00, pizza for $4.00, and frozen yogurt for $4.00. If you have a sweet tooth you can grab candy, cookies, donuts, and Rice Krispie treats starting at $.75. Coca-Cola products are served and priced at $2.00. One could opt to eat at the game and the Bulldogs have a nice, neat, and professional-looking stand to serve these needs. Atmosphere 3 Memorial Gymnasium is a massive size venue that was built during an era when Indiana schools tried to out-build each other in terms of girth. The crowds do not pack the house like they used to, but there still is an enjoyable atmosphere inside the facility. The first thing you will notice is the 24-foot high stage door that reads Bulldogs. The rest of the seating sections are separated by two levels and wrap around the court in a horseshoe design. The seating area has a few nicks and crannies that provide interesting views of the game on the court. The lower levels feature modern, hard plastic seats, while the traditional hardwood seats populate the upper sections. Banners from the numerous championships won by the school’s sports programs are on display. The pep band charges up the crowd during the game and so does the student section making life a little uneasy for the opponent attempting a free throw at the line. Neighborhood 4 Columbus is a pretty and interesting little town that has its little downtown with a few other options within driving distance. The Powerhouse Brewery offers delicious pub food and reasonable prices along with quality craft beer. 450 North Brewing Company serves great beers and brick oven pizza, even by the slice, and Zwanzigz Pizza also features hoagies, calzones, and salads. There are even more great restaurants to choose from that including The Garbage Pub and Grill, Skooter’s, and Amazing Joe’s Grill. If interested in shopping the Edinburgh Outlet Mall is located off of I-65 with further restaurant chain restaurant options. In this area, a few nice choices to stay at overnight include Residence Inn, Comfort Inn and Suites, Courtyard, Holiday Inn, and the nearby Hotel Indigo at the Columbus Architectural Center. Fans 3 The fans at a Columbus North Bulldogs game can be loud and raucous just like any other high school support group. They fill the stands in the giant facility and cheer on their home team throughout the game. There is a great mix of old and new fans at the games. Access 4 It is not too difficult to move around between sections and seats. The outside entrances to the playing area also include staircases and ramps that provide a sort of labyrinth to certain parts of the building. You always have a great view from most of the seats in the house and locating the concession stand and washrooms is very simple. Return on Investment 4 Memorial Gymnasium is a grand old facility and a wonderful place to showcase basketball talent. The price of admission is $5, much like many other gyms and field houses in the state. However, you get a little more bang for your buck with a great selection of food at the concession stand and a myriad of memorabilia that dons the hallways outside the main entrances to the gym. Extras 3 There are a lot of great photographs and other memorabilia that line the hallways in trophy cases inside the facility. They are all located in an empty part of the gym just outside the main entrances to the seating area. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to scope out the history of basketball and other sports at Columbus North High School. The concession stand is definitely worth grabbing a bite to eat and you may not want to get something to eat afterward, which is ironic since there are many wonderful places to eat in and around Columbus. The outside lobby to the playing area is updated and looks rather modern in comparison to the gym itself. It has a professional feel with a hospitality room and even an entrance to the natatorium that houses the Columbus North Bullfrogs swimming team. Final Thoughts Memorial Gymnasium in Columbus, Indiana, was dedicated in 1954 and continues to provide basketball to legions of fans more than 60 years later. It is a colorful gym that offers a little bit of old and new to visitors every night. Well kept up, it has plenty of little nooks and crannies from which to enjoy the game. Columbus is not a bad place to spend an evening and why not add a Bulldogs basketball game to your itinerary? _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Eel Dome 601 Lankford St Clay City, IN 47841 Clay City High School website The Eel Dome website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,000 Clay City's Eeel Dome The Eel Dome in Clay City, Indiana, might be one of the top-name gyms in the country. The home of the Clay City High School Eels has produced many memories from sectional tournament play and championship-winning teams from the mid-1970s. Recently, it received much-needed renovations to spruce the old place up for future generations. The gym was dedicated on July 9, 1956, and cost the district $500,000. The 2,300-seat sunken gym was designed by Ralph Legeman and replaced the old gym that had been constructed in 1921. Its first game was on November 2, 1956, against Staunton High School, in which the Eels lost 56-32 in front of a capacity crowd. The boys’ basketball team has captured 10 out of 12 sectional championships at the gym, plus 3 regional titles, including the 1974 team that went 25-1 before falling to Jeffersonville in front of 12,300 fans at Roberts Stadium in Evansville in the semi-state finals. The girls’ program has captured three sectional tournament titles. In 2018, both the Eel Dome and the high school went through a major renovation. The project was completed at $32,000,000 without raising local taxes. The new features at the gym were a wrap-around concourse, new locker rooms for both athletes and PE classes, a training room, a weight room, and public restrooms. The following year, a new basketball court was installed during the summer of 2019. It replaced the original floor that had been installed 64 years earlier. Sections of the floor were made available for purchase to the public through the school. The sections are still available and cost as little as $10 to as high as $100. Food & Beverage 3 Two separate concession stands inside the gymnasium offer a rather standard fare of menu items. Unfortunately, they were closed during our visit due to COVID-19 and it appeared that fans were allowed to bring in their pre-packaged items and drinks. The menu items included hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and pop. A hot dog is rather affordable at $1.50, one of the cheapest in the state. The concession items are within the average range of many other gyms in the state, and it might be best to grab a bite to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 In comparison to other Ralph Legeman-designed gyms, this place feels much newer than other of its contemporaries. The place offers a little natural lighting, LED lights, an updated balcony, fresh colors of purple and silver, and a nice-looking court and center logo. The one advantage is that the building once featured windows on both sides that are not frosted over to prevent sunlight from causing trouble with shooting on the court. The windows still provided a little natural lighting along with updated LED lighting up above the court and seating bowl. The seating bowl is painted silver with purple bleacher seating, purple coloring is along the baseline on the concourse, and banners welcoming fans to “THE EEL DOME” hang on both sides of the gymnasium. The balcony area is set up for the media and provides a birds-eye view of the court at one end. Before its construction, a stage was located on the court level. All of the boys’ and girls’ basketball championship banners are hung together above the balcony for proper viewing from the stand. This area features the new wrap-around section of the gym that offers four large windowless openings for a unique view of the game on the court. The center court logo is painted with an interlocking CC with a lifelike interpretation of an eel. There is also another logo that mimics the Golden State “City” logo that is placed in certain parts of the dome. Neighborhood 3 Clay City is a small town but features two spots worthy of visiting when in town. Glory Days is a bar and restaurant that is known for good food and reasonable prices. There is a bar area where one can grab a bite and a restaurant portion in the front of the building featuring nostalgic photos from the 1950s and 1960s. However, it is its basketball collection that is the highlight of this establishment. The main lobby offers a museum-like gallery of Clay City and former high school memorabilia from schedules, newspaper articles, letterman jackets, signage, pieces of gym court, magazine covers, team photographs, and school banners. I wonder if the folks at the Indiana Basketball High School Hall of Fame know about this collection. There is also a nice area dedicated to former Indiana State Sycamore Springs Valley High School legend Larry Bird. The other place to eat is Joe’s Garage BBQ which is designed to look like an old beat-up garage that is about to fall over on itself. Inside, folks can enjoy barbecue ribs, pulled pork, brisket, burgers, and award-winning chicken wings. The sides are also a highlight, and plentiful, and include fried jalapenos, sweet potato casserole, fried okra, and mixed greens. Some specials include a pit beef sandwich and a giant smoked pork chop that Fred Flintstone would approve of on his plate. Fans 3 Due to COVID-19, there was a limited number of fans allowed into the gymnasium during our visit. I was locked out when I had to go back to my car for a part of my camera. Normally, the places pack them in for both boys' and girls' basketball games during the winter and the gym is going to host boys' sectional games this year. Fortunately, the small crowds can’t take away from the joy of begging a game or the road of the faithful in the stands. Access 4 The gym is designed for easy access with one main door entering the building and four doors opening to the parking lot after the game. The city itself is located 13 miles south of I-74 at the Brazil exit. During COVID-related times, the concourse and seating bowl is wide open. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $5 and concession prices are among the cheapest in the state. A hot dog is $1.50 and nachos are $2, one heck of a deal for fans watching a basketball game. Fans also get to enjoy a sharp-looking, and recently renovated gym, plus enjoy a couple of great restaurants in town. Extras 3 The Eel Dome earns a point for its pristine and sharp look throughout the concourse and seating bowl. Another point is for the recent renovations that included a new court, wrap-around the concourse, and balcony for fans to enjoy. A final point is for the concession pricing. Final Thoughts The Eel Dome is among the best names in all of Indiana high school gyms. It is also a classic sunken gym design that looks a bit more modern and vibrant than many others of its kind. The pricing, atmosphere, location, and local restaurants visiting the gym are an ideal choice during the winter months in Indiana. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com