Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsman Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Zy Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 1,607 The Home of Brave Lacrosse In 1967, junior lacrosse was founded in Kitchener, Ontario. A hotbed for junior hockey, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves took their place among the other lacrosse teams in Junior B. The Braves would win the Founders Cup as Junior B Champions in 1987 and 1988 and eventually move up a tier to Junior A in 1991. The rebrand of the league to become the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in 2021 would pave the way for the modern Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club. The KW rebrand would take place in 2020 as teams across the sport would trend away from Indigenous names. The OJLL operates much like the Ontario Hockey League does, as a feeder system to professional box lacrosse leagues such as the National Lacrosse League. Box Lacrosse legends such as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the Braves moniker and cut their teeth in Kitchener-Waterloo. Home for the KW Lacrosse Club is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened some time in the late eighties. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the KW Lacrosse Club has bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. However, having a licenced venue that serves alcoholic beverages was a surprise Atmosphere 2 Junior A lacrosse is a bit of a hidden gem. The KWLC play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, which will be closed, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. Tickets for purchase are just inside the Kinsmen Arena doors at a temporary table. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the KW Lacrosse Club finds a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion for the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. It would be beneficial if the Kinsmen Arena felt more like the home to the KWLC. The interior of the arena is as bland as the current branding for the team. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. The game differs a bit from what one would expect in the National Lacrosse League. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience to the game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, creates a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. The gameplay also differs from the pros as music does not play throughout the play. This offers fans to hear the sounds of the game like the ball cracking off the goaltender’s pads or off of the boards, or the metal smashing of two sticks in combat. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. The gameday production is pretty simple with some basic music being played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the PA system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a lacrosse game! Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Stadium. Other options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium, their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex. Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Junior A lacrosse has a small, but hardcore following. Assessing fan support can be difficult as attendance figures for games are not published as part of the game sheets. That being said, there were a few hundred people in attendance at the game which was reviewed supporting both home and away squads. A large percentage of those are most likely friends and family, however, the fans in attendance were loud and definitely knew the game and the team. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Return on Investment 4 With the rising cost of sports at all levels, finding affordable entertainment for the sporting dollar can be a real challenge. K-W Lacrosse is very affordable at just $10 a ticket. Students and seniors can get in for $5. There are not many places that offer this kind of value. Concessions, although limited, are reasonably priced and parking is free at The Aud. The product on the floor is definitely fast-paced and hard-hitting and fans of lacrosse will enjoy the Junior A level of lacrosse. Extras 2 An extra mark for the long history of the Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club, as one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the sensational alumni that have found their way through KW and moved on to stardom in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Lacrosse will not be taking over the top spot as the favourite sport in North America anytime soon. It remains very much a niche sport. However, the fastest game on two feet is a great way to see some top notch athletes in a way that fans may not be accustomed to. The Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club provides a window into the future of the sport, profiling the athletes who will one day be professionals in the NLL and it's very affordable! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Toronto Rock Athletic Centre 1132 Invicta Drive Oakville, ON L6H 6G1 Oakville Buzz website Toronto Rock Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 What’s the Buzz in Oakville? In 1999 the Ontario Raiders moved from Hamilton to Toronto to become the Toronto Rock. Making their home at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens until 2001, the Rock helped expand the reach of lacrosse in Southern Ontario and definitely increased its status. Under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, in 2012, the Rock would open a training centre for the team to house its offices and provide space for the Rock to practice. Going beyond the practicality of providing for the team, the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, in the nearby city of Oakville has become a hub for lacrosse activity in the area. With two indoor box lacrosse fields and an outdoor turf field, the TRAC has become a centre for lacrosse at all levels. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is the home for the Oakville Buzz of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. The top junior lacrosse league is viewed as one of the top providers of lacrosse talent to the professional National Lacrosse League. The Buzz moved up to the OJLL, which is Junior A level, from Junior B in 2019, after winning a Junior B, Founders Cup National Championship in 2006. Taking advantage of one of the top lacrosse facilities in the province, the Buzz provides a good lacrosse experience for Ontario fans. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the TRAC are fairly simple but not insignificant. The typical snack bar experience is what fans can expect. Hot dogs, slushies, candy, popcorn and soda make up the menu for the most part. Sometimes pizza and other items are also available. Concessions will keep fans from being hungry during the game, but not replace a trip somewhere else for a pre or post game meal. Atmosphere 3 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is basically the training ground for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. Complete with offices, medical and a pro shop, the TRAC is an innovative centre for lacrosse in the Greater Toronto Area. The exterior is attractive, with a clearly designated main entrance. Red and blue pillars highlight the grey exterior with plenty of windows for a sleek, smart look. That look continues as fans enter the lobby of the TRAC, which continues the Toronto Rock theme and markings but in a classy fashion with some tiled floors and walls. When fans enter for a Buzz game, there are temporary tables off to the right where tickets are sold as well as raffle tickets and a merchandise table. Entering the playing area, fans will immediately be struck with the notion that this facility was built for lacrosse. The TRAC features synthetic turf for a playing surface, similar to what can be found in the National Lacrosse League. Many of the other OJLL venues have concrete floors for the playing surface. The floor runs from west to east with seating on the south side. Four rows of simple step benches comprise the seating area, so the majority of fans sit on the last row to take advantage of the wall behind the final bench. The west side of the arena features a simple, yet effective, scoreboard, which is surrounded by the Toronto Rock championship banners and retired number and honoured coaches banners. The arena is well lit and very clean. On the east side is a balcony which links to the upper level offices. Although it is great to see all of the accolades for the Toronto Rock, there is little to no evidence that the Oakville Buzz play here at all. Even a simple banner acknowledging the 2006 Founders Cup Championship would be good. The gameday production at a Buzz game is very simple. Unlike the NLL, music is not used during play. The Buzz take advantage of the excellent PA system and use promotions such as 50/50 and raffles. The Buzz add just enough production value to make the game feel a little more professional, but at no point is the attention taken away from the action on the floor. Neighbourhood 2 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located in Oakville, Ontario in an essentially industrial area. Oakville is located on Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and Toronto. The TRAC is east of the Falgarwood neighborhood in Oakville and there is not much in the immediate area. Cameron’s Brewing Co is just up the road. Other than that, fans will need to hop into the car. Monaghan’s Sports Pub is about five minutes away, or fans can head south to Downtown Oakville and find a spot somewhere on Lakeshore Road. As for other sporting options, Oakville doesn’t offer too much. Glen Abbey Golf Course is in Oakville and has been home to the Canadian Open on a number of occasions and may warrant a visit. Otherwise, fans may wish to head to Hamilton or Toronto for sporting options. Of course, the Toronto Rock at FirstOntario Centre would be an option if it were not off-season. As far as other tourist options, heading to the waterfront might be a good plan. For fans wishing to stay near the TRAC, the Holiday Inn is not too far. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is extremely difficult. Attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was a playoff game. The capacity of the TRAC is only 750, so the couple hundred fans in attendance made the game seem adequately populated. It is difficult to assert how many fans in attendance were beyond the “friends and family” category. The fans in attendance are fairly reserved and not over the top. Access 5 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located between the Falgarwood neighbourhood in Oakville and Highway 403. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all due to the proximity of the highway and the industrial neighbourhood the TRAC is in. There is plenty of free parking on the premises for fans who are driving to the game. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are Oakville Transit bus stops on North Service Road, near Invicta Drive. Fans should consult the Oakville Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. Inside the TRAC, washroom facilities are more than adequate for the expected crowd and getting around the facility is no problem at all. Return on Investment 5 There are not too many experiences that can be found for a $20 bill anymore, but the Oakville Buzz are one of them. Tickets for the Buzz go for $15 per adult. Students and seniors get in for $10. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. The product on the floor is exciting and fun. The math works out for the fan in this case for sure. Extras 2 An extra mark for the TRAC providing a hub for lacrosse. A clear benefit to promote the game. An extra mark for expanding the Toronto Rock brand, giving junior players something to strive for each game. Final Thoughts Checking out some OJLL lacrosse action and the Oakville Buzz is a great way for fans to catch the next generation of lacrosse professionals during the summer months. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre offers a professional facility that is a real advantage for the players who play there. If you were wondering what’s the buzz in Oakville, now you know to see for yourself. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rate Field 333 W 35th St Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago White Sox website Rate Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 40,615 The Rate Rates a Good Time Rate Field debuted as Comiskey Park II in 1991 and, for the past 30 years, has seen multiple names and plenty of changes to the ballpark. Currently, the “Rate” often gets unjustly maligned by locals and White Sox fans because it is not Old Comiskey Park or Wrigley Field, with some justification. The facility was the last of its kind built before the opening of Camden Yards in 1992. The team owner was given the plans to Camden Yards but chose the current park because it was patterned after Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, which he liked. The stadium stands as a symbol of a bygone era, but there have been extensive renovations at the stadium that have altered the ballpark to where is it almost unrecognizable from the original. The renovations have included removing the upper eight rows of the upper deck, eliminating 6,660 seats, replacing the angled roof with a flat roof thus giving the illusion of being closed in, and adding seats down the baselines. Other modifications involved moving of the bullpens, replacing almost every seat from blue to hunter green (more about this later), and the addition a party deck (the Miller Lite Landing). It encompassed adding bars / seating areas, new concessions, and the inclusion of a kids' play area. The White Sox added statues of the past White Sox greats in the lower deck concourse and a bronze statue honoring the 2005 World Series team outside the Gate 4 main entrance. Additionally, a massive gift shop and restaurant were constructed on the ballpark's third base side. If you haven’t been to a Sox game for some time, chances are that it looks a lot different from your last visit. Food & Beverage 5 Rate Field offers a vast variety of food from Chicago favorites to items made for the ballpark. There are numerous kiosks, eating areas, and social spots, including the Leinenkugel Craft Lodge and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina. It's advisable to walk around first before making a selection to eat or drink. The standards are still here, including Comiskey dogs and burgers, Cuban sandwiches, Italian beef, pizza slices, street tacos, brats, tamales, chicken wings and nachos. Sweet treats include ice cream, Italian ice, and churros. There is also stir fry, Polish / Columbian, Fusion, cheddar perogies, pretzel-wrapped brats, and Italian grinder and turkey club deli sandwiches, and a carvery stand. If ice cream is your thing, you must try the Rainbow Cone (Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet in one scoop), which is a southside mainstay since 1926. My favorites at the park are the tamales, elotes, and the Cuban sandwiches. The new items include The Smokehouse on the outfield concourse that has a wonderful aroma and features smoked chicken wings and bbq nachos. The Miller Lite Landing replaced the old Goose Island area. The “Landing” now has an old repurposed Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train car with 12 taps. Special tickets are needed to sit in this area. The Leinenkugel Craft Lodge is located on the ground level behind the visitor’s bullpen, offering a full-service wait staff and many different beers from area breweries. Fans can pick them out of the refrigerators and enjoy them in the full-service restaurant. However, tables are packed with fans enjoying craft-made burgers and sandwiches. The Vizzy View Bar Tap Room has been renamed the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina and scaled back a bit compared to other years. The area still provides patio views of the game, plus different food items inside the air-conditioned tap room. The Old No. 7 Bar, sponsored by Jack Daniels, offers various drinks, hard liquor, and other libations with TVs and tabletop seating. Atmosphere 4 Two hours before the start of the game, fans line up in the parking lots next to the stadium to tailgate. The area includes bags tossed in the air, the smell of smoke from the barbecue, and a few drinks between Sox fans before the first pitch. Closer to the start of the game is Championship Plaza featuring a life-sized white bronze and granite sculpture celebrating the 2005 World Series championship team and a historical timeline of the franchise along the diamond’s base paths. Legacy Bricks are inscribed with a personalized message on the plaza. Across the street from the plaza is the placement of the home plate and foul lines of Old Comiskey Park. Once inside, the main concourse from the first to third baseline is somewhat narrow, but the outfield concourse opens up to a wealth of excitement that makes it one of the best areas in baseball. The wide-open area houses an array of fun areas for fans of all ages. Sculptures of former White Sox Legends are located throughout the outfield concourse. The life-sized statues are of all-time greats Luis Aparicio, Harold Baines, Mark Buehrle, Charles Comiskey, Carlton Fisk, Nellie Fox, Paul Konerko, Minnie Miñoso, Billy Pierce and Frank Thomas. Fans can pose and take pictures with them. Also, in the left field concourse is the original shower from old Comiskey Park. Plumbers 911.com Shower, Great on a hot day, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The CIBC Fan Deck is available at times for all and offers a panoramic view of the playing field on the two-tiered deck atop the center field concession stands. However, most of the time it is rented out to large groups. Just below the deck is an ivy-covered batter's eye. The Wintrust Kids Zone is above the left-center concourse overlooking the playing field that provides instruction on the game. Kids 12 and under can utilize the plaza with a youth-sized Wiffle ball diamond along with batting and pitching cages accessible from the 100, 300, and 500 levels. The best part about it is it’s free of charge. However, you do need a kid to get access to the area. Also located above the concourse is the center field video board that’s slightly larger than 8,000 square feet measuring 60 feet high and 134 feet wide. After every Sox home run or victory, fireworks are shot from behind the scoreboard, thus giving the illusion of coming from the board. This scoreboard is patterned after the scoreboard that team owner Bill Veeck installed at the park. As with all scoreboards it provides Sox facts and stats of players, etc., displays videos and between-inning videos and contests such as the Buona Italian Beef race. Rate Field Scoreboard, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The 500 section of the ballpark features murals on the brick walls of White Sox Baseball history throughout the concourse. The roof which was replaced in one of the phases of the renovations is based off the old Comiskey Park. The canopy is painted dark gray. From the Leinenkugel Craft Lodge there is a plexiglass section where you can watch the opposing teams pitchers warm up. The Chicago Sports Depot is the team’s official two-story team shop offering much more than ChiSox gear. Before the game, the ChiSox Bar & Grill offers a full-service bar with food and outside patio seating. If you arrive a little earlier and aren't tailgating, this might be the spot for you to get into the mood before the first pitch. On Sundays the White Sox have racing Harold Baines, Bo Jackson, and Jim Thome. Sure it is not as fun as Pittsburgh’s Racing Perogies, or Milwaukee’s’ Racing Sausages, but it is still fun. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is bordered by the Dan Ryan Expressway to the east and the working-class residential Bridgeport neighborhood to the west/northwest. The area is not littered with bars and restaurants. However, there are some within a few blocks of the ballpark. Have no worries about the safety of the neighborhood; it’s comfortable to walk around after the game if you’re stopping at nearby places. If you are looking for nightlife and did not drive yourself, the best bet would hop on the Chicago Transit Authority redline train and head towards the city. The Chisox Bar & Grill is located across the street from the main entrance and features 65 flat-screen TVs and a large open patio that opens three hours before the game. The menu highlights include chopped brisket tacos and smoked corn on the cob with sweet maple bourbon butter. Approximately two blocks to the north of the park is the Cork & Kerry Bar and Grill which replaced the legendary Jimbos Bar. Cork & Kerry is an Irish Bar which has Irish Egg Rolls, Pub burgers, and other Chicago favorites. About three blocks to the south of the park is the Ballpark Pub which has very good basic bar food. A few blocks to the west of the stadium is Halsted Street which has more bar and restaurant options such as Taquerias, Chinese food. One of the more popular places is Buffalo Wings and Rings, which offers free shuttle service to and from the stadium. All management asks is that you purchase a drink or other menu option. A few feet down is the Bridgeport Restaurant, open from 9am to 5pm daily, featuring breakfast specials, three-tier sandwiches, and house specialties. About a mile to the west is Antique Taco, home to traditional tacos, plus fried chicken burritos, and creamed Elote (Mexican Street Corn). The Duck Inn offers its signature rotisserie duck but also the duck fat dog and duck wings. Also a mile away from the stadium is Ricobene’s, which is a must-go after the game; the breaded steak sandwich, deep-dish pizza slices, and Italian beef are highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, and there is plenty of free parking across the street from the restaurant’s covered lot. Also, in the same area is Connie’s Pizza which is a popular pre-game stopping point. Chicago's Chinatown is a tad north of the ballpark offering a collection of restaurants and businesses catering to the Chinese population of the city. From barbecue, dumplings, noodles, and Sichuan, popular restaurants include B.B.Q. King House, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, Mala Temptations, and Slurp Slurp Noodles. Fans 3 The White Sox fan base is a dedicated group of people who enjoy watching baseball but, more importantly, want a consistent winner on the south side. They are among the savviest and most miserable in baseball and willingly provide stories of the season’s past. It’s almost no matter what the team does on and off the field they are unhappy. Access 5 The stadium is easily accessible via public transit or car. If driving, the stadium is directly off the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) at the exit for 36th and 37th Streets. There are six lots for cars that cost $22 to $35 Monday to Saturday and $15 to $35 for Sunday games. You get the cheaper prices by purchasing your tickets in advance from Spot Hero or Park Whiz. The CTA Red Line drops you off at the Sox/35th Station, approximately two blocks east of the park, and the CTA Green Line at the 35th-Bronzeville Station, approximately three blocks from the park. Once inside, there are plenty of bathrooms, no matter what part of the stadium you are in; no need to wait too long. The ballpark’s main concourse wraps around the stadium and provides proper access to the various concession and merchandise areas of the stadium. The facility also features a series of ramps and escalators that take fans to the upper concourse and provides access to the Chicago Sports Depot and Craft Lodge. There are also elevators for fan who need mobility assistance to get to whatever level they need. It should be noted that all fans can get up to the 500 level, however due to several fan incidents long ago, fans are restricted from entering the lower deck without a lower deck, club level, or season ticket on some of the well attended games. Return on Investment 4 Like everyone else, the Whites Sox have dynamic ticket prices. The price of a single-game ticket for the 500 section averages around $13 for many games, but that will depend on the date, opponent, and second-site markets. The most affordable days are Coca-Cola Family Sundays, where tickets begin at $8. With the record the White Sox had in the previous few seasons, you may want to check out Vivid Seats or Stub Hub to get a better deal on tickets. On Tuesdays, the White Sox offer a $5 concessions menu, which includes $5 Miller Lite draft beers, Garrett Popcorn Stadium Buttery, Vienna hot dogs or polishes, Beggars pizza, nachos, and select Coca-Cola products. The White Sox always have a strong promotional calendar with many sought after giveaways, such as bobbleheads, jackets, jerseys and this 2026 season, a winter hat patterned after Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost), a Chicagoland native. Extras 5 The White Sox earn a point for the variety of craft beers located throughout the concourse, with a majority of them in the Leinenkugel’s Lodge. Around the Bend, Pipeworks, Pollyanna, Lagunitas, 18th Street, 3 Floyds, Half Acre, and 2 Brothers are among the local breweries featured by the can in the cooler. For keeping the Blue Seats where Paul Konerko's Grand Slam and Scott Podsednick’s walk off homer hit (Section 159, Row 7, Seat 4 and Section 101, Row 1, Seat 13) respectively in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series. Note: Podsednick’s home run was his only homer of the year. In addition, there is mural of Pope Leo XIV of him at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. He sat in Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2. The third point is for the tailgating activities in the parking lot, along with having a few drinks or food in the ChiSox Grill before the game. The Sox earn a fourth point for the statues of former team greats from Luis Aparicio to Frank Thomas; a total of nine figures provide fans a chance to pose for pictures and learn about these all-time greats. One of the many statues in the outfield of former Sox greats, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The South Siders earn a final point for the Plumbers 911.com Shower, a carry-over from old Comiskey Park and a fan favorite that was originally installed by owner Bill Veeck in 1976. It is near Section 160 in the outfield concourse. The shower works, and on a hot day, might be the best way to cool off. Final Thoughts With the completed renovations, this park rates in the middle of the pack. If you haven’t been to a Sox game lately, perhaps you need to come back sometime soon for a game. Note: just like most ballparks now the concessions and parking are all cashless.

Photo by John Rydell/Maryland Matters For stadium and track enthusiasts following the massive overhaul of Maryland's racing facilities, the long-term vision for Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course has hit a slight delay. The Legislative Policy Committee recently imposed a 45-day pause on the Maryland Stadium Authority's proposed $48.5 million purchase of Laurel Park, asking for a cost-benefit review of the deal. The Maryland Stadium Authority announced the deal with 1/ST Maryland LLC just over two weeks ago, with plans to transform Laurel Park into a state-of-the-art training facility. Fans attending the 151st Preakness Stakes on May 16 do not need to worry about a venue change. The pause will not affect the race, which is being held at Laurel Park while its traditional home in Baltimore, Pimlico, is currently being razed and rebuilt. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) explained that the committee, which consists of House and Senate leaders, wants to look closely at the long-term plans. Ferguson stated they want “to get a full accounting of the dollars that have gone out and plan for the dollars ahead.” The sudden shift to Laurel Park comes after the state purchased Shamrock Farms in Carroll County for $4.5 million in August. Converting that 328-acre property into a training center was later deemed excessive and environmentally problematic. Officials claimed the Laurel Park purchase would save the state $50 million compared to the Shamrock Farm conversion costs. A May 4 letter from the legislators pointed out that the Laurel Park proposal “is less expensive, maybe intuitively appealing, [but] no estimates or timelines have been provided.” The letter also stated, “Although MSA [the stadium authority] asserts that Laurel Park is a more suitable project, not much is known about the costs associated with construction of a facility at Shamrock Farm or Laurel Park. MSA has not provided detailed cost estimates for construction or environmental mitigation at either location. MSA has also not disclosed its plan for Shamrock Farm if Laurel Park is purchased.” These facility developments are part of the state's ongoing efforts to preserve the horse racing industry, which Gov. Wes Moore (D) claims provides nearly 30,000 jobs and $3 billion in economic activity. In 2024, lawmakers passed the Pimlico Plus Plan to consolidate thoroughbred racing. The plan called for tracks owned by the Stronach Family and 1/ST to close, effectively making the state government the operator of thoroughbred racing in Maryland. Pimlico is slated to be replaced by a modern facility that will host 120 racing days. However, widespread support for the sport remains a concern. Further complicating the racing landscape, 1/ST recently announced an $85 million deal with Churchill Downs for the intellectual property rights to the Preakness and Black-eyed Susan stakes. This agreement remains subject to the state's licensing deal, which grants Maryland an “exclusive and perpetual license” to the Preakness starting this July. Under that agreement, the state pays a $3 million base fee that increases 2% annually, plus 2% of the race handle. Additionally, the Stronach Family and 1/ST agreed to place the $7 million Woodlawn Vase trophy on permanent loan to the state. As the state navigates these massive investments in its racing venues, officials are questioning the ongoing approach.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Papago Sports Complex 1802 N 64th St Phoenix, AZ 85008 Map It! Arizona Complex League Giants website Papago Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2022 (Complete Rebuild) Capacity: 300 (Approx) Rookie Giants The ACL Giants (Arizona Complex League) play their home baseball games at beautiful Papago Sports Complex, an attraction within Papago Park, an outdoor recreation park in Phoenix. The Arizona Complex League (formerly known as the Arizona League) is one of two rookie-level baseball leagues of MLB, the lowest level of the organization. The games are nine innings and use only two umpires. If you look at the rosters, most players were born after 9/11. For many players and umpires, the ACL is their first professional engagement. The ACL season runs from early May to the end of July. We recommend attending a game or two here in May as the weather tends to be cooler than later on in the spring/summer. The ACL Giants began playing at the recently renovated Papago Sports Complex in 2022. The San Francisco Giants, along with the city of Phoenix, completely rebuilt the player development center at the park, making it one of the nicer training complexes in the league. Prior to moving to Papago Park, the ACL Giants played at Scottsdale Stadium’s back fields. Food & Beverage 0 The complex does not sell any concessions; fans are welcome to bring their own food and beverages in when watching a game. We recommend bringing in at least two bottles of water, as the weather can still be quite warm in Phoenix even during evening games. Atmosphere 3 Papago Sports Complex offers a comfortable, tranquil few hours for any fan who enjoys baseball for the game, and not all the other entertainment that bombards fans at various minor and major league games. The venue has two rows of comfortably wide green fold-down stadium seats with most under the shade; one row extends 30 feet or so along the inner baselines. The stadium offers plenty of legroom and areas to place your own lawn chair or sit on cement steps. Papago Sports Complex Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A thick black chain link fence protects fans watching the game, while a net in right field protects vehicles in the parking lot from any home runs. Both dugouts are caged; fortunately for the players, the dugouts have overhead fans. A dot matrix scoreboard sits in right center field and displays the basic line score: balls, strikes, outs, and runs per inning. The field is natural grass. The Giants' home dugout is on the third base side. The Giants do not play music, and there is no announcer; it’s perfect and tranquil for those who just want to watch the game. Papago Sports Complex - A tranquil place to watch an ACL Giants game, Video by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Visitors to the ballgame have a view of a small mountain range (McDowell Mountains) to the northeast beyond the left field wall. Neighborhood 3 The sports complex’s neighborhood is the park itself, home to the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, golf courses, museums, lakes, and hiking trails. While no places to eat or drink are within walking distance, a short drive (about 5 miles) down Mill Ave will bring fans to downtown Tempe, which has plenty of places to imbibe and dine. Pedal Haus Brewery (brewery with a full menu), Zipps Sports Grill, Daily Jam - Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant, and Postino Annex (wine café and light fare) are just a few recommended places. My favorite, Hundred Mile Brewing, is four miles away. Hotels are just two or so miles from the complex, with even more near the airport, like a Residence Inn, Radisson, Marriott, and Holiday Inn. For other sports to watch when in town, check out some of the other ACL teams, like the Angels, the Cubs, or the Athletics. Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks play, is about ten miles west, as is Matchup Mortgage Center, where the Phoenix Mercury play. Fans 2 The Arizona Complex League does not draw many fans. In fact, most of the seating at Papago is players not in the lineup and scouts. You may see some baseball fans or girlfriends. The official scorer sets up a table on the concourse behind home. ACL Giants Official Scorer, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 3 Getting to Papago Park is not convenient using public transportation. A vehicle is the best method for getting there. Uber and Lyft are readily available in Phoenix. The hardest part is not knowing which field to go into. If coming from Loop 202, go north on Priest Dr (turns into Galvin Parkway). Cross over McDowell Rd, then make your first left into the park (no light). Immediately turn left into the small parking lot. Map to Papago Sports Complex The paths are paved, easy for strollers and wheelchairs, and are attractively landscaped. The complex has clean, air-conditioned restrooms behind the home plate concourse. There’s no bag check, but signs indicate fans should bring backpacks or bags larger than 16” x 16” x 6”. Return on Investment 5 All Arizona Complex League games are no-charge. It’s essentially a free outing: your only costs are getting to the complex and whatever snacks or drinks you bring. The city doesn’t charge for parking, and the team doesn’t charge admission. For a few hours of baseball, that’s hard to beat. Extras 3 The players run the scoreboard themselves, and it’s fun to watch them coach one another through it and see the little spark of satisfaction when the novice figures it out. Papago Park has served many purposes throughout Phoenix’s history, from its early use as tribal land to a Depression‑era fish hatchery, a World War II POW camp, and shortly after a VA hospital site. The city of Phoenix and the SJ Giants not only rebuilt the sports complex, but they also transformed the entire site. Six MLB-standard fields and a climate-controlled indoor facility with eight batting cages were added. A 50,000 sq clubhouse with hydrotherapy, a weight room, classrooms, and dining was built, and paved pathways and a public plaza were installed. Thus, making it a true “campus” feel rather than the old scattered fields for fans and players. Final Thoughts If you enjoy baseball for its own sake and can handle the heat, an ACL Giants game makes for a worthwhile few hours out. The Papago Sports Complex provides a relaxed, intimate backdrop for taking in the game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Fenway Park 4 Jersey Street Boston, MA 02215 Boston Red Sox website Fenway Park website Year Opened: 1912 Capacity: 37,305 (day) 37,755 (night) The Lyric Little Bandbox The Boston Red Sox bill Fenway Park as “America’s Most Beloved Ball Park”. Still going strong after over a century of use, no ballpark has been more honored in film, literature, and song than Fenway Park. Fenway’s old-school charms consistently rank it near the top of any ballpark chaser’s list, and it has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city of Boston in its own right. Fenway Park is such an iconic venue that even casual baseball fans can recognize its unique design. Fenway Park takes its name from its neighborhood. The term “fens” is an Old English term for a marshy area. If you walk a few blocks southeast of the ballpark you will find yourself in the Back Bay Fens, one of these marshy areas. Established in 1901 as the Boston Americans, The Red Sox are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most successful teams, winning 9 World Series on top of 14 American League Pennants, 10 AL East Division titles and an additional 9 Wild Card berths. 49 Baseball Hall of Famers spent at least part of their career with the Red Sox. Food & Beverage 4 Even though Fenway Park has taken great strides in recent years to keep up with the trends of establishing gourmet options with their concession offerings, most longtime Red Sox fans still insist that the best food at Fenway Park is found at the numerous sausage carts all around the ballpark. If it’s your first trip to Boston, this is where you should stop for that authentic Fenway experience. The prices are cheaper than inside the ballpark, and the quality is excellent. That’s not to say there are no good options within Fenway Park. The team takes over Jersey Street starting ninety minutes before first pitch. Here fans will find several stands offering some of Fenway Park’s more unique offerings, including El Tiante’s Grille, The Fenway Fish Shack and A Taste of Boston, which features a rotation of local vendors. Concession stands are seemingly crammed into every nook and cranny of the ballpark, including the Big Concourse in right field, Fenway’s version of a food court. In addition to classic ballpark fare, hungry Sox fans will find plenty of locally sourced food, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings. A complete Fenway Park concessions guide can be found here. For visiting fans looking for some distinctly Boston items, lobster rolls, clam chowder and Boston crème pies dot the menus around the ballpark. Much ado has been made about one of the new menu items for 2026, the lobster poutine. Served in a cardboard fishing boat, a pile of fries are covered with lobster meat, clam chowder and bacon. The price tag: a measly $39. Imagine trying to eat this monstrosity in one of Fenway’s legendary cramped grandstand seats. Or worse, the person next to you is trying to eat it. Stadium Journey’s suggestion: if you must eat lobster at a ballgame (and lord knows, you shouldn’t), have a lobster roll. You get more lobster, less mess, and you save one dollar. That’s right. A lobster roll only costs $38. Coca-Cola products are featured at Fenway Park. As you might imagine, the beer game is strong at Fenway Park. Sam Adams is the official beer of the Red Sox, so you can find all of their outstanding brews served here alongside other popular national brands. Visiting fans looking for local microbrews will be more than satisfied with the available choices, which include Mighty Squirrel, Wachusett, Lord Hobo, Ipswich Ale, Jack’s Abby, Harpoon, Fiddlehead and Dogfish, among others. Atmosphere 5 It’s hard to top the game day atmosphere at Fenway Park, which has become one of Boston’s top tourist destinations regardless of whether or not the Sox are in town. Fans flock from all corners of New England and beyond to spend a day at the ballpark. Taking in a game at Fenway has become a must for anyone traveling to Massachusetts. Fenway Park is loaded with features designed to entertain both the casual and the die-hard fan. Outside the ballpark are statues of Red Sox greats Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and “The Teammates.” Retired number banners, World Series banners and American League pennants line the exterior of the ballpark along Van Ness and Jersey Streets. Both Lansdowne Street and Jersey Street are mobbed with fans hours before first pitch. Jersey Street is closed off to traffic before games, and is loaded with concession stands, live bands and the Red Sox Team Store. The old ticket booths here have been transformed to exhibits featuring memorabilia from each of the Red Sox’ World Series championship teams. Also located here is the old bullpen buggy, a popular spot for photos. Concessions, souvenirs, displays and activities for young and old alike are packed into virtually every corner of Fenway Park. There is an exclusive entrance just for kids (Gate K, located in center field). From the third through seventh inning, Wally’s Clubhouse offers kid-friendly entertainment and activities. Virtual reality booths, speed pitch booths and a dress like a Red Sox player booth are just a few of the attractions here. Wally and Tessie are regular visitors here. Balancing the old-school mentality of the long-time Red Sox fan with the need of younger fans for constant stimulation is a tricky act, but the Red Sox do a good job of working out these disparate goals. Video boards throughout the park keep fans engaged and entertained between innings while respecting Fenway traditions. Neighborhood 5 Old-timers like yours truly may bemoan the fact that the neighborhood around Fenway Park has become more upscale and many of the legendary dive bars and holes in the wall have disappeared, but Fenway-area favorites such as the Cask ‘N Flagon, Sweet Cheeks Q, The Bleacher Bar and The Landsdowne Pub still draw big crowds before and after Red Sox games. You’ll find excellent dining choices around Fenway no matter which direction you travel. Boston’s small geographic footprint and expansive public transportation system means that even if you do not stay right near the ballpark, it is still easy to get to. Visitors who would rather stay nearby will find Hotel Commonwealth, Residence Inn by Marriot and The Verb excellent choices in the shadows of Fenway Park. Visiting fans interested in seeing more than just a ballgame will find much to do in Boston. Explore the Freedom Trail, a walking trail through the city that links several historical locations. Tours of Boston Harbor are well worth a look, as is Faneuil Hall, a colonial meetinghouse that has been converted into a shopping and tourist destination. Museums, galleries, and tours of all kinds are located throughout the city, making Boston one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Fans 5 The Red Sox are among the league leaders in attendance year in and year out, regardless of where the team ends up in the standings. This is accomplished even though Fenway Park is among the smallest ballparks capacity-wise in the Major Leagues. Even in their down years ("ahem" 2026, "cough"), the Red Sox draw crowds many teams would die for. Red Sox fans are simply some of the most dedicated in the big leagues. One downside to Fenway Park’s status as an attraction in itself means that a portion of every crowd is there to be seen as much as to watch the game. A Fenway crowd is in constant motion, roaming the aisles and concourses all game long, which can be very aggravating to the hardcore fan. Despite the less than stellar reputation of some Boston fans, you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family to Fenway. A strong turnout from visiting fans is a common sight, given Fenway’s status as a destination spot. Some Fenway traditions have taken on a life of their own, such as the singing of Sweet Caroline in the middle of the 8th inning. This has been happening on-and-off since the mid-90’s, and at every game since 2002. Make no mistake, Boston fans are into the game to a greater degree than just about any other fan base. Fenway Park can be as loud in April as it is in August. Access 3 Let’s be frank here. Boston is a tough city to get around, Fenway can be tough to get to, and once you’ve arrived, Fenway can be tough to navigate on the inside as well. Every Bostonian has their own “secret” way to get to Fenway Park, and no two are alike. Every one of the 4.9 million citizens of greater Boston believes their route is the quickest. Simply put, they are all wrong. And no, I am not going to tell you my secret route to Fenway. The best method for getting to Fenway Park is to take public transportation. The MBTA, or “T”, as it is known locally, provides several different methods for baseball fans to get to the game. Most fans will take the subway, as the B, C, and D versions of the Green Line stop at Kenmore Station, a short five-minute walk from Fenway Park. If traveling from the western suburbs of Boston, take the commuter rail, which stops right across the street from Fenway Park at Yawkey Station. There are similar trains which travel into the city from the northern or southern suburbs, but which will require a transfer or two on the subway system to arrive at the aforementioned Kenmore station. If taking a bus is more your speed, several city routes stop within a short walk of Fenway Park. Routes 8, 9, 19, 60 and 65 stop at the corner of Jersey Street and Brookline Avenue. In addition, route 55 stops on the back side of Fenway, at the corner of Ipswich and Boylston streets. Over recent decades Red Sox ownership has continually updated and restored this historic park, adding new seating and social gathering areas in previously unimagined places. It makes Fenway Park an interesting mix of old and new features, cramped quarters and spacious sections, obstructed view seats and some of the best sightlines in the Major Leagues. Return on Investment 3 Going to Fenway Park has always been an expensive proposition. Given the park’s small capacity and the team’s incredible popularity, it’s a supply vs. demand graph come to life. The Fan Cost Index annually ranks Fenway Park among the most expensive ballparks to visit in all of Major League Baseball. In 2023, the FCI estimated a family of four will spend almost $400 at a Red Sox game. Driving this ranking are Fenway’s high ticket prices, parking charges and concession prices. That being said, there are ways to make a trip to Fenway more affordable. -Check out various ticket-resale websites for cheaper tickets. -Avoid the expensive neighborhood parking by taking the T to Fenway Park. -A souvenir soda cup features unlimited refills throughout the game. -Grabbing a bite to eat at one of the sausage carts that line the streets around Fenway Park enhances the Fenway experience and saves a few dollars. Fenway Park is a cashless facility. Even the ever-present Fenway hawkers are equipped with cashless point of sale devices. Fenway Park’s bag policy is less restrictive than other major league facilities, but check the ballpark website for particulars. Extras 5 Any ballpark that has been in use for over a century is bound to have had a memorable moment or two on its resume. The Red Sox proudly display their best moments throughout the ballpark, in methods both obvious and subtle. New visitors to Fenway should schedule some extra time to take in as much of the ballpark as possible. Banners and plaques commemorating Red Sox pennants and World Series championships are present both inside and outside the ballpark. Flags honoring every Hall of Famer to play in Boston line the outside of the park along Van Ness Street. Red Sox retired numbers are hung along the right field façade and again along the outside of the ballpark. Located by Gate B on Van Ness Street are statues honoring Red Sox legends Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and “The Teammates” (Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio and Ted Williams). Historical touches abound throughout Fenway Park, starting with the lone red seat in right field commemorating the longest home run ever hit at the ballpark to the plaques located throughout the park highlighting milestones and important features of the park. Even long-time visitors to Fenway can find something new if they explore the grounds long enough. The Red Sox do a great job of creating new content year after year. The Green Monster, Pesky’s Pole, Wally and Tessie, Sweet Caroline, Fenway Franks, the Big Concourse, Patriots Day, Dirty Water, Fenway Farms, the Citgo Sign, Kenmore Square, Lego Papi, Lansdowne Street, the triangle, the bullpen buggy, the street vendors; the list of things to see and do at Fenway Park goes on and on… Final Thoughts A lot of times people use the word “historic” interchangeably with the word “old.” At least in the baseball world, Fenway manages to be both. How old is Fenway Park? It opened the same week that the Titanic sank. While other cities are building billion-dollar complexes to replace ballparks that are only 20 years old, in Boston they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond. Fenway Park is not perfect. It’s cramped, it’s crowded, and it’s expensive. Yes, some seats sit right behind poles and some seats face the wrong way. Still, ask any ballpark aficionado where they would like to see a game, and Fenway Park will likely be among their top choices. Fenway Park’s mix of historical touches, quirky features, and modern comforts is unmatched anywhere. Other cities try again and again to find the magic formula that has existed in Boston for over a century. Simply put, Fenway Park is the standard against which all other ballparks are measured. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds The home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Championship has a new name and hopefully, soon, a whole new look. Under a new, multi-year stadium rights agreement with First National Bank, the stadium will now be known as F.N.B. Stadium. However, the stadium's new name is not the only major news. The club released renderings of a proposed soccer stadium with three sides of covered seating pushed up against the Monongahela River and the Pittsburgh skyline in the background. The renderings also feature the HOUNDS name written on one side of the seating bowl. The stadium’s black steel-and-brick aesthetics make it one of the better-looking soccer grounds in the league. Owner Tuffy Shallenberger said that the club has invested significant capital and effort into the stadium over the past decade. “This expansion is going to be great for our fans and allow us to take our teams to the level we want to reach, but it’s also going to bring additional events here that will help the entire Pittsburgh community. We’re excited to start and take this next step forward.” Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Highmark Stadium originally opened in 2013 with a seating capacity of 3,500, which was expanded to 5,000 just five years later. The latest round of renovations will significantly increase capacity to 15,000, aligning with the league’s plans to launch a Division One level in 2028, where larger venues are expected. The upgraded stadium will introduce expanded premium seating options, including a club area with banquet space and suites that provide multiple vantage points for fans. Despite the growth and added amenities, the design will continue to ensure that all spectators can enjoy views of the Pittsburgh skyline. The renovations come with recent rampant support of the club. Over the past 3-5 seasons, there have been 73% of its home matches sold out, an 11% annual growth rate, a 26% increase in ticket revenue, and a season ticket base that has nearly doubled. The next phase at the stadium will be to update and change stadium signage inside the current South Shore venue. Financial terms of the naming deals were not disclosed. The stadium is also home to the Pittsburgh Riveters SC (USL W League) and the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (UFA), the annual WPIAL Soccer Championship, and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. The stadium will host the 2027 NCAA Division III Soccer Championships. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 St. Charles High School Gym 5305 Piney Church Road Waldorf, MD 20602 DMV Soldiers website St. Charles High School Gym website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,500 (estimated) Soldiers of the DMV The Basketball League, known as TBL for short, is a low-level, independently operated basketball league with teams across the United States and Canada playing their home games in high school or small college gyms. Many players have professional experience and are hoping for a chance to get back to the G-League or even the NBA. Virtually all have some sort of college experience at a minimum. The DMV Soldiers are a 2026 expansion franchise who play their home games in Waldorf, Maryland at St. Charles High School. The DMV in the name refers not to the Department of Motor Vehicles but to the neighboring jurisdictions of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand at DMV Soldiers games located in a window in the lobby to the left of the entrance to the gym. The menu is fairly basic here. Nachos are $6, Domino's pizza is $4 per slice for cheese or pepperoni, hot dogs are $4, chips are $2.50, candy is $3, soda is $4, and bottled water is $3. Atmosphere 4 The gym at St. Charles High School is about what you'd expect from a high school gym, although it is on the large side. There is a large set of bleachers rising up along one side of the court, which is far too big for the crowds the Soldiers draw, and another set on the other side of the gym that is retracted to make room for a second court for the players to warm up on before the game. Unless you choose to sit way up at the top, you will be up close to the action. The only downside is that the bleachers can get quite uncomfortable, as they are plastic risers with no backs. Because of the small crowds, it doesn't feel cramped, but you will find yourself wanting to stand up and stretch after a while. Scoreboards behind both baskets show only the most basic information. One unique aspect of DMV Soldiers games is the emcee, DJ Marky Marc. Marky Marc is known for his witty banter and commentary, even during live action. This could be best described as a stream of consciousness, as he says whatever comes to mind, whether it has to do with the action on the court or not. Topics he discussed during the game we attended ranged from predictions for that day's NBA playoff games to jokes about the opposing coach to questioning whether New England was a real place. (To be fair, the last one is not entirely random, as the Soldiers were playing a team from New England, but still, that is not a phrase we ever expected to publish on this site.) He will also occasionally scream or break into a musical solo. Some will love him, while others will find him distracting and obnoxious, but it's hard to deny that he's unique. Neighborhood 3 St. Charles High School is located in a residential neighborhood between Waldorf and La Plata. Many businesses are located along Route 301 in both towns, although they are mostly chains. You will have to drive a couple of miles to get to either one as well. La Plata seems to have more non-chain options, including Marie's Diner and La Tolteca. Fans 2 DMV Soldiers fans are small in number, but those who do show up are loud. They will cheer on their team, jeer the other team, and even shout at the refs when they feel they have made a bad call. With only a couple of dozen fans in attendance at most, you hear everything that anyone in the crowd says. The Soldiers are a new franchise, and few in Southern Maryland have heard of them, so this may be an area they can improve on as time goes on. Access 4 St. Charles High School is located a few miles off of US Route 301. There are many entrances to the school, but you will want to use the one that says "Home of the Spartans" above it. When entering the parking lot, go straight back and park on the right side of the building, then walk through the entrance to the lobby. There is usually a police officer stationed outside to direct you if you are unsure of where to go. Restrooms are in the lobby as well and are more than sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to DMV Soldiers games are $20, or $10 for youth. This is on the high end for The Basketball League, and may be part of why so few fans attend. However, it certainly won't break the bank, and concessions are pretty affordable. Keep in mind, tickets must be purchased through the Hometown Ticketing app, and if you do not buy in advance, they will have a QR code at the entrance to scan. Extras 1 DJ Marky Marc is worthy of an extra here for his emceeing. Whether you love him or hate him, he's a major part of the experience here. Final Thoughts Few in Southern Maryland have heard of the TBL or the DMV Soldiers. As a result, they have been drawing sparse crowds to their opening season. A Soldiers game is certainly a unique experience. While the level of play is low, the entertainment here can be high if that's what you're looking for, thanks in large part to the zaniness of DJ Marky Marc.

John Gentry, Indianapolis News In 1991, the Oklahoma City 89ers had a uniform snafu at the start of the season. It was brief and quickly corrected by the time the club returned home for its second homestand, but it is a little-known story that should delight a few true crime uniform folks here on this website. ​Sometime between March 30 and 31, someone broke into the Reynolds Lettering Service shop and walked away with twenty-eight 89ers road jerseys. The uniforms were brought in on Saturday morning to have new surname tags sewn on the back. The thieves also walked away with a satin baseball jacket, a television, a fax machine, a telephone, and $44 worth of candy. ​The 89ers were set to embark on their first road trip, traveling to Indianapolis on April 17, followed by stops in Buffalo and Denver. OKC general manager Jim Weigel said if the club couldn’t recover the missing uniforms, they would have no choice but to order another set for the season. The only problem was that they would not be delivered until after the road trip on May 3rd. “I really don’t want to see our club open its season wearing blue jeans and T-shirts,” said police spokesman Maj. Bob Taylor. ​Luckily, the team was expecting its red batting practice jersey in the mail sometime that week, and might have to wear it for the first 8 road games. That became reality when the club headed to play the Indianapolis Indians a few weeks later. ​ This isn't the first time someone in baseball has walked away with team merchandise. In June 1977, a break-in occurred at the visiting clubhouse of Milwaukee County Stadium, where all but seven of the Kansas City Royals jerseys were stolen. Luckily, both teams wore powder-blue jerseys, and a few Royals players sported Brewers jerseys for the game. The Indians ran into their own uniform mishap as well: their home white jerseys weren’t ready in time for the game, forcing the team to take the field in batting-practice tops. Thankfully, their tops were a rich royal blue and did not clash with the 89ers uniforms. The incident was significant enough to merit a blurb in The Indianapolis Star. ​A crowd of 13,844 at Bush Stadium watched Oklahoma City pitchers Roger Pavlik and Steve Peters combine for a no-hitter, only to see the team lose the game. Pavlika and Peters held the Tribe to only two hits but walked 9 players. Besides the combined no-hitter, Indianapolis fans also witnessed a rare color-vs.-color baseball game. Color v Color on the base paths, John Gentry, Indianapolis News The third game of the series was postponed due to rain, as well as both games scheduled in Buffalo that weekend. When the 89ers finally took the field at Mile High Stadium against the Denver Zephyrs, they were greeted by clear skies and sporting red batting-practice tops. Their unconventional look even caught the attention of The Denver Post, which mentioned it in the following day’s sports section. “The 89ers had to play Monday night with batting practice jerseys, featuring hard-to-read numbers, thanks to the fact that the team’s regular road jerseys were stolen last week.” The Niners finished the road trip with a 2-3 record and returned home to Oklahoma City. However, by the time the team headed back on the road to Nashville and Louisville, they received their second batch of road uniforms. On May 16, 1991, the 89ers finally wore their gray jerseys at Greer Stadium against the Nashville Sounds. As far as we know, they didn’t face any more uniform issues for the rest of the season, which ended with a disappointing 52-92 record in the American Association. Emails and phone calls to Weigel went unanswered for this story. It is unclear whether the missing uniforms were ever recovered or if they turned up for sale on eBay several years later. What we do know is that an unknown group of thieves forced a minor league baseball team to alter its uniform schedule and leave its mark in the world of sports. I am sure one of those thieves is laughing about it today. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Image by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Indiana State Sycamores baseball team celebrated the 40th anniversary of the team's World Series appearance this season. The current team honored these men with a pre-game celebration and donned the uniform tops for a weekend tilt against the University of Evansville. Currently, the team wears a combination of blue and powder blue jerseys, but none are as memorable as the ones worn during the 1986 College World Series run in Omaha. The style was first worn during the 1978 season on home and away uniforms and was used at times through the 1993 season. The colors used over the years included white, royal blue, and powder blue. The team alternated its uniforms, at times wearing powder-blue pants with white tops and later royal-blue pants with white tops. The jerseys worn for the occasion were pullover royal-blue tops featuring the iconic Indiana State image shaped like a pennant. A team photo was handed out to fans in the main plaza. The away uniforms were monochrome blue with a red TV number on the front of the jersey. To many in attendance, this was the look they grew up watching during the team’s success in the 1980s. The distinctive design was introduced a couple of years after manager Bob Warn took over the ball club. His name now graces the ballpark. The jersey features an image of the state of Indiana with the word STATE in all capital letters to the right of it. The font features an Old West style not seen on any other athletic uniform of the era. Combined with the image, the lettering creates a pennant-shaped design accented by a thin outline that varies in color depending on the jersey. The uniforms became tied to the ball club and other Warn teams. The Sycamores never finished below .500 from 1976 to 1994 and concluded his 21-year career at the university with a 1,070-741-9 record. This year’s team is tied for the conference lead with a 12-6 record in the Missouri Valley Conference and has posted an overall record of 28-23. The look reached its pinnacle in 1986. That year, the Trees won the MVC championship and finished with a 48-21 record. They won the Mideast Regional in Ann Arbor, Michigan, knocking off Central Michigan in the final game. They then traveled to Omaha to face Florida State, losing the first game 5-3, before being eliminated by Oklahoma State, 4-0. The team itself wore a version with silver pants and extra-large numbers on the back, but uniform styles during the 1980s also featured monochrome looks, as well as blue pants with white tops. They did not wear throwback hats featuring the interlocking ISU with a red arrow through the middle. Instead, the team wore its current caps. There was plenty of merchandise available, but the most popular items were the T-shirts featuring a stylized design in shades of blue and gray. They cost $12 and sold well, with many in attendance grabbing a few to take home as souvenirs or to give to friends. “They have been selling well, and we will bring them back for future games this year,” said a gentleman from Pacesetter Sports, where the shirts were produced. “We brought them out before this series, and people loved them.” This isn’t a story about discovering who designed the jerseys or uncovering any deeper meaning behind them. At the time, the university was known for giving its basketball, baseball, and football teams distinctive visual identities. The baseball team embraced a wordmark that looked perfectly suited for a western or country bar, while also wearing jackets featuring the slithering “S” wrapped around the outline of Indiana, the same logo that appeared on the football helmets during the 1980s. Emails to the ISU Information Department went unanswered, but this production may return in future seasons. College and university baseball programs have brought back throwback looks to much applause from fans in the grandstand. What was once old is now new again. Sometimes, certain looks never go out of style. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue Washington DC 20024 DC Defenders website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 For The Glory Of DC The DC Defenders are the Washington, DC entry into the league referred to as the United Football League (UFL). The Defenders play at Audi Field, which is a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Buzzard Point in Washington, D.C. It was designed to be the home stadium for the Major League Soccer team D.C. United. The stadium is also used by the Washington Spirit of the NWSL. Food & Beverage 4 The food may not be the cheapest stadium food out there, but the variety of options is beyond most stadiums we have ever seen. The food is curated by famed Chef José Andrés and is a spectacular reason to visit the stand as it is. Expect to find Arepas, Pupusas, and Gourmet Tortas concession stands along the concourse. Our favorite is the Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl and the aforementioned arepas. There may be some stands that are not open during Defender games, but we have often found that the variety is still very good. You will still find traditional favorites like hot dogs, burgers, pizza, fries, sodas, and/or domestic beers. A favorite in this category is the Half Smoke Dog. . Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between meals, and a soda or water, even more, if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 4 Although the stadium was designed for soccer, it still works well for football. The stands surround the field closely on all sides. No one is far from the field, and the views are pretty amazing. The upper deck on the east side does not usually see use for Defender games. The north stands have an area of standing-room-only seats, designed for soccer fan groups, that has been filled each game with rowdy fans who have made the games quite an experience. The stadium has decent-sized concourses and many options for fans to enjoy the game atmosphere. The main issue I see is that there is only a single large videoboard used in the stadium. If you are sitting at the north end of the stadium, you may have serious issues seeing the replay action. Neighborhood 4 The immediate area around Audi Field is called Buzzard Point. Buzzard Point did not originally have much around it, but that is quickly changing. Nationals Park and the Navy Yards area are not far away if you are looking for pre- or post-game activities. Another option within walking distance is the District Wharf. The Wharf is DC's newest day trip destination, bringing famous restaurants, new shops, and beautiful waterfront views together in one place. If you go there, make sure to check out the great old fish markets. You are also in a great city, Washington, DC. The number of attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre- or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 4 The league as a whole is struggling, and the fan base is shrinking a bit, but still, the DC team has many supporters. Defenders fans are loud, passionate, and heavily invested in the game. They create a raucous environment, constantly voicing their displeasure with referees and opposing teams. The fan base in the standing-room-only section behind the north end zone collects empty plastic cups from around the stadium to construct a massive beer snake that stretches up the section. This localized energy sustains a strong home-field advantage and keeps the crowd fully engaged from kickoff to the final whistle. Access 3 Most parking is fairly far from the stadium and towards Navy Yards. You will need to walk a bit to get to decent parking. Parking close to the stadium should not be your first option. A better thing would be to park near the Wharf and walk. The two closest Metro station options are Navy Yards and Waterfront Station. DoD ID card holders (active, reserve, retiree, dependents, and civilians) can park at Fort Lesley J. McNair, located directly across from Audi Field, for free. On weekends or federal holidays, non-reserved parking is allowed for valid ID holders. On weekdays, parking is generally restricted before 1630 (4:30 PM) to those with official business. Just remember, if travelling with non-DOD ID card holders, they will need to exit your vehicle before entering the base. Return on Investment 4 The team has tickets starting as low as $30, but often even cheaper on the secondary market. The play on the field may not be NFL-level, but the low price is an amazing starting level for even small college programs, let alone teams with professional players. Normally, we may lower the rating on this due to the high food prices. But we found the food value to still be good because of the great food offerings and the decent quantity offered. Extras 4 The unique food offerings are an extra as it is. There is a great, unique convenience-style food stand in the southwest corner offering drinks and snacks. The concourse is at field level, so you might be able to see some of the action while walking along on the south concourse. Defender merchandise will be sold at temporary tables along the concourse. Final Thoughts Audi Field provides a modern, high-energy environment for the DC Defenders. Despite broader league challenges, the intense fan support and excellent sightlines make it a premier destination for professional spring football.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mount Vernon Athletics Complex 2100 Foxhall Rd NW Washington, DC 20007 Map It! Georgetown Hoyas website Mount Vernon Athletics Complex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 Colonial Softball Georgetown Hoya softball has not enjoyed much success over the years. They are just one of two current Big East members never to win the conference tournament, nor have they ever qualified for the NCAA Tournament. To make matters worse, they do not even have their own softball field. Instead, they are forced to play home games at several different venues in the DC area. In 2026, most of the Hoyas' home games were played at the Mount Vernon Athletics Complex on the campus of George Washington University. Additional home games took place at the Nationals Youth Academy in Southeast DC and on the campus of Catholic University. Although the softball facility is typically called GW Softball Field for George Washington home games to distinguish it from the rest of the Mount Vernon Athletics Complex, for Hoyas home games they use the name of the complex rather than the name of another school. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at the Mount Vernon Athletics Complex. There is a coffee shop next door in Ames Hall that may or may not be open depending on when you visit, but it is not part of the stadium and keeps its own hours. Fans can bring in outside food or beverage, with the exception of alcohol. Atmosphere 4 The softball field at the Mount Vernon Athletics Complex has a quirky, unusual layout. Instead of the bleachers being located behind home plate, as they are in most venues of this size, they are located on a hill beyond the right field fence. To access them, you will need to walk up some steps alongside Ames hall to the top of the bleachers and then back down along the other side. then finally back up to wherever you sit. Some fans like to bring chairs and sit at the top of the hill, or just stand along the bottom of the hill off to the side so as not to block the view of the fans in the bleachers. It all comes down to personal preference. A few fans may be able to stand along the deck in front of Ames Hall as well, but this is mostly reserved for video equipment and may not be possible. There is a digital scoreboard built into the fence in left-center field which shows the linescore and count, but because it is embedded into the padding, it can be idfficult to see the hits and errors. The Hoyas do some activities to keep fans engaged, including t-shirt tosses and sound effects played over the PA system at appropriate times. The "Swiper, no swiping" sound effect from Dora the Explorer after Hoyas stolen bases is a fan favorite, though it would probably be more appropriate after caught stealings by their opponent. The field is on the flight path into Reagan National Airport, so jets will pass directly overhead throughout the game. The unplanned flyovers during the national anthem seem to be a running joke among fans. It’s not quite the same when it’s commercial aircraft instead of military jets, and it’s completely unplanned, but when the timing works out, it’s still impressive to watch. Neighborhood 4 The Mount Vernon Campus is located in Northwest Washington off Foxhall Road. Although there are several scenic parks and trails in the vicinity, as well as the German Embassy, your best bet for dining is to head elsewhere in the District. A seafood place and an Italian restaurant are located west of the campus near the Potomac River, and some other places up MacArthur Boulevard, but most of your options will be closer to downtown, not further. The Tenleytown and Georgetown neighborhoods are a short drive or Uber ride away and offer numerous dining and entertainment options. You can also head downtown and visit the many historic sites. monuments, and memorials along the National Mall. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 4 Georgetown draws decent crowds to most home games, with the small bleachers and the hill full of fans to watch the Hoyas. Friends and family of the players on both teams show up in large numbers, but so do locals and miscallenous fans of the Hoyas. The unusual location on the campus of a different school does not seem to deter them from showing up, although not having an on-campus facility does keep the students away. Access 3 Depending on how you are arriving, the Mount Vernon campus can either be significantly easier or significantly harder to get to than the main GW campus in Foggy Bottom, although it is comparable to Georgetown's campus a short drive away. While it is not Metro-accessible, it is a lot easier to drive to this campus in outer Washington than it is to drive downtown to the main GW campus. There is a parking garage on campus right across from the stadium. Parking is free all day on weekends or for up to three hours on weekdays. It can get very pricey if staying for more than three hours on a weekday, starting at $16 for up to four hours and going up from there, so try to go on a weekend or time your visit accordingly. Once you manage to park, accessing the stadium is trickier than it needs to be. After exiting the elevator lobby, fans will need to turn right, go up a staircase between the outfield fence and Ames Hall, then up another staircase along th side of the building to the top of the hill, back down the other side of the hill, and finally back up the bleachers. If you bring your own chair and sit at the top of the hill, it’s slightly easier but your view may be blocked by trees. It’s less complicated than it sounds, but still more complicated than it needs to be. Restrooms are located in Ames Hall. A door is propped open on the patio level for fans to use to get in the building. All other entrances will be locked and restricted to those with a George Washington ID. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Hoyas softball games is free, and if you go on a weekend, parking is free as well. If going on a weekday, you will have to time things carefully to avoid paying a ridiculous amount for parking, so we would recommend going on a weekend if possible to maximize value. Extras 1 The quirky layout of the softball facility with many vantage points to watch a game is worthy of a star here. Final Thoughts While Georgetown softball lacks their own campus facility, their fans do not seem to mind making the trip to George Washington's campus instead. Although it is an unusual facility in terms of layout, not to mention the oddity of playing "home" games on another school's campus, a Georgetown softball game can still be a great experience for fans.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park 2204 Henry St Ashland, VA 23005 Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets website Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 Feel the Baseball Buzz in Ashland The campus of Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, Virginia, about 20 miles north of Richmond. RMC's athletic programs, known as the Yellow Jackets, compete at the Division III level in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Randolph Macon's baseball program plays at Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park, a 500-seat stadium on the RMC campus. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Randolph-Macon baseball games. Fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 4 Hugh Stephens Field is small, but absolutely gorgeous for a Division III facility. A brick facade marks the backs of the dugouts, the grandstand behind home plate, the latter of which features 500 seats, all with an excellent view of the action. The middle section is chairbacks, while the remainder are standard bleachers. Many other fans will set up chairs or stand along the first baseline near the Yellow Jackets' dugout, also affording them an outstanding view. The PA announcer and music between batters are standard for this level, and there is a scoreboard in the outfield showing the linescore and other basic information. While this isn't the largest or most elaborate stadium, it is impressive for the level of play that goes on here. Neighborhood 3 Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, about 20 miles north of Richmond. Downtown Ashland includes many options, including the Iron Horse Restaurant, The Caboose Market & Cafe, and Trackside Grill. There are hotels available as well for visitors who are staying overnight. Richmond is a relatively short drive away and offers many more options than would be available here. Due to the rail line that runs right down the middle of Center Street, Ashland is also a popular destination for railfans who come to see the trains pass by multiple times an hour. Amtrak and freight trains both use these lines, and people come from all over the region and beyond to watch them. Fans 5 Randolph Macon fans pack the bleachers and the grass along the first baseline, with some of the best crowds in Division III. You can expect several hundred fans for a typical home game, with weekends and games later in the season, when the weather is nicer, drawing better crowds. A typical crowd includes friends and family, locals, and RMC alumni, as well as the occasional railfan who wanders in between train passings. The fan base here is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the Yellow Jackets baseball team and can be loud and engaged in cheering them on. While it won't rival the crowds at the largest Division I facilities in the country, considering this is Division III, the lowest division, the fan turnout here is impressive. Access 3 The Randolph-Macon campus is located a few miles off I-95. Once you are on campus, there is a parking lot adjacent to the stadium, but there is a good chance it will be full when you arrive, as it also serves Day Field (home of several different RMC sports, including lacrosse and football) and other areas of campus and the surrounding area. If this is the case, there is a large lot across the street you can park in. Keep in mind that train tracks are running down the middle of the street with an at-grade crossing, so you may need to wait for a train to pass to cross the street by car or on foot. There are no restrooms at Hugh Stephens Field itself, but there are some in Duke Hall adjacent to the stadium. Enter through the side door right next to the field, and the restrooms will be right there as you come in. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to Randolph-Macon baseball games, nor is there any charge to park. Overall, a Yellow Jackets baseball game is an outstanding value. Extras 3 There are free programs available in a mailbox by the entrance. A second star for the outfield signage honoring Randolph-Macon baseball accomplishments. A third and final star for the beautiful brick facade along the backs of the dugouts and grandstand, a rarity for this level. Final Thoughts Hugh Stephens Field at Estes Park is a gorgeous baseball facility, particularly for the Division III level of the NCAA. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm, and with the outstanding fan base Randolph-Macon has built up over the years. College baseball fans in the area will definitely want to check out a game here.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02305 Boston Legacy FC website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 20,000 (soccer) Growing the Flock Boston Unity Soccer Partners applied to be a part of the NWSL expansions in 2024 and 2026 and were awarded a franchise on their second try. Their original team name, BOS Nation FC, was an anagram of “Bostonian” and a play on the word "boss." The initial marketing campaign featured the tagline, “there are too many balls in this town.” After being roundly criticized from all corners, ownership issued an apology and wisely retreated. They announced a new brand, Boston Legacy FC, five months later. Their crest, featuring an eight-feathered swan, pays tribute to the NWSL’s original eight teams, as well as Romeo and Juliet, a pair of female mute swans who lived in the Boston Public Garden. The Legacy is Boston’s second NWSL team. The Boston Breakers were members of the league from 2013-2017, playing at Harvard Stadium, Dilboy Stadium and Jordan Field. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs in any of its five seasons in the NWSL before folding. Before the NWSL, the original version of the Breakers competed in the WUSA, WPS, and WPSL Elite leagues. The Legacy are slated to play at George R. White Stadium, a 10,519-seat venue built between 1947 and 1949 as a home for Boston Public School athletics. Located in Franklin Park, Boston’s largest park, the facility is being renovated into an 11,000-seat soccer-specific stadium for the Legacy. In the 1970s, White Stadium was considered a possible home for the New England Patriots, but those plans were quickly shelved and the facility fell into disrepair. A $30 million renovation was announced in 2023 to repair the stadium for the Legacy, but estimated costs have ballooned to as high as $325 million. While the Legacy are waiting for their new home to be ready for the 2027 season, they are splitting their 2026 home schedule between Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Revolution of MLS, and Centerville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, RI, home of FC Rhode Island of the USL. Boston Legacy Football Club Logo. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 Gillette Stadium features a great number and variety of concession stands throughout the facility. For Legacy games, the experience is scaled back due to the smaller crowds in attendance. Not all of the stands are open, and very few of the portable stands are staffed. However, the open ones are chosen strategically so that Legacy fans get to experience all the food options enjoyed by Patriots or Revolution fans. Be warned that along with the NFL-style concessions come NFL prices. Permanent stands ring the outer edge of the main concourse. Each stand has a different theme, so you might need to do a little bit of searching to find what you need. All the stadium basics are covered, as stands feature pizza, burgers, sausages, chicken tenders, and BBQ. Smaller stands and portable carts that line the inner edge of the concourse round out the menu with various drinks and snacks. Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. As you may expect, the beer game is strong here, with national brands lining the menu boards alongside dozens of local craft favorites. For the most extensive selection of local beers, check out the Taproom or Draft Kings Lounge. One of the featured brews is Defend the Fort, a Revolution-themed beer from Cisco Brewing. A complete guide to Gillette Stadium’s concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 3 The Legacy staff does a great job creating a festive atmosphere and using all the tools at their disposal here at Gillette Stadium. There’s just one glaring issue: Gillette Stadium is just WAY too big. No matter what kind of show you put on, a crowd of 10,000 fans or less is just going to be swallowed up by the enormity of a 65,000-seat football stadium. Any noise or energy created by the fans is going to fade into the ether. Plenty is going on here in Foxboro to entertain visiting fans. The pregame fanfest starts an hour before the game in the Ticketmaster Plaza, featuring games, music, and giveaways. Gillette Stadium features the largest outdoor scoreboard in North America, measuring over 1/2 acre in size. It’s put to great use throughout the game with graphics, videos, and interactive features. Music and dance performances pregame and during halftime add to the joyous atmosphere. The Legacy has an emcee that coordinates promotions during stoppages and hypes up the crowd. The team raised a few eyebrows when they hired 19-year-old Ava Membreno as their PA announcer. Membreno, a freshman at nearby Dean College, stepped into the role with no experience, but performs her role like a veteran, adding energy to the proceedings while being a non-stop presence throughout the game. Legacy Enter the Pitch at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 4 Gillette Stadium sits on what was once a lonely stretch of Route One, which contained only a harness racing track and a trailer park. Today, the location is the home of Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center located on the site of the old Foxboro Stadium. Over the years, it has grown to include a four-star hotel, an entertainment complex, and an outpatient health center. Fans visiting Foxboro can choose between numerous eateries ranging from casual dining to fine cuisine, from brew pubs to fancy steakhouses. Fans can bowl at Splitsville Alley, throw axes at Crazy Axes or play pickleball at Eleveno Pickleball. Movies play at Cinema de Lux, and live music is played at Showcase Live! Fans looking to stay at Patriot Place will find a Hilton Garden Inn and Renaissance Hotel steps from the stadium. Visit the Patriot Place website for more information. Fans 3 The Legacy set an NWSL attendance record in their debut at Gillette Stadium when they drew 30,204 fans for their debut. So why only an average score here? Two reasons: they haven’t come close to that figure since, and much of that opening day crowd showed up because the New Kids on the Block were on hand to perform that day. Kudos to Legacy staff for some brilliant marketing on that one. Subsequent Legacy games have drawn crowds of 10,000, 4,000 and 12,000, although the small crowd at the middle game (which was attended by Stadium Journey) can be attributed to being played on a cold, rainy Wednesday night. With the Legacy being brand new, the crowd is still finding themselves, but you’ll find a very family-friendly environment here, with lots of youth groups, families, and a burgeoning supporters group trying to establish their turf in the north end zone. Even the club’s motto, “grow the flock,” reflects the anticipated growth in support for the team. So far, the fans showing up have been very supportive and enthusiastic. Game Action at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, MA (also spelled Foxboro), a small town of about 19,000 residents located halfway between Boston and Providence, RI. With only one road leading to the stadium from both directions, getting to Gillette Stadium can be a struggle. However, this is not the case with the small crowds attending Legacy games. The parking lots on the back (east) side of the stadium are used for Legacy games, with the lots on the west side available if needed. Either way, getting out of the lots and onto Route One is a snap compared to Patriots games and other full-stadium events. Even the usual nightmarish commute up (or down) Route One to the nearby Interstates is hassle-free. A major complaint regarding Gillette Stadium’s suburban location is the lack of any type of public transportation access. There is an MBTA train stop behind the stadium, but that is only operational for Patriots games. The Legacy has developed a workaround for their fans using the T (that’s what the MBTA is called in these parts). A shuttle is available to take fans from the stadium to the Mansfield station on the Providence-Stoughton Commuter Rail line. This train brings fans to Providence southbound and Boston northbound. The upper level of Gillette Stadium is closed off for Legacy games, but there is still plenty of room for visiting fans to spread out. Lines at concession stands or restrooms are not an issue at all. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for Legacy games are a bit on the pricey side for a team looking to find their footing in a crowded sports market. Tickets start at $37, with most tickets priced between $60-$75. Free parking does offset the ticket prices somewhat, but concessions, which are among the highest-priced in the NFL, are not discounted for Legacy games. You’ll be paying NFL prices for food and drink at NWSL games. Fans on the Gillette Stadium Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the Legacy’s promotional schedule, which focuses on inclusion and heritage nights for local ethnic groups, including nights celebrating Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Haitian, and Mexican Heritages and more. Pride nights and Women in Sports nights also highlight the schedule. A second extra point is awarded for the return of Boston to the NWSL and Legacy playing their inaugural season at the home of the Revolution and FC Rhode Island, two of the most popular teams in the area, giving the Legacy instant credibility and exposure. Final Thoughts Gillette Stadium is only a temporary stay for the Legacy as they await the completion of their home in Boston. It’s far too large for their needs, and the gameday experience suffers as a result. But it’s great to see the women get to play on the same stage as the men, even for a little while. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Shell Energy Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003 Houston Dynamo website Shell Energy Stadium Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 20,039 Houston Gamblers – Shell Energy Stadium The Houston Gamblers ride again! For the third time in history, the Gamblers live to call H-Town their home. The first version of the squad was a member of the original USFL, which folded in 1985. The squad won their division in 1984 and made the playoffs in 1984 and 1985 with a roster that was bolstered by future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. After its spectacular flameout after the 1985 season, the USFL was reborn in 2022, playing through the 2023 season. The league then merged with the new version of the XFL to form the United Football League (UFL) in 2024. For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks supplanted the Gamblers, but as mentioned, they are back for 2026. For the 2026 season, the Gamblers will be calling Shell Energy Stadium their home field. Located in downtown Space City, the stadium is home to the Houston Dynamo of the MLS, the Houston Dash of the NWSL, and college football’s Texas Southern Tigers. Read on to learn more. Food & Beverage 3 On a normal game day, say for example for the Dynamo, Shell Energy Stadium boasts an impressive array of food and drink options. However, for the Gamblers, the options are very pared down. Don’t get me wrong, though – there are still plenty of options available; you can get a smash burger, or a hot dog, or a chopped brisket sandwich, heck, even Mexican street corn and paletas. The main concourse also has several grab-and-go spots where fans can pick up hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and bottled drinks. The issue is that nearly one in every three stands is closed for Gamblers games. Lines do tend to bog down during big breaks in the action (e.g., halftime), but you should be okay, regardless. One last thing that I really appreciated is, if you buy a souvenir cup you get unlimited refills of fountain drinks. This is something I wish more teams did, as it eases the heartburn many of us get with concession costs. Atmosphere 2 By and large, there is no mistaking that Shell Energy Stadium is primarily the home of the Houston Dynamo, as the signage and color scheme all reflect the stadium’s first tenant. This is fine, though; spring leagues really don’t have their own home stadiums, and pretty much always have to share. What they do have is a few team merchandise stands that sell Gamblers gear (the Dynamo/Dash store on the main concourse is closed on Gamblers game days). The stadium itself also has a few interesting spots for fans, like in the north end zone: the Pitchside Patio is a covered bar area at field level behind the end zone. Similarly, a Corona-themed patio bar is located on the upper concourse, which offers covered seating and a full-service bar. Neighborhood 5 I’ve written extensively about the venues in downtown Houston, with its myriad of entertainment, dining, and lodging experiences for visitors to choose from. Within walking distance – and eyesight – are both Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros, and Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets (and soon to be home of the Houston Comets). Both the Astros and Rockets are in season when the UFL plays, so if you plan your schedule right, you should be able to see at least one other game while you’re in town to see the Gamblers. In terms of other entertainment options, Houston’s got the Downtown Aquarium, the Galleria, the Museum District, and Hermann Park; all are in the downtown area and very close to Shell Energy Stadium. For dining options, there are several within a short five-minute walk of the stadium. These include the Rodeo Goat, a craft burger and cocktail spot, and Gotti’s, a Cajun food lover’s dream. Again, there are tons of other options in the area for whatever your taste buds require. Lodging options are just the same; there are several within a short nine to 10-minute walk away from the football venue, with the only limit here being your budget. Nearby options include Marriott Marquis Houston and Hilton Americas-Houston. Fans 2 The Houston Gamblers are currently drawing the worst home crowd attendance figures in the UFL. AT the last game I attended, the announced crowd was just over 5,100 (which honestly was being generous). From what I was able to see, the number of fans sporting Gamblers paraphernalia was small. I think the team suffers from what happens to a lot of these clubs that take up residence in a large city – the attention span of fans is so fragmented that the team has a hard time gaining any traction. Hopefully, the Gamblers can hold on for a few more seasons and try to rebuild their fan base. Access 4 Shell Energy Stadium is very accessible to any visitor. Located in downtown Houston, it is right off Interstate 69. If you’re driving in, Houston and the stadium are around a three-hour drive from San Antonio and Austin, and a little over that from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. If you’re flying in, the venue’s roughly 25 minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and 20 minutes from William P. Hobby Airport. The area is also loaded with parking lots, with some as low as $10 per car to park. For those not wishing to deal with the Houston traffic, Houston METRO will drop you off right in front of the main entrance to the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Houston Gamblers games can be had for as little as $13 each through the team website, and you can probably pick some up for even less on the secondary market. Concession costs still retain the pricing they use for MLS games, but this is still not as high as those found in other major professional sports stadiums. Nevertheless, with parking as low as $10, the overall cost to attend a Gamblers game at Shell Energy Stadium is actually quite a bargain. Extras 3 When the Houston Gamblers returned to Space City, they brought with them a lot of the traditional fanfare that most football teams have. There are the cheerleaders, their costumed mascot – Ace the Armadillo – and a team drum corps, all of whom can be found throughout the stadium engaging with fans and standing for photo ops. Beyond that, there is not much else. Final Thoughts I’ve attended games for virtually every iteration of spring football that has ever existed. All of them bring so much hope and promise, the same as with the UFL and this iteration of the Gamblers. It’s not close to the atmosphere of the NFL or of big-time college football, but it is still football, and there is likely to always be an appetite for it in the U.S. If you’re post-Super Bowl and jonesing for your football fix in Houston, make a visit to Shell Energy Stadium to check out the Gamblers. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mirmow Field 1 Rowe St SE Orangeburg, SC 29115 Claflin Panthers website Mirmow Field website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 3,000 The Historic Charm of Mirmow Field The Claflin University baseball team plays its home games at Historic Mirmow Field. It’s an old-fashioned baseball stadium that was constructed in 1948 to house the popularity of the game in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was said, at the time, that baseball was so popular that “the fans even liked the umpire.” Mirmow would be home to the semi-pro Orangeburg Braves, American Legion Post 4, and high school baseball. It was also the spring training home of the Binghamton Triplets of the Eastern League during its first few years. There have been a handful of young players who wound up in the major leagues that honed their skills here: Herm Winningham, Mookie Wilson, Nate Snell, Bill Spiers, and the late Mark Sharpeson, for whom a plaque is dedicated in his memory near the entrance. Surprisingly, it would be home to minor league baseball for only two years–a quarter of a century after its construction. The Orangeburg Cardinals–managed by Jimmy Piersall and featuring future WWE legend Randy “Macho Man Savage” Poffo—operated as a co-op team in the Western Carolinas League in 1973 before the Dodgers took over operations the following year. The stadium was showing wear and tear even when the minor leagues were in town, but it received a major upgrade when the motion picture Major League: Back to the Minors was filmed for spring training scenes in 1996. A new roof, a fresh coat of paint, and plenty of lush palmetto trees were planted near the entrance to give the historic venue a much-needed update. The Panthers took the field at Mirmow when the HCBU resurrected the sport in 1986, and is one of only a handful of programs that play in an actual ballpark in its conference. Its location is about a mile and a half from campus and is used as a recruitment tool for student-athletes who want to play in a baseball stadium. There have been renovations to Mirmow Field since our visit. The details are in this link that celebrated the ballpark's 75th anniversary in 2023. The Garden City River Ducks will call the stadium home for the 2026 season. The Palmetto State League is a summer collegiate loop that is part of the Players League. They will play from June to July, with playoffs in August. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand in the form of a wooden shelter on the first base side of the stadium, offering a small selection of items that include hot dogs, popcorn, soda pop, and nachos. The standout here might be the fried bologna sandwich for a mere three bucks. It makes for a nice change of pace while watching the game from the stands. If you are looking for a cold beer at the game, you are out of luck; alcohol is not permitted inside the facility. Atmosphere 3 They don’t build ballparks like Mirmow anymore, and it’s a relic of its time when semi-pro and professional baseball flourished in almost every nook and cranny of this nation. It covers all the bases of its era with a wooden grandstand, main entrance lobby, and wooden bleacher seating. There is a small press box on the top of the roof that looks as if it can squeeze in four people at the most. There are a few oddities with the playing field in that its absence of a warning track in the outfield, while this may not be a concern for the patron in their seat, it can be for a running outfielder attempting to catch a ball near the thick, cinder block wall; there is also no padding. There is a two-foot fence down the first and third baselines separating the playing field from the seating area. A few of the seats feature back support, but a few wooden seats have warped through almost 80 years of service. The twisted, mangled seat adds a bizarre character to the old place, and a typical crowd falls anywhere around 100 people per game for Panthers games. In other words, there are plenty more areas to grab a seat and watch a game. The mood here for games is to sit back and relax; most fans in the seats are friends or family members, and you can hear the chatter from each dugout. Depending on the time of the day, you might get to see the passing train behind the outfield walls pass by for a bonus. Neighborhood 3 Orangeburg is located about halfway between Columbia and Charleston and offers a small, quaint downtown setting. There is a multitude of chain restaurants near the interstate exit, but the city offers a few local establishments. If you are looking for a local spin on barbecue, stop by Duke’s for pulled pork and fried chicken. The Original House of Pizza offers its style of pizzas, plus salads and chicken wings. Biddie’s Banquet is known for its fried chicken, and Mama’s Kountry Kooking offers down-home style cuisine at affordable pricing. There are a few areas to visit in town, including Edisto Memorial Gardens, I.P. Stanback Museum, and Planetarium, and a short drive away is Santee State Park. Orangeburg is about 40 miles away from Columbia and 75 miles from the always-popular Charleston. Fans 2 Attendance for Claflin games is in the hundreds, but with this being the case, it is still a rare treat to watch college ball at this level inside an actual baseball stadium; many of the Panthers’ opponents play on small college fields. Average crowds for games are around the low 100 mark, but can reach 300 for certain games late in the season. One should expect a very laid-back contest with a college faithful rooting on the home team, not much different from many other smaller college programs. Access 4 Mirmow Field is located 6 miles south of the Orangeburg exit of I-20. The ballpark offers plenty of free parking in the lot that surrounds it. There is one main entrance into the field and plenty of seating underneath the roof of the grandstand. Some seats should be avoided, and one has the opportunity to pick the seat that fits them the best. Return on Investment 3 There are no admission fees for baseball games, and concession prices are around $2 to $3. Making a stop for the Claflin University game might be for the most ardent ballpark traveler, but these types of facilities are a rare breed and, regardless of their condition, should be appreciated for their historic charm. Extras 3 Palmetto trees surround the ballpark, adding a flavorful South Carolina charm to its exterior. Another star for the train that passes by a few yards behind the outfield wall, to the discerning eye, it looks as if it hovers slightly. A third and final star is for the ballpark still to be used for baseball (Claflin, American Legion Post 4, and Orangeburg High School). Final Thoughts Mirmow Field might be for the divine ballpark traveler or the history buff who enjoys older buildings. It is a fun place to explore and watch a game, even if its based days are behind when fans would fill up every seat. There could be a bit more done to improve the warped bleachers, and one could imagine what a summer collegiate league could do to promote the stadium. Collegiate and legion ball still prosper, and one can get a good 9-innings for most of the year if they desire. We should be thankful that a place like Mirmow Field is still in existence. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Image by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Ted Turner brought the instincts of a fan into the boardroom, and in doing so he rewired how sports were owned, packaged and consumed. His approach fused ownership with promotion: teams were not just assets but theatrical platforms to amplify competition, cement local identity and build national audiences. This mindset guided his moves from the Atlanta cityscape to living rooms across the country. Ownership of Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, and WCW Atlanta Braves (1976-1996): Turner made the Braves a national brand by turning team telecasts into signature programming for his superstation, helping propel the club through six division titles, four pennants, and World Series championship in 1995. Atlanta Hawks (1977-1996): Turner purchased the struggling NBA team and kept them in town and saw them make 15 playoff appearances. World Championship Wrestling (founded 1988 after buying Jim Crockett Promotions): Turner built WCW into a major televised wrestling rival to the WWF, fueling the explosive, ratings-driven “Monday Night Wars". Revolutionizing How Sports Reached Fans Turner’s superstation concept, sending a local Atlanta station via satellite to cable systems nationwide, made regional games nationally visible and created continuous sports programming beyond the stadium calendar. By using TBS and later TNT as distribution engines, he expanded exposure and revenue for franchises, helping transform franchises from local institutions into national brands and altering how leagues and broadcasters negotiated rights. Sports Entertainment as Spectacle Turner treated sports as programming that could educate, unify and entertain. He pushed production values, promoted marquee matchups and accepted (even courted) spectacle—most visibly with the WCW, where television-first thinking blurred sport and theater and lifted television wrestling into a ratings juggernaut for years. That era accelerated creative, financial and promotional strategies later adopted across televised sports and entertainment. His hands-on style and publicity stunts sometimes provoked controversy (including a brief, halted episode when he managed a Braves game himself in 1977), but his readiness to spend, experiment and promote left concrete gains: a championship, packed broadcasts, and a sense that a local team could matter nationally. He later sold many assets into larger media structures, but the models he proved ,superstations, 24/7 sports windows, and high-profile cross-promotion endured. Lasting impact Turner’s legacy in sports is structural and cultural. Structurally, he helped create distribution and economic frameworks that made national fandom common; culturally, he showed that ownership can be loud, performative and intimate with fans. Whether through the Braves rise, the Hawks and WCW’s national moments, or the constant presence of sports on cable, his imprint persists in how games are presented, monetized and felt by millions. May 6, 2026 marks the end of a singular chapter in sports-media history: a proprietor who loved the game out loud and who changed where and how fans watched.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Delaware Softball Diamond 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Delaware Softball Diamond website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 750 Blue Hen Softball The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware and is located in the city of Newark (that's new-ARK, not NEW-urk like in New Jersey). The Delaware athletic teams are known as the Blue Hens, after the official state bird of Delaware, and compete at the Division I level. The Blue Hens' softball program plays their home games on campus at Delaware Softball Diamond, located in a complex adjacent to the school's field hockey stadium and near most of the other venues. The Delaware Softball Diamond was renovated in 2025 to add a turf field, restrooms, concessions, and lights, greatly improving the fan experience. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand located between Delaware Softball Diamond and Rullo Stadium (the home of Delaware field hockey) that serves both facilities. The menu here is pretty basic. Hot dogs and nachos are the only real meal options, selling for $5 each, while popcorn ($5), cotton candy ($5), soft pretzels ($3), candy ($4), and ice cream ($3-$4) round out your meal options. To drink, a 20-ounce water bottle sells for $4, a one-liter water bottle for $6, and soda and Gatorade for $5. Atmosphere 4 A Delaware softball game has an impressive atmosphere. There are several sections of seats behind home plate that provide an excellent and unobstructed view of the action, with a large scoreboard in right field showing detailed team and player information and other graphics. A crowing blue hen sound plays after every Delaware run in homage to the nickname. There are also trivia contests, music, and other activities during breaks in the action to keep fans entertained, although not as many interactive activities as you would see at some venues. 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. Fans will also want to check out the UDairy Creamery, which makes ice cream right on campus and is located a short walk from the softball stadium. Although their ice cream is not sold at softball games like it is at Delaware basketball games at the Bob Carpenter Center, it is incredibly easy to visit before or after a game, and you do not even need to move your car. Fans 4 Delaware softball will draw a few hundred fans to a typical home game, which doesn't seem like much until you consider that the capacity of the stadium is only 750. This means that the bleachers will be about half full for a typical home game, impressive for this part of the country, which often sees swaths of empty seats. The fans are loud, knowledgeable, and passionate about their Blue Hens. This is not just a friends and family crowd as you see at many northeastern venues, either - many locals, Blue Hens fans, alumni, and even youth softball players show up to cheer on Delaware. Access 3 The University of Delaware campus is conveniently located right off Interstate 95. If coming from the north, take the last exit in Delaware, and the campus will be only a few blocks away. If coming from the south, you are better off getting off at the last exit in Maryland and driving a couple of miles on local roads to avoid the tolls - this will only add about a minute to the drive and will save you $5 each way. Once on campus, parking can get tricky depending on what else is going on on campus that day. There is a lot next to the softball field, but it also serves the baseball field and several others, so depending on Delaware's athletic schedule, there is a good chance it will be full by the time you get there. If that is the case, you can park by the Bob Carpenter Center and walk a short distance. Signage indicates that you have to pay by app to park in the Carpenter Center lot, and it will cost you a couple of dollars an hour. Once you are in the complex, restrooms are available by the concession stand in between the softball field and Rullo Stadium. They are of a sufficient size for the crowds, even if there is an event going on at Rullo Stadium as well. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Concessions are also quite affordable. However, the cost to park, which is really unnecessary given the size of the lot relative to demand, brings this score down a notch. Extras 2 Be sure to take advantage of the promotions and giveaways the Blue Hens offer throughout the season. From Blue Hen Bingo to Flashback Friday and more, something is going on at almost every home game. There will also be sponsors lining the walkway to the field, giving away promotional items. The crow of the Blue Hen after every Delaware run is also worthy of an extra here. Final Thoughts The Delaware Softball Diamond is one of the nicest softball facilities in the northeast. With an excellent fan experience and great crowds, a Blue Hens softball game is well worth checking out.

Image Courtesy of the Predators Initial work has started on a multi‑year renovation of Bridgestone Arena aimed at transforming the venue into a “best‑in‑class destination.” The first phase focuses on improving connectivity throughout the building that hosts the NHL’s Nashville Predators, with visible guest‑facing upgrades and behind‑the‑scenes mechanical work planned over the coming years. What’s happening now Early activity this summer will lay the foundations for larger changes to come. The south entrance on Demonbreun Street will be upgraded with new escalators to provide easier access to all four public levels. The existing main‑concourse staircase — which currently serves the main concourse, Gary Force Acura Club Level, and Bud Light Upper Level — will be removed and replaced with a new circulation system that connects fans directly to the arena’s luxury suites. Meanwhile, the box office at the Nissan SoBro Entrance is being expanded as part of preparations for future work. That expansion is expected to improve customer service immediately and serve an important role when larger renovations begin next summer. Image Courtesy of the Predators Offseason schedule and major mechanical work To avoid disrupting the Predators’ schedule, the renovation program is planned to take place during offseason summers: 2027, 2028, and 2029. The most visible changes are slated to begin in 2027, while current months are focused on preparing the facility for that next stage. Critical mechanical upgrades that require offseason access are also included. In 2027, the arena’s ice plant control system will be modernized as the first phase of a three‑year initiative to replace and upgrade the ice plant infrastructure. A full ice floor replacement is planned for 2028. Image Courtesy of the Predators Leadership and fan involvement Kyle Clayton, chief strategy officer for the Predators and Bridgestone Arena, said the organization is “excited to be starting this process this summer by getting the arena ready for its next stage.” He described the coming three‑to‑four‑year journey as an opportunity to create a top‑tier venue “for patrons, players and performers,” and invited fans to share ideas and input so they can be part of the project. What to expect Short term: improved access at the south entrance, expanded box office, and preparatory site work. 2027: visible guest upgrades begin; ice plant control system modernization starts. 2028: full ice floor replacement and continued guest‑facing renovations. 2029: final offseason work to complete the multi‑year transformation. The phased approach aims to balance significant upgrades with uninterrupted game and event schedules, while addressing both customer experience and essential facility systems.

Photos by Jordan Fallconer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Canada Life Centre 300 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4, Canada Manitoba Moose website Canada Life Centre website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 15,294 MTS Centre AHL Style The return of the Manitoba Moose to Winnipeg may not have been as heralded as the return of their parent club, the Winnipeg Jets, but is has been very warmly received. With the return of the NHL to Winnipeg, a lot of families have been squeezed out of the MTS Centre. The Moose provide a family-friendly, affordable and accessible hockey option. The Moose use only the lower bowl of the MTS Centre. Tickets are $20 or $25 with lots of mini-pack options. Utilizing MTS Centres lower bowl with a capacity of 8,260 the Moose have consistently drawn between 5,000 – 7,000 fans per game with an average approaching 7,000 per game. Mini-pack games see larger crowds and the popular New Year’s Eve game is likely to be a complete sell-out. The Moose will actually open the upper bowl for the New Year’s Eve game this month. Ticket sales are already over 10,000 for the late afternoon game. Fans heading to the game should not expect a minor-league experience. The in-game production is the same as the Jets – a benefit of sharing the arena. All the sound, lights, effects and promotions are available to and used by the Moose. The Moose use the MTS Centre’s new HD scoreboard and LED power boards throughout the game. In game promotions and giveaways appeal to families and there are ample opportunities for kids to see themselves on the scoreboard’s large HD screens. Fans can watch for themselves on the Fan Cam, the Flex Cam or the Kiss Cam. These three popular scoreboard features give folks the chance to have some fun. Attending a Moose game is inexpensive and many families have jumped at the chance to get the whole family to a professional hockey game in Winnipeg. The atmosphere in the MTS Centre is definitely family friendly and there are many kids in attendance so this review will reflect and focus on this. Note: In May, 2017 MTS Centre’s name changed to Bell MTS Place as a result of Bell’s acquisition of MTS. In 2021, the arena’s name changed from Bell MTS Place to Canada Life Centre. Food & Beverage 5 Once inside MTS Centre for the game, there are many options for those looking to grab some food and beverages. Food options range from regular arena fare (burgers, dogs, pretzels, pizza, fries, etc.) at several locations around the concourse to favourites like Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons, Moxies, and Local 204 which features local products like Granny’s poultry products. New this year is the Wrap Around, which features wraps for $13 (including beverage). Fans can choose from pork souvlaki, chicken shawarma or falafel and fill their wrap with a variety of fixings. Options abound at MTS Centre and even the hungriest of fans will be able to fill up on good quality food. From carved beef, pulled pork, and poutine to the usual fare of burgers, dogs, smokies, and fries there are many options for even the hungriest of fans. If you are really hungry, try the Jumbo Jet Dog – an MTS Centre feature and fan favorite. The Jumbo Jet Dog is a very large hot dog that will run you $9.50 but will fill you up. You may want to share this one with a friend or the whole family! It is also available in a combo for $13.50. In addition to the regular toppings, additional toppings available are what make this a monster. Bacon bits, pierogie pieces, chili or nacho cheese are available for an extra $1.50 each. Try the pierogie pieces and if you are not worried about spilling on your jersey, go for the nacho cheese and chili! Most concessions will run you about $10 – $15 for an “arena meal.” Beverage prices range from $5 for bottled water, $5.50 for a bottled pop (fountain drinks are $5.25 and $5.75) while beer is $8.50 for a regular draft (12 oz) and $9.50 for a large draft (17 oz). Concession information is available on the MTS Centre website where you can open a document with maps of both concourses that details the concessions available. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at MTS Centre during a Moose game is family friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. While this is not the same atmosphere that one experiences at a Jets game, the MTS Centre fans are still knowledgeable and inviting. Fans cheer loud and proud and the kids get right into it! Neighborhood 3 While options abound for the pre-gamers, the options for families are not as plentiful. MTS Centre’s central downtown location does make for easy access. Traffic before and after a game is never really an issue as there are many routes in and out of the downtown area. Family-friendly pre-game meal options are not as plentiful in the immediate area next to MTS Centre. Boston Pizza Cityplace and the food court at Cityplace provide the best options as they are close and the building also has a parkade and is attached to the MTS Centre. Other options might include dinner at the Forks Market before heading over to the game, Carbone Coal Fired Pizza, Ichi Ban Japanese Steakhouse (a more pricey option), Mitzi’s for their famous chicken fingers, or fast food options such as Subway and A&W. Families should consider dinner at home first or along the way to the MTS Centre rather than planning a stop in the vicinity. Fans 4 Moose fans are active and engaged in the game. Fans can be heard reacting to penalty calls, chanting the opposition goalie’s name and, of course, cheering on their team as loudly as they can. Mick E. Moose is always firing up a “Go! Moose! Go!” chant and fans are willing to join in. Fans are knowledgeable about their home team. The fans at MTS Centre create a one of a kind atmosphere making the overall experience for families a positive one. Fans will be decked out in their Moose jerseys and there will be lots in their Jets jerseys as well. Many fans wear their Moose gear from before the Moose left Winnipeg so don’t be confused by the different color schemed jerseys. If you are a fan who likes to cheer and get involved, grab some seats close to ice level or in the first row. The last rows of the 100 and 200 levels offer great views and there is nobody behind you if you want to stand and stretch your legs. Fans who want to socialize may find the Budweiser King Club, which includes its own bar area and places to stand and watch the game. Access 5 Access to MTS Centre is easy. Situated on Winnipeg’s famous Portage Avenue between Donald and Hargraeve, the MTS Centre is easy to get to and easy to get home from after a game as well. It’s a remarkable change for anyone who ever saw a game at the old Winnipeg Arena. One need not leave early from the game to beat the traffic. Fans can stick around to the last whistle and enjoy every moment of the game. MTS Centre is connected to Winnipeg’s extensive downtown indoor walkway system so fans can park, leave jackets in the car and wear only their jerseys to the game while walking indoors. Return on Investment 5 Prices at MTS Centre are what one would expect for an NHL arena. Families looking for AHL prices won’t find them here. Fans will pay more on site for food than elsewhere so a pre-game visit to your family’s restaurant of choice is a good option. The overall return on investment is excellent, however, due to the low cost of tickets. An evening at the game for two with food, beverage and parking can be under $100. A family of four can get great seats for $80. Add parking ($5 – $10) and some snacks and a family can have a night out for around $120 or less. The Moose have filled a void in the Winnipeg hockey market. With the return of the Jets it has been difficult and expensive for families to get tickets. The Moose provide an option that is both affordable and accessible as tickets are readily available. Extras 3 There are several bonus points at MTS Centre during a Moose game. The facility itself is well thought out. Now entering its second decade, the building looks remarkably new thanks to constant renovations and additions. The views are good no matter where you sit. The new large HD scoreboard scores bonus points for MTS Centre as well. It is easy to see from anywhere in the arena bowl. Be sure to get to your seat early enough to watch the Moose game day production team’s build up to puck drop. From game intro videos and highlights the features prior to the game are worth watching – especially on the large HD screens. The biggest bonus that MTS Centre provides fans is the family-friendly atmosphere during Moose games. There are plenty of opportunities for the kids to see themselves on the scoreboard and even to interact with Mick E. Moose, the team’s mascot. Fans will also note that there are often players available for autographs after the game. At a recent game, the entire team was available after for autographs and the giveaway included a team puzzle that fans could get signed.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Grossinger Motors Arena 101 S Madison St Bloomington, IL 61701 Map It Bloomington Bison website Grossinger Motors Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,000 ECHL Bloomington Bison Grossinger Motors Arena (formerly U.S. Cellular Coliseum and simply the Coliseum) is an arena in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. It is on the southwest corner of Madison Street (US-51) and Front Street. The arena opened to the public on April 1, 2006. Its seating capacity is approximately 6,000 for hockey and indoor football games and 7,000+ for concerts. The arena has 800 club seats, 24 luxury suites, and a two-party suite. Grossinger Motors Arena has been the home venue for several hockey, indoor football, and basketball teams. Home hockey teams included Bloomington Prairie Thunder (UHL/IHL/CHL affiliations from 2006-2011), Bloomington Blaze (CHL from 2011-2013), Bloomington Thunder (SPHL from 2013-2014), and the Central Illinois Flying Aces (USHL from 2014 – 2019). Home football teams were Bloomington Extreme (UIF/IFL from 2006 - 2012) and Bloomington Edge (CIFL/XLIFL/CIF/IFL affiliations from 2012-2018). Home basketball teams were Central Illinois Drive (MPBA 2011-2012 ) and Bloomington Flex (MBPA from 2012-2015). Grossinger Motors Arena currently hosts the Illinois State Redbird Hockey Club and the new ECHL hockey team, the Bloomington Bison. Food & Beverage 3 The food selection is pretty good here. They have the classics: chicken strips, bratwurst, hot dogs, and pizza. There are hamburgers (a ½ pound for $15 and “Bloomington Meats Burger" $10), BBQ Sandwich, BBQ nachos , Smoked wings, and Mac & Cheese. For vegans/vegetarians, they sell “Beyond Chicken Strips". The arena carries Pepsi products. Bottled soda or Gatorade is $4. A large fountain soda is $6, and a small fountain soda is $4. Bottle water is $4. They also have kids' juice boxes for $2. There is a sweets stand that has sundaes, root beer floats, Dippin’ Dots / soft serve ice cream, soft pretzels/nachos, churro bites, brownies, candy, potato chips and cookies. Popcorn comes in a large bag. Note on select days; the popcorn is free. There are full bar service stands that have mixed drinks. Domestic Budweiser and Miller/Coors products, a can (16 oz.). Blue Moon and Modelo. There are a couple of craft beers here, Bison Blonde Ale and Keg Grove Holey Jeans. They do not have any wine in the arena (strange), but they do have High Noon hard seltzers. The lines can get long, and the concourses are narrow, so it gets crowded. I suggest that you wait until the game starts before you get in line. Atmosphere 2 The Bloomington Bison does not offer much time out or between-period events. Of course, there is a t-shirt throw. The lobby is kind of cramped. The box office area has about five windows, and you can get paper tickets there. The arena has one level of seating on three (3) sides of the ice (like a horseshoe) and suite seating up above that requires a separate entrance. The suites provide a very nice view of the arena. The video board is located on the open end of the arena and shows the usual stuff: scores, some stats, and the game. There is no overhanging scoreboard. Abe, a bison, is the official mascot of the team and is only available for photos/autographs as he makes his way to a seating area to do a promotion. There are a couple of concession tables offering a good selection collection of team gear that includes hats, t-shirts, and both home and away jerseys. And it would not be a hockey game without the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Neighborhood 2 The Grossinger Motors Arena is about 2 miles from Illinois State University and about 1 mile from Illinois Wesleyan University. In addition, the arena is in downtown Bloomington, which is the County Hub. The Courthouse and other municipal building areas are within blocks of the arena. Approximately two blocks away, there is the McLean County Museum of History. The museum has different theme rooms such as farming, Abraham Lincoln, jobs in Central Illinois, and even a little kids' area to play as if they were on a farm. There is residential housing a couple of blocks to the west of the arena. There are not many bars/restaurants within a ½ mile of the arena. However, one place is Anju Above (Asian Fusion), which is an upbeat tapas joint with farm-to-table pizza, sushi, Korean pork buns & more. My favorite place to go is a few miles from the arena, the Pub II, a college bar and restaurant which is known for its famous fried cheeseballs. This is a burger/sandwich place. The burgers/patty melts are very good, as is the pork tenderloin sandwich. There are plenty of TVs here showing sporting events. Approximately 9 miles away is the Corn Crib, home of the Prospect Baseball Leagues’ Normal CornBelters. Fans 2 The average crowd for this new team is around 2,000 to 3,000 per game. The people going to Bison games are mostly families. However, this could be different on “309” nights, which have cheaper beer and some food items. For a new ECHL team, the Bison have a lot of good promotions throughout the season. On the evening of this review, the crowd seemed to be there for a night out; they weren’t into the game. However, being the first hockey game there in years could be the reason. Access 4 It is easy to get to the arena. It is about 8 miles off the intersection of Interstate 55 and Business 51. In addition, it can be accessed off Interstate 74 and Business 51. Lastly, it is a few miles from S Business 51 and Route 39. There is plenty of parking at the arena. The arena-sponsored lots cost $20. However, if you get there early enough, you should be able to find street parking for nothing. I didn’t notice any public transportation in the area, but there is Uber/lift availability. Like almost every arena/stadium these days, guests will be allowed to carry in one (1) clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one (1) one-gallon clear plastic bag. In addition to a clear plastic bag each guest will be allowed to carry in one (1) small clutch that does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”. Diaper bags (with a child three and under) and bags carrying medically necessary items will be allowed after a visual inspection inside the bag is completed by security. Guests who have bags larger than this size will be asked to return them to their vehicle or discard them. There are plenty of staff members who can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind. Return on Investment 3 Three price points for tickets for Bison games are a bit pricey at $20 - $32. In addition, there are “all-inclusive" seats for $75. The Bison do have a “family pack” option, too (4 tickets, $10 in merchandise, and an autographed puck for $79). However, due to the size of the arena, I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house. Of course, you can rent suites too. They have Party Suites and an Ice Level Party Deck. The Ice Deck is set up at ice level, with high-top table seating & stools that come with an All You Can Eat buffet along with an All You Can Drink menu. Extras 2 The team offers varied promotional nights and provides a sense of welcoming to all the fans who attend games. The team has a great logo and team colors, and you can get paper tickets. Final Thoughts This is the first year for the ECHL club (2024-25). Other hockey teams have failed here. I hope this one can make it because the arena is a nice place to see a game, and you could be seeing the stars of tomorrow. Being an ECHL team, some players and coaches may graduate to the AHL and NHL. The prices of concession stands are reasonable, there is a good selection of team merchandise, and they have a great logo.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 North Charleston Coliseum 5001 Coliseum Dr North Charleston, SC 29418 South Carolina Stingrays website North Charleston Coliseum website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 13,000 Stingrays Sighted on South Carolina Coast The South Carolina Stingrays were founded in 1993. They are an affiliate of the Washington Capitals and the Hershey Bears. The Stingrays play in the Southern Division of the ECHL. They were the first professional hockey team in the state of South Carolina, and the oldest continuously operated ECHL team to remain in its founding city. Over the years, the Stingrays have been regulars in the ECHL playoffs, as they won the Kelly Cup in 1997, 2001, 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2021. More than 30 Stingrays have gone on to play in the NHL. The home ice for the Stingrays is the North Charleston Coliseum. The Coliseum also opened in 1993. It seats 10,537 in its hockey configuration. The Coliseum is part of a complex that also includes a performing arts center and a convention center. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage offerings at the Coliseum are organized much like a food court at a mall. A wide variety of national brands are represented, as well as some local favorites. The food court has a large seating area that allows you to eat your food at a table, rather than trying to balance it in your lap at your seat. There are also individual concession stands around the concourse for those who want to get back to their seats ASAP. The foods offered at Stingray games are, for the most part, the arena standards of pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. Some of the more unique items offered are noodles, fried rice, funnel cakes, and booze pops. The Coliseum sells Pepsi brand soft drinks, as well as tea, craft beers, and wine. Friday night games are known as Frothy Fridays. Frothy Beard beer is only $5 on Friday nights. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 The Stingrays and the North Charleston Coliseum have partnered up to provide a better-than-average gameday experience for their fans. The ice surface features the very colorful blue and red Stingrays logo. Banners saluting the multiple Stingrays’ championship seasons hang from the rafters at the venue. The center-hung videoboard features replays of significant plays on the ice, updated game statistics, and information on upcoming events at the venue. The video board is also used for fan-based contests, kiss cams, and dance cams. Neighborhood 4 North Charleston is a bedroom suburb of Charleston, SC. It offers many shopping and dining options that can’t be found in Charleston due to narrow streets and strict Historic District regulations. It also provides free parking for the most part… something that is unheard of for the most part in Charleston. The closest accommodation to the North Charleston Coliseum is the Hyatt Place Charleston Airport. It is located next door to the Coliseum, just a two-minute walk from door to door. This saves you from paying the $10 parking fee charged by the Coliseum. The nearby Bonefish Grill is an excellent option for a pre- or postgame meal. Rusty Bull Brewing Company provides an excellent option for those looking for a wide selection of craft beers. Two attractions you will want to check out in North Charleston are the Waterfront Park along the Cooper River and the Hunley Project. The Hunley was a Confederate submarine that was lost at sea during the Civil War. The submarine was recovered in 2000. The Hunley Project outlines the history of the Hunley during the Civil War and the long, painstaking process of restoring the 150-year-old vessel. Fans 4 The South Carolina Stingrays have built one of the largest fan bases in the ECHL. This is due partly to the long history of the team in the area. It is also due to the many retirees from the northern climates who have relocated to Charleston due to its warmer climate. They are well-versed in hockey from living in the north. A third source of fans is the many military personnel in the area. They also come from areas of the country with a strong hockey influence. The average attendance for home games is 7,447. The crowd is at its loudest on power plays and Stingray goals. You can expect to hear “(enter the name of opposing goalie)… you suck!” after a Stingrays goal. Stingray gear is very popular attire at games, and if you forgot your gear, the Reef shop at the Coliseum will be glad to help you. The Stingrays mascot Cool Ray does a great job of keeping the fans energized throughout the game. Access 4 The North Charleston Coliseum is easily accessed from virtually anywhere along the Atlantic coastline. Directions from Downtown Charleston: Take I-26 West to Montague Avenue (Exit 213). Turn left on Montague. Follow Montague past International Boulevard. The Coliseum entrance will be on your right. From Savannah/ Hilton Head: Take I-95 North to Highway 17 North. Take Hwy 17 North to I-526 East. Take the Montague Avenue exit off I-526 East. At the end of the ramp, turn right on Montague, and the Coliseum will be on your left. From Myrtle Beach: Take Highway 17 South to I-526 West. Follow I-526 to Montague Avenue and exit. Go straight to the base of the ramp. Turn left at Montague Avenue, and the Coliseum will be on your left. Coliseum gates open one hour before the puck drop, leaving fans plenty of time to get something to eat or drink and find their seats. Return on Investment 3 The Stingrays offer tickets at a wide variety of prices. 200-level seats are priced at $19-$26. Tickets at the 100 level of seating start at $27 for seats in the corners and behind the goals. The top pricing level is $36 for seats between the blue lines. Parking at the North Charleston Coliseum is $10 on game nights. Concession prices are very reasonable by arena standards. Extras 2 The Pink in the Rink fundraiser at the North Charleston Coliseum is one of the largest events of the year to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Funds raised go towards breast cancer research and programs that benefit breast cancer patients. The Fan Zam rides between periods are unique in that the Zambonis are specially rigged to carry multiple riders, rather than the usual one. The North Charleston Coliseum has hosted concerts by Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Hootie and the Blowfish, Brad Paisley, Mumford and Sons, and many more. It has also hosted both the Big South and Southern Conference basketball tournaments and two presidential debates. Final Thoughts The South Carolina Stingrays are a solid organization that brings many of the northern transplants to the Charleston area regularly to enjoy a night of great hockey. The North Charleston Coliseum is the longtime home for Stingrays hockey. It provides easy access to the major interstates in the Charleston area. With fellow ECHL members located close by in Savannah and Greenville, every game is a rivalry game.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park 351 South Donohue Dr Auburn, AL 36830 Auburn Tigers website Plainsman Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 4,096 This is Auburn Baseball In the South, the conversation around college sports almost always starts with football, and in the Southeastern Conference, that is especially true. But what often gets lost in that shadow is just how big baseball has become across the league. On any given weekend in the spring, SEC ballparks are packed, loud, and fully invested – on the Plains, this has been building for a long time. Baseball has been part of the identity at Auburn since 1933, and the program’s history has its share of unique turns. At one point the Tigers were led by Erk Russell, a name better known for building a powerhouse at Georgia Southern University than anything he did on a baseball diamond. That kind of crossover feels fitting for Auburn, a place where tradition is not always linear, but it sticks. The level of talent that has come through Plainsman Park is top-notch. Auburn has long been home to some of Major League Baseball’s more high-profile players, with stars like Frank Thomas, Tim Hudson, Josh Donaldson, and David Ross all spending time on the Plains. MVPs, All-Stars, World Series champions – this is not just a list of names, but a reflection of the level this program has reached, while competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Food & Beverage 3 There is no major emphasis on freshly prepared items here. Instead, the menu leans into standard ballpark fare such as hot dogs, sausage, burgers, fries, chicken fingers, and nachos with cheese sauce. Most stands operate via a grab-and-go model, which keeps lines moving but can leave hot items sitting longer than would be ideal. A couple of branded options stand out, including Chick-fil-A (primarily chicken sandwiches) and Ben’s Soft Pretzels. Coca-Cola products are available at self-serve refill stations, which helps ease congestion. Beer options skew toward domestic staples, but there are a few additions, such as New Realm Brewing Company’s Hazy Like a Fox; seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails, High Noon, Nutrl, Surfside, and Clubtails round out the adult beverage selection. Atmosphere 5 Plainsman Park blends old-school ballpark character with modern, fan-focused upgrades in a way that feels both intentional and distinctly Auburn. The layout draws inspiration from classic venues, most notably with a brick backstop modeled after Wrigley Field, positioned just 40 feet from home plate to create an intimate viewing experience. The grandstands feature dark green chair back seating reminiscent of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, paired with brick and painted steel facades that tie seamlessly into the surrounding campus. Out beyond the infield, elevated terraces and varied seating angles keep the park feeling cozy, while still offering different vantage points. That classic foundation has been significantly enhanced by a series of renovations completed ahead of the 2026 season, many of which lean heavily into premium and social experiences. Down the left field line, the newly reimagined Yeti Yard introduces tiered, bring-your-own-chair seating, anchored by outdoor suites equipped with televisions and Traeger grills – an approach similar in spirit to the porches at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Nearby, the War Eagle Wall, rising roughly 37 feet in left field, serves as a two-tiered standing-room deck inspired by Fenway Park’s Green Monster. It is one of the most social and energetic areas in the park, giving fans a unique, elevated view while keeping them close to the action. Elsewhere, smaller gathering spaces help round out the experience. A section along the first baseline features high-top tables ideal for groups, while premium seating areas like the Hall of Fame Club, First Base Club, and Home Plate Club provide climate-controlled comfort, upgraded sightlines, and dedicated amenities. The Plainsman Patio adds a more casual option with expanded concessions and a walk-in market, balancing the upscale elements with accessible, open-air spaces. On the field, the park’s dimensions add another layer of personality. Left field checks in at 315 feet, mirroring Fenway’s iconic distance, while right field stretches to 335, and center sits at a relatively short 385. The result is a slightly hitter-friendly environment where balls off the left field wall can take tricky caroms, adding an element of unpredictability that keeps fans engaged throughout. All this feeds into a game-day atmosphere that stands out even in a conference known for big-time baseball. There is a steady buzz that carries from first pitch to final out, but it never feels overproduced. Music is used sparingly, on-field promotions fill the gap between innings without overwhelming the experience, and The Stroke has become a staple thanks to Auburn’s dugout celebrations. Even details like seating orientation come into play – third baseline seating can be a challenge during late afternoon games, with the sun setting behind the first base side. Neighborhood 5 Auburn is the definition of a college town, with much of its energy centered around the university. Plainsman Park sits in the shadow of Jordan-Hare Stadium, home of Auburn football and a block from Neville Arena, where the Tigers play basketball. The front of campus meets College Street at Toomer’s Corner, home to Toomer’s Drugs, famous for its lemonade and Auburn gear. Nearby are plenty of pre- and post-game options, including Mama Goldberg’s Deli and Byron’s Smokehouse. With spring schedules overlapping, it’s easy to pair a baseball game with softball at Jane B. Moore Field or basketball at Neville Arena. Fans 4 Plainsman Park is set up in a way that makes fans part of the game. The stands fill consistently, and even the adjacent parking garage becomes an extension of the crowd. That said, the overall tone can lean a bit subdued. The garage crowd often feels more like a tailgate with baseball in the background. The student section in right-center adds some needed edge, bringing energy and plenty of heckling toward the visiting bullpen. Access 3 Auburn is easily accessible via Interstate 85, running between Atlanta and Montgomery. Once on campus, though, parking can be tricky. The Campus Green parking deck next to Plainsman Park is the best option – even close to first pitch, the upper levels often have a few open spots. From there, it is a short walk to multiple entry gates. Navigation inside the stadium is generally straightforward, though the exterior concourse is somewhat limited due to the Hall of Fame Club blocking a full loop. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets for non-conference games typically run around $15, with SEC matchups ranging from $20 to $25. Reserved seating can climb higher, especially for conference play. Free parking helps offset costs, creating a relatively affordable day for a high level of college baseball. Concession prices are aligned with typical ballpark prices. Even though prices are inflated, this should not come as much of a surprise. Extras 4 Fans are welcomed by a statue of Frank Thomas and a plaza recognizing Auburn’s College World Series appearances. The outfield walls track MLB alumni and postseason history, including honorees Frank Thomas, Bo Jackson, Tim Hudson, and Gregg Olson being prominently displayed, with Josh Donaldson set to join them. The Auburn Athletics Hall of Honor inside Neville Arena offers a free look at the broader history of Auburn Athletics. Along the concourse, All-Americans dating back to 1958 are recognized, adding another layer of history throughout the park. Final Thoughts Baseball fandom across the SEC has reached a point where it nearly rivals football, and Auburn leans fully into that energy. It might sit just a notch below the most over-the-top environments in the league, but there is no drop-off in engagement. The crowd stays locked in, the atmosphere builds naturally, and it carries throughout the game without feeling forced. That history carries into Plainsman Park itself. It’s not just a backdrop – it is part of the experience. Over time, the stadium has grown to match the intensity of SEC baseball, blending traditional design with modern upgrades that reflect how fans want to watch the game today. The result is a ballpark that feels both established and still evolving; exactly where Auburn baseball sits right now.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Enmarket Arena 620 Stiles Ave Savannah, GA 31415 Savannah Ghost Pirates website Enmarket Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 7,300 Savannah’s Haunted House Of Hockey The Ice Age reached Coastal Georgia in 2022 with the creation of the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The Ghost Pirates are an expansion team that plays in the Southern Division of the ECHL. Their "haunted" home ice is the 7,300-seat Enmarket Arena, which also opened in 2022. The Ghost Pirates are a minor league affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Ghost Pirates have filled a geographic gap along the Atlantic Coastline, as other teams in the ECHL Southern Division include the South Carolina Stingrays (Charleston, SC), the Jacksonville Icemen (Jacksonville, FL), and the Norfolk Admirals (Norfolk, VA). Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage program includes a mix of national brands and local favorites. Savannah-based stands include Spanky’s (chicken fingers, fries, hot dogs), 912 Doghouse (chili cheese dogs, slaw dogs, brats), Crumbl (cookies), Southern Grill Company (burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels), 520 Wings (chicken wings, crab fries, and funnel cakes), and Savannah Rae’s Popcorn. Enmarket Arena Hometown Favorite Spanky’s, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey National brands with concessions in the arena include Ben and Jerry’s, Papa’s Pizza, and Enmarket Grab and Go. All concession areas feature Coca-Cola brand sodas. Alcoholic beverages are available at the Jack Daniels Bar, Tito’s Bar South, and the Wicked Weed Bar. Atmosphere 4 While Savannah is known for its preservation efforts in its large Historic District, Enmarket Arena is a decidedly modern facility. The front of the arena is almost totally glass, allowing lots of natural light to filter into the entrance lobby of the facility. Fans can quickly access the Ghost Pirates team store, which is filled with plenty of swashbuckling hockey gear. Fans are delivered to the seating bowl of the arena via escalators, elevators, or stairs. Three levels of seating surrounding the action on the ice. The first and second levels can be accessed via the spacious concourse that encircles the seating bowl. The third level is considered the club level and can only be accessed by a private elevator. Enmarket Arena offers very comfortable chairback seating. The only drawback in the seating area is the lack of cupholders for your drinks. The arena enforces the puck-in-play rule, ensuring you will not miss any of the action with people going back and forth to their seats. The four-sided center-hung videoboard keeps fans updated on all the game stats and features quizzes, interviews, and other information during breaks in the action. Neighborhood 5 Savannah is known for its large Historic District within its downtown area. This historic status precluded any construction of a new arena due to preservation restrictions. However, Enmarket Arena was able to secure land just two miles west of the historic district. This allows fans to have easy access to Savannah tourist attractions, including River Street, the Georgia State Railroad Museum, the Mercer House from the bestselling book “Midnight in the House of Good and Evil,” and the Savannah College of Art and Design. You can also enjoy a great meal at such famed Savannah eateries as Elizabeth’s on 37th Street, Paula Deen’s, and of course… the Pirates House! Fans 4 Savannah is a great sports town. It has a history going back to the 1900’s of supporting sports at high school, college, and professional levels. Babe Ruth and many legendary baseball players played games in Park, which now serves as the home field for the very successful Savannah Bananas empire. Savannah is also home to both Savannah State University and Armstrong State University, and their sports programs. The support for these programs is very strong from the local community. You might think the support for an ice hockey team in such a Southern outpost would be lacking. However, Savannah is home to a large snowbird population… residents who have relocated south to escape the harsh winters of the north. Many of these new residents grew up with ice hockey in their former hometowns and are very enthusiastic supporters of the Ghost Pirates. The Ghost Pirates have had strong attendance since their inception. Another factor is the strong fan support, which is the proximity of two other ECHL franchises in Charleston, SC, and Jacksonville, FL, which are within 100 miles of Savannah. This has created some instant rivalries between the Ghost Pirates, the South Carolina Stingrays, and the Jacksonville Icemen. This allows fans to easily travel to some away games and support their respective teams. Davy the Ghost Pirate is the team mascot, and he keeps the “spirits” high throughout the game. The team colors include a lot of green, as a salute to Savannah’s hosting of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration outside of New York City. Season ticket holders are known as “Fantoms” and youngsters at games are referred to as “Davy’s Mateys”. Access 3 Enmarket Arena offers easy access from Downtown Savannah and I-16. It can be reached in a variety of ways. Free trolleys run from the Savannah Civic Center lot in downtown Savannah to the Enmarket Arena both before and after the games. Service begins 90 minutes before the puck drops Directions from Downtown Savannah: Start on Montgomery Street and make a right turn onto Liberty Street. Liberty Street becomes Louisville Road. Turn left at the traffic light onto Stiles Road. Directions from I-16: Take exit 166 onto US17 North. Take the exit at Louisville Road. Turn left at Stiles Road. The arena parking lots have room for 2,000 cars. Once at the arena, the doors open 60 minutes before the puck drop. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Ghost Pirates game cost between $20-30. Ticket prices vary based on opponent, seat location, and day of the week. Parking in the premium lots nearest the arena are $40. Parking in the General lots for the arena cost $15. Parking must be pre-purchased on the arena app. Concession prices are in line with comparable sports venues in most cities. All transactions at Enmarket Arena are on a cashless basis. Extras 3 Enmarket Arena is the largest concert venue between Jacksonville, FL, and Charleston, SC. It hosted concerts featuring Reba McIntyre, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Journey, Sting, the Eagles, Andrea Bocelli, and many more artists. The Ghost Pirate’s name was chosen due to Savannah’s long history with pirates during the 18th century and the many ‘haunted” houses and cemeteries located in the Savannah Historic District. Savannah is the home of Fort Stewart and the Hunter Army Airfield. The Ghost Pirates have a monthly Troop Thursday to salute the soldiers at the base with free tickets. Fans can donate their unused tickets for any game through the Seats for Soldiers program sponsored by Enmarket Arena. Enmarket Arena also hosts the SEC Volleyball Tournament, the Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, the Savannah Hockey Classic, and Rodeo Savannah. Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame Enmarket Arena, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts While many sports fans felt that ice hockey didn’t stand a “ghost of a chance” of succeeding in a deep South city like Savannah, Enmarket Arena and the Ghost Pirates have proven them wrong!

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Parkway Estero, FL 33928 Florida Everblades website Hertz Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 7,181 The Hertz House of Hockey Hertz Arena opened in 1998 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary during the 2023 season. The arena holds 7,181 for hockey and has 24 suites looking out over the seating bowl. In addition to the arena ice, the Hertz Arena has two other rinks that are used by the public. One services the adult and youth hockey programs, while the other rink offers skating lessons, as well as free skating hours. The Everblades are the ECHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators. They have been one of the most successful ECHL teams over the past 25 years, as they have qualified for postseason play in 20 of their 25 seasons. They have won the Kelly Cup twice, and have four regular-season championships, eight division titles, and five conference titles. Thirty-three Everblades players have gone on to play in the NHL. Food & Beverage 4 Hertz Arena has four permanent concession stands called the Blades American Grill. The stands offer your typical stadium/arena fare, including hot dogs ($5), hamburgers ($6.25), chicken fingers ($5.75), buffalo chicken sandwiches ($7), chicken parmesan sandwiches ($7), pizza slices ($3) nachos ($6.50), popcorn ($2), pretzels ($3.75), tuna melts ($6.75), fries ($3.75), chips ($5) and candy ($2.50). Drink selections include coffee ($2), 20-ounce Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), canned Coca-Cola brand sodas ($3), Powerade ($4.50) 20-ounce bottled water ($4.50), iced tea ($5) Budweiser branded domestic beers ($7), Corona beer ($6.75) and Labatt’s beer ($6.75) The Hertz Arena also has a sit-down restaurant, the Breakaway Sports Pub, which overlooks the seating bowl and the action on the ice. It has a rather extensive menu, including pretzel bites ($9), toasted ravioli ($10), fried mac and cheese ($9), chips and salsa ($8), soup ($5), Caesar salads ($12), Reuben sandwiches ($13), brats ($12), fish tacos ($13), BBQ pork sliders ($12), a Buffalo chicken wrap ($13), chicken tenders ($12), fried shrimp ($14), 16-inch pizzas ($20) and a burger with fries ($15). Atmosphere 4 It is hard to miss the Hertz Arena, as it is painted in the Hertz Rental Cars corporate colors of yellow. Be sure to stop and have your picture made with the hockey statue outside of the main entrance. Once inside you will find that the arena is very easy to navigate. Two levels of the seating bowl are adequate for the typical attendance for the Everblades. The seating bowl design offers a great view of the action no matter where you sit. You will be able to enjoy many of the features added to the arena during a 2019 renovation of the venue. These included the addition of a huge center-hung scoreboard with a very clear digital video screen on all four sides. There are also a couple of auxiliary LED boards which keep you updated on the stats of the game, as well as a penalty clock that shows up during power plays. You will also be able to hear and understand the excellent sound system installed in 2019. Finally, the seat you are sitting in is much more comfortable than the previous seats, which date back to the arena’s construction. Neighborhood 3 Estero is a suburb of Ft. Myers, FL. The arena is located just east of I-75 in a commercial section of the community. It is located next door to the Miramar Outlet Mall, which has nearly 100 stores and several restaurants. We enjoyed our pregame meal at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant in the mall that serves great hamburgers and has an extensive set of craft beers. There are also several hotels and motels close to the arena. The Hampton Inn-Fort Myers/Estero is located just west of I-75. It is just a short drive to the arena from there, and you can save the expense of the high parking fees charged at Hertz Arena. Fans 4 The fans at an Everblades contest are very knowledgeable about the game. It has been around in the Ft Myers area for more than 25 years, so they are not new to the game. Also, Ft Myers is a magnet for northerners trying to escape the cold winters. Many of these fans grew up with a hockey team in their hometown or one close by. Many of these people played the game in their youth. Older fans tend to be the backbone of the franchise’s season ticket base. The team is also working to bring up the next generation of hockey fans through a Kid’s Club and participation in youth hockey leagues. The rivalry games are ones involving the Orlando Solar Bears. The cities are relatively close together, so fans from each team can travel to the other city quite easily. For the most part, it is a friendly rivalry, with both sets of fans respecting the other team. The team keeps the fans in the stands well entertained during breaks in the action. Swampee the alligator is the Everblades mascot, and he mingles with the crowds in the stands throughout the game. The eye-catching Everbabes lead cheers during breaks in the action, but they also do a dance performance during the third period of the game. Championship Banners, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Access 4 The Hertz Arena is in Estero, FL, a suburban community located just southeast of Ft Myers, FL. It offers easy access via I-75 or several major feeder streets. Directions from the north: Take I-75 South to exit 128 (Alico Road). Exit onto Alico and head east to Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and go 3.5 miles. The arena will be on your left. Directions from the south: Take I-75 North to Exit 123 (Corkscrew Road). Head east on Corkscrew. Take Ben Hill Parkway north and the arena will be on your left. There are more than 2,000 parking spaces located adjacent to the arena. The doors to Hertz Arena open one hour before the puck drop, leaving you time to check out the team store or get something to eat. Return on Investment 3 Taking a family of four to a game at the Hertz Arena can prove to be a pricey affair. This starts before you even enter the door. Parking starts at $15 and goes as high as $30, depending on how close you want to park to the arena. Tickets start at $17 and run as high as $58, depending on where you want to sit. The most expensive seats are on rows 1-17 on the sides of the ice. The next reduction in price comes with the remaining higher-numbered seats on the sides of the ice. The cheapest seats are at the ends of the ice or in the corners. However, we did find the prices for concession items to be quite reasonable. The team does not seem to have many discounted prices on nights like many arenas. Extras 3 In addition to hockey, Hertz Arena has also hosted NHL preseason games, NBA preseason games, USBL games, and Arena football games. Alico Arena, which serves as the home court for the Florida Gulf Coast University basketball program, is located just a mile from the Hertz Arena. Area sports fans can often work in an Eagles basketball game and an Everblades hockey game in one day. The Hertz Arena served as a storm shelter during Hurricane Ian in 2022. It did not suffer much damage from the storm, and it later held a benefit concert to raise funds for families with no home or possessions. Final Thoughts The Florida Everblades are one of the most successful teams in the ECHL. Their home at the Hertz Arena has been an adequate, if not spectacular, venue for the last 25 years. It benefits from one of the most loyal fanbases in minor league hockey and several rivalry games featuring opponents from several nearby Florida cities in the Southern Division of the ECHL.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Lexington Sporting Club Stadium 200 Shives Drive Lexington, KY 40509 Lexington Sporting Club website Lexington Sporting Club Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 7,500 Lex Go Kentucky’s Bluegrass region is best known for producing thoroughbreds bound for the Kentucky Derby and for the banners hanging inside Rupp Arena. But beyond horses and Wildcat basketball, Lexington has quietly built a strong appreciation for soccer. Since 1991, the University of Kentucky has been one of just two SEC schools to field a men’s soccer program, alongside South Carolina. That long-standing presence has helped plant the seeds of soccer’s growth in the area. Lexington Sporting Club, often nicknamed the Greens, took the pitch in 2023 as a member of USL League One, initially playing at nearby Georgetown College, about 20 minutes north of its current home. In 2025, the club moved into its new stadium and simultaneously jumped to the USL Championship, the league’s top tier. Food & Beverage 4 Food options blend traditional concession stands with the convenience of grab-and-go stations. Standard stadium fare here includes hot dogs, burgers, and nachos with cheese sauce, while a grilling tent adds bratwurst, more burgers, and pizza. Snacks range from candy and chips to handcrafted popcorn and Dippin’ Dots. And while the in-house options lean a bit pedestrian, the strong presence of food trucks adds local flavor and variety. Pepsi products headline the beverage lineup, alongside Celsius and Alani energy drinks, Gatorade, and bottled water, while alcohol offerings go beyond the basics. Local brewery West Sixth Brewing provides a wheat ale, cider, and stadium ale, while Athletic Brewing Co. offers non-alcoholic options like an IPA, Mexican-style lager, and golden ale. A Lexington SC-branded “Stadium Ale” is also available, and a spirits stand in the south end serves handcrafted mixed drinks. Atmosphere 3 Lexington Sporting Club Stadium is a visually appealing, soccer-specific venue. Seating sections feature chevron-striped patterns in the club’s black, green, and gray colors. The west (nearside) stands are largely covered by an awning, while the remaining sections are open to the elements. Pre-match energy is strong, highlighted by a mobile DJ who circles the concourse to build excitement. Local tradition is also woven into the experience, as the “Call to the Gate” introduces players onto the pitch. Scoreboards sit in each corner of the stadium; while somewhat small, they display graphics, time, score, and occasional replays. At Lexington Sporting Club Stadium, your seat selection matters – the east side is uncovered and faces the setting sun, making it less comfortable for evening matches. The west side offers the most protection, while the south end provides proximity to the supporters’ group. Neighborhood 2 The immediate area around the stadium is still under development. At present, it consists mainly of fast-food chains, gas stations, and highway hotels. A wider selection of dining options can be found just north along Interstate 75; however, while training fields sit just south of the venue. Plans for the vicinity include a 108-room hotel, expanded dining options, and a soccer-focused entertainment venue, which should significantly improve the matchday experience. The facility sits about 20 miles from downtown Lexington and the University of Kentucky, limiting access to the city’s core attractions. Elsewhere in Lexington, however, sports and culture offer plenty to do. For example, the USL season overlaps with Kentucky baseball and softball in the spring, as well as Wildcat football in the fall, while summer brings the Lexington Legends of the Atlantic League. For visitors, the Kentucky Horse Park showcases the region’s equine heritage, while downtown offers the Mary Todd Lincoln House and Rupp Arena. Bourbon fans can explore the Distillery District, home to producers like James E. Pepper, Wild Turkey, and others. Dining highlights nearby include Tally-Ho, a classic diner since 1971; Joe Bologna’s, known for pizza in a converted church; Wallace Station for sandwiches; and Bourbon and Toulouse for Cajun-Creole fare. Fans 4 Lexington may not seem like a traditional soccer hotbed, but the sport has deep roots here. The University of Kentucky and Louisville have long supported strong collegiate programs, helping cultivate a knowledgeable fan base. The club consistently draws between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per match, placing it in the upper half of USL Championship attendance. These fans are also engaged – they recognize quality play, react to tight officiating decisions, and appreciate well-executed moments. The supporters’ group, the Railbirds, anchors the atmosphere from behind the south goal. Their march to the match and in-game presence, chants, instruments, and smoke add energy and identity to the experience. Access 4 The facility’s location just off I-75 makes it easy to reach. While exiting the parking lot can require some patience, access to the highway is straightforward once you are clear. Parking sits directly outside the stadium, allowing for a short walk to the gates, no matter where you park. The outer lots can be a bit of a walk, but nothing that could be considered inconvenient. The west side features both an exterior concourse outside of the seating area and an interior walkway beneath the seating, making it easy to navigate and quickly return to the action. The concourse itself passes behind the rest of the seating areas, out of sight from the pitch. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are reasonable across the board. Supporters’ section seats start at $17, while east sideline seats range from $18 to $22 despite exposure to the sun. Covered seating on the west side runs from $32 to $41. Free parking significantly boosts the overall value here, making even higher-priced tickets more appealing, while food prices reflect typical stadium markups, though food trucks often provide better portion sizes and higher overall value. Extras 4 Family-friendly activities are available at both ends of the stadium. The north end features Fritz Field, a mini pitch for younger fans, along with inflatables and games. The south end includes oversized lawn games like Jenga and Connect Four. A unique, organically developed tradition targets opposing players wearing # 3, who are loudly jeered whenever they touch the ball. In addition, post-match autograph sessions along the west sideline help strengthen the connection between players and fans. The Railbirds, though smaller in number, bring classic soccer supporter culture with chants, banners, instruments, and smoke, adding a festive edge to the matchday atmosphere. Final Thoughts Lexington Sporting Club is clearly moving in the right direction, laying the groundwork for what could become one of the strongest matchday experiences in the USL Championship. The pieces are there – an attractive soccer-specific stadium, a growing and engaged fan base, and a club that understands how to create a welcoming environment. The stadium’s location will be a challenge to overcome, but it also provides a blank canvas for the club to build the kind of surrounding community it envisions. Much of the club’s long-term success will hinge on how that development progresses. Being on the outer edge of Lexington limits the natural draw and energy that a downtown location can provide, but if those plans come to life, they could significantly elevate the overall experience. Even now, Lexington has what many clubs spend years trying to establish: a community that cares about the sport, and a staff committed to growing it the right way. With continued progress both on and off the pitch, the Greens are well-positioned to turn this potential into something lasting.

To celebrate the 100th year of Route 66 (which starts in Illinois and ends in Los Angeles and runs through Joliet, Illinois), the Joliet Slammers, a Frontier League Baseball team, brought baseball back to the Old Joliet State Prison for the first time since it closed in 2002. The Joliet Slammers' name and primary logo (a guard tower flanked by barbed wire-topped walls) is an homage to Old Joliet Prison. If the prison doesn’t sound familiar, it was in the scene from The Blues Brothers movie where “Joliet” Jake Blues (John Belushi) was released. The site's history dates back to 1858, when the Joliet Correctional Center opened as a maximum‑security penitentiary. Leased convict labor built the prison. The convict labor quarried the limestone used to build the prison on-site. The first 33 inmates arrived from Alton, Illinois, in May 1858 to begin construction. Both criminals and prisoners of war were confined there during the Civil War. Some of the “famous” criminals who served time there were Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb (after their successful defense from the death penalty by Clarence Darrow). Their case was known as "the crime of the century." In addition, Lester Joseph Gillis (Baby Face Nelson) served time there. Inside the Joliet Prison, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The first prison baseball games were introduced by Warden Edmund Allen to boost morale among inmates and encourage good behavior. Prisoners would form teams and play against outside teams and other prison ball clubs. The games continued on the grounds until the prison’s closure in 2002. Warden Allen said that “Every hour of the day from 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon,” prisoners were playing baseball there. Noting that 1914 was the same year Wrigley Field opened, Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte said the ball field at the old prison is one of the oldest in the country. The old backstop and chalkboard-style scoreboard still remain. The April 30, 2026, event has been dubbed “The Big House Ballgame,” reviving a tradition that dates back to 1914. Greg Peerbolte, the CEO of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, said that in 1940, several members of the Chicago White Sox came. Ted Lyons, Hall of Fame pitcher, played against the prisoners who actually won the game. The Big House Ballgame, Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The Big House Ballgame, an exhibition game against the Gateway Grizzlies, attracted 5,500 fans. The Joliet Slammers had over 25,000 requests for tickets. The game was the idea of Night Train Veeck; that is his real name. He is the son of Mike Veeck (who came up with the idea for Disco Demolition) and grandson of Bill Veeck (former Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox owner). He is part of the Slammers' ownership group, along with his father and movie star Bill Murray, and currently serves as the team's executive vice-president of sales and marketing. Celebrities (Bill Murray and Jim Downey from 'Saturday Night Live', former big leaguer and current Cubs broadcaster Ron Coomer, and ballpark enthusiasts made special trips to Joliet to be a part of the game. As did affiliated minor league baseball writer Benjamin Hill. Making the game happen had its difficulties as the vacant facility didn't have electricity, running water, or seating. In addition, the playing field was small. The dimensions of the ballpark were 230 feet to left field and 280 feet to center and right. The netting was approximately 25 high. It was amusing to see the outfielders stand near the fence in their regular position. It was like watching grown-ups play in a little league park. The Slammers had to bring in bleachers, put up netting, fencing, and construct “dugouts.” Portable bleachers were placed in the left and right fields, and down the first baseline. There was a VIP section behind home plate. There was plenty of easy access parking around the facility, ranging from $10 to $35. With the facility being in a town and only one road getting in, the parking lines moved at a reasonable pace. The Joliet Slammers organization introduced new rules to the game since the field was small. If a ball hit the netting, it was considered a ground rule double. In addition, if a ball was hit over the fence/netting in right field and hit the building behind the netting, that was also a ground rule double. A home run to right had to be hit on or over the roof of the prison building. There was no batter's eye backdrop, scoreboards, or lights, which made the game day experience interesting. It had to be difficult for the batters to see the ball. You had to keep track of the count yourself. An announcer kept everyone up to date on the innings and score. The gates opened hours before the game, allowing fans to take a self-guided tour of the old prison. You could see some old cell block buildings and segregation buildings, the firehouse, a cafeteria, and office buildings. Note: The Joliet Area Historical Museum gives tours of the State of Illinois-owned prison. For further information about the tours, visit https://www.jolietprison.org/tours.html The game had a festival-type atmosphere with numerous food trucks and beer tents, and everything was reasonably priced. There was also a music stage for the pre-game festivities. The “gift shop” had “Big House” game shirts, hats, pins, baseballs, lanyards, patches, keys, etc... The lines were long but moved at a decent pace. The Slammers did run out of some merchandise, but I was told it may be available at the ballpark or online. I hope that is true. The Big House Ballgame Merchandise, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Fans dressed up in prison or Blues Brothers outfits. Both teams’ mascots (Izzy from Gateway, Spike and J.L. Bird from the Slammers) were walking around, taking pictures, and signing autographs. The only damper on the game was the colder temperature, which was about 50 degrees and steady rain that began around the 4th inning. Photo with J.L. Bird Mascot, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The Joliet Slammers wore yellow and black uniforms that were based on the uniforms inmates originally wore. Unfortunately, their opponents, the Gateway Grizzlies, wore their regular uniforms, not a “prison/guard” themed uniform. Based on the response this game received, it is likely that some professional baseball at the prison will be back. In fact, the prison will host games for local recreational league teams. If it does come back, hopefully the Slammers can tweak the “rules” a bit, like having a ball that hits the netting be in play, like a ball hit off the “Green Monster” in Fenway, and maybe make the netting a bit higher to make it harder to hit a home run. Overall, the experience was fantastic, and the game was fun (even with the rain). Sadly, the Gateway Grizzlies beat the Joliet Slammers 14-3. But the result did not matter to most fans, and maybe the players who had a great time being part of this event.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Bon Secours Wellness Arena 650 N Academy St Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville Swamp Rabbits website Bon Secours Wellness Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 13,951 "The Well" Turns 25 The Greenville Swamp Rabbits moved to Greenville, South Carolina, from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 2010. The team was known as the Road Warriors until 2015. They were rechristened as the Swamp Rabbits. The name is local, as it refers to a defunct rail line that had run through the city of Greenville. The team plays in the ECHL’s Southern Division of the Eastern Conference. The Swamp Rabbits are an affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings. They have gone to the ECHL playoffs several times, but have yet to win a league title. The team has fierce rivalries with the South Carolina Stingrays and the Atlanta Gladiators in the ECHL. They are the second hockey franchise to play at Bon Secours. They were preceded by the Greenville Grrrowl. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville serves as the home of the Swamp Rabbits. It was built in 1998 and was formerly known as the Bi-Lo Center. The arena changed names in 2013 as a part of a naming rights agreement with the local hospital system. These days it is known as simply “The Well.” The arena seats 15,951 in its hockey configuration. It is the largest arena in the Upstate portion of South Carolina, and the second-largest arena in the state overall. There are 30 luxury suites and 840 club seats in the venue. Food & Beverage 4 Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a wider selection of concession items than most minor league hockey arenas. All concessions at Bon Secours are located at the concourse level. Stands include Mac Attack, Swamp Dog, Carolina Smoke BBQ, the Piedmont Grill, The Reedy River Roost, and Moe’s Southwestern Grill. Pepsi brand products are offered at all stands. For the most part, the concessions are your typical stadium/arena fare. However, we did enjoy The Fried Green Tomato and Pimento Cheese Burger at the Piedmont Grill and the chicken and waffles at The Reedy River Roost. The arena offers two bars with sightlines to the action on the ice. They are Harley’s Motor Lounge and the Wicked Weed Green Room. The Craft Beer Station offers a selection of more than two dozen craft beers. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 3 Bon Secours Wellness Arena is an above-average facility for this level of hockey. It offers multiple entrances, a wide and well-lit concourse, excellent signage and well-staffed concession stands with a wide variety of menu items. The seating bowl offers excellent views of the action on the ice, and the center-hung videoboard constantly provides updated game stats and replays of the action on the ice. Seating is very comfortable. What brings down our score in this category is the attendance at Swamp Rabbits games. The average attendance for Swamp Rabbit games is 3,786. In an arena that seats 15,591, that means only 23% of the seats are filled regularly. While that means that you will have plenty of room to move around, it takes away the energy from the game, especially when the Swamp Rabbits are on a power play or score a goal. For most games, the Swamp Rabbits do not even open the upper level of seats. Since there is only one price for tickets, it does not matter where you sit. Neighborhood 4 Bon Secours Wellness Arena is located in Downtown Greenville. It is surrounded by the best the city has to offer as far as accommodations, restaurants, and local attractions. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Greenville Downtown and the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Greenville. There are two drinking establishments close to the arena. Fireforge Crafted Beer and Yee-haw Brewing are just a few blocks from the Bon Secours Arena. The arena is also located near the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Greenville Zoo, and the very popular Falls Park on the Reedy. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen is a very popular restaurant near the arena. Fans 3 Greenville mascot Stomper circulates through the stands throughout the game, firing up the fans and celebrating each Swamp Rabbit goal or a successful killing of a power play when the Swamp Rabbits are shorthanded. The team also offers a Party on the Plaza on weekends during the warmer weather months. This event includes beer/wine, food, music, and games for the kids. The low attendance levels at “The Well” for Swamp Rabbits games really does bring down the energy level in the building. This is a shame, as the fans who do attend are very dedicated and knowledgeable about the team. Access 4 The home of the Swamp Rabbits is easily accessed no matter what direction you are coming from. From the North: Take I-85 South to I-385 North (Downtown Greenville). Follow I-385 for 6.5 miles and the arena will be on your right. From the South: Take I-85 North to I-185 North (Downtown Greenville). I-185 becomes Mills Avenue and Church Street. Go three miles and the arena will be on your right. From the East: Take I-26 North to I-385 North (Downtown Greenville). Follow I-385 for 6.5 miles and the arena will be on your right. The official Bon Secours Wellness Arena lot is restricted for use by season ticket holders. Several parking decks are located within a few blocks of the arena. They include the Liberty Square Garage, the Common Garage on Beattie Place , and the North Lauren Street Parking Deck. The Downtown Greenville Trolley runs an Arena Events Route beginning 60 minutes before the puck drop. Go to the Swamp Rabbits website for a list of the trolley stops on this route. Once at the arena, there are three main entrance portals. Doors open one hour before the puck drop. Swamp Rabbits merchandise stands are located adjacent to each entrance. There are eight restrooms located on the concourse level of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Swamp Rabbit games are $26, no matter where you sit in the arena. Many games will have the upper level closed if projected attendance is low. Parking lots in and around Bon Secours charge a $10 special event parking fee on gameday. For the most part, the concessions prices are quite reasonable compared to most sports venues. Extras 3 The Swamp Rabbits have a dance team known as the Rabbetts. They perform between periods and during other breaks in the action. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the primary entertainment venue in Greenville. Among the stars who have played at “the Well” are Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, Paul McCartney, Eric Church, James Taylor, and Alan Jackson. The arena has also hosted the Women’s SEC Basketball Tournament, rodeos, Cirque Du Soleil, Dancing with the Stars, Monster Jams, WWE wrestling competitions, and the Harlem Globetrotters. The Bon Secours Wellness Center is well-equipped for fans with special needs. There are plenty of areas along the concourse designated for wheelchair fans. The arena also offers sensory safety kits and a Sensory Suite for fans who are on the spectrum. Final Thoughts The Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a better-than-average experience for almost every type of sports event or concert. Unfortunately, the lack of attendance for Swamp Rabbits games affects the energy level in the building.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Santander Arena 700 Penn St Reading, PA 19602 Reading Royals website Santander Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,083 Royal Treatment in Reading Minor league hockey came to Reading, Pennsylvania in 2001 after the Columbus Chill relocated to make way for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The team was originally an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings but went through several affiliation changes between 2008 and 2014. That year, they became an affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Flyers and have remained such ever since. The Royals play their home games at Santander Arena in downtown Reading. This cozy arena seats approximately 7,000 fans and is part of a complex that also includes Santander Performing Arts Center just down the road. Food & Beverage 5 Considering the level, Santander Arena has an extremely impressive selection of food. Fans will find classics such as hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and locally made soft pretzels. Reading has been nicknamed the Pretzel Capital of the World due to numerous pretzel factories located here, so it is no surprise you can get that classic treat here. There are more unique local options as well, including Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries and a Central Pennsylvania treat known as a Grilled Sticky. The crab fries are French fries topped with crab seasoning and served with warm white cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Note that despite the name, crab fries contain no actual crab. A Grilled Sticky, on the other hand, is more of a sweet treat. It is a cinnamon bun which is cooked conventionally, then cooked again on a grill, and can be optionally topped with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream. Atmosphere 3 The Royals try to make the atmosphere work with promotions before and during the game, but the experience here is rather typical in terms of atmosphere. A loud horn will go off after goals as smoke shoots from the scoreboard, but beyond that there isn’t much unique here. The good news is that in such a small arena, every seat is close to the action. They’re also all chair backs, which isn’t true everywhere. The seating bowl is less steep than at many arenas, but not so much so that you can’t see over the fans in front of you. This does mean fans in the top rows can be surprisingly far from the ice, but it also means you can sit higher up and still get the experience of watching through the glass. Some people think hockey is at its most pure when watched this way, while others feel it just obstructs their view. Ultimately it will come down to personal preference. Neighborhood 1 Reading, like many cities in Central Pennsylvania, has fallen on hard times in the past few decades, leading to businesses shutting down and crime increasing. While the area around the arena is perfectly safe, fans should exercise caution when walking around the city. There is a small shopping center right across the street from the arena, but your best bet is to head a few blocks west towards the Riverfront area. There are several bars and restaurants located there. However, the reality is that Reading is a city in bad shape and you may not want to stick around for long after the game. Fans 4 Although the Royals don’t usually sell out, and often don’t come close, they do have a base of extremely loyal fans. Those who show up cheer loudly and know the team very well. There is a core group of fans who show up to just about every game and can really get into things. Some of them will even wave flags with the Royals logo during the game, something that would be more expected at a soccer stadium than a hockey arena. Unfortunately, the team doesn’t do a good job at attracting people beyond this core group, which really limits their potential. Access 4 Reading is served by U.S. Routes 422 and 222, which overlap each other through part of the city before splitting off again. Once you get close to the arena, there are several garages and lots you can park in, with prices ranging from $2 to $12 depending on how close to the arena they are. We recommend parking in the South Penn Garage, which is located diagonally across the street from the arena between Cherry and Franklin Streets. Parking here will cost $5. There is also a garage right next door to the arena at the Doubletree Hotel which costs $12 but is free for guests staying there, and a metered lot on the other side of the arena which costs the same. This all seems like a waste of money, though, when you can park about 20 feet further for less than half the cost. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $11 and even the most expensive seats in the building will cost just $23. Parking is a bit pricey but not too bad if you know where to go. Concessions are affordable as well. To add even more to the value, the Royals frequently offer promotions where select concession items cost just $1. The schedule for these promotions is available on the team’s website, so look there for more info. When combined with the fact that there is not a bad seat in this building, a trip to Santander Arena can be an extremely affordable way for a family to watch a professional hockey game in an intimate environment. Extras 2 One star for the banners hanging from the rafters honoring legendary Royals of days gone by. A second star for the wide range of concessions here, including several unique to the local area. Banners Hanging from the Rafters at Santander Arena, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When asked to name a professional hockey team in Pennsylvania, almost everyone would name either the Philadelphia Flyers or Pittsburgh Penguins. However, minor league hockey is alive and well in the Keystone State as well, with the Royals and several other in-state teams building up their own fan bases in mid-sized cities. Although Reading may not be the most desirable city to visit in Pennsylvania, and in fact may be towards the bottom of the list, a trip to see the Royals at Santander Arena is reason enough to come to town.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Xtream Arena 200 E 9th St., Suite 100 Coralville, IA 52241 Iowa Heartlanders website Xtream Arena website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 5,100 Deer Crossing Xtream Arena is a brand-new arena, having opened on October 22, 2021 when the Iowa Heartlanders defeated the Kansas City Mavericks, 7-4. The arena was built at a cost of $50 million. The arena sits in Coralville, Iowa, right next to Iowa City, which is home to the University of Iowa. In addition to the ECHL’s Heartlanders, Xtream Arena also hosts Iowa Hawkeyes women’s volleyball along with music and other events. Food & Beverage 3 The arena offers up a decent choice of food options ranging from $4-$9. Choices include pizza from Pizza Ranch (regional chain), Caesar salads, hot dogs, polish, and turkey wraps. Snacks include pretzels, nachos, candy, and popcorn. Coke is the soda of choice with $5 for regular size and $7 for a souvenir cup. Powerade, water, Monster Energy, and sweet tea are also available. Domestic and premium beer along with wine and White Claw can be had for $8-$10 depending on size. Atmosphere 4 There is a clear bag policy here, so adjust accordingly before entering the arena. Hockey fan or non-hockey fan, it would be hard to not enjoy the experience here. Everything that goes with hockey is here, from loud music to an active mascot to junior hockey between periods. There are no bad seat views throughout the arena. Two video boards are on opposite sides of the arena behind the nets. Ribbon board goes all the way around the arena and is utilized nicely throughout the game. Concession areas and restrooms are spaced nicely throughout the arena. Being a new arena, it’s hard not to notice how clean everything is. There are also plenty of in-game entertainment and giveaways, including chuck-a-puck, 50/50 raffles, Zamboni rides, etc. Neighborhood 4 The arena sits amongst a retail area. As such, you have a few food and drink options well within walking distance. Right across the roundabout from the arena is 30Hop. 30Hop provides a good variety of menu items, along with a litany of drink options (90 draft beers) and a rooftop patio. Another good option is Vesta, just across Quarry Road. Vesta is a Mediterranean themed restaurant that also serves pizza and has a wide variety of drink options. If you are in the mood for pizza, Mexican, or Japanese, you are covered as well. If staying in the area, the Hyatt Regency – Coralville is next to the arena. There are many more lodging options around the area due largely to Hawkeye sports venues being right down the road. Attached to the arena is the Antique Car Museum of Iowa. If old cars are your thing, this is a great place to check out. While in Iowa City, another good spot to visit is the Old Capitol Museum. It was once the main building for the Iowa government, prior to the state moving its capitol to Des Moines. Fans 3 For a new franchise, the Heartlanders have already built a good following. Heartlanders gear is well represented throughout the arena. The fans are well into the experience as soon as the team takes the ice. They know their players and are engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Located just south of I-80, the arena is very easy to get to. Most parking is behind the arena, but you can find some on the streets leading you into the area. Once inside, the concourse is very wide, and it is easy to get around. There are restrooms sufficient for the crowds and they are located on both ends of the arena behind the goal sides. Handicap accessible seating is located behind sections 101, 105,108, 113, and 117. The only drawback is getting out of the area after the game. There are only two roads, so the traffic moves very slow. Don’t plan on getting out without a bit of a wait. Return on Investment 3 There is ample parking around the arena and parking is free, which is always a plus. Tickets vary in price from $16 (economy seats, which are the back of sections 101-102 and 116-117) all the way up to $40, which are the seats near the ice. Note for those considering the economy seats; there is nothing wrong with the view, every seat in the arena has a great view. The economy seats have much less leg room and if you are over 6 feet tall, prepare to have your legs wedged up against the seats in the next row. You are much better off going with the $23 ticket. With average concession prices, and tickets running a bit on the high side, you do get a decent bang for your buck with the niceness of the arena and a great hockey atmosphere. Extras 3 The Heartlanders have a really great team store. If you want to support the team, be sure and check it out. An extra point goes to the staff at the arena. They were pleasantly assisting fans with whatever they needed. The Heartlanders are doing a good job with community engagement and involvement in many different local programs and seem committed to the area. Final Thoughts The franchise is off to a good start in Coralville. Xtream Arena is a great place to watch a hockey game and the team is still in process of getting their feet situated on their new building. There is still room to grow, but in their first season, the Heartlanders already provide a quality fan experience. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter