Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Cougar Den 3901 N Kinser Pike Bloomington, IN 47404 Bloomington High School North website The Cougar Den website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 3,020 Bloomington’s Cougar Den Bloomington High School North has the distinction of being the last IHSAA Boys Basketball State single-class champion. The Cougars defeated Delta High School 75-54 at the RCA Dome on March 22, 1997, in front of a raucous crowd who were watching an end of an era in Indiana history. The next year the basketball tournament was broken into four classes and the debate on whether Indiana should return to a single-class system has been vehemently debated since that Cougars championship victory over 20 years ago. Today, the Cougars play in a basketball frenzied town that features rivals Bloomington South and Indiana University. Bloomington North features an enrollment of 1,584 students and is a member of Conference Indiana features city rivals Bloomington South who usually draw large crowds to home games during the season. The Cougar Den was built in 1972 with the high school and has a capacity of 3,020. A number that would rank among the highest in many other states, but is behind 145 other high school gyms in Indiana in capacity size. The team plays on Tom McKinney Court, named after the man who coached the Cougars for 17 years and led the team to 9 sectionals, 2 regionals, 2 semi-states, and that last single-class state championship in 1997. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand outside the gymnasium on the main floor offering the usual items found at many other high school gyms. The prices range between $1-$3 and patrons can select from hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and beef jerky. Pepsi products sell by the bottle for $2 and fans can add cheese or chili to their hot dogs and nacho selections. Atmosphere 4 The layout of the gymnasium follows many of the designs that were created in the 1970s; much smaller than their counterparts of the previous two decades, but still impressive in size and status. There are two sections of seating on both ends with balcony seating overlooking both nets. Past titles of all sports programs are displayed on the east end of the gym, while all former Mr. Basketball jerseys are featured on the west end of the facility. Two simple scoreboards also are displayed on the walls. Outside in the main lobby, there are trophy cases that highlight the Cougars 1997 state championship, the last single-class champion in the state. A parquet floor was installed for the 1997/98 season and new lower-level bleachers and railings were put in a few years ago. The interior of the gym is accented with a nice amount of school colors of gold and burgundy and the upper-level areas offer standing-room-only seats against the railings. Neighborhood 4 The high school is located three miles from the downtown college vibe of Indiana University, about a 10-minute drive by car. There are a lot of great places to eat and visit during one’s time in Bloomington and it all depends on what you are looking for at the time. Mother Bear’s has legendary pizza and is a favorite among locals, but parking can be a “bear” outside the establishment. Upland Brewing Company is headquartered in town and serves two of my favorite beers Free Time Lager and Champagne Velvet Pilsner, plus good pub food. BuffaLouie’s offers some of the area’s best wings that come in 20 different sauces including Lucifer Buffalo, Maple Bacon, Montreal Steak, and Rasta Jerk. Lennie’s and Bloomington Brewing Company is another popular choice of voodoo chili, shrimp and blue crab dip, meatball sandwiches, and pizza. Janko’s Little Zagreb is a steak and seafood restaurant featuring 100 bottles of wine. The nightlife consists of hobnobbing with the college crowd and if that is your thing, then Nick’s English Hut and Kilroy’s on Kirkwood are your two top choices. They also made Buzzfeed’s Best College Bars in America list. Fans 3 The gymnasium was sold out for the game against New Albany during our visit, but that is because of a young man named Romeo Langford who typically plays in front of capacity crowds wherever he goes during his senior year. The home crowd was subtle and surprisingly quiet for its size, but they did make sure that they would be heard after every home team score and fast break. A typical crowd for home games ranges anywhere from 500-1500 per game Access 4 The high school is located near S.R. 37, which in a few years will be part of the I-69 expansion that will stretch from Evansville to Indianapolis, but you will need a GPS to arrive at the gymnasium due to limited road signs. Once inside, the gym is spacious enough to move around, even in front of capacity-sized crowds. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is $5, concession items range between $1-$3, and parking is free. These prices are in line with other high school gyms in the state and after the game, one gets to enjoy the quaint, college town of Bloomington, Indiana. Extras 1 Bloomington North gets one point for its half-time show that entertains the crowd during a time when other gyms don’t offer such activities. Final Thoughts A nice, serviceable high school gymnasium that when it’s packed is full of basketball hysteria. The local area and prices of admission should be on your radar when visiting Hoosier Temples. ------ 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 BNL Fieldhouse 595 Stars Blvd. Bedford, IN 47421 Bedford North Lawrence HS Stars BNL Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 5,640 Seeing Stars at BNL Fieldhouse A review of the BNL Fieldhouse cannot be complete without mentioning Damon Bailey who led the Bedford North Lawrence Stars to three state Final Fours and a come-from-behind win in the 1990 State Championship game in front of 41,000 plus at the RCA Dome. Bailey would score a state record 3,134 points in his four years before playing for Indiana University. Baily first gained recognition as a 14-year-old 8th grader who caught the attention of IU head coach Bobby Knight who watched him play two games. Knight quipped that Bailey “is better than any guard we have right now. I don’t mean potentially better, I mean better today.” The quote was featured in the best-selling book A Season on the Brink and Bailey’s legend soon took off resulting in sold-out crowds at home. The crowds were also at capacity whenever the Stars traveled on the road and it was a type of frenzied not seen in Indiana for some time and wouldn’t be duplicated until the Romeo Langford and New Albany began packing both home and away games from 2016-2019. BNL’s lone boy’s state championship is only eclipsed by the four state championships won by the ladies. Bedford North Lawrence High School was created for the 1974-1975 academic school year as part of a consolidation of seven area schools: Bedford, Tunnelton, Shawswick, Needmore, Fayetteville, Oolitic, and Heltonville. The school’s seven-point logo represents the former schools and stands out among the generic logos found at many other high schools. The fieldhouse held its first game in January 1975. Before the BNL Fieldhouse, the Bedford Stonecutters played at what locals called “The Quarry” a 4,200-seat gymnasium built in 1924. The team and gym were named after the multiple limestone quarries in the area and the school captured the regional championship during the final season in 1974 where the Cutters upset a Springs Valley squad featuring Larry Bird at The Hatchet House in Washington. It was the 21st regional championship in school history. Food & Beverage 3 A large concession window exists outside the seating bowl with a few more locations on the upper concourse. The usual items of hot dogs for $2, nachos for $2, candy bars, and popcorn for $1 each. Fans can top their tortilla chips with pickled jalapenos at a makeshift fixings table. However, the menu also offers coney dogs for $2.50, Star nachos (with chili) for $3, walking tacos for $3, and soft pretzels for $2.50. Coca-Cola products are offered for $2 a bottle and feature a little bit more variety including Mr. Pibb, Mello Yello, and red cream soda. The concession area also offers a few tables for fans to eat their food before making their way to the seating area of the gymnasium. There is also a set of stairs leading up to the second level of seating. Atmosphere 3 The Stars were playing an early afternoon game on a Saturday where the atmosphere was probably not mostly up to par. However, the crowd that gathered for both the JV and varsity games showed their support for the players on the court. The seating is featured on all three sides and for today’s game, only one bleacher was open. That was enough since the fieldhouse holds well over 5,000 fans. The design is similar to gyms in Seymour, Lafayette, and Jay County High Schools but a few touches make the BNL Fieldhouse stand apart from these other gyms. There are a few ads speckled on the wall in both the lower and upper section of the gym, a computation center is on the wall for teams in the conference, and the US flag and conference member banners hang from the rafters. An electronic scoreboard hovers over the center court. The exterior concourse features a large collection of memorabilia from BNL’s history of championships from large team photos, oversized player cut-outs, and numerous newspaper clippings. The court itself is named after Damon Bailey and the media area is named after Myron Rainey who has been calling games for local radio station WBIW since 1979. The Voice of the Stars has called all five state basketball championships at the school. Neighborhood 2 Bedford has a population of 13,400 plus and is located about 24 miles south of Bloomington, Indiana, on SR-37. The town offers an array of local establishments and national chains to grab a bite to eat before or after the game. Bedford features the Limestone Cafe, Smokin Jim’s BBQ and Steakhouse, El Compadre, Shorty’s Den, Mamas, and Papas, and Court Room Sports Grill. A selection of chain restaurants includes Steak n Shake, Golden Corral, Long John Silver’s, Captain D’s, and Hardee’s. A few places in town to visit are the Lawrence County Historical Museum and a short drive is Bluesprinhs Cavern where visitors can take an underground boat ride. About a 30-minute drive is Bloomington where the campus of IU welcomes all visitors. Fans 4 Although the crowd was small for the game the spirit of each fan was evident. There were many showing demises of each play gone wrong by the home team while a large collection of fans who made the more than an hour trip from Evansville showed their anger when a foul was called against the squad. Bedford is known for being a good basketball town and even when the crowd is light it is easy to see a few basketball-savvy fans. Access 3 The town of Bedford is somewhat off the beaten path but just a 20-minute drive off the I-69 exit on SR-37. Access to the gym is easy due to its large size and the number of people who take in a game. The facility offers an outer concourse and an upper concourse with staircases to allow for quick travel to and from your seats. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a basketball game is $5 and is on par with other basketball gyms in the state. The price of concession items is also affordable and in line with other gyms. Extras 3 BNL Fieldhouse earns a point for the banners hanging from the rafters of the gym. The banners honor the championship teams of both the boys and girls basketball teams. The fieldhouse earns a second point for its large area outside the gym featuring large team photos of past championships, trophy cases, and various other items. The home of the Stars earns a final point for allowing fans to top their nachos with jalapenos from a make-shift fixings area. Final Thoughts The BNL Fieldhouse is another of the state's largest gyms and offers an experience very similar to gyms of its size and age. When it's packed, the fieldhouse is electric.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Reuben D. Behlmer Memorial Gymnasium 1500 East Michigan St Indianapolis, IN 46201 Arsenal Tech website Reuben D. Behlmer Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 3,000 The Granddaddy of Indianapolis High School Gyms The Reuben D. Behlmer Memorial Gymnasium was built in 1928 and is one of the grand old high school basketball facilities in Indianapolis. The two-tiered arena is home to the Arsenal Tech High School Titans who have a storied tradition including four state finals appearances and two 4A state championships. The 3,000-seat venue is not known for its large crowds during the regular season, but it packs them in during the Indianapolis City Tournament and regional play, annually attracting crowds that surge over the 4,000 mark at times. Originally called the Boy’s Gym and then the West Gym, the facility underwent major renovations in the mid-1970s and for many years after was able to keep its old-school charm with beautiful hues of forest green, a well-weathered court, and stylishly curved ramps leading to the second tier. It still has a lot of character, but the campus where the building is located has even more history. Arsenal Tech rests on a 76-acre piece of forestry land east of downtown Indianapolis. It was originally established in 1861 as an actual state arsenal, providing munitions for the Civil War. The first soldiers arrived in 1865, but by the early 1890s, the general movement spread throughout the nation to abandon such facilities. The arsenal would be used to create haversacks and knapsacks during the Spanish-American War, but its days supporting war efforts would cease when the last sunrise gun went off on April 3, 1903. On September 12, 1912, Arsenal Tech High School opened for the class to help alleviate the overcrowded conditions at the city’s two other high schools. The largest high school campus of its kind in the state has many of its original buildings still intact that include the soldiers’ barracks, entrance guardhouse, officers' residence, and powder magazine. Food & Beverage 1 Two small tables are located on each level of the gym that offer candy, nachos, and bottled drinks. Many of the items cost between $1 and $2 and are perfect to snack on during the game. Unfortunately, due to large crowds, there does not seem to be adequate room for a concession booth or stand anywhere in the gymnasium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere quickly smacks you in the face and reminds anyone from out of town that high school basketball still matters here in the state. A sense of excitement envelops the old gymnasium for a sectional play that attracts an overflowing crowd who are there to witness one of the six local Indianapolis teams play over the three-day event: Tech, Cathedral, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, and Warren Central. The building itself has a definite old charm feel to it with cramped tight quarters, rustic railings, and a sense of history. Banners are hanging up celebrating past championships, retired jerseys, and, in the main lobby, trophies on display behind glass cases. There is so much moving around by people that it is hard to take in some of the historic charms that exist in this building. Neighborhood 3 Arsenal Tech is nestled between an ultra-hip and a dodgy neighborhood east of downtown. The electric Mass Ave is located less than a mile away from campus; a neighborhood that has its unique charm and vibe, much different than downtown Indianapolis. There is a collection of restaurants, bars, breweries, and boutique shops that make this a great destination before and after a basketball game at Tech. Mimi Blue Meatballs offers flavorful meatballs with delectable side dishes in a quaint, nostalgic setting. Bakersfield is a local favorite that offers nine different tacos, tortas, and tequila. The Eagle is famous for fried chicken, Union 50 has a warm ambiance with live music, and Pizzology makes some of the best pizzas in the city. Fans 5 The fans generate an amazing zeal for the game. They line up in the cold waiting for tickets even if they are told that they are sold out. Once inside they clamor for a space to sit and watch the game, enjoying every moment. It is hard not to bump shoulders with someone and have a conversation about the game. There is not an empty seat or corner in the arena, something you do not see at many sporting events. Access 2 The campus of Arsenal Tech is an old establishment with some buildings dating back to the time of the Civil War. There is parking throughout the school, but spaces quickly fill up hours before the game. There are free shuttle buses providing folks who had to park on neighborhood streets or somewhere else on campus. After waiting in line for your ticket, it is wise to get to an empty seat and remain there for the entire game. It is cumbersome to maneuver through the dense crowd that overtakes the small arena. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost $6 for a single game or $10 for two games, making it quite a deal to watch top-level basketball. Many of these men who are playing on this court will eventually start at major colleges and possibly the National Basketball Association within a few years. You’re practically seeing the equivalent of the junior hockey leagues of Canada. The parking is free and with Mass Ave being very close to the facility, it’s one heck of a way to enjoy a Friday night. Extras 3 The crowd is the star of the night with over 4,000 people in attendance. A very impressive number, since many minor league basketball operations would love these types of crowds at their games. The shuttle buses make life a lot easier for many fans trekking to the building. Parking spots are at a premium and many have to search throughout campus and the neighboring streets to park their cars. Luckily free shuttle buses bring people to and from the game in warm comfort. The gym and campus possess a lot of character that is hidden by the mass of people at the game. The facility dates back to 1928 and has a few stories to tell; a return engagement might be recommended during the regular season to fully appreciate the arena. Final Thoughts Attending this particular sectional was truly something that I will remember for the rest of my life. There were all the characteristics of Indiana high school basketball to observe. Fans waiting in line in the cold winter air, sold-out tickets, people nestled up against one another at their seats, and the joy of watching your team win the game and move on in the tournament. I was told by many that these days have dearly dissipated, but that was not the case here at Tech on the night of Sectionals. Perhaps the oversized crowd of fans bolstered the ambiance, but I don’t think I would have had it any other way.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hinsdale Central Gym 5500 S Grant St. Hinsdale, IL 60521 Hinsdale Central HS Red Devils Hinsdale Central Gym website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 3,500 Red Ribbons and Plenty of Banners They have been playing basketball at Hinsdale Central High School since 1901 and when the Illinois High School Association created a basketball tournament to crown a state champion in 1908, the high school was one of 13 schools invited. The Red Devils would finish 4th that season but the following year captured the state championship with an 18-13 victory over Washington after sporting a 22-3 regular-season record. This was also the first season when the tournament was opened to all schools in the state. The 1909 game was the school’s lone championship in boy’s basketball but the Devils have produced 19 West Suburban Conference championships, three Elite Eight appearances in the state tournament, and two regional championships. The club also produced an impressive 27 consecutive home victories between 1996 and 1997 when the team sported an overall record of 55-7. Since 1952 the basketball games have been held at the Hinsdale Central Gym–the “Central” was added when Hinsdale South High School opened in 1965. The capacity was once listed as 4,200 but has been trimmed down to around 3,500 these days. The gym features a classic look from its exterior main entrance and is more impressive once you walk through its doors. The gym is also home to the annual Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic that features 16 teams from the area competing over 4 days of 32 high school hoops taking place on the iconic court. The tournament began in 2015 and is one of ten that takes place in the state around the holidays. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the corner of the gym on the lower level that is quite large for a high school venue. The options are similar to other gyms and include hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, candy, and chips. However, fans can opt for a brat while watching a basketball game. The prices are reasonable and range between $1 to $4 and include the school’s official water that is made specifically for the high school. Atmosphere 4 The first thing you will most likely notice is the multiple banners hanging from the ceiling’s perimeter honoring the multiple school championship teams dating from 1909. There are 112 banners from the school’s various programs that include traditional powerhouses in tennis and swimming. There is also a banner from the 2014-2015 season when a record 8 different boys and girls teams won their respective championships. The second noticeable feature of girls is the looping red ribbons that hang from the ceiling that give the place much of its charm and character. The decor adds to the plethora of red that is featured in and around the gymnasium. The gym itself has a box-shaped design with an outer concourse with staircases at each corner.\ There is an upper balcony that wraps around the majority of the arena and features permanent thick brown bleacher seats behind each basket. The balcony seats behind the baskets almost hover over the action taking place down below. The box-shaped lower-level bleachers are more modern and can be pulled in and out depending on the event taking place in the gym. A wrap-around outer concourse houses multiple accolades and trophy cases along with a couple of small ticket windows. The atmosphere is quite different between a home Red Devils game in comparison to a holiday tournament. There is no band, student section, dance squad, or cheer team to be found during the games. However, the design of the venue and its charm provides its atmosphere during the winter break of basketball games. Neighborhood 3 Hinsdale is located 17 miles west of Chicago and features a population of 17,000 plus. There are a few places to grab a bite to eat before the game including classic Chicago foods at Chishack and Falco’s Pizzeria. Chishack is known for Italian beef, hot dogs sausages, and burgers. Falco’s serves regular, ultra-thin, or double-dough crust pizza along with sandwiches, pasta, and dinners. Pints of beer are $2 on Tuesday and Thursday. There are a few craft breweries within a couple of miles from the high school and including Scallywag Brewing and Black Horizon Brewing Company. Another great choice of beer is Fuller House, an American tavern offering wood-fired pizza. The Graue Mill is a water-powered grist mill that was originally erected in 1852. Now a museum, it is one of two operating water-powered grist mills in Illinois. The Hinsdale History Museum bridges the past, present, and future by engaging the community with its history and architecture. The Western Springs Water Tower is a museum and former water tower in nearby Western Springs. Fans 3 The Devils have some great fans and during the tournament came in droves to support their team on Boxing Day. It is probably a little different during a regular season home game where the student section comes alive and the band adds the musical soundtrack to the proceedings. Access 4 The gym is located within a few miles of I-294 and its design makes moving around the building quite effective. The contests are not heavily attended and fans will be able to move around to enjoy games without trampling over students and fans. Bathrooms are located on the outer concourse of the gym. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $8 per day and that allows access to all four games. The concession prices are reasonable and parking is free in the large lot outside the gym. The games are competitive and many go down to the last second allowing for enjoyable experiences from the stands. Extras 4 The gym receives three points for its 112 banners that decorate the rafters, the red ribbons that hang from its ceilings, and it's balcony seating that hovers above the main court. The gym earns a final point for its Red Devil Fuel, basically bottled water, but a nice touch when visiting the concession stand during the game. -------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker and Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UC Health Park 4385 Tutt Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80922 Rocky Mountain Vibes website UC Health Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,500 The Rocky Mountain Vibes Adapt and Succeed in the Pioneer League Organized baseball in Colorado Springs has metamorphosed over the past eight years in a way that would have doomed many franchises to failure. In 2014, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox were in their 22nd season as the Colorado Rockies’ AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. This partnership made sense, as the parent club was only about an hour away. The altitude (6,531 feet above sea level) simulated the Coors Field experience for young pitchers. Fans came to see prospects such as Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Carlos Gonzalez, and Nolan Arenado play before they became MLB stars. After the 2014 season, however, the Rockies elected not to renew their affiliation with the Sky Sox. The Milwaukee Brewers then affiliated with Colorado Springs, the team’s AAA farm club from 2015-2018. The Elmore Sports Group, which owned the Sky Sox, relocated the franchise to San Antonio after the 2018 season. In the Sky Sox’s absence, Elmore relocated another of its franchises, the Pioneer Baseball League’s Helena Brewers, to Colorado Springs for the 2019 season. The team began to play in 2019 in short-season Class A and was rebranded as the Rocky Mountain Vibes. “We realized that we didn’t want to be a thing, didn’t want to be an animal,” said General Manager Chris Phillips, announcing the team’s new name. “Being an attitude, a feeling, an emotion, that allows us to do a million different things. The possibilities are limitless. When you have that word, it means several different things to different people at different times of the day.” The Vibes’ mascot is an anthropomorphic s’more – perhaps the most important snack food at a campsite. Named “Toasty,” the mascot is a large marshmallow sandwiched by graham crackers with a tuft of flame atop his head in a small conflagration of “hair.” The Vibes played in 2019 as a Brewers’ Class-A affiliate. Then came significant hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled both the 2020 season and the Vibes’ status as an MLB affiliate. Major League Baseball’s reorganization of its minor leagues after the 2020 season left the Pioneer League and its teams without MLB affiliation. Instead, the league would play as an independent “partner league” of MLB. Partner leagues collaborate with MLB on initiatives to provide organized baseball to communities throughout the United States and Canada to expand baseball’s geographic reach. Turnover of franchise affiliations and then loss of those affiliations altogether in less than a decade, coupled with a 34-year-old ballpark oddly located in a suburban part of town might spell trouble for many franchises. Not the Vibes. With their new identity, Vibes merchandise has become some of the most sought-after in baseball. And the team’s front office has made noticeable changes around UC Health Park that highlight the Colorado lifestyle. Most impressively, the Vibes have converted the loss of MLB affiliation into a surprisingly enjoyable ballpark experience. Food & Beverage 4 The Vibes have upheld their promise to extend the “Vibes” moniker beyond the foul lines and to the concession stands. Fans can purchase s’mores kits ($3) consisting of a large marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate, and then toast the marshmallow at one of the firepits on the ballpark’s west concourse. Keeping with the camping-themed bill of fare is a “walking taco” ($8): a small Doritos bag filled with chips, ground beef, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Not many teams can combine victuals and team identity like this. The team also has a concession stand, “Healthy Vibes,” on the third-base concourse, with a gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian menu. A vegan dog sells for $7, a black bean burger sells for $12, and a gluten-free turkey sandwich sells for $9. Fans can also dine on turkey burgers ($12) and turkey avocado wraps ($9). This is a nice alternative to a deep-fried panoply of stadium food that enables fans with differing diets to eat while watching the Vibes. Ballpark favorites can also be found. Foot-long corn dogs ($7), chicken tenders baskets ($11), hot dogs ($7/$4), Polish sausage ($9), and fries ($4) are available at concession stands along the first- and third-base concourses. Beer lovers won’t be disappointed. Local favorites Pikes Peak Brewing (Elephant Rock IPA and Belgian Gold) and Red Leg Brewing (Blood Orange Double Hazy IPA) are on tap, along with Bud Light and Michelob Ultra. Canned beer (Anheuser-Busch, Pikes Peak Brewing, and Breckenridge beers), canned cocktails, and hard seltzer are also available. Premium drafts sell for $12 and domestic drafts are $10. Alternatively, fans can purchase a large, bat-shaped beer glass bearing the Vibes’ “Toasty” logo with either premium beer ($25) or domestic beer ($22). UC Health Field has a more extensive concessions menu than most of its Pioneer League counterparts and the quality of food compares favorably to any other stadium in the league. The improved food at UC Health Field helps enhance the experience. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is one of the best reasons to attend a Vibes game. The Vibes have combined Colorado’s outdoorsy sensibilities with baseball. This means that fans can make s’mores while watching the game, or while trying the team’s signature cocktail, the Springs Lemonade (pink lemonade and vodka) at the full-service bar that greets fans entering the stadium. The ballpark’s grandstand spans from third base to first base, with party areas and suites in the right-field corner. Box seats are chairbacks, with metal bleachers in the sections above the field boxes. Wind can be an issue, with the stadium mostly open. There’s no seating beyond the outfield fences. The best view in the ballpark is from the top of the grass berm, in the left-field corner. There, fans can watch the game with a nice view of Cheyenne Mountain beyond the ballpark. The only scoreboard in the ballpark sits beyond the left field wall. It displays lineups, stats, and facts about players. The quality is good but UC Health Field has a major flaw: it’s very difficult to find the balls/strikes/outs on the scoreboard. They’re at the bottom of the scoreboard, next to the line score. This is the only place in the stadium where this important information is shown so the team might consider making it more conspicuous. Neighborhood 3 UC Health Park, an oasis amid suburbia 10 miles northeast of downtown Colorado Springs, doesn’t have a “neighborhood.” The area around the stadium teems with housing developments, shopping centers, and chain restaurants. That’s not a bad thing, however, as a wide range of eating and drinking options are within a 5- or 10-minute drive from the ballpark. Those willing to drive a few minutes more can find In-n-Out and Whataburger. Downtown Colorado Springs is an approximately 20-minute drive from UC Health Park and downtown Manitou Springs is a few minutes farther. Downtown Colorado Springs has many good restaurants, as well as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and serves as a terminus for the Broadmoor Manitou and Cog Railroad, which takes passengers to the 14,115-foot summit. Fans 3 The Vibes draw well, particularly on weekends. The fans aren’t raucous, nor are they subdued. The crowd befits a team trying to convey a sense of chill. Access 3 The Vibes have abandoned paper tickets in favor of electronic ones so plan accordingly. UC Health Park is not far from most points in Colorado Springs. Even from Denver, 70 miles to the north, it’s an easy drive down I-25 to Exit 153 (Interquest Parkway). Entering and exiting can be a challenge. The parking lines can back up onto Barnes Road, the east-west thoroughfare closest to the stadium. After games, the labyrinthine queue for egress can frustrate. Fans have just one gate through which to enter but staff quickly checks tickets and bags. Once inside UC Health Park, access is good for the most part. The concourses are sufficiently wide and there’s room in the stands to spread out. Two large restrooms are on the concourse behind home plate. Return on Investment 3 A Vibes game seems somewhat expensive for an independent team. Parking costs $10; tickets are subject to the much-derided “dynamic pricing” system, whereby the team adjusts ticket prices according to expected demand. Tickets to weekend ballgames and promotion nights tend to be more expensive, with mid-week games less so. For the August 2022, Saturday night game, tickets run from $2 (grass berm) to $30 (reserved seat in the first four rows). Fans aren’t allowed to bring their food or drink into the stadium. However, the quality of the experience compensates for any marginal cost. Both food quality and variety are surprisingly good. All seats have clear sight lines and a berm is a popular option for those not wanting to splurge on box seats. Although the Vibes have abandoned the hot tub that once was UC Health Park’s most famous feature, they’ve created a fun and high-quality atmosphere for baseball. Is a Vibes game a bit pricier than its PBL counterparts? Yes, but it’s worth it. Extras 3 The Vibes seem to permit dogs at UC Health Park, another manifestation of the Vibes’ vibe. Not only that, but the team has posted a pet refuse station along the first-base concourse for fans to get bags to clean up after their pups. Another point to the Vibes for their merchandise. It’s exceptional. The graphic design and logos are as good as any in baseball. T-shirts styled after vintage National Park signage and fly fishing shirts bearing the Vibes’ logos extend the Colorado theme in the team store. The Vibes’ merchandise has been not just a local success story, but a national one. The Vibes have had the best-selling minor league cap in 2019 and 2020, with another top-five finish in 2021 and an expected top-five finish again in 2022. This has enabled the Vibes to nearly triple their merchandise revenue from the Sky Sox’s final year, 2018. It also enables the Vibes to expand their retail space at UC Health Park, moving the team shop into vacant bar space on the third-base concourse. This new store doubled the team’s retail size and holds $200,000 more merchandise than its predecessor. The Vibes also opened a store that sells only the team’s hats, just inside the front gate. Not only are s’mores available at Vibes games, but so too are specialty marshmallows designed to resemble Toasty, the mascot. Grammie’s Desserts sells these along the first-base concourse, along with other baked goods and – best of all – cake in a cup. Not many teams have a bakery, let alone a good one, in their ballpark. The Vibes do. Curative insulin shots are not included. Final Thoughts The start of the COVID-19 pandemic and MLB’s reorganization, both in 2020, seemingly threatened the existence of not only the Vibes but also the Pioneer Baseball League itself. The Vibes have reemerged from those crises and reinvented themselves in a surprisingly effective way. Rather than institutionally bemoaning their loss of affiliation, the Vibes have based their success on thoughtfulness and creativity to produce an outstanding independent league experience.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Lindquist Field 2330 Lincoln Ave Ogden, UT 84401 Ogden Raptors website Lindquist Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 8,262 Enraptured with Ogden When it comes to great views in the world of Minor League baseball, few states can compete with Utah. Salt Lake City has Smith’s Ballpark and the Wasatch Mountains. But if you head north from the Beehive State’s capital up I-15, then you’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the small ballpark in Ogden, home of the Raptors. The team is the Rookie League affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a relationship that dates back to 2003. The team has also had affiliate relationships with the Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos, and St Louis Cardinals over the years. Overall, the franchise dates back to 1994 in Ogden and has seen its fair share of future MLB stars begin their careers in northern Utah. The list of players includes Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, J.J. Hardy, Dee Gordon, Russell Martin, and Ben Sheets among others. Lindquist Field has been the home of the Raptors since 1997. The ballpark is located in downtown Ogden, a town with a population of just over 80,000. Ogden is also home of Weber State University. Lindquist Field resides in the northern end of the Wasatch Mountain Range, and the nearby mountains, combined with the refurbished Ogden Utah Temple, which can be seen beyond center field, makes for a beautiful vista to augment the lovely ballpark. Rookie Leagues like the Pioneer League are a great place to see a game in general. You will see more mistakes, but the hustle of these new professionals in undeniable. All of this combines for a very good ballpark experience if you make the journey to Ogden. Food & Beverage 4 While you may not see any unique items at Lindquist Field, what you will find is a good variety and reasonable prices. The ballpark is small enough that it would be a good idea to walk foul pole to foul pole in the concourse that wraps beneath the stands. My recommendation though, once you’ve made your pass to find anything that may appeal to you, is to head up the stand behind the seats along the left field line. Here you’ll discover the Hardball Cafe, where they offer grilled treats including the Raptor Burger (a cheeseburger topped with a spicy Polish sausage for $7.50). Other options include foot long hot dogs ($5), bratwurst ($4.50), and chicken sandwich ($6) among other ballpark snacks. Pepsi products are offered throughout Lindquist Field, with a large pop going for $4, and a medium for $3. Gatorade and bottled water are also on the menu. Ogden is a surprisingly good beer town, and the available options at Lindquist Field fit in to that mold as well. Twelve ounce macros are $4, while 16 ounces of Coors and Miller products will cost you $5. If you want a microbrew option, then a 16 ounce pour will cost you $6, while a 20-ounce goes for $8. Doing the math, you’ll want to purchase the larger size of Coors Lite or Miller Lite, while the smaller microbrew option is the better way to go since the price per ounce is the same. Atmosphere 4 The ballpark fits snugly into one city block so it feels fairly cozy once inside. That said, seats are quite comfortable and rather roomy around the ballpark. The green plastic chairs include cup holders at every seat. Further down the first base side there are also some metal bleachers, with picnic tables and plenty of standing room in left field and center field. While you’ll see a few between inning promotions, the highlight of the entertainment outside of the baseball is certainly the grounds crew. They come dressed in drag as they drag the field. Get it? Most important, Lindquist Field is a ballpark where you just want to sit back and enjoy the surroundings. Baseball and the mountains with a local beer and a bratwurst, and you can’t help but feel like life is good. Neighborhood 4 Lindquist Field is located in downtown Ogden, and there are numerous places within walking distance. You can also find street parking pretty readily, so if you would prefer to explore by car, then that is an option as well. Beer lovers will enjoy the selection at Slackwater Pizza & Pub. The laidback staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the pizzas are creative, and the beer selection is fantastic. Continuing along the same theme, another establishment worth visiting is Roosters Brewing Company. They have their own beers on tap, an eclectic menu (including really good fish tacos), and a few TVs near the bar if you want to stay up to date on the sports action. If you prefer the more traditional sports bar, then check out Brewskis. They have a good selection of beers on tap and plenty of TVs to see any game that may be going on. Other attractions worth noting include Union Station (built in 1924), which contains several historical museums within. If the family is with you, then you may also want to check out the Treehouse Children’s Museum while in town. Fans 4 With a season that stretches just over two months, the fans of the Ogden Raptors look forward to the short season at the ballpark. You’ll find a good mix of boisterous fans at Lindquist Field, many of whom seem to know each other. There’s a community feeling, and they are welcoming to visiting and neutral fans as well. The Raptors consistently lead the Pioneer League in attendance, with average crowds hovering around 3,500. Ogden has led the Pioneer League in attendance every year since 2000, drawing less than 100,000 fans in a season only once, when 99,812 fans passed through the gates in 2000. Access 4 Parking is free with ample street parking around Lindquist Field. Check street signs to ensure you are in an acceptable spot, but you should have no trouble finding parking within a block or so of the ballpark. Restrooms are reasonably clean and large enough to handle the crowds. I also appreciate that there are cup holders near the urinals. Like it or not, fans often bring their drinks into the restroom with them, and having a place to put a drink is helpful. There is a small elevator near the home plate entrance which can take fans up to the upper concourse if needed. Return on Investment 4 It’s hard to beat the price for the views and a ball game at Lindquist Field. Tickets range from $5 for general admission, up to $12 for reserved seats. Kids aged 4-11 pay only $5 or $4, and kids under age 3 are free. When you add in the free parking and very reasonable concessions, then you have an excellent value for your sport’s dollar. Extras 3 The Wasatch Mountain Range in the distance is well worth an extra point and helps to make this stadium experience special. The outfield wall is one of the most unusual in minor league baseball due to the small available footprint of the city block. There are odd heights to the wall, and plenty of nooks and crannies, which could result in triples or inside-the-park home runs at Lindquist Field. Even though the current incarnation of baseball in Ogden has only been around since 1994, the city has plenty of baseball history to draw from. The Ogden Reds were the first affiliate in Northern Utah, and later the team became the Ogden Dodgers. This means that all-time greats have played in Ogden, including Frank Robinson, Steve Garvey, and Bill Buckner. Tommy Lasorda also managed the Ogden Dodgers from 1966-1968. Final Thoughts The beauty of minor league baseball is that there is so much to see, and it is a great way to get to know the United States. If you are planning a future MiLB road trip, be sure to keep Utah, and specifically a trip to Lindquist Field in Ogden on your potential agenda. You’ll be in for a real treat.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Melaleuca Field 568 West Elva Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Idaho Falls Chukars website Melaleuca Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,600 Me Like Melaleuca In the world of travel, Idaho Falls is known as one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park, attracting families throughout the summer who use the town as a base for exploring all of the incredible natural scenery in the area. For those more interested in sports travel however, the destination is the city itself, more specifically Melaleuca Field, home of the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League. Located in a residential area about a mile north of downtown, the naming rights were bought by a wellness company owned by local billionaire Frank L. VanderSloot. According to some residents I spoke to, there was controversy over the name, but as VanderSloot and Melaleuca provided $600,000 to help with the construction of the facility, the name stands. The stadium opened in 2007 to replace McDermott Field, which was demolished just a few days after the final game was played there. Food & Beverage 4 For a ballpark at this level, the food options are extremely varied and offer a few things beyond the usual. There are two permanent concession stands, which offer an excellent variety and include some healthy options like carrots and celery ($3), or my personal favourite, apples and caramel ($3 for sliced Granny Smiths served with melted caramel, as good as it sounds but messy). The signature item is the Chukar Clukar, a chicken breast sandwich topped with bacon, french fries, and cole slaw, a bargain at $9, but one too heavy for me. I chickened out and avoided the Clukar, choosing a simple hot dog ($3). Other items worth noting include a Po:Boy chicken sandwich for $8, walking tacos for $7.50, and a double cheeseburger (2/3 lb.) for $10. There are many other choices at these stands, so check the menu in the photo gallery for the full list. There is also a sno-cone stand, which is likely the best of its kind in baseball. A small cup is only $2.50 and the young men staffing the stand are extremely generous in doling out the syrup; it took me about 3 days to come down from the sugar high. Beer is reasonably priced as well, with small domestics going for $4.75 and large $6.75 (add a dollar for craft beers). A 16-ounce domestic can is $5; again another buck gets you the good stuff. Pepsi products are your soda choices, with a small fountain drink going for $3.75 and a large for just 50 cents more, while bottled water is $2.50. All in all, you should be more than satisfied with the options here, which are possibly the most diverse for a Rookie League ballpark. Atmosphere 3 The main entrance is next to the ticket window, atop which stands an inflatable batter to ensure that you are in the right place. Once inside the main entrance, you will be on a concourse behind the stadium structure, where you will find all the concession stands and historical displays. You’ll find the starting lineups and standings along the concourse as well. The seating bowl is typical – 7 sections of Kelly green seats, and then some general admission benches further down both lines. The sections directly behind the plate is C, then L1, L2, and so on along third base and R1, R2, etc. along first base. There is also a walkway at the top of the seating bowl and you can stand here, particularly behind home plate, though it does get slightly bothersome with fans walking by all the time. Three suites are on each side of home plate, and picnic areas down the lines, as it now customary at minor league venues. A bouncy castle is also available behind the stadium proper along first base. The sun sets behind third base, so those GA seats fill up quick. If you end up at first base, you will have the sun in your eyes for a few innings, though netting should protect you from any foul balls lined at your head. The scoreboard is basic, with just an electronic linescore and no video board. For those wondering, a chukar is a type of partridge found in the area and Charlie is the friendly feathered mascot here. The Chukar moniker was the result of a name-the-team contest in 2004, after the team changed affiliations from the Padres to the Royals, who are still the parent club. Neighborhood 3 Idaho Falls is actually a Mormon town, with over 60% of residents belonging to that faith, but there are still a few bars in the downtown core, with the different types each offering something for everyone. Many of the bars allow smoking, but one that doesn’t is BlackRock, which also has good craft beer offerings and friendly staff. Other choices that are open after the game are The Celt Pub & Grill that catered to a younger crowd, and Samoa Club, which seems to be more of a dive bar. Most of these places closed early on the Monday I visited, but there is an Applebee’s on the other side of the Snake River that was open a bit later. Snow Eagle Brewing and Grill is also close by, though you will have to visit before the game as it will be closed by the time the final pitch is thrown. West Yellowstone is just over 100 miles away to the northeast, while Craters of the Moon National Monument is a couple of hours west should you be spending a few days in the area. As Idaho Falls is a base, hotels are surprisingly expensive for the quality, particularly early in the season, when many families make their pilgrimages, so book well in advance if you are on a budget. Fans 5 I was amazed at the turnout at the game I attended, with nearly every seat filled, very surprising for a Monday night. There was a promotion involving a local insurance firm that might have had something to do with that, but whatever the case, empty seats were few and far between. Fans were polite, knowledgeable, and had a good time. Charlie was busy with all the kids as well. It was a quintessential minor league crowd and really added to the experience. Access 3 There is a free but tiny parking lot next to the stadium which was nearly filled by the time I arrived an hour before first pitch. Given the proximity to the ballpark, you might want to park on the street a block away to minimize the risk of a cracked windshield. Inside, the venue is quite small, and with the large crowd, there were lineups at concessions for much of the evening. Getting around the concourse and stadium itself is easy enough, though the lines do occasionally force you to the outside. I did not notice any issue with restrooms, and getting out after the game seemed to be easy enough. Return on Investment 4 Prices here for the reserved box seats are $12, while GA is $8. Normally I would suggest the latter, but in this case, the GA sections ended up full and several patrons had to stand. Capacity is 3,400 and there were over 3,200 seats sold, but average attendance is about 2,400 so for most games, you will not have trouble finding a good spot to sit. With decent food prices and free parking, this is a great little evening out for those who might be stopping by on their way to one of the natural sights in the area. Extras 3 There is a board describing the history of baseball in Idaho Falls, which is worth a read despite it being behind the Sno-Cone stand. There are some retired numbers (and a retired microphone for Jim Garchow, who passed away in 2009) beneath the press box windows. Don Werner managed here between 1996-2000 as well as 2002 but is better known as the catcher of Tom Seaver’s only no-hitter in 1978. Billy Butler played here in 2004. As well, banners for those in the Idaho Falls Hall of Fame can be seen, including ex-Jay Devon White. Final Thoughts Overall, I found Melaleuca Field to be an enjoyable evening, helped by the overflow crowd and excellent concession offerings. If you are thinking about a tour of Yellowstone or the northwest in general, try to stop in to Idaho Falls for an evening with the Chukars.

