Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Arechi Via Salvador Allende Salerno, Italy 84132 Italy U.S. Salernitana 1919 website Stadio Arechi website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,300 Prince of the Stadia The Stadio Arechi, the main sports arena in the city of Salerno, has hosted the home matches of Unione Sportiva Salernitana 1919 since September 9, 1990 (opening with 0-0 draw versus Padova in the first round of the Serie B 1990-1991 season, the second level of Italian football). Previously the team played at the stadium Donato Vestuti, a stadium built in the early 1930s and named in 1952 after the founder of one of the first football clubs active in the city. The Stadio Arechi bears the name of a Lombard Prince who lived in the eighth century. Therefore, the stadium is often referred to by insiders as the “prince of the stadia.” Throughout its history the Arechi has hosted three matches of the Italian national football team, including Italy vs. Hungary 3-1 May 1, 1991 and Italy vs. Estonia 4-1 March 25, 1995, both the qualifying match to a European Cup; as well as Italy vs. Spain 2-2 November 18, 1998 in a friendly match. The stadium was renovated in 1998. Then, in 2014 the pitch was rebuilt. The two Serie A championships disputed from Salernitana were played in the 1947-1948 season at Stadio Vestuti, and in the 1998-1999 season at Stadio Arechi. Food & Beverage 2 On the ground floor, before getting into the central grandstand, there is a small food court. We could try only coffee (1.00 euro) because there were no hot sandwiches or hot pizza. However, you can buy water (1.50 euro), beer and Coke (2.50 euro), packaged salty snacks (from 1-3 euro) or desserts (from 1-1.50 euro). Outside the facility you will find the traditional peddlers, from which you may want to grab a hot dog and a drink (5.00 euro). Atmosphere 3 The stadium is characterized by a rectangular seating plan interrupted at the corners. Among the four stands are the light towers necessary to illuminate the field during the night matches. Each of the grandstands consists of two levels. The upper one is totally uncovered. The lower one is partially covered. So of the 31,300 total seats of the Arechi, only 8,689 are covered. The stadium is primarily designed for football (although it has hosted other events, including several concerts), so there is no athletics track and allows viewers excellent visibility from every sector. The two teams enter the playing field through a movable tunnel present among the Curva Sud and the main grandstand. The supporters for the guests are in the first level of the Curva Nord. Neighborhood 3 The Stadio Arechi is located in the neighborhood of San Leonardo, an area that is a part of the East District. It is on the waterfront of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Around the stadium there are some pizzerias. For a “pizza margherita” and a Coke you can expect to pay around 6.50 euro. There is also a multiplex cinema and several hotels within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 The most ardent fans of Salernitana follow their favorite team from the sector Curva Sud. During matches banners, flags, scarves and sweaters transform this part of the stadium to a noisy spot covered by the color amaranth. Fans with choirs incite their favorites throughout the match. There are good relations with supporters of Bari and Reggiana (the team of Reggio Calabria). The greatest rivalries are with fans of Napoli, Avellino and other teams of Campania, but even with Atalanta, Hellas Verona and Perugia. Access 4 The Stadio Arechi is easily reached by car or train. By train, after reaching the central station of Salerno, you can take the light metro and get off at “Stadio Arechi,” located behind the Curva Nord. If you come from the motorway by car, then simply follow the ring road to the exit near the stadium. Around the structure are several parking lots. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket to watch a match of Serie B during the 2015-2016 season ranges from 40 euro in the Tribuna Rossa VIP down to 13 euro in the Curva Sud. Also, there are discounts for children under 14, people over 65 and women. Extras 4 In the province of Salerno there is the Costiera Amalfitana. From Unescu website: “The Amalfi coast is an area of great physical beauty and natural diversity. It has been intensively settled by human communities since the early Middle Ages. There are a number of towns such as Amalfi and Ravello with architectural and artistic works of great significance. The rural areas show the versatility of the inhabitants in adapting their use of the land to the diverse nature of the terrain, which ranges from terraced vineyards and orchards on the lower slopes to wide upland pastures.” In the city of Salerno there are several additional points of interest including the Castle of Arechi, the Medieval Aqueduct, and the Garden of Minerva. There are also events of interest including “Luci d’artista” between November and January. Some 40 kilometers away from the city of Salerno is the archaeological site of Pompei. Finally, this is one of the best parts of Italy with regard to cooking fish, pizza and cake.

Photos by Sander Kolsloot, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stadio Olimpico Viale dei Gladiatori Rome, Lazio 00135 Italy AS Roma website Stadio Olimpico website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 73,261 When in Rome The Olympic Stadium in Rome, Stadio Olimpico, was built as the centerpiece of the Foro Italia Sports complex, formerly Foro Mussolini. It was built and designed during the reign of dictator Benito Mussolini and was originally called Stadio del Cipressi. The whole sports complex was built between 1928 and 1938 as the Foro Mussolini under the design of Enrico Del Debbio and, later, Luigi Moretti. Inspired by the Roman forums of the imperial age, its design is lauded as a preeminent example of Italian Fascist architecture instituted by Mussolini. In the design and the actual build, you can still see the grandiosity the builders had in mind when designing the complex. Especially if you check the ‘sculpture garden’ (stadio dei Marmi) with about 40 to 50 full size athletic figures. Work on the stadium started in 1927 and when finished in 1932, the stadium was compiled of just one, grass-seat tier for spectators. In 1937, the stadium was to be extended by a second tier, but due to the outbreak of World War II, work on that part was halted in 1940. After the war, in 1950, the stadium site was reopened for the finishing and somehow the architect at that time, Carlo Rocatelli, wanted to put his stamp on history. But as for so many history makers, he did not live to see his work. He died in 1951 and because of scarcity of funds and the environmental characteristics of the area, a less ambitious version of Rocatelli’s stadium was eventually built. . On the death of Roccatelli, the work was entrusted to architect Annibale Vitellozzi, who eventually created a 100,000 capacity stadium, (hence giving it the name Stadio dei Centomila, which the stadium was called before 1960), with the upcoming Olympiad in sight, the building was inaugurated on 17 May 1953 hosting a football game between Italy and Hungary. For the 1960 Olympic Games, the stadium had to undergo some renovations and it had to be turned into an all-seater stadium, significantly reducing the capacity from 100,000 to 65,000 seats. Stadio Olimpico served as the centrepiece stadium for the 1960 Olympics and it hosted both opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics competition. The Stadio Olimpico had been largely unchanged until the 1980s, when Italy was awarded the host for the 1990 World Cup. In the meantime it had played host to two European Football championships (1968 and 1980, both times hosting several group matches and the final). It furthermore hosted a European Cup final twice: the first being the clash between Liverpool and Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-1) in 1977 and the second in 1984, with again Liverpool being victorious over AS Roma (1-1, Penalty shootout win). Also, it was host to the 1987 World Athletics Championships and the 1975 Summer Universiade. When Italy was awarded the 1990 World Cup, it was clear that the stadium needed a massive renovation. While initial plans only aimed to slightly restyle the stadium, in the end an almost complete new stadium had been built. Stands were moved closer to the pitch, a roof was added, covering all seats and the capacity was brought up to 74,000 spectators. During the World Cup, Stadio Olimpico hosted some group matches, a round of 16 match and the eventual final, where West Germany defeated Argentina 1-0. In later years, the stadium hosted two more Champions League finals, in 1996 and 2000. To keep up with the UEFA standards for eligibility to host future Champions League Finals, Stadio Olimpico underwent a last refurbishment in 2007 which included the establishment of standard structures, with improvements in security, the adjustment of dressing rooms and the press room, the complete replacement of the seats, installing high definition LED screens, the partial removal of plexiglas fences between spectators and the field, and a reduction of seating, to the current capacity of 73,261. While the stadium is owned by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), its regular users are Rome’s two major football clubs; SS Lazio and AS Roma. The two teams share the stadium during the season, with the difference during the games being Roma using the Curva Sud for its fans and Lazio using the Curva Nord. Roma is the left orientated, working class team in Roma. Football and politics are somehow intertwined in Italian football (the best example is AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, who happens to have been prime minister of Italy). Food & Beverage 2 As Italians are known around the world for their simple but excellent kitchen, combined with fantastic wines, fresh products and so on, don’t expect anything close to that in the Stadio Olimpico. Soggy sandwiches with average hot dogs going for a whopping € 4, some crisps not to be named in particular for € 3, and just your regular choice of sodas, all overpriced at € 3. If you are unfortunate enough to be in the away section, beer and other alcoholic beverages are off limits. There are multiple suggestions for a good pre and after match drinking and eating session in Rome, so let’s discuss options in the neighborhood section. Atmosphere 3 Let’s face the truth, the stadium was built as a multi-sport venue, with its main goal to serve as the track stadium for the 1960 Olympic games. With this in mind, the stadium has a way too big capacity for the home games of both Lazio and Roma. This makes the atmosphere go down rapidly, as playing in a half empty stadium makes it a little spooky. Furthermore, there’s a track (of course needed for athletics events, such as the Golden League) in between the stands and the field, making you a more distant spectator than ideally wanted. Fans flock into the stadium rather late and aren’t known for creating a great atmosphere. If you want to be in for a real treat, go to one of the derby games (Roma – Lazio or Lazio – Roma) and you’ll be very surprised! Neighborhood 3 The stadium lies within the Foro Italico neighborhood and there’s not much to do there. You can check the surrounding area, with a few other sports arenas (stadio dei Marma and also the Stadio Flamini, home to the Rugby team). If you really want to have a good Roma experience, and yes this is not in the exact neighborhood of the stadium, you have to go to Pigneto, which is a predominantly AS Roma neighborhood and you will find two great spots to get our pre match drinks and some great local grub. First, get some good craft beers at Birra + (Via del Pigneto) and after that, get some great pork meat at I Porchettoni, (via del Pigneto). Both are located just across the street from each other. The atmosphere in both venues is really relaxed, low key and prices are low to moderate, with I Porchettoni being an absolute slammer! Fans 3 Fans in Italy are known to be very passionate about their team, so is the case for Roma fans. This also has a negative side as they are occasionally known for using knives on supporters of visiting (rival) teams. Lately, several incidents have happened and this doesn’t show the real fans. During the game, the Curva Sud is decked with flags, banners and people waving scarves. The rest of the stadium is rather laid back. Expect the heat to come on during rival games against Lazio, but try to avoid visiting a European Cup match, as Italian fans tend to dislike that competition. There is some singing during the match, but for example Sampdoria fans in their Luigi Ferraris stadium are far more into the game than the Roma fans. Fans enter the stadium fairly late (5 minutes before the game) and therefore you lack the typical pre game atmosphere. Furthermore, the away section is so remotely located from the other fans, there’s no real banter going on there as well. There is usually some shouting/singing between rival groups of fans. Access 5 The ground is very easy to find, it being on a main road and close to both the city centre and the peripheral roads. The best way to access the stadium is take a bus line from the city centre (linia 100) and this one stops fairly close to the stadium. Also, you can take a car to the area, but parking can be a pain. The stadium itself is very accessible, also for disabled people. Check upfront to see where you can best access the stadium with a wheelchair. Return on Investment 3 As far as football games in general, the ROI is average. The venue is too big for the amount of support for the team, you are too far away from the field and especially the prices (€35 for an away seat behind the goal) are very hefty. However, it is a historic venue, where so many great events have occurred. If you do go, try to get tickets to a rival match or one against top side Juventus or Napoli, and you’ll get a better return on your sporting dollar. Extras 2 There are no stadium tours on non-match days, the fan shop is only open on match days and for a limited time. The surrounding foro Italico has some interesting facilities, but don’t make up for the other inconveniences. Besides the historic nature, there is very little in the way of extras to speak of.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Stadio San Paolo Piazzale Tecchio Napoli, Italy 80125 Italy SSC Napoli website Stadio San Paolo website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 60,240 The Azzurri Stadio San Paolo is the largest sports facility in the city of Naples. For seven years, from 1984-1991, one of the greatest soccer players of the twentieth century, Diego Maradona, was seen on the playing field of El Pibe de Oro. San Paolo Stadium is located in the Fuorigrotta neighborhood, in the western and most populous part of the city of Napoli. Since 1959 it has hosted the home matches of the Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli. It was opened on December 6, 1959 with Napoli playing host to Juventus in a match of the 10th round of Serie A, the top level of Italian football. The match was won 2-1 by the home team (Vitali, Vinicius, Cervato the authors of three goals). San Paolo Stadium has also hosted some matches for the Olympic Games in 1960, several competitions of the European Championships of 1968 and 1980, as well as five matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup (including the semi-final Italia vs. Argentina). Previously the Azzurri (the nickname of the players of Naples comes from the colors of the sky and sea of this corner of Italy) had played at the “Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia,” at the “Partenope Stadium,” and at the “Arturo Collana Stadium.” The “Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia” and the “Arturo Collana Stadium” are still present in the city. The “Partenope Stadium,” wanted and funded by Giorgio Ascarelli, the first president of Napoli, was destroyed during World War II by the Allied planes bombing. The Italian national football team has played at the San Paolo Stadium on 23 occasions. The first occurred in 1960, and overall the National team has a record of 12 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats. Food & Beverage 4 Naples is known worldwide for being the city where pizza was invented. So before entering the stadium it is required that you stop in one of the many pizzerias in the Fuorigrotta district. You can find a classic “Margherita” pizza with tomato, mozzarella and basil at a cost of just 1 euro. Even the coffee is a tradition in this part of Italy. It is served accompanied by a glass of water. Warning: never drink the water after the coffee, always before, or the barman would think that the black drink in the cup is not liked. Outside and inside the stadium the price of a coffee is 0.80 euro. Also sample the desserts (pastiera, the curly sfogliatella, the baba), dishes based on fish and fries (similar to London’s fish and chips in Naples there is o’cuoppo). Atmosphere 4 After 60 years, the stadium still looks as good as ever due to several renovations over the years. San Paolo Stadium was designed in 1948 by architect Carlo Cocchia. The work to build it lasted about six years. But its present appearance is very different from the original one. Owned by the municipality, the facility was modernized to host the European Championships in 1980 and the FIFA World Cup in 1990. Finally in the summer of 2010 it was the subject of another restyling. Today it appears to the public with three rings (the upper one, however, is closed) oval, totally covered and with a lighting system housed in the attic, some LED screens about 16 meters long placed in the stands Distinti and Centrale, and an athletics track with eight lanes. The pitch measures 110 x 68 meters. In addition, within the system, there is space for several gyms used for boxing and martial arts. San Paolo Stadium, with its 60,240 seats, is the third in Italy in terms of capacity after the Meazza in Milan and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and just ahead of the Franchi in Florence and Juventus Stadium in Turin. Napoli is fourth in Italy for number of fans, only behind Juventus, Inter and Milan. The first name of the structure was “Stadio del Sole.” The current name is the result of the legend that the apostle St. Paul arrived in Italy docking right in the Fuorigrotta district. Neighborhood 4 In Fuorigrotta there are several faculties of the University of Naples Federico II, the oldest state university in the world, founded in 1224. There are other sports facilities including the swimming pool known as Felice Scandone, the true temple of Italian water polo. The Mostra d’Oltremare, a major fairgrounds, and an amusement park is also worth a visit. There is no lack of hotels as within a short walk from the Stadium San Paolo there is a four star lodging option, along restaurants, pizzerias, and fast food. Fans 5 San Paolo Stadium offers one of the warmest group of supporters in Italy and Europe. Attending a football match of Napoli at the San Paolo is a unique experience. Blue scarves and flags color the different areas of the stadium. The songs accompanying the actions of the players and to every goal of the local team seems to be an earthquake. The most ardent fans follow the match from the two curves, A and B. Since the 1980’s there has been a friendly link with the supporters of Genoa. Napoli’s biggest rivalries are with the fans of Hellas Verona, Atalanta, Juventus, Milan, and Inter. Access 5 Fans can reach the San Paolo Stadium by car. There are several car parks, but after matches the traffic in this area of the city flows slowly. You may also use the different public transport links in the Fruorigrotta district. If you are arriving by car, then you can access the stadium via highway A1 (Milan-Naples) or highway A3 (Naples-Reggio Calabria), going to Tangenziale Napoli exit 10 “Fuorigrotta”. If you are renting a car or taking a taxi, then it is about 20 minutes from Naples International Airport or about 15 minutes from Naples Central Railway Station. The stadium is only few steps from the train station “Napoli Campi Flegrei,” subway line 6, stop “Mostra d’Oltremare,” city train line 2, stop “Napoli Campi Flegrei”; city train line Cumana, stop “Mostra d’Oltremare”; or bus station “Campi Flegrei” (city and suburban buses come here). Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket to enter San Paolo Stadium varies by sector, from a minimum of 25.00 euro for the two curves up to about 100.00 euro for the “Tribuna d’onore.” The tickets can also be bought online. On the team’s website, under “Online ticket,” you can see the events scheduled during the football season and the cost of tickets for individual sectors of the stadium. In addition there are always tickets which include concessions, including the initiative “Tribuna family” which offers a special price for adults with small children accompanying. Extras 3 There are several areas on the world heritage list near the stadium including the archaeological areas of Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata; historic centre of Naples; and the Costiera Amalfitana. The typical Neapolitan cuisine, with pizza, desserts, and fish dishes makes this a great destination for stadium travelers. The islands in the Golfo di Napoli: Capri, Ischia, Nisida, Procida, and Vivara are beautiful and worth a visit if you can.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 San Siro Via Piccolomini 5 Milan, Lombardy 20151 Italy AC Milan website San Siro website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 80,018 Si Si Si San Siro Since 1926, the San Siro stadium in the city of Milan has been the home of Italian football club AC Milan. The stadium was built in 1925 and was named after the district of San Siro, which is a district located in the west of Milan. On the September 19, 1926 the stadium was opened in front of 35,000 spectators with a match between AC Milan and fellow citizens Internazionale (Inter Milan). As ground sharing is not uncommon in Italy, Internazionale decided back in the late 1950’s to play their home matches in this stadium as well. In 1979 the name of the stadium was officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. It was named after club legend and football player Giuseppe Meazza. Meazza played for both Milan clubs but won the most trophies for Internazionale. The name change of the stadium was very controversial. Supporters of AC Milan, never accepted the new name and still call their stadium San Siro. For the 1990 World Cup, the stadium was renovated at a cost of 60 million euros. The stadium was given a third tier and around the stadium appeared 11 round reinforced concrete towers which function as stairs. There was also a roof added on the stadium, which had been uncovered since the opening back in 1926. The four corner towers (each 51 metres high) support the gigantic roof with its distinctive red iron framework making the stadium a real landmark. During the 1990 World Cup the stadium hosted six matches including the opening match of the tournament between Cameroon and Argentina. The San Siro stadium has been labelled by the UEFA as a five star stadium and was awarded to host several Champions League finals. The stadium is also used for concerts and other events. The world’s biggest pop stars (like Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Robbie Williams) have played at the San Siro. The current capacity of the San Siro stadium is 80,018 seats. Food & Beverage 3 There is plenty of space around the stadium and many stalls where you can drink or eat something before the match, forming a ring around the stadium. There are stalls which serve beer or sodas and there are other stalls which serve hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza slices and panini (prepared sandwiches). We paid just 3 euro, for quite a large ham and cheese sandwich, and ate our sandwich during the halftime break. Inside the ground, at the very small counters underneath the stands, the choice of food and drinks is rather poor. They serve drinks like coffee, soda and beer, and crisps, peanuts and various candy bars. I can’t see how these small counters can serve 80,000 people when the stadiums is sold out. Atmosphere 5 Despite the impressive size of the San Siro, the stadium is actually very compact and the stands are steep and close to the pitch. From each position you have an excellent view on the pitch. With its four concrete towers supporting the gigantic roof structure, the San Siro is one of my favourite stadiums in Europe. All the seats inside the ground are coloured and have a backing. Each section of the ground has its own colour of seats (red, green, orange or blue). Only the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Real Madrid can top the San Siro stadium in terms of comfort and atmosphere in my experience. Neighborhood 3 The San Siro stadium is located in the western part of the city Milan in the district of San Siro. This is a rather quiet residential area which does not have many restaurants to offer. It’s better to eat in the city centre before going to the match. At the Lotto-metro station and nearby squares you can find plenty of restaurants. There is also a McDonalds and a Chinese restaurant (Ri Xin). We decided to eat at Pizerria Don Clemente (two minutes walking from the Lotto-metro station at the Via Bianchi Mosè). It’s quite a large restaurant. On the menu are various kinds of pizza, pastas, steaks and even swordfish. The pizzas are OK, but not more than that. Fans 5 AC Milan supporters are very loyal. In the Serie A (top of Italian League football) they fill their stadium each match with an average of 45,000 fans. The most fanatic supporters are housed in the south section (Curva Sud) of the San Siro stadium. There are many fan groups from all over the country who support AC Milan. The most fanatic and biggest fan groups are the ‘Brigata Rossenere’ (Red and Black Brigade) and the ‘Fossa dei Leoni’ (the Lions’ Den). These fans are called Ultras and are very vocal and support their club during the whole match with flags, banners and sometimes pyrotechnics. Unfortunately, there were no pyrotechnics involved during this match as I had experienced before at my travels to Paris Saint-Germain and FC Schalke 04. The away fans are housed in a segregated section from the upper tier of the Curva Nord. Access 4 The easiest way to get from the city centre to the stadium is by metro. You need Metro M1 – red line and get off at the Lotto-metro station. After the 20 minute ride, you need to walk for another 20 minutes. You can also get a free bus transfer on match days to the stadium, but then you will miss all the people gathering and walking towards the stadium. Along this route there are many souvenir and food stalls. You can also take tram 16 from the city centre which brings you just in front of the stadium (stop Rospigliosi Axum). Return on Investment 5 You can expect a great day out at the San Siro stadium. The walk to the stadium helps to build the anticipation and overall atmosphere. Outside the stadium there is a lot of activity going on, so there is no need to get into the stadium early. The stadium itself is impressive and one of Europe’s finest. We paid just 37 euro for our seat on the 2nd tier at the long side of the pitch. From here you will have a great view of the action on the field and in the Curva Sud. Extras 4 The San Siro Museum is the first museum in Italy to be housed inside a stadium. In the cinema hall of the museum you can see a fascinating movie about Milan, Inter and the history of the San Siro stadium. When the ground is not use it is possible to have a guided tour around all the parts of the stadium including the museum, trophy room, dressing room and you can visit the stands. The cost of this guided tour is rather expensive as you have to pay € 14 for an adult. These daily stadium tours are given in both Italian and English. There are reduced ticket prices for this tour (and for match tickets) for children under 14 years of age and for fans who are over 65 years of age. Final Thoughts When you stay a couple of days in Milan for a city trip and you have seen all the highlights like Il Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, and the Scala and you are finished shopping then consider going to the San Siro stadium. You can book a stadium tour or you can visit a football match for either AC Milan or Internazionale (or even better, for the derby match between the two). This is it where you can experience the true Italian culture. There is no doubt that after one visit, you will want to come back for more.

