Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TDECU Stadium 3875 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 Houston Cougars website TDECU Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 40,000 Houston Cougars – TDECU Stadium (NOTE: This review took place during the 2020 season; all ratings take into account the limited seating capacity and attendance due to COVID-19 precautions.) The University of Houston first fielded a football team in 1946. Since that time, the Cougars have been a fixture on the Texas college landscape, and when the legendary Bill Yeoman took over the reins in 1962, the team rose to national prominence. By the time his successor, Jack Pardee, took over in 1987, the Cougars were at the forefront of the game as innovators of offensive football. In 1989, quarterback Andre Ware shattered the NCAA record books on his way to a Heisman Trophy. The Cougars have won 11 conference titles, spread out over their tenures in the Missouri Valley Conference, Southwest Conference, and current home in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Since 2014, they have called TDECU (which stands for the Texas Department of Education Credit Union) Stadium their home. This brand-new, state-of-the-art facility is a fitting home for the largest university team in the fourth largest city in the country. It features all the bells and whistles (see Atmosphere section below) of a first-class facility, and is a fitting den for the Coogs. Food & Beverage 4 In a normal season, TDECU Stadium has an abundance of concessions areas and options for fans attending Cougars games. The stadium has a whopping total of 160 concession points of sale, which is more than enough for any fan base anywhere. However, due to the pandemic, many of these concessions areas have been closed for the season. There is still a large amount of concessions options on both the main concourse and the upper level seating areas for fans. However, again due to health restrictions, most of the main concessions stands have limited offerings. What they do serve though are all your traditional game day favorites – this includes hot dogs ($5), cheeseburgers ($8), nachos, bags of popcorn, soft pretzels, sodas ($5 and $8 for souvenir cups), and beer ($9 for domestic and $11 for premium). There are also full-service cocktail stands offering adult beverages for $11 and $12 (or add another $4 for a souvenir mason jar) to allow fans to responsibly drink while enjoying Cougars games. Chick-fil-A and Dippin’ Dots also have stands on the main concourse and offer pared down versions of their popular menus. Food and drink wise, the University of Houston has you covered despite limited offerings. Atmosphere 4 TDECU Stadium is located right in the middle of the campus of the University of Houston. As such, they tend to draw pretty large crowds and the stands are filled with red on Saturdays. As previously mentioned, a lot of thought was put into the design of the stadium to give fans the most for their game day experience. This includes the east-west orientation of the stadium to take in sun and shade for fans in the stands. There are 26 luxury suites, 42 loge boxes (a great innovation that features table-side seating and dining on the main concourse level), 766 club seats, two suite decks, and four open-air party plazas. The 68×51 foot LED video scoreboard is one of the largest in the AAC. It is also the setting for the large fireworks display that shoots off after every Cougar score. In lieu of full stands during the 2020 season, Houston has taken a cue from several schools facing the same seating limitations, and has one section populated by cardboard cutouts featuring program legends, fans, pets of fans (either available for purchase for $30), and for their contest on Halloween, characters such as Wonder Woman and Freddy Krueger were in the stands. Outside of the stadium, the school has done a great job incorporating its history into the atmosphere on game day. The front lawns, which traditionally offer up limited tailgating, are the site of statues of majestic cougars leading up the steps at Gates 1 and 2. Also, on the plaza outside of Gate 1, the school has installed a Legends Pavilion, complete with display boards of all of the Cougars’ accomplishments guarded over by a statue of the late Bill Yeoman. During normal seasons, this area is abuzz with energy before games. Neighborhood 5 As mentioned, TDECU Stadium is located right on the campus of the University of Houston. It is also at the tail-end of the school’s athletics complex, which is lined up with Schroeder Park and the Fertitta Center, respective homes to the school’s baseball and basketball programs. With that said, you are going to be limited in terms of dining and hotel options in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. On Scott street, which fronts the south side of the stadium, you’ll find a ton of chain, fast-food restaurants which as you can imagine are popular with the student body. However, there are a couple of options that go beyond the norm; these include Brooks Family BBQ – which, if you’re visiting Texas, you owe it to yourself to grab some of the Trinity (brisket, beef ribs, and sausage) – and Rookies Cookies to indulge your sweet tooth. For hotels, your nearest option is the Hilton University of Houston, which is within walking distance of TDECU Stadium. However, being that this is Houston, you are not in any way limited in your hotel options; the University is a short 10-minute drive via Interstate 45 from the bustling Downtown area, home to hundreds of hotel, motel, and rental options. Also, when visiting an area such as Space City, you are going to be hard-pressed to find yourself bored or with nothing to do. Houston is easily the most metropolitan and multi-cultural big city in the state, and you are never without entertainment options. A personal favorite is one you won’t be able to miss on your drive to TDECU, and that is the Houston Aquarium. This multi-story building and its accompanying Ferris wheel are viewable from the highway and will greet you on your trip to the stadium. Fans 3 As discussed above, the stands at TDECU Stadium are filled with red on Saturdays. The University of Houston averaged around 33,000 fans per game last season, which was near the top of the AAC in terms of attendance. Overall, Houston is an underrated sports city. In general, they’re passionate about their teams and this translates over to the Cougars as well. They have an active alumni group and in normal seasons they show out in droves at TDECU Stadium. Access 4 Being located in Houston, you are in no way limited in terms of access to TDECU Stadium. The stadium is about a half hour drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is one of the largest in the southwest. The stadium is also in the middle of the triangle formed by Interstate 45 and state highways 288 and 69. This means that, in spite of Houston’s legendary traffic issues, you should be able to get to Cougars games with relative ease. Off Interstate 45 there is a lot of signage denoting the exits for the University of Houston campus, and there is clear signage marking the way there. Once near the athletics compound, you cannot miss the stadium and once you get there, there are ample surface parking lots (parking starts at $20) and a parking garage (permit only though) adjacent to your destination. The surface lots are home to numerous pedicab and golf cart taxi services that – for a price, of course – will drop you off right in front of TDECU Stadium. These run all during the game, in case you don’t want to make the hike to and from your vehicle. While Houston generally has pretty good public transportation, the METROrail doesn’t run near the U of H campus, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Return on Investment 3 The University of Houston has long had the look and feel of a big-time, premier, power five program. They built TDECU Stadium and the surrounding facilities with that aim in mind. Everything looks first rate. With that said, that aspiration tends to show up in the cost to attend Cougars games. Tickets for U of H football will run you anywhere between $30 and $100, depending on where you look, where you want to sit, and who the Cougars are playing. This is in no way exorbitant, but it is on par with Power Five DI programs. The concessions and parking are honestly on the higher end, but that again is to be expected with how the program sees itself and in how big-time the stadium truly feels. The AAC is easily the best of the group of five conferences in the FBS, and Houston tends to have a pretty high-end non-conference schedule, so you should get to see some great football which will help ease the hit your pocketbook is likely to take at TDECU Stadium. Extras 4 What college football does that I feel no other sport can match is include history, pageantry, energy, and passion into each and every game. Every college football game that I have been to has always felt like a big deal and even in the time of the pandemic, my visit to TDECU Stadium lived up to this expectation. All of the trappings that you can expect from a college football game are on hand in spades – fireworks, entrance pyrotechnics, fight songs, mascots, it’s all there. While normally patrolling the sidelines and interacting with the crowd, the Cougars mascots Shasta (named for the school’s long-time live mascot that currently lives at the Houston Zoo) and his partner Sasha limit their shenanigans to the student section for the 2020 season. The same can be said for the Spirit of Houston Marching Band and the Cougar Dolls dance and cheer squads. While they don’t leave their posts in the stands, they still add to the atmosphere, excitement, and enjoyment on Saturdays at TDECU Stadium. Final Thoughts TDECU Stadium is truly a first-class facility by every measurable definition. It looks great, it feels big-time, and exceeded the expectations I had going in. As a native Texan, I like much of my kin and peers have preconceived notions in regard to Space City; Dallas may be the Big D, but Houston is the Big City. As such, everything in H-Town is supposed to be inflated, be it the skyline, the costs, the much-maligned (with due reason) traffic, or the attitudes of Houstonians. While this may sound like a knock, it is not. It is simply Houston and we accept it. TDECU Stadium is everything that Houston is – it’s big, it’s flashy, it’s gaudy, and it perfectly embodies a brash program and a brash city. Go Coogs!

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Rocky and Berenice Miller Park 2750 Ashland Ave Evanston, IL 60208 Northwestern Wildcats website Rocky and Berenice Miller Park website Year Opened: 1943 Capacity: 600 Renovated Rocky and Berenice Miller Park Northwestern University unveiled a renovated Rocky Miller Park for the 2016 season and the newly renovated and newly rechristened Rocky and Berenice Miller Park in surely one of the top ballparks in the Big Ten. Rocky Miller Park has been the baseball home of Northwestern University since 1943 and the newest renovations will ensure it remains the home of Wildcats baseball for years to come. The renovations began in 2015 with new field turf, a new backstop, and new dugouts. Renovations unveiled in 2016 include team clubhouses at the ballpark (instead of in a nearby athletic building), with the addition of Hayden Clubhouse which also features a player's lounge. Perhaps the most visible addition is the brand new press box which features designated space for different forms of media replacing the former wooden folding tables located out in the open on the concourse where home and away radio was forced to broadcast from. The ballpark also features all new folding seat back chairs, new concession stands, and a new scoreboard. Food & Beverage 3 The brand new concession stand at Rocky Miller Park shows a dedicated building for concessions and restroom facilities. The concession selections are average and the usual suspects of options are present. Prices are reasonable with Polish sausage ($4.50), hot dogs ($3.50), brats ($5), hamburgers or cheeseburgers ($5.50), popcorn, pretzel, or nachos ($4.50) all available. Additional snacks like Cracker Jack or peanuts ($4), assorted candy ($3.50), and chips ($2) round out the menu. Coca-Cola soft drinks and Dasani water are available for $4, and hot chocolate is $3. Atmosphere 3 The renovated ballpark still has a small capacity but it finally looks like a big conference facility. The seats are large and comfortable and the crowds are full and into the game. A large group of fans for the visiting team seems to be par for the course at Northwestern athletic events. This is a result of favorable ticket prices and the fact that Chicago is a desirable destination with plenty of alumni from around the Big Ten living in or near the Windy City. A few between innings promotions are done to keep the crowd excited and involved, but they do not go overboard. An additional positive attribute to the atmosphere is the fact that the majority of the Northwestern athletic facilities are in the same location. From the seats at Rocky Miller Park you can see the softball field beyond the outfield wall in center field, and Welsh-Ryan Arena beyond the right field fence. This really reiterates the fact that you are at a college game on a college campus. Neighborhood 3 Within walking distance of Rocky Miller Park is Mustard's Last Stand, a typical Chicago Vienna Beef stand serving up hot dogs and hamburgers, and is a favorite of many fans. There isn't much else in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark. In downtown Evanston there are plenty of places to park and enjoy an ever-changing array of restaurants. Smylie Brothers Brewing Company offers a great BBQ-inspired menu to go with their in-house brews. Temperance Beer Company is another local brewery with a taproom to try all of their unique brews. Downtown Evanston is most easily accessible by the CTA Purple Line via the Davis stop while Rocky Miller Park is a quick walk from the Central Purple Line stop. If you are staying in Evanston you have several choices including the Hilton Garden Inn, which is just across from the large movie theatre on Maple Avenue. Hilton Orrington, which is close to a majority of the restaurants and campus, and the Best Western University Plaza which is located on Sherman Avenue a few blocks from the middle of downtown Evanston are other options. Fans 3 There is a good mix of fans in attendance at Rocky Miller Park with students, parents, community residents, high school baseball teams, and as usual with Northwestern athletics, a large group of visiting fans. All fans are very interested in the game on the field. Most conversations in the stands occurring during play are regarding what is happening on the field. Access 4 Public transportation provides easy access to Rocky Miller Park via the Purple Line Central stop. Exiting the L stop, walk west and you will soon reach the Northwestern athletics facilities. Once you see Ryan Field you have arrived in the correct area. Walk past Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena and you will find Rocky Miller Park. Free parking is also available in the lot across the street. There are ample spaces in this lot even if large crowds are on hand for a baseball game. Return on Investment 3 All tickets are general admission and are $7 for adults and $4 for senior 65 & older, faculty/staff, children 17 and under, or students from other universities with a valid student ID. Students of Northwestern are admitted free with a valid WILDCARD ID. Extras 2 One extra point for the feel of campus ballpark. Seeing aspects of campus adds to the environment of the college game. Seeing other athletic facilities beyond the outfield wall gives a good campus setting to a game. One extra point for the investment made by Northwestern in maintaining this Big Ten facility.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jackie Robinson Ballpark 103 E Orange Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Daytona Tortugas website Jackie Robinson Ballpark website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 4,200 Baseball on the Beach Jackie Robinson Ballpark is unique in MiLB. First, it sits literally on the edge of the intercostal waterway in Daytona Beach, FL. Second, it has historical significance – this is the site where Jackie Robinson played his first professional baseball game after signing with the Dodgers after other cities like Jacksonville refused to let him play because of the color of his skin. Finally, after years as a Cubs affiliate, the baseball team in Daytona is now a Reds affiliate as of 2015, and with that came a whole new color scheme and team identity in the form of the Tortugas (Spanish for turtle). Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t a lot of food stands at the Tortuga's home, as the stadium is very old school in its construction. That said the variety you find here is solid enough with plenty of affordability; you can find the usual ballpark fare in the form of peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn, hot dogs, and more. A fan favorite is the grande chicken nachos which live up to the name, as well as the buffalo chicken tenders and the funnel cake fries. Drink options range from coffee to soda to tea and energy drinks, as well as Gatorade and bottled water.\ Atmosphere 3 There is something to be said about a stadium with a classic look – that old-time construction with the covered seating behind home plate and the blockhouse dugouts is very much prevalent in Daytona Beach. However, while many find the old aesthetic charming, it has its drawbacks. The old-style construction means that anyone sitting above the fifth row has an obstructed view thanks to the support beams for the roof. And, while all the seats under the overhang have individual chairs, the seating along the left field for general admission is metal benches with no backs. However, the Budweiser Bullpen and right field patio offer seating options for fans and groups with a field-level view and various seating options. The team has done a good job with the field itself and the stadium, maintaining the color scheme of the team throughout the facility rather well. Additionally, the stadium’s location on the water is a big plus as the view is pretty good from your seat. Neighborhood 4 Immediately across the street from the stadium is a small downtown area full of local shops, while immediately across the water from the stadium is Daytona Beach proper, featuring the world-famous beach, pier, and the expected shopping and dining options. In addition, closer down the road towards I-4 along International Speedway Blvd are countless restaurants and shops, as well as Daytona International Speedway . The city has also done a good job trying to revitalize itself to make Daytona Beach more visitor friendly, meaning there is plenty to do. For lodging, you can’t go wrong with the Extended Stay America or WoodSpring Suites Daytona. Fans 3 As with nearly every Florida State League team, the attendance on game day is sparse most of the time, Games are rarely sold out, and even on nights that include the yearly appearance from Vince Carter you still won’t find the stadium even half full. With that in mind, the overall experience is still solid; the Tortugas are very family-friendly and the fans are a big part of that. Additionally, the fans who visit are a wide variety of baseball diehards, locals, and Reds fans traveling through the area hoping to see some of tomorrow’s stars. Access 4 To get to the stadium, it is as easy as taking the I-95 exit onto International Speedway Blvd and then heading east. Signage for directions to the stadium is well placed, so it is easy to find your way to the field. Right off the main road is the ballpark rising from the water’s edge on the corner of Orange Ave and Beach St, and parking is plentiful on-site and only $2. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices start as low as $7 and go up to $15 for VIP seating – this means you won’t break the bank for tickets for a family of four, even when you add in concessions prices. Add that to the low cost of parking, and you have a great place to go watch a baseball game in Florida. Extras 3 A statue of Jackie Robinson is a popular photo spot at the stadium for fans. Additionally, there is a big wall that features the names of all the players from Daytona MiLB teams that have made it to the big leagues over the years. Finally, throughout the property are signs and infographics about the history of the stadium and its ties to Jackie Robinson’s story. Final Thoughts The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. The affordability of Tortugas games is on par with the best the FSL has to offer, and it is easy to see why families and young baseball enthusiasts flock to Jackie Robinson Ballpark to watch a game, even through the heat of summer in Florida.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alumni Hall US Naval Academy Annapolis, MD 21402 Navy Midshipmen website Alumni Hall website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 5,710 Anchors Aweigh The United States Naval Academy began in 1845, originally as the Naval School. Located on the site of old Fort Severn, the academy replaced the Philadelphia Naval Asylum as the training center for Navy personnel. The 338-acre campus is located on the Severn River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The entire campus is a National Historic Landmark. Students are nominated for placement into the Naval Academy. If accepted, they become officers-in-training and are referred to as midshipmen. Tuition for midshipmen is fully funded by the Navy in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. Graduates usually become ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Participation in athletics is mandatory at the Naval Academy. Although most students participate in intramural or club sports, the academy is known for its many intercollegiate sporting endeavors. The academy fields 30 varsity sports teams, a larger number than at many colleges and universities. There are an additional 13 club sports teams. The intercollegiate teams generally participate at the Division I level. Football is soon to join the American Athletic Conference, whereas basketball and many sports are part of the Patriot League. Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. The city served as the seat of the Continental Congress from 1783 to 1784, becoming the temporary capital of the United States. Annapolis currently has a population of 38,394 and is the seventh-largest incorporated city in Maryland. The basketball teams have called Alumni Hall home since 1991. From 1956 until 1990, the teams played at Halsey Field House. Halsey is now home to indoor track and field teams, as well as other athletic programs. It contains a 200-meter synthetic track, squash and tennis courts, and a 65-tatami dojo for Aikido/Judo. Food & Beverage 2 There are a few outer concourse stands, although not all will be open depending on the size of the event. There is also a small concession stand located inside the main concourse. There is not a huge amount of variety, but the prices are very fair. Hot dogs ($3), pretzels ($4), and whole Papa John’s pizzas ($8) are the main extents of options. Candy ($2) and water/soda ($3) pretty much round out the simple options. Atmosphere 4 The stands surround the court, as the facility was designed for basketball primarily. All seats will offer good views of the action. The upper decks were not in use at the game I attended, as a mid-Atlantic snowstorm meant that a pretty small crowd was expected. There are class crests that are mounted below all of the upper deck seating. It is a good idea to travel the entire inner concourse to take a look at each of these symbols. There is a pretty engaged group of cheerleaders at Navy games. They even throw out t-shirts for every three-pointer made by the Midshipmen. Instead of a traditional pep band, the Navy has a drum and bugle corps to keep fans entertained during the game. They sound very good. Alumni Hall has a very nice, relatively new scoreboard and video board. It is state-of-the-art and shows stats, highlights, and entertainment throughout the game. The mascot for the Naval Academy is Bill the Goat. A “stuffed” version of Bill is at the game and is mobbed constantly by the kids in attendance. Since the Navy encourages kids to have birthday parties and other group events at the game, there will be many kids at every game. Neighborhood 5 Right outside of Alumni Hall, you will find yourself in the heart of the amazing US Naval Academy campus. If you have time, you should wander around the beautiful grounds and see where the Navy elite train. The US Naval Academy Museum is almost across the street and warrants a visit. Other amazing sites to visit while on campus are The Naval Academy Chapel (home of the crypt of John Paul Jones), Bancroft Hall (the largest college dormitory in the world), and the Herndon Monument. The Herndon Monument is where every year it is covered with lard and plebes attempt to climb the monument, remove the plebe headwear, and put a standard midshipman hat on top. This symbolizes the successful completion of their first year. Legend also has it that the midshipman who places the sailor’s cap upon the monument will be the first member of the class to reach the rank of Admiral. Besides the amazing campus, one should visit the historic downtown of Annapolis. The city known as the ‘Sailing Capital of the World’ has a bright and beautiful downtown harbor area filled with great shops and restaurants. The state capitol complex is also in this area. If you are looking for fine dining, Cafe Normandie (185 Main St.) has great French/seafood options, while Harry Browne’s American (66 State Circle) is a place to be seen. Treaty of Paris Restaurant at the Maryland Inn (16 Church Circle) is another expensive option. If you want something a bit less pricey, try the iconic Chick and Ruth’s Delly (165 Main St.). Just don’t be surprised when your fellow diners just happen to be the governor or other state leaders. If you’re looking for food away from center-city Annapolis, try Red Hot & Blue (200 Old Mill Bottom Rd S) or Old Stein Inn (1143 Central Ave E, Edgewater, MD). One offers great barbecue, while the other is a must-stop for German food. Fans 4 The game I attended was right after a pretty dramatic and unexpected snowstorm, so the crowd was not as big as one may expect. But the people in attendance were still boisterous and knowledgeable. Navy fans, whether local or alumni, seem to take the efforts of their team very seriously. They stand by their teams no matter what. Expect games against a fellow service academy, especially Army, to fill quickly. There are many groups and kids' birthday parties that make up the attendance at Navy games. Access 2 Alumni Hall is not easy to access. One can’t just drive up and park outside the arena. One must have a parking pass from the Department of Defense to drive on campus. So most fans park at Navy/Marine Corps Stadium and take the shuttle to the venue. Another option is to park downtown and walk in through the visitor gates. Just leave some time for this, as it is a secured facility so metal detectors and security measures are in place. Whether a visitor rides the shuttle bus to the USNA or walks through one of its gates, everyone over the age of 16 must present a government-issued photo identification card (such as a driver’s license) to gain access to the Naval Academy. Annapolis is just off routes 50 and 301 and near Interstate I-97. It is 45 minutes from Baltimore (via Richie Highway or I-97) or DC (via Route 50), so getting to the area is not an issue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are downright cheap. $10 gets you into the arena. $5 youth tickets are also available. You won’t get much cheaper for Division I sports. Parking at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium costs $5. per vehicle. The shuttle bus itself is free. Extras 5 It is great to see the #50 David Robinson banner. The former NBA player is surely the most well-known basketball player from the Navy. It is also always a treat to see the players sing their alma mater (“Navy Blue and Gold”) after each game. Players also high-five their youth fans surrounding the court after each game. Plaques and signage are everywhere honoring various people and groups. The class crests are the most obvious, but around every corner seem to be other honored notations. There are also various miniatures of military vessels on display in cases around the facility. Try and spend some time looking at the various displays and gather a sense of history and pride for the Naval Academy. Alumni Hall also serves as the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center. It is fun to see the venerable entertainer’s name listed on the wall. He entertained many a troop over the years, and this entertainment venue continues in his footsteps. Final Thoughts Alumni Hall is a well-designed basketball facility that fits well with its team and fans. Although nearly a quarter of a century old, it holds up well compared to newer sports venues. The unique location and the truly amateur athletes who play their visit here are very special.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CAA Centre 7575 Kennedy Road Brampton, ON L6W 4T2 Brantford Steelheads website CAA Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 Swimming 7 KM Upstream Major Junior hockey in the GTA has had a pretty difficult existence.  The Brampton Steelheads are new to the Ontario Hockey League in 2024.  The Steelheads moved 7 km north of their previous home in Mississauga .  With low attendance and a reported increase in rent, a move out of Mississauga became desirable.  The Steelheads were founded in 1996 as a school affiliated team, the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.  Owner Eugene Melnyk, unable to find a more suitable home than the historic, yet drastically undersized St. Michael’s College School Arena, purchased the Mississauga IceDogs in 2007.  The intention was to get control of the lease in Mississauga, move the Majors there and sell the IceDogs.  The IceDogs would move to St. Catharines to become the Niagara IceDogs .  The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors lasted until 2012 when they were sold to a group led by Elliott Kerr and rebranded the Mississauga Steelheads.  The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre.  The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000.  It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay .  A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. Food & Beverage 3 CAA Centre has a moderate selection of concession options.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pizza, fries, poutine, chicken nuggets, and popcorn are available.  Select stands offer ice cream options.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at CAA Centre.  Water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available.  Some stands also offer limited beer options. Atmosphere 2 CAA Centre has a fairly pedestrian exterior.  Light coloured siding can be found around the exterior and CAA Centre offers no main or grand entrance.  One of the curiosities of CAA Centre is a large decorative rock honouring former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Joey Smallwood sits at the west entrance of the arena.  Entry into CAA Centre leads to a cramped concourse.  CAA Centre is a hub for the Brampton hockey community as it also has three other NHL sized rinks along with the main spectator arena.  Around the concourse there are some Steelheads markings.  It is clear that the Steelheads are embracing their Mississauga history.  Team photos from past Mississauga Steelheads teams are found in the concourse.  The most interesting part of the concourse is definitely the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.  Fans can peruse the portraits of inducted members and include Cassie Campbell, Jamie Storr, Stan Butler and Rick Nash amongst others.  The concourse is a horseshoe design and does not offer a 360 degree path around the rink. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will find the ice oriented from east to west with truss supports across the roof.  Fans should find themselves on the south side of the seating for the perfect centre ice logo picture.  The four-sided videoboard that hangs above the ice is unique in that it is essentially four screens over four small scoreclocks.  It is simple but effective.  The Steelheads bringing their history with them continues in the seating bowl as there are two Mississauga Steelheads banners for a 2017 Division and Conference Championship, hanging above the ice.  There is also a banner honouring former OHL Commissioner David Branch and his 45 years of service.  This banner can be found in all OHL buildings for the 2024-2025 season.  The seating consists of 15 rows of purple arena seats with some sections having padding.  There is no seating at the east end and a number of luxury boxes are found along the north and south sides, behind the general seating.  The CAA Centre itself is not that unique and is essentially the same design as the arenas in Mississauga, Sarnia  and others. The gameday production of a Steelheads game is fairly simple.  The game begins with a minor hockey player skating around the ice, carrying a Steelheads flag and then is joined by mascots Sauga and Rosie, both monikers that are unique to Mississauga, but have little relevance to Brmapton.  The 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck are also staples of a Steelheads game. Neighbourhood 3 CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton.  It is on the grounds of the larger Brampton Sports Park and as a result, there is little for pre or post game food and drink in the immediate area.  A short drive in the car offers a few choices.  New China Garden and Pomodoro Italian Kitchen are more unique options to go along with a number of large chain restaurants north of the arena on Steeles. As far as other sporting options in the area, the CAA Centre is also the home of the Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL, but their schedule will not cross the Steelheads schedule.  The Brampton Excelsiors of the OJLL also play in the summer.  The CAA Centre is a few short minutes from the town of Caledon East and their three hockey teams, the Caledon Admirals, Bombers and Golden Hawks.  There are far more options for fans willing to expand their search into Mississauga or Toronto.  Other tourist options in the area include the Peel Art Gallery and checking out Downtown Brampton.  However, Brampton is very much part of the GTA and far more options can be found by heading to Toronto.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Fairfield Inn Brampton is not far away. Fans 2 A combination of increasing rent and poor attendance are the reasons the Steelheads jettisoned Mississauga in favour of Brampton.  However, as of this writing, the attendance has not made a huge increase since the move.  The 2023-2024 season saw the Mississauga Steelheads draw 2,400 fans per game, good for the basement of the OHL.  The Brampton Steelheads have not climbed any higher and as of this writing have attracted only 1,940 fans per game in the 2024-2025 season.  The fans that are in attendance don’t bring much excitement, and the experience ends up feeling rather depressing.   Access 3 The CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton.  It is at essentially the confluence of Highways 410 and 407, on Kennedy Road.  Fans coming from out of province should beware that Highway 407 is a toll highway.  Although it may seem that getting to the arena is not difficult, traffic in this area can be a real chore, especially on Highway 410 during the week.  There is free parking on site, but beware that there are a number of spots that are reserved for season ticket holders.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Brampton Transit  bus stops on Kennedy Road.  Fans should consult the Brampton Transit website for fares, maps and schedules.  Inside the CAA Centre, the concourses are small and can get cramped.  Considering the low number of fans in attendance, this is definitely a concern.  It is not possible to walk a full 360 degree circle in the concourse and doubling back may be necessary.  The washroom facilities are decent in the facility. Stadium Journey acknowledges that the security protocols in major sports are constantly changing.  It is highly recommended that fans consult the Brampton Steelheads  and CAA Centre  websites for prohibited items and safety procedures. Return on Investment 3 Brampton Steelhead tickets are on a tiered system with the lowest priced seats at $26 up to $31 for platinum.  Gallery seats are $50 and are at the top of the east end and offer in-seat service.  There are discounts also for youth and seniors.  Parking on site is free and concession prices are a bit on the expensive side.  The plus is that OHL hockey is among the best anywhere and in their first season the Brampton Steelheads have a strong team on the ice.  For an improved ROI, for fans in the stands to provide a better experience is necessary. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Brampton Steelheads embracing the Mississauga Steelheads history. An extra mark for the Steelheads focus on youth hockey and bringing out as many youth teams as they can. Final Thoughts It remains to be seen if the Steelheads can make a successful transition to Brampton.  At the time of writing it seems that the move from Mississauga was not necessarily a bad one, but Brampton has not provided a significant improvement for the team.  Even though it is only 7 km from their former home to the CAA Centre, the Steelheads are definitely swimming upstream! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 TD Place Arena 1015 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7 Ottawa 67’s website TD Place Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 9,862 The Barber Shop There are plenty of uniforms from bygone eras that are so gaudy that it boggles the mind that they ever did the job. The “barber pole” version of multi striped uniforms definitely fall into this category. However, one team that has stuck with the barber pole is the Ottawa 67’s … and it works. The red, black and white stripes of the 67’s jerseys have been a staple for the team since their inception in 1967. One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67’s derive their name from not only their inception, but to the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867. The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice, are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. Home for the 67’s is also one of the most unique in the OHL. TD Place Arena or sometimes The Arena at TD Place, was originally the Ottawa Civic Centre and original home for the expansion Ottawa Senators of the NHL. TD Place Arena is nestled neatly under the south grandstand at TD Place. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at TD Place are what a fan would expect for an OHL venue, with a few interesting items. All of the favourites can be found, including hot dogs, fries, popcorn and pretzels. Pizza can be purchased from local Ottawa favourite Gabriel Pizza. Gabriel offers an original 67s Pizza to go along with pepperoni and cheese options. Poutine and pulled pork and pineapple sandwiches add to the variety of options. There is a fairly significant beer selection available including Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, Broadhead and Corona to go along with Budweiser and Bud Light. Twisted Tea, Bud Light Seltzer and Brickworks 1904 Cider are also available. Hitting the Lois ‘n Frima’s Ice Cream for some homemade ice cream, donuts, churros or a Slush Puppie would be the spot to go. Atmosphere 4 TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. Upon entering the arena, fans are welcomed to a huge concourse on the north side. The northern wall features a massive mural honouring Hockey Hall of Fame Coach, Brian Kilrea, who spent the bulk of his career coaching the Ottawa 67’s. Following his career and honours is a pathway through the history of the Ottawa 67’s franchise. There is plenty to look at and go through along the way. Heading over to the north side of the arena brings fans to a totally different area, with low ceilings and hockey motif. Make sure to check out the football stadium through the glass doors on the north side to get a better sense of the full stadium/arena complex. The southeast corner is The 67’s Barber Shop group seating area which looks like a great place to bring a group to the game. Entering the seating bowl, fans are welcomed with a very different structure. The north side, which is the side to be on for fans wanting that picture perfect centre-ice logo pic, has the majority of seats with two main levels. The east and west sides are similar, but the south side just has a few rows of seats under a low ceiling. Rather than hanging anything over the ice surface, the TD Place Arena utilizes the bulkhead above the south side seats. The main videoboard is centering banners and two other smaller videoboards. The score and time are kept on traditional scoreclocks between the main videoboard and the two smaller boards. On either side of the videoboard are the two Memorial Cup banners the 67’s have earned, from 1984 and 1999. The retired number banners of Peter Lee, Bobby Smith, Brian Campbell, Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson hang with a Brian Kilrea on the right side of the videoboard and the three OHL Champions banners, from 1977, 1984 and 2001 hang to the left. The gameday production is about what one would expect from an OHL experience. Popular music and classic rock are played throughout the game. The 67’s mascot, Riley, can be found throughout the arena interacting with fans. A unique feature for the 67’s is the giant wind-sock character, like those found at car dealerships, is blown up in the east end as the celebration continues. Neighbourhood 5 TD Place Arena is at Lansdowne Park which is located in a neat neighbourhood in Ottawa called The Glebe. With the building of TD Place, Lansdowne Park has seen significant development and there are a plethora of food and drink options in the immediate area. The Rowan, Irene’s Pub, Mr. Puffs, Joey Lansdowne, Local Public Eatery, Craft Beer Market, Crust & Crate, Milestones and Jack Astors are all within a two minute walk of the arena. For fans wishing for more sports, the Ottawa RedBlacks play at TD Place Stadium, right above the arena. The NHL’s Ottawa Senators play out in Kanata at Canadian Tire Centre. The summer months have Frontier League Baseball at RCGT Park with the Ottawa Titans. The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees play football at Gee-Gees Stadium, hockey at Minto Sports Complex and basketball at The Court at Montpetit Hall. The Carleton Ravens play football at MNP Park , hockey at Carleton Ice House and the 15 time National Champion basketball team plays at the Ravens’ Nest . For a possible doubleheader, fans may want to consider crossing the river into Gatienau, Quebec to check out the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL at Centre Slush Puppie. Outside of sports, Ottawa boasts one of the premier tourist destinations in Canada. Being the capital city, the Parliament buildings are high on the list of places to see. There are a ton of museums to check out while in Ottawa including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Royal Canadian Mint are the tip of the iceberg. The Rideau Canal is also just south of Lansdowne Park and skating on the canal may be the quintessential Ottawa winter activity. For fans wishing to stay in The Glebe to be near Lansdowne Park, will have to go north to the Rideau Inn or to some of the multiple Centretown hotels that are available. Fans 4 Traditionally, the Ottawa 67’s have enjoyed some of the strongest support in the entire Ontario Hockey League. However, the major renovations that were required at TD Place which displaced the 67’s to Kanata to the Canadian Tire Centre, significantly hurt the 67’s at the turnstile. The team has worked hard to slowly build the fanbase back up to where it once was. The Covid impacted 2021-2022 season has seen falling attendance across the board, including in Ottawa. Previously, the 67’s enjoyed averaging 4,000 fans per game, which kept them in the top third of the league for attendance. Fans are smart, yet fairly quiet, as most Ottawa fans are. Access 4 Traversing Ottawa is not the easiest proposition. Lansdowne Park is located south of Highway 417-Trans Canada Highway, the main route in and through Ottawa. A drive along the canal on Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the Park will be required. On the positive side, the City of Ottawa has done a wonderful job routing traffic into both entry points of Lansdowne Park effectively and what could be a difficult trek to the game is not as bad as one would expect. There is underground parking on site for a price and it can be pre purchased. This is definitely advisable as there is little parking available in the residential Glebe area. Parking at Carleton University and taking the free shuttle to the game may also be of interest to fans wishing to keep the car out of The Glebe. Ottawa has a strong transit system and there is a bus stop on Bank Street that is across from Lansdowne Park. Fans should check out the OC Transpo website for fares, maps and schedules. TD Place Arena boasts some of the widest concourses anywhere and getting around the arena is not difficult at all. There are plenty of washroom facilities for the size of the crowd that the 67’s draw. Return on Investment 5 Ontario Hockey League hockey remains one of the best investments possible for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the 67’s begin at $25 for adults and go up to $39. The south side of the arena is General Admission, and probably not the best spot to be considering fans will not be able to see the videoboard which is on the bulkhead above. There are also discounts for children and seniors and a variety of ticket package options. Concession prices at TD Place Arena are what one would expect and parking does have a cost at Lansdowne Park, but not at Carleton if the free shuttle is taken. The return is the opportunity to see one of the cornerstone OHL franchises, which consistently recruits a top product on the ice, in one of the most unique venues in sport. Compared to what one would pay to see the crosstown Ottawa Senators, the 67’s are a deal. Extras 3 An extra mark for the 67’s continuing to rock the barber pole uniforms for over 40 years. The 67’s are even referred to as the Barber Poles at times. An extra mark for the amazing revitalization of Lansdowne Park. An extra mark for one of the most unique uses of space having TD Place Arena situated under the north stands of the football stadium. Final Thoughts Catching an Ottawa 67’s game can be part of an amazing weekend or vacation in one of the most tourist-friendly cities in North America. There are a ton of things to do in Ottawa and a 67’s game can fit right in there. When in Canada’s Capital Region, make sure to head to The Glebe, Lansdowne Park and TD Place Arena to catch the Barber Poles in action. It won’t be a disappointment. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website Brickyard Weekend website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 NASCAR Takes to the Bricks The annual NASCAR visit to Indianapolis used to feature the fanfare familiar to Indy 500 fans when stock cars took to the track’s 2.5-mile oval. However, a change in date and a change in track layout means fans now get to watch the sport’s athletes race on the circuit’s infield road course. While not the same experience as the oval’s past races, this new event setup is no less exciting and enjoyable for fans, offering plenty of up-close viewing options, as well as a double-header weekend with the NTT IndyCar Series. No doubt, there is plenty to watch at The Brickyard to entice fans of all ages. Food & Beverage 3 The standard fare is available throughout the concourse and tracks infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers, fries, chicken fingers, etc. are all available here, as well as soda, water, and beer. Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda plaza. Atmosphere 5 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offers fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are. Renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines. Also, the sound of the bagpipes being played in the paddock by the famous Gordon Pipers fills the air during pre-race. It is hard to beat this historic facility for a flair and history mix. Neighborhood 3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of the nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here, various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indy just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track. Fans 4 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. Even with decreased attendance in recent years for the NASCAR round at Indy, the facility still packs in a large crowd for the weekend – infield viewing mounds are filled for all races during the weekend, be it the IndyCar and NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday or the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, the track is sure to be packed full of hardcore fans. Access 4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the track’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside of the facility, though many of these require pre-purchased parking passes. With that said various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the NASCAR weekend are relatively well priced; general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Friday and $40 for Saturday or Sunday. Reserved seating tickets range from $60-175 for Saturday and Sunday, depending on location. Compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500 as well as other races on the NASCAR schedule, this is an absolute steal. Extras 3 Cooling stations are available for fans throughout the property to help with the summer temperatures; offered inside city buses with AC, this is the perfect break from that mid-day sun. The track also has several event stores set up throughout the track, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as the drivers. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race day. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and enjoying the history of the sport of racing. Final Thoughts To many, Indy and NASCAR should feature the track’s famous oval layout. However, the action on the track has been hard to ignore these past few years, with the track’s road course layout being the feature at the Brickyard. Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and the NASCAR weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this annual summer stop on the NASCAR circuit.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington International Horse Show website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 14,000 What a Difference Some Hay Makes Pumpkin spice lattes, light sweaters, crunchy leaves on the ground, and the smell of fresh manure in downtown DC. When fall is in the air, it’s time for the Washington International Horse Show. And just as the hot summer transforms into the crisp, cool autumn, the Verizon Center radically transforms itself for its annual equestrian extravaganza. The Verizon Center is best known as the home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards . Fans in the nation’s capital who have attended basketball and hockey games and concerts here can vouch for the venue’s capability of handling multiple set-ups. While certainly nothing to be ashamed of, basketball-to-concert-to-hockey changeovers are par for the course for modern indoor arenas. To truly show off their versatility, today’s arenas need the opportunity to host something a little different. Some venues get unique, one-off events like the X-Games or political conventions. The Verizon Center has the annual Washington International Horse Show. The WIHS called the DC Armory home from its birth in 1958 until it moved to the suburban Capital Center in Landover, Maryland, in 1978. The Armory still sees the occasional event, but the Capital Center is no more. When the Verizon Center (originally the MCI Center) opened in 1997, the horses followed the lead of the hockey and basketball teams and trotted back downtown. Like clockwork, the WIHS shows up every fall. The show’s week of star-filled evening performances, sparsely-attended afternoon sessions, and theme nights are fall staples on the Verizon Center’s calendar, just as the circus is in the spring. Equine enthusiasts know this is a can’t-miss event, and others should take notice. The Washington International Horse Show shows off the Verizon Center’s versatility in a way any stadium traveler would likely enjoy. Editor’s Note: in Aug, 2017, Capital One purchased the naming rights of the venue and the name changed from Verizon Center to Capital One Arena. Food & Beverage 3 The Washington International Horse Show hosts some of the world’s finest horsemen and women, as well as showcasing the Verizon Center’s adaptability. But the WIHS itself is a fairly incongruous animal. Some of its sessions are big, Olympian-filled affairs. Others showcase children from local riding clubs in front of a few hundred spectators. For the larger sessions, expect services from most of the same concessionaires that you would find for an NBA or NHL game. Expect everything from gourmet tacos to a kosher sausage stand to craft brews. For the smaller daytime events, fewer stands open. Hot dogs and pretzels are always an option, meaning you’re unlikely to go hungry. Atmosphere 4 The Washington International Horse Show doesn’t need to advertise much since the makeshift outdoor barn in the heart of the nation’s capital announces the show’s presence to the thousands who pass by the arena every day. If you’re heading inside to catch a session, the stables outside the main entrance do a good job of setting the mood. Once inside, dozens of vendors transform the Verizon Center’s main concourse into fun, temporary equine market. Before even reaching their seats, fans have the opportunity to grab free horse magazines and shop for saddles, boots, or maybe just some handmade fudge. Upon entering the seating bowl, the fan can’t help but be struck by several things. This a big, nice, modern arena, and it has really put its best foot forward for this event. Decorations seamlessly meld the idyllic setting of a horse pasture with the iconic sights of Washington’s National Mall. As far as the atmosphere delivered by fans, well, that depends on which session you choose to attend. High-priced evening sessions deliver large crowds and Olympians. Daytime sessions offer lower prices, smaller crowds, and general admission seating that offers fans the ability to move around the venue and probably find space in the first few rows. While individual sessions have different atmospheres, the event as a whole differentiates itself from the Verizon Center’s more mainstream events in a very enjoyable way. Neighborhood 4 The Verizon Center sits in Washington’s downtown Chinatown neighborhood. What the area has lost in its Asian roots over the past decades it has gained in popularity. Some have compared Chinatown to New York’s Times Square. While that’s not really an accurate comparison, this is the closest DC comes to Manhattan. The Verizon Center sits directly over three of DC’s six Metro (subway) lines, and just blocks from the other three. A major bus stop sits just around the corner. You can walk to the heart of the tourist areas on the National Mall in about 20 minutes, and you’re also within walking distance of many of downtown’s offices. This is the ultimate central location. As such, the area around the Verizon Center has evolved into a busy commercial strip that caters to the tastes of the very diverse groups who pass through here. Virtually every age, race, religion, and economic group imaginable is represented in front of the Verizon Center 24/7, and they all have their choice of fast-casual restaurants. McDonald’s, Fuddruckers, Hooters, Walgreen’s, three burrito chains, an upscale bowling alley, and a movie theater are just a few of the shops within a one-block radius. For a little more sophistication without the walk to the National Mall, check out the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery just across the street. Fans 2 Horses have a reputation of being an expensive hobby, and while the well-heeled are indeed well-represented at the WIHS, the stereotypical old-money crowd is thankfully not the only demographic present. Fans show up in riding gear, tee-shirts, and everything in between to cheer on both famous and unknown riders. While Olympic riders are indeed the marquee draw, some of the lower-level events are well supported. Children’s Shetland Pony racing is a newfound fan favorite. Access 4 The Verizon Center is about as central as you can get. The “Gallery Place-Chinatown” station on DC’s subway system, Metro, sits directly below the arena, and provides safe, regular, and inexpensive service within the District as well as to suburbs in Virginia and Maryland. Parking is expensive in the immediate neighborhood, but between metered spaces and private garages, fans should be able to find a place to park. In the evening, free parking may be available on the National Mall, about a 20-minute walk south of the venue. Since the horses need a place to sleep, F Street NW in front of the Verizon Center is closed to vehicular traffic for the duration the Washington International Horse Show. If it weren’t for the fact that F St NW is frequently closed before and after Verizon Center events, this could be a headache. But this part of DC is built on a grid, and it’s easy to find an alternate route. Inside, the Verizon Center is roomy. The horse show’s numerous temporary vending stalls do take up concourse real estate, but fans still have enough room to circulate freely. Seats are cushioned and comfortable, and numerous restrooms are clean and well-stocked. Return on Investment 3 The 2014 edition of the Washington International Horse Show saw things get noticeably more expensive. The addition of a service charge for tickets bought at the box office and the removal of the discount for showing a public transportation card meant that general admission to even the least popular sessions ran $15. The more popular evening sessions start at more than double that. The value in this event, like any, is in the eye of the beholder. Equestrian competition at this level is in relatively short supply, so fans may be happy to pay to see some of the country’s best riders in person. Fans merely curious about the sport might balk at the prices. Extras 2 Every fall, fans in Washington have the opportunity to see a known venue in an entirely new way, and to see a relatively unknown sport. In both respects professional presentation pays off. The Washington International Horse Show has lasted more than a half-century for a reason, and is worth seeing.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Henrico Sports & Events Center 11000 Telegraph Rd Glen Allen, VA 23059 Henrico Sports & Events Center website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 3,500 A-10 Hoops North of Richmond The Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament has been held at multiple locations over the years. At first, it was held mainly in on-campus arenas, but in 2013, it was played for the first time at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. From 2014 to 2018, the tournament was played at the Richmond Coliseum in Downtown Richmond, but the aging arena closed in 2019, and the A-10 moved back on campus for a few years. In 2022 and 2023, the tournament was played at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, also home of the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G-League. In 2024, the A-10 Tournament was held at the newly-opened Henrico Sports & Events Center for the first time, as part of a two-year contract. The 3,500-seat arena is located in Henrico County (Pronounced Hen-RYE-co) in Richmond's northern suburbs. In addition to the main arena, there are 12 other courts that are used for youth tournaments and other events. Stadium Journey visited the Atlantic 10 Tournament for the two semifinal contests. As in most conference tournaments, the experience starts slow in the early rounds and builds towards the final. While this review attempts to cover the whole tournament, your experience will depend on which rounds you visit for.   Food & Beverage 4 There are several different places to buy food and drink at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. There is a concession area located in the lobby. Prepackaged options such as drinks, chips, and candy, as well as other options like cold sandwiches,, yogurt, and snack packs, can be picked up and purchased at a self-checkout area to expedite the process. For fans who want hot options, these can be purchased at a counter in the concession stand area. The lines for this can get long at times, as there are only one or two workers taking orders, but they move quickly.  In addition to the numerous cold options, which can be paid for here as well, fans can purchase hot dogs, cheeseburgers, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Papa John's personal pizzas, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels. Prices are reasonable - snacks will only run a few dollars and everything is under $9. Alcohol is available at a separate stand in the lobby for fans of age. It cannot be purchased at the other stands. There is a smaller stand in the arena itself that has far fewer options, but it usually has shorter lines and fans can watch the game while they wait.   Atmosphere 4 Walking through the entrance of the Henrico Sports & Events Center will put you in the main lobby. You will then scan your ticket and go through another set of doors to the arena itself. Seating is laid out in a U shape, with the entrance to the arena in the corner near the open end. A large videoboard hangs over center court and also shows the score, team fouls, and timeouts remaining. All seats are general admission chairbacks, except a few seats in the front rows which are reserved for VIPs. If you are eligible for these reserved seats, you know who you are; otherwise, there are still plenty of excellent seats for you to choose from. Just get there early if you have a particular presence. There are 15 teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference and each of them bring their own band, cheerleaders, mascot, and traditions to the tournament. We do not have enough space to discuss each of them in great detail, but they are discussed further in those teams' review articles of their home arena. However, there are some specific examples that are worth mentioning here. St. Joseph's University's mascot is known simply as The Hawk, and he is legendary for flapping his wings non-stop throughout the game. Saint Louis's Billiken mascot and Richmond's Spider mascot are downright terrifying but tend to be fan favorites. For any game, the bands from both schools will be in attendance, and will on occasion get into musical battles with each other, turning into a Battle on the Bands as well as what is going on on the court. For instance, when Stadium Journey visited, the Duquesne band repeatedly played "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" to taunt their opponents, the Richmond Spiders, although considering the spider in question was resilient enough to survive the rain and climb the spout again, its usefulness as a taunt is questionable. The organizers run promotions on the court during most media timeouts, including games between fans, ceremonies honoring Atlantic 10 figures, and more. There is certainly plenty going on at the Atlantic 10 Tournament, both on and off the court.   Neighborhood 3 As mentioned above, the Henrico Sports & Events Center is located in Henrico County, Virginia, in Richmond's northern suburbs. There are numerous businesses along the major thoroughfares surrounding the arena, but most of them are chain restaurants. In particular, the Creeks at Virginia Centre shopping mall is located along Route 1 less than a mile away from the arena. This is a typical suburban area - it is certainly not the middle of nowhere but nor is it particularly glamorous.    Fans 4 With 15 teams in the Atlantic 10, each one brings their own fan base with their own unique traditions. In a 3,500-seat arena, the Atlantic 10 Tournament drew between two and three thousand fans for most sessions. A few of the early-round sessions drew under 2,000, while one drew a near-capacity crowd of over 3,000. Attendance builds as the final approaches, but it will also depend on who is playing in the session. In particular, the local fan bases of Richmond and VCU draw especially well if one of those teams is playing. George Mason and George Washington are based 90 minutes away in the DC area, so those fan bases can travel as well. However, every team's fan base will show up in decent numbers. When one team scores, their fans will erupt in cheers. When the other team scores, the rest of the fans will. There are too many fan bases and too many traditions to cover in great detail here, but you will get to experience all of them at the Atlantic 10 Tournament.   Access 4 The Henrico Sports & Events Center is located a short drive from Interstate 95 via Exit 86A. Ample parking is available in the large lots surrounding the arena, which are far bigger than they need to be. Since the arena is still relatively new, some GPS apps struggle to find it, but the entrance is clearly signed, so if you follow that even if the GPS tells you to go elsewhere, you will get here just fine. Restrooms are available on both sides of the lobby - go back out the main arena doors and turn left or right and you will soon get there. They are clean and of a sufficient size. There are very narrow aisle behind the benches and media table to get from the one arena entrance to the seats. As a result, there can be a significant bottleneck of fans after the game, especially if it involves one of the Richmond teams and more fans are leaving. Normally you should have no problem getting out, it might just take a few minutes. However, if you are planning on staying for the second game of a session and are just stepping out momentarily to use the bathroom, you may find yourself having to fight the bottleneck in the opposite direction to get back to your seat. This is not too difficult, it is just annoying.   Return on Investment 4  Tickets are $22 for every session except the final, which is $26. Other than the final, every session gives fans the chance to see two games. In early rounds, two sessions are played per day, one in the afternoon and one at night. For a chance to see a competitive college basketball tournament in March, this is an excellent value. Concessions are also affordable and parking is free, making the Atlantic 10 women's basketball tournament a great deal for what you're paying.   Extras 2 There is a merchandise table at the open end of the arena that sells conference merchandise. Look for the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in the lobby, honoring some of the top athletes, coaches, and other sports leaders from the Commonwealth of Virginia.   Final Thoughts The Henrico Sports & Events Center is a gorgeous new arena, and the Atlantic 10 Conference made the right choice returning their tournament to the Richmond area. With 15 loyal fan bases, 15 different sets of traditions, and an excellent value for families, the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament is well worth checking out for any fan of the sport.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops website Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 1,000 Building for the Bishops Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium is home to the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan University. With the first phase completed in 2022, the brand new and expanding facility began with a state-of-the-art turf field that can accommodate football, soccer, and lacrosse. Stadium lights were also added so that the teams could practice and play at night. Named after the biggest athletic donor in Wesleyan history, the facility currently seats about a thousand fans, with additional improvements planned for the future, including an athletic building and press box. NC Wesleyan previously played its football games at Rocky Mount Memorial Stadium but is thrilled to now have an on-campus facility, making it easier for fans to attend Bishops games. Food & Beverage 2 Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium offers a few concessions for fans from a stand at the main entrance – not a huge selection yet, but enough to get you through the game, including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, pizza, popcorn, candy, and chips, plus soda, bottled water, Gatorade, and a few other drinks. The Chick-fil-A sandwiches are by far the most expensive item on the menu at $7, but everything else is $1 to $3. Atmosphere 2 North Carolina Wesleyan’s football field doesn’t offer much yet, but the turf field has vibrant pops of color, and there is a tunnel for the players to come through as they enter the field. There is also a fence around the field that gives a rather stately feel to the setting. There are cheerleaders on hand to keep the crowd engaged, and there is also a team gear stand near the main entrance for fans to grab their Bishop's swag. Neighborhood 3 Rocky Mount is a small town in North Carolina about an hour east of Raleigh, with a population of around 55,000. There are a few restaurants to the south of the facility along Highway 301, including a few well-known chains such as Applebee’s and Chili’s, as well as a few more upscale choices such as Tap@1918. There are plenty of hotels in the same area as the restaurants, and if you are looking for something to do in the area, there are a couple of local parks you can visit. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, downtown Raleigh features a ton of museums, including the Marbles Kids Museum for the little ones. There are also numerous local breweries located in the Raleigh-Durham area. If you come to a game in August or early September, you may be able to catch a Carolina Mudcats baseball game during your visit, which is the closest professional team to North Carolina Wesleyan University. Fans 2 Bishops football games don’t boast a ton of fans just yet, but attendance should increase as the facility continues to be built out. You will see the stands about one-third to half full, and most of them are rooting for the Bishops, which is nice to see – at many smaller college stadiums there will be more visiting fans at some games than home fans. It is also nice that most of the fans are wearing Bishops gear. Behind the south end zone, there are a few tents set up, where the boosters and donors usually have a cookout going on during the game. This area is off-limits to general admission fans, but is a great spot to watch the game from if you would like to support the Bishops; NC Wesleyan is currently looking for additional donations to continue the planned upgrades to the venue. Access 4 Getting to Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium is pretty simple, especially as the field is right next to the highway, across the street from a Sheetz gas station – most fans will enter from the west side, where there is parking for $10. Currently, there is only one entrance, located not far from the parking lot, with the team gear tent and concessions next to the ticket table. At present there is only one grandstand, also on the west side, with a small temporary press box on the east side. A few fans do stand along the fence on the west side to watch the game as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to NC Wesleyan football games are only $5, and programs are only $1. This is a great value for college football at any level, and well worth it if you want to spend a pleasant day watching gridiron action. Parking is reasonable at $10, and concessions are inexpensive as well. Extras 1 There is no mascot here yet, and no band either, but there should be more amenities added as the stadium gets built.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet 360 Rue Cegep Sherbrooke, QC J1E 2J9 Sherbrooke Phoenix website Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 3,646 Renaetre de ses Cendres des Castors In 2012 the Phoenix rose once again. The folding of the Lewiston Maineiacs brought the opportunity for expansion once again in the QMJHL, and a return to the Quebec town of Sherbrooke. Famous for being the home of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, Sherbrooke had a few opportunities in the QMJHL on previous occasions. Ironically enough, the Sherbrooke Castors left Quebec for the greener pastures of Lewiston, Maine. The original Castors were founded in 1969, and left Sherbrooke in 1982 and would eventually become the Rimouski Oceanic. The Castors would return to Sherbrooke in 1998, coming from Trois-Rivieres, and making that stop in Lewiston before finally rising back in Sherbrooke. The group that brought hockey back to Sherbrooke was led by former NHL goaltender, and former Sherbrooke Faucon, Jocelyn Thibault. However, the new Phoenix would not be satisfied to play in the old Palais des Sports. The City of Sherbrooke and Government of Quebec agreed to a huge renovation of the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet. This old arena, named after the founder of Sher-Wood, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. In the end, what is exciting to see is that, in what may be the final opportunity for junior hockey in Sherbrooke, the fans have realized what they have been missing, and embraced the Phoenix with open arms, showing their support. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options were not too bad, but if you speak only English you will have to manage through the menu which was in French. You will find what you would expect plus a few Quebec staples. Beer is sold in tall-boys and sell for $5.50. They are actually sold in the stands, a la baseball, which was a bit of a surprise. There are four main concession stands; one in each corner of the concourse. Two feature fries, poutine, onion rings and other fried offerings, and the other two feature salads and sandwiches. Subs and smoked meat are on the menu, as well as maple butter. The prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. The local flavour gives the concessions a bit of a bump up, and you will be satisfied if you choose to eat at the game. Atmosphere 4 As mentioned above, the Palais des Sports is an older arena that has undergone a significant renovation. The Palais is part of a greater sporting complex that is on the campus of Cegep de Sherbrooke, a kind of junior college that is part of the Quebec education system. Upon arriving at the Palais, there is nothing that will blow you away about the exterior. It is a pretty plain building, that has been decorated with some photo murals in the windows that make it a bit more homey for the Phoenix. There is a small monument outside dedicated to local speed skater Sylvie Daigle, who earned medals in the Albertville and Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Stepping inside, there is a small atrium which offers access to the ticket office (Billetterie) and the team store. There is also some local team decor, which makes it feel a little better for the home team. In the seating bowl, the concourses travelling around the arena are above the seating bowl, similar to many other arenas in junior hockey, and the opportunity for standing room is available at the ends as well. Both sides are lined with luxury boxes, and the concourses travel behind them, with access to the seats available through small doorways. The seats themselves are a bit of a disappointment. They are the classic wooden seats, that have been given a wonderful Phoenix-navy blue paint job, but the novelty of sitting in the wooden seats wears off after a while, right around the time your butt goes numb. Other key additions to the Palais are the crystal clear video board at centre ice and the ribbon boards on either side of the arena. There is also a traditional scoreboard at one end of the arena. The videoboard does not boast a scoreboard attached to it, so another traditional scoreboard may be on the menu for future developments. They do use graphics on the board to show the score and time among other things, but the traditional board is far better for this. The ceilings in the Palais are low, so a larger videoboard, with a scoreboard attached is probably not an option. The in-game production is fairly strong, and that is obvious from the participation of the crowd. Music is a mix of modern pop/rock and traditional hockey organ music. The PA announcer, although speaking far more in French than English, gets a great reaction from the crowd. There are a group of young people who act as cheerleaders on ice-level and get the crowd involved, as well as the in-game emcee, who is far less annoying than in many cases. They all travel with Onyx, the Phoenix mascot, who does a great job engaging the crowd. Overall, whether you are English-speaking or French-speaking, you will enjoy the game in Sherbrooke, even if it is a blowout (as was the game for this review). You may even want to step out of your comfort zone and buy a Moitie-Moitie billet (50-50 ticket). The one thing that was really missing, was any sort of recognition of the past Sherbrooke hockey teams. There were no banners or recognized players that I could find. The Castors did have some success as they made it to the Memorial Cup in 1982. Neighborhood 3 Being part of a larger sporting complex, the neighbourhood surrounding the Palais does not immediately jump out with numerous options for pre or post game meals. If you head down to Rue King, you may find a couple of options. Mike’s Restaurants are an Italian chain in Quebec that you may want to try, or possibly you could try Louis’ Luncheonette, which has a reputation for great poutine. What pumps up the neighbourhood mark is that there are some decent ski destinations in this region. You may want to add a Phoenix game to a little recreational skiing if you are in this region of Quebec. Fans 5 During the 2013 season, the Phoenix welcomed over 108,000 fans to the Palais for hockey. This was a record for an expansion team in Quebec, which is impressive considering that the capacity for the Palais is not very high, under 4,000. At this particular game, the Phoenix welcomed 3,800 patrons to the Palais. What jumps out about the Sherbrooke fans is that they are loud! When gameplay is on, the fans treat the game with intensity, focusing on the play. However, between plays and at key moments, the noise level in the Palais is really high! What makes the Phoenix a feel-good story in the QMJHL is that the fans seem to understand what they have lost in the past, and both the Sherbrooke fans and the management of the Phoenix are not going to let another team leave Sherbrooke. Access 3 Getting to the Palais is not that difficult. Not being a huge city, navigating to the Palais from the Autoroute in Sherbrooke is no problem. There is plenty of parking in the general vicinity, around the complex, and there is no charge for it. If public transit is your option, there are a number of bus stops just outside of the doors of the Palais. Inside the Palais is where the building shows its age. Getting around the concourses can be a real problem. The atrium was not that full, but the weather was beautiful. On a cold day, before the game, the atrium is more than likely packed. Also, people tend to stand and visit in the concourses, which makes travel even more difficult. The washrooms are below the seating bowl, and are not easily accessible. Return on Investment 5 Tickets in the QMJHL are a fantastic value. Adult tickets for the Phoenix go for $16, while children’s tickets go for a ridiculous $6! You get a high quality product for an excellent entry fee, in a great atmosphere with fantastic fans. Add to that, free parking and some decent concession prices, and the opportunity for an outing with the family for a good price is not to be missed. Extras 4 Two extra marks for the pre-game ceremony. Being the final game of the 2013 regular season, the Phoenix put on a great show for those players who would be “graduating” from the QMJHL as over-age players. It could be considered like a senior day at a university sporting event. A great job by the Phoenix, who not only honoured each player individually, but also put together a short video highlight reel for each player. An extra mark for the first intermission entertainment, which was a lovely young lady who did an amazing rendition of “Skyfall.” An extra mark for the fans of Sherbrooke who have embraced the Phoenix, and are making sure they have a long future in Sherbrooke. Final Thoughts We are in an era where teams are beginning to return to markets that had previously lost them. We have seen examples in the Winnipeg Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Sherbrooke Phoenix. This will continue in the future as Ottawa will receive a new CFL team, and the North Bay Battalion will begin playing in the OHL. In all cases, what is most important, is that the fans embrace the team, and create a situation where the fans make it almost impossible for the new team to leave. This is what is happening in Sherbrooke, where the Phoenix have risen from the ashes of the Castors. If you have the opportunity, a trip to Sherbrooke will not be disappointing, and watching the Phoenix rise again will bring you to your feet! Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on twitter @profan9 .

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 The Diamond 3001 North Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 VCU Rams website The Diamond website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 12,134 The Ram’s Diamond Virginia Commonwealth University, known as VCU for short, is located in Richmond, Virginia. VCU's athletic teams, the Rams, are best known for the basketball team's trip from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011. However, the baseball team has enjoyed success as well, with 13 NCAA Tournament appearances including nine since 2000, and a Super Regional appearance in 2015 after winning the Dallas Regional. The Rams play their home games off-campus at The Diamond, which is also the Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 Although there are many concession stands at The Diamond, only one of them is typically open for VCU games and serves a somewhat different menu than it would for the Flying Squirrels. Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders are all available for meals, as are snacks such as nachos, popcorn, hot pretzels, chips, fries, and of course, peanuts and cracker jack. Water, soft drinks, and Gatorade are available to drink, as is hot chocolate on cold days. Although most college baseball stadiums do not serve alcohol, The Diamond is a professional stadium, so adult beverages are on sale here for VCU games as well. Beer is available in 25 oz and 16 oz cans, including the Flying Squirrels' own brand, Feeling Squirrely. Prices are reasonably affordable, with even the most expensive option (five chicken tenders) being under $8 and most things being much less. Atmosphere 2 The Diamond is a giant concrete monstrosity that is way too big for Flying Squirrels games, yet alone VCU games where only a few hundred fans typically attend. Fortunately, they close off the upper deck to fans when VCU is playing (although a couple fans still somehow managed to find their way up there when we attended) but even the lower level is still way bigger than it needs to be. Fans will have to walk up a large flight of steps from the entrance just to get there, although an elevator is available for those who need it. The end result is that although Rams fans pride themselves on being rowdy, the crowd is just too spread out to create much atmosphere. This stadium is a lot nicer than most college stadiums despite its age - it is a professional ballpark after all - but that winds up working against it in many ways as well. Ultimately, a cavernous and mostly empty stadium is not going to have a good atmosphere no matter how many bells and whistles it has. Neighborhood 4 There isn't much to in the immediate vicinity of The Diamond, which is right across the street from a bus station. However, it is a short drive away from the bustling Carytown neighborhood and everything it has to offer. Carytown Burgers & Fries and the Galaxy Diner are local favorites, but you can also find coffee shops, Thai, pho, and more. There are a few places closer to the stadium but we recommend heading into Carytown if you can. Fans 3 As noted above, Rams fans pride themselves on being rowdy, and the ones who show up certainly are. They cheer on VCU throughout the game, stay until the end, and love playing their cowbells during major moments in the game as well. Unfortunately, their impact is greatly diminished by the fact that The Diamond seats over10,000 fans and there are typically only a few hundred in attendance. When attendance as a percent of capacity is in the single digits, that is never a good thing. That being said, this is not really the fans' fault, and they do try their best to make things work here. Access 5 The Diamond is located just off of Interstates 64 and 95,and parking is available for free in a spacious lot right next to the stadium. It is easy to get to from the airport and right across the street from the Greyhound bus station. The parking lot will almost certainly never fill up, but there are several more lots surrounding the stadium if it does. Given the stadium was designed for much larger crowds than attend a typical VCU game, fans should have no problems getting around the concourse, and there should never be a wait for the restrooms either. Although there is a clear bag policy in effect at The Diamond for Flying Squirrels games, and signs warn fans about that as they walk up to the gates, it does not appear to be enforced for VCU games. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth, which is on the high end for Atlantic 10 baseball. However, concessions are affordable and parking is free, which it is not for Flying Squirrels games in the same stadium, so that is a plus. A trip to The Diamond will probably cost less for a VCU game than it would for a minor league game, but the difference in cost savings isn't as much as it should be given what you are getting for your money. Extras 1 Free programs and posters are available on a table on the concourse. . Final Thoughts Although The Diamond is the home of VCU baseball, it doesn't feel like it when watching a game here. Seeing all the Flying Squirrels banners and all the shuttered concession stands selling awesome food that you can't eat, it is obvious that VCU plays second fiddle here to the main tenants. Unfortunately, with the VCU campus located in a densely populated area of downtown Richmond, it would be pretty much impossible for them to build an on-campus stadium, so this is the solution they are stuck with. It is not good for the fans, it is not good for the team, but somehow everyone manages to make the most of this unusual situation.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 EagleBank Arena 4500 Patriot Cir Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website EagleBank Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 10,000 Patriot Games EagleBank Arena, home of the George Mason Patriots basketball team, is located in Fairfax, Va. in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The 10,000-seat arena opened in 1985 and has played home to Mason ever since. George Mason’s high point came in 2006 when they made a Cinderella run to the Final Four as an 11-seed, knocking off top seed UConn along the way, but they have struggled to return to anywhere near that form ever since. George Mason was a founding member of the Colonial Athletic Association but moved to the Atlantic 10 in 2013, where they have remained ever since. Food & Beverage 5 EagleBank Arena has a wide selection of food and drinks at various stands scattered around the concourse. However, the prices are quite expensive. Basic items include chicken tenders ($15), cheeseburgers ($14, or $15 with bacon), crispy chicken sandwiches ($14), the vegetarian Beyond Burger ($16), and nachos ($9, with salsa cheese, and jalapeños). Several specialty burgers are also available for $16 each. The Southwest Burger comes with bacon, fried avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli. The Wrangler comes with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce. The Patty Melt comes with onion strings and cheese on Texas toast. All come with fries. There are a wide range of snacks as well, including candy, chips, cookies, brownies, mini corn dogs, and hot pretzels. Alcoholic beverages are available for those of age, with beer costing $13 and wine $12. Soda and bottled water are also available. . Atmosphere 4 Every seat in EagleBank arena is a chairback, in alternating green and gold sections reflecting the school’s colors. There is a videoboard above center court which also shows the score and time as well as team fouls and timeouts. Unfortunately, 10,000 seats is far too large for EagleBank Arena, which rarely comes close to selling out. Some seats in the corners are covered by advertising signs, but there are still many empty seats, especially in the upper rows. This is not a good look for the school and really detracts from the atmosphere. The good news is that the school makes a good effort to keep fans engaged. There is a pep band called Doc Nix and the Green Machine which is among the best in the country. They bring music and energy to the arena for the whole game. Band director Michael Nickens (aka Doc Nix) is an impressive figure known for his audacious outfits, which often include sunglasses, audaciously colored suits, and a scepter. The band not only plays music but sings with a synthesizer and the drums are encircled by green lights making it not only a sound to behold but a sight as well. There are also cheerleaders and a dance team who entertain the fans during the breaks. Mason’s mascot is known only as The Patriot and is a costumed character who dresses in traditional colonial garb, which is of course colored gold and green. The cheerleaders throw t-shirts into the crowd after every Mason three-point basket. Ultimately, the team and especially the band do their best to make this a great atmosphere, but it’s really hurt by the large size of the arena. Game Action Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the City of Fairfax is a local favorite, as is Capital Ale House. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 3 Although Mason fans rarely come close to filling the arena, they can still make the place loud at times. After big plays, the crowd can get quite loud but there is rarely the sustained noise you see at the top arenas in the country. The cavernous nature of the arena does cut down on the sound somewhat, but this isn’t really the fans’ fault. Mason draws several thousand fans a game, but in a 10,000-seat arena, that doesn't feel like much. Mason does have a student section, but other than the band, they don’t seem that into it. This is disappointing as the students are typically among the most passionate fans at any college venue. Access 4 EagleBank Arena is located on Mason’s main campus just off Braddock Road and about six miles from the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495.) There is ample free parking in the lots surrounding the arena, including handicap parking for those who require it. Keep in mind if you’re traveling to a weeknight game, you will probably run into rush hour traffic, which is notoriously bad in this area. Be sure to allow a lot of extra time if that’s the case. Unlike the other arenas in the D.C. area, EagleBank Arena is not easily Metro-accessible. Despite having the school’s name in its title, the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line is about five miles away from George Mason. If you must go that route, you will need to either take a 15-minute taxi ride from the station or take a shuttle that will let you off in the center of campus, a 10-minute walk from the arena. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station despite the name, as it serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, nowhere near the arena. Getting out of the parking lot after a game can be tricky due to pedestrians seeming to walk anywhere and everywhere. Traffic can also get backed up getting onto Braddock Road, but this can be partially avoided by heading back towards the center of campus and then exiting onto one of the other side streets. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 for seats in the top few rows and some behind the basket to $50 for seats in the front few rows. This is about average for the Atlantic 10. However, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so expect to pay far more than listed price due to fees. It’s always annoying to see seats available for $10 each and then end up paying almost twice that due to outrageous fees. Concessions can also be quite pricey and can cost more than the game ticket itself, which drives down the score here significantly. Extras 4 Doc Nix and the Green Machine deserve an extra star, as well as they, are among the best in the nation. There is a Final Four banner behind one of the baskets honoring Mason’s 2006 miracle run. Before each game, the George Mason lineup is introduced as green and gold spotlights streak across the court. This helps get the crowd hyped up for the game. A fourth and final star for the murals on the concourse honoring George Mason basketball history. Pregame light show Final Thoughts Although George Mason rose to prominence after their Final Four run in 2006, almost two decades later they have failed to regain much of their former glory. The end result is a 10,000-seat arena that is over half empty most games and a whole lot of empty seats. Although Mason has one of the best pep bands in the country, and the fans who do show up are passionate for the most part, the team ought to be doing more to encourage fans to come to games so the place isn’t as empty as it is. Ticketmaster fees and high concession prices don't help matters either. The team does seem to be on the rise the last couple of years, and hopefully that continues and George Mason basketball can return to its former glory.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 New Castle Fieldhouse 801 Parkview Dr. New Castle, IN 47362 New Castle Trojans website New Castle Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 8,424 New Castle Fieldhouse is Number One Again A large sign is proudly on display in the south end that the New Castle Fieldhouse is the largest and finest high school gymnasium in the world. The official count was 9,325 and for the next 60 years that was the case, but something happened during the anniversary year that knocked the capacity down a couple of notches to number three on the list. A committee traveled to the biggest gyms in the state and counted each section one by one and found out that the Lloyd E. Scott Gym in Seymour was bigger than the New Castle Fieldhouse and for the next two years, the gym was ranked number 3 with a capacity of 7,829. This was due to the removable bleachers on the upper concourse being sold some time ago due to fire safety issues. In January 2021, New Castle installed 260 telescoping seats on the west concourse and installed 335 additional seats in portable bleachers, increasing its capacity to 8,424. That number surpasses Seymour’s capacity of 8,228 and once again places the New Castle Fieldhouse as the biggest high school gym in the world. The Fieldhouse is home to the New Castle High School Trojans who began playing basketball in 1917 and by 1924 moved into the 1,800-seat capacity Church Street Gym. The Trojans captured the 1932 State Title and games would routinely sell out at the “Cracker Box.” Season tickets were sold for every other game and 100 places in the standing-room-only section were separated with only a rope from the players on the court. By the late 1950s, the old gym was becoming too small and a wave of larger gymnasiums was being constructed throughout the state. The Fieldhouse was constructed through a community-formed nonprofit holding company “Gym Now” which raised funds for its completion in 1958. By the early 1950s’s many in town felt that New Castle needed a new basketball gymnasium, but after the school board did not include plans for a new gym, the populace took matters into their own hands by helping fund $875,000 through car washes, donations, jobs, and the sale of bonds. The administration even allowed students to leave school during the day to work jobs towards the building of the arena. Finally, on November 21, 1959, the New Castle Fieldhouse debuted as the largest high school arena in the world. The history of the boy’s basketball program consists of 60 sectional, 19 regional, 4 semi-state, and 2 state championships in the team’s century of high school hoops. The Fieldhouse gets large crowds from time to time, most notably during sectional contests that as recently as March 2019, saw close to 10,000 people witness semi-final games. Food & Beverage 3 Four concession stands at each corner of the main concourse offer the same menu items. The selections are common at many other high school gyms scattered across the state and the prices are affordable. Hot dogs and nachos are $3. Walking tacos, coneys, and beef nachos are $3.50. Some breadsticks sell for $4, and pizza from local proprietor Mancino’s for $2.50 a slice. The always-popular popcorn and candy cost just $1, and Pepsi products are available for $2. Having four stands open is a great way to reduce lines and expedite orders. Atmosphere 5 Unlike other high school gyms in the state, fans enter at the top of the arena on the main concourse that also serves as an indoor track for physical education classes. The parquet wooden floor is sunken 25 feet below the ground and is surrounded by 24 rows of dense weathered wooden seats, forming an octagonal shape around the basketball court. This allows a chance to breathe in the amount of basketball nostalgia perforating throughout the building or take a moment to contemplate that you are in such a vast arena. The facility feels more like a monument than a basketball arena. It’s a tourist attraction in the same vein as Yankee Stadium, Michigan Stadium, or the Sydney Cricket Ground. A basketball game here is a community event, a gathering of friends, and a chance to mingle with neighbors throughout the night. The festivities start with the pep band, dressed in tie-dye shirts playing a collection of popular songs. The student section is adjacent to the band. They stand up before and during the game. The school’s mascot rushes onto the court with the players and cheerleaders in a warm-up that rivals any level of college hoops. The cheer squad laps around the court waving banners and performing cheers finishing with leading the audience in the pledge of allegiance before the national anthem performed by the pep band. Another tradition, if the visiting school brings along its mascot, is to have them stand back to back during warm-ups. The student section turns its back when the visiting five are announced. Glancing around you will see both home and away radio announcers at the scorers’ table, fans decked in school gear, and many tuned in to the action on the parquet court. Banners hang high above the floor and there are various photos, memorabilia, and other banners from the multiple sports teams that have represented the Trojans. The original center court hangs at the north end of the arena along with a photo of the town’s favorite son, Mr. Basketball Steve Alford. The legendary player played in front of packed houses of close to 10,000 before leading Indiana University to a national championship in 1987. His name is synonymous with the city. Neighborhood 3 New Castle is a town of 18,000 and the home of the Indiana High School Hall of Fame, which is located a few yards away from the Fieldhouse offering a stunning display of memorabilia and artifacts from the history of basketball in Indiana. Admission is $6 for an adult and you can glance over old uniforms, scoreboards, and banners, and browse through videos and photographs. If you are a fan of the movie “Hoosiers” the gym where it was filmed is located 16 miles away in Knightstown, Indiana. You might even be lucky enough to take a few shots on the court. If you are looking for a bite to eat there are various chain restaurants including Applebee’s, Bob Evans, and McDonald’s. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is a regional chain selling fried chicken. These places are nearby and located on the main drag in the town of SR 3, but the town offers a few local places that are worth visiting before or after the game. Weenie World is an eccentric dive offering coney dogs. Mancino’s dishes out pizza and grinders (sub sandwiches). Jack’s Donut Shoppe is an iconic destination that has been serving donuts and coffee since 1961; stop by the original location of a tiger roll, whitetail, or cinnamon tail. The Ice House is recommended for the steak sandwich or pork tenderloin and Montgomery’s Steakhouse is a popular mainstay down the road in Spiceland. There are a few local lodging options in town to choose from if staying overnight. The New Castle Inn, Steve Alford All-American Inn, Raintree Inn, and Garden Inn are located within minutes of the Fieldhouse. The Steve Alford Inn has a collection of memorabilia from his days playing high school basketball. Fans 5 A collection of fans can be found throughout the Fieldhouse. There are the old-timers who have probably been to every game since the building’s inception and can share a few good stories if you lend them an ear. The student body either spends their time rooting for the Trojans or walking around the track socializing. The rest of the fan base cheers with every bucket or rebound made by the home team. Even a few people are taking a couple of laps around the track which equals a quarter of a mile. There is a definite sense of community during the game, and a chance to talk to friends, family members, and neighbors. Access 4 New Castle Fieldhouse is five miles north of Exit 123 of I-70, but there are no signs for the Fieldhouse. However, look for signs for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame which is only a few yards away on Trojan Way. Once inside the venue, all of the concessions, bathrooms, and entrances are located on the main concourse which is 25 feet above the playing court. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults are only $6 and there is plenty of parking in the six-acre parking lot. Being able to watch a basketball game in the world’s largest high school gymnasium is worth the price of admission. Extras 4 One extra point for being recognized as the largest high school basketball gymnasium in the world. That is something that the community should be proud of in New Castle. Another extra point for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is located next door to the arena. This is not your ordinary sports hall of fame. It is a fascinating facility with equally fascinating memorabilia from some of the sports legends including Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, John Wooden, and Bobby Knight. The students put forth a wonderful effort throughout the game. The opening festivities during warm-ups emulate a college game atmosphere with players bursting through paper posters, the band strumming a beat, cheerleaders flipping up and down, and a frenzied student section. A final extra point for being a place that hosts more than just high school basketball. The Harlem Globetrotters, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana University, US men’s Olympic volleyball team, US Marine Corps Band, and various concerts have been played inside the gymnasium since 1959. Final Thoughts The New Castle Fieldhouse is rather rudimentary in design, but momentous in size. It commands your attention the instant you walk through the doors. The thick, dark brown wooden bleacher seats, parquet floor, and wrap-around concourse are further impressive. I cannot imagine that much has changed since the building opened its doors in 1959. It is a sports venue on par with some of the country’s greatest. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bulldog Park 451 W 52nd St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Bulldog Park website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 500 Let’s Play some Bulldog Baseball Bulldog Park serves as the home to the Butler University baseball team. It is adjacent to the track and field stadium, down the hill from the Butler Bowl, and a few yards down the hill from Hinkle Fieldhouse where the basketball team plays. Originally a multipurpose field, it was converted to a baseball diamond in the 1990s with upgrades to seating, a press box, and the addition of a clubhouse and batting cages. Bulldog Park is a very small venue with just 500 seats, but you are as close to baseball as you will ever be. Food & Beverage 0 If you attend a baseball game, bring food and drink. There was once a time when a small concession stand offered chips and drinks and, on weekend games, hot dogs. However, that does not appear to be the case anymore at the ballpark. The fans in attendance had coolers and picnic baskets filled with goodies, a few even had a few cans of ice-cold beer, but probably would be frowned upon since it's a campus facility. Atmosphere 3 A game at Bulldog Park is quite relaxing if you are a baseball fan. The 500-seat stadium is suitable for college baseball at this level and with its intimacy, you might fall in love with the game again. You hear every single word from the players during the contest from the infield talking during a play, teammates from the bench yelling at their peers to take an extra base, and a few choice words if either an error or a questionable call is made. The game I attended featured the center fielder from Fordham University breaking his arm as he made a diving attempt at a fly ball. Yes, I heard the bone snap, the player’s angst, and the sound of silence that gushed through the stands. All of the seats are bleachers on each side of the working press box, but there are a few single rows of park benches in front of the home plate. These benches are somewhat odd features to the ballpark, but a nice touch nevertheless. The setting in the outfield is of the residential Kessler-Meridian Hills neighborhood and if you wanted to park your car on the street and walk up to the game, you might just be able to do that at the spur of the moment. There is an ample parking lot that is located at the front of the stadium where spots are usually available for games. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is in one of the city’s better sections and is probably one of the better reasons to visit the ballpark. College Avenue is located within a few blocks of the campus and it is full of local restaurants and bars to satisfy any palate. The closest restaurant is on campus called Chatham Tap. It is modeled after traditional English pubs offering burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pizza. It is also the spot to watch EPL football on the weekends or other matches from around the world. Twenty Tap has an abundance of craft beers along with a vegetarian Vietnamese sandwich, deep-fried cheese curds, and burgers served on a toasted muffin. If you are looking for somewhere inexpensive, there is Yats which specializes in Cajun-creole fare, and Fat Dan’s which customizes its Chicago-style food and offers up smoked chicken wings. The Bulldog is the official hangout of the Butler students. The pub offers the usual items of chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza in a casual environment with large-screen TV. The restaurant has a self-serve wine and beer menu that is quite creative; patrons are charged by the ounce. Fans 3 The fans that are in attendance are among the faithful or friends of either players or coaches. If you are at a Butler baseball game, you are at the game solely to watch baseball. The weekend crowds usually bring out a nice collection of Bulldog supporters to the stadium, many are friends and family members of the players, but the stadium does fill up nicely during the last home schedules of the year. This makes for an enjoyable game at the small ballpark with quite a few baseball fans. Access 3 The campus is situated in a residential area and if you are from Indianapolis, you know exactly where to find it. However, for an out-of-towner, it can be a little bit tricky navigating to and from the interstate. However, with GPS systems in our smartphones, trouble accessing the stadium may be a thing of the past. There is ample parking adjacent to the stadium and if that is full for whatever reason, your next best option is street parking or the parking lot a few yards up the hill at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Return on Investment 3 It does not cost a dime to attend a Bulldogs’ baseball game and this could be a hidden gem in the sports-rich city of Indianapolis. How many people do you think would plan a day around a Butler game during the spring? It may be a nice treat for many who might want to witness college baseball at its finest within easy distance of their homes. If you like your baseball without the distraction of whacky gimmicks, loud music, people milling around the stadium, or silly promotions, you might have found a great investment. However, it would be nice to have a hot dog and soda as I watch the game. Extras 2 The Butler campus is beautiful to walk around with historic buildings and pristine gardens; also, if you want to take a nice walk along the canal, it is a close trek to make for a beautiful day outside with friends or family. A second point for the relaxed lawn seating down the right field line in front of the bubble. Some fans will sneak in alcoholic drinks or pull up a blanket or chair with a picnic basket and enjoy the vibe of the game. You might even see little furry friends on leashes in this section as well. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Kinsmen Arena @ Fort Erie Leisureplex 3 Municipal Centre Drive Fort Erie, ON L2A 2S6 Fort Erie Meteors website Fort Erie Leisureplex website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 1,600 Fort Erie Family Affair Fort Erie, Ontario is probably best known for being that Canadian town on the opposite side of the border from Buffalo, New York. Fort Erie has a population of almost 31,000 and is the closest Canadian point to the Buffalo Sabres , however, it has a decent hockey tradition of its own. Fort Erie is currently the home of the Meteors of the Junior B level Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. The franchise was founded in 1957 as the Frontiers with a branded period as the Autos before becoming the Meteors in 1971. Boasting alumni including former NHL players Randy Burridge, Stan Drulia, Jarrod Skalde, and Andre Deveaux, the Meteors are a real family business. Former owner Tony Passero passed away in 2019, leaving the team to his family. Meaghan Passero is the current owner and Nik and Anthony Passero are the coaches and General Manager. Home for the Meteors is the Fort Erie Leisureplex.  Built in 1996, the Leisureplex features the Kinsmen Arena, a main ice pad with seating for 1,600 and home of the Meteors as well as a second ice pad, banquet halls, and the Fort Erie Sports Gallery and Research Centre. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is accessed from the meeting room between the two rinks.  The menu includes the expected arena concession items including burgers, onion rings, hot dogs, chicken burgers, and fries.  Soft drinks include Coca-Cola products, Gatorade, Chocolate milk, water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.  The game reviewed was the school day game and the Meteors welcomed a capacity crowd full of elementary school children.  Due to this, the concession lines were massive and it did not seem that there were alcohol sales.  It is assumed that the Meteors do have a Blueline Club-type area where alcohol is normally sold for regular games. Atmosphere 4 The Fort Erie Leisureplex is an attractive facility from the exterior.   The main entry is from the northeast corner and features light brown brick with large tinted windows with pillars and a covered entry.  There are a pair of ponds to the northeast with benches around them and a few memorials including the Angel of Peace and a memorial to workers who have died on the job.  This natural area is central to the Leisureplex and Fort Erie Town Hall, which is adjacent to the arena. Entering the Leisureplex brings fans into a large atrium, perfect for meeting friends before the game.  To the left is the Sports Gallery and Research Centre which appears to be open by appointment only.  A large staircase will have fans ascend to the main box office and Kinsmen Arena entry.  The landing at the top of the stairs offers access to the meeting room and windows to view both ice pads.  The landing also has a couple of arcade games and bubble hockey.  A trophy case can also be found on the landing, with Meteor artifacts specifically trumpeting the team’s 2024 Golden Horseshoe Conference Championship, the final one before the GOJHL reorganized. Inside Kinsmen Arena, the ice is Olympic-sized and oriented from northeast to southwest, with the best point for a centre ice logo picture from the southeast.  The seating bowl consists of six rows of plastic, maroon arena seats with plenty of space behind for standing room and to maneuver around the arena.  The northwest wall features painted visages of the greatest Fort Erie Athletes to give the rink a classic feel.  The northeast end features members of the Fort Erie Sports Wall of Fame, which includes the likes of Pierre Pilote and Randy Burridge. The gameday production at a Fort Erie Meteors game is akin to most other GOJHL games.  The teams are led to the ice by kids toting Meteors flags.  There is a Meteors mascot who is not employed by the team, but a fan who created a homemade outfit.  The PA announcer is good, however, the sound system does have some dead spots within the arena making announcements difficult to understand at times.  With the game being reviewed being the school day game, there are probably other promotions for regular games that did not apply to this particular game.  Neighbourhood 3 The Fort Erie Leisureplex is located in the Crescent Park neighborhood of Fort Erie. There are a few spots for pre and post game food and drink that are close by. Some choices include Green Acres Family Restaurant, Take 2 Restaurant and Bar, The Barrel, and The Plaice Bar and Grill. The Meteors are pretty much the only game in town, however there are other options that are close by. The region has other GOJHL teams including the Welland Jr. Canadians, Pelham Panthers and Port Colborne Sailors. The Junior A Niagara Falls Canucks and Buffalo Jr. Sabres are also in the area. The Buffalo Bills  and Sabres  are also just on the other side of the bridge. Other tourist options include the Fort Erie Racetrack.   For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Comfort Inn and Knights Inn are not far. Fans 3 At the time of writing, the Fort Erie Meteors averaged over 370 fans per game in the 2024-25 season.  That ranked them 14th in the GOJHL.  The previous season the Meteors averaged over 500 fans which ranked them 8th.  A normal game will probably find closer to 300 fans in the stands as the sold out school day game can skew the results a bit.    Access 4 The Fort Erie Leisureplex is located in the Crescent Park neighbourhood of Fort Erie.  It is south of Garrison Road on Municipal Centre Drive.  It is 2 km south of the Queen Elizabeth Way and west of the Peace Bridge.  Getting to the arena is not difficult and there is plenty of parking on site.  There is very limited public transit in the area and there are bus stops on Municipal Centre Drive.  Fans should consult the Niagara Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  Even with a full house during the School Day game, getting around the arena is not terribly difficult, although the staircase to get to the Kinsmen Arena may require fans with mobility issues to look for the elevator.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 Fort Erie Meteors hockey offers tremendous value for the sporting dollar.  Meteors tickets are just $10.  Parking is free and concession prices are not too steep.  The product on the ice is solid and the arena is comfortable and provides a great atmosphere for hockey.  Overall, the Meteors put together an experience that will not cost much and offers fun for the whole family. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Fort Erie Meteors remaining a family business in the good hands of the Passero family. An extra mark for the Meteors as the only game in town. An extra mark for an excellent experience at the annual School Day Game. Final Thoughts The Fort Erie Meteors have been a family run business for years, from the time Tony Passero ran the team, to present day when his family continues the tradition.  The Kinsmen Arena @ Fort Erie Leisureplex offers a great atmosphere for Junior B hockey and taking in a Meteors game will give fans a great experience for a small investment. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Centene Community Ice Center 750 Casino Center Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Lindenwood Lions website Centene Community Ice Center website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 2,500 Lindenwood's Mane Attraction The Centene Community Ice Center opened in 2019 at the cost of $83 million. It was developed through a partnership between the City of Maryland Heights, St. Louis County, and the St. Louis Blues. The Center features a wide variety of programs from skating lessons to leagues from youth ice hockey to adult level leagues. It also serves as the home ice for special populations hockey, including sled hockey, special needs hockey and Blues Blind Hockey. The City of Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation Department manages the facility. The facility has four NHL sized ice sheets, including a covered outdoor rink. One of the rinks is set aside for use by the St. Louis Blues practices, Lindenwood University Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey games, as well as the Blues AAA team and the St. Louis Lady Cyclones hockey program. Lindenwood University has had a men’s ice hockey team since 2003. The team played at the ACHA level until the 2022-2023 season, when it moved up to NCAA Division I status, where it plays as an independent. The Lions were a juggernaut in the years they played in the ACHA, as they won four national championships (2009, 2010, 2016, 2022). Their last national championship game at the ACHA level was held on their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center in 2022. In accordance with NCAA rules, Lindenwood’s men’s team will not be eligible to play in any postseason NCAA games until the 2026-2027 season. Food & Beverage 3 The Centene Community Ice Center offers food and beverage service at three levels. These are the 314 Social Bar and Grill for sit down service, the Schnucks Grab and Go Store for convenience store type of purchases such as snacks, drinks, and light sandwiches and the individual concession stands, which sell your typical stadium fare. Each concession level features Pepsi brand sodas and Budweiser brand beers (you are in St. Louis, after all !). The 314 Social Bar and Grill offers a much wider menu than the other two options. We found this option had the highest prices of the three options and offered very slow service. The menu includes nachos ($14), quesadillas ($12), salads ($14), chicken wings ($14/lb.), chicken tenders ($13), cheesesteaks ($16), burgers ($14) and pizza ($13). Drinks are Pepsi brand sodas ($4), Pure Leaf tea ($4), coffee ($4), and bottled water ($4). Budweiser brand beers are $7 for a draft beer and $5 for canned beers. Wines ranged from $7 - $13 and mixed drinks are $6 - $16. The Schnucks Grab and Go option offered food and beverage offerings at the same prices you would find at one of their convenience stores. It also was the fastest option of the three at the Centene Community Ice Center. There is one larger concession stand located in the lobby of the Ice Center, with smaller stands on the concourses inside the seating bowl. It offers your usual stadium fare, at higher-than-average prices. The main stand was overwhelmed during the between periods break. We suggest using the inside the seating bowl stands during breaks in the action. However, they do offer fewer concession items than the main stand due to limited space on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 The Lions hockey home is the 2,500-seat competition rink at the Centene Community Ice Center. The seats at the rink feature tip up chairback seating, as well as high table seating at one end of the ice. All seats are below the concourse and are within 25 rows of the ice, so there literally is no bad seat in the house. The rink also features a four-sided, center-hung scoreboard /videoboard at center ice, with smaller auxiliary boards at the ends of the ice. The Lions hockey home is the 2,500-seat competition rink at the Centene Community Ice Center. Neighborhood 4 The immediate area surrounding the Centene Community Ice Center consists of office parks and businesses that are related towards the nearby Missouri River. The closest hotel to the Ice Center is the Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Riverport-Airport. The only activity close by is the Hollywood Casino and Hotel St. Louis, which is located down the street from the Ice Center. However, just across the river and one exit further west on I-70 is St. Charles, MO. It offers a wide variety of cultural sites, restaurants and historical sites for visitors. There are a number of sites devoted to Lewis and Clark, as the city was the departure point for their expedition to the western United States. The city also features many unique shopping experiences in the historic district. St. Charles is also the home of the Lindenwood University campus. It is well worth a visit, as it is a beautiful campus with some stunning architecture. Fans 5 The Lindenwood men’s hockey team has an extraordinarily strong and diversified fanbase. There are several factors in place to explain this. First of all Lindenwood has a strong record of success in collegiate hockey. The men’s program was a powerhouse at the ACHA level, bringing home several national championships. The women’s hockey team has been in Division I of the NCAA for several years, and has been very successful in postseason play. This explains the staunch support from the alumni, as well as the present student body at the school. The student body section at Lions games is known as the Uproar, and it typically fills two sections of the stands at each game. Even though the Centene Community Ice Center is an off campus venue, it is only six miles and one interstate exit east of the campus. This makes it easy for students to get to. Another strength of support for the Lindenwood hockey program is that the St. Louis region is a hotbed for hockey at all age levels…. and the Centene Community Ice Center reaches all those markets. This includes the NHL Blues using the Ice Center as their practice facility, as well as minor league teams from both sexes, down to the high school, youth and kids leagues that call the center home. Access 4 Centene Community Ice Center is easy to reach from anywhere in the St. Louis region. It is 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, and 10 minutes from St. Louis’ Lambert Airport. Take I-70, I-270, or Highway 364 West to Casino Center Drive. Follow the Ice Center employees’ directions to the appropriate parking lot. The arena entrance is through the main center entrance to the Centene Community Ice Center. This brings you into the main entrance lobby. The lobby is very large and includes access to the 314 Social Bar and Restaurant, the concession stands and the Schnucks Grab and Go store. Additional concession stands are available at the concourse level inside the arena. Return on Investment 4 For the most part, the Centene Community Ice Center is a very affordable place to enjoy a college hockey game. Seating is open and first come, first serve for Lindenwood Lions hockey games, except for a portion reserved for season ticket holders. Tickets are priced by categories rather than seat location. These categories are General Public ($15), Senior Citizens 55 years or older ($15), Alumni ($10), Group ($5) and children aged 12 and under ($5). These are advanced purchase ticket prices. Tickets purchased the day of the game are $3 more at each ticket level. Parking at the Ice Center is $10. We found the concession prices to be much higher than normal at the concession stands and the 314 Local Bar and Restaurant. . Extras 5 Centene Community Ice Center has been named as one of the Top Ten Hockey Venues in the Country by the Sports Planning Guide . Centene Community Ice Center also serves as the home ice for the Saint Louis Blues AAA program, the St. Louis Lady Cyclones. The Centene Community Ice Center also has ties to the NHL. It serves as the St. Louis Blues practice facility and hosted the NHL Alumni All Star Game in 2020. The Ice Center will serve as an NCAA Regionals location in 2026 as St. Louis will host the Frozen Four Ice Hockey Tournament. The Centene Community Ice Center is adjacent to the St. Louis Music Park. This is a 4,500 seat outdoor music venue with an amphitheater setting. Final Thoughts The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally made the leap into NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. It provides an excellent playing surface, training facilities, a dedicated locker room for visiting teams, as well as lodging options just around the corner from the rink. However, visitors should be careful when they enter this Lions den!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Campus Ice Centre 2200 Simcoe St N Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Ontario Tech Ridgebacks website Campus Ice Centre website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 550 The Dog Pound In 2006 the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario, entered the world of Canadian University sports joining what is now USports and Ontario University Athletics. Their beginning was ice hockey and the UOIT Ridgebacks were born. A small school of around 10,000 students, UOIT went through the expected growing pains of any new team. Success on the ice did not come early or easily, but the Ridgebacks would develop a loyal following, with typical attendance figures for OUA hockey. In 2019, UOIT took to the drawing board and rebranded as Ontario Tech University. The Ridgebacks name remained for the hockey team, but new logos and colours were on the menu and the team continued to truck on. Home for the Ridgebacks is the Campus Ice Centre. An on campus hockey rink and recreation facility, the Campus Ice Centre is the perfect size for OUA hockey and serves the community as an additional community rink. Most hockey fans would know Oshawa and the home of the very successful junior hockey franchise, the Oshawa Generals, but the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks have carved themselves a nice niche in the crowded hockey market. Food & Beverage 3 In the hockey arena, there is one main concession stand behind the seating arena. Shagwell’s offers coffee, hot chocolate, water and Coca-Cola products. French fries, hot dogs, nachos, chips and candy are also available. Shagwell’s has your basic snack bar offerings. However, fans have the opportunity to head to the other side of the arena to Simcoe Arms which offers a full array of food and beverages. It is a perfect spot for a snack, drink or meal before or after the game and it’s just steps away from the arena seats. Atmosphere 3 The Campus Ice Centre is very much a community hub. A pair of ice pads, the Ice Centre attracts plenty of youth hockey players from Oshawa and the surrounding area. The exterior is attractive enough and large windows on the north side of the building offer plenty of natural light to those inside. Entering the Ice Centre draws fans to markings letting all know that this is not just a community rink, but the home of Ontario Tech and the Ridgebacks. Ascending the stairs will bring fans to the main entry for the ice pad that the Ridgebacks call home. A temporary ticketing table is at the top of the stairs to welcome fans who require tickets. To the right is the entry to the ice pad, which brings fans behind the seating area. There are six sections of seven rows of wide, plastic, stadium seats for a capacity of around 550. The ice surface runs from south to north with all of the seating on the east side. In the northwest corner hangs a banner welcoming all to the “Dog Pound.” Ontario Tech excels at showcasing their extremely short history. On the wall behind the grandstand hang numerous framed pictures memorializing moments in Ridgeback history, including the first goal, first win, first playoff appearance, and even an appearance for the women’s team at an outdoor game. In the southwest corner hang the banners for the retired numbers of Nathan Spaling and Jill Morillo. Both played huge roles on their respective teams and Spaling has the distinction of being the first captain in Ridgebacks history. The game day presentation at a Ridgebacks game is simple. Ontario Tech doesn’t try too hard and assault the fan with too much going on and they take advantage of their excellent audio equipment, which is not always the case at university sport in Canada. Neighbourhood 2 The Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre is located on campus, which is in the north part of Oshawa, a fair distance from highway 401. The Ice Centre is also at the north end of the shared campus of Ontario Tech and Durham College. In the immediate area, there is not too much that will interest travelers. On Simcoe St, just south of campus, there is a St. Louis Bar and Grill. Fans are better off heading further south on Simcoe Street. Shoeless Joe’s and other chain restaurants can be found at Simcoe and Taunton Road. Being so close to Toronto, there are not a ton of exciting entertainment options in Oshawa. Hitting Simcoe Blues & Jazz for some live music may be of interest. Checking out the Canadian Automotive Museum might also be of interest. The other sporting option in Oshawa is of course to take in an Oshawa Generals game at Tribute Communities Centre. Ontario Tech has also added a basketball team in 2019 and they play at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. There is not much in the way of accommodations near Ontario Tech. The best bet for travelers would be to head to downtown Oshawa where there are a few options, including a Holiday Inn Express. Fans 3 Ontario Tech has a small but very loyal following of fans. They usually draw between 100 and 250 fans per game, which is pretty common for the second tier of OUA hockey teams. Although the average attendance at the Campus Ice Centre may not be among the best in the conference, Ontario Tech lacks a signature hockey game that can skew the attendance figures in a team’s favour. The small capacity of the Campus Ice Centre is an advantage for the Ridgebacks as it feels just about right for arena attendance. Access 4 Ontario Tech University is located in the north end of Oshawa. Although the campus is not very large, the Campus Ice Centre is at the north end of campus as well, making it easy to find. Essentially between highway 401 and the express toll road 407, Ontario Tech will require a very significant drive through Oshawa to get to campus. The 407 is a better option, but as far as toll roads go, it is very expensive. There is plenty of free parking available at the Ice Centre. East of the arena there are large parking lots where fans can park for free. For fans looking to get to the arena with public transit, route 401 of Durham Transit brings patrons to the Ontario Tech campus. Check out the Durham Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. The Ice Centre can be entered from either the north or south and the atrium is large with plenty of natural light. The stairs to the rink are at the north side of the building and lead to a temporary ticketing table. Make sure you bring cash to purchase tickets as credit cards are not accepted. Considering the number of fans in attendance, getting around the arena is not a big challenge. The washroom facilities are not huge and can be found behind the seating area in the main arena. Return on Investment 4 Taking in an Ontario Tech Ridgebacks hockey game is very affordable. Tickets for adults are a mere $10 and seniors, students, staff and alumni are only $5. Ontario Tech students and kids under 14 years of age are free. Parking can be found on campus for free and concession prices are not exorbitant. Although the presentation and venue are not flashy, the quality of play on the ice is solid and the arena is comfortable. This all adds up to some solid entertainment for a few hours at a very low cost. A great return on investment for sure. Extras 2 An extra mark for the original Ridgebacks name. An extra mark for the rebranding to Ontario Tech University and the new logos for the Ridgebacks. Final Thoughts Ontario Tech has successfully carved out a nice little niche for itself in the Generals-dominant hockey market in Oshawa. Taking in a Ridgebacks game comes with a simple, yet effective presentation and a return on investment which is fantastic. When in Oshawa, a trip to see some OUA hockey is a great idea for the whole family. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ewigleben Arena 210 Sports Dr Big Rapids, MI 49307 Ferris State Bulldogs hockey website Ewigleben Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,493 Ferris State Hockey at Ewigleben Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena opened in 1976, a year after the Ferris State Bulldogs joined the ranks of the NAIA hockey. In 1979, the program made the jump to NCAA Division I. The first thing you need to know is how to pronounce that mouthful of a name. I am told that it is AVA-globe-in. Get that down and you’ll fit right in. Ferris State University is found in Big Rapids, Michigan – about an hour north of Grand Rapids. I was told that this is very much a hockey town, and it doesn’t take long to verify that. The arena itself is tiny, and this is a very good thing. The students fill the student end, complete with the pep band. The low ceilings and capacity of 2,493 seats make for an intimate and loud experience, especially when an intrastate rival is in town. Food & Beverage 4 The food selection is consistent with the no-frills approach of the entire arena experience, but there is still enough to get you through the contest. On the positive side, the prices are very affordable. I tried the hot dog ($2), and it was tastier than most that you’ll find at a small arena like this. I also tried the pizza ($2.50) which you will want to skip. The concession was pretty slow when I ordered about 40 minutes before the puck dropped. I asked what the Wing Dings were, and I was told they would take 30 minutes to make. OK, no wing dings then. I’m usually up for a hot beverage at a hockey game, and Ferris State offers coffee, cocoa, and cappuccino ($1.50/$2). I was also glad to see that you could get a donut with your coffee (75 cents). Slush puppies ($2), and Coca-Cola fountain drinks round out the menu ($1.50/$2). You can also buy a refillable travel mug ($4). There is no alcohol served at the game as this is an on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 There is nothing remarkable about the building as you approach Ewigleben Ice Arena. Once inside, you won’t be blown away either. There is one large hallway that serves as the bridge between the ice arena and the basketball arena, Jim Wink Arena. All seats inside the arena are maroon plastic bleachers with adequate legroom and no cup holders. Only 11 rows deep, there is no doubt that you will have a good view of the action no matter where you end up. Aim for center ice as high up as you can. There are seats on three sides; the two ends and along the side opposite the team benches and penalty box. It is certainly unusual to only have seats on three sides, but it only adds to the intimacy of the facility. As the National Anthem winds down, you’ll hear the student section sing along with the line, …the land of the free, and the home of the DAWGS! The arena is too small to have a scoreboard hanging over the center. Instead, there are two fairly basic scoreboards on each end that give you just the necessary information; time, score, penalty information, shots on goal, and period. There is also a clock behind the penalty box. Neighborhood 4 During my visit, there was a pre-game party being held at the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings. I was told that this happens from time to time, and it certainly adds to the overall experience if you’re able to spend some time with the fans before a game. They have plenty of Ferris State sports memorabilia on the walls, so this is a good place to begin to build that bulldog spirit and ingest some delicious wings while you’re at it. Closer to downtown is The Gate & 7-10 Bar and Grill. This is also a good place to spend some time before or after the game, especially if you have your bowling ball and shoes with you. Fans 4 The doors open 60 minutes before the game begins. Fifty-five minutes before the game, the student section is already half full. You know it’s going to be a great atmosphere when the students are that anxious to get into the game. I would guess that the students take up 1/3 of the seating area, and they are standing throughout and doing a good job of leading the energy in the arena. The student section is known as the Dawg Pound, and they are engaged throughout the contest. There is also a pep band that sits near the students, helping to add to that collegiate atmosphere. The middle section of the crowd tends to be alumni and season, ticket holders. They are also very engaged, shouting encouraging words and referring to the players by their first names. The end opposite the students tends to be fans with families, or who more irregularly attend. This is the quieter end, and a bit less rowdy if that’s what you prefer. Access 4 There is only one main concourse with one large bathroom for each gender. It is adequately clean and I noticed no lines during the game. One minor inconvenience is that you need to keep your ticket on you as you will need to show it when going from the concourse back into the arena. Just make sure you keep it in your pocket and it won’t be a big deal. Parking is only $5, and there are plenty of spots. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for a premium game are only $16. This would include intrastate rivals like Michigan and Michigan State. In most games, the tickets are only $12, and with an arena this small there are certainly no bad seats. Food prices are much below average cost, and while there aren’t any amazing food items, the pricing is very fair. With parking at only $5, you can easily have a spot to park, a ticket, and something to eat and drink and still stay under $25 for the night. It is a great value, and well worth it. Extras 4 There’s a nice pro shop offering Ferris State apparel and hockey gear. The prices are quite fair, including jerseys for just $80, much less than what you will find in most arenas. Near the Ferris State bench, there is an area set up as “Date Night with the Dawgs.” It’s a table for two with a chef on duty right along the glass. The school gives away the date night of each home game to a season ticket holder. The Ferris State staff does a good job of injecting innovative ideas into the media time-outs and intermissions. My favorite was the first intermission shootout where kids got to have a breakaway opportunity against the FSU mascot. On the opposite end, members of the student section shot against the buffalo from Buffalo Wild Wings. A student with a Michigan State t-shirt was thoroughly booed, which was rather good fun. Speaking of the staff, this is one of those places where everyone you run into goes above and beyond. It is a simple premise to be friendly to your fans, but it is still difficult to execute with consistency. Tip of the cap to the game day staff for pulling it off.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jerry D. Young Memorial Field 840 12th St Birmingham, AL 35294 UAB Blazers website Young Memorial Field website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 1,000 Jerry D. Young Memorial Field – UAB Blazers In the shadows of the statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and the forge which sits atop Red Mountain near the city of Birmingham, sits the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s campus, and Jerry D. Young Memorial Field. UAB is the lone remaining member of Conference USA since its inception in 1995, but announced in the fall of 2022 they would be moving to the American Conference at the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Food & Beverage 4 A small concession stand sits under the grandstand. While the stand might be small, it does offer a decent variety of options. Main entrees include smoked sausage, grilled chicken, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and nachos. Candy and other snack foods are also available. Beverages include Pepsi products and Gatorade, along with beer and wine at a neighboring beverage cart. Concessions at Young Memorial Field are cashless. Atmosphere 3 The area around Young Memorial Field is currently undergoing significant construction, so it can be somewhat of a maze traveling to the stadium. The temporary inconveniences should be ironed out in due time, though, as the area receives upgrades. The Blazers had a new synthetic playing surface installed following the 2022 season. The infield “dirt” now has a much lighter brown hue, which gives it the appearance of natural dirt rather than the deep brown most baseball fields have. Centerfield is emblazoned with the university’s dragon logo, which adds a bit of personalization to the playing surface. The field plays a touch shorter for left-handed hitters, with the right field line playing 330’ compared to 335’ down the left field line. The right center power alleys run 360’, compared to 370’ to left center and 400’ to dead centerfield. The fence runs 8 feet high around the outfield – the massive batters' eye is out of play, but does help break up the continuity of the consistent 8-foot fence. The scoreboard at Young Memorial Field provides typical inning line score information, and is topped with a videoboard that provides player statistical information and the batting team’s lineup. The game starts with a bit of a college feel, as the UAB fight song plays while the Blazers take the field; this is a nice touch that helps to establish the college atmosphere. Between inning entertainment is typically filled with a mix of ad reads and music, much as would be expected at most baseball games. There is not much in the way of interactive scoreboard fan cams or games, and other than a kid’s dizzy bat race there are not many of the field games either. In-game sound effects are kept to a minimum for the most part. The lack of these features does not take away from the game experience, however. Neighborhood 4 Young Memorial Field is less than a mile from Regions Field , home of the Birmingham Barons, AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Since the Barons moved back to Birmingham following an extended stay in nearby Hoover, the Southside neighborhood has seen a significant revitalization. Many of the former warehouses and industrial buildings have been transformed into restaurants, breweries, condominiums, and apartments. Fans coming to early season games might be able to double-up and take in a Blazers’ basketball game at Bartow Arena , just a block from Young Memorial Field. With the University of Alabama-Birmingham's location, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity. Those who might not want to stay in the city, though, can find an almost endless number of hotels anywhere off Highway 280, which runs from Birmingham to the suburbs on the back side of Red Mountain. Fans 2 Over the years, opponents from Power 5 conferences have drawn relatively large attendance numbers to Young Memorial Field, often more than 1,000, but typical attendance numbers range from 200 to 400 fans per game. Students do not seem to make up a significant portion of the overall attendance – attendance numbers remain consistent regardless of whether classes are in session or if students are on break. Fans who do turn out appear to be enjoying themselves, but do not seem to make for a sizable home field advantage. Access 4 Getting to Young Memorial Field is rather simple, save any traffic backups that might need to be navigated through. The downtown Birmingham area is at the junction of I-65 and I-20, making Birmingham easily accessible to nearby cities. The city bus line also has a stop just a block north of the stadium. The main parking lot used for baseball is located behind the softball complex, almost immediately off the I-65 off ramp. From here it is a short walk around Mary Bowers Field to the entrance that both teams share. The current construction contains fans to the third base side of the field, the grandstand, and the small area between the grandstand and the visiting dugout. At the moment fans cannot access the first base side of the field from inside the stadium; expect this to change as construction progresses. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices typically top out at $5 for most games, but tickets for premium games are priced at $10. Either of the two price points are not going to break the wallet. When you factor in free parking and none of the concession items costing more than $6, excluding alcohol options, taking in a game is kept to a very reasonable rate. Some higher profile UAB baseball games are held at Regions Field , which are priced on the premium side, while a handful of other games are held at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, with free admission for those games. Extras 2 Just outside the right field fence is a nondescript stone seating area. It does not look like much, but it was once part of the original baseball field at Mortimer Jordan Park, which sat on this same parcel of land. This stonework has been preserved, and the chain-link fence in this part of the outfield wall gives passersby a chance to sit and watch the game from this location. The grassy area between the softball and baseball fields is a wonderful place for young fans to run and play catch during the game. Final Thoughts In a city rich with baseball and iron industry history, the UAB Blazers have been working to forge their own baseball history since the program’s inception in 1979. While some stadiums earn their reputation as great baseball experiences through large, rambunctious stadiums and fans, something can be said for baseball at smaller stadiums. Stadiums that are not constantly consumed with sound allow fans to pick up on a lot of the finer points of college baseball – the sizzle of a fast ball, the barks of the coaches toward the umpires, and the chirps between teams. Though the game experience at schools with smaller attendances might not be at the top of the list when it comes to the most memorable, games at these stadiums are a wonderful time for those who enjoy the finer details of college baseball.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Autodromo del Mugello Via Senni, 15 Scarperia, Tuscany 50038 Italy Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix website Autodromo del Mugello website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 45,000 Italy’s Most Famous Non-F1 Race Track The Mugello International Circuit is located in the town of Scarperia. It owes its name, “Mugello,” to the geographical area where it is located, which is a green valley in the northeast of Florence near the Apennines, the mountain range that separates Tuscany from Emilia Romagna. While road racing had been around the public streets of Mugello for over 60 years, the construction of the racing-specific track began in 1972. Two years later, on June 23, 1974, it was inaugurated with a Formula 5000 race. First managed by Automobilclub of Florence, the Mugello International Circuit has been owned by Ferrari since 1988. In May 2012, the facility has hosted the group test in Formula 1 — the teams that took to the track were Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Force India, Sauber, Caterham and Marussia — and it is home every year between June and July, to the Italian Grand Prix for the Moto World Championship. It was also twice the finishing stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race. Outside of racing, over the years, its buildings have hosted conferences, university lectures, and other events. The Mugello International Circuit has received the “Best Prix” Award as the best circuit in the Moto World Championship five times. (All price equivalents are in U.S. dollars and accurate as of the time of this posting, July 2013.) Food & Beverage 3 We visited the Mugello International Circuit at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend on 6 and 7 July 2013. Before arriving at the circuit, we stopped in the center of Scarperia for breakfast: frothy cappuccino and croissant with cream for a total cost of €2 ($2.60). Once we arrived at the circuit, we had a cup of coffee at the restaurant located at the paddock’s entrance (€0.80, $1). We decided to return to the same refreshment point for lunch. We ate a small pizza and a bottle of water (0.5 liters) for a total cost of €5 ($6.60). The menu also offers sweet and salted snacks, various types of sandwiches, and ice cream. Also, if your tastes require it, there are some well-marked areas for barbecue. Atmosphere 5 The track of Mugello International Circuit extends for 5.245 meters and is situated 292 meters above sea level. The circuit features 15 curves, with 9 to the right (their names, in order: San Donato, Poggio Secco, Borgo San Lorenzo Casanova, Arrabbiata 1 and Arrabbiata 2, Scarperia, Correntaio, Biondetti 2), and 6 to the left (Luco, Materassi, Savelli Palagio, Biondetti 1, Bucine). Cars and motorcycles reach a top speed in the final stretch of the main straight before taking the San Donato curve. The roar of the cars that echo in the hills around the plant is an indescribable feeling and really exciting. Neighbourhood 4 The town of Scarperia dates from the 14th century. In the city, you can visit the Palazzo dei Vicari, a building similar in appearance to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, inside of which is the Museum of Cutting Tools. Other buildings in the old town of Scarperia are the Church of Santi Jacopo and Filippo and the Oratorio della Madonna di Piazza. These two buildings date back to the first decades of the 14th century. In addition, during the year, Scarperia is home to some culinary festivals which are worth attending. For example, there is Sagra del Cinghiale (cinghiale is a wild boar), Sagra del Tortello (tortello is a large ravioli), and Sagra del Fungo Porcino (porcino is a mushroom). About 10 km from Scarperia is Lago di Bilancino. It is an artificial basin of about 5,000 square meters that includes various activities, from fishing to windsurfing. Fans 4 When we visited the circuit, there wasn’t the audience that crowded the facility during the Italian Grand Prix (record about 150,000 viewers), but the spectators present were competent and passionate. We spoke to some of them who told us the history of the facility and some curious aspects relating to races of the past. Access 4 Reaching the Mugello International Circuit is really easy. By car, use the A1 motorway and exit at Barberino di Mugello, then just follow the road signs. From the motorway exit, you have to drive about 15 km to the facility. By train, it can be accessed by either the Borgo San Lorenzo (about 5 km away from the track) or San Piero a Sieve (around 7 km away) stations. During the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix, a free shuttle bus service will take you from either station, while during the rest of the year, you can still get to the circuit from Borgo San Lorenzo and San Piero a Sieve with regularly-scheduled public buses. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend ranged from €5 to €15 ($6.60 to $19.80) and gave the opportunity to attend the “Prato,” “Tribuna Centrale” (the Main Grandstand), and “Terrazza Box” areas of the track. Also, for those under 18, women, and residents of the town of Scarperia, access was free. Please note that the entrance fee includes allowing you to park your cars and motorcycles inside the track, just behind the paddock. Extras 4 The Mugello International Circuit is open for 270 days a year (2013 calendar runs from March to November) and offers the ability to run on the track with private cars and motorcycles. On the circuit’s website, in the Events section, there is all the information you need to feel the emotion of being race car drivers for a day. Racing training is available for both cars and motorcycles, with the track offering to time your lap for you. Within the facility, there is also a kart and minibike circuit. As we can read on the website of the circuit, in the News section, Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso once said on Twitter, “I would love to race at Mugello. I know the track well, and it has everything you need, in every respect, to be part of the calendar.”

Baseball Heritage Museum and League Park Entrance in 2025. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Major League Baseball teams in Cleveland have had many names over the years (Lakeshores, Bluebirds, Broncos, Naps, Indians and now, Guardians), but they have had only three home fields. The team has played at Jacobs/Progressive Field downtown since 1994. From 1932 – 1994 the team played on the shores of Lake Erie at Cleveland Stadium, also known as Municipal Stadium, Lakefront Stadium or Cleveland Municipal Stadium over the years. Cleveland Stadium was torn down to build Huntington Bank Stadium on the same site. But for many years before that, professional baseball in the city was played in the residential Hough neighborhood, roughly three miles west of where Progressive Field now stands. League Park was built in 1891 as a wood structure and rebuilt in 1910 using concrete and steel. In addition to serving as home to the Indians, League Park was home to the Spiders of the National League and American Association, the Lakeshores of the Western League and the Buckeyes of the Negro American League. It was also home to several football teams, including the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns used the field as their practice facility. The location of League Park, at the corner of Lexington Avenue and Dunham Street (later renamed East 66 th  Street) was chosen because team owner Frank Robison owned the streetcar line that ran along the road. Fitting the ballpark into the city block required irregular field dimensions typical of ballparks of the day. Left field was 385 feet away, center field 460 feet, with right field just 290 feet away. To make up for the short porch in right field, there was a 40-foot tall fence there. League Park Aerial View. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. The ballpark opened on May 1, 1891 with 9,000 wooden seats as the Spiders hosted the Cincinnati Reds. Cy Young threw the first pitch. When the ballpark was rebuilt in 1910, capacity was increased to 21,414. The left field fence was moved in 10 feet and the center field fence 40 feet. Some of League Park’s highlights: ·         Addie Joss threw a perfect game against the Chicago White Sox on October 2, 1908. ·         In the first inning of Game 5 of the World Series on October 10, 1920, Elmer Smith of the Indians hit the first World Series grand slam. ·         Jim Bagby of the Indians hit the first home run by a pitcher in World Series history in the fourth inning of the same game. ·         In the fifth inning of that same Game 5, Bill Wambsganss executed the only unassisted triple play in World Series history. ·         On October 12, 1920, the Cleveland Indians won their first World Series. ·         On August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth became the first player to hit 500 home runs. ·         July 16, 1941 saw the final game of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. The streak was broken the following night at Cleveland Stadium. ·         In 1945 the Cleveland Buckeyes won the Negro League World Series. In 2011 the Cleveland City Council approved a plan to complete renovations to the facility. Preserved and restored were a piece of the ballpark façade along the first base side of the stadium, as well as the ticket office building. A new ball field was to be built at the site of the old one. Renovations were completed on August 23, 2014 and the field was dedicated as Fannie Lewis Community Park at League Park. Fannie Lewis was a City Councilwoman who was instrumental in encouraging the renovations to the ballpark. League Park in 1905, 1910 and 2021. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia. When League Park was renovated in 2014, the Baseball Heritage Museum was moved to the park's ticket office building. Founded in 1997 by Robert Zimmer to coincide with the Major League Baseball All-Star game being held at Jacobs Field, the museum first consisted of the Zimmer family’s collection of baseball artifacts, which were displayed at their jewelry store. The museum grew to include artifacts from not only the Major Leagues, but the Negro Leagues, Caribbean Leagues, women’s baseball leagues, local industrial and barnstorming leagues, all with Cleveland ties. The museum moved to the Euclid Arcade in 2006 before arriving at League Park. 2,000 patrons were in attendance for the grand opening. Today the museum sponsors the Baseball Heritage Museum Buckeyes Travel Baseball Team Program as well as youth clinics and events at League Park. Baseball Heritage Museum Artifacts and Exhibits. Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. While you’re unlikely to encounter a crowd of that size during your visit to the Hough neighborhood in Cleveland, that’s probably for the best, as it will give you more time to peruse the unique exhibits, artifacts and grounds of League Park and the Baseball Heritage Museum in Cleveland, an excellent side quest to your next Stadium Journey through Ohio. Visit the Baseball Heritage Museum website here. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of Weber State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dee Events Center 2701 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408 Weber State Wildcats website Dee Events Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 12,000 Dee-Lightful Affectionately known as the "Purple Palace," the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah has been home to the Weber State Wildcats since 1977. As the largest arena in Utah north of Salt Lake City, and a capacity of 12,000, the DEC has hosted nine Big Sky Conference men's basketball tournaments, games in four NCAA Tournaments and countless Utah high school basketball tournaments. Food & Beverage 4 Weber State knows its family-friendly fan base well, and prices their concessions accordingly. The offerings are quite affordable for a family of any size. Let's start with the usual fare. Main food items include cheeseburger ($5), pulled pork ($5), chili ($5), pizza slice ($3), hot dog ($2), or Polish dog ($4). Smaller items include popcorn, fries, nachos, and chips ($2-$3 each). If you want something sweet you have plenty of options available to you. These include cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, boxes of candy, or Rice Krispie treats. "Purple-Pak" ice cream is also available in two sizes. A smattering of kiosks offer these specialty products, including an alarming number of seeds/nuts. Beverages are your standard Coke products. A bottle of water or soda is $3, or you can get a large cup for $4. There's not much in the way of chain infiltration, though I always love a good Chick-fil-A ($5-$8 combos with regular and spicy sandwiches or nuggets). The other chain is a Utah original: Teriyaki Stix. Touting themselves as a "Japanese grill," they offer a bowl of rice topped with either veggies ($6) or teriyaki chicken ($7). Financial troubles have closed a lot of Teriyaki Stix locations and its sandwich cohort, Hogi Yogi, so these bowls are rarer than ever. Atmosphere 4 The family-friendly feeling you get from the concessions is consistent when you make your way to your seat. A very tight circular seating pattern (all chairs, no bleachers) offers closeness to the court while still being a classy facility. In other words, you feel an upgrade from the "high school gym" atmosphere many expect from a low-to-mid-major conference setting. You'll find a large sense of community throughout the night, particularly in activities and promotions during timeouts and halftime. Lots of local businesses get involved by sponsoring these activities, and Weber State goes out of their way to honor outstanding community members, as well. Throw in a massive amount of cheerleaders and the always-on-the-move Waldo the Wildcat (whose pre-game ritual includes a stroll across press row) make for an ideal small-school college basketball experience. Neighborhood 4 The DEC is largely surrounded by residential areas and other Weber State facilities, so the nearby main drag of Harrison Blvd. is your closest food source. All of your typical college-town, fast-food fare is available, plus a couple of unique, award-winning food options. If you're in the mood for Mexican, try Javier's, a northern Utah mini-chain. The Javier's closest to the DEC is at 4874 Harrison Blvd, about a half-mile from the arena. All your Mexican favorites are there, including fajitas. There are lots of plates and combinations to choose from, ranging from $6-$12. If you're in the mood for dessert, don't miss the Nachos Dulces ($5.99): A deep-fried flour tortilla slathered in honey butter and cinnamon topped with ice cream. For pizza lovers, The Pie Pizzeria (1225 Country Hills Dr; 0.3 miles away from DEC) has a devoted following, and for good reason. The Pie's creativity, whether put in its own hands or those of the customers, is its defining characteristic. Not only can you create your own pie, you can make your own slice depending on the time of day. Besides, pizzas, they have plenty of salads, subs and zappis (calzones). Specialty pizzas range from $9.49 for a medium "Italian Special" to $41.99 for a giant 23" "Pie's Combo." If you want to try something new on a pizza, The Pie would like to interest you in either "The Greek" (white cucumber yogurt sauce, gyro meat, mozzarella and feta cheese, topped with tomatoes, red onions and a squeeze of lemon) or the "Thai Pie" (spicy Thai peanut sauce, chicken breast, carrots, red onions, fresh basil and chopped cilantro topped with mozzarella and toasted sesame seeds). Fans 4 I was a bit wary about what kind of crowd I would see when, at tip-off, there were more cheerleaders on the court than students in the student section. Those students in attendance (including the guy in the Whoopie Cushion costume) still made their voices heard early with their signature chant: "Turn-over! Turn-over! Turn-over! YOU SUCK!" Not the best day or place for Montana to have 17 turnovers. Each successive turnover meant a louder chant as more students filled the space throughout the first half, but there just weren't enough there to justify a full five points. The rest of the 5,579 fans in attendance were loud enough to make it seem as if more were there, especially when the officials were due for a ribbing. All in all, not bad for a Thursday night crowd. One quirk to be ready for: Fans stand and rhythmically clap to begin each half until Weber State scores its first points. Access 5 There are plenty of parking spaces surrounding the DEC, and they are all free. Season ticket holders have a section roped off for them, but all other spaces are fair game. I was able to park about 50 feet from an entrance with no hassle. There are lots of ways in and out of the DEC parking lot, and each exit is monitored by local police post-game, so traffic runs incredibly smoothly. It took me less than three minutes to get out of the lot. The restrooms are impeccable, and each one has both walls (not just one) lined with urinals, so you always have somewhere to 'ahem' go. The tight circular interior architecture assures you won't need to walk too far to find a restroom. Return on Investment 4 I was pleasantly surprised by my DEC experience. I had been there before for a handful of high school tournament games, but never to see the Wildcats. The intimate setting of the arena coupled with the ease of access to everything made for a nice night. As I wrote earlier, more students getting to the game (on time, if possible) would only enhance the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Whoopie Cushion guy in the student section. Whether you chalk it up to determination or a sheer disregard for embarrassment, he showed a strong commitment to a quirky costume. One point for the army of staffers available to help things go smoothly. No matter the size of the crowd, you are never too far away from someone who can help resolve any issue. It just helps add to the family-friendly atmosphere of Weber State basketball. One point for pulling off the all-purple look. Purple is not one of the most-used colors on the sports landscape. Nevertheless, nobody is as committed to displaying purple pride as Weber State. The result is a visually pleasing rotunda of purple seats, something you'd be hard-pressed to find anyplace else. Final Thoughts If my family lived closer to Ogden, I know we would make more frequent trips to the DEC. If you are a fan of small-town college basketball anywhere in the country, a trip to Weber State will thoroughly satisfy.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Melching Field at Conrad Park 555 South Woodland Blvd DeLand, FL 32724 Stetson Hatters website Melching Field at Conrad Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 2,500 Stetson Baseball Comfort Taking in a baseball game at Stetson’s Conrad Park at Melching Field is both comfortable and enjoyable, mixing the conveniences of a college baseball field with the feeling of a minor-league field.The stadium is nestled in a small-town Florida feeling that everyone should experience at some point.Conrad Park at Melching Field truly offers the best of central Florida around the stadium, and offers some great family fun at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers two concessions stands, but both can handle the crowd of even a sellout game pretty well. The offerings are pretty standard for baseball fare, ranging from hot dogs ($3) and Cracker Jack ($2) to burgers ($4/$5) and peanuts ($3). Prices don’t rise higher than $5 for anything, with drinks ranging from $2 to $4 for small to large. Perhaps the neatest thing on the menu is a Key Lime Pie on a stick for $4, something you don’t get at stadiums elsewhere. Atmosphere 4 The feeling at Conrad Park at Melching Field is unique, as the facility is not in the middle of campus, yet still holds on to the college atmosphere one expects to feel in NCAA baseball stadiums. While the stadium may not look like the ultra-modern shining temples of newer stadiums, it nonetheless holds up for having opened in 1999.The outside is well-manicured, with large trees along the street and near the parking lot.The inside features comfortable individual seats behind home plate, while the remaining seats are bleachers with backs to them.The stadium is also decked out from top to bottom in Stetson colors, logos, and memorabilia. Neighborhood 5 Conrad Park at Melching Field is located just blocks from the heart of downtown DeLand, Florida. DeLand is known for being one of the quintessential small towns in Central Florida, featuring the quietness one would expect from such an atmosphere. In addition, the town is just a short drive up I-4 from Daytona Beach, only an hour from Orlando, and is surrounded by several state parks and great nature areas. For those wanting to travel and see the sights, Blue Springs State Park is home to manatees upon manatees in the winter months. In addition, the NASCAR Racing Experience is not far away, located just north on I-4 in Daytona Beach. For hotels, Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are the closest spots. For food, Shokudo 413 is a popular sushi stop just blocks away from Conrad Park at Melching Field. Doug & Lil’s Potato Patch is also a popular breakfast and brunch place near the stadium. Fans 3 Fans flock to Conrad Park at Melching Field, but the crowds aren’t exactly rowdy. That said, they do know their Hatters players, and are usually fans of the team alongside family members who went to the university. While sellouts aren’t frequent, the facility is small, meaning crowds tend to fill in the seating pretty well. However, there isn’t the massive eruption of noise with home runs that you get at bigger D1 programs. Nonetheless, the fans remain family-friendly and enjoyable overall. Access 3 Getting to Conrad Park at Melching Field involves driving on some small-town roads.Either exit 116 or 118 on I-4 will take you to DeLand. Once there, the stadium is off of US-17 and Euclid Ave. Parking is plentiful on site and across the street, making finding a spot easy. Getting around the stadium is also easy, thanks to plenty of signage around to help you figure out where your seats are. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Stetson baseball games at Conrad Park at Melching Field are pretty affordable, meaning taking the family to watch some baseball is a lot more affordable than driving to see a professional MLB stadium in Tampa or Miami . With the addition of low concessions prices, you can take the family and friends to baseball without depleting your entire banking account. . Extras 3 The downstairs area inside Conrad Park at Melching Field features two large trophy cases that showcase photos and trophies from Stetson’s baseball championships and tournament appearances. The team also celebrates their MLB stars who graduated, including 2-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. The staff also has a giveaways table set up at games, with t-shirts and posters usually the most popular items being given away to fans in attendance. Final Thoughts Conrad Park at Melching Field is located in a beautiful corner of Florida, meaning you can visit and enjoy the area around the stadium while taking in the game. The stadium’s central location in Florida means you’re also not far from most major cities in the state. Low prices will greet fans, making the game one you can go to without losing your life savings. The family-friendly atmosphere also means you get to enjoy the game in peace and comfort.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website Jack Manley Wellness and Athletics Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,000 Cardinals In A Dome One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The basketball program runs out of the Jack Manley Wellness and Athletics Center which also includes two additional basketball courts, five regulation volleyball courts, a four-lane 160-meter running track, and an eight-lane pool. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food options except for some snack machines. There is a closed concession stand behind the seats and along one of the walls but it appears unused most of the time, although it does have a concession price list posted. Atmosphere 2 There is a decent atmosphere under the Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center dome. The PA announcer does a good job, the fans are reasonably loud, and at the game we attended there was a cheerleader group offering some atmosphere. The basketball court is a rubberized surface and not the preferred hardwood court. The court sits at the center of the arena, with even the small grandstand floating out inside the venue’s running court. There is a very large amount of extra space around the basketball floor. There is only a single set of stands opposite the benches and scoring table. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the dome. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around the Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center serves as a decent venue for sports and classes, but currently, it is an outdated venue for any level of intercollegiate sports. Even so, the experience here is lively and fun.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Harold Alfond Diamond at Dr. John Winkin Sports Complex 1 College Cir Bangor, ME 04401 Bangor Babes website Harold Alfond Diamond at Dr. John Winkin Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,000 Bangor Time The Bangor Babes come to the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL) and Bangor, Maine as a new stop in the league. Previously the GNCBL used a nomadic structure where teams would play at various fields around the state. However, following the sale of the league heading into the summer of 2024, each of the league’s five teams was assigned a designated home field. The Bangor Babes, as in lumberjack legend Paul Bunyan’s “Babe the Blue Ox”, who in one version of the story claims Bunyan is from Bangor. The city has even gone as far as to erect a 30-foot statue of the legendary woodsman. The Babes play at Harold Alfond Diamond on the campus of Husson University – the diamond is part of the multi-use Dr. John Winkin Sports Complex.   Food & Beverage   4 Food trucks rotate on a game-to-game basis, so food options here will differ with each visit. This typically would indicate a well-thought-out menu that serves handmade items to order. Regardless of which food truck might be at the stadium, however, expect there to be the ballpark classics of hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and soft drinks from the Pepsi family of beverages, along with the food truck-specific dishes. And who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch a truck serving up the Maine red snapper hot dog.   Atmosphere   2 Winkin Sports Complex is a multi-use facility that not only serves as the home of Husson baseball but also hosts football and field hockey teams. The many uses of the facility give the seating area a bit of an awkward feel, as the bleachers along the third base line are much larger than those on the first base side, to accommodate football and field hockey spectators. Also, the seating bowl has two press boxes, one atop the bleachers behind home plate and another aligned with midfield of the football field layout. Despite them being out of season, the football markings are still visible during baseball games, giving the field a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the 1980s when many baseball stadiums shared their fields with NFL teams. The section behind the home plate is equipped with molded plastic seats that extend into adjacent sections, while the seating down each baseline consists of aluminum bleachers. With no shade over the seating area, both the plastic seats and aluminum bleachers can get extremely hot and uncomfortable. Efforts are made to create a typical collegiate baseball experience with player introductions and walk-up music, but the stadium’s sound system lacks sufficient volume to make these elements audible. Otherwise, there are no on-field games or mid-inning fan engagement activities, such as have become common at many levels of baseball. The Babes, along with the Old Orchard Beach Bugs, probably do the best job in the league of promoting and marketing themselves – Bangor frequently hosts groups throughout the year and runs promotions to try to draw out the community.   Neighborhood   3 Harold Alfond Diamond is part of Dr. John Winkin Baseball Complex, on the campus of Husson University in Bangor, Maine. Husson is roughly 2.5 miles from downtown Bangor with its high concentration of restaurants. Bangor might most notably be known as the hometown of famed horror writer Stephen King – while King spends much of his time in the western Maine mountains, his Bangor home is still a popular stop for many visitors. The Bangor waterfront and the aforementioned Paul Bunyan statue are also popular landmarks around town. For a local restaurant experience take a trip across Penobscot River into the neighboring town of Brewer, for Mason’s Brewing Company’s unbelievable riverside views.   Fans   2 With much of the Babes roster made up of players from central Maine, the team has a much higher local makeup than many others in the league. Bangor excels in engaging the community, and actively encouraging attendance at games – from offering free admission to Little League players wearing their jerseys and organizing appearances by Special Olympians and Unified teams during doubleheaders, the Babes have done a good job at laying the foundation in drawing interest throughout the community.   Access   2 Bangor benefits from its location just off I-95, which runs up to the Canadian border. However, it is still a two-hour drive from Portland, and the train service does not extend that far north or inland. Therefore, unless traveling from a nearby community, a roundtrip to Bangor will likely require a significant investment of time. Bangor does have bus service to Husson University, but the limited evening runs will impact those wanting to go to a weekday night game.   Return on Investment   5 Admission to a Bangor Babes game runs $5.57, a bit of a peculiar price, but the online charge is added to walkup ticket sales. Also, in a bit of an oddity, fans are charged for both games of a doubleheader – this does seem to be a moot point though, as the ticket table is packed away before the first game is completed.  While this is common practice for day-night doubleheaders, most levels would simply have a split doubleheader with one ticket for each game. Either way, under $6 does seem to make sense for this level of summer baseball.   Extras   1 The Bangor Babes do sell apparel at the stadium, being just one of two teams in the league to do so.   Final Thoughts The reorganization of the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League seems to enhance its credibility and establish stronger ties with the towns hosting its teams; this could make it an attractive option for families in the community to consider during the summer months. The Bangor Babes have given themselves a strong foundation to build upon – this is possibly one of the top baseball experiences in the GNCBL when considering both the work the team has done to market the Babes and its comfortable baseball setting.

Photos by Ryan Napralla, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fox Cities Stadium 2400 N Casaloma Dr Appleton, WI 54912 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers website Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,900 Snakes in the Fox’s Den The community of Appleton, Wisconsin is the largest of the Fox Cities, a collection of towns that lie along the Fox River. Located just over 100 miles north of Milwaukee, and about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay, Appleton is also home to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League. The team continues a proud tradition of minor league baseball in the area, playing out of Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, another of the venues that manage to acquire sponsorship money without giving up the original name of the stadium. The ballpark is actually located in Grand Chute but uses an Appleton mailing address. The Timber Rattlers began as the Appleton Foxes in 1962 and spent three seasons as the Fox Cities Foxes as well, before rebranding in 1995 in an effort to attract fans from across the Dairy State. It was during that season that they moved into Fox Cities Stadium, which is now in its 23rd year. So how does a trip to see the Snakes play in Fox’s den compare? Read on to find out. Food & Beverage 5 The food here is among the most varied I have seen at any minor league ballpark. There are several concession stands each with very detailed menus as you can see in the photo gallery. Each stand has a few unique items to do check them all out before deciding. It would be foolish to detail the choice here, as it would take up the entire review. My recommendation is the Authentic Wisconsin Grill, where a freshly made grilled cheese sandwich is just $5, though there are other heartier options such as a helmet mac ‘n’ cheese for $5 or a grilled Cajun chicken mac ‘n’ cheese sandwich for $10. Other stands have fried cheese curds for $5. As you are in the Dairy State, cheese is mandatory. Pepsi products are available with a 16-ounce soda going for $3.50, 21-ounces for $4.50, and a 32-ounce souvenir cup $6.75 (refills are $3.75), while bottled soda is $4.25. An excellent variety of craft beer is available at most stands, with Leinenkugel’s Snake Tail Ale the obvious choice for Rattlers rooters. $6.25 gets you 16 ounces, two bucks more gets you a large (24 ounces). Domestic beers (Miller/Coors obviously, but Budweiser is also available) are slightly cheaper. If that is not enough, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet ticket for $30 with seating along the first base line. As well, there are patio sections with wait staff along both sides of the stadium that are great for families that want to share several items. Box seat holders can also visit the Fox Club, which offers an extended menu. The free program contains a map of all concession stands and can be a good reference guide. In sum, come hungry to Fox Cities Stadium, it might have the best food choices of any stadium in the minors. Atmosphere 4 Entering by the main gate, you will immediately be greeted by a giant bobblehead of the mascot, Fang, whose wobbling head is a source of unlimited amusement to children. In the seating bowl, you will find ten rows of maroon seats to match the team color and ten rows of bleachers with backs. Berms can be found in both corners; behind the right field berm is a kids zone. Behind the right field, fence is the Home Run Porch, a picnic area for groups, while another picnic deck is along the third base concourse. The concourse is more than wide enough for the crowd, even with several portable concession stands along the walls. You can walk along a boardwalk behind right field to the bullpens in the outfield, from where you can see the entire stadium. However, you cannot complete the circuit and must return along the boardwalk. The Call-Up Worthy board lists previous T-Rats who have made the show. This is part of a larger sponsorship across the minors, but this is the first such display I have seen; most parks have a more detailed Road to the Show display. The scoreboard sits above the left-center field and includes a large video board above the line score. A new feature for the 2017 season is a party deck behind the outfield fence that includes 2 cabanas for shade during day games, all-you-can-eat-tacos, and a drinks rail. This is a clear attempt to reach newer fans who see sporting events as a social exercise rather than one of entertainment and it should appeal to the younger generation. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the northwest area of town, surrounded by an industrial park, while I-41 passes by the outfield fence. There is nothing within walking distance in terms of bars or eateries as the area is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, but Osorio’s Latin Fusion is just south on Casa Loma Drive. Further south on the other side of Wisconsin Avenue is the Fox River Mall and all of its attendant chain restaurants such as Chili’s and Olive Garden. The Fox River Brewery and Restaurant is your stop for locally produced craft beer, while the Milwaukee Burger Company has 40 taps and build-your-own-burgers. Downtown Appleton is 5 miles away and includes a number of interesting bars such as Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern, not to mention Vince Lombardi’s Steak House. Fans 5 It was very chilly on the night I attended, but that did not stop over 4,700 from joining me, more than double the season average for the Timber Rattlers. The crowd skewed towards families, drawn by the numerous amenities and fireworks that night. Wisconsin folk are hardy and not used to allow a bit of cold to stop them from attending a sporting event, and that was clearly in evidence on this day. Those in attendance were fun, friendly, and polite. Access 4 As mentioned, I-41 runs directly behind the stadium, with either the Northland or Wisconsin Avenue exits providing quick access to the stadium. There is a single road to the main parking lot, and this can cause some delays after the game. There are two lanes going in and out, so make sure you are in the correct lane after the game to turn right or left onto Olde Casaloma Drive. Inside the stadium, there is plenty of room, even with a near-capacity crowd. Concession lines move quickly and there is no issue with restrooms or anything else. Return on Investment 3 Parking is $5, a bit much for Class A ball, though there was an Uber drop-off point if you wanted to avoid that. There are three ticket options for the average fan: $14 for box seats, $11 for bleachers, and $8 for general admission, with all tickets a dollar cheaper if bought in advance. For a family of four arriving a game day, it would be $49 for bleacher seats before considering food. There are two special seating options. For small groups, the patio seats are sold in packs of 4 for $76 and include wait service as well as the buffet mentioned above. Extras 4 The displays in the Legends Lounge are very detailed for this level and deserve a few minutes of your time. There are a lot of baseball greats who have played here and each has a plaque; there are also old style jerseys on display. The Lounge is also heated and thus a good spot to warm up during inning breaks. There is a bullpen car that zooms around the warning track to drop off the relief pitcher warm-up jacket a rare sighting these days. It was Pirate Day and both staff and fans participated with vigor. The scoreboard dressed up the Timber Rattlers as buccaneers, which was good for a laugh. There was a car sale out front of the stadium that could be quite helpful to sports travelers in need of a new set of wheels. Final Thoughts Overall, Fox Cities Stadium is an excellent minor league destination that has aged well since its opening in 1995. I really enjoyed my time here, with the food and fans among the best that the minor leagues have to offer. Appleton is not on many tourist itineraries, but if you are a ballpark chaser, this is one that you should not miss.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 Rebels And Roulette Wheels The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (we will use UNLV for brevity) is a relatively young academic institution, as it was founded in 1957. It has an enrollment of 31,142 students with more than 200 undergraduate degree programs to choose from. The UNLV campus is located 2 miles east of the Las Vegas strip. If you have a chance to visit the campus while you are in town, it has a fascinating set of desert flora and fauna that is unlike any other campus you may have seen. The athletics programs at UNLV are much younger than the academic side of the school. UNLV has only fielded a football team since 1968 and joined the Division I level of the NCAA in 1978. The team plays in the Mountain West Conference. Until October 31, 2020, the Rebels played their home football games at the on-campus Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV played its first game in the brand-new Allegiant Stadium on Halloween night of 2020, losing to their archrival, the University of Nevada, Reno. The attendance at this and all games during the 2020 season was restricted to just a fraction of the stadium’s capacity due to the pandemic. Allegiant Stadium has a capacity of 65,000 for football. It is outfitted with 127 suites for Vegas high rollers and 8,000 club seats. It also provides a cool place to watch a game as temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in Las Vegas well into the fall. Allegiant Stadium is covered with a transparent EFTE roof, which keeps the stadium at very comfortable temperatures. UNLV plays on a synthetic turf field, while the Las Vegas Raiders play on natural turf, as their late owner Al Davis was old school and believed football deserved grass stains and dirt (mixed in with a little blood in the Raiders mentality!) The natural turf is stored outside of the stadium where it can get sun and be watered and will only be brought inside on Raider game days. This is done on a retractable tray type of pulley system that can be rolled in and out of the building. UNLV sports teams are known as the Rebels. This name was chosen to represent Las Vegas. It is a town that is unconventional and celebrates its independence while playing by its own rules. In other words, it is a James Dean-type of a rebel than the Civil War version. (Nevada was only a territory when the Civil War occurred.) Food & Beverage 4 As one of the few colleges to share a home field with an NFL team, UNLV has an above average choice of concessions for their home games. For your typical stadium fare head to the Nation’s Tailgate Favorites locations. Allegiant Stadium also features food and beverage from Las Vegas’ top restaurants. Hot dog and burger lovers can choose from Neon Dogs and Holsteins Shakes and Buns or Fukuburgers. Pizza is available at Pizza Rock, Evel Pie and Pizza Squared. South of the border selections include Viva Las Noches, along with BBQ Mexicana and Mexican Specialties. Other stands include Rollin’ Smoke BBQ AND Graffico Bao Chinese. Adult beverages are available at the Modelo Cantina Club, Casamingos Tequila Lounge, Area 41 or the Blue Moon Brewing Company. It is one of the few NCAA football venues to allow alcohol sales at games since it is not located on campus. Atmosphere 4 This review took place during the first year fans were allowed to come to games with no attendance restrictions, so the crowds were big and boisterous. There were plenty of fans wearing the red and silver of the Rebels, but even more, sported the colors of the visiting team. UNLV only utilizes the lower bowl of the stadium for its games, resulting in a capacity of 30,000. We also noticed that much of the crowd at the game was there to check out Allegiant Stadium itself. The concourses stayed busy throughout the game, as people were checking out the various food vendors, studying the exhibit on the Raiders Hall of Fame or having their photo taken on the upper deck where the Al Davis Memorial Flame and window looking out over the strip are located. This made it difficult to determine whether the game or the new stadium was the main draw for people. We also attended a Raiders game and noted that the attention of the fans was much more directed to the action on the field, rather than the amenities the stadium offered. Either way, the venue is a spectacular building to experience. It offers fans so many new options in the way they enjoy a game. We found the same to be true when the Vegas Golden Knights had their debut in the NHL… the production values before the game, during the intermissions, and after the game was just as entertaining as the game itself. Neighborhood 5 The new home of the UNLV Rebels football team is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, just across I-15 (Frank Sinatra Drive) from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center . It is within easy walking distance of all the casinos, hotels, attractions, and entertainment venues that Las Vegas is famous for. Worried about walking at night? The city and the crowds are heaviest and liveliest at night… this is the city that never sleeps! In general, you can count the entire Vegas Strip as the neighborhood for the Allegiant Stadium. The closest casinos to the stadium are the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, but the Las Vegas Monorail makes it very easy to reach a majority of the casinos located north of Allegiant Stadium as well. Fans 3 The UNLV fanbase is small but supportive. There are many reasons why this is the case. First of all, UNLV has a very large academic program training students for the hospitality industry. This means that current students (and graduates) are very likely at work when the games are going on Saturdays. Also, the sport’s history at UNLV has revolved primarily around the basketball program, hearkening back to the days when Jerry Tarkanian was the coach. Often times a visiting team will bring more fans with it to a game, as the draw of a weekend in Vegas can often cause fans from the Mountain West to travel when they typically do not go to away games. Access 5 Allegiant Stadium is just a couple of miles from the Rebel’s former home at Sam Boyd Stadium. It is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Las Vegas, as it is just across I-15 from the world-famous Las Vegas strip with all its casinos and entertainment venues. It is also just 4 miles from the city’s McCarran International Airport. Fans driving to the games will also find the stadium to get to via I-15. Most visitors to Las Vegas find it is much cheaper to use a taxi or shared ride service to get around as parking rates at hotels in town are ridiculously high and you will only be traveling a short distance to get anywhere in town. Return on Investment 3 Individual game tickets come at several price points. The lowest tickets are available in the high-end zone seats at $33, low-end zone seats are priced at $38. The corner seats are priced at $49 and $60 respectively. Priority seats on the sides run between $82 and $137. There is really no reason to rent a car and have to pay for parking at Allegiant Stadium, as shuttle busses will run up and down the strip on game days to deliver you to the stadium. The concession prices, like everything else in Vegas, tend to run on the high side. If you are coming specifically for the game, look for hotels located a few blocks off the strip. They do not charge the resort taxes and premium rates that are found in the hotels with large casinos and big-name entertainment. Extras 4 As you would expect in Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium offers a top-of-the-line electronics package. This includes ribbon boards down the facing of the upper decks and a pair of videoboards at each end of the field that measures 11,000 square feet each. Some of the famous players in UNLV football history include QB Randall Cunningham, Running Back Ickey Woods, and Kenny Mayne… a UNLV QB and ESPN sports anchor. Allegiant Stadium also serves as the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Pac 12 Championship Game, and the Las Vegas Bowl. It will also serve as the home for concerts featuring Las Vegas’s top performers. Stadium officials plan to bid on major events, including the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the World Cup. They also hope to land an MLS soccer franchise to the city. We have more extras we could tell you about, but as you know… what happens in Vegas…stays in Vegas! Final Thoughts Any trip to Las Vegas for a football game is going to be different from visiting a college campus. There is so much quality entertainment available at the various hotels/casinos that you really need to make a weekend of it. The new Allegiant Stadium is one of the premier college venues in the country and you can enjoy the game in air-conditioned comfort. You can expect many football kickoff weekends, bowl games, and even an NCAA Football Championship game in its future!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fraser Field 365 Western Ave Lynn, MA 01604 North Shore Navigators website Fraser Field website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 3,804 Crumblin’ Down A product of the Works Progress Administration, Fraser Field opened its gates on June 18, 1940 with a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Lynn All-Stars. With Fraser Field’s location just outside of Boston’s city limits, it became a popular spot for Major League teams to play exhibition games on their days off, which was a common practice at the time. Many notable players, including Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, Satchel Paige, Bob Feller, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Josh Gibson and Jimmie Foxx played on the Fraser Field diamond. Several professional teams have called Fraser Field home, starting with the affiliated Lynn Red Sox (1946-48), Lynn Tigers (1949), Lynn Sailors (1980-82) and Lynn Pirates (1983). In 1995 the Massachusetts Mad Dogs of the independent Northeast League set up shop for three seasons, followed by the North Shore Spirit of the Can-Am League from 2003-2007. In 2008 the North Shore Navigators of the New England Collegiate Baseball League took up residence in the vacant ballpark. The Navs won a championship in the NECBL in 2010. In 2012, the Navs moved to the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a rival wood-bat league that set up shop in several former minor league ballparks across New England. Food & Beverage 3 Fraser Field has a decent assortment of concessions for a small ballpark. There is a building behind the main structure that houses the main concession stand. In addition, a pair of small stands sell food and beverages as well. The menu doesn’t stray far from basic ballpark fare, with hot dogs, pizza slices, burgers and sausage sandwiches making up the bulk of the menu. Hot dogs can be purchased at every game for only a dollar. Pepsi products are featured at Fraser Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Shock Top and Lime-A-Rita sold at a portable stand behind home plate. Another portable cart serves up Dippin’ Dots for Navigator fans. Atmosphere 3 In comparison to their neighbors in the Cape Cod League and the New England League, the Futures league features a game day experience more akin to minor league baseball. Promotions and between inning entertainment are the norm in this league, and a Navigators game is no different. 50/50 raffles, sponsored promotions and party decks make a night with the Navs an event rather than just a ballgame. Highlights include a chance for youngsters in attendance to take the field with the team during pregame ceremonies and to run across the outfield from the third base stands to the first base stands during the sixth inning. Chomps, the team’s alligator mascot, roams the ballpark taking pictures and taking part in promotions. There is a small playground located behind home plate that is a popular destination for younger fans needing to expend some energy during the game. Neighborhood 2 The city of Lynn is a working class city of 90,000 residents located about four miles northeast of Boston. Traditionally Lynn has been known as a city with a high crime rate and poor standard of living. However, the city is enjoying a resurgence, as young urban professionals are moving to the North Shore to avoid the high prices of neighboring Boston while still retaining the urban atmosphere. Lynn has some fine beaches, and the popular Lynn Woods Reservation is located within its city limits. The area around Fraser Field can hardly be considered a destination, particularly when you consider the proximity of the North End of Boston, the popular beaches of the North Shore, or the tourist destinations located throughout Greater Boston. The few blocks immediately surrounding Fraser Field are residential, and fans looking for more to do in Lynn will have to widen their search. Most fans visiting from out of town will head into Boston for their sightseeing and dining needs. For those fans looking to stay in the vicinity of Fraser Field, there are some small businesses and restaurants located a within a few blocks of the ballpark, along with a great many dining and shopping options a few miles away on Route One. Fans 4 The Navigators have consistently averaged around 1,200 fans per game during their time in the Futures League. With the game day entertainment geared towards groups, families and younger fans, it’s not a surprise to see many younger fans roaming the grounds at Fraser Field. There’s a real neighborhood feel at a Navs game, as it feels like everyone knows each other here. With the proximity of the teams in the Futures League, it’s not unusual to see fans of the visiting teams turn out in decent numbers. Access 2 Fraser Field is located in Lynn, Massachusetts, a city of over 90,000 residents located about four miles northeast of Boston. Despite its location close to Boston, Fraser Field can be a difficult place to get to for out-of-town visitors. The area is not served by any highways, with Route One the closest major route to the area. Visitors will have to navigate several miles of local roads to arrive at the ballpark. Traffic in this area is generally heavy, particularly on weeknights. An advantage to Lynn’s location so close to the city of Boston is that it is well served by public transportation. There is an MBTA commuter rail station just over a mile from Fraser Field, which can deposit travelers at Boston’s North Station in just over 20 minutes. In addition, the MBTA’s bus routes #435 and 436 have stops within walking distance of Fraser Field. Parking is available on-street around Fraser Field, or in two small lots adjacent to Manning Field, which is located just beyond the center field fence. There is no charge for parking at Navigators games. If parking near Manning Field, you will have to walk around the length of the outfield to the entrance in deep left field. The seating bowl at Fraser Field stretches roughly from first base around to third base. Seating consists of individual folding stadium seats close to the field with aluminum bleachers without backs towards the back of the seating bowl. There are party decks on both sides of the field which contain some bar-style seating and standing room. If entering from left field, you will need to climb stairs from ground level up to the top of the seating area to access the rest of the ballpark. Rest rooms are located in a separate building behind the first base side of the ballpark. Like many parts of Fraser Field, it is in need of some repair. The main reason for the sub-par score here is the condition of Fraser Field’s signature cantilevered roof. This roof, which at one point extended all the way to the edge of the seating bowl, was cut back in 2003 due to deterioration in the structure. For the 2019 season the team had to close off several sections underneath the roof due to crumbling cement. This has the effect of making a great many of the seats at Fraser Field unusable. In addition, if you take a walk around the facility you will notice deteriorating concrete throughout the structure. The city of Lynn is in the process of making repairs, which should be completed during the summer of 2019, but it appears that more than patchwork repairs are needed to make Fraser Field safe. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to North Shore Navigators games cost six dollars for any seat in the ballpark. Parking is available on the streets around Fraser Field or in the parking lot beyond the right field fence at no charge. Concessions are quite affordable, highlighted by the dollar hot dogs available at every Navigators game. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the great amount of baseball history that has occurred at Fraser Field. Unfortunately, none of it is on display anymore. Go to the Navigators website to check out the long list of baseball legends who have played at this old ballpark. Final Thoughts The Futures League has been a savior to old ballparks throughout New England that once housed minor league teams and otherwise would have simply faded away into history. In addition to Fraser Field, former minor league parks in Nashua , Brockton , Worcester , Pittsfield and Bristol are part of this circuit. Unfortunately, Fraser Field is really starting to show its age and is in dire need of repairs. The city of Lynn is taking measures to fix the ballpark’s legendary cantilevered roof, but it appears that more than just stopgap measures are needed to keep this ballpark in usable condition. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey For over a century, the Historic Mooresville Gymnasium has provided a home for basketball. No longer a home for high school hoops, the building is now home to members of the Mooresville Junior Basketball League. In an area where buildings over the after 40 years are abandoned and left to deteriorate, times have not been a foe to one of Indiana’s oldest basketball arenas. The genesis of the gymnasium began when a railway conductor, Virgil Self would talk constantly with city passengers about the need for a home for basketball in town. The idea took off in the summer of 1920 when 94 residents and merchants loaned $100 each to the Mooresville High School Athletic Association. Construction began in the fall and the building would be dedicated on New Year’s Eve. Communications Director, Mooresville Schools, Susan Haynes took me on a tour of the building and share its history with me. “The Mooresville Gymnasium began its life as a community center built with donations from the townspeople and it has held that special place in our community’s heart for a century. Those who’ve lived here know that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all have great memories in that building.” The crowd that took in the inaugural ceremonies watched an array of events from an orchestra, a tug-of-war contest, and four basketball games. The portions of the proceeds were used to pay off the debts from the loans and all families that had loaned money were given free passes to attend the home basketball games for the coming season. That would turn into free passes for life for many individuals instead of being paid back for their initial loans. The building would house the Mooresville High School basketball team until the 1959 season and then serve as the home arena for the middle school program until 1965. It was then used primarily for the junior basketball league which would take sole possession of the property in 1993. By this time, the building needed major renovations, and that is when school administrators, civic leaders, and junior basketball league officers took action. The Save Newby Gym Committee was formed in 1996 and worked until renovations were completed in the fall of 1999. A grant from the Lilly Endowment for $77,150, along with funds raised by the committee through their efforts was enough to complete the much-needed renovations to the aging gym. Due to their hard work, the renovations included improving the structural integrity of the north wall, building and painting the bleachers, replacing all of the windows, adding a new basketball court, and the installation of handicap accessible bathrooms and seating. The improvement also included evicting numerous bats from the building. The gym was dedicated on September 11, 1999. A historical marker sits outside the building along the main road into town and the place has never looked so good. The place has a few donated items from past graduation classes that include the former game clock and scoreboard, curtains for the stage, and an encased monogram M from the classes of 1954, 1955, and 1956. “When I walk on that stage, I know my grandmother walked across it for her graduation and my mother was there for elementary school and junior high plays, programs, and more,” Haynes added. Those memories and that legacy are worth preserving for generations to come.” The gym now has a capacity of 500 people and the upstairs balcony, one home to additional seating, is now a small concession area with a few tables that perhaps provide the best seats in the house overlooking the east end of the building. The simple block M is the court’s center logo.  However, the gymnasium is much more than a place for basketball. It has served the town in many facets throughout its over 100 years of life. To an Indiana high school basketball fan, there is enough appeal to visit the gymnasium, but to someone from out-of-state, the gym is a tourist destination, explains Haynes. “I think to a non-Hoosier you might say it’s just an old gym, but this building was the home of high school plays, graduations, concerts, and sports throughout the 1950s; junior high and elementary plays, programs, and more through the 1980s; and community youth sports into the 2020s. The Mooresville Gymnasium doesn’t just have an amazing basketball legacy, it has an amazing community legacy as well.” ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com