Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Pavilion at Ole Miss Hill Dr & All-American Dr University, MS 38677 Mississippi Rebels website The Pavilion at Ole Miss website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 9,500 Ole Miss Hoops at The Pavilion When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts which come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Constructed in 2015, The Pavilion has replaced the aging ‘Tad Pad’ which served as the home court for the Rebels since 1966. It was definitely time for a new arena, and Ole Miss held nothing back in providing a fan-friendly atmosphere complete with free WIFI, plug-in ports, the largest center-hung video scoreboard in college athletics, and a large lounge area. There’s even a Raising Canes and Steak ‘n Shake on the inside. While there’s still work to do in terms of consistent overall fan energy, the Ole Miss Hoops experience at The Pavilion has made its mark in 2016 as one of the best overall environments to watch college basketball. Food & Beverage 5 The food options at The Pavilion provide the perfect combination of quality and variety. There’s much more than the basics here. The two most popular concessions options, the Steak ‘n Shake and Raising Canes stands, are located just inside the main entrance and nearest to the student section. With popularity comes a bit of a line, but The Pavilion utilizes stanchions for each of their concession stands which helps to manage the line and speeds up service. If you’re not feeling like having burgers, shakes, or fried chicken strips, head around to the other side of the arena for additional options. The Rebel Grill offers classic fare items like a foot-long hot dog ($7), corn dog ($5), sausage basket ($10), and cheeseburger basket ($10). Pizza ($6) is available at the Old Venice Pizza Co. stand. This is a popular chain in Mississippi and their pizza is worth a taste. Chop’s BBQ serves up BBQ nachos ($9), a BBQ sandwich basket ($9), and a Hebrew National hot dog ($4). Other snacks are available at each of these stands including nachos with cheese ($4), pretzels ($5), popcorn ($3), and more. Throughout the concourse, you’ll find a few specialty carts like Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream. Beverages are headlined by Coca-Cola products. You can score a “bottomless” soda for $6, a small soda for $4, and bottled water for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at The Pavilion. Atmosphere 5 Kudos to the Ole Miss Athletics Department for dedicating prime area seating to the student body. While they could certainly cash in on sidelines and end lines seating, these lower-level seats are reserved for students only and wrap from the northeast corner to the west sidelines and back around to the southeast corner. In the first season at The Pavilion, the students responded to this prime seating by showing up early and being in the game throughout both halves. Lower-level seating on the east sidelines is reserved for members of the Courtside and Pavilion Clubs. Despite much of the prime seating near the floor being reserved, there are still plenty of great seats in the upper lower section above the student section, thanks to a smart design. With a total capacity of 9,500, the arena doesn’t feel cavernous and the seats in the mezzanine level (sections 201-218) offer a great view as well. Look for seats in Section 204 for a great mid-court elevated view, with the “Ole Miss” center-court logo facing you. All of the seats at The Pavilion are cushioned You’ll definitely be impressed by the lounge area on the north side of the concourse. There is a small electronics shop, tables and sofas, and plenty of room for fans to eat or meet up away from the action. With both Raising Canes and Steak ‘n Shake located here as well, it’s definitely an active area. In the smartphone age, there just never seem to be enough electric plug-ins available anywhere, much less at a sports facility. One of the really neat aspects of The Pavilion is the installation of a standing “bar” around the concourse facing the floor. This allows fans to watch the game away from their seats and there are also plenty of plug-ins under the bar, so it makes for a great spot to charge up as well. Combine this with free wi-fi courtesy of C Spire and the experience is a smartphone owner’s dream. The center-hung scoreboard is the largest in college sports and makes use of every video panel providing a unique multi-screen, wrap around the display (features nearly 2,400 square feet of LED). The promotions crew works hard to provide both the feel of a college event but with the bells and whistles, you’d expect at an NBA arena including the popular “Kiss Cam,” “Bongo Cam,” and other promotions like the t-shirt toss, and even parachuting t-shirts down from the rafters. Neighborhood 3 The Pavilion is located on the campus of the University of Mississippi in the city of Oxford (technically, the university area is incorporated as “University, MS”). The Ole Miss campus provides the Southern charm you’d expect in the deep south and is a beautiful and comfortable backdrop for Ole Miss basketball. Oxford may be a little short on big-time attractions, but you’ll fall in love with The Square area and the plantation-style homes throughout the region. There are several must-stop restaurants while in town. For lunch, be sure to stop in for the best cheeseburger in town at Handy Andy Grocery. The place doesn’t look like much (it’s a converted small grocery), but it’s a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere on the inside with good old-fashioned greasy cheeseburgers as well as a few barbecue options. Ajax Diner is located in the town square and offers a delicious assortment of southern cuisine dishes (both the chicken fried steak and meatloaf dishes are amazing). Phillip’s Grocery is also a great stop for burgers. While Oxford isn’t overflowing with attractions and entertainment, there are a few stops worth making. Any visit to Ole Miss requires a stop at “The Grove.” While it won’t be beaming with usual activity during football tailgates, it’s still a nice central stopping point on the Ole Miss campus. Bring a football and a throw blanket. You’ll want to spend some time in Oxford’s The Square. From restaurants to coffee, shops, and bars, it’s the central hub of activity in town. Off Square, Books is a cool local bookstore if you’re interested in a little quiet time. Keeping with the book theme, one of the hot attractions in town is William Faulkner’s house (Rowan Oak). Fans 4 The Ole Miss community has embraced the new life breathed into the Rebels basketball program with a state-of-the-art facility. Time will tell if the strong attendance will continue past the first year, but so far, the students are showing up in droves and the facility was nearly sold out for the 2016 season. Average attendance in 2016 was right around 8,000 for the season, which is up by about 1,000 from strong years at the Tad Pad. And that’s not to say there are just butts in the seats. The Pavilion can get extremely loud after big moments. There are a few fan traditions including the infamous “Hotty Toddy” chant just before tip-off. In case you aren’t familiar, the chant goes like this: “Are You Ready? (yelled by the announcer) H*** Yeah! D*** Right! Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty, Who The H*** Are We? Hey! Flim Flam, Bim Bam Ole Miss By D***!” Access 4 The Pavilion is located on the south side of campus nearby other athletic facilities like Vaught-Hemingway Stadium , the Track, and Field facility, and the former basketball homecourt, the Tad Pad. Oxford and the campus of Ole Miss are located in the northern part of Mississippi at the intersection of Highway 278 and 7. If you’re heading in from the north or south, I-55 is the major interstate that runs nearby. Considering Oxford’s location, it’s not very convenient for fans coming in from out of town with no major airlines or transportation services nearby. In 2016, there was some significant construction taking place in the area south of the arena which impacts traffic and parking. For conference games, much of the parking around the arena, including the adjacent parking garage, is reserved for season ticket holders. However, there is plenty of free campus parking available, though a short walk will be required. Be sure to visit OleMissHoops.com for information about parking. The areas indicated in blue below are open parking lots. Tickets can be picked up at the ticket office at the main entrance on the north side. The lines are very short. You’ll quickly get into the arena without much of a headache. There is a ton of room in the concourse once you get inside. The restrooms are brand new and spacious. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for elite college basketball experiences are definitely on the high side. However, at The Pavilion, prices are relatively affordable, and offer quality SEC match-ups. Upper-level Mezzanine tickets are available for $20 and lower-level tickets begin at $25. This is a great deal to catch top-tier college basketball in a state-of-the-art arena. Concession prices are relatively affordable and parking can be found for free if you don’t mind a walk. Overall, the return on investment for a Rebels game at The Pavilion is excellent. Extras 5 There are more than just a few “extra” components at The Pavilion which help to enhance the overall environment for Ole Miss Hoops. Throughout the concourse, there’s great wall art including a neat historical display along the entire west side concourse. Be sure to spend some time checking this out before the game or during a break in the action. Above the south side is a huge mural that honors the numbers (along with a few pictures) of past Rebel Hoops greats. It’s a great usage of space that could have otherwise been a boring empty wall. Along the north side, banners hang from the rafters for Ole Miss Hoops' accomplishments. The center-hung scoreboard is the largest in college basketball and is a big part of the overall atmosphere. Money well spent. Also, the lounge area is one-of-a-kind and allows those not zoned in on the game to mingle while grabbing a bite to eat. If you need some Rebel gear, you’re in luck. In the southwest corner, you’ll find a Rebel apparel shop offering everything from mini-basketballs to hats.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Alico Arena 10501 FGCU Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33965 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles website Alico Arena website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,633 Welcome to Dunk City Florida Gulf Coast University is a member of the University System of Florida. It opened in 1991 and has grown to offer more than 58 undergraduate degree programs. The Ft. Myers campus is now home to more than 15,000 students. The sports teams at FGCU are known as the Eagles. The basketball program at the university originally participated in sports at the Division II level, moving up to Division I status in 2011. The team is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The round ballers found their wings in 2013, as they won the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship, then defeated both Georgetown and San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament to go on to the Sweet 16. They then lost to the eventual National Champions from the University of Florida in the round of 16. It was during this tournament that the team earned the moniker “Dunk City” and “Florida Dunk Coast” for its proclivity to slam the ball through the net. The nicknames have stuck and still are in use more than a decade later. The team also played their way in as a First Four team in 2016 and a number 14 seed in 2. Alico Arena is the on-campus “nest” for the Eagles basketball program. It opened in 2002 and has a seating capacity of 4,633. The seating bowl features five sets of retractable bleachers. The seating area also includes six skybox suites. Food & Beverage 4 Alico Arena has two permanent concession stands and two portable concession kiosks. The permanent stands are located on the first level of the arena on both sides of the lobby. The portable concessions kiosks are found at the second level of the venue on the NW side of the court. The stands offer hot dogs ($5), candy ($3), chips ($3), popcorn ($4), cotton candy ($6), nachos ($5), pretzel bites ($6), cookie ($4) and Dippin’ Dots ($6). Beverages available at Alico Arena include 20 oz. Pepsi brand sodas ($3), 20 oz. bottled water ($3) and Gatorade ($4). Alcoholic beverages are also available at the arena. They include Budweiser brand beers ($6) and wine ($6). Atmosphere 4 The venues for all the sports FGCU offers are located on campus at the school’s Athletic Complex. A large statue of the school’s eagle mascot is located in front of the Alico Arena. Alico Arena is always a lively place for the Eagles' home games. The FGCU student section is located behind one of the baskets, and they do everything possible to confuse the opposition on free throws and yell loud enough that it intimidates the visitors. The cheer teams for the Eagles are located immediately in front of the student section. The arena features a wide variety of graphics in its lobby, outlining the various titles won by the various sports at FGCU. The trophies earned by each sport at the school are also on display. A spirit table offers free items such as posters, key rings, and scorecards for the fans. The seating area at Alico Arena features seatbacks on the sides of the court and bleacher seating at the ends of the court. There is a large four-sided LED center-hung scoreboard constantly providing updates and stats for the game. Neighborhood 4 There’s plenty to do nearby before or after a FGCU basketball game. Sports fans might enjoy a sports doubleheader by attending a Florida Everblades hockey game at nearby Hertz Arena. Those who like shop to shop, until they drop, can head one way on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and shop at Gulf Coast Town Center Mall or head in the opposite direction and shop at Miramar Outlet Mall. Two popular dining spots near FGCU are Ford’s Garage at the Outlet Mall or Pinchers Crab Shack at Gulf Coast Town Center. There is no shortage of lodging facilities near Alico Arena. The two closest hotels to FGCU are the Embassy Suites on Corkscrew Commons Drive and the Hilton Garden Inn on Corporate Commons Way. Fans 4 Basketball is the marquee sport at FGCU, as the university does not have a football program. It also has established a long history of success, which has resulted in a very loyal fan base. They tend to fill the arena for conference games and bring their A-game to create noise during the game. The arena tends to hold in this noise, making it hard for the visiting teams to communicate on the floor, resulting in frequent turnovers. The student section at Eagles games is known as “The Dirty Birds”. For the most part, they do keep their cheers clean. They erupt after a dunk by the Eagles or even a clean blocked shot against the visitors. The students coordinate very closely with the Eagles cheer squad, as well as AZUL, the team’s Eagle mascot. Access 4 Alico Arena is easy to get to via I-75 in the Ft. Myers area: Coming from the North on I-75: Take exit# 128 (Alico Road) off I-75. Go left on Alico Road for one mile. Turn left onto Ben Hill Grifin Parkway and go two miles. Turn left onto FGCU Blvd. South. At the first stop sign turn left and go to the next stop sign. Turn right and go past the Aquatics Complex. Turn into the parking lot for Alico Arena. Coming from the South on I-75: Take exit# 123 (Corkscrew Road). Turn right on Corkscrew Road and go one mile. Turn left onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Go two miles and turn left onto FGCU Blvd. South. At the first stop sign turn left and go to the next stop sign. Turn left and go to the next stop sign. Turn right onto FGCU LAKE Parkway and go past the Aquatics Complex. Turn into the parking lot for Alico Arena. Arena doors open one hour before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to buy a drink and find your seats. Return on Investment 4 General Admission seats are $10. Seats on the sides of the court are $33 and seats in the corners are $18. Seats behind the basket are $10. Student seating is free for persons showing their FGCU student ID card. Add $2.00 to these prices if you are buying the tickets at the door. Seating behind one of the baskets is reserved for the FGCU student section. The concessions available at Eagles basketball games are very reasonably priced. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the Alico Arena. Extras 4 Banners for each member school of the ASUN Conference hang from the ceiling of the Alico Center. There are also banners for each championship won by FGCU, as well as banners representing their trips to the NCAA Tournament. Make sure to stop by the trophy case in the lobby, as it houses the trophies for every sport that FGCU takes part in. In addition to FGCU men’s and women’s basketball, the Alico Arena also hosts commencement ceremonies, concerts, public speakers, and community events. FGCU is one of the few Florida schools to have a club ice hockey team. The team uses the nearby Hertz Arena, home of the Florida Everblades , as their home ice. The Eagle statue in front of Alico Arena makes for a great photo opp. In addition, there are two sports-specific plexiglass eagles (one dressed in baseball gear and the other in basketball gear) in the lobby of the basketball venue. Final Thoughts The Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University provides a very friendly nest for the Eagles roundball program. The arena also is known as the home of “Dunk City”, as the high-flying Eagles are known for their proclivity to slam the ball through the nets regularly.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Jenny Craig Pavilion 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Jenny Craig Pavilion website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,100 Journey to The Slim Gym While the venue looks like a pristine, new facility, it actually opened back in 2000. When the doors opened, Jenny Craig herself was there to present it to the students and faculty. The facility was constructed at a cost of $17 million and seats 5,100 fans. We’ve all heard of stadium names that have received nicknames rather than their true corporate nickname such as “The Pond” ( Honda Center – Anaheim Ducks ), or “The Big A” ( Angel Stadium of Anaheim ) or even the Jenny Craig Pavilion, which many like to refer as, JCP, which may lead some to think the venue is named after the once popular department store JC Penny. Even with the JCP moniker, the JCP also goes by another nickname, and of all the nicknames, it may have the best of them all, known as the “Slim Gym” as a play on the diet plan. Strangely enough, the Torero basketball program is more known for producing NBA coaches than players. While the program has laid the groundwork for players to ascend into the NBA, many of them achieved more success in the coaching ranks. Three of them include Bernie Bickerstaff (Sonics, Nuggets, Wizards), Eric Musselman (Warriors, Kings), and Mike Brown (Cavaliers). Before proceeding, I should also mention the nickname of the University of San Diego. Those who have not experienced the local culture may not be familiar with the term “torero.” A popular term in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, torero is a term used for a bullfighter. The term is synonymous with “matador,” the nickname for the team two hours north at Cal State Northridge. Food & Beverage 3 The dining options here are a step above what you would normally find in a small venue. One can even step out to the courtyard and purchase food in one of a few pop up stands as well as a food truck. Inside the foyer, you have your basic fare, hot dogs, nachos and fries ($5), garlic fries ($6.50), chicken tenders ($7.50 / $9 with fries) and BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($9). Healthy options, ironically limited in a venue named after a health guru, are Caesar salad ($8) and whole fruit ($2). The beverage options include soda (Coke products: medium $4.50 for 21 oz, $5.50 for 32 oz.) bottled water and Powerade ($4.50), and coffee or hot cocoa ($3). If you decide you want to step outside into the courtyard a food truck offers bbq chicken sandwich and cheeseburger and fries ($10). Doggos Gus has a pop up stand that serves Mexican Gourmet Hot Dogs, $6 for a Baja Doggo, a jumbo bacon wrapped dog topped with grilled onions and jalapenos ($7 for super jumbo) as well as Doggo Nachos, chips covered with nacho cheese and topped with bacon wrapped hot dog slices ($7). Other pop up stands at the courtyard offer kettle corn ($6) and Greek dining options. Gyro and falafel wraps are $7, plates $12. Gyro and falafel plates come with salad, rice, hummus, pita bread, and water. The food and beverage prices are very reasonable, especially the Greek plates. JCP does a nice job of allowing fans to venture out into the courtyard. Not only does this improve pedestrian flow should JCP entertain a good sized crowd, but access to the courtyard also allows fans a chance to step outside and mingle among each other while soaking in the scenery amidst the nice Southern California weather. If there is one minor drawback, the foyer and courtyard, located in the south end of the arena where fans enter, are the only locations where food can be purchased. Atmosphere 3 Contributing to the atmosphere is the aesthetic appeal that JCP offers the moment one steps inside the building as fans walk through one of the more impressive foyers leading into the seating area. Though it may be one of the more aesthetically pleasing college venues you may have a chance to visit, even when packed the fans don’t quite provide that intimidation factor that you would find at let’s say, Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. Though the USD basketball program can produce a respectable team every now and then, the feeling you get among those in attendance is that the visiting team is as much responsible for the big turnout, a fact not lost among both the locals and the team as well . Neighborhood 3 The USD campus is located close to several points of interest such as Old Town, Fashion Valley Mall, Mission Valley, Old Town, Mission, and Pacific Beach and Downtown. If you have some free time during the day and feel like exploring the city, chances are you won’t be too far removed from the campus. Fans 3 With top-ranked Gonzaga in town, JCP would be filled to capacity for the 15th time during its existence. Though the home team would be totally outmanned on this evening, the enthusiasm of the fans, particularly the students behind the north basket close to the visitors’ bench, would not be dampened, even “playfully” heckling certain visiting players in spite of the home 5 trailing huge deep into the 2nd half. Access 3 On most nights, access to the JCP requires little to no effort. But on that occasion when the JCP is filled to capacity, you will want to give yourself some ample time if you hope to arrive by the opening tip-off. To enter the JCP you will be walking up a hill. If a good-sized crowd is projected, it is possible that you will be standing in a long beeline along a narrow sidewalk before you arrive at the entrance. Once you do arrive at the top, you will be rewarded by walking through a huge courtyard, which is used for fans to mingle during the game should they decide to step out. The courtyard, with its tranquil scenery highlighted by a fountain that beautifully blends in with the surrounding architecture, makes for a great halftime destination. As you enter the arena, you will be walking through a very impressive foyer, highlighted by its arches, tiled floor, ceiling design, and light fixtures. Inside the foyer are displays highlighting some of USD’s great athletic moments as well as its former players who made significant contributions to the program. Inside the arena spacious walkway circles throughout the entire seating bowl, allowing fans to roam without missing any of the action. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets prices start at $8 for youth baseline, $14-$16 for baseline or sideline seats. Premium game tickets can range from $25-$40 for BYU and Gonzaga. The price for even the premium games particularly Gonzaga is actually not bad when compared to other upper-level collegiate venues. Extras 3 Inside the JCP there are two boards, one on each end that provides the fans live in-game action as well as replays, player stats and of course the score. I bring this up because most small venues only provide one board, which, depending on a fan’s desire to look at stats and replays, can be an inconvenience depending on their seating location. The 16th century Spanish Renaissance look to the JCP blends in really nicely with the buildings throughout campus. USD’s hillside location in Alcala Park also provides nice views overlooking Mission Bay. The Torero program has now participated in the NCAA Tournament four times. A banner above the USD team bench commemorates 1984, 1987, 2003, and 2008 seasons. The most recent appearance in 2008 even saw the school reach the second round. The Toreros would be the first collegiate program in San Diego to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which may come as a surprise to some given San Diego State’s recent run of tournament appearances under Steve Fisher. Final Thoughts Though it is likely you will be occupied with other activities in America’s Finest City prior to the game, if you have some other free time on your hands, take the time to walk around campus and take in some of the other 16th Century Spanish designed architecture, as well as the scenic views overlooking Mission Bay. If you have an opportunity to visit a West Coast Conference venue in Southern California, if you are a diehard college hoops fan, seize the opportunity to do it. Some of the more underrated and more economical collegiate basketball experiences can be found in such venues in Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, and USD. Like with many programs without the deep history, you just never know if you’re witnessing a future “Cinderella” in the making. Got any other thoughts? Questions? Reach me on my Twitter @Good_Drei . Also, follow my Facebook page Drei’s Stadium Journeys .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Malone Stadium 500 Warhawk Way Monroe, LA 71203 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks website Malone Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 30,427 Soaring in Monroe JPS Field at Malone Stadium opened in 1978, and is named after the winningest coach in ULM football history. The stadium originally held 20K fans, but has been expanded several times since its construction, and currently seats 30,427. The most recent renovation occurred in 2014, when JPS Aviation/JPS Equipment Rental paid for the installation of FieldTurf here, in exchange for naming rights of the field for 8 seasons. ULM’s athletic teams were previously known as the Indians, but due to NCAA policy, the university voted to change the mascot to the Warhawks in 2006. The new mascot honors Louisiana-raised Major General Claire Lee Chennault, who commanded the Flying Tigers squadron of P-40s in China during WWII. Though most of ULM’s mascot imagery is bird themed, the mascot’s name is actually Ace, and he “flies” a P-40 styled car onto the field during pre-game when the players come on. Food & Beverage 3 Malone Stadium’s concessions have about what you would expect from a football venue of this size, but the stands do sell alcohol, which is uncommon at college stadiums. Food options include hot dogs, frito pie, pizza, nachos, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, chips, Cracker Jack, Dippin’ Dots, and boxed candy, and the prices are on the low end; food items range from $2 up to $6. All food items are sold at the main stands, except pizza, which comes from specialty stands from Johnny’s Pizza House. Drink options at the main stands include bottled water, PowerAde, and Coke products in bottles, at a cost of between $3 and $4. Alcohol is available from separate stands, including beer and mixed drinks. Beer is only $4, and selections include Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. Atmosphere 3 Malone Stadium has grandstands on both the east and west sides, with plazas and seating for alums and donors behind each end zone. The two grandstands are not really connected, so pay attention to where you are seated so you can park closer to the one you need – the east side has the student section, the west side has the reserved section, and both sides have general admission. Almost all of the seats in Malone Stadium are aluminum benches without backs, but there are some chair back seats on the west side in the first few rows of the upper deck, and in the upper middle section of the lower deck. The stadium doesn’t often get very full, so there isn’t always a ton of crowd noise, but there is some fun entertainment, and the field itself has some great décor. The playing surface is nicely done, with the Warhawks bird head logo in the center of the field and next to every yard marker. In addition, there are talons marking the kickoff spots on both ends of the field; this is a lot more on-field décor than most football stadiums bother with, and is a nice touch. The mascot “flies” a P-40 esque car onto the field when the team comes on, which is fun to watch (see the video below). In addition, the staff shows animated video throughout the game of a Warhawks plane “shooting down” the other teams in the conference; this bird vs. plane dual imagery for the mascot really creates a great contrast. The staff does the typical fan participation events during breaks in the action, such as the Dairy Queen race between fans dressed as a blizzard and an ice cream cone. Neighborhood 3 Malone Stadium is nestled inside the loops of the Bayou DeSiard waterway, and is not far from the Ouachita River, so there are plenty of Cajun-styled seafood restaurants nearby. The closest is Waterfront Grill, which is just across the DeSiard from the stadium, but there are also several a few miles away in the waterfront area next to the Ouachita, including Mohawk Seafood Tavern and Warehouse No 1. Any of these would be a great place to have a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, there are several hotels along I-20 to the south of the stadium. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites are the nicest ones, and have reasonable rates, but there are some cheaper ones in the same area if you are on a tighter budget. Fans 2 Unfortunately not a lot of fans come to games at Malone Stadium. On average the venue will draw between 12K and 13K, which is less than half full, and attendance tends to get lower as the season progresses. The best attendance tends to occur during games against in-state opponents (either FCS or FBS) at the beginning of the season, so if you have a choice try for one of those – attendance at games versus big-name opponents (think Power 5) seems to actually be lower than games against non-Power 5 schools. The fans that do come tend to wear team gear, and cheer loudly for their team, but the stadium also tends to clear out before the 4th quarter. Access 4 Malone Stadium is very easy to get to, being not far at all from I-20, and you can park very close to the venue for only $10. There are also plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands, so you will never see any lines. The stands on the east side are easier to get in and out of, because that side has several short sets of stairs spaced evenly along its length, while the west side only has long winding ramps, one on each end, which take a little time more to get up and down. On the plus side, those with special needs will have easy access, but should plan to sit on the west side only. The only potential downside is that the two grandstands are completely separated, so if you want to try and move around during the game it won’t be easy. Also note that the staff does monitor the stands very carefully, so you won’t be able to get into a section you don’t have a ticket for, even though the stadium will have a lot of empty seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games at Malone Stadium start at $26 for adult general admission (upper deck), and max out at $46 for chair backs in the lower level. Youth tickets are $13, and students get in free, but can buy guest tickets for non-student friends for only $11, so if you know any ULM students you could save some money that way. The above ticket prices are slightly on the high side for similarly-sized college football venues, but are reasonable given the experience, which includes some fun entertainment like the mascot’s P-40 car. Personally, I would not spend the extra money for lower-level seats, though, because at such a small venue it is actually easier to see the field from further away. Either way, considering the low cost concessions and cheap parking, this is a very good experience for the money. Extras 3 The dual bird/P-40 mascot is very cool, especially given the strong ties to WWII in Louisiana (the National WWII museum is actually down in New Orleans, in part due to the fact that factories there produced many of the landing craft used in the D-Day invasion). Another plus is the playing surface, which has some pops of color and decoration, unlike what you’ll see at most other venues. Final Thoughts As mentioned before, the best time to see a game at Malone Stadium is early in the season against an in-state opponent if possible. While it may not look quite as modern or have as much crowd noise as some of the other football stadiums in the area, it nevertheless offers some unique elements, and should be a fun time.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Kings website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,340 Kings of Royalty The Los Angeles Kings were a part of the National Hockey League’s “Second Six,” the league’s first expansion in 1967. Original owner, Jack Kent Cooke, chose the name “Kings” because he wanted his team to project “an air of royalty.” He outfitted the team in the royal colors of purple and gold and built a new arena, the Forum, as a home for his teams. The team played at the Forum in Inglewood for 32 years until moving to the new Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, prior to the 1999-2000 season. The privately financed arena cost $375 million to build.  For a good portion of their existence, the Kings had been the NHL’s most southern located team. With the arrival of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers in 1988 and their rising popularity over the years that include two Stanley Cup Champion teams from 2012 and 2014, 10 other franchises have either moved or expanded in cities along the western region of the United States or cities south of Los Angeles. Wayne Gretzky Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 Crypto.com Arena does not disappoint in terms of concessions, offering a wide variety of options for the hungry Kings fan. Among the offerings are fish tacos from Wahoo’s Tacos, LuDo Bird, Dirt Dog, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Blaze Pizza and Salt & Char Burgers. Mixed in with traditional arena fare are uniquely southern California options such as ahi tuna poke nachos and sushi. Several stands offer kosher, vegetarian and vegan options. A complete listing of concession options at Crypto.com Arena can be found here . Mobile orders for most of the concessions can be placed through the link provided and from QR codes located along the concourses throughout the venue.  Coca-Cola products are the soda providers. In addition to national beer brands, local craft brews from Golden Road and Goose Island Breweries are for sale. The Figueroa Bar on the 100-level concourse offers a wide variety of draught beer, signature cocktails and specialty drinks.  Atmosphere 5 LA Kings Championship Banners, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey As fans enter the venue through Star Plaza, a sense of history can be felt with statues lined along outside the north entrances. Fans can view statues of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, the recently added Dustin Brown, longtime legendary broadcaster Bob Miller, and what may be the most impressive of all the statues lining Chick Hearn Court, the L.A. Kings Monument . This impressive monument, dedicated in 2016 honoring the 50th anniversary of the organization by artists Itamar Amrany, Julie Rotblatt Amrany, and Omri Amrany is made of bronze, granite and glass, and features six bronze sculptures highlighted by Dustin Brown’s iconic moment of lifting the Stanley Cup. Rise to Glory, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey This being Los Angeles, visiting fans also get to experience a hockey game during the winter months without having to wear layers and layers of warm clothing. Doors open 90 minutes prior to faceoff leaving fans to roam the venue and check out the various concession offerings, as well as other historical highlights throughout the venue.  Once inside the seating bowl fans looking up at the rafters on the north end can see the impressive list of retired numbers as well as the banners honoring division, conference and of course their two Stanley Cup triumphs. Quite an impressive display when considering it’s the basketball team with 17 banners (not counting the In-Season Tournament one) that receives most of the glamor.  Neighborhood 5 Los Angeles is one of the top cities in the nation for tourists, with a seemingly endless list of attractions, things to do and see. In the immediate area of the Crypto.com Arena, LA Live is located right across the street from the arena. Located here are several restaurants, hotels and attractions, including the Grammy Museum and the Microsoft Theater. During the holiday season, a skating rink is set up in the Xbox Plaza here.  For those who desire pre or postgame dining, the dining options for L.A. Live are listed here.  For casual dining Lazy Dog is one of my favorite go to pre and postgame dining spots at L.A. Live.  LA Live, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Fans 5 Even with the Kings ability to cater to the glitzy Hollywood crowd, Kings fans are a totally different breed from their purple and gold hoops counterparts.  Most fans are decked out in the team's black and silver attire mixed in with some throwback purple and gold gear as well dating back to their days at The Fabulous Forum. Kings fans aren’t the ones who come just to be seen. With a playoff contending team, Kings fans have mostly filled up the venue this 2024 season. With the Dodgers and Lakers being the top sports teams in town, Kings fans often get lost in the mix. Make no mistake though, Kings fans are just as passionate, loud and enthusiastic when it comes to their support and very welcoming to fans of visiting teams as well.  Access 4 When attending any event in Los Angeles, I cannot stress enough the importance of time allowance. Traffic along our famed freeways are no joke, especially along the 110 and 10 freeways, the two major thoroughfares closest to the arena. If you plan on driving and you're staying outside of Downtown L.A., the rule of thumb if you want to arrive early and experience the venue or its surrounding area is to leave yourself 3 hours; that’s right, 3 hours of leeway prior to faceoff. Also if you do plan to drive you may want to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area as a good portion of the streets within the vicinity are one-way. Parking throughout the vicinity starts as low as $10. More information on parking can be found here . If you plan on using public transit, the Pico/Union Station is a short five minute walk from the arena running service until just past midnight. The light rail offers service towards the west side to Santa Monica, points south toward Long Beach, and service to East L.A. It stretches further east toward Azusa and options to connect to other rail and bus services throughout Los Angeles County. More info can be found here .  Once inside, the wide concourses offer plenty of room to move about with two sets of escalators and elevators to transport fans to the premium and upper levels.  Return on Investment 4 On most nights Kings tickets can be purchased for as low as $20 from the team and third party sites. However if you plan to sit closer to the action in the 100 level expect to pay anywhere in the triple digits, maybe even north of the $200 range.  Parking throughout various lots around Crypto.com Arena start as low as $10 and can go as much as $40.  Extras 4 Luc Robitaille Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Fans entering the arena along Star Plaza are greeted with statues honoring Kings greats. The one statue that should not be missed is the Monument Statue honoring six Kings all time greats. From the base of the statue is a timeline of some of the Kings greatest moments, as well as the names of the rosters and ownership from its inaugural season in 1967 to its 50th season. Rest assured all the words and names engraved in the Monument   as   well as the other statues are properly spelled . Recent additions to Crypto.com Arena include two new stat boards with rotating stats for each time including a running clock displaying each active players ice time. During intermissions fans seated in the 300 level can venture to the outdoor patio for breathtaking views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. An added bonus is the patio is now smoke free for everyone to enjoy ! Dining tables are also located throughout the concourses on both levels for fans to enjoy their food and beverages in a more spacious atmosphere. Phone outlets are even available as well in some of these dining areas for fans to add more battery life for the countless pictures they may take.  Final Thoughts With Crypto.com celebrating its 25th season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs.  As Crypto.com enters the next 25 years, fans can continue to expect an exciting brand of hockey in an atmosphere that quietly screams Southern California hockey.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charles Schwab Field Omaha 1200 Mike Fahey St Omaha, NE 68102 Creighton Bluejays website Charles Schwab Field Omaha website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 24,505 Home of the Bluejays TD Ameritrade Park opened its doors in 2011. The stadium plays host to the College World Series in addition to being the home of the Creighton Bluejays. The Bluejays began their first season as a Big East Conference team in 2014. TD Ameritrade Park replaced the original host of the College World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium. Creighton split games between Rosenblatt and the Creighton Sports Complex before making TD Ameritrade Park its permanent home. The Bluejays were regular-season and Big East Conference champions in 2019, also making it to the NCAA regionals. Among the Creighton baseball alumni are Scott Servais, Alan Benes, dual-arm pitcher Pat Venditte, and Hall of Famer, Bob Gibson. Note: TD Ameritrade Park changed its name to Charles Schwab Field in the early part of 2022. Food & Beverage 3 TD Ameritrade Park provides your basic food and drink options. Pizza ($7), toasted ravioli ($7), cheeseburgers ($7.50), Polish sausage ($7), jumbo hot dog ($5), and chicken tenders w/ fries ($11) are your main food items. Standard snacks such as popcorn, nachos, jumbo pretzels, peanuts, and candy all can be had for $4-$7. Coke products are your soda of choice with $4.50 bottles along with water, tea, Powerade, coffee, and hot chocolate in the same price range. Beer tallboys (Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, Leinenkugels) are $8 along with White Claw and wine. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere for a Bluejays game is unique. On one hand, the team plays in a fabulous stadium. On the other, the stadium is so cavernous that there is no way for a college baseball team to fill all the seats and the fact that so few seats are taken does take away from the stadium experience. With the fan to seat ratio being so advantageous for the fans, you have your choice of where to sit, left or right side, sun or shade, etc. There is a video board in right field and a great sound system that adds to the experience. Neighborhood 5 TD Ameritrade Park is located right near the CenturyLink Center, which is a multi-purpose arena that hosts sporting events, concerts, etc. With the combination of the two venues being so close, there is an overabundance of food and drink options in the area. Blatt Beer and Table is located directly across the street from the ticket office. The big draw here is the outdoor beer garden located on the roof. There are plenty of drink options and they serve typical tavern type food. Just down 13th Street is The Old Mattress Factory. “The Matt,” named because it was indeed at one point, a mattress factory, is another popular area hangout. Again, there are plenty of drink options, food choices for adults and children, and a great smoked turkey Reuben. If you aren’t into bar food, just look around. There is probably something that will fit your taste within a few blocks. As for lodging, there are also plenty of options, with a Hampton Inn right across the street and a Hilton one block away. There are many more options within a mile or so. If you are staying in Omaha, be sure to check out the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo constantly ranks among the best zoos in the nation. Other baseball options include Tal Anderson Field, home of the Omaha Mavericks and Werner Park , home of the AAA Omaha Stormchasers. Fans 3 The Bluejays have a small band of loyal followers who attend. Other folks are there more to see where the College World Series is played than to root on Creighton. The opposing team gets some good-natured ribbing and the umpires hear the occasional catcalls but the fans keep their language appropriate for children. The Creighton fans are a nice bunch and although there aren’t many of them as compared to the number of seats available, they add to the enjoyment of the game. Access 5 TD Ameritrade Park is located just north of I-480 and plenty of signs will direct you to the right place. At the stadium, parking is plentiful. Once inside, concourses are extremely wide and you will have no problems maneuvering around. There are plenty of restrooms and a large amount of handicapped seating is available. There is only one concession stand open, but with so few fans, there isn’t much of a wait, if any. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Creighton game will cost you a little more than the average college game, but you are watching the game from a fabulous facility. Parking is $10 in the main lots, but you can find some directly across the street for a little less. Tickets run $9 for most games. Concessions are about what you will pay anywhere else, so you do get a solid deal. . Extras 3 Be sure to take a look around the concourse. On the walls are decade-by-decade boards of College World Series results and celebrated players. It is a nice touch. A nice perk of coming to the games on Sunday is the cheap ticket prices. On Sundays, all tickets are $4. Take your time looking around the park outside as well. There are plenty of different features that celebrate the ballpark and the College World Series. Final Thoughts Truth be told, the team would probably be better served having their own stadium with a more intimate setting. It’s gotta be hard to get too amped up knowing no matter how good the team is, they don’t stand a chance of filling up their ballpark. That being said, attending a Creighton Bluejays game at TD Ameritrade Park is a fun experience. The atmosphere in no way can match that of the electricity that goes with the College World Series, but if you want a relaxing experience and a place to kick back and watch some good baseball, enjoy! Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Scully-Fahey Field Summer Court Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green lacrosse website Scully-Fahey Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,600 Big Green Lacrosse in the White Mountains Scully-Fahey Field is named in honor of Donald Scully, class of 1949, and Peter Fahey, class of 1968. Scully was a member of Dartmouth’s lacrosse and soccer teams as an undergraduate. He was a midfielder and three time All-American. Scully scored 107 goals, a school record that stood for 30 years. Fahey was a member of the school’s basketball and track teams. Four of his children also graduated from Dartmouth, and three of them played lacrosse for the Big Green. Scully-Fahey Field is situated within the Chase Field Complex, near Thompson Arena . It was constructed at a cost of $4.4 million, and features seating for 1,600 fans and lights for night games. Dartmouth has won three Ivy League championships over their history, and have qualified for the NCAA tournament once, in 2003, losing in the first round. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food sold at Dartmouth lacrosse games. Experienced Big Green fans simply bring their own snacks and beverages into Scully-Fahey Field. Atmosphere 3 Overall, the gameday atmosphere at a Dartmouth lacrosse game is similar to other venues across the country. The party starts in the parking lot, where you can find fans tailgating before the action begins. It’s a much more laid-back scene than you would find at a football game, but that’s part of the charm. Some fans even hightail it out to the lots at halftime to sneak a quick snack and drink. There’s not a whole lot of extra activity going on during a lacrosse game, but the action down on the field more than makes up for it. The fans in attendance, many of whom have a personal connection with the players on the field, are really into the action. Neighborhood 4 The town of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 11,000 citizens. The population increases by over fifty percent when Dartmouth’s 6,300 students roll into town. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. CNN and Money rated Hanover as the sixth best place to live in the United States. Weather permitting, visiting fans will want to take the short walk to The Green, which is usually the hub of activity in the town. While the weather early on in the lacrosse season in New Hampshire can be brutal, and there may be a couple of feet of snow on the ground when you visit Hanover, the downtown area is still worth a visit. The Dartmouth campus boasts classic Ivy League architecture, or you can head down Main Street and explore the shops and eateries that line the street. For a town of this size, there is no shortage of places to eat or drink, all of which are located a short walk from Scully-Fahey Field. The Appalachian Trail runs through Hanover, and there are a great many outdoor activities available for visitors to the area to sample as well, should you be visiting before the weather warms up. Several world class ski resorts are located just a short drive from Hanover should you be visiting the area during the spring skiing season. Fans 3 The NCAA doesn’t release attendance figures for lacrosse, so judging lacrosse crowds empirically becomes a bit difficult. Lacrosse season begins in February, so one might think that crowds would be sparse early in the season, but this isn’t always the case. Lacrosse fans show up in February the same as in April. In addition, the fans who do show up are really enthusiastic about the action going on down on the field, and are very knowledgeable about the sport. Lacrosse fans travel very well, so it’s not unusual to find a significant amount of visiting fans at any game. Also, dogs are welcome at Scully-Fahey Field, so you may see several in attendance. Access 3 The small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be somewhat off the beaten path, but it’s easy to get to. Located near the intersections of Interstates 89 and 91, the Dartmouth campus is located only a couple of miles from the highway. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. You can get more information here . Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. The Dartmouth campus dominates the small town of Hanover, and Scully-Fahey Field is located on the southeast edge of campus alongside the other athletic facilities. Signs direct out-of-town drivers to the best parking spots for the day’s athletic events. There is a large parking lot adjacent to Scully-Fahey Field in between the lacrosse stadium and Thompson Arena which features free parking. Directions can be found here . Seating at Scully-Fahey Field consists of metal bleachers. The first row is about five feet above ground level, so all seats offer great views of the action. There is some standing room near the entrance where fans can still take in the action while stretching their legs. There are no restrooms at Scully-Fahey Field, but the facilities at Boss Tennis Center next door are open for Big Green lax fans. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for early-season games at Dartmouth. Once the team enters Ivy League conference play, tickets can be had for seven dollars for adults, with youths admitted for four dollars. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the Scully-Fahey Field. It’s entirely possible to attend a game here without spending a single cent! Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot going on at Dartmouth lacrosse that can be considered extra, but the team does give out free programs to all fans. Also, getting to bring your four-legged friends to the game has to count for something. Final Thoughts Scully-Fahey Field is a simple, but solid facility. If you feel like braving the cold weather in New Hampshire during February and March, it’s a solid, affordable place at which to take in some top-notch college lacrosse. If you visit the wonderful small town of Hanover at the right time, it’s possible to also take in some hockey, basketball or hit the slopes while you are there. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Highland Fieldhouse 9135 Erie St. Highland, IN 46322 Highland High School Trojans website Highland Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 2,200 Highland High's Home Dome Highland High School is home to the Trojans basketball program. It is located in Highland, Indiana, in an area of the state known as “The Region” outside Chicago. Its home building has a distinctive circular dome roof that is separate from the rest of the school. The gym opened in 1970 with a seating capacity of 3,200 and has a similar design similar to other facilities at Benton Central , Greencastle,  and nearby rival Munster High Schools .  The fieldhouse construction began in 1968 and forced the Trojans to play home games at the middle school. This was due to the old high school gym being converted into an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Tons of steel and wooden frames towered over the construction site as students awaited completion. A carpenter’s strike forced construction to be delayed a few months until its grand opening in November 1970. In 2019, the gymnasium received $12 million in renovations to improve the court, seating, locker rooms, and offices. The Trojans are part of the Northwest Crossroads Conference. The boys have won five conference and four sectional championships, while the girls have had better success, winning 15 conferences and four sectional titles.  Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand serves a familiar selection, including hot dogs, popcorn, chips, soft pretzels, nachos, and soda pop. However, different items are worth mentioning. Visitors can order Polish sausage, walking tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, nacho supreme, and street tacos. The price range starts at $2 for chips and $6 for a nacho supreme. Atmosphere 2 The Highland Holiday Hoopfest is an annual event held after Christmas. Eight high schools compete in the three-day event. However, with that being said, some of the charm of a regular high school game is missing. There are no cheerleaders, the sounds of the band, and the cheer sections at the event. There is also a lack of a crowd that definitely could add a nice backdrop to the atmosphere. The gym has an aura from its exterior; it is a dome facility that is easy to spot off the main road. Once you walk inside the lobby, you are practically inside the gym and staring at its wooden ceiling. A digital four-sided scoreboard breaks away from the standard electronic kinds, which are still popular in many parts of the state.  The school colors of blue and gold are everywhere, along with banners of multiple team championships against the walls. There is bleacher seating on all three sides, with one end opened up with a few rows of handicapped seating. Additional seating can be pulled out to accommodate larger crowds, perhaps games against rival Munster High School, but the open space is a welcome attraction to the spacious gymnasium. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Highland, Indiana, and a few miles away from the busy US-41, where many shops and retail chains exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots.  Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, AKA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s, featuring burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families.  The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains, including Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. About a mile north of the high school is a collection of restaurants in downtown Highland. Fuzzyline Brewing Company offers great craft beer, homemade burgers, and smashed potatoes with curry ketchup. Dan’s Perogies is a Polish restaurant that serves stuffed cabbage dinners, sandwiches, blintzes, and homemade soup. Fans 2 It is hard to judge the fan score based on the Holiday Hoopfest. It was not a typical Trojans game, and some holiday tournaments don't bring out a large number of fans. Many of the schools are within the area, but it is during the break when most kids are not thinking about anything school-related.  Access 4 The high school is within a few miles of US-41, the main road that connects to I-65. GPS is the best way to arrive at the school, but the gym is noticeable from Erie Street. There is plenty of parking for the game, and once inside, there is more room to move around to enjoy the view.  Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $7 per person, and concession items are around $3 to $4 apiece. One can enjoy a night watching Hoosier High School hoops, and it can be a nice detour from the family functions taking place during this time of year.  Extras 2 The Polish sausage is hot and tasty, along with the walking tacos. The food is enough to keep fans more than satisfied until after the game. The gym’s domed ceiling gives the place its charm and adds to its character.  Final Thoughts In a state where there are plenty of great gyms to visit for high school basketball, Highland High might get overlooked. However, it's worth checking out when in the area, especially for a regular season game. It has all the charm and design to make it worth your time when in “The Region". ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cameron Hall 401 N Main St Lexington, VA 24450 VMI Keydets website Cameron Hall website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 5,029 Keys to the Kingdom Cameron Hall was built in 1981, and has a capacity of 5,029. The venue is home to the Virginia Military Institute Keydets basketball team, but also hosts the school’s annual commencement ceremony, as well as other large scale events, such as plays and concerts. The facility was named after brothers Bruce and Daniel Cameron, both of whom graduated from VMI, and who contributed $2.3 million toward Cameron Hall’s construction. The venue has been upgraded several times since it was built, most recently in 2007 when a new court was installed. In addition to the basketball arena, the facility also houses VMI’s athletic department offices, including a library and reception area, as well as five racquetball courts (in the basement). In July 2013 Cameron Hall was named one of the top venues in mid-major basketball by MidMajorMadness.com. The highest attendance ever recorded at Cameron Hall (5,029) came in 2009 during a game versus Liberty University, and that remains the venue’s only sellout. Food & Beverage 2 Cameron Hall has two concessions stands, one on each end of the facility (in the hallways behind the nets), and both serve the same items. There are only seven items available, namely hot dogs, chicken breast sandwiches, Papa John’s pizza slices, and popcorn ($3 each), as well as chips, packaged candy, and bottled beverages ($2 each). Beverage selections include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and VMI H2O, which is school-branded bottled water. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about attending a VMI basketball game is seeing all of the cadets and alums wearing fatigues, which is a pretty impressive sight. The kangaroo mascot is also really cool, and has been known to get in the ref’s face if he or she makes a call against the Keydets. In terms of amenities, the concourse surrounding the arena is a bit depressing, with mostly plain gray concrete. However, the staff has recently added lots of décor to the walls, include large pictures, a trophy case, and a “Wall of Fame” showcasing notable players. There are also lots of banners hanging above the court. On the plus side, once you get into the arena itself, all of the seats are chairbacks, and they are painted different colors in each section, making is easier to find your seat. Neighborhood 4 Lexington, VA is a very small town with a population of only about 7K, but nevertheless is home to two colleges: VMI and Washington and Lee University. The architecture in the area around Cameron Hall is very stately, and looks elegant despite its uniformity, or perhaps because of it. There are several restaurants not far from the arena, so you should be able to park on one of the neighborhood streets for a couple of hours and eat before or after the game; just be sure to check the signs to make sure you aren’t parking for too long, or during off hours. Bistro on Main is a great choice, with a menu that includes southern and French-inspired dishes, or you might try the Red Hen, known for its Shenandoah cuisine. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for some outstanding barbecue, a few minutes from downtown is BeameupBBQ & Café (the owner’s name is Scottie); while fantastic, this eatery is only open from 11-4 Tuesday thru Friday, and 11-3 Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Like much of Virginia, Lexington is a hotbed for military history, and there are several attractions of this type in the area. First is the Stonewall Jackson House, located just off Main Street; this is where the famed Confederate general resided prior to the Civil War. You can also visit the gravesite of Robert E. Lee, which is inside the Lee Chapel on the campus of Washington & lee University, or the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, located on Letcher Avenue. Alternatively, the George C. Marshall Museum is also located in Lexington, and celebrates the career of the main architect for European reconstruction following World War II. Fans 3 Unfortunately, for most of its games Cameron Hall does not draw a very large crowd, averaging only about 1,000 in attendance, except during the annual rivalry game versus The Citadel, and even that game only draws about 3,500. As mentioned previously, the venue hasn’t had a sellout in nearly a decade, so there generally won’t be much energy inside the building. However, given that VMI is a military school, it is neat to see so many cadets and alums showing up in fatigues, which is a pretty impressive sight to see (although during certain games you may see cadets wearing matching red shirts with fatigue pants instead). Furthermore, even though the rest of the stands may not fill up, there is an incredible amount of passion from the cadets and alums in particular, thanks to the camaraderie they feel for the school; the cheers and shouts from these two groups of fans is especially loud. See the video below to witness the fans in fatigues during a game: Access 4 Getting to Lexington is fairly easy, even though it may be a bit off the beaten path depending on where you are coming from. You can also usually park for free during VMI basketball games, but there are no “real” lots to speak of; you just have to find parking on one of the side streets, or in one of the small lots dotted around campus. One you get inside Cameron Hall, moving around is simple enough. The concourse may seem a tad bit narrow, but there is plenty of room inside, especially given the small crowd size, and the bathrooms are enormous, with plenty of stalls. Lines at the concessions are minimal, and inside the arena itself there are plenty of stairways that crisscross through the seating area, so getting to your seat is simple enough. In fact, there is even a walkway above the last row of seats, which you can use to go up and over to get where you need to be. Fans should plan to enter Cameron Hall through the main entrance, on the Main Street side; there is a back entrance but it seems to be reserved for staff and other officials. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to VMI basketball games at Cameron Hall are only $5 for general admission, and considering that you can park for free and eat cheaply at the concessions, this represents a really good value for college basketball. Given that the Keydets have not made the NCAA Tournament since before this writer was born, you may not always see the team pull out a victory, but the chance to see the swath of military clothing in the stands makes a visit worthwhile. Extras 2 The additional décor on the walls in the concourse has added some color, and makes it a little less stark as you walk around. The mascot also deserves some credit for his antics, and you can see him interacting with fans throughout the game, especially the cadets. Final Thoughts While probably not seen as a powerhouse program, seeing a VMI basketball game at Cameron Hall should not disappoint. For the best experience, you may want to wait for the annual game against the Citadel, when the venue will be at its fullest, but any game would still be enjoyable, and easily manageable from a cost perspective. Also, there is plenty to see and do in Lexington and the surrounding area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Stevenson-Pincince Field 235 Hope St. Providence, RI 02906 Brown Bears men's soccer website Stevenson-Pincince Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,500 Brown Bear Soccer Stevenson-Pincince Field was named in honor of longtime Brown men’s soccer and lacrosse coach Cliff Stevenson, who was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Brown in the 1960s as well as giving the sport a foothold in many schools around Rhode Island at this time. In 2015 the facility was rechristened to also honor longtime women’s soccer coach Phil Pincince. In 2020 the old bleachers and press box that made up the stadium were torn down and replaced with a new three-story, 22,500 square foot facility complete with dedicated team locker rooms, training facilities, coaches offices, public restrooms, and concessions. The “Center for Lacrosse and Soccer” opened in time for the 2020 lacrosse season. Brown's men’s soccer teams have been quite successful over their history, qualifying for 27 NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2012. The Bears have won 20 Ivy League championships since 1963. Brown reached the national semifinals four times in their history, most recently in 1977. The Brown's women’s soccer teams have also experienced their share of success, winning 15 Ivy League titles and appearing in 9 NCAA Tournaments. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand on the concourse of the grandstand. If you need a snack, they've got you covered, with hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, chips, and candy available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stevenson-Pincince Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the facility. Atmosphere 3 Soccer games, at least in this part of the country, don’t feature the rowdy atmosphere that many other college sports enjoy. Most of the energy experienced at a Brown soccer game comes from the younger fans in attendance. Since local youth soccer players can be a significant presence on certain days, you may actually experience an energetic game-day atmosphere here. But generally, a Brown soccer game is a laid-back affair. Stevenson-Pincince Field features a video board in the southwest corner of the field that is put to good use with replays, highlights, graphics, and game information. Another, smaller scoreboard is located in the northeast corner of the field. It displays basic game information. Music plays over a quality sound system before the game and during halftime, while the PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings. There’s not a lot of downtime at a soccer game for shenanigans, but the team does run a contest at halftime where one fan attempts a kick from midfield at one of the goals. If they make it, everyone in attendance wins a free large drink from a local sponsor. Keep your eyes peeled for Bruno, the school’s mascot, who may be participating in a favorite giveaway at Brown, the chocolate bar toss. Digital programs are available for all fans. Neighborhood 5 Stevenson-Pincince Field is located in Providence’s affluent East Side, adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities in the Erickson Athletic Complex. Also located in the complex are Meehan Auditorium , the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center, and Murray Stadium , among others. Brown Stadium is located about a mile away. Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century. Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square, and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibe and feature great local restaurants, shops, and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from the Brown campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices. Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south. Fans 3 Brown soccer enjoys decent support. Crowds can vary in size depending on the weather, day of week, and opponent, but crowds generally number between 500-1,000 fans. With Brown’s schedule featuring many other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. The fans that fill the grandstand at Stevenson-Pincince Field vary from hardcore soccer fans to students to family members of the players. While many in the grandstand seem to have a personal connection with the players on the field, the presence of youth soccer players in their uniforms and others shows that this is not always the case. Fans are friendly and you can certainly feel comfortable bringing the whole family to a Brown soccer game. Access 3 The Erikson Athletic Complex is located on the eastern edge of Brown University’s urban campus. While Interstates 95 and 195 both run close to Brown, there is no direct way to access Brown from the highway. One must navigate the East Side’s crooked, crowded streets to arrive at the complex. Luckily, parking is plentiful around Brown’s athletic facilities. There are a pair of smallish lots within the complex adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field. Unfortunately, since there is generally a lot of activity in the complex on the weekends, you may not be able to find a spot here. There is abundant on-street parking in the area, which is free on the weekends. Seating at Stevenson-Pincince Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in a grandstand that runs the length of the field. This grandstand is built into the Lacrosse and Soccer Center, with a concourse at the top of the seating area. Handicapped seating and standing room are located on this concourse. Also located on the concourse are the concession stand and restrooms, which are new, clean, and large enough for a typical Bears soccer crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Brown soccer games vary in price depending on the opponent. Most games are priced at $7 per ticket for adults and $5 for children. Some games feature general admission seating for $2. Cash and cards are accepted at Stevenson-Pincince Field. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field, as well as on-street should these lots be full. Be sure to check signage if parking on-street for neighborhood and/or time restrictions. Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at a Brown soccer game a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 1 On the south end zone fence are displayed Brown Ivy League titles, tournament appearances, and Final Four berths for both the men’s and women’s teams. Final Thoughts Renovations to Stevenson-Pincince Field have turned what was formerly just a set of bleachers surrounding a grass field to one of the more outstanding facilities in the area. Brown typically fields a competitive Ivy League team and the fan support they receive is outstanding. It all adds up to a great place to spend a fall evening in Providence. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Atlanta Vibe website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,000 A......T......L! 2023 saw the three largest attended games in NCAA volleyball history, with the NCAA semi-finals and finals drawing more than 19,000 to Amalie Arena  in Tampa, while the well-publicized matchup between Omaha and Nebraska filled the Huskers’ 92,000-seat Memorial Stadium . The popularity of volleyball has been growing nationwide – Sportico  writes that volleyball is the most popular sport among high school girls, and overall participation is up 9%. With the growth of participation in volleyball in recent years, it should not come as much of a surprise that the formation of professional volleyball leagues has started to blossom around the U.S. The first of those nationwide leagues to get off the ground is the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), with seven teams nationwide in their inaugural season, and plans to expand to ten teams for the 2025 season. Metro Atlanta’s entry in the PVF, the Atlanta Vibe, found a home at the well-used Gas South Arena in the suburb of Duluth, in Gwinnett County, to the northeast of downtown Atlanta.   Food & Beverage   4 Gas South Arena doesn’t have traditional-style concession stands that run around the concourse, but rather food courts with a handful of different tastes. With attendance numbers a bit on the light side for weekday games, concessions may only be partially open depending on the size of the crowd. Despite concessions not being fully open (at least not during my most recent weekday visit), there is still a full menu of options including hot dogs, burgers, grilled and spicy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries. Slices from local pizzeria, Johnny’s Pizza, are also available, and their popular garlic knots are also on the menu. Growing in popularity in recent years, Gas South Arena makes use of the self-serve market where fans “shop” for food and beverages to bring to the checkout, before taking them back to their seats. Gas South Arena serves Coca-Cola products, along with Powerade, Dasani bottled water, and Monster energy drinks.  There are also full-service bars on both sides of the arena serving beer, seltzers, wine, handmade and pre-mixed drinks, and drafts. Classic City Lager and the highly regarded Tropicalia from Athens-based brewery, Creature Comforts, are also available.   Atmosphere   3 Built in 2003, Gas South Arena has remained architecturally modern with its use of curves and large amounts of glass. Despite being over 20 years old, it still feels rather esthetically current compared to newer facilities. Fans have several seating options, from the traditional individual seats in the lower bowl to the courtside and floor seating. One interesting take on seating is the groups of living room sectionals near the end of the floor – at first thought, the idea of sectional sofas as seating might seem a bit odd, but with eight large pieces, it does give fans a comfortable option for seating, while helping to fill the large void of space at one end of the floor. Atlanta Vibe matches are a very interactive experience. From the microphone-toting in-game host and accompanying promotional team members celebrating every point as if it were a match point, the staff does a great job getting the fans excited and amped up in support of the Vibe. Also, tossing t-shirts into the crowd and dancing throughout breaks in the action are very popular with many younger fans in the stands. The interactive nature of the match does not begin and end following each point. Rather, throughout the volley fans call out “A.T.L.” each time the ball is sent over the net, and fans are ready to start over again if it returns. Despite a very vibrant atmosphere created by the fans and hype squad, the 13,000-seat Gas South Arena is a rather large venue that easily swallows up much of the excitement. Some matches draw over 5,000 fans, but that still leaves more than half of the arena empty.   Neighborhood   4 Gas South Arena is in the ever-developing Gas South District of the Sugarloaf neighborhood in Gwinnett County. The area is a bit of a transition point between a heavily commercial area with office buildings, shops, and restaurants next to residential subdivisions. Gas South Convention Center is also part of the Gas South District. There are three hotels on the arena’s property; Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, and the newly opened Westin. The Sugarloaf area has been well developed over the years and offers many other accommodations as well. In the early 2000s, Gwinnett County prioritized building venues for national acts and professional sports. Not only do the Atlanta Gladiators  of the ECHL and the Georgia Swarm  of the National Lacrosse League share Gas South Arena with the Vibe, but AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Gwinnett Stripers , play at Coolray Field less than 10 miles north along Interstate-85. This all gives Gwinnett County a heavy concentration of professional sports.   Fans   4 The Vibe are roughly near the middle of the pack when it comes to average attendance, which hovers around 3,700 fans per game. This is not a small gathering, but given the 13,000 seats in Gas South Arena, the size of the arena doesn’t do the crowd justice. A large portion of the fan base is comprised of the next generation of volleyball stars, who hang on to every point ready to explode into celebration. Much of the credit for the passion in the atmosphere needs to be given to this group of fans, as they are very responsive to calls from the hype squad to get excited.   Access   3 With its location in central Gwinnett County, a northeast suburb of Atlanta, weekday matches can be rather challenging to get to. Rush hour traffic can add nearly 30 to 45 minutes to the trip, for those coming from the downtown area or other northern suburbs. Parking is available in the lot in front of the arena or the garage next to it. Most fans will enter the arena through the main entrance into a two-tiered lobby, which has a wrap-around concourse fans use to access their seats. The lower seating bowl is easily accessible and has manageable sloped aisles to navigate.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets start at $13, but there is no avoiding the dastardly Ticketmaster fees. A $13 ticket quickly becomes a $20 purchase, even when you buy in person. When adding $10 for parking, fans are looking at nearly $30 just to get in the door. Ticketmaster fees, even when purchasing in person at the box office before the match, put a bit of a damper on a well-priced ticket pretty quickly. It is not an issue created by the Vibe, as a $13 ticket is reasonable for a new league working to grab a piece of the professional sports market in Atlanta. However, these fees are a major issue driving up the ticket price for what is otherwise an overall affordable experience.   Extras   3 In bringing professional volleyball to the metro Atlanta area, not enough can be said about the amount of work the Vibe organization and its players have put into promoting both the game and their team. During virtually every festival and opportunity to be seen in the community, the Vibe has taken advantage. Following the game, a handful of players are made available for autographs and photos with fans. This small investment of time following the game goes a long way in establishing the players as role models for younger fans with volleyball dreams of their own. In yet another route to reaching out to the volleyball community of metro Atlanta, the Atlanta Vibe also holds a Junior Vibe volleyball academy in the summer, which again shows the organization’s dedication to being the face of the volleyball community in the area.   Final Thoughts With the popularity of volleyball at an all-time high, the formation of the Pro Volleyball Federation comes at the perfect time.  Atlanta is one of two markets that will be home to both the PVF, as well as the competing professional volleyball league, League One Volleyball (LOVB) – the other being Omaha, starting in time for the 2025 season. The Atlanta Vibe does a great job at creating a fun atmosphere to complement their high level of volleyball talent on the floor. Match atmospheres are engaging, fans are responsive, and the team gives back to the local volleyball scene, creating a love for the organization. This seems to be the perfect recipe for a team to endear themselves to the community they represent.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cougar Fieldhouse 810 N Broadway St. Greenfield, IN 46140 Greenfield-Central High School website Cougar Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,620 Greenfield’s Big Box Cougar Den The Cougar Fieldhouse would not open for high school basketball until the 1969-1970 academic school year but the building was ready for the Greenfield High School’s final game the previous season. The new fieldhouse held 4,620 people and was built along with the new Greenfield-Central High School that was set for classes in the fall. The old gym on School Street was built in 1926 and had a capacity of 2,500 but was always packed with fans. The basketball coach gave the team a vote on whether to play at the old gym or the new fieldhouse and the boys opted for the old place for one final game; after all, many were graduating in May and would not set foot at the new school or gym. Mike Edwards “The Greenfield Gunner” scored 57 points to send the gym out in style; a few weeks later the school captured its first sectional tournament championship since 1952. Greenfield has been the home to high school basketball since 1914 when they called an old tabernacle building home but it would not be until January 18, 1921, that the school dedicated the State Street Gymnasium. Like many gymnasiums and fieldhouses in Indiana from the 1920s to the 1960s, it was the local townspeople who put forth a vigorous effort to cover the cost of construction. The students held a carnival, the freshman class sold candy, and graduating classes each donated $100 toward the new gym. A committee of prominent citizens would put forth the rest of the capital towards the building. It would be used until a new gymnasium and high school were built in 1926. It would be more modern and would host county tournaments and sectionals. Greenfield and Hancock Central High Schools would consolidate as Greenfield-Central High School for the 1969-70 season and the Cougar Fieldhouse would be its home. The large, open space venue features two levels of seating (upper and lower mezzanine), plastic blue folding bleacher seats, and its walls are decorated like a dorm room. Numerous county tournaments, sectionals, and regionals are still hosted inside the 4,620-seat facility. During the 2019-2020 school year, the building went through $870,000 of renovations that included the addition of an air-conditioning unit for the first time in the building’s history, LED lighting, and structure and ceiling painting. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located in the main lobby of the building. The usual food items can be found here including pretzels, pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, coneys, and nachos. Two additional tables offer jumbo cupcakes and Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Pepsi products are available in the building. The concession menu items and prices are on par with a majority of basketball venues in the state and there is nothing better than the smell of popcorn, to go with a cold drink and hot dog during a game. Atmosphere 3 Greenfield-Central Fieldhouse feels more like a typical high school venue and perhaps it was designed as a big box gym that was popular in design at the time of its completion. Similar gyms that include Gary West Side Gym bare a similar look and aesthetics. The majority of future gyms will borrow the same design in the following decades. Its size is impressive and it is larger than many gyms in the other 49 states, but still fits in comfortably in all of its high school boom-boom-rah! The walls are littered with posters of current varsity players of both the boy's and girls' teams, championship banners, retired jerseys, and more banners of other high school conference members. The school colors of blue and yellow are everywhere from the walls, seats, and court. Several interesting aspects include the original basketball center courts from the two erstwhile high schools that consolidated near the entrance and a giant-sized mural of a cougar on the north wall. The scoreboard is not directly over the center court but on both walls. Staircases bring patrons to the upper mezzanine seats where there are wide aisles. Neighborhood 3 Greenfield is a town of 21,056 residents located 25 miles east of downtown Indianapolis along I-70. The town is far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs, but close enough that many can still commute to the city for work. The downtown section is small and quaint, offering consignment and antique shops along historic State Road 40, and is slowly becoming an attraction in itself. Wooden Bear Brewing Company offers six beers on tap and food made from scratch. It is located in a former opera house built in 1895. The brewery provides a casual atmosphere where friends can gather and families can enjoy time together in the wide, open space. Hometown Classic Pizza, located in the adjoining building of the brewery, seems to be the place where locals venture for pizza. The restaurant is always packed with customers and also offers baked spaghetti, oven-baked subs, toasted ravioli, and triple-layer red velvet cake. If you are looking for more national and regional chain restaurants, many are located near the interstate entrance. However, there are still a few more local establishments that include the upscale Carnegie’s a Place To Eat and the funky and eclectic Florida Cracker BBQ that looks like something you would find in the Everglades. Other spots include Zapp Thai Restaurant and The Mug. Fans 3 Depending on the school, you will find many die-hard individuals making the trip to watch their local basketball team strive toward a state championship. The four schools that participated in Greenfield had their share of fans. The Cloverdale contingency was decked out green and many stayed until the half of the second game. Cloverdale and Northeastern had their rowdy student section, while the two Indianapolis schools did not have much of a student section. Access 4 The open-space facility is quite simple to get around throughout the game. Some staircases bring fans up to the upper mezzanine section and the main lobby houses the concession stand, bathroom, and ticket booth. Customers should keep their ticket stubs in their possession to regain entrance back into the gymnasium area. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $6 for all home games and sectional games will cost $10 for an all-day ticket. The cost of food is inexpensive, there is ample parking, and the gym provides easy access. Greenfield provides a taste of Hoosier Hysteria. Extras 2 One extra point for the high school atmosphere gymnasium. The mammoth-sized gyms of nearby New Castle and Richmond give it the distinction of something more than a high school facility. In Greenfield, you get a recognizable basketball facility. A final extra point for the two center court designs that are on display near the entrance from the two schools that consolidated into Greenfield-Central High School. Greenfield and Hancock Central were two of the last schools to shun their noses at consolidating, but two images from the Class of 1969 from each school are forever on display in the lobby. Final Thoughts The Greenfield Gym holds its own among many of the wonderful facilities in the state. It is impressive in its own right and feels more like your usual high school basketball gymnasium. The town’s basketball history is comprehensive, its teams have proven to be successful, and being in a quaint little town provides a fantastic evening of basketball. It was common in the early 20th century for a basketball court to be housed in barns, on second floors of local grocery stores, auto dealerships, or even outside. However, many of these courts offered limited seating, poor lighting, and other oddities that included haystacks, dusty floors, and cold conditions.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Colonial Country Club 3735 Country Club Cir Fort Worth, TX 76109 Colonial Country Club website Charles Schwab Challenge website Year Opened: 1936 Charles Schwab Challenge continues streak at Hogan’s Alley The Charles Schwab Challenge is played at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Although this was Charles Schwab’s first year being the sponsor in Fort Worth, the Colonial Country Club first hosted the US Open in 1941. Due to World War II, no tournament was played from 1942-45, but a PGA Tour golf tournament has been held at the Colonial Country Club every year since 1946, giving the course the honor of being the PGA Tour’s longest-tenured tournament at a single venue. The tournament is traditionally hosted over Memorial Day weekend. The Colonial Country Club is known as “Hogan’s Alley” because legendary Ben Hogan won the tournament five times. The course yardage is 7,209 (creating a Par 70 for golfers), and the course record is 61, co-held by seven PGA Tour pros: Keith Clearwater, Lee Janzen, Greg Kraft, Justin Leonard, Kevin Na, Kenny Perry, and Chad Campbell. The course has also hosted three major or significant professional golf events: the 1941 U.S. Open, the 1975 Tournament Players Championship, and the 1991 U.S. Women’s Open. Food & Beverage 3 There are numerous concessions tents around the golf course, with nearly one stand per hole as the tents are strategically placed for patrons to be able to buy food and not miss any action. The Charles Schwab Challenge food and beverage options are the standard sports fare, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, along with pretzels, peanuts, and various sweets. The food and beverage prices are typical of what sports fans are accustomed to when going to events; $10 is the highest price for food or alcohol options, with soda beverages running from $4 to $6. Being in Texas, there is BBQ in the B&B which is near the 9th tee box – their menu includes brisket and pulled pork with many other BBQ staples. There is also the 1936 Colonial Bar and Grill, as well as a variety of cocktails and different kinds of beer available in the Fan Zone. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream carts are also located at various places along the course, for fans looking for a sweet treat or some water. In addition to the general food areas, there are the premium seating areas for fans that want to have a more leisurely and upscale place to eat. One of the upgrades for concessions is the Champions Club, with a cost of $250 (upgraded tickets, but gives access to air conditioning as well as television while you eat and drink). In summary, there are plenty of food and beverages here for any fan to enjoy, but the overall menu is what fans expect at PGA events. Atmosphere 4 The Charles Schwab Challenge continues bringing an impeccable environment for avid golf fans. Hogan’s Alley continues to be one of the best-groomed courses on the PGA Tour. The private club opens their course to the golf world and creates an atmosphere like all the fans are members of the club. There are great seating opportunities to watch the best of the best play on the Par 70 course, and the Colonial Country Club and the volunteers create an environment that is attractive to all types of golf fans. The amenities here include a kids’ autograph zone, the Famous 13th Hole (a par 3 over water with the patron’s seating directly above the green, leaving very little space for the golfers safe zone on the green), and finally The Five, a Schwab Performance Center that is a live interactive golf experience focusing on the five fundamentals of both golf and investing, connecting Ben Hogan’s ground-breaking approach to golf and Schwab’s approach to investing and retirement. As in all PGA tournaments the fans excitement escalates on the last day, with fans getting to see the final pairings and leaders coming down the 18th fairway to the Colonial Clubhouse, with Ben Hogan’s statue overlooking the 18th green. The winner of the Charles Schwab Challenge receives the customary Scottish royal tartan plaid jacket, the Leonard Trophy, and a 1973 fully renovated Dodge Challenger. Neighborhood 4 The Colonial Golf Course is located about four miles from downtown Fort Worth. The golf course is located on the south bank of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, just northwest of the campus of Texas Christian University. There are several tourist attractions in Fort Worth near the Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth Zoo on University Drive is just across from the main entrance for the tournament. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the country. In addition, the Cultural District around the general parking at Farrington Field features several museums, including the world famous Kimbell Art Museum, the Will Rogers Memorial Center (home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo), and the new Dickies Arena. However, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must when visiting the Fort Worth area, and it is just a few miles on the other side of downtown. There you can see the famous “World’s Largest Honky Tonk” Billy Bob’s Texas, home to live music from national recording acts, a large dance floor, pool tables, mechanical bull rides, and live bull riding on the weekends. The stockyards also have a few steak houses that are well worth the visit, and there is also a local Tex-Mex favorite, Joe T. Garcia’s, but be prepared for long lines if you chose this eatery. Or if you’re looking for BBQ, Heim BBQ at 1109 W. Magnolia Ave is one of the top-rated BBQ places in the state. But the best food option might just be the Ol’ South Pancake House – this Fort Worth stable is a 24-hour family restaurant that is perfect for those early tee times at the tournament. There are plenty of lodging options while in town, with two good choices being the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa at 1701 Commerce, and the Stockyards Hotel at 109 E Exchange. If you want to be within walking distance of the Colonial Country Club, though, then the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth or the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth are your better options. Fans 5 The Colonial Country Club is a private golf club, but the fans that flock to this course are very diverse. As with all PGA Tour events, there are plenty of groups that form around certain golfers. The largest gallery the past few years have been around Jordan Spieth, which is great for fans of other golfers that want plenty of space to follow another golfer around the course. In general, golf fans are very courteous and respectful of everyone in attendance. This holds true around the course at Colonial – the whole crowd is united in supporting the players, but the support becomes the loudest as the final pairing head to the 18th green on Sunday evening. Access 3 The Colonial Country Club is located off University Blvd across from the Fort Worth Zoo. The club is situated in the Park Hill-Colonial Hills neighborhood, and this old neighborhood can’t support general parking for the PGA event. However, there are three parking options available to patrons; Bronze, Silver, and public. The Bronze and Silver parking areas are located on the opposite side of the neighborhood, on the Texas Christian University campus. The cost for Silver parking is $75 per day or $300 for the week, with a shuttle that takes patrons to the Colonial Clubhouse. The bronze parking is close to the silver parking, but the cost is $25 a day cheaper, and $50 cheaper for the week. Lexus Owners receive a $20 discount when driving their Lexus vehicles. The final option is public parking, with all general parking costing $20. The Charles Schwab Challenge website states $15, if you buy in advance, but fails to state that there is an added $6 service fee. The general parking is located at Fort Worth’s Farrington Field at 2921 W. Lancaster or Rockwood Lane Fort Worth, with both areas providing free shuttles to the course. The main entrance is on Rogers at the 4th hole fairway. There are metal detectors at the gates and Andy Frain Services checks patrons’ bags. There are no opaque bags allowed that are larger than a small purse (6” by 6”) including carrying cases, backpacks, camera bags, or chair bags. Clear plastic, vinyl, or other bags not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as well as food if it is stored in one-gallon clear plastic resealable bag. All mobile phones, tablets, and PDAs should be put in the silent mode, and cameras are allowed during practice rounds only. Once inside the course is very walkable, as the landscape is flat with plenty of trees for shade. Return on Investment 3 The return on investment at the Charles Schwab Challenge is as expected for a PGA Tour event, but is a little better than its metroplex counterpart, the AT&T Byron Nelson in Dallas. The daily grounds tickets are $50 per ticket, but the Colonial Country Club is one of the treasures on the PGA Tour – the historic golf course has hosted some of golf’s greatest players. There are also special ticket packages that enhance a patron’s experience, but they come at a price; the Patio Club@16, Hogan Club@18, and Best seats@18 green. These all have clubhouse access, with food and beverage included, but the prices range from $275 to $350 per ticket. The concessions pricing is on par with typical sporting event concessions prices, but the overpriced parking keeps the ROI from being higher; the AT&T Byron Nelson’s free parking option may have spoiled me when it comes to parking. Overall, however, the return on investment is in line with other sporting events. Extras 5 A trip to the Colonial Country Club is a chance to see the game’s biggest names firsthand, and those names represent a wide range of styles on the PGA Tour. Since the tournament’s inaugural event in 1946, golf greats like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, as well as modern-day stars such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose, have won this tournament – the 2019 champion was Kevin Na, making the tournament his third PGA Tour win. The Charles Schwab Challenge is also among the PGA Tour leaders in charitable giving, including generating a record $13 million awarded to charities in 2018. The tournament has generated $100 million for more than 150 charitable organizations over the past two decades. The Colonial Country Club fifth hole, which has the Trinity River running alongside the fairway, is mentioned as one of the best holes in America. This hole is regularly ranked as one of golf’s most difficult, and is the anchor in the very tough three-hole stretch nicknamed the “Horrible Horseshoe.” The Colonial staff and volunteers also do a great job throughout the week helping patrons navigate to and from the parking lot shuttles to different places around the course. Finally, the Charles Schwab Challenge’s placement on Memorial Day weekend inspires the tournament to remember the men and women of the Armed Forces that sacrificed their lives while serving their country, with a moment of silence during tournament play. Final Thoughts Colonial Country Club is a beautiful course laid out in a perfect setting to host a PGA Tournament, with an easy course to navigate and plenty of shade from the large oak trees along the fairways. The DFW area is also a great tourist area for golf fans to enjoy, with plenty of restaurants and lodging in the vicinity. In fact, traditionally the DFW area hosted back-to-back weekends of PGA golf, with the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament in Dallas followed by the Charles Schwab Challenge here; Dallas-Fort Worth is the only metroplex area in the US that hosts two PGA events each year. In 2019 the PGA Championship broke up the consecutive weekends, but if the PGA returns to their prior schedule, then spending a week in the DFW areas watching two PGA Tour events is a must for the avid golf fan. However, if the schedule stays the same with a break between the two tournaments, then golf fans have a great choice in choosing which side of the metroplex; either a link style course in Dallas, or the traditional golf course in Fort Worth.

Photos by Jeremy Inson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stadio Olimpico Viale dei Gladiatori Rome, Lazio 00135 Italy SS Lazio website Stadio Olimpico website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 73,000 SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico Società Sportiva Lazio (SS Lazio) has been in existence since the turn of the 20th century. Known commonly as Lazio, the club is a member of the Italian Serie A, the top tier professional soccer league in Italy. With a capacity of 73,000 Rome’s Stadio Olimpico is Italy’s highest profile and most modern stadium. It is the only stadium in the country with a five star ranking from UEFA, European football’s governing body and therefore the only one capable of hosting major finals. It was named for the 1960 Olympic Games, had a roof added for the 1990 FIFA World Cup where it hosted the final, and then upgraded to meet UEFA’s specifications in 2008. The city was rewarded for the upgrades when it hosted the 2009 Champions League final, in which Barcelona ran riot against Manchester United to win 2-0. It was the fourth time European soccer’s premier club final took place there after the stadium hosted finals in 1977, 1984 and 1996. Most of the time Stadio Olimpico plays host to cross town rivals SS Lazio and AS Roma, who enjoy the ups and downs of life in Serie A. It also hosts the national soccer team’s most important fixtures and a Diamond League track and field meet every June, while Italy’s rugby union team have now begun playing their matches there as well. Food & Beverage 3 Like most stadiums in Italy, the best food is available from the various concession stands and food trucks outside the stadium. Hot sandwiches or pizza slices are the most popular choices and most serve chips, chocolate and candy as well. Alcohol is available from outside the stadium, but once inside the sale of alcohol is prohibited. There are some food counters in the stadium, which sell overly-expensive sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks, but in truth it is better to suffer the hunger pangs, then get back to the city centre and enjoy some of the best food around. Atmosphere 4 There are few matches around with a better atmosphere than a Rome derby between Lazio and Roma. Talk occupies the city for weeks before and the whole stadium is a vast cauldron of boiling hot emotions. Fireworks, flares, mega-banners and non-stop singing ensure that the Rome derby is one of the most passionate matches in the football world. There are few other domestic or European games that can match its intensity. The visits of Inter and AC Milan and Juventus will also push the attendance towards capacity and have a similar atmosphere. Lazio average gates of about 35,000, though for matches with some of the smaller teams in Serie A the atmosphere can be decidedly flat. Neighborhood 2 The Stadio Olimpico is the centrepiece of the Foro Italico sports complex north-west of the city, which also houses the swimming centre that hosted the 2009 FINA World Swimming Championships and the tennis centre where the Italian Masters takes place each May. It was built in the 1930’s at the behest of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and while it boasts an impressive array of neo-fascist architecture and design, there is precious little else in the area and with the centre of the Eternal City less than 30 minutes away, it is better to head back there to sample its charms. One place to avoid, especially for night games, is the nearby bridge Ponte Milvio. The bridge has often been the scene of soccer hooliganism and knife attacks between rival fans, most notably when English teams are in town. Fans 4 Lazio fans occupy the curva nord, and their supporters pride themselves on being some of the most passionate around. Politically Lazio fans are considered some of the most notoriously far-right leaning supporters and so have little compunction in showing their admiration for Mussolini. Either way Lazio’s supporters make a huge amount of noise, despite the fact that they stand in the part of the stadium with the worst views, behind the goals and across the running track. It means that a match at the Stadio Olimpico is rarely a dull affair. Access 3 Reaching the stadium on public transport means at least one change and the main two routes involve jumping on the A metro line. Fans can either alight at Flaminio and catch the number 2 tram, which drops fans a short walk from the stadium. The alternative is to get off at Ottaviano and take the number 32 bus that drops fans off across the road from the stadium. If arriving by car from outside the city drivers need to take the ring road exit sign-posted Flaminia and then follow signs for the stadium. From inside the city, the stadium and Foro Italico complex are both well signposted. Drivers be warned though, battling traffic in Rome isn’t for the faint hearted and there isn’t great deal of parking nearby. Once at the stadium entry points and turnstiles are well signposted though. Return on Investment 4 Much depends on who it is you go and see and where you sit. While fans may be happy to put up with watching over the running track against one of the big teams, they may be less so if they have to watch from afar as Lazio takes on the likes of Cesena or Catania. Still the noise and the singing will always be there to some extent and the side like to play exciting, attacking football. Lazio are also blessed by being located in one of the most stunning cities in the world, with its array of world famous sites. As such a match at the Stadio Olimpico is the perfect accompaniment to a trip to the Eternal City. Extras 3 Such is the size of the stadium that tickets are fairly easy to obtain, except for the derby when fans will sell their own mother to land one. Tobacconists around the city have them for sale and Lazio have shops in the city centre and the main train station (Stazione Termini) where fans can buy tickets. Expect to pay from about €25 ($33) to €90 ($120) for a ticket. Supporters should have a photo id on them when they buy tickets and at the match. If you can’t get to a game, Lazio have a number of supporters’ clubs’ in the suburbs, predominantly north of the city. Visitors may have to pay a small fee to become members, but once inside drinks are cheaper than the city bars and you will meet some of the most dedicated and passionate supporters about.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ODU Soccer Complex 1528 W 43rd St Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website ODU Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 Old Dominion Soccer Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the ODU Soccer Complex is home to the Monarchs’ men’s and women’s soccer teams. The 4,000-seat stadium opened in 1991 and has played host to several conference and NCAA tournament events. During ODU’s seven seasons in Conference USA, the Soccer Complex hosted the men’s conference tournament three times and the women’s conference tournament once. ODU won the tournament in 2014 and 2016 on their home field. The Monarchs have since joined the Sun Belt Conference as of the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage situation at the ODU Soccer Complex is confusing at first but is somewhat unique once you figure out what is going on. There are signs for a concession stand under the bleachers, and even a menu, but this area has not been in use for a while. Instead, there is a lounge area on the far side of the field, across from the bleachers, called the Lions’ Den, where fans can buy food and drink or just hang out at the tables. Hot dogs, nachos, and sausages are all $5, peanuts and candy are $4, and chips are $3. Bottled water is $4 and soda is $5. Uniquely, alcohol is also available at the Lions’ Den although it must be drunk in this area and cannot be brought to the rest of the stadium. Domestic beer is $8, IPAs are $10, and wine is $8. Only credit cards are accepted so be prepared. Atmosphere 4 When you walk into the ODU Soccer Complex, you will head to your left towards a large set of bleachers. All seats offer a decent view of the field, although your view of areas close to the sideline or the corners may be blocked by the back of the benches or other objects in the way. There is a large scoreboard to your right as you sit in these bleachers which also shows shots and corner kicks, and a much smaller one on the other end that is barely visible. The team does a decent job of keeping fans involved, with giveaways and stuff like that, and it is not uncommon to hear fans banging together inflatable thundersticks to create a loud noise. As in most soccer games, the fans create the atmosphere here rather than the team, and they do a pretty good job at it. Neighborhood 3 The ODU Soccer Complex is located along a residential street so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 4 Old Dominion draws about 400 to 500 fans a match to their soccer games according to the official numbers, though it seems fuller at times. While it may not seem like much, this is typical for college soccer. Although there are always going to be friends and family of the players in attendance, most of the crowd is loyal Monarchs fans with no direct connection to the program coming out decked in their ODU gear and sporting the school colors. The fans range from young children to older fans who have been following Monarchs athletics for years. Of course, ODU students turn out as well, although they do not sit in any organized section. No matter who they are, the fans will cheer for the Monarchs throughout the game and bang their ODU-branded inflatable thundersticks together to create a hostile atmosphere. Some of them seem to just be here to socialize in the Lions’ Den while drinking their adult beverage of choice, but most do seem to want to cheer and create a great atmosphere. Access 3 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 by the field hockey stadium, about half a block from the Soccer Complex. If that fills up, which it almost certainly won’t, parking is available in the Elkhorn Avenue Garage a block and a half away. Getting around the stadium is a bit more complicated. The concession stand is located on the opposite side of the stadium from the bleachers. Standard restrooms are available behind the bleachers near the area that purports to be a concession stand but no longer is, but to get there you have to walk all the way to the end of the bleachers and then back around no matter where in the bleachers you are sitting. This is because the only ways in and out of the bleachers are at the ends – there are no other stairs from the back concourse. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5, with the military getting in for $4 with a valid ID. ODU students get in for free. This is a pretty standard price for college soccer among venues that charge, and with this being an above-average venue, it is worth paying for. Concessions are affordable and parking is free so this is a good deal. Extras 2 Look for the marketing table by the entrance with free posters, programs, and other giveaways. Also check out the banners on the side of the glass building to the left of the entrance that houses the ODU locker rooms and offices. These banners honor the achievements of Old Dominion soccer through the years. Final Thoughts The ODU Soccer Complex is one of the nicer college soccer venues in the country. Although it is over 30 years old at this point, it feels significantly newer. More importantly, the team does a lot to get fans excited about soccer, and the fans respond in due course. The beer garden-like area that is the Lions’ Den is also a nice touch for those who are interested in that sort of thing. Overall, the ODU Soccer Complex is a gorgeous venue to take in a college soccer game and is recommended for any fan in the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Bill Beck Field Tootell Road Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams baseball website Bill Beck Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball at Bill Beck Field Baseball was first played at the University of Rhode Island in 1898, just six years after the founding of the school. The Rams have played on the site of their current ball field, Bill Beck Field, since the program’s inception. Since 1981, the team has competed in the Atlantic-10 Conference. Named for the former URI baseball and football coach, Bill Beck Field has undergone multiple renovations in recent years, including a new FieldTurf surface, backstop, scoreboard, fencing and bullpens. An indoor batting facility was completed in 2011. The Rams have qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2005 and 2016. In addition, Rhode Island has won three Atlantic-10 conference titles. Three former Rams (Dave Stenhouse, Nick Greenwood and Angelo Dagres) have played in the major leagues. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available to fans at Bill Beck Field. Fans can bring their own snacks or drinks to enjoy during Rams baseball games, provided no alcohol is brought on premises. During the chilly spring months of the college baseball season, it’s not unusual to see a bunch of hot Dunkin’ beverages in the stands. Atmosphere 2 You wouldn’t expect an elaborate gameday presentation with the limited resources available at Bill Beck Field. Distractions are kept to a minimum here at Kingston. Music is played between innings and batters, and the PA announcements are limited to lineup changes. A simple scoreboard beyond the left field fence displays basic game information. While there is a lot of energy coming from the stands here, there’s only so much noise that 100 or so people can make. If you’re a fan who likes to hear the chatter coming from the dugouts or conversations between players and coaches, you’ll truly enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 Visiting baseball fans looking for dining or recreational activities within walking distance of the University of Rhode Island may be disappointed with the school’s rural location. The URI campus is fairly self-contained, without many attractions nearby. Those willing to travel a short distance will be rewarded with many wonderful restaurants and sights. The Mews Tavern in nearby Wakefield boasts 69 beers on taps and an extensive bar menu. It is a favorite of the student body. In addition, Narragansett, located 8 miles to the south, Newport, 16 miles to the east, and Providence, 29 miles to the north, offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, and tourist options for the adventurous baseball fan. There are no lodging options directly adjacent to the URI campus. The closest option is a Holiday Inn out on Route 1 in South Kingstown (the different spellings of “Kingstown” and “Kingston” are most likely a colonial thing). Fans looking to make a weekend of their trip to URI would be advised to check out Newport or Providence, both short drives from campus. In addition, Boston is a short 90 minute drive from Kingston. Fans 2 The crowds at Bill Beck Field would certainly fall into the “friends and family” category. Ranging in size from 100-200 fans, virtually everyone in attendance has a close personal connection with someone on the field. This makes for a crowd that is really into the action going on down on the field, and a high level of enthusiasm. Access 3 Bill Beck Field is located on the southwestern corner of the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island near the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Ryan Center and Meade Stadium . The small town of Kingston is located 29 miles south of Providence and 20 minutes south of T.F. Green Airport. Driving to Kingston from Providence will take you about 40 minutes on a normal Saturday. The campus is located on Route 138, approximately a 10-mile drive from I-95 as it passes through southern Rhode Island. The URI campus is served by public transportation, as RIPTA busses have several routes that serve the campus from Providence. In addition, the Kingstown train station is about two miles away from campus, with Amtrak making regular stops at the station. Bill Beck Field has had several improvements in access in recent years, most of which have focused on the playing field and training facilities. For fans, there is little in the way of seating available, with only a single small aluminum bleacher section located behind home plate. There is a nice, terraced seating area on the first base side of the field. There is plenty of room all around Bill Beck Field for fans who wish to bring their own lawn chairs or roam around the field throughout the game. The next phase of the Bill Beck Field renovation project will feature a new grandstand/press box. There is ample parking available in the lot adjacent to Bill Beck Field. In addition to a pair of port-a-johns located near the ball field, rest room facilities are located in the Boss Ice Arena next door. It’s a little walk, so plan ahead. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to attend a Rhode Island baseball game at Bill Beck Field. Likewise, ample parking is available adjacent to the ball field at no charge. With no concessions available for purchase, local baseball fans can watch a game at the sport’s highest level without spending a single red cent. Extras 1 The outfield wall has some nice graphics honoring Rams NCAA Tournament appearances and conference titles. Also honored on the outfield wall are two former URI players, Rick Ligi and Joey Canicola, who both passed away during their playing careers. Final Thoughts Bill Beck Field is a simple facility that meets the needs of the URI Rams perfectly. For fans, there is little going on here to distract from the action on the field. Some may not enjoy this most relaxed of settings, but you can bring your own chair and a cooler, and you won’t have to reach for your wallet even once. It doesn’t get much better than that. If planning a trip to Kingston, remember that the baseball season here in New England largely takes place in March and April, when the weather can be unpredictable at best. Postponements, cancellations and even changes in venue are common. Be ready to be flexible when coming to Rhode Island. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 FBC Mortgage Stadium 4465 Knights Victory Way Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website FBC Mortgage Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 45,000 SpaceU Football Glory A great many things have changed for UCF since their championship parade down Main Street USA in Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 2017. After two back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, the team has finally moved from the American conference to the Big XII. The Knights and their fans have been on the highest of highs in the last half-decade. Arguably the most visible and fastest growing program in NCAA Football, UCF has long been a hidden gem among college game-day experiences. However, the latest round of popularity has only helped this notoriety grow even further into the mainstream. A trip to a Knights football game at FBC Mortgage Stadium, aka the Bounce House, reveals that the college football experience is alive and well on the campus of UCF – from the tailgating all across campus to the in-game fan interaction, the average uninitiated fan who isn’t familiar with the Knights will be surprised by the atmosphere here. Food & Beverage   5 After having average food options for many years, UCF invested in local businesses and upgraded their options. By far the star of the concessions at FBC Mortgage Stadium is Four Rivers BBQ; this central Florida BBQ restaurant has become a local favorite and can now be found at UCF football games. The best options here are the pulled pork sandwich ($14), BBQ nachos ($13), brisket sandwich ($15), and the Messy Dog, a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork, southern slaw, and signature sauce ($13). Other popular options at the stadium are the Knights Lobster Roll ($18) and Knight Burger ($12), nachos ($8), Cracker Jack or chips ($5), and jumbo pretzels ($5). Drink options include sodas ($6), Truly Vodka Sodas ($10), beer ($10-$11), BodyArmor Water ($7.50), and bottled water ($4). Standard stadium fare is also easy to find, as are other local favorites like Kelly’s Ice Cream ($7-$9). Atmosphere   5 There is a reason they call FBC Mortgage Stadium the Bounce House – the fans keep this facility rocking all game, and the stands can be felt bouncing along as the fans hype up the players on the field. Holding approximately 45,000, the facility gets very loud as well. The pre-game tailgating is incredibly vast, covering nearly every open lot and green space on campus for hours before the game even starts, reaching from the lots at the stadium itself all the way across campus to the far corners of the academic buildings. The facilities at FBC Mortgage Stadium are immaculate as well, with restrooms constantly restocked with paper towels and soap. During the game, everything one expects from a college football game is here, from the band performances to the Golden Knight riding onto the field on horseback before kickoff. The fans are sport-knowledgeable and know their favorite players well. During night games, the new LED lighting adds to the look on the field, adding colored hues during performances and flashing on and off whenever the Knights score. During the second half fans take part in “Lights Up, Lights Down”, where everyone turns on their cell phone lights and waves them up and down in unison to create a truly remarkable sight. Unlike some Florida colleges where fans go to be part of a fad or part of the scene, the fans at FBC Mortgage Stadium go out of pure loyalty. UCF games are truly a sight to behold for a college many had dismissed as just another mid-major team, and fans from all over the Big XII have remarked on how friendly and welcoming the UCF faithful have been to visiting patrons. Packed and sold-out games are a frequent occurrence in Orlando, and it is easy to see why. Neighborhood   4 FBC Mortgage Stadium is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena  and UCF’s baseball stadium , and you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park.   Fans   4 The fans at UCF are among some of the best in college football – they broke records for attendance when Fox Sports came to town for their Big Noon Kickoff show. However, a lot of that has changed since those undefeated seasons. The stadium is frequently sold out now for most games, thanks to the team’s recent successes, and when FBC Mortgage Stadium is full to the gills with upwards of 45,000 fans, the noise level gets loud. However, ticket resellers mean some road team fans can invade Orlando and make it less of a home field advantage, and with some losses piling up of late, the student section has started to look a little more bare, especially after halftime. Before the game starts, the parking lots and garages all over campus are packed full of tailgating fans. Most of all, the experience at FBC Mortgage Stadium is extremely family friendly – you will see the full range of fans, from older generations who have been long-time Central Florida residents to the youngest fans with growing families.   Access   3 The biggest difficulty of game day at FBC Mortgage Stadium is the parking and traffic in and around the stadium. Being that the facility is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are small and get clogged quickly. Parking lots and garages fill up fast, so getting to the stadium early helps avoid a longer walk from across campus to the stadium’s gates in the hot Florida sun. Thankfully, the school has done a great job of managing the traffic flow in and out of campus. Additionally, new updates to FBC Mortgage Stadium’s ingress and egress mean no longer having to enter a gate and navigate the entire concourse to find your seat.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to UCF games start at around $50 to $75 and go up from there. Students can also purchase student-guest tickets on the day of the game on a first-come first-served basis, for guests to sit in the student section with them. With ticket prices for top-level college football in Florida’s great weather, it won’t break the bank to take the family or friends to a game on a given Saturday. In addition, with concession prices also low and with top quality food, you can also feel comfortable knowing getting a bite to eat won’t cost an arm and a leg. But you want to get your tickets early, as they sell out frequently many months ahead of time before the season even begins, regardless of the Knights current record.   Extras   4 Outside the main entrance to FBC Mortgage Stadium stands a statue of former head coach George O’Leary; it is a popular photo spot for fans. Before the game, fans can also watch the players arrive at the stadium and walk inside during the Knight Walk. After that, the March to Victory features a horse-riding knight clad in golden armor who rides into the facility before kickoff, alongside a miniature pony named Nugget, with the marching band in full parade behind them. This march starts in the tailgating areas near Addition Financial Arena  and proceeds into the stadium after marching past the fans outside. Pre-game concerts also feature local stars, from cover bands to Shaq, aka DJ Diesel. In addition, several games feature flyovers, and smoke machines were added throughout the stadium in 2023 to go off whenever a touchdown is scored.   Final Thoughts While many may not think of UCF when it comes to the best college experiences in Florida, the team has quickly turned that opinion around for fans who have entered the gates at FBC Mortgage Stadium. A growing and expanding program like UCF warrants increased interest from fans, and it is easy to see why they are flocking to Orlando. A visit to Orlando’s hometown team is almost now a must-see for any sports fan traveling through the state of Florida.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 F.G. Clark Center Harding Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Southern Jaguars website F.G. Clark Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,500 There's No Dome Like The Mini-Dome In the northern part of Baton Rouge sits the campus of Southern University, a well-known HBCU (Historically Black College and University). Its athletic teams are known as the Jaguars and they compete in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). The Jaguars have played at the F.G. Clark Activity Center since 1975. It’s named after Dr. Felton Grandison Clark, who served as the university’s second president. The arena is nicknamed the “Mini-Dome” because of its resemblance to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (The football team plays its in-state rival the Grambling Tigers in the Bayou Classic at the Superdome every year.) The Jaguars men’s basketball team has made 9 NCAA tournaments, the last making March Madness in 2016. The Jaguars have retired the jersey numbers of Avery Johnson, Bobby Phills, and Bob Love. The court was renamed the “Avery Johnson Court” in 2013. Food & Beverage 2 The menu includes stadium basics such as hot dogs ($5), hot sausages ($7), nachos ($6), candy ($2), popcorn ($2), chips ($1) and 20 oz. bottled Coke products ($3). The one unique item on the menu is jambalaya ($7). There are two concession stands but only one was open during the game I attended. I assume the second stand is open during SWAC games. Atmosphere 3 The first thing I saw in the parking lot was the “Awakening” sculpture by Al LaVergne. It was erected in 1976 and according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library it is meant to be a “representation of a facet of positive changes in America.” There is not much to the concourse but once you head to the seats you see the floor with the Southern logo at midcourt and light blue around the out-of-bounds area. The lower bowl has chair-back seats with the yellow seats at the front being reserved for season ticket holders while the blue seats are general admission. There are also yellow bleacher seats surrounding the blue chair backs if the crowd is large enough. There is a DJ to keep the entertainment going during timeouts and halftime. There should be cheerleaders as long as the game is occurring when classes are in session. They were not there when I attended a game in December after finals were finished so keep that in mind if you want to attend a game. Neighborhood 3 There are not a lot of things to see in the vicinity of Southern University. The campus is surrounded by residential areas. If you are spending a day in Baton Rouge I would recommend driving seven miles to downtown where you can visit several museums as well as the Louisiana State Capitol. Hit up Schlitz & Giggles for pizza, the Cecelia Creole Bistro for Creole dishes, or Aztecs if you want Mexican food. Overnight lodging options downtown include the Hilton, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Hotel Indigo, and Watermark. Fans 3 The stands are not typically filled to the brim but the fans that do show up are loyal and get behind their Jaguars. The Southern fans are knowledgeable about basketball and appreciate a good play when they see one. Access 3 One thing that should get you to consider going to a game here is that the parking is free! Inside the arena, there are enough bathrooms but as mentioned before there are only two concession stands (occasionally only one is open) and the lighting is not great in the walkways. Return on Investment 4 A general admission ticket costs $15 but you have to purchase it the day of the game at the ticket window outside. A ticket, free parking, jambalaya, and Coke will cost you $25 by yourself, $50 for a date or hangout, and $100 for a family of four. Not bad for Division One college basketball! Extras 1 The DJ at the end of the court is a nice touch. The DJ keeps the energy flowing while there are breaks in game action. Final Thoughts When you come to a Southern basketball game you will see the Jaguars give everything they have to win and their fans will appreciate their efforts.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Knott Arena 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Knott Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 3,121 Basketball on the Mount Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in the Catoctin Mountains, Mount St. Mary's University is the second-oldest Catholic college in the United States. The school's athletic teams, known as the Mountaineers or simply The Mount, compete at the PNC Sports Complex across Route 15 from the main campus. In addition to fields for the baseball , softball , lacrosse , and soccer teams, the Complex is home to Knott Arena, where The Mount's basketball team plays. The Mountaineers currently compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) but previously competed in the Northeast Conference for many years. They won the NEC Tournament six times, most recently in 2021. Before joining Division I, they had five Final Four appearances at the Division II level, including a national championship in 1962. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand operating out of a window in the lobby by the entrance, and another, smaller one on the other side. Menu items include pizza rolls (more similar to sandwiches than the tiny microwavable pockets of the same name that you can buy at supermarkets), hot dogs, nachos, hot pretzels, and a wide variety of baked goods including fresh-baked cookies and homemade Rice Krispie treats. Bottled water and Pepsi products are also available. Prices are reasonable as nothing costs more than $6 and most of the items are much less. Beer is also available at a separate table for those of age. Atmosphere 4 One of the more unique characteristics of Knott Arena is the roof. A low, sloping roof hangs over the seating area, trapping in noise, while the roof over the court is significantly higher. Glass windows line one baseline, letting in some light from the outside. Most of the seats are wooden bleachers, although there are some reserved padded chairbacks on one side. A pep band and the Mount St. Mary's students sit in the bleachers behind one baseline, and the mascot, a costumed mountaineer, tends to hang out there as well. When they are not on the court performing, the Mount cheerleaders will usually be found in this area as well. However, before the opening tip, the cheerleaders will stand in the aisles in the seating area and bang their pom poms together until the game is underway. While this is an interesting tradition, it can obstruct the views of fans if they are sitting too close to the aisles. Fortunately, once the game gets underway, they move away quickly. There are promos on the court during some of the media timeouts and at halftime, to keep fans engaged. During other breaks, the cheerleaders will perform on the court and the pep band will play music. The pep band is small but passionate and features instruments not often seen, including an electric guitar. Neighborhood 2 Emmitsburg is a small town in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, and there is nothing within walking distance of campus. If you make the short drive into town, you will find a few places to eat and stay, as well as some interesting sites such as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and various Catholic shrines. Thurmont is a short drive away, about 10 minutes south on Route 15, and offers more options than Emmitsburg itself. However, this is a very rural area, and while it’s scenic, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. Fans 4 Mount St. Mary's draws reasonably well to their home games, and the stands are mostly full even if they don't completely sell out. As mentioned above, the shape of the roof traps the sound from the crowd and so it can get extremely loud here at times. The crowd goes wild after big plays, made baskets, and the like, and the Mount erupts into mayhem. The cheerleaders, dance team, and pep band also launch into cheers during games and help get the rest of the crowd into it. While Knott Arena may not be the largest arena in college basketball, it certainly is not quiet. Access 3 The PNC Sports Complex, including Knott Arena, is located right off US Route 15, and signs are directing you to gameday parking once you get there. Some lots are paved while others are gravel. From there, you will walk to the upper doors of Knott Arena to enter the lobby. The wooden bleachers can get uncomfortable, and the drop between rows is unusually large. While this does improve sightlines, it also makes getting up and down the bleachers rather tricky. Restrooms are available in the lobby and are of sufficient size for the crowd. There may be a short line at halftime or after the game, but otherwise, you should have no problem. Return on Investment 3 Reserved chairbacks at Knott Arena cost $20, while the wooden bleachers, which are general admission, cost $12. Youth (age 5-17) get in for $5. Discounts are sometimes available, such as a Family Four Pack to select home games, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and four candy bars for just $49. The opportunity for discounts offers enhanced value, but if paying full price for tickets, it's about what you would expect for this level. Extras 3 The unique shape of the roof in Knott Arena helps trap sound and almost makes the building feel like a literal cathedral of basketball. Look for the banners on the walls honoring Mount St. Mary's basketball history, including the 1962 Division II championship. Programs are available at the entrance for $1. Final Thoughts Basketball on The Mount is well worth checking out for any fan in the area. Although it's pretty far removed from the other Division I schools in Maryland, it is still worth making the trek out to Emmitsburg for a game at Knott Arena.

Memorial Stadium, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Society Located in Baltimore’s Waverly neighborhood, Memorial Stadium was the home field for Major League Baseball’s Orioles, the National Football League’s Colts and for a few years in the late 1990’s, the NFL Ravens. The Canadian Football League’s Stallions, Minor League Baseball’s Bowie Baysox and the North American Soccer League’s Bays and Comets also called Memorial Stadium home. Memorial Stadium was the site of six World Series and an NFL Championship Game. Over the years the facility came to be known as “The Old Gray Lady,” or thanks to the frenzied devotion of Baltimore fans, “the world’s largest outdoor insane asylum.” Designed to be a replacement for Municipal Stadium, which had stood on the site since 1922, construction on the horseshoe-shaped, double-decked stadium began in 1949. The first games were played here in 1950 once the lower deck was completed. The upper deck was finished in 1954. Today Memorial Stadium is seen by ballpark aficionados as an example of the transition in ballpark design from the classic ballparks of the 1910s and 20s to the multipurpose stadiums built in the 60s and 70s. Memorial Stadium Interior, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey The defining feature of this mostly nondescript facility was the 116-foot tall brick and stone exterior façade and memorial wall. The wall featured the city seal of Baltimore and the following dedication, spelled out in stainless steel letters ranging in height from twelve inches to ten feet tall: ERECTED BY THE CITY OF BALTIMORE 1954 DEDICATED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PEOPLE OF BALTIMORE CITY IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND AS A MEMORIAL TO ALL WHO SO VALIANTLY FOUGHT AND SERVED IN THE WORLD WARS WITH ETERNAL GRATITUDE TO THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE TO PRESERVE EQUALITY AND FREEDOM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS The Stadium was formally dedicated on May 30, 1956. A parade and memorial service were held, and Army General Raleigh B. Hendrix presented stadium management with a bronze urn filled with soil from every American military cemetery on foreign ground. The urn was later encased in the memorial wall. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 2-1 on that day. Memorial Stadium Facade, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey Over the years, Memorial Stadium developed a reputation as a good place to watch a baseball game but not so great for football (as someone who attended both sports at Memorial Stadium, I can confirm). As the stadium aged, the Colts attempted to get a new home built. Their impasse with the city ended with their infamous escape in the middle of the night to Indianapolis and the Hoosier Dome. The Orioles continued the push for a new facility, finally getting it in 1992 with the game changing Oriole Park at Camden Yards. After the departure of the Orioles, there was much debate over what to do with the vacant stadium. Memorial Stadium was granted a reprieve when the Ravens played their first two seasons in Baltimore on 33rd Street while Ravens Stadium (now M&T Bank Stadium) was built. After the Ravens’ last game in 1997 Memorial Stadium once again stood empty. Efforts to designate the facility as a historic landmark fell short, making demolition inevitable. For Baltimore sports fans, the loss of The Old Gray Lady hit hard, as chronicled in the documentary The Last Season: The Life and Demolition of Memorial Stadium . Memorial Stadium was demolished in March 2001. As a compromise to those who opposed its demolition, the memorial wall was left standing. This compromise proved to be unpopular with both sides. The ten-story wall seemed very much out of place without a stadium attached to it, and it, too was torn down in December of 2001. Memorial Stadium’s legacy carried on in a number of ways. 50,000 square feet of turf was transplanted to the new Ravens Stadium. The YMCA built on the Stadium site contains many signs from Memorial Stadium. Of course, many pieces of Memorial Stadium, including seats, lockers, even urinals-found their way into collectors’ hands on the secondary market. For many years pieces of Memorial Stadium could be found at the Sports Legends Museum next to Oriole Park (sadly, this museum is now gone, as well). Both foul poles from Memorial Stadium made their way to Oriole Park. Memorial Stadium Wall at Camden Yards, Photo Courtesy of Keith Eggener Most significantly, on the pedestrian mall that was once Eutaw Street, in between Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium, is a low, curving wall bearing the last line from the original dedication from Memorial Stadium: “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS.” The bronze urn presented by General Hendrix at Memorial Stadium’s dedication is encased in glass nearby, along with a photo of the old ballpark and a brief history of the facility. The site of Memorial Stadium is now home to a mixed-use development named Stadium Place. Located in this senior-housing community are retail shops, a youth center, a YMCA, playgrounds and a scaled-down replica of the old field used for youth baseball, with home plate at the same location as it was in the old ballpark. In a nod to Memorial Stadium’s past, the baseball field can be converted to use as a football gridiron. A bronze plaque honors the old ballpark. For more information about Memorial Stadium, read Keith Eggener’s excellent 2012 article on PlacesJournal.org Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 LaVell Edwards Stadium 1700 N Canyon Rd Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website LaVell Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Independent (And it feels so good) The Brigham Young Cougars have been playing football since 1896, but have been independent since 2011. Since then, the stadium and the school have seen quality opponents come and go, but the excitement at games continues to remain and impress. And with a new head coach and coaching staff at the helm, there is even more excitement surrounding the program. The stadium was built in 1964, but with the near-constant sellouts, the upgrades to the stadium and the quality of the opponents, you probably wouldn’t think it is that old. But as one of the few independents in the nation, does the LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES) fit the bill? Food & Beverage 4 As the largest stadium in the state of Utah, there are plenty of food options to choose from, whether you want just a snack or a full fledged entree. There are even a few specialty items that will get your taste buds going. Some of the more popular items include “Cougar” Dogs ($4), Polish Sausages ($5), Popcorn ($4), Nachos ($4) and Candy ($4). The BYU Creamery is a big staple on campus and it is available on game day – you can get a pint of BYU Creamery ice cream for $4. The more unique items on the menu include Pulled Pork Sandwiches ($9) and a Bratwurst combo with chips and a drink ($7). As a Coke campus, all soft drinks served on game day are Coke – a regular sized soda will cost $4 while a souvenir cup costs $7 but you do get unlimited refills during the game. Minute Maid frozen lemonade is also available for $5 and is available in regular and strawberry flavors. The biggest note here is that as an LDS (Latter-day Saints) campus, there is no alcohol served during the game. The Creamery items and any of the sandwiches are definite must tries if you ever attend a game at the LES. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Atmosphere 4 With more high quality opponents on the schedule, LaVell Edwards Stadium has a bigger game day atmosphere than in years past. The stadium is a bowl-shaped stadium, so fans will have a great view of the field no matter where they sit. The biggest features are the two HD scoreboards on both the north and south ends of the stadium. The video boards are connected by a video ribbon that surrounds the entire edge of the stadium. The graphics are top notch, especially on replays, which shows the actual replay system officials use during the game. The sound system is pretty good, and music is played often in between downs and during game breaks such as TV timeouts and quarter breaks. Before the game, there is the ceremonial lighting of the “Y” and the pregame prayer, which take place before every home game. There are different “cams” that are interspersed throughout the game, including the Air Guitar Cam and the Dance Cam. The BYU Marching Band does a terrific job throughout the game keeping fans entertained while playing very good music as well. You will have a pretty good view of the field regardless of where you sit. But if you want a view that faces the mountains, you will want to sit closer to the west side of the stadium. As a reminder, if you come during the winter months, it will be a lot colder and the chances of snow increase – just keep in mind there are no umbrellas allowed in the stadium so plan ahead. Neighborhood 4 LaVell Edwards Stadium is located on the extreme northern end of campus and along University Parkway, which is the main road to get from Interstate 15 to the stadium. As an atypical college town, there are no bars around town – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t stuff to do. Even though there are no bars in town, there are plenty of places to eat within driving distance of the stadium. One of my favorites is Pizza Pie Cafe – where it is all you can eat Pizza, Pasta and Salad – for around $7 (drinks are a buck or two extra). They have several different kinds of pizza (including dessert pizza) and have 10 different kinds of pasta with six different kinds of sauce. For a more local feel, you can try Burgers Supreme which is just down the road. As a bacon fanatic, I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger. There are a lot of shopping areas as you come down University Parkway, but not much in the way of attractions. If you’re craving a flick before the game, there is a Cinemark theater on the way to the stadium, which includes new Luxury Lounger seats that recline back. For LDS faithful, the Provo Temple is about a half-mile to a mile away. Coming into the stadium, I noticed a Super 8 that was just two blocks away and a Days Inn that wasn’t far behind that. If you’re coming from I-15 and using University Parkway to get to the stadium, you will pass anywhere between 7 to 10 hotels within driving distance. So if you’re coming from out of town, book in advance because rooms tend to fill up and it can be more expensive closer to game day. Fans 5 If there was one thing that made my visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium special, it would be the fans. They are about as passionate a fan base as I have seen so far. And the game I went to was homecoming, which made the night even more special. The capacity of the stadium is 63,470, which makes it the largest stadium in the state – and it was a near sellout with very few empty seats. It may be a little emptier during the winter months, but it looked just about full from where I was. Add to the fact they were playing an SEC opponent AND they’re getting opponents like these to come play there – I’m not at all surprised the stadium was near capacity. Up in the press box, it is still LOUD – glass vibrating and floor rumbling loud. The fans are in the game the whole time – the only time they get up is at halftime and quarter breaks. Both the student section (known as The ROC) and all other fans join in to the fight song “Rise and Shout, the Cougar is out!” and everyone gets loud on third and fourth down plays. It is an exciting fan base to say the least. Access 4 In terms of accessibility, the stadium has enough features and parking to make game day an enjoyable experience. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has buses and Trax lines that run near the stadium, but they fill up on game day, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the game. And if you’re coming in by plane, the nearest major airport is Salt Lake International, about a 45 minute drive north of the stadium. There are numerous lots around the stadium open to Cougar Club members or reserved parking – otherwise it will be a little of walk but should cost around $10 to park further away. Traffic wise – make sure to pack your patience. If a game is sold out or close to it, you could be looking at a 20 to 30 minute wait just to get out of your lot – but campus and city police do a nice job of directing traffic before and after the game. You can either pick up your ticket at will call or print it out at home and bring it to the game. When entering the stadium, as long as you don’t have any of the prohibited items with you, you will be just fine. Event staff are very friendly and they are there to help answer your questions. The upper concourse has a little less room than the lower, but it didn’t cause too many problems during the game. The restrooms are a little hard to find but look nicely kept at least during my experience. For those wanting to move between the upper and lower concourse, there are ramps located throughout the stadium for those that want to move around. Return on Investment 4 The stadium has done a great job of keeping everyone happy, so you really do get the bang for your buck. Seats in the upper bowl start at around $15 and lower bowl seats start at around $35 to $40 dollars, so depending on where you sit, you may be getting a good deal. The concession prices are right on par in regards to other stadiums in the country. And parking is not bad if you take public transit – you’ll also pay as little as $10 for parking. Extras 3 One point for the pregame rituals. The marching band spells out the word “Cougars” before the game, with the crowd getting into it. There is the Cougar Walk, where students line up outside the stadium and then rush in to take their seats. And starting something new this year (2016), the athletics program is inviting active service members to come and participate in the lighting of the “Y” prior to the game. One point to “Y” Mountain. It is well kept all throughout the year, and was lit up for the homecoming game, which I thought was a nice touch. One point for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. With fall in full swing, you can see the colors changing on the trees. And with just the right sunset (which we had), the mountain gives off a beautiful glow that is remarkable. It truly is breathtaking to have that type of beauty within range of the stadium. Final Thoughts It may not be a bucket list experience quite yet, but it is certainly getting close. You may be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t attend at least one home game during a season. With quality opponents and a very devoted fan base, LaVell Edwards Stadium is a must visit the next time you’re in town for game day.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center 7201 Rossville Blvd Baltimore, MD 21237 CCBC Essex Knights website CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: n/a A Knight At The Gym 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 area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Essex began in 1957, operating out of nearby Kenwood High School. CCBC Essex has one of the top-rated associate nursing programs in the region. The school mascot is the Knights and they play nine sports. Essex has won nine NJCAA national championships including the 2004 Men’s Lacrosse Championship. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, CCBC Essex has had over 100 NJCAA All-Americans. The basketball program runs out of the Wellness & Athletic Center (WELL). There is only a women’s team currently. In 2022 advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Quarterfinals while eventually losing to the eventual second-place team of Morton College. The Knights did win the NJCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship 3rd Place Game. Major renovation of the Wellness and Athletics Center started in 2022. We did not see that the arena and basketball floor are getting remodeled, but there are chances that overall enhancement also makes some changes to this area. According to CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis, “The planned renovations for the Wellness and Athletic Center will truly enhance the overall experience for anyone who steps into this facility. Not only will the building be more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be a more functional learning space for students.” An 8,000-square-foot, $16.8 million project, the addition will be attached to the building for a new fitness center, announced CCBC-Essex, to go with plans to build two large dance studios with changing space, faculty offices, and a restroom that will materialize after renovating about 6,500 square feet on the existing mezzanine level. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food options except for some snack machines. Signs say food is not allowed in the venue, although no one seems to check that. Atmosphere 1 There is not much else in terms of the atmosphere at the WELL. There are some simple PA announcements and some music played from a small speaker. 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 grandstands floating out inside the venue’s running court. There is a very large amount of extra space around the basketball floor. One of the stands is larger than the others. The smaller set of stands seems to serve as the visiting team stands and is strangely located behind the scorer's table and benches. It almost seems to not belong. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Essex is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the sprawling Franklin Square Hospital. You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Closest to campus is the neighborhood Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill. There will be some other options around this area that are referred to as Golden Ring. One of my favorites is Pizza John which is a bit further away in Middle River. This extremely popular pizza joint has some pretty good, albeit a bit greasy pizza. And greasy does not equate to being a bad thing. Just expect very large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. White Marsh Mall and the area around it are not too far away as well. There are numerous options around that area. Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub is a very good restaurant on the Avenue at White Marsh. Also, look at Ledo’s Pizza near the Lowe’s store. Their square pizza is very good, and a pretty good value. Mission BBQ is another great option. This small BBQ chain is quite impressive and honors the veterans of America as part of its design. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 CCBC Essex is located just off of both the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95. The quickest and best way to access campus is to exit off I-695 at either the Philadelphia Road or US-40 exit and find your way east to Rossville Boulevard. Directions should be easy to follow but also follow signs for Franklin Square Hospital. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Because of current construction, you should try to enter from Lot 2 towards the hospital. 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 There are a few plaques around the little park-like setting of the athletic fields that honor student-athletes from Essex that has passed away. 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. Final Thoughts The CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center serve as a decent venue for intramural sports and classes, but currently, it is a strange venue for any level of intercollegiate sports. Hopefully, the venue will be better after construction finishes.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Prairie Meadows 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 Prairie Meadows website Year Opened: 1989 Thoroughbred Iowa Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA offers live horse racing (thoroughbreds and quarter horses) from May through September. Post time usually begins around 6 pm, although there are earlier races on special race days. Besides the one-mile dirt horse track, the facility also has a casino on site that offers slot machines and casino game tables featuring poker, blackjack, etc. About 2.7MM people attend the races each year. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food and beverage options available at Prairie Meadows – inside the grandstand building itself you can find a full-fledged, upscale Steakhouse called AJ’s if you are looking for a full meal, while for snacks and beer, there is Hop’s, which offers pizza slices, popcorn, chips, candy, and beef sticks, as well as beer, wine, alcohol seltzers, Monster energy drinks, water, and soda. Outside at the track, there is a full bar, as well as two eateries, Trackside Eats and Furlong’s, which have burgers, chips, Philly cheesesteaks, and sausage, as well as all the same beverages you can get inside at Hop’s. Atmosphere 3 There is a parade ring at the track if you want to look at the horses before the race, and there are multiple seating options, including benches you can sit on, or small round tables you can stand at. There is also a raised patio which has tables with umbrellas if you want some shade, although since most of the racing is at night you probably won’t get much use out of those. Many fans also stand and watch from the rail around the track. For wagering, there are computer terminals inside, and live attendants outside if you prefer the personal touch. The nicest feature here is that you can get close to the action, as the concourse isn’t that big, and everything is therefore close together. Neighborhood 4 There are all sorts of restaurants and hotels near the racetrack to fit any budget, as I-80 goes right by the facility, so it is in a good location – plus the attached casino is a pretty major tourist attraction in and of itself, so it a lot of the lodging and cuisine options in the area was created with the casino in mind, with racegoers getting to take advantage. Altoona is about 15 minutes northeast of Des Moines, and if you want to try and catch another sporting event while in town, the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League may still be in a season depending on when you go (the IFL usually has games from March thru July). There is also a sizeable antique mall ( Brass Armadillo ) in Des Moines if you are into that kind of thing. Fans 3 There were not a ton of people there when I last visited, but you will see the facility get a little more crowded as the night goes on for Friday and Monday races – with the 6 pm start time people may not be done with work quite yet. Saturday and Sunday nights tend to be the busiest days; there is no live racing Tuesday thru Thursday. Access 4 Prairie Meadows offers free parking for all guests and the further right you can get (as you face the building) the less walking you will have to do once you enter the building, as the track’s main entrance is on the right end. The concessions lines are pretty short both inside and on the track itself, and there are nice bathrooms inside the building. The crowds are not that heavy, and you can sit inside in-between races if you prefer. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission cost to get into Prairie Meadows, and it only costs $4 for a program, so the only thing you may have to pay for is concessions (if you get any), and of course, the cost of any wagering you do. With free parking and free admission, this is a superb return on investment – if you have never seen any horse races I would recommend it, and this track is a great, low-key way to begin. Extras 2 There isn’t a ton here at Prairie Meadows that you wouldn’t find at most any other track, but they do have some great horse racing-themed artwork on the walls as you walk thru the grandstand building, and the bugler here (unmistakable in his red attire) stands right next to the finish line, so you can get a good view and hear him very clearly – I don’t recall being able to see the bugler at the other horse racing tracks I have been to.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Tavistock & District Recreation Centre 1 Adam Street Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 Tavistock Braves website Tavistock & District Recreation Centre website What exactly is Crokinole? Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 600 Hockey in the Capital of Crokinole Small-town hockey is just a little different.  Tavistock, Ontario is less than a kilometre from Sebastopol.  Sebastopol probably holds no significance to anyone outside of the immediate area, and even most Ontarians are unfamiliar with the conjunction of Line 29 and Oxford Road 59.  Sebastopol was the home of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, who was the maker of the earliest known Crokinole Board. For those not in the know, Crokinole is a disc-flicking game of dexterity combining elements of shuffleboard and curling scaled down to table-top size. Tavistock is the nearest village and annually hosts the World Crokinole Championship.  Part of the rural township of East-Zorra Tavistock, the village is also home to the Tavistock Braves, a Junior C hockey team part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  The Braves have been part of the fabric of the community since 1970, when they began as a Junior D team.  When the Ontario Hockey Association reorganized in 2012 and eliminated the Junior D level, the Braves moved up to Junior C and became part of the PJHL in 2016 with the amalgamation of Junior C hockey in Ontario. Servicing the community of just over 7,000, the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre has been a part of the community since opening in 1996.  At a capacity of 600, the facility is home to the Braves, the senior Tavistock Royals, and also houses the Tavistock Curling Club.  Food & Beverage 2 For the game that was reviewed, concession options were very limited.  What appeared to be a concession window on the main floor was not open during the game.  There were vending machines with Pepsi products and small snacks.  The Blueline Club, above the lobby on the west side of the arena, sells a very limited selection of domestic beer and spirits.  Alcoholic beverages must be consumed in the Blueline Club and may not be brought into the stands.  There are windows from the club that look out to the ice, so fans will not miss any of the action. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is very simple.  Light-coloured brick and siding with red accents in a simple rectangular-shaped building is what fans will find upon arrival.  The parking lot is shared with the Memorial Hall, and in both cases, fans must drive through the fantastic Queen’s Park Stone Gates.  The gate was restored in 2016 and is a nod back to a time long past.  Fans will notice the feed mill to the north, a reminder that Tavistock is a rural community surrounded by farming.  Inside the Recreation Centre, fans are welcomed by temporary tables selling tickets, 50/50 tickets, and Chuck-A-Pucks.  The lobby has several trophy cases dedicated to minor hockey teams, along with championship team pictures posted above the windows.  Of note in one of the trophy cases is a display with pictures of a training session held in Tavistock by Canadian Ice Dancing Olympians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.  Retired jerseys of Brent Loggan and Keith MacMillan, former Tavistock Braves who passed away at 18, are memorialized in the lobby also.  Beside the wooden benches in the lobby is a crokinole board, a reminder that this is the home of the World Crokinole Championships every June. Inside the arena, the ice surface runs from east to west, with the seating all on the north side.  The seating consists of two sections of wooden benches with five rows and two sections with four rows of plastic arena seats. The standing room section is behind the seating.  Behind the seating, there are trophy cases for the various Tavistock teams, including the Braves.  The Braves display has an impressive array of artifacts and championship team pictures.  The rafters are littered with minor hockey championship banners, and the east side wall is where fans will find the Braves championship banners from both the Junior D and Junior C levels.  The banners all feature the former logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, which has since been retired.  The simple score clock also hangs on the east wall.  A curious aspect of the Tavistock Rec Centre is that there are no ads on the boards at all, and the top and bottom trim, which is normally yellow, is blue in Tavistock.  Don’t be mistaken. There are plenty of local ads here.  They just hang above the benches on the south side or are on the southeast glass, where there are no spectators to worry about. The gameday production in Tavistock is very simple.  The Rec Centre has a good PA system, and announcements are easily understood.  Simple promotions, including a 50-50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck, are present also. Neighbourhood 3 Tavistock is a village located between Stratford and Kitchener.  For a small community, there are a surprising number of food options.  Quehl’s, D&D Homestyle Cafe, Double D’s Roadhouse, and Madmash Brewery are all a short walk from the arena.  The Rec Centre is also home to the Tavistock Royals of the OEHL, which is a Senior level of hockey.  Neighbouring towns of New Hamburg and Woodstock also have PJHL teams and are a short drive away.  As far as other tourist type options, the Tavistock Fall Fair and World Crokinole Championships have annual spots on the calendar that probably won’t cross with the hockey season.  For accommodations, heading out of town is probably necessary heading west to the Shakespeare Inn or east to the Newburg Inn. Fans 3 Fan support is difficult to assess in the PJHL as attendance statistics are not consistent across the league and not readily consolidated.  That being said it seems that Tavistock readily draws between 150 and 225 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 250 fans in attendance, no doubt due to the Braves hosting the rival New Hamburg Firebirds.  This probably puts the Braves in the middle of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive but not over the top, not unlike most Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is not difficult.  Tavistock is 15 km southeast of Stratford and 38 km west of Kitchener.  The village is very small, just 2.25 km2, so there is not much of the village to get through.  The Rec Centre is located at the end of Adam Street.  There is free parking available at the Rec Centre.  There is some public transit that links the villages of East-Zorra Tavistock, but timing will probably be an issue for hockey.  Interested fans should consult the EZTransit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Rec Centre is not terribly difficult and, of course, there are a number of stairs, which is to be expected.  The washrooms in the facility are fairly small, but should not be a huge issue. Return on Investment 4 There is tremendous value in PJHL hockey.  Tickets for the Tavistock Braves are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.  Youth are $4 or free with a paying adult.  Tickets must be purchased at the door.  Drinks in the Blueline Club will go for $7 and parking is free.  The product on the ice is good and fans will have an enjoyable evening of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves being part of the fabric of the community and the Recreation Centre as an East-Zorra Tavistock community hub. An extra mark for Tavistock as the Crokinole capital of the world. An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves giving fans actual physical tickets, something that is nearly extinct. Final Thoughts There is a lot to be said for hockey in the Crokinole capital.  The Tavistock Braves provide a good product and fans will enjoy themselves in a small town atmosphere.  The Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is a good facility and acts as a hub for the village.  Overall, an experience worth taking in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin 9, Schapenatjesduin Den, 2554 BW Den Haag, Netherlands Silicon Storks website Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,000 Fiesty Birds Baseball has surprisingly old roots in The Netherlands, but the trauma and want of WWII and the immediate post-war years mostly killed the sport until the Marshall Plan brought relief to the continent and helped revive dormant interests such as baseball, allowing the founding of many new clubs in the early 1950s. The capitol of the country got on board with this post-war trend, and the Storks Sporting Club was founded in early 1952. The 50s saw a boom in interest in the club that grew it from the original twelve members into three divisions of teams. Bouncing between the top Honkbal Hoofdklasse and lower levels, the Storks finally clawed their way back to the top level in 2018, though they still struggle against the more established competition. The team moved around a lot during its history, from sharing football club fields in the fifties, to open fields, before eventually ending up at Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin in 1975, once called “the most beautiful baseball and softball field in the Netherlands.” While that title has surely passed it by, the sportpark is still located in a lovely stretch of parkland. Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin definitely has a scenic location and one of the most interesting locales for all of Honkbal Hoofdklasse.It is also easy to get to and covers all the other stadium basics quite well. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 As with nearly all the clubs in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, all the concessions are handled through the team’s clubhouse, where a bar and grill or perhaps a bar and other small kiosk will dole out the food and drink. The difference is usually in the selection, and the Stork’s pub grub menu is about par for the course. There’s a modest selection of grub to be had at excellent prices. Of course, there are various incarnation of frites (€2.15 and under), as well as Dutch broodjes sandwiches (€2.10 and under), tosti sandwiches (€1.70 and under), and Dutch bittergarnituur (fried meatballs — €2.75, €4.25, or €10 for 8, 16, or 40 pieces). If you want to get your drink on, there’s wine (€1.80), Jillz (a Dutch cider, €1.75), and Dutch beer Hertog Jans (€1.85 each, or a case of 24 for €36). Yes, that’s right: If the cheap prices aren’t enough, you can buy your beer by the *case* . The lack of selection is made up for by cheapness and volume. Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of the team. Although a case of beer might be tempting, try out the Jillz cider for a new taste to explore. You obviously have to get some frites (try the Dutch traditional mayo), and maybe give the local bittergarnituur a taste? Popping these fried appetizers while watching the game is surprisingly addictive. Atmosphere 3 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is a baseball and softball-only facility nestled in a scenic little park, overlooked by a wooded hill next to the park. Although there apparently was a bit of a rabbit problem when the park first opened, the bucolic setting is now seemingly rabbit-free. While the setting is serene, you won’t mistake it for anything more than a Rookie-league park in America. Several fields are right next to each other, and most of the walls and structures are made from chain-link fences. The team clubhouse is located by the park entrance, a good deal away from the main field, a departure from most Honkbal Hoofdklasse parks. The main seating area behind home plate is four rows of benches on stone steps, mostly underneath the shade of the trees on the hill behind the park. The dugouts are on the outside of the fences, and a small, separate trailer on the first base side of home plate houses the announcer’s booth. A small digital scoreboard just records the score, balls, strikes, outs, and inning in right-center field. Trees rise above the chain-link outfield wall in an unbroken line. Smoking is very much still a thing in the otherwise progressive Netherlands, and there are several picnic tables in the area in front of the clubhouse with ash trays built in to accommodate them. There is also a small play area near the tables, so make of that what you will. Here is an important bit of information: Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin does *not* have lights. While this does not affect the afternoon games on the weekend that start at 2 PM, this does affect the Thursday night games that start at 7:30 PM. Even if the Storks are scheduled for a home game, they will *not* be playing at Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin. They either will be the home team at an opponent’s field or play at other fields beside this one. So be alert if you’re visiting on a Thursday. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Neighborhood 4 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is located very close to the coast and the beaches it houses. While there is even more to do in the city center of The Hague, unlike many of the other parks in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, there is a lot to do and see. There are a good selection of restaurants close to the stadium. The upscale Meer en Bosch Tavern is to the east at Park Meer en Bos, not far from Bistro Borracho. Just to the north overlooking the beach, there are a clutch of multicultural restaurants, including Italian La Tourterelle B.V., Mexican Chicoleo, Turkish Marmaris, Greek Restaurant Apollo, and American Restaurant Hudson Kijkduin. Further west is foodie haven Suiderstrand. A short walk from the park is most obviously, the beach. There are several resorts and pavilions in the Kijkduin locale offering a wide selection of beach entertainment, including a nearby parasailing school. If you’ve had your fill of the beach, the Park Meer En Boos is close to the ballpark, complete with a bird sanctuary in addition to its arboreal charms. And just to the north is the beginning of the massive Westduinpark, a nature sanctuary that also houses some WWII historical sites. The shore-adjacent location means there are several hotels in the area, but perhaps not as many as you’d expect. The upscale Hotel NH Atlantaic Den Haag is the closest to the park, very close to the Foundation Beach Resort Kijkduin. Holiday house rental Haags Duinhuis are to the south, and the Bed and Breakfast at the Beach is further to the north, as is B&B Ereprijs. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Storks are newly back in the top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse and seem to draw on the low-end of average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local and visiting fans make up the crowd, and the crowd seems invested, even if their team’s fortunes aren’t the brightest right now. Access 4 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is accessible by mass transit from The Hague and by transfer from nearby Rotterdam, and it is easy to navigate once you get there. The only mass transit to the park from the city center is a rather painless half-hour bus trip. From The Hague Central, the HTMbuzz Stadbus 24 will take you to Kijkduinsestraat, Den Haag (€2.55), a short walk from the ballpark. Driving, cab, or ride share will set you about a little over 20 minutes from the city center, if you were so inclined. The Hague is extremely close to Rotterdam, and it is only a half-hour drive from there to the ballpark. There is a small parking lot by the ballpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance. There is one entrance to the facility through the main gate. This is the only choke point in the entire park, as it opens out onto wide-open pathways in the fields that reach to all the different fields in the complex. Return on Investment 5 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Drinks (even beer) are all under €2, and food is mostly under €2.75 except for some truly large amounts of bittergarnituur. How can you argue with these prices? . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There are two memorials: a retired number of Win Remmerswall (49) on the clubhouse, and the terrace outside the clubhouse is dedicated to Ed Lakwijk. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts In one of the better and easier-to-reach locations in all of Honkbal Hoofdklasse, Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin hits all the basics well, even if the physical facility won’t turn your head.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dunn Field 546 Luce St. Elmira, NY 14904 Elmira Pioneers website Dunn Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 4,020 An Old Dependable in Elmira Dunn Field has been hosting baseball for 80 years dating back to the 1939 season and is the home to the Elmira Pioneers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, a college wood bat league that operates during the summer months to provide college ball players a minor league-style experience. Before the arrival of the latest incarnation of the franchise, the name first dates back to the turn of the last century in 1900. The ballpark was home to minor league baseball in various leagues from the Eastern League to the New York-Penn League producing 13 league championships. After a decade of independent baseball, the college wood bat variety took up shop at Dunn Field and does not appear to be looking back, producing the fourth-highest average attendance totals in all of summer collegiate baseball last season (2017). Dunn Field comfortably seats 4,020 people and is still a grand reminder of what ballparks used to look like at one time. It still holds up handsomely well for a midsummer night of baseball. Its setting and location along the Chemung River and its history make up a strong baseball cocktail that should be sipped slowly on a warm summer night in the southern tier of New York. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand operates two windows directly underneath the grandstand and in front of the main entrance. There is not a huge selection of food, but the prices range from $3-$5. Highlights include the grilled chicken sandwich, pulled pork, and the nachos grande. There is an additional concession booth on top of the grandstand that serves a spicy jalapeno pretzel and cotton candy. A nice little touch near the park’s entrance is a local coffee shop that does business only during home games. They serve the high-end iced coffee varieties you would find at Starbucks or Tim Horton’s. If you have a few people with you on game night, opt for the nachos served in a batting helmet for $10. This can easily feed two to three people. In the adult beverage department, the prices are even better. While many parks up the prices beyond belief, even at this level, the Pioneers offer domestic cans of 12-ounce beers for $3 and 24-ounce cans for $5. Hey, who needs Thirsty Thursdays? Atmosphere 4 Dunn Field provides a nostalgic atmosphere for baseball and begins with a magnificent art deco entrance. The entrance still houses its original ticket booths that are narrow and small. There is no need to look for food since the concession stands are smacked down in front of your eyes. The souvenir shop is to the left and has a few nice bits of team paraphernalia. A few t-shirts sell for $5 and that is a bargain. There are also a lot of activities for the kids that include plate painting, bouncing bubbles, and the classic carnival game of strength-ring the bell. The splat of the mallet and the ringing of the bell can be deafening at times, but try telling that to the crowd of kiddies waiting in line to give it a try. If you love cuddly mascots, the Pioneers employ Stitches who makes his way around the stadium and field throughout the game. Dunn Field is quite large and filled with nostalgia throughout every corner of the building. The covered grandstand features full-service box seating, plastic bucket seats, and theater-style teal seats that are peeling and cracking. The teal color was from when the Florida Marlins had their Single-A franchise in Elmira from 1993-1995 and it needs a fresh coat of new paint. Other evidence of the Marlins and their teal revolution exists on the roofs of the dugouts that were installed at the time of their arrival. Many stories can be told about the baseball that has been played here. Photos of Babe Ruth, Don Zimmer’s wedding, and a contract signed by Earl Weaver don the interior royal blue walls. Also in this area are the twelve different championship banners won by the Pioneers in numerous leagues that date back to 1914. If you need more proof of the stadium’s glorious past, talk to a few fans and they will tell you one of their favorite stories from their youth. Neighborhood 3 Dunn Field is located along the river and situated in a residential neighborhood. Many of these homes look as if they are post-Victorian models and are kept up quite nicely. You may be lucky to see groups of folks outside on their wraparound patios entertaining guests en route to the ballpark. Unfortunately, there are not any restaurants or entertainment options within walking distance. Downtown is three miles away and there are a few local establishments I would recommend. Legends Bar & Grill has the local delicacy of chicken spiedies on their menu, and the Elbow Room features a great selection of wings and burgers. If you are a fan of microbreweries, Upstate Brewing Company is a popular destination in town. Chubby’s is popular among the local populace for its pizza and atmosphere. Fans 4 They have been playing baseball in Elmira for more than 126 years and games at Dunn Field has become a rite of passage. They have seen the Pioneers play in Single-A, independent, and now in the collegiate wood bat league. The crowd is laid back and relaxed underneath the historically covered ballpark. They are willing to share a few baseball stories from when they were younger and all indicate that the place has not changed much in quite some time. One gentleman’s wife was looking through an old program from the early 1980s and discovered that it was signed by Wade Boggs when he was playing in the Red Sox system. The husband remembered asking for the autograph but blanked out that it was the major league Hall of Famer. There are many more great stories to share and they could fill up a book. Access 5 I enjoy having signs and directions to the ballpark directly from the interstate. They are listed on I-86 with other Elmira attractions in town. There are a couple more signs that will guide you to the stadium’s entrance and once you are there, there is ample free covered parking near the stadium. This is the one time when you can put the GPS away and enjoy the ride to the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for adults are $8 and for students/seniors, the cost is $5. The Pioneers offer VIP seating in their box seats that include wait service for $10. These are the old fashion seats that are two rows in the back of the home plate. Extras 4 The charm of Dunn Field would be enough to attract any ballpark traveler to Elmira. The amply-sized stadium has the look and feel of many great minor league ballparks that are no longer around. It is clean, spacious, and ideal for a relaxing day of baseball viewing. What is better than watching a simple game at a perfectly simple and beautiful historic stadium? ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 E. Claiborne Robins Stadium 23B Boatwright Dr Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website E. Claiborne Robins Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 8,217 Richmond Spider’s Web Robins Stadium opened on September 18, 2010, when Richmond knocked off Elon in overtime 27-21, in front of a sellout crowd. The stadium is named for E. Claiborne Robins, in recognition of decades of support to the University of Richmond athletics program. In addition to being the home of Spider football, it is also the home of Richmond’s lacrosse and track and field programs. The all-brick façade of the stadium fits in well with the surrounding campus buildings. Despite seating less than 10,000 fans, the stadium is beautiful, and intimate, and serves as the perfect home for the Spider football program. Food & Beverage 5 A wide variety of concession items are available at Robins Stadium for reasonable prices. Concession items range from hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($4.50), cheeseburgers ($5.50), chicken tenders ($5.50), steak and cheese subs ($7.00), Papa John’s 8” Pizza ($10), and Italian Sausage Sub ($7). Also available is the Spider Special for $5, which changes each week and features a food item from the opposing team’s home state. When we attended, the Spider Special has Loaded Tater Tots. Side items include fries ($3), fried pickles ($5), nachos with cheese and salsa ($5), popcorn ($3), caramel corn ($4), soft pretzel ($4), and peanuts ($3). Healthy items such as mixed fruit cups ($4) and veggie cups with ranch dip ($4) are also available. A gluten-free bun can be substituted on any sandwich for $2 extra. There is also the RVA Combo Meal which is 1 hot dog or 2 chicken tenders, fries, and a small drink for $5. This is a great value. Pepsi products are offered as fountain drinks and are $3.50 or $4.50 depending on the size. Bottled water ($3.50), coffee ($2.00), and hot chocolate ($2) are also available. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted at the concession stands, and the lines move quickly. Robins Stadium also offers GrubHub, where you can order ahead of time and just go pick it up from the concession when it is ready. Atmosphere 4 Robins Stadium features split-level grandstands on each side of the playing field, with the east grandstands being slightly higher than the west grandstands. Atop the west grandstands sit the suites, while the press box sits atop the west grandstands. There are three sections of chairback seats between the 30s in the west grandstands. All the other seats in the stadium are bench back. One interesting item of note is that the Richmond team bench is on the west sideline, opposite the pressbox. The playing surface consists of field turf, with the giant spider logo at midfield. New for the 2021 season is a large 60’ by 28’ LED video board that stands 75 feet above the north endzone. It features both replay and live video, in-game stats, and out-of-town scores (which is updated throughout the game!). There is a track surrounding the field, but it does not take away from the experience of the game. This is due to the fact the first row of seats is elevated quite a bit above the field level, providing great sightlines for even the lower rows. While the University of Richmond, does not have a marching band, they have a different area high school band performs pregame and at halftime on the field. They also play in the stands throughout the game. After each Richmond score, a large bell on the east grandstand rings. Due to the size of Robins Stadium and with most seats being either chairback or bench-back, there is not a bad seat in the house. Sightlines are great from anywhere in the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Robins Stadium sits in the northern part of campus near the Robins Center (home of Richmond basketball) and Pitt Field (home of Richmond baseball). Many of the parking lots in the vicinity of these three venues fill up with tailgaters before the game. The campus is beautiful, clean, and well-kept up. Westhampton Lake is a short walk from the stadium and is a great place to bike or jog around. There is also a bridge that crosses the lake with a nice gazebo on one side. Richmond is the capital city, so in the downtown area, there are many museums and the capitol building, that can be visited. If you are looking for a variety of shopping or dining options, take a 15-minute drive to the Short Pump area which offers several restaurants and a two-level outdoor mall. Marriott is the official hotel of the Spiders, so if you are looking to spend the night check out the Visitors Guide for a list of Marriott hotels in the Richmond area that offer special U of R rates. Fans 3 While the Spiders’ fan base may not be as large as some FCS powers, they are undoubtedly a passionate and committed bunch. While many games sell out, the crowd is upscale and many seem to view it as a social event. That said, there are some die-hard fans that are into the game and get loud after big plays and on third downs. However, overall the crowd would not be described as raucous. Access 4 Being on campus, Robins Stadium can be a little difficult to find, but if you point your GPS to the address for Robins Stadium you shouldn’t have a problem. Not familiar with the campus or where to go once you park? No problem. There are signs around campus directing you to the stadium and how many minutes walk it is. Many of the parking lots surrounding the stadium and reserved for Spiders’ donors, but general parking is well-marked and is free. When we attended, however, all the general lots were full, and the campus police told us we could park anywhere on campus we could find! There are entrance gates on the east and west sidelines and in the south endzone. Bags are checked upon entrance, but the attendants are friendly. All tickets are now mobile tickets; this created a backup when we attended as the scanners were having a hard time reading people’s phones due to the sun’s glare. This created quite a backup just before kickoff at each gate. The concourses under each grandstand are clean and spacious. The restrooms are also clean. Handicap seating is available on each side of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $30-$40 for conference games. This may seem a little high for FCS, but given the quality of competition in the CAA, this is not too bad. Concession prices are also reasonable and parking is free. Extras 5 Robins Stadium has several features that give it extra points that are worth noting. First, is the friendliness of the staff, from ticket takers to ushers to concession workers. These folks were all extra friendly and thanked us for coming to the game. A second extra point is for the free game program. A third extra point is for the free parking at various points around campus and the friendly parking staff that help direct you to where these areas are. There is also a Spider rock near the Spider Walk the players touch as they enter the field. The family fun zone in the north end zone is a big extra for those of us with small kids. This area has giant inflatables, games, balloon artists, and face paint. This area is right below the giant video board, so you don’t miss any of the action while in the family fun zone. The GrubHub option ensures that you can get concessions without waiting in line! Final Thoughts The CAA is one of the top football conferences in the FCS, and the Spiders are often competitive in the league. This ensures that you will see competitive, high-quality football on any visit to Robins Stadium. Combine this with a beautiful stadium, passionate fans, and affordable prices, you have a great football experience in the capital city of Virginia. While FBS programs such as Virginia Tech and Virginia are definitely more well-known in the state, a visit to Robins Stadium is definitely a must for college football fans in the Commonwealth.

When the original professional Brockton Rox baseball franchise decided to demote itself from the independent Can-Am League to the Summer Collegiate Futures Collegiate League, they promised their fans the move was a temporary one, and they would move back to the professional circuit once they straightened out their finances. That was in 2012. Today, at a press conference held in the Brockton City Hall, the return of the Brockton Rox to professional baseball was finally announced. The new ownership group, consisting of members of the Frontier League’s New York Boulders' ownership group and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, proudly unveiled their new logo and mission, calling 2025 a “revival season” for baseball in Brockton. The original Rox franchise, which has played in the summer collegiate Futures League for 13 seasons, folded at the end of the 2024 season. The team’s owners decided to focus their finances and energies on the professional New England Knockouts. This new ownership group’s first act was to revive the city’s recognizable franchise name, the Rox, which is a derivative of the names of the nearby Red Sox and local boxing legend Rocky Marciano. The Rox ownership group poses at the press conference announcing the rebranding. Co-owners Bill and Rob Janetschek were part of the group that purchased the New York Boulders in 2020. The elder Janetschek and Rice were both part of the Fenway Sports Group at the minor league level. Joining forces in Massachusetts was a no-brainer for both of them. Said Janetschek, "The first person that came to mind, as far as trying to engage someone from the local community, was Jim. When I found out about this opportunity, I reached out and said, 'Would you like to be an owner of the team in Brockton?' It took him 30 seconds to say yes." Co-owner Shawn Reilly stated that ownership’s first mission will be to put a competitive team on the field for 2025. They will then focus on longer-term projects, such as hosting non-baseball events like concerts and holiday festivals at Campanelli Stadium. Reilly said the team will offer lower ticket prices and a series of promotional nights, such as Star Wars night. Re-engaging the community after years of lackluster attendance will be a priority. Reilly pointed to a sold-out game played by the Savannah Bananas in 2023 as proof that “if you give them a reason to come, people will come.” Rox co-owner Shawn Reilly addresses the crowd. “This is a great sports town. We know it’s here,” Reilly said. “We’re really excited to be here to bring professional baseball back. I can promise you our ownership group and front office will work hard every day to bring affordable family entertainment to the residents of the city.” The Rox open their Frontier League season on the road on Friday, May 9 at the Tri-City ValleyCats. Their home opener is scheduled for Friday, May 16 against the New York Boulders at Campanelli Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Northwest Stadium 1600 Ring Road Landover, MD 20785 Army Navy Game website Northwest Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 85,000 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series, which has had seven ties. The 2022 game was the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually considered the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField) is located in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. It replaced the Washington NFL team’s longtime home RFK Stadium in 1997. The late Jack Kent Cooke, former owner of the Washington Redskins, spent the early 1990s looking for a new stadium. Finally, a location was found in the town of Landover. The former owner died before truly enjoying his team playing at their new home. The team's location was also even known by the United States Postal Service as Raljon, Maryland to honor Cooke’s sons, Ralph and Jon, although it was always technically in the Landover area. Northwest Stadium has seen an amazing number of expansions and reductions in seating capacity in its short lifespan. Entire seating sections have been physically removed from the stadium to reduce capacity. Some seats have been removed to make standing-room-only “party” sections, while other seats have been covered by advertisements and tarps. There is talk every year about the Washington Commanders moving either back to the District of Columbia or to the Commonwealth of Virginia. At this point, there is no specific plan in place or motion. Food & Beverage 5 There are many decent concession stands around the stadium offering the usual stadium options. The prices are not cheap, but they are pretty much in line with most NFL venues. If you worry about high food costs, your best bet is to eat before game time. There have been changes to some options to make them cheaper. There is an increasing number of self-checkout, and grab-and-go food stations added around the concourse. The team has been adding many interesting food options and keeping choices fresh and interesting. Chicken Guy, a Guy Fieri chicken finger stand is very tasty. The team has done a good job of enhancing the food offerings at both the Club Level and the main concourse. The upper concourse options seem a bit sparer, although that is common with large stadiums. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Commanders' merchandise will be unavailable. The atmosphere is top-notch even with the limitations of this facility. Once inside the stadium, you may be less impressed with some aspects of the physical structure. Some areas are just poorly designed. The stadium is not aging well. The addition of a fan zone on the main concourse, which includes areas where the fans can gather and still be in sight of the on-field action, is a welcome addition to the stadium. The Commanders have brightened up much of the stadium and kept it consistent in theme. This is an improvement over our past visits to this stadium. The upper deck seems incredibly too high to enjoy the game. Some seating sections in the upper deck require your having to go both up AND down a set of stairs to find your seat. A former walkway has been filled in with three rows of seating. Doing so has created some navigational issues, in that fans may need to go up and then back down a small set of stairs just to move from one area to another. It is weird to see entire seating areas in the Club Level that are blocked off and covered up. The upper deck also still has some audio issues. There are areas there where the sound is nearly inaudible. In addition, the lower deck still has some obstructed view seats. They do often go for quite low of a price but it is still incredible that a stadium built just one year before Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium has the severe design flaws that it does. Many other parts of the seating bowl are just a bit weird here at Northwest Stadium. It opened with 80,000 seats. A few years later, the Redskins added many temporary and permanent seating areas to bring the total seating to over 91,000. Now the stadium is getting smaller, with many seats changed over to those standing-room-only areas and/or tarp-covered areas to bring the official capacity down. Cadets in Formation - Army/Navy Game Neighborhood 2 Suburban Landover is not the most exciting neighborhood. Northwest Stadium sits in an area surrounded by parking lots. That kind of setting can be good for tailgating but often means the area is lacking a bit. It would be nice if there could be food, drink, and entertainment options located in the area, such as at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Live complex. I would love to see something similar, even if they are temporary, game-only, locations. Currently, fans who are not tailgate types have very few pregame options. The closest thing really to the stadium is some newer housing developments. Luckily Washington D.C. is close by. If you are arriving by Metro, pregame activities are best spent there. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is a good option in D.C. as there are still plenty of restaurants to choose from. Georgetown is another great option The choices there will astound you, but Martin’s Tavern will always be a good choice. Did I mention you are right near Washington, D.C.? The number of other attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 3 Northwest Stadium’s location close to the Washington Beltway is not usually seen as a positive. This suburban location compounds the traffic nightmares in the area. The stadium is located far from public transportation and with limited parking alternatives, the stadium can be hard to get to. The opening of the Washington Metro’s Morgan Boulevard Station in 2004 gave attendees at least one public transportation option. It is slightly less than one mile away, and there are decent walkways between the station and the stadium. Sure, it could be closer, but at least it is an option. The Largo Town Center Station, also on the same Blue line as the Morgan Boulevard Station, is another walkable option but is far less convenient. There is plenty of parking available around the stadium. The problem has been that it is pricey. There are a few non-approved lots to the north of the stadium around Brightseat Road, but that is an exception. In the last few years, the stadium staff made major strides in improving the operations of their lots. Fans are required to enter their designated lots from specific access roads. The idea was to allow for a more efficient entry and exit from the stadium. It seems to have worked. Return on Investment 5 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is a much-desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra-enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest make it a must-see for any real sports fan. We have often been critical of Northwest Stadium, and rightfully so, but the team has made the stadium as nice as they really can.