Photos by Matt Finnigen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sam Suplizio Field 12 St and North Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501 Grand Junction Rockies website Sam Suplizio Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 10,000 Getting it Right in Grand Junction Minor league baseball should provide fans with a fun experience in a pleasant atmosphere at a reasonable cost. The Grand Junction Rockies achieve all of these aims, enabling fans on Colorado’s Western Slope to enjoy short-season, Class-A, Pioneer League baseball in a naturally magnificent setting. The team’s parent club, the Colorado Rockies, purchased the Casper (WY) Ghosts in 2011 and relocated the team to Grand Junction’s Suplizio Field before the 2012 season. Since then, Grand Junction has served as a first stop for several players who advanced to play Major League Baseball, such as David Dahl, Jon Gray, Kyle Freeland, and Ryan McMahon. The ballpark is part of the city’s 42-acre Lincoln Park, which also features a 9-hole golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, picnic shelters, a playground, and horseshoe pits. Colorado Mesa University sits just across U.S. 6 from Suplizio Field. CMU’s NCAA Division II baseball team also uses Suplizio Field for its home games and its football team plays adjacent to Suplizio Field, at neighboring Ralph Stocker Stadium. Notably, Suplizio Field has hosted the National Junior College World Series every year since 1958. Suplizio Field sits in the shadow of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flattop mountain at approximately 500 square miles. Grand Mesa provides a stunning backdrop for the Rockies’ home games, as well as a key part of the team’s primary logo. Before the Rockies’ inaugural season, Suplizio Field received $8.3 million in renovations that included new bleachers on the stadium’s first base side, a new press box, and a new wheelchair-accessible mezzanine section. These renovations enhanced the experience at Suplizio without compromising its many positive attributes. Food & Beverage 4 Suplizio Field has high-quality food and drink options. Although the fare is what most people would expect from a sporting event, it is fresh and delicious. Hot dogs ($4), Polish dogs ($5), hamburgers ($5), cheeseburgers ($6), and grilled chicken sandwiches ($5) can all be complemented by a side of French fries ($3), which are actually thinly sliced strips of starchy perfection and a must-try for anyone attending a game in Grand Junction. Pepsi products are offered, with a souvenir cup of soda costing $5 with $2 refills. The Rockies also have an ice cream stand, where soft-serve vanilla and huckleberry ice cream are available in mini-helmets for $5. The Rockies have a small concession stand, the Rockaritaville Cantina, on the concourse beneath the right field grandstand where fans can enjoy limited Mexican fare. Nachos ($7), burritos ($7), and tacos ($6) are offered along with margaritas ($6) and Estrella Jalisco beer ($4). Beer lovers will appreciate Suplizio Field’s selection and prices. Fans can enjoy 16-ounce draft beers for just $4, including not only Budweiser products, but also the Rockies’ house brew, GJ Brew; Goose Island IPA; and the local Palisade Brewing Company’s Dirty Hippie wheat beer. Atmosphere 4 The Rockies have created a very pleasant atmosphere at Suplizio Field. The team’s mascot, a coyote named “Corky,” interacts with fans throughout the game. The team also stirs fans’ interest by designating an opposing player as the “Beer Batter;” if that player strikes out, fans enjoy $2 beers for the ensuing 10 minutes. Seats along the first baseline offer not only the best views, but some protection against the sun during late afternoon and early evening games. The recently built press box towers over the stands and provides ample shade. The Rockies have extended the protective netting along each baseline but fans in the stands can watch pitchers warm up in bullpens in the left field (visitors) and right field (home) corners. Some of the metal bleachers have seat backs. To access the dugouts from the teams’ respective clubhouses, players must walk across the concourse. This enables fans to obtain autographs from and take photos with the players before and after each game. Neighborhood 3 Suplizio Field sits along a busy, commercial corridor near both downtown Grand Junction and Colorado Mesa University. Fans can park next to Suplizio Field and enjoy the rest of Lincoln Park before a game with a picnic, a round of golf, pickleball, tennis, or swimming. Downtown Grand Junction offers a wide variety of dining options just a five-minute drive from the ballpark. Pablo’s Pizza and the Rockslide Brewery offer good food along Main Street in downtown. Several hotels are also located downtown, including Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Springhill Suites. Fans 3 While the crowds at Suplizio Field are not large, they are loyal and engaged. The stadium has capacity of approximately 10,000 and crowds range between 2,000 and 3,000. Access 3 With free, close, abundant parking, fans should plan to drive to Suplizio Field. Fans using a navigation system to travel to the ballpark should note that parking is behind center field, although iPhones will direct fans to the home plate entrance (where there is no parking). The stadium does not display obvious signage to direct fans where to park. The local Grand Valley Transit does have a bus stop on 12th Street for fans wanting to take mass transit. Return on Investment 4 A night at Suplizio Field is a great value. Tickets are available at either $11 for a club seat behind home plate or $9 for a reserved seat along either baseline. Parking is free and concession prices are quite reasonable. Extras 3 The Rockies offer high-quality promotional items. On one night, all fans received Kyle Freeland bobbleheads and free, post-game fireworks. Players from both teams are accessible, gladly signing autographs and posing for photos with fans after the game. The Rockies also provide free game programs with rosters and photos. Fans should consider a late-season visit to Grand Junction for a game. Palisade, Colorado, is just a 10-minute drive east of Grand Junction and is an agricultural hub where some of the best peaches in the country can be found, beginning in August. Final Thoughts The Rockies work very hard to provide fans with a great experience, and it shows. A night at Suplizio Field promises a fun time and beautiful views for even a casual baseball fan. With an abundance of outdoor activities in and around Grand Junction, Suplizio Field is a summertime highlight for fans on Colorado’s Western Slope.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Stadium 5600 Glenwood St Boise, ID 83714 Boise Hawks website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,500 Hawks Nesting In Boise Baseball returned to Boise in 1987 after eight years without baseball. Currently the Hawks are the Short Season A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play in the Northwest League. Prior to moving to Boise, the team was the Tri-Cities Triplets, who played in Richland, Washington. The Hawks have also been affiliated with the Angels and the Cubs. Boise’s previous minor league teams played in both the Northwest League and the Pioneer League. Boise is a large enough city that seems like it should play in a higher league than short season A ball. Memorial Stadium opened in 1989 and is adjacent to the Western Idaho Fairgrounds on the banks of the Boise River. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are a pretty consistent slate of offerings, although not always exciting. The food prices are very similar to most minor league baseball stadiums. They are very fair and offer many choices. Most entrees are $4 and up and won’t break your wallet. Atmosphere 2 The field faces northeast and the stadium has three separate grandstands around the field. The stands behind the plate and on the third base side have seat backs while the ones on the first base side have bleachers. The design is antiquated and is not how modern stadiums are designed. As with many stadiums nowadays, there is a net around the entire seating area. The team offers most of the traditional minor league giveaways and antics, but the game still ends up being the main focus. The team tries to keep the entertainment happening in between innings so as to not distract from the game. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much in the immediate area of the stadium. There is not a whole lot to see or do within walking distance except for the fairgrounds. There are many food and dining options within a short driving distance. Downtown Boise offers a thriving environment with many options. There are lots of restaurants and bars for pretty much anyone to enjoy. If you enjoy beer there are many local breweries to try out. Recommendations include 10 Barrell Brewing and Bittercreek Alehouse. Fans 4 There are some hardcore fans with seats around the home plate area. They will be loud and into all aspects of the game. The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. Access 3 Parking is free and the stadium is relatively easy to get to. It is not near downtown Boise and is not near a major highway. Return on Investment 4 The free parking, good variety of food options and the cheap tickets make it a worthwhile visit. Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game. Extras 2 There is a nice kids play area down the first base side. Although they are not hawks, another bird of prey, a couple of osprey, choose to nest on one of the outfield light posts. This is not a planned activity but actual wild birds that chose the stadium as their nesting spot. The team has helped with fixing the nest up between years and to keep them from nesting on the actual stadium structure. Final Thoughts Boise’s Memorial Stadium has seen better days and is far removed from how modern minor league stadiums are normally expected to be designed, but it is still a good place to watch a game. The team is expected to move to a stadium in downtown Boise in a couple of years, depending on various approvals.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dehler Park 901 N 27th St Billings, MT 59101 Billings Mustangs website Dehler Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,071 Billings Baseball Dehler Park is the home of the Billings Mustangs, rookie league baseball team (Cincinnati Reds) in the Pioneer League. In 2008, it replaced the old Cobb Field which was beginning to show a state of disrepair and was demolished as part of the building of the new Dehler Park. The Mustangs began play in 1948 and have won 15 Pioneer League titles, most recently in 2014. They have been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds for at least 42 consecutive years making that partnership one of the longest running player development relationships in professional baseball. The organization does a fabulous job at making a game day experience so very entertaining for fans attending a ball game in Billings, MT; one you’ll want to go back to several times. The game, the players, and the fans are the entertainment and there are many conveniences for the modern baseball fan at this ballpark. Food & Beverage 4 Dehler Park provides an outstanding variety of food and beverage items for a Mustangs game at affordable prices. Lines can get long at times but they move relatively quickly. The concessions close before the 7th inning so be sure to get your appetite filled earlier in the game. Permanent stands ‘First and Third’ (on both sides of the concourse) offer hot dogs, sausage, chicken wings, a variety of fries, pretzels and nachos ($3.50 – $6.00). It has snacks of popcorn, peanuts, candy, crackerjacks, ice cream, pickles, and more ($1.75 – $3.00). Sodas are the Pepsi variety at $2.50 / $3.50 (refillable for $1.00 / $1.50). Water is $2.50 a bottle. Uncle Charlies Cheese Steak ($8), Diablo Dogs ($4.50), Mountain Mudd expresso, Caramel Korn and Chocolate Strawberry kabobs round out some of the carts speckled throughout the concourse. The Bob Wilson Memorial Plaza in left field provides a slew of picnic tables (in and out of the shade) on a grass surface to enjoy the concessions before heading to your seat. The specialty food item, the Stang Burger, can be found at the Lead-Off Grill hidden behind the third base concourse. The Stang Burger is a hamburger topped with beef brisket for $7.50 and is yummy. At this same stand regular burgers, beer brats ($4.00), and other items are grilled fresh. There are beer concessions on the first and third baseline concourses and in the outfield offering an excellent selection including two local brews at $5.50. The one on the third baseline offers a more varied selection and is the one I’d recommend visiting (it is also right next door to the Lead-Off Grill and near the picnic area). Outside food or drink is not permitted. Atmosphere 4 Dehler Park provides a stellar game day operation as the focus is on the baseball game being played. Nets cover seating areas from behind the entire dugout to the end of the other dugout (sections 108 to 116). To sit net free choose section 117 or higher on the third base side or section 107 and higher on first base side. All seats are the plastic green fold down variety with cup holders with the exception of bleacher seats in sections 105 and 106. The bullpen seating areas are at sections 105 (first base) or 118 (third base). If you can get a seat in row 1, you’ll be right in front of the relief pitchers when they begin their warm ups. The 329 Club in left field is named for the distance from home plate. It is a reserved seating area for corporate and party events. Drink rails are only in the outfield on the left field side. Some tables are scattered around the outfield walkways. A few sections in the infield seating area have canopies overhead. A recommendation is to sit on third base side as the first base seats are directly in the setting sun’s path. Bring your sunscreen and umbrella as there is minimal shade and no place to go for shelter if it rains. What a treat – music is only played between innings and not between pitches and batters. There are no player walk up songs. The PA announcer is audible. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is walking distance (eight or so blocks) to historic downtown Montana Ave where there are a variety of places to eat, drink, sleep, and tour. It sits next to a hospital and is very close to the airport. Expect to see a few airplanes or helicopters passing over the field. There is an Impressive selection of dining options including pitas, wraps, pizza, Indian, cafes, sandwich shops, fine dining, steaks, Mexican, and more in and around Billings. Recommended places to eat are Montana Brewing Company or Uberbrew (breweries with food) and Bernie’s (diner – open for breakfast and lunch). Better yet take the Brewery Tour (1.5 mile walking tour visiting Billings’ breweries while stopping at historical points along the way). For finer dining, check out Walkers American Grill & Tapas Bar or Jake’s Steakhouse eight blocks south of the stadium. There are several hotels within a mile of the ballpark and even more in the extended metropolitan area. I stayed at the Riversage Billings Inn (two blocks from Dehler Park) and would recommend it. Downtown also hosts a Best Western or Crowne Plaza if you prefer name brand hotels. There are plenty of things to see and do when visiting Billings. Check out the Western Heritage Center in downtown, drive or hike the Rimrocks for a beautiful view, visit ZooMontana or tour the Moss Mansion. Fans 5 The Mustang fans are the best part of what makes attending a game so enjoyable. They certainly are conversant about the game of baseball with discussions heard throughout the game containing ‘He should bunt,’ ‘Will they walk him to get the double play?,’ or ‘He hit one out of here last night.’ And after a bad or missed play you’ll politely hear fans saying ‘It IS still a development league.’ And they disagree with the umpires calls and mimic the safe and out calls (always in favor of the Mustangs player). Lots of fans keep score. The starting lineup is posted just to the left of the home plate entrance. Be sure to pick up a game program for $1 which includes the current roster for both teams, a fine looking scorecard, and the magazine program. It is a family friendly atmosphere and it is easy to strike up a conversation with your neighbors. They make it fun. Averaging over 3,000 fans a game, the Mustangs fans consistently fill the stadium (especially since the opening of Dehler Park). Access 3 Getting to/from and in/around Dehler Park is easy. From I-90 take exit 450 (27th St) north about two miles to 9th Ave. The ballpark will be on your right. Make a right on 9th Ave (at the Perkins and CVS) and there is a small parking lot (free) a block up on the left. Parking is also available throughout the neighborhood. There is bus service in Billings but it does not appear to be an option to get to and from the ballpark as service ends at 6:40 pm weekdays/5:45 pm on Saturdays with no service on Sundays. The closest airport is Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and is just a few minutes from Dehler Park. Of course, if staying in the downtown area, walking is your best option and it is completely safe walking back after the game. There are three entrances to the ballpark: home, right field and left field. The batting cage for the Mustangs is next to the left field entrance so this is a perfect place to get autographs from the young players. One can walk the entire concourse both inside and outside. Gates open an hour before the first scheduled pitch. The concourses are nice and wide making traffic flow smooth. Restrooms are ample and clean. Return on Investment 4 A trip to see a Mustangs game in Dehler Park is well worth the money spent. Single game tickets range from $4 (standing room) to $10 (club seats – those directly behind home plate in sections 110 – 114). I’d recommend the $6 ($5 kids and seniors 60+) field box seats in section 117 as those are net free and the sun is not in your face. That’s better than a movie ticket! There are a few promotional nights throughout the season so check their schedule for a listing. The parking is free, food and beverage prices are reasonable and the game day is just a whole lot of fun. Extras 5 In center field there is the KZone. An individual keeps track of the strikeouts by Mustangs’ pitchers and adds a K (forwards or backwards depending on strike) along the outfield wall for each strikeout. Daylight lasts forever in Montana in the summer. A game starting at 7pm that lasts for two and a half hours and it can still be daylight when heading back home. There are two statues outside the park as well as plaques for fans who have donated considerable finances towards the construction of the ballpark. One of the statues is a tribute to Ed Bayne, a civic and athletic hero and coach for many years of the American Legion baseball program in Billings. The other honors Dave McNally, famed Orioles left handed pitcher, who was from Billings, MT. The Rimrocks (300 foot high sandstone bluffs surrounding the valley) provide a spectacular view from the ballpark. For those with kids, there is a huge bounce house down the right field concourse for them to expend some energy if needed. The game day staff is as nice and friendly as can be. Final Thoughts This is an excellent ballpark to visit with the focus of entertainment on the ballgame while still providing modern conveniences, good food, and engaging fans.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Central Park 700 Smith Ave Trinidad, CO 81082 Trinidad Triggers website Central Park website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 887 Pulling the Trigger in Trinidad The Triggers have established themselves well in Trinidad, CO and in the Independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball, beginning with their debut in the 2012 season. Taken from their website, the Pecos League operates in cities in desert mountain regions throughout New Mexico, West Texas, Arizona, and Southern Colorado players come from all over the US and the world and are a combination of rising stars, falling stars, shooting stars, and athletes with stars in their eyes. The Triggers play at Central Park Field, a city park located one mile from downtown Trinidad, CO. The city of Trinidad made several improvements to the field and park for this team: updates to the bullpens, adding a cement backing/wall to the seating area, improvements to the grass seating areas and the field itself. The Triggers share the field with Trojan Baseball (NJCAA – National Junior College Athletic Association) as well as the Trinidad High School team (the Miners). Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand and it serves the fan base well. Concession prices are good. Most snacks (candy, chips, ice cream, etc.) and non-alcoholic drinks (mostly Pepsi brand sodas) are nicely priced. A huge variety of dogs, burgers, and sausages are offered, are cooked fresh off the grill, and range from $3 to $6.50. Beer on offer is Bud, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Michelob Ultra, Bud Chelada, and Shock Top and the price ranges from $3 to $5. Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee are offered for those chilly spring evening games. It being a city park, I bet you can bring your own water and snacks into the park. The concession stand also offers some Trinidad Triggers merchandise: ball caps ($25) and t-shirts ($20). Atmosphere 3 Despite being in a somewhat old facility, it is a fine venue for the Pecos League. There is a nice view of Fisher’s Peak beyond the right field wall and the view changes throughout the game based on the weather. And there are trees all around the outfield wall providing a nice backdrop. There is a pond and a walking trail just beyond the outfield. If you want to get your steps or exercise in, arrive early and take a short hike around the pond. It is quite a peaceful stroll. The seating comprises of 14 rows of all metal benches – a few rows with backs – which start getting uncomfortable near the 6th inning. The seats are under an awning so fans are protected in case of rain. The seating area is surrounded by an awful chain link fence that tarnishes the view of the game. This is typical of other Pecos League venues. The music is fine; not too loud with a good variety. There are some instances where music is played when announcing the player at bat or a relief pitcher which makes it a bit difficult to keep score but it is far better than previous years. There is one piece of memorabilia for the 2002 Trinidad Miners Baseball Association for updating the facilities at Central Park. There is no flag pole at the venue. Instead, the American flag is attached to the outfield fence. That I had not seen before. The home dugout is on the third base side; visitors on the first base side. Neighborhood 3 I did not notice an appealing place to visit pre or post game within walking distance of the park. However, downtown Trinidad (just a mile or so away from the park) has several options. The Mission at the Bell serves Mexican fare and a tasty, powerful margarita! Check out Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Steakhouse for fine Italian food. The Whistle Stop/Sub Shop (a sponsor of the Trinidad Triggers) is located next to the Colorado State Welcome Center and is less than a mile from Central Park. For your sports bar outing, check out the Brix Sports Bar and Grill on the weekends. It offers 12 beers on tap and food on the weekends (Thurs – Sun). It also has live entertainment (a cover charge may apply depending on the event). There is a free trolley tour of Trinidad and a history museum to peruse that I would recommend if visiting the area. Fans 2 Fans are few but many are vocal. They all seemed to know each other and all treated me just fine and offered tips on the surrounding area. There is the ‘Passing of the Hat’ when a Trigger pitcher gets three strikeouts in an inning or a player hits a home run. Someone with a helmet walks the seating area trying to get $1 donations. Those contributions help the players with everyday essentials: groceries, gas, car payments, etc. Access 3 Free parking; it’s always nice. Recommendation: DO NOT park in the facility parking lot; park in the neighboring streets (one block – definitely not a far walk). The facility parking lot is a prime foul ball territory windshield breakage area. If you live in the neighborhood, it is certainly walk-able but most fans arrive via automobile. It’s only about a mile off of Interstate 25 (I-25). There is one men’s and one women’s restroom which is enough for the crowd base. Players have to walk through the stands or grassy knoll to reach their cars and the restroom. The restrooms are adequate and clean. Return on Investment 3 It is $6 for general admission; there is free parking, and food and beer prices are decent. It’s baseball for the game and not any other entertainment. And the Triggers do a fine job. Extras 2 An Amtrak train passing by beyond the outfield wall. Triggers pitchers sitting in the stands and charting and recording pitches, speed pitch, and play. Even better, they offer kids to help them with speed pitch counts, which the kids love. And, the pitchers and kids remember each other due to the players reading to the kids at school or a community event. Final Thoughts If you’re in the area, do make the effort to visit a Triggers baseball game during the May through July time frame. The venue is picturesque even with the chain link fence. It is a quaint park to watch a game and it is an entertaining evening.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Fairfield Properties Ballpark 3 Court House Dr Central Islip, NY 11722 Long Island Ducks website Fairfield Properties Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 6,002 Quacker Jacks The Long Island Ducks are an independent baseball team, a part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. They play at the family friendly Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip, NY. At one point in time, duck farming was a big industry on Long Island, thus the name of the ball team. The ballpark has been known as several names: Suffolk County Sports Park, EAB Park, Citibank Park, and now Bethpage Park. A new LED lighting system was installed in 2017 proving the organization is committed to making the ballpark up-to-date for today’s fan’s desires and needs. Additional improvements in 2017 included replacement of the playing surface, replacement of the carpeting in the suites and restaurant, improved touchless lavatories, and a brand new craft beer called “Duck Tail Ale.” The Long Island Ducks are the Atlantic League Champions for the 2004, 2012, 2013 (runners up in the various other seasons). Note: The stadium name changed to Fairfield Properties Ballpark in 2020. Food & Beverage 5 The food at Bethpage Ballpark is more than what you would expect at a high-level independent league venue. Standard fare of nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, chicken sandwich, and fries run $5 – $8. Churros, pizza, Italian sausage and pulled pork sandwiches price between $5 and $9. Mister Softee provides the ice cream. One concession area offers heros and wraps. On the healthier side, full Caesar, Cobb, and garden salads cost $8 each. Fruit and cheese, crudité, or a small side salad run $4. Unusual food choices at the ballpark include a peanut butter and jelly platter, hard boiled eggs, celery and peanut butter, and a peanut butter platter priced between $3 and $6. An abundant choice of beer is available for $7 – $8 including local Long Island beers from Great South Bay Brewery and Brooklyn Brewery. Bud/Bud Light, Sam Adams and others are also on offer. Wines choices run $7. Pepsi products are the soda choice and are priced at $4. Open to all fans, the Duck Club, a restaurant and bar is located on the club level of the venue with some seats allowing fans to eat, drink and watch the game. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the park. The cleverly named Waddle In Shop provides a vast amount of LI Ducks merchandise and souvenirs. Atmosphere 4 The Long Island Ducks provide an enjoyable family friendly entertainment environment, one that fans of all ages will enjoy. Seating includes two sections of long rows (20 seats), green fold-down stadium chairs with cup holders and decent legroom separated by a narrow walkway on the lower level. Twenty luxury seats are available on the club level from the third to first baseline. A net is only around the home plate area; the dugouts are net free! Lots of foul balls enter the seating area so be on the lookout when walking the concourse while play is in action Between inning and other activities include the usual minor league shenanigans like sumo wrestling, musical chairs, 50/50 contest, etc. The music volume is perfect; not too loud. One can have a conversation with their neighbor without having to yell over the music. The starting line up is posted on a whiteboard placed on concourse. The stadium offers a constant view of the game action, so even when fans are enjoying the festivities down the foul lines or grabbing a hot dog, they can still see the game in full. One cannot walk the entire circumference of the concourse. Kids bounce houses and activities are at the end of both the first and third baselines. The scoreboard provides the line score as well as video content. Bethpage Park has an attractive, lush green field. Be sure to check out some Long Island Ducks history on the walls when going up to the Duck Club. Like many of the other Atlantic League ballparks, the framework is very geared towards family entertainment. Neighborhood 3 Bethpage Park is located in the Suffolk County District Court Office complex with residential areas beyond that. A TGI Fridays and Carrabba’s are within walking distance. The best bet, though, is to try any of Long Island’s delicious pizzaria’s like Vinardo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant just a short drive away. Be sure to visit Great South Bay Brewing and Tasting Room (a sponsor of the LI Ducks), about five miles from the ballpark. The Duck’s home field is only two or so miles from the Long Island’s south shore beaches and Heckscher State Park. Bayard Cutting Arboretum is one of Islip’s top tourist attractions and is well worth a visit. Other professional sports on Long Island (though not necessarily close to Bethpage Park) are the New York Lizards (MLL), Long Island Rough Riders (USL), and the New York Islanders (NHL). For those wanting to spend the night close to the venue, a Courtyard Marriott and a Residence Inn are right across the street from the ballpark. Fans 4 Lots of families attend Ducks games. At the game of this review, not a lot of fans were there (frigid temperatures) but those that were there were quite hardy. The Long Island Ducks generally sit in first or second place in attendance for the Atlantic League averaging greater than 5,000 a game the last few seasons. They have a deep understanding of the game being close neighbors of the NY Mets and the NY Yankees. Access 4 The ballpark is located off the Southern State Parkway, though there are a variety of highways and routes to get there based on starting point. Click here for specific directions. The LIRR (Long Island Railroad) does not have a stop within walking distance to the park. The closest station is Central Islip on the Ronkonkoma Line, about 2.5 miles from the park. Long Island MacArthur Airport is an 8 – 9 mile drive. Parking is in a well-ordered semi-covered parking lot. If attendance is low, traffic in and out is very light. Even if it’s a packed house, worse traffic can be found in the shopping centers on Long Island. Traffic disperses in several directions so it moves out well. Parking is always free; playoff games too. The concourse is open and wide and easily traversed. Plenty of handicapped parking and seating are available. Return on Investment 5 A fan’s sports entertainment dollar is well spent at a Ducks game. Individual ticket prices range from $12 – $15. The Duck’s have various promotional days such as Military Mondays, Two-fer Tuesdays, Waddle In Wednesdays, and Thirsty Thursdays where tickets prices or concessions are reduced. They also offer offer ‘Unused Ticket Days’ where if you couldn’t make it to a game but still have your ticket, you can exchange it for select games towards the end of the season. Concession prices are affordable and parking is free. Extras 5 The Duck’s organization has many additional points of note to mention. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful – in person and over the phone. Co-owner and first Ducks’ manager, Bud Harrelson, can often be seen on the concourse autographing baseballs and other souvenirs. Harrelson, a former Mets shortstop and coach has won championships as a player (‘69 Mets World Series; ‘73 Mets NL Championship), a coach (‘86 Mets World Series), and owner (‘04, ‘12, and ‘13 Ducks Atlantic League Championship). Plenty of promotions are offered: Sundays – kids run the bases and a pregame player autograph session is available. All Saturday home games provide fireworks after the last out. Modernizing and updating the venue to meet today’s baseball fans standards deserves extra credit. A fan can listen to all Ducks games online – no fee. Final Thoughts Summer on Long Island can be a lot of fun with the beaches, piers, and boating. When on Long Island, be sure to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a laid back, entertaining nine innings with friends and family at Bethpage Park.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Clipper Magazine Stadium 650 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Lancaster Barnstormers website Clipper Magazine Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 6,000 Storming The Barn In Lancaster Professional baseball has a long history in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1884 when the Lancaster Red Roses was founded. The team played in several minor leagues through 1961 and had a notable rivalry with the York White Roses, located only about 30 miles away. The nicknames were in reference to the nicknames of the cities of Lancaster and York, which themselves pay homage to their namesakes in England and the War of the Roses. However, after the 1961 season, baseball left the Red Rose City until 2005, when the Lancaster Barnstormers joined the independent Atlantic League. The Barnstormers play their home games at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster. The War of the Roses rivalry continues to this day, as the Barnstormers’ archnemesis is the York Revolution who play a short drive away. Food & Beverage 4 Clipper Magazine Stadium has a good range of concession options. All the typical favorites are here, including hot dogs, burgers (from local favorite chain Fuddruckers), pizza, ice cream, and more. Alcohol is available through the seventh inning, and Pepsi soft drink products are sold as well. Prices are affordable, and it is nice to see tie-ins with Pennsylvania businesses. Atmosphere 4 Clipper Magazine Stadium has a 360-degree concourse, and you can see the field from almost anywhere on it. All seats are chairbacks except for some lawn seating in left field and a single row of benches at the bottom of the hill, and they all have a great view of the action. A large videoboard is located in left-centerfield, and there are small digital boards above the seating bowl and below the suites which show basic information as well. The Barnstormers have a mascot named Cylo. According to his official bio, Cylo is a furry red creature from Mascot, Pennsylvania (a real place in Lancaster County, surprisingly). His actual resemblance to a cow is tenuous at best, but that just adds to the fun. Neighborhood 4 Clipper Magazine Stadium is located in downtown Lancaster, so there are many places to visit nearby. Slugger’s Pizzeria is located just a couple blocks from the stadium on the other side of Queen Street, and Iron Hill Brewery is a short trip down Harrisburg Avenue. Although many cities in Central Pennsylvania have gone downhill over the past couple of decades, Lancaster seems to still be thriving. Fans 4 The Barnstormers have consistently ranked towards the top of the Atlantic League in attendance, drawing over 3,000 fans a game on average. Many of the fans have been coming to Barnstormers games since the team was founded and are extremely knowledgeable about the players and the game. There are many casual fans and young families as well who are just there for a fun day at the ballpark. Regardless of their level of familiarity, fans are involved and cheer on the Barnstormers throughout the game. As the Atlantic League is fairly compact in terms of geographic scope, there will often be a significant presence from the visiting team fans as well – they can expect to feel welcomed but may enjoy some good-natured ribbing from the hometown crowd as they try to drown out chants for the other team. Access 3 Clipper Magazine Stadium is located a short drive off U.S. Route 30, a major east-west highway in Pennsylvania, but actually getting from there to the stadium can be tough. Parking is poorly signed and GPS apps may be of limited use. If using an app, you may need to navigate to “Clipper Magazine Stadium Parking” rather than the stadium itself. Once you actually get to the parking lot, staff will direct you where to go. If you do not need a handicapped space and are not a season ticket holder with a special parking pass, you will have to park beyond the centerfield fence. Fortunately, there is ample parking for everyone, although you will need to walk halfway around the stadium to get to the main gate and box office. There is a gate in centerfield as well if you want to go in that way and already have your tickets. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $8 for lawn seats and the most expensive seats are only $14. Tickets are $2 more expensive the day of the game, so buy in advance if possible to improve value. Concessions are affordable and parking is free, so a Barnstormers game is a great value for the whole family, for a group of friends, or for the seasoned baseball traveler. There are several discounts available as well. Fans with a Rewardz Card to local gas station/food chain Sheetz (yes, both those words are spelled with a Z) can get dugout box seats (the best seats in the house) for just $10, a discount of 40%. First responders can get $4 off of field box seats, which is an almost 50% discount. Seniors 55 and over get $1 off any ticket, and kids 5-12 get a dollar discount on lawn seats as well. Lawn seats are free for kids four and under and for all children in sports uniforms. All these factors combine to make a trip to Lancaster for a Barnstormers game an excellent value. Extras 4 There is a kid’s play area down the left field line which includes a merry-go-round and a miniature golf course, among other fun activities. When walking down the left field line outside the ballpark on your way in from the parking lot, there is a mural honoring former Barnstormers who have made the major leagues. A team store is located just to the left of the home plate gate as you head into the stadium and features Barnstormers gear at affordable prices. A fourth and final star for the 360-degree concourse and many vantage points to watch a game. Final Thoughts Although Lancaster has not had an affiliated baseball team for 60 years, that has not stopped the fans here from cheering for their local independent league team. You wouldn’t know from looking at Clipper Magazine Stadium that it’s Indy Ball rather than affiliated, and the experience here is as good as it is at many “real” minor league parks around the country, not that Barnstormers fans will let you get away with saying this isn’t every bit as real as an affiliated team. A Barnstormers game is a great experience and a great value for any fan, especially when the War of the Roses comes to town and the Barnstormers take on the nearby Revolution.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey One of the more unique traditions in sports, and of course it would have to be part of MLS soccer, is the “Beer Snake” at Audi Field, home of D. C. United. During the match, fans in the supporters end zone will create a weaving, winding ‘stack’ of empty plastic beer cups – starting in the first row, the ‘snake’ will eventually be built up enough to reach the top of the section. The tradition is even continued by XFL fans, whose DC Defenders share the stadium with D. C. United in February through April. Throughout the latter half of the game, fans can watch as the Beer Snake is painstakingly constructed – empty cups are tossed toward the snake, and fans will collect them into short stacks, and then pass those stacks along to be incorporated into the main snake. Fans can watch as the snake gets longer and longer, adding more and more curves as the number of cups multiplies, eventually winding its way to the very top. And if you are lucky, at that point you may see the start of a second snake, once the first snake reaches the supporter end zone’s apex. While unique, however, the tradition is not without controversy – the tradition was apparently suspended in 2022, as there were several complaints from fans about their rowdier comrades spilling beer all over them in their cup-tossing exuberance; a few fans were even captured on video throwing full and half-full cups of beer in their zest to increase the snake’s length. But in 2023, lighthearted heads prevailed, and the Beer Snake construction crew is now back in business, albeit including additional stern warnings from stadium staff about beer-throwing and its consequences. Now if you make the trek to our nation’s capital, you can see the Beer Snake once again, and even help build it if you are sitting on that end, in all its serpentine glory.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sioux Falls Stadium 1001 N West Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Sioux Falls Canaries website Sioux Falls Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 4,500 The Birdcage Sings A Great Tune Sioux Falls Stadium (51 years old) is now heading full on into mid-life. Home to the “Canaries” , the stadium (known as the Birdcage) saw a late 90’s facelift. This 5.6 million dollar upgrade included luxury box seating, a grass berm down the third baseline and enlarged picnic spots. New for 2021 is a million dollar scoreboard that is a state-of-the-art show stealer. Capacity is currently 4,462 for Sioux Falls Stadium. Notable Former Canaries include Lee Guetterman, Steve Howe, Pedro Guerrero and Pat Mahomes. 2008 was banner year for the Canaries as they won the American Association championship. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are generally located under the stands and are plentiful. Stands include Black Angus, Hot Dog Nation, Canary Country BBQ as well as Family Treats Ice Cream, Tropical Sno and multiple Kettle Corn locations. For the hungrier patrons, kielbasa ($6), pulled pork sandwiches, chicken strips with fries ($8) and a cheeseburger with fries ($8) are viable options. Down the first base line outside the right field fence is Canary Country BBQ featuring Fat Kid Fillys. A variety of toppings await either on a traditional hoagie bun or as nachos. These start with mayo, bell peppers, provolone and cheese sauce with a choice of the Fat Kid (steak), Hog Wild (Pork loin), Plane Jane (Chicken), or Porker (ham) for $15. Specialty Fat Kid Fillys include the toppings and one of the aforementioned meats can be upgraded with Pineapple, jalapenos and teriyaki for $3 more. Nest Nachos, for those wanting a more traditional nacho, is $10. Bottled soda (Coca-Cola products) is $4 and water is $3. Specialty beers run $8 and Domestic beers $7. Sales go through the 7th inning for alcohol. Miller Lite, Coors Light, Busch Light (known affectionately to the locals as Busch Latte), Bud Light and Michelob Ultra are readily available. Wine and mixed drinks are also available down the first and third baselines. Kettle Corn is $7 and Cotton Candy is $5. At Family Treats a large waffle cone is $7 and ice cream in a cup is $5. For $6, one can get a souvenir Mini Canary cap with ice cream in it. Atmosphere 4 The birdcage is not brand new and that “been around the block” feel that plays really well. There are seemingly non-stop giveaways for the fans. The staff has an information booth near the main entrance and has a separate sign-up for youth and adult prizes. It is a fun vibe. “Cagey” the mascot is tremendously active walking the stadium. Cagey also gets kids young and old involved on the field for activities such as dancing to “YMCA.” The brand new scoreboard seriously pops out in right center; it is a great addition. A fun little addition is the “K” signs that come flying down a pulley system over the concourse following every visiting team strikeout. Neighborhood 3 The Birdcage is on the north side of town, across from the Denny Sanford Premier Center. The airport is close. Just a short drive away is a relaxing trip to Falls Park. One can watch the falls crash into the rocks, go for a hike or just the enjoy the atmosphere. It is a true gem in town. Seeking some fine dining? A couple excellent choices are Morrie’s Steakhouse and Minervas restaurant. Hotels are readily available all around Sioux Falls Stadium. Fans 3 Attendance-wise, although numbers aren’t always the strongest, it is made up for by a fervent fan base. The base is loud and engaged in the action. The public address announcer also does a good job of keeping the action going and fans focused on fun. A genuine enthusiasm and ownership can be felt between the fans and this squad. Access 3 Interstates 29 and 229 make it easy to get to Sioux Falls Stadium. When looking for a free parking spot it is good to be strategic to find the right place. Parking can be very close to the stadium and does put vehicles in the path of foul balls. Parking spots are ample and even parking more towards the Denny Sanford Premier Center will not result in too long of a hike, but should ensure an intact windshield. Once inside, concourses down the sides are easily traversed. There is plenty of room to scope out concessions, souvenirs or get more information. Restrooms are located down each side and are large. There is an elevator and a ramp for wheelchair access that is not out of the way and takes one right into the main seating area. Down right field, there is a party past the fence at the party deck. Down left field is a berm that is a welcome area for families as well as a really good view of all the action. Sightlines are great from all sides and the new behemoth of a scoreboard makes viewing a breeze. Return on Investment 4 Tickets purchased ahead can be had on average from $9 for general admission to $15 for lower executive level. Prices do increase by $2 each the day of a Canaries game. With free parking, a variety of food and drink at reasonable prices, and a trip to the merchandise stand, an individual, couple or family can still have an enjoyable time without breaking the bank. Extras 3 One point extra for the team store. Minor league baseball features many unique nicknames and the Canaries fit perfectly in Sioux Falls. The store has a robust selection on shirts, hats, jerseys and unique items emblazoned with the Bright yellow logo. Prices fit the same theme as tickets and concessions and were reasonable. One such item was a game used cracked baseball bat for $15. One extra point goes to the players and staff. Stadium staff was tremendously friendly, reliable and helpful with suggestions. The players seem to have a real closeness to the fans and do a great job with interacting before, during and after by tossing a ball into the crowd, signing an autograph or posing for a picture with fans. One final point goes to “The Birdcage.” The stadium really plays to what it is, a neighborhood park where one can enjoy American Association baseball. There are murals honoring South Dakota and baseball. There is also a wall for the Professional Scouts Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts There are newer parks. There are some with more state of the art features. There are few though that marry a feel of the community with amenities. Sioux Falls Stadium is an excellent ballpark that baseball fans can enjoy.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Lewis and Clark Park 3400 Line Dr Sioux City, IA 51106 Sioux City Explorers website Lewis and Clark Park website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 3,631 Baseball Sioux City Style The Sioux City Explorers were founded in 1993 as members of the Northern League. From their inception, they have called Lewis and Clark Park home. The ballpark was the first one built specifically for an independent baseball team. The Explorers have experienced some success, both in their Northern League days and in the American Association. While they have yet to win a league championship, they reached the Northern League finals in 1994 and the American Association championship in 2015, losing both times. To help fund renovations to the facility, naming rights were sold to Mercy Medical Center in 2016. The facility is now properly named Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park. Improvements that were made at the time included a new scoreboard (replacing the old scoreboard, which had been struck by lightning), renovations to the press box, outfield fencing, clubhouses and suites. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Lewis and Clark Park, which offers typical ballpark fare. Hot dogs, bratwurst, burgers, chicken fingers and pork tenderloin sandwiches are sold at this stand. A variety of ballpark snacks, including nachos, fries, popcorn and peanuts are also available here. Fans looking for something a bit out of the ordinary can order jumbo pickles or cheese balls. Pepsi products are featured at Lewis and Clark Park. Adding a bit of variety to the menu is a portable cart on the third base side of the stadium, dubbed the "South of the Border" cart. Here fans can find a specialty item, the "Expedition Nachos." Traditional Nacho chips are covered with pulled pork, tomatillo salsa and white queso sauce. Draft beers are also sold here from Bud Light, Coors Light, Blue Moon and local brand 712 Brewery. An interesting twist in the menu is the nightly "Eat Your Opponent" promotion, where one menu item is selected as the nightly special. For example, on the night of Stadium Journey's visit the opponent was the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The Eat Your Opponent menu item was chicken tenderloins smothered in BBQ sauce served with a side of french fries. OK, it's not a perfect correlation, but that's as close to fish and chips as the Explorers could get. Atmosphere 3 The gameday atmosphere at a small ballpark such as Lewis and Clark Park is fairly simple and laid-back, as you may expect. A bare bones presentation fits in perfectly with a bare bones ballpark. Still, there is plenty of fun to be had at an explorers game. The Explorers utilize a mascot, a black dog named Slider, who interacts with fans and participates in between inning promotions. The ballpark has a new videoboard in left-center field that is put to good use with player stats, videos and game information. Country music blares over the speakers between innings, which is not surprising in this part of the country. Veteran minor league baseball travelers will find a lot that's familiar and comfortable here in Sioux City. Neighborhood 3 Lewis and Clark Park is located about five miles south of downtown Sioux City at the junction of Interstate 29 and Route 75. The area around the ballpark is a mixed use business and industrial area. Visiting fans will find many options for dining and lodging in the immediate area. Among the favorite spots to eat right near the ballpark are Four Brothers Grill & Bar and Clyde's Grill & Pub. The Southern Hills Mall is located on the far side of Route 75. Other fans visiting Sioux City may wish to head downtown, where the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino anchors the area. Also located in the downtown area is the Tyson Events Center, which hosts events ranging from concerts to hockey games to indoor football. History buffs may seek out the Sargent Floyd Memorial, located a short drive from the ballpark. Sargent Floyd was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition who passed away during the voyage near the present-day site of Sioux City. Fans 2 The Explorers generally rank near the bottom of the American Association attendance rankings, averaging between 1,200-1,500 fans per game. Despite their small size, the fans that do attend Explorers games are knowledgable about their team and enthusiastic about the action going on down on the field. A crowd at Lewis and Clark Park is a mix of locals, families and groups, just as you will find at minor league ballparks across the country. Sioux City boasts friendly fans befitting this small midwestern city. Even if you are from out of town, chances are you'll have some new friends by the time an Explorers game is over. Access 4 Driving is the only way to arrive at Lewis and Clark Park, and the ballpark is easy to find. It is located just off of Interstate 29 and Route 75 a few miles south of downtown Sioux City. Exit 143 (Singing Hills Rd.) drops fans off about a half mile from the ballpark. Simply take a left onto Stadium Drive, and Lewis and Clark Park is at the end of the road. There is a large parking lot right next to the ballpark. Some spots are very close to the field, so beware of stray foul balls finding your windshield. You may wish to fnd a spot a little farther from the entrance. The ballpark is a simple structure with a grandstand that wraps around from first base to third base. The seating bowl is separated into upper and lower sections by a walkway located about a third of the way up. All seats are individual folding stadium seats. Lower seats are red, and upper sections are blue. There are bleachers located down either foul line that are sold as general admission. Concession Stands and a small merchandise stand are located underneath the seating area. There is a party deck far down the left field line, with views of the field from its large porch. Lewis and Clark Stadium has newly renovated bathrooms that are large enough to handle a typical Explorers crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Explorers games are sold in three levels; Box Seats (red) for $13, Reserved Seats (blue) for $11 and General Admission (red) for $8. Purchasing ticket on game day increases prices by two dollars, and by three dollars on Friday and Saturday nights. Parking in the lot adjacent to the ballpark will cost you two dollars. Concessions are affordable, making going to an Explorers game an affordable entertainment option. The team offers a couple of unique in-game promotions. If the opponent's "K-Man" strikes out during an at-bat, draft beers are available for just a dollar for the rest of that inning. If the Explorers' "Hit Man" gets a hit during his at-bat, all soft drinks are sold for one dollar for the rest of the inning. The resulting rush to the concession stands is fun to watch. Extras 2 The concession specials are worth an extra point. Lewis and Clark Park is the first ballpark in the country built specifically for independent baseball. Final Thoughts Lewis and Clark Park is a small-town ballpark that is in danger of being passed by, even by the independent American Association. As the league continues to move into newer ballparks in larger cities, small cities like Sioux City are in danger of losing their teams. This is hardly an indictment on ballparks like Lewis and Clark Park, which are quickly becoming obsolete as the stadium arms race escalates. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Haymarket Park 403 Line Drive Cr Lincoln, NE 68508 Lincoln Saltdogs website Haymarket Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,500 Home of the Saltdogs Haymarket Park is home to the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association and the University of Nebraska baseball team. Named for its location in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District, the ballpark and adjacent softball field cost just under $30 million to build in 2001. The Saltdogs began play when the Madison Black Wolf were sold and moved to Nebraska following the 2001 season. After spending five seasons in the Northern League, the Saltdogs, along with three other teams, started the American Association in 2005. The Saltdogs have won one league championship, in 2009. The name Saltdogs is a nod to the history of the city of Lincoln. The city was founded on a salt flat back in the mid-1800s. Food & Beverage 4 Haymarket Park offers a good selection of concessions for hungry Saltdog fans. All your basic ballpark fare can be found here, plus some extra items worth checking out. Concession stands on either side of the diamond offer local favorites from Fairbury hot dogs and Valentino’s pizza. Variety is achieved through the offering of items including bratwurst, BBQ pork sandwiches and brisket sandwiches. A separate building behind home plate houses The Wind Up, where specialty nachos are sold, and the Craft Corner, featuring an extensive listing of both craft and national beers. Pepsi products are featured at Haymarket Park. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from national brands including Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light and Leinenkugel. Craft beers from local breweries Zipline Brewing, Empyrean Brewing, Kinkaider Brewing, Backswing Brewing Company and many more are sold throughout Haymarket Park. Atmosphere 3 Veteran fans of minor league baseball will find a lot that is familiar at a Lincoln Saltdogs game. All the elements of a typical game day presentation can be found here, from the fuzzy mascot to a new video scoreboard to between inning games for the kids and a full promotional schedule. Younger fans in attendance will certainly be drawn to the playground in deep right field or the play area in deep left field that features inflatables. Parents can charge their phones at the charging station while the kids release some energy. The large berm in left field is a popular place for kids to run around during the game, and the home run porch in right field is covered with an awning, providing relief from the hot summer sun and a place to enjoy a cool drink. Neighborhood 5 Haymarket Park gets its name from the nearby Haymarket District. Originally an open-air market and town gathering place, it is located just a few blocks from the ballpark. Visiting fans will find plenty of places to eat, lodging options and things to do there. More information on the shops, restaurants and activities present in the Haymarket District can be found here. Sports fans may be more interested in exploring Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, which is visible beyond the center field fence. Pinnacle Bank Arena, home of the Cornhuskers basketball team, is visible beyond the right field fence. Downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska campus are within walking distance of the ballpark. Fans 4 The Saltdogs annually average around 3,400 fans per game at Haymarket Park, which places them in the top half of teams in the American Association. Crowds at Haymarket Park are fairly typical of other independent ballparks across the country. A mix of families, locals and diehard fans fill the stands. The team markets to families and groups, meaning that not everyone is fully into the action on the field, but they are hardly distracting, and people watching is always part of the fun at a minor league ballpark, anyway. Access 4 Haymarket Park is easy to find, located near I-180 and the University of Nebraska campus. Walking bridges connect the ballpark to the campus and downtown areas. The ballpark features a 360 degree concourse with an open design, making the field visible from all points. There are two levels of seating, featuring individual stadium seating. Large berms lining the outfield double the ballpark’s seating capacity. Restrooms are clean and more than sufficient for a typical Saltdog crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Saltdogs games vary in price from nine dollars for berm tickets to $19 for club seats behind home plate. The majority of seats at Haymarket Park range from $10-$15. Children under 12 years old and senior citizens receive a dollar off all tickets. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. Concession specials are offered on certain nights, making a visit to see the Saltdogs an affordable entertainment option for Lincoln sports fans. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the view beyond the outfield fence. Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Nebraska State Capitol building are visible from the seating bowl. The Capitol building, with its 400 foot tower (the second tallest capitol building in the country), can be seen from over 20 miles away. A second point is awarded for the integration of activities for the whole family, from the play areas and berm spaces for younger fans, the active mascot, Homer the dog, and the wide selection of craft beer for adult fans. There is something for everyone at Haymarket Park. Final Thoughts Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small town feel and modern amenities. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wisconsin Brewing Company Park 1011 Blue Ribbon Cir N, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 Lake Country Dockhounds website Wisconsin Brewing Company Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 3,641 Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay The owners of the franchise that became the Lake Country Dockhounds had a long journey to bring their team to reality, but their efforts were rewarded with the American Association’s newest team, which began play in 2022 in the Milwaukee suburb of Oconomowoc. These western suburbs have long been a target for expansion for both professional and summer collegiate baseball. The original proposal was to build a ballpark for a summer collegiate team in nearby Waukesha, but they were unable to secure funding. Other proposals pitched complexes in the towns of Summit and Pewaukee. Finally, the neighboring town of Oconomowoc approved funding for a ballpark in 2020. At some point the plan pivoted from placing a team in the summer-collegiate Northwoods League to the independent professional American Association. The ballpark is the first piece of a larger entertainment complex dubbed Lake Country Live! It will include a multi-use indoor sports facility housing NX Level Sports Performance and Spiderz Batting Gloves. The facility will have batting cages, a weightlifting area and a fully equipped commercial kitchen serving lake country craft food. The site will host other community events, corporate gatherings, outdoor concerts and charitable events. Other sports teams from the area, including soccer, rugby, and lacrosse teams will also have access to the field. Food & Beverage 4 The majority of concessions are sold out of the main concession stand, located in a cramped concourse underneath the first base stands. This stand has the appearance of ticket booths rather than a food service area due to the small windows where orders are taken and food is delivered. Only a small monitor displaying the menu items provides any proof that the concession stand is here. A decent variety of food is sold from this stand, with items such as cheese curds, walking tacos, prime beef sandwiches, bratwursts and buffalo chicken sandwiches available in addition to typical ballpark fare. Stands at the end of the concourse provide additional points of sale and alleviates some of the congestion at the main stand. Pepsi products are featured at Wisconsin Brewing Co. Park. While the planned Wisconsin Brewing ballpark brewery is not yet operational, there are several local brews available in addition to the usual national brands. Lake Louie Brewery and yes, Wisconsin Brewing Company have their beers featured at the concession stands and also at the giant bar that greets fans right as they enter the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 While the Dockhounds staff are working out the kinks in their operations during their inaugural season, there are already several pieces in place that will be familiar to veteran minor league ballpark travelers. There are several games and other shenanigans taking place throughout the game to keep the younger and more casual fans entertained. The Dockhounds employ an on-field emcee who comes complete with a bucket hat and a repertoire of dad jokes. All the typical minor league between-inning games are played here, including the bubble joust, dance contests and t-shirt tosses. The team’s mascot, Louis B. Sluggin’, roams the ballpark posing for pictures, interacting with fans and helping with promotional duties. Music plays between innings and sound effects punctuate big plays. There is a crystal-clear scoreboard in right field that is put to good use with game information, sponsor ads and videos. It’s not an over-the-top gameday presentation here, which fits right in with this smaller facility in this summer vacation area. Neighborhood 3 When completed, Wisconsin Brewing Company Park will be the centerpiece of a complex containing several athletic facilities that will be a community focal point. As of right now, those other pieces are not in place, so consider this grade a bit of an incomplete. At the present time, fans looking for attractions around the ballpark will need to hop in their car. With the Lake Country area of Wisconsin already a popular summer destination, there is no shortage of places to stay or eat in Oconomowoc and beyond. A Staybridge Suites and a Hilton Garden Inn are both located close to the ballpark. As you would expect, plenty of outdoor options exist on the numerous lakes in the area. A Dockhounds game would be a nice centerpiece of a weekend or week-long stay in the area. If more baseball is on the itinerary, American Family Field, home of the Brewers, is less than a half-hour drive away in Milwaukee. Franklin Field, home of the Dockhounds’ American Association rival the Milwaukee Milkmen, is also only a half an hour from Oconomowoc. The Northwoods League has several teams located within an hour’s drive from Wisconsin Brewing Company Park. Fans 3 Nearing the end of their inaugural season in the American Association, the Dockhounds are sitting in 8th place in the 12-team league in terms of attendance, averaging about 1,700 fans per game. This places them well below the league average of 2,500, but a bit above their AA neighbors in Franklin, the Milwaukee Milkmen. As is the case in most minor league ballparks, you’ll see a lot of families in attendance at Wisconsin Brewing Co. Park, as the team markets itself as family friendly, affordable entertainment. The team is still new and the fans are still getting used to the new faces, so the atmosphere is pretty laid back. There are definitely some regulars here, but is it too early to call them diehards? Access 3 Much has been made of the ballpark’s unusual design, but fans may question the ballpark flow before they even enter the parking lot into Wisconsin Brewing Co. Park. The ballpark is right off Interstate 94, with a distance of only a half mile from the off-ramp to the front door of the facility. However, instead of going right into the parking lot, fans are routed the long way around an empty field and into the ballpark via the back route, which triples the distance from the highway to the parking lot. This writer asked a staff person why this long route was chosen, and they referenced an accident and difficulty managing traffic on opening day, so the decision was made to re-route everyone so that all traffic enters the facility from the same direction. The ballpark itself has an unusual setup. The entrance is right behind home plate, but there is no traditional baseball seating here. This open area is filled with a giant bar and several small tables on both the ground and upper levels. Since the facility was designed to be multi-purpose, this set-up makes sense, as corner seats are not so desirable for lacrosse or football, but for baseball, it removes prime seating from the ballpark. Concession stands are located underneath the cramped first base grandstand. In another strange design choice, a single line leads to several small windows, giving the stand the appearance of ticket booths rather than a food service area. This set up really closes in the concessions and the concourse, making the area appear quite narrow and dimly lit. There is also water dripping down from overhead structures in some unfortunate spots (right where the queue for concessions is located). Additional stands are located at either end of the grandstand, with a bar on the open patios down either side of the ballpark. Seating consists of several sections of individual folding stadium seats along both sides of the field. As mentioned before, there is no traditional seating behind home plate. There is a small berm down the left field line, with some party areas down the right field line. A small section behind the right field fence contains Adirondack chairs. Behind the party deck on the right field side of the ballpark are some inflatables and a basketball court, which was a popular spot for adolescent fans throughout the game. An interesting facet of the design of this ballpark is the fact that there are no railings along the front of the seating area. The wide walkway in front of the seating sections just ends with a net that wraps around the seating bowl. This walkway pushes the seats further from the field, but creates a very accessible facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Dockhounds games start at $8 for standing room in the berm area (called “Bret’s Backyard) along the left field line. Seats in the grandstand are sold for $14. Parking in the lot adjacent to the ballpark costs five dollars. Concessions are a bit on the high side for this level of baseball, but not outrageously so. If you’re headed to Wisconsin Brewing Company Park with a group of people, there are certainly many ways to get more bang for your buck. Tables seating groups of four (the ones behind home plate) are sold at $80 per table. You can add food and beverage (one sandwich, one snack item and two drinks per person) to the package for an additional $70. Purchasing a quad dock will give you ten tickets on the right field party deck but will set you back $200. You can purchase two drinks for everyone in your party for an additional $50. Club seats provide all you can eat food and two drinks for $50 along with a dedicated area atop the seating bowl. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the unique design of Wisconsin Brewing Company Park. While there are certainly some unusual design choices here, you can appreciate the effort made to produce a facility that works for baseball, football and lacrosse. The field features artificial turf throughout to extend its usefulness throughout the year. The Dockhounds report that there were 2700 submissions in their name the team contest. The name was chosen to honor the many local pups who hang out at the local docks and on local boats. The team’s mascot, Louie B. Sluggin, wears the jersey number five to represent the five O’s in Oconomowoc. He wears a hat complete with bobbers, which was one of the other finalists for the name of the team. Final Thoughts The developers of Wisconsin Brewing Company Park made many bold choices when they designed this multi-purpose park. Unfortunately, the result was a bland facility that features a less than ideal setup for all the sports it was designed to host. Once the kinks are worked out in this brand-new facility for this brand-new team, this will be a fine addition to the American Association roster of ballparks. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cassell Coliseum 675 Washington Street, SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Virginia Tech Hokies website Cassell Coliseum website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 9,275 The Hokies “Cassell” Virginia Tech first started playing basketball at Cassell Coliseum in 1962. It is not only the home of the men’s basketball team, but also women’s basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. Virginia Tech has bounced around conferences over the past 30+ years, playing in the Metro Conference, Atlantic 10, and Big East. Since 2004, Virginia Tech has found a home in the ACC. This move gradually brought new life into the program, and the Hokies even won the ACC in 2022 With Tech’s recent basketball success, the argument can be made that Cassell Coliseum is now one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. Food & Beverage 3 Cassell Coliseum offers standard concession fare, just enough to get you by, but nothing special. The following are offered at the concession stands Hot Dogs ($2.50), Nachos ($2.50), Soft Pretzel ($2.50), popcorn ($2.50), candy ($4), peanuts ($4), and chips ($2.30). Fountain Coca-Cola beverages are offered for $6 for a large and $2.50 for a regular size. Dasani bottled water is also available for $2.50. Cassell Coliseum is a cashless venue so only credit and debit cards are accepted at concession stands. Atmosphere 5 Upon entering Cassell Coliseum, you are immediately greeted by Hokie Stone which is so predominant on campus. The seating bowl is a single level and you enter about halfway up. All seats are fold-down cushioned seats. One unique factor of the seating bowl is the steepness of the seats. Therefore, all seats are essentially right on top of the court. Be aware though that it is a steep climb up the steps, especially if you are sitting near the top. Since there is only a single seating bowl, there are no suites or premium seating areas. This does not take away from the atmosphere, however; as the fans are right on the court, and all the noise and energy create a loud environment. There are two 18 feet x 29 feet video boards above each goal. These do a great job of providing video replays and updating the score. All students plus the band sit behind one of the goals. They are known as the Cassell Guard and are constantly jumping and chanting, which provides a great home-court advantage for the Hokies. Due to the design of Cassell Coliseum, there is not a bad seat in the house. However, if you are scared of heights, we recommend sitting in the lower half of the coliseum due to the steepness of the seating bowl. Neighborhood 4 Since it is in the middle of campus there is not much to do within walking distance of the ballpark before or after a game. However, Virginia Tech’s campus is gorgeous with its rolling hills, sidewalks, and Hokie stone. Lane Stadium is right next door to Cassell Coliseum, and it is worth a walk around if you have never been. If it is your first time on campus, try to spend some time walking around campus. Be sure to stop by the April 16th Memorial near the Drillfield dedicated to the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. If you take a stroll down Main Street Blacksburg, you will find several food options including local eateries as well as chain restaurants such as the Maroon Door, Mellow Mushroom, Five Guys, and Jimmy Johns. If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you as there are many activities in the surrounding mountains like hiking and canoeing. Home2Suites is less than a mile from campus and is a great place to stay if you are in town overnight. There are also several other hotels around Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Fans 5 Virginia Tech fans are known for their passion for football, but their passion for basketball is no less. For ACC games expect close to a capacity crowd each game. Every ACC game was sold out in 2022-23. And did we mention that Cassell can get loud? The steepness of the seating bowl and the close confines of the building make it loud when the fans get into the game. Expect to hear one side of the crowd to chant “LET’S GO” and the other side “HOKIES” at several points throughout the game. Access 4 Virginia Tech’s campus is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the Southgate Dr. exit off of US 460, then turn left onto Beamer Way. Cassell Coliseum will be on your right just past Lane Stadium. Parking is available adjacent to Lane Stadium just across Southgate Dr. Be sure to use the app indicated on the signs to pay for parking, which is $6. It is about a 5-minute walk to the Coliseum. Be aware that a clear bag policy is in place, and it is well enforced. If you do not have one, they are available for sale at the CVS Pharmacy next to campus and at the Walmart in Christiansburg. Once inside, there is a single concourse that wraps underneath the seating bowl. One thing to keep in mind as you look for your seats, odd-numbered seats are located on one side of the aisle, and even-numbered are on the other side. The restroom and concession areas are all very clean, and easily accessible on the concourse. Handicapped accessible seating is located in several seating sections as you enter the seating bowl. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for non-conference games are $20. For higher-profile ACC games, tickets are $50; while for lower-profile games they are $30. This may seem a little steep, but compared to their ACC peers, this is quite a deal. Often tickets for many games can be found at lower prices on the secondary market. Concessions at Cassell are also more affordable compared to their peers. Extras 4 At many sporting events, it is often difficult to get pictures with or even get close to the mascot. But credit to Virginia Tech for having the Hokie Bird mascot walk around and take pictures with young fans on the concourse before the game. A second extra point for the fun in-game promotions. One of these is free Smithfield Bacon: if the opponent misses two straight free throws in the second half, everyone in attendance receives a coupon for free Smithfield Bacon. A third extra point to the free popcorn that is available once the gates are opened. Arrive early and you will get free popcorn. A fourth extra is for the family restrooms which is helpful for those with small kids. Final Thoughts Cassell Coliseum is old, cramped, and probably not on anybody’s list of ACC basketball meccas; however, the intimateness adds to the charm. When attending a game at Virginia Tech, you will find a passionate fan base, a loud arena, and some of the top basketball in the country.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Maggs Physical Activities Center 1101 Camden Ave. Salisbury, MD 21801 Salisbury Sea Gulls website Maggs Physical Activities Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,300 Gulls To The Shore Salisbury University is a public university located in the city of Salisbury, roughly 30 miles west of Ocean City, Maryland. Salisbury is a member of the University System of Maryland. The school opened in 1925 and has been known as the Maryland State Normal School, Maryland State Teachers College, Salisbury State College, and Salisbury State University before going to their current name. The Salisbury Sea Gulls compete in Division III athletics in the Capital Athletic Conference, while the football team competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Salisbury is well known for the success of its athletic programs, amassing 19 national championships in team sports and 24 individual national championships in track and field and wrestling. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand. Make sure to eat before or after the game as this arena is not a good place for food concessions. Atmosphere 2 The gym is very nice, but it is basically a high school type of setup. As you enter the arena you will find wooden grandstands sitting along two sides of a basketball court. There are cheerleaders that help enhance the atmosphere. Just outside the gym is the Salisbury trophy case. Neighborhood 4 There are many choices nearby to the university. Fast food joints and various establishments line the road outside. If you have to eat, there is a local branch of the Cook Out chain. A good local choice is the Evolution Brewing Company and their quite nice tasting room. They also offer a full restaurant option next door to that. Another option is the Market Street Inn in downtown Salisbury. I would also recommend stopping over to Ocean City and trying the dizzying array of food options located in this tourist town. OC Wasabi is a personal favorite that offers an amazing sushi roll that contains fried soft shell crab. Or try the numerous crab options in the area. Fans 3 The only real fans who attend the games are friends and family of the players. A few scattered students attend, but it is obviously not a big event on campus. The majority of students were not back from break so it may get a slight bump when they are all back. Access 3 The university is located along South Salisbury Blvd./Business US Route 13 just south of Downtown Salisbury. Be aware that on some weekends there is a large amount of traffic heading east towards Ocean City, as well as traffic heading west at the end of said weekends. Plan ahead carefully as traffic has been known to backup all the way to Washington, DC and Baltimore, many hours away. It really can be that bad. Luckily, for most of basketball season this should not be an issue. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is $7. That does not seem high when even high school programs charge around that amount. But for the lack of amenities and level of play the price is too high. Many Division III programs do not charge and the Sea Gulls should consider changing that or adding more options to the facility. Extras 1 The Salisbury trophy case is certainly filled with trophies showing the accomplishments and successes of the Sea Gulls. It is worth checking out. Final Thoughts Salisbury is a pretty basic, low-level arena located in a nice suburban setting of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is not worth making a trip going just for a Sea Gulls games, but if you are in the area you will enjoy the game for its low level of investment.

Photos Courtesy of the Oahe Zap The Oahe Zap of the Independence League Baseball revealed their inaugural uniform set for the 2023 season. The Pierre, S.D., summer collegiate club released a home, away, and alternate set, along with two specialty jerseys. The home jerseys are white with their script Zap logo across the chest and their Z logo on the left sleeve. It is a pullover shirt. The road jerseys, and button-ups, are navy with “Oahe” written across the chest in a classic script and their Z logo on the left sleeve. The alternate set is a pullover jersey that is Columbia blue with their Z logo on the right part of the chest and their Powerhouse logo on the left sleeve. The back of each jersey features block numbers with their Capitol logo on the upper back close to the neck. Each jersey also features its jersey sponsorship partner, Allied Plumbing and Heating, on the right sleeve. Jerseys will be paired with either white or Columbia blue pants. "Our regular uniforms were designed by Deremer Sportswear in Omaha," said co-owner Jackson Bruce. "We went fairly traditional with the home and away. Our alternate is an 80s style, like the Cardinal, Mariners, and Brewers powder blues. We think all three make our extricate brand pop and will be a hit with the fans." The club will also be featuring three specialty jerseys that will be worn during specific promotional nights this season. The first will be Jersey Shore-themed jerseys for Jersey Shore Night on June 8. The jerseys will be black with cheetah print sleeves and a Jersey Shore-style Oahe Zap logo on the front. The acronym “G.T.L.” is situated on the upper back for all of those who need a reminder of the infamous “Gym, Tan Laundry” to-do list. The Zap script logo will be featured on one sleeve with a sponsor logo on the other. "As for the specialty jerseys, our Jersey Shore jerseys have a Jersey Shore-type logo that incorporates our name," explains Bruce. "We went with cheetah print because it seems to be a popular pattern with one of the main Shore members, Snooki. We thought it would be a nice touch to throw the GTL on the back to show we are serious about the night like they are serious about the Gym, Tan, and Laundry lifestyle on the show. Thanks to OT Sports, we were able to get an amazing design." Taking a cue from Great Britain’s WBC uniforms set, the second will be a Minimum Night-themed jersey for the Zap’s promotion on July 3. The white jerseys feature “zap” in lower case, Times New Roman font across the front, and a Zap Script logo and Times New Roman numbers on the back. There will be a league logo on one sleeve. Bruce further explains the genesis behind this design for his team. "The minimum jerseys were an idea we cooked up doing promotion planning. We heard of Nothing Night but wanted to at least give the people something, even if it’s lazy. There is nothing lazier than white in Times New Roman font. We wanted to show we could wear a uniform with about as little effort into making it as possible. That uniform design was made in three minutes using Canva and OT Sports was able to bring it to life." The third jersey is to be determined. All specialty jerseys will be auctioned off for charity through silent auctions during the respective game days. Charities are to be announced. The Zap home opener is Tuesday, May 23 at Hyde Stadium.

Here at Stadium Journey, we often spend a lot of time visiting some of the world’s biggest and best sports venues. While we are at these venues we are also often seeing some of the largest and most well-known sports, but you also may have noticed we like to visit all sports. If there is a set of stands and someone is doing a sports activity, we are interested and will try to cover it for you here. When finding sports to cover we often spend time scouring the schedules of amateur and professional schedules of teams in each writer’s area, as well as while on vacation and trips. Sometimes we even forget to check for some events, such as tournaments and other special attractions. This writer was very lucky to have checked all necessary schedules and found a great event that Stadium Journey recommends. This is not a regular review as the event does rotate venues each year. We also covered the CAA Men's Tournament the prior week and wrote a review as that was scheduled for a few years at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC. The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) recently held its end-of-season basketball championship at SECU Arena on the campus of Towson University, just north of Baltimore, MD. T Monmouth won the tournament and will be representing the CAA in the NCAA Tournament. The event was a fun one to attend and we can definitely recommend such an event to our readers.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 AZ Ice Arcadia 3853 E Thomas Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018 GCU Antelopes men's hockey website AZ Ice Arcadia website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 500 Lopes on Ice The Grand Canyon University Antelopes (nicknamed Lopes) Team 1 hockey club plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The team moved from the Div II level to the Div I level this 2019-2020 season. So far, they’ve struggled a bit but it’s still early in the season. They play their home matches in the AZ Ice Arcadia, an off-campus rink in Phoenix, AZ. The rink features an NHL-sized ice surface, LED lighting, dedicated locker rooms, showers, and offices. It also serves as a community rink/rec center. Junior and kid’s rec leagues play and practice here too. Food & Beverage 3 A small snack bar area offers coffee, packaged snacks, and vending machines. The main draw for food is the Ice House Tavern (a restaurant and bar that overlooks the ice). The Ice House Tavern offers craft and bottled beers ($5 – $6) with pitchers available and a happy hour at select times. It sells traditional bar food such as wings, chicken strips, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, etc. with prices ranging from about $6 – $12. There’s enough to keep a fan satisfied throughout the game. Atmosphere 3 As with many smaller rinks, it gets cold; quite frigid in fact. Wear layers – a long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket; many fans bring blankets. All seating is general admission. Seating is four rows of bleachers with no backs on just one side of the rink. A small set of handrails is in the middle of the seating section. Small tables with chairs are at the far end of the seating area. Player benches and penalty boxes are on the opposite side. The standing room is behind one end of the rink. Being a skating rec center, too, the glass surrounding the rink is quite scratched. A net goes from the top of the glass to the ceiling so no pucks go flying into the stands. Music is played and there is a PA announcer but neither can be understood or heard well at all due to a muffled sound system which fits in perfectly for this club-level team. A center ice, dot matrix scoreboard showing period, time, goals, penalties, and shots on goal hangs from the ceiling. NHL Stanley Cup banners and all kinds of recreational group championship banners adorn the walls. A small souvenir/hockey shop is on-site just upon entry. It provides custom skate sharpening and repairs as well. GCU players climb down a flight of stairs and across the end of the concourse to get to/from the ice, something I have not seen before. Neighborhood 3 The arena is in a commercial neighborhood with lots of shops, strip malls, and small businesses along a busy main road. Plenty of fast food restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive. Helio Basin Brewing (which also serves delicious food) is in the same shopping center as the ice rink. Wren House Brewery is about three miles from the rink. Within the AZ Ice Arcadia, itself is the Ice House Tavern which serves drinks and traditional bar food and burgers. Hotels near the airport on 44th Street might be the best bet for lodging. Try the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North or Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Airport just about two miles from the AZ Ice Arcadia. Only five miles away are the Desert Botanical Gardens and the Phoenix Zoo if looking for other attractions on a nice Arizona fall/winter day. Other sports during the hockey season include GCU basketball and football, ASU hockey, basketball, and football, Arizona Fall League (baseball), and the Phoenix Suns. An abundance of sports events is available in the fall and winter in the Phoenix area. Fans 3 Plenty of students show up for a Saturday evening match. Interestingly, many female students are there (in packs) watching the game. A few families and alumni round out the fan base. On the game of this review, several dogs were in attendance. All, except maybe the dogs, show a great deal of school pride. Like with most levels of hockey, fans tend to like the fights more than the goals. Access 3 Finding the shopping center in which the rink resides is easy enough; however, finding the rink takes some time as it sits behind some of the shops. If facing the shopping center from Thomas Road, it’s to the left of Walmart down a small alley behind the Sprint store. Parking is in front and behind the shopping center at no charge. A clear bag policy is not implemented. Return on Investment 3 Admission is $8 for the casual fan. GCU students, faculty, and kids under 18 get in free. Visiting team students get in for ½ price. Credit cards and cash are accepted. Parking is free and food and beverage items are consistent with other club-level rinks. Extras 2 The students running the ticket table are extremely kind and friendly, always a good start to a game. The Zamboni is old and rusted and has the Phoenix Roadrunners logo on its side. The Phoenix Roadrunners are a defunct minor league team who played in Phoenix in various leagues until 2009. It’s cool to see it still in operation. Final Thoughts The GCU hockey club is a pay-to-play team. The players certainly look like they are having fun and their classmates enjoy rooting them on. If in town for the weekend, grab a blanket and head to the rink for a game for less than going to a movie

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bentley Arena 440 Beaver St Waltham, MA 02452 Bentley Falcons men’s hockey website Bentley Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,917 Taking Flight at Bentley Bentley University is a private university with an enrollment of 4,200 undergrads located in suburban Waltham, nine miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, the school was located on Boylston Street in Boston until it became a four-year college in 1968. Today Bentley is best known for its business programs and is annually ranked among the nation’s best by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report. Bentley’s sports teams all compete in Division Two, except for its hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level. The Bentley Arena, which cost $45 million to build, is part of the university’s comprehensive 10-year capital plan to modernize and expand the campus. Designed to be a “living lab”, the arena provides hands-on experience for students across many majors, with the gameday presentation run almost entirely by Bentley students. The arena replaces the Falcons’ old home, the John A. Ryan Arena, a community rink in nearby Watertown which consistently landed at the bottom of Stadium Journey’s NCAA arena rankings throughout its use. Varsity hockey teams have represented Bentley since 1977, initially competing at the Division Three and Two levels. In 1999 Bentley moved up to Division One, becoming an inaugural member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference in 2003. The Falcons have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Food & Beverage 4 There is a small concession stand at the east end of the arena. The menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, but the staff at Bentley Arena have all the bases covered with the menu. Fans looking for a bite to eat can choose between hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, chicken tenders, and pizza slices. Nachos are served with cheese and chili if desired, and those looking for a healthier alternative will find a garden and chicken Caesar salads available. Snacks sold at the stand include pretzels, popcorn, and cheesesteak egg rolls. Fruit cups are sold for those looking for something a bit healthier. Pepsi products are featured at Bentley Arena. Hot chocolate is a popular choice in the cold winter months. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of beers and wines sold in “The Cube,” the arena’s VIP club. Cloud Candy IPA, brewed at local favorite Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company, highlights the offerings. Atmosphere 3 Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Bentley Arena occurred over the 2021 Thanksgiving break, so the crowd may not have been fully representative of the Falcon experience. Still, the Bentley staff put on an entertaining show for visiting fans. There are promotions geared towards the younger fans in attendance, including several t-shirt tosses, a youth hockey game during intermission, and a post-game autograph session. Bentley’s mascot, a blue falcon named Flex, roams the rink throughout the game interacting with fans. A crystal-clear video board hangs at center ice, which is well-utilized for highlights, crowd shots, and arena information. With a large number of families in attendance, the younger fans bring some excitement and energy to the arena. The Bentley student section christened the “Top Shelf”, and sits behind the visiting goalie for two periods at the east end of the arena. During previous visits, these sections have been packed with excited Bentley students. Despite their large numbers, there wasn’t a lot of noise coming from the student body. Likewise, the pep band felt underutilized, as the arena played piped-in music over the loudspeakers during many play stoppages. As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey last visited during Thanksgiving break, without students in attendance. Hopefully, the student body has settled in and become a larger part of the Falcon hockey experience. Neighborhood 4 Waltham is a city of just over 60,000 located 11 miles northwest of downtown Boston and three miles from Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. The city was a leader in the American Industrial Revolution and a prototype for early industrial city planning. It’s a decidedly blue-collar community surrounded by affluent, white-collar towns. Given Bentley’s location in a residential neighborhood, visiting fans will not find much to do near campus. Fortunately, there are several dining and lodging options located just a couple of miles away on Main Street near Interstate 95. Mighty Squirrel Brewing is located just a mile from the arena. With downtown Boston located a short drive from the Bentley campus, many out-of-town fans will likely want to head in that direction while visiting Waltham. Fans 4 The building of Bentley Arena has elevated the program from an afterthought in the Boston hockey scene to a popular destination for local hockey fans. From the old days of the JAR, when attendance could be counted on fingers, Bentley has steadily climbed the national attendance rankings since the opening of the Bentley Arena. Average attendance over the first half of the 2021-22 season is approaching 1,400 fans per game. The turnout from the student body is strong and the building is filled to the brim with suburban hockey fans night after night. One notable difference in a Bentley hockey crowd is that it seems to be more family-oriented than other local schools. Perhaps this is due to the school’s location outside of the city, where it is more accessible to families of hockey fans. Access 4 Greater Boston isn’t the most accessible area for motorists to get around. Traffic jams, construction projects, and detours are a way of life in this part of the country. The Bentley campus is located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 95 (also known as Route 128). Detailed driving directions to Bentley Arena can be found here. Boston’s subway system does not serve Waltham, but the MBTA 554 bus reaches the Bentley campus. The arena’s 1,917 seats (a number chosen to represent the year the college was founded) are blue, black, and gray plastic stadium seats. With the small size of Bentley Arena, all seats have excellent views of the action. There is ample room in between rows to stretch out, and you will not feel cramped while at a Falcon hockey game. An open concourse encircles the rink, containing in-demand standing-room views of the action. Lining the concourse are the concession stand, history displays, murals of Bentley students and staff, and The Cube. Take a peek into the operations center, staffed entirely by students learning the trade. Lines at the concession stand can get long during intermission but move pretty quickly. The restrooms are new, clean, and ample for a typical Bentley hockey crowd. Parking may be the biggest negative mark against the Bentley Arena. There is a small lot for prepaid and handicapped parking, but this fills up fast. If you want the convenience of this lot, reserve your spot early. Otherwise, you will have to scramble for limited areas around the school’s other athletic facilities, on Access Road, or the main campus. Bentley provides shuttles for fans parked away from the arena. More parking information can be found here. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bentley hockey games cost just ten dollars. Purchasing a parking pass in the reserved lot across the street from the arena will run you another ten dollars. Otherwise, parking is free for games at Bentley. Concessions are very affordable, with most menu items priced at six dollars and under. A night at a Falcons game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the Bentley hockey history display. Located on the north side of the concourse, several panels chronicle important persons and events in Bentley’s 50 years of hockey. Another extra point is awarded for Bentley’s efforts at sustainability and environmental friendliness. The building was designed to meet the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Certification Standards. The arena has 1,400 solar panels on its roof, which produce half the energy used by the facility. In addition, high-efficiency LED lighting installed throughout the arena and efficient water-saving fixtures ensure that the arena uses half the power and water that similarly sized buildings would use. Bentley Arena proudly displays its green efforts on several panels in the downstairs lobby by the arena’s entrance. A statue of Bentley’s legendary baseball coach Robert DeFelice stands in the entry plaza to the arena. The statue was erected to honor DeFelice’s 50th season as coach of the baseball team. The statue depicts “Coach” gazing in the direction of DeFelice Field, located across the street from Bentley Arena. Final Thoughts The trend of Atlantic Conference teams moving away from local community rinks and into cozy on-campus arenas is a welcome one. Bentley Arena, with its intimate, eco-friendly design, is a great place to catch a game and a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

Photos by Paul Baker Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Pegula Ice Arena 250 University Dr University Park, PA 16802 Penn State Nittany Lions men’s hockey website Pegula Ice Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 6,014 Welcome to Hockey Valley While Penn State has iced hockey teams on and off since 1909, the current program traces its roots to 1971. As a member of ACHA, the team played a mix of non-NCAA club teams, NAIA, and Division Three teams. Playing at the 1.350-seat Greenberg Ice Pavilion, Penn State won seven ACHA national Championships, were runners-up 9 times and appeared in 29 ACHA postseason tournaments. They played in the ACHA championship game an astounding ten consecutive times in the 1990s and 2000s. Over the summer of 2010 rumors began to circulate that Terry Pegula, Penn State alumnus and billionaire hockey fan, was visiting various midwestern hockey facilities. Along with his wife Kim, the Pegulas, who would later purchase the Buffalo Sabres, donated $102 million to the university for the specific purpose of building a hockey arena. In September it was officially announced that the Penn State men’s and women’s teams would compete in Division One. The Big Ten Conference announced that the conference would begin sponsoring men’s ice hockey. The Nittany Lions have qualified for the NCAA tournament once in their five years competing in Division One. Several Penn State alumni have played professionally after graduation, and one Nittany Lion, Casey Bailey, has played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 4 Concession stands at Pegula Ice Arena have hockey-themed names like “Icing,” “Power Play,” “Grinders,” “Top Shelf,” “Zamboni” and “Hat Trick.” A wide variety of items, including pulled pork sandwiches, pizza slices, burgers, chicken fingers, sausages, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs are found at these stands. Assorted snacks, including nachos, pretzels, popcorn, candies, and applesauce are also available. Menus vary a little depending on which stand you visit, so you may need to do a little searching to find your desired items. Pepsi products are featured at Pegula Ice Arena. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility. At the far end of Pegula Ice Arena behind Section 121 is a lounge complete with a fireplace, televisions, and national chains Subway and Auntie Annie’s Pretzels. Club and loge ticket holders can gain access to the Pegula Club for an all-you-can-eat buffet. The buffet, which varies from game to game, can be purchased for $18.50. Atmosphere 5 The game day atmosphere at Pegula Ice Arena is led by the student section, known here as the “Roar Zone.” Packed to the brim with crazed Penn State students, a large pep band smacks dab in the middle, and a cheerleading platform, this section leads the cheers and creates a lot of noise. The students come dressed in Nittany Lion blue and white and stand throughout the action. The rest of the crowd, full of locals and alums, pack the building to capacity every night, giving the Nittany Lions a significant home ice advantage. Trophy cases containing memorabilia from the squad’s history line the walls of the concourse alongside interactive displays fans can use to see information about the current squad, coaches, and past Nittany Lion teams. In a modern twist on the college hockey tradition of lining arena walls with team photos, every player to ever suit up for Penn State is immortalized on the arena walls, sorted by uniform number. There is a large video board hung at the center ice and the Nittany Lion mascot skates during intermissions pumping up the crowd. Traditional hockey staples, including the 50/50 raffle and t-shirt tosses are present to keep the fans involved, not that these fans need a whole lot of help. Neighborhood 4 All of Penn State’s sports venues, including Beaver Stadium, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and the Bryce Jordan Center, are located together at the northern edge of campus. Downtown State College is not really within walking distance but is a short five-minute drive away. Countless shops, bars, restaurants, and lodging options are located here. The area has a great college-town vibe to it. Be sure to check out Fraser Street Deli, which has a huge list of sandwiches named for Penn State stars and memorabilia covering the walls. Happy Valley Brewing Company is a favorite destination for craft beer fans. Legendary Primanti Brothers sandwich shop has a franchise here, offering their iconic sandwiches served with fries and cole slaw inside. If heading down after a game on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to share the streets with hordes of Penn State students out for the evening. Fans 5 There’s a reason they call this place “Hockey Valley.” Penn State averages over 100% capacity for home games at Pegula Ice Arena. Anchored by the Roar Zone, there’s a ton of energy in the building, and is a fun place to catch a game. It’s not unusual to see fans lined up five deep or more in the standing-room sections as the facility fills beyond capacity. Access 4 The Penn State campus is located just about smack dab in the middle of the state of Pennsylvania. Located just off Interstate 99, the school’s athletic facilities are easily accessed by car. Most fans who visit Pegula Ice Arena will park on the far side of the Bryce Jordan Center. It’s a bit of a walk, especially on a cold February night. There is no lobby at Pegula Ice Arena, so fans enter directly onto the concourse. Except for three corners of the rink, which also double as a standing room, the ice surface is not visible from the concourse. Fans enter the seating bowl at the top and make their way down to their seats. All seats at Pegula Ice arena are plastic folding stadium seats with excellent views of the ice. Loge seating lines the top of the seating bowl, and club seating, along with several luxury boxes, ring the arena at the upper level. Located at the far end of Pegula Ice Arena is the team’s practice rink, which has seating for 300 fans and is also used by local youth teams and skating programs. It is available for use by the public. Return on Investment 2 In addition to being quite expensive, tickets to Nittany Lions hockey games can be tough to get, so plan. Tickets for Big Ten games go especially quickly. There is an active secondary market for Penn State tickets, but be prepared to pay a premium depending on the game you are attending. Ticket prices start at $30, with premium tickets on the glass or in loge or club sections priced at $60. Standing room tickets can be purchased for $15. Be warned if buying standing room tickets, there are only about 75 standing room spots, and the team will make more than 75 SRO tickets available. You may be paying to stare at the back of someone’s head all night. Parking in the lots next to the Bryce Jordan Center costs five dollars. Concession prices, while not inexpensive, are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the interactive displays located throughout the arena. Fans can use these displays to get information about the team, Penn State’s hockey history, or the Ice Arena. An extra point for the rapid ascent the hockey team has had in such a short time. Even though the team has been competing at the Division One level only since 2012, the Nittany Lions can already boast a conference championship, NCAA tournament appearance, capacity crowds night after night, and a rabid following many teams only dream of. A final extra point is awarded for the Roar Zone. Be sure to stick around after the game for the three stars of the game and the singing of the Penn State Alma Mater. Final Thoughts The Pegula Ice Arena is already mentioned as one of the marquee collegiate hockey venues in the nation. Penn State hockey has likewise enjoyed a meteoric rise to be considered one of the premier programs in the nation. When you step into Pegula Ice Arena for a Nittany Lion game, be ready for one of the best game day experiences in the nation. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E Osborn Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 San Francisco Giants Spring Training website Scottsdale Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 12,000 The Giants of Scottsdale In 1957, the MLB Giants team left New York for San Francisco and returned to Phoenix as the San Francisco Giants in the spring of 1958. The Giants moved their spring training to Scottsdale Stadium in 1984, and that venue has been their spring home for almost 40 years. The city renovated the stadium a few years ago in a phased approach. The renovations included: Upgrading the practice fields beyond the center and right field fences Revamping the right field Charros Lodge (including adding shading), making it a popular party deck for spring training games Refining and expanding the clubhouse, making it a year-round community event center for the city of Scottsdale Expanding and renovating the main entrance to allow for a larger audience Upgrading the bleachers, including adding a standing room area with drink rails on the first base side Improving the building maintenance structure with updates to safety codes, HVAC, Wi-Fi, etc. It’s a beloved place for spring training as the San Francisco Giants are very popular and have a dedicated, enthusiastic fan base. And Scottsdale is a fantastic Arizona city for a spring visit. Food & Beverage 4 Fans can get a good assortment of food, snacks, and beverages at Scottsdale Stadium. Food kiosks abound throughout the entire concourse. A few permanent ones are on the inner concourse. Expect a queue during the game. Our advice is to get there early to avoid the wait. Vendors roam the stands selling cold beer, water, and peanuts. If that’s all you’re looking for, use their services. Traditional ballpark fare is sold including dogs, bratwurst, nachos, pretzels, pizza, peanuts, and other snacks ($6.49 - $9.49). Other menu items consist of cheeseburgers, mac & cheese, rolled tacos, salads, and fruit ($2.99 - $12.49). An Island Noodles cart is on the third base concourse, and you certainly can’t go wrong with one of their wok-fired soba noodle choices ($14.99). Beer and cocktail concessions abound the concourse. The prices are noticeably higher here than in other Cactus League venues. Beer sells for $14.99 (domestic) and $15.49 (premium). Ouch. Different kiosks sell different beer selections. Check around if you have a preference. Canned cocktails and seltzers are $15.49. A stadium pour is $18.99, and fans can purchase margaritas for $15.49 - $18.49. Coca-Cola brand soft drinks run $6.99. Spring training visitors can fill their own water bottles at the stadium’s water fountains. Atmosphere 3 The seating areas at Scottsdale Stadium consist of traditional green fold-down stadium seats on two levels with a walkway between the seating areas. The second level has nine to ten rows of metal bleachers with backs after row O. The second level has handrails to get up the steps, but they don’t extend to the top rows. Seats beyond the baselines do not face toward the infield (the stadium was built just a few years before that innovation was discovered). The outer baseline seating is bleachers without backs. Scottsdale Stadium does not offer cup holders in any of the seating areas. The seats are tight. The rows have average legroom. Nets extend across all seating areas down to the foul poles. Net-free seating is only in the berm area. The Charros Lodge, a shaded party deck for VIPs with tables, chairs, food, and drink is in right field above the home bullpen. Charro Saloon, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Small courtyards dot the outfield concourse and have picnic tables and/or games. These are nice places to relax before the game. On day games, most seats get the sun the entire game. Sit in the infield second level (sections 211/311 - 212/312) to be in the shade. Check the weather before heading to the game. You may have to bundle up for an early-season or evening game, even in Arizona. The announcer’s voice is clear; no music is played during announcements. You can hear what’s being said. When the music person does broadcast music, the volume is pleasantly subtle; not obtrusive. The third base inner concourse houses a big souvenir store with all kinds of San Francisco Giants merchandise. Satellite shops line other parts of the concourse. Neighborhood 5 The ballpark is adjacent to a thriving downtown neighborhood. Within just blocks (a walking distance of less than a mile) are many areas to eat, drink, shop, and sleep. It is a very safe neighborhood in which to stroll and visit. Recommended places to eat in downtown Scottsdale are Karsen’s Grill (an exceptional small bar/eatery), Los Olivos Mexican Patio (Mexican and margaritas), and The Mission Old Town (modern Latin cuisine). Goldwater Brewery (an independent local brewery) is a half-mile walk from the stadium. For many other restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, check here for a directory to find others that might suit your tastes. For places to spend the night, Old Town Scottsdale has many hotels, several within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium. The Courtyard Scottsdale Old Town, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Comfort Inn Old Town Scottsdale are within a mile of the stadium. Be aware hotel prices skyrocket during spring training. Besides strolling through the downtown area, other things to see and do within walking distance of the stadium are the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Other sports to visit when in town are the other East Valley stadiums: Salt River Fields (Diamondbacks and Rockies), Sloan Park (Cubs), Tempe Diablo (Angels), and Hohokam Stadium (Athletics). A little farther away, hockey fans can catch a Coyotes game (Mullet Arena as of this writing), or basketball fans can watch a Suns’ game at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. Just five or so miles south of Scottsdale, fans can catch ASU basketball, softball, or baseball. Fans 4 The Giants fans are decked out in their orange and black shirts, jerseys, and caps. They are usually one of the top drawing teams in the Cactus League. In fact, it gets so crowded fans even must show their tickets to sit in the lawn area. The team is averaging around 6,000 fans per game so far for spring training 2023. It’s a casual crowd, as are most spring training crowds, but there is an enormous baseball crowd every game. Scottsdale Stadium Fans in Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 2 Scottsdale Stadium is at the corner of Drinkwater Blvd and Osborn Rd in downtown Scottsdale. The major highways in Phoenix do not go near the stadium. The Loop 101 Pima Fwy is easily the closest, a few miles east of Scottsdale Stadium. The city is performing loads of road construction on Osborn Rd this 2023 season. Don’t go that way; instead, use Scottsdale Rd. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the closest airport (only nine or ten miles from the stadium). Taking public transportation is doable but requires some walking and a transfer or two. Check Valley Metro’s Plan A Trip to see if that’s an option for you. Once at the stadium, the closest public parking area is the Civic Center Library Garage, next to the ballpark on Drinkwater Blvd. The garage is free and will fill up for spring training games. It is near the third base side entrance (which has a ticket booth). The stadium and city do a poor job of identifying and providing handicapped parking. Only three wheelchair spots are noticeably available in the parking area just in front of the stadium. The sign at that parking lot says the lot is full and reserved for players and staff, which is unfortunate for those who really need to park close. Getting through security is relatively easy. Small bags are allowed in the stadium. Only purses 9” x 5” or less and clear sports bags 12” x 12” x 6” are allowed. Security still needs to search the clear sports bag. Serviceable bathrooms are open along the inner concourse. Fans can walk the entire concourse around the field. The pathway is not convenient for those in wheelchairs as a portion of the outfield path is grassy and hilly. Return on Investment 2 Attending a San Francisco Giants spring game is expensive. It is not family affordable. Berms seats are $59 for games against popular teams like the Dodgers. That’s insane for a spring training game. But the Giants fans pay it. Prices are a bit more affordable for weekday games against non-rivals like the Chicago White Sox ($18 - $40), but in my opinion still too high. Beer is expensive. Food is expensive. Hotels are expensive. Parking is free, so that helps. Military individuals get 10% off ticket prices. Be sure to ask for that discount if getting tickets at the stadium. Extras 4 Scottsdale Stadium boasts the Arizona Fall League Sports Hall of Fame. The wall of the main inner concourse has plaques near the bathrooms on the first base side. That wall has a lot of great baseball history on it. The neighborhood deserves an extra mention because of the many things to see, do, and eat downtown. The city of Scottsdale took the effort and expense to upgrade and renovate the facility, ensuring the Giants will have a spring home for many years to come. Gates open at 11am, two hours before the first pitch for day games. Final Thoughts The best part of attending a spring training game is striking up conversations with other fans and visitors. Most fans just want to talk baseball and share their stories. Doing this at Scottsdale Stadium is easy as the venue is small and intimate, and music isn’t blared over the speakers. It’s not an affordable outing, but it is enjoyable.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial 1 War Memorial Square Rochester, NY 14614 Rochester Americans website Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 11,200 Amerks Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY is just about the perfect place to watch minor league hockey. It’s got a great fan base, superb ushers and staff, good hockey, lots of banners, and a memorial to our war veterans. The Rochester Americans, known locally as the Amerks, are the AHL (American Hockey League) affiliate of the nearby Buffalo Sabres. The AHL is similar to the AAA minor league level in baseball. The team began play in 1956. They have played in the Calder Cup finals 16 times, winning six, most recently in 1996. The Amerks are the second-oldest AHL franchise behind the Hershey Bears. The team has always played at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, which opened in 1956. Old-time Rochester residents still simply call the venue the War Memorial, while newer Rochesterians call it Blue Cross Arena. The NLL (National Lacrosse League) Knighthawks make the arena their home, and it also hosts concerts, Disney on Ice, and other forms of entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 Plenty of food and lots of beer are available for purchase. The main concession stands are in alcoves off of the concourse. These alcoves do a nice job of minimizing the already crowded, narrow concourses. Expect lines at concessions between periods. Offerings include The Market Grab & Go where you can get cans of beer and chips. Caraglio’s Pizza sells pizza slices for $6.50 - $7. The alcoves have Fingers & Fries – chicken baskets and buckets and sandwiches ranging from $10.50 - $20 and Burgers & Dogs – burgers, veggie burgers, red and white hot dogs, and baskets with fries for $6 - $13.75. One alcove has tables and chairs to sit and eat; otherwise, you’ll have to carry your food to your seat. Roc City Dips ice cream is very popular with various servings (floats, sundaes, cones, or dishes) and flavors from $5 - $8. Other snacks at concession stands include peanuts, candy, funnel cake, and pretzels ($5 - $9). Soft drinks are Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade ($4 - $5.50). Beers run $11 for a large domestic draft and $12 for a large craft draft. Local Rohrbach Brewery sells five of its brews at the arena. If you like IPAs, A Different Animal is a good choice at $12/$12.75 in a can. Genesee Brewing and Labatt each have counters on the concourse. Genesee provides a $2 happy hour pre-game every Friday. Atmosphere 5 Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial provides a superb game day experience while also honoring our military veterans. Banners of all the military branches hang in the huge, bright entrance lobby, which is surrounded by two-story glass windows. The box office is inside the lobby and opens at 11 am. The arena’s seating sections are two levels of blue cushioned seats with a walkway between the two levels. The seats are average width and have average legroom. Suites are above the second level with a few over one goal end. The first level rows go up to letter Q. Two corners have spots with a few high-top tables and chairs where fans can perch and watch the game. A perfect-sized crisp, clear video board shows time, period, SOG, goals, and penalty times. No closed captioning or name of the player on penalty is displayed. The visiting team’s goals and assists can’t be heard and are not on the video board. That’s disappointing for those who keep scoring. Oddly, the video board is over the blue line; not the red line (center ice). Turns out, it needs to rise into the ceiling for concerts, and that section of the ceiling is the only structurally sound place to store it. Blue Cross Arena Scoreboard over Blue Line, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Lots of banners hang from the rafters; all six Calder Cup championships, division and conference championships, and four retired numbers. Most of these same banners hang in the lobby lounge area. Ushers apply a ‘Wait for the Whistle’ rule in which fans remain on the top walkway while the puck is in play. This helps allow fans not to miss a piece of the action on the ice. The temperature is fine; a heavy jacket or thick sweatshirt should suffice. The music volume is just fine. You can enjoy conversations with your new Amerks friends and neighbors without having to yell to be heard. Typical entertainment such as kiss cam, dance cam, and hometown hero is offered. The 585 Brigade (the Amerks promotional team) bangs drums, starts chants, and even tries to start the wave. Youth hockey teams scrimmage on the ice between periods. Neighborhood 4 Blue Cross Arena is in downtown Rochester, NY along the Genesee River. As of this writing, the city of Rochester is looking to rejuvenate the downtown area by adding a riverwalk along the river that will include green space and benches, and an enhanced walkway. I expect it to be lovely when complete. For now, though, it is a bunch of annoying construction. Recommended restaurants in the area are The Distillery (sports bar), Dinosaur B-B-Q, and The Exchange (sports bar and nightlife). Plenty of others are nearby and within walking distance. Rochester has over 20 breweries. The closest to the arena are Fifth Frame Brewery and Swiftwater Brewing. You can’t go wrong with Rohrbach Brewing or Genesee Brewing either. If you’re spending a few days around the holidays, check out Roc Holiday Village (a winter wonderland). Other notable indoor things to see are the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum, Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Strong National Museum of Play (good for kids). Several hotels are within walking distance. The Holiday Inn is just two blocks away. Across the river are the Hyatt and the Hilton Garden Inn (both less than .5 miles from the rink). If you can drive for an hour or an hour and a half, the NHL Buffalo Sabres are a 75-mile drive away. Canisius or Niagara Universities (85+ mile drive) have some D1 sports. And heading east, the AHL Syracuse Crunch is an 87-mile drive, and Syracuse University has some D1 sports, too. Fans 4 A very highly energized crowd packs the stands at an Amerks game. Multiple generations and lots of kids support the hockey team which is fantastic to see. Plenty of fans are decked in their Amerks / Americans jerseys. Often the ‘Let’s Go Amerks’ chant is belted out without the video board prompting for noise. By the way some fans complain, they think they are better skaters than the players on the ice. Or a better coach than whoever is standing behind the bench. This is common in minor league hockey stands. Average attendance in the last ten years is 5K – 6K, though it has dropped a bit since the pandemic. All-in-all they are a first-rate fan base. Access 3 During the 2022-2023 season, plenty of road construction is nearby the arena. Rochester’s finest police officers direct traffic before and after games helping with the vehicle and pedestrian flow. The Civic Center Parking Garage at 55 S Fitzhugh St. is .1 miles from the arena and costs $15. The website states you can get to the arena via an underground tunnel which is helpful for those chilly upper NY State winters. Outdoor parking is available at Court Street Municipal Lot 10 (corner of Court St and Exchange St). Rochester has a bus service, even from the airport. For fares and schedules, check RTS The airport is 5 – 6 miles from Blue Cross Arena. Uber and Lyft are easily available. Once inside, fans walk through a security check (clear plastic sports bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed) and walk up a flight of stairs to get to the main concourse. The entrance provides an escalator as well. For those with seats on the lower level, entrances are reached from the ground level. The concourses are very narrow and get crowded. Return on Investment 5 Single game tickets are $15 - $35. The $15 seats are not in a great location, but it gets you in the door! The team offers flex pack deals which are 8 or 16 undated ticket vouchers and run from $20 - $28 per game. They also offer Family pack deals and Holiday pack deals. Check their website for details. The refreshment prices are lower than major league prices and are less than other AHL venues. The game day experience and history are so enjoyable it’s worth attending a game here. Extras 4 Several additional features are worth noting. First, game day staff hands out a program upon entry. It contains mostly ads for sponsors but has the schedule, highlights a specific player, and upcoming Amerks promotions. Second, visit the museum and veterans memorial. A full merchandise shop is off the lobby with shirts, jerseys, hat pins, banners, pucks, stuffed animals, and trinkets. I bet if you want it, they have it. Finally, at the game of this review, the NLL Knighthawks players were signing autographs at the Amerks game. Blue Cross Arena Amerks Shop, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts With the war memorial, the honoring of all military branches, and all the Rochester Americans banners on the rafters, it’s definitely worth a visit or two or three!

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bream Gym 31 W Lincoln Ave Gettysburg, PA 17325 Gettysburg College Bullets website Bream Gym website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 3,000 Home of the Bullets Gettysburg College is a private, four-year liberal arts college founded in 1832. From its founding until 1921 it was known as Pennsylvania College. Author Jerry Spinelli, Carson Kressley from Bravo TV’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and former Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul are graduates of the college. The area is more known for the July 1st through 3rd 1863 military engagements, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The area is very busy nearly all times of the year as tourists flock to the battlefields, as well as the commercial endeavors that surround the area. Sports teams at the college are known as the Bullets and there are 24 NCAA Division III men's and women's teams. Although the mascot for Gettysburg College is the Bullet, there is no official Bullet mascot at sporting events. The Gettysburg College women's lacrosse team won the Division III National Championship in 2011. The Bullets play in the Centennial Conference. Men's basketball at Gettysburg have won conference championships in 2001, 2002, and 2009. Bream Gym is the long time home of the Bullets. Since the mid-1960s, it has served as the home court for men's and women's basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Food & Beverage 3 There is a nice little campus food option located between the gym and Bullets Pool called The Dive. Prices are good and the food all looks great. The best option is a fresh and delicious yogurt parfait. Atmosphere 3 Bream Gym is quite bright inside. For a gym that has been in use for so long, the windows and lighting system make it appear much newer. It is still a pretty basic gym with separate basic seating sections along the four sides of the court. All other aspects of the simple gym are nice, but nothing that will excite a fan too much. Neighborhood 5 Gettysburg is a great small town. There is almost always traffic in the town as tourists flock to the area all of the year. In summer months it can be almost unbearable to drive through the area, so make note of that. Because so many people travel in the area expect to see numerous food options. But not all of them are good so make sure to check reviews so that you do not waste time in tourist dumps. My favorite restaurant choices are Hunt's Battlefield Fries, Tommy's Pizza and The Garryowen Irish Pub. The fresh cut fries at Hunt's are a must. A couple of homestyle options are Hoss's Steaks and the Lincoln Diner. You can't go wrong with their simple, but tasty offerings. There is also a very good outlet mall right outside of town called The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. With no taxes on clothing in Pennsylvania it is a popular attraction on its own. Fans 3 As with most small college gyms the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The game I attended was during move-in weekend so there looked to be some students attending with their parents. Access 3 Gettysburg is close to many things. Washington, DC is 75 miles away and Baltimore is 55 miles away. The main east-west road through Gettysburg is U.S. Route 30, and U.S. Route 15 runs south towards Frederick, MD and Washington DC, as well as north to Harrisburg, PA. The only real problem is the traffic in the area. The college is located in a small neighborhood north of downtown and it won't be very hard to get to the college, but expect to venture on many small roads to get there. Parking is usually pretty OK, but the larger the event the more likely that parking will be at a premium. You can always park downtown and walk to campus. Return on Investment 5 Basketball games are free. Parking is also free, unless you had to park downtown. Either way the value and return on investment is very good here at Gettysburg College. Extras 5 There is a nice veterans memorial just outside of Musselman Stadium. Stop in and think of those who gave all to this nation before seeing a game here. It will be well worth the visit. The architecture of the college is worth noting. Make sure to wander around and see the marvelous buildings on campus. The John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness is a pretty spectacular architectural building with its unique glass tower. There is a nice hall of fame and historical exhibits of the Gettysburg College athletic program located here. The Gettysburg Battlefield and all that surrounds it is worth a couple stars in itself. Yes it is a tourist attraction, but one must stop in and see. There is a multitude of historical markings, statues and attractions in the area. Besides being on hand upon this stadium's opening, Dwight D. Eisenhower is a popular name on the campus and the region. He retired to his working farm adjacent to the local battlefield. The Eisenhower Institute is also a part of the college and develops and sponsors civic discourse on significant issues of domestic and international public policy. Final Thoughts Gettysburg College has a nice, older gym that feels fresh and new. It may not be highest level of basketball but you will enjoy the simple surroundings.

The Hillsboro Hops have changed course. Originally planning to renovate Ron Tonkin Field to comply with Major League Baseball's new facility standards, the Class A Hops will instead construct a new stadium that the franchise intends will host 300 events annually. The new stadium will be built at Hillsboro's Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, where Tonkin Field currently sits. The design-build team of Mortenson, SRG and Populous will begin construction in late summer 2023. The stadium is expected to open in time for the Hops' 2025 season. In 2020, Major League Baseball imposed requirements for all minor league facilities that include minimum standards for field lighting, player areas, and security. Upon evaluating the costs to renovate Tonkin Field, the Hops' home since 2013, the team and the City of Hillsboro determined that construction of a new ballpark would be more cost-effective. “The City appreciates the Hops as a partner and recognizes the unique value the organization brings to the community. Creating a more robust regional entertainment destination will provide long term benefits to the City as well as the Hops,” said Hillsboro City Manager Robby Hammond in a press release. Construction of the new stadium is expected to cost approximately $120 million -- well more than Tonkin Field's $15.5 million cost when it opened a decade ago. Initial plans call for capacities of 6,000 for baseball games and 7,000 for concerts and other events. The Hops are privately financing most of the cost of the new stadium. The team will have full operational control of the new stadium. The City of Hillsboro will retain ownership and operation of Tonkin Field. Rendering of New Stadium, Courtesy of the Hillsboro Hops

The University of Kansas announced this week a renovation project to the 68-year-old Allen Fieldhouse that aims to enhance the fan experience at Jayhawk men's and women's basketball games. These renovations will include a new center-hung scoreboard, LED lighting, and a new sound system, along with enhancements to concession and hospitality areas. Since opening on March 1, 1955, Allen Fieldhouse is generally considered one of college basketball's best venues. The project, funded by private donations, will occur in two phases to minimize disruptions to the Jayhawks' 2023-24 seasons. All renovations are expected to be complete by the fall of 2024. “Allen Fieldhouse is a preeminent destination for sports fans and has long been heralded as the best in-game experience in basketball,” KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff said in a press release. “There is no arena in sport that provides the tradition and character of the Fieldhouse, and this project will go to great lengths to maintain that, while dramatically enhancing the fan experience for our men’s and women’s basketball supporters. This is a strong statement to our commitment to not just sustaining but elevating Kansas Basketball to new heights, and it will be a game-changer for our programs, student-athletes and fans.” The project will also expand the Fieldhouse's concourses, add a "Jayhawk Pub" concept on the venue's second level, and a new team store with flexible mezzanine space above it. Further, the adjoining Wagnon Student Athlete Center will be remodeled to create a "front door" to Allen Fieldhouse while maintaining space for student-athlete services. The renovations to the Fieldhouse come as KU is also developing a new campus gateway just outside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks' home football stadium for the past 102 years. That project will significantly upgrade the stadium and will also feature the construction of conference, entertainment, and retail space at the corner of 11th and Mississippi Streets, on the campus's north side. Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas