Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Maryland SoccerPlex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 Old Glory DC website Maryland SoccerPlex website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,000 Old Glory Rugby Old Glory DC joined Major League Rugby in 2020, playing its home games at Cardinal Stadium on the campus of the Catholic University of America. Unfortunately, that inaugural season was cancelled after only a few games due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Old Glory returned the next year, but moved to the suburb of Leesburg in Northern Virginia, about an hour outside the District. In 2024, Old Glory moved again, to the Maryland suburbs, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Georgetown. Old Glory attempts to rebrand the SoccerPlex as the Maryland RugbyPlex for rugby matches, but this name is by no means official, so this review will use the correct name. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different food options available at the Maryland SoccerPlex for Old Glory DC matches. A Paisano's pizza stand is located behind one end line and offers pizza as well as other related options. Along one sideline is a food truck selling empanadas. Next to it, fans can buy many food options out of a tent, including burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, pulled BBQ chicken, and assorted snacks. Alcohol is also available to fans of age. Prices are reasonable, with grill items costing $5 each. Food truck items are slightly more expensive. Atmosphere 4 The SoccerPlex is an intimate 4,000-seat arena with seats on both sides of the field, consisting of plastic or metal bench seats, and only the top row located right at the top of the concourse has backs. All seats provide an up-close view of the action, and there is a scoreboard located in one corner of the field. Old Glory DC makes a decent effort to promote the game here, and there will often be a match involving local amateur teams before or after Old Glory plays. The fans also create a significant amount of energy which contributes to the atmosphere, which will be discussed in that section. Neighborhood 2 The SoccerPlex is located in Gaithersburg, about half an hour outside Washington, D.C. It is located in a sprawling complex in a residential area, and there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Fans will have to drive several miles back towards I-270 before they will find anything useful. There are a number of shopping centers located on Maryland Route 118 once you get close to the interstate that contains mostly chain restaurants, but these are several miles away. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park is located just north of the Plex and offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful green space. Fans 3 The SoccerPlex will be about half full for a typical game, maybe a little bit more. However, that does not mean the fans are quiet. Chants of "O-G-D-C" can be heard throughout the game, and after Old Glory scores a try, the place will erupt in cheers. Old Glory almost never sold out their previous venues, and it doesn't look like that will change despite the move, but those who do show up know the game, know the team, and are passionate about Old Glory. Many of them are season ticket holders who go to almost every game, but there are plenty who only go to a game or two a season as well. Access 2 Getting to the stadium is relatively easy – take exit 15B off of I-270 and proceed for several miles to the stadium. That’s where the good news ends. Although there are a large number of lots throughout the SoccerPlex, only a couple are right next to the stadium. Although the stadium crowd alone may or may not be enough to fill them up, there are often other sporting events going on in the complex on the same day. If that is the case, the lots may already be full when you arrive even if you get there sometime before gates open. Seeing as you don’t really want to arrive at 9 in the morning for a night game just to be able to park close by, you may have to walk a bit to get to the stadium. There is a small set of restrooms located in one corner of the concourse, but it is nowhere near large enough for the crowds, so numerous port-a-potties are scattered throughout the concourse as well. Between these, there should be no wait to use one of them if you need to. Getting out of the parking lot after the game can be a challenge, especially if other events in the SoccerPlex are letting out at the same time. The roads in the complex are small and narrow and not designed to accommodate large crowds. Most of the lots only have one exit. If you have someplace to be after the game, plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to OGDC games is $20 for general admission seats. Concessions are reasonably affordable and parking is free. As a result, a rugby match for Old Glory DC can be a decent value. Extras 2 Look for the team store on the concourse selling OGDC merchandise. Just outside the stadium, there is an exhibit from the United States Department of Agriculture on the history of turfgrass. There’s probably some fan out there who would be interested in that. Final Thoughts Rugby is a small but growing sport in the United States, and Old Glory DC is no exception. Their fan base is passionate and loyal, if small, and the team's popularity is growing in the DC area. There are ongoing discussions for the team to build a new venue closer to DC, and when that happens, the popularity may rise further. Until then, hopefully they can at least develop some stability at the SoccerPlex.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St Toledo, OH 43604 Toledo Mud Hens website Fifth Third Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,025 Toledo’s All in With the Mud Hens The Toledo Mud Hens are members of the International League. The Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers began to play in 1965 at Ned Skeldon Stadium before relocating to Fifth Third Field in 2003. The downtown ballpark revamped the neighborhood that is now called HensVille. Just like many ballparks of its kind, it stands out among others in the league. The MudHens name dates back to 1896 and has been used for a majority of minor league clubs in Toledo until 1953 when new management went with the Glass Sox, later shortened to Sox, the name for three years. When baseball returned in 1965, the Mud Hens name was properly brought back. In the 1970s, native Jamie Farr commonly wore Mud hens gear on the TV show M*A*S*H that was provided by the team. Having your team showcased on one of the biggest shows of all-time increased awareness among millions of people. Perhaps that is the reason behind The Swamp Shop which offers a cavalcade of team merchandise from old-school t-shirts and caps to current team gear. FifthThird Field also offers a wraparound concourse, several rooftop suite areas, and various restaurants and bars available before the game to create a minor league baseball experience that few can rival. Food & Beverage 4 Fifth Third Field offers an array of typical ballpark food, frozen treats, and adult beverages. It may not be as outrageous as other AAA ballparks, but there is more than enough to satisfy the palate during a Mud Hens game. Gilhooley Sports Bar and Grill is named after former Hens broadcaster Frank Gilhooley who broadcast games from 1953-2010. There are photos of his career plastered on the walls in a spot that resembles a restaurant. Burgers are grilled in front of the customers and have names such as the “BacHen” Burger and the Bloomin’ Onion Burger. You can also order an all-beef hot dog or grilled chicken sandwich. A few other areas include a few more areas for traditional and non-traditional ballpark cuisine. Suds & Wieners offers beer and hot dogs but is home to the mac and cheese dog, Polish sausages, and the Sudzie Weiner (brat cooked in beer with grilled onions). The Hen & Hound offers chicken tender baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the Muddy Dog The latter has chicken tender baskets, spicy chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese hot dogs, brats, corn dogs, Polish sausages, and the Muddy Dog with cheese, chili, and onions. Where the ballpark goes above and beyond is in the dessert category. Far Out Funnels is a psychedelic area that offers funnel cake sundaes, cookie and cream funnel cakes, and the more traditional kind. Frozen usually has long lines serving ice cream in various styles and flavors served in a cone, bowl, or mini-helmet. They also have frozen cocktails mixed with vodka with flavors ranging from blue raspberry, lemon, and margarita. Budweiser and Pepsi products are the drinks of choice at the ballpark. However, various kiosks service craft beer from regional breweries: Warped Wing, Maumee Bay, Platform, Saugatuck, Columbus Brewing, and a little bit further in Atlanta, SweetWater. The Holy Toledo patio is an ideal spot for having a beer or frozen drink at the game. Atmosphere 4 The construction of Fifth Third Field looks like a typical Triple-A ballpark with red brick and gray stone. It blends in well with the surrounding buildings, which have been converted into party decks and team store. It might just be the place to have a quintessential minor league experience. Toledo’s ballpark does not stand out from the unique interior concourse, but it does provide all the essentials fans would want at the ballgame. The concession stands are properly spaced-out, there are various kiosks for quick purchases, and there are plenty of nods for over three centuries of baseball. Mudonna is the club’s official mascot and offers plenty of joy for fans of all ages; she even has a giant bobblehead in the right-field corner of the ballpark. The Roost is a popular seating area incorporated into a century-old brick building with open floor space for groups. The searing provides fans a corner view of the diamond from a few feet above the concourse, similar to the porch seating at old Tiger Stadium. Another nice angle is down the right field wall where bar stools and stadium seating are available. The concourse offers patio suite seating with old-school Astroturf seating, a rustic wooden bar sponsored by local breweries, and a children’s play area behind the batter’s eye. Outside the concourse gates are bronze statues entitled “Who’s Up?” which features three kids peering through a knothole, and “I Got It” which features three kids going for a fly ball. The ballpark and the surrounding HensVille establish it from many others in their league. A destination that begins well before the game and perhaps after that offers a variety of activities for families, late-night revelers, and the random ballpark hunter passing through town. This includes the small square behind the home plate, Moses Fleetwood Walker Square, which has also been named for Walker was the first African-American Major League player and played for the Toledo Blue Stockings in 1884. Neighborhood 4 Fifth Third Field is located in what is dubbed HenVille and it’s splattered all over the exterior walls of the ballpark. There are various places within a few steps and blocks to grab dinner or a drink before or after the ball game. Poco Piatti is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers small and large plates. It includes seafood, vegetarian, and meat dishes, along with pizza and salads. Fleetwood’s Tap Room is a social hall that carries 48 craft beers and smoked items that include chicken, ribs, and brisket. There is a rooftop bar for large groups. There are more than enough other areas within walking distance of the ballpark including Home Slice Pizza, Fricker’s, The Alleyway, Earnest Brew Work, Ye Olde Durty Bird, and Tony Packo’s at the Ballpark, where one can enjoy a Hungarian-style hot dog and bring home a can of chili at the gift shop. Perhaps the most exciting part of the neighborhood is Maumee River which offers a riverwalk, sculptures, a kid’s splash zone, and an outdoor amphitheater. HensVille Park, adjacent to Fleetwood’s at times, has children’s inflatable rides and concerts as well before the game. Fans 4 Mud Hens fans are among the best in the minor leagues. They are focused on the game and cheer when their club scores a run, makes a great play, or gets out of a jam. Yes, there are many there for the social aspect, but crowds are in their seats as well watching the action on the field. Access 4 The ballpark is downtown and sandwiched between I-75 and the Maumee River. There is plenty of signage directing visitors to the ballpark and it’s advisable to arrive early to enjoy pre-game activities in HensVille and the surrounding district. Once inside, Fifth Third is easily accessible as it offers a wraparound concourse and easy access to concession stands and exits. Return of Investment 4 A ticket for most games is between $13 and $15, but the prices go up $3 on Friday and Saturday night games. The downtown stadium is surrounded by individual lots and parking garages that cost $10 per car, but there are meter parking spots available as well for much less. It is the case on Sundays when all meters are free of charge. The merchandise is abundant and offers various designs for all ages. The food is not as varied, but proper for an afternoon or evening at the ballpark. Extras 3 The Mud Hens earn a point for the downtown setting that has become HensVille. The district offers restaurants, bars, a riverview park for kids, and much more for fans to enjoy before and after the game. The second point is for The Roost, a little nook in the right-field corner that provides upper views of the game behind the foul pole. A third point is awarded to The Swamp Shop, which offers one of the largest selections of team merchandise in baseball. Final Thoughts Fifth Third Field is a wonderful example of a Triple-A ballpark. The history of the club, the HensVille setting, and the atmosphere make it a great visit when in town or while on a ballpark trip. You would be remiss not to walk away with team gear from the store. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Roebuck Stadium Herrington Rd Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Elizabeth City State Vikings website Roebuck Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 5,000 Aging Field at ECSU Roebuck Stadium is a multi-purpose venue that opened in 1983 and seats about 5,000 fans. The field is used mainly by Elizabeth City State University’s football team, but also by the school’s track and field teams and by local soccer teams. The facilities at Roebuck Stadium overall are in good condition for their age, but the field itself is beginning to show some wear, as illustrated by the condition of the field’s surface as well as by the faded ECSU lettering in both end zones. The Vikings currently compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concessions stand at Roebuck Stadium (underneath the main grandstand), although it can be easy to miss as it is very small and tucked well in beneath the stands, and without any obvious signage to mark it. It offers Chick-fil-A items only, but has a range including chicken sandwiches, nuggets, subs, salads, warm cookies, and beverages. Prices are reasonable with a chicken sandwich or 8-piece nuggets, for example, coming in at $5. Atmosphere 2 There is not much of an atmosphere at ECSU football games – there are cheerleaders performing during the game and some decent music from the PA system, but no mascot that I saw and no entertainment such as fan contests during breaks in the action. However, Elizabeth City State is a very small school so that may explain it. There is a band which is pretty typical for an HBCU, but they were not present at the game I most recently attended due to the rain. The grandstands on both sides just have simple metal bleachers with no backs, although there is a small suites “building” on the home side of the field. The field itself is surrounded by a running track like football stadiums at many smaller schools, and there is an athletics building behind one end zone. The scoreboard is a simple affair without video capabilities. Track Around Field, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Elizabeth City is a town of around 18,000 at the head of the Pasquotank River near North Carolina’s outer banks – the river feeds into Pamlico Sound, which is on the inside of the barrier islands that separate most of the state from the Atlantic Ocean. As such there are plenty of attractions near Roebuck Stadium, such as Kitty Hawk (site of the Wright Brothers’ test flight), multiple lighthouses, and a couple of wildlife preserves, but during the fall a lot of the beachy activities folks might enjoy in the outer banks are no longer on offer. Being near the water, however, there are some great seafood restaurants nearby, such as Groupers Waterfront Restaurant, or, if you are looking for something with more of a local vibe, Tony’s Pizza or Happy Taco near the stadium are also great options. There are also plenty of hotels within a couple miles of the venue. Fans 2 Very few fans attend football games at ECSU, probably no more than 1,000 fans even at the best of times, and fewer than a hundred at other times. There are a handful of pretty loud fans in attendance, however, and the venue is small enough that you can clearly hear the shouts, catcalls, and cheers from those fans and players on the sidelines, so fans here can definitely get at least a small sampling of school spirit. Access 4 Access at Roebuck Stadium could not be easier – there is parking right next to the venue and few enough fans here that getting in and out is easy. There are also plenty of bathrooms (which are a little dated, however), but you can sit wherever you want and see the action easily from anywhere inside the facility. The only real drawback is that your GPS may not find it using the official address, so just head to Elizabeth City State University and look for the stadium lights. Return on Investment 3 Attendance and parking were both free at the most recent game I attended here; I am not sure if that is always the case. But if the only thing you have to pay for is food, that could make for the lowest cost college football game you will ever attend. The facilities are a little dated and the team is not performing the greatest of late, but at least you can get your football fix. Extras 2 There isn’t much on offer here at Roebuck Stadium except for the football itself, although at most games you should get to see the band perform, which is a plus. The music played by the PA announcer is also fairly lively, and it is actually a lot of fun to listen to the handful of hyper-active Vikings fans in attendance.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Parque Zaragoza 2608 Gonzales St. Austin, TX 78702 Austin Weirdos website Parque Zaragoza website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 500 Weirdos Bring Baseball to Austin The Austin Weirdos began operations in the Pecos League in 2022 and called Parque Zaragosa its home field. The club was to have played elsewhere for its inaugural season but was unable to secure a location. Perhaps that is why Zaragosa feels a bit different compared to several other ballparks in the league. However, Weirdos management wants to make Austin it's home for the foreseeable future and perhaps add a little flare to the proceedings that could include pre-game concerts, a grill, and a mascot for all games. If you are a fan of bare-bones baseball, then this will be your cup of tears for now. Food & Beverage 1 It is BYOB for all home games, but the team offers cans of beer for a small donation. The beer, along with small bags of chips, is situated on the bed of a pickup truck. However, there is nowhere else where food or drinks are available inside the stadium. An ice cream truck made an appearance in the parking lot, much to the delight of the fans. Management would like to include a grill down the 1st base side for future games, but bring food or eat before attending a Weirdos game. Atmosphere 2 The ballpark consists of one small wooden grandstand that is covered but does not wrap around like a traditional baseball structure. It is said that it was erected over 70 years but feels somewhat older than a 1940’s era edifice. There is an old wooden sign that reads the name of the stadium that appears to be rotting away. The rest of the ballpark feels more like a city field that consists of large trees behind the visitors’ dugout and an incomplete fence down the right field line. The home team will set up lawn chairs to view the game, while the away team will prop themselves up on the thick tree trunks protected by its shade of leaves. There are also a lot of open spaces down the right field side where a few fans bring their lawn chairs to enjoy the contest, much like a collegiate game during the school year. The team sells a sharp-looking and very well-made cap that is both trippy and spacey. However, no other merchandise is available at the game. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located in East Austin which is known for its various outdoor patio restaurants that are all located on Cesar Chavez Street. Visitors can choose from Mexican, barbecue, Peruvian, microbreweries, and even pizza. De Nada Cantina offers tacos wrapped in homemade blue corn tortillas, some of the town’s best Margaritas, and plenty of cool mists to cool you off. Across the street, is Central Machine Works, a microbrewery beer hall that serves New York-style pizza that’s located in a converted machine works factory with a massive outdoor patio. The lager and pilsner are ideal for a hot summer evening. Tillery Kitchen & Bar (Mediterranean) and Jacoby’s (American) are two other outdoor patio options. One of the city’s best places for brisket and smoked sausage is La Barbecue which does not run out by the early afternoon. Llama Kid has a lively outdoor eating section with delicious Peruvian cuisine. The Weirdos play during June and July, and that provides the opportunity for a chance to check out Austin FC at Q2 Stadium or the Round Rock Express a few miles north at the Dell Diamond . If you’re lucky, the Texas Longhorns could be hosting a regional game at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in the early part of June. Fans 2 The Weirdos are a brand new team at the time of our review and the fanbase is not quite there at the moment. The ones who do come out enjoy the game from underneath the covered grandstand, but the team knows it will need a little more marketing to attract a few more fans to home games. Access 4 There is a small parking lot directly in front of the stadium, along with parking behind the outfield wall along the street. The outfield parking is protected by a massive net. Once inside the venue, the small grandstand is easy to access along with port-a-johns down the 1st base side. Return on Investment 2 The price of a ticket is $10, standard in the Pecos League from what we have seen in our travels to other venues (it’s the same in Weimar for a Hormigas game). The team does offer donations in return for a can of beer outside the entrance of the stadium. The only merchandise the club sells are ball caps that are $30, but they are very stylish and represent the city quite well. Extras 3 The Weirdos earn points for their stylish uniforms and caps, beer donations that help out the players, and the ice cream truck that pays a visit to the parking lot to offer some sweet treats. Final Thoughts Parque Zaragoza was not the intended place to call home for the ball club. Management acknowledged that adding a grill for food, pre-game concerts, and a mascot would improve the experience. However, the team’s branding is on point with the city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” If they can find a way to make the ball games a bit weirder in the future, perhaps they will tap into that market.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 The Monument 444 N Mt Rushmore Rd Rapid City, SD 57701 Rapid City Rush website The Monument website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,132 Welcome to Rush Nation The Rapid City Rush are a minor league hockey team currently playing in the ECHL. The ECHL used to be the East Coast Hockey League but they rebranded to just the initials ECHL after the league expanded across North America. The Rapid City Rush originated in 2008 as part of the now defunct CHL (Central Hockey League). When that league folded in 2014, the Rush transitioned to the ECHL. While in the CHL, the Rush won the Ray Miron President’s Cup in the 2009-2010 season, and the division championship in 2010-2011 but they have not seen any championships yet since moving to the ECHL. Their time is due. The Rush are currently affiliated with the NHL Calgary Flames. They play their home games at the massive Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The Civic Center is a hubbub of activity in Rapid City and it includes a banquet hall, large meeting rooms, basketball court, ice arena (which can be set up as a concert hall), and theatre. Stock shows, rodeos, concerts, plays, truck monster jams, auctions and a variety of other entertainment and activities are provided at the Civic Center. The ice arena in the Civic Center is a splendid venue in which to watch a minor league hockey game and one worth visiting if in the Black Hills area of the country. Editor’s Note: The venue was remodeled in 2021 after this review. The name changed from Rushmore Plaza Civic Center to The Monument after a naming rights agreement with Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Food & Beverage 4 A good variety of food choices are available at standard prices for Rush games at the Civic Center. Several permanent stands are installed and a wide variety of portable carts line the concourse. Entree combos (choices of pretzels, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, fries, soda, beer, popcorn) range from $6 – $18. Tacos and chips and guacamole are on hand ($3.50 – $9) as well as pizza from Pizza Ranch ($3.50/slice). Snacks include shaved ice, caramel apples, frozen bananas, and funnel cakes. Other goodies include popcorn, soft pretzels w/cheese, homemade chips, pickles, and candy ($3 – $6). There’s an interesting mini-donut concession stand where you can watch the donuts being formed, then dipped for frying, and watch as they travel through the frying process to an output tray where they are flipped and ready to be packaged for a fan’s purchase. Subway make its presence with 6″ sandwiches for $5.75 and a foot long for an additional $3.50. The best or recommended dinner choice comes from The Carvery. This stand offers hand carved sandwiches on a variety of breads along with a side of homemade chips and runs $8 – $10. Beverages include Coca-Cola fountain drinks ($3.25/$4/$4.75), bottled water ($3), and coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea ($2.50 – $3.50). Domestic beers are available for $6 and include brands like PBR, Bud, Coors, Michelob, and associated light varieties. Mixed in are Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Henry’s Hard Soda and Redd’s Apple Ale. Angry Orchard cocktails are also available. An alcohol special at a Rush game is a Miller Lite or Henry’s Hard Soda for $4 from when the gate opens to the first puck drop. Beers from two local Rapid City breweries (Lost Cabin Beer Co and Firehouse Brewing) are on sale providing an unexpected, nice surprise for craft beer lovers. One thing that is different (not bad; just different) is in front of every concession stand selling alcoholic beverages, several individuals in blue shirts request IDs and place a wristband after ID has been examined. I’m used to venues where fans go to a centralized table on the concourse to get a wristband to purchase alcoholic drinks. Atmosphere 4 The ice arena at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is a fine facility in which to watch a minor league hockey game. The seating area is U-shaped. There is no center hung scoreboard allowing the passionate Rush fans the ability to see each other throughout the arena. A large, flat-screen video scoreboard is posted on the wall on the top end of the U and provides basic scoring stats and a visual broadcast of the game along with replays. There is one level of seating. Depending on section, rows go up to 14 or 16 with entry beginning at the bottom from rows 3 or 4. Hand rails are available when walking up/down the steps. Suites are above sections R through M on the player’s bench side of the rink. The Bankwest Club Level is above sections K – L behind one of the goals. To sit center ice facing the benches, section C, row 16 is the best bet. I’d recommend sitting high in this arena as people’s heads often get in the way when sitting in lower rows. The sound system is average; fortunately the volume is not excruciatingly loud making it easy to converse with neighbors. It is hard to understand the announcements as they are muffled. The temperature in the rink is surprisingly warm; a long sleeve t-shirt or hockey jersey would do the trick. NOTE: I was told this is not always the case as it is hit or miss with the temperature and to come prepared with warmer clothing. Lots of promotions are implemented at Rush games: Pink at the Rink (including paint the ice pink the night before the game) (fight against cancer), Zombie night, Military appreciation, Star Wars, and more. The night I attended was Slap Shot night and the Rush players all wore the Johnstown Chiefs jerseys as depicted in that famous hockey movie. Neighborhood 5 The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is only two blocks north of downtown Rapid City and is well within walking distance of the downtown area and all that has to offer. In addition, Rapid City is close (25 – 50 miles) to many national monuments. For places to spend the night, a Holiday Inn is adjacent (a couple hundred yards) from the entrance to the ice arena. A Howard Johnson’s is right across the street from the Civic Center and offers Rush packages that include tickets, shuttle to arena and pre-game tailgating at the hotel. The shuttle is available to all hotel guests. But honest, the HJ is so close a shuttle isn’t really needed on most but the brutally cold evenings. Two hotel choices directly in the downtown area are Hotel Alex Johnson (a historic hotel) and the Rushmore Hotel (a bit pricier than the others). I’ve stayed at both the Howard Johnson’s and the Alex Johnson’s and both are comfortable, safe hotels. Life size US President statues dot the downtown Rapid City intersections and are well worth checking out. All 43 presidents are represented with President Obama’s (#44) statue location and sculptor to be determined (the weekend of this Rapid City Rush review was the first weekend of the transition of presidency from President Obama to President Trump, so a 45th will eventually need to be placed, as well.) Places to eat within walking distance before a hockey game include Historic Freight House (Cajun), and Murphy’s Pub and Grill. Three breweries take residence in Rapid City: Lost Cabin (marvelous brews with a food truck outside to get a bite to eat), Firehouse Brewing Company (brews and food), and Hay Camp (they were in the process of relocating closer to downtown – so I didn’t get to taste their hops on this visit). When visiting the mid-western border of South Dakota (besides a Rush game) be sure to include these remarkable parks and monuments as places to see during your visit: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. And for something local in Rapid City, the Journey Museum is a worthwhile visit exploring the heritage of the Black Hills region. Fans 5 Fans are genuinely passionate and loyal. And, they are welcoming and easy to converse with. And, they love their cowbells. When the Rush played in the CHL, average attendance was 4,600 – 4,900 and they were generally in the top third of attendance ranking in that league. That has dropped a bit since moving into the ECHL as the average attendance in 2015 and 2016 ranges from 3,700 – 3,900 per home game. Except for a few more empty seats, it’s hard to tell as the noise and compassion are still very evident. About every third fan has a cowbell and every fan uses it well. That means… they ring it at appropriate moments but for not too long. Yes, it can cause a slight headache but this is part of the architecture, beauty, and character of minor league hockey and the Rapids fans do it so well. And there’s a non-offensive ribbing remark shouted after each goal scored by the opposing team is announced: “We don’t care!” The Rapid City Rush fans are just classy. I rank them up there with the St Louis Cardinals fans. They love the game, love their team and even appreciate stellar performances from opposing teams. They root for their team to win and not so much for the opposing team to lose as is noticeable at some ECHL venues. Access 3 Getting to Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is relatively easy. Moving around inside the ice arena concourse can be a tad difficult as the single concourse is narrow and lots of Rush fans congregate there pregame and between periods. There is a Rapid Ride bus service in Rapid City but the schedule times are not conducive to hockey game start and ending times so car is the best bet. Of course, if staying downtown or near the facility, walking is the recommended choice. Plenty of free parking is available on the Civic Center property (from Mt Rushmore Rd and 5th Ave). The parking lot of Central High School just across 8th Ave (Mt Rushmore Rd) is available as well (approximately 1,000 ft from entrance). The nearest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport, approximately a 15-min drive to the Civic Center. Since it’s a regional airport, flight choices may be limited. It does not appear Lyft or Uber are available in Rapid City. There are several taxi companies that can be used if desired or needed. Multiple entrances are handy to get into the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The closest to the ice arena is the 5th Ave entrance. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free, food and drink prices are reasonable, tickets range from $7.50 – $37.50 depending are where the seat is located. Nearby hotels are affordable. Combine all of that with a good hockey atmosphere, seeing a Rush game is a great value. Extras 3 A couple of other things are worth mentioning or reiterating. A piece of the Berlin Wall is located on the grounds of the Civic Center. When visiting a Rush game be sure to visit this monument just outside the venue. Be sure to check out the Booster Club table on the concourse. These folks sell some items and trinkets to help with their goal to make the Rush players comfortable in a new town and team. They’ll gladly discuss the efforts they perform and provide for the players and events they try to coordinate for players and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the fans and their use of cowbells to cheer good plays, blocks, saves and goals. Final Thoughts People give me a puzzled look when I say I’m going to Rapid City to see a hockey game. Most haven’t been to Rapid City or witnessed a hockey game there. If travels bring you to western South Dakota, check out a Rush game and all the other attractions in this part of the country.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bob Stein Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park 201 Barlow Rd Dahlonega, GA 30597 North Georgia Nighthawks website Bob Stein Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 500 There’s a Baseball Park in Them Thar Hills! The University of North Georgia (UNG) opened in 1873. It is located in Dahlonega, GA, and has a student body of 18,046. Its’ largest areas of study are biology, psychology, and business. The University of North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the U.S. Students are not required to be in the military programs at UNG, but a sizable percentage of the student body does enroll in the military sciences area of study. The athletic teams at UNG are known as the Nighthawks. They participate in sports at the Division II level of the NCAA as a member of the Peach Belt Conference. This conference includes smaller schools from the states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The home of Nighthawks baseball is the on-campus Bob Stein Stadium. It is in Lynn Cottrell Park, UNG’s Outdoor Athletic Complex. It opened in time for the 2009 season and has a seating capacity of 500. The baseball team has seen great success at Stein Stadium, as it was the regular season champion in 2015, 2017, and 2019. It firmly believes that the stadium and its ongoing improvements have been a boon to its recruiting efforts. Food and Beverage 4 There is one concession stand located at Coleman Field House. The stand is well-staffed, and the lines move quickly. The stand serves a very basic ballpark standards menu. However, the prices at the concession stand are much lower than we find at most college venues. The menu includes hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($3.75), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($2.25), and chips ($1.25). The stand carries Coca-Cola brand beverages ($2.00) and bottled water ($2.00). Beer is not sold on the University of North Georgia campus. Atmosphere 4 Bob Stein Stadium is a great place to enjoy a Nighthawks baseball game. It is a very modern facility, as it opened in only 2009. The ballpark features the blue, gold, and white team colors of UNG. The ballpark is in a valley, between several forested hills, which form a backdrop beyond the outfield walls. The grandstand is located behind home plate, and it features some very comfortable chairback seats. Fans have a great view of the action no matter where they are in the bleachers. The entire field, including the infield base paths, is made of a synthetic surface. This is due to the harsh weather conditions in February when the baseball season gets underway. The Nighthawks have very few rainouts during the season. The ballpark also features a state-of-the-art electronics package. There is a large videoboard in left-center field behind the outfield wall. It was installed in 2020. The videoboard features each batter’s name and background information as they come to the plate, in addition, it also provides information on the upcoming games. The sound system at Bob Stein Stadium is extremely clear. Neighborhood 4 UNG is located in Dahlonega, GA. Dahlonega was the site of the first Gold Rush in the U.S. in 1828. Gold in very small amounts can still be found in the area. The city of Dahlonega is located 66 miles north of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains. The heart of Dahlonega is Courthouse Square, which is just two blocks east of the UNG campus. The square is filled with unique shops, great restaurants, and services that fill the everyday needs of both the year-round population and the UNG student body. The old courthouse in the square is now home to the Dahlonega Gold Rush State Historic Site Museum. Among the more popular businesses located on the square are the Dahlonega Brewing Company, and the iconic Smith House Inn and Restaurant. The Smith House Inn opened in 1899 and is still an active lodging site. Its’ restaurant is famous for its family-style dining, and it is packed on a regular basis with both locals and tourists. Dahlonega hosts several festivals each year, with the biggest being Gold Rush Days in October. This festival celebrates both the town’s heritage with gold and the fall leaf colors in the North Georgia mountains. The area is also a hub for the wine industry in Georgia. There are more than 15 wineries amongst the hills surrounding the town. The surrounding mountains also draw many outdoor enthusiasts to the area for hiking, white water rafting, and mountain biking. For more information on things to do during your stay in the area, go to www.dahlonega.org . Fans 4 The fan base at Nighthawk games consists of students, parents, and family members of the players as well as the townspeople of Dahlonega. UNG and the townspeople of Dahlonega share a great town/gown relationship. UNG literally is the only sports game in town, other than the lone high school in the county. Fans proudly wear the UNG colors, even if they have no official link to the school. Access 4 The UNG campus and the Convocation Center are located 66 miles North of Atlanta. They are easily reached via Highway 400 and US Highway 19. Once in Dahlonega, turn left at Morrison Parkway. Go 1.5 miles and turn left on Road. Parking and the ballpark will be on your left. Directions from Atlanta: Take Highway 400/US 19 North for 32 miles. When Highway 400 ends, continue on Highway 19 North for 8 miles. Turn left at the red light for South Chestatee Street (US 19) This will bring you up and over a steep hill that overlooks the city of Dahlonega. After you have passed the hospital, go down the hill to the next traffic light. Turn left onto Morrison Moore Parkway. Turn left on Barlow Road. The parking lot and Bob Stein Stadium will be on your left. You can park in any space in the lot. Gates to the ballpark open 1 hour before the first pitch, leaving you plenty of time to watch batting practice or visit the concession stand in Coleman Field House. Return on Investment 5 You will not break the bank when you attend a baseball game at Bob Stein Stadium. Parking is free anywhere within the Lynn Cottrell Athletics Park. Ticket prices are $10.00 for General Admission seats and $7.00 for Seniors/Students/Military. The items at the concession stand are priced well below the typical costs charged at most college venues. Programs for the baseball games are free, as they are digital, and are available by snapping a photo of the QR code at the entrance to the ballpark. Lodging in the area can be found for less than $100 during the baseball season. Extras 4 The University of North Georgia turns 150 years old in 2023. Several special observances will be held throughout the season, highlighting the athletic achievements of various Nighthawk teams over the years. Dahlonega gold covers the steeple of the Price Memorial Hall on the UNG campus and the Georgia State Capitol Dome in Atlanta. As an active Senior Military College, UNG still has military observances of Reveille, Retreat, and Taps. While only students in the military studies programs observe Reveille and Taps, all students, faculty, and staff stop when Retreat is sounded at 5 pm. They stop whatever they are doing and put their hands over their hearts and face the Drill Field while the Colors are taken down and the cannon on the field is fired. Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band is a native of Dahlonega and he took classes at UNG. Final Thoughts Bob Stein Stadium provides a better-than-average experience for small college baseball fans. Its’ state-of-the-art facility offers a beautiful setting amongst the North Georgia mountains, with an electronics package that you would expect to have at a much larger school. The fan base is a model of town/gown cooperation, with everyone wearing the school colors. Finally, the town of Dahlonega offers visitors plenty of things to do before or after the game.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Berry Events Center 1401 Presque Isle Ave Marquette, MI 49855 Northern Michigan Wildcats men’s hockey website Berry Events Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 4,200 Marq Your Calendar There is little doubt that Marquette, Michigan is a hockey town. Sure, this is the place where you can see football in the largest wooden dome in the world , and it’s also the home of the United States Olympic Education Center, where athletes train for boxing, speed skating, weightlifting, and wrestling. However, if you want the best sports that the town can offer, then you will want to go to the Berry Events Center, home of Northern Michigan Wildcats hockey. The arena stands on the former site of Memorial Field, the home of NMU football from 1946-1991. Berry Events Center opened in 1999. Besides being the home of the men’s hockey team, it is also the home of the Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball teams. Numerous banners hang in the arena, with the most prominent being the women’s basketball semi-finals appearance from 1998. The ice is Olympic-sized (200×98 feet) as opposed to the North American standard of 200×85 feet. This creates a more wide-open game, which often produces a better fan experience and higher scoring. This arena was also the site of the United States Olympics speed skating time trials for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics. Although hockey has only been a varsity sport since 1976 at Northern Michigan University, the program has a National Championship (1991) to its credit giving the team a more historic sense of credibility. To add to that, you’ll find back-to-back Frozen Four appearances commemorated on a banner for 1980-1981. The Berry Events Center is a great venue to see college hockey, reminiscent of Michigan State’s Munn Ice Arena with its upper concourse surrounding the seating area. Food & Beverage 4 There are four main concession areas at Berry Events Center, each with a different focus. The arena is small, so you can easily take a lap around the concourse to find what you want the most. One stand offers “Sweet and Eats,” with some of the highlights including Jilbert’s Dairy Ice Cream ($4), hot brownie bites with hot chocolate sauce ($4.50), and banana foster cheesecake bites with caramel sauce ($4.50) on the sweet side. On the east side, you’ll find savory options including Mama Russo’s black rocks yooper brat on a pretzel bun ($3.50), an Italian beef sandwich ($3.50), or a cudighi sandwich on ciabatta (spicy Italian sausage, $4.50). Another stand offers Mexican options such as burritos ($5-$7.75), quesadillas ($5-$6.50), and house-fried chips with various toppings ($2-$5.50). A third and fourth stand offers some of the stadium classics like hot dogs ($3) and brats ($3.50), offered by Vollwerth’s. Pretzel bites are also a good choice ($2.50), with a cheese cup costing $1 more. Pepsi is the soft drink provider with a cup going for just $2. Warm beverages include coffee ($1.50), tea ($1.50), and hot chocolate ($2) on hand. Beer is also available for sale at Berry Events Center with a wide variety. Twelve-ounce craft beers cost $4, and $3 macro brews in 16-ounce pours can also be found. Options include local beer like Ore Dock, and the usual macros such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Labatt, and Miller Lite. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the parking lot and finding tailgaters on a cold autumn or winter night begins to set the tone for the visit, and that enthusiasm for the Wildcats continues once inside the Berry Events Center. The pep band, a vital part of any good college hockey experience, is set up behind one of the goals at the top of the seating area. They do a wonderful job of creating that energy, playing early and often throughout the pre-game and game. Regardless of your ticket, you can expect to be sitting in a green plastic seat with average legroom, and no cup holder. You may be just as happy to find a spot along the rail, watching the game from the concourse, and you wouldn’t be alone. If the Wildcats are playing an in-state opponent, both the seating areas and standing areas will be full, so if you find a good perspective on the concourse, you may not want to abandon it. Be sure to take one lap around the concourse to see plaques on the wall to honor former players, a poster commemorating the 1991 championship, and just to generally get a feel for the arena. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Marquette is a place that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s a pretty little town, the largest in the Upper Peninsula, although the 89th largest in the state according to the 2010 census with a population of about 22,000. The main downtown area is only about a mile from the Berry Events Center. If the weather is nice (and this is relative), then be sure to wander around and experience the town. If you are in town in the morning, then I would suggest making a stop at Dead River Coffee for a cup of Joe. The baked goods at their next-door neighbor, Marquette Baking Company, are worth a stop as well. If you are looking for a pint of local beer, then stop into the Ore Dock Brewing Company. They have several locally made beers on tap, and also have several board games, a few TVs, and a foosball table. It is certainly a fun and relaxing place to spend a couple of hours. The Steinhaus offers a German and European-inspired menu, with plenty of tasty treats including a selection of sausages and wursts. This is a good place to go with a group to share several appetizers. Further down the road is the Vierling Restaurant, offering local beers, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and salads. The smoked whitefish appetizer and a beer sampler and is a good ways to end up very happy. Sit by the window and look out at the cold harbor and enjoy something local. If you want even more smoked whitefish, then a walk down to the harbor to Thill’s Fish House, a little shanty of a place that offers delicious locally smoked whitefish. Fans 4 The tailgaters in the parking lot on the way in are certainly a good sign. They are friendly, dressed in their construction clothes, with reflectors glowing in the night. Inside, you’ll find more of these “Puckheads” in the student section which stretches from sections 13-16. If you want the most energetic place to sit this is it, with the band directly behind you in section 16. After a penalty is killed by NMU, you’ll hear the PA announcer called “Wildcats at full strength” and the crowd answer back, “They always were!” The crowd in general loves this team, and you are likely to hear intelligent hockey discussions happening wherever you choose to sit (or stand). The team ranked 40th in attendance in 2015 in the NCAA (out of 59), averaging 2,188 fans per game, which is just over 58% of the arena’s capacity. Clearly, the fans could be better, but those in attendance love their Wildcats. Access 4 Parking costs you only $2, and there is plenty of it to accommodate even a sell-out crowd. There is some free street parking that you can find on the surrounding streets, but for $2 it is worth it to have a space right next to the arena. The concourse can get a little crowded between periods, especially near the corners where the concession stands are located, but it doesn’t give fans that claustrophobic feeling. Restrooms are adequate for the size of the facility, and you shouldn’t expect to encounter any unreasonable lines even at peak times. They are clean and smell good. Return on Investment 5 Tickets begin at $15 for standing room, and only go up to $16 for reserved seating. This just comes down to your personal preference. For an extra dollar, it is worth it to pay to have a seat, but you can watch some of the game from a standing position on the concourse. In any case, it is well worth the cost. Even when you add in the cost of parking, a drink, and a hot dog, the price tag comes in under $25 per person. Seniors get a $2 discount on each ticket, and NMU students or any fan under age 18 can gain admittance for just $10. The NMU athletics website does make it a little bit difficult to find tickets as it took me several clicks to find where you can find online ticket sales. You may end up having to make a phone call to secure your tickets. Given the average attendance though, you should be able to just show up at the arena to make your purchase the day of the game, although for in-state rivalries I would recommend getting your tickets in advance. Extras 3 One extra point for the 1991 National Championship banner and poster. It’s always special when you can see a game in a venue where they have a championship tradition. Another extra point for the Wildcats pep band, who add to the experience. Finally, an extra point for the town of Marquette. You will enjoy your visit to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and if you are a fan of college hockey you will feel like you made a worthwhile journey should you invest the time to visit as well. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that college hockey fans should include a trip to Northern Michigan University as a spot to see great hockey. Whether you are following your team on the road or just looking for a new venue, you won’t be disappointed by what you find at the Berry Events Center.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Tokyo Dome Koraku 1-3-61 Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan Yomiuri Giants website Tokyo Dome website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 55,000 The Big Fried Egg Built in 1988 to replace the outdoor Korakuen stadium, the Tokyo Dome was the first covered baseball venue in Japan. Nicknamed the Big Egg for its egg-like appearance from the air, it has become an icon in the city. It hosts the nation’s most popular pro team, the Yomiuri Giants, as well as dozens of college and industrial league games throughout the year. It also acts as a football stadium, race track, exhibition hall, and Japan’s largest concert venue. Much like the Metrodome in Minneapolis, the roof is a flexible membrane that is supported by slightly pressurizing the inside of the stadium. From outside, the dome is bright and shiny, but the cover belies a rather drab interior that makes it one of the least enjoyable places to watch a game. Food & Beverage 3 The offerings inside the park are fairly typical, with hot dogs seeming to be the most common choice. I saw one stand with 32 different types of bento boxes, so you certainly have your options on that front. The recommended local dish inside is the Big Egg ice cream sandwich, which consists of vanilla ice cream surrounded by a light crust shaped like the dome itself. It is sold by vendors walking around the stadium and is worth the 260 yen simply for the unique design rather than the taste. The best food in my mind though comes from the restaurants that are built into the outer walls of the stadium. There are at least 5 decent eateries here, with my favorite being The Burgers Tokyo. It offers premium burger sets from 880 yen which provide a good pre-game meal and are much better than the pre-cooked patties available inside. The other restaurants are more traditional Japanese fare such as noodles or rice bowls, but I’ve never tried them because I enjoy the burgers so much. As usual, you can bring food and drink into the ballpark and there are a number of shops near Korakuen station, as well as a McDonalds if you are desperate. Atmosphere 2 The dome is fairly lifeless during a Giants game. It’s too big for the fans to really get together and make a lot of noise, even when it’s nearly sold out. The worst thing is the lack of decent air conditioning, which makes walking around the crowded concourse on a hot day a sweaty endeavor. Plastic fans are handed out at the entry and you better take one to keep cool during the game. There are some mascots and a dance team, but they add little to the proceedings. I found the Sunday afternoon that I spent there to be a ho-hum affair and see no reason to return. Neighborhood 4 The dome is part of a larger complex that includes the Tokyo Dome Hotel and Korakuen, an aging amusement park. The hotel has elevators that provide views that can be quite stunning as you race up 43 floors, but otherwise the whole place is fairly bland. It is all located in Bunkyo-ku, a rather non-descript area just north of the Imperial Palace. Suidobashi is the nearest big station, but it doesn’t have a lot of post-game entertainment choices. If I were to suggest one bar, it would be Doma Doma, a cheap but tasty izakaya just a couple of minutes away from the JR Suidobashi station. It’s a chain with dozens of branches throughout Tokyo that offer a wide variety of Japanese food with pictures and English explanations in the menu. Quite affordable for the quality. Kanda is only a couple of stops away and this area definitely has more flavor and is typically Japanese, with some great bars and restaurants. I would advise that you get here and wander the streets, you are sure to find something of interest. Fans 1 Disclosure: I hate the Giants and their fans, who are the worst of the lot here. They are front-runners, rooting for the most popular and richest team. But their cheering section is dull and has no interesting or catchy tunes. Worse, they chanted for a shutout when the other team was batting in the ninth inning, which I consider to be bad form. They also sit on the third base side when the first base seats are sold out, which is downright wrong. Suffice to say I was not impressed with them whatsoever. Access 3 There are four lines that serve the area: Suidobashi has a JR station as well as the Toei Mita subway line while the Korakuen subway station has the Marunouchi and Namboku metro lines. I find the Mita line the best way to come and go as it is the least crowded, but most likely you’ll have to choose based on your starting point. One thing to be aware of is that the Dome is built on some restricted space and the pathways around it get very narrow in some places, particularly near the Korakuen station. After a game, be prepared to move very slowly as thousands of people are forced into a narrow passage. You must enter the stadium at the correct gate. There are 6 gates at ground level (which is actually the second floor, so the gates number from 20-25), 4 gates for the next level (30-33), and 2 gates for the top level (40 and 41). Once inside the stadium, you can walk freely around before the game. However, during the game, you must show a ticket to enter the seating bowl on the lower level. The concourse fills up as game time approaches, so if you want to tour, get there early (doors open 2 hours before the game). You can take the stairs to the top level and back, but again you may be asked for a ticket when you reach the lower bowl. Return on Investment 2 Tickets here are not cheap, going as high as 5,900 yen for the S seats behind the plate, which are slightly more padded than the typical seat. My recommendation is the 2,300 yen C seat, which can be anywhere in the upper deck. These seem to have a bit more room and provide a nice view of the stadium as well as a less crowded concourse. There are also Excite Seats that are on the field down the lines but these were not available at the box office on game day. The outfield seats have no backs but are generally reserved for the cheering sections. There are also standing room tickets for just 1,000 yen but you need to arrive early and save your space with a newspaper or something similar, at least for a popular game. At the game I saw, I was able to find a standing space near home plate in the 6th inning and held that for the rest of the match. As is common in Japan, there is protective netting down the entire baseline, which ruins the view for me and is another reason to sit upstairs. The field itself is turf with dirt around the bases. The scoreboard is fairly standard and there are no interesting between-inning promotions. Essentially the Tokyo Dome is function over form but still costs a bit too much for what you get. Extras 4 The Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame is located here and is the highlight of the entire experience. A bargain at only 500 yen (with a 100 yen discount if you show that day’s game ticket), the HOF boasts an impressive display of awards and memorabilia. The two WBC trophies greet you as you reach the bottom of the stairs, and from there you wander around checking out some excellent displays and a surprising amount of material from the major leagues. There are English explanations for each of the enshrined players, but not for the artifacts such as Jackie Robinson’s bat, so it helps to be accompanied by someone who can understand basic Japanese if you want to get the most out of the visit. An absolute must-see. Within the Dome, the Giants have their own museum on the Fan’s Fun Plaza, a concourse beneath the main concourse. The museum is nothing more than a wall display that contains a few items celebrating the Giants’ successes. It isn’t very compelling unless you happen to be a fan, although it was interesting in that the game I saw had the winning ball from the previous day’s game, which was a rookie pitcher’s first complete game. The Fan’s Fun Plaza also boasts the Star Memorial Plate area, which are plaques along the wall commemorating the past stars of the Giants as well as famous musicians and bands that have played there. Final Thoughts The Tokyo Dome is really not a pleasant place on a hot and humid afternoon, when it should be called the Big Fried Egg. It is still worth visiting if only for the Hall of Fame, but if you do go in the summer, I’d suggest an evening game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Delta Dental Stadium One Line Drive Manchester, NH 03101 New Hampshire Fisher Cats website Delta Dental Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 6,000 20 Years at the Tooth   Some ballparks have names that just roll off the tongue. Others have monikers that easily translate into catchy nicknames. Alas, the ballpark in Manchester, New Hampshire has never enjoyed either of these luxuries. Born in 2005 as Fisher Cats Ballpark, the ballpark was re-christened as MerchantsAuto.com Stadium in 2006. In 2011 Northeast Delta Dental insurance entered into a naming rights deal, shortening the park’s name to “Delta Dental Stadium” in 2022. Sometimes referred to as “The Tooth” (but thankfully usually not), the home of the Fisher Cats enters its 20th season in 2025. The Fisher Cats have won three Eastern League championships since moving to New Hampshire from New Haven, CT.   The ballpark was built on the site of the former Singer Park in the Manchester Millyard, a soccer stadium that was also used for circuses, carnivals, and summer concerts. The grounds are notable for being the site where bricks from the Arms Textile Mill are buried. The Arms Textile Mill was the site of the deadliest outbreak of anthrax in United States history.   You may be asking yourself, what exactly is a fisher cat? A fisher cat, or Pekania Pennanti, is a carnivorous mammal native to forests of Canada and northern United States. It is not actually a cat, and is more closely related to the American or Pacific marten. Despite its name, a fisher cat rarely eats fish, choosing to hunt small animals and forage for fruits and mushrooms. A fisher cat is one of the few animals that can successfully prey on porcupines.   While Delta Dental Stadium sits on the banks of the Merrimack River, the river factors very little into the stadium design. The ballpark faces away from the river and it is not visible from much of the facility. The dominating feature of this ballpark is the Hilton Garden Inn, which towers over the field in deep left-center field. Many rooms feature views of the ballpark, and there is a patio from which hotel guests can sit and take in the action.   Food & Beverage 4   The concessions experience at Delta Dental Stadium seems to change annually, expanding and contracting at a whim. During Stadium Journey’s 2025 visit, it appeared that a return to basics was in order.   There are three main stands scattered throughout the ballpark which offer mostly standard ballpark fare, not straying far from your typical hot dog/burger/chicken tender menu. Pizza slices are sold at the big stands, with value meals offered for fans looking to save a few dollars. Smaller carts scattered throughout the concourse augment these stands with specialty items such as Dippin' dots, Mac and Cheese, and gourmet hot dogs.   Bottled Coca Cola products are featured at Delta Dental Stadium alongside a good selection of beer. National brands are featured, as well as local craft favorites from Moat Mountain, and a special brew for the Fisher Cats, Line Drive Lager from Great North Aleworks.   The centerpiece of the dining experience here is the Sam Adams Brewhouse, located at the top of the stairs as you enter the ballpark. Open to all ticket holders two hours before and after the game, the Brewhouse features a seating area that overlooks the field, several high-definition televisions, an 85-foot-long Mahogany bar, and live music on the Tiki bar stage every Thursday-Saturday. The Brewhouse can also be reserved for private functions.   Atmosphere 4   The Fisher Cats offer the typical minor league gameday presentation, starting with a couple dozen first pitches and continuing with distractions aplenty throughout the game. All your typical in-game hijinks can be found here, from grass angels to mascot races. Younger fans in attendance will gravitate towards the Planet Fitness play area at the far end of the concourse, while the adults in attendance will likely head to the social area outside of the Sam Adams Brewhouse, where live music is played before weekend games.   The Fisher Cat staff work hard to provide entertainment for New Hampshire baseball fans. There are tables operated by local vendors scattered throughout the concourse, fast-pitch booths and midway games for younger fans, coloring stations, live music, free programs and more every night of the season.   Neighborhood 3   Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city, located about an hour’s drive northwest of Boston via Interstate 93. Delta Dental Stadium is located on the banks of the Merrimack River on the opposite side of the river from the highway, just a short walk from downtown Manchester.   Aside from the Hilton Garden Inn and the Sam Adams Brewhouse, which are basically part of the ballpark, there is not much in the immediate vicinity of Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.   Visiting fans looking for places to eat or drink will find no shortage of places in downtown Manchester about a mile from the ballpark. The Red Arrow Diner is perhaps Manchester’s most famous eatery, having been open for close to a century. It’s a favorite stop for politicians campaigning in the area and locals alike. Open 24 hours, it’s known for its enormous portions of comfort food and all-day breakfast.   Less than an hour north of Manchester are the White Mountains, which contain some excellent ski resorts. In the summer many mountain areas convert into summer vacation destinations. Favorite attractions such as Lake Winnipesaukee and the numerous touristy spots along the Kancamangus Highway are just a short drive away.   Fans 3   The Fisher Cats annually finish in the bottom half of the Eastern League attendance rankings, averaging around 4,000 fans per game. Being affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays while located in the middle of Red Sox country is hardly a recipe for success, but the Fisher Cats have a dedicated, enthusiastic fan base.   As is typical in minor league parks throughout the country, crowds in Manchester are a mixture of die-hard baseball fans and families. With the constant on-field shenanigans and things to do for young and old fans alike, there’s solid energy coming from the stands.   Access 4   While Northeast Delta Dental’s location right off Interstate 293 in downtown Manchester would seem most convenient, getting in and out of the area can be difficult. The ballpark is located on a dead-end street with only one way in and out, meaning you shouldn’t be in a hurry, especially when leaving after the game. In fact, many Fisher Cats fans choose to park in the lots further from the ballpark because these lots are much easier to get out of.   After the standard security screen and bag check, fans enter the ballpark via a staircase that deposits them onto the concourse in deep left field.  Located here is the Sam Adams Brewhouse, tiki bar, pavilion, rock waterfall and stage. It’s a great introduction to the park on a busy Friday or Saturday night.   The concourse wraps around the field to deep right field. The open concourse, located at the top of the seating bowl, allows for views of the field from all spots. All the seats here are green plastic stadium chairs, except for the furthest sections in right field, which are made up of metal bleachers. Unfortunately, the seating bowl is not angled towards home plate, meaning seats further down the lines face centerfield. In addition, netting runs the entire length of the seating bowl, obstructing views from all seats. The children’s play area is located at the end of the concourse in right field.   The concourse is somewhat narrow and crammed with tables, booths and carts. It can be difficult to navigate when there is a large crowd in attendance. Restrooms are clean, and large enough for the typical Fisher Cat crowd.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Fisher Cats games start at $12 for seats furthest down the lines, topping out at $18 behind home plate. Seats in the Bullpen Patio and Pavilion by the Sam Adams Brewhouse can be found for $24. Check the Fisher Cats website for more deals, including free food when you buy four or more tickets.   Parking in the Fisher Cats lot and SNHU Millyard Garage closest to the ballpark will cost $10. There are cheaper alternatives further from the ballpark across Granite Street, but these lots involve a decent walk. There is some on-street parking near the ballpark and in the downtown area, but these spots are snatched up quickly. Pay attention to the times meters are in effect, as these spots may cost you depending on the time of the game.   Concession prices are generally in line with other venues in the area. Access to the Kids Zone is $5. Delta Dental Stadium is a cashless facility.   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the Hilton Garden Inn that towers over the field and the Sam Adams Brewhouse two very unique features in an otherwise plain ballpark.   Three retired numbers hang on the right field fence honoring individuals who never suited up for the Fisher Cats; 42 (Jackie Robinson), 83 (in honor of Manchester police officer Michael Briggs, who was killed in the line of duty) and 29 (local resident and major leaguer Chris Carpenter).   A final extra point is awarded for the superb array of alternate realities trotted out by the franchise. In addition to the Primaries, the original name of the ball club (and in this writer’s opinion, what this team should have always been called), the team also boasts the chicken tenders (Manchester is the birthplace of the classic food favorite) and the space potatoes, which combine the state’s official vegetable with the lore of New Hampshire’s claim to being the site of the first widely reported alien abduction.   Final Thoughts   A Blue Jays farm team in the middle of Red Sox territory has to work harder to keep the fans coming, and the Fisher Cats staff do a great job filling Delta Dental Stadium year after year. While this may not be the most memorable ballpark out there, there’s plenty going on in Manchester to make a Stadium Journey to the Granite State worthwhile.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Shirley Povich Field 10600 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852 Georgetown Hoyas website Shirley Povich Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,500 Shirley It Must Be Baseball Time Georgetown University’s baseball team is the school’s oldest athletic program, beginning play informally in 1866 and officially founded in 1870. For their first 130 years, the Hoyas played on campus in various different venues. However, in 2000, the GU Baseball Diamond was demolished to make way for a new athletic building, and the team was forced to find a new home. Since the 2001 season, the Hoyas have played their home games off campus at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda, Maryland, at a stadium that is also the home to a collegiate summer league team, the Bethesda Big Train. The stadium is named after longtime local sports columnist Shirley Povich, who covered baseball for over 50 years and was one of the last living reporters to have covered Babe Ruth. He began his career with the Washington Post in 1923, and although he officially retired in 1973, he never stopped covering the game. His last column was published in 1998, one day after his death. Food & Beverage 0 There is a concession stand at Shirley Povich Field, but it is only used for Big Train games. There are vending machines that sell soda, water, and Powerade just outside the stadium if you’re really desperate, and there is a café in the Ice Rink at the other side of the parking lot if you’re willing to walk all the way down there, but it may not even be open depending on the public skating schedule. Your best bet is to eat before the game or bring your own food. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at a Hoyas baseball game is not particularly impressive. The team does little to add to it other than play music in between innings, and the fact that the stadium is located in a county park surrounded by rec fields makes this feel more like you’re watching a Sunday beer league game than a college baseball game. In fact, other than the “We are Georgetown” banner hung across the outfield fence, there is little here to indicate you are even at a Georgetown game. All of the other signage in and around the stadium is for the Bethesda Big Train. The good news is that every seat in the stadium is a chair back, and they all have a great view of the field. All seats are behind netting, which is unfortunate but necessary given how close they are to the action. There is a scoreboard in left-center field which shows a line score as well as the count, current batter, and the time and temperature. Neighborhood 4 Shirley Povich Field is located in Cabin John Park, which is operated by Montgomery County. There is an ice rink and some recreational fields located in the immediate vicinity of the stadium, all part of the park. A shopping center is located across the street which includes a Five Guys, a taco place, and a number of other shops. Bobby’s Burger Palace is located just down the road and is a local favorite as well. There are several hotels on Democracy Boulevard a couple miles from the stadium, and Cabin John Park also has a campground for those visitors to the area looking to stay in a more natural environment. Washington, D.C. is a short Metro ride away and features various museums, monuments, and other sites. Whether it’s visiting the Smithsonian or talking a walk along the National Mall, there is something to do for everyone in the nation’s capital, and most of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to visit the Capitol or White House, you will need to book those tours in advance. Fans 2 The fans at Hoyas games are mostly family and friends of the players, and there are often as many fans of the opposing teams as there are rooting for the Hoyas. With the stadium located so far from campus, there are few, if any, students here. The fans who do show up can get loud at times, but there are so few of them it hardly makes a difference. College baseball is just not that big in this part of the country, and it shows. Access 4 Shirley Povich Field is located just off I-270 and I-495. Take the exit for Democracy Boulevard, follow it to Westlake Drive, and the entrance to Cabin John Park will be up ahead on your left. From there, head past the ice rink and the stadium will be up ahead. There are several other baseball fields in the complex used for recreational purposes, but Shirley Povich Field will be very clearly signed. Due to the large complex, there is more than enough parking available. However, the parking lot can be a tight fit and make exiting after the game difficult, especially if people are trying to enter the lot as well to go elsewhere in the park. Unfortunately, Shirley Povich Field is not easily accessible via the D.C. Metro. Restrooms are small but sufficient for the crowd. The men’s restroom can be hard to find as it is hidden off in the corner and not, as one would expect, across from the women’s restroom. Return on Investment 5 Parking and admission are both free, and it’s not like you’ll be spending anything on concessions since there aren’t any available. It’s hard to argue with that. . Extras 0 There are free programs available behind home plate, placed under a brick behind the backstop so they don’t blow away. There are murals behind home plate dedicated to Shirley Povich and longtime Washington Senator Walter Johnson. Johnson was nicknamed “Big Train” and is the namesake of the summer league club that plays here. One final star for the bucolic setting in Cabin John Park. There is so much else to do here, including ice skating, tennis courts, and miles of hiking and biking trails that you could easily turn a visit to a game into a full day in the park. Final Thoughts College baseball is not that big in this part of the country, and the fact that the Hoyas play in an out of the way location miles from campus doesn’t help. However, it is hard to argue with free baseball, whatever the setting, and Georgetown does deserve credit for that. Shirley Povich Field is a nice stadium, and it is a shame that the Hoyas do not use it to its full potential.

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lamport Stadium 1151 King St W Toronto, ON M6K 1E9 Toronto Arrows website Lamport Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 9,600 Canada's Squad in North America's Rugby Capital Since the Toronto Wolfpack brought the English rugby system to Canada in 2017, becoming the first Transatlantic professional team, spectators wholeheartedly embraced the sport. Now building on that success, a second rugby club joined a professional league, this time in the rugby union code. Rugby, while new as a spectator sport, is hardly new to Toronto. Indeed, rugby union is a major participation sport amongst youth all across Canada. While Canada does have a premier-level domestic league (in British Columbia – perhaps the most important hotbed of rugby in North America), promising Canadian rugby players had been forced to play overseas or switch codes to Canadian football. Now, however, top tier clubs in both rugby league and ruby union mean the game is played at the highest level in Canada’s biggest city. With the addition of the Arrows, Toronto now has a team in the US-based MLR (Major League Rugby). The current team can trace its origins to the interprovincial Ontario Blues squad, who compete on a domestic regional level. With the aim of creating a professional team, the provincial rugby body acquired the rights to participate in MLR, and this represents a huge step for the league, looking to avoid a repeat of the last unsuccessful attempt to establish a rugby competition in the United States. By expanding to Canada, the league has moved to a place with an ingrained culture of rugby, not unlike the transformative decision of Major League Soccer to expand to Toronto a decade ago. Among the corporate partners who own the club, former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke is a minority owner. The Arrows began their inaugural season at suburban York University but promptly switched to the larger Lamport Stadium, also home to the Wolfpack. They have had quickly-rising attendance numbers and achieved success on the field, having just qualified at the time of writing for a playoff spot after a 7-0 finish to their season. Featuring an almost-entirely Canadian roster, the Arrows now represent the pinnacle of rugby union for the tens of thousands of players across Canada, and an exciting new sporting environment for springtime in Toronto. Food & Beverage 4 Like other aspects of Lamport Stadium, the food offerings are fairly simplistic and straightforward, but there are good options and terrific beer choices. For food, there is a concession window under the eastern grandstand serving various options from $7 and up. Some choices include sausages, burgers, and handheld meat pies and Jamaican patties. This menu is repeated at another outdoor grill in the north end, next to the real standout of offerings here; the beer garden. Like in the Wolfpack setup, the north end of the stadium features a beer garden behind the end zone, which is the most popular place to enjoy the game. Open to all fans and operating on a token system, a variety of craft brewers sell beer, cider, and spirits from tents. Roaming vendors also sell these craft drinks for $9 per tall can. Some of the options on offer at the reviewed match included Big Rock brewery, Saulter Street brewery, and Lost Craft brewery. Atmosphere 2 Lamport Stadium is, for now, what it is; a 1970’s-era community venue that has hosted fairly small-scale events throughout its history. That all changed with the Wolfpack, who vaulted the ground into Toronto’s sporting scene, and began a regime of renovations after the 2018 season. Those renovations are expected to resume after this summer’s rugby finishes. In the meantime, the stadium consists of two grandstands set in a leafy neighbourhood park, with the beer garden at the north end and a VIP tented section of bars and a buffet are at the south end. The stadium is located along bustling King Street West with a small car park at the south end. The seats are concrete benches, the scoreboard is simple, and washrooms are mostly in the form of outhouses. However, the atmosphere is created by the boisterous fans, sunny weather, and the enjoyable beer garden areas. Additionally, historic and modern architecture surrounding the tight confines of the stadium create the feel of integration with the surrounding city. Approaching the ground through the park, tents indicate the will call and entrance. A quick pass through the concourse puts fans into the eastern grandstand. Early on, only this grandstand was open to the public, but as attendances continue to increase, it is likely the west grandstand will also open up. The beer garden is accessible to all fans, while the south VIP area is wristband-controlled. This area is akin to suites in a more permanent stadium, and individual tents are rented by corporate groups and some local rugby clubs. A surprisingly well-stocked team store is in the beer garden area, and is very popular. The presentation is straightforward, with music and announcements, but no gimmicks. A halftime game was played by the junior girls of the Toronto Reds side. Neighborhood 5 Lamport Stadium is located in the buzzy central Liberty Village neighbourhood, along lively King Street West. This is not far from any downtown attractions and on a nice day, can make a pleasant walk from downtown. Immediately surrounding the stadium are trendy shops and a host of bars. The neighbourhood has long been a hotbed of support for Toronto FC, who play just south at BMO Field . That stadium is also home to the Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Next door is the Coca-Cola Coliseum , home to hockey’s Toronto Marlies. There is a strong neighbourhood feel here, driven by support of the local teams in various sports, primarily TFC and the Wolfpack. Some of the best pubs around include the Brazen Head and Toronto’s reputed oldest bar The Wheat Sheaf. There are plenty of transport links, and all the diversions of Toronto are a quick hop away. Fans 4 When MLR expanded to Toronto, they quickly opened up to legions of fans who know and play the game of rugby. That has proven true, as dozens of local rugby clubs are represented on the shirts, scarves, and hats of fans. In the first season, attendance has reached new heights with each game, and it seems inevitable the stadium will be nearly sold-out within a season or two. So far, the American-based MLR does not have the local prestige of the English rugby league system, home to the Wolfpack, but the union code is the popular participation sport here, so it seems likely that difference will be erased in time. At the game reviewed for Stadium Journey, announced attendance was 3 200, about 1000 more than the league average. Those fans in attendance were very loud, with constant chants and noise, as well as knowledgeable of the intricacies of the game. Access 5 It could not be easier to get to Lamport Stadium by public transportation, by bike, or on foot. Coming from the central area, the King Streetcar passes by every couple minutes, with the Jefferson Avenue stop right out front. A block to the south is Exhibition Station, which is served by frequent suburban trains. The central Union Station is just one stop east along the Lakeshore West line, with trains up to every fifteen minutes. Driving is less easy, as is the case throughout Toronto. Parking is very limited and driving can be an enormous hassle. King Street, to the east of the stadium, is also virtually car-free and cannot be used as a thoroughfare unless you’re riding the streetcar. It’s best to use the easy transport links locally or with suburban GO train services. Return on Investment 4 For a sporting event in downtown Toronto, or just any activity on a nice day, Arrows tickets are reasonably priced. Advanced tickets go for $29 ($19 for youth) and walk-up for $35. All tickets are general admission. Season memberships are where the real deals are found; $200 is the price for a season of tickets, and that drops to $160/season if you purchase a three-year plan. Food averaging $7-$11 and craft beer for $9 are reasonable, if not incredible prices. In all, $50 will buy a great afternoon, which is quite decent for the area. Extras 4 Fans here have unprecedented access to the squad, sharing drinks and congratulations after each match. Players linger after the final whistle to converse with fans on the field itself. Following the game reviewed, in which the Arrows clinched a playoff berth, thousands of fans stormed the field, drinks in hand, and mobbed their beloved Arrows players. The scene culminated with both players and fans singing on the field and an impromptu game of touch rugby breaking out amongst younger fans. An extra point for the role the Arrows play as the pinnacle of achievement for Canadian rugby union players. While a couple other clubs in MLR feature Canadian captains, coaches, and star players, the chance to represent Toronto is massive. An extra point for the immediate success enjoyed by the Arrows in their first season. They will surely be a threat to win the championship this year, and continually successful based on the strength of local talent to draw from. A final extra point for the renovations and certain future upgrades to Lamport Stadium, which is transitioning quickly from neighbourhood venue to nationally-important home of rugby. It won’t be long before the stadium morphs into a newer and larger version of itself, but the park-like setting gives it character. Final Thoughts Toronto is certainly the spectator capital of rugby in North America now, and between the Wolfpack and the Arrows, there are two fantastic experiences to be had. The Arrows are a very quickly growing force on and off the field, and should achieve immediate and lasting success in both regards. For sporting fans in town during spring and early summer, a trip to the Arrows is sure to be worthwhile, and like the common cheer heard at Lamport Stadium, its ‘Arrows Up’ from here into the future.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Jim Scoggins Stadium 500 W Maxwell St Pensacola, FL 32501 Pensacola High School Fighting Tigers website Year Opened: 1950s Capacity: 10,000 James ‘Jim’ Scoggins Stadium For over 100 years Pensacola High School has served the community of south central Pensacola as its main public high school. Originally opened in 1870 as the Pensacola School for Boys, the school went through several name changes and changed locations several times before officially being recognized as Pensacola High School, and becoming permanently settled in downtown Pensacola in 1905. In 1952 a fire gutted the buildings, forcing PHS to relocate once again, this time to its current home on Maxwell Street about a mile north of the old locale. Currently Pensacola High School is the oldest secondary public school in the panhandle region of Florida; with a current enrollment of 1400, PHS is the third largest high school in the city. Notable alumni include former Buffalo Bills Head Coach Kay Stephenson, former WNBA all-star and Tennessee standout Michelle Snow, former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Aldron Chambers, and current Cleveland Browns defensive back Demarious Randall. The Tigers currently compete in Class 5A District 1, which consists of West Florida HS, Choctawhatchee HS, Arnold HS, and Pine Forest HS. The Tigers first fielded a football team in 1905, which makes Pensacola High the oldest football program in the state of Florida (high school, college, or pro). The Tigers can also lay claim to being the oldest FHSAA State Champion as they won the first title in 1905, which they followed up by winning 4 other state championships (1908, 1953, 1958, and 2009). Since the 1950s the Tigers have played at Jim Scoggins Stadium, named after the winningest coach in PHS history, Jim Scoggins. Scroggins also held the record for being the all-time winningest coach in the state of Florida until being surpassed in 2007; Scoggins guided the Tigers to an undefeated record and state championships in 1958 and 1959. Food & Beverage 3 There are two main concession stands, one on each side of the field at the south end of the stadium. Anybody coming to Jim Scoggins Stadium should not be looking for a culinary experience, but the basics can be found and the prices are reasonable. Food prices are as follows: cheeseburgers ($4), hamburgers and nachos ($3), fries, hot dogs, and boiled peanuts ($2). An extra point goes to the fact that combo meals can be purchased, which includes fries and a drink. Combo prices are as follows: cheeseburger combo ($7), hamburger combo ($6), and hot dog combo ($5). Also, the fact that Pensacola High adds some variety and deals to their menu increases the score by one star. There’s also no denying that the hamburgers and hot dog will be fresh as they are cooked to your choosing in a grill set up outside the concessions stand. Coke is the soft drink provider with regular 20 oz bottles selling for $2, with bottled water also $2, Powerade for $3, and Monster energy drinks for $4. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is set up like a normal high school stadium with the home stands on one side and the visitor stands on the other; the field faces north and south with the home side on the west end and the visitor side on the east side. The first thing you notice when entering Jim Scoggins Stadium is just how big the home grandstands are; they are just regular bleacher seating but extend about 30 rows up and extend from about the 10-yard line on each end, which sets the scene for an impressive and quite large configuration. There is also a basic scoreboard in the south end zone, with the Jimmy Haynes Fieldhouse in the north end zone, which houses the team’s weight room and locker rooms. The concession stands are located in a separate building along with the restrooms, on the south end of each side. There is a rather large band that takes up the entire section of the bleachers at the north end. The band plays a little too much though, as there are a lot of plays on the field when the band will play through the whole play and into the next one. The band was into the game though, and they tried their hardest to cheer up and bring school spirit to the rather empty home side. It also didn’t help that the Tigers came into their most recent game 0-4 and got blown out during the game. The visitor side was not as impressive as the home side but did contribute more fans. These stands are basic concrete steps with no seats, meaning you sit on the concrete throughout the game; the stands on this side extend from the 20-yard line on each end and go up about 15 rows. If you go to the top you can get a good view of the newly renovated and beautiful Pensacola High School. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to see or do within walking distance of Pensacola High School. The only notable landmark is the Crystal Ice House located a couple of blocks away on the corner of Maxwell Street and Davis Highway. The 1930s era landmark was a first of its kind, as it was at one time a drive through where they would sell ice to travelers. The building resembles a block of ice with a polar bear attached to the roof. There is nothing notable about the place, and it is fenced off, but it makes for a photo op as it has been named one of the 7 wonders of Pensacola. The area around the high school may look a little run down as the few noticeable convenience stores and liquor stores on the street have bars on the windows. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about, however, if you are minding your own business. Downtown Pensacola is located about 1.5 miles south of the high school. The downtown area is also very unique as there are no high-rise buildings, but the area resembles a smaller version of New Orleans with its French Quarter-inspired buildings. There is plenty to see and do downtown, and that area also has every single type of restaurant and bar you can imagine; the main bars and restaurants are located on Palafox Street and Seville Quarter. If in town on a Friday night in the fall when Gallery Night is going on I highly recommend attending. Held usually the third Friday of every month, Gallery Night is like a night arts & craft festival for adults. Many of the local bars and art galleries have tents set up displaying local artists; other cities do this but Pensacola is so far the only city on the Gulf Coast that has a Gallery Night. Each night usually attracts about 10 to 15 thousand people, so if in town on this night be sure to stop off; the event takes place on Palafox Street in downtown. Fans 2 As mentioned there is a low turnout for some games on the Tigers side. The Tigers played their crosstown rival the Pensacola Catholic Crusaders on my most recent visit, so there was a good turnout on the visitor side. Unfortunately the Tiger football program is not the best this season, and it showed not only on the field but in the stands as well. The students sit around the 50-yard line while many of the fans were spread out throughout the stands, and the few fans that were there left after the homecoming festivities at halftime. However, with its close proximity to downtown there is always something going on in Pensacola for people of all ages, so the PHS football team has a lot to compete with on Friday nights. Access 2 Pensacola High School can be kind of a difficult place to find if you do not where you are going or you are not familiar with the area. The school is located on Maxwell in the North Hill subdivision about 1.5 miles north of downtown, just a couple blocks west of the I-110 interchange. All of the streets in the neighborhood are one-way, and it’s easy to get them confused since the streets are not always visibly marked with one-way signs. If coming from the west side of Pensacola Jordan Street will be your best bet, as it is one-way and heads east, with the high school one block north. Maxwell Street is the main street if coming in from the east, Maxwell is one block north of Jordan Street. However, if coming from out of town then I-10 to I-110 will be your best bet; just take the Maxwell Street exit and go west about 4 blocks and you will see the school. Jim Scoggins Stadium is different than most stadiums as there is no concourse underneath the stadium; on the home side there is one accessible part under the stands, but other than one restroom there isn’t much there. On the visitor side you cannot go under the stands at all, but need to walk around them. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are the only seats you can purchase here, but you are free to walk from one side to the other and sit anywhere you want which is what I did; these tickets are $7 which is about average for high school football games. Concessions remain fairly cheap, and they have combo meals at Jim Scroggins Stadium which is something that other high schools do not. I felt this was a good return on investment, as the Tigers compete at FHSAA 5A, which is the highest level of high school football in Florida. Many of the players on both teams later sign with D1 teams, so you could be watching the next Florida State or Florida great in action. Extras 2 In 2004 Hurricane Ivan devastated the city of Pensacola. Even though the high school is located far enough inland away from the storm surge, a tornado still ripped through the campus, flattening the middle portion including the gymnasium. The school was basically rebuilt in 2005, and when it opened it was one of the biggest looking high schools I have ever been too. The gymnasium that they rebuilt is a mammoth 37,000-square foot facility that is truly state of the art. The top of the arch-shaped building can be viewed from the home side overlooking the visitor stands. For the best views of the high school, go to the top of the visitor stands on the 50-yard line; the whole school can be viewed from here as well. Final Thoughts Pensacola High School remains a fine place to watch football on a Friday night. Though the overall atmosphere is nothing special, the high school is one of the nicest looking high schools in the state from an architectural standpoint. The view of the school from the top of the stadium alone is worth the price of admission and who knows, you might be watching the next great future Pensacola NFL player.

Photo Courtesy of McNeese State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cowboy Stadium 700 E. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 17,610 Geaux Pokes! Cowboy Stadium is one of the premier venues in all of NCAA DI-FCS college football. While other stadiums may be bigger and feature more cutting edge amenities, “The Hole” offers a great family friendly atmosphere and regularly features a dominant on-field product. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana and on the campus of McNeese State University, Cowboy Stadium serves as home field for McNeese State Cowboys football, a member of the Southland Conference. Constructed in 1965, Cowboy Stadium has received several major upgrades over the years, including the installation of the Sky Ranch, the three level suite and press box on the west side, and the Jack V. Doland Field House constructed in the north end zone. Cowboy Stadium is nicknamed The Hole because the playing field being built below the surface and surrounded on all sides. The stadium features a GeoMax2 artificial playing surface, a seating capacity of 17,410, and a video replay scoreboard. If you’re a fan of FCS level football or looking for family friendly sports entertainment, Cowboy Stadium is the place to be in Southwest Louisiana. Food & Beverage 3 Cowboy Stadium offers the expected stadium fare plus a few specialty items. For the typical stadium grub, Cowboy Stadium offers hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers ($4.50), and nachos ($3.50/$4.50). An assortment of snacks is offered as well including Cajun peanuts. Drink options are headlined by Coca-Cola products in a yellow souvenir style cup with the blue McNeese logo on it. Large drinks are $4.50 and small $2.50. Bottled Dasani water is $2.50. Be on the look out for the small red trailer inside both the west and east side concourses. This is where you’ll find our recommended concession item, a bowl of jambalaya for $4.50. They also offer a pulled pork sandwich. Other specialty stands feature fresh lemonade, Gatti’s pizza, and Kona Ice snow cones. Alcoholic beverages are not sold inside Cowboy Stadium and it is against stadium policy to bring in outside food or drinks. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Cowboy Stadium is a true strength of the overall experience. The stadium is known as “The Hole” because of its unique design where the field is built below the surface and bowled in with grandstands on the east and west, and grassy berm on the north and south sides. The addition of the Doland Field House in the north end zone has really made Cowboy Stadium a striking presence for fans once you settle into your seat. There’s no denying The Hole is one of the elite atmospheres in all of NCAA DI-FCS. The spirit squads and band add to the overall atmosphere. The Cowgirl Kickers, cheer team, and The Pride of McNeese band really help contribute to the overall college feel and do a great job with keeping fans engaged. Rowdy is very interactive, roaming the sidelines and mingling with fans along the grandstand wall. The student section, along with the home team sidelines, are located on the east side of the stadium. McNeese has several great game day traditions which make the overall atmosphere something really special for fans. Just before each game, the horse and rider statue in front of the Doland Field House ‘comes to life’ as a Mystery Rider, and his horse Moon Dancer, make the walk down Common Street and into Cowboy Stadium. The Lake Charles Buccaneers man the canon in the north end zone, which is fired after each score. The Mystery Rider makes a presence onto the field just before kick-off to rile Cowboy fans up. A few other traditions include the Parapokes, the strong tailgating tradition, and the cowbell. Neighborhood 3 Cowboy Stadium is situated on the south side of the McNeese State University campus adjacent to the Cowboy Diamond and Track & Field Complex. McNeese State is located in the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana in the southwestern corner of the state, near the border with Texas. Lake Charles is a mid-sized city which thrives on the oil and gas industry, the gambling scene, and wildlife & fishery. While some restaurants are within walking distance of Cowboy Stadium, be sure to venture out and take in all of what this region has to offer. There are several restaurants to recommend while in town. Located just north of Cowboy Stadium is Mr. Bill’s Seafood Express. Don’t be alarmed on approach, the exterior doesn’t do the place justice. Stop in for some amazing fried seafood (definitely try the shrimp). Keeping in theme with Cajun cuisine, Darrell’s is further north of the campus near I-210 and is a great stop for drinks and poboys. The Darrell’s Special is a must and includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. If you don’t get your fill of seafood at Mr. Bill’s, be sure to check out Steamboat Bill’s. There are two locations in the area, but I prefer the one on the lake. This is a bit more of a sit-down and dine restaurant as compared to Bill’s and there’s some great boiled seafood on the menu. The Frosty Factory is a great place for a drink before or after the game. It’s centrally located off Common Street across from the stadium. You’ll find plenty to do in the Lake Charles area, depending on your preferences. The casino scene is a big draw with the L’Auberge du lac, Isle of Capri and Golden Nugget. Just outside of town you’ll find the Delta Downs horse racetrack. If you are looking for a chance to get outdoors, you’re definitely in the right place. The Adventure Trail just west of town over in the Sulphur area provides plenty of real estate for hunting, fishing, crabbing, sight seeing, hiking, and swimming at the beach. Stop by their office for a fun indoor walk through some of the sights you can expect to see while on the trail…the kids will enjoy it. There’s also seven area golf courses to enjoy. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offers hotel services. Fans 4 Though it may pale in comparison to the size of FBS giants, the McNeese State fan base is strong, loyal, and proud, especially for an FCS program. The Cowboys have established a winning tradition in Lake Charles, and though they’ve traversed through a handful of down years recently, the McNeese faithful still show up in blue and gold for Saturday nights in The Hole. While attendance can vary depending on record and weekend opponent, expect to see between 12,000 -16,000 on hand at Cowboy Stadium. Average attendance typically has Cowboy Stadium around the top ten, which is good overall in the FCS, and by far the tops when compared to other in-state FCS programs. Speaking of rivals, there’s no doubt next door neighbor UL-Lafayette (located an hour east of town) is the team Lake Charles most loves to hate, however, their FBS status makes a trip to Cowboy Stadium unlikely in the current scheduling climate. Just across the state border is another regional rival in the Lamar Cardinals . Having recently reinstated football, the Cardinals and Cowboys have picked back up the rivalry in full force. Games with Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana are the next best attended. Fans are knowledgeable and engaged throughout the game. One of my favorite college football traditions is the playing of Joli Blon after Cowboy scores. Fans clap and sway together to this Cajun classic. *Note: Video courtesy of McNeese Athletics And opponents learn to “Fear the Cowbell” as McNeese fans love to let their cowbells ring after scores or on big defensive stands. Access 4 Cowboy Stadium is easily accessible off I-210 via I-10. There are several streets you can take to get from I-210 down to the stadium. The most commonly taken route is to exit I-210 onto Ryan Street, then take a left onto E. McNeese Street towards Common Street and the stadium area. If you view the parking map provided on the website, keep in mind that these spots are reserved for season passes. You’ll find game day parking east of the Lot C in a grass lot. Plenty of fans also park on the McNeese State campus and make the half mile or so walk over to the stadium. If you arrive early enough, you may also find side street parking down Common Street next to the baseball field. To pick up or purchase tickets, head to the north side of the stadium to the Doland Field House. Will call tickets are available just inside the door and tickets can be purchased to the left of the doors at the ticket windows. Expect a quickly moving line in both areas. There are three primary entry points to Cowboy Stadium, the northwest gate, northeast gate and multiple smaller eastside gates centrally located under the east grandstand. Traffic moves smoothly regardless of which gate you choose, so grab the one closest to you. The concourses under both grandstands are wide enough to get around easily. You’ll notice a concourse inside the stadium that crosses each grandstand allowing fans to get up and down to their seats. The east and west sides are connected by a pathway in front of the Doland Field House. Restrooms are a little cramped, but you shouldn’t run into any major problems. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $20 for general admission to Cowboy Stadium, with $30 for reserved seats. Personally, I recommend the general admission seats since all seats are regular bleacher style. However, keep in mind that will place you in the corners of both grandstands. Kids 4-12 get $5 admission and 13-17 are $10. Concession prices are reasonable and free parking is available if you don’t mind a short walk. Overall, the McNeese State football experience at Cowboy Stadium offers great value for the cost. Extras 5 There are several “extra” items which really help to push the Cowboy experience over the top: – First and foremost, Cowboy football has an amazing tailgating scene for the size of the program and fan base. The RV lots on the west side are always jam-packed and there’s plenty of tailgating on the east side as well. Everywhere you look, you’ll see blue and gold McNeese tents and BBQ pits going. Cowboy fans are friendly and quick to invite visitors for a bite to eat. – One of the really neat traditions, among others, is the parachuting “McNeese Parapokes” during pregame. Since 2004, these rabid McNeese fans parachute onto the playing surface simply out of love for McNeese. It’s a great sight to see for the little ones in attendance, but really, fans of all ages enjoy watching the Parapokes descend onto the field. – The Buccaneers of Lake Charles are a local group which man the touchdown canon in the north end zone. While there seems to be somewhat of a mixed review on whether fans love or hate the canon, it is definitely one of those extra items that make the overall experience unique. The canon is loud (the video below doesn’t do the sound justice), so be sure to prepare yourself, and your kids, that it will be fired after every score, including extra points and field goals. – McNeese does a great job of memorializing past gridiron greats and championships. The concourse under both the east and west side are filled with pictures of former great Cowboy players. On the Doland Field House, you’ll notice a listing of McNeese’s many conference championships. – There’s plenty more to add here which has already been mentioned within the review. From the fans ringing their cowbells, to the Mystery Rider, and the playing of Joli Blon, the experience at Cowboy Stadium is much more than your typical FCS college football experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.87 Campbell’s Field 401 Delaware Ave Camden, NJ 08102 Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,700 From a View to a Kill, Campbell’s Field Campbell’s Field debuted in 2001 and served as the home of the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League. It was the last new ballpark built in the state that began in 1994 with Trenton’s ARM & HAMMER Ballpark. Ironically, it bears a striking resemblance in design and color to Trenton but differs in its spectacular views of the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline. The ballpark’s construction was designed to spark urban renewal in the city of Camden and along with the aquarium and amphitheater that shares the stadium’s parking lot, this is a pleasant destination to visit. Unfortunately, after the 2015 season the Riversharks ceased operations due to the inability to reach an agreement on lease terms with the owner of Campbell’s Field, the Camden County Improvement Authority. The ballpark would remain vacant of professional baseball for the next four years but was used for the Rutgers-Camden baseball program until the 2018 season. In December 2018 demolition started and the site will be home to a new $15 million athletic complex that will include a baseball and softball field, a turf field for soccer and lacrosse, and an 8-lane track that will be ready in 2021. The demolition of the 6,700-seat ballpark and surface preparations for the new complex was funded by the City of Camden and Rutgers-Camden. Campbell’s Field was the second ballpark built in New Jersey, along with Riverfront Stadium, in Newark that was razed. Both facilities were constructed to spark renewal interest in an urban area but both stadiums failed to draw large enough crowds to spark such interest and Campbell’s (15 years) and Newark (16 years) saw limited time as professional ballparks. Food & Beverage 4 The Riversharks provide a lot of local flavors at the ballpark. The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory offers their famous Philly style pretzels. Chickie & Pete’s, a Jersey Shore tradition, offers a bucket of french fries with Old Bay seasoning for only $7-perfect for families and is the number one selling item during games. Turkey Hill ice cream, which is becoming available in parts of the country at Kroger supermarkets, is served along with another area delicacy, the cheesesteak. It should be mentioned that the cheesesteaks in Philadelphia and South Jersey differ from other locales across the nation. More options include burritos, churros, chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers and a Budweiser bar that features $1 beers on Tuesday nights. Atmosphere 3 If you are not enjoying your day at the ballpark, do not blame the Riversharks. They have made sure that your stay during the game is fun, friendly and safe. First, and foremost, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the outfield is the star of the ballpark. Its presence is looming, magnificent and one of a kind in professional baseball. It is hard to not stare at this massive bridge that stretches across the Delaware River or take a photo at the ballpark without a portion of it being in the background. It is one of the best outfield views in minor league baseball. The children’s area is another star attraction and if your kids do not enjoy baseball, perhaps they will enjoy the wall climb, bouncy slide, and jungle gym. The carousel on the third baseline and next to the funnel cake stand is another area for your kids to pass the time during the game. Also, when tickets to Monday games for kids are only $3, this might be the best way for your kid to release some energy. Adding to the ambiance is the official team store that features replica jerseys ranging from $20-$30, ball caps varieties and products for the kids. The ballpark features many attributes of ones built in its era with brick exterior and interior, green canopy and seating, and concourse layout. Visitors have to walk up stairs from the entrance to the main concourse, and there is one area that stands out among many other ballparks: South Jersey Baseball Hall of Fame. The small spot is packed with baseball nostalgia from jerseys, seats, photos and buckets of baseball rubbing mud that is harvested nearby in Palmyra, New Jersey. And with Major League All-Star Mike Trout being from the area, the hall of fame could grow in stature in the foreseeable future. Neighborhood 2 Camden, along with other cities such as Newark and Gary, are known as dangerous places to visit. However, one should never disdain traveling to a game at Campbell’s Field, since the ballpark is right off the highway and Philadelphia is located a few miles away. It is not recommended that you walk around the area to find places to eat or drink. However, the ballpark is located along the riverfront and shares a parking lot with the Adventure Aquarium and the outdoor amphitheater Susquehanna Bank Center. These two locations attract large audiences and have brought life back to the city. Also, located outside the ballpark is Victor’s Pub, which is a fast and easy way to enjoy a drink or bite to eat before the game. Philadelphia is only a quick drive over the bridge and once in the city, visit a few places I grew up visiting that include Yard’s Brewing Company, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Tony Luke’s, the best cheesesteaks in town, and Marabella’s Meatball Company. These are just a few of my favorite places, but the city offers endless possibilities of historical venues, museums and other places to wine and dine. Fans 2 There were not a lot of fans at the game that I attended and it was a head scratcher. The game night featured $1 hot dogs, churros, popcorn, sodas and beer and this should have been a slam dunk of night to get the locals out. Do not blame the Riversharks, they have created a great template for fans to venture out for a night of baseball Access 3 The ballpark shares a massive lot with the aquarium and amphitheatre and costs $5 – about $2-$3 more compared to other ballparks in the state. However, since the area outside of the ballpark is somewhat blithe, the price of parking is well worth the peace of mind when heading back out after the game. The ballpark is off of I-676 and easily accessible from the 1-295 and the turnpike in New Jersey. If coming from Philadelphia, cross the Ben Franklin Bridge off of I-95 and the ballpark is visible from the bridge. There is plenty of signage to aid the motorist, but if coming from Jersey, beware of your GPS. It has told motorists to cross the bridge into Philadelphia and that could provide headaches and cost you $5 in tolls. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices on game day are $13 and $14 for the two levels of grandstand seating between the third and first baselines. The family section tickets are a much better bargain at $5. Tickets for seniors and children in the 200 level are $9 and peanut free zone prices are $13. These prices are aligned reasonably with the rest of the Atlantic League, but I would have liked to have seen a $10 price point for at least one section in the ballpark. Extras 3 Campbell’s Field provides one of my favorite views in minor league baseball. The Ben Franklin Bridge is gorgeous to stare at and without, the ballpark would lose a lot of its aesthetics. The variety of food deserves an extra star and so does the kid’s zone, it is one of the best that I have seen in my travels. Final Thoughts It is still shocking that Campbell’s Field was knocked down after only 15 years of being home to professional baseball. The views of the Franklin Bridge were stunning and perhaps possessed one of the best views in baseball but it is a lesson to any municipality looking at spending millions of dollars into funding a ballpark. It has worked in other markets with similar inspirations but those inspirations never materialized and even though baseball will still be played on the same site, it is still sullen to think that a 6,000 plus modern ballpark once stood along the Delaware River.

Photos by Paul Swaney Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Appleton Arena Miner Street Rd Canton, NY 13617 St. Lawrence Saints men’s hockey website Appleton Arena website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 3,100 The Ski Lodge There’s so much wood surrounding you that you feel like you’re in a forest. Or perhaps the benches will make you think of church pews. For me, it feels more like a hockey arena was built inside a ski lodge. Whatever the image that the pine seating conjures, you surely can agree that this is some of the most unique seating in all of the sports, and those benches give Appleton Arena its character. Opened in 1951, the 3,000-seat arena is home to the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams for the St Lawrence University Saints. The school is located in Canton, New York, a little more than two hours north of Syracuse. The Saints have a long hockey history. They have been members of the ECAC since the conference was founded in 1961. The program has made nine appearances in the Frozen Four, including four consecutive appearances from 1959-1962. Their last Frozen Four appearance came in 2000, and they have not made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2007, which is also their last conference championship. Appleton Arena is unparalleled when it comes to beauty and uniqueness, but there is just something missing when you see a Saints hockey game here. Food & Beverage 3 There is poutine here. Is it good poutine? Not really, but I’ll take bad poutine over the typical arena nachos or pizza any day. Plus, it’s only $3, and well worth that. Outside of the poutine (Canton is only about an hour from Quebec after all), there aren’t any special or regional items, but the prices are less than most college hockey arenas. You’ll find hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos along with the usual assortment of arena snacks. Pepsi products are available and you can refill that large size later in the game. Hot beverages include coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and cappuccino. This may be something you may need as this arena is colder than most hockey venues. As is the case with most on-campus venues, no alcohol is served at Appleton Arena. Atmosphere 4 The acoustics are fantastic inside Appleton Arena due to the bending wood that makes up the ceiling, and the wooden bench seating surrounding the ice. The thing is, as beautiful as the arena is, it isn’t that intimidating because it just doesn’t have that collegiate feel that you hope to find with ECAC hockey. While it may not give you goosebumps, it certainly is a really good venue to watch the game. The student section is ill-defined with no real unity in cheers or the wearing of team colors, although they do pick up steam as the game goes on. The pep band consists of two students who have bass drums with them at the game. The students stand the entire game, but there just isn’t that magic that you see at other venues (see Clarkson and Cheel Arena ). There are two scoreboards in the arena. Both are located at either end behind the nets and the concourse. They are very basic with only the score, time, period, and power play information shown, There is a silver lining here though. With no center-hung scoreboard, the game presentation is very clean and focuses the attention of the fan on the on-ice action. The arena is small enough that any seat should provide you with a good view. The ushers don’t do a very good job of holding people out of the seating area while the puck is in play, so this may be a good arena to try and sit as close to the glass as possible, so you don’t have to endure knuckleheads getting up and down while you’re trying to enjoy the game. You’ll see banners hanging from the rafters commemorating the Frozen Four appearances, NCAA Tournament appearances, and conference championships. One final note, this arena is colder than most hockey arenas, so dress appropriately. Neighborhood 3 St Lawrence is located in Canton, New York. It’s a town of about 11,000 residents according to the most recent United States Census. There’s no doubt that it is a small town, but from the arena, you’re just a short drive away from some bars and restaurants that are certainly worthwhile to visit as part of your experience. St. Lawrence Brewing Company has four beers on tap year-round with a couple of rotating seasonal varieties. They serve food only on Fridays, so if you’re hungry you may want to look elsewhere, but breweries tend to be a great spot to strike up a conversation and get to know the area a little better. They also do tours of their operation on Friday nights from year-round-9 pm. There is a foosball table, darts, and checkerboard tables. They offer half a 7 pm9 pm of light and dark beers along with 24 shot glasses, in case you want to have a go at a game of beer checkers. The Blackbird Cafe is located in downtown Canton and focuses on local, organic, and pitcher24-shot ingredients. They have a quality beer selection, sandwiches, and dinner entrees, as well as serving Sunday brunch. If you’re in town for the weekend, then you’ll want to make a stop in here at some point. The American Theatre is across the street from the Blackbird Cafe and has five screens of current movies playing, including weekend matinee shows. Some of the theatres are very small, making for an intimate movie-going experience. If you’re willing to travel just a little further, then I would highly recommend 1844 House for dinner before the hockey game. They are located about halfway between Canton and Potsdam on US-11 (about a 10-12 minute drive from Appleton Arena). If you are seated between 4:30-5:30, then you can choose from the “Early Dining” menu and get an appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $20. The food is fantastic, and it is one of my favorite restaurants that I have encountered on my travels. Fans 3 The student section is rather hit or miss. I was surprised that this was the case as I saw a great turnout for the women’s basketball Liberty League championship game, which was held in Burkman Gymnasium earlier that afternoon. In general, the fans at a St Lawrence hockey game seem to be more casual about hockey, and it is disappointing to see how many of them don’t respect the hockey fan etiquette of not moving around while the puck is in play. It is not uncommon to see attendance in the triple digits in this arena with a capacity of 3,200. For the 2013-2014 season, the average attendance at Appleton Arena was just over 50% of capacity at 1,688 per game. Access 2 There is a parking lot right across the street from Appleton Arena, and it’s free of charge, so that’s the good news. The bad news is that if it is a big crowd, then there is not enough parking in that lot, and you’ll find cars parked down the street. This is not a huge inconvenience, however, and in the end, you’re not paying for parking which is certainly a good thing. The takeaway here is to make sure you arrive at the game at least 30 minutes before the puck drops to ensure you get a spot in the lot. Inside the arena, things get a little cramped, especially along the sides of the arena as the concourse devolves into a narrow hallway. It certainly can get a little crowded, especially in between periods. If you have ever been camping, you’ll recognize the smell of the men’s restroom at Appleton Arena, as it smells a lot like the latrine that you might find at a campsite. This is certainly an area where the school can make improvements to the overall experience. Return on Investment 5 It is an absolute bargain to see a game at Appleton Arena. Reserve seats are only $11, or you can get general admission for just $7. There are further discounts for seniors, and children aged 5-17 ($5). Children under five are free, as are all St Lawrence students and faculty with their ID cards. Even with an enrollment of only 2,100, this venue should be sold out every night. Add in the very reasonable concession prices and free parking, and this is one experience that is worth every penny you spend. Extras 3 The wood bench seating throughout the arena is unique and is worth an extra point. The St Lawrence women’s hockey team has been very successful in recent years, including four consecutive Frozen Four appearances from 2004-2007. Tickets for women’s hockey are an even better deal, with $4 being the most expensive seat. The women tend to be playing at home when the men are on the road, so there is almost always one of the two teams playing should you find yourself in Canton on a winter weekend. Finally, an extra point for the food and drink experiences in and around Canton. Whether it’s the poutine at Appleton Arena, a fantastic dinner at 1844 House before the game, or a growler of Skinny Dip IPA from St Lawrence Brewing Company, you’ll be sure to find many culinary delights as part of your experience of traveling to St Lawrence for a hockey game. Final Thoughts College hockey is growing in popularity but is still well out of the mainstream. This means that you can still get in on this growing sport and claim to be cutting-edge. A trip to the northern reaches of the state of New York to see St Lawrence and Clarkson hockey over a weekend is a great idea for sports fans. These may not be the best experiences in all of college hockey, but they are well worth your time and money.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Humphrey Coliseum 55 Coliseum Blvd Starkville, MS 39762 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Humphrey Coliseum website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 10,575 Welcome to The Hump Mississippi State basketball has been a successful program over the years with a final four appearance in 1996, three sweet sixteens, ten NCAA tournaments, ten SEC regular season crowns, and four SEC tournament championships. The Bulldogs play basketball at Humphrey Coliseum, a 10,575-capacity arena that opened in 1975. In 2023 it received a renovation that included adding a premium area, restrooms, concession stands, and an expanded concourse. Food & Beverage 4 Typical stadium fare includes cheeseburgers ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), hot dogs ($4.50), sausage ($6.50), pizza ($8), popcorn ($6), nachos ($5), pretzels ($5), chips ($3), and candy ($4). Smoked brisket and pork sandwiches ($10) are also sold. Chick-fil-A is sold at the arena provided you do not attend a game on Sunday. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider and drink options for sale include Dasani water ($4), bottled sodas ($4.50), Powerade ($4.50), and a souvenir cup ($6). Alcohol is sold at the arena with domestic beers including Bud, Miller, Michelob, and Coors ($9) or Cathead and White Claw seltzers ($10). The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at a Mississippi State Bulldogs game depends on how the Bulldogs are playing and who the opponent is. The entrance has been renovated and what was the lobby of the attached Mize Pavilion (the Bulldogs basketball practice facility) is now a Mississippi State basketball experience with a screen and a walkway that reveals the Coliseum seating bowl. The walls on the concourse are filled with images of Bulldogs' sports history, a “Welcome to Starkvegas” sign with basketballs, and “Hail State” slogans. When you walk the renovated concourse you know you are at a Bulldogs game. When you walk into the bowl and find your seat you notice there is a lot of maroon. The seats are maroon, the basketball banners are maroon, and the exterior of the basketball court is maroon. The baselines read “The Hump” and the midcourt features an outline of the state of Mississippi. The cheerleaders keep the fans engaged throughout the game and when the arena is packed it can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 If the dictionary had an image beside the phrase “college town”, the town of Starkville would be a great choice. That being said, Starkville still has a lot to offer, particularly in the Cotton District that is adjacent to MSU. Restaurants in the Cotton District include Two Brothers Smoked Meats, Bulldog Burger, Boardtown Pizza, and Bin 612. For those wanting to visit a bar check out Drifter’s, The Klassroom, or Mojo Maroons. The Cotton District attracts students and can get packed so for those looking to avoid the younger crowds can head downtown and check out places such as The Little Dewey for BBQ, The Camphouse for seafood, and the Central Station Grill. Hotel chains located in Starkville include Comfort Suites, Courtyard, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn. Fans 3 The fan support for the Bulldogs basketball team seems to be based on how the team is doing. The arena is packed when the team is doing well but when the team is on a slide the arena has a lot of empty seats. As mentioned before Starkville is a college town and most students move away to other cities when they graduate and become alums. Football and baseball seem to be higher priorities for Bulldog fans than basketball. Access 3 Starkville and Mississippi State University are not the easiest places to get to. It is roughly midway between Tupelo and Meridian with both cities being over an hour away while Columbus,  the closest decent-sized town, is half an hour away. Columbus has an airport that has flights coming from Atlanta-Hartsfield airport while the closest airport with multiple destinations is in Jackson, over an hour and a half away. If you are coming from Highway 82 Westbound, turn onto Old Highway 82 then turn left at George Perry Street. Make a right turn at Bailey Howell Drive and there will be paid parking lots on both sides. From Highway 82 Eastbound, take the offramp to Highway 389 and keep going until you reach Main Street. Main Street becomes University Drive and Barr Avenue. Take a left at George Perry Street and another left at Bailey Howell Drive to find the parking. From Highway 12 Northbound you will turn at the College View Drive exit and turn right before making an immediate left to Bailey Howell Drive. Paid parking will be $10-$15 depending on the lot but I was able to park by Dogwood Hall for free. Granted I attended a game on a Saturday when class was not in session. Once inside the arena, the concourse has been widened during the renovation, there are plenty of restrooms and concession stands spread out through the arena. Return on Investment 4 Non-conference game tickets start at $13 ($10 ticket, $3 fee) for upper-level seats behind the baseline and are $15 for upper-level sideline seats. SEC games vary based on the opponent and if it’s a weekday or Saturday game. Upper-level seats will range between $15-$25 for upper baseline and $20-$35 for sideline seats. If you pay $10 to park, snag $15 tickets, and have a cheeseburger and a beer you will spend $45 by yourself, $80 for a date, and around $150 for a family of four. Considering this is SEC basketball this is a great deal! Extras 4 The Lady Bulldogs team were back-to-back finalists in 2017 and 2018 in the Women’s tournament. Their banners hang in the rafters. They were most famous for ending UCONN’s 111-game win streak on a buzzer-beater in the 2017 Final Four. There are several banners including one recognizing the Men’s 1996 Final Four team as well as the other NCAA tournament appearances and SEC championships. Other banners recognize former head coach Babe McCarthy, the 58-year voice of the Bulldogs Jack Christl, and Bailey Howell who is considered to be the best player to come out of the MSU program. Bailey Howell’s team won the SEC in 1959 but neither the 1961 or 1962 teams that also won the SEC were able to go to the NCAA tournament due to the State of Mississippi not allowing its state schools to play integrated teams. In 1963, having earned a bid to the NCAA tournament, the then Maroons snuck out of Starkville in the middle of the night to board a plane in Memphis and flew to East Lansing, MI to play Loyola-Chicago, a team composed of mostly African-American players. When the Maroons flew back to Starkville having lost to Loyola they were met with applause and laws began to change eventually integrating the Mississippi State team. The schools met up in 2013 at Humphrey Coliseum to commemorate what is now called the “Game of Change”. Final Thoughts The Bulldogs have a nicely renovated arena to play their games in and the Bulldog faithful have the opportunity to make “The Hump” an intimidating place to play. A Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball game is a great time and an experience that you can have on a budget.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Fort Wayne Mad Ants website Allen County War Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 4,000 Don’t Get Mad at These Ants Before the arrival of the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants in 2007, its home venue, the Allen County Memorial War Coliseum had a history with the National Basketball Association dating back to when the building opened in 1952. When the arena debuted, it held 13,000 for the Ft. Wayne Pistons who would operate in the building for five seasons before relocating to Detroit, Michigan in 1957. The Pistons were founded in Ft. Wayne in 1941 by Fred Zollner who owned the Zollner Corporation, a foundry that manufactured pistons primarily for cars, trucks, and locomotive engines. The club were champions of the National Basketball League in 1944 and 1945 and captured three straight World Championships in 1944, 1945, and 1946. The Pistons joined the Basketball Association of America in 1948 before the league merged with the NBL and changed its name to the NBA in 1949. The Pistons were a popular draw in Ft. Wayne and were able to host the NBA All-Star Game in 1953 to a crowd of 10,000 plus. The team would qualify for the playoffs every season at the building and appeared in two NBA Finals in 1955 and 1956. However, the league was outgrowing its smaller markets and Zollner looked to a bigger market for his basketball club and he didn’t have to look too far to Detroit, only 162 miles northeast of Ft. Wayne. In 2007, the Mad Ants debuted at the building and have put up quite a bit of success of their earning two trips to the NBA G League Finals in 2014 and 2015 and winning it all during its first trip. They get their name from the city’s and the fort’s namesake General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. The Ants became affiliated with the Pacers before the 2017-2018 season and have developed some of the entertainment aspects from the parent club in Indianapolis. Food & Beverage 3 A few regular concession stands are closed for G League games, but the food court offering pizza slices and Chinese food is open for business on the upper concourse level that offers something a little different at your minor league sports venue. Pizza slices sell for $5.50 or a whole pie for $28, plus tempting steak hoagies and submarinos for $7.75, and fried ravioli for $6. It should be mentioned that the slices are well-portioned and fresh from the oven. Teriyaki bowls cost $7.50 for a regular and $9.50 for a large order. Patrons can pick their protein, vegetables, toppings, and sauces and watch while they are created right in front of them. Other take-out options include sesame beef, General Tso chicken, and vegetable lo mein for around $6.50 a dish. On the lower concourse outside of the seating bowl, the basic options of hot dogs, nachos, and soda pop are available. Atmosphere 3 The Mad Ants advertise themselves as the highest level of sports entertainment in the city; this is technically true and their brand of entertainment is definitely on par with its minor league counterparts Komets and TinCaps. The club does an admirable job of combining high-level basketball and keeping fans entertained throughout the game. The arena is shrunk considerably in comparison to a hockey game. Curtains are draped over the upper 600 level of the building and portions of the 200 level behind each basket to give a more intimate feeling for the game. This allows everyone to be close to the action on the court and within access to everything that takes place beyond the game. A children’s play area is located behind one of the baskets that cost $5 for kids to have a little fun and test their athletic skills. The Mad Ants Drummers are situated adjacent to the kids’ zone which provides a lot of noise and ambiance during the game. Behind the opposite basket is the Ant Colony seating where fans can enjoy all-inclusive food and beverage for $15 for groups of up to 100 people. The team employs the Mad Antz Dancerz who perform before the game and during breaks in the action. The official Mad Ant mascot also does his share of entertaining himself. He waves the team flag during opening ceremonies, shakes the hands of fans sitting in the Larry Bird Seats, and roams the stands. Neighborhood 3 The Coliseum is located near an abundance of chain restaurants, retail outlets, and berries lodging options. Depending on who you’re with a familiar restaurant might be just what you need for the night. Or you can drive towards town and check out a couple of classic venues – they have a history of over a hundred and fifty years. There are some great local area institutions both old and new that should be previewed when in town. First, Coney Island Ft. Wayne has been serving its unique chili soup and Coca-Cola from 8-ounce bottles for over 100 years. The interior has not changed that much since its opening in 1914 and the place is quite popular among the populace. Coneys are $1.50 and it now takes credit cards with a $5 minimum. Powers Burgers is a local institution and its decor has not changed at all in over 82 years it’s been in business. Their sliders come with grilled heavy onions and cost under $1. The small location only takes cash and has limited space but it’s worth a visit to any lover of the hamburger. A few new places that are vastly becoming popular are The Yummi Bunni and Junk Ditch Brewing Company. The Yummi Bunni serves homemade ice cream between two glazed donuts and the lines have been long since the place opened in November 2016. Junk Ditch Brewing Company opened in the town in 2015 and has a very impressive menu lineup along with its craft beer. Fans 3 The Ants draw nice crowds to games regularly at the Coliseum. They attract respectable crowds in a basketball-savvy state where many levels of the game are celebrated; their knowledge of the game should never be in question. Access 4 The 600-level concourse is closed off to customers and only the 200-level concourse is operational at basketball games. There are a series of ramps that provide access to different parts of the building. Almost all of the seats are near the court and close to the action. The seating arrangement on the court is among the best pricing options for pro or college basketball in the state. There is also the opportunity to watch a Pacers player suit up on assignment with the Mad Ants or even a former college or local high school star The Coliseum has gone through multiple renovations this century that has modernized it for greater access for all guests and patrons. These new features include escalators and elevators and provide access for fans to multiple areas of the arena. There is parking for 5,000 cars in the lot and it’s only a 1.5 half-mile drive from the I-69 exit or a 4-mile drive to downtown Ft. Wayne. Return on Investment 3 The price of a single-game ticket is $15 or $25 at the box office, parking is $5 per car, and the food options are varied and reasonably priced. The $15 price point is not a bad deal with how close you are to the action on the court and entertainment. Extras 3 The Mad Ants earn a point for the children’s play area behind the main court that provides kids with their athletic skills and has some fun during stoppage time in the game. The Mad Ant mascot earns a second point for his active pace entertaining fans during the game. The third point is for the Mad Antz Drummers that bang it out throughout the game, similar to what takes place at Indiana Fever games. A nice way to connect the two clubs in spirit and atmosphere. Final Thoughts The Mad Ants are doing an incredible job of providing both basketball and entertainment at all home games at the Coliseum. The fans are up close and personal from their seats to the play on the court. The drum section is loud, the kids are entertained, and the basketball takes center stage. It is a fun way to enjoy an evening or afternoon with friends or family. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Great American Ball Park 100 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Reds website Great American Ball Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 42,059 And This One Belongs To The Reds In 1881, the Cincinnati Red Stockings were a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890. This makes the Reds, as they were named in 1890, the oldest team in Major League Baseball. It is for this reason that baseball in Cincinnati is just a little bit different and a little bit more special. Opening Day for the Reds is unlike anything else in the majors and holds near holiday status in Cincinnati. Winning five World Series titles, the Reds have enjoyed their share of ups and downs. From the Big Red Machine to the 1919 Black Sox scandal. From Johnny Bench and Joey Votto to Pete Rose and Marge Schott. The history of baseball in America is nowhere near complete without a full chapter on the Reds. In 2006, Bob Castellini took over the Reds as the primary and current owner. Home for the Reds is Great American Ball Park; possibly the best corporate name for a ballpark in the country with Great American Insurance holding the naming rights until 2033. The Reds ballpark trajectory is similar to many other Major League teams with the venerable years of the Reds playing at Crosley Field. The seventies through the nineties sent the Reds to the regrettable circular, multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium, before returning to a baseball-specific stadium in 2003. Food & Beverage 4 The culinary experience at Great American Ball Park is solid. A healthy mix of ballpark expectations and Cincinnati staples is what one could expect at a Reds game. Chick-fil-A, Porkopolis, and Frybox are all spots that fans may want to check out. The local favorites are goetta, which can be found at several different locations, and the Skyline Chili concessions. Skyline Chili Coneys are among the most recognizable Reds concession selections. New for the GABP is Skyline Chili Nachos, which seem like they should have been around forever. 50 West Burgers have new options including the GABP Burger, which is a Goetta burger. Sections 144 and 428 feature the All You Can Eat Stands where fans can purchase a pass for unlimited soda, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and 5 hot dogs. The beer selection at GABP is among the best anywhere. The Reds Brewery District, by section 118, offers the largest selection of craft beers. Moerlein, Taft’s, and Mad Tree may be selections for the connoisseurs at the game. For a unique GABP experience, fans may wish to get tickets inside The Handlebar, which is the restaurant that can be found past centerfield, shaped like a riverboat. Atmosphere 5 Great American Ball Park is among the elite constructed ballparks in the league. The main entrance at home plate is at the northwest corner of the lot at the corner of Johnny Bench Way and Joe Nuxhall Way. The exterior differs from the retro classic parks that feature the now overused red brick and green seats. The main entrance features a clean, white iron and light brick look that is unique among its peers. However, the exterior of the building is nearly lost by the presence of the plethora of Reds bronze statues which are at the top of the league. Joining Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench are the “Reds Legends of Crosley Field” which feature four bronze statues interacting together. The battery of Joe Nuxhall and Ernie Lombardi are attempting to strike out Frank Robinson, while Ted Kluszewski watches on. Possibly the most iconic statue of the group, however, is the Pete Rose statue, which depicts Rose in his unique, head-first slide, pose, hair flowing in the wind. A bit of an engineering marvel, there seems to be no better way to show Rose. The interior of Great American Ball Park does not disappoint. The main concourse features a host of treasures for those fans looking for a bit of an adventure. Numerous nods back to the original Reds and those Reds teams who were champions can be found throughout the ballpark, including giant newspaper pages hung from the ceiling. Unique street names will help fans traverse the concourses. There are plenty of Reds markings around the concourses just in case fans can’t remember who plays at Great American. The seating bowl offers a huge variety of seating options on three main levels. A separation between the home plate and third base upper decks is known as “The Gap'' and offers a peek into the stadium from the outside. Beyond centerfield. The Handlebar is an indoor/outdoor restaurant fans may wish to purchase tickets and inhabit. With the Power Stacks in right centerfield, the illusion of the riverboat, a Cincinnati staple, is prominent and gives a local feel to the structure. The Power Stacks shoot fireworks during the national anthem and home runs and fire when a Reds pitcher strikes out an opponent. The massive videoboards in left-center and right-center are state of the art and offer more information than any baseball fan could desire. Reds history is honored with the achievements of the World Series teams of 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990 with pennants on the facia in left field. Behind the plate, the retired number of Jackie Robinson is joined by the numbers of Fred Hutchison, Johnny Bench, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Ted Kluszewski, Tony Perez, Sparky Anderson, Dave Concepcion, Barry Larkin, and Pete Rose. The numbers are joined by microphone discs for broadcasters Marty Brennaman, Joe Nuxhall, and Waite Hoyt. The gameday production at a Reds game is as good as any in Major League Baseball. The Reds use their fair share of pyrotechnics. The mascots, Mr. Red, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie, and Gapper can be found throughout the ballpark interacting with fans and posing for photo ops. Redzilla, a dune buggy that fires t-shirts into the crowd, zips around the diamond a couple of times during select games. The use of the organ is higher than many other ballparks, giving the Reds experience a bit of a classic feel at times. Neighborhood 5 Located in the Central Business District in Downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park is ideally situated to take advantage of the best the city has to offer. Just north of the Ohio River and east of the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Paycor Stadium, the GABP has several great options for food and drink within steps of the stadium. The area between the two stadiums is hopping! Moerlein Lager House, Yard House, The Filson Queen, Holy Grail, and Taste of Belgium are all very close. For fans looking for other sports in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Bengals are just to the west of GABP, and immediately to the east is Heritage Bank Center, home of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Just north in the OTR district is TQL Stadium, home of FC Cincinnati of MLS. The University of Cincinnati also hosts Bearcats football , basketball , and baseball amongst other sports. Xavier Musketeers basketball is also a popular option. For fans wanting a more cultured experience, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a must-visit as well as a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River. A walk around Smale Riverfront Park, in the area between the two stadiums, may also be of interest. For fans wanting to stay near the ballpark, the AC Hotel by Marriott looks right over first base. There are also several options north of the highway. Fans 3 The June 2023 resurgence of the Reds behind projected phenom Elly De La Cruz has produced a swelling at the turnstile for the Reds. At the time of writing, the Reds are averaging over 21,000 fans per game. This places them in 21st place in Major League Baseball. Previous years, where the Reds struggled in the standings, saw over 17,000 fans per game and ranked them 24th in the league in 2022. Cincinnati is a baseball town, but attendance has not been as inelastic as in other markets. However, if the Reds consistently put a contending team on the field and draw stronger crowds, the mark for fans will no doubt increase. Access 4 Getting to Great American Ball Park is not too difficult. It is nestled neatly between the sunken highway I-71 and the Ohio River, part of the Central Business District in Downtown Cincinnati. Parking north of I-71 might be the best idea as getting down past the highway will make congestion a little more of a reality. For fans coming from out of town, the proximity of Great American Ball Park to the major arteries is a plus. Interstate 75 can be found to the west and I-71 to the south with I-471 to the east. For fans wishing to take public transit, the light rail can be reached right outside of GABP as well as bus stops. Fans should consult the Go Metro website for fares, maps, and schedules. With security protocols for Major League Baseball constantly changing, Stadium Journey recommends consulting the Cincinnati Reds website for the most up-to-date security information including bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 The Cincinnati Reds are one of the most affordable experiences in Major League Baseball. As with most teams, ticket prices are becoming increasingly difficult to decipher as they change from game to game. Tickets can be found for $20 in the upper bowl and go up to around $125. A lower bowl ticket can be found for under $60 in the outfield area on the first and third base sides. The best value may be found in the 400 level on the third base side, which is equidistant to the 300 level on the opposite side but goes for $35 instead of $110. According to the 2022 Fan Cost Index, the Reds are far below the league average of $204 and end up in the bottom third at $157. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking can be found for $30 or less. The experience is solid and the gameday production, although not over the top, offers a good balance between a classic baseball feel and modern production. Extras 4 An extra mark for the history and longevity of the Cincinnati Reds, having been around since 1881, the oldest professional team in baseball. An extra mark for Opening Day in Cincinnati. Opening Day is akin to a holiday and there is no other franchise or city that places as strong an emphasis on Opening Day as Cincinnati does. Two extra marks for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Although it requires a separate ticket, which usually comes with an excellent souvenir, the Reds Hall of Fame is simply the best team-centric museum in all sports. Final Thoughts The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrated it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball. Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience. If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB. A Reds victory at GABP will have fans joining Reds legend Marty Brennaman proclaiming “And This One Belongs to the Reds.” ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 The Proving Grounds 725 Conshohocken Rd Conshohocken, PA 19428 Villanova Wildcats website The Proving Grounds website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 300 The Proving Grounds of Champions Although most people only know Villanova for its men’s basketball team, the school plays numerous other sports as well. One of the lesser-known teams is the field hockey program, which plays about five miles off campus at a facility at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The Proving Grounds is a multi-sport complex which includes a turf field that is home to the Wildcats’ field hockey program. Prior to the field opening in 2016, the Wildcats played their home games at Villanova Stadium , also home of the football program. However, playing a sport with such small crowds in a stadium so large was not ideal, nor was the bladed turf surface (unlike almost every other sport nowadays, field hockey still uses old-style, unbladed artificial turf as it helps the ball roll better.) Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at The Proving Grounds. However, a vending machine next to the bleachers sells water, Pepsi, Gatorade, and lemonade for the usual vending machine prices (typically between $2 and $2.50). Only coins, $1 bills, and $5 bills are accepted. If you pay with a $5, expect to receive a lot of quarters back as change. According to The Proving Grounds website, outside food and drink are not permitted, but this rule was not enforced when we visited. Atmosphere 2 As mentioned above, The Proving Grounds is a multi-sport complex which includes several athletic fields. The turf field that hosts Villanova field hockey has a very basic layout with a few rows of bleachers on one side of the field. All seats will have a great view of the action, but like at the vast majority of schools, field hockey simply isn’t a huge production here. You go for the game and that’s it. The PA announcer will announce goal scorers, cards, video reviews, etc. but sometimes won’t even do that. There is music played over the sound system pregame but it seems to be mostly sped-up remixes of well-known songs which is a little bit strange. As mentioned above, The Proving Grounds is a multi-sport complex which includes several athletic fields. The turf field that hosts Villanova field hockey has a very basic layout with a few rows of bleachers on one side of the field. All seats will have a great view of the action, but like at the vast majority of schools, field hockey simply isn’t a huge production here. You go for the game and that’s it. The PA announcer will announce goal scorers, cards, video reviews, etc. but sometimes won’t even do that. There is music played over the sound system pregame but it seems to be mostly sped-up remixes of well-known songs which is a little bit strange. Neighborhood 2 There is very little in the immediate vicinity of The Proving Grounds. A steel distributor is located across Conshohocken Road, and other corporate offices are nearby as well. If you head back to Ridge Pike, you will find several places to eat, although this is several miles away. Andy’s Diner and Pub is open 24 hours and there are several pizza places including Franzone’s and Tony Roni’s. Primo Hoagies is a regional chain that serves hoagies (or subs, or grinders, or whatever you call them in your region) on sesame seed buns. You will have to drive a bit to find something, but it’s all on the way to or from the highway anyway. Fans 4 Although The Proving Grounds is a pretty basic stadium, the Wildcats do draw decent crowds, at least considering what they are for field hockey at most places across the country. The team routinely draws 200-300 fans if not more, which may not seem like much, but it puts them in the Top 25 in the nation. Most of these are friends or family of the players or people with some other connection to the program, but you do get a good number of locals as well, especially families with young girls who play field hockey themselves and dream of someday playing collegiately. Given the small size of the bleachers, they are mostly full for a Wildcats home game and the fans can get quite into it. Although you don’t often think of field hockey as a major spectator sport, these things are all relative. Villanova field hockey will never draw anywhere near the same crowds as football or basketball, but now that they play in an appropriately-sized stadium rather than a cavernous football field, the crowds do feel pretty large. Access 3 The Proving Grounds is located a few miles off I-276. There are parking lots on each side of the stadium which will provide you with easy access. The lot on the north side is smaller and may fill up, especially if there are other events at the complex, but you should have no problem parking on the south side. There is a road connecting the two lots in case the one you go to first is full. Restrooms are available in a building in the north lot. Return on Investment 4 Like pretty much every college field hockey game in the country, admission is free. Note that there may be a charge for admission for Big East or NCAA Tournament games if Villanova hosts. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 The crowds here are worthy of an extra star, as despite not being elite at the sport, the Wildcats still have one of the highest attendances in the nation. Final Thoughts There are very few schools in the country that make a huge deal out of college field hockey, and Villanova is not one of them. If you make the trip to The Proving Grounds, you can expect to see a game and not much else. However, you will get to experience one of the top field hockey fan bases in the country. While those unfamiliar with the sport may not find this worthwhile, if you’re into field hockey and are in the area, you will definitely want to stop by The Proving Grounds for a Villanova game.

Photos by Paul Baker and James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 McCormick Field 30 Buchanan Pl Asheville, NC 28801 Asheville Tourists website McCormick Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,000 Beer City Baseball   Dr. Lewis McCormick Field is the third oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball. It has been the home of professional baseball in Asheville, NC since 1924. Named for the city bacteriologist who started the “Swat That Fly” campaign in 1905, McCormick is credited with successfully combating Asheville’s housefly problem.   While McCormick Field is celebrating its 100th season of play in 2024, the ballpark at the site is not the original. After the 1991 season, the original $200,000 wooden structure was torn down and replaced with the current concrete facility. The new ballpark was designed to look similar to the original.   In this era of teams rebranding at the drop of a hat, it’s refreshing to learn that Asheville’s pro baseball teams have been named the Tourists since 1915, with only a brief break as the Orioles in the 70s. The team has played in the South Atlantic League since 1976. In their lengthy history, the Tourists have won seven championships.   Fans may not realize that the Tourist moniker was not created in homage to the many visitors to the area. Back in the day, the writers covering the team noticed that none of the players were from the area. Thus, they were a bunch of “Tourists.”   Food & Beverage 4   Several concession stands are built into the exterior of McCormick Field’s grandstand. Fans looking for something besides the typical ballpark fare won’t be disappointed, as items such as sweet potato waffle fries, hot honey pimento cheese bites, and Nutella beignets dot the menus. The State Fair Experience stand deep-fries Oreos, moon pies, corn dogs, and almost everything on their menu. Sprinkled amongst all this deep-fried goodness are healthier options, including hummus and chips and grass-fed beef hot dogs. Portable carts line the exterior of the concourse, augmenting the menu with everything from cheesesteaks to taco bowls. Concessions are reasonably priced and can be packaged into combo meals to save a few more dollars.   Coca-Cola products are featured at McCormick Field. As you might expect in a stadium in “Beer City,” the craft beer scene here is amazing. Many of the city’s outstanding craft breweries are represented, including Hi-Wire, Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Wicked Weed, Foothills, French Broad River, Bell’s, and Highland Brewing. If craft beers aren’t your thing, national brands are available. With the quality and quantity of beer sold at McCormick Field, it’s a wonder more fans don’t just fall down the hill after the game.   Atmosphere 3   Much of the atmosphere in this quaint ballpark is provided by its setting, as the field is nestled right into the side of a mountain. It’s a backdrop begging for a more traditional game day presentation. The Tourists’ staff do accommodate with a simple, but effective show that hits all the expected notes without a lot of your typical minor league shenanigans.   The 36-foot wall in right field is covered in advertisements and topped by a simple scoreboard, which provides the line score, balls, strikes, and outs. There’s no fancy video board with computerized graphics and such here in Asheville. The sound system is solid and the PA announcer professionally gives game information.   The team employs a pair of mascots, Mr. Moon and Ted E. Tourist. They do their thing throughout the game, posing for photos and interacting with fans. Mr. Moon’s name is a nod to Asheville baseball history. In the late 1800s, even before the arrival of the original Tourists, the local nine were nicknamed the Moonshiners. When the team’s logo and uniforms were updated in 2010, Mr. Moon was created in their honor.   Neighborhood 4   McCormick Field is located in downtown Asheville, on the edge of the South Slope neighborhood. This part of the city is notable for its craft breweries. There are six breweries located within a four-block radius of the ballpark, with several more just a little bit further. Do yourself a favor get to the park early and walk around the neighborhood.   Asheville is known, of course, for the famous Biltmore Estate, the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. The Biltmore House spans 175,000 square feet and includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. If the fancy surroundings or the high price tags of the tour and the dining room are too much for you, you may wish to explore the Pinball Museum, which features over 70 classic pinball machines as well as arcade games, beer, and snacks.   While you will have to venture out into the city to find many of the city’s best lodging or dining options, Asheville’s neighborhoods are very walkable and there is something here for everyone. Explore Asheville  has a great deal of information about everything the city has to offer.   Fans 3   Asheville averaged over 2,700 fans per game in 2023, a slight increase from the year before and a slight decrease from the record-high figures the team enjoyed pre-pandemic. This figure places the Tourist in the middle of the South Atlantic League.   The Tourists are an institution in Asheville, with the team ingrained in the fabric of the community. Fans seem to be into the game to a great degree and are knowledgeable about the future Major Leaguers playing in town. You’ll see die-hard fans, casual fans, families, and groups at a Tourists game.   Access 3   Asheville is a city of about 94,000 residents located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The city is easy to reach if driving, as Interstates 40 and 26 meet within city limits. Asheville Regional Airport serves the region for fans flying into town.   The ballpark is located in a mixed business/retail/residential neighborhood a bit removed from the highways, so you’ll have to drive through the city to get here.   Ashville Rides Transit has several routes that stop near the ballpark.   This is where the good news ends. McCormick Field is built into one of Asheville’s many hills, about halfway up. This means that no matter where you park, you’re walking up a steep hill one way or the other. The entrance to the ballpark is located on the right-field side of the facility. After a quick security check, you’ll find yourself in the entry plaza, where the team store, offices, and concession stands are located.   The seating bowl stretches around from about first base to about third base, with party decks located beyond the seating area. All seats are blue plastic stadium seats with cupholders and decent legroom. There are good views of the field from all seats, even with the presence of netting throughout. A walkway runs the length of the seating area about a third of the way up. Be wary of the lack of railings on the stairways here, especially if you’ve been pregaming at one (or more) of the great breweries downtown.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Tourists games start at $11 for general admission, with prices increasing to a maximum of $19 for Press Row Tickets. Seniors and members of the Military receive a one-dollar discount, with children receiving a two-dollar discount.   Parking is free in the small lot up the hill from the ballpark (yes, you have to go uphill in both directions from McCormick Field). There are only 50 spots in this lot, so get to the ballpark early. Other free lots a short distance from McCormick Field are free as well, and there is on-street parking in the neighborhood.   Concession prices are reasonable, and there are bargains to be found during theme nights and by purchasing combo meals.   Extras 4   A scene from the classic baseball movie Bull Durham was filmed at McCormick Field. The team pays homage to the movie with the “Crash’s Kitchen” concession stand, complete with a photo of Crash Davis on the wall. Eagle-eyed fans may spot a mural that appeared briefly in the movie on the third-base locker room building’s wall.   Championship flags fly along the first base side of the ballpark, and a listing of every Tourist player to reach the Major Leagues is posted on the concourse.   For a few years in the 1950s, there was no baseball being played at McCormick Field. No problem, the owners turned the ballpark into a racetrack. A NASCAR Grand National race was even held here in 1958.   Final Thoughts   The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an underrated summer destination. Of course, baseball is an integral part of any proper summer road trip. While exploring the mansions and breweries of this fine city, make sure to stop in at McCormick Field, a ballpark that manages to be old and new at the same time.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey When then Pearl, Mississippi Mayor Jimmy Foster lured the Greenville Braves to town at the end of the 2004 minor league baseball season, he wanted baseball to last in the Jackson metro area for at least the next 20 years. His vision has been achieved, because on September 3, 2024, the Mississippi Braves will begin their final homestand at Trustmark Park, marking exactly 20 years that baseball has been played here – no more and no less. At the beginning of the 2024 season, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves  would move the double-A club from Greenville to Columbus, GA beginning in 2025. With teams now in Augusta , Rome , Columbus, and Gwinnett , the Braves will have three of their four minor league affiliates in Georgia next season. Unfortunately, the Jackson, MS area is no stranger to losing minor league teams – in 1999 the Jackson Generals, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros , packed their bags and moved to Round Rock and then Corpus Christi , the latter where they remain to this day. The Generals played closer to downtown at Smith-Wills Stadium, which was also home to the Jackson Mets from 1975-1990, until becoming the Generals in 1991 and playing here until 1999. Many residents were disgruntled at losing their team in 1999, so when baseball returned in 2005 it was initially a big success. This area of the country is part of " Braves  Country", so when the opportunity to get a Braves-affiliated team presented itself, city officials raised enough money to build the $28 million, 8,840-seat, state-of-the-art stadium. At the time there wasn't much in Pearl – the sleepy town of 20,000 was mostly residential, but as more and more people moved out of Jackson the suburbs continued to grow. In 20 years, this exit off Interstate 20 has grown to include multiple restaurants, hotels, an outlet mall, Bass Pro Shop, and of course Trustmark Park. At first, the M-Braves were a big draw for the area, but attendance waned in recent years, and not even the chance to see some of baseball's top prospects in Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, Michael Harris, and Spencer Strider could bring fans to games. In fact, in 2023 the Mississippi Braves ranked 29th out of 30 Double A teams in attendance. The biggest question is what will happen to Trustmark Park once the Braves move? Besides the M-Braves, the facility gets plenty of usage throughout the year – the ballpark's biggest game every year is the Governor's Cup, when Mississippi State  plays Ole Miss , and Southern Miss  usually plays a game or two here every year as well. These games are big draws for the stadium and usually sell out. The Mississippi high school baseball state championships are also played here every year, and D3 baseball's Belhaven University has also used the stadium for their home games since 2023. The venue even served as a concert space in the summer of 2024 when Miranda Lambert performed there. The ballpark has aged well in the past 20 years, and, other than maybe a new paint job on the rails, you'd have a hard time telling it's 20 years old. There have been some rumblings recently that a new independent or summer collegiate league team will move into Trustmark Park, but that remains to be seen – if people couldn't support the Mississippi Braves, what's to say they will support the new team either? But regardless of what happens to Trustmark Park in 2025, it just won't be the same as coming to a Mississippi Braves game. The Braves signage around the park will no longer be here next year, and any traces of the past will be long gone, such as the Braves Wall of Fame on the third base concourse, which features names like Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann. Also gone will be the giant mural of Braves manager Brian Snitker, the first M-Braves manager. The Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance, as well as the Braves logo on the huge video board in center field, will also no longer be there after this season. The final home game in franchise history at Trustmark Park will be against the Tennessee Smokies  on Sunday, September 8.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 FedExForum 191 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103 Memphis Tigers website FedExForum website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 18,400 The Tigers Are A Pouncin’ The Memphis Tigers play their basketball games seven miles away from their campus at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis. More famous for being the home of the NBA’s Grizzlies , FedExForum has been the home of Memphis basketball since 2004. There is a proud tradition with the Tigers program as they have made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances that have not been vacated, including an appearance in the NCAA Championship Game in 1973. They have retired the jerseys of nine players, including #25 Penny Hardaway who is now the head coach of the program. Food & Beverage 4 The good news is that the FedExForum has a lot of concession options due to the fact that it is an NBA arena. The bad news is that those concessions will cost you NBA concession prices. Standard fare includes nachos ($7), pretzels ($6), candy ($4), peanuts ($4), and bottomless popcorn ($8). Soft drinks are Pepsi branded with options including bottled drinks ($4.50) and souvenir cups ($9). Combos include a Grind City burger combo ($17), Memphis Hot Chicken ($16), and Memphis Sausage ($15). Vendors selling food in FedExForum include Rendezvous for BBQ, Delta Grill for Burgers, and Fowline Pizza. Alcohol is sold throughout the arena with options including wine ($10), cocktails ($13), beer ($12.50), and seltzers ($13.50). FedExForum is a cashless venue. Atmosphere 4 The concourse of FedExForum is mostly decorated for the Grizzlies, not the Tigers. The only thing I saw that was specifically for the Tigers was a makeshift “Tiger Bookstore” souvenir stand. Once inside the seating bowl, the Memphis Tigers court has the logo with a tiger scratch in the background. The band and the student section sit behind one of the baskets.  The cheerleaders and dance team also keep the atmosphere of the arena up during the game. Pouncer the Tiger walks all around FedExForum entertaining the crowd as well. Neighborhood 5 FedEx Forum is located on Beale Street which is one of the main tourist attractions in Memphis. Beale Street is famous for its Blues clubs and restaurants. Some of the dining options on Beale Street include B.B. King’s, Blues City Cafe, and Wet Willie’s, all of which have live music. There are also several bars on Beale Street if you want a drink. Lodging options near Beale Street include the Westin, Hampton Inn, and a Hyatt Centric. If you stay near Beale Street you won’t need your car once you get to your hotel. Fans 4 The fans of the Memphis Tigers are very passionate about their team and travel well. It is a tall task to get FedExForum to be an intimidating atmosphere, yet the Tigers fans do a great job. The student section do a great job of keeping the energy up during the game. The energy that the students give spreads throughout the rest of the arena. The band, cheerleaders, spirit squad, and Pouncer also do their part to get the fans going. If the fans get going, FedExForum can be an intimidating place to play. Access 3 FedExForum is located on Beale Street. Safe parking nearby in a parking garage is going to run $30. Parking garages further away will cost you less. It is possible to score street parking but do that at your own risk. I parked on a nearby street for free and walked to FedExForum but I also attended a game on a Sunday afternoon.  Once inside, the arena is easy to navigate through with plenty of concession stands and restrooms. The seats are all chair backs and have plenty of legroom. Return on Investment 3 Memphis Tigers basketball has variable pricing for games. Tickets start at $10 for upper level seats and go up to $150 depending on the seat, opponent, and date. If you buy a $20 ticket, park for another $20, and get some food, you are paying over $50 for a program in the American Athletic Conference. Extras 5 FedExForum hosted one of the few 1 vs 2 matchups in college basketball history when the Tennessee Volunteers came to play the Memphis Tigers in 2008. The venue hosted the C-USA tournament from 2005 to 2009 and hosted the American Athletic Conference tournament in 2014 and 2019. It hosted the NCAA tournament four times, last time in 2024. The venue has banners showing the successes of the basketball program. There are also banners of all nine of the retired jerseys for the Memphis Tigers basketball program Final Thoughts FedExForum is a great basketball venue as the Grizzlies can attest to. When the Tigers program is doing well it can also be an intimidating college basketball venue.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hartsell Arena College Blvd Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola State College Pirates website Hartsell Arena website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 1,000 JUCO B-ball in Pensacola Pensacola State College opened its doors in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College, the first college of any kind in the Pensacola area. PSC is the largest college in west Florida with 36,000 students. In 2010 the college began operating as a four-year university and began offering bachelor’s degrees. To reflect these changes it changed its name to Pensacola State College. However, even though PSC is now a four-year university, its athletic programs still compete at the JUCO level. Pensacola State currently fields five sports and competes in the NJCAA Panhandle Conference, which includes four other schools in the panhandle area of Florida (Northwest Florida State College, Chipola College, Tallahassee CC, and Gulf Coast State College). The Pirates have won 16 Panhandle Conference Titles and 5 Florida State titles, but perhaps the Pirates greatest feat happened during the 1992-93 season, when the Pirates claimed their first and only NJCAA National Championship. The Pirates were coached during this time period by current UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin, who led PSC to a 123-35 record during his five years at the school and claimed NJCAA National Coach of the Year honors for the 1992-93 season. Hartsell Arena was renovated in 1988 with the addition of the Lou Ross Center. Named after the first basketball coach at PSC, the building includes the athletic department offices, PSC Athletics Hall of Fame, ticket office, and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. The arena originally opened when the college opened, but it wasn’t much until the addition of the Ross Center in 1988. The arena was renovated again in 2005 after Hurricane Ivan caused extensive damage to the college the year before, and in 2007 the venue was officially renamed Hartsell Arena, named after former school president Ed Hartsell. Notable members of the Hall of Fame include former Miami Heat center and 2-time NBA Champion Joel Anthony, current Vice President of the Utah Jazz Dennis Lindsey, former San Francisco Giant infielder Greg Litton, and professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very small stand located on the concourse to the left as soon as you walk into the building. The options are limited to hamburgers ($4), nachos ($3), hot dogs ($2.50), and chips and candy ($2), with Coke being the soft drink provider selling 20oz bottles for $2. Overall the prices are reasonable but the options are extremely limited, so my recommendation would be to get something at one of the Pensacola area restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The arena is located on the west side of the Lou Ross Center, with one main entrance on the south side of the building. As soon as you walk in the door there is a hallway that serves as the makeshift concourse. The beautiful and spacious concourse is a pretty nice set up with carpeted floors and the concession stands to the left, plus the PSC Athletics Hall of Fame with myriad trophies the school has won over the years. The most noticeable thing you notice when entering the court is the ceiling – the arch shaped ceiling is unique and definitely makes the place stand out. The whole court is also lit up really well with the court facing north and south, with two main entrances onto the court. Seats on the east side of the building extend 6 rows, and they are actually pretty comfortable chair back seats with cup holders that extend from one end of the court to the other. On the west side of the building there are 12 rows of bleacher-style seats that also extend from all the way along the sideline. Also, covering the walls of the building are all the men’s and women’s championship banners, including the 1993 JUCO National Championship banner located on the east wall of the building, and the trophy located in the trophy case in the hallway where you walked in. The atmosphere on both sides is pretty relaxed, and there are local high school cheerleading squads that perform during halftime. But other than that there isn’t much in terms of entertainment; there isn’t even music played during timeouts, although the PA announcer does a good job of trying to pump up the crowd. Pensacola State Banners, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The campus is located in a fairly busy area of Pensacola. Directly across the street to the west lies the gigantic Sacred Heart Hospital, and directly across the street to the east lies Pensacola International Airport. Directly across the street to the south lies Cordova Mall, the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida, with chain stores including Dick’s, Best Buy, Dillard’s, and Belk, and you can also find just about any typical mall store inside. In addition, outside the mall in the parking lot you can find all kinds of restaurants such as Panera Bread, Red Robin, Twin Peaks, Chick-fil-A, Zoes Kitchen, Steak ‘n Shake, Chili’s, Newk’s, and Firehouse Subs. A restaurant I recommend in the Cordova Mall parking lot is BJ’s Brewhouse – BJ’s is a typical bar food set up that brews its own beer inside the restaurant and has over 60 beers on tap. The Tuscan Oven Pizzeria across the street is a pretty popular pizza place as well. In addition to the mall, if you go down the main road (9th Street) you can find every typical chain restaurant found in most decent sized cities. There is a movie theatre and a bowling alley located across the street as well, but if you want to experience Pensacola’s nightlife at its best then take a 15-minute drive south to Seville Quarter or Palafox Street. Seville Quarter, which is modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter, has many different bars and restaurants and is Pensacola’s main nightlife spot. In addition, Palafox Street has hundreds of different bars and restaurants; downtown Pensacola is a really pretty and popular downtown spot and I definitely recommend making a trip down there if you are in town. Fans 2 For this level of basketball there isn’t going to be more than a couple hundred fans in attendance on any particular night, and because of this fans are pretty reserved for the most part, but there are often a lot of visiting fans in attendance because of the close proximity of many of the schools in the conference. There is a small student section taking up the whole of the southwest grandstands, but most of them are playing on their phones. But for the most part many of the fans seem to be either friends or family members of the players, or visiting fans from out of town. Also, because there is not any music being played in the arena, it definitely takes away from the fan engagement. Access 3 Depending on which way you are coming to PSC determines whether the access is convenient or not. The campus is located on the northeast side of the city just south of I-10, so if coming from the east or west, I-10 will be your best bet. Just take Davis Highway, which is one of the main highways in Pensacola, and the campus is located a couple of blocks east of the road. Things can be a bit more difficult if coming from the downtown area, as traffic can be terrible depending on what time of day it is – from there just take I-110 to the Brent Lane exit and the campus is located just off 9th Street; though the campus is only about 8 miles from downtown, with traffic taken into consideration the drive could be a lot longer. Luckily the bulk of the weeknight games tipoff at 7:30 pm. which allows for plenty of time for traffic to die down. If flying in from out of town, the campus is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport – you could fly into Pensacola and walk across the street and you’ll be there is less than 5 minutes. PSC is mostly a commuter school, however, so although 36,000 students are enrolled, it doesn’t mean the campus is so large that it’s difficult to find your way around. There is also a lot of construction going on around campus right now, so certain roads and some parking lots tend to be blocked off. However, Hartsell Arena is located in the center of campus, so it is not hard to find and there is plenty of parking near the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are five bucks which allows you to sit anywhere in the arena, and they allow re-entry so you can come and go. The concessions are cheap and parking is not a hassle at all, so I consider this a good return on investment. Games are pretty short on the JUCO level, rarely exceeding an hour and a half total, so you won’t be in the building long before the game is over. Extras 2 The Lou Ross Center, the building that houses the basketball arena, is a favorite stop for presidential candidates who use the venue for their campaign stops in Pensacola. Bob Dole, Dick Cheney, and John McCain have all used the Lou Ross Center during their presidential bids. The building is also a beautiful structure and has been completely redone following Hurricane Ivan’s damage in 2004. Final Thoughts Hartsell Arena is actually a pretty nice building for this level of college basketball. Its low-arched ceilings, comfortable chair back seats, and well-lit interior make for a very pleasant place to watch a basketball game. I don’t recommend going out of your way, but if you are in the area and want to catch a quick college basketball game then check out Pensacola State College.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium JouCrney Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stade Roland Garros 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett Paris, France 75016 French Open website Stade Roland Garros website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 28,708 Allez Roland Garros! Bonjour! Roland Garros, also commonly referred to as The French Open, is the second Grand Slam of the tennis calendar year, held during the last week in May and continuing a week into June. It is preceded by the Australian Open in January, and succeeded by Wimbledon just two weeks after the completion of the French, and the final Slam of the year, the US Open in September. The Roland Garros venue features three large individually ticketed stadiums: Court Phillipe Chatrier which holds 15,059, Court Suzanne Lenglen with a capacity of 10,076, and Court 1 or The Bull Ring, with seating for 3,805. Of the four Grand Slams, Roland Garros was the third to be established: Wimbledon in 1877, The US Open in 1881, Roland Garros in 1891, and The Australian Open in 1905. Roland Garros began as The French Open because it was initially reserved only for play of those French players. The tournament officially renamed to Roland Garros and was opened up to players of all nationalities in 1925. The tournament bears the name Roland Garros as a memorial to the French aviator who was shot down in aerial combat in October 1918 at age 30. The current site where the tournament stands today was first built in 1928 to host an important Davis Cup match where the famous French Four Musketeers could handle the large crowds that were expected. Later, only after the previous sites of the tournament outgrew their land, did it relocate to the stadium built for the Davis Cup as it stands at Porte d�Auteuil. The deal set by the Stade Fran�ais was that the seven acres of land would be donated on the condition that it would be named after Roland Garros. In 1928, only five courts stood on this land. Most notably was the small stadium, Centre Court, which would eventually evolve and upgrade to what we see today as Court Phillipe Chatrier. Not until 1975 did the tournament begin to really see growth. As a very small portion of land was acquired, four additional courts were built, and Centre Court underwent its first renovations as offices were added. In 1979, the grounds saw its most noticeable expansions as roughly $6.4 million was invested to enlarge the grandstand around Centre Court, construct Court 1 which would hold a capacity of 4,500 at the time, the construction of three covered underground courts, and expanded to fill 10 acres. In 1984, the venue underwent its second sizable renovation and expansion, with costs estimated around $10.3 million to upgrade player facilities, and build a sound barrier bordering the Avenue de la Porte d�Auteuil. This included the addition of four acres given to the French Federation of Tennis (FFT) by the City of Paris where six new courts would be constructed, and spectator areas around outer courts were improved. By the end of this phase in 1986, the venue consisted of 15 acres and 19 courts. Since 1991 there have been renovations to keep the tournament at the forefront of major tennis tournaments. During that time period, the venue has expanded to 20 courts on about 21 acres, and has upgraded nearly everything along the way including the additions of Susanne Lenglen Court, the small stadiums, Courts 2 and 3. The cost of modernization to the grounds over that time period has totaled nearly $158 million. During the 2013 event, the FFT announced its largest continued modernization plans, which will aim to provide solutions to the biggest problems, identified by the FFT, most notably, adding a retractable roof to Court Phillipe Chatrier to ensure continuous play during inclement weather. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage selection at Roland Garros is very interesting and probably not what most would expect. The most common areas to fill up on food and drinks are the concession stands located all over the grounds, which feature only one similar American stadium type treat, which is the hot dog. Options at the concession stand include: hot dog, dessert, and can of pop for $13.75, ham and cheese sandwich, dessert, and can of pop for $13, and for an additional $7 one can add a salad or an additional hot dog and chips. Believe it or not, this is the most affordable way to eat while at the tournament. In addition to the typical concession stands, there are a number of other specialty concessions and carts around the grounds with a selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, coffee, waffles, and one in particular featuring Haagen Dazs ice cream. Additionally, there is a small self-service grocery called L'Epicerie located on the south esplanade of Court Suzanne Lenglen. My biggest food recommendation is the macaron variety pack, pricey, but very tasty! For the more upscale dining experience at Roland Garros, be sure to visit La Brasserie overlooking outer court number 11 and near Gate W. This Mediterranean themed area features three different distinct experiences. The first part is the bar and lounge called The Macarons & Cocktails Bar which is the only public spot inside the grounds where alcohol can be purchased. While this may sound blasphemous as a spots traveler, it's my recommendation to stay away from the beer offered and instead try some of the wine available; after all, it is France! Drinks are definitely pricey and will range from $12-$20. The next part of this area is Le Buffet, but don't be fooled, this is no typical American buffet, everything is a la carte! If you're extra hungry and still want to try the buffet, be sure to load up on the rolls as they're pretty cheap and still filling. If nothing is found appealing in the buffet area either go back the next day as the menu changes daily, or head just next door to the last part of La Brasserie. This part is a sit down gourmet restaurant with waiters and a menu. Obviously, this is the most expensive area on the grounds to eat, but is also the nicest. Overall, the food and beverage selection is a bit disappointing when compared to other events of this magnitude. Atmosphere 5 One of the things that Roland Garros does exceptionally well is creating a wonderful atmosphere. Upon entering the gates, one will consistently be reminded of where they are by the Roland Garros logos and vibrant color scheme apparent all over the grounds and buildings. Retail vendors are out in the walkways yelling and singing as boisterous Parisians. Each day there are different types of entertainment typically found near the Place des Mousquetaires ranging from local musical acts to street performers. In general, the Place des Mousquetaires is certainly a must visit area inside the grounds at the tournament. In addition to being a great place to soak up some of the history of the tournament and the great players of French past, it's also a wonderful area for fans that are interested in watching matches on the video board in which their ticket may not allow them to enjoy firsthand. Similarly to the video boards on the facade of Court Suzanne Lenglen, large groups of people will congregate to gaze at exciting matches, particularly when a French player is involved. Scoreboards, ad displays, and PA announcers inside and around the grounds are all done beautifully and without obstruction. When looking at the seating, while the legroom and absence of cup holders is noticeable to American sports fans, this is not an uncommon practice in European sports or tennis events in general. Neighborhood 4 There's a wonderful little bar and restaurant district just a safe ten minute walk from Gate W. Once exiting the tournament grounds via Gate W, take a right heading East on the Avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil following the crowds which will typically head that direction for post-match indulgences, or for the Metro station. The desired area is called the Place de la Porte d'Auteuil where there are a number of bars and restaurants of all kinds. TSE is an interesting trendy and upscale French take on traditional Thai food. The cuisine is excellent, but is very pricey for small portions. This is a great choice when you're ready to relax after a long day at the tournament and you're looking for a light meal. If a traditional French experience is desired, the Le Beaujolais d'Auteuil is highly recommended. Be sure to request a seat on the patio if it's a nice evening for some of the best people watching in the world. While these are my top two recommendations, there are a dozen great choices within the Place de la Porte d'Auteuil. As with any restaurant you experience during your stay in Paris, it is recommended that you request an English version of the menu as most restaurants do keep these on hand. Lastly, don't be surprised to really shell out the money for dining experiences, especially if you want a drink or two with your meal, as that's really what gouges you. When looking at lodging options, keep in mind that Parisian hotel rooms are very small and typically pretty expensive. If you are content with going that route, there are tons of options all over Paris with convenient access to the tournament from all over the city. The option that I strongly recommend for the more adventurous traveler is to rent an apartment or house depending on the number of travelers accompanying you. In almost every case you'll be able to save a substantial amount of money and get more space by renting as opposed to staying in a hotel. A great resource to keep in mind is a website called Home Away . Paris has some of the most well-known tourist attractions in the world, but there is a ton to see. Be sure to leave a few days to see the sights outside of days planned at the tournament. Attractions that I absolutely recommend include: visiting the Eiffel Tower and views from the Trocadero, visiting the Arc de Triomphe and walking the shops along the Champs de Elysee leading to it, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, riding a boat tour down the Seine River, visiting the Sacre Coeur Cathedral and walking through the accompanying artisan square, visiting the Louvre and nearby gardens, and countless other museums, gardens, shops, and beautiful architecture. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best fans in the world. Although there are different types of tennis fans, all appreciate and respect the basic rules of being present at live tennis matches. Each sport has times where the crowd is expected to get especially loud or especially quiet. Tennis is unique in that most of the time the crowd is expected to be silent, however, there are exceptions to this rule when there has been a great point played or when there is a native player playing in front of their home crowd. The French crowds take this instance to a much higher level than at most other events. While the US Open crowds have done their best to improve in this aspect in support of their native players, it's nothing in comparison to the French supporters. While I have a tough time understanding French, there is one distinct word that you're forced to learn no matter what language you speak-"Allez!" The French fans have turned a simple word with an English translation of "Go Ahead," into an interjection at any stop in play to will on a player. This phenomenon has gotten so out of hand that it's common that the player on the opposing side of the chants will go on to complain about the French fans' enthusiasm in post-match press conferences. It's also common that while watching matches on TV that one will hear the chants in the background. Access 4 While the access getting to the tournament itself may sound daunting at first, especially for those who may not be very familiar with the French language, don't stress too much, we are here to help. First off, the best airport option when flying into Paris is Charles de Gaulle. The airport is a bit dated and confusing, but it's important that you follow the signs very carefully depending on your next mode of transport. The most inexpensive mode of transport from the airport is by far the Metro system (the underground/above ground subway/train system). If traveling by the Metro, proceed to the airport tram, which will transport you to the RER B line, which is the direct train into the heart of Paris. The one-way ticket into the city will cost approximately $12. From there you will transfer trains depending on where exactly you're headed from the airport. Keep in mind that when purchasing train tickets with an American credit card, you will need to skip the automatic ticket machines and proceed to the ticket window where a representative will assist you (they speak English). If heading to the tournament directly you will exit the RER B train at the St Michel Notre Dame stop, transfer by foot to the Cluny La Sorbonne, and ride line 10 to the Porte d'Auteuil stop. Once above ground it will be easy to follow the crowds or Official Roland Garros logoed footprints on the sidewalks to the front gates. It is important to consult and print the Paris Metro Maps before heading the tournament. If you're interested in other modes of transport to and from the tournament, below is the pertinent info: Car Parking Getting to Roland Garros Once inside the tournament grounds, you will surely feel right at home. Despite there being large crowds that will inevitably form between big matches in the walkways and restrooms, the walkways are large and spacious, and restrooms are clean. For stadium accessibility, handicap guide, first aid, emergency, boutiques, and restaurants, consult the Around the Grounds. One of the many great things about Roland Garros that isn't often found is the cloakroom that is in three different locations around the outside of the venue. The cloakrooms are storage areas that will accept the items that you didn't mean to bring that aren't allowed in. The cloakroom is willing to accept bags as large as an airplane carry on. One last thing to keep in mind about the access to the tournament is the e-ticket system that the tournament utilizes. In an effort to cut down on the amount of black market ticket sales, tickets are reserved using a name at the time of purchase. While the tickets can be transferred to different people in advance, this is a very secure ticketing system. The biggest drawback is the conversion system that takes place at the gate. Each e-ticket needs to be confirmed by the tournament staff by scanning the printed e-ticket, verifying ownership by checking the registered name against your passport (a passport or laminated copy is the only accepted form of ID), and then converting the e-ticket to the entry pass, which is then printed on the spot before entering. Clearly, this process slows the entry procedure, so it's recommended that you plan an extra 15-30 minutes when traveling to the tournament grounds, and absolutely, do not forget your passport or laminated copy. Return on Investment 4 Overall, the return on investment at Roland Garros is good, but not great. When taking into consideration ticket prices, concessions, and souvenirs against the experience, each category is slightly on the expensive side. It's to be expected that an international event such as this would be slightly overpriced, but that doesn't change the fact that it isn't quite worth the total expense. Individual tickets for the 2013 event ranged from $30 to $200 during the two-week period. As the tournament progresses into the later rounds the tickets obviously increase in price. Additionally, separate tickets are sold for each of the three match courts (Court Phillipe Chatrier, Court Suzanne Lenglen, and Court 1), as well as general admission grounds passes, also known as annexes, which only allow access into the grounds and first come first serve seating for courts 2 through 18. Court Phillipe Chatrier gets the highest ranked players, followed by Court Suzanne Lenglen, followed by Court 1, thus making these the most expensive ticket choices. These are my recommendations over the grounds passes due to the large number of grounds passes sold and the limited space available. Please note that the prices listed above are face value and are typically only purchased for those prices well in advance and through the Official Roland Garros Ticket Distribution . If you are planning your trip to Roland Garros a little later and the opportunity to buy tickets through the tournament directly has passed, I recommend getting tickets through Vivid Seats . Extras 5 Roland Garros fully deserves full marks when it comes to extras as the tournament goes above and beyond to satisfy international tennis fans. Let's start with the RG lab featuring free access to the Babolab, where the Official Stringers are located, a special History of Lacoste exhibit, and games and activities for kids. Just as the city of Paris has unbelievable architecture, the tournament has found a way to stay up to date while keeping its beautiful historical feel. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The French Open: Visit the Place des Mousquetaires to see the statues Watch a match in as many outer courts as possible for different experiences and atmospheres Get drinks and a meal at La Brasserie above court 11 Watch a match on the big video boards just outside of Court Suzanne Lenglen Shop and visit the boutiques and exhibits, especially the RG Lab Things to keep in mind when attending The French Open: Pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves, long pants, and small retractable umbrella since the weather varies (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Overall, Roland Garros is a pricey endeavor. However, for a sports fan, it's certainly one of the best experiences in the world. Planning this trip is not to be taken lightly as it can be a little tricky with the language barrier and the hiccups along the way, but if you take some of our recommendations, you'll be well on your way to a wonderful trip. Au revoir!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Goggin Ice Center 610 S Oak St. Oxford, OH 45056 Miami RedHawks men’s hockey website Goggin Ice Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 3,642 Hockey is Good at the Goggin Ice Center Tucked away on a small campus in Southeastern Ohio is Miami University which is home to a picturesque campus with red brick streets and fans with a passion for hockey. The epicenter of this passion is the Goggin Ice Center, named after former university vice-president, Lloyd Goggin. The facility consists of two NHL-sized sheets of ice and debuted in 2006 at $34 million. The RedHawks play at the “A Pad”, also known as the Steve “Coach” Cady Arena. The “B Pad” is used for recreational skating. The building also hosts intramural hockey and broomball programs, Jr. RedHawks youth and Talawanda High School varsity hockey clubs, hockey camps, skating lessons, ice shows, and other events. The facility includes 2,800 reserved lower bowl seats, 102 club seats, 4 opera boxes, and 6 private suites. The capacity of the building swells to 3,700 with standing room only included. It was one of the most labor-intensive projects in the university’s history and was completed in 104 weeks. The Redhawks properly dedicated the arena with a 5-2 victory over Denver University. The arena was named after former head coach Steve Cady who coached the club for its first seven seasons from its start in 1978 to 1985. The building itself is decorated with former players who have moved on to the National Hockey League, championship banners, and historical photos from the previous 40 seasons. The Hawks have made twelve NCAA tournaments and two Frozen Four appearances in 2009 and 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The Cady Arena offers a rather basic assortment of concession items at four main locations on the concourse. Fans can choose from hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and barbecue pork sandwiches. Pepsi products are available and if you have a sweet tooth, cookies, and an assortment of sweets are available at an additional stand. There are no alcoholic beverages allowed except in the upstairs lounge area. Atmosphere 5 The architects of the Cady Arena designed the facility that would feature everything its hockey program would ever need. The brick interior gives the building a sense of nostalgia and provides beautiful a beautiful backdrop to its hangar roof. Once you take your seat and the opening faceoff has been completed you are immersed in an energetic atmosphere that becomes quite intoxicating as each period progresses. The ambiance is as electric and frenzied as some of the best college venues in the country. The compact-sized arena offers many elements: a passionate student section, boisterous alumni, and a school band that generates its special brand of home-ice advantage. The hockey program is considered by many to be the number one sports team on campus. The students take up residency on a first-come/first-served basis at the north end of the arena. They do everything your typical student section would do at a college sporting event of its size and they do it quite well. The rest of the audience fills in the noise with chants after each goal, hard hit, penalty call, or break in the action. The soundtrack to all of this is the marching band that resides right next to the student section in the western section of the building. The arena offers seating at all ends of the rink with a wraparound concourse that offers concessions, bathrooms, and access to other parts of the facility. The interior walls feature retired numbers of former players and championship banners hanging from the rafters on each side of the ice. There are two video boards on both the north and south end of the building. The main lobby is an attraction all of its honoring former players who have won the Stanley Cup in the National Hockey League with giant-size photos along with NHL jerseys of former Redhawk players decorating the walls. The lobby also houses a box office, a skate shop, and a team store that gets quite busy before and after games. There is also access to the second rink that was being used for curling during our visit. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the school’s official mascot “Swoop” greeting fans. Neighborhood 4 Oxford, Ohio, has a population of 21,731 and the university has slightly more with an enrollment of 24,505. The small town is quite attractive and provides a pretty nice college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a hockey game. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and arena, where you find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holds packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few upscale restaurants: Alexander House, High Street Grill, and Paesanos, and local favorites: Mac & Joe’s, Rapid Fire Pizza, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and awesome sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 5 The fans at the Cady Arena are loyal, zealous, and fervent. They are focused on the game the minute the first puck is dropped and when the Hawks score the first goal, they point their finger in the air and sing a little ditty to the opposing goalkeeper. The crowd, both students and regular fans donning university colors or jerseys, also have chants for when there are penalties that can be slightly PG-13. If you are not familiar with some of the chants, ask a fan next to you, they are more than happy to explain what it means and how you can learn the lingo. Access 4 Cady Arena is a small facility with one main concourse for single-ticket purchasers; it is very easy to move around the building from one end to the other, but be careful not to accidentally walk out the main doorways. Even with near-capacity crowds, the flow of traffic moves rather smoothly inside the arena: bathrooms, exits, and concession areas are easily accessible. Return on Investment 4 The average price for a ticket is $25 for most home games, but they do sell fast and when college powerhouses North Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth come to town, the price may increase or the tickets sell out. Parking is $5 in the parking garage or open lots, but there is available street parking if arriving early. The best seats might be towards the top of the seating bowl or on the west side of the rink, opposite the player benches. Most games are near capacity and the crowd is a dedicated brass that does its best to make you a fan. All of this makes the price admission well worth the investment. Extras 4 The fans provide an extra point for the experience at the Cady Arena; the supporters are passionate, loud, and love their hockey in a part of the country not known for hockey. The lobby is nicely decorated with memorable events from the team’s history, but most of the focus is on the former players who have made a name in the NHL. Their jerseys are displayed on the walls along with special attention to players who have hoisted the Stanley Cup. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. If the weather is right, it could provide for a nice stroll before the game. The merchandise stand offers a special of the game, for example, a flex fit cap for $10. A great way to spend a little bit on university swag. Final Thoughts The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. If you happen to find yourself in Cincinnati or Dayton, take a short trip to the campus of Miami University. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Winterhoter Field Vayhinger Cir. Upland, IN 46989 Taylor University baseball website Winterholter Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 500 A Pleasant Ballpark at Taylor University Taylor University is a private, evangelical Christian university in Upland, Indiana. It was founded in 1846 and is one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the country. It was named after Bishop William Taylor and located on 950 acres. There are 1,910 undergraduate students on campus, and the school is about halfway between the cities of Ft. Wayne and Indianapolis. The ball club plays at Winterholter Field which has seen a beautiful transformation since the installation of artificial turf in 2012, the first of any NAIA school in the state. The ballpark received sunken dugouts, a new backstop with netting, and a new scoreboard. Three-years-later lights were added, and two years after that, a new press box was constructed. The renovations made it possible for the school to host the NAIA National Championship Opening Round for the first time in 2018. The Taylor Trojans baseball program participates in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and is a member of the Crossroads League with nearby Huntington and Marian Universities . The Trojans joined the league for the 1994-1995 academic school year and have captured six championships, including four in a row from 2010-to 2013. The team has also made six NAIA Tournament appearances. The ballpark was dedicated in 2012 in honor of former coach Larry Winterholter and his wife Lynne. Larry guided the program for 22 years and served as a faculty member for 30 years at the university. He was a four-time All-Conference pitcher at Taylor during his playing days and lettered in both baseball and basketball. In 1961, he picked up win in both games of a doubleheader. He retired from coaching in 2000. A plaque in front of the stadiums honors the couple and their commitments to the school. Food & Beverage 1 There is a concession window at the bottom of the press box, but it is only serving drinks and candy. The usual spot for concession items is in the nearby lobby of the Odle Arena, but due to construction that building is off-limits to fans. Water and Gatorade were the drinks of choice, and both would be ideal to quench your thirst on the 83-degree day of our visit, but a hot dog, a bag of peanuts, and nachos would have hit the spot. Atmosphere 4 First, the photos on the university’s website do not do the ballpark justice. The stadium is quite charming and well constructed. It was a perfect day for baseball, and it appeared that most people agreed and packed the grandstands and foul lines for the first game of the doubleheader. The stadium features a synthetic infield and natural grass outfield with views of campus structures and the city’s water tower in the distance. The synthetic turf looks great and is needed for the rainy months of March and April. The campus buildings and water tower add a nice romance to the stadium. Fans gather down both lines to set up chairs to watch the games, while a few more stand behind the open outfield fencing to get a glimpse of the game. The grandstand seating is also impressive, with chair backs on all seats, including armrests on chairs directly behind home plate. The fans are into the game, with students making their share of chants and cheers; parents yell for their sons to get a hit or drive in a run. Players in both dugouts fill the air with baseball banter. The stadium is very clean and almost spotless. The grounds are kept up nicely, and a plaque is located outside the stadium honoring the ballpark’s namesake. The only negatives might have been the lack of proper food at the concession stand and the scoreboard that was hard to read from the grandstand. However, these were just a few complaints about an otherwise picturesque stadium for college baseball. Neighborhood 2 The campus is vibrant, with students out and about on the lawn, playing tennis, shooting hoops at the basketball course, and watching the softball game at their ballpark. The campus is well taken care of, clean, and easy to get around, but that was not the case for the town of Upland, which had very few options to choose from for food and drink. Ivanhoes is the place to be in town, with long lines for ice cream and food. The local institution serves 100 different flavors of sundaes and milkshakes that attract crowds from the area. The food options include sandwiches, burgers, chicken tenders, nachos, and salads. If you are with the family, an ideal place for the kids. The Bridge Cafe is a coffee shop that offers sandwiches, breakfast, and an item they call South African pizza. Off the Gas City exit to the interstate are a collection of national chains that include Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and Burger Queen. Payne’s is a local restaurant that specializes in British fare of bangers and mash, beef stew with Yorkshire pudding, and fish and chips. Fans 3 The fans made their voices felt during the game, and there were even a few students adding their touch of ambiance to the game. The sound of a vuvuzela was heard whenever the Trojans scored a run – they won 11-1. There was another group of fans dancing during certain walk-up songs and shouted a few words when certain players came up to bat. The rest of the crowd was made up of parents and family members and packed the seats in the grandstands and down the first baseline. Access 4 The ballpark seating probably holds no more than 500 people and ramps lead to the seating bowl. The parking lot is in front of the stadium and is easy to find on campus. There are two areas for fans that are in wheelchairs in the back of home plate, and fans can check out the game through the open fences from behind the outfield. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free of charge, and if you’re thirsty a bottle of water is no more than $2. It is suggested to bring your food before the game, as most people did during our visit. The ballpark is clean, set up well, and quite impressive for an NAIA school. It makes for a nice trip for a ballgame when the weather is warm during the unpredictable month of April in Indiana. Extras 3 Winterholter Field is immaculate clean, without a spec of dirt or debris found throughout the grandstand. The synthetic turf looks pristine and needed for the rainy months of March and April. All of the seats and backs to them, including armrests for the main grandstand seating. Another nice feature was the outfield fences that allow fans to see through during the game. Final Thoughts Winterholter Field is one of those hidden gems of a ballpark in the state of Indiana. It covers almost all of the basics with stadium features and is ideal for a warm spring afternoon of baseball. There is a dedicated fanbase, comfortable seating, and easy access. What else would you need at the ballpark? Perhaps a hot dog, but Taylor baseball is worth a drive if nearby. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photos Courtesy of AlcornSports.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Davey Whitney Complex Alcorn State University Lorman, MS 39096 Alcorn State Braves website Davey Whitney Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,000 Home of the Braves Named after former basketball coach Davey Whitney, the Davey Whitney Complex has hosted Alcorn State basketball since the 1970s. Food & Beverage 3 If you come to a game at Alcorn State hungry, you have made a major mistake (see the neighborhood section below). That said, if you need a snack at the game, you can get the usual fare (popcorn, soda, hot dogs, etc.) at the game for reasonable prices. If you are looking for fancy gourmet, you will likely be disappointed, but there are enough options to keep you happy during the game. Perhaps more importantly, the concessions are at a reasonable enough price that you and the kids can stay full for around $20 to $30. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Davey Whitney Complex feels a bit like walking into a larger high school basketball game. As far as the atmosphere at the games, it often depends on the crowd. If you catch the game with a hot crowd, it can be loads of fun, but if you catch a blowout with a dead crowd, staying the entire time can feel like a chore. The SWAC has its share of heated rivalry games, so pick the right night (perhaps against Jackson State) and enjoy your trip to Lorman. Neighborhood 4 If you are going to eat at one place in Lorman, make sure you swing by Mr. D’s Old Country Store. The outside might be a little scary, but the inside is amazing. The buffet has southern food at its finest, with fried chicken earning the spotlight. When Alton Brown of the Food Network says it is the best fried chicken in the world, it must be amazing. While it is not within walking distance, you need to make the fifteen-minute drive to dine here. A trip to Lorman, located in Jefferson County, one of the oldest counties in Mississippi, also provides the chance to step back in time a bit, so take advantage of the bed and breakfasts in the area, such as the Rosswood Plantation. Natchez, one of the first cities in Mississippi, is a close trip, as well. If you have time, it is worth a visit for the day or the weekend. If you head to Natchez, make sure to hit up Fat Mama’s Tamales. The tamales are great, and so are the margaritas. Fans 3 While the crowds may not always be large, the fans in attendance do support the Braves on the court. Any time fans can keep their energy level high through two basketball games, they should be commended. As far as seating in the venue, fans are going to have a good seat no matter where they choose. However, the best bet is to sit in the chair backs in the lower portion of the stadium. Most fans will be in this area, and you will have a more comfortable viewing experience than sitting on the bleacher seats. Access 3 Lorman, Mississippi, is somewhere you either intend to visit or get to by complete accident. That said, getting to Lorman is not too difficult of a process, and a trip to Lorman can provide a reason to take a trip on the Natchez Trace. The drive home can be a bit tricky at night due to winding roads, so use caution when traveling after the game. As mentioned above, there are some pretty solid places to visit within an hour of Lorman, so making a weekend trip to the area is well worth it. Return on Investment 3 One of the bonuses of going to a SWAC basketball game is that the women and men almost always play back-to-back games, giving fans two games to attend. For fans of basketball, this provides a chance to get twice the value for the ticket price. While the next NBA star probably will not be on the floor that night, several players who will go on to play professionally in other leagues will be playing. The overall value of the experience is pretty good. Extras 3 If you are looking to experience basketball off the beaten path, a trip to Alcorn State is well worth your time. You may not see big-time basketball, but you will see players who are playing hard trying to maximize the games left in their careers. While ticket prices continue to climb in the hotbeds of basketball, fans can get a near-courtside experience in Lorman, eat all they want, and leave without shelling out over one hundred bucks.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Truist Stadium 1601 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411 North Carolina A&T Aggies website Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 21,500 Aggie Pride in Greensboro Editor's Note: Truist Stadium opened in 1981 under the name Aggie Stadium. In 2018, the stadium’s name changed to BB&T Stadium, and in 2020, the stadium’s name changed to Truist Stadium. The spirit, culture, and tradition that you can feel throughout the campus of North Carolina A&T State University can be felt far beyond BB&T Stadium, and the chant of “Aggie Pride” is much more than a slogan: it is a way of life for the students, faculty and alumni of A&T. North Carolina A&T was founded in 1891. Aggie Football has been played on and off since 1901, but it wasn’t until 1924 that the football team became an integral and consistent part of the university. From 1924 until 1969 the team played in the CIAA. In 1970 it became a founding member of the MEAC, with other HBCU schools. The Aggies have won 16 conference championships, including one this 2019 season, and have won a total of seven Black College National Championships, which while not technically recognized by the NCAA, is a source of pride among both major Division 1 HBCU Conferences, whose winners compete against each other in the annual Celebration Bowl in Atlanta to crown the HBCU National Champion. Including this 2019 season, the Aggies have captured the crown the last three seasons, and in four of the last five seasons. Prior to 1981, the team shared World War Memorial Stadium with various Greensboro minor league baseball teams. The on-campus stadium was originally known as Aggie Stadium until last season when it became BB&T Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 21,500 but often sees crowds that top that, including a record 34,769 in 2001. The stadium also boasts the Irwin Belk Track, which is an Olympic quality track, and routinely hosts various track events, including the high school State Championship. Food & Beverage 4 BB&T Stadium has selections of food and beverages throughout the stadium. There are a couple of main concessions stands that offer chicken tenders with fries, sausage dogs, hot dogs, and nachos for ten, eight, five, and six dollars respectively. There is also an Off the Hook Chicken and Fish food truck selling various items, including crab cake sliders, beef sliders, and fish and chips, all for nine dollars. Pepsi products are offered for three dollars. There is a beer and wine garden plus Henry’s Popcorn Shop, as well as funnel cake, fried Oreos, and Favor Desserts, which offers various selections of cupcakes – you will not go hungry when attending an Aggie football game. Atmosphere 4 BB&T Stadium is a fantastic place to take in a game, and the electric atmosphere starts even before you enter the stadium’s gates. The Aggie Fan Zone outside the stadium is packed with tailgaters playing music and grilling up some southern classics, including amazing chili. Because my most recent visit was the final game of the season against the hated rival North Carolina Central in the annual Aggie-Eagle Classic, there was an extra buzz around the stadium despite heavy rains pounding the Aggie Faithful throughout the afternoon. If the weather had held up, they were expecting a sold-out or even an overflow crowd at the stadium, however, the heavy rains led to a little more than half-full stadium, which on every another occasion would result in a lower score, but there was still a lot of energy throughout the game, and the fans in attendance made it clear that it would take a lot more than inclement weather to slow down the cheers of Aggie Nation. If Mother Nature had held up its end of the deal, the score would no doubt be a five, as alongside the fans, the great PA Announcer not only enthusiastically announced first downs and touchdowns, but they also heralded the Aggie Defense after third downs. The cheerleaders are fantastic, and the Blue & Gold Marching Machine are among the best college marching bands I have ever heard, adding to a truly wonderful home-field advantage. Seating is bleacher seating, with a nice-sized video board in front of the Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Wellness Center, all behind the north end zone. There are no seats on this side of the stadium but there is seating behind the south end zone, with a basic scoreboard as well in that area. Neighborhood 4 BB&T Stadium is located on the north end of North Carolina A&T’s campus. The stadium is about a mile and a half east of downtown Greensboro, and the area around the stadium is filled mostly with campus buildings and some fast food restaurants The main places to check out are going to be in downtown Greensboro. However, if you don’t want to venture too far, there are a couple of choices near the stadium – Fox Pizza and Subs serves up a variety of specialty pizzas and gourmet sandwiches, along with pasta, burgers, and more, while Mrs. Winners Chicken and Biscuits serves up some southern favorites, including chicken sandwiches and boxes plus a variety of breakfast biscuits and sides, including potato wedges, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. In downtown Greensboro there are numerous places to grab a bite to eat and drink – Crafted: The Art of The Taco offers twelve different tacos, including my personal favorite, the Big Truck, which includes pulled pork, mac and cheese, tobacco onions, scallions, and is topped with bacon BBQ sauce. For those who don’t like tacos, the restaurant also offers eight different kinds of burgers, and starters including various types of chips and dips, such as nachos and Mason of Bacon, which is literally a mason jar filled with bacon. Or just down the road is a Greensboro institution, Natty Greene’s, which is known for having multiple beers on tap from their own brewery; this restaurant also serves up delicious appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Finally, a true hidden gem, if you are in Greensboro beyond Saturday’s game day is Cincy’s, which is open from 11 to 2 Monday through Friday, and is located around the corner from Elm Street, the main street in downtown where the aforementioned eateries are located. Cincy’s serves up authentic Cincinnati Style chili, both on hot dogs and over spaghetti in two, three, four, and five ways, depending on whether you want to add cheese, beans, or onions. It is one of the few places to get authentic Cincinnati chili at a restaurant in NC. They also have sandwiches, burgers, and wraps, if you’re not feeling the chili. Besides its restaurants, Greensboro has tons of other places to check out – those who have a need to shop should check out Friendly Center and Four Seasons Mall, both ten minutes away from the stadium. With nearly three hundred stores between the two, there is something for everyone. For those with children, the Greensboro Science Center and Greensboro Children’s Museum, fifteen minutes and less than five minutes away from the venue respectively, will provide hours of entertainment for the young ones. Greensboro is also home to the ACC Hall of Champions, ten minutes away from NC A&T, a museum that honors the best of the conference and its fifteen member schools, including in-state Wake Forest , Duke , UNC , and NC State . Also, five minutes away from BB&T Stadium in downtown Greensboro is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, at the site of the Woolworth’s, where in 1960 four North Carolina A&T students sat at a segregated lunch counter to help bring about change and integration. The majority of Greensboro’s hotels are not in downtown, but around Greensboro Coliseum , which is a few miles west of BB&T Stadium. There you can find plenty of chain hotels such as Best Western, Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn. There is also a Hyatt in downtown, and if you are looking to stay closer to the university there are a couple of bed and breakfasts, like Haynes and Double Oaks, if you’re looking for something a little bit different. Fans 4 It’s no secret that Aggie Nation ranks among the best fans among the many passionate fan bases at HBCUs, and even across North Carolina. A&T may not play in the bigger conferences like other in-state schools such as UNC , NC State , App State , or ECU , but with a large alumni base and a student body of more than 12,000 that bleeds Blue and Gold, the Aggies can hold their own. Fans are loud and proud, and a football Saturday is always an event. The last two seasons the Aggies have averaged about 15,500 fans per game, or a little more than 70% capacity, and while there is definitely room for growth, the atmosphere around BB&T Stadium during the game pushes the Aggie team to play among the best. With the team’s recent success, the hope is for the venue’s attendance to continue to grow. Access 4 Getting to BB&T Stadium is not a painful process with its location close to downtown. Several Greensboro Transit Authority buses will take you close to the stadium including the 6, 10, and 14. Traffic, if you choose to drive, is not too tough even around the BB&T Stadium, and there are a number of parking lots throughout campus. If you’re not looking to spend any money on parking, then parking in one of the many lots on East Market Street across campus from BB&T Stadium might be to your advantage, as shuttle service is offered from lots 12, 16, 17, and 42. Even if you’re not in one of those lots, you’ll be very close to the shuttle regardless, as the lots are close together. There are also lots closer to the stadium but to park in either the pink or orange lots, you’ll need to pay twenty dollars, and the adjacent lots are reserved for those with a credential or permit. Handicap parking is available in the pink lot on the corner of Benbow Road and Sullivan Street, but those spots tend to fill up. However, in the event they do fill up, there are spots in the general parking lot across campus with shuttle service available. There are a few gates around BB&T Stadium, and the lines are never too long, though it is recommended that you buy your tickets in advance, as lines at the box office outside the stadium on game day can tend to get a little long. The concourses are fairly wide but can get fairly crowded at times, but lines for concessions and the bathrooms are never too long; the bathrooms are clean and well-kept as well. Return on Investment 4 The average ticket price for Aggie Football is around twenty-five dollars per ticket, but you can sometimes find tickets for less on the secondary market – for this particular game against rival NC Central, tickets were averaging forty-five dollars each. The food prices aren’t terribly high, but not super cheap either, but if you choose to take the complimentary parking option and attend a game other than the biennial Aggie-Eagle Classic, attending an Aggies game won’t set you back too far. If you’re okay with spending a little more, however, getting to the big rivalry game is worth it if you’re in Greensboro in late November of an odd number year. Extras 5 First, a point for the great tailgating scene outside BB&T Stadium, packed with music, food, and lots of students and alumni decked out in Blue and Gold. Point number two for the excellent PA Announcer, getting excited at all the right times and hyping up the already enthusiastic Aggie fans in the stadium. A third point for the incredible amount of merchandise available for purchase at the stadium – most stadiums have a place to buy the home team’s gear, but here there are stands selling everything from soaps and shampoos and other goods to various t-shirts, as well as visiting team gear (there are lots of places to buy Aggie gear too, of course). It is not often that you can do your Christmas shopping at a football game, but at an Aggies game you can do just that. Another point for the Wall of Fame with various Aggies that have excelled in their various sports, prominently placed in the stadium’s concourse, and finally a point for one of the best college bands I have ever heard, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. It was also nice to see that North Carolina Central’s band, the Marching Sound Machine, was able to make the trip and play as well, as they are a great band in their own right. Final Thoughts North Carolina A&T State University has been one of the football powerhouses in the MEAC and throughout HBCU Football, and have a passionate fan base to match. The campus is decked in Blue and Gold with chants of Aggie Pride coming from the more than twelve thousand students, and thousands more alumni throughout the season, including at large events such as the annual GHOE (Greatest Homecoming on Earth) and Aggie-Eagle Classic. Between the fans, band, and the recent championship-winning seasons, attending a game at BB&T Stadium should absolutely be on your list of college football games in North Carolina.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Marty L. Miller Field 50 Presidential Pkwy Norfolk, VA 23529 Norfolk State Spartans website Marty L. Miller Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,500 Miller Time Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University is one of many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country. Their athletic teams, known as the Spartans, compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), one of two Division I conferences composed entirely of HBCUs. The Spartans baseball team has played at Marty L. Miller Field since 1997. Located next to the Spartans’ football stadium on the south side of campus, it is named after Marty L. Miller, who spent more than 50 years as a player, coach, and administrator at Norfolk State. Food & Beverage 2 There is a food truck down the first baseline near the ramp to the bleachers which serves basic options, although prices are affordable. Hot dogs are $2, sausages are $3, and there is a wide range of snacks available, from chips to candy to gum, for no more than $1. Rather bizarrely, individual pickles are available for 50 cents each. Presumably, they are supposed to be put on the hot dogs and sausages, but they are listed as a separate item, not an add-on, so fans can order just a pickle as well. Sodas are available for $1, bottled water for $1.50, and Gatorade for $2. On cold days early in the season, Swiss Miss hot chocolate and coffee are available for $1. Note that the stand is cash only, so be prepared. Atmosphere 2 Marty L. Miller Field is a rather basic stadium with a few sets of bleachers accessible up a ramp from the entrance area and not much else. There is a scoreboard in the outfield which shows the linescore, but there isn’t much else here. The two sections of bleachers directly behind home plate have backs, but the back bar is so far back that it may be more comfortable not to use it. The other two sections of bleachers do not have backs. There are the usual announcements and walk-up music, but beyond that, there isn’t much going on here. The school doesn’t do much to promote the baseball team at all or keep fans engaged, unfortunately. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of campus, but if you’re willing to drive a mile or two away, downtown Norfolk is a lively area. Whether it’s local comfort food like Tony’s Diner (which you will likely pass on the way in) or a sports bar like Baxter’s, almost everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. If you arrive during one of the first couple weeks of the season, you can make a short drive down to Virginia Beach and make a long weekend out of it. Fans 2 There were only about 100 fans in attendance when Stadium Journey visited, and many of them were fans of the opposing team. However, those Spartans fans who do attend are extremely passionate and vocal throughout the game. They come decked in the Spartans’ colors of green and gold and cheer the team very loudly throughout the game. If there were more of them, the atmosphere here could be quite intimidating for visiting teams, but unfortunately, there aren’t nearly enough people to have that kind of impact. Access 3 The Norfolk State University campus is located either right off I-264 or a few miles off of I-64 depending on where you are coming from. Regardless of how you get to campus, you will need to use the gate off of Park Avenue which will put you on Presidential Parkway. From there, the stadium and lot are straight ahead on your right. However, if for some reason you don’t know where to go, the guard at the gate can direct you. Parking is free and there are additional spaces by the softball stadium and tennis courts if that lot fills up. Although the baseball stadium lot is generally far enough away to be protected from foul balls, many of the spaces at the softball stadium are within foul ball range, so if there is a game there on the same day, plan accordingly. Restrooms are located behind and under the bleachers and are of sufficient size but are dimly lit by strange buzzing lights. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and concessions are extremely affordable. However, given the rather basic experience and paltry attendance, there isn’t enough here to offer the top score. Extras 1 There are free programs available at the concession stand. They aren’t that extensive, but it’s hard to argue with the price, particularly with so many places eliminating physical programs. Final Thoughts Norfolk State baseball has a very small but very passionate fan base. If the team would put more effort into promoting the team, they could attract more fans and a visit to Marty L. Miller Field would be a better experience. The reality is, however, that like many HBCUs, Norfolk State is a football school first and foremost, and the baseball team operates in their shadow figuratively as well as literally in this case.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Rotary Field 1001 E Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601 Shenandoah Hornets website Rotary Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 500 Oh, Shenandoah! Located in Winchester, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah University's athletic teams are known as the Hornets and compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The Hornets' softball team plays its home games at Rotary Field, located in Jim Barnett Park. Before the 2022 season, SU played at another field in the park, Henkel-Harris Field. However, the university backed major renovations to Rotary Field, Briddgeforth Stadium (home of Hornets' baseball), and two other fields in the park and moved into their current home. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rotary Field. A concession stand is located in a structure beyond the outfield fence to the left of the baseball stadium, but it was not open when we visited. The concession stand in Bridgeforth Stadium may be open if there is another event going on, but likely will not be accessible unless you have a ticket to that game. Fans are permitted to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 3 There are two small sets of metal bleachers at Rotary Field, one down each foul line between home plate and the dugout. Many fans also bring their chairs and sit along the backstop. Wherever you sit, you will be close to the action. However, there isn't a lot going on here besides the action on the field. Music is played between innings, but that is about it. As at most Division III venues, this is a place to watch a game but not much else. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near the stadium, ranging from sports bars to barbecues to homemade ice cream. Since Bridgeforth Field is located near the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 4 Shenandoah draws a couple hundred fans a game, which is above average for Division III. Most of them are friends or family of the players, although others have some connection to the university as well. Whatever brings them out, they are knowledgeable about the team and the players and most of them are regulars. That is not to say newcomers will be made to feel unwelcome, however. As the ODAC consists mainly of teams within Virginia, there will often be a good number of visiting fans as well. Fans of the away team tend to sit in the first base bleachers and fans of the Hornets on the third base side, as that is where the teams' dugouts are. Access 4 The nearest highway to Rotary Field is Interstate 81, and it is easily accessible via Exit 313A. Fans coming from the east or west will need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way, and while these are not highways, you can usually make good time. Once you get to the stadium, there is parking available in a lot right next to it. If this fills up, there is parking available elsewhere in Jim Barnett Park as well. All parking is free. Keep in mind the rows of the lot closest to the stadium are within foul ball territory. Park there at your own risk. Restrooms are available in a structure next to the baseball stadium, and while there may be a small line at times, especially between games of a doubleheader, you should not have to wait too long. Return on Investment 4 According to the Shenandoah website, admission to Hornets games is just $6 with youth getting in for $4, and tickets must be purchased in advance through the Ticket Spicket app. However, when Stadium Journey visited, tickets were not for sale in the app and nobody was selling nor checking the tickets of people who came in, so admission was free. It is not clear if this is always the case. Regardless, the cost of a ticket certainly won't break the bank. Extras 1 As the Hornets' baseball stadium is right across the parking lot, you have a chance to see two different teams in two different sports in one trip if you time your visit right. Final Thoughts Although Division III is the lowest level of NCAA softball, Rotary Field is one of the nicer parks at this level. It is recently renovated and the Hornets have a core fan base that shows up for just about every game. Sports fans passing through Winchester will want to stop by Rotary Field for some softball if the Hornets are at home.