Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Nusz Park 425 Lakeview Dr Starkville, MS 39759 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Nusz Park website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,100 New Home at Nusz Park The Bulldogs softball program is a fairly new sport at Mississippi State University, with its first year being in 1997. Prior to that, the school competed as an independent in softball from 1982 thru 1986 before taking a ten-year break. Because of Title IX and its impact on women’s sports, the SEC began sponsoring softball officially in 1997. Since starting back up, the Bulldogs softball team has been one of the more successful softball programs in the conference. Though they haven’t made any trips to Oklahoma City for CWS, the Lady Bulldogs have made 14 regional appearances, with their first being in 2000. The Lady Bulldogs play on the north side of campus at the brand new Nusz Park, which opened in 2016 and is located right next to the famous Dudy Noble Field , home of MSU baseball. For the first 20 years, the softball team played at the MSU Softball Complex which was located on the same site. The old softball complex had only one set of bleacher seating that could hold just 300, and the field itself was beginning to show its age, so after the 2015 season, the entire softball facility was stripped down and rebuilt into what it is today. The new state-of-the-art softball facility was constructed for just $6 million – renovations included the installation of 1,100 maroon chair back seats in addition to an expanded concourse, upgraded press box and practice facility, and the first permanent concessions stand at the softball stadium. The facility was named after former alumni couple Tommy and Terri Nusz, who made a significant contribution toward the construction of the park. Food & Beverage 3 Part of the recent renovation included the opening of the first full-service concessions stands at the softball complex. Though you will not find anything fancy, the aptly titled Hail State Eats stand serves the basics with everything being priced at $2 to make it easy on the wallet – hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, candy, and 20oz sodas are all the same price. Coke is the soft drink provider and no alcohol is sold, though you are allowed to bring your own beer if you drink it out of a cup. Atmosphere 3 Nusz Park sits nicely tucked away on the north side of campus right next to all the other MSU athletic facilities except Davis Wade Stadium . The field faces to the north, with beautiful Chadwick Lake off in the distance behind right field. The Bulldog athletic facilities are behind the complex, with A. J. Pitts Tennis Center and Nusz Park sharing the same entrance; there is even a walkway where you can walk between both venues. Nusz Park blends in nicely with its surroundings – the brick facade makes it look like just another campus building. The former MSU Softball Complex consisted of one set of bleachers behind home plate that extended from dugout to dugout, but the renovation in 2016 added over 1,000 maroon chair back seats, which is more than double the number the old complex could hold. There’s also standing room only sections with drink rails at the top of the concourse, where fans can watch the game from high above. Taking inspiration from Dudy Noble Field next door, Nusz Park has added a boardwalk that circles the entire outfield from foul pole to foul pole. There are also fans in the outfield grilling and tailgating and trying to recreate their own Left Field Lounge at Nusz Park. Neighborhood 4 Mississippi State is unique in that it is a big SEC school in a really small town void of any attractions, as the college itself is the main attraction in town. Because there are not a lot of big cities nearby, Starkville has kind of developed its own little subculture and is void of a lot of national chains and malls, as many of the restaurants are local to the area and use local farms instead of big-name producers, and many of the shops are mom and pop style stores. The Cotton District is the main area of town for nightlife; located just off campus within walking distance of Nusz Park, the District as it’s known is home to multiple bars and restaurants. The Cotton District is unique in that many of the neighborhood’s buildings resemble buildings you’d see in New Orleans and Europe, as the developer of the neighborhood traveled there for ideas during the mid-90s. Bin612, Gringos, Drifters, Bulldog Burger, The Fountain Bar, The Klaassroom, Commodore Bobs, Two Brothers Smoked Meats, and StaggerIn are some of the bars in the District. The Bin is a late-night favorite among college students who flock to the bar for its famous cheese fries – when the bars close around 1 am, you can find a huge line of college students stretched the whole block waiting to get the famous fries. In addition, Two Brothers Smoked Meats has really good smoked wings and its signature white BBQ sauce, while Bulldog Burger has a huge selection of different burgers. The Cotton District is a small one block area that gets really packed with a lot of college students, especially on weekends so the older crowd of alums may want to venture more towards downtown if they want to avoid hanging out with the younger college students. Just a short way down University towards downtown you’ll encounter multiple bars, restaurants, churches, and tons of residential units and one-bedroom houses. Located midway between the District and downtown is the famous Little Dooey – this BBQ joint prides itself on its smoked BBQ, fried catfish, and other Southern favorites. Little Dooey is even a favorite among the folks at College GameDay, with Lee Corso calling it the best BBQ in the country. And right next door to is Stromboli’s; this tiny rinky-dink looking Italian eatery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the smell of the pizza being cooked can be smelled from across the street. Right behind Stromboli’s is Central Station Grill, which is built into an old milk plant – the Grill is known for its Sunday brunch and drink specials. And yet another favorite in this area is Dave’s Darkhorse Tavern, a pub-style bar famous for its pizza and located on the side of a sketchy looking motel. Though the motel is not the safest, the bar has really good pizza, and if you come in on your birthday everyone with you gets a free 24-inch pizza. This dimly lit tavern also has really good live music and is the place that attracts the mid to late 20s crowd, unlike the Cotton District; many of the service industry workers (cooks, chefs, waiters, bartenders, etc.) can often be found spending their weeknights at The Tavern, as many of them work during the weekend. Besides the above, a couple of bars and restaurants in downtown I recommend checking out are The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester, which is an outdoor bar in the courtyard of an old historic hotel, and the State Theatre, which is a 3-story club type bar. Restaurant Tyler is my favorite restaurant for lunch, however, as it has a really cheap seafood blue plate special, and in its basement, there is a bar called Downstairs at Tyler, which is located in a former speakeasy that was used during prohibition. Oby’s is another favorite of mine and features sandwiches and po-boys. Super Bulldog Weekend is the big event for the community during the spring, with hundreds of food and arts and crafts vendors lining the streets of the Cotton District. Usually held during the Spring Football Weekend, this event always coincides with a big SEC baseball series, so if you time it right you may be able to see an MSU baseball game while in town. The baseball games this weekend usually attract a higher crowd than usual – in fact, most of the attendance records at Dudy Noble Field have been set during Super Bulldog Weekend. Fans 2 There was a low turnout at the game I attended most recently, but it’s hard to knock the fans as an exciting top 5 baseball match-up was taking place next door. Many of the fans at Nusz Park seem to be employees of the university or friends and family of the players. The Bulldogs are averaging about 480 fans per game, which places Nusz Park about halfway full. There were about 50 or so fans out in the outfield tailgating during the game, and as usual, there were several people ringing cowbells. Fans here are definitely reserved, and not as rowdy or passionate as their big brother counterparts next door. Access 3 The one drawback to coming to a game in Starkville is that the city is located in kind of a secluded area of the state. The closest major cities of Tupelo and Meridian are both located over an hour away, and the closest major airport is over an hour and a half away in Jackson (although there is a smaller Golden Triangle Regional Airport located nearby in Columbus). There are really only two roads coming into town and those are Highway 82 that runs east to west and Highway 25 which runs north and south. However, the town has recently become more accessible to other areas in the state thanks in part to the upgraded Highway 45, which is located just outside of town and is the main road you would travel on if coming from the coastal area of Mississippi. Twenty years ago this road wasn’t fully constructed, meaning you would have to get off on a rural back road and then get back on the highway later; it was also a two-lane road that made traveling to Starkville pretty dangerous. Within the past ten years, though, this road has been widened to four lanes and it is now fully finished. Make sure you fill up on gas before embarking, however, as there aren’t many stations on the roads heading into Starkville – it’s more of a peaceful rural drive through the backwoods. Once in Starkville prepare for lots of traffic congestion, as the town is small and the roads are not exactly the nicest. If in town during a weekend when the baseball team is playing, parking around Nusz Park can be a nightmare, as the lots fill up quickly; my suggestion, if you are in town for a weekend game, would be to park at one of the lots on campus and walk from there. There are usually several lots open just south of Davis-Wade Stadium and you cut through the famous football tailgating spot The Junction. Usually though if there is not a game going on next door then there should be plenty of parking found around Chadwick Lake or the Sanderson Center, which houses the university’s fitness center. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for tickets to softball games at Nusz Park, so factor that in with the cheap concessions prices and you could get food, drink, and get to see top-level SEC softball action for less than five bucks – the return on investment is good at Nusz Park. Extras 2 Nusz Park got into the national spotlight in its first year after opening, as the 2016 SEC Women’s Softball Tournament was hosted here. Though the Bulldogs did not win the tournament, it was nice for this facility to host such a high caliber event in its first year of operation. Try to come to town when the baseball and softball teams are both playing on the same day. The newly renovated Dudy-Noble Field is truly one of the best atmospheres to watch a college baseball game at in the country – attending a game there is something every baseball fan should experience. The two fields are located next door to each other, so fans can walk between the two venues and catch a doubleheader of baseball and softball. Final Thoughts At Mississippi State, the softball team is often overshadowed by the other MSU sports programs, as even the women’s basketball program dominates interest in women’s sports here. However, not to be outdone, Nusz Park is an absolutely gorgeous facility in which to catch a softball game, and truly a hidden gem of a stadium that is worth checking out if you are in the area.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pirate Field 50 Tippin Ave Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola State College Pirates website Pirate Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,000 The Pirates of Pensacola Pensacola State College opened its door in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College, the first college of any kind in Pensacola. PSC is the largest college in west Florida with 36,000 students and 21,000 of those being undergrads. In 2010 the college began operating as a four-year university and began offering bachelor’s degrees. As a result, it changed its name to Pensacola State College to reflect these changes. However, even though PSC is now a four-year university, its athletic programs still compete on the Junior College level. The Pirates currently compete in the NJCAA Panhandle Conference for all sports – the conference currently has five teams that compete in the panhandle area of Florida; PSC, Northwest Florida State College, Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, and Tallahassee Community College. The conference has produced a ton of successful ballplayers such as Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, Buck Showalter, Adam Duvall, and Don Sutton, with most of them playing at Chipola College, the team the Pirates played on the last night I attended. Pirate Field opened its doors in 2000 and is a very simple, pleasant ballpark of about 1,000 seats located right across the street from Pensacola International Airport. With its single grandstand, brick façade, and palm trees located out front, the inviting stadium sits nicely tucked away in the corner of campus. Though Pirate Field is a JUCO level stadium, the field does have some professional history as the independent Pensacola Pelicans competed here for one season in 2002. The Pelicans were a charter member of the Southeastern League from 2002 until the league folded in 2003, after which they joined American Association of Independent Baseball. By this point, the Pelicans would be long gone from tiny Pirate Field, as they relocated a few miles north to the campus of the University of West Florida. The Pelicans were a huge success during the one season they played at PSC, as the Pensacola area previously had not hosted professional baseball since the 1962 season, so fans were hungry for baseball again, and it showed during the lone season the Pelicans played here. The team led the league in attendance, had the best record, and won the league’s inaugural championship. The Pelicans were so popular with the city that they needed a new ballpark ASAP to accommodate the need for baseball in this town. The Pelicans would pack their bags and head north of the city where they would continue to replicate their success for the next 8 years. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand in the ballpark and prices are reasonable – prices range from hamburgers and nachos ($4) to hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($2), and candy ($1). Coke is the primary soft drink provider, and 24oz. bottled sodas are available for $2, with bottled water at $1. One thing I did notice was the popcorn was Act II brand popped in a microwave and served in a bag just like you would at your house. But with 36,000 students enrolled at the school, you would think they would be able to afford a popcorn machine or at least serve it in a container or bowl like you would get at a regular sporting event or a movie theatre. Atmosphere 3 Pirate Field has a very simple relaxed atmosphere, typical to the one you would find at a high school baseball game. The stadium consists of a single basic grandstand that faces southeast. There is one main entrance to the right of the grandstand, with concessions on that side and several picnic tables as well. To the left of the grandstand is where the restrooms are located, as well as some more picnic tables. Left field contains a basic scoreboard that has the score and not much more. The most interesting feature of the ballpark is its location, as it is located directly across the street from the airport. Pensacola International Airport just expanded several years ago to become an International Airport, so that means bigger planes fly in and out at various times during the game. In centerfield, palm trees and the airport’s huge parking garage provide the backdrop for Pirate Field, and from left field you can get a really good glimpse of the runway and the infamous huge UPS jet that sits just beyond the left field wall – the jet has been sitting there providing views at Pirate Field dating back to the Pelicans’ days. Another interesting feature of Pirate Field is that the infield is clay, but the base paths from home plate to first and third are just grass. There is also music being played between innings, but no PA announcer announcing the lineup or anything – if they are going to go through the trouble of playing music, at least have a public address announcer or something. Neighborhood 3 As mentioned the campus is located directly across the street from the airport, so there are plenty of restaurants and lodging available in the immediate area. Immediately across the street to the south is Cordova Mall, the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida. Chain stores include Dick’s, Best Buy, Dillard’s, and Belk, and you can also find just about any typical mall store inside. In addition, outside the mall in the parking lot, you can find Panera Bread, Red Robin, Zoe’s Kitchen, Steak ‘n Shake, Chili’s, Red Lobster, Newk’s, Firehouse Subs, and Moe’s. A restaurant I recommend in the Cordova Mall parking lot is BJ’s Brewhouse – BJ’s is a typical bar food set up that brews its own beer inside the restaurant and has over 60 beers on tap. In addition to the mall, if you go down the main road through the 9th Street area you can find every typical chain restaurant found in most decent sized cities. There is a movie theatre and bowling alley located across the street as well, but if you want to experience Pensacola’s nightlife at its best then take a 15-minute drive south to Seville Quarter. This area, which is modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter, has many different bars and restaurants and is Pensacola’s main nightlife spot – just go all the way down 9th Street to Main, and Seville Quarter is just west of there. Fans 3 For this level of JUCO baseball, you are only going to get a couple of hundred fans in attendance, as the ballpark can only hold 1000 fans – at the most recent game, I attended there were only about 200 fans in attendance, with maybe 100 people sitting in the bleachers scattered about in different groups. Fans seemed engaged in the game and it seemed like most of the people were either affiliated with the college or relatives of the players, as most of the players are from Florida. On this particular afternoon, the Pirates played Chipola College, a storied baseball program from nearby Marianna, and Chipola had a decent amount of supporters who made the short ride over. There is a walkway that separates the bleacher seating from the field, and I saw several scouts as well as several coaches from various local college programs set up in lawn chairs sitting there. All in all, the atmosphere is very relaxed here, and fans are quiet yet knowledgeable of the program and the players. Access 3 Depending on which way you are coming to PSC determines whether the access is convenient or not. The campus is located on the northeast side of the city just south of I-10, so if coming from the east or west I-10 will be your best bet. Just take the Davis Highway, which is one of the main highways in Pensacola; the campus is located a couple of blocks east of that roadway. Things can be a bit more difficult if coming from the downtown area, as traffic can be terrible depending on what time of day it is. Just take I-110 to the Brent Lane exit and the campus is located just off 9th Street; though the campus is only about 8 miles from downtown, with traffic taken into consideration the drive could be a lot longer. If flying in from out of town, the campus is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport – you could fly into Pensacola and walk across the street and be there in less than 5 minutes. PSC is mostly a commuter school, however, so although there 36,000 students enrolled, it doesn’t mean the campus is so large that it’s difficult to find your way to the stadium. There is a lot of construction currently going on around campus, so certain roads and some parking lots tend to be blocked off, but finding Pirate Field shouldn’t be too difficult; the ballpark is on the northeast side of campus on the corner of Tippin Avenue and Underwood Street. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are free, parking is free, concessions are cheap, and you get to see some of the top amateur baseball players in the state of Florida before they make it big. If you’re lucky, you can always say you got to see the next Jose Bautista or Don Sutton before they made it to the big leagues. Extras 3 One extra for the airport being located right across the street and providing the backdrop to Pirate Field; if you go to the top of the grandstand you can get a good view of the runways beyond left field. Games here even have to be stopped for a few minutes occasionally to accommodate the noise when a plane flies into the airport. Another extra for the success that Pirate Field experienced during the 2002 season when the Pelicans began to n play. Though independent baseball is not exactly the hottest ticket in town, the Pelicans brought in a loyal fanbase and packed the tiny stadium. Though it would take ten additional years, that one season showed that Pensacolians are excited about professional baseball being brought back to the city, which eventually led to affiliated baseball returning during the 2012 season. Midway through the 2002 season the Pelicans were purchased by businessman Quint Studer – Studer was originally from Illinois, but relocated to Pensacola in the 1990s to work as a health care consultant at a nearby hospital. Studer become a prominent figure in the Pensacola community, as he is known for running numerous non-profit groups and making many charitable efforts over the years, but he was also the one who brought affiliated baseball back to the city. In 2012 he purchased the Carolina Mudcats and relocated them to Pensacola to become the Blue Wahoos (as part of this deal, Studer had to facilitate the Kinston Indians moving to Zebulon, NC to replace the Carolina Mudcats ; the Indians ended up taking over the Mudcats name). The Wahoos have won Minor League Baseball’s Organization of the Year award three times in their seven-year existence, and in addition, Blue Wahoos Stadium , a three-time recipient of the Southern League’s Ballpark of Year, has consistently been ranked as one of the premiere minor league ballparks in the country; all of this simply because the Pelicans lone season here at Pirate Field laid the foundation for the team that would call the city home ten years later. Without that one season here, perhaps the Blue Wahoos wouldn’t even be here today. Final Thoughts Pirate Field is a very pleasant ballpark to watch a baseball game at, serving its purpose quite well. It’s not a bucket list ballpark you must visit by any means, but if you are in the area and want to catch a baseball game for free in a former minor league ballpark, then I recommend a trip to Pirate Field.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Reser Stadium SW 26th St & SW Western Blvd Corvallis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Reser Stadium website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 45,674 Beaver Nation Reser Stadium – formerly known as Parker Stadium, is and has been the home for Oregon State Beaver football since 1953.Originally holding 28,000 fans, the stadium has had expansions and upgrades to the point that it now holds 45,674. The most recent upgrade that was completed in 2016 was to the north end zone, which is home to the Valley Football Center, houses coaches’ offices, meeting facilities, and a weight room. The 2016 expansion dubbed “Victory Through Valley” included a new auditorium, locker rooms and rehab facilities, and Hall Of Fame. Reser Stadium doesn’t seem as big as it is when you enter, although it is among the smallest stadiums in the PAC-12. In spite of its size, when the game begins, it feels twice as big, and yet keeps the warm and cozy feeling. There have been more than a few major upsets at Reser Stadium over the years.In 2006 & 2008, the Beavers beat the top ranked USC Trojans and also had a 5 game winning streak over rival University of Oregon Ducks in their annual Civil War game from 1998–2006. Food & Beverage 4 Underneath the west side bleachers, there are few specialty vendors.NY Style Sandwiches offers cheese steaks, hot pastrami & pulled pork sandwiches for $10.On the east side (the more recent addition), there is much more variety. Qdoba offers burritos & nachos, both at $10.Cheesy Stuffed Burgers serves a 3 cheese burger $10, Sriracha Meltdown burger $10.50 and a guacamole BBQ bacon burger $11.50. DeMaggios Pizza has slices for $6. Both east and west sides offer the standard fare; hot dogs $4.25, polish $6, nachos $5, popcorn $5.Coffee lovers need not fret, being in the northwest Dutch Bros.coffee is available $4-6. By far the most interesting offerings here are behind the south end zone. Ice cream nachos or s’mores panini’s are available for $6. Can’t say I’ve ever heard of either of these, but the lines were pretty long so they must be popular. Atmosphere 5 The student section is down in front, which makes things very loud for the visiting team. Reser is very much underrated as far as home field advantage is concerned. There is high energy throughout the game. After every Beavers first down, the PA announcer says “And that’s another Oregon State…”and the crowd finishes with “…first down.” It gave me chills hearing that. There is a large video board on the east side of the stadium that helps keep the crowd up to date on game stats. Despite a few down years, the fan base is as strong as ever and the energy inside the stadium is proof of that. Neighborhood 4 Reser Stadium is located on the campus of Oregon State University right next to Gill Coliseum, which is the home of OSU’s basketball & volleyball teams. Corvallis has a small college town feel to it and seemingly the whole city shuts down on game day.Despite being a city of around 55,000, Oregon State football has a huge following. If you are looking for an after game destination, there isn’t much that’s really close, but if you travel about a mile away, on SW 3rd & 4th Streets you have a fair amount of choices to choose from. The Sunnyside Up is a good breakfast spot, and the Big River Restaurant & Bar is a good spot for the rest of the day’s meals. Out-of-towners looking for a place to stay have a few options within a mile or so. Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the stadium. There are a few other hotels within a mile and a half of Reser. Fans 4 Oregon loves its football, and Beaver fans don’t take a back seat to anyone. “Beaver Nation” is as passionate a fan base as any in college football. That passion doesn’t go too far like some fan bases where visitors are taunted and sometimes hassled. The stadium feels very inviting for everyone, the same feeling you would get in most “small town” settings, even though Corvallis isn’t a small town. Beaver fans are very classy and set a good example for others to follow. I didn’t see many fans that were there because “it was the place to be and be seen.” True, hardcore, OSU Beaver football fans filled the stands. Access 4 Like a lot of locales in Washington, Oregon & California, Corvallis is off of I-5 although not directly. If you are not much of a fan of freeway driving, route 99W is the scenic option.Approximately 10 miles west of I-5, Reser Stadium’s parking situation is actually very good. There are plenty of places to park going to the stadium, and that doesn’t include the parking lots specifically for football fans. Lots advertise $15 – $20 for parking, which is reasonable. Once inside, the east side stands and concourse have plenty of room for fans to get around. Bathrooms are big enough for high volume. The east side also has plenty of space for handicapped fans. On the west side (the older part of the stadium), there is room to get around although not as much as the east side. I suspect that the west side will be the next phase of expansion. The one thing I see as lacking is a walkway going around the stadium. The east and south side share a common walkway but to get to the west side you have to go outside to the concourse and then walk up a circular ramp to get there. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets for OSU football range from $35 – $99 depending on opponent. The average cost of a ticket is in the range of $45 – $55. (Note: these prices are a few years old. Was unable to get current prices, but would assume they have increased). Looking out from my vantage point, it doesn’t appear to have a bad seat in the house. Oregon State appears to have a less is more philosophy, and it works. Football fans get just that, football, and it’s refreshing to attend a sporting event that is for that type of fan. Family friendly and exciting, a football game at Reser Stadium is well worth the investment. Extras 5 Tailgating before a Beaver game is an incredible sight. The parking lots surrounding the stadium are filled with tailgaters and that seems to be as much of an event as the game itself. Whatever food you can’t find in the stadium, you can probably find outside before the game. I was offered a beer and a brat before the game by a total stranger. That’s part of that small town feel. They paid tribute to the 1964 OSU Rose Bowl team between quarters and brought them out on the field. The Beaver marching band marched at half time and also played before the game in the parking lot. The band and cheerleaders also led the crowd during pregame. Traditional stuff, but it all adds to the whole experience. Fans wanting hats or shirts to remember their visit to Reser Stadium fear not, there are numerous places to get these items. Hats range from $20 – $38, jackets – men’s $55-120 women’s $36-100, and knit hats $24 as well as other items for sale in black and orange. There is a statue on the east side of the stadium donated by the last living member of the legendary eleven ironmen of the 1933 OSU football team. Final Thoughts Corvallis was selected as the Best College Town In The PAC-12. There’s a lot at Reser Stadium for the avid football fan and it’s a top notch experience; good fans, good atmosphere, it is the total package.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bristol Motor Speedway 151 Speedway Boulevard Bristol, TN 37620 Bristol Motor Speedway website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 162,000 It's Bristol Baby! Bristol Motor Speedway has been one of the favorite short tracks in the NASCAR circuit for both drivers and racing fans. The .533-mile oval means a slower pace, but it ramps up the strategy used by the drivers due to its 4-degree banked turns, narrow straightaways and two pit rows. The speedway opened in 1960, but it bears little resemblance to the original facility. Today the speedway is the 4th largest sports venue in America and the 8th largest sports venue in the world, with a seating capacity of 162,000 fans. This includes more than 150 luxury suites. The speedway has also expanded its complex to include drag racing, truck racing and several levels of stock car racing. This keeps the facility busy throughout the year. Bristol holds two major NASCAR events each year. The Food City 500 is held in the spring and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Nighttime Race is held in August. Bristol is one of the few tracks that hold a nighttime race, which is held at night to avoid the extremely high daytime temperatures in the South. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Bristol Motor Speedway are grouped by seating area. The same offerings are offered in each of the seating areas throughout the track. Many of the vendors are the same franchises you would find along the highway. These vendors include Pinty’s (chicken products), Arby’s (roast beef), Maxdog (hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos), Zeny (cheese steaks, polish sausages, chicken tenders) and Bush’s Beans (BBQ). The Speedway Specialty Stand offers the Triple Bacon Colossus Burger, the Sloppy B Burger and Chicken Fried Steak with gravy on fries. Beverages at the vendors stalls include bottle water, iced tea, Powerade and sodas (brands differ by vendor, as they have national contracts with Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Due to a national sponsorship with NASCAR, only Budweiser brand beers are sold at the Speedway. Atmosphere 5 The owners of Bristol Motor Speedway have created a very fan-friendly environment. The short track nature of the facility offers a much better viewing atmospheres than some of the super-speedways. First of all, fans are seated in stadium style seating, rather than the typical bench style seating found at most tracks. This is a major plus when you are watching an event that lasts more than four hours. Bristol also employs two pit rows, rather than just one. This aids the flow of the race, but it also allows fans on each side of the track to watch the action in the pits. Another innovation is the removal of the scoring pylons from the infield. This is actually a necessity due the tight space of the infield. The pylons and video boards in the grandstands have been replaced by the Colossus center hung video board. It weighs more than 700 tons and has four video panels measuring 30 feet by 63 feet each. No matter where you are sitting in the facility, you will have a clear view of the standings and be able to see replays of any major occurrences on the track. Even the end of the race is well thought out. Rather than have Victory Lane at track level in the infield like most tracks, Bristol has built their Victory Lane atop a building in the infield, which is much more visible to the fans. Neighborhood 3 Bristol Motor Speedway is in the Tri Cities area of Tennessee and Virginia. It is seven miles south of the Virginia – Tennessee Line. On race weekends surrounding the Food City 500 and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race, the Speedway becomes a city of 150,000 plus residents. These residents live in areas set aside for RV’s, campgrounds and area hotels. Most of the businesses in the area service the needs of the race fans. In a larger sense, the Tri Cities area forms the neighborhood with more permanent attractions, restaurant choices and lodging. To the south of the Speedway are Johnson City and Greeneville, Tennessee. To the north of the Speedway are the adjoining cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. Two attractions to check out in the area are Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee. For those racing fans that want to eat in a restaurant away from the speedway, but want to stick with the mood, the Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant in Bristol, Virginia is a great choice. It offers great food and a wide selection of craft beers. The closest lodging to the speedway is found along Volunteer Parkway (Hwy 11), which runs right in front of the track. Many lodging centers offer shuttle buses to and from the speedway. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are tribal in their allegiance to a particular driver. Realizing this, Bristol names its seating sections for past race winners and NASCAR champions. This allows fans to pick tickets in an area with fellow fans of that particular driver. In addition, the FanFest held the week leading up to the race offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite driver or to purchase merchandise bearing the number or team colors of that driver. Fans also enjoy the variety of options available for parking within the Bristol Motor Speedway complex. Bristol does not offer infield camping or RV’s due to limited space, which creates a much more inviting atmosphere for people to walk around and meetup with friends prior to the race. Access 3 As you can imagine, creating a temporary city of 150,000 people over a weekend will present some access problems. First some of the basics: 1) the best interstate access to the Speedway from the south is to take exit 69 off Interstate 81 in Tennessee, then take Highway 394 to the track. From the north, take exit #3 of Interstate 81 in Tennessee and head south on Volunteer Parkway (Highway 11) If you are flying in, the Tri Cities Airport handles both scheduled traffic and private planes and is located just five miles from the track. Unless you have a Speedway, Parking Pass or have reserved a spot to camp out or park your RV, you are more than likely going to be staying at least 10-15 miles away. The speedway has an extensive shuttle bus system that will shuttle you back and forth to the track. For specific pick up and drop off points for the shuttle bus system, go to https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/fans/shuttles-and-buses . Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the two premiere races at Bristol range from $60 – $185, depending on the location of the seats. This is on par with the other tracks in the NASCAR circuit. Concessions are set to the non-track prices of items sold in the franchise year-round locations. Hotels in the area do apply their special event pricing which can exceed $200 a night, well over their average nightly rates. Many of the campgrounds surrounding the track are privately owned and have their own pricing structure. Parking is $10 at the Bristol Motor Speedway North lot, with a free shuttle to the speedway. Other satellite locations offer free parking with $20 round trip shuttle rides to the speedway. Extras 5 Darrell Waltrip is the undisputed racing champ at Bristol, taking the checkered flag 12 times at the track. The “Battle of Bristol” football game set an NCAA record for attendance at a football game with 157,000 fans. The game pitted the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech in a facility equidistant from each team’s campus. The animated film “Cars” used Bristol as its inspiration, with a cameo appearance at the beginning of the film. In the film Bristol “played” the Motor Speedway of the South. The drag racing facility at Bristol is known as Thunder Valley. It literally is built into a valley with hills to each side of the racing surface. The seating for fans overlooks the strip from both sides. This provides an excellent view of the entire race and an earsplitting introduction to the noise created by these top fuel racing machines. Every year Bristol Speedway hosts the Speedway in Lights Christmas Lights event. All proceeds from this event and other events throughout the year goes to Speedway Charities. The Bristol unit of Speedway Charities has contributed more than $13 million to non-profits in the Northeastern Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia region since 1996. Final Thoughts Bristol Motor Speedway shows that there is still a place for short track racing within the NASCAR schedule. What the races lose in speed, has been turned around to take advantage of the capability to see the entire track from your seat. The track management has done a great job of keeping Bristol relevant through constant improvement to the fan experience.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.26 Belluna Dome 2135 Kami-Yamaguchi Tokorozawa-City, Saitama 359-1153 Japan Seibu Lions website Belluna Dome website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 35,655 When is a Dome not a Dome NOTE: The name of the stadium has changed since this review was written. In 1979, the Seibu Lions moved to Tokorozawa, a city in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. A new stadium was built for them and called Seibu Lions Stadium in a testament to originality. It was a typically pedestrian ballpark until 1997, when a roof was installed over a two year period and the stadium was renamed Seibu Dome, yet again a brilliant and unexpected decision. In 2009, the Lions took the $51.1 million posting fee they earned from Boston in the Daisuke Matsuzaka deal and renovated the dome with new concession stands, seating, a scoreboard and even toilets. Still, the overall feeling here is one of mediocrity, which is a shame as the Lions are the Pacific League’s most successful team, winning 13 out of 17 pennants between 1982 and 1998, and taking 8 Japanese titles in that time. Most recently the team won the 2008 Asian championship. There is no wall behind the stands, so it is not a true dome, and the elements are still part of the experience: not good in Japan’s hot and humid summer. The stadium is built into the side of a hill which requires you to walk up a fairly steep incline to get to the infield seats. On a 35 degree day, you will be sweating by the time you reach your seat, so bring a face towel to dry yourself and then grab a beer and enjoy the game. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium offers almost nothing intriguing once you are inside, but fortunately there are a number of concession stands outside. If you get there an hour or two before the game, take the time to wander around the area in front of the stadium and examine the various options. I tried a meat-covered onigiri (rice ball) for 400 yen which was OK. There are plenty of other choices though, and you can bring whatever you buy here into the stadium. KFC is the most famous name you will see, but I would suggest trying one of the other lesser-known stands, such as the kebab truck or creperie. Inside the park, there are dozens of small stands that dot the incline, but they mostly offer typical ballpark fare. There is a large three-level restaurant/team store called L’s that offers tables at which you can stand, but again the offerings are unappealing. Still, it might be worth stopping here as this area offers good views of the game, lying between home and first base. Drinks are served by the countless beer girls who spend the game running around with large kegs on their back, from which they dispense draft beer. Other vendors have different libations if beer is not your thing, just flag one down and you will be served with a smile. Atmosphere 2 The stadium has little in the way of a ballpark feel; the lack of a wall allows a lot of ambient noise to escape and the way the stadium is built into the hill makes the seats seem farther from the field. The best sections directly behind home plate are reserved for season seat holders and are filled with pairs of large chairs, which further reduces the feeling of being at a ballgame. The field is entirely ugly green turf except around the bases, the seats are an ugly uniform green, the fence another ugly green and even the outfield berm is really just concrete covered with yet a different ugly shade of green. Seibu Dome is not a pleasant sensory experience. There is a very large scoreboard but it is not used as well as it could be. The lineups are displayed next to a giant linescore, but they could do with more replays. Domes are generally lacking in a true baseball atmosphere and the Seibu Dome is no different. It is a decent ballpark but that is about it. Neighborhood 1 The stadium is in the middle of nowhere, taking over an hour to reach from Shinjuku. There is nothing in the immediate vicinity and there is no reason to explore before or after the game. The only thing nearby is an amusement park one train stop away and also run by Seibu. If you are with a family, this might be worth visiting before a night game. Fans 3 The Seibu fans are OK, cheering their team at the right time and waving towels when a run scores. But compared to the other fan groups in Japan, the Lions’ supporters are average, with little to separate them from a typical fan base. Access 3 The stadium is right next to Seibu Kyujo Mae train station, which is over an hour from Tokyo. There are many different ways to get here, the easiest being a direct train from Ikebukuro station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line. You enter the stadium behind the batters eye and move to the first or third base side depending on your seats. Lions’ fans sit on the third base side, a rarity in Japan, where the home team supporters sit on the first base side. If you are in the outfield cheering section, you will reach your seat almost immediately, but if you have reserved seats, you will make your way up the hill, passing through two more checkpoints where you need to show your ticket again. It is easy to move around the stadium and you can watch the game from the incline without being asked to move. This is helpful during a hot day as the hill is often blessed with a breeze that doesn’t reach the seats below. You cannot make your way between the first and third base sides – the area behind home plate is guarded as it houses the season ticket seats and the common man is not allowed in. As the stadium is perfectly symmetrical, that’s not much of an issue, although the concession stands might be slightly different from one side to the other. Return on Investment 3 The best thing about Seibu Dome is that tickets are reasonably priced and there are many options. The best are the field view seats, which are right on the field behind first and third base and go for 4,800 yen ($60) on game day. There are also the Bench Side seats, next to the dugout and close to home plate which are also 4,800 yen. These are often sold out, but there are always A and B reserved seats (3,500 and 3,000 yen respectively) available. Tickets are cheaper before game day and if you are a fan club member, even better discounts are to be had, but these are difficult for people visiting for a short time. I highly recommend that you avoid the outfield area – the views are not good from there as it is quite low, and after 3 hours sitting on the ground, you will be in pain. . Extras 2 The Lions’ minor league stadium is located next door and if you are extremely fortunate you might get a day-night doubleheader, so be sure to check the farm team’s schedule at the NPB home page . The Lions offer fans of different types a chance to experience being on the field. For example, Tuesday nights are catch-ball nights, where any fan can play catch on the field after the game, while Wednesday evening is ladies night, where women can try pitching or experience sitting in the Lions’ dugout among other activities. Final Thoughts Given the distance from Tokyo and the lack of anything particularly compelling here, a visit to Seibu Dome is not something that most baseball fans need put on their bucket list. If you want to see all 12 ballparks in the country, this is the one which will probably be the most annoying to get to and offer the least memorable experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 KFC Yum! Center 1 Arena Plaza Louisville, KY 40202 Louisville Cardinals website KFC Yum! Center website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 22,090 At the Corner of Basketball and Bourbon The city of Louisville, Kentucky, jumped to the forefront of college basketball arenas when they opened up the KFC Yum! Center in October of 2010. With over 22,000 seats inside the venue, the KFC Yum! Center is the fifth-largest college basketball facility in terms of seating capacity. What makes the home of the University of Louisville Cardinals men’s and women’s basketball team one of the best facilities in the nation is the wide variety of amenities that can be found in all areas of the facility. In 2021, the arena received $8 million worth of renovations that included 12,000 square feet of LED and a new center-hung video board that is three times the size of the original one. The renovations also included improved audio and broadcast upgrades, updated concession stands, and 130,000 square feet of carpeting in 75 premium suites, 70 premium boxes, and other lounges. The KFC Yum! Center is surrounded by 4,200 hotel rooms as well as many attractions in Downtown Louisville such as 4th Street Live, which can be reached directly from the KFC Yum! Center with Louisville’s skywalk system. Food & Beverage 5 There are plenty of menu options beyond the standard Taco Bell, KFC, and Papa John’s varieties inside the arena. The arena has over 59 concession stands sprinkled throughout the concourses. There are kiosks offering food and drink, designated areas sponsored by local distilleries, and plenty of KFC Yum! brands from Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC. The visually-pleasing KFC and Pizza Hut areas offer fried chicken, boneless chicken wings, and personal pan pizzas. However, check out the Haute Dog location that offers Chicago and Chili-cheese dogs, along with kettle chips and bavarian pretzels. The Farmstead stands have burgers, chicken tender baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and black bean burgers. They are sold individually or with season fries and a drink as a value meal. The grab-and-go section features beer, soda, chips, and candy for quick transactions. The building also includes several kiosks that serve cheesesteaks, barbecue nachos, roasted nuts, popcorn, skinny chips, and kielbasa sandwiches. Other kiosks house locally made beer from Rhinegiest (Cincinnati) and Country Boy (Lexington). The Kentucky Ale Taproom is detectable by its luminescent red lighting and draft beer selection. Heaven Hill and Rabbit Hole Distilleries have their little nook on the concourse level. The Rabbit Hole location is a vast and old airport terminal, featuring a spacious bar and even a spacious window view of the Ohio River. It is a quiet place for a drink but is boisterous during halftime. Heaven Hill is also a pleasant spot to enjoy a drink, but much smaller in size. Atmosphere 4 KFC Yum! The Center is not your typical college venue. The sounds of 22,000 screaming fans, the areas to enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or bourbon, and the various spots to look around are all top-notch. It can be quite an experience in comparison to many other collegiate venues across the land. There are many points of interest along the concourses of the arena. The Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame features legends of all sports with ties to the state. The main entrance features photos and images of the basketball program and also houses the official team shop. One of the best features is the wide-open windows that let patrons gaze upon the Ohio River and the many bridges that cross the mighty river. View from Windows at KFC Yum! Center, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The arena may be the selling point of the visit, but the star of the show is the Louisville men’s basketball program. The team’s rich history is on display from the championship banners, retired uniform numbers, and photos of past players and coaches. It is a carefully crafted entertainment complex that should appeal to a multitude of basketball fans, concertgoers, and casual sports fans. Neighborhood 5 There are plenty of entertainment options before or after the game within blocks of the KFC Yum! Center. Directly across the street in Whiskey Row is the Troll Pub that serves typical pub fare, but in a dungeon-like atmosphere where you can also take a picture with the ceramic troll on your way to the game. Adjacent to the Troll Bar is the Sidebar, where bourbon and bourbon-inspired cocktails are in fashion. A few steps down the street are two local favorites for pizza and Southern cooking: Impellizzeri’s Pizza and Doc Crow’s. A short walk away from the venue is multiple museums that range from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Science Center, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. There is a lot to do in one day or a weekend, and that’s just on Main Street in downtown Louisville. The entertainment area, 4th Street Live provides plenty of excitement at night. Fans can enjoy the Ohio River at Louisville’s many riverfront parks, which is home to the AAA Louisville Bats, or take in a mid-sized event at historic Freedom Hall – the current home to Bellarmine Knights basketball games. Fans 4 Louisville fans regularly pack the mammoth arena and have been ardent supporters of the Cards for decades. The fans are intelligent, loud, and loyal to their basketball program. With the amount of money that has been poured into the new facility, they are a very happy group of Cardinal fans. Louisville is one of only three college programs to average over 20,000 fans per game, with Syracuse and Kentucky ranking one and two. Access 3 The only blemish with attending a Louisville basketball game is the gridlock one will likely experience when arriving at the game. The downtown venue can feature some headaches for drivers. If not familiar with the area, you may find yourself stuck behind lines of cars on the busy streets outside the arena. Be sure to allow yourself extra time. The parking lots cost between $10-$15 at most city lots. If you are lucky, you might be able to find free parking on the street, depending on the day and time. Also of note, there is a toll road over I-65 when crossing the Ohio River from Indiana. The cost is anywhere between $2.21 (transponder) to $4.42 (mail by plate), but if you want to save money, use the US-31 bridge for free access to downtown. It also drops you off in front of the arena and parking lots. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices will vary depending on who the Cards are playing and when making your purchase. At this time, upcoming games start at $20 plus fees, while a game against Duke begins at $49 with fees. If you know when you are attending a game, buy your tickets early. However, KFC Yum! Center and the city of Louisville are worth making a trip for any sports fan looking for a great destination city. Extras 4 There are quite a few extras at the KFC Yum! Center, and it is a center for entertainment. The first star is for the aesthetically pleasing concession areas, bars, and decorative windows that open up the venue to the downtown surroundings. The arena receives another star for being close to many downtown Louisville tourist spots, restaurants, and bars. One star for all of the history on display for this great program. The last star is for the overall experience one should enjoy while attending a basketball game. Final Thoughts The KFC Yum! Center is not only a magnificent college arena but an ideal home for a professional basketball team for the city. Many multi-purpose arenas might appear similar, but the Yum Center has an identity all its own. Its proximity to numerous eateries, landmarks, and tourist destinations easily propel a Cardinals game for a perfect day, night, or weekend visit for the sports traveler. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bennett Field Lot 2 W Beach Rd West Beach SA 5024 Australia Adelaide Bite website Bennett Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 5,000 Shark Squad Bites in Adelaide The Adelaide Bite were formed as a part of the relaunched Australian Baseball League in 2010. Like the other founding clubs ( Brisbane , Canberra , Melbourne , Perth , and Sydney ), the Bite were centrally owned until the 2018/19 season when a private ownership model was adopted across the league. In somewhat of a coup for baseball in South Australia, the Bite were bought by the Adelaide Crows AFL club. The “Bite” moniker is a double entendre, of course in reference to the Great Australian Bight, which describes the curved shape of the southern coastline of central Australia, at which point the Nullarbor Plain drops into the Southern Ocean, and also in reference to sharks for which the waters off South Australia are a popular habitat. For much of the past 70 years, South Australian baseball has been based at Norwood Oval, a facility operated by the local Australian Rules football club – the Bite played their home games at Norwood Oval until making the move to the newly renovated Diamond Sports Complex at West Beach in 2016. The current capacity at Bennett Field is 5,000. While the Bite made successive Championship Series in 2015/16 and 2016/17, they have struggled since. Note: The team name has changed from the Adelaide Bite to the Adelaide Giants. Venue name has changed to Dicolor Australia Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 While only the staple food items are available at Bennett Field, they are done surprisingly well. Hungry fans can choose from several variations of hot dogs, burgers, and hot chips, along with chicken nuggets, fish and chips, meat pies, sausage rolls, and toasted sandwiches. On my most recent visit we sampled a hot dog and a burger, with both deserving of praise. You can find the Diamond Field Café at the rear of the main grandstand, where the service is friendly and relatively quick. No item is priced greater than $10, making eating at the park an affordable option for all fans. Similarly, cold drinks (non-alcoholic) here are between $2-$5. Alcohol can be bought from the bar, with a selection of beers available for between $6-$8. Atmosphere 2 The facilities at Bennett Field are simple but adequate. A $4m state government grant financed improvements to the stadium to bring it up to ABL standards, with the facility now the home of baseball and softball in South Australia. “Diamond Sports,” a joint collective of the state bodies for baseball and softball, own and operate the complex, which also includes offices and an indoor training centre. There is a small covered brick grandstand behind home plate which constitutes the reserved seating area. The small bleacher sections on both baselines are general admission. Being close to the ocean, the locals tell us a constant sea breeze keeps the local temperature cool, so bring a jacket for night games. A large group of local juniors occupied the bleachers on the first baseline at a game we recently attended, which added to the atmosphere. The juniors formed a human tunnel through which the home team was introduced prior to the game, which was a nice touch. There is a shark mascot known as Chomper, but otherwise there are minimal crowd engagement activities at Bennett Field. There are occasional interludes on the PA, but they are sometimes difficult to hear. Neighborhood 4 Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city characterised by its grid-like set up featuring straight wide streets and abundant parklands. In contrast to most other capital cities around the country, it was established as a colony of free settlers rather than a penal settlement. As is the case with all the ballparks in the ABL, Bennett Field is located in the suburbs. The stadium is actually relatively close to the city, located in West Beach out by the airport, about a 20-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD. While the immediate neighborhood does not offer an abundance of nightlife or activities, you are close enough to central Adelaide to be able to take advantage of all that the City of Churches has to offer. Once there, the northern area of the CBD (adjacent to the River Torrens), is the heart of the cultural, entertainment, and shopping precincts. Check out the nightlife on Hindley Street or peruse the shops in Rundle Mall. Along North Terrace you’ll find the Art Gallery of South Australia, the State Library, numerous memorials, and the Migration Museum. Most of these attractions have free entry and are definitely worth exploring. The Adelaide Casino is also on North Terrace, and is noteworthy not for its opportunity for gambling, but for its location within the historic Railway Station building. The closet venues near Bennett Field for pre or post game food and drinks include Adelaide Sailing Club (9 Baracoo Rd, West Beach), Henley Beach Hotel (at the corner of The Esplanade and Seaview Rd, Henley Beach), and the historic Ramsgate Hotel (328 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach). There are plenty of accommodation options nearby as well, including the West Beach Parks (Military Rd, West Beach); an affordable family option comprising a mix of cabins, tent sites, and caravans. If you’re looking for something more, then try nearby Glenelg or the Adelaide CBD. Bennett Field is also only a ten-minute drive from the beach side tourist hub of Glenelg, and of course Adelaide is also in close proximity to the world-famous wine growing region, the Barossa Valley. If you are in town for a few days, both areas should be on your to-do list. Be sure to check the schedules for the other summer sports for any double header opportunities – the Adelaide Strikers (cricket: BBL and WBBL), Adelaide 36ers (basketball: NBL), Adelaide Lightening (WNBL), and Adelaide United (soccer: A-League and W-League) are all near Bennett Field. Fans 2 Adelaide drew well in the early years of the new ABL, and retained solid attendances through the successes of 2014/15 and 2015/16, but have significantly dropped over recent seasons. However, this is not a phenomenon unique to the Bite, as the league has struggled to deal with the removal of MLB funding. Fresh injections of capital from private ownership will hopefully arrest the slide and rebuild the fan base. In the meantime crowds are small (less than 1,000 at a typical game), but fans are knowledgeable and welcoming. Access 3 The easiest way to get to West Beach is by car. If you haven’t got your own or a rental, consider a ride-share service (about $20 from the CBD). While you can use public transport, it requires some pre-planning. There are several bus routes that connect the city to West Beach, but it is a 40-minute journey. Alternatively, you can catch the tram to Glenelg and a bus from there, but again, it’s a fairly long journey. There’s plenty of parking available adjacent to Bennett Field, with the entrance to the venue literally right in front of you. If you haven’t pre-bought a ticket online you can do so at the gate, with a hassle-free experience to purchase and then enter the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The Adelaide Bite game day experience at Bennett Field is very affordable. Adult tickets are just $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating in the grandstand behind home plate; they also have a discount where a family of four can gain general admission entry for $32. Alternatively, you may want to up the ante and shell out for a more unique group experience offered in the “Shark Tank” or dugout box. With free parking and very affordable concessions, Bennett Field is a great option for a family night out. Extras 2 There is a small merchandise van on site, and also a free team list offered to fans upon entry. Final Thoughts We’ve long considered Adelaide to be an underrated destination; it’s a relaxed and fun city with something to offer for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, then consider adding a family friendly visit to a Bite game at Bennett Field, and if you’re a local, then definitely give it a go.

Photos by Hellas Verona Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi Piazzale Olimpia Verona, Italy 37138 Italy Hellas Verona website Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 39,211 Hellas a Good Time Stadio Bentegodi is the main facility for football in the city of Verona. The structure hosts the home matches of AC Chievo Verona and Hellas Verona FC. The facility is dedicated to Marcantonio Bentegodi, sports enthusiast and citizen benefactor who lived during the nineteenth century. The stadium was inaugurated on December 15, 1963 at the regional derby Hellas Verona-Venezia, played with 25,000 spectators (but the facility was designed to contain 40,000). In the second half of the 1980s, like many other Italian sports facilities, it was renovated in preparation for the FIFA World Championships, during which it was the site of four matches: Belgium vs South Korea, Belgium vs Uruguay, Spain vs Belgium, and Yugoslavia vs Spain. During its half century of life, Stadio Bentegodi has also hosted music concerts, the Italian national rugby team and, on April of 2014, a match of Virtus Verona Vecomp, the third football team in the city. In 1903, high school students from Maffei of Verona, helped by their Greek language teacher, founded Associazione Calcio Hellas. From the 1929-30 season through the Second World War the team played in the Serie B and Serie C. Only at the end of the 1956-1957 season did the yellow and blue win for the first time the right to play in Serie A. But they lasted in the highest level of professional Italian football for only one season. Without a doubt the most prolific period for Hellas Verona FC occurred in the 1980s. With Osvaldo Bagnoli in the role of the coach, the team earned a promotion to Serie A, reached the final of the Italian Cup twice and in the 1984-85 tournament they won the title of champion of Italy ahead of Torino, Inter, Sampdoria, Milan and Juventus. The Hellas Verona FC is the only Italian team based in a city that is not a capital of a region to have won a championship. After ups and downs Hellas Verona FC returned to Serie A for the 2013-14 season. Food & Beverage 3 As in many Italian stadiums within the Bentegodi, fans can buy hot and cold drinks served in paper cups if you decide to take them with you into the stands. Hot and cold sandwiches, and various salty and sweet snacks are also available. You’ll probably want to eat before arriving at the stadium as there is nothing substantial to eat inside. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is elliptical and is structured on several levels. The first is located at the same height of the pitch, while the second consists of a few rows of chairs in green. The third and fourth levels are those that can accommodate the largest number of fans. All around the field there is a tartan athletics track that was replaced in 2010 by a layer of blue asphalt with yellow lines that can be used for skating. In Curva Nord there is a giant screen in color that, during the match, informs viewers about score and minutes of play. Four towers and lighthouses on the roof of the stadium provide excellent lighting even during the night events. A special feature that characterizes the Bentegodi stadium from many other stadiums in Italy is the Curva Sud. It is the curve of both sets of fans in the city, those of AC Chievo Verona and those of Hellas Verona FC. The facility is fully covered. Neighborhood 4 Stadio Bentegodi is located in the Borgo Milano area in the southwest of Verona. All around the facility there are buildings of four or five floors. There are plenty shops in the immediate vicinity. Pizza Lab is a convenient stop where you can spend just 8.50 Euros to have a quick dinner with pizza and Coke. For those who want to eat something on a sweet note, try Pasticceria al Teatro or the Gelateria Mozart. Around the stadium there are street stalls where you can buy hot and cold sandwiches, in addition to yellow and blue gadgets and merchandise. The usual meeting place of the fans before and after each match is Bar Nilla near the stadium. Fans 5 The yellow-blue fans are passionate supporters and they follow matches of Hellas Verona FC from Curva Sud. The waving of flags and scarves accompany the entry of the team to the pitch. On the balustrade there are banners displayed by the individual sets of fans. Cheers organized on the model of the British have made ​​an appearance at Stadio Bentegodi since the early 1970s. To date, the yellow-blue fans have friendly relations with supporters of Fiorentina, Sampdoria and, in England, of Chelsea. The main opponents are represented by Vicenza, Brescia, Napoli and Genoa. Verona is the fifth city of Italy to host a derby in Serie A, after Genoa (Genoa and Sampdoria), Milan (Inter and Milan), Rome (Lazio and Roma) and Turin (Juventus and Torino). On the occasion of the first match between Hellas FC and AC Chievo Verona in the Italian top division on November 18, 2001, a record attendance was recorded for the derby at Bentegodi with 38,356 spectators. Since then, the rivalry between the two sides of yellow-blue has grown with time. Access 4 Reaching Stadio Bentegodi is really simple. By train simply stop at Verona Porta Nuova and walk for about 20 minutes. Some public transport buses connect the facility to the Verona Porta Nuova railway or to the historic center of the city. Finally, if you choose to arrive with your own car, you can reach Verona along the A4 or A22. From A4 exit at Verona Sud, while from the A22 exit at Verona Nord. In both cases, once you leave the highway, just follow the signs to the stadium. Numerous parking spots are available. Return on Investment 4 To watch a home match of Hellas Verona FC one can buy tickets for the following sections: Poltronissime Ovest, Poltronissime Est, Poltrone Ovest, Poltrone Est, Tribuna Superiore Ovest, Tribuna Superiore Est, Poltronissime Sud, Curva Sud, and Settore Ospiti. The Curva Nord is reserved for the supporters of the away team. The most expensive ticket is that of “Poltronissime Ovest” for matches against Udinese Calcio 1896 and costs 60 Euros. The cheapest ticket gives access to the “Tribuna Superiore Est” for children under 14 and costs just 0.50 Euros. Extras 2 The Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD, hosts numerous society events during the summer months. “There is no world without Verona walls,” wrote William Shakespeare in “The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.” So if you are in Verona you have to see Juliet’s house, a medieval building identified as the home of the protagonist of one of the most famous tragedies of literature.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Western Michigan Broncos website Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,500 Historic Hyames Field In 1947 the first-ever College World Series was played. No, it wasn’t in Omaha. The games were played on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The site of the games was Hyames Field, named for WMU head baseball coach and Athletic Director Judson Hyames. Playing first base for Yale in the CWS that year was the future President of the United States George H.W. Bush. With that backstory, you know you’re in for a historic experience. Today, the location is known as Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field. The structure was dedicated as such in 2011 after a $2 Million renovation (including more than half from the namesake, Robert J. Bobb). It is a simple and beautiful little facility located in between Waldo Stadium (home of the Broncos football team) and Ebert Field (home of the softball team). The combination of a modern seating area, historic significance, and the great town of Kalamazoo make for a wonderful destination for college baseball. Food & Beverage 2 The only downside to a trip to Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field is the food selection. There is one cramped booth behind home plate and a very basic selection. The hot dog ($3) is below average but will do if you’re in a pinch and need some encased meat to go with your ballgame. You can find other snacks like chips ($1), candy ($2), popcorn ($2), cotton candy ($3), sesame seeds ($3), and freeze pops ($2). Coke products are available ($3), as is bottled water ($3). If it’s a cold day, then you can grab a cup of coffee as well ($2). It is difficult given the typical attendance for college baseball in the Midwest to invest too much into the concession area, so it is somewhat understandable that the choice is limited. In the meantime, you may consider bringing your own food into the park with you if you think you’ll need some sustenance. Atmosphere 4 Being at the site of the original College World Series (and the second CWS for that matter as well, also held at this site) is special. The field is found at the bottom of a hill, with the stands built into the hillside. It’s a nice little spot, and the view along the right field line is steep and is a comfortable place to watch the game on a warm day. The seating is interesting in that there are eight sections with chair-back seating, each named for the donor who contributed the necessary funds for the seats (3-5 rows of chair-backs per section). There are no seating assignments for these seats, but fans are asked to vacate the chair back seat if the donor should happen to appear for the game. During my visit, one donor pointed out that his name was on the seat occupied by another, and asked the gentleman to move over a chair. It’s unique for sure, essentially creating lifetime season tickets for the donors. Legroom is way above average for these seats, so you can understand the desire to sit in one. There are no cup holders unfortunately for these seats. The remaining seating is black metal bleachers (10 rows) which stretch from dugout to dugout. The seating area has a screen that stretches out in front of all seats, so if you want a completely unobstructed view, then you’ll have to head for the hill on the first base side. There’s a good speaker system at the stadium, and music is played between innings and as walk-up music for each batter. Like most college baseball games, if you catch a foul ball, you’ll need to return it to a staff member. Neighborhood 4 Kalamazoo is a great city, and the location of Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field makes the options that much more accessible. You are located in the heart of the Western Michigan campus, and just across the street is the University Roadhouse. There you will find fantastic burgers, 15 beers on tap, and an interesting menu. If you’re looking for more of a divey bar with inexpensive drinks, then Waldo’s Campus Tavern is a good choice, and walkable from the stadium as well. Further afield is an icon in the microbrew world, Bell’s, and their taproom known as Bell’s Eccentric Cafe. You would need to drive, but if you love Bell’s beer, then this is the place for you. They also have pretty good sandwiches. The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is about a block away from Bell’s, and is another great stop for beer lovers, although probably a better post-game destination. Starting around 6 pm each night beer prices vary based on the demand of its customers, providing a unique and energetic atmosphere for its patrons. Sandwiches and entrees are tasty and are served with homemade potato chips, still hot from the fryer. You can also find an electronic dart board, two pool tables, and three pinball machines here for further amusement. If you’re staying overnight in Kalamazoo, the Comfort Inn is located halfway between Hyames Field and Bell’s Brewery and would be a good choice, with rooms starting at around $100 per night. Fans 3 College baseball is generally not a huge draw in the Midwest. Western Michigan does what they can to attract fans to games with free admission and free parking, a very wise decision. Attending a game against an in-state team helps add to the atmosphere. Overall though the turnout is impressive when compared to other MAC schools. Many of the fans are involved participants throughout. You likely will not have a goose bump induced experience, but you can be sure that you won’t be sitting alone watching the game either. Access 4 Parking is free in one of the nearby lots next to the baseball or softball field. Your best bet is to turn at the corner of Olivet and Stadium to find a spot. There are not a ton of available spaces so come a little early. Additional parking can be found near the ticket window gate for Waldo Stadium, but if you park here there will be some stairs to climb to get to the field, so keep that in mind. There is one bathroom for each gender at Robert J. Bobb Stadium. It is clean but very small (two stalls). There likely won’t be enough of a crowd to cause you to wait in line, but if you do attend when the stadium is at capacity there could be a bit of a wait. Getting around once you’re inside the stadium is easy enough. There is one main concourse above the seating area that allows you to walk from the dugout along the third base to the right-field foul pole. Return on Investment 5 Parking is free, tickets are free, and concessions are inexpensive. You can pick up a free scorecard and program. It’s not flashy, but again, it’s free. This is such an easy decision for a family that wants to see a baseball game. You’ll spend maybe $5 per person on food (or bring your own snacks and don’t pay a dime). If you’re anywhere near Kalamazoo in the spring, check the Western Michigan baseball schedule and go see this historic field and stadium. Extras 3 One additional point for the history of Hyames Field. There aren’t too many places still in use where you can see where a former President of the United States once played (go see Yale Field if you want another example). One additional point for the free program and scorecard. Both are good quality, including the scorecard which actually gives you enough room to properly score the game. Finally, a point for Kalamazoo. This is an underrated sports town, and generally a small city that is worth a visit regardless. Hopefully the city will again get a minor league baseball team, but for now, if you want to see the pastoral game, the Western Michigan Broncos are a great option. Final Thoughts If you love baseball, then a trip to Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field should certainly be part of the to-do list for the state of Michigan.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pinnacle Bank Arena 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive Lincoln, NE 68508 Nebraska Cornhuskers website Pinnacle Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 15,500 The Cornhusker’s Crib While the University of Nebraska has a reputation for athletic success in other sports the same is not true for the basketball program. The program got its start in 1897 and achievement, is 120 years of existence has only won two regular season titles (1916, 1950). The Cornhuskers have appeared in seven NCAA tournaments over the years. They are winless in the Tournament, leaving Nebraska as the only school in a power conference with this dubious achievement Cornhuskers have been more successful in the National Invitational Tournament, where they have appeared seventeen times. They have an overall record of 23-16 in the NIT and won the title in 1996. In 2010 the University began a systemic upgrading of all its athletic facilities in conjunction with its move to the Big Ten Conference. As a result, the Cornhuskers moved into the newest basketball arena in the Big Ten in time for the beginning of the 2013 basketball season. The new facility, the Pinnacle Bank Arena, is a major upgrade from the Bob Devaney Sports Complex. The Pinnacle Bank Arena truly represents a serious commitment to the future of Cornhusker basketball. The 15,391-seat arena features such modern touches as a concrete and metal panel façade, a spectacular open-air roof deck, and plenty of glass along its concourses to provide outstanding views of the State Capitol and the surrounding University of Nebraska campus. Also included in the facility are 36 executive suites, 20 Loge boxes, 832 club seats, two private lounges for boosters, more than, one, hundred concession points, and a full-service team store. Food & Beverage 3 The number of concessions facilities at Pinnacle Bank Arena has been increased to more than 100 locations throughout the arena. This has greatly reduced the order and wait times, getting you back to your seat much quicker. The concession stands come with names related to Nebraska or the greater Lincoln area. The generic stands go by the name of Haymarket Place, the area that surrounds the immediate area outside the arena. Other stands go by the names of Sandhills, Chimney Rock, Railway (Lincoln got its start as an important railroad hub), and the North End Deli. If you want to sample a Nebraska-centric product, head to the State Fair Classics stand. You will want to order a Husker Combo, which includes, red dogs (a hot dog unique to Nebraska) and a drink. Atmosphere 3 The court now features shaded portions which form a silhouette of the shape of the state of Nebraska. The court borders and the seats now feature the team colors prominently. A major enhancement is the center-hung, HD scoreboard, and video board. The electronics package also includes a ribbon board around the entire arena and a very nice graphics package appears behind the north end of the court. The suites, club seats, and loge seats have proven to be very popular with the major boosters at the University of Nebraska. Attendance has grown dramatically since the arena opened in 2013. Neighborhood 4 The Pinnacle Bank Arena is the centerpiece of a larger urban revitalization effort known as the Haymarket Historic District. The history of the district goes back to the many features within the Pinnacle Bank Arena improved when the town’s commercial center was focused on the square and the railroad depot. Today this area is being redeveloped into retail, dining, the 1870s, and entertainment establishments. One of the most popular sites within the district is called Railyard and it features an outside patio for dining or uses as a concert space. It also is home to more than 20 shops and restaurants. Make sure you check out the three-dimensional brick mural of a train pulling into the station and a restored steam engine and an 1890 water tower fountain for a great selfie background. Arena and Adjoining Haymarket Area, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The two other major sports facilities in Lincoln are just blocks from the arena. Memorial Stadium, home of the Huskers football program is to the right of the arena and Haymarket Park, home of the Lincoln Saltdogs minor league baseball team and the Nebraska baseball program is located 4 blocks to the left of the arena. Fans 4 As in most arenas, the fanbase is typically broken down by alumni, students, and townspeople. For many of the alumni, basketball has been an afterthought compared to the storied football program. However, the new amenities have pulled in many alumni and once they are in the building they are hooked on the Cornhusker cause. Lincoln is, uses, a college town, in addition to being a state capital. For Lincoln natives, any sports event involving a Cornhusker team is a major event, as there are no pro franchises in the state. Most families have either graduated from the university or work in some way at the school. By far the fans at a Huskers basketball game are the students. They show up in all forms of red garb, wear corn head hats and do everything possible to distract the opposition. They are seated just under and behind the opponent’s goalpost at the court level (the Red Zone) to give their efforts the maximum effect. Assisting them in these efforts are the Cornhusker pep band and team mascot Herbie Husker. Access 3 Getting to and from Pinnacle Bank Arena is not very difficult. Its’ proximity to the Nebraska campus allows most of the students to reach the arena on foot. Since the arena is not physically on campus, drivers do not have to deal with the many zones or parking areas found on campus. Parking is plentiful and relatively cheap, so you should not encounter any problems locating a space. The Haymarket area surrounding the arena results in people coming directly from work, which also helps to thin out traffic as the game draws closer. Once inside the arena, the concourses are wide and well-marked with directional signs. The aisles are much wider than were found in the Devaney Sports Complex and cup holders are found on every chair. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a Cornhusker basketball game will not be a budget breaker. The school utilizes a two-tiered ticket pricing system. Big Ten Conference games are permit-only priced as follows: $25 for seats in the 100 level, $20 for seats in the 200 level, and $10 for seats at the 300 level. , games are offered at a discount, with Conference seats going for $20, 200 level seats going for $15100-level and 200-level seats going for $7. Concessions are very reasonably priced and the public parking near the arena runs from $3 - $10. Extras 3 Since opening in the Fall of 2013, the Pinnacle Bank Arena has hosted concerts by many of, the entertainment’s top performers. The Eagles, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Cher, Florida Georgia Line, Neil Young, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Justin Beiber, and Keith Urban. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billy Joel, KISS, Bruno Mars, Garth Brooks, and Pink. In addition, the arena has hosted ice shows, circuses, two NBA preseason games, and Monster Truck competitions. The Pinnacle Bank Arena is an EnergyStar-certified facility. It recycles 75% of the waste generated at an event and utilizes building materials and, energy-generating committing environmentally sustainable systems. The Haymarket Historic District outside of the arena offers numerous options for pre-and post-game entertainment. Final Thoughts The University of Nebraska is committing to improving its basketball program to be more competitive in the Big 10, one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country. The Pinnacle Bank Arena is a major part of that commitment, as it should provide a tremendous boost to recruiting and fan support.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Place Bell 1950 Rue Claude-Gagne Laval, QC H7N 0E4 Laval Rocket website Place Bell website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,062 L’Éclat Rouge des Rocket In 2015, Hamilton Bulldogs owner Michael Andlauer sold his AHL franchise to the Montréal Canadiens. The Bulldogs had been the affiliate of the Canadiens from 2002 and would immediately and temporarily relocate to St. John’s, Newfoundland to be rebranded as the St. John’s IceCaps. However, the long view of the NHL franchise was to have their American Hockey League affiliate much closer. In 2017, the IceCaps relocated to Laval, Québec, just north of the Island of Montréal and their brand new facility, Place Bell. The IceCaps were immediately rebranded as the Laval Rocket, a tribute to the most popular Canadien ever, Maurice “Rocket” Richard. Laval followed the lead of the former QMJHL team the Montréal Rocket, who played out of Aréna Maurice-Richard in Montréal and eventually moved to Prince Edward Island. Place Bell was built by the City of Laval with the Canadiens affiliate in mind. Place Bell opened its doors in 2017 at a cost of $200 million. As of 2022, it is the second newest venue in the AHL and provides a very different environment than the other AHL venues or the cross town parent club. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options at Place Bell are pretty decent. The biggest issue with concessions is that patrons will have to maneuver the French menus. Lafleur hot dogs and Pizza Pizza slices are easily recognizable. Poutine, fries, chocolate, candy and cotton candy are all readily available. The soft drink of choice is Coca-Cola and coffee and other hot beverages are also available. What looks like a fairly pedestrian menu gets a bump up with the presence of Montréal Smoked Meat sandwiches and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages beyond just the popular Molson Export beer. A little Google Translate may be in order, but getting through the menu is possible. Atmosphere 3 Approaching Place Bell, fans will immediately be struck by its exterior. As the newest AHL facility at the time of this writing, Place Bell has a presence in the neighborhood and is not inconspicuous. The venue is highlighted by a large, white upper exterior that, for the moment, looks clean and sharp. The entrance to the main facility is well below the white facade and features a glass entrance into a very small entryway. To the west end of the building are the other parts of a larger complex, including an Olympic sized ice surface with room for over 2,000 spectators. Entry into the concourses at Place Bell lead to a fairly attractive breezeway with plenty of red accents. The relatively short history of the Rocket becomes painfully obvious as the murals along the concourse walls do not share historic moments for the club but their American Hockey League schedule, franchise map and up to date standings. A small area featuring promotional games, picture opportunities with the Rocket mascot Cosmo and cornhole games can be found in the east concourse. Entry into the seating bowl assaults fans with the stark contrasts Place Bell offers. The ceiling seats and walls are all very dark and for pregame, the lights are turned low. A platform on the southeast corner is the spot for the local DJ and intermission act for the concert series. A smoke machine works in the area to give the arena an eerie feel. The four sided videoboard at centre-ice is brand new and crystal clear. On the south side of the videoboard are flags as well as the Canadian Division Champions banner for 2021. The seating bowl features a single bowl with an upper deck equating to a capacity of 10,062. One of the most curious features of Place Bell is the lighting, which does not hang over the ice but around the upper perimeter similar to an outdoor facility. The gameday production is bold for sure. There is very little that is traditional about a Rocket game. As compared to a Canadiens experience, the Rocket are significantly more French with fewer bilingual and translated items. Goals and penalties are bilingual yet promotions by the in-game host are exclusively in French. The production is much more like a nightclub rather than a traditional hockey game. French hip hop music is dominant and the in house DJ mashes much of the musical selections. The lighting is also treated like a club with strobe-like effects on the pregame and moving spotlights like one would find at a concert. It is different for sure and is probably more divisive than what hockey fans are used to. Neighbourhood 4 Place Bell is located north of the Prairies River, in the Laval-des-Rapides neighbourhood, close to retail and education. Centre Laval and Quartier Laval offer large scale shopping options within walking distance of the arena. Montmorency College is right across the road as well as a Université de Montréal campus. Not as flashy as a big city, downtown area, Laval does offer some spots, both local and chain, for pre and post game food. La Belle Province is a local favourite and there are plenty of Italian restaurants in the area including Restaurant Terracina and Lugano’s. For other sporting options, fans will have to head south, into Montréal for the Canadiens , Alouettes , or CF Montréal . University sports are well represented also with the McGill Redbirds, Concordia Stingers, Montréal Carabins and UQAM Citadins. Fans could also head north for some QMJHL hockey with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada . Fans looking for other cultural experiences in the immediate area could go to the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier, a local science centre, or head back into Montréal for all it has to offer. Le St-Martin Hotel, Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn are all close for accommodations. Fans 4 Averaging between 4,000 and 6,000 fans, the Laval Rocket find themselves smack dab in the middle of the AHL attendance rankings. Attendance has shrunk a bit since the opening of Place Bell, however the coronavirus pandemic has played havoc with crowd sizes all over the place and it will be interesting to see where the Rocket settle in. Fans are generally more boisterous than your average Canadian fans, however they are not nearly as committed or loud as fans of the parent Canadiens. Access 4 Place Bell is located in the Laval-des-Rapides neighbourhood of Laval. Laval is essentially a suburb of Montréal, north of the island. Montréal traffic is as much an issue as any other big city and getting into Laval depends on where a fan is coming from. Place Bell is located immediately east of Autoroute 15 and south of Autoroute 440. There is plenty of parking around the arena at the campus of Montmorency College. For fans wanting to head to the game taking public transportation, there are a number of options and a major Metro Station is within a few steps of Place Bell. The Gare de la Concorde Train station is a few blocks east of the arena. Fans should check the Société de Transport de Montréal or Société de Transport de Laval websites for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the crowd at hand. With the coronavirus pandemic protocols and security protocols are constantly changing. Stadium Journey emplors fans to consult the Place Bell and Laval Rocket websites to get the most up to date security and protocol information possible. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Laval Rocket go from $19 through $49 in advance of gameday. Excellent seats can be had from $33 down and the excellent sightlines gives Rocket fans the opportunity to enjoy the game from just about anywhere for a very reasonable price. Parking will cost a few dollars for fans arriving by car and, of course, the Metro or other public transportation would also cost a few dollars. Concession prices are about what one would expect and the product on the ice is good. Laval is not as established an AHL club as one would find on the east coast, but they are finding their niche as a cheaper alternative to the parent Canadiens. Extras 2 An extra mark for the continued honouring of Montréal Canadiens legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard, probably the most popular Canadien of all time, with the naming of the team. An extra mark for the Rocket attempting to create a very different sporting experience. Final Thoughts As one of the newest AHL franchises, the Laval Rocket are establishing their niche in the Montréal sports market. Place Bell is shiny and new and central to the Laval community and fans will enjoy a trip to see some hockey there. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cameron Indoor Stadium 301 Whitford Dr Durham, NC 27706 Duke Blue Devils website Cameron Indoor Stadium website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 9,314 One of the Toughest Road Games in the USA Cameron Indoor Stadium opened in 1940 and was originally named Duke Indoor Stadium. The facility was named for former Eddie Cameron in 1972. Cameron underwent a $2 million renovation in the 1980s and another set of improvements in 2009 to improve the gameday experience. The building follows the gothic architecture of the other buildings on Duke’s campus. The plans for Cameron were first sketched by Eddie Cameron and Wallace Wade on a book of matches in 1935. Even though Cameron is one of the smallest indoor arenas in the nation, its quaintness and sellout crowds give Duke one of the top home court advantages in the nation. Food & Beverage 4 Cameron Indoor offers a good variety of concessions despite the concession stands being small in the historic facility. Options include a Fully Loaded Double Stack Cheeseburger ($8), Hog Heaven BBQ Sandwich ($7), All Beef Grilled Hot Dog ($5), and Pizza (cheese or pepperoni) for $10. Snack options include candy bars ($4), nachos ($5), peanuts ($4), popcorn ($5-$8), and soft pretzel ($5). Duke offers Coke products, $4 for a 20oz and $5 for a souvenir 32oz, as well as Dasani Water for $4. Atmosphere 5 Cameron Indoor is small and from the outside, it doesn’t look much different than any other campus building. Upon entrance, you still may not realize you are in one of the hallowed halls of college basketball, except for displays showing various national championships and all-Americans, as the concourse is extremely cramped. The portals to enter the seating bowl are small, and the seats are wooden, small and cramped. Be prepared to be “jammed” into your seat once it fills up. However, this just adds to the charm of attending a game at Cameron. Since the building is small, all the seats are right on top of the court and offer a great a great view of the action. There is a large four-sided center hung video board which offers score, time, fouls, and video replays. The Cameron Crazies, pep band, and the Blue Devin mascot are all very involved in the action, creating on of the loudest environments in college basketball. There national championship banners, and jerseys of retired All-Americans hanging from the rafters that just add to the atmosphere and experience. Neighborhood 3 Cameron Indoor Stadium is located in the middle of the Duke campus. While there are not a lot of food options in the immediate area, the campus has many points of interest that are worth checking out, including the Duke Chapel and the Duke Gardens. The Chapel and Gardens are only a short drive away. The American Tobacco Campus is only a few miles from Cameron Indoor Stadium and has revitalized downtown Durham in the last 10 years. There are a plethora of restaurants and bars surrounding to eat at. Be sure to visit the Tobacco Road Sports Café which sits above the blue monster at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. It offers great local food, and several TV’s so you can keep up with other games. Other popular restaurants around at the American Tobacco Campus include Mellow Mushroom, Tyler’s Taproom, and the Bullpen. For a complete list of restaurants and attractions at the American Tobacco Campus visit: https://americantobaccocampus.com/restaurants . Fans 5 Duke basketball fans are perhaps the most famous and well known in all of college basketball. Every men’s basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium has sold out since November 26 1990. The Cameron Crazies camp out in order to obtain tickets to the games and surround the court with chants and antics constantly throughout the game. Even though Cameron Indoor seats just over 9,000, the Duke fans always fill it to capacity to ensure that it is one of the loudest buildings in all of college basketball. Access 3 While sitting in the midst of campus gives Cameron Indoor a picturesque setting, it makes access a nightmare. Unless you are an Iron Duke club member, parking near Cameron Indoor is essentially non-existent. Be prepared to park across campus and walk at least 10-20 minutes. These parking areas are signed well though, so just follow signs and attendants and you should be ok. Once inside the building, it is signed well and pretty easy to navigate to your seat. Return on Investment 4 Since Duke sells out every game it is unlikely that you will be able to find tickets for face value from the university itself. So, if you are interested in attending a game at Cameron, be prepared to for out some serious cash for tickets on the secondary market. Depending on the game, these tickets can range from a couple hundred dollars a piece to several thousand dollars, as was the case in Coach K’s final season, 2021-22. Extras 5 A few things to check out on your visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium: Krzyzewskiville (a tent city) just outside the entrance to Cameron where Duke students camp out for weeks to obtain tickets to the biggest games of the season. The Duke basketball museum adjoins Cameron and has trophies from ACC and national championships, retired championship, and historical memorabilia from Duke basketball. The famous Cameron Crazies are in their place surrounding the court nearly an hour before every game and have planned chants and cheers throughout the game to give Duke an unbeatable home court advantage. USA Today has named Cameron “one of the toughest road games in the USA”. Final Thoughts Even though Cameron Indoor Stadium is old, small, and cramped, the experience of attending a Duke game is like one you won’t experience anywhere else. From the sellout crowds to the Cameron Crazies to the product on the floor (which is always good) a trip to Cameron is a must for any college basketball fan.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DW Stadium Loire Dr. Wigan, England WN5 0UH Wigan Athletic website DW Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 25,133 Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium The DW Stadium was built in 1999 as a home for the Athletics Athletic soccer team. Wigan’s previous home was Springfield Park, where most of the success came towards the end of their 67-year stay. The DW has a capacity of 25,133 and also provides a home for the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Team. Like most newly built stadiums in England. The DW is situated in the middle of a vast retail park. Wigan Athletics are renowned for their quite remarkable climb from the 4th tier of English football (Football League 2) in 1995 to the English Premier League in just a matter of 10 years. In addition to this, Wigan’s chairman, Dave Wheelan, is arguably the man who made this all happen when he took over the club that year. Wheelan is arguably one of the most famous and popular chairman in English football history. Food & Beverage 5 Wigan can boast some of the best pies in Britain, and that’s why I’ve given them full marks. The service is fairly quick, and the beer is of quality as well, which is a rarity in soccer stadiums. The usual food is served (sweets, crisps, and hot dogs), but the delicious variety of pies is the most popular option. The food and beverage prices are very reasonable, but if you aren’t willing to eat on the ground, a huge fish and chip restaurant is situated just outside, and a couple of fast food outlets are in the retail park. Atmosphere 3 Unless Wigan is Manchester United or Manchester City , the atmosphere is pretty poor. Very rarely will Wigan have a sell-out, and the only seats that get filled are the ones of the away supporters. The average attendance for Wigan is about 17,000 per game. However, for many Manchester will only attract about 13,000-14,000 fans. Most of the noise is made by a hardcore group of fans located at the side of the away supporters, constantly chanting and teasing them. sell-outI prefers a group of idiots like that. About 90% of the noise is made by the away support, which doesn’t make the DW a fortress. Neighborhood 3 Years ago, Wigan was an industrial place, which can be told by walking to the ground. Many of the mines have been converted into a deserted wasteland, which is now a year-round building site. Despite this, the surroundings of the DW are fine with a safe neighbourhood and plenty of places to eat. The retail park includes a Mcdonald's, Burger King, and Frankie and Bennies. The main attraction in the retail park is the “Red Robin”, which is an away fans-only pub, where you can enjoy a pre-match drink and pie. Fans 2 Despite having a decent year-roundneighborhoodMcdonald'sfans-only pub25,133-seater stadium, Wigan has the worst attendance record in the Premier League. The only positive I can grab is the support of the young children that will nearly fill the Boston Stand every game. The poor attendances are understandable, though, as Wigan is fighting for survival in the league nearly every year. Access 3 The DW is easily accessible via car by coming off from the M6 at Junction 25 and taking the A49 (Wigan Road). From then on, the ground is well signposted and a huge car park is just outside the ground. My only concern is when traveling by train. Once off the train, it’s a 20-minute walk to the stadium, and the bus and taxi services are rather iffy and inconsistent. Return on Investment 4 Although Wigan's 25,133-seater play is the most attractive football, the ticket prices are one of the cheapest in the Premiership. Ticket prices range from £10 for an “Under 16”, £15 for a concession, and £25 for an adult. A family trip to the DW would not only be cheap, but you can say you have had the experience of watching an EFL Championship League match. Extras 3 Wigan has a club shop outside the stadium, is 20-minute are on sale at £3, and the grounds offer some great vantage points of the doesn’t programs pitch

Mallparks: Baseball Stadium and the Culture of Consumption Mallparks by Michael T. Friedman is a very interesting read that explores the evolution of the ballparks of yesteryear into the consumption-driven “mallparks” of today. To illustrate his point, the author uses the example of the two ends of the north/sound line of the Twin Cities rapid rail line. The south terminus is found in Bloomington, MN, while the north terminus is found outside Target Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. Bloomington was the site of Metropolitan Stadium, the first home of the Minnesota Twins after the former Washington Senators after they relocated from Washington, DC. It was a traditional ballpark, where the only game offered was on the field, and the only concessions offered were the peanuts, popcorn, and cracker jacks of the famous song. Metropolitan Stadium eventually made way for the Mall of America, which in a way was an evolution in and of itself. Before the MOA, shopping malls were simply a grouping of stores to sell goods. Mall of America broke that mold by offering food courts with a wide variety of foods offered in varying cuisines surrounding an indoor amusement park. That was revolutionary for its time. Fast forward for several decades and Target Field now is the northern terminus for the rapid rail line. It also offers food courts filled with a widely varying menu and several amusement-style activities surrounding the game on the field. Friedman traces the sports venue’s evolution to the building of Camden Yards in Baltimore. He recounts a visit to the park via a litany of commercial entities operating onsite, including restaurants, stores selling all sorts of sports memorabilia, special amenities officially linked to varying ticket prices, and a short tour of the history of baseball in Baltimore (before he even reaches his seat.) Early baseball stadiums consisted of very basic seating areas surrounded by a fence. The fence was erected so that owners of the early teams could charge admission and the owner would make money off of the games. As the game evolved owners often experienced competition from other teams, and each owner tried to offer something that made their product unique. The stadium arms race was on. Soon “size matters” was the rule of the day, with bigger “super” stadiums and larger capacities being sought. Eventually, this was to the detriment of the game, as the sightlines and distance from the field suffered. Architectural firms became the next ally in owners’ quest to maximize profits from their venues. Rodgers Centre in Toronto is an early example of this genre. The stadium required a roof due to Toronto’s weather during the early and late months of the season. But having that roof be retractable was not a necessity. Nor was there a need for a hotel, fitness center, movie theatre, and seven full-service restaurants to be added to the construction design. Cities have partnered with owners and architects in seeking to maximize profits for themselves by offering “postcard views” of the city from the stadium to drive tourism. No modern ballparks are designed without suite levels, in-stadium fine dining, or party decks for large group gatherings. Just like malls, retail is extremely important in today’s mallparks. Merchandise has gone way beyond the ballcaps, bobbleheads, and pennants of yesteryear. Friedman cites partnerships with mall veterans like Victoria's Secret, Build-A-Bear, and Disney. Tours of the ballparks generally begin and end at the team’s store. In addition to Camden Yards, the author also looks at several other MLB stadiums that are retrofitting to become mallparks. Fenway Park is considered a “classic”, yet has added amenities such as premium seating atop the Green Monster, a team museum, and additional retail outlets. Dodger Stadium added 1,600 premium seats and doubled the number of concessions stands. It also added a beer garden two sports bars and a Legends of Dodger Baseball area within the park. The second portion of the book explores the next generation of mallparks, which the author calls “mallpark villages”. These venues have created retail, lodging, dining, and residential neighborhoods just outside of the stadium walls. The two examples of this design are the Ballpark Village in St. Louis, The Battery Atlanta just outside of Truist Park, and the proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. The teams serve as the landlords for these developments and receive rental income as well as a percentage of the profits from their sales. This brings in money to the teams before fans even enter the stadium and also generates year-round income over and above the sixty home dates a team may play during the baseball season. Local governments see it as increased tax revenue from the retail sales, hotel taxes, and property taxes derived from the mallpark village. Since almost every ballpark receives construction funding from local governments, the author suggests that mallparks and mallpark villages can also function well in serving the community. The large industrial kitchens can be utilized to feed the homeless or victims of a large disaster. They can also serve as testing and vaccination facilities during pandemics. Some stadiums can also be used as voting sites during local or national elections. Mallparks closes with a look at Populous, the largest architectural and stadium design firm in the country. It has been a major player in the design of mallparks and mallpark villages. It was the first firm to design club levels in stadiums, a major source of income for the teams, with additional perks for premium customers. They have been successful at designing and delivering the stadium desired by their clients while delivering the finished facility on time and within budget. After reading Mallparks, the reader will never look at their visit to their local ballpark in the same way again.

Photos Courtesy of Google Images Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kassam Stadium Grenoble Rd, Littlemore Oxford OX4 4XP Oxford United website Kassam Stadium website Year Opened: 12,500 Capacity: 2001 Football at The Kassam Kassam Stadium, also known as Grenoble Road, is the home of Oxford United and opened in 2001. The 12,500-seat football stadium is named after the grounds owner and former chairman Firoz Kassam. The stadium has only three stands, but the plan is to build a fourth one to increase capacity to 16,000 in the future. The decision to build a new stadium began in 1995 when Oxford’s old Manor Ground, which had been built in 1926, was considered outdated by current standards. Construction began in the summer of 1996 but was suspended in December 1997 due to financial concerns.  No further work was done to the site until over 2-years later, in February 2000, due to financial and legal woes. Finally, on August 4, 2001, the stadium opened with a friendly against Crystal Palace. Today, it’s known as the soccer ground with three sides. The stadium features a reflective glass paneling at its main entrance and is broken up into three stands for visitors. The North Stand is used for both home and away supporters and seats 5,026. The East Stand is home to the more vocal supporters and houses 2,879. The South Stand is the main structure and houses club offices, team locker rooms, executive boxes, and the Exhibition Bar. It is divided into two tiers, with the lower area home to the family section. It seats 4,495 in total. Oxford United was founded in 1893 and lived a nomadic life for its first 20 years, switching grounds on a regular basis. They found a permanent home in 1913 when they began playing in Manor Ground. The stadium would go through major renovations, including a completely new structure in 1925. The U’s began play in the Championship for the 2024-25 season and were in League One from 2006-2016 and were as low as the National Conference (5th division) from 2006-2010. The move to the second-highest level of English Football has seen an increase in attendance from 9,021 to 11,440 in one season.  Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers the usual pies, pastries, burgers, and hot dogs. The chicken and mushroom pie is recommended. There are also small stands in the car park, serving freshly grilled burgers and bacon rolls from a van in the southwest corner. The club introduced two new beers this season that are made by Little Ox Brew Co. They are Lucky U Pale Ale with tropical and zesty notes and 1893 Lager, which is a crisp, clean pilsner. Atmosphere 3 Kassam Stadium is a nice, modern, and comfortable stadium that will offer a welcoming afternoon for a soccer match. A few areas of the stands seem much further away in comparison to other Championship League venues, and parts of the stadium seem somewhat neglected in terms of cosmetics. The noise level can be very boisterous. The small and dedicated fan base comes alive during points of the game and creates a louder atmosphere than what appears in the stands. The United fans are called the Yellow Army; they unite the various fan groups and improve the matchday experience. Expect raucous chants, songs, and cheers throughout the match.  The stands are separated into three areas and are covered with visible steel beams on the ceiling. The plastic folding seats are colored blue and yellow and provide enough comfort; there are also times when areas of the stands are empty to move around and view the game from a new vantage point.  The United Club shop is located behind the VUE cinema and is open on matchdays from 11 AM to 3 PM and an hour after the game.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium is 4 miles from the city center of Oxford, and there are no home and away pubs close to the stadium. It is in a residential and industrial complex. In other words, the Kassam Stadium is isolated from Oxford or a surrounding neighborhood. Fortunately, the Kassam Leisure Complex is across the carpark and offers a collection of places to dine, drink, and entertainment. The Ridge Bar & Grill, Fish & Chips, J’s Sports Bar, Frankie & Benny’s, and Oxy Asian Buffet are dining options. Frankie and Benny’s serves New York-style Italian dishes, and the Refuelling Bar at Gravitee Golf offers drinks, pizzas, and hot dogs. There are no pubs within walking distance of the stadium. The Kings Arm, The Blackbird, and George Inn are two pubs for a pint before the game. They are around a 20-minute walk from the stadium.  Fans 4 Oxford supporters have always made their presence felt at home matches. The team has averaged well over 7,000 in annual attendance in the last decade. This season has seen numbers topple over 11,000 for games in the Championship. Having a winning side gives the fans and individual supporters groups something to cheer about at the game.  Access 4 Kassam Stadium is not close to a train station. The best way to access the stadium is by car, which the stadium offers a free car park. The M40 is the nearest motorway, and you can use several junctions starting from J9, J8, and J7. The large car park, visible from the stands, allows easy access to and from the stadium.  Thames Travel provides service with a special matchday bus to and from the stadium from designated spots around Oxford. The closest city train is 5 miles away from the center of town. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets for an adult in the East Stand costs £25 or £28 on the day of the game. The North Family Stand also costs the same price. These are the least expensive for adults for a game at the stadium. The most expensive seat is in the South Upper Stand at £35 and £38 in advance. Tickets for seniors and children under 18 are much less. The cost to park is free, the food prices are reasonable, and the pies are under £5. A kit costs £50, a cap £16, and a hoodie £50. The price of a pint is among the cheapest in Championship League at £3.50. Extras 3 Kassam Stadium offers a sensory room for anyone under the age of 23 years who needs to take a break. The stadium is known for its bronze statue of an ox, revealed in 2008. The stadium offers free parking, a welcome surprise on any ground across England or the world. Final Thoughts Kassam Stadium is a pleasant facility to watch a match, but not one that will be memorable. The stadium is easily accessible by car, offers free parking, and has all the modern conveniences. It is a great way to spend an afternoon during the football season.

Photos by ROSSETTI ”When this project is completed, LMCU Ballpark will look and feel like a brand-new facility ready to meet the needs of a new generation of fans.” Those are the words of CEO and Managing Partner Je Chamberlain in a news release announcing plans for renovations for LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League. The multi-phase construction project will transform the venue into a state-of-the-art facility that will entertain fans for many years, featuring new suite-level club space, new seating and social gathering areas, and all-new stadium lighting. When all project elements are complete, the construction phases are designed so that the final product offers a cohesive look, as if all phases were completed together. ROSSETTI took inspiration for the overall design from the familiar lakeshore and beach town mainstays such as boardwalks, dune, and beach grass, exposed beams, and outdoor social gathering spaces. The project will be divided into multiple phases, with Phase 1 set to begin in a few months and be completed before Opening Day 2024. All phases are expected to be roughly completed by 2028. Phase 1 improvements will include: The third base side visitors’ clubhouse will be completely rebuilt and will become the home clubhouse, as the Whitecaps and visiting teams switch sides. The new home clubhouse will offer enhanced player spaces, larger weight rooms and training facilities, dedicated space for the female coaching staff, and a state-of-the-art batting tunnel attached to the home clubhouse. The grass and infield playing surface will be fully replaced, including the drainage system. Bullpens will be moved behind the right field wall, and the outfield dimensions will be reconfigured to closely match the angles players will see when they reach the Major Leagues. Stadium lights were upgraded last fall to brighter, precisely focused LED lights with less glare and less light pollution; the new lights are capable of colored light shows synced to music for dramatic entertainment during and after games as well as special events. A brand-new suite-level club space will be built above the new batting tunnel at the end of the third base structure, accommodating 200 guests for use on game days as well as year-round for special events. The space includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a large balcony for outdoor viewing, various height table and chair clusters, and bar space for food and beverage service. Its capacity is similar to that of the current Pepsi Stadium Club. Enlarged group space takes over the existing lawn slopes on both the first and third base sides, replacing the current hospitality areas down the lines. Several tiers of seating and gathering areas, from the concourse down to field level, offer a variety of engagement opportunities and food service options for groups of 20 or more. These tiers offer a more cohesive look and feel while allowing flexibility for groups of all sizes to enjoy private areas. The third base side will feature four tiers, while the first base side includes three tiers and will adjoin the new bullpens. Phase 2 improvements will include the following: A reimagined stadium entrance experience that offers a view of the baseball field straight ahead as fans reach the top of the steps. Exterior site activation for more entertainment options in the spaces outside the facility. Beautification of the facility’s 45 acres, all conforming to the beach theme. A fully reimagined and updated suite level with a home plate club area. An expanded concourse with new and improved food, entertainment, and gathering options, including the construction of private outdoor suites for groups that prefer the great outdoors. A new CapSized Shop retail space and new ticket office. A new 360-degree concourse, modeled after a lakeshore-style boardwalk, allows fans to walk around the field, enjoy gathering spaces in the outfield area, and view the game from various perspectives. A state-of-the-art 400-seat center field hospitality club and special events center, the ballpark’s most significant space yet, will provide a new level of gameday experience while also creating one of West Michigan’s most unique views for weddings, conferences, and other large-scale special events. Kirk Phillips, a ROSSETTI partner who led the project, said it was important to him to ensure that his firm’s vision would build upon an already outstanding professional facility. “These design renovations will enhance the experience for baseball fans and players alike, creating new social spaces and addressing player facilities to exceed MLB standards. When completed, the improved ballpark will surprise and delight this great community for many future seasons. It was important to us to go above and beyond when reimagining LMCU Ballpark because it is so well-known in the industry as a top-notch facility. We feel the improvements to this unique facility will be impressive at any professional level.” ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UMBC Stadium 5523 Research Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21227 UMBC Retrievers website UMBC Stadium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 4,500 Retrieve the Fans Although UMBC athletics is best known for the basketball team’s shocking upset in the NCAA Tournament over Virginia in 2018, the men’s lacrosse team has been one of the school’s most successful programs over the years. The Retrievers won the America East Conference regular season title five years in a row from 2005-2009 and have made the Division I Tournament seven times. The Retrievers play on campus at UMBC Stadium, which is part of a larger complex which also includes the baseball and softball fields. The soccer stadium and UMBC Event Center are located nearby as well. In 2022, UMBC Stadium and the surrounding fields were renovated, adding a new fan plaza, upgraded concession stand, and other areas to improve the fan experience. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at UMBC Stadium located on the fan plaza in between UMBC Stadium and the baseball field, right by the entrance. The menu is pretty decent and includes pizza slices (cheese and pepperoni), grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and hot dogs. Snacks include candy, chips, soft pretzels, popcorn, trail mix, and granola bars. Soft drinks, bottled water, and alcohol are available for purchase as well. Prices are a bit on the high end but not outrageous. Atmosphere 4 Walking into UMBC Stadium will put you on a fan plaza of sorts, added in the latest set of upgrades. There is some standing room area right there where some fans choose to watch, or you can walk down to the metal bleachers along the sideline. A track surrounds the entire field, but you should still have a great view of the action. A scoreboard will be located to your right which also shows saves and shots, although those are not always updated in real time. Between the roar of the crowd, the action on the field, and the numerous vantage points from which to watch a game, UMBC Stadium is an excellent atmosphere in which to take in a lacrosse match. Neighborhood 3 UMBC Stadium is located on campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 UMBC Retrievers fans pack the bleachers and the plaza at UMBC Stadium every game. Although they don't usually sell out, the crowds number in the thousands. Fans are loyal, loud, and represent UMBC's spirit of true grit. They never give up on their team, they will stay until the end and be as loud at the final whistle as they were at the start. Lacrosse is the state team sport of Maryland (but not the state sport, which is jousting) and Marylanders love the sport more than residents of any other state. While UMBC has its loyal and large fan base, expect there to be a good number of visiting fans in attendance if they are playing another Maryland school. Access 4 UMBC's campus is located a short distance of I-195 and I-95. The former ends where it meets the latter and continues as Maryland Route 166. Follow that a short distance and follow the signs for UMBC's campus.. Parking is available along Hillside Circle (pull-in spaces, not parallel, although those who prefer to back into the space will not be able to due to the street pattern) as well as in lots near the UMBC Event Center. All are a short walk from the stadium. Once inside, there is plenty of room to move around or watch the game from different vantage points as noted above. Restrooms are next to the concession stand and are of a sufficient size for the typical crowd. The one thing to keep in mind is that lines at the ticket window and getting into the stadium can move slowly close to gametime, so buy your tickets in advance and arrive early. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC lacrosse games cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children 6-12, and free for UMBC students and children six and under. For one of the nicest lacrosse venues in the country, in the state and city where the sport is most popular, this is an excellent value. However, the pricey concessions do bring this score down a notch. Extras 4 Being part of the UMBC Stadium Complex, the UMBC Stadium is basically three venues in one. Fans can also check out the softball and baseball venues while they’re here. There are free programs and other promotional giveaways at a table near the concession stand and baseball field. Merchandise is sold out of a tent by the entrance. A final star for the banners honoring UMBC lacrosse achievements. Final Thoughts The recent upgrades to UMBC Stadium have done wonders to improve the experience here. What was once a pretty basic stadium has turned into a crown jewel of lacrosse. There are so many outstanding college lacrosse options in the Baltimore area that it's hard to describe any of them as a "must-see", but if you are in the area and see UMBC is playing at home, you will want to check out a Retrievers game.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stayner Memorial Arena 269 Regina Street Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Stayner Siskins website Stayner Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 300 Stayner Alive! One of the cornerstone franchises in Junior C hockey is the Stayner Siskins.  Established in 1972 as a Junior D team, the team was promoted to Junior C in its second season.  The Siskins were successful winning four titles in Junior D playdowns.  In 2012, Junior D as a division was eliminated and folded into Junior C.  In 2016, all Junior C leagues merged to become the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  Playing in the Carruthers Division, the Siskins have won the Carruthers Division 3 times since the merger and were regular season champions 5 times in the same period.  The Siskins were Georgian Bay Champions 5 times from 1988-1994 and GMO Champions 3 times from 1995 until the merger.  Home for the Siskins is the Stayner Arena.  A community hub that was built in 1987 also houses a community centre and the Clearview Township Public Library.  With a modest capacity of 300, Thursday night has become hockey night in Stayner.  The most famous alumnus of the Stayner Siskins is former NHL star Jason Arnott, who was born in nearby Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, the two towns Stayner finds itself between.  The town of Stayner is central to agricultural areas and has a small population of almost 4,700 people. Food & Beverage 3 Stayner Arena has a small, snack bar-style concession in the lobby that is operated by the Lion’s Club.  Fries, hot dogs, chocolate, chips, and candy are on the menu.  Soda, Gatorade, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are the soft drinks available.  A couple of vending machines can also be found in the lobby.  To the left of the concession window is another window where beer is available with products provided by the nearby Collingwood Brewery, including a Siskins branded beer. Atmosphere 3 The Stayner Arena has an extremely simple exterior.  The arena portion is found on the west side and has a dark siding with a couple of signs on the exterior.  Entry is just to the east of the arena, where the lobby is found, which separates the arena from the community centre.  It is a little more modern looking with light brick and glass.  Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves in a vestibule welcomed by a pair of free-standing banners advertising Siskins Alumni who have played at high levels and Siskins who have played in the OHL.  The vestibule also contains a pair of trophy cases, which are filled with minor hockey accolades.  Entry into the main lobby brings fans to temporary tables where tickets are purchased, and 50/50 tickets are sold.  In the lobby, the concession windows are to the right, with windows looking out to the ice surface to the left.  Tables and chairs are there to allow fans to watch the action on the ice from the warm comfort of the lobby.  Items of note in the lobby include the framed jersey of Graham McNabb, who would go on to play for the Brampton Battalion and was a local product of Stayner Minor Hockey.  The other framed jersey is a little easier to recognize than that of Jason Arnott.  Arnott was born in Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, which Stayner finds itself between.  Arnott would play the 1989-90 season for the Siskins and eventually go on to be drafted number seven overall in the 1993 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Entering the arena area, fans will be struck by the temperature change.  Stayner Arena is quite cold, and the use of the gas heaters above the seating area is questionable at best.  Bringing a blanket from the car is not an uncommon practice.  The ice surface runs from west to east, with the seating only on the south side.  The seating consists of five rows of blue-painted wooden benches raised above the ice level with a walkway and standing room behind.  Light-painted, low arch support beams cross the structure, and the ceiling has the typical silver insulation in between.  This is a common design for arenas at this level.  The simple hockey score clock hangs on the west wall with several minor hockey and lacrosse championship banners.  Above the scoreclock is the Canadian flag and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was once common in arenas in Ontario.  The north and east walls are littered with ads for local businesses.  Hanging just above the Siskins’ bench are PJHL North Conference Championship banners for 2022 and 2023.  These seem to be the only banners that the Siskins claim, which is curious due to their significant history.  New for the 2024-2025 season is the “Best Seats in the House,” a small bar-like perch at the top of the seating at centre ice which features high top, cushioned seats, and hockey sticks as part of the gates.  These seats are used for promotion. The gameday production in Stayner is fairly simple.  Music is played over the PA system during stoppages and intermissions, and typical announcements are presented throughout the game.  The PA system is not the worst at this level. However, it is not the best either, and announcements are sometimes a challenge to understand.  Neighbourhood 3 Stayner is located south of the Nottawasaga Bay inlet of Georgian Bay, between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.  It is in Clearview Township, which is part of Simcoe County.  The town Stayner itself is not very large and has a typical small-town downtown area.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink including Angie’s Place, Kitchen Savvy, Honey Monster, 1904 Social Haus, Bluewater Fish & Grill and Charlie’s Diner. The Stayner Siskins are the only game in town during the winter, although the Clearview Crushers of the senior Ontario Series Lacrosse call the Stayner Arena home during the summer.  Hockey is also found, at different levels, in neighbouring Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood.  The Collingwood Blues  of the OJHL are the most predominant of the group.  The area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors with many neighbouring beaches, trails, golf courses, and skiing at Blue Mountain Resort.  Taking a tour of Creemore Brewery, just south of Stayner, is a good tourist option as well.  For those wishing to stay in the area, Gables B&B is an option, or heading to one of the hotels at Blue Mountain is optimal. Fans 4 Stayner Arena has a modest capacity of 300.  It is clear that the Siskins are a significant draw in the area as they consistently average near capacity crowds each season.  The 2023-24 season saw the Siskins average 298 fans per game, up from the previous season’s 274.  Comparing figures in the PJHL is challenging due to a lack of published attendance figures, however it is clear that Stayner’s attendance figures would put them in the top third of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive of the team and loud at the right moments.   Access 4 Stayner Arena is located at the north edge of the town of Stayner in Clearview Township.  Getting to the arena is not difficult.  It is 1 km from the junction of Highways 42 and 26, which can be a busy intersection.  Travelling through town is a necessity but traffic should not be an issue.  There is plenty of parking for patrons on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is limited transit service between communities, which stops at the community centre.  Fans should consult the Clearview Public Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  It is questionable if transit will support the needs of the hockey fan on gamenight.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult.  The lobby will be a bit crowded during intermissions and before the game starts.  Washroom facilities are small, but not terrible for the venue.  The arena is very cold and fans should be prepared, especially early in the season when the outdoor temperatures are significantly higher than in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Stayner Siskins are purchased at the door and go for $12 for adults.  Cash or debit are accepted.  Parking on site or on the street is free and concession prices are good.  The Siskins put a good product on the ice and fans will get a true sense of community taking in a Siskins game.  Considering the low investment, the return is excellent. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Stayner Siskins being a centrepiece of the community. An extra mark for the unique Siskins name, which refers to a small bird similar to a goldfinch. An extra mark for the longevity of the Siskins, playing for over 50 years. Final Thoughts Taking in hockey in a small community is different and the Stayner Siskins offer a glimpse into small town life and the support of their local hockey team.  The Stayner Arena is a hub for the community and a decent venue for the level of hockey being played here.  Taking in a Stayner Siskins game will not disappoint. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Mike Martin Field At Dick Howser Stadium 20 Spirit Way Tallahassee, FL 32304 Florida State Seminoles website Mike Martin Field At Dick Howser Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 6,700 Howser’s That for a Great Stadium? The FSU baseball program is one of the top three programs in NCAA history. Since fielding their first team, the Seminoles have made 55 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and made 22 trips to the College World Series. They have appeared in three NCAA CWS Finals, losing all three. This makes them the most successful NCAA team that has never won a National Championship. At the conference level the team has won 11 ACC season championships and 19 ACC Tournaments. The Seminole have sent more than 70 players on to the MLB, including Buster Posey, Deion Sanders, Eduardo Perez and J.D. Drew. Future MLB managers Dick Howser, Chuck Tanner and Terry Kennedy also played at the school. A majority of this history has taken place at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. The stadium opened in 1983 and was first known as Seminole Field. In 1988 the stadium was named in honor of Dick Howser, FSU’s first All American baseball player, a former coach of the Seminoles and a World Series Championship manager with the Kansas City Royals. At the time of the dedication, Coach Howser was dealing with inoperable brain cancer. In 2005, the field was named in honor of Coach Mike Martin, who is now going into his 40th year of service to the school. Howser Stadium has long been regarded as one of the top 10 college baseball stadiums in the country. You enter the stadium through the palm–laden Haggard Baseball Plaza where records of many of the Seminole greats are immortalized. The 6,700 seat stadium features an elevated grandstand with seat backs that is covered partially by a roof and is cooled by a series of 14 foot ceiling fans. General admission seating extends beyond both first and third base and is not provided any shade. The stadium has a red brick exterior with a press box and several suites both at the top of and beneath the stadium. The latest addition to Howser Stadium is a 60 x 33 foot video board in the outfield. This is the second largest video board in NCAA baseball. These excellent facilities make it a popular venue for NCAA post season play. Howser Stadium has hosted 31 NCAA Regionals and 11 Super Regionals. Food & Beverage 5 The Seminoles concessions program is comparable to many major league ballparks. The variety of foods offered range from chef-prepared dishes available on the baseball plaza to the typical ballpark fare offered at each of the four concession stands found at each level of the park. Chef Art Smith has been associated with Florida State University for several years through his cooking show on FSU’s TV station. He has brought a rotating selection of dishes to Howser Stadium in recent years to share with the fans. The night of our review these items included his chicken sandwich platter ($10), a hushpuppy plate ($6), and a catfish entrée ($10). On other nights his menu includes a shrimp po boy ($10) and a sausage po boy ($10). The school also offers some non-traditional dishes in addition to the usual baseball foods. These include meatball sliders ($10), grilled chicken flatbread ($10) and Italian sausages ($6). For those who prefer the traditional ballpark foods, you will not go home hungry from Dick Howser Stadium. The menu at the generic concession stands that dot each level of the park includes hamburgers ($6), hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), and nachos ($4). Side items include popcorn ($4), peanuts ($4), pretzels ($4), candy ($3) sunflower seeds (4), and chips ($3). FSU serves Coca-Cola brand beverages including sodas ($4), Powerade ($5) and bottled water ($4). In the adult beverage area your choices include 16-ounce cans of Bud. Bud Light or Michelob Ultra for $7. Atmosphere 5 A game at Howser Stadium is a memorable experience. Upon entering the stadium, you pass through a courtyard filled with reminders of the Seminole achievements over the years. You sit in a well-designed stadium with amenities not usually found at the college level. The elevated grandstands provide great sight lines and the roof with ceiling fans are a welcome relief from the Florida heat. The new video board is comparable with many found in the major leagues and the competition on the field provides a look at many future MLB players. The coach leading these young men is destined to become the winningest baseball coach in NCAA history. The fans around you can tell you all about the college careers of players like J.D. Drew and Buster Posey. Add to that the uniqueness of the “animals” seated in section B, and you are in for a very entertaining game. Neighborhood 4 Howser Stadium is located within the Seminole Sports Complex located at the west of end of the campus. Its immediate neighbors are Doak Campbell Stadium and the FSU High Flying Circus (look for the garnet and gold circus tent). The FSU campus is beautiful to explore, but do it on foot rather than in a car. The streets on campus tend to end into cul de sacs, parking lots and one-way streets. Pick up a visitor map at the Visitors Center at Doak Campbell Stadium and you will see a highlighted route to see the best of the campus. The northern border of the campus is found at Tennessee Street. This thoroughfare is home to most of the hotels serving the campus. It also has a wide variety of eating establishments to suit anyone’s appetite. Just a few blocks from Howser Stadium is Insomnia Cookies. It is open 24 hours a day and has the best cookies in town. Its name is derived from visits by FSU students in the middle of the night who are cramming for finals or pulling an all-nighter to complete a paper, Fans 5 The Seminoles have an extremely loyal fan base, as the team has ranked in the top 10 college baseball stadiums attendance-wise for several years. Every game is a sellout, as the fans expect the Seminoles to win at home (they have a .820 home winning percentage through the 2017 season). Just as you would expect, the fans launch into two well-known Seminole traditions when the team has a rally or makes a great defensive play. These two traditions are the Seminole war chant and the Tomahawk Chop (actually the Seminole tribe is very peaceful and works very closely with FSU). One unique element of the FSU fan base is the Section B Animals. Think of a college level version of the Chicago Bleacher Bums. These are your Superfans, who stand the entire game, create chaos for the other teams with their cheers, and generally stir up the entire stand with their enthusiasm. They are boisterous but not dirty, as the group includes families, students, faculty members, school staff, alumni and townspeople. Their one unifying purpose is to support the team. Access 4 Howser Stadium is very easily accessed from I-10, the major east/west interstate crossing the Florida Panhandle. Coming from the east or west of Tallahassee, take the Highway 90 exit into town. As it starts to intersect with the FSU campus it becomes East Tennessee Street. Turn toward the campus at Stadium Way and then take a left onto Spirit Way. All parking immediately around Howser Stadium are for season ticket holders. There are several large visitors lots surrounding Doak Campbell Football Stadium on your right. It is a short walk back to Howser Stadium and you will pass some interesting Seminole statuary along the way, which make a great backdrop for selfies. The Haggard Baseball Plaza provides a great place to meet friends before the game and the flow into the stadium is quite smooth. Restrooms and concession stands are frequent enough that you should not experience any troubles with lines. Return on Investment 4 Unless you have season tickets or know an FSU booster you will need to purchase your tickets on the secondary market. Both the reserved sections and General Admission seating area sellout well before the season starts. We suggest early season games against non-conference opponents for the lowest prices. The ACC Conference games and any games against any SEC opponent are going to command top price. The concession prices are very reasonable and hotels near Howser Stadium are not as pricey as those downtown near the State Capital and government centers. Extras 5 The FSU Flying High Circus is headquartered just beyond the right field fence. It is one of the only college-affiliated circuses in the country and offers on-campus performances every spring. As of the beginning of the 2018 season, FSU Coach Mike Martin needs only 32 wins to become the winningest coach in NCAA baseball history. One extra for thoughtfully installing a roof and ceiling fans in the main grandstand making it comfortable and in the shade during the hot and humid day games. The Seminoles have two members in the College Baseball Hall of Fame, Dick Howser and J.D. Drew. FSU is in the middle of a $25 million campaign to make several improvements to Dick Howser Stadium. These improvements would occur in stages over the next 10 years, so the team could continue to play in the stadium each season during renovations Final Thoughts Howser Stadium has been one of the premiere NCAA baseball stadiums in the country for several years. The Seminole Nation is determined to keep it that way with $25 million in improvements on the horizon. The future looks bright for baseball in Tallahassee.

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Rendezvous Park, Mesa, AZ Originally called Depot Park when it opened in 1895 and later Drew Park (1912), Rendezvous Park’s primary purpose when first created was as a family recreation facility for those living in the eastern suburbs of Phoenix. Throughout the years, the park had roller rinks, swimming pools, horseshoes, croquet, picnic areas, and huge grassy fields where eager players picked up the bat and ball and amateur exhibition games elated the crowds. The park remained a recreation facility until the stadium was demolished in 1976 and other buildings started filling in the once popular and beloved indoor and outdoor play area. When the stadium was first built in the park circa 1930, it had five or so rows of bleachers behind home and along the first base side, trees bordered the outfield (no fence). It was originally outlined as a softball field with a dirt infield and grassy outfield. Rendezvous Park, Photo Courtesy of Digital Ballparks In 1942, Chicago Cubs officials met with Mesa officials to evaluate the city’s ballpark and lodging facilities. On Feb 17, 1952 the first Cubs began reporting for spring training in Mesa, AZ. The Cubs played their Cactus League spring training games at Rendezvous Park from 1952 – 1966, after which they moved to southern California. The Oakland Athletics played their spring training games in Rendezvous Park from 1969 – 1976 and then moved to the brand-new Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, just a mile and a half north, beginning the 1977 season . Rendezvous Park seated 3,000 when the Cubs moved there in 1952 but expanded soon afterwards. The facility used rented bleachers and “hand-me-down” box seats. The club house cramped the players. It had a bare bones announcers booth and a manual scoreboard in right field with a narrow cat walk and a small awning to block the sun. Rendezvous Park Expanded, Photo Courtesy of Digital Ballparks At the time, for many Mesa residents, going to the park meant time bathing in the pools or skating in the roller rinks more than watching or playing baseball. My native-Mesa neighbor, Molly, describes the park as her baby sitter in the summer as her kids went to swimming lessons in the morning and then were able to play in the pool afterwards. It kept them busy till she got home from work in the afternoon. Others remember “the recreation center where we had city wide jump rope and jacks tournaments.” And another memory, “As a young boy me and my friends would shag foul baseballs that would bounce into the street during the baseball games at Rendezvous. I also remember playing football on that long strip of grass along Sirren Street. I remember the tennis court and the shuffle board court and the Park and Recreation station area… Those were the days.. This used to be my playground.” So, more memories on the overall park itself than the stadium. In its place now is the Mesa Convention Center, an Amphitheatre, a Delta Hotel (Marriott brand). The former tennis courts were where the AZ Ballroom in the hotel is now. Constructed in the area in 1981 is a library. The address in Google lists the Convention Center as the former ballpark site but I was told the stadium itself was on Sirrine and 3rd (which at the time was a straight block; not curved like it is now). Sept, 2020 – Mesa Convention Center with Delta Hotel rising beyond – Not exactly where the stadium was located, certainly the rest of Rendezvous Park was on these grounds Sept, 2020 – N Centennial Way and MLK Jr Way, a.k.a., Sirrine and 3rd Pl. I am only guessing but based on what I’ve learned, the ballpark would have be on this corner. Behind the bushes is the Amphitheatre now. If in town to visit the Athletics spring training at Hohokam Stadium , visit the Rendezvous Café just two blocks from where the stadium at Rendezvous Park used to be. This café is named after the park and stadium. The owners used to cater and do the concessions for both ballparks, Hohokam Stadium and Rendezvous Park. Historic photos line one of the walls of the café and Cindy (the owner) has plenty of other photos and stories to share with interested visitors. And, they have a great breakfast and patio for those cooler Arizona mornings. Rendezvous Cafe, Mesa, AZ

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Legion Field 400 Graymont Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 UAB Blazers website Legion Field website Year Opened:  1927 Capacity:  71,594 UAB’s Blazers are Back and on Fire One of the icons of college football has gone from being The Football Capital of the World to being known as “The Old Gray Lady” due to its location on Graymont Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. Legion Field opened in 1927, and recently celebrated its 90th birthday, but the last few years have been difficult ones for the stadium that hosted the fabled “Iron Bowl” between Auburn and Alabama for more than 40 years. The stadium also served as the alternate stadium for University of Alabama until 2003 when Bryant Denny Stadium was enlarged. The once proud upper deck of the east stands had to be torn down in 2005 due to structural issues, reducing the massive stadium’s capacity from 83,091 to 71,594. The demise of the stadium can be tied to many factors. The loss of several marquee games led to large losses of attendance. In addition, the City of Birmingham, which owns the stadium, went through bankruptcy and deferred needed maintenance for several years. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium has also gone through tough economic times. Finally, the 90-year-old structure does not offer many of the frills found at most any on-campus stadium around the country. Ironically, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, at least temporarily, may be the savior of Legion Field. They have returned from a two year hiatus and are the main tenants of the stadium in the fall. The team has had some very successful seasons since the return of the program and the Blazers have breathed new life into the old stadium. Food & Beverage   2 There are six permanent concession stands still operating at Blazers games. They serve the basic stadium fare of BBQ sandwiches ($7), hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($5), sausages ($7), popcorn ($5) and roasted peanuts ($3.50). Coca-Cola brand beverages cost $4 while bottled water is $3.50. Beer can be sold at Legion Field as it is not a campus facility. Budweiser brands are available for $8. The drinking age is 21 years old in Alabama and it is strictly enforced. We suggest that you check out one of the many food trucks at the Blazer Village for a wider selection of foods at very reasonable prices. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere of dread that preceded the UAB shutdown, has made a major turn to one of optimism by the city, the university and its fans. The city of Birmingham has shown its support by adding a new and much larger video board in the end zone, replacing a scoreboard dating back to the 1996 Olympics. It has also begun working on some deferred maintenance backlogs on the infrastructure of the stadium. The University of Alabama at Birmingham has recommitted itself to the football program by building a $22 million Football Operations Center and an indoor practice field. The student body has shown its support by working with the school in creating a great game day experience for the fans. This includes the organization of a Blazer Village pregame area on site and the addition of the Blazers Walk, welcoming the team on arrival at Legion Field with the Blazers marching band, cheerleaders and student forming a cordon for the team to pass through before the game. Two new additions to the pregame festivities are a Food Truck Rally featuring 10 different choices each game and Tailgate Wars, a competition based on a combination of the best decorated table, best food,  creativity of games and largest group amongst all tailgaters. These actions have made a major difference in improving the game day atmosphere. Still much is left to be done to bring Legion Field back into competitiveness with many of its peers around the country. Though it boasts more than 71,000 seats, most of these are of the aluminum bench variety, and tarps cover more than 30,000 of these seats. The need for club seating is a necessity to bring major donors back into the stadium. The suites at Legion Field offer very few amenities other than a roof, air conditioning and a refrigerator. Lighting at the stadium is antiquated and the parking lot surrounding the stadium is unpaved gravel. These capital improvements will not come overnight, but the various parties involved seem to be willing to discuss the shared costs of these improvements. Neighborhood 2 Legion Field is in the Smithfield neighborhood. Unfortunately, the area has been in serious decline in recent years. Many homes are boarded up and there are very few restaurants in the area. Talks are underway to redevelop the area. Downtown Birmingham is less than two miles from the stadium and has lots to offer. Regions Field is home to the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team and is less than 5 years old. Nearby is the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, which is certainly worth the visit. On the food front, Dreamland BBQ is a legend in Alabama and the Highlands Bar and Grill in the 5 Points section of town is highly rated. Fans 4 Very simply, UAB football would not have returned, or once again be playing the games at Legion Field without the Blazer fans. From the beginning they protested the closure of the program, questioned the financial picture painted by the Board of Trustees and showed their support for the program through fundraising drives and the enlistment of several members of the Birmingham business community to form a committee to bring football back to UAB. In the end, these efforts paid off, and the Blazers could not ask for a more loyal fan base. In the first year back from the hiatus, the Blazer team stunned everyone by going 6-0 in home games at Legion Field. The UAB fans reacted by bringing in an average of 43,000 persons a game and leading Conference USA in attendance in 2017, with the next closest competitor more than 6,000 fans behind Access 1 Access to Legion Field is somewhat limited as it is located within a residential neighborhood. You can reach the stadium from both exit 260 B from I-65 north or via exit 260 from I-65 south. However, both exits force a rather circuitous route to the stadium. Upon arrival you will find very limited parking with a gravel lot serving only season ticket holders. We strongly urge fans going to the games to take a free shuttle from the UAB campus. Park for free in Parking lot 4 of the UAB campus and meet the shuttles at the bus awning. Busses run continuously from four hours prior to the game until one hour after the game. (Detailed info is available at www.uabsports.com .) Due to its age, Legion Field is not the most ADA compliant facility you will encounter. Fans with disabilities should call the UAB athletic department prior to the game to set up assistance. Wheelchair seating is on a raised platform on the field which is served by ramps. ADA parking is in the lot at the south end of Legion Field. Even persons without disabilities may have difficulty negotiating the steep ramps and steps of the stadium. Restrooms and concession stands are receiving upgrades and should be much more accessible for the upcoming season. Return on Investment   3 Tickets for UAB Blazer games come at two price levels. Tickets between the 40 yard lines are priced at $30 and all other seats are available at $20. Seats are aluminum benches, so either bring your seat cushion with you or be prepared to pay $10 for a seat back that can be attached to your bench. The concessions are limited, but quite inexpensive. Parking prices run the gamut from parking in neighborhood yards for $5 to reserved spaces in the gravel lot adjacent to the stadium for $8.   The free shuttles from the UAB campus are the most cost-efficient and safest method of getting to and from the stadium.   Extras 4 Several other colleges play special games in Legion Field on an annual basis. The Magic City Classic Pits Alabama A&M against Alabama State, the Steel City Classic features Miles College against Stillman College and the Birmingham Bowl is a post-season game pitting an SEC team versus a Conference USA opponent. The first football member of the UAB Sports Hall of Fame is Roddy White, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons from 2005-2015. The largest crowd ever in Legion Field was 83,810 for a preliminary match during the 1996 Olympics that featured the USA men’s team. Among the musical artists that have held concerts at Legion Field are U2, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. UAB has already begun fundraising efforts to build a smaller 30,000 seat stadium closer to its downtown Birmingham campus. Final Thoughts Though the “Old Gray Lady” is showing her age… the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the city of Birmingham are working together to make her last years as productive as possible.

Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes Since the dawn of the motion picture industry, film makers have found their way to Texas to create their silver screen magic. The very first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, Wings , was filmed in Texas. Westerns, comedies, romances, and sci-fi have all been made within the confines of the Lone Star State. However, perhaps no other genre has lent itself so well to being filmed in Texas than the sports film.   While football has been the subject most visited in the state, virtually every sport has been filmed in Texas. To be fair, not all have been great, and thanks to the trusted ranking scores of Rotten Tomatoes, I’m able to come up with a definitive list (although I strongly disagree with the rankings for Necessary Roughness and Varsity Blues , which sit at 35% and 45%, respectively).   With that in mind, here are the top 10 highest rated sports movies filmed in Texas – from lowest-rated to highest – according to Rotten Tomatoes. Grab your popcorn and enjoy! (Viewer discretion is advised.)   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 10) Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977) Rotten Tomatoes rating : 50%  Director: Michael Pressman Starring: William Devane, Jackie Earle Haley, Chris Barnes, Jimmy Baio, Alfred W. Lutter   The first sequel in the Bad News Bears  franchise sees (most of) the gang back together, scheming their way across the country in order to play the Texas little league champions in the fabled Houston Astrodome.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 9) Glory Road (2006) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  55% Director: James Gartner Starring: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Jon Voight, Mehcad Brooks, Austin Nichols   Based on the inspiring true story of the 1966 Texas Western College Miners team that won the NCAA men’s basketball championship with an all-African American starting lineup, Glory Road  would win the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 8) 12 Mighty Orphans (2021) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  63% Director: Ty Roberts Starring: Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Vinessa Shaw, Jake Austin Walker   Another “based on a true story” film chronicles the legendary football team from the Masonic School for Orphans in Fort Worth, TX. The Mighty Mites captured the imagination of the country during the Great Depression for their spirit and resilience. I personally recommend it, along with the book  that serves as its basis.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 7) Tin Cup (1996) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  72% Director: Ron Shelton Starring: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson, Rex Linn   This cult classic comes from the director of Bull Durham and White Men Can’t Jump . It finds West Texas driving range pro Kevin Costner battling his inner demons, navigating a love triangle, and living every golfer’s dream as he unexpectedly finds himself at the top of the U.S. Open leader board. Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 6) Friday Night Lights (2004) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  82% Director: Peter Berg Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Jay Hernandez, Tim McGraw   Arguably no other work has done more to enrich the lore and mystique of high school football in Texas than Buzz Bissinger’s book  on which this movie and the subsequent TV show are based. For those who don’t know, the film chronicles a season of the legendary Permian High School Panthers and the town of Odessa. This film also won the ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 5) The Rookie (2002) Rotten Tomatoes rating:   84% Director:  John Lee Hancock Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Brian Cox, Angus T. Jones   The best sports movies are always those based on true stories. However, the story of former big league pitcher Jim Morris’s rise from Texas high school science teacher to the Major Leagues seems like pure fantasy – even though it isn’t; this film is the very definition of a feel good movie. Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 4) North Dallas Forty (1979) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  85% Director: Ted Kotcheff Starring: Nick Nolte, Mac Davis, Charles Durning, John Matuzak, Bo Svenson   No movie did more to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of professional football than this one. Based on former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Peter Gent’s best-selling book , this is arguably the best football movie, and treated the sport with a realism that has rarely, if ever, been matched.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 3) Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  87% Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Blake Jenner, Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin, Ryan Guzman   This movie has been called the spiritual successor to native Texan Linklater’s seminal Dazed and Confused , and film carries with it a lot of the same themes, albeit with a college baseball spin. Set in Texas in the fall of 1980, the movie is a true slice of nostalgia wrapped up in a college movie.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 2) T he Iron Claw (2023) Rotten Tomatoes rating:   89% Director: Sean Durkin Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Lily James, Holt McCallany   Full disclosure, this was hands down my favorite movie of the year last year; it brought back a ton of good and bad memories. Chronicling the ill-fated rise and fall of the legendary Von Erich wrestling family, I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 1)  Cassandro (2023) Rotten Tomatoes rating:   92% Director:  Roger Ross Williams Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquin Cosio, Bad Bunny   I was pleasantly surprised to find this movie made the top spot on this list. The biographical tale of one of lucha libre’s top exóticos has proven to be a hit with both critics and fans. The movie explores identity and pride, while giving a look inside the world of Mexico’s beloved pastime. As a bonus, one of the all-time great masked wrestlers appears as himself. ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Athletic Park 1 Birch Ave SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0E6 Medicine Hat Mavericks website Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,200 Summer Evening in ‘The Hat’ Athletic Park has been the home of baseball in Medicine Hat for more than 40 years. The Pioneer League A’s played there in 1977, then were replaced by the Blue Jays in 1978. The Blue Jays rookie affiliate stayed in Medicine Hat until 2002, when they moved to Pulaski, Virginia.   When the Blue Jays moved out, the Mavericks moved in. Playing in the Western Canadian Baseball League, a collegiate summer league that operates out of Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Mavericks have won three league championships and three division championships in their 17 seasons.   The diamond itself is located just to the east of the downtown core, right on the banks of the Old Man River. Major river floods in 1995 and 2013 did significant damage to the park. The floods resulted in a number of repairs and upgrades, as well as the construction of a massive berm beyond the outfield wall to keep river waters in the river valley and out of the city proper. Food & Beverage 4 A single food concession and a single adult beverage concession can be found on the outer ring of the grandstand, which is ostensibly the concourse area. For a typical crowd of around 1,200 fans, this seems to be more than adequate to handle the fan base. While the menu is small and simple, the food is very good. Try the Burger Combo: for $13 you get a freshly grilled burger and a bottle of pop. In other venues, this combo could easily run you $15-plus and the burger could be sitting under a heat lamp waiting for you. The quality and value are much higher at Athletic Park.   Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.   Over at the “Bar” stand, there is a surprisingly wide variety of options for a relatively small stadium. Again, prices here are pretty reasonable ($7.25 for domestic beer; $7.75 for premium beverages).   A couple food trucks are also located behind the grandstand, adding a nice bit of variety to the food mix. Expect to pay a bit more if you’re going to one of these options, but also expect to get some quality food. Atmosphere 3 As with most of the WCBL diamonds, the overall atmosphere is low-key but pleasant, with people there to enjoy the warm summer weather as much as see a ballgame. The crowd applauds at the right moments and appears engaged.   The diamond itself is clean and tidy, with appropriate appointments, comfortable seats (the bleachers seats are standard metal benches), and good sight lines in all locations around the grandstand. There are some signs that the diamond needs a bit of TLC (some rust or worn paint here and there), but nothing obtrusive.   There are numerous pictures of teams past and championship banners throughout the facility, giving the place a sense of history and really giving it a feeling of home for the Mavericks. Medicine Hat Baseball History, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 3 Athletic Park is located east of downtown, in a residential neighbourhood. It’s a nice, quiet area in an older part of town. But for the most part, it’s few blocks on foot before you get to anything else of note.   Just beyond the left field wall is a large berm that was built in 2013 to mitigate the area against floods from the Old Man River, which runs through the heart of the city. You can actually sit down on the hill (or bring a lawn chair) to watch the game from beyond the outfield wall, if you’re so inclined.   On the other side of the berm is one of the larger rivers in the province of Alberta. It’s peaceful and picturesque, a lovely place for a walk. A couple blocks to the east you’ll find Lion’s Park, which features picnic areas, playground areas, tennis courts, fitness trails, and other goodies. Do be aware, though, the river area is home to some snakes and a few of those are dangerous if disturbed.   Heading west from the diamond you have to travel a few blocks before you reach a small commercial area nestled up against the railway tracks that divide east Medicine Hat from west. Two blocks straight west, along Maple Ave, you’ll find a Tim Horton’s, a Subway, and a Pizza Hut, all good enough to feed you before the game. On N. Railway St. you’ll find the Mainliner Pub , which has a reputation for fun karaoke. There are a couple other options if you look hard enough, but food choices are few and far between in this part of town.   Crossing the railway tracks into downtown, you’ll find more food options, such as the DayzOff Pub , which is the Official Pub of the Mavericks. You’ll also find a bit of sightseeing, including the World’s Largest Chess Set, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Situated between the Court of Queen’s Bench Building and the Public Library on 1 St. S.E. it is an interesting curiosity to check out while you’re in town.   If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the immediate vicinity, the rest of the city is easy and quick to get to—one of the advantages of being in a city this size is that you’re never too far away from anywhere. Fans 4 As in most WCBL parks, the fans are fairly laid back and chill, but friendly and engaged. Cheers and boos happen when a big play is made and folks are happy to chat with new people in the stands.   The Mavericks draw about 1,200 fans per game, which is a little above the league average. That leaves a fair bit of room between groups of people in a stadium with a 2,200 seating capacity, but it doesn’t seem empty. Just a comfortable amount of room, the way Canadians like it. Access 4 If you aren’t familiar with the layout of Medicine Hat, finding your way across the train tracks from the downtown core to the diamond might be a bit of a challenge. However, once you find your way along the river under the tracks, the rest of the way is pretty easy.   Parking is free at the diamond and there’s lots of space. You might not want to park right at the stadium lot though, as this could put you in the line of fire for a foul ball or two. A safer location might be kitty corner from the diamond (to the south-west), in a lot right across the street from the city’s curling club.   City transit also runs regularly by Athletic Park. Fares are $3.25 per person. Return on Investment 4 Bleacher seating for adults is $15, with premium seats costing $17 and front row seats costing $19. Children under 4 are free in the bleachers and only $9 in the premium seats. If you want to sit in the front row, which also includes food and drink service taking care of you all evening, it’ll run you $35 per seat.   Overall, this is an excellent deal for a night at the ballpark to see some talented young athletes performing. Extras 3 The Mavericks have a mascot, Monty, roaming the stands during the game and helping with promotions.   All the typical between-innings promotions that you might expect to see happen here.   There is a nicely appointed Souvenir Shack behind the ticket booth, right at the front entrance to the ballpark, providing fans with all manner of hats, shirts, and other goodies like blankets, tote bags, and mini-bats. Medicine Hat Mavericks Souvenir Shack, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The Mavericks have been a consistent contender in the WCBL for most of their franchise history. Coming out to see a game in a lovely, relaxing environment, with friendly people is a great way to spend a summer evening in “The Hat.”

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bartow Arena 617 13th Street S Birmingham, AL 35204 UAB Blazers website Bartow Arena website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,508 Birmingham's Team I once heard a saying “If you want to follow college football in Alabama, support either Alabama or Auburn. If you want to follow college basketball in Alabama, support UAB.” Located in downtown Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the third largest university in the state with over 21,000 students. The school started its athletics program in 1978 and within its first four seasons the Blazers basketball program made back to back Sweet 16 appearances and in 1982 made the Elite 8. The head coach for the Blazers basketball program was Gene Bartow who coached until 1996 and also served as UAB’s athletic director. Having earned the nickname “Father of UAB Athletics” the basketball arena was renamed in Bartow’s honor in 1996. Bartow Arena, originally named UAB Arena, opened in 1988 and has a capacity of 8,508. Its tenant made another Sweet 16 appearance in 2004 and has made it to March Madness 16 times. Now in the American Athletic Conference the Blazers look to add to their proud legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The food is the standard stadium fare including a burger ($7), pizza ($7), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($5), pretzel ($4), candy ($3), and chips ($3). Beverages include a souvenir cup with Pepsi products ($7) and bottled water ($4). The concession stands are cashless. Beer and wine are also sold inside the arena. Atmosphere 4 When you enter Bartow Arena you immediately know this is the home of UAB Blazers Basketball. There is a bust of Gene Bartow by the entrance of the arena. There is also a trophy case with a couple of UAB’s conference championships on display. A lot of green is in the arena. The seats are green, the out of bounds area is green, and the championship banners showcasing the Blazers postseason successes are green. There is a large dragon at mid-court and “UAB” is written in gold on each baseline. The UAB band and cheerleaders keep the energy up the entire game. Blaze the Dragon interacts with the fans throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 UAB’s campus is located in downtown Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama. Bartow Arena is just a few blocks from Railroad Park and Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons . Bartow Arena is only a few miles away from the larger Legacy Arena. That is where UAB played for its first seasons as a program and where the NBA G-League’s Squadron currently play. You could also catch a concert at Legacy Arena. Legacy Arena is in the same complex as the new Protective Stadium, the home for UAB football and the Birmingham Bowl. Restaurants to check out include Mellow Mushroom, Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, and Highlands Bar & Grill. There are plenty of lodging accommodations within a short distance of the UAB campus including Hilton, Residence Inn, Courtyard, and SpringHill Suites. Fans 4 Birmingham loves basketball. UAB was the first program in the state to make the Elite 8 and Birmingham appreciates the Blazers. Even if the arena isn’t full on a weeknight the fans that do show up get loud and 5,000 fans feel like 15,000 fans. Students get free admission to the games and they make some noise as well. Access 4 Bartow Arena is close to I-65. If you are coming from the north, Tuscaloosa, or Atlanta you turn off on exit 259B on I-65 onto 4th avenue. You turn right on 13th Street and the arena is on your left but you will keep going to the 12th street parking deck for $10 parking or go down a couple of more blocks for free street parking after 6pm. Coming from the south you’ll exit I-65 onto University Boulevard and the parking deck will be on your right as you turn onto 13th Street. There are two entrances to Bartow Arena and plenty of concession stands and restrooms inside. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $12 in the upper levels behind the baskets and go up to $45 for lower level center court seats. There is a $3 surcharge for tickets purchased online and I am not sure if there is an added fee for tickets purchased at the arena. If you buy a cheap ticket, food, a souvenir cup, and pay for parking you’d spend about $40 by yourself, $70 for a date/hangout, or about $130 for a family of four. Extras 4 Bartow Arena has hosted the SWAC Basketball Tournament since 2021 and was the site of a heavyweight championship boxing bout between Deontay Wilder and Eric Molina in 2015. Birmingham has been on the rise for the past decade. There is a minor league team for every sport in Birmingham. The city hosted The World Games in 2022. Nearby attractions worth visiting include the McWane Science Center, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, and Vulcan Park. If you are a baseball fan and can head a couple of miles west you can check out Rickwood Field . It was the home field for the Black Barons and is scheduled to host the MLB Field of Dreams game in 2024. Final Thoughts The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a perfect metaphor for the city of Birmingham. It is on the rise!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George H. W. Bush '48 Field 252 Derby Ave. West Haven, CT 06516 Yale Bulldogs website George H. W. 48 Field website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 6,200 Historic Bush Field   George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st President of the United States and the captain of the Yale baseball team during his senior season as an undergrad. In 2021 Yale honored Mr. Bush by dedicating its baseball field, known as Yale Field for almost a century, as George H. W. Bush ’48 Field.   The first baseball team to represent Yale University played in 1864. The team played at various sites around campus until 1882, when the university purchased an apple orchard and farm in neighboring West Haven. In 1927 the school replaced the open field containing a few bleachers with a concrete and steel structure that cost a half million dollars to build.   The ballpark was the site of many major league exhibition games over the years when teams would barnstorm to make extra money. Notable players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams played at Bush Field. With an original capacity of 12,000, the ballpark has been downsized and renovated over the years. Most recently, the grass turf, once lauded by Babe Ruth as one of the finest he'd ever played on, was replaced by a FieldTurf surface, a concession to the harsh weather in the northeast during the college baseball season.   In addition to serving as home to the Bulldog nine, Bush Field has been home to the New Haven Ravens of the Eastern League from 1994-2003 and the New Haven County Cutters of the independent Can-Am League from 2004-2007.   Over their long history, the Bulldogs have qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, reaching the championship game of the College World Series twice (1947 and 1948). 24 Yale alumni have made it to the major leagues.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small concession stand located at the top of the seating bowl behind the press box. This stand, with a menu consisting of hot dogs, pretzels, candy and Coca Cola products, exists solely to tide Bulldog fans over should they need a snack during the game. It certainly accomplishes this mission. No item sold here costs more than four dollars.   Atmosphere 2   As a rule, college baseball in the northeast is just not the big deal that it is in other parts of the country. The same is true here at Yale University. What does separate Bush Field from other facilities in the northeast is that this is an actual stadium with a long and storied history.   Visiting fans will find a laid-back, simple game day presentation at Yale. Dare I say the atmosphere is scholarly? With small crowds present at this historic venue, an over-the-top presentation just wouldn’t make sense. Music plays over the sound system between batters and innings, but otherwise there’s not a whole lot of extraneous noise at Bush Field. The PA announcer tries his best to inject some energy into the proceedings, which is not always easy to do with a typical small Ivy League crowd in attendance. There is a simple, hand-operated scoreboard in straightaway center field.   Neighborhood 3   Bush Field is not located on the school's campus in downtown New Haven, but about a mile and a half away in neighboring West Haven. Also located at the sports complex is the Yale Bowl , Reese Stadium , Coxe Center and DeWitt Family Stadium. Visiting fans will want to explore the Yale campus, renowned for its unique Gothic architecture. New Haven is developing a reputation as one of the country's best small cities for foodies, with excellent spots located throughout the downtown.   A couple of spots in particular may be of interest to visiting fans. Just blocks from the Yale campus is Louis’ Lunch, which claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. New Haven is also home to a unique brand of brick oven pizza, called apizza by locals. Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, located just over a block apart on Wooster Street, are world famous for this pizza style. Many locals tout a third location, Modern Apizza, located only a half mile from campus. To avoid the crowds of Wooster Street, Stadium Journey recommends nearby Zuppardi’s Apizza in West Haven.   Fans looking for lodging during their visit to New Haven will not find much in the immediate vicinity of Bush Field, but there is no shortage of choices around the Yale campus. The Yale Visitor Center  contains a great deal of information about attractions in and around New Haven.   Fans 2   Crowds at Bulldog games at Yale Field would accurately be classified as a "friends and family" type of crowd. Typical crowds average between 100-250 fans, with a minimal turnout from the student body. Those fans that do come to Yale Field are usually connected in some way to the players on the field, and are knowledgeable, active and vocal. With the bulk of the Bulldogs' schedule consisting of local and conference rivals, it's not unusual to see fans of the visiting squad in attendance.   Access 4   Yale Field is fairly easy to get to. Simply take exit 44 off of Interstate 95 and follow Ella T. Grasso Boulevard for about a mile and a half. Take a left onto Derby Avenue and Yale Field will be on your left in about a quarter of a mile. Traffic can be heavy in and around New Haven, so give yourself enough time to get to Bush Field.   There is free parking at Yale Field in a small lot adjacent to the ballpark, or behind the outfield fence on busier days. There is an overflow lot a short walk down Derby Street.   The seating bowl at Yale Field runs from shallow left field to shallow right field. The seating at the ballpark consists of individual plastic stadium seats behind home plate, with molded bucket seats at field level further down both lines. Metal bleachers with backs make up the bulk of the seating. Standing room is available at the top of the seating bowl and on the party deck far down the right field line. Sadly, the old wooden seats that were original to the ballpark and comprised the last row of seating are no longer here, having been removed in recent years due to deterioration.   There is a cramped walkway beneath the stands. Luckily, since crowds at a typical Yale baseball game are sparse, it is not crowded. It is difficult to imagine how this concourse would handle a large crowd. Bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, and more than large enough for a typical Bulldog crowd. Inclusive restrooms are even available for fans who need them.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to Bulldog baseball games is free, as is parking in the area surrounding the ballpark. Fans can bring in their own snacks to enjoy during the game, but concessions are inexpensive should you need a little something to tide you over before heading downtown.   Extras 2                                                                                                 Bush Field has been the site of many historic games. In 1981 Future Major League stars Ron Darling (Yale) and Frank Viola (St. John’s) hooked up in a classic pitcher’s duel that is considered by many to be the best college baseball game ever played. Darling threw a no-hitter for 11 innings before the winning run scored in the 1-0 final on a double steal in the 12th inning.   An extra point is awarded for the classic design of Bush Field. Recent repairs to the facility served to restore and refresh its façade while stabilizing the shell of the park to extend its useful lifespan. As a result, Bush Field has kept its vintage feel while looking renewed.   Final Thoughts   Bush Field stands out from its brethren in the northeast due to its history and aura. There are not many college ballparks in this part of the country which would be considered a destination for ballpark chasers. Bush Field should certainly be on any baseball fan’s short list.   If planning a trip to New Haven, keep in mind that the college baseball season takes place largely in the months of March and April, when the weather in this part of the country can be fickle. Postponements, cancelations and schedule changes happen regularly. Be prepared to be flexible with your scheduling.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 River Oaks Country Club 1600 River Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 77019 River Oaks Country Club website U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 3,000 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship has been a tournament on the ATP schedule since its founding in 1910. Throughout its history, the tournament has been won by a litany of all-time men’s tennis greats, including Arthur Ashe, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, and Andre Agassi. It is now the only ATP tour-level event in the United States to be played on a clay surface. Houston, the largest city in the Lone Star State, has been home to the tournament since 2001 when it moved from Orlando. In 2007 the exclusive River Oaks Country Club became host for the tourney – the club was founded in 1923 and resides in the eponymous River Oaks neighborhood near the center of Space City. Since coming to H-Town the tournament has been both popular with its patrons and successful for the tour and the club. I had never experienced professional tennis before and was unsure of what to expect on my visit; read on to learn more about what I experienced during this unique event. Food & Beverage 3 First things first – the food selection, variety, and costs at the tournament all range from great to very good. The food service company behind the event is one of the most revered in all of Houston, The Goode Company. This brand behind a chain of area barbecue joints and Tex-Mex restaurants offers up a variety of eats, including chips and queso or guacamole, brisket sandwiches, barbecue chicken sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Bottled water, sports drinks, and sodas are also on the menu. A full-service bar is on-site as well, offering up made-to-order cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Again, the drinks are all good and are reasonably well-priced. My sole complaint, if we can call it that, is that there is only one tent that offers up these concessions. While completely understand that the lush grounds of River Oaks don’t lend themselves to many more options, it is still an inconvenience. Atmosphere 4 I would be hard-pressed to imagine an event like a men’s professional tennis tournament taking place at a place more beautiful than River Oaks Country Club – when it comes to atmosphere, the location itself is the major selling point. Everything is immaculate, from the lush green grass to the classically styled clubhouse, to the gleaming luxury cars parked throughout the grounds on behalf of one of the tourney’s sponsors. Frankly speaking, the setting is gorgeous. The venue for the tournament, while a little outdated on the surface, still seems perfect for this type of event. Green wooden bleachers and member’s boxes look like they could easily be found at Wimbledon or Roland Garros; the facility has an old-school, luxurious charm, which I’ll discuss more in the Extras section. Neighborhood 4 The country club, as mentioned, is located smack dab in the middle of an upscale neighborhood. Once you turn on River Oaks Drive you’ll leave the rest of the city behind, and on the drive to the club, you’ll see nothing but street after street of houses and apartments. In other words, the usual dining, lodging, and entertainment options are not going to be near the immediate vicinity. However, the benefit of it being set in Houston is that tournament patrons are privy to everything that Space City has to offer. When it comes to places to eat, the immediate River Oaks neighborhood doesn’t have anything to offer. However, if you venture not too far from the venue, a wealth of options opens up to visitors. In keeping with the idea of not straying too far from the venue, dining options within a 10 to 15-minute drive include the State of Grace, chic seafood and Texas fare restaurant in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center; dishes here range from freshly caught seafood, from the nearby Texas Gulf Coast to gumbo and enchiladas. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Barnaby’s Café, a neighborhood joint that is, as a bonus, pet friendly. Baby back ribs, burgers, and Barnaby’s signature French dip sandwich are just some of the highlights. In terms of entertainment, visitors might be surprised to know how many green spaces are located right here in the heart of Space City. Very close to River Oaks are both Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park – millions of people visit Memorial Park each year, and for good reason. It has miles of hiking and cycling trails; food trucks; an award-winning municipal golf course; baseball, softball, and soccer fields; and volleyball and tennis courts. Buffalo Bayou, on the other hand, is a sprawling 160-acre park that very much keeps the terrain as close to natural as possible, and offers bike and kayak rentals, picnic areas, playgrounds, public art, and food trucks for visitors. For lodging, if you venture a short way from the club, your options run the gamut from five-star boutiques to affordable motels. Examples of this include St. Regis Houston and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston - Greenway Plaza – you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and is fairly close to the tournament. Fans 4 I wasn’t sure what to expect on my visit to this year’s tournament. I’ve admittedly only ever watched tennis in the past when it was time for one of the major tourneys, and those events are hugely popular and highly attended, but I just wasn’t sure about a regular tour stop. To say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement. The final weekend of the tournament saw the venue completely sold out. The grandstands were full and the grounds – as there were passes sold just to be on the grounds during the event – were crowded the whole day that I was there. In the stands, these were proper tennis fans, engaged and vocal at the right moments. There were, however, also quite a few folks who arrived late – though that might have to do with what’s discussed in the Access section below – and that’s the only reason I’m not giving the Fans section a 5. Access 3 Access is always a thorny issue for me when reviewing a venue in Houston. It is a great city with a tremendous number of places to visit, things to do, food to eat, games to watch, etc., and we can easily count the Clay Court Championship as one of these things to do. However, it becomes tricky for one reason: traffic. To get to River Oaks Country Club, you are going to have to drive or ride in some form of motorized vehicle. In all fairness, Houston has great public transportation, but you won’t be able to take that to get close to River Oaks. So again, you’ll need to drive or ride in a car most likely to get here, and Houston traffic is notorious. You will get stuck in it at least once; it is inevitable. You will need to consider that as you make your way to the tournament. Once at the club parking is very limited, and things bottleneck as you make your way up the main drive. Valet parking is an option, and you can get it right at the entrance if that’s a route you want to go. There is also a shuttle service running hourly for those who want/need to park outside the grounds. In addition, another nice perk is that free bicycle cabs are also provided. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to this event are a little on the higher end, especially for the grandstands on championship weekend. General admission tickets to just get onto the grounds run anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on which day of the week you want to attend. While you won’t be able to get to the court beyond walking through, there is quite a nice area, complete with tables, umbrellas, and benches, where the matches are broadcast to a large television. Tickets to sit in the stands will run you several hundred dollars or more, again depending on the day you attend. I preface this by saying I’ve never been to a professional tennis tournament before, but this seems commensurate with what you should expect for an event like this – you are getting high-level, competitive, professional tennis at prices that are about average for this sport. Extras 2 There isn’t much in the way of Extras at the tournament; the event is treated very much with reverence and class, which shows up in every detail of it. There are plenty of spots on the grounds perfect for photo ops, however, the giant tournament bracket is one of them. Fans can also shop for souvenirs at the tournament store, or for fine goods at a pop-up jewelry store. Plus, attendees get to stroll the grounds of this historic and regularly closed-off club. Final Thoughts I enjoyed my first exposure to professional tennis. The action on the courts was thrilling, and the athletes were even more impressive to watch in person. A venue like River Oaks Country Club is not one I get the chance to experience regularly, so I enjoyed the opportunity to take it in. Sports fans, especially those in this area of Texas, should make an effort to take in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bok Center 200 S Denver Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 Tulsa Oilers indoor football website Bok Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 19,199 Beautiful Bok Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a standout facility that literally hits you in the face as you drive by, with its stunning silver façade and glass atrium appearing to hang over the side. There are plenty of great amenities inside, and more importantly – you can come here to watch football! Bok Center opened in 2008, and is currently home to minor league hockey’s Tulsa Oilers , as well as indoor football’s Tulsa Oilers; the names can be a little confusing when you are doing online searches, so be careful to make sure you are checking the right game schedule. The football version of the Oilers only began in 2023, so they don’t yet draw as many fans as their hockey counterparts. Nevertheless, a visit to Bok Center for a football contest will be an absolute blast. Food & Beverage 5 There aren’t as many food and beverage options inside Bok Center as you may find at other facilities, but what helps set Bok Center apart is the number of bars and lounges dotted around inside, all of which are sleek, clean, and ultra-modern, offering great seating and TVs you can watch the game on. The best of these is River Spirit Casino Resort Lounge, with its full bar, but also its wraparound gaming chairs (and other seating) in the back, where you can sit down in your own little cocoon, drinking your drink while watching the game on a giant TV. Besides the lounges, you can find upscale versions of all the food items you might expect, such as nachos, burgers, hot dogs, Frito pie, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, chicken tenders and wings, packaged candy, and ice cream, as well as bottled water, bottled or fountain soda, Gatorade, and of course, beer. Be sure to walk around the concourse a bit before you decide, as all the stands offer different things, Atmosphere 5 The great thing about the field itself at Tulsa Oilers games is that the turf is brand new, unlike some of the indoor football fields you may have seen in the past. There is also the dance team and a noticeable mascot in the form of a giant yellow bison-like creature, as well as a wicked cool logo in the form of an oil derrick (there are two merch stands in the building, one large and one small, so be sure to go find the big one as it has way more stuff). But the thing that really takes the cake here at Bok Center is the concourse with all the amenities it offers – everything from charging stations for your phone, little tables dotted around where you can stop and eat your food, play areas for the kids (for example a mini inflatable hockey rick where kids can play one-on-one), cornhole, a giant gumball machine, multiple TVs in little nooks and along the walls, so you can watch the game while walking around, and the glass atrium with its views of downtown. Even if you don’t like football, I would encourage to go to Bok Center at least once just to check it out. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Tulsa really impressed me with how clean and well kept up it is, with none of the shady areas (at least that I could find) that you will find at many big cities in America. There are also hotels within walking distance, for example a Hampton Inn across the street. There are also lots of restaurants within walking distance, although not as close as the hotels. Probably the coolest attraction in Tulsa, however, is Route 66 – it is a few miles away from downtown, but worth driving down and of course taking some pictures of the historic signs. Fans 2 As I mentioned earlier there are not too many fans at Tulsa Oilers football games, but those who are there are into the game, and the team gear shop does a brisk business with its $10 t-shirt and other specials at every game. Access 4 Downtown Tulsa is right next to the river, so if you are coming from the west you may have to cross the bridge, but otherwise it is easy enough to get here, and there is a parking lot right across the street where you can park for $10, or you can park for free along some of the streets if you are willing to walk a little further. Once you get inside the facility, there is plenty of room to move around. The only potential downside is that the ticket window is on the far side of the building, so you may prefer to buy your tickets in advance do you don’t have to bother. If you do need tickets at the door, though, there will be plenty available, as the arena will not be full. Lines for bathrooms and concessions are very light, and there are plenty of staff inside cleaning up during the event, so you are guaranteed to have a good experience while you are there. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Tulsa Oilers football games start at $13, and if you buy at the door you can avoid the Ticketmaster fees. Parking is cheap, especially for a downtown venue, and there are plenty of lower cost concessions items if you look around (although you could certainly spend a wad on food and drinks if you wanted to). All that said, this is a great return on investment, given the great amenities and atmosphere at a game here. Extras 4 I mentioned it already, but the large team store is a big plus here, with all of the different items it sells (way more than I have seen at similar venues, except the NBA-level ones with full team stores). The number of staff on hand is also mind-boggling, there to help answer questions or cleaning up the venue as fans move around, so you don’t have to step in anything icky. The oil derrick logo is also great, as are all the activities for kids and adults inside the arena. Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to Bok Center for a Tulsa Oilers football game – great venue, a brand-new team, and a cool smaller big-city to visit. I would highly encourage a trip to Tulsa; you won’t be sorry.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 BayCare Ballpark 601 Old Coachman Rd Clearwater, FL 33765 Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training website BayCare Ballpark website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 8,500 Phanatics in Clearwater The Philadelphia Phillies have called Clearwater their home for spring training since 1947. They originally played at Jack Russell Stadium, before moving to their present home in 2004. The present site has gone through several names in its history, including Bright House Network Field and Spectrum Field. Just before the 2023 preseason, it became BayCare Ballpark. BayCare Ballpark has a capacity of 7,300 seats, plus 1,500 spaces on its two berms. Food and Beverage 5 While BayCare Ballpark still carries the traditional ballpark items, it has a food and beverage program geared towards its most loyal fans from the City of Brotherly Love. Fan favorite Philly Cheesesteaks are available at the Delco stand, while Westshore Pizza is also sold at the park. Pete and Shorty’s sliders are on the grill as are Tony Luke’s roasted pork sandwiches. Brooklyn Knish and Boar’s Head sandwiches are also on the menu and are popular with the Phillies fans. Many regional favorites are available to meet the needs of a fan’s sweet tooth. These include Herr’s potato chips, Kandy Kakes from Philadelphia baker Tastykakes, and Thurston’s strawberry shortcake. On the adult beverage front, it’s hard to beat the Beers of the World concession stand along the third baseline. It sells more than 100 brands of bottled beer and has eight beers on tap on a rotating basis. Bud, Bud Light, and Yuengling can be found at stands throughout BayCare Ballpark. Bay Care Ballpark thoughtfully has picnic tables around the park, so you don’t have to balance your food in your lap. Cupholders are found on every seat in the stadium as well. Atmosphere 4 The Phillies spring training home was a pioneer in several design elements when it opened in 2004. It was the first ballpark in the Grapefruit League to have a 360-degree concourse and a restaurant/bar along its outfield wall. BayCare Ballpark was also the first ballpark to angle all the seats toward the field. It also was the first park to expand its concession offerings beyond the usual baseball fare. The dimensions of the field at BayCare Ballpark are 329L, 408C, and 330R. One of the favorite places in the park to enjoy the game, and have a few drinks is Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion in the left-field corner. Seats are available in the Tiki Pavilion on a first-come, first-served basis. However, fans who want to spend the entire game in this area can buy specific seats in the adjoining Tiki Terrace section of the stadium. One of the most interesting elements of Bay Care Ballpark is the bi-level bullpens, which are stacked up in the third base corner of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Lenny’s Restaurant is a popular hangout for Phillies fans both before and after a game. The restaurant is filled with Phillies memorabilia and serves Pennsylvania favorites like Scrapple. It is less than a mile from BayCare Ballpark. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular attraction located nearby. Clearwater Beach is just down the street from the park, and it offers miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Fans 4 Philadelphia fans have always turned out well for the Phillies' preseason camp in Clearwater. It is a popular spring break destination for kids, as the beach is nearby, and mom-and-pop needs very little convincing to escape the brutal winter weather in Pennsylvania. Clearwater is a known entity to the fans since they have set up preseason camp here for more than six decades. They typically make their reservations at the same hotels at the end of one year’s camp for the next season. The Phillies go all out for their fans, as they are one of the few teams that offer travel packages, including tickets and hotels at group prices. The 2023 crowds have been even bigger, thanks to the enthusiasm surrounding the Phillies' first return to the World Series in many years at the end of the 2022 season. They hope to go a step further in 2023 and bring home the World Series title. Access 4 From St. Petersburg: Take Highway 41 North to Drew Street. Turn left on Drew Street. At Greenwood turn right. At West Coachman turn right. BayCare Ballpark will be on your right. From Tampa: Take the Campbell Causeway (Highway 60) West. Cross over Highway 19 and go to the next stoplight. Turn right onto Old Coachman Road. The stadium will be on your right. Another option to get to BayCare Ballpark is the Jolley Trolley Phillies Shuttle. It circulates between Downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor, and the ballpark. The cost is $2.25 each way. Tampa International Airport is 12 miles from the ballpark. There are two main parking lots at BayCare Ballpark. Parking costs $15. Gates open two hours before the first pitch. Return on Investment 4 BayCare Park offers tickets at several price levels. The cheapest seats are $17.00 and are on the berms located beyond the outfield walls. The areas along the baselines beyond the first and third base cost $33. Seats behind the plate on the lower level are $35.00. The club seating areas on the upper level of BayCare Ballpark are the most expensive seats, as they cost $39.00. Phillies games sell out quite frequently, so we advise you to purchase your seats well in advance of gameday. The food prices at BayCare Park are quite reasonable compared with most of the Grapefruit League ballparks. Parking at BayCare Ballpark is $15. Extras 4 The Single A Clearwater Threshers use the BayCare Ballpark as their home field during the regular season. BayCare Ballpark is only 5 miles from the Toronto Blue Jays spring training home in Dunedin and is also close to the training facilities for the Yankees in Tampa and the Pirates in Bradenton. This makes it possible to get a day/night combination of games if you are trying to visit all the Grapefruit League ballparks. There is a kid’s playground down the third baseline of the park. It also offers kid-sized meals at family-friendly prices. The left, west entrance into the park brings you through a Spanish Mediterranean courtyard with a fountain and a baseball statue called “The Ace”. Final Thoughts BayCare Ballpark may no longer be the best ballpark in the Grapefruit League, but it was the best-planned ballpark. The Phillies' spring training home was a trendsetter for the spring training stadiums that followed it. The ballpark pioneered the use of 360-degree concourses, using berms in the outfield area as a new seating feature, and developed a concessions program that ventured far beyond the typical stadium standards. At nearly 20 years old, BayCare Ballpark is still a great place to enjoy baseball on a spring day.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McCoy Stadium 1 Ben Mondor Way Pawtucket, RI 02860 Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 10,031 Home of The Longest Game A project of the Works Progress Administration, McCoy Stadium was built in 1942 on the site of Hammond Pond. It has hosted minor league baseball on and off since 1946, serving as the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox since 1970. The team, which was riddled with debt and in danger of moving and/or folding on several occasions, was purchased by Ben Mondor in 1977 and transformed into one of the premier franchises in all of minor league baseball under his watch. Mondor passed away in 2010, and the team was sold to a group of Rhode Island businessmen in 2015. Immediately upon purchasing the team, the new ownership announced their intention to leave McCoy Stadium for a new ballpark in downtown Providence. After lengthy and unsuccessful negotiations, the team abandoned this project and engaged in a search for a new location for their team. Eventually, two cities emerged in a competition for the franchise-Pawtucket and Worcester, Massachusetts. Negotiations with both cities progressed over the course of two years. On August 17, 2018 the team announced their intention to relocate to a new ballpark complex being built in Worcester, a city located about 40 miles northwest of McCoy Stadium. The new ballpark, being subsided almost entirely by public funds, will open in the spring of 2021. Food & Beverage 3 The Pawsox have taken strides in recent seasons to expand the food options at McCoy Stadium, but the menu here remains average at best. The majority of the concessions at McCoy Stadium are sold at two large stands located behind home plate. All your basic ballpark fare and snacks can be found here, but there is nothing out of the ordinary to be found on the menu. Healthy alternatives and gluten-free items are popular selections. Be warned to time your trip to these large stands carefully, as long lines form, particularly when a big crowd is present. Several smaller stands line the concourse and fill out the offerings with items such as Papa Gino’s pizza and Hershey’s ice cream. In addition, there are two stands at the top of the seating bowls which offer a scaled-down menu for those not wishing to fight the crowds on the main concourse. Stadium Journey’s recommendation is to head over to the food court located behind section 13. Located here is a grill which offers a similar menu to the main stands, but which is cooked over an open fire, featuring larger portions and shorter lines. Also located here are several portable carts offering items such as kosher hot dogs, chicken fingers, french fries, ice cream, and frozen lemonade. Several picnic tables are located in this area, but unfortunately they do not offer a view of the game. Thirsty baseball fans will be pleased to find several stands dedicated solely for the sale of adult beverages. McCoy Stadium features an impressive variety of beer and wine at reasonable prices for this level of baseball. Pepsi products are featured at McCoy Stadium. Atmosphere 3 In an effort to lure fans back to McCoy Stadium, Pawsox management has beefed up both the daily promotional schedule as well as the amount of in-game promotions. The results have been mixed at best, as long-time fans have been resistant to the changes, while younger fans appear to enjoy the enriched schedule. Every inning break features some sort of activity designed to keep the younger fans in attendance involved. From classic promotions such as Pawsox trivia and 50/50 raffles to newer features such as “Hurl the Pearl” and the video bus race, McCoy Stadium’s game day presentation is typical of minor league baseball parks. A recent addition to the game day experience at McCoy Stadium is “Mondor Way,” an area of the parking lot which is sectioned off and opens up two hours before the first pitch. Various family friendly activities such as face painting, live music, photo opportunities with mascots Paws and Sox, and the chance to watch batting practice from field level are available. Neighborhood 2 McCoy Stadium is located in the hardscrabble city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, six miles from downtown Providence. Pawtucket is best known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Slater Mill, the first fully mechanized mill in the United States, is located a couple of miles away in downtown Pawtucket. McCoy Stadium is located in an area that straddles an industrial park and a residential area. Fans looking for things to do in the immediate vicinity of McCoy will be disappointed. There is a small diner, a pub, a convenience store, and a Chinese restaurant next to the ballpark, but little else. Fans looking for a pre or postgame meal can drive to nearby Newport Ave., where there are several dining options. Likewise, lodging options for visiting fans are particularly slim. Out of town baseball fans should head to nearby Providence for their sightseeing and dining needs. Providence consistently ranks as one of the top dining cities in the country, and there is no shortage of excellent options here for eating and lodging. Fans 3 Fans of the Pawsox, once known as some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable in all of the minor leagues, have shown their displeasure with ownership by staying away from McCoy Stadium in droves, even before the team announced its intention to move. The Pawsox have seen their attendance drop from a high water mark of over 9,000 fans per game in 2008 to under 6,000 fans per game in 2018. The team, which would annually rank among the national leaders in attendance, is now hovering near the bottom of the International League rankings. Given Pawtucket’s proximity to the parent Boston Red Sox, it is easy to understand how passionate and knowledgeable these fans are. The Pawsox have always marketed themselves as a family-friendly venue, and in the crowd at McCoy Stadium you will find families, youth groups, company outings and casual fans mixed in with the hardcore, loyal baseball fan. Access 3 The city of Pawtucket is located on the Rhode Island/Massachusetts state line, six miles from Providence and 45 miles south of Boston. McCoy Stadium is located a short distance from the highway, requiring some travel through the city. Be warned that if driving around rush hour, traffic in and around Pawtucket can be hairy, particularly around the infamous S-curves. RIPTA offers bus service to McCoy Stadium for fans using public transportation. Route 79 has a stop right at the ballpark. If taking the bus from Providence, take the Route 51 bus from Kennedy Plaza to Main and Roosevelt, where you can pick up Route 79. The closest Amtrak train station is located in Providence, about a 10 minute drive away, while the MBTA train from Boston has a stop in nearby South Attleboro. Most fans will enter McCoy Stadium via the entry tower in left field. The old entry ramps still line the old ballpark, but are used only to move between the main and upper concourses. The seating bowl, which is raised about eight feet above the field, stretches from shallow left field to first base. Seating consists of green box seats, red reserved seats and blue general admission seats. A walkway is located about a third of the way up the seating bowl, and is full of traffic throughout the game. It is recommended that if purchasing reserved seats, you avoid the first few rows for this reason. Be advised that some general admission seats at McCoy Stadium feature obstructed views. Additional general admission seating is located on the left field berm and center field bleachers. Fans requiring handicapped access will be pleased to find several seating areas for their use. Be sure to time your trip to the concession stands wisely, as long lines can form at times. The wide concourse under the seating bowl is generally easy to navigate. Bathrooms at McCoy Stadium are plentiful. Unfortunately, in their efforts to prove that McCoy Stadium is no longer a viable home for the team, the Pawsox have let some maintenance issues slide, and the bathrooms are not the cleanest or most functional you will come across. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices at McCoy Stadium, which have held steady for four years, are the lowest in all of Triple-A baseball. Ticket prices start at $9 for general admission seating, with red reserved seats priced at $13, and green box seats priced at $14. Children and seniors can purchase seats for a mere $6. Prices for all tickets increase by two dollars on game day. Parking is available at no charge in the lot adjacent to the ballpark or at Jencks Middle School across the street. These lots fill up fast, so get to the ballpark early. If you get shut out of the main lot, there are several surface lots near McCoy that charge $5 to park. On street parking is also available for fans willing to search for it. Extras 4 Fishing for autographs-McCoy Stadium’s physical setup is such that the first rows of stands are about eight feet above the playing field. The dugouts are located underneath the stands, and fans looking to get autographs from their favorite players have to “fish” for their autographs. Kids will dangle their items for signing on strings inside pails, milk cartons, or binders in hopes that a player will “bite” and sign their treasures. Resourceful autograph seekers will try to entice players with candy or gum left in their buckets. The longest game-In 1981 McCoy Stadium played host to the longest game ever in professional baseball, lasting 33 innings between Pawtucket and Rochester. There is a display on the concourse commemorating this game, with artifacts, photos, and even home plate from the game present for viewing. Pawsox murals-With their affiliation with the Boston Red Sox dating back to 1970, the Pawsox have seen more than their share of players move up to the major leagues. Dozens of alumni have been immortalized in murals that line the old entrance ramps to the stadium. Ben’s treasures-If you ever have the chance, take a tour underneath the stadium, where memorabilia from longtime owner Ben Mondor’s personal collection is displayed along the walls leading to the luxury boxes. Final Thoughts Even though the Pawsox have committed to move to Worcester, they will play the next two seasons at McCoy Stadium while they wait for their new home, Polar Park, to be built. So what will become of McCoy Stadium? Nothing is certain at this point, but rumors have floated that a lower level minor league team could move in (relocation rumors often swirl around several NY-Penn League teams). This would require approval by the Pawsox, as Worcester, Pawtucket and Providence share a single territory according to Minor League Baseball rules. There is a chance that an independent team from the Atlantic League could take up residence in Pawtucket. More radical plans, such as refitting McCoy for soccer, have also popped up recently. While the loss of the Pawsox has hit the area hard, it’s probable that losing the team has saved the stadium. Fans looking to visit McCoy to see the Pawsox have two years to come to Rhode Island, but we may not have heard the last from this majestic old barn. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ballpark at Harbor Yard 500 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,300 Home of the Bluefish The Bridgeport Bluefish are a charter member of the Atlantic League, considered by many to be the premier independent baseball league in the country. The team has won the most games in the history of the league, and has won one championship in their history, in 1999. In addition, the Bluefish have made four other appearances in the championship series. The land that the Ballpark at Harbor Yard sits on was purchased by the city of Bridgeport from Donald Trump for $1 and the forgiveness of unpaid back taxes. Before the arrival of the Bluefish, the last professional team to call Bridgeport home was the Bridgeport Bees, who last played in the affiliated Colonial League in 1950. EDITOR'S NOTE: The stadium closed after the 2017 baseball season. The venue was converted to an outdoor concert amphitheater known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. Food & Beverage 4 A great deal of effort has been put into improving the concessions here in recent years, and the concessions at Harbor Yard are a pleasant surprise. All the ballpark staples are present here, along with cheesesteaks, sausage sandwiches, and pizza from local favorite Massimo’s. Sam Adams American Grill is located down the right field line, and features burgers, grilled chicken, and foot long hot dogs. For something different, check out Uncle G’s Smoke Shack on the right field side of the ballpark, where hungry Bluefish fans can pick up pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, red hots, chili, as well as fixings such as watermelon and fried Oreos. Harbor Yard has a good selection of beers for a park of its size, with choices ranging from domestic (Bud & Bud Light), to imported (Corona & Heineken), to craft beers (Two Roads). There is also a stand offering mixed drinks and wines. For fans looking for non-alcoholic options, Pepsi products are featured here. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Harbor Yard is the typical minor league one, featuring music playing over the loudspeakers at every opportunity, games for the kids between innings, and contests throughout the game. There is an excellent emcee here who brings energy to the ballpark and keeps the crowd involved. Longtime visitors to Harbor Yard will notice that the former play area in right field is gone, replaced by a beer garden that features railing seats right at field level. If you have kids who need to let out some steam, an inflatable play house is located at the end of the left field concourse. Neighborhood 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and its next door neighbor, the Webster Bank Arena, built in 1998 and 2001, respectively, are located in a small neighborhood wedged in between Interstate 95 and the Long Island Sound waterfront. It was hoped that their presence would spur development in the area adjacent to the sports complex. Several buildings were razed to make room for both the stadia and the planned development. Unfortunately, this development has never occurred, leaving only a couple of large unpaved lots adjacent to the ballpark that are now used for parking. Downtown Bridgeport is located on the opposite side of I-95, easily accessible through several underpasses. This area carries a long-standing reputation as an area to avoid, particularly at night. As is the case in many cities, local leaders have worked hard to reverse this reputation, and several businesses have taken up residence in the downtown area. Unfortunately, the area has not totally reached its potential, and many fans come to Harbor Yard solely for the events at the ballpark or arena and leave immediately afterwards. Fans willing to explore the area can find several fine restaurants and theaters in the area, as well as the Barnum and Bailey Museum. Fans 2 The Bluefish averaged just over 2,900 fans per game in 2015, which ranked them last in the 8-team Atlantic League. Crowds are larger on the weekends, where the team has scheduled fireworks shows and family days, but you should have your pick of seats no matter what day you visit. As with most minor league teams, the Bluefish market themselves to families, and the typical Bridgeport crowd does indeed consist mainly of families and groups. Access 4 Ballparks don’t get much easier to find than The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the field is take exit 27A (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in two lots across the street from the ballpark, or in the garage adjacent to the hockey arena. Additional free parking can be found on street within a short walk of the ballpark. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the ballpark is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind Harbor Yard, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the ballpark. Harbor Yard follows the typical minor league ballpark blueprint, as fans climb a flight of stairs to get to an open concourse that overlooks the seating bowl and field, except for a section behind home plate that is blocked by the press box. There is a walkway about halfway up the seating bowl that separates the lower blue seats from the upper green seats. Seating in upper sections further down the foul lines consist of metal bleachers. With the small crowds present at Bluefish games, fans will have no problem getting around the ballpark. There is plenty of room at the typical Bluefish game for fans to spread out, and while the restrooms need a little TLC, they are more than large enough to handle the usual Bridgeport crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Bluefish games cost $15 for box seats (lower sections) and $11 for reserved seats (upper sections). These prices feel like they are a bit on the high side for this level of baseball, but resourceful fans can save $2 per ticket with a AAA card. Just remember to ask the person at the ticket booth, as this discount is not advertised. Parking in the dirt lots adjacent to Harbor Yard costs $7, but seasoned Bluefish fans will often opt for free parking on the roads near the ballpark. These spots fill quickly, so arrive early to take advantage of this bargain. Food prices are in line with other venues of this size in the area. Overall, a night at The Ballpark will not break the bank. Extras 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard has a couple of touches that are worth checking out. In the plaza outside of the ballpark is a statue of baseball Hall of Famer and Bridgeport resident James O’Rourke, who is credited with getting the first hit in National League history. Located behind the press box is a mural of several area residents who made their way to the major leagues. Another extra point is awarded for the unique, industrial background here at Harbor Yard. With the giant power plant looming beyond the right field fence and the frequent commuter trains passing by throughout the game, Harbor Yard boasts a most unique backdrop. Final Thoughts The Ballpark at Harbor Yard was once considered the jewel of the Atlantic League, being named as the Atlantic League’s ballpark of the year in 2009. Unfortunately, it is not aging well. With small, lackluster crowds and a less than ideal location, relocation rumors have begun to spring up around the Bluefish franchise. With a new Atlantic League team beginning in nearby New Britain, perhaps new life can be breathed into this tired ballpark. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.