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

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Allianz Stadium Strada Comunale di Altessano, 131 Turin, Piedmont 10128 Italy Juventus FC website Allianz Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 41,254 Rebuilt from the Ground Up in Torino Juventus Stadium is the new home of Juventus Football Club, a team founded in 1897. The facility has been built on the same site of Stadio delle Alpi, a stadium built for the 1990 FIFA World Cup and home of Juventus Football Club from 1990 to 2005. While Stadio delle Alpi was state-of-the-art when opened for the World Cup matches, a major problem was the inclusion of an athletics track, which forced the stands to be much further away from the pitch than desirable. In 2003, Juventus bought Stadio delle Alpi outright from the city of Turin (“Torino” in Italian), and demolished it beginning in November 2008. Playing from 2006 to 2011 in Stadio Olimpico (the home of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin), they started construction on Juventus Stadium in 2009, and moved in on its completion in 2011. Because of this, as of this posting, Juventus Stadium is the only Italian football (soccer) club-owned facility, a source of great pride for the team. Juventus Stadium was opened on September 2011, with a friendly match between Juventus FC vs Notts County FC. The first official Serie A match was Juventus FC vs Parma FC, on 11 September 2011, and Stephan Lichtsteiner was the first player to score a goal. On 10 September 2013, the Italian national football team played a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Czech Republic. In this match, Italy conquered the Czechs, earning victory number 400 in the national team’s history. On 14 May 2014, the final match of the 43rd season of Europe’s secondary club football tournament called the UEFA Europa League will be held at Juventus Stadium. (Note: all exchange rates are as of the time of this posting, October 2013.) Food & Beverage 5 There are 21 cafés and 8 food courts at Juventus Stadium where supporters can buy various drinks and can eat many dishes, such as sandwiches or hot dogs, pasta or desserts, and even candy or popcorn. Access to the café or food courts is related to the area of the stadium from where the fan is watching the game. Outside Juventus Stadium, there is Area12, a covered shopping centre with its own food court. During competitions, there are peddlers of typical Italian sandwiches all around the facility. Atmosphere 5 Juventus Stadium has approximately 41,000 seats, 2,099 of which are reserved for visiting fans. The distance between the field and the first seat is about 7.5 meters, while the distance between the field and the last row in the stand is about 49 meters. This is important, because this a massive improvement from Stadio delle Alpi and its infamous athletics track; as you can imagine, there was no athletics track added to the new stadium. The benches, unusual for Italy, are in the English style, meaning that they are positioned in the stands, instead of just outside the field (as is the case in all other facilities in Italy). Above both the north and south stands, there are two lighted boards that, before the match, show images of old matches and supporters present in the facility alike. When Juventus enter in the field, lighted boards show the name of each player, and the supporters repeat their names. The seats in the east stands are coloured black and white, and depict hand drawings of two players. The seats in the north and south stands are coloured black, white, and yellow, and are arranged to show three stars, each of these symbolizing ten titles in the Italian Serie A championship. In the west stands, the supporters will find “Club Gianni e Umberto Agnelli”, up to the midfield; “T100” beside the benches; “Club Giampiero Boniperti”; and “Club Omar Sivori” on first or second ring. Each of these areas benefits of particular services, such as catering for Club Agnelli, seats with LCD monitors for both Club Agnelli and T100, and parking reserved for T100. The “Sky Box” and “Legends Club” areas are also in the west stand. The Sky Box area contains lounges where fans can follow the match comfortably, complete with LCD monitors, catering service, and reserved parking. In addition, the Sky Box area is available throughout the week (from 8am to 8pm) for business meetings. The Legends Club, opened on August 2013, is an exclusive hospitality area. On the main floor, just before the stands, there is a walk of fame with 50 big yellow stars that represent 50 best players in the history of Juventus Football Club. All around each of big yellow stars, there are many little stars with the names of supporters that participated to the “Accendi una Stella” (“Light a Star”) Project. Often the facility is sold-out. This is especially true during the most important matches against Inter Milan (named “Derby d’Italia”), AC Milan, Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Torino (named “Derby della Mole”, for Turin’s famous Mole Antonelliana), and Fiorentina. Neighborhood 3 Juventus Stadium was constructed on a site named Cascina Continassa, in the neighbourhood Le Vallette, which is a suburb located to the northwest of Turin, between Turin and the city of Venaria Reale. Near the facility, there is Area12, a covered shopping centre. This is where the Juventus Store is located, complete with official merchandising of Juventus Football Club (shirts, balls, soccer shoes, gadgets, etc.). Fans 4 The most passionate fans of Juventus Football Club follow matches from the South Stand. However, the Juventus Stadium is also a facility for families; for example, there is also baby park for children between three and six years old. Access 5 Juventus Stadium is near intermediate road E64 (Torino-Milano-Brescia). Because of the close proximity to E64, one can arrive via other routes, as well. All around the facility, there are 4,000 parking places. Public buses are available from the stadium to Turin’s city centre, the Porta Susa train station, or directly to Caselle international Airport. Return on Investment 4 In the 2013-14 Serie A season, ticket prices range between a minimum of €25 ($34) for the north and south stands, and a maximum of €140 ($190.15) for some seats in the east stand. But there are various discounts, and it is better to check the official website of Juventus Football Club in the tickets section for all the offers available. Extras 4 Every day, patrons can visit the JMuseum and can buy the ticket for the tour of facility. The JMuseum is the museum of Juventus Football Club. Inside, there are the cups and trophies they won, some official shirts of new and old players, old captain’s armbands and old soccer shoes, and old tickets and press clippings. The last room is circular, surrounded by videos of goals Juventus scored are shown. During the tour of facility the visitors can go also in the Dressing Room, the Press Room, and the VIP Section. Before the matches, patrons can visit Area12 and Juventus Store. The city of Turin was Italy’s first capital, from 1861 to 1865. While there are various sights and museums to visit, the city is famous for the Fiat motor company and for chocolate factories (the typical chocolate is called gianduiotto). The centre of Turin is about 20 minutes from facility.

Photos by Jeremy Inson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 San Siro Via Piccolomini 5 Milan, Lombardy 20151 Italy Inter Milan website San Siro website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 80,018 Inside Inter With a capacity of just over 80,000 the Stadio San Siro is Italy’s largest and most well known soccer arena and home to two giants of Calcio, Associazione Calcio di Milan, the red and black shirted Milan and the blue and black striped Internazionale di Milano, or more commonly Inter. The stadium was built in 13 months and at a modern day cost of $4.5 million. The first match to take place there was a friendly between Inter and Milan on 19 September 1926 and it was the blue and black shirted hordes that left the happier after a 6-3 win. Initially the capacity was 35,000 but over the 20th century there were a number of extensions that eventually took the stadium’s capacity to its current total of 80,018 in preparation for Italy’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 1990. In 1980 the city of Milan decided to name the stadium after Giuseppe Meazza, a former hot-shot striker for both Milan and Inter, who had died in 1979. Despite this, the vast majority of the fans making their way to the stadium refer to it as the San Siro, after the area of the city in which it is located. Over the years both sets of supporters have made a strong case for their team to be top dogs. The 1960’s was certainly the heyday for the city, a decade in which Inter and Milan both won the European Cup twice. For most of the 1990’s Inter had to look on in envy and content themselves with three UEFA Cup wins, while their owner Massimo Moratti threw millions of dollars at the team in the hope of finally breaking Inter’s title drought. Their break came in 2006 when Juventus were stripped of the Serie A title in a match fixing sting and second placed Inter were handed the title. It set them up for five consecutive title wins, the most recent two in 2009 and 2010 under the guidance of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese made few friends in Italy, but he brought an end to Inter’s 43-year wait to be crowned European Champions when two goals from Argentine striker Diego Milito secured a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in 2010. For Inter the alumni is impressive. Striker Sandro Mazzola was at the heart of the 1960’s success, while Giacinto Facchetti and Tarcisio Burgnich embodied coach Helenio Herera’s catenaccio defensive system. While AC Milan had the trio of Dutchmen, Inter had a trio of World Cup winning Germans – Lothar Matthaus, Andreas Brehme and Jurgen Klinsmann. Then under Mourinho it was the arrival of Dutch playmaker Wesley Sniejder to complement the likes of Milito, Samuel Eto’o, Maicon and captain Javier Zanetti that finally gave Inter the class to win the Champions League. More recently Milan’s title victory in 2011, six months after Inter had won the 2010 World Club Championship, means that those Inter and Milan fans making their way towards the San Siro will be able to continue their debate about which team is the bigger for many more years to come. Food & Beverage 4 This being Italy, good food goes without saying. But a word of warning; eat before you get into the stadium as the options once you get through the turnstiles are few and far between, except for poorly supplied and jam-packed cafes. Outside though, the range of concession stands is remarkable. The majority of them serve tasty warm sandwiches, usually ham or roast pork, with either beer or a soft-drink to wash it down with. While basic is the word, they go down very well and the aroma from the roasting pork or sizzling sausages means you need a strong will to refuse a second one. If you have more of a sweet tooth keep an eye out for Il Padrino, a stand serving a vast array of Sicilian desserts, candies and sweets, such as canoli and ciambelle, a type of doughnut covered in chocolate. Atmosphere 5 With 80,000 seats to fill, the San Siro is rarely full, with the exception of city derbies or the visit of fellow northern Italians, Juventus. Even so the curva nord (north stand), which is home to the Inter masses, makes a fair amount of noise whomever the opponents. Come derby time though, the stadium becomes a frothing cauldron of love for your team and contempt for the opponents. Fan groups spend weeks designing banners to display, songs to sing and crowd choreography. Sometimes the emotions spill over, such as the time a scooter was thrown from one tribune onto fans below, miraculously without anyone being seriously injured, but most of the time it produces an atmosphere the players feed off and which infects everyone in the stadium. Neighborhood 2 The San Siro neighbourhood is in a fairly suburban, non-descript part of town, north-west of the city centre. There may be some very minor trouble around the end of an evening match, but most fans are far more concerned about getting back to the warmth of home, especially in winter when the mercury in the thermometer plunges ever lower and the wind whips in off the mountains north of the city. In truth there is little to see around the stadium and if you have time before or after a game, then there is plenty to see in the city centre once you are back there. Fans 4 Traditionally Milan fans came from the city’s working class, while Inter’s came from the bourgeois ranks. Nowadays, though, they come from a cross section of the city and boast numerous supporter groups from around the country. Milan was originally known as Milan Cricket Club, in recognition of its founding by the English community in the city in 1899. Inter by contrast, were formed in 1908 by disgruntled members who had grown exasperated by the snobbish attitude of the founders of Milan CC and so struck out with a more ‘international’ club, that featured players and members from across Europe. Nowadays the majority of the noise comes from disgruntled young men, who have similar grievances against their opponents, the government and their lack of opportunities in society. Access 3 Lotto is the nearest metro stop and is about a 15 minute walk to the stadium, just follow the crowds. Alternatively there are free buses lined up outside the station to whisk you to the stadium in about 5 minutes and more importantly take you back after the final whistle. The station is on the red line that passes through the heart of the city and has a stop at its most famous sight, Il Duomo, the cathedral outside which Inter and Milan celebrate their triumphs. Be warned though on match day the station and trains get packed very quickly. If you are coming in by car, the stadium is on the north-west of the city and well-signposted throughout. There are a few car parks near the stadium that charge around €10 ($13). There is free parking in some of the residential streets nearby, but these get snapped up quickly. Return on Investment 4 As one of the most successful teams in European soccer, tickets for Inter are in hot demand for city derbies and Champions League matches in particular. Prices begin around €30 ($40) and rise to about €80 ($105). There are a number of places to buy them around the city. The easiest place to buy tickets is either at branches of the Intesa San Paolo bank or from one of the numerous tobacconists around the city. In both cases, fans need to have a passport or some sort of ID on them when they buy them and it is advisable to have it on you at the game because spot checks, whilst rare, are rigorously enforced. While the size of the stadium means that it is rarely full, it does mean visiting supporters can watch some of the biggest Italia clubs when they come to town. Extras 4 The stadium holds tours three or four times a day, both in Italian and English and it allows fans to go through the administrative and media areas and visit the dressing rooms. As part of the tour, visitors receive access to the calcio museum that is on site. It contains copies of all Inter and Milan’s trophies, shirts from players from around the world and many interesting and unknown pieces of the clubs’ histories. In the city centre there is plenty to see. The cathedral and nearby Galleria are at the hub of city and for Dan Brown fans there is the chance to see the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, but you must book beforehand. Final Thoughts There continues to be talk from Inter that they will eventually leave the San Siro and find a new purpose-built home further out of the city. However, with money tight and the stadium a big draw for Italian and foreign players that is unlikely to happen any time soon. Furthermore the stadium appears to be intrinsically linked to the success of the team. Like many teams in Italy both Inter and Milan want to own the stadium. With the exception of Juventus and Cesena the majority of stadiums are council-owned and as such clubs miss out on match day revenue, as well as pay to rent an increasingly outdated venue. Until then though, the stadium will continue to be a huge draw for supporters from around the world and while it may be some time before the Champions League final returns, there will still be plenty of drama and magic to come at the old stadium for many more years.

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

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Stadio Carlo Castellani Viale delle Olimpiadi Empoli, Tuscany 50053 Italy Empoli FC website Stadio Carlo Castellani website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 15,260 Stadio Castellani Stadio Carlo Castellani is the main sports facility on Empoli and the site of the home match of the Empoli Football Club. Officially opened on September 12, 1965, it is located in the sports area of the city. Over the years, the stadium has undergone many renovations and expansion. “Tribuna Maratona” was made in metal for the Serie B championship in 1983/1984. Then, at the beginning of the ’90s, it was replaced with a cement structure with two floors, which eventually was covered in 2008. The two curves have been added to the Serie A championship in 1986/1987 (although the Empoli F.C. played the first home games of the season in Florence and Pistoia, the Castellani debut in Serie A championship was at Empoli F.C. vs A.S. Roma, November 2, 1986) and modernized about twenty years later. The stadium is dedicated to Carlo Castellani, a player of Empoli F.C., and Livorno, who died in the concentration camp at Mauthausen in 1944. Stadio Castellani is also dedicated to Montelupo Fiorentino, a nearby town. Food & Beverage 2 Prices of the bar located in “Tribuna” are lower than those of many other Italian stadiums. We spent €3.50 on a bottle of water and a sandwich. During the halftime break, we got a coffee for €1. To avoid waiting about 10 minutes for a coffee, it’s better go to the bar before the break. Peddlers of typical sandwiches and drinks are around the stadium before, during, and after the match. Atmosphere 3 The two tribunes are the covered areas of the stadium. For the fans of the visiting team, there is a reserved area called “Curva Sud.” Between the playing field and the stands there is a tartan athletic track. The most awaited match is with Fiorentina, which is entitled “Derby dell’Arno”. Many fans fill the stadium during the matches versus Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the northeast of the city, not far from the Park of Serravalle. It’s a quiet area of the city surrounded by greenery, and from here, it is easy to reach the center of Empoli. Near the stadium, there are the Palasport Aramini and the municipal swimming pool. Behind the “Curva Nord” there is another football field, the Sussidiario, where in the past the Empoli F.C. played some matches of Serie C (the third series of Italian football championship). Fans 3 The most passionate fans of the Empoli F.C. don’t follow the matches from one of the two curves (as in most of Italy), but from “Tribuna Maratona.” Since October 2008, the “Tribuna Maratona” has been dedicated to Emiliano Del Rosso, a young fan of the Empoli F.C. that was the victim of a road accident. Access 3 Stadio Carlo Castellani is about 1 km from the railway station. If arriving at Empoli by car, you will exit the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno Highway through either tollgate Empoli Est (coming from Florence or highway A1) or Empoli Ovest (coming from Pisa, Livorno or highway A12) and follow the signs for “stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans. Return on Investment 4 In the 2012/13 Serie B championship season, ticket prices range from a maximum of €40 for “Poltrone,” to a minimum of €7.50, with a reduced rate for the “Maratona Inferiore.” The price for access to the “Curva Sud,” which is reserved for visiting supporters, is €10. Extras 2 Empoli is near Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, and Vinci, the town where the world-renowned artist Leonardo was born.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stadio Renato Dall’Ara Via Andrea Costa, 174 Bologna, Italy 40134 Bologna FC website Stadio Renato Dall’Ara website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 38,279 Home of Bologna FC Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is the home of Bologna Football Club. Strongly supported by Leandro Arpinati (podestà of Bologna and president of FIGC), it was built between 1925 and 1926 to a design of the engineer Umberto Costanzini, while the tower that dominates the Maratona was designed by the architect Giulio Ulisse Arata and subsequently erected. The official opening of the stadium took place on May 29, 1927 with a friendly match between the national teams of Italy and Spain, which were the kings of both countries. Italy won 2-0. Over 50,000 spectators filled the stadium on that occasion. In almost ninety years, the facility has hosted six matches for the FIFA World Championships (Sweden-Argentina and Austria-Hungary in 1934, the United Arab Emirates-Colombia, Yugoslavia-Colombia, Yugoslavia-United Arab Emirates and England-Belgium in 1990); saw the Bologna Football Club win the Italian football championship on six occasions; and changed its name on three occasions (first Littoriale, later Comunale and since 1983 Dall’Ara). Renato Dall’Ara was the president of the red and blue team from 1934-1964 and died a few days before the victory of the seventh and last championship in the history of Bologna Football Club. The stadium has undergone major work, specifically at the end of the 1980’s in order to host the 1990 World Cup. Currently, the original building, recognizable by the red brick, is surrounded by a metal frame painted blue and yellow. The facility is composed of a grandstand, two curves and a Maratona. Behind the Curva San Luca (in one alcove of which there are the fans of the visiting team) there is a large screen that projects the score and time of play during the match, as well as updates from other stadiums of the Serie A. Among the pitch and the stands there is an athletics track with eight lanes. Finally, according to the Bologna FC website, in Tribuna Centrale there is Terrazza Fulvio Bernardini. It’s “an area of ​​approximately 900sqm, newly built with glass walls, where the presence of a catering service of high-level, private lounges, large bar, vanguard audio and video technology, are some of the elements that provide in the moments of waiting, interval or after the game, an exclusive and refined atmosphere to live the stadium in a completely new way.” Food & Beverage 3 There is a bar located in Tribuna Centrale. Inside there is the opportunity to purchase hot and cold drinks, hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream. Coffee, water, fruit juices and all other drinks are served in paper cups. With € 5 you’re able to purchase a coffee, water, and a salty snack. Atmosphere 3 The entrance of the teams takes place by a tunnel that emerges in front of Curva Bulgarelli. The distance between the two stands and the pitch is about 15 meters. The distance between the two curves and the pitch is approximately 30 meters. The view is great from every section of the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The facility is located in the Saragozza neighborhood, an area southwest of the city center. In this part of Bologna there are many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries to stop in before and after matches. Fans 4 The most passionate fans follow the matches of Bologna Football Club by Curva Bulgarelli. Since 2009 this section of the stadium has been named after former player Giacomo Bulgarelli, midfielder of the team that won their seventh and final championship in 1964. The match against Fiorentina is most heartfelt, called Derby dell’Appennino, named after the mountain range that separates the territories of Florence and Bologna. Other rivalries are with Cesena, Modena, Parma, Juventus, Inter and Roma. The supporters of Siena are considered friends due to the common competition with Fiorentina. Access 4 Getting to Renato Dall’Ara stadium is very simple. If you come from the highway you have to exit at Casalecchio-Borgo Panigale. If you come from the ring road you have to take out 1 or 2. The railway station is 4 km away and is connected with Dall’Ara by public bus (named ATC). Finally, the airport of Bologna “Guglielmo Marconi” is located about 8 km from Renato Dall’Ara. Return on Investment 4 The facility is divided into the following sectors: Poltrona Gold, Tribuna Numerata, Tribuna Laterale, Distinti Centrali, Distinti Laterali, Curva Giacomo Bulgarelli, Curva San Luca, and Curva Ospiti. Fans can buy tickets online to watch the home matches of Bologna Football Club. The most expensive section is called Poltrona Gold, while the cheapest tickets give access to the two curves. Before each match it is helpful to read the team website if there are any discounts and special initiatives. Extras 3 The cuisine of Bologna is considered one of the best in Italy. If you are traveling to Renato Dall’Ara stadium, before or after the match, then you have to make a stop at one of the restaurants in the neighborhood Saragozza. We recommend the lasagna bolognese or tortellini in brodo. For a quick snack there is a piadina with ham, arugula and squacquerone (a typical local cheese). Must-see attractions in the city center are Piazza Maggiore and Torre degli Asinelli. Also in Bologna you’ll find the oldest university in the West, the University of Bologna, founded in the late eleventh century (1088).

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Viale Giulio Cesare, 18 Bergamo, Italy 24124 Atalanta BC website Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 26,562 The Nerazzurri The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia is located in the Northern Italian city of Bergamo at the Viale Giulio Cesare. This elliptical stadium is the home of Serie A team Atalanta Bergamo, and since 2003 also the home of Serie C team UC Albinoleffe. The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia was built in 1928 and until 1945 it held the name ‘Stadio Mario Brumana.’ The stadium originally had a capacity of 12,000 seats and was opened in two separate ceremonies. The first (and unofficial) opening took place on November 1, 1928 with a match between Atalanta Bergamo and Triestina. The second (and official) opening took place on December 23, 1928 in the presence of many authorities. At that time the complex was situated on an area of ​​35,000 square meters and included the playing field for football of 120 x70 meters (with just two stands on the long side of the pitch, only the west stand was covered), surrounded by a track for athletics, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Over the years the stadium has undergone numerous renovations. First, two curves (in Italian: curvas) were added along with a roof on the East stand. In 1960, there was a cycling track built inside in the stadium to hold cycling events. The most famous annual cycling match was for the Trofeo Baracchi. This phase ended in 1983. Of great importance for the current structure of the stadium were the works carried out during the summer of 1984. This year Atalanta Bergamo returned to the Serie A. The athletic track was demolished and metal temporary stands were added. These stands increased the capacity, which reached the historical record on September 16, 1984 when more than 43,000 spectators passed through the gates of the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia. Nowadays many people think that the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia is too old and not Serie A worthy anymore. When you compare the Atalanta Bergamo stadium with the World Cup 1990 grounds of, for instance AC Milan or Genoa CFC, it’s absolutely outdated, but nevertheless it still holds its charm. After the latest renovations, the capacity of the stadium has been brought back to 24,726 seats. I’m quite sure that within 10 years Atalanta Bergamo will have a new stadium to give their supporters all the comfort they need and to meet the demand for business units and business seats. One of the last traditional elliptical Serie A grounds is unfortunately about to disappear, making this a great spot for groundhoppers in the coming years. Food & Beverage 2 At the concession counters there is a very poor choice of food and drinks. The counters are too small and too understaffed to serve many people during the half time break. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and 7Up are served in plastic cups (25cl) and cost € 1.50. Instant coffee also costs € 1.50, and a small espresso is served for € 1.00. Candy bars, chips, and home prepared sandwiches are also offered. Though the variety is lacking, the prices are more than reasonable. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere is what one would expect in a stadium that is almost 100 years old. The facilities inside the ground are poor, many seats are uncovered and there are a lot of high fences separating the different blocks of the stadium. Whilst empty you can see that only the main stand has decent seats. Those seats are in the club colours of black and blue. Behind both goals there is a lot of space before the curves actually begin. This is of course due to the athletic track which was surrounding the pitch before the redevelopment in the mid 1980’s. The old façade of the stadium helps to give the ground its charm. Neighborhood 1 The neighbourhood around the stadium is not really spectacular. The stadium is located in a suburb of the city of Bergamo. In this area there are no pubs. There is one Japanse restaurant about a five minute walk from the ground (it is called ‘Ristorante Giapponese Suzuran Di Chen Zhebing’ at the Via Tremana 20). For a good drink or a different taste of food you need to go to the old town. Fans 4 Most of the Atalanta Bergamo fans which visit a match of their team are dressed in the black and blue club colours. The nickname of the team is the ‘Nerazzurri,’ which means ‘black and blues.’ Most of the most fanatic supporters (the Ultras) are housed in the Curva Pisani. They bring flags, banners and sometimes also fireworks and smoke bombs to the matches. The Atalanta Ultras give their team good support for almost the whole 90 minutes. Access 3 The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is located in the northwest of the city of Bergamo. It is situated just over two kilometres from Bergamo’s old town and just over two kilometres from Bergamo’s railway station (Stazione Bergamo). At the train station you will find frequent train services to Verona, Brescia, and Milan. The stadium is easily accessible by car as well. Return on Investment 4 Atalanta only sells out their stadium two or three times each season so it possible to buy your tickets at a stall at the Via Giulio Cesare on the day of the match. This ticket office is located close to the entrance of the East stand just across the road. The ticket prices start from €14.00 for a seat at one of the ‘curvas.’ A covered seat at the long side of the pitch will cost you between €20.00 and €34.00. Please note: Bring your ID when buying tickets as this is mandatory in Italy! Extras 3 The old façade of the stadium is really magnificent, and there aren’t many left like those in Italy. The statues in the façade show the ‘Atleti d’Azzurri.’ This feature gives an extra to the stadium experience. Another extra is the location of the ground. When the weather is bright you can see parts of the Dolomite mountains from the stands. Final Thoughts If you like old grounds, then Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is certainly worth a visit. If you like the more modern stadiums then go to Milan, just 70 kilometres away from Bergamo.

Many people assume that the history of baseball in Atlanta began in 1966 with the Braves' arrival from Milwaukee. However, the truth is that the sport’s origin in Atlanta began nearly a century before that. Baseball in Atlanta explores the more than 125 years of America’s game through words and archival photos. Baseball’s true origins in the city began in the 1880s with the introduction of the sport through social organizations of the era. Teams were created through different towns, businesses, and professions as a way to use sports as a way to build camaraderie between workers, neighborhoods, and schools. These were all amateur leagues, where the goal was not financial gain, but for the purposes of getting healthy exercise and friendly competition. Atlanta was still a very small town in the 1800s, but by the turn of the century its growth as a manufacturing and business center had begun. Many of the factories and mills began forming industrial teams and leagues as a perk for their workers, who were otherwise working for meager wages. Companies saw it as a way to compete with other similar organizations in a similar field, beyond just the sales floor. Soon professions such as firemen, lawyers and organizations such as schools were added to the mix. The earliest school team recorded in Atlanta was at Georgia Tech. Its’ coach was John Heisman, who was much more famous for coaching the football team and would later be honored through the naming of college football’s top award in his honor. The South was totally segregated at that time, but baseball saw no color line. Soon a league was formed within the black colleges that were a part of the Atlanta University complex. The first paid, or professional sports team in Atlanta was the Atlanta Crackers in the 1920s. They would play baseball against other regional cities such as Chattanooga, Montgomery, Jacksonville, and Birmingham. The team played in a number of stadiums over its history, with Ponce de Leon Park becoming its permanent home. Over time, the Crackers became a minor league powerhouse, winning more than 17 Southern League/Southern Association. They became known as “The Yankees of the Minor Leagues”. The Bronx Bombers themselves visited Atlanta on their way back north after the completion of spring training. Ruth, Gehrig, and Mantle all played in Ponce de Leon Park at some point during their careers. Like most cities in the South, Atlanta was still a segregated society. Soon a Black Crackers team was organized and played on its own circuit. It also played at Ponce de Leon, but it played there only when the Crackers were playing out of town. It was actually the Brooklyn Dodgers who broke the color line. The Dodgers arrived in Atlanta in 1949, bringing Jackie Robinson with them. There was great interest in his story, and both the white and black communities wanted to see him play. However, city leaders were worried that a race riot might ensue if the two races were mixed. However, the game was played before a crowd of both black and white fans, becoming the first integrated game in the Deep South. The game was played with no violence occurring. The 1960s saw Atlanta become the business center of the South, and city leaders saw professional sports as a way to gain more attention nationwide. They actively began to recruit teams to the Atlanta area. They even had a stadium built before they even had a team to play in it. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was built in 53 weeks at a cost of $18 million. It looked like at first the Kansas City Athletics would move to Atlanta, but when that fell through, the Milwaukee Braves moved to the city and the new stadium, which would become their home for the next 30 years. The stars in the early years were Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Joe Torre. These were not the pennant contending of current years, as the 1960s and 1970s produced some awful years. The lone bright spot in those early years was Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s HR record with #715. The team almost was sold to another city, but Ted Turner of broadcasting fame bought the team and used it as a marketing tool for his fledgling cable TV network. Atlanta was suddenly America’s Team, favored by fans throughout the country who could only receive the Braves games on TV. The Braves finally grew much better, and notched several appearances in the World Series, finally winning it all in 1995, defeating the Cleveland Indians in an exciting six-game series. It would be several years before the team began its long streak of divisional and league titles. In 1996 the Braves moved across the street to their new home, Turner Field. Their new stadium had served as the Olympic Games stadium for the 1996 Olympic Games. Though they won several titles in Turner Field, they would never win a World Series in that stadium. The book was published before the Braves' 2021 World Series victory and their move into Truist Park. We’ve only covered a brief overview of the content in the book. It is filled with hundreds of photos detailing the history of baseball in Atlanta. The book also offers up great stories about the many top players, managers, and personalities that have been a part of baseball lore in the city. It is a great read for any fan of baseball in the South.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Beeghley Center 1 University Plaza Youngstown, OH 44502 Youngstown State Penguins website Beeghley Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,500 Go Guins! Youngstown State University is a public school with over 11,000 students located in Youngstown, Ohio. Southeast of Cleveland, Youngstown is a modest city of 60,000 where the Youngstown State Penguins are the center of attention during basketball season. Youngstown State is famous for having Youngstown native and former Ohio State Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel as the university president. The Penguins play in the Horizon League in NCAA Division I, but have not enjoyed a tremendous amount of success. YSU is the only Division I school with the name Penguins as a team name. This goes back to the 1933 game against West Liberty State when Youngstown State traveled through two feet of snow for an away game. Home for the Penguins is on campus in the Beeghly Physical Education Center. Commonly referred to as the Beeghly Center, it opened in 1972 and is named after local businessman, industrialist and philanthropist, Leon A. Beeghly, whose family and estate have donated a great deal to the university. The court is named after Dom Rosselli, who coached the Penguins for 38 years. Food & Beverage 3 There are basically two concession areas, one at each end of the arena. The south end is where fans will find the biggest concession stand. The north end is very simple with only popcorn, soda, chips, nachos and beer. The south concession has far more in the way of options. Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, sausage, nachos, pretzels, hummus, and ice cream are all available at the south end. Pepsi products are the soda products of choice at the Beeghly Center. There are a few different types of beer available including products from Penguin City Brewing, which is local to Youngstown. Concession prices are pretty good with a bottle of beer going for $7 or $8 and bottles of soda going for $4. Concessions will not blow fans away but they are adequate to keep fans happy during the game. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the Beeghly Center is fairly nondescript and does not blow away the fans who attend games. The roof is low and hiding behind Stambaugh Stadium, the home of Penguins football, Beeghly Center can easily get lost in the shuffle. The main entrance on the south side does have large windows and columns which allow in plenty of natural light into the entrance. Just outside of the south entrance is a large plaza with the flagpoles in memory of those who lost their lives in armed conflicts. Not only is the court named after former coach Dom Rosselli, there is a piece of bronze art in front of the entrance. Once fans have entered the south end, passed the ticket takers and up the stairs, fans will get to see some of the nice accents of Beeghly Center. The Youngstown State Athletic Hall of Fame is up there as well as displays for the retired numbers of mens and womens basketball players. Framed jerseys of Tony Vivo, Leo Mogus, John McElroy, Jeff Covington and Dorothy Bowers accompany displays for Coaches Dom Rosselli, Bill Dailey and Dan Peters in very classy wood inlet displays. Inside the seating bowl, fans will immediately notice the cross shaped seating area, with distinct corners jutting in, dividing the different seating areas. The court runs from south to north with the perfect picture coming from the west side. The court features the traditional ‘Y’ Youngstown State logo, with the penguin logo watermarked on the floor. The seating on the east and west sides is divided tiers, with the lower tiers composed of retractable, plastic chair seats, and the upper tiers, retractable, wooden bleachers. The west side upper tier bleachers are kept back to create an area with tables and standing room, perfect for entertaining youth teams and recruits. The band can be found in the south end, where the bleachers are up, above the court. Signage suggests this is also the student section, however, there were no discernable students congregating in this area at the game reviewed. At the south end, above the band, the athletic banners hang. The Penguins do not have a vast history of success in men’s basketball. A banner highlighting Division II Tournament appearances hangs beside a banner showing participation in the CIT Tournament and TNT Basketball Classic Tournament. There are plenty of banners for the women’s basketball teams, which have many conference championships. The gameday production at a Youngstown State game is what one would expect for a mid-major college basketball program. The band carries the load for the Penguins and unlike many other experiences, the band and the person in charge of the music seem to work together and the band is not playing over the PA or vice versa. The cheerleaders do their thing on the floor and are often aided by mascots Pete and Penny. The Penguins try to do a bit of a production for the opening of the game with students encouraged to use their phone flashlights. Overall, it is not too flashy and keeps the feel of that college atmosphere strong. Neighborhood 3 The Beeghly Center is located on the campus of Youngstown State University, east of the Arlington neighborhood. There are a few spots for pre or post game food or drinks that fans may want to consider. Some options include Republic Pizzeria & Pub, Noble Creature Cask House, Cassese’s MVR and Charlie Staples BBQ. As far as other sporting options in Youngstown, there are a couple. The Penguins football team is quite popular and plays FCS football at Stambaugh Stadium. The Youngstown Phantoms play in the USHL and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers play baseball in the MLB Draft League just north of Youngstown. Other entertainment options include the Stambaugh Auditorium, Wickyards, Stewart Media Archives Center, Arms Family Museum and Youngstown Museum of Industry and Labor. For fans wanting to stay near Youngstown State, heading south towards downtown to the DoubleTree Youngstown Downtown would be an option. Fans 3 The Youngstown State Penguins average over 2,700 fans per game in the 2022-2023 season. This ranks third in the Horizon League. Although the band, located in the south end, is boisterous and brings some pizazz to the game, there is not much of a student section past that. The students that are present blend in with all of the other fans. The YSU fans begin the game by remaining on their feet until the Penguins have scored their first basket. The cozy nature of the Beeghly Center would make for an amazing environment if there was a full house for a Penguins basketball game. Access 3 Youngstown State University is located just north of Downtown Youngstown and east of the Arlington neighborhood. Although it is not terribly difficult to get to campus, Highway 422 which is the northeast border of campus, makes getting around a little more difficult than one would expect. Parking can be found on campus for a nominal fee. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are WRTA buses on Wick Ave, Rayen Ave and 5th Ave, which surround campus. Fans should consult the Western Reserve Transit Authority website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the Beeghly Center is not too difficult, but larger crowds would make traversing the gym more problematic. Security procedures and protocols at Division I venues are in a constant state of flux. Stadium Journey encourages fans to consult the Youngstown State Penguins website for the most up to date protocols including prohibited items and bag policies. Return on Investment 4 Youngstown State basketball is very affordable. Tickets run from $12 to $22 with a bit of a discount when purchased in advance. Youth tickets are $7, so it is the perfect opportunity to bring the kids to the game. Concessions are not overly expensive and parking can be found for $5 on campus. The product on the floor is solid with a decent team in a good mid-major NCAA conference. In the end there is great value in 'Guins basketball for a very reasonable price. Extras 2 An extra mark for Youngstown State being the only Division I team with the nickname Penguins. An extra mark for the number of rivals in the area including Akron, Kent State, and Cleveland State. Final Thoughts The Youngstown State Penguins basketball experience will not wow the fans with flashiness and a reliance on fancy technology. The presentation is pretty simple and the Beeghly Center is a decent venue to catch a game. Fans will walk out of the game happy with the experience and not a massive dent in the pocket book. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Roadrunner Field 10 Barshop Blvd San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Roadrunner Field website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 800 UTSA Roadrunners – Roadrunner Field The University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) was founded in 1969. Situated on the far northwest side of the Alamo City, the public institution has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 50-plus years, both academically and athletically – in 1992 the Roadrunners began their baseball program and would move into the Southland Conference. Over the next two decades the Roadrunners would win two regular season conference championships (2007 and 2008), three conference tournament championships (1994, 2005, and 2013), and three NCAA tournament appearances (also 1994, 2005, and 2013). They have also sent one Roadrunner to “The Show,” in southpaw starter and current Texas Rangers minor leaguer Justin Anderson. Since 1993 UTSA has played all their home games at their on-campus stadium, Roadrunner Field. The 800-seat field also features a fan-friendly berm located just beyond the right-field wall as well as box seats down the left-field line in a tree-shaded area for season-ticket holders. In 2006 the stadium was renovated to include stadium lights, allowing for night games for the first time ever in program history. The Roadrunners are currently enjoying renewed success on the diamond and will be moving into the American Athletic Conference (AAC) by the 2023 season, which means now is probably a great time to see what Roadrunner Field is all about. Food & Beverage 2 Right off the bat, metaphor not intended, you must be forewarned about the concessions scene at Roadrunner Field. Currently, there is only one stand located behind the home plate bleachers near the main entrance. First, the positives; it is eminently affordable and carries all your ballpark favorites. This includes hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), sunflower seeds, peanuts, and popcorn (all $3.50), bottled sodas, water (both $3), and sports drinks ($4). The stand also carries bottled domestic and imported beer ($5 and $6, respectively). That’s the good; on the not-so-good side, because there is just the one stand with only one point of sale machine (and they only take credit cards), lines do tend to form. These lines do tend to be relatively long, as well. This needs to be taken into consideration when you make your food and beverage run. Atmosphere 3 I should point out that I am a UTSA alum and a die-hard Roadrunner fan across all sports. I’ve been coming to Roadrunner Field for a number of years, but I try to be objective with my reviews of the teams and their facilities, especially in this area. One of the best aspects that I have always enjoyed about Roadrunner Field was its open feel. This was in large part due to the berm seating along the first base line. Fans, in past years, could casually stroll up to the games with their blankets and/or chairs and just catch a game free of charge. That is no longer the case as, with the team’s aforementioned renewed success, they have installed portable fences along the exterior of the park to ensure that everyone who gets in pays to do so. Still, the berm seating is a great way to watch – fans not wanting to sit in the bleachers can also bring their chairs and sit down in front where space allows. The Roadrunners have found a way to honor the success of their past with signage on the fence at the front of the ballpark, highlighting their conference champions and All-Americans. There is also huge signage near the team’s bullpen area showcasing the Roadrunner greats of past seasons. Neighborhood 5 Roadrunner Field is right on the UTSA campus and is near the historic Convocation Center, home of the basketball and volleyball teams. The campus is on the far northwest side of the city off Loop 1604. This puts it at a 20-minute drive from San Antonio’s vibrant, tourist friendly downtown area. It’s also an 18-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport. More on this in the Access section. While you will have to put in a bit of a drive if you want to see highlights of the Alamo City, there is still plenty to do in the area near the ballpark. In fact, one of the state’s top amusement parks is literally across the street from the UTSA campus. Six Flags Fiesta Texas celebrated its 30th year in 2021 and has seen several upgrades and renovations over the years. However, it is still recognized by several of its anchor rides, including the Iron Rattler and Scream drop tower ride. If you have time, this is the perfect place to spend time before or after a Roadrunners game. If you’re not interested in riding thrill rides or seeing costumed characters sing and dance, there is another world-class option nearby that’s a little more laid back; La Cantera Resort & Spa is also practically across the street from the UTSA campus. In addition to being a world-class hotel and spa, La Cantera is also home to one of the best hotel restaurants in the country (Signature), and the award-winning La Cantera Golf Course was the former home of the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open from 1995-2009. For dining, the nearby Shops at La Cantera have an abundance of options. These range from higher-end spots including Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, Bovino’s Churrascaria, and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. There are also numerous other options to choose from, depending on what your tastebuds are in the mood for. If you’re looking for lodging, there are options nearby as well – these include DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest and Quality Inn San Antonio Fiesta At Six Flags. However, there are other options farther down Loop 1604, or closer to nearby Interstate 10. Fans 4 These days, seats in the bleachers are hard to come by at Roadrunner Field, especially for weekend games. As an alum and a fan this is good to see, but as someone just going to catch a ballgame, this is also very much appreciated. More fans equals more energy, and that is great for the overall atmosphere of the game. The crowd is lively and root on the home team throughout the game, and they come out to the games decked out in their orange, blue, and white gear. There are also a lot of young fans in the stands – and I’m not talking about current students – which is refreshing to see. Access 4 As previously mentioned the UTSA campus is easily accessible by Loop 1604, or you can reach it via Interstate 10 (along the fortunately named UTSA Blvd.) From there, you pretty much just need to look for the stadium lights, as there is not much in the way of signage marking where to go. Once on site there is free parking in unmarked spaces in the Barshop Lot. Or, if you choose not to drive, VIA, the city’s public transportation option, does offer routes to the campus. While the campus is 20-minutes from Downtown and 18-minutes from the airport, this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, and that is traffic on Interstate 10 and Loop 1604; keep that in mind when heading toward the game. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for games at Roadrunner Field are $7 per person, which is pretty fan-friendly to the old wallet. Factoring in the free parking and low concession costs, a family (or someone just going solo) can really catch some big-time college ball on the cheap at UTSA. The Roadrunners typically play a very high-end non-conference schedule, and with their impending move to the American Athletic Conference, their regular season opponents should soon be even better. Bottom-line, you’re getting a great bargain to see some high-end college baseball at Roadrunner Field. Extras 1 There isn’t much in the way of Extras at Roadrunner Field, however, they do offer your typical giveaways and contests in between innings. However, that’s pretty much the extent offered, but what they do have is the setting – the academic setting, the nearby Convocation Center, Roadrunner Softball Field, intramural fields, and the newly constructed Roadrunner Athletic Center of Excellence are all great backdrops for exploring before and after games. Final Thoughts As a fan, it’s great to see the Roadrunners back to being competitive on the diamond. With plans in the works to upgrade their basketball facilities, one can only hope that the master plan to expand the ballpark happens sooner rather than later. In the meantime, if you find yourself looking for something to do on the far northwest side of San Antonio, you should take in a game at Roadrunner Field. It’s not a bucket list stadium, but if you’re a fan of the sport, I think you’ll enjoy it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer's portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Folsom Field, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey The Coach Prime effect is real. The University of Colorado has sold more than 30,000 tickets to the Buffaloes' April 22 spring football game, according to the Boulder Daily Camera. This, despite the fact that CU is selling tickets for $10 for the first time since the 1980s and with the Buffs having posted a 1-11 record. The difference? Deion Sanders. Since being named CU's head coach on December 3, 2022, Sanders has reinvigorated a program that desperately needed it. He assembled ESPN's top ranked transfer recruiting class for 2023, thanks in large part to bringing two-way star Travis Hunter. The nation's top recruit a year ago, Hunter was this season's top transfer. He came to Boulder from Jackson State University, where Sanders coached two seasons. Sanders also recruited ESPN's 23rd ranked recruiting class overall, highlighted by five-star cornerback Cormani McClain. The excitement around both the program and Sanders has made CU's 2023 spring football game a hot ticket. CU's spring football attendance records date back to 1953, with the Buffs' previous high attendance for a spring game of 17,800 fans coming in 2008. In 2022, CU estimated attendance for the spring game at 1,950. CU's Folsom Field seats 50,183. With more than 60 percent of those seats sold for the spring game and free admission for CU students, Sanders might have a full stadium for his first spring game in Boulder.

Photos by Brett Gibbons, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park 301 Olsen Boulevard College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 6,100 History, Tradition, and SEC Baseball in Aggieland Game days at Texas A&M are unlike anywhere else, regardless of sport. From the clear military cadet influence to the ways you are greeted are just different. What is immediately evident in the athletics portion of campus is the grandeur and scale of the facilities. From the 102,000+ seat Kyle Field just beyond center field to Blue Bell Park itself, Aggies pride themselves on having some of the most pristine venues in the country. While not quite the same scale as Kyle Field, the park still sits 6,100 fans, 12th among on-campus baseball parks in Division I baseball. A ball game at Blue Bell Park perfectly embodies baseball in the SEC: from huge turnouts to elite talent, the Aggies fit right in the SEC mix. There aren’t many better ways to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than watching the Aggies win games and engaging in the chants that make Texas A&M so famous across all sports. A victory in Blue Bell Park isn’t rare– A&M has a 0.762 winning percentage at home in the past five seasons. A Texas A&M home baseball game is all you need to leave the blues of winter firmly behind. Food & Beverage 3 Fans are offered a wide selection of great concessions at the park, if they are willing to pay, ranging from peanuts to corn dogs. Lines are minimal and food comes quickly, likely due to many fans being deterred by pricing. Prices are stadium standard, with a bag of popcorn costing $5, a pretzel costing $6, and a cheeseburger basket costing $10. The food is of the utmost quality, with hamburgers being actually grilled and everything is made fresh for customers. Blue Bell ice cream is a highlight of the menus, with the vendors having naming rights to the ballpark. While no real risks are taken with special food items, there is something on the menu to satisfy just about any craving. Beer is offered in an exclusive zone on the third base concourse, which will cost you $5 to get in. All ages are welcome, but minors under 18 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult. This porch gives an unobstructed view of the game and a close and immediate drink stand stocked with soda, water, and beer. Atmosphere 4 Blue Bell Park offers one of the most charming, unique, and memorable experiences in baseball, regardless of league. Aside from everything you’d expect from a premier SEC ballpark, Texas A&M tradition paints the experience its own color. Everything about the park ties it in with the other venues, all modeled after Kyle Field’s iconic rusty brick and concrete trim. Even the overhang above the stands is uniform throughout all of the sports venues. Renovated in 2012, Blue Bell Park still stays polished and provides excellent seating for everyone. The highlight of a game day at Blue Bell Park (or any Texas A&M sporting event) is their student section. Always packed, students bring their legendary chants to energy to the diamond. A favorite of the section is to incorporate the name of the current opposing pitcher into, well, everything. The noisy, rhythmic chants often disrupt the pitcher, drawing walks and hits. The synchrony of the fans is something that can only be found in College Station, with the game almost seeming to be scripted because of the flawless unity. The P.A. announcers and scoreboard operators add another dimension to the game, playing cheeky songs and sound effects relevant to the situation. Aggies get a strikeout? The opening to “The Rifleman” is played. Aggies hit by a pitch? “Hurts so Good” is played. Creativity and thoroughness are incredible. Overall, the atmosphere is great if you’re on the side of Texas A&M or a just a fan of baseball. For opposing players, though, Blue Bell Park and its fans can be a nightmare. Neighborhood 4 The park is in the middle of the athletics portion of campus, sitting right next to the monstrous Kyle Field and within walking distance of the George Bush Presidential Library. A stroll through the campus of Texas A&M is imperative before or after a ballgame at Blue Bell Park. The most famous spot for photo ops is the giant sculpture of the Texas A&M class ring, which can be found not too far away from the ballpark. The student center was just recently renovated and is worth a quick walkthrough. College Station is a fantastic college town (with an appropriate name, too), with plenty of nightlife and college dives. Dixie Chicken is the oldest bar in town, operating since 1974, and often hosts live music on the weekends. Dozens of other bars and restaurants sit in the area and make activities outside of the game easy to find. Fans 5 Texas A&M fans are some of the most passionate, dedicated, and fanatical fans in the world. The devotion to their Aggies is symbolic of the devotion of the cadets to their country. Even in early season non-conference games, attendance will push over 5,000. Sellouts are not uncommon when conference rivals make their way to town, and ranked games will draw well over capacity, with their record attendance being 1,437 over capacity in 2018 against historic rival Texas. The fans have chants memorized and their energy can disrupt opposing teams. While the crowd lulls during gaps in scoring or hitting, when the Aggies are on a roll, the fans can push the decibels to nearly uncomfortable. During the seventh inning stretch, the fans sing “God Bless America” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” unique to Blue Bell Park. Following Aggie runs scored, thousands of bubbles will fill the stadium, a long-running tradition in the park followed by the iconic Aggie War Hymn. Texas A&M baseball fans are friendly and dialed in and give life to the ballpark. Access 5 Located right in the middle of several sporting venues, Blue Bell Park isn’t difficult to find. It can be found on George Bush Parkway, one of the most major streets on A&M’s campus. The ballpark shares a parking lot with Reed Arena, so close parking is plentiful for only $5. College Station sits just 90 miles from Houston and within three hours of Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Several highways lead in and out of “CStat,” including routes 47, 21, 30, and 6. Despite being removed from the interstate, traffic is minimal, backups only occur immediately following the game and only last a maximum of ten minutes. Return on Investment 4 General admission seating on the lawn sections only cost $5 through the official A&M website and can be found for even less on third-party sites, depending on the opponent. Reserved seats will only set you back a maximum of $12. Parking is very cheap considering the campus and the concessions are average. Free posters and programs are passed outside of the park before the game and you might just be lucky enough to come away with free Whataburger from fan promotions. To see an elite SEC program in a premier ballpark won’t cost you much more than $20. Extras 3 No doubt, Texas A&M is a football school. While the chants and fan dedication are uniform across the sports, the iconic cadets are missing from baseball games. The atmosphere lacks the authentic Texan feel, despite the school priding itself on Texan traditions and culture. However, the environment is great for families and inviting to non-A&M alumni (a rarity in College Station). Final Thoughts Overall, Blue Bell Park provides a relaxing afternoon at the ballpark where you can watch some elite talent in a gorgeous venue. The student section is fun and engaging and chances are you’ll see an Aggie victory. The history and tradition of Texas A&M are on display in a way only found in College Station. Great seats and a fun day without breaking your bank is what can be expected from a visit to Blue Bell Park. Follow Brett Gibbons’ stadium journey on Instagram @roadtocfb

Photos by Ethan Stone, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lindsey Nelson Stadium 1511 Pat Head Summitt St Knoxville, TN 37996 Tennessee Volunteers website Lindsey Nelson Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 4,283 Vol Ball At Rocky Top Lindsey Nelson Stadium, smack dab in the middle of the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus, is on the smaller side of SEC baseball venues. The field, which opened in 1993 before a pair of renovations in 2010 and 2018, seats 4,283 fans, which is good enough for ninth among the 14 college baseball powerhouse SEC schools. Confusingly, the Vols play baseball at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Robert M. Lindsay field – no correlation. It was recently renovated to a turf field from natural grass prior to the 2019 season. Current head coach Tony Vitello hopes to add more seating in the not too distant future. “I challenge Vol fans to look at Ole Miss’ old stadium,” Vitello said. “Mississippi’s stadium in Oxford— the shell is very similar to ours here and they’ve built that thing into a monster…I think there’s a rivalry between each team in our league, but people in this state are great and they’re great sports fans too. We need more seats in this stadium as well.” Food & Beverage 4 Prices at Lindsey Nelson Stadium for concessions are more than fair, with a decent variety for a college park. The standard nachos, hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn boxes are all under $5. Only a popcorn tub, refillable with one sticker and decently sized, exceeds the $5 mark, coming in at $6. Both card and cash are accepted throughout the concourse. Beverages are a different story. A water bottle is $6 and a refillable souvenir cup will set you back $7. There are multiple stands set up around the stadium, the main just behind the stands right upon entry to the park through the box office. There is a Petro’s stand on the first base side of the main concourse, as well as a few stands selling alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 5 Lindsey Nelson Stadium is a very well-kept venue. From an aesthetic standpoint, it is impressive to look at as well. While it may be obvious with its size, every seat in the house has a perfect view of the playing field. Despite being slightly hidden among other cathedrals on campus such as Neyland Stadium or Thompson-Boling Arena, Lindsey Nelson is an objectively great place to watch a college baseball game. Neighborhood 3 Tennessee, despite recent success on the diamond, is not and has never been a baseball school – that shows in Lindsey Nelson Stadium’s location on campus. Though a nice field, it seems to be in a forgotten corner of campus near the fraternities and train yard just beside the Tennessee river that slinks alongside nearby downtown Knoxville. All that to say, Lindsey Nelson is slightly hard to miss upon first visit to the university. It’s a half mile to any restaurant in the area, as well as a decent walk to Cumberland Avenue, which is the main social spot on Tennessee’s campus. The stadium is next to the football training field, less than a quarter mile south of Thompson-Boling Arena, as well as a half mile south of Neyland Stadium. Fans 5 Tennessee was the No. 1 ranked team in the nation at the time of Stadium Journey’s visit. Vols fans are passionate and rowdy, even during a midweek game at the midpoint in the college baseball season. An overwhelming number of fans turn the main concourse of Lindsey Nelson Stadium into a sea of Orange for a normal weekend series against a fellow SEC counterpart. Fans are often early for games, led by the student section which arrives near an hour early for most matchups, and are aptly named the, “Legends of Lindsey Nelson.” Access 2 Especially as of late, Lindsey Nelson Stadium has had a bit of a parking problem. There are limited parking spots directly bordering the stadium and rates can reach as much as $10-20 in the immediate area of the park. Traffic, be it because of campus residents or simply poor road layout, is often an obstacle on game days. Arriving early and having a plan when parking is highly recommended. For those who don’t mind a walk, G-10 parking garage down the street a little under 3/4ths of a mile from Lindsey Nelson Stadium is a nice option for those looking to avoid the hassle. Return on Investment 4 Lindsey Nelson Stadium might not be the largest baseball venue in the Southeastern conference, but overall enjoyment certainly does not take a hit. As mentioned above, the only real headache of the day rotates navigating your way to the stadium. Not to mention, tickets are often cheap for what has become excellent production on the diamond to watch in recent seasons. Extras 3 Tennessee painted a few baseball murals just outside the entrance to the stadium. There are plenty of nice places to take a picture during your visit to Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Buying gear and merchandise is a challenge – there are only a few stands selling Vols gear throughout the main concourse of the stadium. In total, one can walk around the entire field in less than five minutes. Final Thoughts Lindsey Nelson Stadium mirrors Knoxville in that it is easy to miss, but enjoyable and fulfilling nonetheless. It’s fanbase is passionate and it remains an excellent venue to watch America’s pastime. Pay mind to your gameday preparations – make sure there’s a plan in place to traverse the UT Knoxville campus and a game at Lindsey Nelson Stadium will be a rewarding one.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Taylor Stadium 181 Research Park Dr Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Taylor Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,031 Mizzou’s Tigers……. They’re Grrrrrrreat! The University of Missouri has a storied athletic history with the very successful Norm Stewart years in basketball to the most recent championships in the form of the Missouri Tigers football team and their early success as the newest member of the SEC’s eastern division. The move to the SEC not only meant tougher competition on the field, but off the field as well. Four SEC baseball stadiums including Carolina Stadium (South Carolina), Dudy Noble Stadium (Mississippi State), Baum Field (Arkansas), and Alex Box Stadium (LSU) were rated in the top ten college baseball experiences by Stadium Journey. The Mizzou Tigers call Ralph and Debbie Taylor/ Phi Delta Theta Stadium at Simmons Field (whew!) home. Most of the locals call it the Taylor for short. Taylor Stadium was built in 2002 and has a seating capacity for 3,031. It features a natural grass playing surface and has dimensions of 340 feet down the lines and 400 feet to straightaway center. In preparation for its move to the SEC, the stadium underwent a massive renovation in 2010. Amongst the improvements are increased seating capacity (with 537 seat back chairs), an expanded concession area and improved restroom facilities. Fan comfort is also taken into consideration as the updated design even cut down on the heavy crosswinds that are common in the Midwest. The exterior of the stadium also has a new look with red brick walls, green metal roof and black steel supports which compliment the surrounding MU athletic facilities. The baseball Tigers have a long history of success, with one National Championship, three appearances in the College World Series finals, six College World Series Tournaments and 22 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. They also have 20 conference championships from their years in the Big 8 and the Big 12. More than 40 Tiger baseball alums have made it to the MLB, including such familiar names as John Dettmer, Ian Kinsler, Max Scherzer, Art Shamsky, Mike Shannon, and Sonny Siebert. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions area is one of the areas where major renovations have been made and it shows. There are a large range of foods to pick from, including hot dogs, brats, burgers, pretzels, sunflower seeds, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, and soda. The prices are somewhat high, but the portions are huge. The checkout is centralized which makes a much more steady flow as the counter workers can concentrate on getting the food to you fast. The Tiger memorabilia and spirit shop in the stadium is also well stocked with a broad selection of merchandise. Atmosphere 4 Baseball in any part of Missouri is an event, and the same holds true for the atmosphere at Taylor Stadium. A nearly full house generates a lot of energy and the Tigers deliver. They even have their own chant, when a run scores, as the announcer goes M…I…Z and the crowd responds with a thunderous Z…O… UUUUUU! The folks at Mizzou also hold numerous promotions. My most recent visit was the last home game of the season and it was MU’s Baseball Alumni night with more than 50 former Tigers in attendance. It was also a “Girls Night Out” with sorority members given discounted tickets. A Friday night at a Tigers baseball game is something to remember! Neighborhood 4 The Taylor is located just off of the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri. The campus of 35,000 students is designated as a botanical garden and the grounds are spectacular. The school was founded in in 1839 and was the first public university west of the Mississippi. It is known internationally as having one of the best Journalism Schools in the world. Taylor Stadium is located within the MU Sports Park, which includes the basketball, football, track and field and softball facilities. Columbia is a city of 115,000 people and is home to both Stephens College and Columbia College in addition to the University. As would be expected in a college town, the music and club scene is quite active. Among the more popular clubs in town are the 1839 Taphouse, Bengals Bar and Grill, and Harpo’s. Local restaurants favored by the locals include Shotgun Pete’s BBQ, the Flat Branch Brewery, and Addison’s American Grill. Also as a school with an agriculture program, Mizzou has an on campus dairy bar. Be sure to get a couple of scoops of the Tiger Stripe (vanilla ice cream with Dutch chocolate stripes running through it). Fans 4 One of the reasons that Missouri was accepted into the SEC is due to its rabid fan base. No matter what the sport, and no matter how far they have to travel for conference road games, Tiger fans will be there. The baseball stadium is usually 80%-100% full for every game. Fan support financially has also allowed the university to upgrade its sports facilities to be competitive with those available at their conference rivals. The stands are full of gold and back, and you will frequently see Truman (named for a certain Missouri-bred president) the Tiger mascot up in the stands and leading cheers. Access 4 Columbia is located in the geographic center of Missouri, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. It is easily accessible from I-70. Columbia Regional Airport is serviced by American Eagle, with flights to both St. Louis and Kansas City. Parking for baseball is free and is available in the General Public Lot between the football stadium and The Taylor, off Stadium Boulevard. Accessibility within the stadium is excellent thanks to the renovations of 2010. Return on Investment 4 Hotels in Columbia run from $72-$130 a night during non-event (graduation/football home games) dates. Tiger baseball tickets are $5 ($3 for children/seniors) and parking is free. The restaurants in Columbia run gamut from pizza palaces to fine dining and can cost between $5-$50. You are paying college town prices, not big city prices, when you visit Columbia. Extras 3 Due to its equidistant location between St Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a great midway point in doing a 3-game baseball weekend. Many people have seen an afternoon Cardinals game, hopped in their cars to catch a night game in Columbia, spend the night and then head over to Kansas City for a Royals game on Saturday. Columbia also has a very active cultural district with plenty of museums, concert facilities, and art galleries to visit. An extra point is also awarded for the event staff at Mizzou games. The night I attended there was a baseball game, a women’s softball game (versus defending national champion, the University of Florida) and a track meet all being held within the Missouri sports complex. The event staff handled this with a professionalism you do not often see at the college level. They are friendly, welcoming and are great ambassadors for the university.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field 3277 Gourrier Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70820 LSU Tigers website Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,326 Tigers in the Box Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field is located on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. Alex Box Stadium has been the home stadium of the LSU Tigers baseball team since 1938. However, the current ballpark was constructed in 2009 and lies 400 yards south from the original site. Alex Box Stadium is named for Simeon Alex Box, an LSU letterman on the 1942 team, who was killed in North Africa during World War II. Alex Box earned the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross during his service. Skip Bertman Field was added to the stadium’s official title on May 17, 2013, prior to a game against Ole Miss. Skip Bertman was a former LSU head baseball coach and athletic director. Alex Box Stadium has a natural grass playing surface featuring a seating capacity of 10,326. There is artificial turf in the foul territories. The field size is 330 ft down the lines with a 365 ft power alley, and a 405 ft center field with a 10-foot fence. Alex Box Stadium continues to lead college baseball in attendance, as it has for 23 consecutive years. The Box has hosted 25 NCAA regional tournaments, 10 NCAA regional series, and 4 SEC tournaments. The largest paid attendance according to LSU is 12,844 against Notre Dame, although there is a statement by LSU that the largest actual attendance figure is 11,401 on June 8, 2013 vs Oklahoma in a Super Regional matchup. Food & Beverage 4 There are numerous concessions stands available throughout the stadium. There are permanent concession stands on both sides of the baselines on the lower level concourse and the main concourse above the first level seating area. These concessions have your ballpark favorites, as well as a few regional items. Entree items include the Tiger burger ($7), hot dogs ($4), sausage po-boys ($8), and chicken tender baskets ($10), with the regional item being the Cajun Jambalaya ($8). The rest of the menu consists of snacks and sides, such as nachos ($5), chili cheese fries ($6), French fries ($4), popcorn ($5), and peanuts ($4.50). In addition, for the frugal person a bottomless popcorn for $8 is a great way to snack during the game. The options besides the main concessions are located on the lower level with a Chick-fil-A stand selling $7 chicken sandwiches and $3 waffle fries. BurgerSmith’s food truck is also on the lower level (third base side) and serves great burgers ($9), fried okra ($5) and alligator sausage ($9). LSU concessions serves Coca-Cola products – a 22oz soda costs $4.50, but for $7 you can receive a 32oz souvenir cup with a free refill. There are two choices of Dasani bottled water; a 1-liter bottle is available for $5.50 while the 1/2-liter costs $3. There are plenty of water fountains to refill bottles, so the smaller bottle would be frugal. Other beverages sold are frozen lemonade, Powerade, and both coffee and hot chocolate; these beverages range around $5 in cost. There’s no alcohol sold inside Alex Box Stadium, but overall, the food and beverages here are above standard, and provide fans with enough options while inside The Box. Atmosphere 5 From the moment you arrive at Alex Box Stadium the atmosphere begins. The main entrance gives fans an opportunity to visit Gerry Lane Championship Plaza, which pays homage to the LSU baseball national championship teams. The next item for fans is a large Mike the Tiger statue and the Wally Pontiff Jr. Baseball Hall of Fame. As you enter the stadium, you can either walk the outer concourse along a fence that has a baseball design, or make your way up to the main concourse between the lower and upper tiers behind home plate. As you look out over the stadium’s ballfield, you see the Intimidator billboard in right field, LSU’s Tiger Stadium in center, and the new updated video-scoreboard over the left field landing. In addition, if you walk down to the lower level concourse, at each end in the outfield you’ll find a large playground. LSU fans that arrive when the gates open also collaborate near the Tigers pitching mound in right field; this area has plenty of players warming up and they are available for photos. The LSU game day crew keep fans engaged between innings with low-key on-field events and piped in music, but during the game it is all about the LSU faithful. The LSU fans energy and spirit are very well in tune with what the Tigers are doing on the playing field – there are plenty of L-S-U or Geaux Tigers chants throughout the game. The large active crowd inside a beautiful college ballpark that could outdo some professional ballparks creates an atmosphere that is simply the best in college baseball. Neighborhood 4 Alex Box Stadium is on the LSU campus, a few miles south from downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The campus enrollment is close to 31,000 and consists of more than 250 buildings constructed in the style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio; the campus occupies a 650-acre plateau on the east banks of the Mississippi River. The area just off the interstate isn’t much to see, but on the north end of campus off Highland Road is Chimes Street – Chimes Street is a good place to find many local bars and restaurants to enjoy yourself. There are plenty of food options available with Chinese food, sushi, BBQ joints, southern cuisine, and sports bars where you can watch other games. The closest spot for a pre-game or post-game meal near The Box is Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar on Burbank Drive. Walk-On’s is a great spot for food and drinks, but others nearby on Burbank Drive are Mellow Mushroom for pizza, or if you’re looking for buffalo wings, there is Plucker’s off Nicolson Drive. For fans who enjoy local breweries, try visiting Tin Roof Brewing Company. No matter where you are in Baton Rouge, you will be able to find food and beverage to your liking within a short drive. Baton Rouge has plenty of lodging, but there are a couple of places within walking distance from campus. Near Walk-On’s and down Nicholson Drive from the stadium is a 3-star hotel, Staybridge Suites Baton Rouge, while on the east side of campus is the Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU. There are plenty of attractions near the Louisiana State University campus – the first attraction is inside Alex Box Stadium in the form of the Wally Pontiff Jr. Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a place that provides fans the history of LSU baseball. However, a trip to LSU wouldn’t be complete unless you take a visit to Mike’s habitat to see Mike the Tiger. Mike the Tiger is a famed live Bengal Tiger residing between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. There are also plenty of options off campus, such as the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a wonderful tourist spot to visit between the LSU campus and downtown Baton Rouge. Downtown Baton Rouge also has both the old and new capitol buildings, the latter being one of the tallest buildings in Baton Rouge, and there is also the L’Auberge casino, Baton Rouge Zoo, and much more to see in Baton Rouge besides the game. However, one of my favorite tourist spots is the USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class destroyer from WWII, now a National Historic Landmark/museum ship berthed on the Mississippi River. Fans 5 The LSU Tigers fan base is one of the loudest and most dedicated, and possibly the best fan base in college sports, across the board. Tigers fans are loyal baseball fans that consistently fill The Box for home games – LSU has dominated NCAA baseball attendance, leading the nation in average home crowd since 1998. In fact, the back side of the Intimidator sign states, Baseball at The Box: College Baseball’s Greatest Fans. The fans are always involved in the game from clapping in support of the pitcher when the batter has two strikes, or the Geaux Tigers chants throughout the game, and the fans energy just continues beyond that. LSU fight songs are also piped in, including “Fight For LSU” and “Hey Fighting Tiger.” There are very few college baseball fans that match the fan participation at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. Access 4 Alex Box Stadium is located on the southwest side of the LSU campus. Nicholson Drive is the main route to the stadium and can be directly accessed from I-10. The lots directly around Alex Box Stadium are reserved primarily for season ticket holders and can only be purchased as a full-season pass; otherwise the parking cost is $10 per vehicle if space is available. There is free parking available in Gourrier South, The Hayfield, or Levee South to the west of the stadium, and there are two ways to reach these parking lots; drive on Gourrier Ave past the stadium’s reserved lots and the parking lots will be towards River Road and the Rec fields. Or, to avoid congested traffic at the stadium reserved lots, take Skip Bertman Drive to River Road, then turn onto Gourrier from the west heading east. No matter which direction you decide to take the free parking is a short walk to the stadium. Alternatively, the “Old Front Nine” grass lot at the corner of Nicholson Drive and Burbank Drive across from The Box also provides free parking, and this a great spot to utilize for accessing both Walk-On’s sports pub and Alex Box Stadium. The main entrance to Alex Box Stadium is located directly behind home plate via the Gerry Lane Championship Plaza. The Wally Pontiff Jr. Hall of Fame and LSU ticket windows will be located to your left (third base side). There are entrance gates down both first and third baselines, but these entrances are on the lower concourse and show no view of the ballfield. The upper concourse, though, is above the seating levels and has a view the game as you walk around. There are plenty of restroom facilities throughout the ballpark and lines are non-existent. An elevator is available behind home plate for the club suites. In addition, despite the stadium being close to capacity daily, there is plenty of room to navigate. Note that LSU’s security measures follow the Geaux Clear policy, meaning nothing is allowed in except clear totes (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) no larger than 12”X 6”X 12”, 1-gallon clear zip top bags, or small clutch purses no larger than 4½” X 6½”, and seat cushions with no pockets and not larger than 16” (see www.LSUsports.net/GeauxClear). Overall, the access is easy for the number of fans that attend Tigers baseball. Return on Investment 5 There are a couple of ways to look at the return on investment at Alex Box Stadium. For as low as $12, you can have a ticket to one of the premier college baseball venues in the country, and if you are lucky enough to obtain a bleacher or reserved seat, the cost will be $18. There is also plenty of free parking near the ballpark. The concessions costs are reasonable but not overly cheap, however the atmosphere for attending a Tigers baseball game at The Box is unmatched in college baseball. Extras 5 The LSU baseball experience is unheard of in college baseball – the whole LSU baseball experience is an extra that only a couple of other baseball programs could possibly match. The LSU fans dominate in attendance over the last two decades and the atmosphere is simply amazing. In addition, the Wally Pontiff Jr. LSU Baseball Hall of Fame is a wonderful museum for fans to learn about the Tigers baseball program. The museum is open throughout the game for fans to visit, however, Tigers fans are loyal, so you won’t see many fans walking around the stadium during the game action. One of the first things you’ll notice when entering The Box is the “Intimidator” billboard in right field. The image of a growling tiger and the six National Championship years listed is like walking into Boston’s Fenway Park and seeing the iconic Green Monster. There are also multiple large playground areas for families attending the game, as well as the availability to buy LSU apparel around the stadium with two LSU SportShops. Another plus is the honor that LSU has for the country’s military – the Chair of Honor on the concourse is an unoccupied seat in honor of those who are still Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing In Action (MIA), and symbolizes there will always be a place in the stadium awaiting their return. Final Thoughts The atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium is impeccable – all the great things that sports fans hear about watching a game at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium don’t match the reality. The reality of a game at The Box is much better. A trip to LSU’s Alex Box Stadium should be on every college baseball fan’s list, as it is one of the best stadium experiences in all of sports.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park 351 South Donohue Dr Auburn, AL 36830 Auburn Tigers website Plainsman Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 4,096 The Tiger’s Den Auburn Tiger baseball has had an illustrious history since its beginning in 1931. The program has won six SEC Championships and won three SEC Tournament titles. The team has reached 19 NCAA Regionals and has made it to the College World Series four times. A majority of this success has taken place at Plainsman Park, their on-campus home since 1950. Auburn has always been a school that looks to the future, while treasuring its past. This can be seen by the many late 1800 and early 1900 academic buildings standing next door to a modern research facility. The same is true of Plainsman Park (the full formal name is Samford Stadium – Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park… we will be using Plainsman Park for brevity’s sake) as it celebrates its glorious baseball past, while incorporating the latest features in stadium design to increase performance on the field and enhance fan engagement off the field. Food & Beverage 3 There are two primary concession stands servicing Plainsman Park, The Home Plate and the Curveball Café. The food served at each stand is the typical baseball fare at very affordable prices. Items on the menu include cheeseburgers ($6), hot dogs ($3), pretzels ($5), nachos ($5), popcorn ($4), candy ($3), peanuts ($4) and sunflower seeds ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola sodas ($4) and bottled water ($2). Atmosphere 4 Plainsman Park maintained its original look throughout the 20th century, but the school felt a major update to the facility was needed before its 50th anniversary and the 21st century arrived. In 1998, the face lift began, with the installation of a brick backstop, 3,200 chair back seats and Auburn’s own version of the Green Monster in left field. To enhance the fan experience, the playing field was brought much closer to the stands (only 40 feet from either the first or third base bags) and front row seats are only 4 feet above the playing surface. These changes were well received by the fans and as the Tigers on-field performance improved an enlargement of the stadium was needed. Instead of creating space further from the field, the bullpens were moved off the sides of the field and placed beyond the outfield wall. This allowed for more seating to be added at field level down the baselines. In 2017 Auburn added a 24 foot X 63 foot video board in right center field and replaced all 6,800 chair backs in the stadium. A Tiger Terrace general admission section was added above the third base seats for a berm-like seating effect. The response from the fans to these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, and the baseball industry has taken notice as well. Both Baseball America and D1Baseball.com have consistently rated Plainsman Park in their Top Ten College Baseball venues over the past few years. Neighborhood 4 The immediate area around Plainsman Park is the Auburn Athletic area of the campus. It lies in the shadow of Jordan-Hare Stadium and is across the street from the Auburn Arena. The Auburn campus is known for its natural beauty and the historic architecture of its buildings. Just across College Street from the campus is the downtown area of the city of Auburn. The city has always been known as the “loveliest village on the plain” as it has retained its small town feel despite great growth in the size of the university. Most of the stores lining College Street are of the mom and pop variety with local ownership. Toomer’s Drug Store is a “must see” when visiting Auburn, as it buoys “Toomer’s Corner,” the site of all Auburn’s greatest victory celebrations. It has an old-fashioned soda shop and serves its own brand of lemonade. Most of the top restaurants and entertainment facilities are found along College Street, which forms an eastern border to the campus. Favorites along this stretch include BurgerFi and Amsterdam Cafe. The closest lodging to the campus is the Auburn Conference Center and Hotel. A majority of the lodging options in Auburn are found in between I-85 and the Auburn campus. Fans 4 No matter what the sport, Auburn fans are known for being loud (both in volume and in their blue and orange attire) and proud. The baseball team has given the fans every reason to be proud, given the program’s successful history over time. You will hear the term “War Eagle” incessantly, both as a cheer for a great play or to simply acknowledge a fellow Auburn fan. Auburn goes by several nicknames, including “Tigers,” “War Eagles” or “Plainsmen.” Auburn fans are also known for their politeness, even to supporters of the opposing team (except the University of Alabama). When you visit Auburn, you are considered “company,” and company is always treated with respect. Auburn University goes the extra mile in accommodating its fans. While it does everything possible to get fans inside the stadium, it also has established viewing areas outside the stadium as well. “The Platform” is a raised area behind the right center field wall that is restricted to students only. Two other popular viewing areas for the general public are the terraced area behind the left field wall and the Stadium Parking Deck, which overlooks the entire field from behind the third base line. Access 4 Auburn is located 60 miles east of Montgomery and 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. The Auburn campus is easy to reach via exit 51 off I-85. You will simply head north for 7 miles as it becomes College Street. To get to Plainsman Park, you will simply turn left at Samford then right on Donohue to one of three parking facilities set aside for baseball parking (the Coliseum parking lot, the Auburn Arena parking lot or the Stadium parking deck.) The Stadium Deck is by far the most preferable as it overlooks the baseball field. The university has no problem with fans watching the game from the parking deck at no charge! Plainsman Park is very easy to navigate, as its most recent renovations widened the concourses and added additional concession areas and restrooms. Return On Investment 4 The cost of attending an Auburn game is quite reasonable. Tickets are $8 for non-conference games and $10 for all SEC contests. The concessions sold at Plainsman Park are not expensive compared to many large university stadiums. There are several parking options available both on and off campus. Lots on campus are typically free on weekends and town lots are usually around $5.00. Extras 4 The full name of Plainsman Park honors Jimmy Samford, the late Auburn board member who championed the 1998 upgrades and Jimmy and Billy Hitchcock, two brothers who were both All American baseball players for Auburn. The Hitchcock’s went on to play in major league baseball and held managerial posts later in their lives. The outfield walls are imprinted with graphics bearing the names of Auburn’s Baseball Hall of Fame members…. Bo Jackson, Frank Thomas, Gregg Olson and Tim Hudson. The Lovelace Hall of Honor is located just across the street from Plainsman Park in the Auburn Arena. The Hall of Honor is part museum and part Hall of Fame. It honors the greats from all Auburn sports, but also has exhibits about unique Auburn traditions, important events in the development of the athletic program and a salute to Auburn fans for their loyalty. The main team store for all sports is located adjacent to the Hall of Honor. A final extra goes to Toomer’s Drugs for its long history and the important role it plays in the Auburn community. Final Thoughts In a conference where football usually rules, the experience at Plainsman Park is just as special. The renovations and upgrades over the years have made a trip to a ball game in the Loveliest Village something fans will always look forward to.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field 1255 S Razorback Rd Fayetteville, AR 72701 Arkansas Razorbacks website Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,737 Hogs Style Baseball Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field is one of the finest college baseball stadiums in the country. The stadium is home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The stadium opened on April 13, 1996 with the Razorbacks winning 9-2 over Auburn. Baum-Walker Stadium has been renovated four times in reaching its current seating capacity of 10,737, making it the fourth-largest college baseball venue in the United States and the second-largest in the SEC. The playing field is named after George Cole, the former Arkansas Athletic Director and namesake of the Razorbacks old baseball stadium. The stadium itself is named after Charlie and Nadine Baum, Walmart investors and financial backers of the venue. On January 31, 2019 the stadium was renamed Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field in recognition of longtime support from the Walker Family. Food & Beverage 4 Baum-Walker Stadium is well equipped to provide above-average food and beverage services. There are permanent concession stands, vendors, and food trucks that provide a reasonable variety of food and drink options to satisfy all fans. There are the traditional hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, pizza, and nachos, all at a cost of $5 or less, and then there are higher-priced items at the concessions stands as well, such as smoked sausage ($7), bacon cheeseburgers ($10), and regular cheeseburgers ($8). The next echelon of food options at Baum-Walker Stadium would be the BBQ, and those items can be found in the food trucks. A food truck is located on each side of the baselines for easy access for fans. T-Boy’s BBQ trailer serves pulled pork sandwich and nachos, chicken sandwiches, and smoked chicken nachos – these items all cost $9, while a foot-long corn dog or curly with queso (cheese) are $6. There are also plenty of dessert options; Blue Bunny Ice Cream and Dippin’ Dots are well represented inside the stadium. Baum-Walker Stadium serves Pepsi products – a 20oz bottle with Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Dr Pepper, or Aquafina water costs $3. However, the better value is the 32oz souvenir cup for a dollar more. Gatorade is also available for $5, and a hot beverage for those cold February and March games is $3. There is no alcohol sold inside Baum Stadium. In addition to the concessions, however, the unique baseball experience at Baum-Walker Stadium is watching the game from the Hog Pen. The Hog Pen is the general admission area in left field, and this area is a picnic/park area where fans bring in lawn chairs and coolers. All food and beverages brought into the Hog Pen are to be kept in that area and not allowed inside the concourse at Baum-Walker Stadium. But overall, some could say that the food and beverages available for sales inside the venue meet expectations, but the low pricing and the BBQ extras raise the ranking for this section. Atmosphere 5 Baum-Walker Stadium provides an elite atmosphere, as the fans show up with their smokers and tents for tailgating well before the 2-hour gate opening time before first pitch. The atmosphere never dies down to a quiet baseball game, and this is due to the exceptional Razorbacks fans. The “Calling of the Hogs” is a tradition at all Razorbacks games. The Razorbacks fans begin a hog call with a “Woo,” which increases in volume and includes raising the arms with fingers wiggling up and down. The arms are brought down during the “pig” and the hands are clenched into a fist. “Sooie” is accompanied with a fist pump. After the third call, “Razorbacks” is added with two additional fist pumps. The fans are always loud and involved no matter the opponent, so the atmosphere is constantly electric during Razorbacks games. The Razorbacks atmosphere has the typical activities you see at other baseball games from the game day operations crew. There are promotional contests and activities between innings, and the Razorbacks mascot Ribby interacts with fans via photos and high fives while walking throughout the stadium. Ribby also joins the RBI girls (Arkansas Pom Squad) between innings on top of the players dugout for entertainment. Dressed in baseball uniforms, the RBI girls perform dance routines and lead the traditional singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch, as well as help with the Calling of the Hogs. Baum-Walker Stadium has one of the largest video boards in collegiate baseball. Overall, the atmosphere at Baum-Walker Stadium is exceptional, making it one of the best not just for college baseball, but for any level of baseball. Neighborhood 3 Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field is just south of the University of Arkansas’ campus in Fayetteville. The city itself is on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains, within the scenic Ozark Mountain. Fayetteville is a model college town – the stadium is next to the Randall Tyson Track Center on the corner of 15th Street and Razorback Road. There are two restaurants across 15th Street beyond the outfield wall of the stadium; El Patio Mexican Bar & Grill and Foghorn’s. But if you want more choices near the stadium then just down Razorback Road on MLK there are chain places like Sonic, Arby’s, Subway, and Zaxby’s. However, the best option for food and beverage before ballgames would be on Dickson Street, the city’s main artery within walking distance from the University of Arkansas’ campus; Dickson Street has a long list of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options for visitors, such as Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese, Bordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar, or Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. There is plenty of live music as well, so be sure to check out George’s Majestic Lounge, or Willy D’s Piano Bar. Plenty of available lodging is around campus and in downtown Fayetteville. The Chancellor Hotel is a great choice, or there is a Staybridge Suites near Baum-Walker Stadium. There are also chain hotels such as Candlewood Suites and Hampton Inn off I-49 at the MLK exit, and if you can’t secure lodging in Fayetteville, then there are other options in Springdale to the north towards the airport, or in historic Fort Smith; Fort Smith is about 45 minutes south of Fayetteville, off I-40. The Fort Smith area offers plenty of options for those who wish to do more during their time in Fayetteville than watch baseball. In Springdale at Arvest Ballpark you can find the Texas League Northwest Arkansas Naturals, which is the double-A team for the Kansas City Royals. However, once you attend a Razorbacks baseball games, the Naturals may disappoint you, so some non-baseball things to visit in Fayetteville include the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Clinton House Museum, Arkansas Air Museum, and the Columbus House Brewery and Tap Room. Fans 5 If you look up the attendance records for NCAA baseball, Arkansas fans are a constant top 3 in average attendance. This could easily tell you that the fans are also some of the best around when it comes to college baseball. However, the statement is more real when the stadium attendance is over 8,000 fans, with temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s for a non-conference game. Razorbacks fans are generally out in full force ahead of the first pitch with tailgating in the parking lots, and on Sundays you will even see a group of fans gathering for a devotion service, so they can be in their seats in time for a 1pm game. In fact, almost the entire crowd will be in their seats a full 15 minutes before the game’s first pitch. These fans aren’t the normal baseball fans that roam around the ballpark looking for other things to do – these fans are actively involved in the game. Of course, this is baseball in Arkansas and the Calling of the Hogs is done in full force throughout the game. Razorbacks fans are loud throughout the game and never quiet down, but what makes these fans even more impressive is that they are sitting in their seats; the concourse and concessions stands seem to only be used before the game, in-between innings, and at the end of the game, and not during play. Simply put, Razorbacks fans are the reason the atmosphere at Baum-Walker Stadium is one of the best in college baseball. Access 5 Baum-Walker Stadium has one of the best fan-friendly parking setups of any college baseball facility. Of course, there is reserved parking for baseball season ticket holders/Foundation Members in the lots across from the ballpark’s entrances, but just across Razorback Road is free public parking. However, just like any sports event, the earlier the better for a stress-free parking experience. There are 5 gate entrances into Baum-Walker Stadium; these gates are labeled A-D and the Hog Pen Gate for the General Admission seating in left field. The stadium enforces the clear bag policy; fans can bring in one clear bag (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”) AND one small clutch purse (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, the size of the palm of your hand, with or without a handle or strap). All bags and purses that do not meet the above requirements will not be permitted. Although permitted, childcare items including diapers must also be carried in an approved clear bag. The stadium also does have ADA seating and companion seating on the concourse level. Baum-Walker Stadium has a wide and spacious concourse with an open view to the playing surface, although you will see plenty of fans standing behind the seating areas. The signage is visible and clear for all fans to concessions, seating areas, and restrooms. In addition, re-entry is permitted at Baum-Walker Stadium with the appropriate re-entry hand stamp and ticket. Overall, the access to and around Baum-Walker Stadium is just as joyful as the rest of the game day experience. Return on Investment 5 Arkansas baseball single game tickets are cheaper during the week than weekend games. On weekdays game prices range from $8-$10, with weekend games being $2 more per ticket. The exception to this is the LSU series; single games ticket prices are raised to $12 and $15, respectively, but no matter what the game you are spending less than $20 per ticket. Note: The Arkansas website does add service fees to each order, raising your cost. However, there is an outstanding return on investment, considering that Razorbacks baseball in more of an experience than anything else. There is plenty of free parking with easy access and respectable concessions prices for a stadium to justify these ticket prices. The overall ROI is well worth a visit to Baum-Walker Stadium. Extras 4 Baum-Walker Stadium is one of the best ballparks in college baseball and perhaps the country. The large signage listing former Razorbacks players that have reached Major League Baseball is impressive, as is the trophy case filled with Razorbacks baseball plaques and memorabilia, and the individual steel beams that are decorated with pictures of former Razorbacks players that made it to the majors. In addition, the Bullpen area with its picnic tables and grills is a plus, as it allows fans to bring in coolers to enjoy baseball in a family outing setting rather than in plastic seats. But the Razorback fans themselves inside Baum-Walker Stadium are what really creates one of the best atmospheres in college baseball. Final Thoughts The Southeastern Conference has the best overall college baseball stadiums in the country, and Baum-Walker Stadium is one of the top echelon ballparks in the conference. The venue is impressive; better than most minor league ballparks around the country. There really isn’t a single negative about the ballpark, food, atmosphere, fans, or the return on investment. Any college baseball fan should make a baseball trip to Fayetteville to watch Hogs Style Baseball.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kidera Gymnasium 4245 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 Nazareth Golden Flyers men’s basketball website Kidera Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 1.200 Hoops of Nazareth Nazareth College was founded in 1924 as Nazareth College of Rochester. From its beginnings as an all-women’s college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, it has grown to its present size of just under 3,000 students offering classes in 60 undergraduate and more than two dozen graduate programs. The school, having gone co-ed in the 1970s, is known for its emphasis on community engagement. Nazareth’s athletic teams are named the Golden Flyers, and compete in the Empire 8 Athletic conference of Division Three. The school has enjoyed much athletic success over the years, as the men’s lacrosse teams have won three national championships and have finished as runners up an additional three times. In addition, the men’s volleyball team won the national championship in 2011. The Golden Flyers basketball teams play in the Robert A. Kidera Gymnasium. Mr. Kidera was the college president from 1976-1984 and a charter member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in making athletics an important part of campus life. The 6th president of the college, Kidera was the first male president at Nazareth. Over their history, the Golden Eagles have qualified for 9 NCAA Division Three tournaments. Their most famous basketball alumnus is Jeff Van Gundy. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions at Nazareth basketball games. Stadium Journey visited the college during the 2022 D-3 basketball tournament. The cafeteria located next door to the gym in the Shults Center was serving pizza, chicken wings and snacks, but this was a special event held in conjunction with the tournament. There is a vending machine in the lobby for anyone needing a drink during the game. Fans are allowed to bring their own snacks into the Kidera Gym. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at Kidera Gymnasium is typical of other small college facilities across the country. These gyms just lack the resources to put on a big-time show. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to enjoy your time at Nazareth. There’s just not a lot going on to distract from the action down on the court. There are a pair of scoreboards on either end of the gym that show basic game information. A highlight at some games are performances from the Nazareth Dance Squad, recently ranked as the top team in all of New York State. Staffers toss t-shirts into the game during breaks in the action. The students do their best to keep the energy level up thoughout the game. Nazaerth’s biggest rival is St. John Fisher College, located just a mile to the north. When the two teams match up, locals dub the game “The Battle of the Beaks.” If visiting for this game, expect a little more robust atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Nazareth College is a self-contained campus located in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford, a bedroom community with a population of about 30,000 residents. As you may expect with Nazareth’s suburban location, there’s not a whole lot to see or do within walking distance of the campus. Out of town visitors are likely to head to downtown Rochester, located just a few miles from Nazareth. For fans looking for options that are closer, Route 31 (Monroe Avenue) runs just a couple of miles south of the campus. Visitors will find plenty of dining, lodging and shopping options here. Among the chain restaurants lining this drag is the Black & Blue Steak and Crab Restaurant, an upscale American steakhouse with locations around upstate New York. Among the favorite spots to eat in Rochester are Nick Tahou’s Hots, birthplace of the “Garbage Plate” (it’s not what it sounds like), and the local outpost of Dinosaur BBQ, located right by the Blue Cross Arena on the Genesee River. Fans 3 Official reports list average attendance at Golden Flyers games at between 500-600 fans per game. In checking box scores from throughout the season, it would appear that there is a wide variation in the size of crowds that visit the Kidera Gymnasium, from a typical “friends and family” type of crowd to a nearly packed house for games against local rivals and tournament games. With several Empire 8 teams located a short distance from Nazareth, it’s not unusual to see a solid turnout from the visiting schools. The student section at Kidera Gymnasium is located under the north basket. When the section is packed, the students are into the game and add a lot of noise to the gym. The rest of the crowd consists of families, alumni and some local hoop fanatics. Access 3 Nazareth is located in the suburban town of Pittsford, New York, just seven miles from downtown Rochester. Located less than two miles from Interstate 490, it is easily accessed by visiting fans driving to the area. Kidera Gymnasium is situated in the Otto A. Shults Community Center at the center of campus. Also in the Shults Center is an Olympic-sized pool, a chapel, lecture hall, conference rooms, reading lounge, pub, campus store and game room. Parking is available a short walk from the gym in several on-campus lots. There are two small rest rooms just off the front lobby that are clean, if somewhat cramped. Fans entering the Shults Center from the main entrance on the western side will find the entrance to the gym directly in front of them. Seating consists of plastic bleachers on three sides of the court. With the small size of Kidera Gymnasium, all seats have excellent views of the action, if not excellent views of the scoreboards. Return on Investment 5 Stadium Journey visited Nazareth during the NCAA Tournament, so tickets to the game cost $15. It should be noted that during the tournament, prices are set by the NCAA, not the schools. We were unable to find the regular ticket prices for Golden Flyers games, but I would be shocked if it were more than $5. Parking is free in the lots near the Shults Center. An evening at a Nazareth basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for local hoop fans. Extras 2 Banners hang throughout the Kidera Gymnasium honoring championship teams that have represented the college. Holding a special place of honor are banners commemorating Nazareth’s three lacrosse national titles and their volleyball national championship. Not content to hold a typical t-shirt toss during basketball games, the basketball staff and school mascot, Swoop, toss small stuffed eagles into the stands during play stoppages. Final Thoughts While not the flashiest of facilities, you can’t go wrong with a small gym like Kidera Gymnasium. A combination of affordable prices, an intimate setting and quality talent on the field makes a visit to suburban Rochester a worthy Stadium Journey. Don’t sleep on Division Three sports! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Foley Gymnasium Fieldhouse Road Plymouth, MA 03245 Plymouth State Panthers men’s basketball website Foley Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1.600 What the Heck, Why not Plymouth State? Plymouth State University, founded in 1871 as Plymouth Normal School, is part of the University System of New Hampshire. With an enrollment of under 4,500 students, the school is known for its education and business programs. Robert Frost once taught at Plymouth State. The John C. Foley Gymnasium serves as home to the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is named in honor of the longtime English professor, basketball and baseball coach, Athletic Department chair and Dean of the College. Mr. Foley worked at Plymouth State College (as it was then known) for thirty years. The Panthers compete in the Little East Conference alongside eight other teams throughout New England. Plymouth State has reached the finals of the Little East Conference Tournament seven times, losing all seven games. The Panthers have qualified for the NCAA tournament twice, most recently in 2004. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small snack table in the lobby at Foley Gymnasium. It offers only a basic menu, with hot dogs, popcorn and candy sold here. Bottles of Pepsi products are also available here. While the menu isn’t extensive, it certainly isn’t expensive, with no item priced at over three dollars. If you are looking to avoid the lines at the concession stand (there are rarely any lines here), or perhaps expand your selections, there are a pair of vending machines in the downstairs lobby that also offer cold drinks. Atmosphere 2 You’re likely to have a standard small-school experience at Plymouth State. This is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just that at a small school in a small facility with a small crowd, there’s not going to be a ton of noise or extra activity going on here. It’s a bare-bones game day presentation where you can see some quality basketball played in an intimate setting. The building has a certain old-school New Hampshire vibe to it, with a wooden finish and an old, inadequate PA system adding to its charm. Banners honoring championship teams and players hang around the facility. Neighborhood 3 Plymouth State University dominates this small town of under 7,000 residents. Located near the summer attractions of Lake Winnipesaukee to the east and the winter attractions of the White Mountains to the north, there are plenty of touristy options for visiting fans. If you are in this area during basketball season, it’s likely you’re here to ski, not watch basketball. Still, the town of Plymouth has some attractions worth checking out. The Museum of the White Mountains is located nearby, and poetry fans may want to check out the Robert Frost statue on campus (he taught at Plymouth State). Tenney Mountain Resort is a short drive from PSU for those looking to ski or snowboard. As you might expect, there are some great craft breweries in the area. Check out The Last Chair for some quality beer, or simply take a walk down Route 25 next to campus to experience the best that small-town New Hampshire has to offer. There’s no shortage of shops or eateries along this old-timey road. Fans 2 The crowds at Plymouth State are typical of other small schools in this part of the country. In other words, they are “friends and family” crowds. What a Panther crowd may lack in size, it makes up for in enthusiasm. Many of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the athletes on the court, and are very invested in the action. While there’s not a huge turnout by the student body, those students who do show up bring a ton of energy to the gym. Access 4 The small town of Plymouth, New Hampshire is located in the White Mountains at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Baker rivers. With a population of under 7,000 residents, Plymouth is located right off Interstate 93 about an hour north of Manchester and a half hour north of Concord. Foley Gymnasium is located on the eastern side of the Human Performance Center building, which also contains a pool, weight rooms, and classrooms for those studying Health Science, Physiology, Physical Education and Public Health. It is located across the Pemigewasset River from the main campus adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities. Fans arriving for a basketball game will park across the street from Foley Gymnasium at the parking lot for the Ice Arena. There is some additional parking in a garage underneath the ALLwell Field House. Most fans will enter the facility into a small lobby, which contains the PSU Hall of Fame and the concession stand. Restrooms are located downstairs in an alternate lobby, which also contains some Panthers memorabilia. The gymnasium will be on your right, with seating that consists entirely of wooden bleachers on either side of the gym. Be warned that finding Foley Gymnasium isn’t as easy as it should be. If you park at the ALLwell Field House, you’ll enter the building on the west side. From there, getting to the Foley Gymnasium is like that scene from Spinal Tap where the band couldn’t find their way from the dressing room to the stage. You will roam the building looking for the entrance, traversing classrooms, labs, stairwells and unmarked corridors until you are (hopefully) fortunate enough to enter the lobby at the far end of the building. If you decide to walk around the outside of the building, paved walkways do not completely circle the building, meaning you will have to walk through snow and/or mud to get back to your car. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Panthers basketball game is very affordable, with tickets priced at only five dollars. Seniors are admitted for three dollars. Parking is free in the lots near Foley Gymnasium. If you partake from the concession stand, you won’t be spending much money, either, as all items are priced under three dollars. A visit to Plymouth State University for some hoops will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 The Plymouth State Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby just off the entrance to Foley Gymnasium. Unless you are a part of the Panther community, you probably won’t recognize the names honored here. However, readers of Sports Illustrated may remember the name Joe Dudek. SI featured Dudek on one of their covers as “the thinking fan’s choice for the Heisman Trophy” after he broke Walter Payton’s career touchdown record in 1985. Dudek finished that season’s Heisman balloting in 9th place, the highest finish ever for a non-Division One player. Banners hang throughout Foley Gymnasium honoring Panther championship teams and 1,000-point scorers. Final Thoughts If you’re heading to northern New Hampshire in the wintertime, it’s highly unlikely that you are there for basketball. However, if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to hitting the slopes, you can do much worse than a trip to picturesque Plymouth and a Panthers basketball game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 War Memorial Gymnasium 2335 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118 San Francisco Dons website War Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 5,300 Hilltop Hoops When people talk about hoops in the Bay Area, much of the focus is on the Golden State Warriors, who will soon call San Francisco home. The University of San Francisco has a reputable basketball history, with the likes of Bill Russell, K.C. Jones and Bill Cartwright putting on the Green and Gold of the Dons before reaching NBA stardom. The Dons have appeared in NCAA Tournament play 16 times, winning the National Title in successive seasons in 1955 and 1956. Built in 1958, War Memorial Gym, known locally as The Hilltop, is a tribute to the USF alumni who died during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In addition to hosting both men and women’s athletic events, The Hilltop briefly hosted the San Francisco Warriors during the 1966-67 season. Food & Beverage 2 Nothing beyond your basics, Don’s Dog, Bratwurst, Corn Dog, Round Table Pizza, Nachos for $6, sweet treats such as caramel corn, candy and It’s It Ice Cream for $4, Coke products or Dasani Water for $3. Unusual for a college venue is the availability of alcoholic beverages. Lagunitas and Trumer $8, Bud Light or Red/White Wine for $6. The main food stand is located in the south end of the gym however mobile carts are located in the upper level ends as well. Atmosphere 4 When packed to the rafters, The Hilltop can be a loud and raucous place. For such a small venue, the USF does a nice job of displaying both men’s and women’s conference and national titles as well as the numbers of former USF hoopsters from Bill Russell, K.C. Jones and Bill Cartwright. Inside the foyer on the north end is a mini hall of fame that displays trophies and other memorabilia from USF’s athletic history. Neighborhood 4 The location of the campus is a short walk from some of San Francisco’s famed attractions such as The Haight, where the intersection of Haight and Ashbury was made famous during some Summer of Love. Also nearby is Alamo Square, where the world-famous Painted Ladies are located. If the Painted Ladies look familiar to you, chances are you’ve seen them in a production or two or maybe during an intro to some late eighties sitcom. Golden Gate Park is also a short walk from campus with trails, picnic groves, playgrounds and numerous other cultural attractions including the De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. The Golden Gate Bridge is a short drive away from the USF campus. A nice way to explore your way to the Golden Gate Bridge if you have the time is to walk the three-mile span of the bridge. Fans 4 With Gonzaga as the evening’s opponent, as expected, the gym was filled up to the rafters. Though the visitors brought along a heavy contingent of fans, the support from the USF fans would not be outdone. Because of the level of interest, aisles along certain areas of the upper level as well as the corners of the north end were used to accommodate the overflow crowd. Access 3 From out of town the USF campus is not too convenient to get to because of the lack of freeways within city limits. Several SF Muni public transit lines run within the vicinity of the campus with the 5-Fulton and 31-Balboa having direct access. As with any neighborhood in San Francisco, parking can be difficult to navigate so you will want to plan ahead. Return on Investment 3 Lower reserved tickets along the baselines for most home games go for $20 while general admission seating is available for $15. The quality of play has been exciting with the home five very much in contention for some March basketball. Extras 2 Wherever you’re seated inside the gym you’re never far from the action. Don’t expect any bells and whistles when you attend a game here. Maybe the sound of a foghorn after each trey made by the home five but that’s all. Banners honoring the team’s conference championships as well as their three NCAA champion teams are hung. In the main concourse in the gym’s north end is a mini hall of fame with trophies and other athletic memorabilia. Final Thoughts The level of play has the fans excited about this year’s (2018-2019) team. Attending a game at The Hilltop is a trip back in time, where there is not much inside the venue to distract you from the action on the court. Plans are currently underway to upgrade the existing lobby as well as adding a VIP Club on the west side of the gym. If you’re looking to catch some quality hoops while in the Bay Area while not burning a deeper hole in your pocket, a game at The Hilltop should be on your agenda. With this year’s team, you just may be previewing some pre-March Madness.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fowler Park and Cunningham Field 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Fowler Park and Cunningham Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,700 Fun Times with the Toreros and Fowler Park Since 2013, one of the top baseball programs in the West Coast Conference, the San Diego Toreros, has called Fowler Park and Cunningham Field their home. Located on the hilly USD campus, the stadium is designed to take advantage of the local topography, filling in a cliff with a state-of-the-art baseball facility. The Toreros have found recent success in college baseball, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in about half of their seasons since 2002. Moving into Fowler Park was a big step for the program, adding a brand new clubhouse, training area, and batting cages, all right there next to the playing field. It also adds to the overall architecture found on the USD campus, with its Spanish mission-style buildings, and a dorm located beyond the right field that adds to that. Fowler Park is part of the USD Sports Complex, which also includes basketball’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, football’s Torero Stadium, along with the school’s soccer field and other facilities. In the San Diego sports scene, Fowler Park probably goes under the radar compared to, say, San Diego State’s facilities. But it should not go overlooked with what it offers baseball fans of all ages. Food & Beverage 4 With Fowler Park’s homey feel, there is just one concession stand location that’s needed, and it is behind home plate along the main concourse. It has a ton of options to offer fans though. Of course, you’ll be able to find your typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, pretzels, and sodas (Coca-Cola products). All of these run anywhere from $3-$6. For these, you can combo them with a side of fries for an extra dollar. The BAT sandwich, which includes bacon, avocado, tomato, and lettuce is probably the signature item of the ballpark. You can get that for $8. For the same price, you could go for the pulled pork sandwich, which also has slaw. When in San Diego, one might feel the need to get some fish tacos ($9 for two). Or since this is California, there are a couple of salad options available for fans as well. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options available, and it’s such a diverse selection for a college ballpark that only has one concession stand. Atmosphere 4 Fowler Park, just like the rest of the University of San Diego campus, is an artistic masterpiece when it comes to architecture. The ballpark is built into the side of a cliff, giving fans a perspective they can’t get at many other college ballparks. And on clear days, you’ll be able to peer out over the hills into Mission Bay. All fans enter from above the stadium, right next to the basketball arena, Jenny Craig Pavilion. There’s a standing area when you walk in, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the action below. Stairs and elevators lead down to the main concourse and suites, where all the seating is located. USD’s dugout and clubhouse are located down the third base line, with the visitors calling the first base dugout home. Right above the clubhouse is a mini field where kids can go play a game of kickball or something during the game. The seating area is very comfortable. Each seat has its cup holder and a ton of legroom. USD has protective netting in front of all the seats, which feels like it gets in the way of the view a little bit. There are a couple of suites available as well, which have box seats plus a lounge area in each one. One scoreboard looms beyond the left field wall. It can show live action and replays, along with stats and other things that you would expect at a baseball game. The PA system is perfect, not too loud, and not too quiet at any location in the ballpark. And then the final touch is having posters of famous alums Kris Bryant and Brian Matusz pinned up on the face of the cliff behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 The biggest thing the University of San Diego has going for it is its proximity to the ocean. Mission Bay and Fiesta Island are about a mile away, which also means that SeaWorld San Diego is the closest attraction to the campus. USD uses Mission Bay as the training area for its rowing teams and lists Mission Bay as a university facility on its website. There aren’t a ton of local establishments to grab a bite to eat in the area. Tio Leo’s Mexican is probably one of the more popular places in the immediate area and offers some happy hour specials you can take advantage of before a night game at Fowler Park. Not too far away is Old Town San Diego, which offers a ton of options in the form of restaurants, shops, a theater, hotels, and events throughout the year. Old Town is a great place to visit and spend some time walking around, taking in some of the San Diego histories. As far as places to stay, USD is fairly close to San Diego’s Hotel Circle. This offers just about every major hotel chain, and is in a very convenient location, as it surrounds I-8 right in the center of San Diego, allowing access to just about everything you would want to see in the area. Fans 2 For a program that has seen consistent success and a relatively new park, the attendance leaves a little bit to be desired. The Toreros draw well for postseason and rivalry games, but other than that, there aren’t a ton of people at the games. The ones that are there also stay pretty quiet during games. There aren’t a lot of cheers or anything going on to get the team hyped. Access 4 The University of San Diego is located just north of I-8, and just east of I-5. With two major highways feeding into the area, getting to Torero games is fairly easy. When you do get to USD, there is a free parking garage located just down the street from the ballpark. The garage has an entrance right when you enter the USD campus at Acala Park, or you can enter it down near the football stadium on Torero Way. Exiting the garage is easier going up to the top, and having it feed you right out of campus. It is a hilly walk from the garage to the stadium, so if you have issues with that, you might want to try and park in the small lot across the street from Fowler Park’s main entrance. All fans enter the stadium at the very top of it. You can either stay here and watch as you would from a balcony at a theater, or take the stairs and elevators down to the main concourse. Clear signs point you in the direction you should go to get to your desired location. The walking areas throughout Fowler Park are very spacious, and lines for the bathrooms and concession stands don’t impede a person’s ability to get from the first base side to the third base side. The concourse also has plenty of handicapped seating all around the park. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices between five and ten dollars, free parking, and reasonable concession prices, Torero games are certainly worth the monetary cost. The stadium is fantastic. The views are impeccable. And the baseball is usually pretty good too. USD is worth a trip during college baseball season, especially if you’re going to be in San Diego during the spring anyway. Spend the day at the ocean, and spend the evening in the hills. Perfection. Extras 3 The standing areas all around allow for unique perspectives you may not be able to experience at most other ballparks. The first baseline has a meandering pathway where you can stand and watch the game. The third baseline has a mini-diamond for kids to play games on. USD’s campus is the other extra here. Fowler Park fits right into the mission-style architecture and views found throughout. I recommend getting to campus well before the game and taking a stroll around just to see all the different buildings, plus the views of the surrounding areas and the bay. USD is a beautiful place, but with it nestled away just off the freeways, it may go overlooked by some. Be sure to change that and experience it once for yourself.

Photos by John Severs and Brydon Coughlin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Joe Etzel Field 5000 North Willamette Blvd Portland, OR 97203 Portland Pilots website Joe Etzel Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,000 Portland Baseball Portland has a strong baseball history, despite never having a Major League team. The city has hosted numerous independent and developmental teams, but with Triple A’s Portland Beavers leaving the city a few years ago, the options available to take in a ball game are limited. The University of Portland is still carrying the torch for baseball in the City of Roses, with the Pilots hosting games at Joe Etzel Field. The stadium is named after the Pilots longtime coach, who led the team for 21 seasons. Later, he also assumed the role of the university’s athletic director. During his tenure, the Pilots developed into a solid midlevel program, and have reached NCAA Regionals on a few occasions. Situated in the north of Portland, in the University Park neighborhood, Joe Etzel Field is on the verge of some big changes. The Pilots have called the stadium home for 30-plus seasons, and while it has seen upgrades over the years, it will go through a big renovation in 2020. So, it’s an excellent time to take one last look at Joe Etzel Field. Food & Beverage 2 It’s classic ballpark fare, it tastes good, and includes hot dogs, chili, nachos, and combinations thereof. It would be nice if there were a bit more. At the very least, there should be peanuts and cracker jacks. Beer and wine are accessible from the concession stand, featuring local Oregon brewery Buoy Beer Company. Coors is also available, and the wine is sourced locally. Atmosphere 4 The stadium itself is a simple, classic layout. Plastic seats behind the home plate, and metal bleachers along the first and third baselines. All of the seating is comfortable, and there are no bad lines of site. Despite its age, the stadium is in pristine condition. Every line of sight is fantastic, and the stadium itself is gorgeous. The trees lining the walls of the stadium produce a gorgeous view. Regardless of the quality of the game, Joe Etzel Field is a sight to see. There are some downsides. Due to the stadium’s size, there is no outfield seating. There are no bathrooms in the stadium itself, which is relegated to either port-a-potties or the nearby Chiles Center. It’s inconvenient, and as the stadium is expanded that is something that should be addressed. Overall though, the ballpark delivers a very nostalgic experience. There are not a lot of bells and whistles, but the park doesn’t need any of that. It’s just a great spot to catch a ballgame. Neighborhood 5 Joe Etzel Field is situated right on the edge of the university, in the University Park neighborhood, on the northern end of Portland. The neighborhood grew around the original Portland University, though the campus sat vacant for a time before the Catholic Church purchased the buildings and founded the modern-day university. It is a small, private university, with a student body of around 4,000. Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River, the area provides several scenic vistas, and if you have time for a walk before the game, it’ll be a beautiful one. University Park shares the rest of the city’s reputation for great food, including The Drunken Noodle for Thai, Homegrown Smoker for barbecue, and Flying Pie for pizza. There are also plenty of chains if you’re looking for something familiar. With the field not far from downtown Portland, there is a lot to see if you’re willing to make a drive into the city. Fans 3 Pilots fans come out for the team, and when the team comes alive, so does the crowd. It’s not the biggest crowd, and with the stadium expanding soon they’ll have to find a way to start packing the seats or the stands may look pretty barren. Access 3 The stadium is easy to find, not too far off of I-5, and only about 15 minutes north of downtown Portland. There’s a bit of parking at the stadium but finding parking on the streets nearby shouldn’t be much of a problem. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are only $6, $4 for students and children. The food is inexpensive, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. It’s an excellent experience for the cost. Extras 2 Free programs and stat cards are provided for each game. Final Thoughts Joe Etzel Field is a simple but well-designed stadium that delivers a classic experience. Next year’s upgrades should only improve on that.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Eddy D. Field Stadium 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90263 Pepperdine Waves website Eddy D. Field Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,800 A View of Malibu It doesn’t always take a new and beautiful stadium to make baseball experiences good. Sometimes all it takes is a hot dog, a game, and a view. And at Eddy D. Field Stadium, oh! what a view it is. Situated in Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean, sometimes it’s hard to focus on the game in such a calming setting. The stadium itself doesn’t hold much in terms of glitz and glamour, but when you’re based in Malibu, who cares? The stadium was built in 1973 and renovated in 1980 and again in 1999. The 1,800-seat stadium is named after longtime university benefactor Eddy Field. And with a plethora of stadiums in the LA area, this one is worth the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Food & Beverage 2 Well, the good news is the food is dirt cheap. Almost everything on the menu is under $4.25, which makes for a very affordable experience. If you’re looking for a variety of local food options to chow down on though, you’ll have to go somewhere else. Fortunately, all that a good baseball experience requires is a couple of $3 hot dogs and a $2.25 soda with the ocean in the background. There’s only one small concession stand behind the first baseline here. The menu is short and includes hot dogs, peanuts ($2.50), frozen lemonade ($3.50), an STG sandwich ($4.25), PB&J ($2), and a few other miscellaneous items. Drinks include coffee ($2), Dasani bottled water ($2.25), and soda. Again, the selection is sparse but mildly sufficient. Atmosphere 4 The crowds aren’t raging, the stadium isn’t shiny and the park isn’t top of the line. But, there’s no disputing the setting. There are plenty of parks around the country that bring a lot more in terms of passionate sports atmospheres and state-of-the-art facilities, but Eddy Field Stadium is the anti-atmosphere in those regards. The facility itself is nice enough for a college stadium. The outfield wall runs evenly around the park with a pretty basic scoreboard in right. The left-center field is part of the field that could be classified as “intimidating.” Despite only two College World Series appearances, Pepperdine’s wall proudly displays that they were 1992 National Champions. The stadium bleachers are all seat backs in 11 sections from first base around to third base. The crowd is generally sparse (Pepperdine is much more of a basketball school) and very laid back. The real showstopper here is the view. Palm trees line the outside of the outfield fence, hills rolling up to the Santa Monica Mountains draw your eyes to the right, and a campus full of what looks like luxury condos is all around you. The Pacific Ocean in the distance over left field will steal your eye line for all nine innings if you’re not careful. Everything about this park is relaxing and well worth the trip. Neighborhood 5 Pepperdine’s campus overlooks Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway from the hills below the Santa Monica Mountains. Is there a better neighborhood than Malibu and a better drive than the Pacific Coast Highway? Sure, there’s not a bar and restaurant scene in the area, but who needs that when you have a beach, mountains, and mansions? The area is absolutely beautiful and will expand your relaxing experience well beyond the nine innings of the game. There are several beachside restaurants in Malibu worth checking out. My first recommendation would be Duke’s Malibu for some seafood and beautiful ocean views. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe and The Sunset are also beach side options. Hotels in the immediate Malibu area aren’t particularly cheap, but they are plentiful. If you’re looking for less expensive options, you can head 20-30 minutes down the road toward LA and have easy access to both Malibu and the Hollywood area for considerably cheaper rates. And of course, the drive can be right down the 101 along the ocean. There’s no reason to complain about that. Fans 2 There are a mighty few Waves faithful in attendance at the game, but in general, attendance will be pretty sparse. At a basketball-first school in a city full of money, there’s just not much support for the baseball team. It’s a shame because it is a great place to view a game. Although as peaceful as it is, it might lose some of its relaxing lusters with truly large crowds. Access 4 The Los Angeles area isn’t particularly known for its ease of access, but when you’re driving along the ocean it’s easy to not mind. Pepperdine is about a 45-minute drive along the coast from LAX on an easy day, with a good portion of that drive following the PCH west along the ocean. If you’re coming from that direction, leave a bit early because LA traffic is unpredictable, to say the least. Once at Pepperdine, you’ll check in at the campus checkpoint and they’ll direct you up the road to the stadium. There is a parking lot behind the center field wall and street parking in the immediate area. Because of the sparse attendance, traffic will generally be light and parking is easy. Entry into the stadium can come from just about any direction via stairways among the hills, but to avoid stairs there’s a road that comes down the first baseline hill. You’ll pay your $8 almost on the honor system at a table set up behind the first base dugout stands and have free roam of the area. The game is visible from all areas of the concourse with seating below, so walking it is easy. Return on Investment 4 Everything here is inexpensive. From the $8 ticket to the $3 hot dog, this is an excellent value. Take into account the beautiful view and the above-average baseball, and it’s quite a deal. Short of an elite baseball atmosphere, you can’t beat putting your feet up on the seat in front of you and catching a game with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Extras 3 The first obvious unique factor of Eddy Field Stadium is the view. This has to count as an extra when it’s something that very few stadiums can match. Add into it the equally beautiful Pepperdine campus, and you’re surrounded by a slice of heaven. But be sure to look down just long enough to notice the unexpected “National Champions” scrolling across the outfield wall, and you’ll realize this is more than just pretty scenery. Final Thoughts You’ve heard about the great parks of college baseball in the southeast or nearby Los Angeles. But don’t overlook the hidden masterpiece of serenity that is Eddy D. Field Stadium. If baseball was life and you had to take a vacation, this would be your vacation spot.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 George C. Page Stadium 1 LMU Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 Loyola Marymount Lions website George C. Page Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 1,200 Behold The Blue Monster in The Lions Den There is certainly no shortage of college baseball in Southern California. From L.A. to Orange County eight major collegiate programs take to the diamond. Southern California certainly is not lacking when it comes to young baseball talent. LMU has produced its share of baseball talent, amassing six conference championships along with eight appearances to the NCAA Regionals with one College World Series appearance in 1986. Food & Beverage 2 As you would expect of a small venue the concession options are limited to your basic fare. Options include a 1/4 lb Lion Dog ($3, $7 Value Combo includes bottled water/soda and chips), bacon wrapped dogs ($4.99), hamburger ($4.29, + .99 with cheese, + $1.49 with bacon), bbq pulled beef on ciabatta ($4.29). Fries, nachos, and your basic snacks (popcorn, pretzel, peanuts, churros, sunflower seeds, chips, and candy) and Coke products are also available. Atmosphere 3 Because of Page Stadium’s small seating capacity, chances are you will be within earshot of everyone inside the yard. The crowd here doesn’t seem to be so overbearing that visiting teams should feel intimidated. That does not stop the home fans from making their feelings known to the umpires should they feel a call does not go their way. The page also offers a nice neighborhood feel. Though located close to several major thoroughfares, the only thing in sight beyond the outfield walls are trees and housing. Neighborhood 4 LMU is located nearby L.A. International airport so lodging should not be a problem. There are several dining spots nearby Lincoln Blvd. Tower Pizza is a popular spot among students. If you want to hit up a nearby tourist spot, drive 5-10 minutes east of campus along Manchester Blvd toward Randy’s Donuts. You really can’t miss the familiar 23-foot donut that’s made appearances in a few productions, as well as Randy Newman’s music video I Love L.A. If you’re not looking to spend too much on dining, there’s always that SoCal favorite nearby LAX on Sepulveda Blvd, In N Out, where many a local has gone to see what a hamburger is all about. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are also a short drive from LMU. Fans 3 Though you should not expect large droves of fans, the fans that do show up are a supportive bunch. College baseball is pretty much an afterthought for fans in Southern California due largely in part to the vast entertainment options. Having three major league teams located from L.A. to San Diego could also be a factor. Don’t expect the loud, rabid feel that you might get from other college baseball venues throughout other parts of the country. Access 4 There are two main entrances to the campus. One entrance is located just off of Lincoln Blvd while the other entrance goes through a residential neighborhood via Loyola Blvd. If arriving from LAX or points south, you will want to drive along Manchester Blvd and head north on Loyola. Not only will this street lead you directly inside the campus, but this entrance will also lead you closer to the yard rather than driving around a long windy road from the Lincoln Blvd entrance. LMU charges for parking on campus, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (except University Holidays). All fans attending games during those hours will be required to register and pay for parking. There is no charge on Saturday and Sunday. There is one entrance to Page Stadium. In front of the entrance is Pride Park. Pride Park features a scaled-down baseball infield, recognizing alumni and friends of LMU as well as a concrete bench surrounding the infield paying tribute to memorable players and moments in LMU baseball. Return on Investment 3 The price of admission is about what you would pay for most collegiate baseball games. However, there is a $2 purchase charge per ticket regardless of whether you buy them online or at the box office. Ticket prices are $10/$12 for reserved adult seats behind home plate and $8/$9 for reserved child/senior. General admission adults behind the dugouts are $8/$10, GA child/senior $6/$7. Extras 3 To be honest, the extras here aren’t much at all. There isn’t a video board that gives fans replays or in game stats. However, you will find along the right field wall tributes noted in blue to the years LMU teams that made NCAA playoff appearances, with the 1986 College World Series highlighted in red. Along the left field wall are three retired uniform numbers. The numbers honor #44 Billy Beane, #54 Tim Layana, a member of the 1986 CWS team who played parts of three seasons with the Reds (1990-91) and Giants (1993), and #10 Jerry Stone. Where the score gets a bump is the sight of The Mikos Blue Monster. Yes, folks, The Blue Monster is a replica of that famous Green Monster, or MON-STAH, in Boston’s Fenway Park. The Monster is a gift from LMU alum Paul Mikos, complete with a manual scoreboard and an out-of-town scoreboard, just like its Green cousin in Boston. Final Thoughts As you descend upon your journey to hit up as many ballparks on your ballpark bucket list, when passing through L.A., you will want to make it a point to visit Page Stadium and catch an LMU game. Its proximity to LAX makes it easy to access. With the many baseball options in the L.A. and Southern California region, chances are great you will be able to knock out a few other collegiate (and perhaps MLB action, depending on the time of visit) venues from your bucket list of baseball yards, all in one trip and maybe the same day. Oh yeah, in case I forgot to mention, if you are a true baseball fan, you will want to say hi to The Blue Monster.

Photos by David Mortimer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Larry H. Miller Field E 1650 N St Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website Larry H. Miller Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,204 BYU Baseball The state of Utah isn’t exactly a college baseball hotbed. Even so, Provo is home to one of the nation’s most impressive home fields. Completed in 2001, Miller Park is a baseball/softball complex that is “the first combined facility of its kind,” according to the BYU athletics website. The Cougar baseball team plays on Larry H. Miller Field. Food & Beverage 4 For a college ballpark, Miller Park gives you plenty of great options at its main concession stand. Hot dogs from Nathan’s go for $2.50 (regular) or $4.50 (footlong). Other baseball staples available include peanuts, sunflower seeds, and Cracker Jack ($2 each), popcorn ($3), nachos ($3), candy ($2.50), churros ($1.50), soft pretzels ($2.50, add $1 for a cheese cup), and Freschetta pizza ($5.50). You’ll also find a Cougar Grill cart nearby with burgers ($5), grilled chicken sandwiches ($5.50), Philly cheesesteaks ($6.50), brats ($5.50), and BYU’s signature item, the Brat-Tail: a bratwurst stuffed inside a maple bar ($6.50). All of these items come with chips. Coke products are available for $2.50 (bottled), $3 (reg. fountain), or $5.50 (refillable souvenir cup). Sweets treats include excellent BYU Creamery ice cream ($2.50), frozen lemonade ($3), flavor pops ($1.50), Dippin’ Dots ($4.50-$6.50), cotton candy ($3), kettle corn ($5), and Cougar Tails (Maple bars minus the brat; $4). Atmosphere 3 Packed into a modest-sized corner of BYU’s campus, Miller Park has a very collegiate feel. You’ll see dorms and other campus buildings beyond right field, and the Marriott Center beyond the center. Nature is the other distinguishing feature of the park and its surroundings. Large evergreen trees fill the space immediately beyond the outfield, and the Wasatch Mountains fill the background. These wonderful sights are the highlights of the Miller Park experience, as BYU has been an average team on the field for the better part of a decade. You’ll see some glimpses into the past as you walk toward the park with banners showing past Cougar greats like Wally Joyner, Rick Aguilera, and Jack Morris. Neighborhood 3 You won’t find many typical college town establishments in straight-laced Provo. One thing every college town has, even Provo, is an iconic pizza parlor. Brick Oven has been an institution since 1956 when it was called “Heaps a Pizza.” Many locals, my mother included, still use the original name. My favorite pie is the Garlic Chicken, coupled with Brick Oven’s signature root beer in a frosted mug. If you aren’t in the mood for pizza, the Market Room Buffet gives you an all-you-can-eat salad bar, fresh-made pasta, and soup. If you want to class your meal up a bit, head to Magleby’s in the nearby Courtyard by Marriott. Best known for its chocolate cake, Magleby’s also offers several solid lunch choices. I recommend the Prime Rib sandwich, affectionately known as the “Big ‘n Tasty.” Fans 3 Provo is a pretty laid-back place, a feeling not usually reflected by BYU’s basketball and football crowds. The baseball crowds (mostly made up of couples, families, and local Little League teams) more closely capture this spirit. They cheer and clap and sing, but never get too feisty one way or another. They’re also relatively small, with a (generous) announced attendance of 808 during our Saturday matinee. Access 5 Plenty of free parking is available across the street in the LaVell Edwards Stadium East lot. If it’s crowded (as it was for my visit, due to the Utah High School State Track Meet), the lot at the Marriott Center is also close by. The two fields share the main concourse, making it decent-sized for a relatively small park. Three portals allow for good crowd flows in and out. Restrooms are large, clean, and easy to find, including family restrooms by the main portal behind the home plate. Return on Investment 4 Just $5 gets you anywhere in the park, with reserved seats in the lower half and general admission in the upper half. BYU does not offer as many discounts and giveaways as rival Utah, but they pop up every so often. During the weekend of our visit, you could earn free tickets by donating used baseball equipment. Ancillary ballpark costs are minimal, with free parking and reasonable food prices. Extras 3 One point of view. I know I write this about just about every outdoor venue in Utah, but if any park deserves bonus points for a sensational view, it’s Miller Park. The mountains feel as if they’re right on top of you, with the renowned Y Mountain taking center stage. One point for a creative meal combo. Hot dogs and Cracker Jack are ballpark staples often purchased separately. Miller Park gives you the chance to buy them together, along with a drink, in a $7 combo. One point for unique architecture. Perhaps the most striking feature of Miller Park is the large canopy in the center of the complex. Along with reminding you of Denver International Airport, sitting near the stretched Teflon fabric could funnel a foul ball your way. Final Thoughts In terms of talent, prestige, and attendance, college baseball will always be led by warm-weather teams. That doesn’t mean schools in colder climates have to settle for subpar facilities, and Miller Park is a prime example. BYU’s baseball program may lack cachet, but its home has it in spades.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 GoMart Ballpark 601 Morris St Charleston, WV 25301 Marshall Thundering Herd website GoMart Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,500 A Tale of Three Stadiums Marshall baseball calls three separate stadiums home – most conference games are played at Appalachian Power Park, a minor league stadium in Charleston, WV that is home to the West Virginia Power. However, due to occasional conflicts and because they do have some fan presence further south, each year one or two series are played at Linda K. Epling Stadium in Beckley, WV, a 2,500-seat venue that is also home to the West Virginia Miners, a collegiate summer baseball team. The third location the team frequents is a local YMCA field back in Huntington, WV, near where the main campus is located – that venue is used mostly for non-conference games. However, since more games are played at Appalachian Power Park than the other two venues, Appalachian Power Park is the subject of this review – this is also the largest and “best” of the three stadiums in terms of facilities, including the brand-new turf and other amenities here. Note: Appalachian Power Park's name changed to GoMart Ballpark in the Fall of 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are more limited during Marshall games than when the Power plays at Appalachian Power Park, but there is still a fairly good selection. Hot dogs are $3, pizza is $4, and burgers are $5 (add $1 for cheese). Pretzels, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jack are all $4, which is about average compared to other venues. Coffee and hot chocolate are $2, soda starts at $3, water and Gatorade are $4, and beer is $6 – you can choose Yuengling, Budweiser, Bud Light, or Michelob Ultra. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Appalachian Power Park for Marshall baseball depends on whether or not there is a doubleheader with the West Virginia Power that day. On those days, you will have to pay for tickets and parking, but there is a larger crowd and more concession stands are open. There will also be more energy and excitement in the air due to the larger crowd, but there will also be security on hand so you can’t wander as much. Conversely, on days when there isn’t a doubleheader, there might only be one or two hundred on hand, if that, but you can get in for free and not pay for parking. You can also wander around wherever you please since they don’t bother to have any security on those days since the crowd is so small – it all depends on what type of experience you prefer. If you happen to be the wandering type (like me), there are plenty of different seating options, almost all of which have chair backs. There are also plenty of tables so you can watch while you eat, and even a bouncy house set up for the kids – see the Extras section for more details and to watch a video about the different options. Neighborhood 5 As is typical for larger cities, Charleston, WV is loaded with restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions, along with myriad hotels if you are staying for the weekend. About 10-12 blocks from Appalachian Power Park you will find Pies & Pints Pizzeria, with craft beers starting at $5 and serving a wide variety of fabulous house pizzas. Further out at Town Center Mall, there is an Outback Steakhouse if you prefer something more traditional, or you can visit Tidewater Grill, a seafood & raw bar. If you are looking for something to do before or after you dine, about 3-4 blocks from the baseball field is Avampato Discovery Museum, with programs and exhibits geared towards kids. There is also the Charleston historic district a little further away, as well as the state capitol with its impressive gold dome. Fans 3 While there aren’t very many fans present, almost all of them wear Marshall gear, and they get into the game, yelling at the ref for his frequent (at least in their eyes) horrible calls. They also faithfully cheer their team and boo the bad guys at the appropriate times. Access 5 Appalachian Power Park is easy to get to, only a mile or two off I-64 in Charleston. There is plenty of parking right across the street from the field, which is only $3 when attendants are present – there is a parking deck as well as several surface lots. The surface lots are more than sufficient for a typical Marshall crowd, I never recommend parking decks since there is sometimes a line to get out. There are plenty of bathrooms inside the stadium, more than enough for the typical Marshall crowd; one set on each baseline, and these are commercial size with many stalls and stations, not the typical small ones with only one or two stalls. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Marshall baseball at Appalachian Power Park cost $7, or $5 in groups of 8 or more. However, as I mentioned earlier on most days they don’t even check, so you can probably get in for free – depending on how many tickets are sold beforehand, the administration sometimes decides not to bother having security show up. If you want to try and get in for free, make sure to pick a non-Power doubleheader day (see the Atmosphere section for more details on this). Even at $7 though it is probably worthwhile, even better at $5. As for parking, when it isn’t free it is only $3, and concession prices are about average. Marshall gear is also available, starting at around $10 or $12 for a hat or shirt, and a little more for sweatshirts and other items, although you can get visors for as little as $5. So all in all, a pretty good value for the experience. Extras 3 1 point for the multiple seating options, including plastic seats with metal armrests and cup holders, picnic tables at multiple levels (top of the concourse, field level, etc.), handicap seating at the top of the concourse, high-top tables with umbrellas, the two-level Bud Light party deck with metal chairs, plastic bucket-style seats on the far side facing the press box, metal bleachers with chair back rails, even seating up in the boxes you can sneak into. See them all here in living color: Another point for the lack of security on certain days that allows you to get in for free and wander all over the stadium as you, please. A third point for the size and enclosure of the facility that helps fans capture errant balls – allow me to explain. One of the most enjoyable activities at a baseball game is the opportunity to chase down foul balls and home runs. At many stadiums, the size and layout are such that these balls are hit out of the park, making it difficult to hunt them down in grassy or off-limits areas. Not so at Appalachian Power Park, where the set-up causes foul balls to mostly land on the concourse behind the press box, and home runs to mostly land on the cement walkway behind the outfield, so kids and others can easily locate them. Final Thoughts A fairly new stadium with great seating options and decent prices, the venue is well worth a visit either for a Power game or a Thundering Herd event. Located in downtown Charleston, it is easy to find plenty of restaurants and other attractions nearby, so an easy choice for a weekend visit if you want to take in the whole series, or just for a day trip.