Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 WesBanco Arena 214th St Wheeling, WV 26003 Wheeling Nailers website WesBanco Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,406 Nail City Hockey The Wheeling Nailers are the longest-tenured minor league hockey franchise outside the American Hockey League, having competed in various lower-level leagues since 1981. The team began to play in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League as the Carolina Thunderbirds, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Thunderbirds won three league championships in the ACHL. After a season in the All-American Hockey League, the Thunderbirds were one of the five founding members of the East Coast Hockey League, which was later rebranded as the ECHL. The Thunderbirds relocated to Wheeling, West Virginia in 1992. After a trademark dispute with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League, the team held a “name the team” contest. The moniker “Nailers” was chosen to honor the city’s long history of nail manufacturing. While the Nailers have had some success on the ice, including conference championships in 1993 and 2016, they have yet to win the Kelly Cup. The Nailers play at the WesBanco Arena, previously known as the Wheeling Civic Center. Built in 1977 at a total cost of $7 million, the facility entered into consecutive ten-year, $2.5 million naming rights deals in 2003. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions at WesBanco Arena offer some unique choices you wouldn’t expect to find at an arena of this size. Permanent stands are located on either side of the arena. Burgers, cheesesteaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and buffalo chicken sandwiches can all be found at the Lunch Box stand. For something a little different, check out the Mac and Cheese Bacon burger, quesadillas, or chicken and waffles here. The River City Grill offers fried Mac and Cheese Bites, walking tacos, nachos, and funnel cake fries. Chicken nuggets, wraps, and pretzels round out the menu. Instead of boring old french fries, hungry Nailer fans can choose tater tots. Nailers fans flock to the Vocelli’s pizza stands for fresh slices from this local favorite. Tito’s Sloppy Doggs offers a variety of hot dogs with assorted toppings, as well as chicken tenders and seasoned french fries. Fans with a sweet tooth should head over to Flurry’s Ice Cream stand, where a variety of homemade flavors are available. Coca-Cola products are featured at WesBanco Arena. A good selection of beer is available. At selected games, cans of Yeungling can be purchased for a dollar. Generations Pub, a full-service bar/restaurant located on the east side ground level (below sections 205-208) opens two hours before the opening faceoff. Generations Pub offers a basic bar menu such as sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. Reservations are not needed. A full listing of available concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 3 Veteran hockey fans will find a lot that is familiar here at WesBanco Arena. There’s an in-house DJ who orchestrates giveaways and promotions during play stoppages. The team sponsors jerseys and 50/50 raffles at all home games. There’s a mascot who roams the stands interacting with fans, and the team runs promotional nights throughout the season. The Nailers play to a dedicated fan base, while not the largest you may find in the ECHL, is certainly knowledgeable and passionate about their team. Neighborhood 2 WesBanco Arena is located in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia. This downtown area has seen better days, and there is little activity in the area around the arena before or after Nailers games. Most fans will not stick around the downtown area after games and will head elsewhere for food or lodging. A couple of places of note near WesBanco Arena are DiCarlo’s Pizza, located a block from the arena, which is a popular gathering spot before games for its delicious cuts of pizza. It is a regional style where the cheese is sprinkled on the cooked sauce and bread as it comes out of the oven. Wheeling Brewing Company is located about a five-minute drive from the arena in Centre Market. Stadium Journey recommends the Panhandle Ale. Fans 3 Wheeling is the oldest continuously operating team in the ECHL, entering its 30th season. The team is averaging just under 2,200 fans before the pandemic, which is the lowest total in the league. This figure represents a marked decline from previous seasons, which generally average between 2,400-2,700 fans per game. Typical to most minor league teams, the Nailers market their game day presentation towards families. The crowds at WesBanco Arena are a mix of families, casual fans, and die-hards. There’s a good mix of the old-time hockey vibe and the energy younger fans bring to an arena here. Access 4 WesBanco Arena is located on the banks of the Ohio River and is easy to get to from Interstates 70 or 470. Parking is readily available in a parking garage next door to the facility or a pair of surface lots less than a block away. There is limited on-street parking available for fans arriving early. Directions to the facility can be found here . Fans will enter WesBanco Arena into a large lobby, which contains the ticket offices and a pro shop. From here, stairs take fans up to the main concourse which circles the arena. The ice is not visible from the concourse and features a great many stairs to access all areas of the arena. It’s readily apparent that this building was constructed before the advent of the ADA, but the team does offer accommodations to those fans who require them. All seats in the seating bowl are gray folding stadium-style chairs. A walkway circles the ice about halfway up the seating bowl, splitting the seating bowl into upper and lower levels. A small video board hangs at center ice, utilized for replays, crowd shots, advertisements, and game stats. Smaller boards hanging at either end of the rink display scores and time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Nailers game range in price from $15-$25, with the majority of tickets in the arena available for $20 or less. Active members of the military can purchase tickets for between $13 and $18, and children’s tickets cost $11-$15. Visitors to Wheeling may want to check out one of the Nailers’ overnight packages , which include a night’s stay at one of several local hotels and game tickets. Contact the Nailers box office for further details. Parking costs five dollars in the garage right next door to WesBanco Arena. Concession prices are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 3 A pair of extra points are awarded to the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and Museum, located at WesBanco Arena. Among the displays tucked into virtually every corner of the concourse are displays honoring local athletes who have achieved notoriety on the local, national, and international stage. Among the many honorees are such notable names as John Havlicek, Phil Niekro, and Lou Groza. It’s worth arriving early at WesBanco Arena to check out all the memorabilia displayed on the concourse. Also worth a mention is the 70s-era paint job on the concourse that is visible behind the many displays at WesBanco Arena. Final Thoughts It may be surprising that the longest-tenured ECHL franchise resides in Wheeling, West Virginia, a town of only 28,000. But therein may lie the secret of this franchise’s success. Perfectly blending a small-town atmosphere with a lower-level minor league hockey experience, the Nailers and WesBanco Arena have survived where so many other franchises at this level have failed. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bon Secours Wellness Arena 650 N Academy St Greenville, SC 29601 Furman Paladins website Bon Secours Wellness Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 15,000 Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Furman University Paladins Men’s Basketball Rivalry games often create a buzz that demands a bigger venue than some on-campus gymnasiums can hold. 2019 saw the initial incarnation of “Weekends at the Well” where the Furman Paladins hosted games at downtown Greenville, South Carolina’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Of the opponents the Paladins would play, one has consistently been their Southern Conference and in-state rival, the Wofford Terriers. Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a multi-purpose venue that also serves as the home ice of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL. Food & Beverage 5 Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers food for just about everyone’s tastes. Each of the concession stands around the concourse has the expected staples such as hot dogs, popcorn, and candy, but also has a specialty offering – GVL Pizza for example offers traditional cheese and pepperoni slices, but also has Hawaiian and Buffalo Chicken slices, while Piedmont Grill serves up burgers, buffalo chicken, and wraps; Reedy River Roost prepares chicken in almost a half dozen ways. Also, not only are the traditional concession stands cashless here, but fans at the Reedy River Roost actually use touch screens to place their own orders. The traditional concession stands are not the only options at Bon Secours Wellness Arena; several other carts offer gourmet style meals, including Mac Attack which has 3 types of macaroni and cheese. Carolina Smoke offers up southern BBQ, while fans can get burritos, nachos, or a quesadilla from the Moe’s cart. In addition, the Swamp Dog cart has five types of hotdogs and sausages. Along with the seemingly endless food options there is a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor drinks. One of the concession stands is dedicated to craft beers, providing fans with choices of several ales, IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews. All 16 oz beers and wine run $10, where mixed drinks top out at $20 for top shelf. While prices are a bit higher than on-campus concessions, the quality of food is worth the extra cost; most entrees run between $9 to $13. Atmosphere 3 Fans have two main access points into Bon Secours Wellness Arena, with a third entrance for VIP ticket holders. The arena is a modern-looking facility, both inside and out – the concourse features several television monitors that allow fans to keep up with the game along with games of interest from around the country. A large, octagonal scoreboard hangs over mid-court and provides fans with a video feed on the main panels, with score and player foul counts on the corners. Throughout the game, in-game co-hosts run promotions and on court contests. Their presence during stoppages in play balances well with the down time of media breaks, and is not overdone to the point of being too much. Much of the remaining time during dead balls is filled with a combination of an in-house DJ and Furman’s pep-band. With Bon Secours Wellness Arena also being used for hockey, seating at the ends of the main level is pushed back a decent distance from the floor. However, seats in the corners do provide good views while staying close to the action. Neighborhood 5 Greenville, South Carolina is one of the hidden gems of the South. Main Street in downtown Greenville offers a near endless number of shops, bars, restaurants, breweries, and hotels. Downtown Greenville has everything a visitor might want and need, all within walking distance from Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Just over a mile from Bon Secours Wellness Arena is Falls Park; it is well known for its walking trails, suspension bridge, and waterfall on the Reedy River. Falls Park is a popular location year-round – the suspension bridge is something the city of Greenville takes so much pride in that it has even been worked into the court design of the basketball floor. Fans 3 Moving the game off campus can be a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to the impact fans can have on the game. On one hand the larger venue allows for more fans to be a part of rivalry games, giving the Paladins a tournament-type atmosphere as they prepare for post season play. On the other hand, the intensity of a smaller gymnasium removes the homecourt advantage a bit, and seems to zap the energy out of the crowd. While still engaged in the game and cheering for big plays, students seem a bit more subdued in this type of setting – there does not appear to be the effort to rattle the opponents that is more evident in-home games at Timmons Arena. Access 3 While not directly off Interstate-85, the I-185 bypass feeds into US Highway 29 and Bon Secours Wellness Arena area, in total about a 15-minute drive from I-85. Once at the arena parking can be found in just about all directions. Most lots cost $10, but if you are willing to walk a block, the city’s public lots charge a $7 daily rate. If parking at the arena, entering the Church Street garage on the Beattie Place entrance, then parking on the 3rd level will provide the most convenient entrance. Bon Secours Wellness Arena has a wide concourse that makes navigating the arena easy, and the concessions are well enough offset as to not cause congestion. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets start at just $5, which is less expensive than the cheapest ticket at Timmons Arena (on-campus tickets start at $15). With an off-campus facility, parking costs are out of Furman’s hands – $10 for parking is not out of line with what might be expected, but it’s just inconsistent with typical SoCon prices. However, all-in-all the overall cost is the same regardless of the venue; it’s just the total costs are divided differently. Extras 2 In creating a fully inclusive arena environment, Bon Secours Wellness Arena renovated one of its suites into a sensory suite for fans with sensory needs. The suite has sound and light-dampening glass, as well as sensory calming accessories. Another nice touch of the Weekend at the Well series is that players come out and sign autographs for fans following the game; this goes a long way toward building a fan base with younger fans, in hopes of growing a new generation of Paladins. Final Thoughts While games being moved off campus into a bigger, downtown arena does provide a special feel to the event, some of the magic of the homecourt advantage and the crowd is lost when playing in the larger venue. While there are benefits for moving big games off campus to a larger venue, there just seems to be some of the pageantry lost when the biggest rivalry game is moved off the home court.

Photos by Marc Viquez & Joe Moski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 UC Baseball Stadium 99 W Corry St Cincinnati, OH 45219 Cincinnati Bearcats website UC Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,085 Bearcats, Bats, and a Beautiful Ballpark The Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team began to play at a sparkling new stadium in 2004. It is named Marge Schott Stadium due to a $2 million gift to the Cincinnati athletic department from the Marge & Charles J. Schott Foundation, to whom the controversial Reds owner left most of her estate after her passing in 2004. The baseball stadium shows no signs of age as the structure and seating areas look great. The field itself was renovated to a turf surface in 2014. Cincinnati Bearcats baseball began to play in 1886 and has a rich history in a town where baseball usually comes first each year. They have nine conference championships and seven NCAA tournament appearances. Famous MLB players from the Bearcats include notable names such as Sandy Koufax, Kevin Youkilis, and Josh Harrison. Food & Beverage 2 There are two concession stands at Marge Schott Stadium, one at the top of the stands along each baseline. When crowds are lighter, only the first base stand will be open. The fare is standard with hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy offered. Prices seem a bit high for a college baseball game. Soda can be had for $4, peanuts for $4, and coffee/hot chocolate for $2.75. These prices are on par with high-level minor league stadiums and even some major league parks. Tickets are cheap, but buying food and drink will set you back a bit. Beer is sold, which is rare for a Midwestern school. Most of the usual domestic brands are available as are a couple of micros. Atmosphere 3 Structurally, MSS resembles some of the newer minor league parks with seating down the foul lines and an automated scoreboard, and a decent-sized video board out in the right field. It’s a nice small park to watch baseball. Fans seated in any location will still have a great view of the game. If fans are wanting to stand and talk with a friend, there are standing-room areas around the entire concourse. This is a nice feature as many college baseball stadiums don’t have this feature. The seats seem to sit high above the field, giving you decent sight lines regardless of where you sit. The outfield wall is entirely a black tarp material over black fencing. Couple this with the stark brick wall of Fifth Third Arena, which butts up against the right field area of the stadium, and it kind of makes for a boring scene to stare out at. Neighborhood 4 Only a short five-minute walk from Marge Schott Stadium, the street that forms the southern border of UC’s campus, Calhoun Street, has been going through a university-backed transformation. This has included the school buying up and tearing down older properties to build nicer dorms and eventually, condos with street-level retail. A short walk past the soccer stadium on Dennis Street to Calhoun immediately puts you steps away from chains like Panera Bread, Five Guys Burgers, and Buffalo Wild Wings. If you want something a bit more unique, go a block south onto McMillan, or west a few blocks and you’ll pass Pomodori’s Pizza, favored for its wood-fired pizza, and Christy’s & Lenhardt’s, with German food and a beer garden. Fans 4 The new stadium has served to raise the UC baseball team’s profile in recent years. Improved facilities have led to stronger recruiting and thus, more competitive teams to keep fans engaged. The school reported over 1,000 season tickets sold for the 2016 season, which is solid considering the capacity and competition locally for the entertainment dollar. Along with free access for UC students, aggressive marketing to groups (at $1 a person for groups of 10 or more), as well as $20 season ticket packages has brought solid crowds to Marge Schott Stadium. Fans are well-behaved, only shouting out encouragement to their team. UC is a well-liked travel destination for opposing fans and you shouldn’t expect any confrontations between the home and visiting fans. Access 3 It’s relatively easy to get to the Cincinnati campus in the Clifton neighborhood, which sits on the hill just north of downtown Cincinnati. The school can be accessed by either a major highway in the area, Interstate 71 (1.5 miles to the east) or I-75 (three miles to the west). Marge Schott Stadium is a part of the University of Cincinnati’s Varsity Village, the small “neighborhood” of the school’s sports facilities, which includes football’s Nippert Stadium and basketball’s Fifth Third Arena on the southern end of this urban campus. Depending on the time of day, traffic in the area can be a beast. If it is rush hour, it will take you some significant time to get in and out of the campus area, and if you can avoid using the highways during this time to get where you need to, I would recommend it. As for parking, you can pay $5 and park in the Corry Garage, which is right across the street from the stadium. If the game is later in the evening, you may be able to find metered on-street parking, which is free after 6 pm Mondays-Saturdays and all day Sunday. There is some free street parking a few blocks south of the stadium past the CVS. As always, read the street signs carefully to avoid getting ticketed or towed. Return on Investment 4 All seats are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. There are bleachers with backrests along the baselines, but the three sections behind the home plate are individual chairs. There is no difference in price and all seats are general admission. For anyone local to Cincinnati, season tickets are incredibly cheap at $20 for adults or $10 for kids. Food is a bit overpriced, but there are plenty of decent options around the campus if you don’t want to bother with it. Add in the parking options and you have a pretty inexpensive trip to see a ballgame. Extras 4 An extra point for the major league talent the program has been slowly producing over the past few years. Bearcat alumni include Cincinnati natives Boston Red Sox 1B Kevin Youkilis (though he left back in 2001, he’s remained a supporter of UC Athletics) and Pittsburgh Pirates 2B Josh Harrison. Even though Sandy Koufax only played one season at Cincy, that name brings the wow factor. Another point for the increased attention UC has given to the baseball program, a sport that is traditionally not a money generator for most schools. Another bonus point is given for having a real-life bearcat in a cage on the concourse, sponsored by the Cincinnati Zoo. This is a great extra for a college baseball game and gives fans a chance to see the school’s nickname namesake. One final point for UC serving alcohol at its ballgames. It’s nice to have the option if you like a brew with your baseball. Final Thoughts In an area not known for its tradition of college baseball, UC Bearcats Stadium has raised its profile. The park is a good example of the university trying to make the best use of its limited space. At a school that has fervently supported its basketball, and now football program, there is now a spring counterpart for students and local fans to rally around. Everything about this park screams first class and it is something for Bearcat fans and the university to be proud of.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clune Arena 2168 Field House Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Air Force Falcons website Clune Arena website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 5,858 Air Force Hoops There’s been a lot of talk about “hygge” lately. It’s a Scandinavian concept that means coziness, commonly in interior design, that emerged as a trend in North America in the late 2010s. People look for hygge on a cold, overcast day. Designers of Clune Arena, the United States Air Force Academy’s 5,843-seat basketball venue, foresaw a need for hygge and created a snug atmosphere when the building opened in 1968. That atmosphere eschews window seats, woolen pashminas, and other Danish sensibilities in favor of seating so close to the action that fans might feel like that they are in the game – even when sitting in the building’s farthest seat from the floor. Basketball is a complex sport. Watching the Falcons play at Clune enables fans not only to see the game from a close vantage but also to hear the players communicate with each other. It’s a cool way to watch college basketball. No mind that Air Force hoops can’t provide the same pageantry as the Falcon football team, as neither live falcons nor stealth bombers can fly safely inside. Clune Arena sits at 7,080 feet above sea level. With that altitude and, yes, a cozy arena, the “Zoomies” enjoy a distinct home court advantage that doesn’t involve mulling spices or any other hallmarks of hygge. Food & Beverage 3 At its main concession stand, Clune Arena has the basics and not much else: hot dogs ($5), pretzels ($6), popcorn ($7), and nachos ($7). Famous Dave’s also sells BBQ products at AFA basketball games. Part of the larger Cadet Field House, Clune shares its concession stand with the Academy’s hockey team. The Air Force Academy is a Pepsi campus. Coca-Cola fans should plan accordingly. There’s also beer and canned cocktails. The “Wild Brew Yonder” stand sells 16-ounce cans of Bud Light, as well as 12-ounce cans of Pikes Peak Brewing’s Ocean of Clouds IPA and Blue Mesa Tropical Blonde, along with Breckenridge Avalanche, all for $8. Twelve-ounce cans of Cutwater Vodka Mule and Nutrl Vodka Sodas sell for $10. Atmosphere 3 Clune Arena is but one tenant in the five-story, 168,000-square foot Cadet Field House. The Field House is divided into three areas: Clune, Cadet Ice Arena (home of Air Force hockey), and a multipurpose area that the Academy uses for other sports that include indoor track, wrestling, fencing, gymnastics, and lacrosse. A concourse with restrooms and concession areas runs north-to-south between Clune and the Cadet Ice Arena. Windows to the north of both arenas look into the multipurpose area. A walkway circles the seating bowl, about halfway between the floor below and the top of the arena above. Reserved seats are individual, numbered chairs, while general admission seating are wooden bleachers with built-in seatbacks. Clune has few bad seats, primarily those in the end zones that are obstructed by the baskets, and their backboards and stanchions. In 2018, a new multi-million dollar scoreboard and the LED ribbon boards were installed. These favorably impact the game-night experience, as does a high-quality sound system. Neighborhood 4 The Academy’s “neighborhood” is difficult to evaluate as the Academy is not a traditional college; it’s a service academy. It isn’t located near a nightlife district like Iowa State’s Campustown or Arizona State’s Mill Avenue. Air Force has a campus that’s seemingly made for the cover of a travel brochure, set against the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The campus does not offer much in the way of dining and does not offer anything in the way of nightlife. However, there are plenty of options nearby. One of Colorado’s several In-N-Out Burger locations is a 12-minute drive from Clune, located at 1840 Democracy Point, Colorado Springs, CO, 80908. If you seek another regional, fast-food burger chain, there’s a Whataburger almost next door to In-N-Out (1310 Interquest Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO, 80908). Downtown Colorado Springs and its numerous restaurants and bars is only a 20-minute drive from the arena. A new, four-diamond hotel is under construction just outside the campus’s north gate. Until it opens in 2024, there are many hotels in close proximity to the Academy. The Hampton Inn & Suites Colorado Springs-Air Force Academy/I-25 North (1307 Republic Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921) and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs/AFA/Northgate (9856 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921) are among two of the closest hotels to campus. Fans 4 Things can get noisy inside Clune, even with less than a full house. The arena’s small size amplifies the crowd noise. When the game goes the Falcons’ way, fans get loud. This, along with Clune’s elevation above sea level (almost 2,000 feet higher than Denver), creates a distinctive home-court advantage. Access 3 Reaching Clune Arena might seem difficult. It’s not. The first stop for any event at the Air Force Academy is the security gate that marks the campus’s entrance. Guards check IDs and move traffic quickly through the process. From there, a three-mile awaits. It’s less than a five-minute jaunt and directions are well-marked for those of you who are slow in adopting GPS technology. Staff helps guide cars into the large parking lot to the east of Clune Arena. The building’s concourses have sufficient room to maneuver, though some of the aisles around the seating bowl can get narrow just before the start and end of each half. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices start at $15 for a general admission ticket, ranging to $30, depending on the opponent. As a point of comparison, the most expensive seat for the Falcons’ February 10, 2023, game against perennial Mountain West Conference contender New Mexico sold for $30 for a reserved seat while the most expensive seat for the March 4, 2023, game against San Jose State sold for $23. Because of Clune Arena’s size and design, there are very few seats with bad sightlines. The Academy’s ticket office does not pile fees and charges onto a ticket purchase and parking is free for games at Clune Arena, so attending an Air Force game doesn’t cost a fortune. Extras 4 Clune Arena earns a bonus point for having what all venues should have: water bottle filling stations around the concourse. There is a surprising dearth of these, even at major sports venues (we’re looking at you, Denver Nuggets). These are a modern convenience with obvious environmental benefits. As commentators have noted, it’s a real bummer to have to fill a water bottle in 2023 at a drinking fountain. Another point, and another reason to catch a Falcons’ basketball game, for the Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. The Corps deftly provides music during breaks in play. Be sure to catch its rendition of “The U.S. Air Force,” which many people know as “Wild Blue Yonder.” In 1997, Clune hosted the boys’ McDonald’s All-American Game, featuring some of the country’s top high school senior basketball players. Several familiar names played in that game, such as Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Jarron and Jason Collins, Shane Battier, and Metta World Peace (then known as Ron Artest). Basketball legend Tracy McGrady was supposed to play in this game but did not. McGrady wanted his mother and grandmother to attend but airfare from their home in Florida to Colorado Springs totaled more than $1,000 apiece. This prevented them from attending the game so McGrady opted out of it. A few weeks after the game, the Toronto Raptors selected McGrady ninth overall in the 1997 NBA Draft. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, a two-time NBA scoring champion, and an inductee to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For this unusual historical note, Clune Arena earns another point. Final Thoughts A Falcons game at the Air Force Academy’s Clune Arena is a cozy affair. Not in the cabin socks-meets-mulling spices-meets flannel way but in the close to the action-meets great sight lines kind of way. With modest ticket prices and reasonable concession stand prices, fans can enjoy Mountain West Conference hoops without a mortgage.

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Husky Ballpark Wahkiakum Road and Walla Walla Road Seattle, WA 98195 Washington Huskies website Husky Ballpark website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,200 The Diamond on Montlake Located on the beautiful campus of the University of Washington, Husky Ballpark is home to the Washington Husky baseball team. Originally opened in 1998, the ballpark underwent major renovations from 2011 to 2014. The renovations included a 2,200-seat covered grandstand, press box and suites, and new team locker rooms. The stadium holds 3,200 people and is one of the most impressive ballparks I have ever seen. With views of Mount Rainier and Husky Stadium beyond the fences, it truly is a sight to be seen. Food & Beverage 2 As impressive as the stadium is, the food is severely lacking. The menu is small, with basic Coke products, hot dogs, pretzels, and a small selection of candy. The prices are very high too, as it is $7.50 just for a hot dog. I only purchased a soda for myself, a medium coke, and paid $4. Atmosphere 5 Just by sitting in Husky Ballpark, you instantly feel like you are in a very modern and new ballpark. Everything is very clean and organized, and the seats are very comfy. The new covered grandstand provides shade for those who want it, but if you want to be in the sun there are open bleachers along the first and third baselines. All seats are good seats in a small park like this, and there is a lot of fan interaction. Between every inning, the video board in the outfield is showing something, and the PA announcer is loud and helps get the fans into the game. An interesting thing to note is that only the pitcher’s mound is made out of the dirt. Not only the field but the batter’s box and base paths are all field turf. Despite this, they all are painted brown with the lines painted on too. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located right on the UW campus, but luckily on the very north edge. This provides easy access to U-Village, a large shopping center with many restaurants within walking distance. Since you are on campus, if you have extra time, I would suggest taking a walk around it. Fans 4 It was a very warm and sunny evening at the first pitch, so the weather was not a concern at the game I attended. The ballpark was about half full, and for a college baseball game that seems normal. The fans there don’t seem to be extra passionate about Husky baseball but are just Husky fans in general. There are a few students there too. But nobody is out of hand, and everyone seems to be paying attention to the game. Access 1 The UW campus can be difficult to get to, and at rush hour it becomes even more difficult. Just next to the campus is a very busy road that can be bumper to bumper for hours, including during the first pitch. Not to mention there has been a lot of construction in the area for the past couple of years and will continue through 2016. The ballpark shares the football stadium’s parking lot, so there is more than enough parking. Yet the charge is $8 to park here, which is almost half of what the actual ticket to get into the game costs (my ticket was $16.50 for seats behind home plate). If you are not prepared to pay that much, there are no other close places to park, and you must get back into the busy traffic to find an ATM or another parking lot for a long walk. Return on Investment 4 Overall, it is a very nice experience aside from parking. The ballpark is very nice and clean and has lots of shade on warm days. With the views of Mount Rainier and Husky Stadium, along with the laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, it is well worth the money. As long as you eat before the game and are prepared to pay $8 for parking, you should have no problems with your visit. Extras 3 Husky Ballpark has a few nice extras of note. There are banners of former Husky legends, including Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, which are fun to see. The outfield walls have the conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances painted on the walls. But the gorgeous views are really special. Beyond the fences sit Mount Rainier, the Cascade foothills, Union Bay, and the vibrant green colors that represent the Pacific Northwest. Final Thoughts Simply put, Husky Ballpark is outstanding. The views can take your breath away on a sunny day, and the atmosphere is very relaxing. Aside from the prices of food and parking, Husky Ballpark is a great place to watch D-I baseball with the whole family.

Photos by Dave Mortimer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Smith’s Ballpark 77 West 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Utah Utes website Smith’s Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 15,411 Smith’s Ballpark-Utes Style The Pac-12’s newest baseball program also boasts the conference’s largest baseball venue, though it isn’t the primary tenant. The Utah Utes play at Smith’s Ballpark, also home to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. Though it’s probably unfair to compare the game day experiences of these two clubs, certain elements make it just about unavoidable. Food & Beverage 3 Only one food stand is open for Utah games: the Grand Slam Grill. The featured items here are what you’d expect from somewhere with “Grill” in the name: chicken tender or cheeseburger baskets ($7.25), corn dog baskets ($6), chicken tender sandwiches ($6.25) burgers ($5.75), hot dogs ($3.25 regular, $4.25 jumbo), corn dogs ($3.50), garlic or cheese fries ($4.25, $3.75 for plain fries), chips ($2) and peanuts ($4.25). Drinks include Coke products (regular $3.25, large $4) and various bottled drinks ($3.75-$4.25). Atmosphere 2 For as much fun as Bees games are in this park, Utah games are alarmingly sedate by comparison. I went to two Utah baseball games in a month, both against in-state rivals: BYU and Southern Utah. During the BYU game, the video board on the scoreboard was turned off, outfield fence advertising was non-existent, and entry to the grass berm beyond the outfield was blocked (somewhat unsuccessfully) by caution tape. The Southern Utah game, meanwhile, was the opposite. The video board was used for player bios, the Bees standard outfield ads were present, and the berm was open. While this helped make the game less drab, the tiny crowd did not. Even ball and t-shirt tosses were done with minimal enthusiasm by those who tossed and received. Both games featured something else lacking: the Ute logo. Signs on the stadium’s exterior tout Spring Mobile as “Home of Utah Baseball.” Inside, however, only a couple of promotion tables and a handful of Utah/Pac-12 flags tied to steel gratings display the traditional drum and feather. There is only so much branding the school can do because they’re sharing the park. Even so, there’s no debating the pride instilled by fans and alumni seeing logos and wordmarks in as many spots as possible. Otherwise, it just feels plain. Neighborhood 3 New developments nearby have helped spruce up this section of Salt Lake City, but it’s still somewhat warehouse-heavy. Going a couple of blocks east to State Street gives you plenty of eating options. On the way to State Street, you’ll run into Big Kahuna Pizza. Its website touts itself as the “Best Pan Pizza In Town.” That’s obviously up for debate, but the uniqueness of many of their pies is not. Two specialty pies worth a try are the “Kanaka” (Kalua pork with BBQ sauce) and the “Pake” (sweet and sour stir-fried chicken). If a pub’s more your style, Piper Down is the place for you. “Utah’s Premier Irish Pub” prides itself on being not just a great place to eat and drink, but to make new friends. There are plenty of choices on the menu. If you’re feeling Irish, you may like the Irish Nachos, which replace corn chips with fried potatoes and have corned beef as the protein. You can build your cheesesteak for just $7. For info on other nearby food choices, including the great dive bar Lucky 13, check out the Salt Lake Bees review. Fans 2 Heading into the game against BYU, I figured there would be a heightened atmosphere, even on a Tuesday night. The crowd, announced as 900, was decent for a college game here, but was about one-third to one-half pro-BYU. Overall, the crowd seemed smaller given the inescapably large number of empty seats around them. My second visit, pitting the Utes against Southern Utah, was even smaller. The box score says 425 fans showed up, a figure I would call more than generous. Many of the fans wore Ute red and were somewhat engaged, but were often matched or exceeded in enthusiasm by fans of each visiting team, particularly during the BYU game. College baseball has long been a hard sell in Utah. A season that starts in February prevents local teams from playing at home for at least a month, stifling crowd momentum. A look at UtahUtes.com shows a concerted effort to get fans out to the games. Most notable are coupons for up to six free tickets in exchange for basic contact information. Some are tied to specific events (Youth Day, Father/Son Day, etc.) but others appear to be valid for any game. This helped bring my family to the park, but also lessened the sting of having to leave early when my son got the sniffles. Access 5 Normally $6 for Bees games, the official lot across the street from the park is free when the Utes play. You won’t find parking attendants in this lot during college games but it’s still the best, safest spot around by a wide margin. The TRAX light-rail system also has a stop nearby, if you’re OK with public transportation. While perhaps diminishing the park’s atmosphere, the smaller crowds make restrooms and concourses even more serviceable than they already are. Return on Investment 4 Simply put, you can’t beat free. Easily accessible free admission and parking, not to mention plenty of free souvenirs (schedule posters, etc.) make for a thrifty family outing. The lack of additional frills and a merely moderate energy level keep me from giving a full 5. But if a more mellow baseball experience is your thing, you’ll love it here. Extras 1 One point of view. No matter what is (or isn’t) going on inside the park, the view beyond the outfield is stupendous, highlighted by Mount Olympus beyond the dead center. Utah fans also get a glimpse of the Block U on Mount Van Cott beyond left field. Final Thoughts Even with a massive fundraising effort underway by the Utah athletic department, it appears baseball is far down the priority list for the school with the smallest athletic budget in the Pac-12. Having been blessed with a more-than-adequate option in Smith’s Ballpark, the onus is on the school to make the in-game experience more compelling. Being consistent in the use of the video board, keeping the berm open regularly, and doing all they can to apply the school brand within the park are small tweaks that can help.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dedeaux Field 1021 Childs Way Los Angeles, CA 90089 USC Trojans website Dedeaux Field website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,500 A Field of Conquests Named after the legendary Trojan skipper Rod Dedeaux, Dedeaux Field opened its gates in 1974 in grand fashion, as Russ McQueen would throw a no-hitter in the first game ever played there, en route to their 5th consecutive National Championship. Though the USC football program is more recognized on a national scale, it is actually the baseball team that has achieved the most conquests in relation to its peers with 12 College World Series titles to its name. Though the stadium is approaching the end of its fourth decade, visiting fans would never guess it as numerous renovations over the years have kept the venue looking as one of the best in all of college baseball. Food & Beverage 3 The main food stand is just inside the gates located in a mobile unit. The options are pretty standard for a collegiate baseball venue as the menu offers fans chicken tenders ($6), pulled pork sandwich ($5.50), nachos and cheeseburgers ($5), all beef hot dog/chili cheese dog ($5/$6). If you have a sweet tooth, a Krispy Kreme Sandwich, with the option of pulled pork, burger, or chicken tender in between a glazed KK donut, is available for $6. A separate stand in front of the statue honoring Rod Dedeaux next to the ramps leading to the grandstands serves up caramel kettle corn along with other varied flavors. The kettle corn is sold in small ($3), medium ($5), large ($8), and extra-large ($10). If only feed yourself, the small size will more than satisfy. The beverage options included bottled water, bottled soda, Powerade, Vitamin Water, coffee, hot cocoa, or Minute Maid frozen lemonade, all for $4 each. A snack stand by Prior Plaza along the first base concourse sells roasted peanuts ($5), assorted candy ($4), and Lay’s variety chips ($2). Hot dogs are also available. If you desire an adult beverage, your options are Coors ($5) and Trojan IPA ($6). Atmosphere 4 As you make your way inside the wrought iron gates of Dedeaux Field you will be strolling along Mark McGwire Way through a palm tree-lined walkway. More than likely it will be on a nice warm sunny day, adding to the Southern California atmosphere. As you approach the ramps leading to the stands, you will notice a couple of tributes to the legendary USC manager Rod Dedeaux. To your left, you will see a large baseball with a plaque in his honor. On the plaque is the quote “Voted the Collegiate Baseball Coach of the 20th Century by Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball. Well Done Tiger.” Located between the two ramps behind the kettle corn stand is a grand statue of the former USC Manager Rod Dedeaux atop a platform with his trademark saying, “Hi Tigers.” The statue honoring the former Trojan skipper was dedicated in 2014 in his honor, one day shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. The former skipper of Troy, Dedeaux managed USC for 45 seasons (1942-86), winning an unprecedented 11 national titles as well as producing numerous Major Leaguers. The tributes to Troy don’t stop there. As you descend upon the main concourse behind the stands, along the first base side is Prior Plaza, in honor of the former Chicago Cub pitcher. Along the plaza, a wall pays tributes to Trojan All-Americans as well as those who played in the bigs. Also behind the first base stands is the Hall of Fame Complex, a must-visit for any baseball fan. The HOF Complex features a wide variety of tributes to former Trojan ballplayers, ranging from their national title trophies as well as uniforms from both their days donning the Cardinal and Gold to their time in the bigs to a timeline displaying their proud history. You will not want to miss this, especially if this is your first visit. Neighborhood 4 The stadium sits on the USC campus, allowing quick access to all of Los Angeles. If visiting fans have the opportunity, I would highly recommend checking out the nearby Exposition Park before or after the game. The 160-acre area includes the Coliseum itself, but so much more: the Memorial Sports Arena, Natural History Museum, California Science Center, Exposition Park Rose Garden, California African American Museum, and the Expo Center among others. You’ll need a day or more to view all of this as each of them could take several hours to view. If you’re limited on time, you may want to visit the California Science Center, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Catering to college students, the surrounding area has all sorts of fast food, including Togo’s Subs, Subway, Taco Bell, Denny’s, and Wendy’s all less than a mile away from Dedeaux Field. Not far from Dedeaux Field is the Figueroa Corridor. The Figueroa Corridor has brought new life along that particular stretch of Figueroa Street, lined with townhouses and various eateries, including the Lab Gastropub, located next door to the Galen Center. The area around USC continues its resurgence as more mixed-use development continues in what will be known as USC Village. Fans 3 For a storied program, like their men’s basketball counterparts across town in Westwood, expectations run very high among the Trojan Faithful. Perhaps a surprising 10-year hiatus from NCAA Tournament play has something to do with the sparse crowd I experienced in 2016. With the Men of Troy recently returning to post-season play in 2015, a return to glory may not be far. Access 4 With the campus being located in downtown Los Angeles, there is a multitude of ways to get to the stadium. If fans can dodge the traffic, they can get to the venue via the 5, 10, 110, or 405 freeways. Fans can also easily get to the game via the Metro Expo Line as well as several MTA transit bus options. If driving to the venue, game day parking runs at $12 per vehicle near the field through gate 6 off Vermont and 36th Street. Return on Investment 5 Trojan baseball is a great bargain. For a mere $7 for adults and $5 for seniors 60 and over as well as non-USC students. Children 12 and under gain free admittance, a generous deal for those wanting to bring their kids out for an afternoon under the sun. If you happen to be a family of four, with two under 12, it is possible to enjoy a game for a total of $14, something one would be lucky to pay for a single admission to an MLB game. Extras 5 The extras are another category where USC excels. First-time visitors should ensure that they arrive early so that they can take all of the extras in. Most important is the Herbert V. Nootbaar Baseball Office and Hall of Fame Complex. Inside this building located down the first base line, fans will find the Major League jerseys of many of the former Trojan players. Beautiful pieces of art that feature pitchers such as Randy Johnson and batters such as Aaron Boone hang from the wall. A timeline of notable events in USC baseball and its alumni surrounds the room at the top of the wall. The many NCAA championship trophies and individual player awards are displayed prominently in display cases. There are even stacks of Baseball America magazines that feature Trojan players on a coffee table surrounded by nice leather couches. Also on the first base side is Prior Plaza, which was established by former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior. This monument recognizes past USC players who have been either All-Americans or appeared in the major leagues. Obviously, with all of USC’s success, there is quite the list of players noted here. Along the outfield wall in left field, more Trojan glory is on display, listing the years of their 12 National Championships as well as their 21 College World Series appearances. I was rather surprised to see the World Series years on display, particularly the years in which the Men of Troy did not win the grand prize. Storied franchises such as this one usually only boast championship glory. In the right field corner by the foul pole is Sparky’s Corner, featuring a banner honoring Sparky Anderson, the former Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds skipper who was a bat boy for the 1948 USC National Championship team. It is believed that Sparky once lived in a home behind where the current right field pole stands and was offered the job as a bat boy after returning a foul ball to Rod Dedeaux. Final Thoughts After a 10-year absence from NCAA tournament play, it appears the storied program is heading back toward its place in glory. Any baseball fan will certainly want to add a trip to Dedeaux Field to their baseball bucket list. If visiting for the first time, you will want to arrive early to take in not only the history surrounding Dedeaux Field but take a stroll along the nearby Bloom Hall of Fame Walk. The HOF Walk has numerous plaques on display honoring many notable Trojan athletes, including Fred Lynn, Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, and Mark Prior. Dedeaux Field is only minutes away from downtown L.A., making it possible to not only take in some Trojan Baseball, but an event that could be taking place in nearby Staples Center, or even a baseball doubleheader with Dodger Stadium being a short drive up the 110 Freeway north. Whatever your baseball itinerary, you owe it to yourself to take in a game at Dedeaux Field --- If you have any other questions regarding Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, or other venues throughout Southern California, then feel free to shoot me an email at Andrei.Ojeda@wp4.temp.domains. You can also follow me @good_drei on Twitter and Instagram.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell 300 Martin Luther King Way Lowell, MA 01852 UMass Lowell Hockey website Tsongas Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,003 Your Tsongas The University of Massachusetts – Lowell got its start in the 1890s as two separate institutions, the Lowell Normal School (later renamed Lowell State College) and the Lowell Textile School (later renamed Lowell Textile Institute). These two schools merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. In 1991 UL joined the University of Massachusetts system. Today UMass Lowell is the second largest campus in Massachusetts, with an enrollment of over 18,000 students in almost 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs. Total enrollment has increased 50 percent since 2007. The Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, named for Lowell native and United States Senator Paul E. Tsongas, is located on the southeastern edge of the UMass Lowell campus on the banks of the Merrimack River. Senator Tsongas, who was instrumental in securing funding for the facility, died in 1997 just before the opening of the arena. Originally owned by the city of Lowell, UMass Lowell purchased the building and assumed oversight of all operations in 2010. Since opening, the Tsongas Center has served as the home for a pair of American Hockey League teams, the Lock Monsters and Devils, as well as the UMass Lowell Riverhawks hockey team. The University of Massachusetts-Lowell has sponsored hockey teams since 1965. Formerly known as the Terriers and the Chiefs, the team played at a number of local rinks, including playing outdoors at Cushing Field on campus. The team originally competed in Division II, where they won three national championships between 1979 and 1982. In 1983 UMass Lowell moved up to the sport’s top division. Today the Riverhawks compete in the Hockey East Conference. They have qualified for nine NCAA tournaments and made it to one Frozen Four, in 2013. 22 River Hawk alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at the Tsongas Center don’t stray far from arena standards but there is still enough variety here to satisfy most visiting fans. Burgers and dogs anchor the menu, with a good assortment of snacks available. Sal’s Pizza operates a stand which offers their popular slices. Combo meals are sold at all stands to help defray the cost. Pepsi products are featured at the Tsongas Center. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of national beers sold here along with local favorites from Harpoon and Jack’s Abby. Beer is available in both bottles and draft. Atmosphere 5 Here at Stadium Journey, we often say that the student section is the engine that drives the atmosphere at any college sporting event. Hockey is the premiere sport at UMass Lowell, and the student section turns out in good numbers to support their team. The school’s excellent pep band performs throughout the game, keeping the energy up and the building full of noise. Also present in the student section are the cheerleaders (who perform on the ice before the game) and Rowdy the River Hawk, who roams the arena interacting with fans and posing for pictures. There game day staff at the Tsongas Center put on a good show for visiting fans. There’s a video board at center ice which is put to good use with crowd shots, replays and promos. Local youth hockey teams take the ice during intermission and there are giveaways, 50/50 raffles and more to keep the casual fan engaged, not that there are many casual fans in this section of the Merrimack Valley. Neighborhood 3 The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is located in the north-central part of the city of Lowell, right near the city line of adjoining Dracut. The campus straddles the Merrimack River along the rapids which used to fuel the mills that made this area a magnet for industry back in the day. Lowell long had a poor reputation as a city with low employment, high poverty and crime rates which was best to avoid. Statistics show that Lowell is as safe or safer than other similarly-sized cities in the area, but the reputation continues. Lowell is a working-class city. The Tsongas Center is located on the edge of downtown, with not a lot in the immediate vicinity to attract out-of-town fans. Visitors to the city may be interested in exploring the Lowell National Historic Park, which has preserved several old textile mills to tell the story of the industrial revolution. On the grounds of the park is a memorial to native son Jack Kerouac, who was one of the icons of the “Beat Generation.” Most out-of-towners will likely make their way to nearby Boston, 25 miles to the southeast, but for those looking to stay in town, most lodging options are located out by Interstate 495. There are many excellent smaller restaurants scattered throughout Lowell. If looking for a place within walking distance of the Tsongas Center, check out El Jefe Taco Bar. Fans 5 UMass Lowell ranks in the top 15 nationwide in terms of attendance every year, which is no small feat when you consider how crowded the Greater Boston hockey market is. The River Hawks draw an average of 4,500 fans per game annually, which also puts them near the top of the Hockey East rankings. There’s a good turnout by the UMass Lowell student body, who, along with the pep band, fill the arena with noise throughout the game. It’s impressive how many of the students here come decked out in their River Hawk jerseys, making the student sections a sea of red, white and blue. Local fans, families and youth hockey groups turn out in large numbers, proud to have a team to call their own in an area often overshadowed by the teams from Boston. Fans here know their hockey and make the Tsongas Center a fun place to watch a game. Access 4 The Tsongas Center is located on the south bank of the Merrimack River a short distance from the school’s baseball stadium, LeLacheur Park . The school’s other athletic facilities, including the Costello Athletic Center and Cushing Field, are located on the other side of the river. Interstate 495 travels a few miles to the south of Lowell, meaning that to reach the UMass-Lowell campus one has to drive through the city. Between the adjacent Ayotte Garage, several surface lots and some on-street spaces, there is plenty of parking nearby. Fans will enter Tsongas Arena into a large indoor lobby, which houses ticket booths and some inflatables for younger fans. A pair of staircases bring fans up to the concourse, which runs along the top of the seating bowl. The former 360-degree concourse is now blocked at one end by the Align Pavilion. It is not possible to completely circle the rink, nor can you view the rink from all points on the concourse due to the presence of luxury boxes lining one side of the venue. All seats at the Tsongas Center consist of plastic folding stadium seats, and offer excellent views of the action. Access around the facility is excellent, with only the typical lines forming during intermission. Restrooms at the Tsongas Center are plentiful, clean and large enough for a typical River Hawk crowd. Handicapped seating areas are plentiful. Fans should be aware that the stairs leading from the concourse to the seating bowl are not of uniform size. If one is not paying attention, there exists the very real possibility of tripping or worse, spilling your beverage. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a River Hawk game are reasonably priced, at $25 for sideline seats and $18 for end zone seats. Parking will cost you either $10 or $15 in the surface lots adjacent to the Tsongas Center or in the George Ayotte Garage next door. Free on-street parking is available just a short walk from the Tsongas Center for those who wish to search for it. Concession prices are a bit on the high side but are comparable to other venues in the area. Overall, a trip to a River Hawks game is an affordable entertainment option for local hockey fans. Extras 4 A pair of extra points are awarded for the displays of UMass Lowell athletic history which fill this arena. Fans can check out displays featuring Lowell’s various championship trophies, Lowell players to move on to the NHL and Olympics, and photos of top moments in UML history along with the River Hawk Athletic Hall of Fame. Banners along both ends of the arena commemorate the team’s success in both Division I and Division II. Fans can even view a display honoring the accomplishments of Paul Tsongas in the lobby. For those interested in taking home a souvenir of their trip to the Tsongas Center, there is a stand on the concourse offering a good selection of UMass Lowell merchandise. UMass Lowell also incorporates a wide variety of giveaways and special events into their schedule every season. If you visit Lowell on a day where the weather cooperates, do yourself a favor and take a walk behind the Tsongas Center and explore the Riverwalk. A stroll along the river to view the rapids and the historic mill buildings is highly recommended. Final Thoughts It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center remains as one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even after a quarter century of use. While professional hockey is no longer in the cards for this cozy mid-sized arena, The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a home that measures up to any college arena in the country. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Mizzou Arena 1 Champions Dr Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Mizzou Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 15,061 Don’t Mizz Mizzou Mizzou Arena opened in November 2004 and has a capacity of 15,061, making it the sixth largest in the SEC. Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie and her husband Bill donated $25 million toward construction and were allowed to name it Paige Sports Arena after their daughter. This was widely criticized since Paige attended the University of Southern California, but the problem was solved when Paige was involved in a cheating scandal that forced the Lauries to relinquish the naming rights after just three games. Thankfully, the university has resisted the temptation to sell the naming rights since then, and Mizzou Arena has become an iconic name, if not an iconic destination. Which is unfortunate, because during Stadium Journey’s visit there, we found it to be an excellent venue for college basketball. Read on to find out why. Food & Beverage 4 After entering through the main doors, you will see three unique concession stands directly in front of you, all offering rather different fare. Chick Chicken Salad has five flavors of chicken salad (for example, Sassy Scotty comes with ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese) that can be combined with sides such as broccoli salad or fresh fruit and a buttercream cookie for $13. Dickey’s BBQ Pit provides a Big Barbecue Sandwich for just $8, the same price as four wings; your typical BBQ sides such as baked beans and cole slaw are available for $4. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate Andy’s Frozen Custard, where half-pint cups start at $6, but you will probably want to splurge an extra two bucks for the Mizzou Tiger Streak, which contains Oreo, Crème Caramel, and Hot Fudge. More typical concessions can be found along the other concourses, with a bacon cheeseburger basket running $11, the same as a basket of chicken tenders. Small nachos with cheese are only $5, which is what a hot dog costs, so perhaps the former is better value if you are hungry. Snacks include Cracker Jack ($3), chips ($4), peanuts ($5), and popcorn ($7). There is one concession stand behind the student section where you can order online or at a nearby kiosk and your food would be delivered to a secure locker, thus eliminating the need to wait in line and miss some of the action. Offerings here are similar to elsewhere, though you can get a Nachos Grande or a Walking Taco for $10. Coca-Cola provides the beverages, with bottled soda going for $6, while Dasani water is a dollar less. Iced tea, Powerade, and Smart Water are all $7, and you can find souvenir sodas for $8. Alcohol is sold here with all beer going for $10; if you prefer craft there is a stand with some local options. Atmosphere 5 Before you even enter the venue, you must genuflect in front of the statue of Norm Stewart, who coached here from 1967-99. Below the statue is a list of his incredible accomplishments, which include some from baseball, as he was a pitcher on Missouri's 1954 championship team, tossed a no-hitter against Arkansas, and signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He was also a basketball star and was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks, for whom he played five games in 1956-57. He moved to college coaching in 1961 and amassed 731 victories in his career, with 633 coming at Mizzou. The court is also named in his honor. Suitably humbled, enter via the main doors just behind the statue and once your ticket is scanned, wander through the Hall of Champions, a collection of trophies and other memorabilia won by past teams. There are several glass cases here so try to get here early to get a look at everything if you are the type that appreciates when history is recognized. Walk around the single concourse and appreciate how the banners spell MIZZOU down the hallways. The Mizzou name can be found throughout the venue because nobody here actually says Missouri. The Athletics Hall of Fame stretches along one hallway and honors those from all sports. The arena design is excellent, with corner seats pointing directly at the court. The colors naturally are the black and gold of the school, and it goes very well with the playing surface, which contains the ferocious tiger logo inside an outline of the state of Missouri. Above the seating bowl are dozens of banners, including several retired numbers, while conference championships are celebrated with gold banners for the men, and black for the women. Looking up, you can see the small windows that let some natural light into the building. The student section is known as The Zou and they were out in force for the game I attended. A Cheat Sheet is distributed beforehand and gives the students some humorous tidbits about the visiting players. During the game, there are your typical college cheerleader routines and a few promotions. Neighborhood 3 The arena is on the southern edge of campus and a bit of a drive from any sort of neighborhood. The downtown area is about 2 miles north of the arena and has dozens of local restaurants and bars that provide the typical college town charm, with the streets filled by a black and gold-clad army before and after the game. Harpo’s – a sprawling brick bar and grill with a second-floor patio – is a favorite of Mizzou fans, and Shakespeare’s Pizza offers some of the best pie in central MO. Meanwhile, Broadway Brewery offers their craft beer. The closest hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites, just four minutes by car from the arena, while the vast majority of lodging can be found at the intersection of I-70 and US-63. If you have time, you can drive about 30 minutes southeast to Fulton, where Westminster College is located. This is where Winston Churchill spoke in 1941 and coined the term Iron Curtain; there is an excellent museum dedicated to him that should satisfy any history buff, as well as a segment of the Berlin Wall. Fans 5 Since the Tigers moved to the SEC, attendance has been a problem, so much so that other schools are mocking them. But for the game I attended, a Big 12/SEC challenge matchup, the place was sold out, with students lining up an hour before gates opened and making noise throughout. The alumni were all wearing school colors as part of a Stripe Out promotion, with sections alternating between black and gold, and it worked pretty well. It seems like attendance is increasing this year, helped by a team that was ranked early in the season, so I have to give full points here. Access 4 Getting to the arena takes a few minutes once you are off the I-70. All lots around the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders, known as donors. There is a public parking option at Truman's Landing, which is about a half mile down a hill; free shuttles are available before and after the game. If you do happen to park in a donor lot, expect to wait a few minutes to get out. Some prefer to park downtown and walk over, thus saving on the postgame hassle. There are several garages in the area, so if you plan to party before or after, this might be a better option. The concourse is spacious, though at some places, party areas take up space, but I never had any problem wandering about. Your typical halftime lines at concessions and restrooms can be avoided by getting there early or using one of the many media timeouts to do what you need to do. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for conference matchups start at $30 and go up to $60, but for most games, you will be able to get in for less on the secondary market, except for the Border Showdown against Kansas. Non-conference games should be cheaper as well. With concessions reasonable and parking free, you should get a good bang for your buck for a power conference basketball game. Extras 5 Outside, there is a plaza listing the school's All-Americans in every sport. Add this to the statue of Norm Stewart, the Hall of Champions, and the Athletics Hall of Fame, and you have an excellent tribute to the school’s storied athletic programs. It was Star Wars Day, and there were many characters on the concourse wearing costumes that were far better than I had ever seen. A pair of giant Chewbaccas was the rage, while Truman the Tiger took down Darth Vader (wearing an Iowa State logo) before the game. Make sure to learn the lyrics to Mr. Brightside as it is sung by The Zou, with some additional words thrown in regarding Kansas. Final Thoughts Overall, this is an impressively designed venue that looks much younger than its 20 years and it was rocking for the game I attended, making it one of the best college basketball experiences that I have enjoyed. Of course, things will be different if you attend a non-conference matchup in mid-November, but still, the history on display combined with the aesthetically pleasing design make this a worthwhile stop if you are traveling between St. Louis and Kansas City during hoops season.

Photos courtesy of Furman Athletics' Instagram post February 4, 2023 “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” - Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, athletic departments around the country have celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX legislation, which made it illegal for any institution receiving federal financial assistance to discriminate based on sex. As part of their celebration, the Furman Paladins athletics department paired their “Weekend at the Well” women and men’s basketball games with the Women in Sports Foundation’s annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Members of all Furman’s women’s athletic teams took part in the weekend’s celebration by conducting clinics for children around the concourse of Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena and signed autographs for fans prior to the start of the women’s game. Furman volleyball and lacrosse players practiced fundamentals with children, while kids worked on their striking skills with members of the women’s tennis team. Soccer players worked on passing drills and softball players displayed the basics of fielding. In an Instagram post, Furman’s women’s basketball coach Jackie Carson commented that her daughter felt so confident in her tennis skills now, she felt she could beat her mom now. The centerpiece of Furman’s celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX, was the women’s inter-state rivalry basketball game between the Wofford Terriers and Furman Paladins. As might be expected with rivalry games, the 9-14 Paladins gave the 19-6 Terriers all they could handle – in a game that saw 11 lead changes with no team ever leading by more than 6 points, the women of Furman basketball had a chance to force overtime as time expired, but could not get a last gasp three-pointer to go down. The events of the day were a perfect example of the role this type of community outreach plays in inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Each generation had someone come before them to pave the way for the generation behind them. Furman was just one of hundreds of schools using the week to celebration the contributions of women and girls in the sports world.

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Coaches Stadium at Monier Field 1905 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Coaches Stadium at Monier Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 500 14 Pillars of Coaches The facility formerly known as Monier Field underwent a renovation in 2002 and reopened as Coaches Stadium at Monier Field. The Eastern Illinois Panthers baseball team has played on this site since it began competing in NCAA Division I in 1982. The stadium features 14 brick pillars, each honoring a previous Panthers head coach. The seating area is made up of 500 blue chair back seats in five sections behind the backstop. There is also room for fans to stretch out down the first and third baselines. Eastern Illinois baseball is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The Panthers have participated in different levels of the sport throughout the years: NAIA, NCAA College Division, and NCAA Division II. EIU has made two trips to the NCAA Division I Tournament, first in 1999 and most recently in 2008. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand on the back side of the seating structure. The limited offerings available are hot dogs ($2.75), a 32 oz. cup of popcorn ($2) and assorted candy ($1.25). Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water (all $2) come in 20 oz. bottles. Alcohol is prohibited in the stadium. Atmosphere 3 One of the highlights of a game at Coaches Stadium is the amount of work put in by the Sports Information and Marketing students. Contests begin the second you walk through the gates. The baseball bingo cards contain a $5 off coupon to Buffalo Wild Wings in nearby Mattoon, so even if you are not the winner, you still have a prize. Staffers walk up to attendees asking them to pick who will score the first EIU run, with the winner taking home a gift certificate to a local pub. Between-inning activities may include things like a pie-eating contest and an inflatable horse race. As with most Midwestern college baseball stadiums, the atmosphere depends on the weather. If the weather is nice, expect to see a large turnout from the student body. If it’s cold and wet, family and close friends will make up the bulk of the crowd. The playing surface is dirt and grass, with the only artificial turf being a ring right behind home plate with “PANTHERS” spelled out. The dimensions are 340 feet down the lines, 360 to the power alleys, and 380 to the straightaway center. Behind the left field wall is your garden variety scoreboard, with no video board. Fans entering the park are offered two full pages worth of game notes, similar to what you would see in the press box. While the sheets do not include a scorecard, they do include rosters and statistics for both teams, along with Ohio Valley Conference standings and an EIU schedule. Neighborhood 3 Coaches Stadium, along with the rest of Eastern Illinois’ athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The diamond is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. If the weather is nice, you will see folks drinking at Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you’re not an Eastern alum looking to relive your glory days. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. The Mattoon Burger King is not related to the chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and extra large drink costs less than $7 and is delicious. Fans 3 The majority of the crowd is clearly family and close friends of the players and coaches. There are also a good number of students who walk over from nearby on-campus housing to enjoy the game. While the crowd isn’t huge, they are vocally behind their team. Access 3 Most game attendees park in the lot between Lantz Arena and Coaches Stadium and player families also tailgate in this lot. Pay special attention to signage in the lot if you attend a game during the week. The spots are far enough back from the stadium so you should not have to worry about your car getting hit by a foul ball. Another option for parking is the O’Brien Field lot. EIU’s football stadium is also close enough to park and walk to Coaches Stadium without having to worry about dents to your vehicle. You should be able to utilize this lot during both weekday and weekend games. The stadium has a few port-a-potties down the third base line, next to the visitor’s dugout. O’Brien Field will also be open on baseball game days and features indoor plumbing. Return on Investment 4 Parking and admission are free and the most expensive thing at the concession stand will run you $2.75. You won’t be able to find much better value in Division I sports, especially if you attend a game on a sunny weekend day after a cold, Midwestern winter. Extras 3 On the left field wall, there are banners honoring two players who have had their numbers retired and another banner honoring a fallen Panther, whose name might be familiar to football fans. Former All-Star pitcher Marty Pattin had his #19 retired in 2009, while long-time, big league infielder Kevin Seitzer had his #2 retired in 2012. Former NFL offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who succumbed to cancer in 2011, played center field (and wide receiver) for the Panthers in the early 1970s and is remembered via a banner on the fence. Before you enter the stadium, you will notice 14 brick pillars, with each honoring a previous Eastern Illinois head coach. The pillars list the coaches’ names and their years of service. The outer wall also features plaques honoring the Eastern Illinois squads that reached the NCAA Division II College World Series, first in 1978 and again in 1981. The plaques list the teams’ overall records and the scores of their College World Series games, along with the names of the players and coaching staff. Final Thoughts The history and tradition of the Eastern Illinois baseball program are alive and well at Coaches Stadium. The facility is comfortable and the game presentation rivals that are found at many minor league stadiums.

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

Photo Courtesy of Miami Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field 5250 University Dr Coral Gables, FL 33146 Miami (FL) Hurricanes website Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,000 Excitement Under “The Light” Catching a college baseball game is something that everyone who has loved the sport has done at some point. It is the launching pad for what many consider to be the truest American sport, showcasing the young talent of the future of MLB. University of Miami baseball is a program steeped in history. Having won multiple national championships and having been the home of many MLB stars before they were famous, a game at ‘The U’ is one that many would expect to be top notch. However, disappointing seasons of the past have led to decreased excitement among the fan base (as is the case with ANY Miami-area team). Despite this, there are many things on the good side when considering a baseball game at Mark Light Field. Food & Beverage 3 There are the standard items on the menu, and that should not come as a surprise. After all, it is a baseball game. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and yes….peanuts. What makes UM baseball stand apart however is their specials which change game by game. Additionally, students have from time to time free food options. During my most recent visit, there was a student association on campus that was serving free Cuban food to students and their families as it was Family Visit weekend on campus. During those hot days, of which there are many in South Florida, there are plenty of drink options spanning from water and soda to fresh frozen lemonade. Atmosphere 3 Fans of the Hurricanes are very loyal. Most are legacy graduates who love the school and all of their teams, and thus express their love for their teams with great excitement during games. Throughout the game, the conversation among fans is lively and enjoyable. The sound of baseball fills the air, and it is hard to not fall in love with the sport all over again. With that said, there are some things lacking in the game experience. UM baseball doesn’t have the same buzz as say a Vanderbilt game or an Arizona game. There are just some teams that scream baseball rocks here, and unfortunately Miami doesn’t seem to have captured that. Perhaps the only prescription is another College World Series run… Neighborhood 5 UM’s campus is situated right in the middle of the nicest part of Miami, in Coral Gables. To the south, east, and north are more great neighborhoods, with Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay, Coconut Grove, and Brickell bordering the area respectively. The architecture of the area, all the way down to the old stone corner street markers, makes the area feel as if it is still in the older days of Miami. The trees are large, old, and majestic. The food and shopping options are plentiful, with Sunset Place mall just a stone’s throw away, and Dadeland Mall not much farther. One of the safest feeling places in Miami, Coral Gables also has plenty of places to stay, with everything from your basic hotels to upscale resorts just a few minutes’ drive away. Fans 4 The fans of UM baseball are among the most loyal there are. NOBODY comes to a UM baseball game without wearing green and orange and being proud to do so (unless you’re a fan of the visiting team of course). On the same hand, they are among the nicest fans I have ever met at a college baseball game. There aren’t obscenities yelled at umpires. They also are very pleasant when asking for directions or questions regarding the current players. And when the other team makes a great play or hits a home run, they are there clapping in appreciation for good play instead of booing their opponents. Access 4 The University of Miami isn’t exactly close to the highway. However, it is only a few miles down the road from an exit off one of the offshoots of the highway, and is right on US1, one of the main roads in South Florida. For those who do not wish to drive into Coral Gables, there is a metrorail station literally across the street from the ballpark, making it perfect for a park-and-ride situation. There are also several metro bus routes that pass by or around the UM campus. On-campus shuttles (the Hurry Cane) can take students (and anyone who happens to just blend in with students) across the campus and even to local places of interest like the Sunset Place Mall. Additionally, there is plenty of parking on-site, so you won’t have to walk far if you do decide to drive up to the school. The massive parking garage in right field is a great option for those visiting the campus for the purpose of taking in a game. Return on Investment 4 There is a great return on investment for UM baseball games, as this is easily a family friendly sporting event. In addition, there is a great tradition of success at this school when it comes to baseball that you can’t help but feel you may be witnessing the beginning of a great professional career of someone on the field. While getting to UM isn’t exactly the most enjoyable experience on a busy traffic day, the experience that awaits when you arrive is excellent. Extras 3 When walking down the halls of Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, you will be introduced to some of the biggest names in UM baseball history on their wall of fame. Another fun uniqueness of a game at ‘The U’ is that the baseball team has their own mascot, separate from Sebastian the Ibis. Looking like a giant feather duster-covered creature, he makes appearances in the stands and greets kids in attendance. To make things even better, there are always some sort of giveaways at the game. Whether it is through a contest between fans or a t-shirt toss, there is always something free being handed to UM’s faithful. Final Thoughts UM baseball has enjoyed the peak of success in years past, and may be in a down period for the team, but the enjoyment of attending a game is just as high as before. It is America’s Pastime after all, and what better way to enjoy the most American sport there is than at a college ballpark on a sunny South Florida day?

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 English Field 200 Duck Pond Dr Blacksburg, VA 24060 Virginia Tech Hokies website English Field at Union Park website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,000 A Home For The Hokies English Field at Union Park is the home of the Virginia Tech Hokie baseball program, and first opened in 1989. In 2016, a new chapter in Hokie baseball was started as Richmond-based Union Bank & Trust announced it was committing $3.5 million to upgrade the ballpark. In recognition of this generous support English Field was renamed English Field at Union Park. After a complete overhaul of the seating areas, it is now one of the top baseball facilities (and most picturesque) in the conference. The official grand re-opening of English Field at Union Park was April 14, 2018 in front of a regular season attendance record crowd of 3,400. Food & Beverage 4 Renovated English Field at Union Park has nice, modern concession stands with plenty to choose from. Lines move quickly, the staff working the stands are friendly, and they accept credit and debit cards. Several items are offered including BBQ sandwiches ($8), BBQ nachos ($8), turkey wraps ($7), and hot dogs ($4). Other side items available include soft pretzels ($3), nachos ($4), popcorn ($4), and peanuts ($3). Fountain Coke products are offered in two different sizes. English Field also offers a variety of domestic beers, one thing that you don’t see at many college baseball stadiums. Atmosphere 4 English Field at Union Park meshes well with the other campus buildings as it is constructed predominantly with “Hokie Stone.” It is nice to see this renovated park carry the theme of the other buildings on campus. The ballpark layout of an upper concourse with the seating bowl below, and the suites and press areas above give it a modern feel that many of the newer ballparks have. With a relatively small capacity, all seats are close to the field and offer a great view of the action. The main seating bowl is all chair back and runs from dugout to dugout. Extending from the end of the seating bowl down to the foul pole on the third base side is a large terraced area. This area is different from the traditional berms seen at many parks in that it features a series of steps and seating areas constructed with block like walls and grassy sod-type seating areas similar to an outdoor amphitheater. This is a great area for families with children to spread out on blankets and enjoy the game. Down the right field line is a club level above the first base dugout and a social picnic area further down the line. All seating at the new ballpark is general admission, so you are free to sit wherever you choose (or move around, as I like to!). None of the seating areas are covered, but the concourse provides shade and will keep you dry if a shower pops up. A brand new video board was added with the renovations, and only adds to the ballpark experience. Neighborhood 4 Since it is in the middle of campus there is not much to do within walking distance of the ballpark before or after a game. However, Virginia Tech’s campus is gorgeous with the rolling hills, sidewalks, and Hokie stone. If it is your first time on the campus, try to spend some time walking around campus. Be sure to stop by the April 16th memorial dedicated to the victim of the Virginia Tech shooting. If you take a stroll down Main Street Blacksburg, you will find several food options including local eateries as well as chain restaurants such as Mellow Mushroom, Five Guys, and Jimmy Johns. If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you as there are many activities in the surrounding mountain like hiking and canoeing. The Inn at Virginia Tech is a great place to stay if you are in town overnight. There are also several other hotels around Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Fans 3 Virginia Tech fans are a passionate bunch, and while they consistently sell out Lane Stadium for football, unfortunately the same cannot be said for baseball. While the Hokies have not had much success on the diamond in recent years, the lack of attendance when we attended was disappointing, especially since it was a warm 70 degree day. In fact, Tech’s opponent when we attended, NC State, nearly had as many fans as Virginia Tech did. Hopefully, the newly renovated ballpark will increase fan support and interest in the future. Access 5 Virginia Tech’s campus is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the new Southgate Dr. Exit off of US 460 and it will take you right to English Field at Union Park. Free parking is available across Duck Pond Dr. from the ballpark in the Cage Parking Lot. The main gate and ticket office is located near the new archway entrance under the press and suite tower. Be aware that a clear bag policy is in place; though it was not well enforced when we visited. Once inside, the concourse is wide and spacious. The restroom and concession areas are all very clean, and easily accessible on the concourse. Since there is a large upper concourse, the ballpark has several areas for those who are handicapped or require wheel chair assistance. Return on Investment 4 Your return on investment will depend on when you attend a game at English Field at Union Park. Midweek games are free (!), while weekend ACC series are $10. That is still not a bad price for a general admission ticket to let you sit anywhere you choose. Throw in free parking and respectable concession prices, and the cost to attend a Hokie baseball game is right on par with the majority of ACC programs. Extras 3 One point for the terraced seating area down the left field line. This is a great place to watch the game from, and is much better than a traditional berm that is seen at many ballparks. One extra point for the Hokie Stone that is incorporated into the new ballpark. Finally, one more extra point for free admission for non-conference weekday games! Final Thoughts While Virginia Tech is not one of the traditional ACC powers, the newly renovated English Field at Union Park makes the trip to see Hokie baseball a must for the college baseball fan. English Field at Union Park is a truly unique baseball stadium, and even the Yankees have played here. The seating is unique and varied, and the field itself has several unique features. Definitely a top college baseball stadium, and because it is in the ACC you will see some great match-ups here. It’s a must see if you can make it happen.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Petersen Sports Complex Robinson Street Extension Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pittsburgh Panthers baseball website Petersen Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 900 Hail to Pitt Baseball Baseball isn’t the main sports attraction at the University of Pittsburgh. Still, it was there first, the program being created all the way back in 1869 when the school was known as Western University of Pennsylvania. Currently in the ACC, the team plays under head coach Mike Bell at Charles L. Cost Field, the newest addition to the Petersen Sports Complex on Pitt’s campus. Built in 2011 and named for a former Pitt running back (I don’t know why either), it’s a cozy little park in which to enjoy Panthers baseball with up-to-date amenities. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, Charles L. Cost Field has a decent–and affordable–menu. The usual suspects of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, fries, and sodas are there, but you can also create your own burger. The Fiery Panther burger is topped with Cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and BBQ sauce. You can also get the HSL grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, grilled peppers and onions, provolone cheese and ranch sauce on a pretzel bun. Sandwiches run between six and nine dollars. Pitt sports venues started serving alcohol this year with domestic and premium beers and wine. Wine will run you $10, while the beers range from $10-$12. If you want to run classic with a hot dog and a Bud Light, expect to pay $15. The concessions stand also offers various combos of food and drink, either $10 or $12. Maybe you wouldn’t head here strictly to eat, but the variety here is pretty good. Concessions at Petersen Sports Complex, Photo by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Charles L. Cost Field underwent a bit of a makeover last year, with a modern state-of-the-art video screen installed in center field and the synthetic playing surface replaced. It can hold roughly 1500 people, including standing room only. Seats are pretty standard, but all have excellent views of the field. If you sit down the right-field line, you’ll have a nice view of the Pittsburgh skyline. Suppose you like minor league baseball but aren’t a fan of the constant promotions. In that case, Pitt’s PA announcer is your guy, reporting on the game fairly straightforwardly, allowing you to enjoy it without having to dodge t-shirt guns and overly friendly mascots. Neighborhood 4 As part of the Petersen Sports Complex, Charles L. Cost Field is almost dead center on Pitt’s campus in the Oakland neighborhood, across the street from Peterson Events Center. Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, the main arteries through campus, are easy walks away. Pitt’s main hospital complex is located here, so you’ll find Residence Inn by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn, among other major hotels in the area. You’ll also find restaurant chains like Panera Bread and Five Guys, but there’s a host of independent places where you can get just about any type of cuisine. Standouts include Hunan Bar for top-notch Chinese and Las Palmas, regularly hailed as having the best tacos in Pittsburgh. If you just want snacks or beers, bars such as Hemingway’s Pub and Thirsty Scholar are worth visiting. The area’s patrolled by both city and university police, so while you always need to be alert in an urban neighborhood, it’s not dangerous. Fans 3 The weather was borderline dreadful for the game I attended, chilly and rainy, but an alumni reunion and students populated the field a little bit more than I expected. They cheered at the right times, although I would hesitate to call them enthusiastic. This was also a makeup game that had been initially scheduled for the previous weekend. Again, this is a small venue, and I’d venture to say that it doesn’t get anywhere near capacity crowds unless it was a playoff game. Nevertheless, it wasn’t totally dead, so I’ll give the fans a middle-of-the-road grade. Access 4 Interstate 376, aka the Parkway, is the best bet to reach Charles L. Cost Field if you’re driving; from either direction, follow the signs for Forbes Avenue and Petersen Events Center since the field is literally just across the street from that venue. Numerous parking garages surround the area, with an average price of $10, and there are several Port Authority bus lines that run from downtown to campus. Pitt has its own intra-campus bus system, but it’s not available to the public unless you’re a Pitt student or with one. The entrances are all wheelchair-accessible, and unlike Petersen Events Center, they’re relatively level to the street. Restrooms are big and well-maintained, also with easy access for everyone. Return on Investment 3 Since baseball’s not the big sport at Pitt, tickets are very inexpensive–at the game I attended, which was against Duke, they were eight dollars. You can buy tickets through Ticketmaster, but there really isn’t a reason why you should have to pay those extra fees since the games aren’t going to sell out. Students and alumni get in free, and I was told that discounted tickets were available for their guests, although I wasn’t given a number. So if you absolutely love baseball and don’t care who’s playing, grab a ticket and enjoy the game if you’re in the area. Extras 2 There’s a small souvenir stand on the main concourse selling Pitt baseball shirts and similar merchandise, but that’s about it. Not a lot of staff either, but all were very friendly. You can only have so much in such a little venue. Final Thoughts College baseball isn’t really a thing in Pittsburgh, so I wouldn’t call Charles L. Cost Field a must-see destination for visitors unless they’re absolute baseball fanatics. Pitt, though, is a Division I school, so the money’s available to make things nice, and this venue is a pleasant place to while away a lovely spring day and watch some no-frills baseball.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Petersen Events Center 3719 Terrace Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Pittsburgh Panthers website Petersen Events Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 12,508 Pitt Loves the Pete The University of Pittsburgh’s athletic program gets most of its attention for football, but basketball is also a marquee attraction. Unlike the football team who shares their home venue, Heinz Field, with the Steelers, Pitt basketball has its own venue, Petersen Events Center. Named after its main contributor, former Erie Insurance executive John Petersen, the Pete, as it’s nicknamed, has been home to Panthers basketball since 2002. While not quite as successful as their gridiron counterparts, the Panthers under head coach Jeff Capel are a force in the ACC, led by stars like Ithiel Horton and Femi Odukale, and the Pete’s a pretty fun place to watch them. Food & Beverage 4 An advantage of an on-campus venue such as Petersen Events Center is that it keeps relatively poor college students in mind. To wit, the arena has a food court that’s open every day. Not all the stands will be available for a Pitt basketball game, but Chick-fil-A is the exception. Better yet, this isn’t a situation where the prices are jacked up to Big Sports level; they’re the same as in a regular CFA. Three more traditional concession stands offer hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and sandwiches. The arena began serving beer at games this year (2022) in another unusual move, which is not often seen on college campus venues. Beers like Coors will run you ten bucks, while premium stuff like White Claw is a dollar more. You’ll pay $17 at most for a dog and beer. The concession stands also have QR banners–scan, order, and pay on your smartphone, and you’ll be notified when everything’s ready, a boon to those who hate long lines. Atmosphere 4 Petersen Events Center has a 12,508-seat capacity for basketball on three levels, with club seating on the second level. It’s also the only Division 1 venue with luxury courtside suites. Seats are comfortable with excellent sightlines. The center court console has four substantial LCD screens, topped with a gold-colored bridge (remember, this is Pittsburgh) and a crawl screen around the second level. Two giant screens above the student seating show stats for each team, as well as a stylized figure of the Cathedral of Learning, Pitt’s most prominent landmark. Student seating, aka the Oakland Zoo (Pitt’s located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood), curves around the right side of the venue, with the pep band right next to them and Pitt’s mascot Roc the Panther and various cheerleaders roaming around. The Zoo is very involved in the game, from pretending to read newspapers while the opposing team is announced, lowering them to yell “SUCKS!” after each name, to throwing blue-and-gold confetti when Pitt scores for the first time in the game. Also, when singing the Star-Spangled Banner, make sure you yell HAIL because #Hail2Pitt, after all. The pep band’s pretty good, playing everything from Ed Sheeran to Skid Row to Led Zeppelin. They’re all having fun, which spreads to the crowd. The PA announcer is relatively low-key, and when the band’s not playing, you can hear some interesting remixes of current and classic pop hits. Neighborhood 4 Petersen Events Center is in the heart of Pitt’s campus, with two of the city’s main drags, Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, only a couple of blocks away. Because Pittsburgh’s main hospital campus is here as well, there are hotels such as Residence Inn by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn. Restaurant chains like Five Guys and Panera Bread abound, but those in the know hit up Las Palmas two blocks off Forbes for the best tacos in Pittsburgh or Hunan Bar for great Chinese food. As for bars, you better believe there are some good ones around here, including an outpost of local Irish favorite Fuel and Fuddle, Thirsty Scholar, and Hemingway’s Pub, all featuring excellent bar munchies and tons of beers both mainstream and craft. Of course, it’s an urban neighborhood, so it’s always a good idea to pay attention to your surroundings here. Still, it’s not an unsafe area by any means, being patrolled by both city and university police. Fans 4 Right now, Pitt’s not that good, so attendance is on the low side; the game I attended was roughly 60% capacity. However, the crowd was attentive and involved outside the Zoo, particularly as Pitt pulled away from its opponent in the second half. It should be noted that the loudest cheers during the game were reserved for the Pitt football team, who were on the court receiving some national individual awards during a media break. They did win the ACC, so maybe that’s understandable. ESPN the Magazine once rated Petersen Events Center as the sixth loudest venue in college basketball. Judging by the volume at this game, it’s a well-earned reputation, even with a relatively small crowd. The Pete may also be the only sports venue in Pittsburgh where most of the crowd isn’t dressed in black and gold, favoring Pitt’s royal blue and gold. Access 4 Interstate 376, aka the Parkway, is the easiest way to get to Petersen Events Center if you’re driving; from either direction, follow the signs for Forbes Avenue, which in turn will have signs for the arena. Numerous parking garages surround the area, with an average price of $10, and there are several Port Authority bus lines that run from downtown to campus. Pitt has its own intra-campus bus system, but it’s not available to the public unless you’re a Pitt student or with one. If you need wheelchair access or just don’t want to go up and down stairs–the arena is, for lack of a better term, located in a valley–make sure you utilize the lobby entrance and the adjacent parking lot. Once inside, you’ll find broad concourses and easily visible direction signs. The Pete offers wheelchair seating. Restrooms are large and clean, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 Pitt’s a big-time Division 1 school no matter its record, and tickets are priced according to who it’s playing. You could get $13 upper-level seats for the Georgia Tech game at the time of writing, but when Pitt plays Duke, that same ticket will start at $49. If you don’t have a preference about seeing a particular Pitt opponent, tickets, along with concessions and parking, can be pretty reasonable. Since Pittsburgh doesn’t have an NBA team, Panthers basketball is about as close as you can get, and taking in a game can be a fun and not hugely expensive part of a Pittsburgh visit. And let’s be honest–it’s a rarity for most Pittsburgh visitors not to see some type of sporting event during their stay. Extras 4 Those looking for souvenirs will love the Pitt store at Petersen Events Center, aka the Pitt Shop at the Pete, which has a wide array of clothing for men, women, and kids, as well as some cool novelties–at the time of my visit, there was even Pitt football stuff. The arena also acts as a student center of sorts, with a comfortable lounge near the food court and an absolutely massive fitness center (sorry, only for the students). The McCarl Hall of Champions is a small, well-designed museum dedicated to Pitt basketball and Pitt’s broadcast studios are here too. Tours of the venue are available. Final Thoughts Pittsburgh as a whole has excellent sports venues and Petersen Events Center, home of the University of Pittsburgh basketball programs, is no exception to that rule. Its location on Pitt’s campus in the heart of Pittsburgh makes it a great place to see a game, and the lively neighborhood is a draw for locals and visitors alike. Pitt loves the Pete!

Photo courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Frank Eck Stadium Dorr Rd and Leahy Dr South Bend, IN 46556 Notre Dame Fighting Irish website Frank Eck Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 2,500 Baseball in Notre Dame Frank Eck Stadium is the home to the Notre Dame baseball program and is a few yards away from Notre Dame Stadium, Compton Family Ice Arena, and the Joyce Center. In fact, it blends in quite well with the other sports facilities as incorporates the same brick color pattern that is made by the Canton, Ohio, based Belden Brick Co. The ballpark opened in 1994 and has a capacity for 2,500 spectators. Frank Eck, a wealthy benefactor, and alumnus helped subsidize the cost of the new stadium with a sizable contribution; the total cost of the new stadium would be $5.7 million. For his generous donation, the stadium would be named after Eck. Although Notre Dame is known for some of the better facilities for its individual sport, Eck Stadium is merely for the die-hard baseball fan. The Fighting Irish have an impressive home record of 415-144-2 that includes 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, 6 conference tournament championships, 5 conference championships, and a College World Series appearance in 2002 since the ballpark opened. If you enjoy winning baseball in a beautiful college setting, then this might be your place. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand directly in front of the stadium’s entrance and underneath the main grandstand offering basic ballpark staples of hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels. The hot dog and brat are hot and tasty, while the popcorn is nicely popped and buttery. You can wash them all down with a 20-ounce or 32-ounce Coca-Cola product. However, you cannot wash your hot dog down with a beer; no alcohol is served at the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 Frank Eck Stadium is a rather small ballpark that includes a decorative main entrance, an inner concourse, grandstand and bleacher seating, and a few nice touches that stamps the ND brand throughout the facility. The atmosphere is about the ballgame on the field and fans in the stand provide their own soundtrack with clapping, cheering, and stomping of their feet. The seating itself feels somewhat cramped at times, but crowds are never large enough where you feel cumbersome. The entire stadium feels somewhat cramped in certain sections, especially when accessing the bleacher-style seating down the first and third baselines. The outfield walls are painted navy blue with gold trim, the foul lines are imprinted with Notre Dame lettering, and a list of the baseball program’s championships are listed in the right field corner. A simple scoreboard is located behind the left field wall that does not offer instant replay or any video graphics. Neighborhood 4 The Eddy Street Commons is within walking distance and is home to regional and local chains along with apartments, a hotel, and two urban parks. The full development will be completed by the summer of 2020, but it makes for a great spot to grab a bite at either Brother’s, Chipotle. Five Guys, or McAllister’s Deli. Unfortunately, the Indianapolis-based creole and cajun restaurant Yat’s closed in April 2019–which would have been my recommendation before or after the game. Legends of Notre Dame is located on campus and also within walking distance of the ballpark. During the day the establishment offers pub food but at night the location becomes a night club offering entertainment and live music. South Bend is in the midst of a renaissance with old buildings being converted into places to live and work, new companies moving headquarters to downtown, and a population book. A little further away from campus is Mulligans–a highly recommended spot for pizza, wings, Italian beef, and beer. South Bend Brew Werks and Studebaker Brewing Company are two craft beer choices that offer funky decor and tasty suds. Attractions include the Studebaker National Museum for the car enthusiast, the Potawatomi Zoo, or you may want to see a little more baseball during your visit. The South Bend Cubs play at Four Winds Field and it has become quite the place to be seen in town, along one of Stadium Journey’s favorite minor league ballparks. Fans 3 The fans, like in many college ballparks in the Midwest, are usually a collection of friends and family of both the home and visiting teams. At Notre Dame, there is a bit of a mix, but they are a fairly low-key group of fans during the year. It should be noted that the game we attended was on Mothers Day and about two weeks after the end of the school year. Access 4 Frank Eck Stadium is easy to locate on GPS or if you follow directions to the football stadium. There is plenty of parking that is free of charge and you can even find a spot near the stadium’s entrance if you don’t fear foul balls possibly dinging off your car. There is one restroom (men and women) in the ballpark that is kept clean and with crowd sizes very small, no waiting lines. The only concern with access are the bleacher seats down the left and right field lines due to the design and aesthetics of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is only $5 and concession prices are also around the same price point. On a beautiful spring day, the investment might even be higher, but penciling a game at Frank Eck Stadium is for the die-hards of both Notre Dame and college baseball fans. Extras 2 The Notre Dame campus offers a beautiful setting for a quick tour before or after the baseball game. The football stadium, basketball arena, hockey rink, and Touchdown Jesus mural are nearby for possible photo opportunities. Notre Dame has been playing winning baseball the past several seasons that has resulted in something to cheer about from the stands. Final Thoughts South Bend offers quite a bit for the stadium traveler with museums, craft breweries, dining options, and one of the best college campuses in the country. However, taking in a baseball game at Frank Eck Stadium is strictly for the die-hards.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Durham Bulls Athletic Park 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701 Duke Blue Devils website Durham Bulls Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 10,000 Durham Dukes From 1937 until 2009, Jack Coombs Field was the home to Duke Baseball. In 2010, Duke began a partnership with the Durham Bulls and began playing their conference game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). This agreement was expanded in 2016, Duke began playing the majority of their home games at the DBAP. The agreement called for Duke to play up to 36 games per year at the minor league park, a limited number of Duke practices, and a permanent Duke locker room and clubhouse at the facility. The DBAP sits in the midst of the American Tobacco District and offers plenty of restaurants and activities pre and post-game. Food & Beverage 2 Unfortunately, due to the small crowd size, only 2-3 concessions stands are open for Duke games. Therefore, you do not get the concession variety and choices that you do for a Durham Bulls game. This is unfortunate since the DBAP has some of the best concession choices around for Durham Bulls games. Concession choices for Duke games include hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. None of these choices really stand out, but will get you by if you are hungry. DBAP offers fountain Pepsi products for Duke games, as well as alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 With office buildings and restaurants rising up in the outfield, the DBAP is one of the most picturesque ballparks that you will visit. There is the blue monster that towers above left field, and sitting atop is the famous Snortin’ Bull from the movie Bull Durham. There is a huge video board in left field as well, and next to it is a manual scoreboard. Whenever Duke hits a home run, the Bull blows smoke out his nose and his eyes light up. The DBAP offers great sight lines from any seat in the house. Since it is general admission seating for Duke games, you are free to select any seat you want. If it is warm and sunny, you will probably want to sit under the overhang in the upper level, but if you desire to sit in the sun, the lower level should be your choice. There are also several picnic areas around the park, which are generally open during Duke games. Again, due to the small crowd size, you are free to sit pretty much wherever you want, except for the suites. Neighborhood 5 The Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the surrounding American Tobacco Campus have revitalized downtown Durham in the last 10 years. There are a plethora of restaurants and bars surrounding the DBAP for a variety of pre and post-game activities. Be sure to visit the Tobacco Road Sports Café which sits above the blue monster above the left field wall. It offers great food, and several TV’s so you can keep up with other games. You can even watch the baseball game from the outdoor patio overlooking the field if you’d like. Other popular restaurants around at the American Tobacco Campus include Mellow Mushroom, Tyler’s Taproom, and the Bullpen. For a complete list of restaurants surrounding the DBAP visit: American Tobacco Campus. The Durham Performing Arts Center is only a couple blocks from the DBAP and offers a variety of concerts and performing arts shows. If you have extra time, just take a stroll around the American Tobacco Campus to take in the waterfalls and history of the area. If you need to spend the night, Aloft Downtown Durham is right next to the ballpark. Fans 2 The fan support is about the only downside to a Duke baseball game. Unless Duke is playing NC State or UNC, only expect about 500-1000 fans in attendance. Therefore, the 10,000 seat ballpark can seem a bit cavernous for Duke games. However, the fans in attendance make noise and cheer for their Blue Devils. The roof over the seats can make the crowd noise from the few hundred fans in attendance sound even louder. Access 4 The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is located right off the Durham Freeway (NC 147) in downtown Durham. Once you exit off of the Durham Freeway, you will be at the parking decks surrounding the American Tobacco Campus in a couple minutes. Parking is usually plentiful for Duke games, unless there is an event at the Durham Performing Arts Center. If you are flying into town, the Raleigh Durham International Airport is only about 15 minutes away, Only the main DBAP entrance is open for Duke games. The concourse at the DBAP is spacious and easy to navigate. Concession and restroom lines are generally short due to the small crowd size. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Duke games at the DBAP are $8, which might seem high due to the small crowd size. However, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to see a ranked ACC opponent taking on the Blue Devils. Couple this with the fact that you can sit wherever you want, $8 is not a bad deal. Concession prices are on par with what you would expect at any other college game, and parking at the nearby garages is $5. If you park on the street, down the road a little from the DBAP, it is free. Extras 1 Duke baseball gets an extra point for playing at the DBAP, with all the amenities and restaurants surrounding the park. There is plenty to do before and after the game – all within walking distance! Final Thoughts While you will most likely want to visit the DBAP to see the Durham Bulls play, it is worth it to visit DBAP to see Duke play, especially if they are playing a weekend ACC series.

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

David Ruckman of David C Ruckman Creative joins us to talk about his latest rebrand of the Charlotte Knights and the design process. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

Shane Barclay from JapanBall.com joins us to talk about the ballparks of Japan, the differences between experiencing a game in North America and Japan, as well as a little bit of Japanese baseball history. We even discuss some of the incredible tours offered by the website. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

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

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Emory G. Bauer Field 780 Dove Dr Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Emory G. Bauer Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 500 Valparaiso’s Vibrant Downtown and Value Valparaiso University is a private university of 4,500 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Founded in 1859, the city is an hour southeast of Chicago. The baseball program was founded in 1916 and has called Emory G. Bauer Field home since the 1970 season. The 500 seat ballpark features grass berm seating along the third baseline, grandstand seating behind home plate, and bathroom facilities on site. Bauer Field is named after former Valpo coach Emory Bauer who coached the Crusaders for 28 seasons and posted a 361-245-2 record. The stadium received renovations in 2001 that resulted in a clubhouse, locker rooms, and indoor training facility. In 2008, a new PA sound system and outfield fence were added to the ballpark, while the press box was renovated as well. In January of 2020 a total of $550,000 in gifts from university alumni will begin to transform the ballpark from its current condition to one of the premier facilities in the Missouri Valley Conference. Phase I of the improvements will include the installation of synthetic turf on the infield and down each foul line. The existing grandstand will be torn down and replaced with a new and larger grandstand that will include a larger press box. Phase II will include the addition of lights, a new outfield wall, and a concession stand. The renovations will also include improved landscaping, fencing, and parking facilities. What makes a visit to a baseball game is the city itself; the town of 32,000 features a beautiful downtown square that includes restaurants with outdoor seating, small shops, and bars. A visitor to the city could definitely make the most before or after the game here in Valparaiso. What makes a visit to a baseball game is the city itself; the town of 32,000 features a beautiful downtown square that includes restaurants with outdoor seating, small shops, and bars. A visitor to the city could definitely make the most before or after the game here in Valparaiso. Note: In April 2021 the team name changed from the Crusaders to the Beacons. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food or beverages served at the stadium, even though there is a grill near the training facility that looks as if it has been used for a few burgers and hot dogs in its day. Many in attendance can be found with something to eat that includes bags of chips, peanuts, a cold drink from the cooler, or take out from the Wendy’s, KFC, or Culver’s that are within walking distance from the field. In fact, you could catch foul balls in the Wendy’s parking lot. It would be nice if a grilled hot dog and cold drink could satisfy a fan or two at the game, but for now you’ll have to bring your own. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the field is pleasant, relaxed, and is definitely a perfect place to enjoy a couple of hours under the spring sun. The funky little stadium incorporates grass berm seating all the way down the third base and left field line, while a set of bleachers stand tall behind home plate. There does not seem to be many traditions, fans are friends of the players on the field, and many in attendance are enjoying themselves with friends and family. The rowdiness, team sections, and pleas to make noise from the PA announcer are not there, which could be a blessing. It is a very condensed and relaxed way to watch a baseball game. Many would agree with the decision to simply enjoy the game, keep score, and enjoy the weather. This is pure college baseball at its essence. Neighborhood 5 Valparaiso’s downtown square offers a collection of amazing eateries, shops, and great places to drink craft beer. The streets on nice days are packed with people, enjoying dinner and drinks on outside patios. There is a selection of retail shops that sell olive oil, wines, fresh cheese, meats, and homemade sauces. The colorful and pleasant main street is definitely worth walking to check out the many selections of restaurants. Don Quijote is legendary for its Spanish cuisine. Pikk’s Tavern specializes in steaks, ribs, and other traditional food offerings. Figure Eight Brewing has set up shop a block off the main street and features an impressive selection of beers and pub fare inside their swank little building. Vaps offers the town’s most interesting street food, with ground lamb and beef selections served in a flatbread with feta cheese, cabbage, cucumbers, and yogurt at an inexpensive price (they are also huge). Stack’s Bar and Grill, Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, and Serrano’s Mexican Grill are other great options when in town. About a mile west of downtown is Four Fathers Brewing; the small little brewery is off the state road and offers a fantastic pale ale and is popular among the locals. Santini’s and Tomato Bar Pizza are two fantastic family options to share a pie with the family. Fans 2 A small collection of fans gather for Crusaders baseball games at Bauer Field. A majority of them sprawl out down the third baseline on the grassy area. Many seem to be friends and family of the ballplayers on the field. Many are on their cell phones, carrying on conversations, or discussing what to eat after the game. A few die-hards don the school’s colors and cheer on the Crusaders on the field of play. Most on the lawn are simply taking in the sun on a lazy, and extremely leisurely, afternoon. You cannot blame them for that. Access 3 The university is 15 miles off of I-65 at the Merrillville exit and the baseball field is located a few yards off the main road of SR 130. However, there are not a lot of directions to the baseball field from the road. The field is directly in back of the Wendy’s and the Speedway gas station at SR 130 (Sturdy Rd) and Warbler Drive. The baseball field does not turn up on GPS or Google maps, but if you stay on the main road in town, you should not get too lost on your way to the game. Return on Investment 2 Tickets and parking are free at the games. The bleachers can get a little packed due to the size of the structure, but many in attendance are glad to lift their legs up to have you walk by without obstruction. The baseball facility has men’s and women’s restrooms, bleacher seating, and the grass lawn seating is a nice touch for visitors who enjoy a little more leg room. These are all positive features for anyone to make a return visit in the future. Extras 2 One extra point for the 500 seat bleachers in back of home plate. One extra point for the great downtown with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s a very prominent and interesting place to enjoy with either friends or family. Final Thoughts A visit to Valparaiso is much more than just the baseball game. It is the charming downtown and small time atmosphere that make this college town a little more vibrant from other small university towns in the state of Indiana. World class restaurants, fantastic breweries, and local shops is what puts a stadium journey on the list.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Athletics-Recreation Center 1009 Union St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Athletics-Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,000 Valpo Basketball is a Community Effort Note: The university changed its athletic team name from Crusaders to Beacons during the 2021-2022 season. The Valparaiso University Crusaders play basketball at the Athletic-Recreation Center, also known as the ARC, a 5,000-seat capacity that opened in 1984 as part of a $7.25 million expansion on the north side of its former home Hilltop Gym. Visitors can still visit Valpo’s former home of college hoops as it now serves as a practice facility for the basketball program following 2005 renovations that included new flooring, lighting, windows, and various school banners honoring its athletic programs. The gym was built in 1939 and fans can get a peek inside when purchasing concessions on the upper concourse. The Crusaders first game was on November 27th, 1984 against Western Michigan University; four years later the “Lutheran Miracle” occurred when they defeated the 19th-ranked Notre Dame Irish in front of a frenzied packed house. The frenzy continued with the arrival of head coach Homer Drew and his son, Bryce Drew. In 1998 a last-second shot by Bryce defeated Ole Miss and propelled Valpo to the Sweet Sixteen. From 1994-2004 the university won or shared 8 conference championships and made 6 NCAA Tournament appearances. In total, the men’s program has won a total of 15 regular and tournament conference championships and has made nine NCAA tournament appearances. In 2017 Valpo joined the Missouri Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the building with one being on the main court behind the net and the other one on the upper level near the Hilltop Gym door entrance. The options are limited but are fairly inexpensive. Hot dogs are $2, bratwursts are $3, pizza sells for $2.25, pretzels (with cheese) cost $4, and nachos/loaded nachos are $3/$4.50. However, many great dining options in town are definitely worth checking out before or after the game perhaps making eating during the game something to look over or if you just need something to snack on during the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a community feel when attending a Valpo game at the ARC. The building itself is not anything remarkable but it is designed to put fans up close and personal with the players on the court. The fans underneath the nets are also pressed up against the players as they drive towards the basket and to the cheerleaders and band. Fans walk into the venue through the main lobby that houses a collection of trophies and history photos on the brick walls. Staircases take fans to upper-level seating and a narrow hall leads fans to the lower-level section that puts them near the court along with the concession stand and merchandise table. The colors of brown and gold are evident everywhere in the building from the cheerleaders’ uniforms, signage on the wall and court, banners hanging from the rafters, and other parts of the building. Once the game begins the fans do not sit down until the first points are made by the home team. During breaks the cheerleaders entertain the crowds, local supporters toss out t-shirts into the stands, little kids wipe the court when needed, and the team mascot hangs out with the student section. There is a small-town atmosphere at the ARC that is frenzied among its supporters that ends with many lining up as the club walks off the court in hopes of getting a handshake or congratulating them on the win. Neighborhood 5 Valparaiso’s downtown square offers a collection of amazing eateries, shops, and great places to drink craft beer. The streets on nice days are packed with people, enjoying dinner and drinks on outside patios. There is a selection of retail shops that sell olive oil, wines, fresh cheese, meats, and homemade sauces. The colorful and pleasant main street is worth walking to check out the many selections of restaurants. Don Quijote is legendary for its Spanish cuisine. Pikk’s Tavern specializes in steaks, ribs, and other traditional food offerings. Figure Eight Brewing has set up shop a block off the main street and features an impressive selection of beers and pub fare inside their swank little building. Vaps offers the town’s most interesting street food, with ground lamb and beef selections served in a flatbread with feta cheese, cabbage, cucumbers, and yogurt at an inexpensive price (they are also huge). Stack’s Bar and Grill, Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, and Serrano’s Mexican Grill are other great options when in town. About a mile west of downtown is Four Fathers Brewing; the small little brewery is off the state road and offers a fantastic pale ale and is popular among the locals. Santini’s and Tomato Bar Pizza are two fantastic family options to share a pie with the family. Fans 4 The Crusaders enjoy a great fan base at home games that fill up the facility to about 75% and cheer them on with as much passion as some of the big boys. It is a community effort with students, alumni, locals, and little ones doing their part to provide a home-court advantage at all home games. Fans are decked in team gear of brown and gold and no one sits down in their seat until the first home basket is made. Access 3 The ARC is not difficult to maneuver once you are inside the seating bowl. There is a lower level concourse that houses the concession and merchandise stand while the upper concourse has a walkway that wraps around the entire two main seating areas. There is a hidden concourse behind the upper seating area that features bathrooms and another concession stand. There is limited parking at the arena and fans may have to park on residential streets and walk to the building. Return on Investment 4 A Valpo game can be very entertaining with an enthusiastic crowd and basketball from a mid-major conference. Ticket prices begin at $12 and are in the reserved mezzanine and lower-level reserved bleachers. Chairback tickets and courtside seating cost $27 and $37 respectively. The best bet is to pay $12 and you will be guaranteed to have a great view of the court. The parking is free, concessions are inexpensive, the town is lovely, and the lively crowd makes it worth your while to visit a game. Extras 3 The ARC earns a point for allowing fans to visit the team’s old Hilltop Gym which is located behind the upper level of the seating bowl. There are not too many gymnasiums or other sporting venues where the old facility is still connected to the current facility. Unfortunately, fans are unable to walk inside the gym to take a look around. The ARC earns the second point for the various banners that hang from the rafters. The Crusaders program has a healthy history during its days in the NAIA and during the 1990s when they were becoming an NCAA tournament staple. The ARC earns a final point for the sense of community throughout the game. This feels like a high school menu in some regards with little kids wiping down the court and townspeople tossing out shirts for the fans. Final Thoughts Valpo games are a community effort that is spearheaded by the supporters in the stands and the team plays on the court. The fan support at each game provides the fuel needed for the Crusaders to play at their best. The ARC is not the fanciest of venues in the world of college basketball but it is one of the more welcoming spots for the sport in the nation.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Scott Park Field Nebraska Ave and Parkside Blvd Toledo, OH 43607 Toledo Rockets website Scott Park Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,000 (Not So) Great Scott The Toledo Rockets baseball team plays at Scott Park Field. Located on Scott Park campus, and named for Jesup W. Scott who donated the land in 1872, the Rockets have played here since 1992. Like many small college baseball programs, there is little to capture your attention or imagination other than the game itself. The Rockets are a part of the Mid-American Conference. The program has never made an appearance in the College World Series, and they have never won a MAC championship. In a town with a strong baseball tradition, it is a shame that the Rockets haven’t been able to become a part of that fabric. The Toledo Mud Hens have a fantastic ballpark in Fifth Third Field, but you’ll find that Scott Park Field is just the basics. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small concession stand which services both the baseball field and nearby softball field. The options are very limited. Hot dogs ($3), cracker jack ($3), candy ($3), and chips ($1.50) make up the whole of your food selections. Pepsi products are available ($3), as is coffee and hot chocolate ($2) for those colder April days. Atmosphere 2 Find a spot on the cold metal bleachers that make up the seating area which stretches from dugout to dugout. There are no nets here, but instead, a large metal backstop to prevent foul balls from traveling into the seating area. Programs for the day are available in the bleachers behind home plate along the fence, so you can find your stats and player names. The playing field itself has a symmetrical outfield with dimensions of 330-370-400-370-300 from left to right. You’ll hear pop music played between innings and the occasional announcement from the PA announcer. By and large, though, this is baseball in its simplest form, with little to distinguish the experience. Neighborhood 1 There is nothing within walking distance from the field and little within an immediate drive. I would recommend heading to downtown Toledo if you are spending some time in town and need something to eat. The Toledo Zoo is a short drive away and could be a good place to spend a few hours, but I was surprised to find a $14 entrance fee. I drove in quite a while trying to find something to eat before the game. Passing by fast food chains like Wendy’s and Church’s Chicken, I ended up visiting South End Pizza. There I found a slice for 99 cents to get me through the game. Fans 2 Few fans other than family braved the elements for a game with temperatures in the 30’s and the occasional snow flurry, and it was hard to blame them. The cold bleachers made the experience that much more frigid, so this may be a good place to bring a seat cushion or blanket to help keep warm during an April game. The location away from the other man athletic facilities of the Glass Bowl and Savage Arena make this a less than ideal setting for students to help bolster attendance. Access 4 Parking is free just outside the Findlay building. It is a lot that has signs indicating that a pass is necessary, but that did not seem to be the case during my visit as there are plenty of spaces available. The restrooms are small, clean, and best of all, warm. I made two trips to the restroom just to get a break from the cold winds that swept through the complex. Return on Investment 2 It is difficult to complain about free parking and a $5 admission fee, but for what you’re getting, it really should be free to enter. Kids can get in for just $1, and I was glad to see that discount, but once you get down to $1 admission, what’s the point? I would like to see the Toledo Rockets change this to free admission, and try to earn some revenue through an improved concession selection and perhaps some merchandise within the complex. For now, this is an experience that is not even worth the small cost associated with it. Extras 1 I appreciated that there were programs available so you could have the names of the players on both sides as well as updated stats. Otherwise, there was nothing unique or particularly exciting about the experience of attending a Toledo Rockets baseball game at Scott Park Field.

Photos by Brandon Gee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Wren Stadium 150 S Shafer St Athens, OH 45701 Ohio Bobcats website Bob Wren Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Bobcat Baseball Named in honor of Bob Wren, a longtime coach of the program (1949-1975) who took the Bobcats to the College World Series in 1970, Bob Wren Stadium opened in 1998. Wren Stadium gives the baseball team a solid facility amongst the picturesque campus, near the banks of the Hocking River along with the school’s other athletic venues (including the Convocation Center and Peden Stadium). Food & Beverage 3 It’s a small menu with the traditional stadium fare. The grill items (hot dogs, brats, burgers, etc.) benefit greatly by actually being grilled across from the concession stand. Thirty-two-ounce souvenir sodas are $4, and they serve root beer or orange floats for $5. Atmosphere 3 Ohio Bobcats baseball is more tranquil than raucous. The stadium’s setting along the Hocking River on the edge of campus makes for a pleasant setting and the small crowds are relaxed but engaged in the game. This is just a nice way to spend an afternoon, watching a game in this stadium, surrounded by trees, the river, and the rolling hillside. Neighborhood 5 Wren Stadium sits in the school’s athletic mall, situated between the western edge of campus and the Hocking River. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a 21-mile route, follows the path of the river north to Nelsonville, Ohio, and is a popular route for bicyclists in the area. Across the river from the stadium are The Ridges. Buildings that were once part of a psychiatric hospital have been turned into various uses like the school’s Kennedy Museum of Art and other performance spaces along with other buildings for the university’s function. Heading east up Richland Avenue will run you into Court Street. Take a left and you’re in downtown Athens. If you’re looking for a sandwich and some awesome baked goods, then Fluff Bakery (8 N. Court) is the place for you. But there are plenty of options like wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (23 W. Union). Right across the street from there is Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery (24 W. Union), a craft operation that is becoming quite well-known throughout the region. Check AthensOhio.com for more information on the town. Fans 2 Bobcat baseball just isn’t a big draw for fans. The Bobcats consistently average only a few hundred fans a game. With that said, those who do come out are supportive of the team. Access 4 Athens sits on the Appalachian Highway (Ohio State Route 32). Take Exit 17(OH-682 N) and you’ll drive into a roundabout. Stay in the right lane and you’re directed onto eastbound Richland Avenue. You’ll drive over the river and come into the Athletic Mall area of campus. Make a left at the first light onto South Shafer Street. You can park in the lot closest to the Softball stadium, but be aware that you are not in an area marked for special designations (faculty or restricted hours). Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $5 each. If there happens to be a softball game going on at the same time, you can walk between the stadiums for only one charge. Food prices are decent with nothing over $5 and parking is free. Unfortunately, it’s been many years since the Bobcats have contended in the Mid-American Conference. The team’s last .500 season was in 2011 and their last postseason appearance was a MAC tourney championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 1997. Extras 1 One point for the campus surroundings. The stadium offers some great views of the Hocking River area as well as some of Ohio University’s campus architecture. Even Wren Stadium keeps with the architectural theme. Final Thoughts So maybe Ohio isn’t lighting the baseball world on fire. Most northern schools have the same struggle with trying to engage students and locals in the sport. Still, Bobcats baseball at Bob Wren Stadium is a pleasant way to spend a spring day in Athens, Ohio. The people who come out enjoy it and the surroundings of the campus are wonderful.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Ralph McKinzie Field 1425 W Lincoln Hwy Dekalb, IL 60115 Northern Illinois Huskies website Ralph McKinzie Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,500 Home of the Huskies Ralph McKinzie is a legend in Dekalb, Illinois. He was a star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Northern Illinois University. He coached the NIU basketball team from 1940-1948, and also the baseball team in 1945 and from 1949-1956. His most significant coaching seasons came in 1950 and 1951 when he led the Huskies baseball squad to Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. Historically, Ralph McKinzie is probably best known as future U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s football coach at Eureka College. In 1993, Northern Illinois dedicated its baseball field to McKinzie, three years after his death at age 96. It is a simple structure, with 15 rows of metal bleachers behind home plate. Cedar trees are visible past the outfield wall, and Huskie Stadium rises past the left field foul pole. It’s a simple, straightforward game day presentation, enjoyable for those fans who enjoy the simplicity of the pastoral game. The history of Northern Illinois baseball dates back to 1901. In that time, they made only two appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1972 and 1996). The team has competed in the Mid-American Conference since 1974, although they took a hiatus from 1982-1990 when the program was disbanded, and rejoined the MAC in 1998. Food & Beverage 2 There is one single concession cart offering some basics to get you through a Huskies game. The selection includes cheeseburgers ($4), hot dogs ($3), pretzels ($3), nachos ($3.50), and popcorn ($3). Snacks include candy ($2), potato chips ($1), and peanuts ($1). The drink selection consists of cans of Pepsi products ($1), bottled water ($2.50), Gatorade ($3), and hot chocolate ($2). While there is nothing to get excited about, there’s enough to get you and your stomach through the ball game, and the prices are reasonable for the most part. Atmosphere 3 In this day and age of turf fields beginning to be seen more and more in college baseball, it’s nice to watch a game on a field that is just dirt and grass. Most fans sit behind home plate on the metal bleachers, but some stand down the lines along the green picket fence which extends to the outfield. It’s a short home run down the left field line, but overall the playing field is fairly spacious with plenty of room in foul territory. From left to right the outfield dimensions are 314-370-400-370-323. The NIU staff does a good job with the sound effects after a strike out, a walk, the foul ball into the parking lot, etc. I’m not sure if the 2014 team is just an eclectic bunch, but they have some of the strangest selections of walk-up music for the home batters. The selections during my most recent visit included the Oompa Loompa song, the Spice Girls with “Wannabe,” and Abba’s Dancing Queen.” Northern Illinois occupies the first base dugout, but fans of both teams seem mixed within the small stands. The scoreboard is found in the left-center field and displays the basic line score, balls, strikes, outs, hits, runs, and errors, as well as the number of the at-bat player. If you like to keep score, or just learn a bit more about the participants, there are scorecards found in a plastic box right behind home plate in the stands. The scorecard is a simple four-page publication with information about the Huskies team, along with an insert for the visiting team’s line-up, as well as a box score for the most recently played NIU game. Neighborhood 2 There isn’t much in the immediate neighborhood to add to the experience. During the football season, the tailgating helps to improve the experience, but with baseball there is really none of that. There are a few restaurants that are a short drive, or even walkable, along Lincoln Highway. My recommendation is Fatty’s. They have good burgers and sandwiches, along with 110 beers available. If you would rather have Mexican, then try Eduardo’s, which has been in operation in the area for over 30 years. Fans 2 Most of the fans at an NIU baseball game show only mild interest. There is a collection of friends, family, and students who watch the action in a fairly laid-back way. It’s a friendly place to just sit back and watch baseball. Access 3 Parking is free along Stadium Avenue, just behind the cedar trees would be a good place. Some fans choose to park their cars behind the seating area, but that’s a good way to catch a souvenir in the worst possible way (in your windshield). If you have trouble finding the field, just look for the football stadium. There are no restrooms available at McKinzie Field, so plan accordingly. There are a couple of Port-a-potties on the grounds if necessary. Return on Investment 4 There’s no admission to attend an NIU baseball game. Parking is free. Concessions are reasonably priced. Overall, there is nothing to complain about when it comes to getting your money’s worth. If you’re in the area and need to get your baseball fixed, then this is an affordable experience. Extras 2 One extra point for the trivia games offered to fans. It’s nice that a small program like this, charging no admission, still has a couple of giveaways during the contest. One additional extra point for the bizarre choice of walk-up songs for the home team. It wouldn’t be my choice if I was batting, but the strange selection certainly adds to the entertainment value. Final Thoughts There may not be any bells or whistles to entice fans to make the trip to Dekalb to see Northern Illinois baseball, but once you arrive, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and a pleasant place to enjoy MAC baseball action.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Schoonover Stadium 1508 Campus Center Dr Kent, OH 44242 Kent State Golden Flashes website Schoonover Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 500 Consistent Excellence In 2005, Kent State University opened a new facility for its baseball program. Officially named Olga A. Mural Field at Schoonover Stadium, the venue is modest with a capacity of only 500. What the ballpark lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in history. Schoonover Stadium was built on the site of the previous home of the Golden Flashes, Gene Michael Field. But it’s more than just the location where you’ll feel the history, you’ll also see it on display on the outfield walls. There is no doubt that Kent State has been the most successful baseball program in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Golden Flashes won eight MAC Tournament titles from 2001-2012. In that 2012 season, Kent State also made a rare appearance in the College World Series in Omaha. 21 players have gone on to play in the Major Leagues including Gene Michael, Thurman Munson, Steve Stone, and Dustin Hermanson. When you see a game at Schoonover Stadium, you can be sure that you’ll see a future Major Leaguer and some of the best players that the MAC has to offer. Food & Beverage 2 There’s one small concession stand near the entrance toward the third base side of Schoonover Stadium. Here you’ll find hot dogs ($3), burgers ($5), chicken sandwiches ($4), and Italian sausage ($5). Pepsi products are available in 20-ounce plastic bottles for $3. If it is a cold spring evening, you can also pick up either coffee or hot chocolate ($2). The quality is a little less than average, and the prices are probably just a tad on the high side. Atmosphere 3 The seating at Schoonover Stadium can be found in the grandstand behind home plate, with mostly metal bleachers, but also a few rows of blue plastic chair back seats. It’s a fairly comfortable view, although if you’re in the bleachers you may either want to bring your chair back or head for the top row where you can lean up against the fence. The numerous displays of Kent State’s success on the field add to the overall atmosphere as well. Besides the years noted for MAC championships and Regional appearances, you’ll also find the #15, in honor of Thurman Munson, who starred at Kent State and the New York Yankees, and died way too young in a plane crash at nearby Akron-Canton Airport in 1979. You’ll see the number 30 down the left field line and the number 14 down the right field line, both with the name Schoonover. These are meant to highlight the fact that the Kent State baseball program has won 30 or more games in 14 consecutive games (through the 2013 season). Neighborhood 4 Schoonover Stadium is located about two miles from downtown Kent, Ohio. There is nothing within walking distance of the ballpark, so you’ll need to have a car with you. The best place for a pre or post-game meal and/or drink is the Water Street Tavern, which also offers the adjoining Cajun Dave’s. I love this spot primarily because Cajun Dave’s offers a fantastic menu with a lot of barbeque and southern influences. I especially like the shrimp and grits. As for the Water Street Tavern, they have a good beer menu, and plenty of TVs to stay up on the day’s sporting events. Zephyr Pub is probably better suited to the football crowd when the weather is a bit nicer. They have a wonderful outdoor beer garden, but also a pool table in case you’re looking to shoot some sticks. If your inner beer snob is calling, then Ray’s Place should be your destination. They have the best beer selection in Kent and recently have won acclaim for their MoFo burger recommended by Chef Michael Simon. If you’re in the area for a weekend series, consider staying at one of the hotels south of the stadium, near I-76. I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, and it is certainly suitable for baseball fans on the road watching their favorite team. Fans 3 You’ll find the usual mix of friends and family that make their way to a baseball game in the Midwest, but the spectators at Schoonover Stadium also display a little more hardball knowledge and passion than most similar venues in the region. This is not a social event, it’s a chance to root the Golden Flashes on to victory. Stand along the left field line and you’ll find a particularly high level of baseball conversation amongst the ardent viewers leaning against the fence. Access 4 The parking situation is a little unusual when you go to see a game at Schoonover Stadium. There is a small lot immediately outside the gate, but it fills up quickly, so if you want to park nearby, then be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the first pitch. If that lot happens to be full, then there is a nearby larger parking lot. They discourage fans from walking along the road to the stadium, so there is a free shuttle bus that runs continuously between the two parking lots. If you can’t stand to wait, then you could of course walk (although the parking attendants will do their best to persuade you not to). In any case, parking is free. If you’re feeling sneaky, you can walk through the orange fencing that separates the baseball and softball fields and access the venue for free. I’m sure the attendants will certainly flag you down, and it’s not worth being dishonest to save yourself $5, but that’s your call. Restrooms are adequate on-site, and sure beat the port-a-potty options you’ll find at many Midwest parks. Return on Investment 3 Unlike many MAC ballparks, there is a charge to attend a game at Schoonover Stadium. It will cost you $5 for an adult ticket, and $3 for a ticket for anyone aged 60+ or between the ages of 4-14. Children under the age of 4 are free to enter. The ticket window only accepts cash, so come prepared. When you add in the concession prices and free parking, Schoonover Stadium offers an average return on investment. Extras 3 One extra point for the consistent excellence that the Kent State baseball program has shown since the turn of the century. Another extra point for the efficient bus shuttle that runs between the two parking lots. One final extra point to the subtle tribute to Thurman Munson, one of those great players that you can’t help but wonder, “what if?” Final Thoughts If you like college baseball, then you’ll enjoy a trip to Schoonover Stadium. The history of this fantastic mid-major program is on full display, so sit back and enjoy a high level of baseball.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Oestrike Stadium 2051 N Huron River Dr Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website Oestrike Stadium website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Strike Out to Oestrike Stadium For more than 40 years, the Eastern Michigan Eagles have played their home baseball games at Oestrike Stadium. Like many collegiate venues, the stadium was named for a former coach, Ron Oestrike, who led the team from 1965-1987. The facility has undergone a series of renovations dating back to 2000 when lights were installed thanks to a donation from the William G. Clark Family. The Eagles won their inaugural night game against local rival Michigan on a walk-off home run by Nick Soliz. In 2007, the infield was replaced by Pro Grass, a synthetic surface that cuts down on the maintenance cost for the university, but also takes away from part of the splendor of baseball, most notably when someone silently slides into a base. In 2012, the stadium is getting a new brick exterior, which should add to the overall aesthetics of Oestrike Stadium. The stadium could also use a new scoreboard and some upgrades to the outfield wall. There were no dimensions posted on the wall, and nothing to brand the stadium in Eastern Michigan style. I have seen pictures in the past where they have hung banners for former greats like Bob Welch and Chris Hoiles, so that would be a good touch to bring back. All and all, this is a pleasant little facility to see a game, with a covered grandstand, and a team that is typically in competition for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. Food & Beverage 2 There is a lone concession cart on the first base side of Oestrike Stadium. Here you can find some basics to keep you sustained during the game. They have brats ($3), hot dogs ($2), popcorn ($2), candy ($1), and chips ($1). The popcorn was actually better than expected, and the brat was as well. For cold early season contests you can grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate ($1 each). Bottles of Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water are on hand as well ($2). Atmosphere 3 I started off a little disappointed with my visit as I arrived about 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time of 5pm, only to find out that the game had been pushed back an hour. I checked the team’s website that afternoon, so some better work by the EMU athletic department would have saved me an hour of sitting around unnecessarily, especially since I rushed through an early dinner in order to be at the game on time. Hopefully this is a rare occurrence and not the norm. All of the seating at Oestrike Stadium is metal bleachers, which are under a covered grand stand. It reminded me of a newer version of the classic Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana. There were also several fans standing along the right field line against the fence, a good view if you prefer to be on your feet. Screens completely cover the seating area, so I found myself among the standing fans down the line for much of the game. It’s an odd field with the synthetic surface on the infield, and real outfield grass juxtaposed. The pitching mound is also real dirt, but the home plate area is not. It is funny to see the batters dig in at the plate out of habit, but to no avail. The team has had success at times, with nine MAC Championships (most recently in 2008) and four MAC tournament championships. The sound system is decent, and there is an interesting quirk as the radio play-by-play announcer apparently doesn’t fit inside the press box, so you can hear much of his call during the game action, something I rather enjoyed. Neighborhood 3 Depot Town, located just a couple of miles away, is definitely the place to go for something to eat before or after a game. I have two favorites that I highly recommend. First is Sidetrack Bar & Grill, which has 26 beers on tap, including many local options. They also have very good burgers and sandwiches, salads, and your typical pub food. This is the more kid-friendly option of my two recommendations. My second recommendation is just across the street, Aubree’s. They have an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. Fans 2 There weren’t many people in attendance (maybe 100 people or so), and with the exception of one local and supportive fan sitting behind the home team dugout, they tended to be pretty quiet. In fact, the opposing fans outnumbered the home fans in attendance by my estimation. You’ll hear an eagle screech when the team scores, which is a rather irritating sound, but it seemed to be popular with those in attendance. Access 3 Parking is free, and can be found just across the street in the same lot used for football games at Rynearson Stadium. Restrooms unfortunately are in the form of two outhouse port-a-potties found behind home plate – not very appealing at all. I ended up not buying a bottle of water, just so I could avoid that experience. Return on Investment 4 There was no admission charge, and no charge for parking. It is very hard to argue with that. Concessions, while far from spectacular, were reasonably priced. You could easily bring a family of four to a game and pay under $20 even with a snack and drink for everyone. Extras 2 One extra point goes to what seems to be a tradition for the EMU Eagles baseball team. As the head coach (Jay Alexander) meets with the umpires and opposing coach to exchange lineups, the team assembles, almost as if they are going to take a team picture. When the coach is through, he runs over to the team and jumps into a collective chest bump. It was a lot of fun to see, and the Eagles do it on the road as well, as I had the opportunity to see them several times during the 2012 season. I’ll give another extra point to the efforts by the donors, alumni, and university to improve this facility. There are still more renovations to be done, but it is nice to see them invest in the baseball program. I am looking forward to making return visits to see Oestrike Stadium continue to evolve. Final Thoughts The experience of attending an Eastern Michigan University Eagles baseball game at Oestrike Stadium is unlikely to be something that will be particularly memorable, but fans of college baseball should make the stop when they can to this convenient and improving little ballpark.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Theunissen Stadium 100 W Campus Dr Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 Central Michigan Chippewas website Theunissen Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,046 Chippewa Baseball Theunissen (pronounced ten-uh-son) Stadium has been the home of Central Michigan Chippewas baseball since 2002. The Chippewas have been relatively successful over the years with 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, most recently in 1995. However, the team has yet to appear in the College World Series. It’s a very comfortable and straightforward game day presentation when you’re at a CMU baseball game. As long as the weather cooperates, you can expect to have a beautiful day at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 2 There isn’t a lot on hand in the one small concession area on the third base side behind home plate. The most interesting items (pretzel bites) were sold out before the game began. I tried the classic hot dog, which was decent, and enough to get me through the game. Snacks are the only other option including nachos, popcorn, caramel corn, candy, and beef jerky. Bottled beverages are available including Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade. If you just need something to sip or chew on, you’ll be satisfied, but if you come hungry, be prepared to be disappointed. Atmosphere 3 It’s a very laid-back atmosphere at Theunissen Stadium. One could easily sit back and take a nap. I like this when I visit college baseball venues. You’re here for the game, more than the entertainment value (as opposed to minor league baseball where the entertainment is a big part of the draw). You’ll hear some walk-up music for the home team from a pretty good sound system, as well as the announced batter, but otherwise, it is a very clean presentation. There are two display boards. In the right-center field, there’s a basic line score scoreboard. In the left center, there is a small video display board that displays the batters' name, number, position, and home town along with a picture. About 20% of the seating is maroon chair back seats stretching between each dugout. The legroom is slightly below average, but there are cup holders for your drink. There’s a good pitch between rows, allowing an unobstructed view of the person in front of you. The seating is general admission, so if you don’t mind the screen in front of you, it is worth it to arrive early enough to find a seat in this area. The remaining seats are silver metal bleachers which are less than ideal, but fairly roomy. There is seating above each dugout and extending down the line for those fans who prefer not to have the safety screen in their view. All of these are bleacher seats. There are not a lot of foul territories, especially in the outfield, making the park feel more intimate, despite its fairly deep and symmetrical outfield fence (330-375-400-375-330). There is no covered seating so be sure to bring a hat and/or sunscreen if the weather is warm. Neighborhood 3 Baseball and beer go well together, and I am always glad to find a local brewery when I visit a new ballpark. In Mount Pleasant, this means a stop at the Mt Pleasant Brewing Company. It’s a couple of miles from the park, but the drive is worth it. They have eight beers on tap ($3.50 each), and pretty good sandwiches. I can particularly recommend the Brewben (Reuben) for $8. Another favorite of mine is La Senorita. It’s a chain Mexican restaurant found in many towns in Northern Michigan, and this is the original location. I don’t know if I would call it authentic Mexican food, but I’ve always liked it, especially the seafood burrito, and their margaritas. Fans 2 There were a couple of hundred fans in attendance during my recent visit, which made the place feel rather empty. For the most part, it was a quiet collection of patrons, enjoying the game and the fine weather. Similar to many college baseball venues, you will find mostly friends and families of the players participating, meaning that the few fans that are on hand are interested in the outcome. Access 4 Theunissen Stadium is located just a couple of miles from M127, just north of the geographic center of the lower peninsula of Michigan. It sits alone off of West Campus Drive, with the football stadium (Kelly/Shorts Stadium), basketball arena (McGuirk Arena), and softball stadium within proximity. Parking is free, the concourse is wide, and restrooms are larger than they need to be, so you shouldn’t expect to stand in any lines. Return on Investment 4 Free parking, a comfortable stadium, and low concession prices combine for a very enjoyable day at the ballpark. Programs are available at the ticket window for $1. If you want a program be sure to get one before you enter the stadium, as it is a little bit of a hassle to go down the stairs and over to the ticket window. The school would be well served to offer these at the concession stand as well. Extras 2 I appreciated the ability to choose a seat that wasn’t behind the screen. Many universities don’t give you the choice. There are times when safety is appreciated, but in most instances, I would prefer to be able to see the game without mesh interfering with my view. While the second scoreboard didn’t offer much, it was nice to have a little bit more information in front of you. The display of some stats would be a nice addition, but I was happy just to have a little more than the basic line score. Final Thoughts Overall, this is a very affordable sports experience, and worth a stop if you’re in the area.