Photos by Jarred Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Schar Center 542 N Williamson Ave Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Schar Center website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,100 Phoenix Rising Tucked into the Piedmont region of North Carolina is the quaint college town of Elon, home to the university of the same name. About a half-hour east of Greensboro, the ACC’s stomping grounds, this mid-major Colonial Athletic school is constantly living in the shadow of the state’s bluebloods. The men’s basketball program at Elon christened the Phoenix, has never won a conference tournament – let alone earn a berth in March Madness – since joining the DI ranks in 2001. But recent developments on campus may be the catalyst for success that the program has been waiting for. In 2018, the university debuted a brand-new, 160,000-square-foot venue to replace their old home, an aging Alumni Gym. Elon played for 68 years in this little arena before moving to their new digs at the sparkling Schar Center. This relocation will perhaps allow the Phoenix to do what Phoenix does best: rise from the ashes. Food & Beverage 4 You’ll find a great variety of concession items at Schar Center, as several community favorites are represented alongside the traditional staples. Among the local choices, there’s Biscuitville ($5 chicken biscuits), Smitty’s Ice Cream ($4.50 for a small cup, $5.50 for a large one), and Walking Taco ($8). The classic options include cheese nachos ($5), pizza ($3), hot dogs ($3), giant pretzels ($5), candy ($3), chips ($2), and popcorn ($3). One specialty that you may want to consider is the “Phoenix Dog” – for $6, you get a dog topped with pulled pork, sauce, fried onions, and slaw. To wash it all down, grab a bottle of water or a Coke product for $3. Atmosphere 3 Schar Center opened in 2018, meaning it hasn’t had much time to develop character. The layout of the venue is well thought-out and the 360-degree concourse gives visitors a clear view of the action from most points. Although the general atmosphere of the building itself is quite sterile, the gameday presentation is very professional and high-quality. There are two large LED video boards located over end zones, providing fans with stats and updates from every angle. During the pre-game and the player introductions, songs like Cascada’s Every Time We Touch (a tradition at nearby Duke) and Kevin Rudolf’s Let it Rock are blasted over the speakers. Unfortunately, the Phoenix doesn’t have many traditions unique to their school as it relates to basketball. At times, it feels as if you could be in any college gym in the nation, seeing any mid-major program. Note that the atmosphere may be a bit better for women’s games, which are also held at Schar Center. The singing of the national anthem can also be a bit awkward, because the venue’s American flag is located on the wall behind the largest part of the seating bowl, rather than being hung from the rafters. Having a flag in this location forces everyone in that part of the bowl to turn completely around. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is weird. Neighborhood 4 Elon is the definition of a college town and the beautiful campus that goes along with it. While Schar Center is located in a newly-developed field surrounded by parking lots, the rest of the university campus is quaint and even a bit historic. The grounds even feature a picturesque lake. Nearby downtown Elon has several cool little shops and interesting restaurants. Burlington, a larger town next door, has an even greater number of entertainment options. And there’s always a bigger fish: Greensboro is just thirty minutes to the west and has most of the trappings of a mid-sized city. Fans 2 Schar Center seats over 5,000 people, but it’s rare to see a crowd of that size at Phoenix home games. The result is weak support from the stands, as the die-hards and player families are usually the only ones cheering on Elon. The long-term success of the program on the court may lead to a fuller arena in the future, which is the school’s hope. Right now, it appears as if the men’s program is overshadowed by a far more successful women’s team. Fan turnout is probably slightly better for the lady Phoenix, who claimed the CAA Tournament Championship in 2017 and 2018 – earning them back-to-back bids in the Big Dance. Access 4 Elon is located just off Interstate 85/40, about a half-hour from Greensboro and forty minutes from Durham. It’s essentially equidistant from the Piedmont-Triad and Raleigh-Durham International Airports, which fly to destinations across the country. Since the Schar Center is located on a newly-developed lot, there are large and flowing entrance and exit lanes that lead to the parking area. The Hunt B lot is where visitors are allowed to park during home games, and there’s no charge to leave your car here. As a bonus, it’s located right near the main entrance to the arena. Once inside the gym, you’ll likely find that the upper tier of seats in the main bowl is roped off, as it is for low-attendance games. Otherwise, there’s absolutely no issue moving around on the concourse. It’s wide and spacious with lots of standing room if you prefer to watch the game that way. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Phoenix home games are $20 a person, a bit on the pricey side for this level of hoops. Thankfully, there’s free parking and the concessions are priced very fairly. Overall, anticipate forking over around $30 for a night out in Elon. Extras 3 Tucked away beyond one of the end zones is a neat hangout area equipped with a cluster of televisions, some of which broadcast live games and some that are hooked up to video game consoles. There are also some arcade-style games, a basketball hoop, and some plush couches to finish off the man-cave-type space. Behind the other end zone, there are a few large windows that look down onto the team’s practice courts. Here, you’ll often see some club or youth players shooting hoops during men’s games. Final Thoughts The Phoenix is still on the hunt for their first-ever conference tournament championship in Division I play, as well as their first dance in the NCAA tournament. As the newest member of the CAA, having joined in 2014, hopefully, these dreams can be realized during their tenure at the sleek Schar Center. As a modern venue that gives its tenant plenty of room to grow, this gym will surely be the site of many great Elon moments shortly.

Photos by Utah Tech Athletics and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Greater Zion Stadium 225 South University Avenue St. George, UT 84770 Utah Tech Trailblazers website Greater Zion Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 10,500 Blazing A New Trail In The FCS Utah Tech was founded in 1911 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Over the years the school has gone by several names, and today it is a non-denominational school as a part of the Utah System of Higher Education. For much of its existence, it was known as Dixie State University, with the name change to Utah Tech taking place in 2022. It has an enrollment of 12,556 students. The school offers 242 academic programs ranging from undergraduate level to doctoral degrees. The athletic teams at Utah Tech are known as the Trailblazers. The football program is the newest school in the FCS, as it became a full member in 2022. The team played as an FCS independent in 2022, moving to the WAC in time for the 2023 season. The WAC then merged with the ASUN Conference shortly before the season started, resulting in Utah Tech now playing as a member of the merged United Athletic Conference (UAC). The Trailblazers are not eligible for postseason play until the 2024-2025 season. The home of the Trailblazers is the on-campus Greater Zion Stadium. The name of the stadium reflects the naming rights recently purchased by the area’s tourism promotion agency. It was built in 1985 as Hansen Stadium, and it has grown to 10,500 seats, with grandstands on the east (visitors) side of the field and the west (home) side of the field. The home side of the stadium is now known as the Hansen Grandstand. There is a hill at one end of the stadium that fans can use as well. The playing surface is made of Field Turf, with an eight-lane Beyon surface track encircling it. The stadium is also used by the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Greater Zion Stadium is the largest stadium in Southern Utah. Once the decision was made to move up to the Division I level of play, Utah Tech began a series of renovations to the existing stadium. These renovations included the construction of the east grandstand (2019), an enlarging of the press box, and the addition of premium boxes at the top of the west grandstand (2022). The school had earlier installed a new videoboard/scoreboard in 2020. Food & Beverage 3 There are large concession stands located underneath the grandstands on both sides of the field. The menus are identical at both stands. Menu items and prices include blazin’ nachos ($12), regular nachos ($5), cheeseburgers ($6), hot dogs ($5), popcorn ($7), pretzels ($6), candy ($3), frozen lemonade ($4), water ($4), Red Bull Energy drinks ($4) and 32-ounce Coca-Cola brand sodas ($4). There are frequently outside concessions vendors on site. These include Donut NV, Zeppe’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, and Maui Wowie. Alcohol is not available in the stadium, nor is allowed anywhere on campus property due to Utah law. This includes the tailgating area. Cigarette smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on the college campus. Atmosphere 3 The upgrades at Greater Zion Stadium have made a terrific difference in the gameday experience. The stadium can now offer a variety of premium seating options atop the Hansen Grandstand, including a large hospitality room for pregame or halftime gatherings. Other amenities for the entire crowd include new and enlarged restroom facilities, as well as upgraded concessions areas. The new videoboard behind the end zone has really enhanced the clarity of the images it displays. The new construction on the east side of the stadium provides a dedicated area for visiting fans, their cheer teams, and their band behind the visiting team’s bench. This should improve the game experience for visitors to Greater Zion. Finally, there are three improvements that may not be evident to the fans but are important to the Trailblazer team. The new Field Turf playing surface provides a surface that will stay cooler during the heat the area experiences in the early portions of the season. There is also much thicker padding underneath the turf, which will cut down on injuries. Finally, the team will have locker room facilities inside the stadium for the first time. This will be a big selling point in recruiting, as well as producing a much more efficient location in getting to and from the playing field on game day. Neighborhood 4 Utah Tech and Greater Zion Stadium are in downtown St. George, Utah. The city has a population of 180,000 and is the fifth-largest city in Utah. It is frequently the host of Ironman competitions and held the Ironman World Championships when Hawaii could not host them due to pandemic travel restrictions. Sports events in St. George benefit from the 300 days of sunshine and the mild winter temperatures the area experiences. There are several hotels/motels close to the Utah Tech campus. These include the Staybridge Suites St. George and the Tru by Hilton St. George. The Black Bear Diner and Roc Taco are very popular restaurants near the campus. Most of the things to do in St. George revolve around the natural wonders of the area. These include the Red Hills Desert Garden and the more than 300 miles of mountain biking trails in the hills just outside of town. There are also 14 golf courses in the area. Utah Tech is only a 50-minute drive from the beauty of Zion National Park. Three historical sites of interest in St. George are the Brigham and Amelia Young House, the St. George Mormon Tabernacle, and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum. Fans 4 Football is a very popular sport in the Beehive state, as evidenced by large powers like Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. This is also the case at a smaller school like Utah Tech. The school has had a long history of athletic success going back to its time in the Division II and Division III years. The stands fill well before the kickoff, as the student section, known as “The Stampede,” warms up for the evening by shouting encouragement to the home team as they do their pregame drills. They are assisted by the Trailblazers cheer squad, the Blaze dance squad, and the Utah Tech Marching Band. The Utah Tech mascot, Brooks the Bison is also active as he roams (something all buffalos do) the stands and poses for pictures with his adoring fans. Brooks is named after the first student to ever enroll at the school. The west stands are a sea of red, with parents, students, and townspeople all working together to cheer the local squad on. Access 4 Greater Zion Stadium is easily accessed from I-15: From Northbound I-15: Take exit #8, turn left onto St. George Boulevard. Turn left onto University Boulevard. Go four blocks and the stadium will be on your left. From Southbound I-15: Take Exit #8, and turn right onto St. George Boulevard. Turn left onto University Boulevard. Go four blocks and the stadium will be on your left. Games at Greater Zion Stadium typically start at 7pm, allowing fans plenty of time to take care of weekend errands and to take part in youth sports activities. Tailgating lots open at 4pm, with tailgating activity allowed to begin at 5pm. Gates to the stadium open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, giving fans plenty of time to settle into their seats or to get something to eat at the concession stands. There are three gates to the stadium, two for fans and one for the student section. Visiting fans can get to St. George, UT, and Utah Tech via connections on SkyWest Airlines from Salt Lake City (SLC). Return on Investment 4 Attending a Trailblazers game at Greater Zion Stadium provides an excellent return on investment for the entire family. Tickets come at a wide variety of prices for Trailblazer games. Pre-sale General Admission tickets are $12, while Pre-sale Reserved tickets are $15. Pre-sale Senior General Admission tickets are $7, while Pre-sale Senior Reserved tickets are $10. Pre-sale General Admission Youth (age 3-17) tickets are $7, while Pre-sale Reserved Youth Tickets are $10. Parking is free on gamedays on the Utah Tech campus. Extras 4 The school recently released its new fight song, Trailblazers. It has a very Western feel to it, unlike many traditional fight songs. The rivalry game for Utah Tech is the annual game against the University of Southern Utah. It is known as the “Battle for the Axe,” with the winner taking home the axe. Axes were a necessity for the early pioneers in the area, as they needed to cut wood to build shelter and well as to heat their homes. SkyWest Airlines HQ is in St. George. This makes it much easier for visiting teams and fans to get to Utah Tech games from anywhere in the country. Utah Tech is the only college sports team using the name “Trailblazers.” It was chosen to reflect the history of the area during the pioneering days, as well as to reflect the goal of Utah Tech students to be trailblazers in their chosen field of study. Final Thoughts Utah Tech is the newest school to join the FCS. It offers a great game day experience in its newly updated stadium, and it also offers the opportunity to check out the many natural wonders of the St. George, Utah area.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Kaplan Arena 751 Ukrop Way Williamsburg, VA 23185 William & Mary Tribe website Kaplan Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,600 Hoops In The Colonial Capital William & Mary Hall first opened in 1971 as the UNC Tar Heels knocked off William & Mary 101-72 in front of a sold-out crowd of over 8,000. Despite the game being played, the building was not completely finished as the locker rooms were unfinished and UNC spent halftime on the team bus. In 2016, the building was officially named Kaplan Arena. The facility is home to William & Mary basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. The 2023-24 basketball season has brought new facility upgrades including a brand-new videoboard, a new sound system, and new LED lights. William & Mary competes in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).   Food & Beverage 3  Kaplan Arena offers a good variety of food choices to keep you satisfied at the game including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and pulled pork BBQ sandwiches. Snack options include bottomless popcorn, candy (M&M’s, candy bars), and chips. Beverage options include bottled water, Gatorade, and fountain drinks. Alcoholic beverages are available at the Precarious Pavilion at the open end of the arena. While the food options are modestly priced, including the bottomless popcorn (!), we recommend eating a meal at one of Williamsburg's fine establishments before or after the game.   Atmosphere 3  Kaplan Arena is split into an upper and lower level with a walkway separating the two. When you enter the seating area from the portal you are on this walkway with the lower level being below you and the upper level above. All of the seats in the lower level are green, while the upper-level seats are yellow. Most of the seats are chairback, with the exception of the top few rows in the upper level. However, with the size of crowds that William & Mary draws for most games, one would not have the need to sit there. There is a large four-sided videoboard that hangs above center court that is new for the 2023 season and provides the score, stats, and video replays. When we visited, there was no band or cheerleaders. This creates a rather bland atmosphere and seems to show that the basketball program is not a priority. There is not a bad seat in the house, and for most games, you should be able to get a ticket in just about any section that you want. The mascot, Griffin, roams the crowd during the game and takes pictures with fans.   Neighborhood 5 If you are looking for other things to do while in town for a William and Mary basketball game, there are many options in the Williamsburg area. Colonial Williamsburg has many colonial-style homes, shops, restaurants, and attractions in the downtown area. One interesting restaurant with great food is Food for Thought, which has a menu as diverse as the minds of great American thinkers. Food for Thought’s décor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Just down the street from William & Mary is Meadows Original Frozen Custard, which offers some of the best custard and concretes you can find anywhere. Also, nearby is the Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the east coast; and Yorktown, the site where the British surrendered and the Revolutionary War ended. There are also many other resorts and attractions nearby including theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country.   Fans 2  William and Mary averages around 2500-3000 fans for most home games. Most of these fans sit in the lower level of the 8,000-seat arena giving the upper level a desolate feeling. Most fans seem to be older alumni. When we attended, there were few students in attendance, no cheerleaders or pep band. William & Mary basketball seems to be an afterthought in the Williamsburg area.   Access 4  Kaplan Arena is located on the William & Mary campus just blocks from Colonial Williamsburg, right off of Richmond Road, at the intersection of Brooks Street and Compton Drive. Access is easy from Richmond Road with free parking outside the arena. Ticket scanners and security are set right inside the exterior doors of the arena. Keep in mind that there is a clear bag policy, but they do not check the contents of the bags. Handicapped seating is conveniently located at the top of the lower level. Restrooms and concessions are on the concourse, but there are only two men’s restrooms and three women’s restrooms. These restrooms are small and reminiscent of a building built in the 1970s. They are kept very clean.   Return on Investment 4  Lower level tickets are $15 and upper level tickets are $10. While there are plenty of ushers, they do not check tickets, so one could probably easily buy an upper level ticket and sit in one of the many empty lower level seats. With free parking and affordable, one could easily afford to take the family out for a night of basketball while visiting Williamsburg.   Extras 1  One extra point for the friendly staff and ushers at the arena. Many of them welcomed us upon entry and wished us a safe trip home when leaving.   Final Thoughts  Kaplan Arena may not be on a lot of folks’ college basketball radar. The CAA is a good mid-major basketball league and has some great teams at the top, so one is almost guaranteed to see a good game. Many folks visit Williamsburg for its history and culture, and Kaplan Arena is a great place to catch a game if you are in town during the winter months.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TD Ballpark 373 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training website TD Ballpark website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,509 TD Park Renovations are a Home Run for the Jays The Toronto Blue Jays have held Spring Training in Dunedin, FL since 1977. However, the 2021 preseason marked the first time the team had played in a stadium built to their specifications and desires. The stadium also entered this new era with a new name… TD Ballpark. The stadium now holds 8,500 fans and provides several enhancements to improve the fan experience. Fans who have not been to a Blue Jays preseason game in a while are in for a very pleasant surprise. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage programs received a great deal of attention in the relaunch of the stadium. The number of point-of-sale locations and beer/soda service locations both increased. A new concession area was built behind the batter’s eye in deep center field. The boardwalk in the outfield also allowed a Tiki Bar and the WestJet Flight Deck to be added to the food and beverage service locations. Drink rails were added so fans could socialize without worrying about their beverages spilling on their friends. The concessions menu for the most part your standard American (and Canadian) stadium fare. This menu includes jumbo hot dogs ($8.75), pulled pork sandwiches ($10) pizza ($5.75), chicken tenders ($11), nachos ($.7.75), fries ($6.50), peanuts/Crackerjacks ($6), popcorn ($6) candy/chips ($5.50) and pretzels ($6.25). Drinks include sodas ($4.75), bottled water ($4.50), craft beers ($13), and Labatt’s ($10). Some of the non-standard food items available at TD Ballpark are poutine ($8.25), peameal sandwiches ($17.50), gator bites ($17.50), and grouper tacos ($17.50). Atmosphere 4 There is a different vibe in the newly remodeled park. Both locals and the Canadians who have traveled down for the games are stunned and pleasantly surprised by all the changes in the park. The process of just getting around the stadium is greatly enhanced by the addition of a boardwalk in the outfield, allowing fans to travel 360 degrees around the playing field for the first time. Fans are also enjoying the new 23’ X 40’ videoboard in center field. The park now offers new opportunities for adults and children. The adults can enjoy a cold beverage while watching the game from a vantage point that did not exist a season ago. The kids enjoy the new play park, with plenty of new games to choose from. The players also seem to enjoy the new facility as well. It offers many new support facilities for the players that are not evident to the fans. They take pride in playing in the new facility. One on-field thing that did not change is the dimensions of the playing field. They are 328’ in left field, 400’ to deep center field, and 327’ in right field… the exact same measurements for the playing surface at Rogers Center. Neighborhood 5 Thankfully one thing that has not changed is the wonderful neighborhood that surrounds the park. Dunedin is still a pleasant town along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Its tree-lined streets still offer some shade from the heat. The people of Dunedin are still the welcoming bunch that welcomes you to park in their front yard, rather than complaining about the baseball traffic. You can still enjoy a cold brew at one of the eight breweries spread around the town, including the Dunedin Brewery just down the street from the park. It is the same town that offers plenty of places to eat brunch before the game or enjoy a nice dinner after a game. In other words, if it is not broke… don’t fix it. Fans 4 As you would expect, the fans from the Great White North are more than happy to escape the harsh winters and enjoy sunny Florida. Many have winter homes in the Dunedin area. They are a proud bunch, as they are easy to spot in their Blue Jay gear or some manner of the maple leaf on their clothing. They are also easy to pick out as they know the words O Canada when the National Anthem is played before the game. Blue Jay games also draw the locals, many of whom are retired, who long ago adopted the Blue Jays as their own. Another set of fans who help fill the stands is the ballpark chasers. These baseball fanatics are determined to visit every stadium in the Grapefruit League in just one season. Access 4 Accessibility was a critical consideration in the stadium rebuild. The new capacity of the stadium was going to be much higher, so making sure fans could get in and out of the park with no problems was a major concern. Stadium designers also want to make sure the new stadium allowed a smooth flow inside the stadium during a game. The flow in and out of the stadium is now improved, as the number of entrances and exits has increased. Some entrances/exits will be for the use of season ticket holders, while others will be specified for the general audience attending the game. This will reduce the number of people trying to use a specific entrance and exit door. The concession stands were redesigned so that they did not take critical space up in the concourses. The new boardwalk is also being used to spread out the additional fans over a larger footprint in the stadium. Unfortunately, the roads leading to and from the park have not been part of the renovations. Dunedin is still more than 20 miles from any interstate. The streets surrounding the park are more residential than commercial in nature, and the construction of wider roads might be harmful to the values of the homes surrounding the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 Ticket Prices at TD Park remain lower than average in price compared to other Grapefruit League stadiums. Price points for tickets are $29 for upper-level seats in the infield, $21 for seats along the baselines in the outfield, or $16 for SRO/ General Admission for the boardwalk in the outfield. One area that has not changed when you arrive at TD Park is the lack of parking at the stadium. This means that fans will still need to appreciate the goodwill of the businesses and townspeople to use their parking lots and front yards while they are at the game. The going rate for parking in these areas is $5-$10, depending on how close you are to the stadium. Concession prices have gone up in price since last season. These prices are detailed in the Food and Beverage section. Extras 3 During the closure of the U.S.A /Canada border during the pandemic, the Blue Jays spent the first two months of the season playing at TD Ballpark. Chad the Beer Guy is still around to lead fans in Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th Inning Stretch. Day games at TD Ballpark start at 1:07 pm. The two extra minutes in start time are to allow for both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems to be played during pregame ceremonies. Final Thoughts TD Park should earn the Comeback Award for the most improved stadium in the Grapefruit League. It has addressed nearly every deficiency that haunted the many incarnations of the stadium in earlier years.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Robert J. Surtees Student Athletic Centre 100 College Drive North Bay, ON P1B 8L7 Canada Nipissing Lakers basketball website Robert J. Surtees Student Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,200 Starting From Scratch It was with humble beginnings that Nipissing University was born. Relatively young, Nipissing received its university charter in 1992. Previously known as the North Bay Teachers College for a number of decades, Nipissing University is a very small university even by CIS standards. With an enrollment of approximately 6,300 students, many of them Education students who are only on campus for certain weeks during the semester, Nipissing is in the bottom third of the CIS for enrollment, the 4th smallest school in the OUA conference and the 2nd smallest basketball school in the OUA. For many years, athletic teams at Nipissing University competed in the OCAA, which is primarily the athletic home of Ontario Community Colleges. When Nipissing decided to field an ice hockey team in 2009, the plan to move athletic teams to the CIS was sprung. The 2014-2015 season marks the first ever season for the Nipissing Lakers basketball team. Previously, the Lakers competed in the North Bay city league. With the expansion of athletics in North Bay came the expansion of the already fairly new Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre. The RJS was named after founding faculty member, history professor and former athletic supporter Robert J. Surtees. Having numerous athletic achievements in North Bay, Surtees was also the coach of the Lakers for 20 seasons. The expansion tripled the size of the original facility and made it one of the state of the art facilities for CIS basketball and Nipissing students. Although it is difficult to start a program with marketing, recruiting and academic issues all combined with very little success initially on the court, the Lakers are making their mark and their experience is comparable to any other CIS basketball experience. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at the RJS Athletic Centre are very limited. As is common in facilities of this size, the menu is very small. In this case, the entire menu consists of soda (mainly Coca-Cola products), coffee, tea, water, popcorn, hot dogs and pizza. Two really unusual options would include Michelina’s individual pasta dishes and Cup-A-Soup. Although the menu may not excite you the prices can’t really be beaten. Everything on the menu goes for either $1 or $2. Another fairly unique feature for this level of competition is the ability to purchase alcohol inside the gymnasium itself. Bud Light and Smirnoff is available for $4. Atmosphere 3 The facilities in the CIS for basketball are not even close to being huge. The capacities are small and the experience is intimate. The Lakers provide one of the nicer atmospheres in the league. Outside of the facility, patrons will see a smart looking, red brick facility that will not blow your mind with beauty or unique features, but it wouldn’t be considered an eyesore either. Entering from the cold, patrons are warmly welcomed by the smart and simple décor of the concourse where students sit at a temporary table to sell or take tickets. At the far end of the facility is the access to the fitness centre and locker rooms for students. There is also an extremely small store at the far end offering a limited variety of Lakers swag. The concourse features some Lakers advertising, specifically their PRIDE athletics mantra (passion, respect, integrity, dedication, excellence). There are also a variety of trophy cases which house mementos from various Laker athletic achievements, including one of the Olympic torches that were carried across Canada for the Vancouver Olympics. Upon entering the gymnasium, you are welcomed with a very bright and bold atmosphere. The newness and cleanliness of the facility is not lost on the patron, as is the simplicity of the presentation. The RJS Athletic Centre features one set of bleachers on the north side of the gym with contoured plastic benches. The south side of the building houses the fitness centre, and students in the fitness centre can look upon the gymnasium through the frosted window with the school name and colours. The north side of the gymnasium, behind the bleachers, features athletic banners celebrating various athletic achievements for Nipissing, mostly volleyball from their days in the OCAA. There are also banners commemorating All-Canadians who have played for the Lakers. On the east and west sides of the gymnasium are the scoreboards. Both are simple, but the board on the east side also features player numbers for those on the floor as well as their points and fouls. A unique feature for this league is the video board which is on the north wall. The Athletic Centre is a teaching facility. Unfortunately they have a plethora of lines on the basketball court for various configurations and lack traditional basketball markings at centre court and along the sidelines and under the baskets. The game day presentation is fairly simple, as is expected. Basketball games are student-run and the student presence is strong throughout. One of the best features of the experience is definitely the St.Joseph-Scollard Hall Band. This high school band plays throughout the breaks and even some of the defensive spots during the game. It is rare to find pep bands in the CIS, let alone a band at a basketball game. Neighborhood 3 North Bay is a small Northern Ontario city, often referred to as the “Gateway to the North,” with a population of over 53,000. It is a long and skinny city which stretches along the coast of Lake Nipissing. Nipissing University is located at the northern tip of the city on the top of a significant hill. Other than The Wall, the on campus student pub which has significantly limited hours, there is not much of anything in the surrounding Nipissing neighbourhood. If you are looking for places to eat, you will definitely have to stray from campus. There are a number of chain restaurants not too far on Algonquin Avenue. Some more unique places you may want to try could include the Fox and Fiddle, Burger World or Colonel Hoagie’s Diner. I would recommend trying Wacky Wings on Seymour or even heading out to nearby Sundridge to Danny’s Justa Pasta. There are plenty of other entertainment near or in North Bay, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. In the summer, North Bay is near prime fishing and cottage areas. Some cottage accommodations can even be found right on Lake Nipissing, close to downtown. In the winter, snowmobiling can be found nearby and Lake Nipissing is a top spot for ice fishing. Laurentian Ski Hill is pretty small, but within the city. Lakers basketball could be a great ending to the day after participating in some outdoor activities during the day. Other sporting options include Nipissing Lakers hockey and North Bay Battalion hockey, which can both be found at the North Bay Memorial Gardens. Fans 2 It is very difficult to measure the fan support that the Lakers have received in their inaugural season. Many CIS teams do not publish their attendance figures in their box scores and the Lakers are included in this group. With a small capacity at Surtees, having a cavernous facility with a small attendance is not a big problem. The Lakers are probably drawing hundreds of fans to their games as compared to the thousands or tens of thousands the NCAA schools are drawing, however this is not out of place for the league. The fans that were in attendance for the game that was reviewed were supportive of the Lakers and enthusiastic and loud at times. Even though the Lakers, at the time of publication, were looking for their first ever win, Laker fans were still there for their team. Hopefully, Nipissing can continue to attempt to capture the interest and intrigue of their community and fan support for the Lakers can steadily increase over time. Access 4 Getting to Nipissing is not difficult. It is located at the northern tip of the city, on top of a large hill. The Trans Canada Highway runs right through the centre of the city and during non-peak hours, getting through North Bay isn’t too bad. Nipissing is located very close to Highway 17/Trans Canada Highway. The campus of Nipissing is quite picturesque in a rural, Northern Ontario way, but very small. Finding the Athletic Centre on campus is no problem at all and there is sufficient parking in the adjacent parking lot. Inside, the concourse is large, and travelling through it is not difficult. The washroom facilities are also adequate for the attendance. Return on Investment 4 Lakers basketball has a very low investment involved. Tickets are $10 for adults with 50% discounts for non-Nipissing students, seniors and alumni. Children are also free. Concession prices are very cheap, and parking on campus is free for game time. The return for that low investment is fairly decent. Nipissing provides an intimate sporting experience, in a clean and bright facility. This mark would be a full five stars if the Lakers were able to provide a better product on the floor. Once the program gains a solid footing and is able to better compete after its initial years, the return will even more outweigh the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the St.Joseph-Scollard Hall Band which offers something fresh to the Laker basketball experience that you don’t find in many CIS basketball experiences An extra mark for the Olympic torch in the trophy case which was run through North Bay on its way to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. An extra mark for Nipissing making the tough transition from the OCAA to CIS and bringing basketball in North Bay to a whole new level. Final Thoughts CIS basketball does not offer the sheer size of a Kentucky or North Carolina experience. Nor does it offer the pageantry and history that Duke offers. What Nipissing and CIS basketball offers is an intimate experience that allows the patron to get up close and personal to the game without having to worry about a crazy student section or having to offer up two mortgage payments for tickets. The Lakers have made their mark in their inaugural season and will hopefully continue to make strides into the future. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 .

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bob Hannah Stadium 623 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens website Bob Hannah Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,300 Delaware’s Other “Bob” The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens have been playing baseball on the site of Bob Hannah Stadium since 1966. Originally known as Delaware Diamond, the stadium was renamed to honor longtime head coach Bob Hannah in May 2000. In recent years, the stadium has undergone several major renovations. 2014 saw the addition of an artificial turf surface, a new scoreboard, and other player improvements such as heated dugouts. Lights were added in 2019 to allow for night games. Bob Hannah Stadium should not be confused with the school’s better known “Bob”, the Bob Carpenter Center, which is home to Blue Hens basketball. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Bob Hannah Stadium, but fans can bring their own. Concessions used to be sold out of a window facing into Delaware Stadium, but that is no longer the case. Atmosphere 3 Considering this is a college baseball venue in the northeast at a lower part of Division I, Bob Hannah Stadium is a nice place to watch a game. To get to the stadium from the parking lot, you will need to walk down a path in between the soccer and football stadiums. This will put you directly behind the stadium. A fan marketing table with some giveaways and promotions will be located in a garage-like area straight ahead, and you can walk left or right to get to stairs or a ramp that will take you into the seating area. The first three rows of this area are chairbacks, and everything else is bleachers, but fans can sit where they want. All seats offer an up-close view of the field as the venue is quite small. There is a scoreboard in right-centerfield which shows the line score, count, and any scorekeeping decisions. In terms of the game itself, the marketing table has giveaways and the team runs occasional promotions during games such as Easter Egg hunts, but for the most part, this is a standard northeast United States college baseball experience. Although there are some activities to keep fans entertained, for the most part, the focus will be on the field, and there is nothing wrong with that. Neighborhood 3 Newark is a typical East Coast college town. Your best option is to head downtown to Main Street, which offers numerous options including Grotto Pizza and the Deer Park Tavern. You can also head towards Christiana Mall or check out The Border Café, known for its Tex-Mex food and large “EAT” sign. The University Creamery is also worth checking out, as it is well-known for its ice cream made right on campus. Fans 3 Like at most schools in this part of the country, college baseball isn’t a huge deal at Delaware. The Blue Hens draw on average a few hundred fans a game. However, those in attendance are knowledgeable about the Blue Hens players and many of them are regulars at home games. Most of them are friends or family of the players but some are just fans of the Blue Hens program. The crowd here as a whole is about what you’d expect, but nothing more. Access 4 The University of Delaware campus is located right off I-95 via Exit 1 in Delaware. If coming from the south, you can also take Exit 109B in Maryland and drive along local roads for a few miles to reach the stadium to avoid paying the $4 toll once they cross the state line. This will add only a few minutes to your trip, so many fans find it worthwhile. Once you reach campus, follow Christiana Parkway/E Chestnut Hill Road (the street changes names when crossing over College Avenue) to Sincock Lane. Parking will be in a lot on your left in between the softball and soccer fields and behind the Carpenter Center. Note that if you set your GPS to take you to the stadium, it may direct you past this lot to where the road runs alongside the stadium itself, but you will not be able to park here and will need to turn around somehow if this happens. It’s better to just go to the lot to begin with rather than listen to the GPS. Bob Hannah Stadium itself is a short walk from this lot – just follow the path between the soccer and football stadiums. Although there are no restrooms at the stadium itself, the football stadium next door is typically open during games and you can use the restrooms there. There is also a single port-a-potty right next to the stands if you want to use that instead of walking. If there is an event at Delaware Stadium the same day (the lacrosse team plays there as well and their season overlaps with baseball) you may have a harder time using the restrooms there, or even finding room to park nearby. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Blue Hens games is free, parking is free, and you won’t spend anything on concessions because there aren’t any. The only cost to you will be the gas and tolls, and the latter can be avoided if you know what to do. This makes a Blue Hens baseball game a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening. Extras 2 Look for the bust of Bob Hannah next to the stadium. Hannah is the winningest all-time coach in the history of the Delaware baseball program. A second star for the signage along the outfield fence honoring past Blue Hens accomplishments. Final Thoughts Bob Hannah Stadium is a surprisingly nice baseball stadium, considering where in the country it is located and what conference the Blue Hens play in. Although this is not as good a college baseball experience as you will get in some other parts of the country and likely never will be, there really aren’t many other options in Delaware. There are just two Division I colleges in the state, and a few more in nearby Philadelphia. While this will never be one of the top venues in the country, fans in the area will find a trip to Bob Hannah Stadium an enjoyable experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Jordan-Hare Stadium 251 S Donahue Dr Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Tigers website Jordan-Hare Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 88,043 Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn University Tigers Down on the Plains, Saturday afternoons take on a whole different feel than most college campuses in the country – Auburn, Alabama is transformed from a sleepy college town into one of the top college football game day experiences in the country. The Auburn Tigers have been members of the Southeastern Conference since its foundation in 1932; Auburn had previously been a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Southern Conference. Over the span of the program’s history the Tigers have won 17 conference titles and have laid claim to 5 National Championship crowns, in 1913, 1957, 1983, 1993, and 2010. The success the Tigers have achieved throughout their history goes a long way in setting lofty expectations from their fan base, which in turn helps drive one of the top college football experiences in the country. Food & Beverage 3 There are plenty of food options around the concourses of Jordan-Hare Stadium; the drawback is that there is not much that stands out as being special. Most of the choices are going to be what you would find at just about any stadium around the country – it is fine to satisfy your hunger, but lacks unique and local options. One highlight though is the Bo Jackson burger, at the Bo Jackson Grill. Jordan-Hare Stadium does have a handful of local regional options; similar to Georgia’s Sanford Stadium , Chicken Salad Chick makes an appearance with three specialized chicken salads and combination options centered around them. Another regional favorite, Mama Goldberg’s, slings their steamed subs to hungry fans. Both of these are fine options, but overall, the stadium lacks a touch of southern cuisine. Auburn does provide fans with the convenience of mobile ordering, to pick up at specific windows and avoid having to wait in long lines. Prices for food is pretty much consistent with what would be found at most stadiums, but for some inexplicable reason, Powerade and bottled water pricing is substantially more expensive than would be found elsewhere, by about $2. Luckily, large water containers are placed around the stadium for fans to get cold water from. Alcohol is not sold inside Jordan Hare Stadium, but is plentiful at any of the tailgates around campus. The closer the tailgate areas are to the stadium, the more the spirits are flowing. The best food around the stadium can be found at the Reggie’s stand, set up along The Tiger Walk – Reggie’s hand grills 1/2-pound burgers, butterflied pork chop sandwiches, and both Southern-style Polish and Italian Sausages. In fact, the line for Reggie’s backs up all the way to the gates of Auburn’s baseball stadium, Hitchcock Field . Atmosphere 5 The Auburn game day experience starts well before the gates open. Campus opens to tailgaters at 4pm on Friday evenings before Saturday games. Many tailgaters set up their own encampments, while others opt for the Auburn tailgate services , which sets up tents just feet from the entrances of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The pregame hype at Auburn is everything that is wonderful about college football. Outside the stadium along Donahue Drive, fans begin lining up an hour before the Tiger Walk as they give their Tigers one last word of encouragement before they enter the stadium. This is also the unofficial signal for fans to start making their way into the stadium. The area along Donahue and Heisman Drive that encircles Jordan-Hare Stadium remains rather packed, so the best bet might be to head through the gates on the northwest side of the stadium. This is the easiest time to enter and navigate the stadium, and to make sure not a moment of the pre-game festivities are missed. If tailgating and the Tiger Walk are not enough excitement, the pre-game traditions continue as fans start settling into their seats. Call and response chants ring out as a prelude to the stadium speakers starting to play Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird. Nearly 80,000 fans sing along, foreshadowing the flying of Aurea , the golden eagle, as she swoops overhead from the upper levels of Jordan-Hare Stadium, eventually landing to an eruption of approval from the Tiger faithful. In a stadium with a capacity nearing 90,000 fans, from some seats in the upper reaches of the second level the action on the field can almost seem like an afterthought. If sitting in an assigned seat is not a must, however, the switchback ramps in the corners of the stadium are a decent alternative – these are popular with many fans and provide a decent vantage point for the game. There seems to be the perfect combination here of a respect for the traditions that make the Auburn football experience important, combined with a modern game atmosphere of piped in hype music, that goes a long way in the creation of a fun game atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 Auburn is the classic college town where much of the draw to the town focuses around the university itself. The front of campus abuts College Street, with the famed Toomer’s Corner at the southeasternmost edge of campus. Home of Toomer’s Drug Store, fans pack in for the well-stocked shelves of Auburn apparel and souvenirs, but it might be the hand-squeezed lemonade that many flock to the store for. While Toomer’s Drug Store is the main draw to the area, there are also several restaurants and bars that make the area popular for pre- and post-game. When looking for accommodations for a game day weekend, start planning far in advance as hotels in Auburn fill quickly, and also be ready to open your wallet wide, since rooms are going to run anywhere between $200 and $400 depending on the proximity to campus and the desired amenities. The best option for last-minute rooms might be the cluster of chain hotels just off Exit 51, College Street, or in neighboring Opelika just to the north. However, there is no way around the fact that hotels in the area are going to be expensive on an Auburn football weekend. Fans 5 Much of what makes football in the south so important to so many are the deep roots of tradition and history that accompany each program. College football fandom in the south is often generational and runs through families; the fandom runs deep through alumni and locals alike, especially fandom for the Tigers. Auburn fans are just as passionate as any fan base you will find across the nation – their fandom falls into the category of football being a 12-month-a-year commitment. Auburn is a program that starts the year with conference and national Championship aspirations each season, having twice realized the ultimate prize, in 1957 and again in 2010. It is these annual goals that drive the passion of the fan base year in and year out. Auburn fans are engaged in all the festivities, from the pregame to all the in-game engagements throughout, starting with the head cheerleader leading the Bodda Getta, Two-Bits, and War Eagle Chant. The highlight is 90,000 fans singing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird as a precursor to the release of Aurea, a golden eagle that soars above the crowd, who point and cheer as she swoops down to her target, triggering an eruption of approval. The Auburn fan base is the lifeblood that makes the Auburn football experience so special, and it is difficult for the average fan not to get caught up in the excitement Tiger fans create. Access 3 Auburn’s campus is one of the closest to a major interstate you will find. Fans coming from Atlanta to the north, or nearby Montgomery to the west, have just a short trip off Interstate 85 to reach the Auburn campus. Alternatively, fans coming through Birmingham have a straight shot on US Highway 280. Either way, plan to arrive well ahead of kickoff, in order to avoid the headaches close to 100,000 fans being ushered into town on the roads leading in. Fans flying in for a game can easily fly into Atlanta, and jump on I-85 to get to the Auburn campus in under two hours. Parking is plentiful, both around the stadium and throughout downtown Auburn. Parking in proximity to the stadium does get a bit pricy, running about $45. However, downtown parking is only a short walk to Jordan-Hare Stadium and can be found for $25 to $30. The best bet is trying to enter the stadium immediately following the Tiger Walk; the easiest access point will be the gates along Donahue Drive. The longer you wait to get into the stadium, the more congested the entry gates will become and the concourse nearly impassable. Both the internal and external concourses are narrow given the number of fans passing through. Leading up to the pregame festivities, both the entry and field concourses are wall-to-wall bodies, and will be very slow going. Once fans settle into their seats for kickoff, however, the walkways and concourses open up again, and traversing them is no longer a problem. A test of patience once again faces visitors as they attempt to leave Auburn, as the roads out of town get very backed up. Some suggest parking at the Tiger Town shopping center and catching a shuttle bus back to your vehicle following the game, which might be a decent idea, but it does come with a lot of inconveniences. The best bet might just be to resign yourself to the fact that it is going to take a while, so find yourself a place for a post-game meal and give traffic time to subside a bit. Return on Investment 3 Ticket pricing is the hardest thing to fully evaluate as it relates to return on the investment. If single game tickets are available, their price varies depending on the week’s opponent. Less desirable, non-conference games start at $20, which is a great deal for the experience, but games against neighboring Georgia or for the Iron Bowl against in-state rival Alabama start at $160 – tickets to other games against SEC opponents are going to start in the neighborhood of $60. That said, there are some great ticket deals to be had; the question is, what do you want from the experience? The best bet might be to try to wait it out and buy on the secondary market; for example, recently the $160 tickets for the game against the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs were selling for under $60 the day before the game. When factoring in concessions prices and parking, you will be shelling out a hefty amount, but it is not anything you wouldn’t be paying for a comparable experience. The highest levels of football experience throughout the SEC do tend to be a touch on the expensive side. Extras 5 The rolling of the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner following an Auburn win is one of the great traditions in any sport. The tradition was first established in 1960 when employees at Toomer’s would use ticker tape to cover the oak trees at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street – the ticker tape was replaced by toilet paper in 1972. Statues of Auburn’s three Heisman Trophy winners, Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton welcome fans on the eastern side of the stadium. In addition, a bust of Heisman himself, a one-time Auburn football coach (1895-1899) sits at the formal entrance to the stadium along the aptly named Heisman Drive. The basic scoreboard at the north end of the stadium is a welcome throwback to the simplicity of the game, when schools did not have a national scoreboard measuring contest. The north end scoreboard is simple, with only the score, down-and-distance, time left in the quarter, and yard line of the ball. Fridays before home games, Auburn offers free tours of the Tigers locker room for fans starting at 4pm. Fans wanting to get more up close and personal with Auburn’s famed war eagle have the opportunity Fridays at 4pm, prior to game days; for $8 fans can take part in the Southeastern Raptor Center's Football, Fans and Feathers experience. Final Thoughts You do not need to be an Auburn football fan to enjoy an afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium. From the quaintness of downtown Auburn to the pregame tailgating, to the pageantry of the pregame traditions and those throughout the game, Auburn is a classic college football experience. It has everything Tiger backers or just fans of the sport might want and need to make a day on the Plains one of the top football experiences in the country.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Forrest Field 800 1st Street Hawley, TX 79525 Hawley Bearcats website Forrest Field website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,212 Hawley ISD Hawley, Texas, is a bedroom community 10 miles northwest of Abilene in what is commonly referred to as The Big Country. Like many rural towns, the school is the center of activity and a source of unity and pride for the town – on fall Friday nights, this is evident as the town shuts down and most residents head to the local football field to watch the Hawley Bearcats play. The Hawley Bearcats play their home football games at Forrest Field, named after Wayne Forrest, a longtime educator at Hawley ISD.   Food & Beverage   4 Two telltale signs let you know that the concession stand food is going to be good – when the FFA are the sponsors or smoke billows from a homemade grill out back, you know the offerings will be top-notch. At Forrest Field, both of these phenomena converge. There are no specialty items here, but the traditional offerings are very good. Pulled pork sandwiches, sausage wraps, nachos, and Frito pie are all popular options ($4-$6 each). Also, with the ability to add ballpark cheese or chili to any offering, the palette can easily be satisfied. Fans can also snack on candy, chips, pickles, popcorn, Coca-Cola products, Gatorade, sweet tea, or bottled water – bottled water, pickles, and chips are only $1, while other drinks and candy cost $2.   Atmosphere   3 Hawley, like many small Texas towns, often has more people in attendance at football games than its official population. The game I most recently attended happened to be Homecoming, which brought slightly more than the normal number of fans. Both teams used large run-through tunnels for their entrances, but the Bearcats also utilized smoke and a large horn as a noisemaker after scoring plays and turnovers. The Bearcat band plays consistently from the stands to encourage crowd interaction while elementary school-aged children entertain themselves by playing on an adjacent practice field as the bigger Bearcats are competing for real.   Neighborhood   3 Hawley is a small bedroom community 12 miles northwest of Abilene. The only restaurant open in Hawley in the evening is Jiffy Lunch and Pizza, but a new, large Allsup’s convenience store is open 24 hours. I would suggest a “World Famous” burrito or chimi as a post-game snack for the road if you’ve never tried one. Abilene and Anson are within 15 minutes in either direction on US-277, so quality fare is available before the game if desired. If you are traveling from the north and eating in Anson, you might try Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant or the legendary Hatahoe Diner, which has been serving locals since 1963. In addition, Abilene has numerous palette-pleasing options for any price point just off Interstate 20 as you drive through – some quality suggestions include Twisted Root Burgers, Cork & Pig Tavern, Chili’s, or Mexico Viejo Bar & Grill.   Fans   3 The crowd at the Bearcat game I most recently attended was standing room only, boosted due to the Homecoming festivities; the stands were full, and the fence was lined two people deep trying to catch a glimpse of the action. About most schools, Hawley is a small school with roughly 230 students in grades 9-12. When considering the number of students involved in cheerleading, volleyball, football, and band, as well as manning the concession stand, there aren’t many left to be fans. So, most of the students in the student section were junior high students and were involved in cheering for their Bearcats. Many elementary-aged students could also be seen playing on the adjacent open practice field behind the football field to the east, beside the concession stand.   Access   4 Forrest Field sits behind Hawley High School and Middle School on 1st Street. There is ample parking in and around the schools and along 1st Street. There is also parking in front of the school on Avenue H and off 5th Street. All parking is just a short walk to the entrance gates on either end of the stadium. Once inside the stadium, fans have access to both sides of the field. There are nice, modern restroom facilities available on both the visitor and home sides of the field. The concession stand is located in the southeast corner of the stadium and is sponsored by the school’s Ag department.   Return On Investment   4 Ticket prices were highly reasonable for the game – adult tickets cost $5 at the gate, while school-aged student tickets are only two or three dollars. The Bearcats are a well-coached football team and play hard. The band and cheerleaders do well to pump up the crowd during stoppages in the action and during halftime. When combined with the ability to purchase a quality, fully smoked pork sandwich supper and leave with enough change from a $20 bill to get an Allsup’s time for the drive home, you have an affordable evening of entertainment at Forrest Field.   Extras   2 The view of a West Texas sunset is best experienced in person. The nontraditional northeast-to-southwest orientation of Forrest Field creates a picturesque backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon. With multiple points of entry and 360-degree access around the field, movement to sitting anywhere while still being able to keep up with the action on the field is possible.   Final Thoughts The pageantry and pride displayed by two competing high schools on a random fall Friday night in rural Texas is a cultural experience like none other. There are not many events that exhibit the heartbeat of a community more clearly and deeply than a varsity football game; a visit to Forrest Field in Hawley to experience the Friday night lights provides the backdrop for such an occasion. My most recent visit was an enjoyable and entertaining evening. I was able to watch quality football, sample an excellent hamburger, and witness several students being recognized for their leadership and achievements as they served on the homecoming court. I would encourage you to make plans to visit Hawley and catch the Bearcats in action if you are ever in the Jones County area on a fall Friday.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Eck Stadium 4101 E 21st St N Wichita, KS 67208 Wichita State Shockers website Eck Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 7,851 The Eck Eck Stadium is home to the Wichita State Shockers of the American Athletic Conference. The stadium is named after Rusty Eck, a local car dealer and early supporter of the baseball program. A ballpark was built on this site in 1978 and provided a whopping 322 seats. That ballpark is in no way representative of what the ballpark has become. The current ballpark opened in 1985 and has undergone numerous renovations since then. Prior to the 2020 season, state of the art artificial turf was installed, which is a big help in the early parts of the season when snow is more prevalent. Previous to that, sky boxes, a press box, and Coleman Hill (a berm-like area beyond the outfield wall) were added, which gave both media and fans alike, the ability to watch the game in a more comfortable atmosphere. “The Eck” has hosted numerous NCAA Midwest Regional tournaments over the years as well as 26 Missouri Valley tournaments, with its biggest attendance coming on June 9, 2007 when 8.153 fans turned out for a Shockers game against UC Irvine. Food & Beverage 4 Eck offers a little more than your typical college baseball park. A pulled pork sandwich ($7.50) or Memphis nachos (BBQ nachos $10) lead off your options. You can buy a slice of pizza ($4.50) or the whole pie ($22.50). All the typical fare such as hot dogs, brats, chicken strips, cheeseburgers, etc range from $4.50 to $8. Additionally, nachos, popcorn, fries, pretzels, candy, and chips will run $3-$6. Coke is the soda choice ($4-$5.50) with water, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate also available. As an added bonus on those particularly cold days, you can add Bailey’s or Butterscotch schnapps to your hot chocolate. Beer and wine ($8-$9.50) is also an option. Atmosphere 5 This is where Eck shines. Upon arrival, it is apparent that this isn’t your typical college baseball stadium. From the outside, the grandstands look enormous. On the outside of the stadium behind home plate is Bledsoe Plaza. Be sure and take a look around even if you choose to go in through a different entrance. The plaza includes numerous statues and plaques and provides a great opportunity for fans to learn about Shocker baseball history and some of the players who played here. Inside the stadium, seating runs down both lines, with the majority of seating running from the third base dugout over to the right field line. Most of the seats are chairbacks although there are some bleachers on the first base side above the concourse. The field itself is aesthetically pleasing with the synthetic turf always looking in very good condition. The large video board sits beyond the left field wall and its size makes it easy for anyone in the ballpark to see, regardless of where you are sitting. Coleman Hill sits beyond the right field wall. This is a tremendous location to watch a game. An added bonus out here, you can bring in your own food and drinks, and even a grill if you feel the urge (provided it isn’t a particularly windy day). Alcohol is not permitted from the outside, however, and must be purchased inside the ballpark. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area is largely college campus and residential areas. As such, there is very little within walking distance with regard to food and drinks. If you are a fan of Mexican food, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is just East of the ballpark about ¼ of a mile. Fuzzy’s serves up decent tacos and burritos along with beer and other drinks. Next to Fuzzy’s is the Social Tap Drinkery. At the Social Tap, you can choose from 52 different tap beers along with all your typical bar fare, including numerous types of pizza and burgers. If you are staying in the area, Hyatt Place Wichita is within walking distance. There are also numerous other lodging options back near the freeways in and out of Wichita. For other entertainment in town, Wichita has a rich history in air flight. As such, a trip to the Kansas Aviation Museum is highly recommended. Another good option for sports fans is a trip to see the Wichita Wind Surge play at Riverfront Stadium . Opened in 2021, Riverfront is a great place to watch a ballgame. Fans 4 Wichita State has a rich baseball tradition and this isn’t lost on the fans. In 2019, Eck Stadium was voted amongst the top 16 college ballparks in America by fan vote according to the NCAA. Barring poor weather, fan turnout is generally very good, with a high percentage of fans decked out in their Shocker gear. They are also very much into the games and cheer loudly when their team makes a great play or scores a run. Access 4 Eck Stadium is located on E 21st St, East of I-135 and on the Wichita State campus near the other school sporting venues, including Charles Koch Arena. There are four entrances available at various locations around the park. Once inside, the concourses are wide and the restrooms are generally sufficient for the crowd size. Return on Investment 4 Parking at “The Eck” is free. Most tickets range from $8-$12 with the grandstand $8, upper box $10, and field box $12. There are no bad seats, although on particularly hot and sunny days, it would be best to avoid the bleachers. With food and drink prices being the norm for college sports anywhere, it’s hard to argue that you get a really good bang for your buck when attending a game here. Extras 4 Bledsoe Plaza is a really nice touch and does a great job of celebrating the history of the team. Under the press box and around the skyboxes, you can see the success of the team with regard to postseason appearances, conference titles, etc. Although I didn’t watch the game from Coleman Hill, it seems like a fun spot to gather with friends to take in the game and is a nice touch. Directly across the street from the right field corner is the original Pizza Hut. The restaurant is still open on occasion and has also been turned into a museum. Final Thoughts Wichita State has a rich baseball history. Eck Stadium not only does a great job of celebrating that history but is also a great and comfortable ballpark for fans to watch a baseball game. This is clearly one of the better ballparks in this region of the country. Don’t miss out if you find yourself in the area. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Riders Field 7725 Gaylord Pkwy Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco RoughRiders website Riders Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 10,316 Frisco RoughRiders - Riders Field Frisco, Texas is a bustling suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in north Texas. As home to the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys , Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas , Dude Perfect’s New Theme Park, and the PGA Tour’s new corporate facility, as well as many museums and numerous shopping options, Frisco has become a destination city, especially for sports enthusiasts. Riders Field is a beautiful “Park within a Park”, utilizing different pavilions for concessions separated by a dirt and tree-lined concourse, creating a series of interconnected spaces instead of one single monumental structure. The feel one gets once entering the gates is that you have entered a cozy coastal village, instead of a traditional ballpark.   Food & Beverage   5 There are 16 unique food and beverage vendors, each serving different menu options. Each standalone concession stand offers different items and is named in such a manner that the flavor profile of the food is obvious. For example, El Rincon and Rojo’s serve Mexican-inspired dishes, Frank’s and Coop and Kennel serve hot dogs and chicken dishes, respectively, while The Sweet Spot serves ice cream. There are also three separate bar areas where mixed drinks are offered in addition to beer. All these areas are also enclosed, with air conditioning and TVs showing live action of the game – this can create a nice respite during hot Texas summer evenings. Beer options are not limited to just the popular domestics, either; you can also get Yeungling, Dos Equis, Eight, and Shiner among other brands around the ballpark. In addition, if beer is not your alcohol of choice, mixed drinks, especially local favorite margaritas, and several wine options are also available. Non-alcoholic drink options are Dr Pepper and 7-Up products, based on a previous naming rights deal with Dr Pepper for the stadium. Other non-alcoholic options include bottled water, lemonade, and Snapple, as well as both white and chocolate milk.   Atmosphere   5 Riders Field presents a unique visual experience beginning when you drive up – the light blue pavilions trimmed in white look like architecture you would see in a coastal town, not in the middle of a north Texas community, and no matter which gate you use to enter the ballpark, you will pass through the buildings before seeing the field itself. Once you have passed through the walkway between buildings, you realize that the concourse is at ground level and the field is lower, which presents a beautiful image. The traditional viewpoint from home plate out toward centerfield is picturesque, as is the inverse, looking back toward home from the centerfield fence. In fact, the most vivid image this writer saw was looking back toward home plate and the beautiful buildings as the sun was setting. The coup de maître is the Lazy River and CoServ Cabana just past the right field fence; while this area is for group outings most game days, it is available for single game tickets on Thursdays and Sundays. Also, just a word to the wise – Thursday evening is sponsored by Twisted Tea and dubbed “Rowdy @ The River”, so attend that night knowing the pool area will be packed, loud and full of energy!   Neighborhood   5 Riders Field is located in Frisco, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The stadium is nestled in a bustling shopping district and destination mecca near the intersection of two major highways running through North Texas. There are plenty of hotels to choose from within walking distance of the ballpark including Embassy Suites-Frisco (which is attached to the ballpark), Hilton Garden Inn-Frisco , Hyatt House Dallas-Frisco , and Tru by Hilton Inn-Frisco , among others. In addition, the lodging options within a few minutes’ drive of the stadium include most price points and amenity levels. When looking for dining options outside the stadium, the choices within a short drive are virtually endless; one can easily walk to Wild Pitch Sports Bar and Grill , Perry’s Steakhouse , Norma’s Cafe , Rodeo Goat , or Gloria’s Cantina , among others.   Fans   4 The Roughriders consistently rank in the top 5 for attendance in Double A baseball. In 2024, they averaged over 5,100 fans per game, seeing a total of 371,149 people pass through the gates. Frisco fans are knowledgeable and attentive to the game, as well – they are loud at appropriate times, assisted by the large video scoreboard, which gives cues at key moments. Many factors have created such an inviting atmosphere here; the stadium’s design presents a unique visual experience, while in-game promotions keep fans engaged, which appeals to fans of all ages and interest levels. It’s easy to see how Riders Field could be a popular after work hangout for young professionals, looking to spend after hours leisure time together. The team’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, the nation’s 4th largest such area, plus their proximity to the parent club, the Texas Rangers  (a mere 30 minute commute south), provides the perfect set-up for rehab assignments. This gives fans a chance to witness big league players in action at lower ticket prices, and at a much closer vantage point than usually possible in MLB parks. At a recent RoughRiders game, for example, Wyatt Langford played in front of over 12,000 fans.   Access   4 Located just off the intersection of Dallas North Tollway and State Highway 121, and less than 30 miles from both Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport, Riders Field is easily accessible no matter which airline is chosen for out-of-town travelers. Other than the normal traffic of a major city, traffic flow around the ballpark is smooth and clearly marked. With signage posted beginning over a mile from the venue, it’s not difficult to get to the designated parking areas from multiple points of entry. The main parking lot sits across Rough Riders Trail from the south of the stadium and the main gate, while ticket windows are at the corner of Rough Rider Trail and Diamond Drive. The facility is easily walkable from multiple hotels and a large shopping mall. There is no public transit that services the area, but there should be plenty of rideshare rides available around the clock.   Return On Investment   4 Ticket prices range from $14 to $45 with most tickets in the bowl area costing $25 or less. There are no bad seats inside Riders Field, so no matter where you choose to sit the sightlines are clear and top-notch, ensuring the game will be an enjoyable experience. Parking for RoughRider games is only $10, and the lot is across the street from the main entrance is large enough to hold most of the vehicles during a normal game. There are a couple of free parking options as well; one choice is to park and walk from Stonebriar Mall, while the other option is to park in the limited number of parallel parking spots along the streets surrounding the facility. In the humble opinion of this author, however, neither of the free parking options are better than parking within 50 yards of the entrance in a well-lit, secure lot for a single ten-dollar bill. Concession prices here are slightly higher than at other Texas League stadiums in Texas and its surrounding states. For example, a souvenir soda costs $9, bottled water $5, and a 16-ounce beer $9.50. Hot dog baskets are $11, burgers cost $15, and most other specialty food items will require between $16 and $20. Most importantly, don’t forget your debit/credit card (or your smartphone), as Riders Field is cashless and only accepts digital or card payments.   Extras   5 Between inning games and activities are prevalent, and the crowd is entertained during most of the breaks in play, beginning with the “Play Ball” Kid before first pitch. The emcees are also engaging during the fan interaction games that take place; examples include the Frozen T-Shirt Race, quizzes, relay races, and the 7th-inning stretch. Other between-inning crowd engagement activities include the Simba cam, Dance cam, Dot Race, and Kiss cam, all of which utilize the big scoreboard located in left-center field. All these engaging pursuits, combined with the MiLB push to speed up games via the between-inning and pitch clocks, ensure there is little downtime, making the game fly by. The Lazy River and Cabana not only create a signature touch at Riders Field, but also ensure that fans can enjoy a ballgame in a cool setting on a hot Thursday evening or Sunday afternoon. The staff and fans are extremely friendly and helpful – every person this writer came in contact with was approachable and more than willing to provide assistance, or engage in a brief conversation. Souvenirs can be acquired from the Rider Outpost team store, which is large and very well stocked. There is a wide selection of t-shirts and caps in many sizes and colors; the most popular logos appear to include some form of Teddy Roosevelt, the original RoughRider and 26th US President, but the Double R logo on the home cap provides a classic look on a modern-style hat. Concessions can also be purchased using Stadium Drop – fans are able to scan a QR code, order and pay digitally, and then have their food delivered to their seat. This is an extremely convenient option which this writer personally didn’t utilize, but I can see how the convenience is worth any extra expense or time required for the wait.   Final Thoughts Frisco RoughRider games are a wonderful experience; the setting is beautiful and the game presentation is top notch. Concessions here  are above average and the options are plentiful, even though the prices are slightly higher than other teams at the same level of play. Based on the location in the north DFW suburb of Frisco, shopping, dining, and outside entertainment nearby are practically endless. Accessibility via a personal vehicle, or via air travel using your airline of choice, should be no problem since both Dallas-Love Field (Southwest Airlines) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are approximately the same distance from Riders Field. Riders Field is a must-visit location for any baseball fan, and can easily be included in a multi-stadium vacation due to its proximity to many other minor league and independent league ballparks, as well as to Globe Life Field, home of the Riders’ parent club Texas Rangers .

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 Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cuneta Astrodome Roxas Blvd Manila, The Philippines 1300 San Mig Super Coffee Mixers website Cuneta Astrodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 12,000 Basketball Mix Editor’s Note: No surprise, the team name has changed three times since this review. They are now (2020) known as the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. If you like aggressive, physical basketball, The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams currently. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in a play-off with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6 ‘5″ for all teams. The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers began play in 1988 as the Purefoods Hotdogs. Twelve championships and 12 name changes later, they are arguably the second most popular team in the PBA behind Barangay Ginebra (which owns San Mig and the San Miguel Beermen also). The Mixers are coached by Tim Cone, who is the all-time leader in championships among coaches. The Mixers have won the last three conferences and are seeking a Grand Slam. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and The Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, PhilSports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. With a groundbreaking in 1991 and completion in 1993, the Cuneta Astrodome (named after past public official Enrique Cuneta) regularly hosted PBA games from 1993-1998 and ever since 2000. Although it is a substitute facility, it has a proud history and has held events such as WWE, political and evangelical gatherings, musical concerts, and has served as a venue for the Southeast Asia Games. It underwent a renovation in 2006. Cuneta is showing some wear and tear over the last 20 plus years, but it still is a solid venue for an event. Food & Beverage 2 Traditional concession stands do not exist. Instead, vendors seek you out peddling hot dogs, popcorn, chips, bottles of soda, and bottled water. It is easy to know where the vendors are– instead of a traditional bellowing of “Hot dogs! Pop Corn! Coca-Cola!” they simply make a noise with their mouths almost like a duck call. It’s a very effective technique. The cost is reasonable. A hot dog served with customary mayonnaise and ketchup is 50 PHP, a large tub of cheese popcorn is 75 PHP. A large bag of chips is 50 PHP as is a 16 ounce bottle of Coca-Cola. A 12 ounce bottle of water is 25 PHP. Currently the exchange rate is around 43 PHP to the USD. Prices are fine, especially when factoring in the convenience of so many vendors eager to assist. The menu is limited, but the hot dog is very good. There are no beer sales inside. Walking in, signs are posted prohibiting bringing in outside beverage or food. Atmosphere 3 Two main gates allow access into the Astrodome. It essentially has three levels for seating: Patron, Box, and Gallery. Each gate is then divided to be level specific and there isn’t easy access in between the levels. The Patron seats include VIP and lower box seats. Box seats were part of the 2006 renovation and are fairly comfortable. They are a little small, especially with the drink holders, but okay. When buying tickets there on the day of the game, the agent does not allow for choice of seat. They just ask what level and give the appropriate ticket for the level requested. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 110 PHP, but the view from the first few rows of bleachers are obstructed somewhat by a metal fence that separates the box seats from the gallery. The Cuneta Astrodome does have a central, overhanging scoreboard along with projection screens up in the gallery that display the game action. The main scoreboard has a rather manual, antiquated system of displaying the numbers of the participants. It then uses a colored light to denote if they are in the game, and a different color to denote how many fouls they have. Music during the game is a standard instrumental beat that is played at all venues in The Philippines. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside Cuneta, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Henry Walker for THREEEEE!” Sound is distributed well in the Cuneta Astrodome, which is good, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Neighborhood 2 Located near Manila Bay, Cuneta Astrodome sits in a commercial district. It is about a mile south of the American Embassy, also located on Roxas Blvd. I don’t recommend much travel around the area on foot, especially by yourself. Visitors should be mindful as there are a plethora of panhandlers, mainly women and children, who are not shy to ask for handouts. Although it is called the Cuneta Astrodome, it is not a dome. It is a rectangular three-story building that looks more like a warehouse than a venue that hosts world class events. When you arrive, you may have no idea that you are actually there as the name cannot be seen from Roxas Blvd. On the outside of the dome, there is a post office, and a few restaurants. They feature cheeseburgers for 35 PHP (buy one get one free) as well as chicken and hot dogs. There are about a dozen street vendors immediately outside. They have a wide variety. Dimsum, chips, sweet corn and barbecue, are joined by local delicacies like quail eggs and balut. Balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. Many locals grab a balut egg before entering the dome for the protein they need to get through the game. Fans 5 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants. “D-Fense!” and “Laban San Mig!” that the fans use as a go San Mig type of cheer. When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Even from outside the area, you’ll have no problem hearing the loud cheers ebbing and flowing with each play. Access 2 Cuneta Astrodome is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is essentially no local street parking. Inside the arena is somewhat handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is easy. After the game, there is not a traditional taxi stand. Using a taxi app is recommended; I got the attention of a gentleman who saw I wanted a taxi. He flagged me one immediately and got me off and on my way before a throng of people closed in. Return on Investment 5 A PBA game at Cuneta is enjoyable. I sat in the middle price range of seats (410 PHP for a doubleheader) and the cost of a ticket, taxi to and from, a couple hot dogs and waters was just over 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. There are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 1 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. Also, there are no merchandise sales at the dome. The tickets are generic. The extra star goes to the friendly staff and security. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium 782 High Road, Tottenham London, UK N17 0BX Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 62,062 A UK Home for the NFL Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is normally the home of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in north London, replacing the club's previous ground, White Hart Lane. It is also the main home of the NFL in the UK, sharing some games with Wembley Stadium. The stadium is the third largest football stadium in England and the largest club ground in London. It features a retractable, natural grass soccer pitch with an artificial turf field, used by the NFL, underneath. The stadium cost over £1 billion and although announced way back in 2007, saw construction began in 2017. The NFL International Series is a series of American football games during the regular season that are played outside the United States. Since 2022, the series has had three sub-series: the NFL London Games in the United Kingdom, which have been in place since 2007; the NFL Mexico Games, which began in 2016 with a predecessor game in 2005; and the NFL Germany Games in multiple cities. In 2023 there is one game played at Wembley, two at Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, and two at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. Stadium Journey attended the NFL London Games match between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans . Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage options are some of the best we have seen at any venue. There are more than 60 food and drink options. For the NFL games, the stadium tries to offer more traditional American-type offerings than is seen at Hotspur matches. Stadium Journey talked to the stadium's head chef and they are exploring many options to make their visiting fans comfortable for upcoming years. A local brewery called Beavertown is the official craft beer supplier and has a microbrewery located within the stadium's concourse. This is the world's first stadium-located microbrewery. Unlike during Hotspurs matches, beer and other liquor drinks can be brought back to your seats during gameplay. The Goal Line Bar is the longest in Europe. The Market Place is a popular gathering spot along the concourse. There are numerous vendors such as The Chicken House, N17 Grill Naan Noodle, Linesman, the Smashed Olive pizza place, and the Touchdown Grill. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is electric for the NFL London Games. It has the feel of a playoff game, even if it is just a normal, regular-season game. The stadium is gorgeous and is quite aesthetically pleasing. We loved seeing the cockerel that sits on top of the roof structure above the South Stand, the symbol of the Hotspurs. The seating bowl offers a variety of seating options, while still keeping even the "cheap" seats feeling close to the action. Just like a regular NFL stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium features large HD screens and has a very good sound system throughout the facility. The stadium has its adventure area with the Dare Skywalk experience. It features the UK’s first controlled descent from a stadium. This will not be available on game day. The stadium is intended to be active all year round. There is the Tottenham Experience, which includes a club shop, club archive, and museum, as well as the media prep room is a cafe for the public on non-game days. Neighborhood 3 This is a bit of a mixed bag. We would bet that exploring Tottenham's High Road on non-game days would feel much different than on game days. The area can feel a bit rough, but not unsafe. The non-game day activities at the stadium do seem to be changing the area positively. On game days the atmosphere leading to any of the public transport options feels electric. The roads leading towards the stadium are closed to regular traffic so the fans can make an almost march to the stadium. Fans 5 The fan support is unlike almost any other. There will be a unique mix of fans, from each team's fanbases making trips abroad, European fans of each team, along with European and UK fans who are not as comfortable with the American game. This makes it sometimes not the loudest stadium atmosphere around, but that is not to say that the fans are not super engaged. Access 4 We would suggest not driving to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The best option is public transportation. The stadium is accessible via several London Overground, London Underground, and National Rail stations such as Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale, Northumberland Park, and White Hart Lane stations. In some cities, the limited parking could be a negative, but the London public transportation system is one of the best around. Return on Investment 4 Tickets will initially seem hard to find and also high in cost. We tried to buy some tickets on the first day that they were available and had little success. Later on, there were many resale options available on the official UK ticketing website, with many of the cheap options available. We do not recommend third-party ticketing sites due to UK-specific laws on reselling and price markups. This can often cause some of the third-party tickets to come from sources that may not be authentic. Even with the high prices, the special atmosphere at the game makes those prices seem fairly in line. Extras 5 The Beavertown Brewery gives the stadium an extra point for being the first of its kind. The food options at Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium are one of the best in the world and are an extra on their own. Unique features such as the Sky Walk, Hotspurs Museum, and the roof-based cockerel give the stadium a unique feel. Amazingly, the stadium was built to not only be a high-end soccer stadium, but one purposefully built for NFL games. There is a dedicated DJ stage for pre-game and between-action entertainment. Final Thoughts The NFL London Games, especially the ones held at Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, is a special event. Between the fun atmosphere and the amazing stadium, fans should enjoy themselves without question.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Turf Paradise 1501 W Bell Rd Phoenix, AZ 85023 Turf Paradise website Turf Paradise website Year Opened: 1956 Live Racing Phoenix Turf Paradise opened in 1956 and offers live horse racing Monday through Wednesday and on Saturdays from November until early May – they occasionally have live racing on Sundays, Thursdays, & Fridays. There is a turf club on the second floor where you can make bets (either using a computer or at a window with a live attendant) and have food and drinks. There is also a clubhouse where you can sit indoors and watch the races, but there are no concessions in the clubhouse. You are also welcome to watch from outdoors, and you can walk up and watch the horses led around before each race, or watch the ceremony in the winner’s circle following each race. Food & Beverage 4 The clubhouse offers tables with servers – each table has a TV on it so you can watch the races; patrons order from the menu and have their food and drinks brought to them. $5 will be added to your bill if you choose to use this tableside service; otherwise, you can walk up to the bar area near the betting machines and order food and drinks from there, and take it with you to eat elsewhere on the property. There is also a bar area outside where a few people sit and watch the races as they eat and drink. Atmosphere 3 The indoor facilities at Turf Paradise are a little dilapidated, and there are not a whole lot of people there – the clubhouse portion is pretty much deserted, although there are quite a few people in the turf club eating and drinking at their tables while watching the races. I will say the staff is extremely friendly and polite, doing little things to make sure you enjoy your visit. The outdoor grounds, however, are gorgeous – beautiful trees and scenery, the signage and gates are nicely painted, and there are wonderful flowers and greenery around the stables and winner’s circle. You can also get very close to the horses as they are being led around, and you can stand right up against the fence to watch the racing, if you like getting close to the action – you can hear the pounding of the hooves as they come in for the finish. Neighborhood 3 Turf Paradise is located on Bell Road on the North side of Phoenix, about 15 miles from downtown. There is a Walmart nearby and some fast food restaurants, as well as a golf course and a couple of parks. Further out you can find the Tonto National Forest, and of course, there are plenty of entertainment options and restaurants to be found if you want to explore downtown, including other sports venues like Chase Field , home of the Arizona Diamondbacks , or Footprint Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and indoor football’s Arizona Rattlers. There are also plenty of hotels in the area, depending on what price point you are looking for and how far you are willing to drive. Fans 2 There are not a whole lot of fans at Turf Paradise, but the people I met were very friendly and willing to chat and share stories of their gambling triumphs and failures. There is a small amount of cheering for certain horses going on as each race finishes, but horse racing is more of an individual sport as far as the fans go, as most people are there to wager, so you don’t necessarily expect (or want) a lot of crowd noise. Access 4 Getting to Turf Paradise is pretty simple, though Phoenix does have a bit of construction going on right now, including some closures to parts of I-10 and I-17. That said, you may have to take a detour depending on what month or day of the week you are there. Once you get to the venue itself, you can park for free on-site, and getting into the clubhouse or turf club is hassle-free – there are no lines to speak of and there is plenty of room to move around. You might find a bit of a line to make your bet right before the race, but if you go a little early you shouldn’t have a problem. I will say a staff member did make me get my hand stamped when I entered the turf club the first time, but I am not sure why as turf club entry is part of the regular ticket price. Also, there is no one guarding the downstairs entrance, so I could have walked around and used the other escalator to get directly into the turf club, instead of going to the clubhouse first and entering the turf club from there. Return on Investment 5 It only costs $5 to get into Turf Paradise (another $1 for a program), and that price is well worth it. I had a great time – I enjoyed chatting with a couple of other patrons, won a few bets, and enjoyed walking down to see the horses and watching the races. I would recommend a visit to this facility. Extras 2 There aren’t any extras to speak of – folks are there for the betting, and if you happen to want to eat lunch (or dinner) while you watch the races you can do that too. You can also get an up-close look at the horses if you want. I will mention that Turf Paradise is also an off-track betting location (besides hosting its live races), meaning that you can bet on races at other tracks around the country, and watch those races (on TV) as well – there is a large bank of TVs in the turf club showing racing action from all over the country. Final Thoughts If you have never seen live horse racing I recommend it, and Turf Paradise is a great place to do it. The only downside is the building itself is a little dated, but the people are friendly, the outside grounds are beautiful, and you can also get close to the action. Most importantly, though, you can have a fun and easy time betting on the ponies – that matters when it comes to horse racing.

