Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Knapp Center 2601 Forest Ave Des Moines, IA 50311 Drake Bulldogs men's basketball website Knapp Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 7,152 There's a Knapp For That The Knapp Center sits on the grounds of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. The arena opened on December 1, 1992 at a cost of $12.5 million and was named after William Knapp, a member of the Drake Board of Trustees, who played an integral part in getting financing for the arena. The Knapp Center plays host to Drake Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. The men play in the Missouri Valley Conference, making a natural rivalry with fellow MVC and in-state school, Northern Iowa. For a small school (about 5,000 students), Drake has had some basketball success, boasting a trip to the Final Four in 1969, followed by trips to the Elite Eight in 1970 and 1971. Drake last appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2008. The arena has undergone upgrades in the last few years. A new LED scorer’s table and video board was installed along with better lighting, new graphics on the walls, and a new replay system. The arena is currently in the middle of a two-phase renovation. Recently completed, Knapp rounded off seating in the lower seating bowl. This made for a more aesthetic look as well as created a better atmosphere. Loge boxes and corner club seating were also added. Additionally, a new hospitality space was added for supporters of the team. For the next phase, plans call for a new video ring display, a new sound system, and improvements to upper-level seating. Food & Beverage 3 The Knapp Center doesn’t offer the most elaborate choices but they have the basics covered and most of the prices are reasonable. Pizza is available along with hot dogs and sausage sandwiches, wraps, pulled pork, chicken tenders, and burgers. Popcorn, nachos, cotton candy, and various types of candy are also on the menu. Combos with a drink give you the most bang for your buck. Coke products are the drink of choice. If you go with the souvenir cup, refills are $2. A fairly new addition to the drink menu is beer and other alcohol. Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Busch Light and a few others are available, along with wine and mixed drinks. There are two locations to purchase alcohol. Both are downstairs from the main concourse; one in the southeast and one in the northwest corner of the arena. Atmosphere 4 The inside of the arena is bathed in Drake colors, blue and white. Looking around the arena, banners are displayed for the various players and accomplishments of the team. The biggest and most prominently displayed among them is the banner representing the appearance in the 1969 Final Four. The lower seating bowl are all chair back seats, with the upper seating bowl (mostly general admission) being bleacher seats. The band adds a lot to the atmosphere and overall enjoyment of the game. The smaller venue adds to the atmosphere in this instance as the seats are right on top of the court. Neighborhood 4 The Drake neighborhood is undergoing a rejuvenation and there are plenty of great places to go before or after a game. Lucky Horse Beer and Burgers is a couple blocks south of the arena and a very short walk. Lucky Horse serves up quality bar food and lots of drink options. Across the street from the Lucky Horse is Dough Co Pizza. Dough Co offers both gluten free and vegan crust, if desired, and if you are with a hungry bunch, they offer a massive 26 inch pizza. At the Drake Diner, hometown cooking/comfort food is the specialty and everything on the menu is tasty. Drake Diner also offers up decent sized portions so you won’t be left hungry if eating here before the game. For day games, I highly suggest hitting Waveland Café prior to game time. The café is about 2 miles from the arena. Waveland serves up some of the best breakfast in Des Moines. It’s open until 2 PM daily and can be packed, so give yourself a little extra time…it’s worth it. If you are just looking for a drink, head to Peggy’s Tavern, just west of Knapp Center. Peggy’s is a Drake staple and hugely popular amongst the locals. In town for a day or two? Just south of campus is newly opened Home2 Suites (a Hilton hotel). Downtown Des Moines is about a five minute drive East of the Drake Campus and has every food imaginable and plenty of other places to stay. Fans 4 Fans at the Knapp Center, and Iowa in general, are a knowledgeable bunch. The stands aren’t always packed here, but the fans that show up are into the game from tipoff. The student section is generally overflowing with students and they do their best to give grief to the opposing team whenever possible. Access 3 On a day when the arena is packed, parking can be an issue. There aren’t many large parking complexes in the area. If you are early and lucky there may be a few random free spots along the side streets in the area. However, the majority of the time, there are lots which will run $10. On the good side, they are close to the arena, resulting in a short walk. Inside the Knapp Center, the concourse is plenty wide to get around. The one drawback is there is only one clearly marked set of restrooms, located near the entrance to the arena. As such, you may have to do a little walking depending on where your seats are and there may be a line during down times of the game. An important note to add here is that beginning in 2022, Drake issued a no re-entry policy to all its’ sporting events. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at the Knapp Center is a very good value. Tickets range anywhere from $9 up to $29 for the best seats you can buy, which is a bargain for NCAA Division I college basketball. Combine the ticket price with reasonable food prices and the Knapp Center will show you a darn good time for not a lot of money. Extras 4 The Knapp Center does a great job of celebrating Drake athletics. From the banners atop the arena to many different exhibits around the lobby, make sure to take the time to look around. There is a lot to see. Another point goes to the student section. They are into the game the entire way and greatly add to the college basketball atmosphere. A final point, to the live mascot, a bulldog named Griff II, who is generally present and accounted for at most games. Final Thoughts Knapp Center provides a great college basketball atmosphere without breaking the bank. The arena is nice and there is plenty of good food in the area. Drake basketball isn’t as celebrated as fellow in-state schools Iowa and Iowa State, but a visit to the Knapp Center is well worth any college basketball fan’s time.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Georgia Swarm website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 14,316 Gas South Arena – Georgia Swarm Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 15-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Gas South Arena takes a unique approach to concessions – rather than individual stands spread out around the concourse, Gas South has two food court-style areas flanking the arena's main entry points. Gas South Arena is a cashless facility, so only cards are accepted. The food court has options from some local, popular eateries. Slices of Johnny’s Pizza run $6-$8, with garlic knots for $9. Arena Dogs & Deli serves both traditional and specialty hot dogs in the $7 to $8 range, which can be made into combos including chips and soda for an extra $7. The Cantina has Mexican food, including nachos, walking tacos, burritos, and tacos, all ranging from $8 to $12. The Georgian Grill has burgers, grilled chicken, and jumbo hot dogs. Slow Pour Brewing offers a fully stocked bar for mixed drinks along with canned or draft beers, wine, and seltzers. There is an extensive selection of Georgia craft brews available as well. The overall quality of food and drink here is decent, so the higher prices are not completely out of line, but snacks and soft drinks seem a bit inflated. Atmosphere 4 The National Lacrosse League is a sixty-minute sensory explosion of music, strobe lights, and a high-energy stadium announcer. There is non-stop action, both on the field and in the stands. NLL lacrosse offers a high level of entertainment from the initial face-off to the final horn. The excitement starts from the moment the Swarm mascot, Stinger, comes out to a darkened arena, highlighted by strobe and spotlights as player introductions begin. As the energy leading to game time amps up, so does the music that is played throughout the game. The game presentation is similar to that of the NBA; the in-game announcer does an excellent job of providing a running commentary of the action while engaging fans. Neighborhood 4 Gas South Arena is in the still-developing Gas South District of the Sugarloaf. The area is a bit of a transition point between a heavily commercial area with office buildings, shops, and restaurants versus residential sub-divisions. The Gas South Convention Center is also part of the Gas South District. At this time there are currently two hotels at the arena’s property, Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn, but a third hotel, Westin, is under construction. The Sugarloaf area has been well developed over the years and offers many other accommodations directly around the arena. In the area immediately bordering the Gas South District there are over a dozen options to eat before or after the game. In the early 2000s, Gwinnett County prioritized building venues for national acts and professional sports. Not only do the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL share Gas South Arena with the Swarm, the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Gwinnett Stripers, play at Coolray Field, less than 10 miles north on Interstate-85. Fans 4 Georgia Swarm lacrosse has an extremely passionate fanbase – attendance appears to sit around half to two-thirds full. Though seating in the upper level of the arena is a bit sparse, the field level is much more packed with fans. Within the league, the Swarm’s attendance ranks in the lower third. Despite lower attendance numbers compared to the rest of the league, fans are a key part of the excitement here. One of the fun aspects is following a goal by the Swarm when almost the entire fan base begins pumping their arms up and down, as they bounce to Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis, all while the arena’s horn goes off. All-in-all, even though a bit on the less numerous side, the fans add a lot to a fun experience. Access 4 Getting to Gas South Arena is at the mercy of Atlanta traffic on I-85. Luckily, most of the Swarm’s games are on Saturdays and Sundays, so that does help alleviate the crush that Atlanta traffic can have. Parking is available at the lot in front of the arena, or the garage directly next to it. Most fans will enter the arena through the main entrance into a two-tiered lobby with a wrap-around concourse to access their seats. The lower seating bowl is easily accessible and has manageable sloped aisles to navigate. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for upper-level seats start at $12 if purchased the week prior to the game; the walkup rate jumps to $15. On the high end, tickets on the glass start at $63 and jump to $69 as a walkup. The get-in-the-door price makes tickets rather affordable, but if you want to be close to the action it can get expensive, quickly. Factoring in $10 for parking as well as the concessions prices, the overall return on investment borders on becoming an expensive evening out. Even though being close to the action really highlights the speed of the game, the upper-level seating is every bit as enjoyable. Extras 3 Through pre-game recognitions and community outreach initiatives, the Swarm does a fantastic job at recognizing the history of lacrosse and its indigenous roots. The Georgia Swarm makes the evening entertaining. Stoppages in play are full of fan interactions. There is also a game-long scavenger hunt of Swarm apparel around the arena, plus a series of on-field contests and t-shirt tosses. The Swarm’s mascot, Stinger, actively engages fans around the stadium and in the stands. Stinger does a wonderful job entertaining young fans during the game. Final Thoughts While lacrosse has been somewhat of a niche sport, it is not due to a lack of excitement. The field game itself is high scoring, with constant action, and the box version of the game is every bit as much, with excitement and entertainment added to it. It is difficult to attend a Georgia Swarm game and leave feeling like it was not an enjoyable time.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Colorado Rockies Spring Training website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Rox in the Desert The Colorado Rockies play their spring ball at the beautiful Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. It is shared with the Arizona Diamondbacks and celebrated its 10th season in 2021. The Rockies first spring training home was at Hi-Corbett Field in Tucson, AZ from 1993 – 2011. Salt River Fields is the first MLB spring training park built on Native American Indian land. Its design uses Native American influence and regional desert architecture and landscaping. Visitors witness picturesque views of Camelback, McDowell, Superstition, and other mountains as they walk the complex area and stadium. It’s an impressive facility, and the Rockies fans and organization are proud to call it their spring training home. Food & Beverage 5 Visitors to Salt River Fields will find a host of food and beverage offerings to indulge in. Permanent concessions (all cashless now) line the infield concourse with a few more on the center field concourse. The menus do not change based on the home team (Rockies/Dbacks). The Show is known for the Shea Burger Basket (burger with cheese and bacon and a side of fries – $15.50) or the yummy Bee Line Chicken Club Basket on a pretzel bun. Rte 101 Pizza sells flatbread pizza and Southwestern chicken salad. Cattle 101 offers premium Mile High burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Center field concessions include Cold Stone Creamery, Verde Grille Burgers, and an offering of tantalizing Dominican fare at a Yanikeke food truck. A unique food cart on the third base concourse sells gourmet ostrich, elk, rattlesnake, beef, and vegan hot dogs ($12). Delicious aromas from kiosks marketing kettle corn, lemonade, standard hot dogs, sausages, and brats permeate throughout the concourse. Mustache Pretzels and Chick-fil-A also have a presence. Party decks Ultra Terrace and Salty Senorita (margaritas, nachos, and chips & salsa) occupy areas down each baseline. Salty Seniorita at Salt River Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans looking for adult beverages will find a vast number of beer carts and vendors selling canned domestic and craft beers, and seltzers ($14 – $15.50). Home Plate Bar sells cocktails; other stalls provide adult frozen cocktails and smoothies in various bright fruit flavors. The Casino Arizona Bar in center field offers cocktails, TV screens turned to sporting events, indoor and outdoor seating, and air conditioning. Pepsi brands are the soda of choice at SRFs ($6 – $7.50). Bottled water costs $5. Atmosphere 5 Beautiful Southwestern landscaping adorns the facility both inside and outside. It includes cactus gardens, desert terrain, scrubby hardy bushes, and lots of rocks which are all very attractive together. The structure fits in well with its surroundings and the environment. The design incorporates a traditional Native American ramada shade to shield fans from the hot Arizona sun. Green fold-down seats are plenty wide, have cup holders and legroom is superb at Salt River Fields. Sections 112 and 212 are directly behind home plate. Thin nets run to the ends of the dugouts; only the last few sections are net free. The infield, especially behind home plate and the 200 level, gets shade the entire game. Handy drink rails are on concourse columns and the top of some seating sections. Fans enter from the top of the concourse and descend to the seating area (handrails are available), a small walkway is between the 100 and 200 levels. The grassy berm in the outfield is a popular seating choice for many families and visitors who spread out to enjoy the sun and the delightful sounds of a baseball game. Peddlers sell drinks and snacks in the berm areas. The music level isn’t loud and fans can have conversations easily without yelling over the music; though sometimes it is played over the PA, which is common, but still baffling. Bobby Freeman, the long-time organist for the Arizona Diamondbacks, makes his presence at some Rockies spring training games serenading fans with long ago forgotten organ music. Unfortunately, the team no longer provides handouts of starting lineups and rosters; instead, staff tapes them to an information table. However, the organization installed a new and improved scoreboard on the left field grassy berm several years ago. It conveniently provides the lineup, current pitcher and batter names, line score, some video, between inning entertainment, etc. Based on your long-distance vision and where you sit, you may still need to pull out binoculars to read it. Neighborhood 4 If you do nothing else when spending time in Scottsdale, visit the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens right across Salt River Fields’ home plate parking lot. It is a memorial to and reminder of the WWII Dec 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and remembrance to those soldiers who served and gave their lives. Columns of light form the outline of the battleship which illuminates at twilight. The stadium is next to The Pavilions at Talking Stick shopping center. Plenty of chain restaurants and places before or after a Rockies game are within the shopping area: Buffalo Wild Wings (wings and beer), Angry Crab Shack (seafood), Blazin’ Mongolian BBQ (Asian – create your own stir fry), Red Robin (burgers), Filiberto’s (Mexican), and more. Fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Chipotle, Blimpies, Arby’s, and Pizza dot the shopping area. The TapHouse Kitchen is 3 ½ miles from the ballpark and offers craft beers, cocktails, and diverse and delicious food dishes. We also recommend Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, another local restaurant that provides mouth-watering food and drinks about a mile from the ballpark. An escape room, indoor skydiving, and one of those movie theaters that serve gourmet movie fare are other entertainment found in The Pavilions. Several golf courses are within a few miles as is the Butterfly Wonderland, America’s largest butterfly atrium. Besides butterflies, it has a 3D theater and various insect displays. The Talking Stick Resort and Casino is just across the Loop 101, less than a three-mile drive from the ballpark. A Great Wolf Lodge (and water park) is across the parking lot. More affordable lodging is at a Staybridge Hotel, walking distance (less than 1/2 mile) from Salt River Fields. A Hampton Inn & Suites is across the Loop 101 (near the casino). Keep in mind, lodging costs double during spring training. For other sports in the area, visit the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training another day and other East Valley spring training stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium (SF Giants), Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs), Tempe Diablo (Los Angeles Angels, and Hohokam Stadium (Oakland Athletics). A trip to Phoenix, AZ and an ASU Sun Devil baseball game is a tad over 10 miles from the ballpark. Fans 4 The Rockies fans come decked out in purple. Although you won’t hear ‘Tulo’ chants anymore, fans generate a great round of applause for current favorite, Charlie Blackman. Before the pandemic, the Rockies averaged greater than 9,000 fans a game at Salt River Fields. While the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and a shortened season because of the lockout in 2022 caused a downfall in attendance numbers, Rockies fans still make a presence at the ballpark drawing about 6,000 to 8,000 a game. Weekend games draw more than weekday games and more fans visit when the Cubs or Dodgers are the opponents. As with most Cactus League games, fans easily strike up conversations with their neighbors. You’ll see plenty of fans wearing purple spread across the seating areas. And, since it’s such a nice ballpark, many visiting team fans congregate near the visitor’s bullpen and dugout. Access 4 Salt River Fields is located just west of the Loop 101 Pima Fwy at the Indian Bend Rd or the Via De Ventura exits. Parking is available in three lots and costs $5, $10, or $25 for valet parking. Attendants driving golf carts bring fans back and forth from the parking areas to the entrances if desired. Give yourself some extra travel time when attending an evening game during the week because of heavier rush hour traffic. If flying in, the closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 18 miles southwest of the stadium). Public transportation is somewhat available via Valley Metro (mostly bus route 81). Be sure to visit Valley Metro for fare, schedules, and map information. Three gates open an hour before the first pitch. Bags less than 16” x 16” x 8” are allowed. Fans walk through a metal detector and security personnel check bags. It’s painless. The concourse is wide open and visitors see all the playing action while walking it. The ease of moving around the stadium during a game is admirable, though be cautious of uneven step heights when walking up and down the seating aisles. Plenty of ramps are available throughout the complex for those using wheelchairs and strollers. ADA seating lines the top of the grandstand on the concourse. The ballpark provides many sets of clean and serviceable restrooms throughout the entire concourse. Return on Investment 4 As with all spring training facilities, the prices have skyrocketed since days gone by. The Rockies are no exception. Spring training tickets run $15 for berm tickets to $47 for higher priced seats. Add a few bucks more for weekend games and popular opponents like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Food concession prices are high. Nine dollars for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, $8.75 for a Cold Stone Creamery cup, or $15.50 for a beer is more than you’d pay outside the stadium. This is, unfortunately, routine with stadium fare at many sports venues. Five-dollar parking is common at some of the Cactus League venues. Stadium staff offer a free spring training program which is helpful. Sign up for the designated driver program to get a free soda, bring in the two allowed bottles of water, and eat before or after the contest to save a couple of bucks when attending a game. It is a remarkable facility and one that shouldn’t be missed if traveling for spring training in Arizona. Extras 5 Several additional items are worth noting about attending a Dbacks spring training game at Salt River Fields. First, each of the entrances is special, with fountains and sculptures, and the two branded entranceways in the outfield have a Rockies “team concepts” and a Dbacks “historic timeline” lining the respective ramps. Still outside the park are a nature walk around a small fishing lake and a Veterans Circle (honoring Native American veterans). The nature walk incorporates the Keli McGregor Reflection Trail on the west side of the complex. McGregor, a former Colorado Rockies president, was instrumental in the negotiations and agreements of building this new spring training facility and putting the finishing touches on the Rockies segment. Keli McGregor Reflection Trail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The extras continue once you enter the park. You can peer over the bullpens and watch the pitchers warm up which makes you feel up close and personal with the player (even though you’re really not). The organization provides free SPF 30 sunscreen in two areas in the outfield, a very courteous touch. A popular, free small whiffle ball diamond offering pick-up games for kids is in the right field concourse. An attendant makes sure all kids get a chance to bat and play. Final Thoughts At eleven years old, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick continues to impress both local and visiting spring training fans. The experience at the ballpark is marvelous. Fan comfort is foremost with the shade, the ramps, the legroom, the food choices. If you have not yet been, put it on the list to visit.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Dbacks Spring Home The Arizona Diamondbacks play their spring ball at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. It is the beautiful spring training facility for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks and celebrated its 10th season in 2021. Prior to the 2011 season, the Diamondbacks played their first three years in Tucson, AZ at Kino Sports Complex. Salt River Fields is the first MLB spring training park built on Native American Indian land. Its design uses Native American influence and regional-desert architecture and landscaping. It’s quite a remarkable sight. Visitors witness picturesque views of Camelback, McDowell, Superstition, and other mountains as they walk the complex area and stadium. It’s an impressive facility, and Diamondback fans are proud to call it their spring training home. Food & Beverage 5 Salt River Fields offers an outstanding choice of nourishment, snacks and drinks; some standard fare, others more elaborate. Permanent concessions line the infield concourse with a few more on the center field concourse. Each one sells something a bit different. The Show near the home plate entrance is known for the Shea Burger Basket (burger with cheese and bacon and a side of fries – $15.50) or the yummy Bee Line Chicken Club Basket on a pretzel bun. Rte 101 Pizza sells flatbread pizza and Southwestern chicken salad. Cattle 101 offers premium Mile High burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Home Plate Hot Dog … well, you get the idea. The concessions in center field include Cold Stone Creamery, Verde Grille Burgers, and an offering of tantalizing Dominican fare at a Yanikeke food truck. A unique food cart on the third base concourse sells gourmet ostrich, elk, rattlesnake, beef, and vegan hot dogs ($12). Delicious aromas from kiosks marketing kettle corn, lemonade, standard hot dogs, sausages, and brats permeate throughout the concourse. Mustache Pretzels and Chick-fil-A also have a presence. Party decks Ultra Terrace and Salty Senorita occupy areas down each baseline. Fans can get their margarita, nacho, and chips & salsa fix at Salty Senoritas (a local Scottsdale establishment). Fans looking for adult beverages will find beer carts throughout the concourse selling a plethora of canned domestic and craft beers, and seltzers ($14 – $15.50). A Home Plate Bar sells cocktails; other carts on the concourse provide adult frozen cocktails and smoothies in various bright fruit flavors. The Casino Arizona Bar in center field offers cocktails, TV screens turned to sporting events, indoor and outdoor seating and air conditioning. Pepsi brands are the soda of choice at SRF ($6 – $7.50). Bottled water runs $5. Certainly a remarkable number of choices for a spring training facility! Atmosphere 5 The facility is adorned with beautiful landscaping both inside and outside. This includes cactus gardens, desert terrain, scrubby hardy bushes, and lots of rocks which are all very attractive together. The structure fits in well with its surroundings and the environment. A traditional Native American ramada shade is incorporated into the venue as a way to shade fans from the hot Arizona sun. Green fold-down seats are plenty wide, have cup holders and legroom is superb at Salt River Fields. Sections 112 and 212 are directly behind home plate. Thin nets run to the ends of the dugouts so only the last few sections are net free. About 85% of the seating area gets the shade by the end of an afternoon game. The infield, especially behind home plate and the 200 level, gets shade the entire game. Handy drink rails are on concourse columns as well as some sections just above the seating. The entire design allows fans multiple observation areas. Fans enter from the top of the concourse and descend to the seating area (handrails are available), a small walkway is between the 100 and 200 levels. Step depths are odd, short in some spots, then all of a sudden, the step depth changes to ‘standard.’ So, be aware when walking up and down them. The grassy berm in the outfield is a popular seating choice for many families and visitors who bring blankets and spread out to enjoy the sun and delightful sounds of a baseball game. Peddlers sell beer, water, and peanuts in the berm areas. Berm Areas at Salt River Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music level isn’t too loud; the 100 level seats are further away from the speakers. Bobby Freeman, the long-time organist for the Arizona Diamondbacks, makes his presence at spring training games serenading fans with long ago forgotten organ music. An extremely crowded souvenir shop is down the third base concourse; there’s no room to move between the people and the racks and shelves. Our recommendation is to visit that store during the game to avoid the congestion. A smaller satellite merchandise area with mainly just clothing is on the concourse nearer the home plate entrance. Unfortunately, the team no longer provides handouts of starting lineups and rosters; instead, they are taped to an information table. The teams installed a greatly improved scoreboard on the left field grassy berm several years ago. It provides the lineup, current pitcher and batter names, line score, some video, etc. Neighborhood 4 If you do nothing else when spending time in Scottsdale, visit the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens right across Salt River Fields’ home plate parking lot. It is a memorial to and reminder of the WWII Dec 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and remembrance to those soldiers who served and gave their lives. Columns of light form the outline of the battleship which illuminates at twilight. The stadium is next to The Pavilions at Talking Stick shopping center. Plenty of chain restaurants and places before or after a Dbacks game are within the shopping area: Buffalo Wild Wings (wings and beer), Angry Crab Shack (seafood), Blazin’ Mongolian BBQ (Asian – create your own stir fry), Red Robin (burgers), Filiberto’s (Mexican), and more. Fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Chipotle, Blimpies, Arby’s, and Pizza dot the shopping area. The TapHouse Kitchen is 3 ½ miles from the ballpark and offers craft beers, cocktails, and diverse and delicious food dishes. And, it has happy hour specials during the week; good for visiting before an evening game at Salt River Fields. An escape room, indoor skydiving, and one of those movie theaters that serve gourmet movie fare are other entertainment found in The Pavilions. Several golf courses are within a few miles as is the Butterfly Wonderland which is America’s largest butterfly atrium. Besides butterflies, it has a 3D theater and various insect displays. The Talking Stick Resort and Casino is just across the Loop 101, less than a three-mile drive from the ballpark. For nearby lodgings, a Great Wolf Lodge (and water park) is across the parking lot. For rooms a bit more affordable, a Staybridge Hotel is within walking distance (less than ½ mile). A Hampton Inn & Suite is across the Loop 101 (near the casino). Keep in mind, lodging costs double during spring training. For other sports in the area, visit the Colorado Rockies spring training another day and other East Valley spring training stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium (SF Giants), Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs), Tempe Diablo (Los Angeles Angels, and Hohokam Stadium (Oakland Athletics). A trip to Phoenix, AZ and an ASU Sun Devil baseball game is a tad over 10 miles from the ballpark. Fans 4 The Diamondbacks have the shortest spring training commute in the majors, with their Cactus League park a scant half hour from their regular season home, Chase Field. And while the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and a shortened season because of the lockout in 2022 caused a downfall in attendance numbers, Dbacks fans still make a large presence at the ballpark. Weekend games draw more than weekday games and the stadium is full when the Cubs or Dodgers are the opponents. As with most Cactus League games, fans easily strike up conversations with their neighbors. You’ll see plenty of fans wearing red spread across the seating area. And, since it’s such a nice ballpark, many visiting team fans congregate near the visitor’s bullpen and dugout. Access 4 Salt River Fields is located just west of the Loop 101 Pima Fwy at the Indian Bend Rd or the Via De Ventura exits. Parking is available in three lots and costs $5, $10, or $25 for valet parking. Give yourself some extra travel time when attending an evening game during the week because of heavier rush hour traffic. When flying in for a spring training game, the closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 18 miles southwest of the stadium). Public transportation is somewhat available via Valley Metro (mostly bus route 81). If needed, the connecting light rail may not be operating after a night game. Check Valley Metro for fare, schedules, and maps. Three gates open an hour before the first pitch. Bags less than 16” x 16” x 8” are allowed. Fans who use clear stadium bags get through the security check quicker. Salt River Fields Homeplate Entrance and Security Check, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The concourse is wide open and fans can see all the playing action while walking it. The ease of moving around the stadium during a game is admirable, though be cautious of uneven step heights when walking up and down the seating aisles. Plenty of ramps are available throughout the complex for those using wheelchairs and strollers. ADA seating lines the top of the grandstand on the concourse. Many sets of clean and serviceable restrooms are open at Salt River Fields. Return on Investment 4 As with all spring training facilities, the prices have skyrocketed since days gone by. The Dbacks are no exception. In fact, ticket prices at Chase Field are on par with their spring training venue prices. Spring training tickets run $19 – $22 for berm tickets to $52 – $57 for higher priced seats, depending on game and opponent. The more popular teams like Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs have the higher ticket costs. Food concession prices are high. Nine dollars for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, $8.75 for a Cold Stone Creamery cup, or $15.50 for a beer is more than you’d pay outside the stadium. This is, unfortunately, typical with stadium fare at many sports venues. Five-dollar parking is common at Cactus League venues. Attendants offer a free spring training program which is helpful. Sign up for the designated driver program to get a free soda, bring in the two allowed bottles of water, and eat before or after the game to save a couple of bucks when attending a game. It is a remarkable facility and one that shouldn’t be missed if traveling for spring training in Arizona. Extras 5 Several additional items are worth noting about attending a Dbacks spring training game at Salt River Fields. First, each of the entrances is special in some way, with fountains and sculpture, and the two branded entranceways in the outfield have a Dbacks historic timeline and Rockies team concepts lining the respective ramps. Still outside the park are a nature walk around a small fishing lake, and a “Veterans Circle” (honoring Native American veterans). The extras continue once you enter the park. You can peer over the bullpens and watch the pitchers warm up which makes you feel up close and personal with the player (even though you’re really not). The organization provides free SPF 30 sunscreen in two areas in the outfield, a very courteous touch. Finally, a free small whiffle ball diamond offering pick up games for kids is in the right field concourse. It’s quite popular with the little ones and an attendant makes sure all kids get a chance to bat and play. Final Thoughts At eleven years old, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick continues to impress both local and visiting spring training fans. It has been honored with many awards such as ‘best spring training park’ or ‘best baseball experience’ by notable sports organizations. If you have not yet been, put it on the list to visit.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Acrisure Arena 75702 Varner Rd Palm Desert, CA 92211 Coachella Valley Firebirds website Acrisure Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 9,918 Fire & Ice The Coachella Valley Firebirds are a brand-new member of the AHL (American Hockey League), beginning play in the fall of 2022. They are an affiliate of the NHL team, the Seattle Kraken. Coachella Valley, also known as Greater Palm Springs, is in the gorgeous south central part of California. The Firebirds organization broke ground on a new arena, Acrisure Arena, on June 2, 2021, with the first hockey game played on Dec 14, 2022. As with any new stadium, some things still need to be worked out. Overall, a good time is had at a hockey game here. There’s no history yet except the development of the team and the arena, but that will come in time. Acrisure Arena is used for concerts and other forms of entertainment. The Firebirds practice facility, the Berger Foundation Iceplex, is adjacent to the ice rink. The Iceplex also serves the community with public skating, tournaments, and junior leagues. Food & Beverage 5 Acrisure Arena provides an admirable selection of eats and drinks both outside and inside the venue. Yes, outside. The arena has an outdoor food plaza with an extensive variety of concessions. All food and drink purchased at the outdoor plaza can be brought inside the arena. It has its own security entrance. The outdoor food plaza is quite impressive. The foods are prepackaged and beverages are in cans or boxes. This is a different service model: customers select their prepackaged foods or canned drinks, self-checkout, and then leave. Concession choices include: Big Chicken with three different chicken sandwiches at $16 Pronto Pizza by Giada sells sausage & pepper pizza, Margherita pizza ($14), and Caesar’s pasta salad for $14 Tanner’s Prime Burgers with several varieties of smashburgers ($14 - $18). Their beef tallow fries are $7.50. Koko’s Bavarian offers hot dogs, sausages, and kielbasas ($9 - $14) Valley Yucca Bar El Cristiano Tequila Buzzbox (a local company) sells cocktails in a box And more… The only thing missing is countertops or rails to place your food while eating. The arena has several bars and marketplaces inside as well, including Milagro Tequila Bar, Garrison Bourbon Bar, Buzzbox Bar, Michelob Ultra Bar, Fisherman’s Market and Grill (poutine to fish n’ chips range $9.95 - $17.95), and Grab and Go Market. Some concession carts line the concourse selling snacks like lemonade, pretzels, and kettle corn. Only the upstairs VIP section serves fresh food and dinners. Fans with second level tickets have access to this area. Atmosphere 4 Acrisure Arena is a good-sized venue for AHL hockey. It is one of only a few that has its separate practice rink built adjacent to the one used on game day. It has two levels of seating with sufficient legroom. The second level has the VIP section and suites. If you’re there to watch the game, we don’t recommend sitting in DR (drink rail) seats as they have limited views. The head of the person sitting in the row in front of you blocks the view of the ice. If you’re there more for the social aspect, these are fine. Sections 111-112 and 116-117 at the scoreboard end of the ice face other seating sections, not the ice, and are not recommended. An impressive video scoreboard hangs on one end of the rink. It is crisp and clear and is easy to see and read. It is not center hung which fits the arena perfectly allowing a much-welcomed open view of the interior. Unfortunately, the scoreboard doesn’t post the penalty player's name and infraction and fans can’t hear those announcements well. Closed captioning is not provided. Ribbon boards show the scoring results and advertisements. Acrisure Arena Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The concourses are narrower than I expected in a new arena. The team, still new, draws a full house crowd so it can get congested. The music volume is fine; a little bit on the loud side. The announcer is hard to understand at times. It can get chilly. We recommend wearing layers. Neighborhood 3 The arena is off I-10 with no restaurants, hotels, or shops within walking distance. It is next to the Classic Club Golf Course. Several places to eat, drink, and stay are within two miles of Acrisure Arena. LaQuinta Brewery (74717 Technology Dr) is a good place for a bite to eat and a local brew pregame. A Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and a Hampton Inn are just down and across the highway. The Greater Palm Springs area is a golf haven, is known for its music festivals, and has fantastic weather year-round. Be sure to visit The Living Desert Zoo (an educational and intriguing day out) or Joshua Tree National Park. The park is about an hour’s drive away and well worth it. The closest other sport is about an hour’s drive to UC Riverside – the Highlanders basketball, baseball, or volleyball teams may be playing when in town. The Honda Center, where the NHL Anaheim Ducks play, is 100 miles from Coachella Valley. Fans 3 Sports fans in Greater Palm Springs are so thrilled to have a sports team in their neighborhood. A majority are already sporting the Firebirds jerseys, caps, and shirts. The team has only played a few games at home so far yet attendance records have the arena packed. Access 3 The arena is right off I-10 between the Cook St and Washington St exits. Three thousand parking spots are available at a hefty price ($20 - $30+). The organization suggests purchasing your parking beforehand via ParkWhiz (to save a few bucks); otherwise, you have to scan a QR code on a light pole and purchase it on site. This, too, is different. Acrisure Arena QR Code Parking, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The arena provides a helpful separate ride share drop off/pick up area. The closest airport is Palm Springs International (PSP) a little over 12 miles away. From the airport, it takes about two hours via public transportation to get to the arena, which includes a 2-mile walk from the closest bus stop in Desert Palms to the arena. So, public transportation is doable but not practical. The main entrance to the arena is on the northeast side. The box office is there and that area has a lovely wide open space with plenty of benches to sit and wait for the gates to open or for late-arriving friends to show up. Going through security is slow but uneventful. Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium bags are allowed. Once inside, the concourse is a tad on the narrow side. Only one elevator is available to get up to the second level (unless you’re VIP). Signage for elevators is non-existent. This is one of the kinks that needs to be addressed. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices are too high for an AHL team. They range from $19 to $125 (and then some for the VIP level). The $19 seats are at the end and face another seating section; not the ice. These are not recommended if you want to watch the game, but to just get into the arena. And, tack on Ticketmaster fees to these prices. Center ice tickets are about $85 - just way too high for AHL hockey. The team does offer 6 or 12 pack flex plan tickets which are a little more affordable if you plan on attending several games a season. Parking is $26 - $30. Again, much too expensive for an AHL game. Prepay for your parking to save a few dollars. The team has plenty of promos and giveaways throughout the season, so be on the lookout for those. . Extras 4 A few things are worth noting again. The massive video scoreboard in the end zone is remarkable. The outdoor plaza and outdoor food court are worth another mention. Having plenty of benches outside the arena is a well thought out design. The owners and organization did a fantastic job at marketing and sharing information with the residents about the arena and team. Final Thoughts The Firebirds organization promoted the team and arena for several years in Coachella Valley. The team already has 4,000 season ticket holders (full or partial). The results are in and local sports fans are happy to have an arena and a team in their back yard. As with any new stadium, kinks and quirks need to be worked out but it’s a fun time. Just expect to spend a pretty penny when visiting a Firebirds game.

Deaf Awareness Night at NY Islanders, Photo by Gary Noll The NHL New York Islanders recently held a successful Deaf Awareness Night at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. What made it successful? Mostly, the communication technology the organization provided to sports fans who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Islanders offered an ASL (American Sign Language) PIP (Picture in Picture) on the giant center-hung video scoreboard. The signer communicated the messages the PA Announcer delivered as well as signed the national anthem. The signers were a part of in-game contests and activities and signed all game penalties. UBS Arena, ASL PIP, Photo by Gary Noll The media individuals provided closed captioning on the main scoreboard for all video features that had spoken words. UBS Arena, Closed Captioning on Scoreboard, Photo by Gary Noll The ribbon board provided not only game penalty and scoring announcements (goals and assists) but sponsor’s advertisements, stadium safety data, and mobile captioning instructions. UBS Arena, Pertinent Information on Ribbon Board, Photo by Gary Noll Finally, several sponsors were available on the concourse: Olive Osmond Hearing Fund whose mission is to improve and provide educational, musical, and hearing resources available to the deaf and hard of hearing. Mill Neck Foundation, a Long Island Family of Organizations whose nonprofit groups are dedicated to creating a world in which Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are included, empowered, celebrated, and embraced as equals through quality education, employment, audiological and spiritual programs, and services. The tables serve as a good meeting point between parties. The Mill Neck table provided ASL interpreter services for this event. Mill Neck Foundation Table with ASL Interpreters, Photo by Gary Noll Sadly, the New York Islanders lost the game to the Los Angeles King 3–2 that evening. Nonetheless, many deaf fans immensely enjoyed their evening at the arena and were easily able to follow along with the game. Kudos to the New York Islanders who deserve an A+ in their efforts to make sporting events accessible to all sports fans. The Islanders are planning a Deaf Awareness Night next season, so check their schedule. Here’s hoping more and more sports arenas and stadiums incorporate technology for deaf sports fans to enjoy and follow the game day action on a more regular basis. Note: Special thanks to Gary Noll for sending Stadium Journey this information and photos. Gary advocates for live closed captioning and ASL on video boards in sports arenas. He also provided guidance to the NY Islanders organization on making Deaf Awareness Night the fantastic success it was. Gary Noll with Sparky and Justin Ormond at UBS Arena

Ashvin Lad joins us to talk about his experience at the World Cup this past year in Qatar. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at www.danlaw.tv.

Every four years, countries and teams from around the globe gather to decide which country is truly the World Champion in the World Baseball Classic. The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) will get underway on March 8, with the Championship Game being held on Tuesday, March 21 at Loan Depot Stadium in Miami, Florida. This is the fifth time that the WBC has been held. Teams from 20 countries will take part in the tournament, with first-round games being played at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, Taichung Intercontinental Stadium in Taiwan, and Chase Field in Arizona. Winners from this round will move on to the Quarterfinals at LoanDepot Stadium, which will be held March 17-18. Winners of this round will play in the Semifinal Round on March 19-20. The Championship Game will then follow on March 21. In the U.S., the games will be carried by FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, FOX Deportes, on TUBI, and the FOX Sports app. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Player’s Association are partnering with the World Baseball Softball Confederation to make sure the world’s best players are representing their home countries. This will have a significant impact on spring training, as more than 100 MLB players will miss time from their major league team’s preseason camp to take part in the WBC. These players include Ronald Acuna and Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela), Kenley Jansen (Netherlands), Shohei Ohtani (Japan), Mike Trout and Mookie Betts (USA), Joc Peterson (Israel), and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr (Dominican Republic). For the game schedules, ticket information, and any other questions concerning the World Baseball Class, go to www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic. Let’s play ball!

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Industree Group Stadium 14 Dane Dr Gosford, NSW, Australia 2250 Central Coast Mariners website Industree Group Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 20,059 Central Coast - Our Paradise The Central Coast Mariners were one of several new clubs formed specifically to participate in the A-League which began in 2005 following the demise of the old National Soccer League (NSL). While the Mariners initially drew upon former NSL club Northern Spirit for personnel, they’ve since established a strong connection with the local community. Despite the challenges that come from being a small-market club, the Mariners consistently perform above expectations; having played in four A-League grand finals, and winning the championship in 2013. Industree Group Stadium opened in 2000 on the site of Grahame Park overlooking Brisbane Water. The new stadium was originally designed and built to serve as a new home for the North Sydney Bears National Rugby League (NRL) team. The process of rationalisation within the league during the late 1990s saw the Bears forced into an unequal merged entity with their bitter rivals, Manly Sea Eagles. The joint venture, known as the Northern Eagles, shared home games between the Central Coast and Manly’s home at Brookvale Oval in Sydney. Unsurprisingly, within a few short years the dysfunctional merger was dissolved and the NRL license reverted to Manly. This left the stadium without an anchor tenant until the Mariners arrived in 2005. Since then, clubs such as the Sydney Roosters, have played occasional home games at the stadium, and the New Zealand Warriors were mostly based on the Central Coast for the Covid-affected NRL seasons of 2020 and 2021. Additionally, the stadium has hosted both Rugby World Cup (2003) and Rugby League World Cup (2008) games. The Commonwealth Games baton relay passed through the stadium enroute to the Gold Coast in 2018. Industree Group Stadium has a capacity of 20,059 and is currently managed by VenuesLive. Food & Beverage 2 There are six food outlets and six bars located along the eastern and western concourses, however not all were open during our visit. This led to lengthy queues. Food options are limited to the basics – chicken burger, beef burger, hot dog, hot chips, and fish and chips. A combo (burger or hot dog, chips, drink) deal will set you back $15-18. Soft drinks (Coca-Cola brands) and bottled water are also available, along with a small range of ice creams and coffee. The bars serve beer, cider, pre-mixed spirits, and wine (approx. $8-10 per drink). Atmosphere 3 Industree Group Stadium is a horseshoe shaped design, with two main grandstands along either touchline, with tiered seating at the northern end. The southern end is open, which allows for views of Brisbane Water. Entry gates are located at the northeastern and southwestern corners. Coverage from the grandstand roofs does not extend to the outermost bays, and only the last six rows of the lower concourse are covered. The hoarding separating the walkway from the northern concourse features a graphical display of the history of the site, which is a nice touch. The seats are quite small and do not have armrests. The video screen is located at the southern end. The Mariners run the usual promotions prior to the game and at half time, while a cannon adjacent to the video board is fired each time the Mariners score a goal. Neighborhood 4 Gosford is generally regarded as the commercial and administrative hub of the Central Coast region. The Central Coast Leagues Club (1 Dane Dr) is situated just outside the eastern entry gate and offers a wide range of food and beverage options before or after a Mariners game. Note that CC Leagues does have dress regulations. While they’re quite modest, it’s best to double check the website just to be sure if this venue is in your plans. Also nearby is Pinocchio’s Wine and Pizza Bar (32 William St) and Gosford Sailing Club (28 Masons Pde). Terrigal and Avoca beaches are a 15 min drive east from the stadium. Terrigal is a popular tourist destination with a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and pubs – as well as being a good spot to find accommodation if you’re looking to spend additional time on the Coast. If you bring the family, kids and teenagers will enjoy the Central Coast Aqua Park (42 Masons Pde), adjacent to Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool and the Australian Reptile Park (Pacific Hwy, Somersby) is also only a short drive away. Fans 3 The average attendance for a Mariners game is around 6,000 which is in the top half of the A-League. Expect larger crowds and a better atmosphere when the Mariners play local rivals such as Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC. The Mariners active fan supporter group is known as the Yellow Army. At home games they can be found in Bay 16 at the northern end of the stadium. Fans are good-natured and the environment is family friendly. As at all Australian stadiums and A-League matches, flares are banned. Access 4 Industree Group Stadium is easily accessible by car or public transport. Fans travelling from Sydney to the south or Newcastle to the north should exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Karriong onto the Central Coast Highway which then descends into Gosford. There is limited parking available on surrounding streets, but also several nearby parking stations. The pick of these is the Gosford Train Station Carpark (Showground Rd) or the Gosford City Carpark (Baker St), both of which are only a short walk from the stadium. Note that there may be some street closures in the vicinity on event days. The train station is on the Central Coast / Newcastle line and connects to Sydney and Newcastle. There are also local bus services in the area. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices start at $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 16 or younger (unreserved seating on the northern concourse). Premium seating is priced at $40 for adults and $20 for children. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) can be purchased for the price of two adults, which represents excellent value. The food and beverage options aren’t great, they are more affordable than premium venues in Sydney. For a national league, this price point is largely unmatched across the country. . Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the merchandise stand on the western concourse, the pre-game activation attractions near the southeastern entry, and the historical hording along the northern concourse. The oversized, branded inflatable sauce bottles on either side of the video screen are now iconic. Final Thoughts The Mariners are the only professional sports team on the Central Coast. Their picturesque waterfront stadium offers excellent value and is great option for locals and visitors alike.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Horst Athletic Center 901 Eden Rd Lancaster, PA 17601 Lancaster Bible Chargers website Horst Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 655 Bible Chargers Lancaster Bible College is a private Bible college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that is also home to the Capital Seminary and Graduate School. The college was founded in 1933 as the Lancaster School of the Bible. The school became a college in 1973 and started offering Bachelor of Science in Bible degrees in 1981. The college now grants six bachelor's degrees, one associate degree, and two one-year certificates in addition to six master's degrees, nine graduate certificates, and three doctorate programs in Leadership, Biblical Studies, and Ministry. Lancaster Bible College teams are a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. In the NCAA, The Chargers are a member of the NCAA's United East Conference. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In 2018 the Chargers basketball team won the NCCAA Division II National Championship. with a 78-65 win over Hillsdale Baptist. It seems that the men's basketball team mainly participates in NCAA action now instead of the NCCAA. The Horst Athletic Center is home to the Lancaster Bible College Men's & Women's Basketball programs, as well as the Men's & Women's Volleyball programs. The gymnasium was built in 1975 and renovated prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very simple concession stand located inside the gym itself. Although it has a simple menu the food choices were good and the product of good quality and cheap. Atmosphere 4 The Horst Athletic Center has chairback seating on one side and bleachers on the other. It is a small gym but the atmosphere is top-notch. The gym is loud and fans seem to be very involved in the action. There are only simple scoreboards and no cheerleaders or mascots seen. The lack of these does not lower the atmosphere score. Neighborhood 3 The college is located in a suburban area of Lancaster. You may want to venture to downtown Lancaster for interesting options pre- and post-game. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlets area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Nearby Lititz is also a good option as it has numerous food and shopping options. Fans 4 The fans are loud and engaged in the action. Everyone is close to the action and fans seem to really enjoy games here at this small gym. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad.  Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 The cost of the game is a mere $5 and the food prices were also very fair. It may not be the highest level of college basketball but the return on investment is quite good. Extras 2 The college is an interesting visit on its own. There is a nice soccer stadium and other sports facilities nearby. There is a nice little disc golf course right near the Horst Athletic Center. Final Thoughts Lancaster Bible College plays at one of the lower levels of college basketball, but the games presented here are fun and it is certainly an experience that a true sports fan should experience if in the area.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 A. B. Howard Gymnasium 33 College Dr Ellisville, MS 39437 Jones College Bobcats website A. B. Howard Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 2,200 The Free State of Jones Jones College is a Junior College located in downtown Ellisville, Mississippi. The college originally opened as an agricultural high school in 1911, before beginning to offer junior college classes in 1927. Today Jones College is one of 15 teams that make up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conferences (MACCC) for basketball. Nicknamed the Bobcats, the first year of athletics at Jones began in 1927 and currently sponsors 11 sports. The Bobcats compete in NJCAA Division 1 Region 23, which also includes some Louisiana schools. In over 80 years of basketball at Jones the Bobcats have won six State (MACCC) Championships and have been Region 23 Champions three times. But perhaps the greatest feat in Bobcat Basketball history happened at the end of the 2013-14 season, when the Bobcats won their first NJCAA National Championship. The Bobcats were coached at the time by current Southern Miss Head Coach Jay Ladner, who was named Junior College Coach of the Year that season. Food and Beverage 2 There is one small concession stand in the lobby of the gym. They don't sell much here as the menu only consists of popcorn ($3), candy, and canned cokes ($2). The gym is attached to the Student Union, however, which has a Taco Bell and a small restaurant called The Grill – both places are open during games, however you have to walk outside the gym and around through another entrance to get to the union. Though there is technically a no re-entry policy, I was able to talk the lady taking tickets at the front into letting me leave and come back, and she seemed relaxed. Atmosphere 3 The Bobcats play at the Historic A.B. Howard Gymnasium, formerly known as Bobcat Gym. Opened in 1954 the gym is named after the winningest coach in Jones College history, A. B. Howard. Howard is a former standout running back on Mississippi State's 1941 SEC Championship team. He came to Jones College in 1950 as the football coach, serving in that position until 1961, and serving as the basketball coach until 1977. After retiring from coaching he was the Jones College Athletic Director from 1977-1982. From the outside the gym looks like any other building on campus, as it is attached to the Student Union and campus police station. There is only one main entrance to get to the gym, on the north side of the building. The surrounding walkway walking up to the building on the north side is quite pretty during Christmas – they have a giant Christmas tree lit up right outside with decorations all around the building; it definitely sets the mood if you are attending a game during the holiday season. Once inside there is a spacious lobby with a trophy case and a banner commemorating the 2014 National Championship Team. The National Championship trophy is also on display in the rack, as well as Jay Ladner's Coach of the Year plaque. Once inside the gym it is basically laid out like an old high school gym. There are 15 rows of wooden bleachers on each side of the court, which can hold about 2,200 people. The ceiling is made of the typical ceiling tile you would find in a classroom, and a large A/C unit sits hoisted up at the east end of the court, next to a basic scoreboard that just shows the score. The one cool thing that stands out is the large banner of the basketball team that takes up the entire east side wall, as well as all 10 of the MACCC Champions Banners, and the large 2014 National Championship banner standing out above center court, adding to the intimidation for visiting teams. Neighborhood 3 Downtown is just a couple of blocks off campus and features a historic courthouse, with a square of historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. Ellisville is one of the oldest cities in Mississippi, and you can definitely tell by walking around downtown – many of the buildings still look like they did over 100 years ago. A couple of restaurants to check out downtown include Casadores Mexican Grill, Karocks (which is a chicken and BBQ joint), and Bosun Suns, a popular seafood restaurant located in an old historic hotel. Another interesting place to check out in downtown Ellisville is the Amos Deason House. The house was built in 1845 and gained historical significance because of a small Civil War skirmish in 1863 that resulted in the death of the house’s owner. The House is rumored to be haunted, and is considered one of the most haunted places in the South – it has been featured on numerous TV shows. Deason House is located a couple of blocks away from campus, and if in town on Saturdays they give tours of the historic home. The events that unfolded at the house were adapted into the 2016 movie ‘Free State of Jones’ starring Matthew McConaughey. Fans 2 The Bobcats average a couple hundred fans per game. You'll find a mix of all kinds of people scattered throughout the gym. There is no permanent student section, although most of the students will sit in the bleachers on the east side of the building behind the home bench. There were also a good number of visiting fans sitting on the west side bleachers at the most recent game I was at. There is no student band or mascot walking around, although there are cheerleaders pumping up the crowd. Access 3 Getting to Ellisville is very simple; the small town is conveniently located off Interstate 59 about 20 minutes north of Hattiesburg and 5 minutes south of Laurel. The campus is located at Exit 58, a few miles past the interstate on Highway 590. Getting to campus can be quite easy, however finding the Gym can be quite difficult. As mentioned, the Gym blends in with the surrounding buildings and is a part of the Union, so it can hard to find without a campus map. However, the building is located right next to the big green quad at the center of campus. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $8 to attend a Bobcats game, which I consider reasonable for basketball at this level. Don't come expecting many concessions though, as I would definitely recommend getting something to eat before coming to the game, or eating at the Taco Bell attached to the building. The Bobcats have also sent over 100 players to the next level, so you are potentially seeing some future D1 basketball players on the court. The Bobcats are consistently one of the better teams in the MACCC every year as well, and have the NJCAA National Championship to add to their resume. Extras 3 The Bobcats assistant coach for the 2022-23 season is former NBA player Clarence Weatherspoon. The Mississippi native and Southern Miss alum had been the assistant coach for his alma matter for the past six seasons, until he got job at Jones. Weatherspoon was selected 9th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He had a 14-year career for six NBA teams, and finished second in the 1993 All-Star Game Dunk Contest his rookie year. Weatherspoon was nicknamed "Little Barkley" during his first few seasons, as the Sixers drafted him three days after trading away Charles Barkley. Because of both players' similar builds, Weatherspoon was drafted to the Sixers as the subsequent heir to Barkley. The Jones College football team also made history in 1955, when they played in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the NJCAA National Championship against Compton (CA) College. Though the Bobcats lost that game, they made history by becoming the first sports team from Mississippi to play against an integrated team with black players. Under the threat of losing state funding, the college president assured his team that they would get a chance to play for a national title. There is a nice historical marker as well as a plaque dedicated to this game outside the gymnasium. Some of the more notable alumni of Jones College include two-time national champion quarterback at Georgia, Stetson Bennett and Super Bowl XXXIX (2005) MVP for the Patriots Deion Branch, as well as Grey Cup winning quarterback, and the college's only member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Jackie Parker. Seahawks Safety Jonathan Abram, UFC Heavyweight Chase Sherman, and Western Actor Red West round out the list of interesting names to attend this small college.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Curry Arena 1900 Selwyn Ave Charlotte, NC 28274 Queens University of Charlotte Royals website Curry Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 2,500 Curry Arena at the Levine Center – Queens University of Charlotte Royals A growing trend in college athletics as of late has been the number of NCAA Division-II programs making the jump to Division-I. One of the newest members to D-I is Queens University of Charlotte. The Royals are no stranger to success on the hardwood, having earned 15 NCAA Division-II Tournament appearances over almost the past three decades, while advancing to two Final Fours, most recently in 2018. While almost all programs go through a learning curve when jumping levels, Queens has seemingly shortened that curve, as they have been highly competitive as the newest member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Curry Arena provide many choices at very reasonable prices. Arena staples such as hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn are available, as are soft pretzels, peanuts, and chips, as well as a wide selection of candy and snacks. An additional touch is the more than half-dozen powdered popcorn toppings to customize your kernels a bit. Beverage selections can be made from Coke products, Powerade, and bottled water. Queens University chooses not to sell alcohol at their games. One drawback from the concessions is there is only one stand, so lines can get backed up a bit. With its proximity to the court, though, fans can keep up with the action while they wait. Atmosphere 3 Curry Arena is part of the Levine Center that also houses Queens University’s student recreation-wellness center, along with being home to the school’s basketball, volleyball, and wrestling programs. Greek columns majestically frame the front entrance of the Levine Center, and perfectly compliment the bronze statue of the school’s lion mascot. Fans enter the main lobby and pass into Curry Arena at the top of the seating area. Large walls at each end of the court keep most fans on their side of the court. Except for about 40 courtside seats, seating in Curry Arena is general admission. Seats in the lower level of the bleachers do have seat backs. There are small sections of bleachers at each end of the court, but there are typically reserved for cheerleaders and groups who are being featured during the game. Even though Queens University does not have a pep band, there is an in-house DJ who is very active. While pep bands add to the college basketball atmosphere, the DJ’s involvement gives the game at Queens an NBA feel to it. NCAA rules prohibit music being played while the ball is in play, but the DJ pushes the envelope and takes advantage of stoppages in play to sneak in a few bars of music – it is not overdone and pairs nicely with dead ball situations. One oddity of the seating is the bleachers come out 10-15 feet short of the sidelines, which creates a bit of an awkward space between the first row of bleachers and the courtside seats. Neighborhood 4 Queens University sits among the willow-oak lined roadway of the prestigious Queens Road. Nestled amongst the well-manicured homes of Myers Park, the Queens campus seamlessly fits in with its neighbors. While restaurants do not immediately surround the Queens campus, just a mile up the road is a cluster of local eats, including JJ’s Red Hots, Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grille, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. Another cluster of restaurants can be found just over a mile from campus on nearby Providence Road. Even though the Myers Park neighborhood lends itself more to bed & breakfast stays than traditional hotels, nearby South McDowell Street has several quality hotels at reasonable rates. These hotels are within walking distance of several of the Charlotte food and entertainment attractions. Even during the winter months, Charlotte has something for almost every sports fan. The NASCAR Hall of Fame , in the heart of uptown Charlotte, is considered the crown jewel of the city’s tourist attractions. Charlotte is also a haven for professional and collegiate sports – the Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers , and Charlotte FC all play in this area, while just outside of uptown is Bojangles Center, home of the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. Finally, if talking North Carolina sports, it must include college basketball; Charlotte , Davidson , and Winthrop all play within 30 minutes of Queens University’s campus. Fans 3 A quick look at the attendance numbers at Queens University basketball games can be a bit deceptive. Considering Queens has an enrolment of just under 1,500 students, their attendance numbers do not accurately reflect the support the Royals receive. Given the walkability of the surrounding neighborhood, and an elementary school directly next door, the Royals get a lot of support from their neighbors. Community groups are often a part of the pre-game and halftime entertainment, which helps increase the size of the crowds. At a capacity of 2,500, it helps that Curry Arena is not an oversized gymnasium, that can feel cavernous with smaller attendance numbers. Accessibility 4 I-85 and I-77 both run through Charlotte and provide access to the Queens University campus via surface streets. Given its location within the city, in a residential neighborhood, typical traffic congestion can make mid-week games a bit challenging, but it is not flat-out gridlock. Free parking is available in the North Deck parking garage, and provides the easiest access point into the arena. Try to park as far forward in the garage as possible, or at least exit opposite the entrance – this prevents having to walk around the building to get to the front of the arena. Curry Arena is part of the Levine Center building, so don’t let the name on the front fool you! Fans are greeted by a large, bronze statue of the school’s lion mascot as they make their way to the entrance. Once in the building, split to either side of the reception area to access the court. Seating will be immediately in front of you, or follow either of the long hallways to access the bleachers on the opposite side of the court, if you are sitting behind the benches. Return on Investment 5 Frequently one of the biggest barriers for families attending sporting events together is simply the cost. After paying for parking, admission, and concessions, it can set a family back a couple of hundred dollars. Queens University offers all the above at little to no cost. With free parking, tickets starting at $5 for children and $10 for adults, and a wide variety of concessions options at not your typical concession stand prices, families can attend at a fraction of the price it might cost at larger venues. Extras 3 The main lobby of the Levine Center houses the Queens University bookstore and has a selection of school apparel at very reasonable prices. The second floor of the Levine Center features an extensive look at the university’s history of athletic accomplishments and honors from their Division-II days. Trophy cases filled with accolades, trophies, and memorabilia, championship banners, a “Wall of Champions,” and support pillars noting a long list of individual accomplishments can be found all around the second floor. Queens University mascot Rex, a cartoonish lion, is rather entertaining to watch. Rex is never shy about playfully mocking the opponent's miscues. Even though he typically sticks to the sidelines, Rex is quick to stop for a selfie or engage with fans as he makes his way around the court. Final Thoughts Making the jump from NCAA Division-II to Division-I can come with a bit of growing pains as programs work to establish themselves in their new conference. Queens University has done a good job at making that transition as smooth as possible. While their arena does have some quirks and oddities, it is not enough to negatively impact the enjoyability of a game at Curry Arena.

The New England Patriots already have the third-highest ticket prices in the National Football League, and Patriot fans are going to have to pay even more to enter Gillette Stadium in 2023. But the news isn’t all bad. The team informed season-ticket holders in an email last week that they plan to increase ticket prices stadium-wide for the upcoming season. While fans have seen some seats rise in price over the past 15 years, this is the first stadium-wide price hike since 2008. To help ease the burden of more expensive tickets, the Patriots are adding some new parking offers to ticket holders. The Patriots spelled out the offers in the recent email: 1. Free general parking: To improve the efficiency of arriving traffic, parking will be free in all stadium-owned general parking lots (across Route 1 from the stadium). 2. Be paid to park: Those who choose to park in our 75-minute delayed release lot will earn a $50 Visa gift card when entering the lot. 3. Stadium-side prepaid parking: Season Ticket Members have the option to purchase an electronic and transferable season parking pass for $225 ($25 per game). In a letter to season ticket holders earlier this offseason, team owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft promised “critical evaluations of all elements of our football operation as we strive to improve and return to the playoffs next year.” In addition to an overhaul of the coaching staff, a $225 million renovation of Gillette Stadium is expected to be finished by Week 1 next season. Improvements include a new scoreboard, hospitality and function areas and a redesign of the Stadium’s iconic lighthouse. Anyone familiar with the nightmare that is access in and out of Gillette Stadium is sure to be intrigued by these new parking options. Hopefully they will lead to easier egress from the stadium and a better fan experience for Patriot fans. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Discussing the recent announcement of the Arena Football League. The AFL looks to have 16 teams to kick off in May 2024. Will it be a success or should we be skeptical? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

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

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey “In 49 other states, it’s just basketball...but this is Indiana.” - Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame They began lining up at 4:30 am, as 17,222 fans packed into Indiana University’s Simon Skjodt (pronounced Scott) Assembly Hall for the 2023 regular season finale against the in-state rival Purdue Boilermakers. This marked the first sellout of a women’s basketball game at Indiana University in its 52-season history. While the Hoosiers have seen isolated spikes in attendance over the years, they have struggled to maintain that traction. Many of the large turnouts have been linked to promotions and have not been sustainable. However, the 2022-2023 team’s popularity has grown organically, and has been cultivated by Hoosiers’ head coach, Teri Moren. Crowds and successes in Bloomington did not come overnight – only 2,472 fans turned out for Moren’s debut as head coach of the Hoosiers in 2014. That season, attendance peaked at 3,670 for their match up against Maryland; the average attendance per game came in at 2,609, putting Indiana in the lower third of the Big Ten. Many of the lower attendance numbers changed after the program’s run to the 2018 WNIT championship – the following season saw the Hoosiers jump into the top half of average attendance in the conference. The 2021-22 season would see the Hoosiers move into the top 3 in the Big Ten by attendance, drawing an average of 4,726 fans per night; this season that average has skyrocketed to 7,361 fans per game. Indiana joins just over a dozen women’s basketball programs in averaging more than 7,000 fans per game. As the Hoosiers have been one of the up-and-coming women’s basketball programs in the nation, Moren is quick to credit the program’s former players in getting the Hoosiers to where they are today, “…it takes women before them to build the foundation and do the heavy lifting” she said of the support today’s Indiana women’s players receive. During the 2022-23 season, Indiana women’s basketball topped the 100,000-fan mark for the first time in program history; the Hoosiers drew 117,781 fans over sixteen regular season home games. They have also set individual game attendance records on three separate occasions – first with 10,455 against Ohio State, topped two weeks later with 13,046 filling the stands when the Hoosiers hosted Iowa, and finally shattering that record 10 days later for their matchup with Purdue. Courtesy of Indiana Athletics When asked her thoughts on the sold-out Hall, Moren replied, “Finally, this is what it should look like. This is what women’s basketball should look like. It will be great to look back and say it was great when fans started showing up.” It would be naïve to believe Indiana’s #2 ranking in the national polls is not a factor in the growth of popularity for women’s basketball in Bloomington, but the Hoosiers themselves have put forth a lot of work to build relationships throughout the community. For example, several players have teamed with the non-profit organization Hoosiers for Good, to help support those who support them. It is evident that playing for Indiana University is special for this group of players; they have a genuine appreciation of what it means to wear “INDIANA” across their chests, and this is not lost on the fans. Following each game, the team pays their respects to the University as they interlock across the foul line and sing the school’s alma mater, “Hail to Old IU,” in solidarity with their teammates, the coaching staff, the cheerleaders, and the students and fans. After Indiana’s second round win over Princeton in the 2022 NCAA women’s tournament, All-American and National Player of the Year candidate Mackenzie Holmes sprinted into the Indiana student section, to celebrate the win with her peers. It is personalities like this, along with the grittiness of Grace Burger, the passion of Sydney Parish, and all the Ali Pattburgs, Breana Wises, Amanda Cahills, and Tyra Busses who came before them to create the culture of Indiana women’s basketball, and the program that is so beloved today.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Alumni Field 1000 Hilltop Cir Catonsville, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Alumni Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Playing Fetch The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is most commonly referred to as UMBC. Located about 15 minutes west of Baltimore between the suburbs of Arbutus and Catonsville, the university has just under 15,000 students. Sciences and Engineering are some of the highest-profile programs at UMBC, although there are over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs in total. The university began in 1966 and is obviously a sister college to The University of Maryland, College Park, Towson University, and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. The men's basketball team at UMBC has made the biggest sports splash with their 2018 win over Virginia in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. This was the first time a 16-seed beat a number-one seed in the tournament. Sports have not always had great success at UMBC. Lacrosse and soccer are the most successful sports, along with the amazing chess team. Chess has won the Pan American Chess Tournament 9 times between 1996 and 2009. Former team captain Alexander Onischuk went on to become the United States Champion in 2006. Lacrosse is a usual fixture on the scene and is a common sight in the NCAA tournament. Men's soccer made the Final Four of college soccer, the College Cup, in 2015, eventually losing on the biggest stage around. The baseball program is frankly little-recognized, although they have won their share of games and occasional conference championships over the years. The mascot of the school is a Retriever and celebrates the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the state dog of Maryland. The home field of the baseball team is Alumni Field and it is located within the UMBC Stadium Complex. There have been recent renovations to the entrance to the complex that makes for a nice entrance plaza to the baseball field as well as the neighboring stadium. The stands for the stadium appear to be the same as the previous one but are easier to access. Food & Beverage 1 There were no food operations in place at the stadium at the game we attended. We are giving them the benefit of doubt as a new concession stand exists on the new plaza. We are assuming it may be open for some weekend games. You can freely bring your own to the games. Atmosphere 2 There is not much of an atmosphere. Alumni Field looks to be jammed in between the UMBC Stadium (home of Retriever lacrosse) and the UMBC softball field. Many fans even stand on the top row of UMBC Stadium to watch games. There are some simple bleacher stands that surround it. There are no real stands towards the first base side, but fans will sit on the hillside and a new rock wall to watch the game action. There is a PA announcer and music is played between innings and during player walkups. The PA speakers even sit on the rear of the press box of UMBC Stadium. That press box, itself, has a pretty distinct look, which is one of the few things that gives Alumni Field a certain look or feel. Neighborhood 2 There is no neighborhood around UMBC. The campus is located between the Arbutus and Catonsville neighborhoods of Baltimore County. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Fans may want to stop into some of the shops and restaurants that line Frederick Road in Catonsville for pre-game activities. Taneytown Deli has limited hours but they are the best bets for stopping before afternoon games. Sorrentos in Arbutus is an old-school sub shop that is quite good. That quick drive to Baltimore opens up a world of activities and dining options. The new Horseshoe Casino is located directly south of the Oriole Park/M & T Bank Stadium complex. Not too far from the casino is one of my favorites, the Abbey Burger Bistro, near the Cross Street Market at 1041 Marshall Street. The beer selection is good and they offer a large array of burger choices, and all are likely to satisfy. Fans 3 This is a very typical Mid-Atlantic college baseball fan group, where most of the fans in attendance are family and friends of both teams. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 2 The UMBC campus is easy to access, as it is located off of Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. You will be routed directly into the campus without even going onto any surface streets. Weekday games, while school is in session, may involve looking a bit harder for parking spaces. A weekday visit can be pretty hard to navigate while a weekend one will be a breeze. We are grading down because so many of the games are those weekday ones. If you venture around through the nearby towns of Arbutus and Catonsville, you will use area roads like Wilkens Avenue, Frederick Road, and Rolling Road. You may need a GPS, as these roads tend to ramble a bit. Return on Investment 4 Games are free, and parking has no cost associated with it. Your only expense will be gas and the cost of food you decide to bring to enjoy during the game. Extras 1 Check out the plaque for the indigent school for boys that existed on the grounds of UMBC many moons ago. That is an interesting piece of history, indeed. Final Thoughts This is not the most high-end stadium and really seems like an afterthought. Jammed in between other athletic fields is a simple baseball stadium that will not wow you, but offers cheap, quality entertainment.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Clay Gould Ballpark 1400 Allan Saxe Pkwy Arlington, TX 76013 UT-Arlington Mavericks website Clay Gould Ballpark website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,600 UTA Mavericks Baseball at Clay Gould Ballpark The University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks makes their baseball home at Clay Gould Ballpark, on the southwesternmost corner of the campus located in Arlington, Texas. The campus, although hidden away between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, is just minutes away from the tourist attractions of Six Flags, Globe Life Field in Arlington, and AT&T Stadium. Clay Gould Ballpark opened in 1974 and was originally named the Arlington Athletic Center. The stadium was built in conjunction with the softball venue, now known as Allan Saxe Field. The name was changed to its current name in memory of a former player and coach, Clay Gould, after his untimely death in 2001. Clay Gould Ballpark has a capacity of 1,600. The field is real grass, Bermuda TIF 419 with dimensions of 330 feet down both lines, 380 feet to the power alleys, and 400 feet to straight away center field. An interesting side note is that the University of Arlington baseball program originally started in 1969 and played at Turnpike Stadium. Turnpike Stadium was a minor league stadium that later became the home of the Texas Rangers in 1972 and was renamed Arlington Stadium. The university knowing the plans of the City of Arlington to bring a Major League Baseball team to Arlington started to find a place to play on campus. The UTA baseball team shared Arlington Stadium with the Rangers during the 1972 and 1973 seasons. Food & Beverage 3 Clay Gould Ballpark features one concession stand at the main entrance of the ballpark located behind the backstop. The centrally located concession provides the basic ballpark fare of peanuts, popcorn, nachos, and other baseball amenities that one is used to seeing with a trip to the ballpark. The biggest surprise of the concessions is the cost of the food and beverages. The prices ($3 peanuts, $2.50 for a hot dog, $2 for popcorn, candy, and soda) really can get your attention and almost make it a must to get something even if you aren’t hungry. The local taco chain, Fuzzy Taco, provides heavier options such as tacos, nachos, or chicken wraps. The prices for these are a little higher, but still below the price of the usual ballpark foods. The ballpark serves alcohol with options of either $6 margaritas or 16 oz beers for $5. The beer choices are limited to Budweiser products. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere provides more of a local high school feel. The fans all seem to know each other as they are either students or friends or family members of the players. The atmosphere changes when the two nearby schools, Dallas Baptist and TCU, annually play at Clay Gould Stadium. During the 2016 season, College World Series participant, Oklahoma State visited Arlington in a non-conference series. The ballpark gives a big-time feel as the press box hosts announcers and radio teams for the game. The Texas-Arlington baseball program realizes that it can’t compete with the Texas Rangers, so the times for UTA baseball for Tuesday and Friday games are early evening, while the weekend’s games are in the afternoon. It is possible to see a Mavericks game on a Saturday afternoon and a Texas Rangers game that night. Overall the atmosphere is wonderful for a relaxing day or night at the ballpark. Neighborhood 4 Clay Gould Ballpark is located in the southwestern part of the University of Texas-Arlington campus. The neighborhood is very residential with an elementary school located next to the athletics fields. Arlington is in the center of the DFW metroplex and is a self-proclaimed entertainment city with Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Park, and AT&T Stadium. There are so many restaurant and lodging options in the area as well. One local food stop near the ballpark is Sistah’s Mississippi BBQ, a small family-owned soul food and bbq place. Other food options are located more towards old town Arlington on the other side of campus. There you will find places such as Babe’s Chicken House Dinner, Flying Fish, Twisted Root Beer, Grease Monkey Burger Shop, and J Gilligan’s Bar & Grill. Your lodging choice depends on where you want to be located in the Dallas Fort Worth area, but the Sheraton Arlington or the Holiday Inn near Globe Life Ballpark, are both convenient options when looking for lodging in Arlington. Fans 2 The University of Texas-Arlington has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 33,000 students, yet the majority of the students commute from nearby cities. The university has in recent years built student housing in the hope of providing more of a campus-type feeling to their academics. With that in mind, along with the fact that the majority of the home games are played on the weekends, the fans that arrive at the ballpark, are usually family and friends of the players. Some students come out, but most of them are already part of the athletic community as they wear orange and blue for the sport in which they participate with the school. The sad thing about this is that the Mavericks baseball team is the most successful sport for the University of Texas-Arlington athletics program with four conference championships in 15 years while participating in the Southland Conference, including 2013, their only year in the WAC. Access 3 The ballpark is in a residential area of Arlington and provides little parking. Although the parking lot isn’t huge, it is easily suitable for the time being unless the ballpark neighbor, Allan Saxe Field is having a softball game at the same time. The main entrance is right next to the ticket booth, providing fans with a smooth walk-up for tickets before entering the ballpark. All of the tickets are general admission, so get there early if you want either close to the field seating or a spot in the shaded areas under the overhang behind home plate. The seating behind the home plate is made up of actual plastic seats, while the two baselines offer to seat on aluminum bleachers. The concourse is small yet, not having much there besides the concession stand makes it easy to move along. The restrooms are split with the men’s being on the first base side and the women’s being on the third base side. On the third base side, there is also a little patio area between the seating area and the bullpen. Return on Investment 5 The free parking and cheap concessions are wonderful, especially for a Division I college baseball game. The $5 general admission tickets, and $3 ticket for students make for one of the best deals in the country. The product on the field is well worth the price, with the baseball talent that the program has sent to Major League Baseball. As a ballpark, Clay Gould is a great place to watch a game because it is simple and focused on the game. Extras 2 The simplicity of the ballpark doesn’t provide many extra things other than the game, but the success of the program with the past Mavericks players reaching the major leagues such as John Lackey, Hunter Pence, Dillon Gee, Mark Lowe, and Michael Choice are a great extra for people to come to watch baseball at Clay Gould Ballpark. There is a billboard in the outfield next to the scoreboard that lists many other major league baseball players that have called Texas-Arlington home during their college careers. Final Thoughts The University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks is a wonderful part of the Dallas-Fort Worth college baseball scene. A college baseball trifecta because on a weekend, it is possible to watch three top-level college baseball games on three different campuses within a short drive. Just to the east is Dallas Baptist University’s Patriot Field while to the west is TCU’s Lupton Stadium, but those other two ballparks could become crowded, so if you want more of a baseball gem, that still gives you MLB prospects with lower prices than come visit Clay Gould Ballpark.

Photos by Tyler Huskinson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 UCCU Ballpark 800 W University Parkway Orem, UT 84058 Utah Valley Wolverines website UCCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,500 Wolverines At Brent Brown The Utah Valley Wolverine baseball team made its debut at home on March 24, 2005, but it wasn’t until June 13, 2007, that the venue was officially named Brent Brown Ballpark. The stadium holds 2,500 seats and can accommodate an additional 2,500 spectators on the grassy berm along the third baseline and in left field. Brent Brown Ballpark is not hitter friendly by any stretch. It is 305 feet and 312 feet to the left and right foul poles respectively, however, both ends have short fences. It is a long 408 feet to dead center with a high fence, and the state-of-the-art scoreboard sits in a right-center field with a high fence as well. College baseball isn’t something that draws much interest or excitement in Northern Utah. While Brent Brown Ballpark is a venue worth visiting, I would recommend visiting when the Rookie League Orem Owlz is playing and not for the UVU Wolverines. Food & Beverage 4 Brent Brown Ballpark offers the regular stadium fare with hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and soft drinks and the prices are reasonable. The concession stands also offer more unique items such as the Philly Cheesesteak and Mixed Fried Vegetables. Beer is not offered at this venue which is most likely due to the fact that the ballpark is located in Utah County which is quite possibly one of the most conservative counties in the nation. There weren’t many spectators at the games, so the concession lines were never very long. The ballpark has eight concession booths and only two of them were open during the entire game. At the only entrance to Brent Brown Ballpark, a sign warns spectators that absolutely no food and drink are allowed. Atmosphere 3 There are a total of three baseball parks along the Wasatch Front which host college and/or minor league teams, and all of them have been constructed so that spectators may enjoy a view of a section of the Rocky Mountains. The first base side contains the most seating possibilities to avoid the sun. The grassy berm along the third base side and left field get the most sun and exposure to other elements. Shade can also be found along the very top rows of the stadium in every section. The concourse allowed for plenty of space for the crowd I observed. If the stadium experienced a sell-out crowd, the concourse could become very crowded. The seats are hard plastic with cup holders for convenience and the pitch of the seats allows for unobstructed views from any spot in the stadium. The playing field is well-manicured grass, with the only con being a short warning track. Spectators are right on top of the playing field and with the exception of preference for exposure to the elements, there really isn’t a bad seat in the stadium. The home dugout is on the third base side, and the visitor dugout is on the first base side. The team’s bullpens are on corresponding sides and they are uncovered from the field of play with very easy spectator access. The scoreboard is high quality for a college baseball stadium, and the fact that the stadium is also home to the Owlz doesn’t hurt. The scoreboard displays the home photo roster, score inning by inning, pitch count, and whether the result of a batter on base is ruled as a hit or error. Willy the Wolverine is an involved and energetic mascot. I have seen him at UVU basketball games and he does a good job there as well. The home team walk-up music is personalized and the music selections between innings are current and/or relevant. The marketing department strategically waits until the first three full innings are over before doing promotions in the middle of the innings, which I thought was a very smart thing to do considering the size of the crowd. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark and the main UVU campus are located right off Exit 269 on I-15 and because of the location, there aren’t any points of interest or restaurants I would recommend walking to from the ballpark. However, because the ballpark is located right off a main thoroughfare connecting Orem and Provo, there are several dining options within a short five-minute drive. Some examples of the offerings are Smashburger and Carraba’s Italian Grill. Walking to the stadium is very safe and there is free parking on campus. Fans 2 The crowd knowledge seems to be pretty good. There is actually quite a large fan base for baseball in Utah. There weren’t too many visiting fans since the visiting team was from New York. There weren’t any particular chants or habits of note. The one saving grace was the crowd and its half-hearted attempt at, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” during the seventh-inning stretch. Access 5 The UVU campus and ballpark are located right off I-15. It can literally be seen from the freeway. There is an airport in Utah County but is not a major airport. Salt Lake International Airport is a 90-minute drive depending on traffic. The concourse is more than adequate for the crowd I observed, but could get crowded during a sell-out. The restrooms are very clean and there is plenty for the crowd on hand. The stadium has several areas to accommodate those with handicap accessibility needs. Not that it was a concern to me, but there was no security check at the only gate entrance. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to UVU baseball games are $5 and for those looking for a cheap outing during a warm spring day, it’s a great place to go watch baseball without much hassle. There isn’t a bad place to sit in the stadium and it’s a nice place to watch a baseball game. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to attend another UVU baseball game, but I wouldn’t be against going again either. Extras 3 One extra point is awarded for the fact there is a team store on the concourse. Even though it isn’t much bigger than an average family room, it still exists and provides fans an opportunity to purchase merchandise. One extra point goes to the playground located just outside the concourse along the third base side of the stadium. One more extra point goes to the player banners along the concourse, the larger-than-life lineup card, and the banner displaying the team achievements.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Infinity Insurance Park 11491 SW 17th St Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Infinity Insurance Park website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,000 The Other Miami Baseball Power Without a doubt, FIU baseball has been one of the school’s few steady contenders year after year. However, they get overshadowed by the University of Miami all too frequently. FIU Baseball Stadium’s generally uninteresting exterior also makes it easy to drive right by without paying too much attention to it. Once inside the facility, there isn’t too much optically to blow one’s mind, but the seating and viewing angles are quite good for college baseball. Food & Beverage 3 FIU’s concessions are generally good, but nothing too exciting. Prices are moderately average, with chicken sandwiches and nachos running $6, sausages at $5, pizza, burgers, peanuts, Cracker Jack, hot pretzels, and hot dogs costing $4, and popcorn going for $3 to $5. Assorted candy and snacks run anywhere from $1 to $5 as well, with sodas and water costing $4. The school does offer arepas for $5 and plantain chips for $3, giving you a few staple south Florida options not always available everywhere else. Atmosphere 3 The students do tend to turn out for FIU baseball, with fans packing it in during popular games against bigger teams and rivalry matchups. Sellouts are frequent for in-state rivalry games against Miami, Florida State, Florida Atlantic, and others. However, while those games may have a playoff feel, games against lesser known and district opponents tend to be snooze-fests at times, drawing a smaller crowd than others. The fans here are sport knowledgeable, and know the FIU players well. The students and fans do lack that passion you see at some schools, where those in attendance tend to go all out with face paint, homemade signs, and specialized cheers for specific players or opponents. However, this laid-back atmosphere also makes FIU baseball an ideal place to bring young fans to. Neighborhood 3 FIU Baseball Stadium is on campus, like all of FIU's athletic fields, which makes it convenient to attend. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn't exactly the best in Miami – Sweetwater is a town known for political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, and not much else. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place, and new buildings popping up. FIU Baseball Stadium is on the far west end of the campus, situated in a corner behind US Century Bank Arena (home of FIU basketball) next to FIU Soccer stadium, and across the street from Riccardo Silva Stadium's parking lot. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you wanted to stay close to the action. Fans 3 The fans at FIU Baseball Stadium aren’t exactly rowdy or hardcore into the game, but they aren’t people who have no idea what is going on either. There is a nice mix of students, locals, and alumni who attend, with the occasional celebrity sighting at the games. The laid-back atmosphere makes it great for kids, and younger fans can get engaged during game breaks on days when the staff has giveaways and games for them to take part in. Access 3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn't too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU's campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer on that day, you may be in for a late arrival. FIU’s campus is right off of Florida's Turnpike, and FIU’s softball field is actually visible from the freeway itself. There is free parking available for FIU baseball games across the street from FIU Baseball Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are not expensive by any means, and with the smaller crowds, you can move around pretty much to any seat you wish to sit in. That said, the moderately low cost of concessions means you aren’t spending a million bucks to go to a college baseball game, which in itself is a pretty great deal. However, with nothing to really set itself apart from anywhere else in college baseball, FIU Baseball Stadium doesn’t offer anything to draw you into their games, other than the prospect of watching D1 baseball. Extras 2 There are free posters given away to fans who come to games, as well as free game programs. The seats are also not assigned, so you can pick from the standard bleacher seats in the upper seating, or the individually-backed chair seats in the first few rows up from the field itself. Final Thoughts Despite its flaws, FIU Baseball Stadium offers close views to the field from all seating areas, and generally low prices for concessions. That said, it feels like a stadium that is missing that special something to make it truly feel worthy of a special visit just to take in a Golden Panthers baseball game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center 7201 Rossville Blvd Baltimore, MD 21237 CCBC Essex Knights website CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: n/a A Knight At The Gym One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Essex began in 1957, operating out of nearby Kenwood High School. CCBC Essex has one of the top-rated associate nursing programs in the region. The school mascot is the Knights and they play nine sports. Essex has won nine NJCAA national championships including the 2004 Men’s Lacrosse Championship. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, CCBC Essex has had over 100 NJCAA All-Americans. The basketball program runs out of the Wellness & Athletic Center (WELL). There is only a women’s team currently. In 2022 advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Quarterfinals while eventually losing to the eventual second-place team of Morton College. The Knights did win the NJCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship 3rd Place Game. Major renovation of the Wellness and Athletics Center started in 2022. We did not see that the arena and basketball floor are getting remodeled, but there are chances that overall enhancement also makes some changes to this area. According to CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis, “The planned renovations for the Wellness and Athletic Center will truly enhance the overall experience for anyone who steps into this facility. Not only will the building be more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be a more functional learning space for students.” An 8,000-square-foot, $16.8 million project, the addition will be attached to the building for a new fitness center, announced CCBC-Essex, to go with plans to build two large dance studios with changing space, faculty offices, and a restroom that will materialize after renovating about 6,500 square feet on the existing mezzanine level. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food options except for some snack machines. Signs say food is not allowed in the venue, although no one seems to check that. Atmosphere 1 There is not much else in terms of the atmosphere at the WELL. There are some simple PA announcements and some music played from a small speaker. The basketball court is a rubberized surface and not the preferred hardwood court. The court sits at the center of the arena, with even the small grandstands floating out inside the venue’s running court. There is a very large amount of extra space around the basketball floor. One of the stands is larger than the others. The smaller set of stands seems to serve as the visiting team stands and is strangely located behind the scorer's table and benches. It almost seems to not belong. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Essex is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the sprawling Franklin Square Hospital. You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Closest to campus is the neighborhood Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill. There will be some other options around this area that are referred to as Golden Ring. One of my favorites is Pizza John which is a bit further away in Middle River. This extremely popular pizza joint has some pretty good, albeit a bit greasy pizza. And greasy does not equate to being a bad thing. Just expect very large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. White Marsh Mall and the area around it are not too far away as well. There are numerous options around that area. Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub is a very good restaurant on the Avenue at White Marsh. Also, look at Ledo’s Pizza near the Lowe’s store. Their square pizza is very good, and a pretty good value. Mission BBQ is another great option. This small BBQ chain is quite impressive and honors the veterans of America as part of its design. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 CCBC Essex is located just off of both the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95. The quickest and best way to access campus is to exit off I-695 at either the Philadelphia Road or US-40 exit and find your way east to Rossville Boulevard. Directions should be easy to follow but also follow signs for Franklin Square Hospital. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Because of current construction, you should try to enter from Lot 2 towards the hospital. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 There are a few plaques around the little park-like setting of the athletic fields that honor student-athletes from Essex that has passed away. Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. Final Thoughts The CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center serve as a decent venue for intramural sports and classes, but currently, it is a strange venue for any level of intercollegiate sports. Hopefully, the venue will be better after construction finishes.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stadio Artemio Franchi Viale Manfredo Fanti, 4 Florence, Tuscany 50137 Italy ACF Fiorentina website Stadio Artemio Franchi website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 47,282 For Fiorentina The Artemio Franchi Stadium is the largest sports center in Florence and the scene of the home matches of Fiorentina. Wanted by the Marquis Luigi Ridolfi da Verrazzano and designed by the architect Pier Luigi Nervi, it was built in two steps between 1930 and 1932. Officially opened on September 13, 1931, during the match Fiorentina vs Admira Vienna, it was initially dedicated to Giovanni Francesco Berta and then it was called with the generic name of “Stadio Comunale” after World War II and, from November 1991, it was named Artemio Franchi. Since its inception it has invoked the attention of athletes and designers due to some architectural solutions considered innovative at the time; the spiral ramps to access some areas, the coverage of the main grandstand without intermediate supports, the 55 meter tower that stands in the middle of the “Tribuna Maratona”. The venue has hosted some matches of the World Cup in 1934, Olympic Games in 1960, and European Football Championships in 1968. After restructuring to eliminate the athletics track where Sebastian Coe on June 10th 1981 had marked the world record in the 800-meters, the venue also hosted the World Cup in 1990. The stadium has also been host to some Italian rugby matches of Six Nations. In particular Italia vs Australia played on November 24th 2012. Throughout its history it has been the site of major concerts: Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Vasco Rossi, etc. Food & Beverage 3 The prices of food and drink are in accordance with other Italian stadiums. For coffee we spent €1, and for a sandwich €3.50. Fans can buy popcorn, chips, ice cream, cakes, and various drinks (that are served in paper cups, because inside the stadium bottles and cans are prohibited). During the game some sellers pass through the spectators. Outside the stadium, but only during competitions, there are peddlers of typical sandwiches; sandwiches with “porchetta”, “trippa” and “lampredotto”. Atmosphere 4 Before each competition the speakers spread the anthem of the home team, “Ale Ale Fiorentina”. The audience participates by clapping to the rhythm of the song. The covered areas are those with access from viale Manfredo Fanti. Both curves and the “Tribuna Maratona” are uncovered. The minimum distance between the playing field and the areas of “Parterre Tribuna” and “Parterre Maratona” is only about 2 or 3 meters. The area reserved for fans of the visiting team is located between “Tribuna Maratona” and “Curva Ferrovia”. A lighted board is behind “Curva Ferrovia”. The most awaited matches are those versus Juventus, Milan, Inter, Roma and Lazio. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in the neighborhood “Campo di Marte”, at the eastern outskirts of Florence. In addition to Artemio Franchi, in this part of the town there are the sports hall (basketball, volleyball, etc.), the stadium for athletics, swimming pools and other sports facilities. Furthermore, there are restaurants and pizzerias, pubs and cafes, as well as guest accommodations. In conclusion, it’s a great place to wait for the start of the match or spend time out of the stadium. Fans 4 Fans that are the most passionate about the team are in “Curva Fiesole”. During some special occasions they are the authors of suggestive choreographies by using colorful flags and banners. The Fiorentina’s fans – these are the warmest of Italy – stand out because they wear t-shirts, caps and scarves colored in purple (gadgets that fans can buy in the benches outside the stadium). Access 3 Reaching the stadium is very simple. The railway station “Firenze Campo di Marte” is about 500 meters away. Local public transport, called “Ataf”, links from the city center to this neighborhood. For those who come from out of town and travel by car, my advice is to leave the A1 highway at “Firenze Sud” (coming both from Naples and Milan) and follow the signs for “Stadio”. It’s more difficult to find parking especially when big matches are planned, so take the train if you can. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from a minimum of €17 for curves and the area of visiting supporters, to a maximum of €140 for “Tribuna d’Onore”. In general, both in “Tribuna Centrale” and “Tribuna Maratona”, ticket prices are much cheaper as we move in the direction of the two curves. In the case of friendly matches, prices can drop to €5 or €10. Extras 3 In Florence there is the Federal Technical Center of Coverciano, the venue of the Italian National football team as well as the Football Museum. The latter is open from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday only by appointment. There are plenty of other great choices for visitors including the “Ponte Vecchio” and “Campanile di Giotto”, “Duomo” and “Palazzo Vecchio”. Florence is truly one of the great tourist destinations. It’s raining and have you forgotten the raincoat? No problem, fans can buy one for €5 at the bar inside the stadium.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stadio Libero Liberati Viale dello Stadio Terni, Italy 05100 Italy Ternana Calcio website Stadio Libero Liberati website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 20,095 As the World Terni In 1926, Libero Liberati, world champion motorcyclist in 1957, was born in Terni, in Umbria. The stadium where the Ternana Football plays their home games was named for the city’s native son. Designed by engineer Leopoldo Barruchello in 1961, Stadio Libero Liberati was inaugurated on August 24, 1969 with the friendly match between Ternana and Brazilian team Palmeiras. Ternana Calcio has only briefly climbed as high as Serie A, so the facility has hosted the top tier of Italian football only in the seasons 1972/1973 and 1974/1975. In 1974 the venue was expanded with the construction of the Curva San Martino, the section that today is reserved for supporters of the opposing team. The stadium currently has a capacity of just over 20,000 seats, all strictly to sit. The fans most fondly remember the following the coaches and players of Ternana who have made the history at the Stadio Libero Liberati: Edmondo Fabbri, Cesare Maldini, Corrado Viciani, and Franco Selvaggi (Selvaggi being a part of the Italian world championship team from 1982). The Italian National Team has played two matches at the Stadio Libero Liberati over the years: Italy vs Belgium 0-0 on February 13, 1991 and Italy vs Wales 3-0 on January 24, 1996. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the ground, on the side of the Tribuna A, there is a bar and a hospitality area. In the bar you can buy coffee, tea, fruit juices, Coke, chips, popcorn (€ 2 each), sandwiches (€ 3), and other sweet and salted snacks. The hospitality area is managed directly by Ternana Football. Around the stadium, in addition, there are peddlers of sandwiches. Atmosphere 3 The Stadio Libero Liberati looks like certain grounds of South America. The facility is formed by three rings placed one over the other, and it’s entirely uncovered. Before the construction of the Curva San Martino, the steps were interrupted at the two curves. The seats in each ring are painted with the colors of Ternana Football, red and green. On the outside walls there are some murals remembering the Chilean coup of 1973. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the district of Dalmazia-San Martino, about 2 km from the center of Terni. The facility and pitch can be glimpsed through the trees that line the Viale dello Stadio. Not far from the stadium, there is a communal swimming pool. Located along Viale dello Stadio is also the Ternana Store, where you can buy official merchandise in red and green. Fans 3 Long-time fans of Ternana Football still occupy Curva Est, however in the last several years, some fans have also moved to the Curva Nord. Fans cheer on their team with the cry “Fere! Fere!” (meaning “beast”), holding banners and waving red and green flags. The most heartfelt challenge is against Perugia, the defined derby of Umbria. There are also strong rivalries with Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Salerno, Fiorentina, Empoli, and Latina. Access 4 The Stadio Libero Liberati is about 2 km from the railway station. By car, coming from the A1 motorway, take the exit Orte and then take the SS675 that connects Terni to Viterbo. Arriving near Terni, fans can just follow the signs “Stadio” or the signs depicting a soccer ball. There is an ample availability of parking around the ground. Return on Investment 4 For the Serie B season 2013/2014 tickets range from a minimum €7 for the reduced ticket in Curva, to a maximum of €30 for seats in the Tribuna. Extras 2 The Roman Amphitheatre, built in 32 A.D. and numerous buildings erected in medieval times, still are present in the city and certainly are worth the time to visit if you are able. The delicious local gastronomic products are worth an extra point as well. From bread of Terni (characterized by the absence of salt in the dough) to ciriole (handmade spaghetti) there is plenty to like to eat while in Terni.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore Piazzale Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, 1 Reggio Emilia, RE 42122 Italy Reggiana Calcio website Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 21,584 Mapei Stadium Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919 Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore was the first Italian facility owned by a football team. It was built in about eight months, between August 1994 and April 1995, thanks to the commitment of Associazione Calcio Reggiana, a group of companies and banks that purchased hospitality packages, and the fans of the team of Reggio Emilia who signed multi-year subscriptions. The original name of the stadium was Stadio Giglio, established by a naming rights agreement with a local major food company. The first football match hosted at the facility was Reggiana vs. Juventus (1-2) on the 27th match day of the 1994/1995 Serie A season. Sixteen years later, in September 2011, Juventus Football Club was the second football club in Italy to own its stadium. On July, 13 2005 the Associazione Calcio Reggiana was declared bankrupt by the court of Reggio Emilia and the system was entrusted to a bankruptcy trustee. On March 11, 2012 on the occasion of the derby Reggiana vs. Carpi for the Lega Pro, the third level of Italian football, the stadium was renamed Stadio di Reggio Emilia Città del Tricolore. The name was chosen by the city of Reggio Emilia and by the Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919. Since December 5, 2013 the facility has been owned by Mapei, a company working in the production of chemical materials for construction and commercial sponsor of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio, which changed its name to the current Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore. The stadium hosts home games of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio, and of Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919. The Carpi Football Club 1909 played the 2011/2012 season at Reggio Emilia because its stadium, the Sandro Cabassi, was being renovated. On November, 15 1995, the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore hosted Italy vs. Lithuania 4-0, a qualifying match for the UEFA EURO 1996. Food & Beverage 4 Around the stadium there are many food peddlers. A piadina (flatbread sandwich) with ham and mozzarella and a bottle of mineral water cost just 5 euros. Close to the stadium there is a shopping center where there is a Mexican restaurant, a Neapolitan pizzeria, a restaurant with traditional dishes from Emilia and much more. Also there are the dining options inside the stadium. In short, there are alternatives in menu and prices. Atmosphere 4 The stadium, which is reminiscent of British stadiums, is divided into seven different areas. Tribuna Autorità (474 seats), 32 Palchi (256 seats), Tribuna Stampa (108 seats), Tribuna (5,800 seats) and Distinti area (5,946 seats) are all under cover and occupy the two long sides of the football field. Visibility is excellent from any seat. Large openings allow easy entry/exit from the various sections. There are no barriers to separate the spectators from the playing field, but only the balustrades. Gradinata Sud (5,000 seats for local fans) and Gradinata Nord (4,000 seats for visiting supporters) are uncovered and separated from the two tribunes. They also have some concrete steps without plastic seats. There is a giant screen in the corner between the Gradinata Nord and the Distinti area. On either side of the main grandstand there are coats of arms of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio and of Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919. Neighborhood 3 The facility is built on the northern outskirts of the city of Reggio Emilia. In the area there is a shopping center with many shops, restaurants, and cinemas. Also behind the main grandstand is a water park with swimming pools. Fans 3 Supporters Grenade, so named for the color of the teamwear of Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919, or of the Regia, from the team’s nickname of Reggio Emilia, follow home matches from the Curva Sud of Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore. The main rivalry are those with the fans of Parma, Piacenza, Cesena, Modena and Spezia. Good relationships exist with the supporters of Genoa, Vicenza, Carrarese and Cremonese Access 4 Reaching Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore is really simple. The facility is located about three kilometers from the Reggio Emilia exit of the A1 and from the Railway Station of Reggio Emilia, while just over one kilometer separates the Mapei Stadium from the train station. A high speed train station is only about three kilometers from Mapei Stadium. There are about a dozen parking areas available for fans who choose to drive. Return on Investment 4 A home match of the Pro League championship 2014/2015, the third series of the Italian professional football, has a cost of 20,50 euro (including presale) in Tribuna, 9 euro in Curva Sud, 15 euro in Curva Nord (including presale). When buying tickets directly the day of the match (no presale) prices change. There are discounts for women and under 18 years. Disabled fans also receive a discount. Contact the Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919 for more information on this discount. Extras 2 Emilia is one of the best in Italy with regard to food and wine. When traveling to Reggio Emila to see the Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919 be sure to taste the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (cheese) and tigelle, a bread typical of this part of Italy, that you can fill with different types of sausages. In the city there are several civil and religious monuments (including the new high-speed train station designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava). Reggio Emilia is close to Maranello, the town which is the headquarters of Ferrari. In nearby Modena there is also a museum of the house of the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani Via Antonio Rosmini, 61 56123 Pisa (PI) Italy AC Pisa 1909 website Stadio Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 8,500 Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani Play a football game two hundred meters away from one of the most beautiful places in the world. From the stadium Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani we can see Piazza dei Miracoli, in the World Heritage Centre since 1987. As we read in the UNESCO website, the place “houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the ‘Leaning Tower’) and the cemetery – had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century.” In the place where the system that hosts the home matches of AC Pisa 1909 now stands, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, there was an open space on which rides horses and theatrical performances were organized. Initially indicated by the name of Arena Federighi, it had been baptized Arena Garibaldi before the twentieth century. Shortly before the First World War, the Pisa Sporting Club won several regional tournaments and, in the season 1920/1921, with the title of champion of Italy south central, challenged the FC Pro Vercelli for the national championship. The early success convinced the leaders black & blue to buy the land. On October 26, 1919 the first official football match was played. Later the land became the property of the municipality and in the fascist period changed appearance (with the construction of the grandstand and staircase) and name (it was inaugurated a second time on October 8, 1931 as the Campo del Littorio). The facility resumed his old name, Arena Garibaldi, after the fall of the fascist regime and the dismantling of the military hospital, which had occupied its pitch during the war. Between the beginning of the sixties and late seventies numerous works were carried out that gave the stadium its present appearance: 1961 construction of the Curva Nord 1968 construction of the Curva Sud and a new Gradinata 1978 expansion of the two curves to unite the various sectors On December 9, 2001, the property was co-registered to Romeo Anconetani, historic president of Pisa, who led the black&blue in its best seasons for sports scores. At the end of the season 2015/2016 AC Pisa 1909 was promoted to Serie B, the second tier of Italian football. The return to this category after almost ten years of absence (the Tuscans were missing since the 2008/2009 season) required further interventions to the structure. Therefore, the black&bluer played the first two home games at the Carlo Castellani stadium in Empoli. Since September 24, 2016 the Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani is again the home of AC Pisa 1909. Also we have to remember that twice, in 1959 and in 2015, the Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani was home to the final of the Viareggio Cup for the unavailability of Torquato Bresciani Stadium in Viareggio; that the Azzurri, the nickname of the Italian national football team, have used it to play some friendly matches between 1987 and 2009; finally, that it has been home to seven Serie A championship matches. Food & Beverage 2 On a cold and rainy winter afternoon try the eating place that serves the Tribune area. The available hot drinks are coffee, tea, chocolate. Snacks include sweet and salty, packets of crisps and sweets. Some bars are also present in Gradinata and Curva sectors, with a similar offer to the Tribuna. After the match, eat a hot dog and a beer (5.00 euros the total cost) from one of the many peddlers present around the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The Tribuna is the only covered stadium area. The two curves (the Sud is reserved for visiting supporters) and Gradinata are discovered. On the latter, before the spectators take place, you can read the inscription “Pisa” thanks to the blue color that stands out on the gray concrete steps. The pitch is separated from the fans through a transparent barrier that does not disturb the visibility. Between Curva Sud and Gradinata is a game board, but is not currently used, either before or after the competitions. The two teams enter on the pitch through a tunnel that opend between the two benches. The leadership of AC Pisa 1909 is dialoguing with the city government for a plan of improvements of the entire structure and would include: the coverage of all sectors; the expansion of capacity from the current 8,500 to 16,000/18,000 seats; expansion of services and level of comfort, including the approach of the spectators to the pitch. Neighborhood 3 The facility is located in the district of Porta Lucca on the northern outskirts of the city. The area takes its name from the door opening along the walls of the medieval age that surrounds the historic center of Pisa. Characterized by rather low houses it is full of shops including restaurants, bars, bakeries and pizzerias. Fans 4 Dancing and singing occur from beginning to end of the match. The Curva Nord is the sector of the hottest fans of AC Pisa 1909. Fans wave flags that recall the colors of the team but also public symbols. The curve is just entitled to a supporter, Maurizio Alberti, who died after a heart attack that struck him on the stadium stands Picco of La Spezia on January 24, 1999. The warmest matches are those who see the black&bluer opposed to Livorno. But there are also strong rivalry with the Fiorentina, the Lucchese and outside its region, the Spezia. Access 4 Pisa is not a very big city and reaching the stadium Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Antonetani is quite simple. Fans who choose to arrive in the city of the ‘Leaning Tower’ have two options: stop at Pisa Central Station and walk through the old town with all its quaint shops, or get off at Pisa San Rossore Station and go through Piazza dei Miracoli. Pisa is home to an international airport. The city is connected to the main roads through the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno or the A11 Florence-Pisa. Also we must not forget that the nearby Livorno is home to one of the most important Italian ports. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices of the four areas range from a minimum of 5.00 euro, for boys aged between 6 and 14 years, to 30.00 euro for the upper tribune. Follow a match of AC Pisa 1909 2016/2017 season costs are 10,00 euro in Curva Nord; 15,00 euro in Gradinata; 20,00 euro in Tribuna Inferiore. On the official website of the Tuscan company further discounts and concessions are also listed, as well as additional information to buy tickets to Pisa Point or online. Extras 4 Pisa is a city with an incredible history. Founded by the Etruscans, and passed under Roman rule it is known for being one of the most important maritime republics. And the city is full of traces and museums that recall its glorious past such as the Piazza dei Miracoli. The university, founded in 1343, which among its teachers includes Galileo Galilei, while among its students three Nobel awards: Giosuè Carducci (Literature in 1906), Enrico Fermi (Physics 1938) and Carlo Rubbia (Physics in 1984). Finally, space to the riches of the table. Beginning with the “cecina,” similar to an omelet made with chickpea flour (hence the name) and baked. Another characteristic whim is the “torta co bischeri,” also renamed “torta del 28.” A kind of American pie, with a filling of pine nuts, fruit, egg, chocolate and rice boiled in milk.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Renato Curi Viale Pietro Conti – Località Pian di Massiano 06125 Perugia PG, Italy AC Perugia Calcio website Stadio Renato Curi website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 24,000 Stadio Renato Curi The AC Perugia Calcio is the main football club in the capital city of Umbria, a region in central Italy. Founded in 1905 as a partnership between Fortebraccio and Libertas, the team plays home games in the stadium Renato Curi, a structure built between May and October 1975. The facility is located in Pian di Massiano and from November 26, 1977 is entitled to Perugia Calcio midfielder who died on October 30 of the same year during the home match against Juventus and valid for the Serie A. Before that tragic event, the facility was named Stadio Comunale di Pian di Massiano. The football complex was inaugurated on October 5, 1975, Perugia vs Milan 0-0. The first goal in A league game was made by Franco Vannini after 53 minutes of Perugia vs Lazio 2-0, October 19, 1975. The original map of the stadium was shaped like a “U,” because there were two stands and a curve, “Nord.” “Curva Sud” was built later and opened to the public in the1979 season. The Italian national team has played 5 official matches in the stadium Renato Curi. The first on December 22, 1983, Italy vs Cyprus 3-1, match valid for the qualification to the European Championship finals, the last on June 4, 2014, Italy vs Luxembourg 1-1, a friendly match in preparation for the World Cup. The balance of these matches is 4 wins and 1 draw. AC Perugia Calcio closed Serie A championship 1978/1979 undefeated. Only two other teams in Italian football have concluded an unbeaten Serie A: Juventus in 2011/2012 and AC Milan in 1991/1992. Of note, finally, that also ACF Fiorentina played some home games in the stadium of Perugia, because during the 1990 Franchi in Florence was the object of work for the World Cup “Italia 1990.” From 1938 to 1975 AC Perugia Calcio played home games in the stadium of Santa Giuliana, structure still present in the city. Food & Beverage 2 As in almost all Italian stadia, at the Renato Curi fans can buy both hot and cold drinks, served in paper cups if we decide to bring them on the stands; both hot and cold sandwiches, both savory and sweet snacks. This price list at the match Perugia vs Brescia: 0.5 liters water, 1 euro; coffee, 1 euro; coke 0.5 liter, 2.5 euro; chips or popcorn, 1 euro; hot sandwiches, 2.50 euro. The dining options are located under the stands. Around the facility there are several peddlers of sandwiches. A sandwich with roast pork costs 4.50 euro. A 0.5 liter bottle of water costs 1 euro. Atmosphere 3 The facility is constructed in red metal and gray concrete and recalls the stadiums of some English clubs. The view of the playing field is excellent from each area. The main grandstand (divided into the following sectors: Tribuna Vip; Poltroncine; Tribuna Ovest Laterale) is the only covered seating, while the two curves and the other grandstand (Est) are uncovered. For the Curva Nord, seats in white and red form “R Curi,” while in Tribuna Est is the word “Perugia” is spelled out. The supporters guest is hosted in a part of the Curva Sud, the one closest to the main grandstand. Neighborhood 3 Pian di Massiano is located in western Perugia, in the direction of Lago Trasimeno and Toscana. It has an area of about 70 hectares and is full of sports facilities (in addition to the Stadio Renato Curi there are Palasport Evangelisti, a facility for baseball, another for rugby, etc.) and green areas. Fans 4 The most passionate fans are the Grifoni, a nickname of AC Perugia Calcio and they follow home games from the Curva Nord. During the match this section of the stadium is a stain of red and white. Fans wear T-shirts, waving flags and show scarves of these two colors. The main rivalry is with another team of Umbria, Ternana. The matches between Perugia and Ternana played at Curi or at Liberati are called Derby dell’Umbria. Other rival fans are those of Lazio, Arezzo (Derby dell’Etruria), Fiorentina, Siena and Hellas Verona. Good relationships exist with Empoli and his supporters. Access 4 Reaching Renato Curi Stadium is simple. Pian di Massiano has a minimetrò station. Some public transport busses link the facility with the train station of Perugia. Finally, we can reach Perugia by car along the highway A1. From A1 we have to take the highway 6 if we come from Florence, or the highway 3bis Tiberina if we come from Rome. In both cases, once you get close to Perugia, just follow the signs to the stadium. Numerous parking is available for fans, the nearest about 200 meters from the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for the Serie B 2014-2015: Tribuna VIP: 55 euro, reduced 45 euro (for women and over 65), 31 euro reduced for under 14. Poltroncine: 40 euro, reduced 32 euro (for women and over 65), 23 euro reduced for under 14. Tribuna Laterale (Est /Ovest): 25 euro, reduced 20 euro (for women and over 65), 15 euro reduced for under 14. Tribuna est (Gradinata): 18 euro, reduced 15 euro (for women and over 65), 12 euro reduced for under 14. Curva Nord: 12 euro, reduced 9 euro (for women and 65 over), 7 euro reduced for under 14. Extras 4 Eurochocolate is an event that makes Perugia the Italian capital of chocolate since 1993 and takes place in October. The many culinary delights of Umbria: torta al testo, gnocchi with duck sauce, torcolo di San Costanzo. Umbria Jazz, the most important Italian jazz festival that takes place since 1973 in Perugia in July. Assisi, the medieval town where St. Francis was born and since 2000 is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stadio Alberto Braglia Viale Monte Kosika Modena, Italy 41121 Italy Modena FC website Stadio Alberto Braglia website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 21,151 The Braglia of Modena Stadio Alberto Braglia is the home of Modena Football Club. The facility was inaugurated on October 11, 1936 with a 0-0 draw between Modena and Cremonese in a Serie B match, the second tier of Italian football. Initially named after Cesare Marzari, a former player for Modena FC, then after the Second World War the stadium was called Comunale, and then eventually given its present moniker of Stadio Alberto Braglia. Braglia, born in a town near Modena, was a gymnast who won three gold medals in the Olympic Games of London (1908) and in the Olympic Games in Stockholm (1912). A bust and a plaque placed on the facade of the Tribuna Centrale remind visitors of his sporting feats. The stadium in its nearly 80-year history has hosted home games of Carpi and Sassuolo. The black and green team of Sassuolo played at Braglia before moving to Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. Carpi played at Braglia during the 1938/1939 season, when they played in Serie C, the third tier of Italian football, and will play their entire 2015-2016 season, because the Sandro Cabassi does not meet the criteria of capacity required from Serie A. Another historic sporting event occurred here on May 29, 1940, when the cyclist Fausto Coppi won the eleventh stage of the Tour of Italy Florence-Modena, with the finish line just in the stadium Braglia, winning the pink jersey for being first in the standings. He would wear the jersey until the end of the competition. Finally, it should be noted that the Italian national football team has played at Braglia in three matches: November 21, 2007 against the Faroe Islands; June 3, 2011 against Estonia; and September 11, 2012 against Malta. The Azzurri have been victorious in all of their matches at Braglia. Food & Beverage 3 Behind the Curva Luigi Montagnani is Bar Stadio. Here you’ll find old jerseys and autographed footballs. It is a popular meeting place for the fans in yellow and blue. Outside the Braglia there are the classic sandwich peddlers. Within the Tribuna Centrale there is a bar where spectators can find a dish typical of this area of Emilia Romagna. The simple dumpling (1.50 euro) or the stuffed dumpling (3.00 euro) are well worth a try. Fans can also find the classic pizza (2.50 euro), various drinks and beer (3.00 euro). Atmosphere 4 Stadio Alberto Braglia is a little gem that can be counted among the best facilities of the Serie B during the 2015-16 season. Included in the original structure that is still visible is the Tribuna Centrale designed by Umberto Costanzini, who also designed the Dall’Ara in Bologna. The two curves, the staircase and the sectors have been the subject of several renovations and the actual look and feel of the current venue dates back to the beginning of the millennium. Various renovations over the years have resulted in the elimination of the athletics track; the installation of new lighting towers inclined towards the pitch; covering much of the seating areas (as of 2015 the only uncovered seating is in the curve reserved for guest supporters); seats with backrest in all sections have been installed (in the staircase some seats colored blue form the written “Modena F.C.”); and the installation of a giant screen above the guests curve. Finally, in the summer of 2015, the grass of the playing field was completely redone, creating an area with 85% natural grass and 15% artificial grass. The latter work was carried out by a company which also made the playing field of the Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the north of Modena, still close to the historic city center. On the other side of Viale Monte Kosika is the Novi Sad Park (about 60,000 square meters of green) which hosts several events throughout the year. Fans 3 The most passionate fans of Modena follow the matches of their team from the Curva Luigi Montagnani. This section of the stadium was dedicated to the president of the Modena Football Club from 1997 to 2000. During the match banners, flags, shirts and scarves color the curve of yellow and blue. The main rivals are the other teams in Emilia Romagna including Bologna, Carpi, Reggiana and Sassuolo. Access 4 Reaching the Stadion Alberto Braglia is really simple. The train station is about 500 meters away. If you are driving from Modena then pass the A1 (Milan-Naples) and A22 (Brenner-Modena). From the exit “Modena Nord” you must take the ring road and follow the signs to “Stadio.” There are several car parks around the system. Return on Investment 4 The cost of tickets to watch the home games for Modena FC as of the 2015/2016 season range from a maximum of 65 euro for the “Tribunissima autorità” to 6 euro for a seat in the Curva Luigi Montagnani. It’s a very reasonable price for the quality of football being played in this historic ground. Extras 4 While you are in Modena do not miss the Enzo Ferrari Museum, the founder of the most famous car manufacturer in the world. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the figurine, because in Modena there is the Panini, a historical publisher of sports figures and comics. Finally, be sure to see the house museum of the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Emilia is also one of the best parts of Italy in regard to food and wine. Pick up some balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine, and Parmesan cheese.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Stadio Luigi Ferraris Corso A. De Stefanis Genoa, Liguria 16139 Italy Genoa CFC website Stadio Luigi Ferraris website Year Opened: 1911 Capacity: 36,599 Luigi at the Ferraris From 1911 until 1933, the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, Italy, was known as the Municipal Stadium. The Luigi Ferraris has a capacity of 36,599 seats. It is the oldest stadium still in use in Italy. The stadium hosts the home matches of both Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria, and the stadium is owned by the city of Genoa. Besides football matches, it also has hosted Italian national rugby matches and some concerts. The fans of both clubs refer to the stadium as the Marassi Stadium, named after the district where it is located. Unlike other historical Italian grounds, though, this was never the official name of the stadium. The highest attendance at the Luigi Ferraris was recorded on 27 February 1949, when 60,000 fans attended an international match between Italy and Portugal. The stadium was completely rebuilt for the 1990 World Cup, and the capacity was brought back to its current capacity of 36,599 seats. The stadium was also equipped with two giant screens for this event. Those video screens are still there, but are a bit outdated. During the World Cup, Stadio Luigi Ferraris hosted three Group C matches (between Costa Rica, Scotland, and Sweden) and one round-of-16 match between Ireland and Romania. All four stands of the stadium are covered and have two tiers. The Distinti Stand is the only stand of the ground which has three tiers and is the most impressive stand of them all. With no running track and stands so close to the pitch, the atmosphere is fantastic. The most fanatic supporters of UC Sampdoria are housed in the Gradinata Sud (Italian for “South Grandstand,”) the stand behind one of the goal ends. For Genoa CFC games, the Gradinata Nord (“North Grandstand”) is the main section for the home supporters. Probably unique in the world, Stadio Luigi Ferraris has two away sections inside the ground. Away fans are located in one of the corners on both the first and second tiers of the Main Stand (“Tribuna”); which away section depends on if Genoa or Sampdoria is playing their home match. On 29 February 2012, Team USA played a friendly against Italy in Stadio Luigi Ferraris as a preparation match for the European Football Championship in Poland and Ukraine. It ended 0-1 in favour of the USA, thanks to a goal by Clint Dempsey. It was a historic victory, as this was the first time Team USA beat Italy in a football (soccer) match. (Note: exchange rates are current as of the time of this posting, March 2014.) Food & Beverage 3 There are a few counters underneath the stands where you can buy drinks and food. I wish I could say there was a large variety to choose from, but unfortunately the counters are so ’90s. We bought a couple of beers (€2.50/£2.00/$3.50), a cola (€2.00/£1.65/$2.75), a coffee (€1.20/£1.00/$1.65), and two bags of 100 grams of chips (€1.50/£1.25/$2.00). For all of this, we paid only €11.20 (£9.25/$15.50), which is a more than a fair price inside a stadium. Though the choice of food and drinks is poor, the price is rather cheap. Besides the cheap price, there is another big plus: unlike the regulations governing the grounds in England, in Italy you are allowed to bring alcoholic drinks into the stands. So, we enjoyed our beer in the stands while watching the game. Atmosphere 5 The stadium is very compact, and the stands are very steep and close to the pitch. The proximity to the pitch makes this my favourite ground in Italy. This makes the Luigi Ferraris an impressive stadium. Everyone inside the ground is close to the action. The four terracotta-coloured corners at each side of the stands gives the stadium a really unique feature. All the seats inside the ground are coloured blue and have a backing. At the lower tiers of the Gradina Sud and Nord, the spectators stand during the whole match. Neighborhood 4 Luigi Ferraris lies about two kilometres northeast of the city centre in the district of Marassi. This district is built against a couple of hills, and the stadium is situated in a valley. From inside the stadium, you have a good view of the houses on the hills during the daytime. Marassi is quite a busy area. Many important roads (the Via Bobbio and the Corso Alessandro di Stefanis) that get you out of the city, pass alongside the stadium. In the area around the stadium, there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat. There are a couple of Chinese restaurants and some good Italian restaurants (O Sole Mio, Pizzeria Da Carlo, and Al Rustichetto), are all within five minute walking distance of the ground. We decided to try the restaurant O Sole Mio at the Via Feraggiano. That turned out to be an excellent choice! The restaurant serves various kinds of pizza (prices range from €6/£5/$8.25 to €11.50/£9.50/$15.85), various pastas, and even fresh fish. Fans 5 The Genoa and UC Sampdoria fan base is pretty loyal. In the Serie A (top of Italian League football), they fill their stadium each match with an average of over 25,000 fans. Both fan sites make a very tough atmosphere for their opponents. The Italians fans, called Ultras, are very vocal and support their teams for the whole 90 minutes with (large) flags, banners, and even pyrotechnics. Access 3 There are two large train stations in Genoa (Stazione Principe and Stazione Brignole). Stadio Luigi Ferraris is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Stazione Brignole. Just walk along the banks of the Bisagna River, you will find the stadium on your right hand side. Keep in mind that the Brignole station is mostly used by regional trains, while intercity trains from Milan or Rome will stop only at the Stazione Principe. From this station, you can get a train to Brignole or take a city bus towards the stadium. When walking towards the stadium, keep in mind that the streets from the Brignole station are overcrowded with traffic (mostly scooters). Return on Investment 5 We bought our tickets for the match against Juventus via Listicket.it. This is an Italian version of Ticketmaster. Of course, we had to create an account first before we could order our tickets online. Tickets for Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria home matches are categorized in A, B, and C-level matches. For A-matches, you pay more than for a C-match. Tickets in the Gradinata Nord and Sud (stands behind the goals) are sold for €20 (£16.50/$27.50), Distini €40 (£33/$55), Tribuna Laterale (side) €60 (£49.50/$82.65), and Tribuna Centrale €100 (£82.65/$137.75). (I took a photo of the stadium plan.) The stadium itself and the atmosphere inside the stadium made the €20 I paid for my ticket really look like a bargain. Extras 3 Both clubs don’t offer stadium tours, which is very unfortunate when you are in Genoa and there is no match day and you still want to visit the ground. The good news is that every weekend there is a match to be played at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. One week, there is a home match of Genoa CFC, while the other week, UC Sampdoria is playing at home. Besides plenty of restaurants in the area of the stadium, there are many small bars to get a beer as well. Final Thoughts The Luigi Ferraris is a one of a kind stadium in Italy. If you like to visit football grounds, this stadium should be high on your list. The city of Genoa is worthwhile to visit, too. There are a lot of museums, churches, and at the port, there is a large aquarium. In the historic centre (centro storico) the narrow alleys are really a must see attraction. We have spent two days in Genoa and saw most of the highlights. I will certainly come back to this city one day!

Photos by Spezia Calcio Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stadio Alberto Picco Viale Nicolò Fieschi La Spezia, Italy 19100 Italy Spezia Calcio website Stadio Alberto Picco website Year Opened: 1919 Capacity: 10,290 Stadio Alberto Picco The stadium of Spezia Calcio is the oldest among those of Serie B. It opened in 1919, and is approaching its 100th anniversary. The facility is named after Alberto Picco, the first player to score a goal with Spezia Calcio and a man who tragically died during World War I, as remembered with a plaque placed near the Tribuna Centrale. Reaching the stadium from Viale Nicolò Fieschi the arc in gray stone with two columns and two statues of athletes that is among the sectors Distinti and Curva Piscina is what will catch the eye of fans. The work dates back to the 1930s, the same period as the Tribuna Centrale (in which there is also the sector Tribuna VIP). Its architecture is reminiscent of those of British stadia. Completing the Stadio Picco are the two curves. One is called Ferrovia and is reserved for the home fans. It is formed by concrete steps and was built in the 1960s. The area for the visiting fans is called Piscina. It is formed by a metal prefabricated structure that was erected in the 1980s. During the 1990s, the sectors Distinti and Curva Ferrovia were renovated. With the return to Serie B in 2006/2007 (the Spezia Calcio had played for the last time in the second series of the Italian league in 1950/1951) more work was performed on the stadium to adapt to the lighting, the field, and for overall safety. The pitch of Stadio Picco was completely replaced before the 2011/2012 championship. Initially with a synthetic field then between December 2013 and January 2014, a field with a mixture of synthetic and natural. In Serie B 2014/2015 only three other facilities have a synthetic pitch: Pro Vercelli, Trapani and Virtus Entella. Food & Beverage 3 Between the Curva Ferrovia and the Tribuna Centrale is a small refreshment point that fans in the tribune can visit before the kickoff and during the halftime break. All drinks are served in paper cups. The coffee costs 1 euro, while the sandwiches (which are not very big) cost 2.5 euro. There are also the classic sweet or salty snacks available. If you want to avoid standing in queue for most of halftime to get something to eat, then you have to reach the concession area just before the break or the beginning of the second portion of the game. It may be worth missing some of the first half of the match to get a snack if you need it. Outside the stadium, before and after the match, there are the classic peddlers available. Atmosphere 4 Each sector is detached from the others. The Centrale and VIP Tribune are most reminiscent of the architecture of the British stadia. They have gray numbered seats. The only downside of this part of the stadium is the columns that support the roof and can present an obstructed view. The sector Distinti, which is also covered, is characterized by orange plastic seats and are white at the ends of the structure. This area also hosts the positions reserved for television cameras, while journalists are placed in the Tribuna Centrale. The capacities of the individual sectors are Tribuna Centrale (1,064); Tribuna VIP (112); Distinti (3,100); Curva Ferrovia (4,014); and Curva Piscina (area reserved for guest supporters, 2,000). In the advertising billboards on the sides of the two ports there are also clocks that show the minutes left in the match. Neighborhood 2 The Stadio Alberto Picco is located in the area of the city where there is the Naval Arsenal, one of the most important and ancient bases of the Italian Navy. It is characteristic that the silhouettes of ships will pop up behind sectors Distinti and Curva Piscina. However, the center of the city is only a few hundred meters away so there are plenty of places to eat or drink in the neighborhood. Fans 3 The most ardent fans of Spezia Calcio follow home games from the Curva (although in the 1980s, before the restructuring of Distinti and Ferrovia, the fans occupied the Curva Piscina). Scarves, flags and banners with the team colors of black and white are seen throughout the venue. The best matches to see are those against neighboring teams of Tuscany including Livorno, Empoli, Lucca, Pisa, Carrara, Massese, Arezzo, Pistoia and Prato. Access 3 The train station of La Spezia Centrale is situated just over one kilometer and is therefore easily accessible on foot. The nearest motorway exit is to La Spezia-Santo Stefano Magra on the A15 (connects La Spezia to Parma) and A12 (connecting Genoa to Livorno) and is a few kilometers away. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices to watch a match at Stadio Alberto Picco range from 40 euro in Tribuna Centrale to 15 euro in the two curves. If fans are less than 14 years old, then the price is only one euro for Curva Ferrovia, Distinti and Tribuna Centrale. This is the cost in euros of season tickets to follow all home games of Spezia Calcio for 2014/2015: Tribuna Centrale (430); Distinti (260); and Curva Ferrovia (130). There are great deals to reduce the season price that can be found on the team’s website. Extras 2 During the Second World War, between December 1943 and July 1944, central and northern Italy played a football tournament involving 60 teams. For the city of La Spezia a section of the 42nd Corps of Firemen took part and won the final round playing against Torino and Venezia. A plaque on the outside wall of the Stadio Picco remembers that team. In January 2002 the FIGC, the Italian Football Federation, awarded Spezia Calcio with an honorary patch that commemorates the victory in the tournament. The nearby Cinque Terre, a World Heritage Site, is a stretch of the Ligurian coast that goes from Riomaggiore to Monterosso.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore Piazzale Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, 1 Reggio Emilia, RE 42122 Italy U.S. Sassuolo Calcio website Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 21,584 Many Colors of Mapei Stadium Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore was the first Italian facility owned by a football team. It was built in about eight months, between August 1994 and April 1995, thanks to the commitment of Associazione Calcio Reggiana, a group of companies and banks that purchased hospitality packages, and the fans of the team of Reggio Emilia who signed multi-year subscriptions. The first football match hosted at the facility was Reggiana vs. Juventus (1-2) on the 27th match day of the 1994/1995 Serie A season. Sixteen years later, in September 2011, Juventus Football Club was the second football club in Italy to own its stadium. On July, 13 2005 the Associazione Calcio Reggiana was declared bankrupt by the court of Reggio Emilia and the system was entrusted to a bankruptcy trustee. On March 11, 2012 on the occasion of the derby Reggiana vs. Carpi for the Lega Pro, the third level of Italian football, the stadium was renamed Stadio di Reggio Emilia Città del Tricolore. The name was chosen by the city of Reggio Emilia and by the Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919. Since December 5, 2013 the facility has been owned by Mapei, a company working in the production of chemical materials for construction and commercial sponsor of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio, which changed its name to the current Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore. The stadium hosts home games of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio, and of Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919. The Carpi Football Club 1909 played the 2011/2012 season at Reggio Emilia because its stadium, the Sandro Cabassi, was being renovated. On November, 15 1995, the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore hosted Italy vs. Lithuania 4-0, a qualifying match for the UEFA EURO 1996. Food & Beverage 4 Around the stadium there are many food peddlers. A piadina (flatbread sandwich) with ham and mozzarella and a bottle of mineral water cost just 5 euros. Close to the stadium there is a shopping center where there is a Mexican restaurant, a Neapolitan pizzeria, a restaurant with traditional dishes from Emilia and much more. Also there are the dining options inside the stadium. In short, there are alternatives in menu and prices. Atmosphere 4 The stadium, which is reminiscent of British stadiums, is divided into seven different areas. Tribuna Autorità (474 seats), 32 Palchi (256 seats), Tribuna Stampa (108 seats), Tribuna (5,800 seats) and Distinti area (5,946 seats) are all under cover and occupy the two long sides of the football field. Visibility is excellent from any seat. Large openings allow easy entry/exit from the various sections. There are no barriers to separate the spectators from the playing field, but only the balustrades. Gradinata Sud (5,000 seats for local fans) and Gradinata Nord (4,000 seats for visiting supporters) are uncovered and separated from the two tribunes. They also have some concrete steps without plastic seats. There is a giant screen in the corner between the Gradinata Nord and the Distinti area. On either side of the main grandstand there are coats of arms of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio and of Associazione Calcio Reggiana 1919. Neighborhood 3 The facility is built on the northern outskirts of the city of Reggio Emilia. In the area there is a shopping center with many shops, restaurants, and cinemas. Also behind the main grandstand is a water park with swimming pools. Fans 3 Fans of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio are recognizable because they wear shirts and scarves with the colors of their team: black and green. They follow home matches of Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio from Gradinata Sud. They have an intense rivalry with the supporters of Carpi, Modena and Empoli, and have friendly relations with the fans of ChievoVerona. Access 4 Reaching Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore is really simple. The facility is located about three kilometers from the Reggio Emilia exit of the A1 and from the Railway Station of Reggio Emilia, while just over one kilometer separates the Mapei Stadium from the train station. A high speed train station is only about three kilometers from Mapei Stadium. There are about a dozen parking areas available for fans who choose to drive. Return on Investment 4 During the 2014/2015 season the Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio had more than 7,000 season ticket holders for home matches. Tickets for most Serie A matches cost up to 110 euro for the Tribuna (upper central zone) to a minimum of 28 euro for Gradinata Sud (local fans) and Gradinata Nord (visiting supporters). The team applies ticket discounts for women, fans over 65 years of age, and for fans under 25 years. Extras 2 Emilia is one of the best cities in Italy with regard to food and wine. In Sassuolo in particular you should try Sassolino, an anise liqueur, and Sassolina, a pork sausage. If you go to Reggio Emilia to see Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio play, then be sure to taste the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (cheese) and tigelle, a bread typical of this part of Italy. Sassuolo and Reggio Emilia are close to Maranello, the town which is the headquarters of Ferrari. In nearby Modena there is also a museum of the house of the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti.