Photos by Brandon Gee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Wren Stadium 150 S Shafer St Athens, OH 45701 Ohio Bobcats website Bob Wren Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Bobcat Baseball Named in honor of Bob Wren, a longtime coach of the program (1949-1975) who took the Bobcats to the College World Series in 1970, Bob Wren Stadium opened in 1998. Wren Stadium gives the baseball team a solid facility amongst the picturesque campus, near the banks of the Hocking River along with the school’s other athletic venues (including the Convocation Center and Peden Stadium). Food & Beverage 3 It’s a small menu with the traditional stadium fare. The grill items (hot dogs, brats, burgers, etc.) benefit greatly by actually being grilled across from the concession stand. Thirty-two-ounce souvenir sodas are $4, and they serve root beer or orange floats for $5. Atmosphere 3 Ohio Bobcats baseball is more tranquil than raucous. The stadium’s setting along the Hocking River on the edge of campus makes for a pleasant setting and the small crowds are relaxed but engaged in the game. This is just a nice way to spend an afternoon, watching a game in this stadium, surrounded by trees, the river, and the rolling hillside. Neighborhood 5 Wren Stadium sits in the school’s athletic mall, situated between the western edge of campus and the Hocking River. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a 21-mile route, follows the path of the river north to Nelsonville, Ohio, and is a popular route for bicyclists in the area. Across the river from the stadium are The Ridges. Buildings that were once part of a psychiatric hospital have been turned into various uses like the school’s Kennedy Museum of Art and other performance spaces along with other buildings for the university’s function. Heading east up Richland Avenue will run you into Court Street. Take a left and you’re in downtown Athens. If you’re looking for a sandwich and some awesome baked goods, then Fluff Bakery (8 N. Court) is the place for you. But there are plenty of options like wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (23 W. Union). Right across the street from there is Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery (24 W. Union), a craft operation that is becoming quite well-known throughout the region. Check AthensOhio.com for more information on the town. Fans 2 Bobcat baseball just isn’t a big draw for fans. The Bobcats consistently average only a few hundred fans a game. With that said, those who do come out are supportive of the team. Access 4 Athens sits on the Appalachian Highway (Ohio State Route 32). Take Exit 17(OH-682 N) and you’ll drive into a roundabout. Stay in the right lane and you’re directed onto eastbound Richland Avenue. You’ll drive over the river and come into the Athletic Mall area of campus. Make a left at the first light onto South Shafer Street. You can park in the lot closest to the Softball stadium, but be aware that you are not in an area marked for special designations (faculty or restricted hours). Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $5 each. If there happens to be a softball game going on at the same time, you can walk between the stadiums for only one charge. Food prices are decent with nothing over $5 and parking is free. Unfortunately, it’s been many years since the Bobcats have contended in the Mid-American Conference. The team’s last .500 season was in 2011 and their last postseason appearance was a MAC tourney championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 1997. Extras 1 One point for the campus surroundings. The stadium offers some great views of the Hocking River area as well as some of Ohio University’s campus architecture. Even Wren Stadium keeps with the architectural theme. Final Thoughts So maybe Ohio isn’t lighting the baseball world on fire. Most northern schools have the same struggle with trying to engage students and locals in the sport. Still, Bobcats baseball at Bob Wren Stadium is a pleasant way to spend a spring day in Athens, Ohio. The people who come out enjoy it and the surroundings of the campus are wonderful.

Photo Courtesy of Western Illinois Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Western Hall 713 Congress Ave Macomb, IL 61455 Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks website Western Hall website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 5,139 Rural Illinois Oasis Macomb, Illinois home of Western Illinois University has all of the feel of a small southern college town. As you approach Macomb you will need to drive through several rural miles of interstate followed by another 20 plus miles of country highways before you see the small quintessential college town. Macomb is a place where the school and the town are intertwined into a singular culture. The basketball teams play in a very unique venue known as Western Hall. It’s a smaller arena with seating that folds out from the walls. Newly renovated and comfortable seating is found throughout the venue. The Leathernecks play their home games in the Western Hall, a venue that seats 5,139 and was opened in 1964. Western Hall was renovated prior to the 2016-2017 season making the game experience more enjoyable. Food & Beverage 1 There is only one concession stand at Western Hall with a limited selection. You can find a hot dog for $2, nachos for $2, popcorn for $1, or a candy bar $1. Beverage choices consist of 20 ounce Coke product, Powerade, or bottle of water. Each option is only $2. Atmosphere 3 The renovations completed in 2016 at a cost of $1 million consisted of the complete removal and replacement of the lower bleachers and renovation of the north balcony bleachers. The sections of seats at center court have additional padding and all of the new seats which have seat backs provide ample legroom. On each end there are purple plastic bleachers with the pep band on the opponents end and the student section on the end nearest the Leathernecks’ bench. With the low ceiling of Western Hall when the crowd and band get going the building can produce a great environment for college basketball. Neighborhood 3 The best part of a trip to Macomb for a basketball game takes place a mile or so away from the arena. Downtown Macomb has a cute little square where you will find several options to grab some grub. Closer to campus is a great option known as Chubby’s which has the feeling of a small college town bar which also has good food. The Italian Beef sandwich and the chili are both very good. Chubby’s is known for their shoes which you can top with almost any toppings imaginable. Fans 3 The student section known as the “Purple Haze,” seems pretty involved in the game and adds to the environment. The community seems involved as well, adding to the environment and making it a true college town feel. Access 2 While it takes some time to get to campus once you exit the interstate the good news is that parking is free and the lot is large. Once arriving in Macomb all of campus is easily accessible, however it is quite a drive once you exit the interstate. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are only $10, and for just $5 more you can get a reserved seat. Premium seats will run a bit more at $22. You can also purchase a kids ticket at a discounted rate. The entire experience is very affordable. Extras 2 The fact that the bulldog mascot can be found in many forms around the arena. There’s the inflatable version in the corner near the pep band. There’s the typical costumed mascot who makes the rounds high-fiving spectators. Finally, there’s the live leashed version that takes laps around the arena pre-game, and then settles in to watch the game. A bit of cost savings exhibited well here as the video boards are mobile and are moved between Western Hall and the football stadium depending on which sport is in season. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a good college town environment visit Macomb where the school and community are nicely intertwined.

Photos by Sander Kolsloot, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Oakwell Grove St Barnsley, England S71 1ET Barnsley FC website Oakwell website Year Opened: 1887 Capacity: 23,009 Barnsley FC Barnsley is a place that seems not to have changed for a while, or at least that’s the impression you get when you arrive at the main railway station before the game. A rather sleepy former coalmining and glassmaking town, Barnsley rests easily aside the beautiful Peak District in South Yorkshire. The industrial heritage is still there and the locals still take pride in the Brass Bands that were formed as part of the industrial nature of the city. Barnsley itself is most famous in England for the ‘Barnsley Chop,’ which is a bigger cut of the lambs leg. Football has been a mainstay here, as Barnsley FC was established back in 1887, making it one of the older clubs in English professional football. The team itself has gone through various times of promotion and relegation. After the first World War, the team was in the Second Division of English football and had high hopes of gaining First Division status. As was the case at that time, Arsenal F.C. had a very influential owner with some deep pockets, who needed to get attention and crowds to his Highbury club. Some wheeling and dealing, a ballot vote and nailbiting later, Arsenal gained a spot in the First Division and Barnsley was sentenced to another 80 (!) years of second tier football. Although Barnsley came close on various occasions to gaining promotion in the early decades of the last century – notably missing promotion in 1922 on a -1 goal difference- the team somehow stayed alive in the Third and Fourth Divisions, being relegated twice to the latter and gaining promotion as many times. In the end, the 1980s provided a spark for the squad and Barnsley managed to settle themselves in the Second Division. Even with the introduction of the play-off system, they never managed to get to the First Division. In the 1990s, with the creation of the Premier League, they vied for promotion and eventually, after 99 years of trying, succeeded in the 1996-97 season. It didn’t last long, as they were relegated the year after. The 21st century saw Barnsley in big trouble, both on and off the field. The ITV crisis hurt the club very much financially and only a last minute save from the mayor kept the club alive. On the field, the club was relegated to League One, got up again halfway in the 2000s, were relegated again in 2014 before returning to the second tier once again last summer (2016). The site and stadium of Oakwell dates back to 1888, the year after the founding of the club. The original field belonged to another club, but the owner at the time, Reverend Preedy, succeeded in persuading the Oakwell owner to let his Reds play there, on the condition ‘that they behaved themselves.’ Ever since then, Barnsley has called Oakwell its home and in the early 1900s the signs of a true stadium came across, mainly with the construction of the Hayselden West Stand. The west stand is the part where Oakwell comes to life. It’s the original west stand dating back to 1904. Some of the seating is still original, but parts have been converted from terracing to seating back in 1995 as a result of the ruling after the Hillsborough disaster. This part of the stadium has always housed the dressing rooms, ticket office, and nowadays the club shop and managers office too. The stadium was originally part seating, part terracing but in the 1990s it was turned into an all-seater. First, a new East Stand got built in 1993. This was the first stand in Yorkshire to incorporate VIP seating. A couple years later, a new South Stand followed, which was completed in 1995. Works were completed on a new North Stand in 1999. The north stand, which houses the away fans, was developed at the turn of the millennium from an open-end seated stand of around 2,000. It now holds more than 6,000 spectators and boasts state-of-the art academy facilities in its bowels. The cost of this stand have been part of a huge debate, as its £4.5 million final cost has never seemed to give a viable investment return. It must be said that the stand was built around a time the club had just been relegated to the Championship. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage section in the stadium is somewhat standard and in a general sense more limited than the options at a Premier League venue. Please note that if you fancy an alcoholic beverage, you are only allowed to enjoy it on the concourse, with no view of the pitch. They cater for the need to watch the game with screens, but if you like watching the game on the telly, you’d be better off heading to a bar. The selection of food is rather limited with some crisps and chips that can be had for £2. They have a bigger selection of pies (steak, meat & potato, cheese-onion, chicken balti) for a decent £3.20. Alcoholic beverages include Carling, Worthingtons and Magners cider. The beers are on tap, with half a pint for £1,90 and a pint for £3,80 not likely to break the bank. Soft drinks go for £2 a bottle. Coffee and tea are the same. Meal deals (a pie with a drink) are just £5. It’s all very reasonable, but of limited choice. Atmosphere 3 Although the club has only just been promoted, expect a decent amount of people to attend the game. This adds to the atmosphere, as fans will be singing and shouting before and during the game. There’s a vast group of fanatical followers that will support the team no matter what. It’s an old venue, especially with the old main stand, so a lot of the noise will fade away in between the stands. The Spion Kop, Barnsley’s south stand, houses the most fanatical part. Neighborhood 2 Barnsley in itself is a relatively sleepy town in between Sheffield and Leeds. Its city centre, only a 15-20 min walk up the hill, houses some good pubs and a couple of nice restaurants. The area around the stadium though is a typical British working class neighbourhood. Not a lot to fancy and the stadium is tucked in between houses and some industrial space. The view onto the stadium on top of a small hill is indeed one to savour. So if you’re interested in grabbing a traditional pre match drink, head to the White Bear or The Old No. 7 downtown. If you fancy some good grub, the Grill Pit will more than meet your needs. Plates are filled with loads of good meat at very reasonable prices. Tap beer varies in sort and price, but all premium drinks are on offer. A more local experience is just a stone’s throw from the railway station, at The Court House. This is a classic English pub which the locals frequent. It’s the closest one to the ground if you’re in the city centre. Somewhat closer is a nice gem called the Old Mill Brewery – The Dove Inn, which offers local brews and a great pre-game atmosphere. It’s one of the best options if you fancy a pre-match pint. Fans 4 If you are at a Barnsley game, you will mostly find people who either fell in love with the ground and its historic stand or have somehow become attached to the club. As there are multiple options in the area (most notably Leeds, both Sheffield clubs and even Huddersfield, Doncaster and Manchester’s giants further down the road) you will encounter people who love the club to death. Access 4 Getting to the ground is fairly easy. If you arrive by train, the stadium is just a quick 10 min walk away. Trains go regularly in the direction of Leeds/Huddersfield or Sheffield and leave till around midnight. If you happen to be in Barnsley, walking is your main option, although UBER taxi service will get you almost anywhere for a fiver. There is also a bus stop nearby, where the 26, 27 and 28 lines are the main ones going to and from the central railway station and city centre. For the less abled among us, there’s a dedicated South Side corner stand, build in 2014, that provides more than 70 disability spots. Return on Investment 3 While Barnsley might not be on top of your to-do list, it is indeed one to consider. For the true Stadium Journeyman, the oldest main stand in England is one to consider. It hasn’t got the flair of Fulham, or the ooze of Anfield. It’s a historical landmark, but without the buzz. Tickets aren’t cheap though, as a £20 note will not get you in. On matchdays, a £2 increase can be found on the original ticket price. Compared to Fulham for example, which is in London, has better seating and is in a somewhat nicer place, the return on investment isn’t one to die for. Tickets go from £23 for games against lower tier clubs to as high as £36 for higher tier clubs. Occasionally they try to lure in supporters with sale prices, but this will only be for, say, Friday games. Most recently, the game against Forest in November 2016 was priced at £15 per ticket. Extras 2 There’s a fan shop and it has a fair amount of memorabilia for its size. The aforementioned original home stand is indeed special, but isn’t something extra. Furthermore, there are no additional tours, statues or things to mention. The place is therefore just a good old English football ground. Final Thoughts Oakwell has a long and storied history as a venue, but if you are looking for much beyond the sport itself it is not an essential tourist destination on the groundhopper’s list. If, however, you are tired of sterile, modern grounds that have no character, Barnsley FC’s home offers an alternative that allows you to indulge a passion for classic English stadia.

Photos by Marcus Traxler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Erv Huether Field 1410 Jackrabbit Ave Brookings, SD 57006 South Dakota State Jackrabbits website Erv Huether Field website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 600 The New Erv For the South Dakota State baseball team, Erv Huether Field has not felt like home for the Jackrabbits since its construction in 2008. But that has changed with the addition of new seating for the state’s only Division I college baseball team. From 1957 to 2001, SDSU played at the old field of the same name but was never anything more than a ball field on the north side of campus with bleachers behind home plate. The school built over the field and SDSU spent six seasons at Brookings’ Bob Shelden Field, which is a fine municipal field but not up to the standards for a Division I team, so the school started raising funds for a new park in 2006. The new Erv now feels a little bit more like a ballpark with the addition to a grandstand behind home plate and a permanent press box atop of the structure for the start of this 2012 season. The stadium is named after SDSU’s baseball coach from 1950 to 1983 (despite a career record below .500) and now seats 600 with the grandstand. It beats the rickety bleachers that were temporary in place for the first four seasons back on campus in Brookings. The $200,000 leading gift for the new seating came from Dave Lane and his family, a former Jackrabbit shortstop in the mid-1980s, who still holds SDSU’s career stolen base record. That said, the Jacks baseball home is still largely unspectacular. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent concession stand and along those lines, there are no permanent bathrooms but rather a Coca-Cola trailer and a pair of porta-potties. The treat selection is weak as well, with only candy and bottles of soda to satisfy fans. I would think hot dogs could be in play here too but with SDSU averaging fewer than 250 fans per game, I can see why the selection is limited to keep potential overhead low. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere of college baseball is different from its football and basketball counterparts but the Jackrabbits’ don’t have much of an atmosphere around the field. The park is still largely unfinished, with crushed rock covering the ground around the seats. The PA system provides the only excitement off the field but I think SDSU wants a no-frills approach to the game, with no advertisements on the walls (although that aspect could change in the near future). With that in mind, every seat behind home plate is a good one and the middle section contains individual seats that you would find at bigger parks. SDSU hosts Minnesota every season for one game and the annual meeting usually brings the largest crowd of the year to The Erv. However, that’s not the norm with NAIA Mount Marty, Division II Sioux Falls and the other various Summit League opponents dotting the schedule annually. Kids, like at most other small ballparks, can chase down foul balls, but if they aren’t interested in the game, their entertainment is limited. There are people in the seats and music playing over the loud speaker but SDSU doesn’t have much for game day fun. Neighborhood 1 Erv Huether Field is located near SDSU’s football stadium, Coughlin-Alumni Stadium and not far from the Jacks’ softball diamond, which also opened in 2008. There is a gravel parking lot across the street from the field where you can park. While the field is still technically on-campus, it is far from the Student Union or any of the other academic buildings and residence halls, which in turn, affects the amount of students who show up for nine innings of Division I baseball. Fans 2 As mentioned above, SDSU has people to fill the seats and keep the grandstand from being embarrassingly empty. There are a few tried and true fans who regularly support the team but other fans’ turnout is sporadic. The Jackrabbits have been in the Summit League tournament final in each of the last three seasons but the Summit League’s cream of the crop, Oral Roberts, has created a baseball powerhouse and will attempt to go 15-for-15 for conference titles before they leave for the Southland Conference after the 2012 season. Access 2 SDSU is easy to reach from nearby Interstate 29 and the field is not hard to find either. I mentioned the bathrooms above and it doesn’t look good to have portable bathrooms for the season, but the Jackrabbits don’t play many home games to begin with, so the athletic department likely has to consider its return on investment to build permanent bathrooms. SDSU has averaged 14 home dates for the last three seasons and usually doesn’t play a home game until April, playing the first two months on the road with weather forcing the Jackrabbits south for at least part of winter. Return on Investment 4 It’s hard to argue with the return on investment for $5 to get in. SDSU has routinely been among the highest scoring teams in the Summit League and leading the conference in runs scored in 2010 and 2011. It is entertaining baseball and with the legitimate seats behind home plate, the ballpark has become comfortable to watch a game. Extras 1 One point for the well-kept grass playing surface, which has been regarded as one of the best in the Midwest. Final Thoughts Erv Huether Field will not rate very highly among other college baseball parks but it’s cheap entertainment and quality baseball. The atmosphere and amenities still have room for improvement, but the new seats have done the park wonders, making it a solid place to watch some baseball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 League Stadium 203 South Cherry St. Huntingburg, IN 47452 Dubois County Bombers website League Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,783 There’s Nothing to Cry About at this Ballpark League Stadium is home to the Dubois County Bombers of the Ohio Valley League, but the ballpark is famously known as the home of the Rockford Peaches in the major motion picture A League of Their Own that chronicled the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the 1940’s. Bombers ownership have not forgotten this and have made sure that the game day experience is somewhat reminiscent of 1992 film. League Stadium itself does have quite a history as the grounds have hosted baseball since 1894 when the Dubois County Fair Board built a wooden grandstand to accommodate the crowds at the annual county fair. The facility sat 1,500 people and featured a 260-foot long grandstand that hosted events such as horse racing and live stock shows In 1921, strong winds destroyed the original grandstand but it would be rebuilt in time for Independence Day celebrations. Semi-pro baseball would be a fixture with the Huntingburg Merchants of the Indiana-Kentucky League during the 1950’s with crowds around 1,000 per game. Dubois County was a hub with 10 baseball clubs alone. However, in 1973 the county fair moved to another location and by 1984 one-third of the deteriorating grandstand was razed with only the portion behind home plate preserved. Then in 1991 Huntingburg mayor Connor Nass devised an idea to use the stadium for the film A League of Their Own. Two new wings were added to the existing portion of the stadium and built to exact details of the time of the film of the 1940’s. The wood was cut in straight pieces, nails were used instead of staples, and the roof would not feature shingles. A crew of 36 men worked on the transformation of the stadium in 10 weeks and at a cost of $800,000. The result was a permanent 2,800 seat baseball stadium that would be used once filming would cease. Hollywood came back in 1995 for HBO’s Soul of the Game about the Negro Leagues. League Stadium became Kansas City’s Blues Stadium. The next year the Dubois County Dragons of the Frontier League opened up shop and stayed until 2002. The Bombers arrived as a summer collegiate team in 2005 and have been a mainstay ever since donning 1940’s era uniforms and an enthusiastic game day staff that keeps the spirit of the “A League of Their Own” alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a few sections where they serve the basics from hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches, and peanuts. The selection is not as varied as other places, but definitely satisfying for baseball games during the summer months. The prices range from $3 (hot dog) to $4.75 for a double hamburger. There is a beer garden down the left field line that offers popular national brands and a few locally made beers on draft. The prices range from $3 for Bud and Bud Light cans to $6 for craft selections from Basket Case Brewing Company in nearby Jasper, Indiana. Atmosphere 5 The ballpark offers two distinct sections of seating that includes 1,400 orange theater-style seats that were once installed at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium and wooden bleachers in the upper area of the grandstand. The very top row of the stadium offers VIP seating with table tops and chairs along with plenty of elbow room for socializing. The covered wooden grandstand includes various columns and posts that feature banners of former players who called the ballpark home. There are also US flags hung in various parts of the grandstand netting stems from both dugouts. There is an electronic scoreboard behind the right field wall but it appears somewhat out of place here. A small press box with a lively crew that includes a public announcer who dresses up as Harry Carey and imitates the former Sox and Cubs announcer with his rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. He also gets the crowd excited throughout the game with announcements and on-field promotions. The in-between promotions include dizzy bat races, throw down at third where kids toss water balloons at the mascot Casey (a local college student dressed in a throwback uniform), and t-shirt tosses to lucky fans who get a chance to walk on the field. The Peaches are a group of eleven young ladies dressed in pink baseball uniform dresses from the movie who sell tickets, greet customers at the door, provide temporary tattoos to young fans, and take part in dancing to the Cotton Eye Joe after the 4th inning of play in the grandstand. The dance is part tradition and provides a boisterous cheer from all in attendance. The stadium also features many memories from A League of Their Own including movie set pieces underneath the grandstand, merchandise in a small–but very impressive gift shop–and the infamous quote “There’s no crying in baseball!” uttered by Tom Hanks during the film is plastered against the exterior wall. There is even a spot where he said the famous line. The outfield walls are lined with beautifully painted 1940’s period advertisements that had been left over by the film crew along with the hand operated scoreboard. A concrete wall (painted brick brown) surrounds the stadium with League Stadium imprinted behind home plate and in center field. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Huntingburg is located a few blocks from the ballpark offering various storefronts and places to eat before or after the game. The Gaslight Restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza, Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a fine choice for dining, and Market Street Soup & Salad is another fine choice. There are also a few regional chain restaurants along the main street heading north towards Jasper where a few more breweries such as Basket Case Brewing Company and Schnitz Brewery & Pub are located. A few attractions in Dubois County include the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in nearby Santa Claus, Patoka Lake, Ferdinand National Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest. The majority of lodging options are a few miles north in Jasper. Fans 4 The local population enjoys their time at the game with fun, excitement, and good baseball on the diamond. There is a lot of in-between promotions and cheers for the local college talent. There is also a small group of die-hard fans who sit down the third baseline that makes its presence felt when they think a strike should have been called against the visiting team. The group brings out props and engages in chants that are quite uncommon in the summer collegiate leagues. Access 3 League Stadium is located about 2.5 hours south of Indiana and is within 45 minutes of Evansville and 1.5 hours from Louisville, Kentucky. The closest major interstate is 6 miles south on I-64 and 25 miles west of I-69. Two-lane state roads might be your best option if coming in from the north. However, once inside the stadium, the concourses are wide and bathrooms and concessions are clearly marked. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket starts at $5 and maxes out at $8 for the VIP bar suites. There is plenty of free parking around the ballpark that is located in the local community park and concession prices are fairly inexpensive that includes $3 hot dogs and beers. The theatrics that take place during the game from the Peaches, Casey, and public announcer really gives the stadium its soul and livens up the atmosphere. Extras 5 League Stadium gets a point for its aesthetic that includes 1940’s advertisements on the outfield walls, hand operated scoreboard, old-school ticket designs, and players rayon uniforms. The stadium another points for the Peaches and Casey who entertain the crowd during the game from on-field promotions to dancing in the main concourse. The third point is for the free O’Doul’s beer that is offered for its designated driver program. The final point is for the old-fashioned, small town baseball experience that you can’t find throughout the state. Final Thoughts A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. League Stadium offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in a small-town field that is indeed reminiscent of the 1940’s.

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

Photo courtesy of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Growing up in Texas, many of us are introduced to two distinct versions of the “Bible” – there is the one revered worldwide across virtually all Christian religions, and there is the one found on the desks of every football coach from Amarillo to Brownsville, Beaumont to El Paso, and all points in between. The latter would be Dave Campbell’s Texas Football   (DCTF). For those who are completely unaware, football – especially high school football – is a pretty big deal here in Texas. DCTF is THE source for high school (and now college) football in the state; they are the official record keepers, the official ranking authorities, and the official scouting and recruiting gatekeepers. The magazine, the website, the podcasts, and the YouTube channel are all very big deals. Head Coaches, Sports Information Directors, and Athletics Directors at every level of competition understand what a mention by DCTF can mean for their schools, programs, and players. In the past decade or so, DCTF has really expanded its reach into college football. With Texas having the most Division I college teams of any state in the country, and with recruiting in the state becoming such a massive cultural touchpoint in sports media, DCTF brought on a dedicated college football writer to cover the state of Texas college football. Enter Mike Craven, current Senior Writer with DCTF and now at the tail end of his fourth season as the college football writer. Craven brings a strong background as a sportswriter for numerous newspapers in Texas, including the award-winning Austin American-Statesman . As the 2023-24 season approached, the state of Texas would be fielding a 13th FBS-level football program – far and away the most of any state in the nation. And with the college football season set to now have 13 weeks, the germ of an idea formed for Craven – from it, the Dave Campbell’s Guide to Texas College Football  was born. Craven pitched the idea to his bosses about traveling to the best game in the state each week for each team. He’d talk about the teams’ histories, the stadiums, what makes each city and town unique, and what makes this all unique to Texas. Photo courtesy of Mike Craven I spoke to Mike recently with the regular season all wrapped up, and the madness about to begin for 2024-25 postseason play.   EM:  Thanks for talking with me today, Mike. I’ve read your work for a long time now. For the readers who aren’t familiar with you or with DCTF, can you explain your role there and what it’s all about? MC:  My job is to cover the 13 FBS teams in the state of Texas, and kind of lead the direction of how we cover all 48 [college football] teams in the state of Texas. That’s writing, podcasting, we do some videos. I look at [it] as, for high school, we have our footing there as kind of the premiere high school site in Texas. My job is to raise the college coverage to that level.   EM:  Perfect. Let’s talk about the book. Where did the idea for it come from and how did you go about pitching this to your editors? MC:  I kind of look at everything within my job on if it’s cool. If I’m like ‘hey, do I want to write this story or go on this assignment.’ The first thing I ask myself is ‘is this cool?’ I’ve always just tried to follow stuff that I think is interesting and my job is then to take that thing and present in an interesting way to everyone else. When I realized that Sam Houston State  was moving up [from the FCS level to the FBS level], and there’s 13 weeks in a season, to be honest, I thought it was just a way for me to do something that was fun. That’s go to a different stadium every single week and be the first person to do that in the state of Texas, because there’s no way to have done that before. For me, it was just a way to check off a bucket list item and have a fun year. The way I thought I could pull that off was to pitch it as a coffee table book to commemorate [this first season with 13], while also making it a history of the programs across the state.   EM:  As someone who travels to stadiums across the state on just a part-time basis, I’m curious how you were able to pull the logistics of that season and do your full-time job with DCTF. How were you able to coordinate that kind of schedule? MC:  Luckily, I’ve been on the job for a couple of years and know all the [sports information directors], I know all the coaches, and I have what I consider to be great relationships with all these schools. So, I just made a spreadsheet of every single schedule. Put them all next to each other, week 1, week, 2, etc. Then I just isolated the six or seven games that I just had to go to. These were big times games, like Oregon at Texas Tech , Deion starting the season at TCU , those type of games. Also, Alabama at Texas A&M , those kinds of games were the ones I built the schedule around. Big games where the stadiums were full and that would provide the type of atmosphere to write about. I just came up with what I thought was a solid schedule. It was a lot of fun. It was tiring, but everybody accommodated me pretty well. No big hiccups along the way.   EM:  What surprised you on your visits? MC:  That’s a good question. I didn’t go anywhere that I hadn’t been. I’ve been to all of these stadiums before. I’ve talked to all of these coaches and been to all of these cities before. I guess the thing that continuously surprised me was, and I guess I already knew this, but this set it into stone, was that this state is humongous. What that leads to is a uniqueness and a certain culture in all of these pockets of the state that is hard to explain to outsiders. Being in El Paso and being in Huntsville is being on two different planets. Being in Houston and being in Lubbock is two different planets. Austin and Waco, they’re only an hour and a half away [and] are just different. It always fascinates me at just how different and unique the communities are within the state of Texas and that also holds true for the cities that are home to our biggest universities.   EM:  What about the atmosphere and the tailgating scenes? Who really stood out to you on your visits? MC:  I think A&M is the best place to go watch a football game. Their insistence on tradition is fun. I grew up going to Texas Longhorns  games because my grandfather was the rehab specialist for UT since Darrell K. Royal was there. If you go to a Texas game now compared to when I was a kid, it’s a completely different thing. None of the songs, except for the ones that are school oriented, are the same. The marching is different. Everything is different. At A&M, everything is the same. You feel like you could be experiencing something that your grandfather or great-grandfather could have experienced. They show up for New Mexico State the same way they show up for Alabama, and there’s something cool about that. I think Lubbock and Tech is probably the most underrated spot in the state, especially if you get to a big-time night game. And, El Paso is near and dear to my heart. The Sun Bowl  can’t be beat, and the food outside of UTEP football games is probably the best that I came across.   EM:  Great stuff, Mike. Where can people find the book? MC: Yeah, you can find it at texasfootball.com . We only published 3,000, so we’re kind of limited now. Come find me on Twitter  or my social media stuff and we’ll get you figured out.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bismarck Municipal Ballpark 303 W Front Ave Bismarck, ND 58504 Bismarck Larks website Bismarck Municipal Ballpark website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 1,900 Bismarck Baseball Celebrating the team’s fifth anniversary in 2021, the Bismarck Larks of the summer collegiate Northwoods League have brought baseball back to Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, a stadium with over a hundred years of baseball tradition. The park was built in 1921 and has housed various minor league teams over the years including the Bismarck Capitals, the Churchills (who featured Satchel Paige), the Barons, and the Bismarck-Mandan Pards. There has also been an American Legion team known as the Governors that have played at Municipal Park since 1928. The park was renovated in 1992, and then again in 2014. The Larks took residence in 2017. The stadium officially has a capacity of 1,900, but with the right field pavilion, many more fans can be accommodated. Food & Beverage 3 Municipal Ballpark offers most of your usual ballpark fare, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The main concession stand is right behind home plate and offers Cloverdale hot dogs for $3.50 (50 cents more for a quarter pound…go for it), bratwurst for $5, pulled pork sandwiches, and cheeseburgers run $6.25 with bacon an option for 75 cents more. The big ticket item is the Helmet Nachos: chips, pulled pork, salsa, sour cream, and cheese sauce served in a batting helmet for $14. Popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and nachos with cheese are also available in the $4-$5 range. Beer is available in draft form (Bud Light, Michelob Ultra are 16oz for $6 while Mango Cart and Laughing Sun Strawberry Wheat are $7) and cans (Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Five Tool Ale, plus Bud Light Seltzers and Lemonade are $5.50-$7 for 12-16oz sizes). There is also wine available for $5.50 or $10 in a wine slushy form. Budweiser Zero is a non-alcoholic option as well. By the first base lawn area, there are several draft beers from Laughing Sun Brewery in Bismarck. On the night I was there, they had an IPA, a Red Sour, a Golden Ale, and a Belgian Style Ale. $7 for a pint but the beer is well worth it. There is a Sweet Spot stand right in the main seating area just to the left of home plate. Their specialties are mini donuts and ice cream. $5 will get you a half dozen mini donuts with a mini batting helmet or 3 scoops of ice cream in a bowl. Dippin’ Dots, cotton candy, and chocolate chip cookies are also found here. They have milkshakes, too, but they’re a bit pricey at $8. Atmosphere 4 I attended the game on opening night, so there may have been more fans than usual, but the fans really showed up. A very full crowd and both group pavilions were packed. It definitely felt like Municipal Ballpark was the place to be in Bismarck that night. While the stadium itself is a hundred years old, it has been upgraded a couple of times. There is a covered concourse behind home plate. These are box seats that have back rests and cup holders. The box seats extend to the dugouts on both sides. These are $19. A little beyond the covered grandstand, and behind the extended box seats, metal bleachers are $14. For $36, you can get a tailgate ticket that offers a premium ballpark buffet, group style seating, and three voucher tabs that are redeemable for beer, wine, a Larks hat, or the YMCA Family Fun Zone. The field is all grass. The outfield wall is 320 feet to left, 380 to center, and 333 down the right field line. The right field fence has ivy growing on it. Trains pass by right behind the left field fence. The scoreboard is very standard. Runs, hits, errors, scores, and batter numbers are displayed. No video. There are a couple of on-field promotions in-between innings, but the unique thing I saw was kids got to run across the outfield during the 7th inning stretch. Not sure if that’s an every game thing or if it’s just because it was opening night. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is on the edge of a residential area. There is a Kiwanis Park across the street with playground equipment for kids to play on. Within a mile are several chain restaurants (McDonald’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Taco Bell, Perkins). Downtown Bismarck is about a mile to the west and the State Capitol building is about a mile and a half to the north. For a good beer with a quality food menu, I’d recommend Stone Home Brewing near the Capitol. Very good beer and the pork belly tacos are top notch. I am told that The Walrus Restaurant on 3rd Street is very good. Other sports teams in the city include the Bismarck Bucks (Champions Indoor Football league) and the Bismarck Bobcats (North American Hockey League). There are plenty of hotels and motels in the city, although they’re not necessarily within walking distance. I’ve stayed in Bismarck a few times in the last couple of years and America’s Best Value Inn near the Capitol always seems to be the most affordable option. Fans 4 I’ve been to Municipal Ballpark twice and both times, the fans showed up in bunches. They really support their team, probably because they’re the biggest team going in the state of North Dakota. Lots of people wear Larks jerseys and many more wear their t-shirts. The line to get in the park on opening night stretched half a block away. The crowd was given plenty to cheer about as their Larks scored 10 runs in the victory. Access 3 The ballpark is fairly easy to get to; a mile or so off of I-94 and a block off of Business I-94. The physical address of the stadium is 303 W Front Ave. If you’re using Apple Maps, type in the ballpark name, not the team name, or else you’ll wind up at the team offices at a different location. Parking is free. There is an adjacent lot and there is plenty of street parking in case you want to be a little further away. Bismarck Airport is about 4 miles away. I didn’t see any public transportation other than Uber. Inside the park, there are ramps up to the main concourse and the bathrooms are handicap accessible. Return on Investment 3 The price of the tickets is a bit steep. $14 for a “get in the door” ticket at a summer collegiate game seems a bit much, but apparently, the fans are okay with it. Food and beverage prices are average to slightly above average on par with the rest of the Northwoods League. Free programs with scorecards are available at the gate. Extras 3 One point for the free programs and scorecard. This is rare in summer collegiate leagues. One point for the “Lion King” reenactment before each game for one lucky baby. Several Larks players gather around in a circle and “bless” the baby as seen in “The Lion King.” Summer collegiate players have to know when they sign up for summer leagues that they’re going to have to be willing to participate in fun, quirky things like this. One point for the fans. The fans really show up and support their team. Bismarck is hundreds of miles outside of the footprint of the rest of the league, so it had to be worth it for the league to put a team in Bismarck. The fans are easily some of the most supportive in the league. Final Thoughts Bismarck, North Dakota is not necessarily a city that people would think of as being a hot bed for baseball. It’s not really near anything else. The Larks have made it a ballpark worth visiting and a very enjoyable fan experience.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hyde Stadium Ree St. and E. Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501 Pierre Trappers website Hyde Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 1,500 Trappers in Pierre Built in 1935 as part of the New Deal’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Hyde Stadium has been housing Legion baseball in South Dakota’s capital city for 85 years. The Pierre Cowboys from the independent summer collegiate Basin League also called the park home in the 1950’s and 60’s. In 2018, the summer collegiate Expedition League was created and the Pierre Trappers became one of the league’s eight inaugural teams. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options at Hyde Stadium are quite plentiful and the prices are very reasonable for a ballgame. Options include nachos/super nachos ($3/$6), Walking Tacos ($6), Pulled Pork ($5), Standard Hot Dog ($2.50), and a Pizza Soft Pretzel with Cheese or a King Soft Pretzel with Cheese ($4/$3). Also, new in 2020 is their signature “Trapper Dog” ($5). This is a hot dog with pulled pork and nacho cheese on it. As it was Opening Night, they were hyping the Trapper Dog and I noticed several people trying them. Personally, I thought it was delicious. Drinks include Pepsi products, Gatorade, Lemonade, and Iced Tea (all $3) and Bottled Water for $2. Beer selection is moderate. Cans of Coors Light, Budweiser, and Blue Moon are $5 and two different kinds of Deschutes IPAs are available for $6 (19.2 ounces). If a predetermined “beer batter” strikes out, all beers are $1 off for the rest of the inning. There is one permanent concession stand located just to the first base side of home plate. Beer is sold at mobile carts down both baselines. The lines are constant, but they seem to move quite well. Atmosphere 3 Seating at Hyde Stadium is a bit odd. There are several hundred fixed seats which sell for $10. Directly behind home plate, there is a covered “auditorium-style” section called the “Trapper’s Post” that sells for only $6. These seats, though, are simply concrete, but you can always bring a padded seat cover, and this section is mostly shaded. You also get the most direct view of the entire field. The earliest shade of the evening goes to the seats on the third base side which are closest to home plate. The covering from the Trapper’s Post causes shade right from the time the gates open. There are grassy areas down both lines available for $5, but warning, this is where all the kids run around and play and scream. Cheap ticket, but lots of interruptions. A small electronic scoreboard is in right center field. No frills, no videos. Also no player names, and unfortunately, there are no roster sheets available. I had to go to the Pointstreak website to keep up with the players. There are a few in-between inning promotions like the typical dizzy bat race, but nothing that really stands out as extraordinary. Kids are allowed to help sing the 7th inning stretch, but they actually did the stretch BEFORE the 7th inning. I later asked the promo team if that was a normal occurrence in Pierre. One of the girls bowed her head and said “No, I screwed up.” At least they realized their mistake. Neighborhood 3 Hyde Stadium is located literally across the street from the front entrance of the State Capitol Building. It makes it quite easy to find. There is an adjacent jogging trail that will take you down to the Missouri River. Downtown is about a half mile away. The Historic Pierre Street Association has several quaint little shops and the sidewalks are tree-lined and well shaded. Richie Z’S Brickhouse BBQ and Grill is a well-attended barbeque restaurant in the area. The Cattleman’s Club Steakhouse has the best reviews of any of the local restaurants. For a town that only has about 13,000 people, there seems to be quite a few varied options for any taste. There is also plenty of the usual fast food restaurants in the area including my personal favorite, Taco John’s. Fans 4 My trip was Opening Night for the Trappers, and with the COVID-19 pandemic going on, people were hungry to see a ballgame. Attendance was limited to about 600 (normal max is over a thousand if they pack them in on the lawns), and the game was a sell-out. The fans seem to be mostly attentive to the game. In the 7th inning, fans started chanting for local standout, Peyton Zabel, to come in to pitch. In the 8th, when he was brought into the game, the place got LOUD. As he struck out all five batters he faced with his 100mph fastball, the place got louder. Zabel is from Pierre, and everyone seemed to know him. Access 3 Pierre is the second-smallest US Capital city and is one of only four that is not serviced by the Eisenhower Interstate System (I won a trivia contest knowing that fact so I like to throw it out there when I can). The closest freeway is I-90, which is 35 miles south of the city. That being said, US 83 goes right through town and is a divided highway once you get south of the city. Going north, there are only very small towns until you get to Bismarck, North Dakota. The park itself is very easy to find as it is across the street from the State Capitol building. The physical address is 601 E Capitol Ave. While there is no actual parking lot, there is plenty of free street parking nearby. Getting in and out is very easy. There is one gate to get in the park located right behind home plate. Pierre’s airport is only a regional airport, so if you’re looking to fly in, you’re probably not getting a direct flight. Return on Investment 4 This is a very cost-friendly ballpark experience. I paid $5 for a ticket to get in the door. Seats are $6-$10 (there is also a row right by the netting behind home plate for $15). Food is well-priced. I can’t imagine getting a 19.2 ounce can of Deschutes IPA for less than the $6 they charge ($5 when the beer batter strikes out). Parking is free. Extras 2 There isn’t a whole of “extras” available for the ballpark, but I’ll give them one point for the very informative stadium statue/plaque which provides a lot of historical information. I’ll also give another point to the very friendly staff. The GM of the team introduced himself to me as I walked in the door. He had seen me earlier in the week at two Trappers road games. Plus every employee I interacted with seems to be in good spirits. Everyone is happy to finally be around baseball again. Final Thoughts Pierre is an interesting town to visit. You literally don’t see the city until you’re there. It’s a small town but being the state capital makes it an important city. Hyde Park has been part of the city for 85 years, and with recent renovations to get it ready for the Trappers, I see no reason why it can’t be here for another 85. The city is a little off the beaten path, but I’d recommend making the trip.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 O’Donnell Field 65 North Harvard St Boston, MA 02163 Harvard Crimson website O’Donnell Field website Year Opened: 1898 Capacity: 1,600 Crimson in the Clover   Baseball has been played at Harvard since 1862, with the school sponsoring its first varsity team in 1865. At first, baseball was played at various locations around campus and greater Boston, including Jarvis Field, Holmes Field and Boston Common. In 1890, Major Henry Lee Higginson donated a parcel of land on the southern shore of the Charles River for use by the university. Originally known as Soldier’s Field in honor of six of Higginson's friends who died fighting in the Civil War (Yes, I said Civil War. We’re dealing with some seriously old stuff here), the site has been the home of Harvard baseball since 1898.   The field was dedicated for Harvard class of 1967 alum, baseball captain, and football team standout Joseph O’Donnell in 1997. Mr. O’Donnell donated $2.5 million to the baseball program in 1995, allowing the university to hire a full-time baseball coach for the first time. He also donated an additional $30 million to the university in 2012.   The Crimson have qualified for 15 NCAA Tournaments and four College World Series, most recently in 1974. 17 Harvard alumni have played in the Major Leagues.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at O’Donnell Field. There is a nice little pavilion on the first base side of the diamond, but it is usually occupied by alumni, particularly during Ivy League games. It’s not unusual to see tailgating parties going on, sponsored by alumni of both competing schools, throughout the game.   Unaffiliated fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during a Crimson game.   Atmosphere 2   The gameday experience at O'Donnell Field is typical of the small college ballparks in the northeast. The game day experience at Harvard is pretty laid back (and dare we say, scholarly?). There’s not a lot going on to distract your attention from the game. Music plays between innings and batters while the PA announcer goes about his duties in an unobtrusive manner. Much of the noise at O’Donnell Field is created by the fans in the stands and the players on the field. A simple scoreboard in left field displays basic game information.   Harvard boasts an NCAA-best 42 varsity sports, and the majority of them play their games on the Soldier Field complex. It's not unusual to have softball, lacrosse, baseball, track and field and more all going on at the same time. It creates a nice festival-like atmosphere where fans wander around from game to game throughout a lovely spring New England afternoon.   Neighborhood 4    The Harvard campus is located in Cambridge, MA, on the north shore of the Charles River. O'Donnell Field is located on the opposite shore of the Charles, in the Boston neighborhood of Allston. Many of the school's athletic facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Lavietes Pavilion , Bright-Landry Hockey Center  and Jordan Field  are located here, as is the world-famous Harvard Business School.    There’s not a whole lot to do in the immediate vicinity of O’Donnell Field and the Soldiers Field Complex, but fans who venture out into Allston and Brighton will find many dining and lodging options. Fans visiting Harvard from out of town who want to get the full Harvard experience should head back across the Charles.   To see the sights of Harvard, take a walk across the Anderson Memorial Bridge, which spans the Charles River leading into Cambridge. A few blocks from the river is the Harvard campus. Harvard Square is the heartbeat of campus, and while it may not be the bohemian center it once was, it is still one of the most popular areas in Boston for walking, shopping, and people watching. If the fickle New England weather is cooperating, it’s a great place to be. For those wishing to bask in the history, architecture, and aura of Harvard, this is the place for you. Take a walking tour of the campus along with the obligatory picture in front of the statue of John Harvard. Just remember these three things about the statue: 1) it is not actually a statue of John Harvard (no image of him exists), but of a random student; 2) John Harvard was not the founder of the college, but its first benefactor; and 3) the college was actually founded in 1636, not in 1638, as the statue claims. But remember to touch his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck.   Fans 2   As is the case at most college ballparks in this part of the country, the Crimson don’t attract huge crowds to baseball games. A Harvard baseball crowd is best described as a “friends and family” crowd, as most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players down on the field. As you might imagine, the fans here are knowledgeable about the teams competing and enthusiastic in their support.   While you won't find a cohesive student section here at O'Donnell Field, students do take advantage of the great number of outdoor activities available at the Soldiers Field Complex. It's not unusual to see students bouncing between games at the many sporting venues here, catching a few innings at the ballpark before moving on to other activities.   Access 3    Boston can be a difficult city to get around, but luckily for visiting baseball fans the majority of Harvard’s schedule takes place on the weekend, when traffic is somewhat less congested than during the week. The Soldiers Field Complex is accessible fairly easily from either Storrow Drive or the Mass Pike (Interstate 90). Detailed driving directions can be found here .  Locals will tell you that the preferred method of transportation in Boston is the subway, or "T",  as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from Harvard Stadium across the Charles River. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. In addition, the 66 and 86 bus routes stop on North Harvard Street, directly in front of the athletic complex. If you are driving to O'Donnell Field, you will find ample parking tucked in between the many facilities at the Soldier Field Complex. Parking is free for Crimson baseball games (that's right, free parking in Boston!), unless there is a men's lacrosse game going on at the same time. There are some spots dangerously close to the field. Your best bet is to park a little further away to protect your windshield. Seating consists of three sets of aluminum bleachers without backs. There is a large set of bleachers behind home plate, with smaller sets far down either baseline. Unfortunately, there’s not a ton of standing room here, at least not without an obstructed view. There are no permanent rest room facilities at O’Donnell Field, meaning fans will have to make due with a row of port-a-johns next to the track, or take a long walk into the Stadium or the Gordon Indoor Track building.   Return on Investment 5   With free admission and parking, taking in a Crimson baseball game is a most affordable entertainment option for Boston sports fans. It's possible to catch a ballgame (as well as a few other games) without spending a single cent.   Extras 1                                                                                                 While not a flashy facility, O’Donnell Stadium does boast a tremendous backdrop. The colossal hulk of Harvard Stadium towers over the field on the first base side of the facility. It’s fun to watch errant foul balls clank of the concrete façade or through the arches that line the exterior of the stadium.   Final Thoughts   Harvard boasts a long and storied athletic history. While the school boasts some legendary venues and baseball has been played on the O'Donnell Field site since the 19th century, this is very much a bare-bones facility. Aside from the colossal Harvard Stadium hovering over the first base line, there's little to make a visit to O'Donnell Field a memorable one.   If planning to make a visit to Harvard, keep in mind that the baseball season takes place largely in March and April, when the weather in New England can be fickle. Changes in schedule, postponements, cancellations and even changes in venue are commonplace. Be sure to make your plans flexible.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Fitch High School Field 101 Groton Long Point Road Groton, CT 06340 Mystic Schooners website Fitch High School website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Into The Mystic The Mystic Schooners, despite their modest four seasons in New London County, are one of the two oldest franchises in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Before settling in Groton, a town adjacent to Mystic, the team played in Willimantic, CT, Hinsdale, MA, Pittsfield, MA, and Bristol, CT. Food & Beverage 2 The Schooners operate a pop up tent next to the press box where fans can select from a very limited menu. The only hot item on the menu is hot dogs, which can be purchased for a reasonable two dollars. A variety of chips, candy, popcorn, and snacks are available here, with no item priced at over two dollars. A highlight of the menu is the Schooner Soda, bottled by a local company and featuring the Schooners logo on the bottle. Unfortunately, the team recycles the bottle, so you can’t keep it as a souvenir. Add a scoop of ice cream to your sarsaparilla and you have a “Schooner Float”, sold for three dollars. Next to the concession table is a table selling assorted Schooners items. In addition to the usual selection of hats and t-shirts, fans can purchase a pint glass with the Schooners logo featured prominently on it. It’s a novelty item not seen at most college parks. Atmosphere 2 With the small crowd and large dimensions at Fitch High School, there isn’t a whole lot of buzz in the stands at a Schooners game. The team does a couple of raffles during the game, but there isn’t a whole lot extra going on to keep your attention. Ballpark purists will undoubtedly enjoy the fact that you can hear the chatter in the infield and instructions from the dugout, but there is something missing here that you get at other summer college ballparks. There are the requisite children playing their own games of catch in the large grassy area who chase every foul ball like their lives depended on its retrieval beyond the third base bleachers, but they are far from the field and totally out of sight. Neighborhood 3 The baseball field where the Mystic Schooners play their game is located behind Robert E. Fitch High School in neighboring Groton, CT. The school is located on Groton Long Point Road, otherwise known as Route 215. Despite its location just off of Route 1, there is little in the immediate area to attract any visiting fans. If visiting the area from out of town, the historic Mystic Seaport is located just over 3 miles away from Fitch High School on Route 1 North. Once in Mystic, fans will find some great seafood restaurants, and tons of shopping. The iconic Mystic Pizza from movie fame is located not too far from Fitch High School. Attractions such as Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium are located here. In addition, The twin Connecticut casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are located less than a half hour’s drive away. Fans 1 Mystic averages about 200 fans per game at Fitch High School, ranking them at or near the bottom of the NECBL listings annually. The fans that do trek out to Fitch Field are very dedicated and knowledgeable about their team, and are very involved in the action on the field. It was wonderful to see a great deal of interaction between the players and fans throughout the game. Access 2 Fitch High School is located just off of Route 1, which hugs the Connecticut shoreline and is the primary business thoroughfare on the south coast of the state. It is easily accessible from Interstate 95. If driving to Groton, take exit 88 (Route 117) off of I-95, follow it to the end, take a left onto Route 1, and follow it to Route 217. Fitch High School will immediately be on your right. The baseball field is located behind the school. Once at the ball field, there are paved paths leading from the parking lot to the large, new set of bleachers located on the third base side of the field. Fans needing accessible seating will be very happy with these bleachers, which have been built to meet all the newest ADA standards. Just beware, they are metal, and don’t have backs, so bring a cushion, both to protect your backside from the metal and from the heat. There are no permanent rest room facilities here, just two port-a-johns for use. There is no seating on the first base side of the field, but just beyond the press box is perhaps the smallest set of bleachers ever created. Consisting of three short rows of benches, they will seat perhaps 9 people if they squeeze together really closely. Fans not wishing to sit in the bleachers will find plenty of room to spread out lawn chairs or blankets. Return on Investment 3 Admission to a Schooners game costs $5 for general admission seating. It feels a little on the high side for this park, but it is not out of line with prices in the NECBL. Many veteran Schooners fans (or should we call them freeloaders?) forego the price of admission by simply bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets and sitting on the hill beyond the outfield fence. By doing this, they are not charged admission, and they enjoy a great view of the action. To me, this seems like a rotten thing to do. The Schooners are not charging an exorbitant price for tickets, and the cost of admission goes entirely towards the running of the team (paying for gas and busses to away games, getting players home after the season, etc.). When your attendance is under 200 fans and there are 50 more sitting in the outfield for free, you are depriving the team of a substantial portion of their budget. This may be the only time you hear a rant from me against looking for the best bargain. Parking is free in the lot located beyond the outfield fence. In the event of a larger crowd, more spaces are available on the opposite side of the school. Food prices are also very low, so going to a Schooners game is a very affordable entertainment option for families in the Mystic area. Extras 1 The Mystic Schooners game day experience is a pretty bare bones one, even by summer collegiate league standards. The team runs a couple of raffles, one for a t-shirt, and the familiar 50/50 raffle. Disappointingly, the players do not participate in these raffles as they do in most other places, and the beleaguered intern running the raffles didn’t start the 50/50 raffle until the 6th inning, not leaving him a whole lot of time to collect money. Fortunately for him, with the small crowds regularly in attendance, it doesn’t take long to circle the park. Final Thoughts The league had a great idea in placing a team in historic and scenic Mystic. Unfortunately, by having the team play in neighboring Groton in an out of the way field, they lose any of the benefits that playing in such a tourist mecca would gain them. Other teams play in high school fields similar to Fitch High School, but those facilities generally have a better location or permanent facilities. Fitch High School has some catching up to do in order to match up with other NECBL facilities. For a team that has played in former minor league ballparks such as Muzzy Field and Waconah Park, this is a huge step backwards. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Ignite website  Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 The Indy Ignite Ready to Ignite Indianapolis The Indy Ignite are members of the Pro Volleyball Federation and play at the Fishers Event Center. The club began play in 2024 and attracted a crowd of 6,089 for its inaugural game.  The 8-team league provides a livable wage to women volleyball players with salaries. The Indy Ignite name was announced a year before its first game and pays tribute to the burning passion of the volleyball community, the fierce deterioration of its athletes, and the league’s effort to spark a new interest in women’s pro sports. The golden torch logo is inspired by the state flag and the bronze statue of Victory atop the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.  Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken sandwiches in front of customers for its sandwiches: regular, Buffalo, and Nashville hot. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The city's historic railyard inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators.  Atmosphere 3 Professional volleyball is new to the Indianapolis market, and fans have taken an interest in the Ignite. The first game attracted a sell-out crowd of 7,000 people, while the second game filled the arena to 75 percent capacity. Fans line up for merchandise and then after the game for post-game autographs. The court is set up in the middle of the floor with additional private seating on each side. One of these areas is filled with a group of supporters banging inflatable thundersticks and a mini-bar area for easy access for fans sitting courtside. The team’s mascot, Pepper, walks around this area for pictures. Fans are concentrated on the action on the court, which could be as short as 90 minutes to 2 and a half hours. There are plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” during long sets where the players make acrobatic and diving moves to keep the ball alive. Music is played briefly after each scoring and during breaks between sets. There are moments of entertainment during breaks, including the Firestarter Dance Team, on-court gimmicks for kids, and a giant volleyball game with an inflatable ball in the stands.  Only clear bags are permitted. Non-clear bags must be smaller than 4.5” x 6.5”, and the arena is a cashless venue. All concessions and merchandise must be made through credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. There are no programs offered at the game. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within walking distance of   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill.  The 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and the Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 4 The fanbase for Ignite games is a mix of die-hard volleyball and casual fans.  They enjoy watching a professional volleyball match and cheer with attacks and kills on the court. When it is a match point, the crowd stands until the game is over. After the match, fans line up in the lower concourse to secure an autograph or photo with their favorite players. Access 5 Fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around during volleyball games. A few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse have slightly obstructed views. Return on Investment 3 There is a demand for Ignite tickets. The costs start at $30 (plus $12.50 fees) on the team’s site and Ticketmaster. Some secondary websites list tickets around the same place or slightly higher for home matches.  The average price for standard admission tickets is around $21.60 before fees. Parking is hassle-free, with 2,000 spaces around the FEC. Fans can pre-pay for the game or scan to pay upon arrival. The cost to park in the general admission lot is $10, while the VIP lot is $20. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of options for the Ignite at-home games in the Fuel Shop. There is the Merch of the Night, an exclusive offer of 25% on select items each night. Extras 3 Players sign autographs after every game on the lower concourse; based on the number of fans waiting in line, there is a huge demand to meet the new stars of the city. The arena offers grab-and-go items from drinks to food for easy access to and from your seats. After every Ignite home victory, fans can grab a free appetizer with an entree item at the Parks Place Pub. Final Thoughts The Indy Ignite impacted the sports scene in town during its inaugural season. Management has done proper marketing and research, creating an interesting niche for fans in the area. It is an exciting time to be a fan of women's sports, and the PVF is among the many options to choose from here in the United States. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Evelyn Dyke Schroedl '62 Tennis Center 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Goucher Gophers website Evelyn Dyke Schroedl '62 Tennis Center website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 250 Home Of The Gophers Goucher College is a former all-women’s college located in Towson, Maryland, a northern suburb of Baltimore. The college opened in 1885 as the Women’s College of Baltimore City changed its name to its current name in 1910 and went coed in 1986. Goucher moved to its present suburban location northeast of the county seat of Towson in Baltimore County in 1953. The college is named in honor of its founding member, John Goucher, and his wife, Mary Fisher Goucher. Goucher College is a private co-educational liberal arts college. It was originally affiliated with the Baltimore Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church but currently has no real church affiliation. The college has approximately 1,480 undergraduate students studying in 33 majors and 1,200 students studying in graduate programs. Notable alumni include Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps Margaret G. Kibben, Maryland State Delegate John A. Olszewski, Jr., and frequent John Waters actress Mary Vivian Pearce. Goucher athletic teams are known as the Gophers. The college competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Landmark Conference. The Evelyn Dyke Schroedl '62 Tennis Center opened in 2021. It is the home of men’s and women’s tennis teams. Funded by a donation from former Goucher registrar Evelyn Dyke Schroedl, the facility features a total of 12 courts, allowing for men's and women's tennis matches to occur simultaneously.  Four courts are lighted allowing for nighttime play. There are also additional recreation courts and a couple of courts that have been transformed into outdoor roller hockey or box lacrosse. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at the tennis center. Fans should make certain to eat before or after the game as this arena is not a good place for food concessions. Atmosphere 4 There are a couple of simple grandstands but most people will just stand and watch the various game actions. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere. There is no PA or scoreboard to keep track of action. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings from a few scenes there. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease, Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 3 There will be very few fans at most meets as the complex is behind the Decker Athletic Center. Expect most fans to be friends or family. Access 4 Goucher is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a busy area and traffic can be bad at some times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the complex, although a night game may mean that parking could get tight at times. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission charge so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 2 Goucher College has a little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. The pretty little campus is a nice extra in itself. Final Thoughts The Evelyn Dyke Schroedl '62 Tennis Center is not a place you will normally search for an amazing sports experience, but if you happen to be in the area it is a cheap way to enjoy a game of tennis.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Kokomo Municipal Stadium 400 S. Union St. Kokomo, IN 46901 Kokomo Jackrabbits website Kokomo Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 4,000 Setting the Standard in Kokomo Kokomo Municipal Stadium is one of the most prestigious ballparks in the summer collegiate landscape, a stunning 360-degree concourse ballpark features plastic seating, a beer garden, large children’s area, and plenty of grass seating behind the outfield wall that would put a few lower Single-A facilities to shame. The home of the Kokomo Jackrabbits was built at a price tag of $9 million and features a capacity of 4,000. The Rabbits were members of the Prospect League for its first four seasons before switching to the Northwoods League in 2019. The change of leagues offers more home dates (36 compared to 25 dates) and serves as a hub for the three Michigan-based teams and possible future teams in the area. Kokomo had been home to minor league baseball from 1955 to 1961 in the Three-Eye League to both the Dodgers and Giants organizations. The ballpark used for those years was Highland Park Stadium, which still stands to this day, but is nowhere near the standards set by KMS. The club is also known for its colors of brown, yellow, and orange and designs that are similar to early 1980s San Diego Padres uniforms. The club is one of a handful of sports or college teams that embrace the color of brown from caps, jerseys, and t-shirts. The friendly staff, prices, and eye-popping merchandise quickly make the stadium stand out among others in the summer collegiate leagues and each year something a little different occurs to make a visit worthwhile. Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands on both baselines of the main concourse offering the typical ballpark fare. The choices are not too bad and include more than your typical ballpark fare. Hot Dogs and brats have a meat bun-to-meat ratio and can be topped with Stadium Mustard (the official mustard of the Northwoods League). However, there are also burgers, pork tenderloin sandwiches, chicken tenders, nachos, soft pretzels, and popcorn. The are two varieties of fries: waffles and steak, and both are very hot and fresh. A few different choices include pickle fries, mac and cheese bites, and hot pepper bites (fried pepper jack cheese). Domestic beer sells for $7(16-ounce) and $8 (24-ounce), while craft beer selections will cost around a dollar more for 16-ounce servings. If you are not drinking beer, fountain drinks of the Coca-Cola variety are available from $3 to $4 apiece for a 16 or 20-ounce. Also, there is a soda and beer bat for $10 and $12 respectively. In the right-field corner is a party tent with seating for about ten people and offers draft beers, well drinks, ciders, and wine. Multiple tables and chairs near the tent are popular on Thursday nights when all domestic beers are $2 and draft beers are $4. Down the right field line and near the kid zone is the Sweet Tooth portable stand that serves ice cream cones, root beer floats, and fresh popcorn. These are very fair and adequate prices for ballpark cuisine and should be able to satisfy many in attendance. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere feels perfect for a collegiate wood-bat ballpark and for a city that has not gone 54 years without a professional ball club. The game day operations are top-notch with shirt tosses, in-between inning games, dancing carrots on the dugouts, and Jacko the muscular jackrabbit patrolling the stadium — he is one tough hare. There were not a lot of in-between promotions during the game, except for the Zooperstars who were in town and added to the festivities. There was also a U16 baseball team from the Kitcherner, Ontario, area that cheered and commented throughout the game. Finally, the Rabbits have an MC who spearheads the crowd from the dugout and throws out mini baseballs to hype the audience. The Rabbits offer various promotional nights that include Prince & Princesses Night, Star Wars Night, Faith Night, Christmas in July, and Fan Appreciation Night throughout the summer months. From what I was told, some of these nights draw quite well. The merchandise has been a popular staple for the club since its inception and when you wear brown you might get a few eye rolls. That is not the case, as team caps featuring the stylistic K-logo, rabbit eyes, or Jacko have been popular items for fans of all ages. There is a small space near the entrance of the stadium to sell merchandise, but it is somewhat hidden (and not well-marked). The ballpark’s lawn seats pay homage to outfield lawn seats in Indianapolis; this could be a great way to entice nonbaseball fans to enjoy a game by sitting on a blanket under clear blue skies. Unlike many other stadiums, the entire outfield seating section features grass seating that accommodates up to 1,000 patrons. In the right-field corner is an elaborate jungle gym for the children that is protected by a canopy net and features blue protection cushions at the bottom. Like the party tent at the opposite end, this place is heavily populated with younger fans. Neighborhood 2 What you would find in Kokomo is a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on the US-31, which is not too far from the stadium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then here are a few suggestions. Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches – it is also an ideal place for the kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery provides a great stop for a bite to eat or craft beer after the game. The Windmill Grill, B-K Root Beer Stand, or Artie’s Tenderloin are great local choices in town. Be sure to try a tenderloin sandwich – a giant breaded piece of pork that is a deep friend and big enough for two. The ballpark is near the historic Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium , which at one time, was one of the largest high school basketball field houses in the country. The current size is around 5,000 and it still packs a crowd during the high school season. Many locals recommend Dan’s Variety Bakery which opens at 1 AM and features fresh, hot baked donuts. It is a popular destination and is open from 1 AM to 12 PM. Fans 3 The fans at the ballpark appear to be strong supporters of their local nine. Many in attendance are decked out in Jackrabbit gear, while little ones wait impatiently for the elusive foul ball down the right field line. The crowd, which grows as the night wears on, cheers and jests through the trials and tribulations of the Rabbits on the field. However, do not be surprised if the stadium becomes a hotspot during warmer and dryer evenings throughout the summer. Access 4 You will not find directions off the main road to Municipal Stadium – a common feature in many minor and collegiate wood bat leagues. Fortunately, GPS takes you directly to the stadium from US-31. The parking is free on the residential streets that are decked out nicely with flowers and team banners. There are additional parking lots in the back of the outfield walls across the street. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets start at $8/$10 for lawn seats and $11/$13 for dugout seats. A ticket for a Wednesday night game costs $18 and includes a voucher for a hot dog and soda or beer. VIP Tables are available for $180 ($45 a person) and include a buffet offering burgers, hot dogs, brats, and soda. The two main price points are affordable and when you include the money saved on parking and the cost of food should make many customers return to KMS for a game shortly. A hot dog or bunch. of fries cost $3.50 and a tenderloin sandwich is $8. The caps sell for around $29, while beer is $7 for a 12-once domestic. Parking is free for the games and plentiful due to the attendance numbers, but arrive early to secure a spot close to the stadium. Extras 3 The team earns a star for the great-looking logo, team colors, and retro uniforms that are now a classic look to a new generation of millennial baseball fans. A second star is for the beer garden and tent bar in the left field corner, a popular destination for Thursday and weekend games, and a great sport for socialization. The final extra star is for the design and modern comforts of the ballpark that is not your typical summer collegiate facility. A wraparound concourse, children’s play area, outfield lawn seating, and a beer garden make it an impressive facility not only for the league but in the state of Indiana. Final Thoughts Kokomo Municipal Stadium has already raised the bar for new and modern collegiate wood bat league stadiums. Instead of taking a former minor league stadium and retrofitting it for 21st-century comforts, this palace was built from the ground up. KMS has all of the ballpark flare and pizzazz that one would expect for a night out with friends and family. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Temple Sports Complex 1228 N 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Temple Owls website Temple Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 500 Cherry and White Soccer Opened in 2016, the Temple Sports Complex in Philadelphia is home to Temple University's men's and women's soccer teams. Confusingly, the Temple Sports Complex can refer either specifically to the soccer field or to the whole complex which also includes Howarth Field , home to Temple field hockey and lacrosse. For this review, we will just be focusing on the soccer stadium, although many elements are shared by the entire complex. This review will focus on the experience at a Temple women's soccer game, although the experience is likely to be similar to a men's game. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at the Temple Sports Complex, although fans are free to bring their own except alcohol. On a crisp fall day, you will see many fans with coffee cups from Starbucks and other stores. Atmosphere 2 The Temple Sports Complex consists of a few rows of bleachers on one sideline. They are close enough that all seats have an outstanding view of the action. Other than the game itself, there is not a whole lot going on here. As soccer is constant action with no breaks except halftime, that is unsurprising to some extent, but the school does not do a whole lot to promote the experience here. That is disappointing as this is a nice stadium with great views of the action, and could be even better if the school would put some effort into the matchday experience. Neighborhood 3 Temple University is located in North Philadelphia near the intersection of Girard Avenue and Broad Street. Although this was once a very bad neighborhood, it has improved somewhat. There are a few restaurants located right across Girard Street from the complex, including John's Seafood, Crown Fried Chicken, and Angie's Vietnamese Cuisine. The Met Philadelphia, a prominent concert hall, is a short walk away on Broad Street. You will find other options nearby as well, including Larry's Steaks, serving up the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak. Fans 2 Although Howarth Field seats only 500, the Owls are lucky if they draw 200 to a particular match. Most of the fans are friends or family of the players, and while they can get loud at times, for the most part, it is so quiet here, that you can hear everything being shouted on the field. While that can be nice in its own right at times, at least to sports purists, it is not the most conducive to the matchday atmosphere. Furthermore, when Stadium Journey visited, almost half the fans were there to cheer on Temple's opponent, despite it being located halfway across the country. This is not the greatest look for the Owls. Access 4 There are many highways in Philadelphia, so getting into town by car should prove no problem. Once you get to the stadium, you will park about a 5 to 10-minute walk away in the Temple Towers lot. Turn left on 13th Street when you leave the lot and follow the signs to the entrance. Parking costs $20 and you pay by credit card when you exit. Cash is not accepted, so plan accordingly. If you are attending another event in the Temple Sports Complex on the same day, such as a field hockey game, you do not need to pay twice. The $20 will have you covered no matter how long you park, as long as you leave by midnight. The Girard Station on SEPTA's Market-Frankford subway line is also located just around the corner from the Temple Sports Complex, giving an easy opportunity to arrive by public transit. Restrooms are available in a building in between the field hockey and soccer fields, although as numerous signs tell you, you will enter the restrooms from outside the building and are not allowed in the building itself through the main doors. They are of a more than sufficient size for the crowd, even if it gets large. Return on Investment 3 Admission to all Temple field hockey games is free, with the possible exception of American Athletic Conference and NCAA Tournament games. However, if you arrive by car, you will pay $20 for parking, which is a bit much. You can improve the value somewhat by going to a field hockey game in the complex the same day at no additional cost, but this is still a bit on the high end given the matchday experience here. That being said, it is understandable that parking will be expensive in a major city like Philadelphia, and the flat rate for the whole day can either be a plus or a minus depending on how long you plan on staying. . Extras 3 Look for the banners honoring Temple soccer history. There is a marketing table by the entrance with free posters. A third and final star for the chance to see multiple events in the Temple Sports Complex in one day, one at the soccer field and another next door at Howarth Field for field hockey. Final Thoughts The Temple Sports Complex is a gorgeous and intimate place to watch a college soccer game, so it is disappointing that the Owls do not put much of effort into the matchday experience here. That being said, spending a couple of hours watching a soccer game here is still an enjoyable way to spend a fall afternoon, especially for fans of Temple athletics.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mosaic Stadium 1700 Elphinstone St Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Canada Saskatchewan Roughriders website Mosaic Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 33,350 New Home for the Roughriders The Regina Rugby Club began playing football in 1910 on a field that would eventually be known as Taylor Field, in honour of Neil “Piffles” Taylor, a key figure in the early days of the team. The team would change its name to the current Saskatchewan Roughriders moniker in 1946. The Riders officially joined the fledgling Canadian Football League in 1958, and have won the Grey Cup four times since then, most recently in 2013. After 106 years at Taylor Field, the Roughriders relocated for the first time in franchise history, in time for the 2017 season. For fans of the Taylor Field location, the good news is that they’ve only moved a couple blocks down – Mosaic Stadium is located to the west of Taylor Field, which will soon be repurposed as a mixed residential-commercial area. Mosaic Stadium is a 21st century facility, so far ahead of its predecessor in terms of design and user-friendliness that making comparisons between the two is an almost completely useless exercise. The new building is the most modern football field in Canada, and can reasonably be thought of as one of the best places to see a CFL game. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a variety of food kiosks around the concourse, providing something for just about anyone. Have a wander around the concourse and you’ll find the Wok Box, Western Pizza, Rock Creek Tap and Grill, Beer Bros Gastropub, Coney Island Poutine, Lancaster Tap House, and more. The Rock Creek menu also features most of your standard concessions fare, including Cheddar Burgers ($8), Stadium Dogs ($7), and pop ($4.50). Beer is available all around the facility as well – for $9 you can get 16 oz. of Coors Light or Pilsner, and the QC Bar locations, as well as the Wisers stands, also have spirits and other interesting alcoholic options. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, take a visit to WOW Burger (aka. Willow on Wascana) in the northeast corner and try the Wild Boar Burger ($14). Yes, that’s right, made from wild boar! There are also two sit-down restaurants inside Mosaic Stadium – on the suite and club level, west side, is the AGT Lounge, a two-level, upscale dining location with views of the football field, as well as Confederation Park to the west of the stadium. In addition, on the main floor is Harvard’s Studio 620 Lounge, a sports lounge for those who want to enjoy that kind of atmosphere before, during, and/or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Having a lively crowd watching a brand of football that is unequivocally better than the American version means football fans will have fun at the game. Such is the case at Mosaic Stadium – the place is loud and raucous all game long. Looking around, you’ll find tributes to Roughrider greats like Hall of Famers Ron Lancaster and Roger Aldag. There’s also a wall commemorating the team’s four Grey Cup wins, as well as other green-and-white nods to the team’s history. If you’re planning a visit to Mosaic Stadium after August, bundle up – Regina evenings can be downright frigid once fall sets in. The stadium was specifically designed to reduce the effects of cold and snow, including a sunken lower bowl, but if you’re watching in wintery conditions, you will likely be dealing with bitter cold. Plan your visit expecting this kind of weather (or worse) and you should be fine. Neighborhood 3 Mosaic Stadium is located just northwest of Regina’s downtown, and surrounding the facility on three sides is a residential neighbourhood. To the south are train tracks, which separate north Regina from south Regina, and then there is more residential housing, with not much else. As the neighbourhood gentrifies and the Taylor Field area gets redeveloped into mixed-use buildings, however, this is likely to change, with more restaurants and after-game destinations becoming available. For now, however, the pickings for pre- and post-game entertainment are relatively slim. But if you head a couple blocks east of Mosaic Stadium you’ll find yourself on Albert St., the main artery in Regina. If you head north or south on Albert, you’ll find all the usual franchises: Burger King, McDonalds, Robin’s Donuts, and Mr. Sub. However, for anything out of the ordinary, more upscale, or for a lounge, bar, or pub, you’ll likely have to make a longer trip. The good news is that, in a city of about a quarter million people, nothing in the city is more than a 20-minute drive from the heart of town. Fans 5 Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are among the most rabidly dedicated in all of Canada. The Riders are one of only two professional sports teams in the province, and Saskatchewan natives are crazy for their team as a result. Riders fans are so dedicated to their team that they will show up to virtually any sporting event anywhere in their green-and-white gear, regardless of whether the Riders are playing or not – they also have a reputation for wearing watermelons on their heads while watching games. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the crowds, and you’ll almost certainly find someone with a watermelon helmet. That said, it should come as no surprise that at least two-thirds of the crowd in the Mosaic Stadium stands are decked out in full-on Roughriders regalia. Moreover, they are loud, fired up, and fully engaged in the game. Noise levels in Mosaic Stadium can routinely get over 100 decibels as the crowd cheers – they truly act as the 13th man for the Roughriders, and not the kind that might cost you a Grey Cup on the last play of the game . The fans are, far-and-away, the best part of taking in a game at Mosaic Stadium. Access 3 Unless you are a season ticket holder, you won’t find any parking at Mosaic Stadium, and the residential neighbourhood the stadium is surrounded by is all permit parking as well, so no luck there either. That said, if you want to drive to the game, you’ll be in for a minimum 15-minute walk. There are a handful of parking lots across the railroad tracks in the downtown core, but this is a bit of a walk as well. You can also find parking in the residential areas to the south and southeast of the stadium, but again, they are a good 15-minute walk away. Your other option is to take a chartered bus or city transit to get to the field. The bus runs up and down Albert St., and there are express buses from four key mall locations that deliver people to Riders games as well. This is by far your best option for getting to and from the stadium. The old Roughriders Stadium had one of the worst concourse areas of any football field in the CFL, making getting around the facility a near impossibility between quarters and after the game. The new structure has addressed this issue, providing wide concourses with much more space to accommodate the 33,000+ fans at each game – this should make claustrophobic fans much happier. However, do be aware that there is one severe bottleneck on the west side of the stadium – just to the north of Harvard’s Studio 620 on the main floor, crowds grind to a halt in a tightly packed mass that is as bad, or worse, than the old facility. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for this crowd flow issue, but it happens consistently. DO NOT go here before the game, at halftime, or after the game if you can avoid it. Return on Investment 3 Canadian football is always entertaining, so chances are pretty good that you’ll get your money’s worth. With ticket prices starting in the $40 per seat range, the cost is also fairly reasonable. Mix in a great atmosphere, and you have yourself all the pieces for a fun night out. Extras 4 Gainer the Gopher is the team mascot, and he spends his time around the field and in the stands keeping the kids amused. The Riders Cheer Team also helps keep the energy up in Mosaic Stadium between plays with cheers, acrobatics, and routines on the field during timeouts. Prior to games, the Coors Light Party in the Park is held in Confederation Park, to the immediate east of the stadium. This area features lots of family friendly activities, DJ performances, food, and lots more. In several locations around the concourse you’ll find Riders team stores with a selection of Riders apparel and knick-knacks, including the main Team Store on the north end of Mosaic Stadium. Virtually anything you can think of that you can put the Riders logo on can be found here. There is also a humongous video screen located at the south end of the stadium providing images and stats. At 6,844 square feet, it is the largest video board in Canada, and the 45th largest on Earth, as of this writing. There is also another video screen located above the northeast stands for folks on the south end, who can’t get a good look at the main screen. Prior to the game, the 13th Man banner is unfurled in the northwest corner, as a tribute to the positive impact the fans have on Roughriders home games. Also, it’s always nice to see recycling bins at a venue like this, and you can find them throughout Mosaic Stadium.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lloyd Hopkins Fied 4500 College Ave. Alton, IL 62002 Alton River Dragons website Lloyd Hopkins Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 2,500 River Dragons Looking to Make their Mark in Alton It has been said that no two ballparks are alike, but many have borrowed elements that have blurred the aesthetics. If you’re looking for a truly different type of venue for baseball, then set your destinations to Alton, Illinois, and Lloyd Hopkins Field. There isn’t quite another place to watch a baseball game in the Prospect League like here. It is the home to the Alton River Dragons, who began operations in 2021 just along the Mississippi River, about 20 miles north of St. Louis. The ball club hopes to attract visitors to the river town with quite a bit of charm and appeal. It is a reminder of a throwback era where towns of all sizes had a baseball team, and the Dragons hope to be here for quite some time. Lloyd Hopkins was a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization who played for them from 1940 to 1942. He went 23-6 in 1941 before heading off to Europe for World War II. He was at the beaches of Normandy and would move up the ranks of the second lieutenant. He would never play professional baseball after the war but would have a stadium named after him due to his sacrifice. The ballpark was dressed upon the arrival of the Dragons, including an all-you-can-eat party deck, concession tables, souvenir stands, 3,000 additional seating, and a new video scoreboard in the right field. Additional team and sponsorship signage are wrapped around the bleachers and fencing, sprucing up the tiny ballpark. Food & Beverage 2 A couple of concession stands offer the basics of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, brats, candy, and other items. However, a few items were unavailable, blackout on the menu board, during our visit to the stadium. The Dragons make up for that with highly affordable prices on alcoholic drinks that include their very own brand of beer called a Radle produced by a nearby Old Bakery Beer Company. City Wide American Pale Ale by 4 Hands in St. Louis and White Claw are other options that are available for $5 each. The ballpark has some great items to snack on; it’s recommended to visit one of the many great eateries in Alton before the game. Atmosphere 3 There’s something different about this stadium, and it reminds me of the town ball stadiums of Minnesota. It has a capacity for 3,000 fans, but it seems much smaller than that. It was never meant to be the home for summer collegiate baseball but will do its best to serve in that capacity for the foreseeable future. There are two party decks on top of each dugout that add a little obvious to the ballpark. This area can be rented for a large group and probably have one of the best spots in the entire ballpark. Protective netting surrounds the suite for fans to enjoy the game without injury. The main grandstand features comfortable plastic bucket seats and is near home plate. It might be one of the closest spots in the league itself. There are more protective netting and two bars that cross each other to hold it up. The rest of the seating is bleacher-style down both foul lines. The stadium has a concession table that offers both t-shirts and caps featuring the stylistic team logo. There is not an adequate amount to choose from compared to other clubs in the league, but perhaps that will improve as the season goes on since a few people in the crowd were wearing items that were out of stock. The stadium has copious amounts of sponsorship banners wrapped around the bleachers to cover up their open spaces. They had a very different touch to the stadium. The video scoreboard in the right field is capable of a lot more than your typical electronic scoreboard. The club also has a Dragon mascot that makes its way throughout the stadium and helps introduce players before the first pitch. Neighborhood 3 Alton has a population of 27,000 along the Mississippi River. The city is known for its limestone bluffs but is also home to multiple restaurants and bars. Visitors may also enjoy riding along the great river road and scenic views of both Illinois and Missouri. The National Great Rivers Museum is open daily, the reproduction of the Piasa Bird painting is northwest of the city, and the Argosy Casino Alton is available for anyone looking for a little luck. The downtown area is worth visiting for its views of the river, turn-of-the-century buildings, and walkable distance to various shops and restaurants. The State Street Market, Big Boys BBQ, The Old Bakery Beer Company, and The Rivers Vedge are a few options for visitors. However, the best spot is just outside of downtown. Fast Eddies Bon Air is nationally known for its appearances inside a 1921 building, originally called the Bon Air. Since 1981, Fast Eddies has been offering grilled food, peel-and-eat shrimp, live music, and an all-around good time. The Big Elwood is a steak kabob, the Salty Pork Kabob, homemade Brat, and red dog are a few tasty options to order at the counter. Fans 2 Rumor at the game was that it was the largest of the young season and hopefully can be the start of something good for the Alton franchise. Visitors packed both main grandstands, and a few took in the option of enjoying the game from the suite decks above each dugout. They appeared to enjoy what they were watching on the field of play. Access 3 The stadium has most of its amenities near one another around the entrance. The covered grandstand may take some squeezing into when the game is packed, but all other points of the ballpark are simple to move around. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to both the left field and right field bleachers are $5 to $8, and reserved seats are $8 to $10 apiece. The party decks are $30 a person and include all-you-can-eat burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, soda, and beer. However, make sure you are there with a few friends to sit in this area. The beer is affordable at the concession stand at $5, but merchandise options are somewhat limited. The club has a sharp-looking logo and could use a few more options to brand itself to its fanbase. Extras 2 The club has an amazing dragon logo that should sell well, not only in Alton but across the nation. It is also on its beer that is made in town by a local brewery. The city is known for its limestone bluffs but is also home to multiple restaurants and bars. The second point is for the Lloyd Hopkins memorial garden bed at the entrance of the stadium. Final Thoughts Lloyd Hopkins Field was never meant to be a summer collegiate facility, but the organization will make sure they do everything they can to make that happen. The ballpark has its pros and cons in terms of design and amenities, but it also harkens back to what minor league stadiums were like when I was younger. However, there is fun expecting anyone at an Alton River Dragons game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Joe Rogers , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Gallagher Center 2009 Niagara University Lewiston, NY 14109 Niagara Purple Eagles website Gallagher Center website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 2,400 Purple Reigns Just a long jump shot’s distance from breathtaking Niagara Falls and the Canadian border sits the quaint little village of Lewiston, New York, home to Niagara University. Centrally located on the campus of this Catholic school of 4,000 students sits the 2,400-seat John J. ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center, a multi-sport arena named after the long-time men’s basketball coach who led the Purple Eagles for 31 seasons before retiring as the then 12​th​ winningest coach in college basketball history. A well-lit, sharp looking floor is named ‘Layden Court,’ an honor to another former head coach Frank Layden, who spent eight seasons commanding the sidelines here prior to a very long and successful career in the NBA. It is where the Purple Eagles have had considerable success winning a few Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season and conference titles on their way to three NCAA Tournament appearances and another 13 trips to the NIT. Food & Beverage 3 Below the Layden Court playing surface is the Student Center of Niagara University, a popular hub commonly referred to as the “Gally.” The Gallagher Center is quite diminutive in stature, but food and beverage options abound after investigating a bit. Here you will find a mall-style food court with quite a variety including a Poblano’s (Mexican), Pizza Express, J. Clark’s Grill (known for their burgers and sandwiches), Subway and the internationally known Tim Horton’s Cafe. Options are plenty, and the prices are quite reasonable with the student’s budget in mind. Atmosphere 3 For the well traveled basketball fan, the Gallagher Center is not going to blow you away at first glance. However, for the true basketball fan, and in particular a Purple Eagle fan, it has to be appreciated for what it is, which is a small arena that packs a big punch. There is not a bad seat in the house (and reserve seats come with chair backs), and although the Niagara program has struggled a bit as of late, the fans continue to show up and support as was the case during our visit in which 2,500 vocal fans showed up on a snowy Sunday afternoon to cheer their beloved Purple Eagles on. The N-Zone is Niagara’s official spirit/cheering organization, a sea of purple located behind the basket that can elevate the home team and its fans with the energy that they generate. The “Gally” is a great place to get in from out of the snow and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a snack prior to tip-off, or venture down at halftime and check on other scores at one of their comfortable TV lounge areas. Neighborhood 2 Niagara University seems to be a small world unto its own as there is absolutely nothing of mention within walking distance to the university. The Griffon Pub (any one of three locations), is a short drive from campus and is a must stop prior to, or following the game with an extensive food menu, and over 60 beers on tap and a few televisions to enjoy other games. Fans 3 Purple Eagle fans are a very vocal group and seem to be very knowledgeable and in tune with the action on the floor. The students inhabiting the N-Zone are electric at times, creating a great atmosphere to take in a game. Access 3 Navigating your way to Niagara University and the Gallagher Center in particular is easy. It is conveniently located off of Interstate 90 and Robert Moses Parkway. Once on campus, just follow the signs that will steer you towards the arena. Once inside, real estate is limited, especially just minutes before a tip-off, so I’d immediately head for the “Gally” to grab a drink and relax for a minute to let the crowd filter in before making the move to your seat. Return on Investment 4 The Gallagher Center’s ROI is rated as moderate to high. With very good General Reserved seats priced at $12 ($17 for a chair back) and children’s tickets starting at $7 this is a great bargain. Parking is within a convenient walking distance and is free. The MAAC offers up some high quality of play with a few NCAA Tournament wins over the years including Manhattan’s upset of #5 seed Florida in 2004 and Siena’s demolishing of #4 seed Vanderbilt in 2008 and their victory the following year over Ohio State. A match-up with nearby rival Canisius College would elevate this ROI to high as the atmosphere inside gets pretty intense. Extras 4 The Purple Eagle Hall of Fame upon the Gallagher’s Center entrance is a nice look into their storied history with a display of memorabilia from past athletic accomplishments, as well as plaques of those who were inducted into the Hall of Fame including NBA great Calvin Murphy, Larry Costello, Hubie Brown and Frank Layden. Monte the Purple Eagle, who recently underwent a make-over is a handsome bird, complete with streamlined wings, taloned feet, his very own basketball uniform and was there greeting fans as they entered the arena. Niagara University staff are friendly and very helpful and made our visit to this tiny campus a memorable one. At the mere mention of free parking, one naturally begins to think they are in for a great experience and that was certainly the case here. Final Thoughts These are the types of arenas that I personally love to visit. The mid-major schools that fly under the radar until March Madness happens upon us and one of the Power 5 schools receives an immediate punch to the gut following the opening tip. These fans, although small in numbers, are genuine, passionate and infectious, and although we realize it or not, they are one of the reasons we root for that MAAC school, or any other small school when matched up with a Goliath. I’d make a return trip to the Gallagher Center any day. Follow my stadium journeys on Twitter @JoeRogersCFBR .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Joe Louis Arena 600 Civic Center Dr Detroit, MI 48226 Detroit Red Wings Website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 20,066 Demolished: 2019 - 2020 Last Call for The Joe With the 2017-2018 season around the corner, the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League are preparing to move to some shiny new digs. Many believe that this is a necessary move so that the Red Wings can continue to compete on a financial level with the other teams in the NHL. With the impending move to the newly branded Little Caesars Arena, the Red Wings are also preparing to say good-bye to the Joe Louis Arena, one of hockey’s most unique and charismatic facilities to date. What The Joe lacks in amenities and revenue streams, is more than made up with what one of the most special groups of fans in all of sport bring to the atmosphere. The Red Wings ownership are banking on that special atmosphere being brought over to Little Caesars. Built in 1979 and named after the famous boxer, the Joe Louis Arena has been home to one of the richest hockey eras south of the 39th parallel. Affectionately known as Hockeytown, Detroit is a unique market in the United States where a pretty substantial argument can be made that it is a hockey-first market. Owned by the City of Detroit, The Joe is attached to the Cobo Center, the local convention center, probably most famous for hosting the annual International Auto Show. In 1982, the Red Wings, one of the NHL’s “Original Six” franchises, were purchased by Mike Ilitch. The founder and owner of Little Caesars Pizza, Ilitch, who also owns the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball, has long been a proponent of moving business back to downtown Detroit, which continues to struggle. The Red Wings have long been the centerpiece of that strategy with the Joe located right on the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. Any sort of hockey fan needs to ensure that they make a pilgrimage to the Joe Louis Arena while they still can. It would be a shame to miss the last call of The Joe. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at the Joe Louis Arena are pretty average, but there is enough there to keep fans satisfied. There are a number of main concessions throughout the concourses. There, fans will be able to find the typical arena concessions. Hot dogs ($4.50), sausage, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn ($3.75), pretzels, chips, ice cream and candy are all available. As expected, the pizza options come from Mike Ilitch’s Little Caesars. The Little Caesars concessions offer a decent selection of pizza in either the regular or deep dish variety. Whole pizzas are also available. The Red Hot Wings concession would also be of interest as they provide a variety of chicken wings. Joe Louis Arena does boast a well-stocked bar area, which is better than the average arena. Beer selections are not over the top, but are decent. Labatt Blue, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Foster’s, Budweiser and Bud Light are all available in various areas ($7.25/$10). Soft drink options are Coca-Cola products and can be found all over the place ($5.75). Tim Hortons also provides hot options including coffee, hot chocolate and french vanilla cappuccino. Atmosphere 3 Located on the shore of the Detroit River, the Joe Louis Arena is not much to look at from the exterior. Under the maze of highways and monorail tracks, The Joe hides behind the much larger Cobo Center and is pretty much lost with regards to downtown Detroit landmarks. The exterior is covered with grey and red siding and lacks any sort of windows. Fans approaching the Joe Louis Arena will immediately be struck with the number of stairs leading to one of the two main entrances. Inside The Joe, fans are greeted with dark concourses that let in absolutely no natural light. There are a number of things to explore in the concourses for Red Wing fans. A number of murals attempt to brighten up the dank concourses and pillars are decorated with framed pictures of Detroit Red Wing legends as well as murals of important moments in Red Wings history. The trophy case can be found with little effort and there are a ton of historical artifacts to be found within. Decals honoring great Red Wings can also be found on the concourse floors. At the Gordie Howe entrance, fans are greeted with large banners thanking the recently departed Mr. Hockey. Below those banners are the highlights of the concourse area, the bronze statues of the members of the famous Production Line. Ted Lindsay, Alex Delvecchio and Gordie Howe each are memorialized in a unique fashion. Inside the seating bowl fans are treated with a sea of red-leather stadium seats. The single concourse empties to a double bowl, with staircases heading to the upper level. The ice surface is aligned in an east-west configuration. The north side of the arena is the best spot to be if you want a great picture with the Hockeytown logo at center ice. Above the ice surface, the rafters are absolutely littered with red and white championship banners. These include the eleven Stanley Cup championship banners which were earned in 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. The Red Wings do push the envelope a bit by raising banners for achievements that no other team in the NHL recognizes, including the best record in the conference and division at the end of the regular season. A banner for the Presidents Trophy as the team that finishes the regular season with the best record will often be right beside a banner exclaiming the best record in the conference. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the Joe Louis Arena is not the greatest as many would expect from downtrodden Detroit, however there are a number of items that may be of interest to fans visiting. The Joe is located right on the shores of the Detroit River, immediately south of the Cobo Center, Detroit’s convention center, in the Fort/Cass neighbourhood, just south of downtown proper. It is definitely hidden from those just driving by and the new location for Little Caesars Arena will provide a more visible locations, close to other Detroit sports venues. There are a few spots along the way for fans to catch a pre or post game meal. In the immediate area the Signature Grille, Cobo Joe’s and London Chop House may be of interest. However, fans who are willing to make a bit of a walk will want to consider Cheli’s Chili Bar and Hockeytown Cafe. Both offer an atmosphere that is extremely connected to the Red Wings and are worth checking out. However, as expected, both are very popular for game days. Fans looking for other sporting options will not be disappointed in the area. Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers play at nearby Comerica Park and the National Football League’s Detroit Lions play at Ford Field. Fans who want to pair a basketball game with a Red Wings game will have to head out to Auburn Hills for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. However, the Pistons will be joining the Red Wings in their new home at Little Caesars Arena for the 2017-2018 season. Otherwise, a closer option would be on the campus of the University of Detroit Mercy where college basketball’s Detroit Titans play in Calihan Hall on a court named after Dick Vitale. In the immediate area of The Joe is of course the Cobo Center, which hosts a number of events, probably most famously the International Auto Show. The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame can be found there also. Unless there is another function happening at the Cobo Center, fans are able to walk through to get to The Joe. One of the highlights of the walk would be the large bronze statue of Joe Louis himself. Other options in the nearby area would include shows at the Fox Theater or heading to Greektown to the casino. There are a couple of spots to stay in downtown Detroit for fans that are interested. Both the Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza can be found within walking distance. Fans 5 What makes the Detroit Red Wings a truly special experience is the fans. Hockey has some pretty ardent fan bases. Any Original Six franchise is usually a pretty special spot to catch a game, but the fans in Detroit are unique. They become as much a part of the experience as the players. The Joe boasts over 250 consecutive sellouts. With a capacity of over 20,000 fans, that is a significant achievement. In the past three seasons, the Red Wings have ranked in the top four in home attendance and have averaged over 20,000 fans every season. Red Wing fans may not be over the top noisy like Montreal Canadiens or Chicago Blackhawks fans, but when the time is right they get VERY loud. A Red Wings goal in the first period elicits the same reaction and decibel level as a goal in the third period and if a fight breaks out on the ice, the roof is blown off the Joe Louis Arena. Red Wing fans will continue singing songs long after the play has begun and the audio system has stopped playing the song. They are intelligent and no fan base wears the home jersey in the sheer numbers that they do in Detroit. Access 3 Getting to the Joe Louis Arena is usually not too difficult. Although it is located right on the banks of the river, amidst a maze of elevated highways and public transit tracks, it is located close to interstate highways I-375 and I-75 as well as the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. For fans interested in public transportation to get to the game, the Detroit People Mover has a stop right at the Joe Louis Arena. See the Detroit People Mover website for maps, fares and schedules. In the immediate surrounding area, there are a number of parking options. As with many big city cases, consider pre-purchasing parking, especially if you are new to the area. The Southeast and Gordie Howe gates are both preceded by large staircases. Considering the proximity to the river, and cold Detroit winters, this was probably not the greatest idea ever. Steps can get slippery and railings are a must. The concourses in the Joe Louis Arena are dark and can get congested at times. The washroom situation is very convoluted and can get crowded. The best option is to look for the washrooms on the outside edge of the concourse that are up the stairs. Return on Investment 4 There is decent value in seeing a Detroit Red Wings hockey game. As with most teams, ticket prices will fluctuate. The general range is from $255 to $40 per game. There are some bargains still available, but expect a big increase next season with the move to Little Caesars. As far as the fan cost index, the Red Wings fair very well in the NHL as the 20th most expensive option, well below the NHL average. What makes the dollar value worth it is the unique atmosphere inside the JLA seating bowl, and one of the best fan bases in all sport. Extras 3 An extra mark for the final season at Joe Louis Arena. An extra mark for the monument to boxing great Joe Louis which can be found in the Cobo Center. An extra mark for being Hockeytown and possibly the one “Hockey-First” city in the United States. Final Thoughts Take the opportunity to get to the Joe Louis Arena while you still can. Time is running out on the final season and it would be a shame for any hockey enthusiast to miss out on seeing this Original Six team where Steve Yzerman brought them back to glory. The 2017-2018 season will definitely be different for the Red Wings and the ownership is banking on that special fan base heading north to the new arena after the Last Call at the Joe.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Retama Park 1 Retama Pkwy Selma, TX 78154 Retama Park website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,000 A Day at the Races There’s something special about a racetrack. The electricity of the crowd; the majestic beauty of a fine racehorse; the air of hope that permeates the atmosphere with each race as everyone with a ticket is sure they’ve got themselves a winner. Yes sir, there is something truly special about a racetrack. Just outside the San Antonio city limits, in the town of Selma lies Retama Park. Constructed to mimic the Spanish colonial style reminiscent of “old world” racing venues like Santa Anita and Del Mar in California, the 2016 season marks the 21st racing season at the track. Retama Park, which has turf and track surfacing, enters into its fourth under new ownership and management, it has repositioned itself as a must-visit attraction. Food & Beverage 4 Like most great sporting venues, Retama Park has a nice selection of all the traditional favorites including hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, sodas ($1.50), and domestic beer (starting at $5). There is also a specialty Tex-Mex stand on the turf level. Once you get through the main entrance, you are greeted by the wafting smells of grilling hamburgers (starting at $5) and hot dogs (starting at $2). The burgers are some of the best around. Also on hand is the tasty Pepito’s Italian Ice (in a variety of flavors for $5). This stand’s frozen, sweet treats are a perfect complement to a hot summer night at the track. Inside and upstairs, first on the Grandstand Level, that’s when the food options really start to expand. At the Terrace Level, you will find more of the traditional fare and also the Sports Bar. Chicken wings, grilled chicken salads, and specialty sandwiches are all on the menu. As the name would imply, a full complement of beer and alcoholic spirits are available. Be warned though, this is one of the most popular spots in the track and it fills up fast. On the Terrace Level and at the Private Suite Level, the fare gets even better. Both offer spectacular, all you can eat, carved prime rib dinners ($22.95 on the clubhouse level and $39.95 on the press box level). Both of these areas offer exclusive seating; once you have paid for your dinner, your table and unique view of the track is yours for the entire night. Atmosphere 5 Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper of horses or a first time visitor, you will enjoy your visit to Retama Park. Every weekend during the live-racing season (mid June until November), there are special events for patrons of the track. These range from a Comic Con Night to Family Nights (complete with a petting zoo and food and drink specials). These events feed into the overall atmosphere of the track. A highlight for visitors of all ages is a trip to the horse paddock. Before each race, the horses are brought into their stalls for a rub down before being walked to loosen them up. It’s a great chance to get up close and personal to these magnificent animals. Another unique offering of the track is the Fan Education area. For no cost aside from admission, you can sit in and listen as the track’s resident handicapper walks you through the betting process, answers your questions, and bets right alongside you (should you be so inclined). This free education eliminates one of the main barriers that some have for visiting the track. In 2015, a new merchandise stand was set up near the main entrance to purchase Retama Park related apparel and accessories. One of the best features of the track is the seating. Whether you sit outside in the open seating near the track, up against the fence, or in some of the clubhouse seating, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Neighborhood 3 Retama Park lies outside of San Antonio proper. It is built in a former industrial area and is set by itself on land adjacent to I-35. However, while it has no “immediate” neighbors, just up the highway is The Forum at Olympia Parkway, a very family friendly shopping center. The Forum is home to large chain stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Toys R Us, and Best Buy, among others. Similarly, a vast number of family-style eating establishments are available ranging from fast food places like Chick-fil-A and Subway, to sit down establishments like Red Robin, Chili’s Bar & Grill, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Heading out the other direction from Retama Park, up Lookout Road, within 10 minutes you will be able to visit Rolling Oaks Mall, which is a mid-sized shopping mall complete with a number of national shopping and dining chains. With Retama Park being so close to I-35, you can hop on and head south and be at San Antonio’s lively downtown in 15-20 minutes or head north and visit the quaint German town of New Braunfels or even, ultimately, be in Austin within an hour. Fans 5 I think it is fair to say that the best part of the overall experience at Retama Park are the fans. The track is open 364 days out of the year (closed on Christmas Day) and there are a group of hardcore, serious racing enthusiasts who will be there waiting at the gate for the track to open all 364 of those days. You will see some “colorful” characters on the Track and Grandstand Levels, especially by the TV banks and near the betting windows. You will see men and women in their lucky shirts or hats, carrying their lucky charms, and engaging in “track banter.” The fans make the track truly something special. Access 4 There are two main access points to Retama Park: I-35 and Lookout Road. I-35 spans the entire city of San Antonio, from north to south and continues. It also connects to every major highway and loop in the city, so you can be virtually anywhere in San Antonio from Retama Park in 30 minutes. Lookout Road connects to another large thoroughfare, Nacogdoches Road. This road also travels a large portion of the city, north to south. One point of emphasis should be noted; the area of I-35 where Retama Park lies will experience larger than normal amounts of traffic at most times of the day. Loop 1604 intersects with I-35 just south of the track. This often causes traffic to stack up, so be prepared. Return on Investment 4 The cost for admittance to Retama Park, which opens every day 10:30am, is $5 during live racing season and $2 the rest of the year; children 12 and under get in free. Parking is free (or you can go big and valet your car for $8). A racing program, if you’re looking to gamble or if you just want a nice souvenir, is $3 and you can eat and drink very well on $10-$20 per person (or even cheaper on $1 nights, which run the entire summer). Where else can you spend as little as $5 for an event and walk away, conceivably, with thousands of dollars? Only at a good race track, and Retama is just that. Extras 4 The fans, the atmosphere, the relative affordability of every amenity, the excitement of the crowds, all of these make Retama a great venue to enjoy, either for a single person or a whole family. Getting the chance to see the majestic horses up close in the paddock or along the fence line, is sure to tug at the heartstrings of kids of any age. Couple these perks with the free fan education forum, the theme nights (Mardi Gras Night is particularly enjoyable), and the chance to mingle with a crowd of interesting people, and you’ve got a truly special sporting venue. As part of the upgrades that the new ownership (Pinnacle Entertainment) have brought in has been to fully integrate the venue with free wifi. A new pari-mutuel betting app is also available for those who have their lucky spot and don’t want to vacate it to visit a betting window. Final Thoughts For casual horse racing fans, first time visitors, or dyed-in-the-wool track folk, you are guaranteed to enjoy your day or evening at Retama Park. The classic old style look, the electricity of a close horse race, the food and drink options, and the beauty of the horses themselves all harken back to a time when horse racing was the sport of kings. You can capture that feeling-and maybe win a little walking around money-with a day or night at the races. If you’re in San Antonio or even Austin, do yourself a favor and plan a visit to Retama Park. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Ethan Stone, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Smokies Stadium 3540 Line Dr Kodak, TN 37764 Tennessee Smokies website Smokies Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 6,412 America’s Friendliest Ballpark The Chicago Cubs’ Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies will play at Smokies Stadium through at least the next four seasons, until 2025. It was officially announced after being rumored that the Smokies would be moving closer to Knoxville, with their current living situation residing in Kodak, Tennessee – about a 30-minute drive from the scruffy city. It’s a bittersweet reality for Smokies fans. Knoxville promised a state-of-the-art facility in the downtown area for the Smokies, but it's hard to pack up and leave what has been positioned as “America’s Friendliest Ballpark.” Smokies Stadium opened in 2000 and was last renovated in 2015. It sits among the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and is a popular visit for all baseball lovers in the area. Food & Beverage 5 Smokies Stadium does a good job of using its space to its advantage. The main concourse level is packed with vendor carts, concession queues, and even a sit-down area beyond the left outfield. Most importantly, each of these food areas are different, offering unique options not often found at a double-a ballpark. The concourse features a “Chicago Corner” with Windy City grub, a Papa Johns down the first base lines, and a pair of Dippin Dots carts on either side of the park. The two main concession areas are cheap and offer a good variety of Nachos, popcorn, hot dogs and more of the usual ballpark snacks. The popcorn is excellent and every concession area serves Pepsi products as well as Cheerwine, both bottled and fountain. Unfortunately, the hot dogs, the staple food of America’s pastime, are below average. Truly, it was difficult to find many negatives apart from slightly, below-average hot dogs. The stadium sells alcohol, both beer and liquor with a few stands throughout the stadium for different drinks that are themed towards Sevier County’s Moonshine production, as well as Ole Smoky Moonshine Company. Atmosphere 5 Within the park, quality is an understatement. There’s truly not a bad seat in the house, with those behind the infield being in green stadium seating and bleachers the further out you go down either baseline. Cupholders in front of you are a plus so you don’t have to put your drink on the ground. There is also outfield seating and a slight hill leading up to a walkway that outlines the park. The field has relatively small dimensions for a Double-A park, with centerfield being just 400 feet from home plate. Because of this, that outfield hill is the perfect place to camp out for a home run ball. Smokies Stadium offers box suites that include fully furnished rooms, indoor and outdoor seating, and a buffet. While there isn’t a bad seat in the house, the view from the top of the Stadium is certainly the best. Neighborhood 4 “Smokies” is an appropriate name. The park’s outfield backdrops on a hill with well-kept trees, and to the South of the stadium is its namesake – the Smoky Mountains. Kodak is about 30 minutes outside of Knoxville and an excellent appetizer for what is the beauty of East Tennessee. The Stadium is located just off the 1-40 exit and has plenty of restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Flapjacks, and Checkers. Just about five miles down the road is Pigeon Forge with a strip of tourist destinations, as well as The Island, which is similar to a boardwalk at a beach. There are three hotels within walking distance, including one directly next to the main parking area. Fans 4 Stadium Journey’s visit was an early season Sunday afternoon and the stands were still half full. Smokies baseball is a staple for many around the Knoxville area – ask anyone in the park and it isn’t their first time at Smokies Stadium. It’s a fair assessment to say around 2,000 to 3,000 fans regularly attend each game, with Friday and Saturday nights seeing upper 4,000-5,000. Access 3 While Smokies Stadium is right off the interstate, busy gamedays are often a headache to navigate. The stretch from the off-ramp to the parking area is often backed up because there are only a few entrance points. However, on normal game days, it is a surprisingly easy and painless process. Parking is only $5 and the employees keep up the “America’s Friendliest Ballpark” theme as well. The drive from the nearest airport is a long one, too. The nearest major airport is located in Alcoa, which is a 45-minute commute through a sometimes congested Knoxville area. Return on Investment 5 Best available seats often sell for 20 dollars or less on mainstream sites, concessions are cheap and there’s often a good product on the field. With Sevierville and other tourist attractions nearby, it’s easily one of the better investments any baseball fan could make. Cheap tickets go for as low as $8. All in all, a family of four could walk away from Smokies Stadium having spent less than $75-100 dollars on the afternoon. Extras 4 Near the front entrance is a sign pointing to the rest of the stadiums of the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliates. There are also plaques throughout the park commemorating the player who made it to The Show that passed through Kodak on the way. There is a very nice fan shop with a good selection of Smokies and Cubs gear as well. Final Thoughts It’s been said before, but the “America’s Friendliest Ballpark” is a fitting slogan. Everybody, from the fans to the event staff, is friendly, helpful, and passionate about the game. Go, while you can, see a game at Smokies Stadium if ever you’re around Knoxville.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Adams State Baseball Field 600-698 Stadium Dr Alamosa, CO 81101 Adams State Grizzlies website Adams State Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 400 Between San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains Located in the southern part of the state, Alamosa, CO sits in the picturesque San Luis Valley between the dramatic San Juan Mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east. Adams State University makes its home in downtown Alamosa with beautiful buildings and tree lined walkways. After a thirty year hiatus, the Adams State Grizzlies baseball team began play in their newly constructed (2013) Adams State Baseball Field adjacent to the lacrosse/soccer and softball fields. The Grizzlies baseball team play in the RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference), a Div II NCAA member. The team made it to the RMAC tournament in 2015 but has not seen a whole lot of success in its short existence. If weather holds out and it’s a nice warm weekend afternoon, watching a Grizzlies baseball game is enjoyable. Not baseball related but if the Adams State University name sounds familiar… in recent news (April, 2017) Adams State signed the first female football player to a scholarship at the Div II level. Food & Beverage 2 Freshly grilled burgers ($2), hot dogs ($1) and hot links ($2) are the main choices for food at a Grizzlies game and they sure look delicious. Bundle one of those with chips and a drink (water/soda) for a total of $3 and an extremely affordable lunch can be had at the ballpark. Candy is available for a $1. Atmosphere 3 Adams State University Baseball Field is more or less a typical RMAC Div II ball field where the entertainment is the game. Seating consists of three rows of green fold-down stadium seats in front of the press box behind home plate, seven rows of elevated metal bleachers on the third base side and five rows of metal bleachers on the first base side. No handrails are available for the bleacher seating. Some fans bring lawn chairs and park themselves under the third base bleachers. A gorgeous view of snow capped Blanca Peak Mountain can be seen from the third base side. A net surrounds the entire infield area. The field consists of synthetic grass and dirt. The home side is third base while visitors are on the first base side. The bullpens are not on the field and are beyond the end of both baselines. Some fans back their pickup trucks up, fold down the tailgate and watch the game from beyond the left field wall. No lights are at the field, so only day games are played here. Several daytime doubleheaders occur throughout the season. The scoreboard resides in left field and has the basic line score: runs, hits, errors, balls, strikes, outs, and the player number at bat. Music is played during the call of the starting lineups and over other announcements made throughout the game (a pet peeve of mine); the Grizzlies have walk up songs which are not played too loud. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Alamosa and where the university resides is a small, walkable town with many things just a few miles distance. Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center located in the historic Alamosa Train Depot on State Ave and 6th St. They treat visitors remarkably well. One of the biggest draws to the area are the Great Sand Dunes located about 30 min from Alamosa. Another attraction is the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad excursion train but those don’t start until after the end of the college baseball season. The Rio Grande River runs just behind the outfield wall of the ball field and plenty of hiking and riding trails are available in the area. In town is the San Luis Valley Museum or see a show at the Creede Repertory Theatre or the Adams State University Xperimental Theatre. For places to eat, I’d recommend the San Luis Brewing Company, a brewpub with small batch brews and a full menu located right downtown. Several hotels are nearby including the Best Western Alamosa Inn, Grizzly Inn Motel, and the Valley Motel. Fans 3 Fans are mostly friends, family and alumni. More students showed at the game of this review than other RMAC baseball fields I’ve attended. The biggest and loudest fan base are the players themselves. Access 3 Alamosa is about almost a four hour drive southwest from Denver, CO and about a three and a half hour drive north of Albuquerque, NM. A small regional airport offers minimal flights to Denver or Albuquerque. I did not notice any public transportation in the city. Once getting to the ball field, parking is on the street in the neighborhood, though that area can be foul ball targets. A safer choice is to park at the domed high altitude indoor practice training center at the corner of Sunset Dr and Stadium Dr and walk a short block to the field. The entry area is a hard dirt surface which may cause fans in wheelchairs some extra work. Fans using wheelchairs or walkers should sit in front of the press box as that is paved and has space, though I did not notice any specific section for handicapped seating. Return on Investment 4 All seats are general admission (sit where you want) and there is no charge for attending a ball game at ASU Baseball Field. Concessions are extremely reasonable and there’s no fee for parking. The ball team has had its struggles this 2017 season but even so, if it’s a warmer weekend, taking in a game (or two) is a great way to pass an afternoon. Extras 1 A roster sheet is available which includes not only the players’ names but also an almost up-to-date stat sheet of the players from both teams. Final Thoughts Even if you don’t get to a baseball game, Alamosa and the San Luis Valley are tremendous places to visit, especially for outdoor activities. Getting to see a game is just an added bonus if a fan of baseball.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Goodison Park Goodison Rd Liverpool, England L4 4EL United Kingdom Everton FC website Goodison Park website Year Opened: 1892 Capacity: 40,157 Glorious Goodison, Home of “The Toffees” Originally featured 3/28/2016 Goodison Park, home to Everton F.C, has hosted more top flight English football games than any other club. It first became the home of “The Toffees” in 1892 and is one of the world’s first purpose built stadiums. Before the move to Goodison Park, Everton played on an open pitch at Stanley Park. Nowadays, Stanley Park is a destination where Liverpool wants to construct their new stadium. It had been suggested that Everton and Liverpool would share a stadium at Stanley Park; however, the fans hated the idea and was quickly dismissed. Goodison Park, located in Walton, Liverpool, has a capacity of 40,157 and is referred to by fans as “The Grand Old Lady.” Over the years, Goodison Park has undergone development and is now an all-seater stadium. Food & Beverage 3 At Goodison Park, the food options and quality are nothing special. However, is still appetising and is priced fairly. As expected at Everton, and football stadiums in general, the variety of food is limited, with meal deals (pie and a pint) pricing at £5.90. The pies on offer include cheese and onion, Scouse pie, and Steak pie, all priced at £2.50. In addition to this, a kid’s drink, crisps, sausage roll, and a Milky Way would cost you £4.00, which is a very good price! Also, a chocolate bar and hot drink would cost you £2.90. Lager is on sale at £3.60 for a 600mL bottle, though alcohol stops being served 15 minutes prior to kick off. Like all football stadiums, the queues at halftime can get very bad, so I advise to eat and drink prior to the match. Although the food and beverage options are decent, I feel Everton could introduce the hot dog and a stadium burger. Most of the options are just plain pastries, so a nice juicy burger or hot dog would be nice. The only other option is to eat in the city centre, because other than a few burger stands, there is nowhere to eat near the ground. Atmosphere 4 Everton, when playing well, can have Goodison Park rocking. As it is a tight, enclosed, and old fashioned stadium, no noise escapes. When playing the “big teams”, the roar of the crowd can drive the team to a win. When playing on TV, the commentators have described the stadium as “shaking”, which can only mean good things! However, the atmosphere is at its best when Everton host Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby in one of the most fierce rivalries in world football. If you are a first time visitor, this is not the game to come and witness, as a lot of trouble is caused, and the intensity is off the scale! Whatever game you go and watch, though, the noise made is very good. Neighborhood 3 A person visiting Liverpool wouldn’t think it’s the nicest and friendliest places to visit, and to be honest, it isn’t the most touristic of places, either. However, outside the stadium, it’s a very safe environment, with police manning the streets. I’m not saying it’s some kind of glorious environment, but overall, the area is fine and shouldn’t stop you visiting. Fans 4 I have to admit Everton have got one of the best core of fans in the Premier League. The fans, nicknamed “The Evertonians,” sell out Goodison Park every week. Additionally, the noise made by The Evertonians is unbelievable and are known to be the 12th man. I can only say good things about this set of fans who haven’t seen silverware in 17 years, but boy do they keep their optimism! In 2005, the club reached the Champions League group stage for the first time ever. This was a huge achievement and was a special moment for the fans. Despite being knocked out, the fans were rewarded four years later, where they enjoyed a trip to Wembley Stadium. Unfortunately, they saw their team lose 2-1 to Chelsea in the 2009 FA Cup Final. However, like all fans, they completely change during a grudge match. The fans are very hostile when welcoming Liverpool and Manchester United to Goodison Park. There was a particular incident a couple of years ago where a group of Everton fans hijacked a Liverpool fan’s car when travelling home from a derby match. This is just the culture of derby matches in English football, and to be true, this rarely happens. Access 4 Everton is easily accessible via car, bus, or train. From the M6, you would exit at Junction 26 and continue towards the end. Then, at the gyratory, turn left and join the M57 Junction 7. After, join the M56 at junction 4 and then turn right at the A580. From then on, the ground is well signposted and easily reached. Also on the car front, many parking spaces are allocated less than half a mile away at Stanley Park. This would cost you £5.00 and is approximately a 15 minute walk from the ground. When travelling by train, I would advise to get off at Sandhills. You would benefit from this, as a bus station is located just outside the station providing you with a service directly to the stadium. A bus fare would set you back about £2.00 from the station. Return on Investment 5 Although the ticket prices are fairly expensive, the quality and experience of the match is superb at Goodison. An adult in the family enclosure costs £35 and £20vfor a junior. However, if I were you, I would pay that little extra and go and sit at the “top balcony” in the “Goodison Road End” stand. These are arguably the best seats in the house, and you can experience the match at a high and side view. If you’re not one for heights, it’s not the place to sit, as it is the tallest part of the stadium. For an adult it would cost £43, junior £20, and OAP £26. The ticket prices are often slashed by half price when the fixture is either an F.A or Capital One Cup fixture. The standard of the Premier League football is the best in the world, and with Everton playing attractive football at the moment, the return on investment is brilliant. Extras 4 As expected, a club shop is located just outside the stadium and programmes are on sale for £3.00. Additionally, I was very impressed with the statue of Dixie Dean that was erected in 2001. Dixie was a club legend, scoring 349 goals for the club. This is a fitting way to commemorate him. With Everton being one of the best clubs in Britain, they have an exciting bunch of young players. Record signing Marouane Fellaini has been in scintillating form recently and is considered one of the best players in European football. Also, Everton have two classy and experienced centre backs in Phil Jagielka and Phil Neville, and a highly rated shot stopper, and United States national team keeper, in Tim Howard. Finally, a special report was done on Goodison Park on Halloween as it is considered haunted. Personally, I find this quite cool and I give credit to Everton for letting Sky Sports do this. If wanting to know if Goodison Park is haunted, a usual stadium tour is on offer at £10.00 an adult and £5.00 for a child. Final Thoughts Is it worth visiting Goodison Park? Yes, definitely. Not only would you be visiting one of the most historic stadiums in English football, the quality of the game would be fantastic. Goodison Park is a superb destination to watch football and I highly recommend that you visit!

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clearview Federal Arena at RMU Island Sports Center 7600 Grand Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15225 Robert Morris Colonials men’s hockey website Clearview Federal Arena at RMU Island Sports Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 1,200 Colonels are No Longer Skating on Thin Ice Robert Morris University is a private school in Moon Township, PA near the Pittsburgh International Airport. The school has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students. It is especially known for its business and mathematics programs. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Colonials. The hockey program at Robert Morris University is relatively young, as the program started in 2004. It has been very successful on the ice, as they earned the AHA Tournament title in 2014 and the AHA regular season titles in 2015 and 2016. They have been to the NCAA Hockey Tournament twice. The team now plays in the Atlantic Hockey League. Other schools in the league include Air Force, Army, Bentley, Canisius, Holy Cross, Mercyhurst, Niagara, RIT, and Sacred Heart. In 2021 the RMU hockey program was discontinued due to financial hardships in the athletic programs at the school. RMU has always had a competitive disadvantage against other AHA teams, as most of its competition either plays in on-campus arenas or in professional rinks that feature many more amenities.  Alumni and the school started a Hockey is the Goal Fund to get the program back up and running again. This campaign included pledges from alumni and students, special events, and recruitment of corporate sponsorships. The campaign was a huge success, and the program returned to the ice in time for the 2023-2024 season. The home of the RMU hockey program is the off-campus RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island. It is located 6 miles east of the RMU campus. The facility opened in 1998 and RMU bought it in 2004 to house its brand-new hockey program. The facility has two rinks, with the Colonials playing in the Clearview Federal Arena section of the complex. The arena has bench seating for 1,200 fans, Food & Beverage 4 Concession services for Colonial’s hockey games are provided by the IceHouse Bistro. It offers a full line of Starbucks coffee products, as well as a better-than-average set of concession stand fare. Fans looking for more than a snack can get grilled cheese sandwiches ($7), quesadillas ($7), 1/3 hamburgers ($10), chicken sandwiches ($10), a chicken tenders’ basket ($11), cheesesteak sandwiches ($14) or an Impossible burger ($14). These orders all include an order of fries. Lighter far include popcorn ($3), chips ($3), pretzels ($4), fries ($4), nachos ($5), cheese pizza slice ($3), pepperoni pizza slice ($4) and salads ($8). The RMU Island Sports Center sells Pepsi brand sodas ($5) and water ($4). Atmosphere 3 As you enter Clearview Federal Arena, the seating is only on one side of the rink. It is bench seating and offers clear views of the action on the ice, as the team benches are on the opposite side of the ice. The Colonials logo is prominently featured at center ice and there are several signs on the walls identifying the rink as being the Clearview Federal Rink and as being RMU’s home ice. The walls also include banners from each of the Atlantic Hockey League schools as well as banners from each of the Colonials championship seasons. There are simple scoreboards at each end of the ice.   Neighborhood 3 The immediate neighborhood surrounding the RMU Island Sports Center is limited due to the fact it is on a small island in the middle of the Ohio River. However, the Fairfield Inn and Suites has a property on Neville Island, which is within walking distance of the Sports Center. Carmody’s Grille offers a convenient dining choice on the island. It serves pub fare and has an extensive set of craft beers to choose from. The North Shore and Downtown areas of Pittsburgh are just a short drive SE of Neville Island. Attractions in those areas include the Andy Warhol Museum the Carnegie Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Fans 4 After the near-death experience with the hockey program, the RMU fan base has come out with a burst of support for the skating Colonials. The fans saved the program through the Hockey is the Goal fundraisers, and they continue to show their support by filling the 1,200 seats at the RMU Island Sports Center. The student section, the Colonial Crazies, can be counted on to make the short drive over to Neville Island to show their support for the program. While hockey does not lend itself to the usual cheerleader-led cheering section, the Crazies are very knowledgeable about the game and know when to cheer for a good play, a successful penalty kill, or a terrific stop by the goalie. Access 3 The RMU Island Sports Center is located nine miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh and 5.5 miles east of the Robert Morris campus. It is located on Neville Island, which is in the middle of the Ohio River. The Center can be reached via I-79 and the Yellow Belt. Directions from the RMU main campus: Go east on University Boulevard. Turn right onto PA 51. Turn left onto the Coraopolis Bridge. Turn left at Grand Avenue. Directions from Downtown Pittsburgh:  Take I-279N to exit 1B-C and bear left onto PA 65 N. Go 8.7 miles. Take the exit on the right for I-79 S. At exit 65 head right on the ramp for PA 51 (Neville Island). Turn left at Grand Avenue. The Island Sports Center will be on your right. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Colonials hockey game at the RMU Island Sports Center will not burn a hole in your pocket. Season tickets are only $125. Single game tickets for General admission are $10, Youth/Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Military are $5, and RMU students are free with student ID.   Parking at the Island Sports Center is free. As long as you stick to the lighter fare at the IceHouse Bistro, the food prices are quite reasonable. Full meals tend to be pricier than average. Extras 4 Robert Morris University served as the host school for the 2013 Frozen Four Tournament. Games were held at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. More than 60 RMU hockey players have gone on to play professional hockey. In addition to the RMU hockey program, the RMU Island Sports Center has an indoor driving range, a miniature golf course, rowing facilities, and track and field training facilities. The Pro Shop at the RMU Island Sports Center carries a full inventory of RMU hockey swag gear, as well as a great of Pittsburgh Penguins merchandise. Final Thoughts The RMU Colonials hockey program is back on solid ice after a two-year absence. The stands are once again filled with Colonial Crazies as the team is happy to be back on its home ice at the Clearview Federal Arena of the RMU Island Sports Center.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Joan Perry Brock Center 201 High Street Farmville, VA 23901 Longwood Lancers website Joan Perry Brock Center website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 3,000 Brockin' it in Farmville Located on the campus of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, the Joan Perry Brock Center is one of the newest basketball arenas in Division I, having opened in November of 2023. Home to Lancers basketball, this 3,000-seat arena replaced Willett Hall , which was aging and unsuited for Longwood once they made the move to Division I. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands at the JPBC, which serve an identical menu, so go with whichever one has a shorter line. Despite being a new arena, the options are somewhat limited and include Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($7), hot dogs ($4), nachos ($5), and pretzels ($4). Chips, candy, and popcorn are also available, as are fountain soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. There are also combo meals available to bring down the price. Atmosphere 4 The Joan Perry Brock Center has a unique architectural style, resembling a cathedral or old southern mansion more than a basketball arena. With white walls and arched glass windows, the JPBC is unlike most modern arenas and is instantly recognizable. The arena seats only 3,000 fans, with most of the lower sideline seats reserved for season ticket holders, although there are a few single seats that are available for purchase. Otherwise, you can sit in the corners, behind the basket, or in the 200-level seats, which involve walking up from the concourse rather than down but are still extremely close to the action. Every seat here is close to the action - it's a small, intimate arena, much like Willett Hall was, but far more modern. The Lancers have a pep band known as the Stampede, as well as cheerleaders, a dance team, and a mascot named Elwood who is a horse. The pep band plays during breaks in the action, not just typical pep band songs but also music you would expect to come out of an organ at a baseball game rather than a pep band in college basketball (think the "CHARGE" music). Neighborhood 3 Farmville is a quaint, small town, and while it’s in the middle of nowhere, there is still plenty to do here. Although there are typical chain places, your best bet is to check out the local color at places such as Walker’s Diner or Riverside Café, both of which are very close to the stadium. Everything in Farmville is very close to the arena because it’s a very small town. Just head off campus and turn onto Main Street and just about everything will be right there. Fans 4 Although officially almost all the lower level seats are sold to season ticket holders, there were many empty seats when we visited and the arena was only about half full. Nonetheless, the crowd here is extremely loud. After the Lancers hit a big bucket, the place erupts in cheers. The low ceiling does a lot to trap crowd noise, and the unusual architecture may help as well. Regardless, this arena was designed to be loud, and it is. Much, though certainly not all, of that energy comes from the band and student section, who seek to be as loud as possible, especially during opposing free throws. When the visitors are shooting from the foul line on the student side of the arena, they will get even louder and wave posters and their arms in an attempt to distract the shooter. The students and band are certainly not the only ones making noise here, though. Everyone in this arena is loud. You might not expect it from the crowd size, either in relative or absolute numbers, but the fans here are certainly rowdy. Access 3 There are a few roads into Farmville, but regardless of how you get into town, you are going to have to drive quite a bit. Most likely you will end up taking either State Route 45 or U.S. Route 460, but if you’re coming from any sort of populated area, Farmville probably isn’t close to you. Lynchburg is the closest remotely large city, and it’s a full hour away. Richmond is about an hour and 15 minutes, while Washington, D.C. is about three hours. Once you’re on campus, there is a garage next to the arena, but that is reserved for season ticket holders and those with handicap permits. Everyone else can park anywhere else on campus except in lots reserved for residential students, which are pretty far from the arena and would be bad places to park anyway. None of these other lots require more than a few minutes to walk to the arena. There are several restrooms located around the Joan Perry Brock Center. They are clean, modern, and of a sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Longwood basketball games start at just $8, and even the most expensive seats cost just $12. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. You may spend some money on gas to get here, depending on where you are coming from, but a Longwood basketball game is still an excellent value. Extras 3 The unique architectural style of the Joan Perry Brock Center is worth an extra star here. As mentioned above, this place feels more like a cathedral or southern mansion than a basketball arena, at least in terms of design. The style is unique, and there are few if any other arenas like it. A team store and the Longwood Athletics Hall of Fame are located just inside the two entrances. Each of these is worthy of an extra star. Final Thoughts The Joan Perry Brock Center is a modern arena with a unique architectural style. The crowd is loud, the band and student section are rowdy, and this feels not like like a literal cathedral but like a figurative cathedral of the game as well. Although Farmville may be far from most other places, basketball fans in Virginia will want to make the trip to check out the Joan Perry Brock Center.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Weidner Field 111 West Cimarron St Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Map It Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC website Weidner Field website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 8,000 Soccer Comes to Downtown Colorado Springs Weidner Field International soccer legend Pele famously described soccer as O Jogo Bonito , a Portuguese phrase meaning “the beautiful game.” The 2021 debut of downtown Colorado Springs’s Weidner Field, the 8,000-seat stadium that’s home to the Colorado Switchbacks of the USL Championship, enables fans to enjoy the beautiful game with a bela vista (“a beautiful view”). Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain, and Colorado’s Front Range, sit just to Weidner Field’s west, providing fans on the stadium’s east side with stunning views. A setting sun behind those mountains can turn any photo into the cover of a “yacht rock” album (one can almost hear Pablo Cruise’s “Love Will Find a Way” as play continues on the pitch below). Weidner Field is a key part of Colorado Springs’s “City for Champions” campaign, a renewal project paid for with funds from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Weidner Field, along with Colorado College’s Ed Robson Arena, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new visitor center, is one of the venues that are drawing visitors to the Springs. It’s also a beautiful facility worthy of the short detour off of Interstate 25, just to the west. Food & Beverage 4 A pleasantly surprising breadth of quality food and drink options await fans at Weidner Field. Hot dogs ($6), cheeseburgers ($10), chicken tenders ($7), brats ($8), and “old-school” nachos ($7) are sold at the stadium’s main concession stands. There’s also a good range of adult beverages: domestic beer ($14), craft beer ($10 for a 12-ounce draft), imported beer ($14), canned cocktails ($12), canned wine ($10), and a 24-ounce domestic can ($14.50) are all available. Sodas are Pepsi products, while beer includes offerings from Coors, Modelo, Corona, and Pikes Peak Brewing. White Claw hard seltzer is also sold in various flavors. There are several ways to order food at Weidner Field. Fans can order from their seats via QVC code and then retrieve their orders from a nearby concession stand. Alternatively, touchscreen ordering stations have been placed in the stadium’s southeast corner, where beer, wine, and snacks can be purchased. This minimizes the disruption of waiting for food while play continues on the pitch. Atmosphere 4 The Switchbacks have quickly developed a passionate, enthusiastic fan base. Streets bound Weidner Field on all four sides, limiting its size. This means that fans sit very close to the action. So close, in fact, that fans can (and do) successfully inform the game officials about their feelings toward those officials’ abilities, family members, and pets. Fans need to be alert, particularly behind the goals. There’s no protective netting to protect fans from errant soccer balls which can leave the field of play at high rates of speed. Corner Patio Seats With a View at Weidner Field, Photo by Matt Finnegan, Stadium Journey As the neighborhood around Weidner Field develops, the atmosphere will improve even more with the addition of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. In addition to some of the new additions around Weidner Field, the Trainwreck is set to open two blocks from Weidner Field in September 2022, at 812 South Sierra Madre Street. Approximately two acres in area, the Trainwreck will serve food and drinks, along with golf simulators, sand volleyball courts, bocce, and a 9-hole putting course. Downtown Colorado Springs’ renaissance should enhance even more the atmosphere while attending a Switchbacks’ game at Weidner Field. Other building projects can be seen beyond Weidner Field’s confines, a visual reminder of the neighborhood’s significant metamorphosis. Neighborhood 3 Weidner Field’s neighborhood is rated as it exists in August 2022. However, this rating is likely to improve over time. The facility was built in a part of downtown Colorado Springs that had largely been forgotten. Now, with the completion of both Weidner Field and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum three blocks away, the neighborhood is coming to life. Apartment complexes are under construction just beyond Weidner Field’s south end, bringing residents who should support restaurants and businesses in the neighborhood. Notwithstanding the area’s nascence, the neighborhood around Weidner Field has some worthy pre- and post-game spots. The Warehouse and Gallery sits a few feet away from the stadium on Wahsatch Street. A block to the west from the Warehouse, the Coati food hall has a brewery, two bars, and seven restaurants, while the Atomic Cowboy includes outposts of popular Denver-based restaurants Fat Sully’s Pizza and the Denver Biscuit Company. For those willing to walk a bit further, the center of Colorado Springs has even more options. Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. has been a downtown mainstay for 30 years; Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub is another favorite (and an appropriate place to celebrate a Switchbacks victory). Fans 4 For a team that’s existed for less than a decade, the Switchbacks enjoy great fan support. Average home attendance has improved every year the team has played, with more than 5,400 fans per game attending in 2021 and more than 7,000 fans attending in 2022. Fans are loud, engaged, and at times boisterous. Access 3 Weidner Field sits just to the east of Interstate 25 and is easily accessed via the Cimarron Street exit. The stadium sits on Cimarron, between Sierra Madre Street and Sahwatch Street. The Switchbacks do not have a dedicated parking area, instead relying on existing parking in downtown Colorado Springs’s south side. Some have criticized the club for building a stadium that does not have its own parking but this system works well. More than 5,000 parking places are available within a 6-minute walk of Weidner Field. Arriving at kickoff time on a Friday night means parking on the street at a meter for $6.50 and an eight-minute walk – not bad when compared to many other sporting events. This parking system also means that attending a Switchbacks game does not require an interminable wait to exit a centralized parking lot or garage. Mass transit is an option, though likely not a convenient one. Mountain Metropolitan Transport’s 8th Street-Broadmoor Purple Line stops just outside Weidner Field. But most fans wanting to bus to the game will need to take a line to the Downtown Terminal, located at the intersection of Kiowa Street and Nevada Avenue, and then walk approximately a mile to the pitch. Also, fans should know that the Switchbacks deliver on their promise to enforce their bag policy. Only those bags that are clear (so that security can visually inspect the contents without touching them) and no more than 18 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches or a one-gallon, re-sealable bag may come in. A small clutch bag or purse no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches may also be brought in. Security at Weidner Field strictly enforces these rules; several fans were seen trotting bags back to parked cars just before kickoff. The team does have a small number of lockers available for $10 just outside the gate on the east side of the stadium. There’s decent room inside to move around. A concourse circles the stadium above the seating areas. During matches, fans have no difficulty navigating it. Before the game and during halftime, however, lines from concession stands mix with crowds of fans moving around the stadium. Wheelchair seating is available around the upper concourse. Fans with mobility aid can enter Weidner Field at Gate A on Sierra Madre Street on the facility’s west side. (Also, kudos to the Switchbacks for having an informative web page dedicated to ADA access at home games. Return on Investment 3 A Switchbacks game at Weidner Field is not a bargain. Single-game tickets are sold through a third-party reseller. For the September 10, 2022 home game against Detroit, tickets range from $23 to $30. By comparison, the Switchbacks’ MLS parent team, the Colorado Rapids , hosts the Vancouver Rapids in Denver that same night. Most tickets for that game sell for $19 – $35, though some field tickets sell for $125. A Switchbacks ticket is not the bargain that some might expect for a USL Championship game. That said, there are several ways to save money on tickets. The Switchbacks have a flex voucher program in which fans must buy at least 16 vouchers that fans can redeem at any time during the season for any game. A 16-voucher purchase for a bleacher seat with no back – the Switchbacks’ entry level voucher plan – sells for $328 ($20.50 per game). A 16-voucher purchase for a fitted seat sells for $520 ($32.50 per game). Appurtenant expenses do not break the bank. Fans can be entrepreneurial to find budget-friendly parking. A small lot immediately across Sierra Madre Street from Weidner Field’s west-side entrance costs $25 but lots and garages throughout downtown Colorado Springs offer parking for significantly less than that. Plus, metered street parking provides a more affordable option. Food and drink prices align with similar facilities. Outside food and drink, with the exception of one sealed, unopened plastic water bottle no larger than 17 ounces, is not permitted. Extras 3 A very important first point goes to the Switchbacks for having what all venues should have: nugget ice. This cannot be overstated. The fact that fans at Weidner Field can enjoy USL action with ice nuggets – the very best form of ice – in their drinks separates the Weidner Field experience from all others. The Switchbacks allow free refills on fountain sodas ($6), making that ice taste even better. Free refills are a welcome change for fans. Public art earns a third point for Weidner Field. A large sculpture, “The Epicenter,” welcomes fans entering Weidner’s main entrance at the corner of Cimarron and Sahwatch Streets. The Epicenter stands 35 feet tall by 65 feet in diameter, weighs 164,000 pounds, and required more than 20,000 hours of work to complete. Its rings are comprised of more than 7,000 pieces and a remote-controlled LED lighting system helps bring the statue to life after sunset. Additionally, several large reproductions of paintings by legendary sports painter LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012) adorn the outside of Weidner Field’s east façade along Sahwatch Street. These reproductions depict great Olympic performances, a nod to Colorado Springs’s importance to the Olympic Movement. Final Thoughts The Switchbacks have incorporated thoughtful design into a stadium that celebrates Colorado Springs’s natural beauty and the sport of soccer. As the Switchbacks grow into their home at Weidner Field, the surrounding neighborhood seems poised to grow with them. As that happens, the team’s support should continue to expand. Professional soccer has a bright future in the Springs. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Broadway High School Baseball Field 269 Gobbler Drive Broadway, VA 22815 Broadway Bruins website Baseball Right Down Broadway Nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the Rockingham County Baseball League is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Virginia's version of town ball was founded in 1924 and is currently celebrating its centennial season. The league's eight teams consist of a mix of current and former college players with ties to the area. Some of the latter have been playing in the league for years. The Broadway Bruins play at the baseball field at Broadway High School. Broadway has had a team in the Rockingham County League for many years, winning the inaugural championship in 1924. The Bruins most recently won the title in 2020. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions are sold out of Mac's Snack Shack along the first baseline. Run by local vendor Mac's Barbecue, the stand offers a wide range of options, made fresh in a smoker. Brisket and pulled pork are available in most games, and sometimes hot smoked chicken and turkey are as well. Freshly made mac and cheese is available as a side, and you can get your mac and cheese topped with meat if you want. This last option is especially popular. Check the Mac's Barbecue Facebook page before the game, as they usually post information on their menu a few hours before. For those who don't want something out of a smoker, more traditional concession items are also available. Burgers, hot dogs, and fries are for sale, as are chips, candy, assorted soft drinks, bottled water, and Gatorade. Credit cards are accepted as long as they have tap-and-pay capabilities. So is cash. Prices are a bit on the high end - a meal out of the smoker can cost $10 or more - but this is not outrageous and the food is quite good. You get what you pay for in the end. Note that there is another building signed as a concession stand that also has restrooms, but it is not used as a concession stand for Bruins games. Atmosphere 3 There are several different seating options at a Broadway Bruins game. Since the seating area is on a hill that slopes down to the field, this creates some interesting vantage points. A few rows of chairback seating (with far more legroom than needed) are located behind the home plate on a deck. The front row is elevated and is about ten feet higher than field level and above the hill. The top three rows of chairbacks are all at the same level, meaning you may struggle to see over the fans in front of you. The bottom two use normal stadium-style tiered seating. Bleacher seating is located on either side of the home plate, with additional chairbacks in front of the bleachers at field level. There is also one random section of bleachers at the top of the hill, on the other side of the walking path from the rest of the seating. These bleachers are overgrown by weeds and have a view obstructed by the other bleachers. Nobody sits here. Some fans also bring their lawn chairs to sit on. Music is played during breaks in the action and before the game. It is being played off of somebody's phone hooked up to the sound system - you can even hear the ping when they receive a new message. A scoreboard in right field shows the score, inning, and count, but nothing else. As is typical of the Rockingham County Baseball League, this is baseball in its purest form. There are no between-innings contests or other gimmicks, just a baseball game that the whole community can enjoy. Note that fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play, but can return them to the concession stand for a free Popsicle. When a foul ball leaves the playing area, expect kids to chase after it, hoping to snag the free ice pop. Often, fans nearby will shout "Popsicle!" to alert people and encourage the kids, just as someone might similarly shout "Heads up!" at other parks. The sun sets beyond the left field line, which can make things challenging to see for a bit before it goes behind the mountains. Neighborhood 2 The Bruins play on the grounds of Broadway High School, which is located in a residential area in the Town of Broadway, with a population of about 4,000. If you make the short drive to Main Street, you will find the few businesses this town has. El Ranchero is a popular Mexican joint, and Fat Boyz serves up barbecue and more. There are a couple of other options as well. Broadway is a small town, which is great for the community feel the Rockingham County League is known for, but not so great for visitors looking for something to do here. Fans 4 The Broadway Bruins draw a few hundred fans a game, which is impressive given the small town's size. RCBL games are typically a community affair, and the Broadway Bruins are no exception. Most of the fans know each other and have been following the team for years, but newcomers will be welcome as well. The fans are quite knowledgeable about the Bruins and the other teams in the league. From small kids chasing after foul balls to get a free Popsicle, to people who have been supporting Broadway baseball for decades, this is small-town ball at its finest. Access 3 Broadway High School is located a few miles off I-81 and is about ten miles north of Harrisonburg, There is a large parking lot behind the school near the field, but be mindful of construction. When we visited, several areas were coned off for paving. There was still more than enough space for everyone to park, but in a worst case scenario, there is additional parking in the front of the school. Restrooms are available in a brick building near the adjacent softball field, although you will have to walk a few minutes to get there. The good news is they're never crowded. Walking around the field and surrounding area involves a lot of gravel paths, grass, and hills, so it may present issues for those with mobility difficulties. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most Bruins games is free thanks to local sponsors. There may be a small charge for a few games a season, so check the Bruins social media for confirmation. Prices at Mac's Barbecue are fairly high, but considering the quality of the food, are an excellent value. Overall, a Broadway baseball game is affordable and fun for the entire family. . Extras 2 One star for the gorgeous views of the Allegheny Mountains beyond the outfield fence. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Rockingham County is known for its scenic views, and this ballpark is no exception. Mac's Barbecue is worthy of an extra star here. They make the concessions experience excellent for this level. Final Thoughts Like the rest of the RCBL, a Broadway Bruins game is small-town baseball at its finest, an experience for the whole community to enjoy. Those in the Rockingham County area may already know the small-town baseball experience that is the Rockingham County Baseball League, but to everyone else, it's one of Virginia's best-kept baseball secrets. Many baseball fans are familiar with the town ball culture of Minnesota, but it is alive and well in the Rockingham County Baseball League as well. Whether you're a resident of the Town of Broadway, come from elsewhere in Rockingham County, or are just visiting the area, a visit to a Broadway Bruins game is an enjoyable way to spend a summer night. Baseball fans heading to the area over the summer will want to check out the Rockingham County Baseball League, whether that's a Broadway Bruins game or one of the other teams.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607 South Florida Bulls website Raymond James Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 65,647 College Football on the Bay The college football experience in Florida provides fans many options. One of the more overlooked stops may very well be USF. Playing in a massive NFL stadium may have its disadvantages, but the fanbase more than makes up for what may be a detriment to the game day experience. The team has experienced highs and lows over the last few decades, but nonetheless offer a solid fan experience regardless of their record. The team’s annual War on I-4 rivalry matchup with UCF is arguably one of the best in college sports, and provides an excellent atmosphere for fans on both sides. Food & Beverage 4 Being in an NFL Stadium has its perks, chief among them being the sheer quality and variety in the concessions available on game day. However, not all stands are open for USF games, which inherently will limit your options. With that said, whether you want your standard stadium fare like burgers, hot dogs, and nachos, or if you have a feeling for something a little different, like a fresh-pressed hot Cuban sandwich, you can find what you need at Raymond James Stadium. Prices are comparable to those at other sports venues, so expect to spend between $10-$15 per person for a main dish and drink. The other added bonus at Raymond James Stadium is that the pirate ship end zone features an open-air plaza that gives you a great view of the playing field during the game, meaning you don’t have to worry about missing the next play while you are sitting down to eat. Atmosphere 3 Raymond James Stadium is your quintessential 1990s football stadium in general layout and construction. It features a lot of exposed concrete and generally lacks any real architectural features beyond the Bucs’ pirate ship. Nevertheless, the team has made the best of this without a need for extensive renovations. The Tampa Bay Bucs branding is everywhere, from paint colors to logos and photos being displayed, which can take away from the USF college atmosphere. Even with some green accents added with temporary signs, it definitely feels like a stadium you’re renting more than a home field. The facilities are clean and easy to find thanks to the signage all over, however. Fans can also expect a generally comfortable experience here thanks to the palm trees in the end zone and the Florida feel of the small torches around the exterior of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Raymond James Stadium itself is a bit removed from the downtown Tampa area. Thankfully, there are restaurants on the main drag nearby, but there is also an assortment of strip clubs and adult stores, making the drive into the stadium a bit of an interesting one to say the least. For hotels, look to the Tampa Stadium Hotel or the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. For food, there is a popular Chili’s down the street, as well as a new Panera Bread. Also, a short drive from Raymond James Stadium is the Cigar City Brewing Company , where you can take tours of the brewery and sample locally made cigars. The Tampa International Plaza Mall is not far either. Fans 3 The fans at USF games are loyal to their team. Much like the rest of Florida’s college football schools, students fill in the student section every game, regardless of the opponent. Locals have embraced USF as the local college team, but due to the sheer size of the stadium itself, rarely are able to take over their home field. When bigger teams visit, the split among home and away fans can easily be 50/50. Before the game starts, tailgating is always solid thanks to the good weather year-round. USF games are also full of families and younger fans thanks to the lower ticket prices. Access 4 To get to Raymond James Stadium you can take I-275 through the Tampa area. The main roads in and out of the stadium area are all multiple lanes wide, meaning traffic doesn’t get as congested as at other sports stadiums that only have one-lane roads. Parking on site is plentiful, as is the less expensive parking in various lots and properties around the area. Also, the gates are all open when the stadium opens, so fans are not forced into using just one or two of the gates to get in and out. Note that Raymond James Stadium now uses the commonly accepted Clear Bag Policy guidelines for those coming into the game. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for USF Football are massively less than those for the Bucs, so fans can get an NFL stadium visit without the NFL price. With that said, prices start low enough to bring a large group or family without breaking the bank. Even reseller tickets online can be found for as low as $15 a piece. Add to this the variety of teams that visit USF, and you generally have a solid college football experience without paying big market prices. Extras 3 The large Tampa Bay Bucs pirate ship located in the end zone of the stadium is ever present during USF games. While not accessible during USF games, you can still get up close to it when walking around. Games for USF also feature a pre-game run across the end zone with kids selected from the stands that follow the USF mascot. The team also features giveaways each game such as t-shirts and on-field games for prize packages. Final Thoughts Going to college football games in Florida is usually dominated by the bigger schools in the state. Don’t let that fool you, however, into thinking the smaller conference schools aren’t just as enjoyable – USF is a program that has experienced the ebb and flow of success over the years, but always enjoys a solid fanbase that flocks to a massive NFL stadium to watch their team play.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mitchell Center 2195 Mitchell Center Dr Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Mitchell Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 10,041 Welcome To The Mitch Mobile, Alabama is home to the original Mardi Gras, the USS Alabama battleship, and Dauphin Street. It is also where the University of South Alabama is located and where the USA Jaguars athletics program plays . Basketball has been played at the University of South Alabama since 1968. The USA Jaguars have made the NCAA tournament eight times but have not been invited to the dance since 2008. After playing in Jaguar Gym for the first three decades of the program’s existence the Jaguars moved to the Mitchell Center in 1999, their home ever since. In addition to servicing the University of South Alabama, it is also the premier concert venue in the Southern part of Alabama. Food & Beverage 3 The typical stadium fare includes cheeseburgers ($7.50), hotdogs ($4.50), nachos ($4.50), Conecuh sausage ($7.50), chicken tenders ($8), pretzel sticks ($5), chips ($3.50), and candy ($4). BBQ sandwiches ($9), BBQ potatoes ($11), and BBQ nachos ($11) are also sold.  Soft drinks are provided by Coca-Cola and options include Dasani water ($5), 22 oz sodas ($3.50), and a 32 oz souvenir cup ($5.50). Beer is sold with Bud Light, Miller, and Coors costing $6.50 while Michelob, White Claw, and South Alabama beer sold for $7.50. The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 3 There are two entrances to the Mitchell Center with the South entrance (the one with the parking next to it) having a sculpture called “Challenge” by Gail Folwell that depicts a tip off in basketball. The North entrance is near the Moulton Bell Tower and has a sculpture of a jaguar in front of it.  If you enter through the North entrance you will walk by the Waterman Globe, which had been at the Waterman Building until 1973 when it was disassembled. It was restored and reconstructed in time for its placement at the Mitchell Center when the arena opened. By the globe, you will see a small South Alabama athletics hall of fame with plaques commemorating notable people in Jaguars athletic history. Keep walking around the concourse and you will find a trophy case, displays with South Alabama slogans, and mannequin displays showing the uniform combinations of the different Jaguar athletic programs. When you enter the arena’s seating bowl you will see it is split into two levels with the top level having mostly red seats with some blue seats spelling out “USA”, the common abbreviation for the University of South Alabama. The end seats on the top level were tarped off when I visited. Meanwhile, the lower bowl of the arena has blue seats and contains the student section as well as the band.  The rafters of the arena show banners commemorating both the men’s and women’s basketball successes and a videoboard hangs over midcourt. The out-of-bounds area of the court is blue while the midcourt logo follows a trend of having the program’s logo overlaying an outline of the state.  Shoutout to the band, cheerleaders, and mascots SouthPaw and Miss Pawla for keeping the fans energized throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 While technically the South Alabama campus is located in the city of Mobile it is a bit of a drive from the tourist spots one would think of when imagining Alabama’s second largest city. If you have the time to do so I would recommend heading to the USS Alabama Battleship for a tour. It was used in World War II and the park that surrounds it has a gift shop and an aircraft pavilion containing planes that were used in several wars. For family trips the kids will love the Exploreum while Fort Conde and the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum are also worth checking out. Keep in mind if you are attending a South Alabama Jaguars basketball game you will likely be in Mobile during Mardi Gras season. Catch a parade in the first city to celebrate Mardi Gras. Local eateries to try out include Dumbwaiter for Southern fare, Roosters for Latin American dishes, and Wentzell’s for seafood. Dauphin Street has several bars including The Haberdasher, Brickyard, and Hayley’s Bar. Lodging accommodations include Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Candlewood Suites. Fans 2 The fans are not likely to fill the stands to the brim of the arena but the ones that do show up really get behind their Jaguars. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, their arena is a bit oversized for their current fanbase as the arena only gets full when a team like Auburn shows up. As previously mentioned, part of the upper deck is tarped off for Jaguars games. Access 2 The campus of the University of South Alabama is about a ten-minute drive from Interstate 65. From I-65 take exit 5A onto SpringHill Avenue before turning left on McGregor Avenue. Make a right on Old Shell Road and this will take you to the Mitchell Center on your right. While parking is free the lot immediately adjacent to the arena is reserved for Season Ticket holders. There is a parking lot between the tennis courts and Shelby Hall that I would recommend parking in. There is a path in the trees you can walk through to get to the South Entrance or you can walk north and pass by the old Jaguar Gym before taking a left and entering the Mitchell Center through the North entrance. Once inside the arena, there are ample restrooms, the concourse is wide enough, and there will not be long lines at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for upper-level seats or $15 in the lower bowl for games between conference foes. If you pay $10 for a ticket, and buy a beer and a burger you will only pay $25 for yourself, $40 on a date, or $70 for a family of four. There are not many better deals than this in Division One college basketball! Extras 2 The Waterman Globe is located in the Mitchell Center and is a piece of Mobile History. It does a full rotation once every 3 minutes and 50 seconds. The Mitchell Center has become the destination for entertainment acts that want to perform in Mobile, Alabama. If you want to catch a concert in Mobile, chances are you are heading to the Mitchell Center. Final Thoughts The South Alabama Jaguars have a lot of untapped potential as of late. They have a facility that could potentially be an intimidating atmosphere if the team that played there was intimidating.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Infinity Park at Glendale 4400 E. Kentucky Ave Glendale, CO 80246 Infinity Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,000 RugbyTown USA Editors Note: Colorado Raptors Rugby, a founding member of the Major League Rugby, announced on April 9, 2020, that it would withdraw from the league, effective May 2, 2020. Opened in 2007, Infinity Park is the first rugby-specific stadium built in the US and is located in what is known as RugbyTown USA (Glendale, CO); just on the outskirts of Denver. It is a fabulous facility in which to watch a rugby match. The well-known Glendale Raptors Rugby Football Club transitioned to the newly formed Major League Rugby beginning the 2018 season. The park also hosts movie nights, corporate events, rugby club matches, 7s, beerfests, and more. It is a very active event center / stadium just a hop, skip, and jump from Denver. Food & Beverage 4 Infinity Park provides an exceptional variety of refreshments during a Raptors match. The Fan Zone (adjacent to, but outside the seating area of the park) provides local food trucks and an adult beverage tent with local craft beers and other alcoholic beverages. Craft beers are $6, wine and mixed drinks $7, soda (Coke products) and water are $2. Food trucks can vary and include Lazo Empanadas (recommended), Frozen Yogurt, Crescent City Connection (New Orleans), and more. The Fan Zone generally opens two hour prior to the start of the match. Inside the venue, for the general public, three areas are available to purchase nourishment and drinks: Grubber Grille, Lil’ Henry’s, and the Club House. Lil’ Henry’s offers burgers, brats, dogs, sausages and chicken sandwiches ($7.50 – $8). Grubber Grille has burritos, popcorn, other snacks, cocktails and beer. The Club House is open to fans and offers beers and cocktails. All stands take credit and cash. Recommendation: Get an empanada from the food truck in the Fan Zone ($4 individual / 4 for $15) and grab a local craft beer at the Fan Zone beer tent and relax, eat, and drink looking over the pitch. Atmosphere 5 Infinity Park provides a tremendous evening of rugby entertainment. To start, a Fan Zone event is held up to two hours before each match. The Fan Zone includes local brews, a bounce house, rugby practice skills games for kids (and adults), several food trucks, face painting, a DJ, and more. It’s a pregame party adjacent to the park available to all fans who have tickets. The venue seating area and concourse is U-shaped; seating is on concrete steps so be sure to bring a cushion. Watching the match is better from the sidelines vs the end zone. Seats are mostly general admission with some tickets considered ‘covered seating’ which is a canopy over several sections. The field is pristine and green; kudo’s to the grounds crew. A Rugby 101 section is available where individuals are handy to answer any questions regarding the game of rugby, a nice touch for a new sport to the states. Infinity Park Covered Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music selection and volume is suitable however often times music is played when the public address announcer is speaking so fans have no clue hearing what he is stating. This is a major annoyance and something that needs to be addressed in future seasons (especially since the sport is so new in the US). An extremely crisp and clear video board shows player interviews and bio, rugby news, and lineups pregame, while showing replays during the match and entertainment at the half. Halftime entertainment comprises familiar promos such as bongo cam and t-shirt tosses. And the team reaches out to the community and often invites youth teams to play a scrimmage pregame or at the half. Neighborhood 4 Infinity Park is located in the bustling city of Glendale, CO (an enclave of Denver). The entire complex comprises four city blocks. The stadium anchors the larger Infinity Park complex, consisting of an event center, a sports center, and plenty of open space for walking the dog or just taking a stroll. Apartment dwellings, residential areas and businesses surround the venue. It is an extremely safe neighborhood in which to visit. Places to eat nearby are the Bush and Bull Brewery (two blocks) a local brewery and pub (it’s dark inside), Las Delicias (Mexican) also two blocks, Next Door | Glendale (Farm-to-Table) about a 15-min walk, as well as many fast food and chain restaurants. Recommended places to stay for the night within walking distance are the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver/Cherry Creek, Hyatt Place Denver/Cherry Creek and a tad further away (about ½ mile) is the Hilton Garden In Denver/Cherry Creek. Things to do while visiting Glendale include the Cherry Creek Shopping Center with over 160 stores and restaurants, Four Mile Historic Park (a historic 12-acre stage stop from 1860 to 1864). The Denver Zoo is four miles away, Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is 3 ½ miles, and downtown Denver is only a little over six miles from Infinity Park. Other sports teams to see in the area during major league rugby season are the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Mammoth, and the Denver Outlaws. Also, check the schedules and see if the Nuggets or the Avalanche make the post season. Fans 4 Raptors fans (and MLR fans in general) are quite passionate. They cheer, applaud, oooh and ahhh, and question/discuss why a kick vs running the ball. At the game of this review, no unhappy calls against the referees were heard. Many types of fans are seen at a Raptors game: the novice, families with kids, couples on a date, groups of men who look like they may have played the game in their earlier years, groups of young men and groups of young women on a night out. It’s a delightful mix. It’s hard to find statistics on game attendance probably since it’s a new league. On the game of this review, I’d say the stands were 90% full making for a good turnout at Infinity Park. Glendale Raptors Fans Fill the Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 3 Located a block off the extremely busy Colorado Blvd, Infinity Park is not the easiest and quickest to get to. Traversing the interior (especially up and down the steps in the seating area) is not a treat either. The good news is once you get through the Colorado Blvd madness, there’s free parking in lot P1 (corner of S Cherry St and E Kentucky Ave), a block from the venue. Overflow parking can be found in lot P4 (corner of S Birch St and E Ohio Ave), just two blocks from Infinity Park. Fans can take the RTD Light Rail to the Colorado Station and ride the Route 46 bus to the park (Cherry and Kentucky stop), however the last bus to leave on a Sat evening is 6:20pm so that won’t work for most Raptors matches. Once inside, some areas of the concourse are wide open and spacious with plenty of room, while other areas like the concourse area behind the goal with the concessions can get quite congested. For the most part, fans will have to walk up moderately steep steps to get to the seating area; a few hand banisters are provided. Handicapped access and seating are provided, though I can’t imagine a wheelchair (or those on crutches) easily getting through the congestion on the concourse behind the goal. Restrooms are kept clean; lines can form at the half. Security bag check is very thorough. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for a Raptors game range from general admission $25, covered seating $35, up to VIP seats $169. Military general admission tickets are $15. And, of course, season tickets and group rates (20 or more fans) provide a discount. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. There’s only five home matches per season (not including playoffs). A fan can go to all five games and pay less than a ticket for one Broncos game (and rugby is a better sport to watch – this is author’s opinion; not necessarily Stadium Journey’s). From the pregame Fan Zone to the Raptors organization making all fans feel welcome to encouraging and educating fans on the game make this a worthwhile sports entertainment investment. Extras 3 Infinity Park is the first rugby-specific venue constructed in the US. Having not only MLR (major league rugby) but all sorts of rugby clubs, youth organizations, internationals, rugby camps, college tournaments, and more deserves an extra mention for Infinity Park. The pregame Fan Zone utilizes local businesses and organizations which not only provides a fun experience but also enhances community involvement of the Raptors organization. Final Thoughts Rugby is a fascinating, engaging, strength and speed game that the US is just beginning to appreciate. It is a full-contact sport yet players wear little-or no protective gear which is one of the aspects that makes it so appealing for a sports fan. And there’s much comradery among the rugby players and community (at least so far in the new USMLR). This especially is witnessed at Infinity Park in Glendale CO.