Photo by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Ray Fisher Stadium 1114 S State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Ray Fisher website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 4,000 Hailing College Baseball Fans In 1923, Ray Fisher Stadium hosted its first game at the University of Michigan with the home Wolverines defeating rival Ohio State by a score of 3-2. Much has changed in the stadium's history, most notably a $9 million renovation that was completed in 2008. More recently, the school has replaced the natural grass and dirt field with an all turf surface for the 2014 season. The current facility offers a comfortable, if less than spectacular, venue to watch college baseball. Ray Fisher Stadium is part of the larger Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex which also houses Alumni Field, home to Michigan women's softball. Ray Fisher Stadium is next door to Yost Ice Arena , and fans can see the Crisler Center beyond center field, and Michigan Stadium beyond right field. The ballpark received its current name of Ray Fisher Stadium in 1967, dedicated to the former baseball coach who guided the Wolverine program from 1921-1958. Food & Beverage 3 There are two permanent concession stands inside Ray Fisher Stadium, although depending on the size of the crowd expected, there may only be one that is open. You'll find your usual ballpark snacks including hot dogs ($3.50), nachos ($5), soft pretzels ($4), popcorn ($5), sunflower seeds ($4), candy ($3), and Cracker Jack ($3). The prices are definitely on the high side compared to other venues in the region. For beverage choices you have bottled soda ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). What elevates the food and beverage selection is the 3rd Base Grill. Here you'll find Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches ($7), cheeseburgers ($6), Polish sausage ($6), spicy Cajun sausage ($6), and kosher dogs ($5). Again, the prices are a little on the high side, but the quality is pretty good. It's nice to see the selection at a college baseball ballpark in the Midwest. Atmosphere 4 This is a nice little park to see some baseball. Ray Fisher Stadium seats 4,000 when packed to the gills, and all of the seating fits from halfway up the first base line to halfway up the third base line. There are a few wheelchair accessible spots along the netting behind home plate. From there, ten rows of blue plastic bleachers extend past the concourse, followed by 9-10 rows of blue plastic chair back seats. The seats include a cup holder, and there is better than average leg room. Most parks would place the bleachers behind the chair backs, so it is good recognition by the school that the better seats are actually a bit further up, as you have a better view of the action on the field. You can expect the sun to be a factor in right center during the spring so be sure to wear a hat or sun glasses so you don't end up squinting the entire contest. If there is a little rain or you want to get out of the sun, then sections 1 (first base side) and 6 (third base side) are covered in the areas with stadium seating. The scoreboard has recently been updated with video replays offered alongside the line score and player stats. It really helps improve the game experience at Ray Fisher Stadium. I would suggest sitting on the 3rd base side so you can see the scoreboard without having to turn your body. The new turf field takes away a bit from the aesthetics for a baseball purist, but it is certainly much easier for the program to maintain. The large brick wall in left field adds some character to the venue. Neighborhood 5 Ann Arbor is one of best college towns in the United States, and all of their notable sports facilities are a little less than a mile from downtown, so the trek from Ray Fisher Stadium to downtown is certainly walkable. There are several places worth recommending. Ashley's is a wonderful bar with hundreds of beers available, and some tasty food as well. Grange is a great place for more adventurous foodies with mainly local ingredients, and some really amazing house made sausages. I like the Blue Tractor for its BBQ and locally made brews. If you have kids with you, then the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a great place to spend a couple of hours, and will be a winner with young ones. There are plenty of other great bars and restaurants worth visiting if you'll be in Ann Arbor for a weekend, so be sure you explore what the city has to offer. Fans 3 It's a tough thing to be a college baseball fan in the state of Michigan, as you can expect some pretty cold temperatures. Plan appropriately and dress in layers. The fans in attendance clearly care about the team and the university. It's mainly a friends, family, and dedicated alumni kind of crowd, and many of them will be season ticket holders. College baseball is a great place for families to take in a game, and this is no exception. You can expect the crowd to be at its best when Michigan scores a run and "Hail to the Victors" is played over the PA. Ray Fisher Stadium typically attracts just over 1,000 fans on average, so especially during the weekend you should see some decent sized crowds, but you will still be able to pretty much choose your seat. Access 4 There is a small lot with free parking right next to the stadium in the Athletic Lot (SC 20) and the Glick Lot from the State Street and Hoover Street entrances. Occasionally for bigger games this may become a pay lot, or it may fill up. If so, street parking is available and meters allow a 4 hour parking maximum, which should allow you to see an entire game ($1.40 an hour for the meters near Ray Fisher Stadium). Another option is to park near Crisler Center and walk the winding sidewalk toward the facility. If you plan on spending time downtown before or after the game (or both), then you can always park downtown, and walk to and from the game. There are several parking garages available at reasonable prices. The small ballpark is very easy to navigate, and certainly wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms are clean and warm (especially important during those March and April games), and concession stands have enough staff to handle the lines. Return on Investment 4 Chair back seats cost $8, and general admission tickets are just $2. Unless there is a large crowd, you should go for the GA ticket as you will be able to sit pretty much anywhere you like. Even if you end up in the bleachers they are reasonably comfortable with good leg room between rows. There are discounts for youth and senior citizens, and prices rise to $5/$10 for Big Ten games. It's still a relatively good value. Children under 5 receive free admission, and some weekday games against lesser opponents may be free admission as well, so if you're in the area, keep an eye out for these free games. Free or low cost street parking helps to balance out the concessions and higher prices there, so overall there's a pretty good return on your investment. Extras 3 Along the outfield wall in left center field you'll see the retired numbers of former Wolverine greats including Moby Benedict (#1), Bill Freehan (#11), Barry Larkin (#16), Jim Abbot (#31), Don Lund (#33), and Ray Fisher (#44). The stadium's namesake coached the baseball team from 1921-1958, winning a National Championship in 1953. The Wolverines have had a successful program with 35 Big Ten titles entering the 2015 season, and two National Championships (1953 & 1962). These accomplishments are commemorated on the outfield walls stretching from center to right field. College baseball is the first opportunity for Michiganders to get out and see a game, a clear sign that spring is here, regardless of what the thermometer may say. With its location in a great college town, Ray Fisher Stadium is a good place to get your baseball fix. Final Thoughts The Michigan athletic department has really invested in improving its athletic facilities in the past 5-10 years, and the subtle upgrades to Ray Fisher Stadium make it a fine place to watch college baseball.

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

Photo Courtesy of OSU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Goss Stadium at Coleman Field 430 SW Langton Pl Corvalis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Goss Stadium at Coleman Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 3,248 Oregon State Baseball at Goss Stadium The Oregon State Beavers baseball team has seen ample success over the last half-decade, producing incredible MLB talent headlined by all-star Jacoby Ellsbury. Goss Stadium at Coleman Field has been the home for OSU baseball since 1907, and has seen two national champion teams (2006 and 2007). The stadium seats 3,248 after renovations in 1999 and 2009. The most recent renovation increased seating capacity nearly double, from 2,000 to 3,248, allowing more fans to enjoy the festivities. Watching a game, you can see the passion for Beavers baseball by the fans. OSU fans, students, and alumni do love their baseball. Goss Stadium is located directly on campus, giving a complete college feel. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll find popcorn, hot dogs, soda, burgers, and the typical concession food. Atmosphere 5 What makes Goss Stadium unique? The atmosphere. There are few places that can match the excitement at a Beavers’ baseball game. Since 2012, Goss Stadium has hosted five super regionals, proof of the prowess of the OSU program. Despite the age of the stadium, recent renovations keep it as a fine venue to catch a game. Being on campus gives it an extra special feel. Like Beavers’ football and basketball games, it’s nearly impossible to find a fan not wearing bright orange or black. Neighborhood 4 This is where a little debate can take place. Some fans like having ballparks a little secluded, but I love the fact that Goss Stadium is directly on campus. Being right next to the basketball and football stadiums gives it a collegiate feel that can’t really be put into words. Being near campus, fans can find a plethora of spots to find some grub for pregame. Three popular stopping grounds less than a mile away include Nearly Normals Gonzo Cuisine (NNGC), McMenamins and Interzone. At NNGC, you can find an assortment of burritos and local food. McMenamins is a great spot to grab a beer or grab a burger. Interzone is a coffee shop for early risers or visitors making a long drive home after a late game. Fans 4 OSU fans are passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated. It’s near impossible to find a fan not wearing school colors. Despite rival fans at games, Beaver fans remain civil and respectful. Of course, like all stadiums, you’ll find a fair share of idiots arguing every ball and strike, but there were very few at the game I attended. Access 2 The problem with access to Goss Stadium is a two-part issue. The first is the inconvenient location of Corvallis. It’s difficult to make it there unless you already have your sights set on it. Most major cities in Oregon are located off of I-5, the major interstate on the west coast. Corvallis is 10 miles west of I-5, and inconvenient to get to. The other issue is the lack of parking around campus. It’s almost impossible to find somewhere free to park. It’s best to just pay the $5 and avoid searching for a long time. Return on Investment 4 Reserved tickets go for $20, with outfield/GA seats $10. I would suggest going with general admission seats. The view does not really differ, and if you’re going with multiple people, the price difference can add up. Either way, you will be getting your money’s worth. I suggest eating beforehand at local restaurants. Prices per item with respect to food size make it far more practical to find your meal elsewhere. Extras 2 Another nice feature is the video board in the outfield. It isn’t up to par with the football team’s scoreboard, but that should be obvious. And with the incredible talent consistently be pumped through this program, odds are good that you’ll see good baseball.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 E. Claiborne Robins Stadium 23B Boatwright Dr Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website E. Claiborne Robins Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 8,217 A Beautiful Web E. Clairborne Robins Stadium is located on the campus of Richmond University and is home to the Spiders’ football and lacrosse teams. The stadium seats about 8,000 fans and has a turf field with a running track surrounding it. The stadium was built in 2010 and later renovations expanded the seating and replaced uncomfortable concrete bleachers with metal ones and a few chairback seats. Stadium Journey visited Robins Stadium for lacrosse during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing and masking requirements were in effect. Capacity was officially limited to 1,000 fans, but the Spiders seldom drew more than that before the pandemic. Except for a few differences (which are mentioned below) things are pretty much the same as normal. Food & Beverage 1 Stadium Journey visited Robins Stadium during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, and to minimize removal of masks, the only concession item available for sale was bottled water, which at least was affordable at $3. There is normally a much more extensive menu for football, which you can find in our football review , and some of these options are probably available for lacrosse under typical circumstances as well. Atmosphere 2 Walking through the gates in the beautiful brick exterior of Robins Stadium will take you onto a concourse with even more brick architecture. Walking through the portal to the seats, you will find sets of bleachers with backs, one on each sideline. The west sideline (which is more north than west based on compass direction) has a few chairbacks in the center section. Normally seating is general admission, but due to the pandemic, all seats are currently reserved. Those not affiliated with the university can only sit in the west bleachers, while those who are affiliated with the university (i.e. students, faculty, and staff) can only use the east bleachers. For football, the east bleachers serve as the designated student section, so students may prefer to sit here during lacrosse games in normal times as well, but this would not be required. There is a large video board behind one goal and a small digital scoreboard behind the other. There is not a lot going on here to keep fans engaged beyond the usual playing of music. Part of this may be due to the pandemic, but it also feels like the lacrosse team plays second fiddle to the football program. Although there are a lot of signs, banners, and posters honoring the feats of the football team, you wouldn’t even know the lacrosse team plays here if you weren’t actually taking in a lacrosse game. For a normal game, the Spider Walk on one end of the stadium would be open featuring even more tributes to the football team, but this just further enforces the notion that this is a football stadium, not a lacrosse one. In any event, the Spider Walk is closed due to the pandemic so fans cannot access it at the moment. Neighborhood 3 Richmond’s campus is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Richmond, right on the edge of the city limits. In fact, as fans of rival school VCU will love to point out, only about half of the University of Richmond campus is actually in the City of Richmond. The other half is in neighboring Henrico County. If you head down Three Chopt Road, there are a few restaurants and other places available, but your best bet is to head about three miles east on Route 147 to the Carytown neighborhood which has far more options available. We recommend the Galaxy Diner and Carytown Burgers and Fries as your best bets. Fans 3 Although capacity is limited to 1,000 fans at the moment, Richmond rarely drew more than that anyway, so the pandemic has not really impacted this at all. The fans who do show up are loud, but unfortunately, they are few in number. Often many of the fans will actually be there to cheer for the other team. This effect is more pronounced when they are playing a nearby opponent like Virginia, but when we went, the opponent was from halfway across the country, and about half the fans were still cheering for them. It would be nice if the Spiders could grow their own fan base, but they don’t seem to put the same effort into attracting fans for lacrosse that they do for football. Access 4 The Richmond campus is located a couple of miles off I-64, the Downtown Expressway, or the Powhite Parkway, depending on where you are coming from. The first route is toll-free but the second two have small tolls. Once you arrive on campus, parking is free in any of the numerous lots surrounding Robins Stadium. Fans should have no trouble finding a spot and shouldn’t have to walk far to get in. The concourse and restrooms have plenty of capacity to accommodate all the fans, as they were designed for much larger football crowds. The fact that you have to drive a bit off the highway to get here, and possibly pay a toll, costs Robins Stadium the top score, but it is still easy to access the stadium and get around. Return on Investment 4 Admission to lacrosse games at Robins Stadium is free unless the Spiders are playing a big-name opponent like Virginia or Duke, in which case tickets will be around $10 each. If visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, note that tickets must be obtained in advance through the Spiders’ website or by calling the ticket office. Otherwise, just show up and walk in if they are not charging admission. There is a $1 delivery fee for the otherwise “free” tickets, which is the same charge regardless of the number of tickets you are reserving. This is disappointing but given the unusual circumstances, can’t really be held against the Spiders. Still, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 There are normally free game day programs available, although they are not being offered during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize touch surfaces. Fans can still download them onto their smartphones. Other than that, there are no real extras for the lacrosse team. There are plenty of unique sights to see here honoring Spider’s football, but for a lacrosse game, all that does is make the team feel like second-class citizens in their own stadium. Final Thoughts Although Stadium Journey recently ranked Robins Stadium the #1 FCS football venue in the country, the experience at a lacrosse game here sadly doesn’t come close. The Spiders have a gem of a stadium, and it is a shame that they are not putting it to good use for lacrosse. If the athletic department put the same effort into lacrosse games here that they put into football games, this could be a great experience, but they don’t, and it shows in the result.

Photo by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center 101 University Dr Radford, VA 24141 Radford Highlanders website Dedmon Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 3,200 Under the Radford Tent Just a small town in western Virginia, Radford consists mostly of Main Street and campus. Set between the New River and I-81, it's a small school college town through and through. With a population of around 17,000 and an enrollment of under 10,000 at the university, the environment at the Dedmon Center is less robust than it is unique. The Dedmon Center is a unique dome or tent-like multi-purpose facility that can seat up to 3,200. Originally an air-supported dome, steel trusses were put in place in 2008, adding stability to the roof. While the Highlanders don't have rich history or a massive fan base, the experience is at least a unique one. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the main gate and behind the student section and curtain, you'll find two concession stands that offer a typical helping of food and drink items. You can grab a hot dog with or without chili ($3/$3.50), barbecue pork ($4), a selection of nachos ($4-$5), a burger ($3.25), popcorn ($3.50) or a pretzel ($3). Nothing is particularly special, but all will meet your basic food needs. Coke products are available ($3-$4), as well as bottled water ($2.50). There is no alcohol served in the Dedmon Center. With nothing particularly striking on the menu, it comes down to taste. So buy a dog or some nachos and enjoy the game. Atmosphere 2 The Dedmon Center may lack for overall enthusiastic environment, but it will satisfy for unique aesthetics. Right off the bat, you'll notice the domed structure on the river as you drive up. Domes aren't necessarily uncommon in sports, but the miniature version that is the home of the Highlanders is definitely interesting. Reminiscent of somewhere between the Carrier Dome and a circus tent, it will at the very least pique your curiosity. Once inside, you'll find a concourse ringing most of the facility (both with views of the court and behind the curtains on either end). Wooden bleachers extend down to the court from either sideline and behind both baselines. Uniquely, the video scoreboards are located on each sideline behind the bleachers. There is a small pep band in the student section which adds to the college feel, and cheerleaders often launch T-shirts into the crowd. But overall, it's a pretty average, if not low-key, experience. Mid-court seats aren't particularly hard to come by, with chair backs on one side for a little bit more of a price. Unless the crowd really shows up, though, your best bet is to pay $10 for general admission and stretch out wherever there's room. You won't be particularly far from the action anywhere here. Neighborhood 2 Radford is what they had in mind when they coined the term "small town." There's the campus, and there's a pretty bare bones Main Street. The setting is picturesque enough, with rolling foothills and the New River in the background, but if you're looking for eventful nightlife, you'll have to look elsewhere. Main Street is the place to go before a game and is only a short drive from the campus. Options, however, are limited. The absolute best option for a sports fan seems to be Sharkey's for some delicious wings, barbecue, burgers, craft beer and more. The River City Grill is another popular downtown option. Across the New River is the River Company Restaurant and Brewery for the local beer lover. While Radford may not be known for attractions, there's plenty of scenery for the lover of the outdoors. Claytor Lake State Park is about a 10-minute drive south across 81, and makes a good starting point. There aren't many upscale hotels right in town, but a few miles west in Dublin or a few miles east in the Christiansburg/Blacksburg area, you can find a whole lot more of a variety. If you're feeling like doing local, the Nesselrod Bed and Breakfast is just across the river from campus. In town, you can find a La Quinta, Best Western or Super 8. Fans 2 From the size of the sleepy town and the relatively unheralded history of Radford athletics, low expectations will tend to be met at a Highlanders game. A Radford game draws in the average range of about 1,500 for attendance, but even that can be insistent. The small town and student body, coupled with a much bigger program in Virginia Tech up the road, means the fan base is relatively small. Despite the pep band, the students don't draw well. Their setup is behind one basket, but the section tends to be pretty sparsely populated. The rest of the crowd is made up of what appears to be locals and alumni who take a pretty casual approach to the event. Overall, there's not a lot of energy in the Dedmon Center. Access 4 If you can get to rural Virginia, you won't have any problems getting to the game. Large airports aren't particularly close. Roanoke has a decent-sized regional airport about 45 minutes up I-81, but everything else (Charlotte or Greensboro) will be a couple of hours. Parking is free and spaces are abundant in the loop around the stadium. You can enter from multiple gates, but the gate on the river side provides the easiest access to seating and concessions. Everything else will enter through the top of the concourse, so you'll have to walk a bit to reach restrooms and food. Once inside, you'll have no problems navigating. The open layout makes it simple to get to any seat, and there is a lot of room in general to explore. Aside from getting to Radford from your starting destination, a Highlanders game couldn't be easier. Return on Investment 4 While not a top of the line experience, pricing couldn't be much better. Bleacher seats are $8 and chair back seats will run you $10. Kids can get $6 bleacher seats (free for under 2) and students get in free. Parking is free and concessions are cheap. If you're a lover of college basketball, you won't find it much cheaper and easier than a trip to the Dedmon Center. Just don't expect to be blown away with the experience. Extras 2 There's definitely a level of uniqueness to a Radford game. The easiest place to start is the venue. Small-school college basketball tends to have more of a fieldhouse/gym feel to it, but not Radford. The large space that makes up the Dedmon Center feels comfortable and is anything but cramped. There's also a large concourse at the main entrance with a gift shop and inflatable basketball game. Kids seem to congregate in this area to play, offering some potential relief to parents that want to focus on the game. Final Thoughts Overall, the Dedmon Center won't (and shouldn't) be high on anyone's "must-see" list. Only the most serious of college hoops fans will make the trek to western Virginia to check it out. But under those lowered expectations, it at least qualifies as an easy, comfortable day.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Hinkle Fieldhouse FANFARE Score: 4.57 Hinkle Fieldhouse 510 W 49th St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Hinkle Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 10,000 One of College Basketball's Historic Cathedrals The Butler men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and volleyball teams call historic Hinkle Fieldhouse their home on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The facility has been regarded as one of the nation’s great basketball arenas since it opened in 1928; through more than eight decades of service, it has stood the test of time maintaining splendor, character, and atmosphere. The facility has virtually remained unchanged since its opening, but there have been many changes to the historic venue. The original seating capacity was 15,000 in 1928 but scaled down to its current 9,100 through renovations in 1989 and 2014. Another major change took place in 1933 when the basketball court was reconfigured to run east to west instead of north to south to provide better seating views for events. In 1989, $1.5 million in renovations were made to the reception area, team offices, and locker rooms. In 2014, $36 million in renovations included wider concourses, added restrooms, expanded concessions, an elevator for public use and ADA accessibility, and the replacement of 9,700 window panes with energy-efficient glass and tuck-pointing of 282,000 bricks to the fieldhouse’s exterior. Originally christened the Butler Fieldhouse, the arena was renamed in 1966 in honor of the school’s legendary coach and athletic director Paul “Tony” Hinkle who served as head coach for football, baseball, and basketball. Upon his retirement in 1970, Hinkle led the Bulldogs to 560 victories and one NCAA National championship in basketball (1924). He was and is the face of Butler University sports. Hinkle Fieldhouse was home to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) basketball tournament from 1928-1971, hosted six U.S. presidents, four professional basketball teams, U.S. Olympic basketball trials, tennis matches, track meets, roller derby, bicycle races, and housed the U.S. military barracks during World War II. The largest crowd (14,500) ever to watch a volleyball match took place at the fieldhouse during the 1987 Pan American Games to see the USA defeat Cuba for the gold medal and the facility was featured in the iconic movie “Hoosiers” as the site of the championship game. Food & Beverage 4 The food options have improved drastically at Hinkle in the past few years and there are more kiosks available for fans to grab something to eat that is not too far away from their seats. There is an ample amount of basic, but tasty food available inside the building that seems about perfect for the game day crowd. The concession stands are located at the corner of the upper concourse of the facility and offer hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and freshly popped popcorn. Pulled pork sandwiches, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and sweet treats are also available. Street tacos are available with either beef, chicken, or bean and vegetables. Fans can also enjoy these same toppings on street nachos from the same kiosk. Another kiosk offers beef burgers, foot-long brats, and foot-long cheddar sausages. Fans can enjoy Pepsi products and also both domestic and premium beers that include Coors Light, Bud Light, and Miller Lite while the premiums include Yuengling Lager and local Upland and White Claw varieties. The Efroymson Family Gym is open on the lower concourse to Bulldog Club members only. The area offers complimentary snacks and Pepsi products along with wine, beer, spirits, and sandwiches for an additional cost. Atmosphere 5 The Bulldogs recent success as a national powerhouse and two Final Four appearances (2010 and 2011) have created a surge in popularity with the school. Along with the move into the Big East, fans are now able to witness high-caliber basketball universities of Villanova, St. John’s, and Georgetown, along with local rivals Xavier, Marquette, and DePaul. There is not a bad seat in the house. A majority of the better seats are on top of the action that includes a porch on both ends of the playing court creating a perched view over both ends of the court. There is a lot to take in at a game at the fieldhouse, including a multitude of banners from both the men’s and women’s programs, hand-painted directions to seats and restrooms, beautiful brick interior, ramps, narrow railings, an excellent pep band and perfect acoustics created by the arched interior. They do not build them like this anymore and it is great to see the old lady still smiling proudly after 88 years of service. There is a lot of history crammed into the arena, displayed on the main concourse. Spend some time checking out the interactive exhibit that shows highlights of legendary coach Tony Hinkle, the building of the arena, and memorabilia that includes trophies, bronze shoes, and basketballs. You may want to break away from the basketball action and take a walk around to soak up some of the nostalgia. There is a lot here and the arena would be a treat even without an event taking place. Butler Blue IV is the official mascot of the university and he can be seen being walked on a leash around the arena during the game. Hink the Bulldog is the man-made mascot who parades around the court during contests and helps wave flags along with the cheerleaders during time-outs and breaks in the action. Both bulldogs are potty trained and friendly. It is an old-time atmosphere and a nod to basketball past; it’s an atmosphere that defines the meaning of Indiana basketball. The upper-level seats are wooden bleachers, but there is enough room to keep you comfortable during the game. The lower section features theater-style seating that creates a little more comfort for the fans. There is not a bad seat in this intimate 9,100-seat facility. Neighborhood 5 The campus is located within a residential area and close to Broad Ripple Village, a nice place to shop and walk around during the day, but a destination for the younger college crowd after dark. Downtown Indy is only six miles south of campus, but the best place to enhance your visit is in SOBRO (South Broad Ripple) just a few blocks away from campus. Twenty Tap offers distinctly different craft beers, along with their own, that are unavailable throughout the city. They offer menu options of vegetarian banh mi sandwiches, fried cheese curds, and poutine during the fall and winter months. The beer options also include a $4 pint of the day. Next door is Fat Dan’s offering mouthwatering and lip-smacking smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, juicy burgers, pressed Cubanos, Italian beef, and house-smoked meatloaf and Reuben sandwiches. There is even a draft beer of the day. Across the street is Yats, which offers Cajun and Creole cuisine at affordable prices with eclectic surroundings. Further down the road is Mama Carolla’s, which offers world-class Italian cuisine in an authentic setting that is a popular destination in the city. If you are looking for a hangout with pub food and sports, Moe & Johnny’s is the traditional Butler hangout, and the Sinking Ship offers some interesting vegan and vegetarian options along with plenty of flat-screen TVs for sports. Fans 5 The fans are rowdy, loud, and boisterous during the games and can be heard blocks away from the building. The program has been extremely successful for the past decade and with two Final Four appearances this decade, it is easy to understand the excitement. These fans are loyal regardless of how the team is performing on the court. Many alumni young and old stay in the city after college and continue to spend their seasons watching basketball at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The fans are respectful to opponents during the game. Access 3 There is a small lot adjacent to the arena for season ticket holders and there are lots throughout campus and a few places for visitors to park. Your best bet is arriving early and finding a spot on the street or certain spots on campus. Some homeowners may charge a small fee of $10 to park on their lawn and sometimes the narrow streets can become congested with cars looking for the opportune space. The outer concourse wraps around the lower portion of the seating bowl and houses many of the murals, photos, and trophy cases highlighting the building, the basketball program, and Tony Hinkle himself. You will also find food kiosks and the official team store. The upper-level concourse wraps around the building and provides a stunning view of the court and is where many of the food kiosks are located for purchase. It may also be fun to walk the residential neighborhood streets with both students and alumni on your way to the fieldhouse. Inside the venue, it is very easy to walk around the upper and lower concourses; bathrooms are accessible from the top rows of the upper section and on the main concourse entrance area. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket sometime depends on who the Bulldogs are playing and how far in advance you purchase your tickets. The box office will offer the best options with upper-level seats selling for $18 but they can then alter from $35 to $55 depending on the opponent. Games are played routinely at near-capacity crowds and Butler and tickets on the secondary market can be as low as $6 during the week. In other words, this is probably among the best buildings and programs in college basketball. A $15-$30 price tag is a bargain for this type of environment. Extras 5 The history seeping through the walls of the building is truly a spectacle in itself. The average visitor may want to walk around the concourse to view the accolades, trophy cases, banners, and other memorabilia. You might even want to give yourself a few hours extra just to take it all in before the game. The end court seating hovers over the floor like a balcony, providing a great view of the action on the court. Butler Blue III is an actual bulldog who has walked around on a leash throughout the game. He is a friendly canine and can be spotted on the main concourse or even on the floor at times. If you’re a sports movie buff, then it is exciting to be in a place where the championship scenes from Hoosiers were filmed. Final Thoughts There are college basketball arenas and then there are its cathedrals. The Hinkle Fieldhouse is the latter and entering its eleventh decade the atmosphere gets only better. The Bulldog program continues to rank high on AP Top 25 and provides its fans with winning basketball and an atmosphere that is loud, energetic, and exciting. Hinkle is what college basketball is meant to be and how wonderful is it that near the end of this current decade, the building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary?

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 Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Merkert Gymnasium Chapel of Mary South Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks men’s basketball website Merkert Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 We Are Stonehill On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference. Merkert Gymnasium, located in the center of the Stonehill campus, is home to the Skyhawks men's and women's basketball teams and volleyball teams. The court is dedicated as the Paula Sullivan Court in honor of the longtime women's basketball coach, who coached the squad from 1971-1996. While in Division II, the Skyhawks appeared in 15 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice (2006 and 2012). The women’s team has appeared in 26 NCAA D-II Tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight three times. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar in the lobby. If you need a snack during the game, they’ve got you covered here with assorted chips and candy, along with cans of Coca-Cola products and bottled water. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere here at Merkert Gymnasium is typical of what you find in other small gyms across the country. The Stonehill crew does the best with the limited tools at their disposal to put on an entertaining production. The key to the atmosphere in any bandbox gymnasium is the participation of the student body. Stonehill students turn out in good numbers to cheer on the home team. It’s readily apparent that if Merkert Gymnasium ever filled to capacity, there would be an impressive home-court advantage here. All the elements you would expect to find are here, including the cheerleading squad, boisterous PA announcer, and music filling the gaps in play. One concern would be the quality of the sound system, as it can be difficult to understand the announcements at times. Scoreboards mounted on the walls at either end of the gym provide basic game stats. Fans of the color purple will love Merkert Gymnasium. It’s everywhere. Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s suburban location and sprawling campus belie its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half-hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24. More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here . Fans 3 As of Stadium Journey’s visit about midway through the 2022-23 season, Stonehill had only hosted six games in their D-1 tenure. Attendance has fluctuated wildly, from a low of 150 to a high of almost 1,200. Stadium Journey visited Merkert Gymnasium just as the semester break was ending, so all the students hadn’t yet returned to campus. Even so, there was a nice turnout from the student body, who filled up two sections of bleachers and brought a lot of noise and energy to the building. It’s pretty easy to see how Merkert would provide a great home-court advantage when filled. Local hoops fans are thrilled to have a Division One option in southeastern Massachusetts and are turning out in solid numbers to catch the Skyhawks. It will be interesting to see how attendance holds up once the novelty of the new program wears off. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban South Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from Merkert Gymnasium. Merkert Gymnasium is located in the middle of campus, not far from some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including W.B Mason Stadium, Lou Gorman Field, and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the McPhaidin Library parking lot located about a tenth of a mile from the gym. Walkways from the parking lot to the gym are wide and well-manicured, although not as well-lit as you might expect. Fans will enter Merkert Gymnasium into a small lobby adorned with murals from the school’s various athletic programs. The ticket table, snack bar, and rest rooms are all located here. Fans will take a flight of stairs down to the gym floor. There are molded purple bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of this cozy gym. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Skyhawks basketball games are priced at $12 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. Purchasing tickets on the day of the game increases prices by three dollars. Parking is free in the lots a short walk from Merkert Gymnasium. With inexpensive snacks available at the snack bar, a Skyhawks basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 Banners hang on the walls of Merkert Gymnasium honoring championship programs from the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. Stonehill had quite a successful resume while playing in Division Two. Final Thoughts An interesting trend in college sports recently is small schools like Stonehill moving their way up the ladder to compete in Division One. While local sports fans may tend to overlook small gyms like Merkert Gymnasium while chasing the bigger, more famous venues, these hidden gems make for wonderful Stadium Journeys. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Preston Field 99 Stadium Dr Westminster, MD 21157 McDaniel Green Terror website Preston Field website Home of the Green Terror Located in Westminster, Maryland, you will find McDaniel College, home of the McDaniel Green Terror athletics program. McDaniel competes in Division III of the NCAA, in the Centennial Conference. The school was originally known as Western Maryland College, after the railroad, not the region, but changed its name in 2002 as the railroad is long since defunct. The Green Terror baseball team competes at Preston Field on the McDaniel campus. It is located adjacent to Kenneth R. Gill Stadium , home of McDaniel football, and several other McDaniel athletic facilities. There are several different possible stories for where McDaniel's unique nickname came from, but all stem around someone describing the athletes as "green terrors" or something similar in some long-ago media report. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Preston Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 As mentioned above, Preston Field is located on a hill that makes up the McDaniel campus, surrounded by trees and several other McDaniel athletic facilities. There are several sets of bleachers at the field, although they are nowhere near each other. A couple of sets behind home plate are off-center at an odd angle and behind a metal fence, making viewing difficult. A few bleachers further down the line offer a better view, but may still be partially obstructed by the padded protector on top of the fence. It will be below eye level, but may still obstruct a portion of the field. Some fans choose to stand behind the backstop directly behind home plate. It offers a good view, but there is no place to sit A scoreboard is located in the outfield and shows the linescore. It is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played between innings and between McDaniel batters, but not between pitches or visiting batters. However, depending on what else is going on at adjacent fields, you may hear music from there at virtually any time during the game, including during live action, which is normally a major no-no. Neighborhood 3 Westminster is a suburb, or perhaps exurb, of Baltimore, but is quite a good distance from there. It is a small town, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer. Your best bet is to head downtown, a short distance from campus, where you will find many options. Rafael's Steak and Oysters and Maggie's are two local favorites, but there are plenty of other options as well. The downtown area is small, but certainly not empty. Fans 2 The crowd at McDaniel is mostly friends and family of the players, which is pretty typical for Division III. Those who do attend are knowledgeable about the team, coming to many games themselves. Unfortunately, the spread-out nature of the bleachers means the fans are even quieter than they otherwise would be. Access 2 If coming from Baltimore, you can take I-70 West to Maryland Route 97 north, or you can take I-795 to State Route 140. From the DC area, you will take I-270 to some local roads the rest of the way. However, you can often make good time on these local roads, so getting to the McDaniel campus is not hugely difficult. Once on campus, there are several lots near the stadium to park in, and some fans will park on the grass down the left-field line as well. There are no restrooms at the baseball field, but there are some in the football stadium down the hill that you can access during games. Return on Investment 4 Admission to McDaniel baseball games is free, and you will not incur any other costs except gas. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 3 Look for the water tower with the McDaniel logo looming over the field. A second star for the chance to see multiple games on the same day nearby. It is even possible to see multiple games at the same time if you plan right, as the football/lacrosse field is visible from the home plate bleachers if you turn around. Finally, be sure to check out the Western Maryland Railroad box car. It is technically part of the football field, but is visible from the baseball field and you will probably pass it on your way into the parking lot. Final Thoughts Preston Field has a unique, if not completely ideal, setup for a baseball game, with many different vantage points to watch from. Unfortunately, however, baseball is just not a huge deal here (not unsurprising for a school of this size in this part of the country) and the facility and gameday experience reflect that. Still, baseball fans in the area may want to check out a baseball game here. It's hard to argue with free baseball, especially with a name as awesome as the Green Terror.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium 45 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of the normal/teaching schools of Pennsylvania. One of their biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the most well known alumni of the university. The Roots may be known by many people as the house band of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Biemesderfer Stadium opened in 1958 and was named for Daniel Luke Biemesderfer, who was Millersville University’s ninth president from 1943 to 1965. The existing stadium structure was in turn built in 1969 and was ready for the 1970 football season. In 1985, lights were added. Millersville participates in 19 varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 3 Two small concession stands are located under the front side of the stadium grandstands. Only one of the food operations was open the game I attended. Prices are incredibly cheap. Hot dogs and sodas are both only $2. I don’t think I saw a single menu item over $5. You won’t want to make the limited options as your main meal, but at the same time your wallet will be happy. The walking taco looks quite good and would be my recommended option. Bricker French Fries is a famous local vendor that seems to have a temporary stand at pretty much every event in the York and Lancaster area. So, having them at a Millersville football game seems quite normal. Their boardwalk style fries are very good and are quite popular, especially at halftime. Quite a few people hit up the Sugar Bowl restaurant, literally located just past one of the end zones. I am not sure if you can exit and re-enter the stadium so make sure to ask an usher to see if that is okay. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere was not the best at the game I attended. The gloomy, dreary day seemed to put a spell on the fans. The Millersville Band also seemed to have seats set aside but did not play so that added to the lack of atmosphere. There was a Millersville cheerleaders squad, which did enhance the atmosphere. The main grandstand at Millersville really does scream 1970s. The blocky, concrete structure is pretty unique. There are large openings in the front, field face of the grandstands that lead down to the concession and restroom area. The locker rooms are also down in this area. The grandstands seem far away from the field. That is not helped out by the track that surrounds the playing surface. Oddly enough, the visitor’s grandstands across the field seem to feel closer to the action. I am sure it is because of the odd steps up and down in front of the main grandstands. They separate and elevate the fans further from the action. I enjoy standing and watching from the grass hillside near the visitor’s section. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place I tend to go to, the Sugar Bowl is just across the street. It almost feels like you are still a part of the stadium. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area such as Iron Hill Brewery, Fenz, The Brickyard, Molly’s Pub and Lancaster Brewing Company. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 2 The fans are extremely quiet. I am giving them some benefit of doubt as the gloomy day, lack of band and a poor start to the season may all have affected the crowd. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about a half an hour to the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Millersville game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. General admission tickets are $8 and senior citizens get in for $5. You can also buy reserved seats for $10. The reserved seats are of better quality and more central to the game action. Parking is free. Extras 1 There is something unique about the structure of the stadium. The open front face and the concession stands under the front seem unique. I am not sure it is the best design but I found it interesting. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays on a good level of football and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which make a game here a good value for the sports fan. I hope that the game I attended is not entirely indicative of the Millersville game environment.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Algoma Central Arena @ Canada Games Park 2021 Canada Games Way Thorold, ON L2V 4Y8 St. Catharines Athletics website Canada Games Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 1,200 Canada Games Athletics The deep history of lacrosse in Ontario stretches into the Niagara Region with the St. Catharines Athletics.  Playing at the “Junior A” level in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, the Athletics were founded as a lacrosse organization in 1877.  The Athletics played under different monikers over time: the Teepees in 1954; Norsemen from 1955 to 56; Supertests from 1964 to 1966; Lakesides from 1967 to 1971; and Legionaires from 1972 to 1977.  They have been known as the Athletics intermittently throughout and in the latest iteration which began in 1982.  The Athletics have enjoyed tremendous success earning six Minto Cups as Junior A lacrosse National Champions.  The Athletics have also earned the Iroquois Trophy as Ontario Champions 10 times. With the Niagara Region hosting the Canada Games in 2022, the Athletics took advantage of a significant investment in the community and found a new home at Canada Games Park.  A unique consortium consisting of the Niagara Region, the City of St. Catharines, and Brock University, built the brand-new, shiny facility and maintains ownership.  At Canada Games Park, the Athletics play in the Algoma Central Arena, which is located inside the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre.  Previous to this, the Athletics played at the Garden City Arena.  Canada Games Park features facilities for lacrosse, hockey, track and field, beach volleyball, and soccer as well as numerous gymnasiums, a fitness centre, an indoor track, and numerous meeting rooms. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options inside the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre are limited and serve not just the Algoma Central Arena but the entire centre.  The concession stand is located just outside of the Algoma Central Arena and features typical snack bar wares.  Hot Dogs, grilled cheese, popcorn, chips, candy, and fruit are on the menu.  Soda, water, various coffee products, and Gatorade are all available.  Coors Original and Coors Light are for sale both at the concession stand and under a tent inside Algoma Central Arena.  For the game reviewed, there was a butter tart tent also in the arena. Atmosphere 4 Canada Games Park is a large property with both indoor and outdoor facilities.  The indoor facilities are found within the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre, which is a low-profile, sleek building featuring plenty of glass and a dark gray siding fascia.  The green grass on the roof is evident as part of the environmental design of the building.  Inside the facility, the vastness is evident immediately.  The most prolific of the indoor facilities is the Algoma Central Arena, which is the main arena for both hockey and lacrosse and supports a capacity of 1,200 fans.  Algoma Central Arena is on the west side of the building and fans will enter from the south end of the arena. Inside the arena, an aura of newness and cleanliness prevails.  The arena floor runs from north to south with all of the seating found on the west side.  Grey, plastic arena seats offer fans a degree of comfort not found in many buildings in this league.  The floor on the south end is raised higher than the arena floor.  The east side features metallic grating which gives the arena a fresh and clean look.  Banners for the 1947, 1950, 1990, 1991, 2001, and 2003 Minto Cups hang proudly in the northeast corner of the arena.  A simple scoreboard hangs above the centre of the arena floor.  Perhaps the best feature of the arena is that the Athletics play on field turf for their games rather than the polished concrete found in so many other facilities.  The turf not only offers a superior aesthetic, but it provides a better bounce for the ball and overall a better facility to play in. The gameday production at an Athletics game is very simple.  The PA system is brand new and crystal clear and the announcer is excellent.  The program draws are the main promotion and fans are not overloaded with promos or advertisements.  A simple plus is the scoreboard tracking shots on goal. Neighbourhood 4 Canada Games Park is located at the north end of the City of Thorold, immediately south of St. Catharines and part of what is considered the Niagara Region.  There are some spots for fans to get a pre or post-game meal.  These include In Piazza, Cracker Jack’s, and the Overtime Pub.  For fans looking for other sporting experiences, Algoma Central Arena is shared by the Brock Badgers hockey team, however their schedules do not overlap.  The Badgers  also field other teams on campus including basketball.  The nearby Meridian Centre in St. Catharines is the home of the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs  and CEBL’s Niagara River Lions.  It is a very short drive for fans to get to Niagara Falls, which has a plethora of tourist options including the horseshoe falls themselves.  This is a must-see for fans new to the area.  Hiking on the nearby Bruce Trail may also be of interest.  For fans wishing to stay near Canada Games Park, the Four Points Sheraton is right there. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess St. Catharines Athletics fans as the OJLL does not publish attendance figures.  At the regular season game that was reviewed, there was a strong crowd that was more than the “friends and family” attendance figure.  The fans in attendance were fairly quiet and laid back.   Access 5 Canada Games Park is located on the north side of Thorold, immediately south of St. Catharines.  It is surrounded by Lake Moodie to the east of Merrittville Highway and Isaac Brock Blvd. Getting to Canada Games Park is very easy.  Highway 406 is due east of Canada Games Park and is the main north-south artery for the region.  There is free parking on site and enough that finding a spot should not be an issue.  For fans wishing to take public transit, some buses run along both Merrittville Highway and Isaac Brock Blvd.  Fans should check the Niagara Region Transit  website for fares, schedules, and maps.  With its modern design, traversing the Algoma Central Arena and Walker Sports and Abilities Centre is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for OJLL lacrosse is tremendous.  Athletics tickets are available for $10 with some senior and student discounts possible.  Parking is free and concessions are not over the top.  Fans will not be bombarded with too much in the way of promotions as the gameday production is very simple.  The action on the floor is top notch and many OJLL players play college lacrosse and are eventually drafted into the National Lacrosse League.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the history of the St. Catharines Athletics, which dates back to 1877. An extra mark for the Athletics Alumni which includes lacrosse royalty including former and current NLL players Mark Steenhuis, Matt Vinc, Craig Conn, Billy Dee Smith, and current head coach Steve Toll. Final Thoughts Junior A lacrosse represents tremendous value for the sports fan in the summer months.  Catching a St. Catharines Athletics game not only allows fans to see very high-level lacrosse, the fastest game on two feet but to take in a first-class, brand-new facility unlike any other in the OJLL.  Catching a game at Algoma Central Arena @ Canada Games Park is definitely worth it. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 KSU Convocation Center 590 Cobb Ave Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website KSU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,600 Kennesaw State University Convocation Center – Home of the Kennesaw State Owls Northwest of Atlanta is the suburb of Kennesaw and Kennesaw State University, home of the Owls. Founded as a junior college, it quickly grew to a 4-year college and on to a full-fledged university by the mid-1990s. As Kennesaw State has grown, so have their athletic programs. Basketball first took flight here in the fall of 1985 as members of the NAIA, and quickly moved on to NCAA Division II status by 1994. During this time KSU called the Landrum Center their home court, but as the university looked to move to Division I, they needed a larger venue. The Owls opened the 2005 season as new members of the Division I Atlantic Sun conference and began play in the newly constructed 4,600 seat Kennesaw State Convocation Center. The Convocation Center is not just home to Owls basketball, but also Kennesaw State University volleyball. After almost 20 seasons as members of the A-Sun, Kennesaw State will be taking another jump up, joining Conference USA for the 2024 season. Food & Beverage 2 Midweek games can be challenging if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat beforehand. A well-stocked concessions stand can be a life saver when it comes to those coming straight from work to a game. For this reason, the choices at the Convocation Center are a bit disappointing. The quality of food is fine; it’s just the limited options leaves you questioning if you’d rather wait until after the game for something more filling. The arena has one concessions stand located in the main lobby. The primary options from the concessions stand are a hamburger or hot dog. Either can be combined with chips and soda for a combo meal for $11 or $9 respectively. Other snacks include nacho chips with sides of cheese, jalapenos, or salsa cups. Popcorn, peanuts, and a variety of candy are also offered. Beverage choices include Coke products, Powerade, and Dasani. Beer drinkers can choose from Bud Light, Yuengling and Michelob Ultra, while there are also craft items from the local Dry County Brewing – selections include Dry County’s IPA, two varieties of Lechuza, or a Blueberry-Lemonade canned vodka drink. The single concessions stand is fine for grabbing a snack either before the game starts or during the action, but it can get tricky at halftime when fans congregate in the concessions area. The quality of food is fine, it’s just the options are very limited. The bright spot is the high number of local beer choices. Atmosphere 4 The game atmosphere at KSU can best be described as perfectly low thrills. Immediately upon passing through the front doors of the Convocation Center fans are greeted by the Owls’ cheerleaders; they flank the trophy case displaying the 2004 Division II Basketball National Championship trophy, along with numerous other conference basketball and volleyball awards. Fans enter the arena above court level, then make their way down to their seats. Reserved seating is available along the sidelines, while general admission seats are at each end of the court. While there are no suites, court side seating is available. For those into the X’s and O’s and watching plays develop, the seats in the corners of the seating bowl provide perfect angles. If there are seats to avoid, they would be the ones directly behind the backboard stanchion since they create obstructed views. Most of the seats in these sections are either student seating or the area where the Black Storm, one of the Owls’ cheer squads, performs from. With only 11 rows of seating at court level, you’re never too far from the action and it would be hard to say there are any bad seats to be had. The gymnasium lacks an overhead scoreboard, which makes the gym seem larger than it is. Though there is not an overhead scoreboard, there is a newly installed video board crowned with the words Kennesaw State University on the southern wall. The Convocation Center also has a great basketball feel to it – while the gym can hold 4,600, the upper bleachers are typically closed off, so fans are packed into the court level area of roughly 2,000 seats. Doing so makes for an even-better basketball atmosphere. KSU balances the amount of timeout entertainment and the game perfectly; there are just enough fun events during timeouts to entertain fans, but there’s not a feeling of constantly having entertainment at every lull in the on-court action. Neighborhood 3 The KSU Convocation Center is located on the eastern boundaries of the main Kennesaw State campus. Over the past 15 years, KSU has made a point of adding on campus living, which enhances the atmosphere of attending Owls sporting events. The Kennesaw State campus is located at the crossroads of a major interstate (I-75) and one of the major thoroughfares of Kennesaw, Chastain Road. This area is heavily populated with apartments, office buildings, and a multitude of restaurants. There are options for almost every taste bud, from the sports themed Taco Mac and their 100+ beers, to Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse, along with a variety of fast-food choices for those who just want a quick bite to eat. Those looking for craft breweries can find Dry County, Burnt Hickory, and Horned Owl Brewing all within 3 miles of campus. Visitors looking for attractions prior to a game can find many things to fill that time. In the immediate vicinity there is Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield and its miles of hiking trails, while for Civil War historians the Southern Museum is less than a 10-minute drive from campus. The main Kennesaw State campus is located where residential meets commercial and serves as a nice area of transition from one to another. Fans 4 KSU fans tend to be a bit late arriving, but it doesn’t impact the overall anticipation for tipoff. The fans who are there fill the arena with enough excitement for those who come later. As the game starts, the arena is about half full, but by the first media time-out at the 16-minute mark of the first half, the stands appear to be three-fourths full. Given the area the Convocation Center is located in, traffic in the area can make it difficult for the stands to be filled at the tip off. Owl fans are very much into the game from beginning to end. Even late into a 30-point game, fans do not seek to make an early exit; they stay to the end and are engaged throughout. While the KSU gameday staff does a very good job creating a positive game experience, the fans really do their part in creating a home advantage for the Owls. It is an atmosphere that is fun from an entertainment standpoint, as well as a having a good product on the court to watch. Access 3 Kennesaw State University is centrally located within the city of Kennesaw and directly west of Interstate 75. During peak traffic hours, Kennesaw tends to be a bottleneck of traffic both heading towards or leaving Atlanta, and can slow down significantly. But if you’re able to navigate the highway traffic around Kennesaw, accessing the Convocation Center is very direct. Upon arriving at the Convocation Center, free parking is located at the back of the arena in the East Deck. There is one main entry point to the arena which fans need to walk around the building to access. While the heavy traffic in the area can make it a bit frustrating getting to the arena, the free parking does help in making entry quick. Fans tend to arrive in waves so there is not a lot of waiting in line to get into the building. Return On Investment 5 Parking at the Convocation Center is free in the East Deck on the second level. Tickets to get into the arena can be had for as low as $10 for general admission tickets, or $12 for reserved seating. At this price, finding a more affordable ticket in college basketball is going to be a challenge. While the options at the concessions stands are a bit limited, prices are very affordable. With combo meals averaging $10, a family of 4 can attend a game and get a meal for everyone for under $100. With free parking, low priced tickets, and such good food deals, Kennesaw State might offer one of the most affordable experiences in college basketball. Extras 3 As mentioned, Kennesaw State doesn’t wow with flashy introductions, flying mascots, or sling-shotting t-shirts during every timeout. What Kennesaw State does is allow the game to be the focus of attention, and supplements some time outs with entertainment, but it’s not constant, so fans are able to take a break from focusing on the action – for basketball purists, it is the perfect balance of entertainment and basketball game. One thing that does seem to be lacking though is recognition of the 2004 Division II National Championship Men’s Basketball team. Other than the trophy in the lobby and the banner hanging from the rafters, there doesn’t appear to be noticeable recognition of the team, players, or coaches who are the legends of the program. While this does not detract from the overall experience, it is always nice to take in some of the history and top players of a program. Final Thoughts While bigger universities are fun in the grandness and certain aura they give off, games at smaller schools like Kennesaw State can be just as exciting, if not more-so. The ability to be so close to the court makes for a great experience for basketball enthusiasts, or a family looking to bring their child to a game and see it up-close and personal.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Jenny Craig Pavilion 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Jenny Craig Pavilion website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,100 Indoor Beach Volleyball Jenny Craig Pavilion at the University of San Diego is home to the university’s volleyball and basketball teams. USD is located near Mission Bay in northern San Diego, not far from the Pacific Ocean. The venue opened in 2000 and seats 5,100 fans – it is also used for campus events and concerts. The facility is occasionally referred to as the Slim Gym in deference to its namesake. Food & Beverage 3 Jenny Craig Pavilion has a concession stand in the lobby just outside the entrance to the court, which offers the standards you might expect at a sporting event – hot dogs (including vegan ones), pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, candy, ice cream, and churros. These items range from $4 for the smaller items to $10 for the vegan dog. The stand also offers bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, beer, wine, and seltzer – alcohol starts at $8, but the non-alcoholic drinks are $4 to $5. Atmosphere 2 For women’s volleyball there is not a lot going on besides the volleyball game itself – the PA announcer does a great job, and puts a lot of passion into his calls, and there are also some banners on the walls showcasing the Toreros basketball and volleyball achievements, but there is no mascot present and no fan contests, etc. during breaks in the action. Neighborhood 4 Jenny Craig Pavilion and the university are located in a mostly residential area, with only a few gas stations and local restaurants within walking distance along Linda Vista Road. The school’s football stadium is right next to the pavilion – in fact they share a courtyard. One great Mexican restaurant nearby is Taco Bomb, just up the street from the university; Taco Bomb is very authentic and definitely worth stopping by if you have a chance. There is an aquarium on UDS’s campus, which is also worth a visit, but the big attraction in the area is Mission Bay and all its beach and water-themed attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, and there are about a million hotels along I-8 to accommodate all the visitors to this area. There are also plenty of other restaurants and attractions closer to San Diego proper if you want to drive 15-20 minutes south (longer with traffic). Fans 1 Very few fans show up for San Diego Toreros volleyball games, so the facility seems pretty empty, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of cheering from the fans – the players cheer a lot among themselves, and do a lot of whooping and hollering, which you can easily hear even if you are in the back row, but there isn’t much passion from the crowd. Access 4 Traffic is not as bad as it seems like it should be, given the proximity to SeaWorld, but this may depend on what day of the week the volleyball games are scheduled. There is free parking down the hill from the pavilion on weekends, but for weekday games you will have to pay. There are bathrooms down the hall from the entrance to the court (inside the same building). Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Toreros volleyball games are $10 plus tax. The free parking helps if you can get it, and concessions prices seem reasonable especially given this venue is in pricey San Diego/California. That said, unless your team is playing the Toreros, or you happen to be a big-time volleyball or USD fan, a match at Jenny Craig Pavilion may not offer enough excitement for some attendees. Extras 2 There is a team gear stand in the lobby outside the entrance to the court, which sells items for multiple USD sports. You can also sit as close or as far from the court as you choose.

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

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 J. Thom Lawler Rink 315 Turnpike Rd. North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors men’s hockey website Lawler Rink website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 2,549 Laying down the Law   Merrimack College is a private Augustinian college in the Boston suburb of North Andover. Founded in 1947 by the order of St. Augustine with the goal of educating soldiers returning from World War II, the school now boasts an enrollment of almost 5,500 students in 13 academic programs. Among Merrimack’s alumni is Charlie Day, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.   Hockey has been played at Merrimack College since 1956. For almost three decades the team competed in Division II, winning a national championship in 1978 and finishing as national runners up in 1984. After this second-place finish the school made the leap to the Division One level, later joining the prestigious Hockey East Conference in 1989.   The Merrimack Warriors hockey team plays at the J. Thom Lawler Rink. The rink is named after J. Thom Lawler, one of the winningest coaches in school history. Mr. Lawler died in 1978 at the age of 44 just months after coaching the team to the inaugural Division II National Championship. Lawler Rink is part of the larger Merrimack Athletic Complex, which also contains Hammel Court , home of Merrimack’s basketball and volleyball teams.   In 2019 Merrimack transitioned all their athletic teams to the Division One level. The Warriors have qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 2023. Fifteen Merrimack alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a single concession stand in the main lobby of the Volpe Complex which serves a limited menu. Hot dogs, crispy chicken sandwiches, nachos, assorted snacks and Dippin’ Dots are available here.   Pepsi products are featured at Lawler Rink. There is a stand in the lobby that serves beer and wine for fans wanting an adult beverage. Riverwalk Brewing features special edition brews made specifically for Merrimack Athletics, Mack Attack Light Lager and Together We Can IPA. Downeast Cider and assorted wines are sold here as well.   Stadium Journey was sad to discover that the old “secret” concession stand located in the Hammel Court lobby at the rear entrance to the facility is no longer open. With the long lines at the main concession stand, this was the place to go for a quick snack.   Atmosphere 3   The intimate size of Lawler Rink has created a significant home-ice advantage for the Warriors over the years. The low ceiling and capacity crowd both creates and holds the noise in and Merrimack teams have taken full advantage of this intimidating atmosphere over the years. Recent renovations have provided additional high-end and luxury spaces in the rink while modernizing the look of the facility.   The game day presentation is dominated by the huge video board located at the far end of the rink. This board displays game stats, replays, graphics and advertisements. During introductions and after goals Lawler Rink is bathed in blue and yellow light. The PA announcer does a nice job adding some energy to the proceedings. Music plays over a nice sound system during breaks.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit occurred during semester break, so the students and pep band were not present. The Merrimack staff still did a nice job keeping the energy level up, even without the typical antics of the students. The addition of the Gallant Pavilion has displaced the student section to the far side of the arena, where they are now seated in the most remote sections, 1 and 13. Unfortunately, this places them on the sides of the rink rather than the end, and places them behind the home goalie for two periods, which is against hockey tradition. Merrimack is considering switching the goals to restore balance to the Warrior universe.   Neighborhood 3   Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of almost 31,000 residents located 25 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must see” destination.   While there are many options for lodging or dining within a short distance of the Merrimack campus, out of town visitors will most likely head towards Boston after the game.  Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags will find numerous choices within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Interstate 495.   Among the highlights near campus is Burton’s Grill & Bar and The Friendly Toast, a brunch spot featuring adult drinks and a creative menu. There’s a Holiday Inn Express on I-495 just a couple of miles from campus.   Fans 4   Merrimack’s average attendance hovers around 2,500 fans annually, placing them just a bit below the national average for Division One hockey teams nationwide. While this figure may not look that impressive at first glance, consider this: Lawler Rink seats only 2.549 fans. The Warriors fill Lawler to over 90% capacity season after season. Warrior fans are not just butts in seats, either. Fans in this part of the country are crazy about hockey and more specifically, crazy about having a top-level team they can call their own.   The student section is regularly packed with crazed Merrimack students, with plenty of locals mixed in throughout Lawler Arena. Youth teams show up decked out in their jerseys adding to the noise and energy of this small barn. Access 4   The city of Boston dubs itself “The Hub of Hockey”, and when talking about college hockey, it’s hard to dispute this fact. There are 12 Division One hockey teams within an hour’s drive of Boston.   The Merrimack campus in North Andover is well within that radius, located 25 miles from the city just off of Interstate 495. Fans traveling from Boston can reach the Merrimack Campus by taking Interstate 93 to Route 125, or Interstate 495 to Route 114.  Driving is the easiest way to access the Merrimack campus, but for fans using public transportation, there is an MBTA train that stops at the Andover station. Once in Andover, the Warrior Shuttle offers service to points around town.   There is an entrance to the Merrimack campus right next to Lawler Rink. Unfortunately, this entrance is blocked. Visiting fans must enter campus on its north side, along Elm Street, not the listed main entrance on Turnpike Ave. Please make note of this change if driving to Merrimack.   Once at the Merrimack College campus, free parking is available in several lots a short walk from the Volpe Complex. After passing through a security check, fans will enter a large lobby, where the ticket offices, bookstore, concession stands, and restrooms are located.   Fans will enter the rink on either side of the ice, where walkways lead the length of the ice. All seats at Lawler Rink are individual plastic stadium seats. Lawlor Rink’s small size ensures great views of the action from all seats. Be warned that the walkways at Lawler Rink are located at the bottom of the seating bowl, so views of the action may be obstructed by passing fans if sitting in the first couple of rows. Choose seats a few rows up for better views of the action.   Rest rooms are clean and spacious, but lines do form during intermission. Remember the “secret” lobby mentioned earlier? Even though the snack bar here is closed, fans may still access the restrooms and check out the Merrimack Athletic Hall of Fame here.   Return on Investment 3     All tickets to Merrimack hockey games are sold as reserved seats for $25. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Using a debit or credit card to purchase tickets will incur a $5 surcharge. Parking is free in the lots near the Volpe Complex. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but in line with other local venues. Even with recent price increases, a night at a Merrimack hockey game remains an affordable entertainment option for local hockey fans. Extras 2   The Merrimack Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Volpe Complex and is open for fans to check out during game days.   An additional extra point is awarded for the recent upgrades to this tiny facility, including the Gallant Pavilion at the north end of Lawler Rink, which is accessible to all fans for an additional fee. The entire facility has received a coat of paint in addition to other, more subtle touches which have modernized the old barn. The renovations have allowed the school to move some of their basketball games to Lawler.   Final Thoughts   Tiny Merrimack College may seem out of place in the Hockey East Conference alongside the hockey giants of New England, but this little school with big ambitions stands toe-to-toe with the big boys most seasons. Lawler Arena is a small rink that provides the Warriors with a big home-ice advantage.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale, NY 11553 New York Riptide website Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 13,917 Riptide Rising The connection between New York and the National Lacrosse League is a long and significant one. The New Jersey Saints were one of the original Eagle Pro Lacrosse League teams and won the original championship in 1988. They immediately moved to Long Island to become the New York Saints, where they continued to participate in the various iterations of the league until 2003. The New York Titans would split time between Long Island and Midtown for their three seasons before moving to Orlando in 2009. In 2018, New York would once again be awarded an expansion team in the NLL and a return to Long Island was in the cards for the newly minted New York Riptide. The return to Long Island would bring with it a return to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Famously the home of the NHL’s New York Islanders during their four Stanley Cup run in the eighties, the Nassau Coliseum has received a significant facelift in 2017. Originally opened in 1972, the county owned Nassau Coliseum experienced a massive renovation which included a significant reduction in capacity, deadly for NHL hockey, but perfect for NLL lacrosse. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options are fairly simple for a Riptide game. Hot Dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, fries, popcorn and pretzels are all available. Grilled chicken options as well as chicken wraps and hummus and veggies give a few different options, however, the menu remains not overly complicated. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the Nassau Coliseum. There are a few different beer options including Coors Light, Bud Light, Corona, and Heineken. Lost Farmers IPA and Riptide Double IPA are unique options that may be preferable. Atmosphere 3 The renovation of the Nassau Coliseum was significant and necessary. It seems that not much was untouched from the original Coliseum to the newly renovated one. Beginning on the exterior, the Coliseum now features sleek looking slats on the upper façade, giving the building some texture as opposed to the old concrete and siding. The vast majority of the concourse is wrapped in glass doors at the street level that allow plenty of natural light into the building. Fans will enter the building on the east side, where the box office is. Some flags on the east side remind fans that the venue is a living memorial for those who have given their lives in service of their country. The interior of the concourses have been resurfaced with new flooring and new wall coverings. The concourse is a simple ring with plenty of natural light allowed inside. The concourses are not overwhelming or anything, but they’re clean and smart looking. The interior walls feature a number of framed photos highlighting important events in Coliseum history, mostly musical acts. When entering the seating bowl, fans will see a two tiered seating bowl, divided by an interior walkway. The seating bowl is also clean and sharp with new, comfortable seats and great sightlines. The façade at the walkway is decorated with a faux wood panel which gives it a classy look and the upper levels are painted a sleek and menacing black. The floor runs from south to north and the perfect picture of the center logo is taken from the east. The Nassau Coliseum goes to the next level with alternative seating. A floor level, social area called the Sandbar is at the north end of the arena. Rather than having seating right up to the boards on both the east and west sides of the arena, the east side features floor level suites. A number of LED ribbon boards can be seen around the arena and a modest, yet effective video scoreboard hangs above the floor. The gameday atmosphere at a Riptide game is what one would expect for an NLL game. The gameplay has music playing throughout and the Riptide Dance Crew performs between quarters and takes part in the pregame introductions. The mascot, Eddy, can be found on the floor during pregame and traversing the stands during the game. The PA announcer, Colin Cosell, has a relaxed, familiar style that has him almost conversing with the crowd at times. Neighborhood 4 The Nassau Coliseum is located in Uniondale on Long Island. There are a few other sporting options in the area. The Nassau Coliseum is also the home to the Long Island Nets of the G-League. Within walking distance of the Coliseum is the campus of Hofstra University, where the Pride play baseball at University Field and they play basketball at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Stony Brook University is further east on Long Island and the Seawolves play basketball at Island Federal Credit Union Arena and baseball at Joe Nathan Field . The Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League play at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. Of course, the New York Islanders play in Elmont at UBS Arena . If that isn’t enough, heading into New York City will expand the number of options in a massive way. As far as other entertainment options, Belmont Park isn’t far and heading into the city provides a number of other options. The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Long Island Children’s Museum are close to the Coliseum. As far as pre and post game options, there are a number. Borrelli’s, The Greene Turtle and Colony Diner are some good options. The Long Island Marriott is very close for those interested in staying near. Fans 2 The Fans category is becoming increasingly difficult to assess. The attendance at individual games is increasingly not reported. According to uncredited sources, the Riptide averaged over 4,000 fans per game in 2022, which was last in the league. The game that was attended for review reported over 4,000 fans, however there seemed to be closer to 2,000. The fans in attendance are pretty laid back. In order for the Riptide to remain a viable franchise on Long Island, they will have to attract more fans than they currently are. Access 4 Getting to the Nassau Coliseum is not terribly difficult, but can take time. The Coliseum is located west of the Meadowbrook State Parkway and north of the Southern State Parkway. Traffic can be horrible, depending on the time of day. Making sure there is plenty of time to get to the arena is the best plan. There is plenty of parking at the Coliseum. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Coliseum, buses travel along the Hempstead Turnpike and the Long Island Railroad can bring fans to nearby Hempstead. Fans should check the Nassau Inter-County Express and MTA websites for maps, fares and schedules. The main entry will be on the east side and the box office can also be found there. With the small attendance, getting around the arena is not difficult and washroom facilities are more than adequate. Security procedures and protocols at sporting venues are in a constant state of flux. Stadium Journey encourages fans to consult the New York Riptide and Nassau Coliseum websites for the most up to date protocols including prohibited items and bag policies. Return on Investment 3 A New York Riptide game is a fairly affordable ordeal. Tickets can be found at a variety of price levels and a number of discounts are available. Plan on spending around $40 for a ticket after Ticketmaster fees are taken into consideration. Parking will run $20 and concessions are a bit on the expensive side. The product on the field is exciting, but more fans in the stands will provide a better return for the lacrosse fans’ investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Grateful Dead and Billy Joel banners which remain hanging in the rafters at the Coliseum. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Nassau Coliseum, which saved an otherwise doomed facility. An extra mark for using the classic New York Islanders colors. Final Thoughts The New York Riptide provides a solid sports experience for fans. NLL lacrosse is exciting and good family fun. The opportunity to check out the renovated Nassau Coliseum is attractive for fans and should be grasped. Hopefully, the Riptide can grow their attendance and continue to attract sports fans to Long Island. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .