The Hamilton Bulldogs have a storied, albeit tumultuous, history bouncing up and down through the leagues over the decades. The latest chapter seemed to bring the promise of stability; a position in the Ontario Hockey League as one of the ‘big-market’ clubs, playing in a large arena in a large city. But in the pursuit of that permanency, the Bulldogs are upping sticks and leaving Hamilton for a while. The team, who won the league in the last season before Covid, and then again in the first season after it, will be moving to the nearby city of Brantford for at least three years. The cause is a wholesale renovation of their home FirstOntario Centre, badly needed as the ‘80s-era venue is slated to become the centrepiece of a neighbourhood redevelopment project. The renovation will tear back the arena right down to the studs, before rebuilding it in place. The plan has not been without controversy; American sport development group OVG originally planned to work during the off-season, preventing disruption to playing schedules. However, the group changed their aims abruptly and apparently with little warning to the Bulldogs or their fellow arena tenants Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club and Hamilton Honey Badgers Basketball Club. The 17 500-seat arena should be reopened in 2025, unrecognisable and modern compared to the current state of the facility. The work is to include a completely rebuilt exterior, new concourses, a redesigned seating bowl, new dining and back-of-house facilities, and a new suite level. On a larger scale, the arena will anchor a complete redesign of its city block, with residential, commercial, and cultural development exceeding $500 million. In the interim, the Bulldogs have landed in the nearby city of Brantford, famous as the birthplace of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. They’ll play out of the Brantford Civic Centre, near the city’s downtown and casino districts. The 3 500-seat arena is to receive $9 million in renovations to bring it up to OHL standards, and will host the Bulldogs for at least three years. Darkly, the Bulldogs have not officially stated they intend to return to Hamilton, though that is the general expectation. Management have complained publicly about the lack of transparency that led to their unexpected removal from the arena. Still, the prevailing thought is that the Bulldogs will return to Hamilton when work is complete. So far, season membership sales in Brantford have been very popular, surpassing 2 000 tickets. But the Bulldogs aren’t the only ones displaced by the construction. The National Lacrosse League’s Toronto Rock, who only moved to Hamilton in 2021, are now searching for a temporary home. The leading candidate is rumoured to be Kitchener’s Memorial Auditorium, but nothing has been announced as yet. On the basketball front, the Hamilton Honey Badgers, part of the young CEBL league, will permanently leave the city. They’ve relocated to the Toronto suburb of Brampton, playing out of the CAA Centre (a former OHL rink itself). Though most expect the Bulldogs and Rock to return to Hamilton soon enough, the future is murky at this point. Meanwhile, for the ageing arena at the heart of Hamilton’s central business district, a new era is set to dawn.

Image Courtesy of Orlando City Baseball Dreamers LLC An Orlando group led by Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams is pushing for a Major League Baseball franchise in Orlando. First announced in 2019, the Orlando Dreamers would be either an MLB expansion franchise or a relocated Tampa Bay Rays team situated right in the heart of Orlando's tourism corridor. Williams unveiled plans for a 45,000-seat stadium complex, loaded on a 35+ acre tract of land across the street from SeaWorld Orlando, next to their Aquatica waterpark. Situated off International Drive near the intersection of I-4 and SR-528, the site would also include 6,700 parking spaces in garages as well as office spaces and a 1,000-room hotel. The stadium would also have a walkover bridge to connect to a proposed SunRail station at the adjacent Orange County Convention Center. Image Courtesy of Orlando City Baseball Dreamers LLC The timing of the announced proposal comes after the Oakland Athletics announced they would be moving to Las Vegas to a new stadium there. Tampa Bay continues to hang in the balance with several stadium proposals having fallen through over the past few years. "This market is growing rapidly and growing in all four directions. They tell us a thousand people a day are moving to Central Florida and that doesn't take into account that this year there'll be 80 million visitors," Williams said. "If we do this, [Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings] said, this ballpark has to be a tourist attraction unto itself. He said people from around the world are going to have to put this on their 'checklist.'" Williams' group filed an official motion with Orange County, Florida to request funding for the stadium. Funding would come from a mix of public and private money. The initial price tag for the project sits at $1.7 billion, with $700 million coming from private funding. The remaining $975 million would be funded by a 30-year municipal bond paid for by Orange County's Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. No additional funding for the stadium or its daily operation would be required or requested from government sources beyond this initial requested investment. "This stadium would make us the leading candidate for the next MLB franchise. Best media market, best stadium, best location...we have everything here in Orlando," said Williams. "You don't get many chances to add a professional sports franchise to your community. If we don't act now, we may never have this opportunity again." A report by JLL, a national professional services firm hired by the Williams group, states that construction would result in 20,000 jobs and boost the region's economy by $2.7 billion. Once finished, the stadium would increase jobs by 25,000 and generate an annual economic output of $1.16 billion per year to Orange County. Potential growth includes additional events at the stadium, including potential spring training games. “Orlando has proven in the years since the Magic began playing in 1989 that it is every bit a big league sports town,” said Williams. “The Orlando Magic is as popular as ever, soccer fans have embraced the Orlando City Lions, and now it’s time to step up to the plate and make baseball happen, too." Image Courtesy of Orlando City Baseball Dreamers LLC

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035 UMass Minutemen football website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 65,756 (2016) A Campaign Far From Home For The Minutemen When the University of Massachusetts announced that they would be moving their program up to FBS, the top level of collegiate football, they had a problem. Their longtime on-campus home, McGuirk Alumni Stadium , did not meet minimum standards for an FBS facility. While McGuirk Stadium was renovated to bring it up to minimum standards, the team played at Gillette Stadium, better known as the home of the New England Patriots of the National Football League, for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Once work on McGuirk was completed, the Minutemen continued to play half of their home schedule at Gillette. The school and stadium had a contract that called for a portion of the school’s home games to be played in Foxboro through 2016. UMass will be playing all of their home games on campus in 2017, and have a single game scheduled at Gillette Stadium (against Brigham Young) in 2018. While they were a member of Division 1-A (and subsequently FCS), the Minutemen were very successful, winning 22 conference titles, appearing in two bowl games, eight NCAA tournaments, and three title games. UMass won a Division 1-A National Championship in 1998. The UMass program has struggled since their elevation to FBS. With the Gillette Stadium portion of their 2016 home schedule complete, they are 2-18 in Foxboro. Overall, their record is not much better, as they have complied a 5-31 record since 2012, a winning percentage of .139.   Food & Beverage 4 For Minutemen games, Gillette Stadium scales back their concessions due to the smaller capacity of the venue for college football. This does not mean that Minutemen fans have limited menu selections. Enough of the 38 permanent concession stands are open here to ensure that the entire concession menu is available and lines do not get too long. Gillette Stadium’s food offerings hit all the expected notes. Stands are organized by the type of food offered at each one. Minutemen fans can choose from Fried Tenders & Wings (chicken products), Stadium Grille (burgers, cheesesteaks and grilled chicken), Market Fresh Deli (Wraps, sandwiches and salads), Backyard BBQ (pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket), Italian Sausage (sausages, bratwurst and hot dogs) and Stadium Pizza (Papa Gino’s pizza). The Lighthouse Grill behind The Fort offers burgers, chicken tenders and pizza. Fans may have to search a little to find their desired items, but the quality is worth the effort. Fans looking for healthier alternatives will find wraps, sandwiches and salads at the Market Fresh Deli stand. Items such as turkey burgers and Kosher hot dogs can be found throughout all stands as well. Several portable stands are open to augment the menu. Food carts offer items such as nachos, Friendly’s Ice Cream, Kayem hot dogs and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. Fans looking for adult beverages can choose from several national and international brands, including Bud Light, Coors, Shock Top, Heineken, Guinness and Bass Ale. Many fans will seek out the popular Beers of New England stand, which features local microbrewed favorites from Sam Adams, Harpoon, Long Trail and Allegash Breweries. Be warned that you will be paying NFL prices for concessions here at Gillette Stadium. Atmosphere 2 One commonly heard complaint about the gameday atmosphere at Gillette Stadium is that even when there is a solid crowd of 20,000 here for a UMass game, any energy generated is swallowed up by the sheer enormity of the facility. For Minutemen games, the entire upper deck of Gillette Stadium is closed off, along with portions of the lower deck. The large empty spaces do indeed put a damper on things here. With Gillette Stadium’s location 92 miles from UMass’ campus in Amherst, it’s amazing that so many students make the trek east. Still, the student section remains only half filled. Despite the best efforts of the marching band, cheerleaders, dance squad and stadium personnel, 50,000 empty seats tend to minimize any noise and energy generated here. Neighborhood 4 Any long time visitor to Gillette Stadium and its predecessor, Foxboro Stadium can tell you what a wasteland the area around the Stadium used to be. That began to change in 2007 with the development of Patriot Place, an open air shopping center and entertainment venue located on the former site of Foxboro Stadium. Today Patriot Place consists of dozens of retail stores, over a dozen restaurants, entertainment venues including a bowling alley, theater, and concert venue, a nature trail, cranberry bog, four star hotel, outpatient health care center, and the Patriots Hall of Fame. Fans coming to Gillette Stadium for a Minutemen game who do not wish to partake in the tailgating scene can choose from eateries ranging from the upscale (Davio’s Steakhouse, Twenty 8 Food and Spirits), to national chains (Red Robin, Five Guys Burgers). Choices run the gamut here, from American fare (CBS Scene, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill), to fine seafood (Skipjacks, Blue Fin Lounge), to sports bars and night clubs (Bar Louie). If you would like to enjoy some shopping before the game, the stores at Patriot Place do not focus solely on sporting goods as you might expect from a mall located at a football stadium. In addition to the dozens of stores here, the Showcase Cinema de Lux shows first run movies in their theaters, Showcase Live contains a 16,000 square foot concert hall, and Splitsville is a combination bowling alley/restaurant/night club. With Patriot Place remaining open after games, fans are not obligated to leave immediately after the conclusion of the game. While Gillette Stadium’s “neighborhood” may not be an organic one, everything you need or want can be found there. You can’t ask for much more than that. Fans 2 Despite initial projections, fans just have not flocked to Gillette Stadium as the administration had hoped. Over the five years that UMass played in Foxboro, the team averaged about 13,000 fans per game. The two hour drive from Amherst, the longest distance between any campus and home stadium in the country, has limited attendance in a major way, as has the team’s lack of success since moving up to FBS. On the plus side, those students who travel the two hours to see the Minutemen play really want to be there, and are enthusiastic in their support of the home team. Access 4   Any local football fan can tell you about the nightmarish traffic at Gillette Stadium for Patriots games and concerts. Fortunately for UMass football fans, getting to and from Gillette for Minutemen games is much easier. Gillette Stadium is located on Route 1, a four lane highway near the intersection of interstates 95 and 495. The legendary traffic jams for Patriot games here are not an issue with the smaller Minutemen games. The 16,500 parking spaces surrounding the stadium are more than enough to handle a typical UMass crowd. Once fans arrive at the stadium, they will enjoy plenty of room to tailgate, wide and well-marked pedestrian walkways leading to both the stadium and Patriot Place, and nicely manicured grounds. For fans who can recall the old dirt parking lots and cold metal bleachers of the old Foxboro Stadium, this is a different world, indeed. Fans will enter Gillette Stadium through one of three entry plazas. The two entry plazas on the west side of the stadium deposit fans on the main concourse above the 100 level seats. The third entrance is located by the Patriots Hall of Fame, and fans entering here will find themselves at the base of the bridge and lighthouse. Ramps lead up from here to the 100 level concourse. The 100-level concourse completely encircles the field and is more than wide enough to handle traffic for the typical Minutemen crowd. Lines at concession stands and restrooms are manageable, even during halftime. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for UMass games at Gillette Stadium cost $25 for all seats. Fans wanting a more upscale experience can purchase seats in the Putnam Club for $50. Parking for Minutemen games is free. Fans used to the high NFL and concert prices at Gillette Stadium will be very pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, if purchasing concessions during a UMass game, you will be paying NFL prices for food and beverages. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the opportunity to catch some big time college football in a state of the art facility, a rarity in this part of the country. UMass’ presence at Gillette gives fans who cannot afford to come to Patriots games a chance to experience this stadium. A second extra point is awarded to the diehard fans who travel two hours each way to cheer on their favorite team. Final Thoughts Gillette Stadium is a fine facility, one that annually finishes in the top ten of Stadium Journey’s rankings of all NFL facilities. It’s simply too big and too far from the UMass campus in Amherst to be a viable home for the Minutemen. For the 2017 season UMass will play all of their home games at the on campus McGuirk Stadium, and going forward will only play marquee games at Gillette.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Magness Arena 2240 Buchtel Blvd Denver, CO 80208 Denver Pioneers website Magness Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,200 Crimson and Gold University of Denver (DU) Pioneers are more known for their ice hockey, lacrosse, and skiing teams; not so much their basketball team. That doesn’t mean a fan should forego attending a basketball game at the impressive Magness Arena which opened in 1999. The school colors of crimson and gold are proudly displayed in the arena and along the walkways outside the venue. DU Pioneer murals and banners are prominently hung along the concourse walls and from the rafters above the court. Most of the banners and the history shown in the concourse (there’re many to see and view) are not of the men’s basketball program but from the other fine sporting teams and programs the University of Denver has developed. Take some time to stroll the concourse to see and read the DU Pioneers’ accomplishments presented here. Beginning in 1904 the basketball team played at a regional level. After WWII, the team was in an NCAA Div 1 position until 1979 when they moved to Div II and NAIA levels. The Pioneers moved back up to Div 1 in 1998 and have been in the Sun Belt Conference, the Western Athletic Conference and are currently a member of The Summit League (beginning in 2013). Food & Beverage 3 Although not all food concession stands are open for a basketball game at Magness Arena, there is still enough open for a snack or meal when attending a match. Three choices of burgers with fries or a chicken finger basket go for $8.75, fish and chips are $9, pizza, bratwurst or a hot dog run $4.50 – $5.50. Snacks include popcorn, nachos, candy, and soft pretzels ($3.50 – $5.50). Pepsi is the soft drink provider with drinks running $4.25 – $6.50. Bottled water and hot chocolate/coffee are also for sale ($4). Alcohol is served at Magness Arena. The concession stands offer the domestic Budweiser and Coors brands, while Shock Top, Canadian Molsen, and Colorado Native are available at some stands ($7.75). A separate cocktail kiosk offers hard liquor, beer, wine, hard cider, and margaritas ($7.50 – $9). Visa, MasterCard, and cash are accepted at all stands. Atmosphere 3 Magness Arena provides an enjoyable, safe environment in which to watch a game. All seats are crimson colored and are either cushioned folding chairs or stadium-style, fold-down seats (cushioned as well). Most have cup holders and except for court side or handicapped sections, legroom is minimal. The seating area surrounds the court, however, for low attendance games, the end zones are blocked off with black curtains. Select seats in section 11 if wanting to face the logo center court and look at the player benches. A four-sided, center hung video board televises the game live and the quality is pretty crisp and clear. Two LED video boards which display players on court and their stats (points, assists, rebounds, fouls, etc) are mounted in opposite corners of the arena and dot matrix scoreboards are in the opposite corners of the venue. Cheerleaders and a pep band are present. Giveaways include things like T’s for 3’s or if the Pioneers get 80 points or more, everyone gets a coupon for a Smiling Moose sandwich. Half time entertainment at the game of this review was a basketball contest between two local elementary schools (always enjoyable to watch). The music is a tad on the loud side (sometimes can’t hear what the announcer is stating clearly) but for the most part is only played on breaks and at half time. Magness Arena is kept chilly so remember to bring a jacket and gloves (yes, even to a basketball game). Neighborhood 3 I did not notice a hotel within walking distance (1/2 mile) to the arena. However, there are many along the RTD light rail line. There’s a LaQuinta Inn & Suites one light rail station away (without light rail, it’s maybe a 1.2 mile hike to DU). Many eating establishments are within walking distance (1/2 mile or less) of the University. Fast food chains of Qdoba, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, etc are close by. Two non-fast food places I can recommend are Crimson and Gold Tavern and Spanky’s Urban Roadhouse. Both are sports bars with 5+ TVs showing a variety of sporting events. Food and service is fine at both places, nothing fancy – a good salad or burger and a beer. Jerusalem Restaurant, an award winning Middle Eastern inn, is just a few blocks away and also worth a visit. For those into craft brews, Fermaentra, a small, independently-owned brewery is also just a few blocks away and offers a variety of artsy, world class brews. Plenty of sporting venues are in the Ritchie Center (the sports complex of the University of Denver – including Magness Arena) and surrounding area: lacrosse, tennis, gymnastics, soccer, and more. Take a stroll through the campus and neighborhood to see the playing fields and the buildings that are rich with beauty and tradition with 21st century buildings mixed with those built from the 1890s – 1950s. The Pepsi Center is a little over 6 miles from Magness Arena (and accessible via the light rail) so if in town and a little Nuggets action is desired, take the E line down or head south on I-25. Fans 3 Pioneer basketball fans are a delightful mix. The biggest fans are the players, cheerleaders, and pep band. Lots of families with children in tow are present. Some students attend – not many – I expect when the Pioneers play local rival Colorado College this may increase, even in basketball. Plenty of alumni and retired fans attend the games as well. All fans are respectful of visiting fans, players and each other. It is a safe place to visit. Access 4 Getting to the arena is extremely easy via either light rail or vehicle. Light Rail lines E, F, H drop you off at the University station. The light rail fare went up on 1/1/2019 ($10.50 all-day pass) so it is actually less expensive to drive and park ($5) and since the basketball arena doesn’t fill up, it’s pretty easy getting out after a game. The arena is right off the I-25 / University Ave exit. In addition, one can find neighborhood parking just two blocks away at no charge. Some close-by metered parking can be found which is monitored Mon – Sat; free on Sundays. Denver International (DIA) is the closet commercial airport about 30 miles from the university. The concourse does not get packed during half time so people movement is free flowing. Plenty of clean restrooms are handy with almost no lines. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets run $12 – $17, so it’s very affordable sports entertainment. With the ability to park for free ($5 at the most) and average concession prices, attending a game is worth the price. Hopefully the team will start winning more games and then the dollars spent will become an even better entertainment investment. Extras 2 The court has a picturesque city skyline with mountain peaks in the background, quite fitting for Denver. A small merchandise stand with clothing and trinkets is on right upon entering the west entrance (the side across from the soccer and lacrosse fields by the carillon tower). Final Thoughts Watching some basketball at the University of Denver offers an opportunity for fans of any age to enjoy college level play at very affordable prices. Minimal student influence deprives the game of some college atmosphere, but the experience is still a positive one.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Waldron Family Stadium College Ln Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Waldron Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Mount Soccer In between Washington, DC and Gettysburg, PA sits the second oldest Catholic university in America. Mount St. Mary’s sits on 1,400 acres at the base of the Catoctin Mountains. Shockingly the sports teams at university use the Mountaineers moniker. The soccer team had been around from 1988 through 2012, when it was discontinued for financial reasons. In 2018, the team came back to the campus. Basketball is one of the biggest sports at the college in terms of success. Mount St. Mary’s has had some success in other sports, most notably track. In the 1988 Olympic Games, Mount St. Mary’s athlete Peter Rono won gold in the 1500 meters run. Waldron Family Stadium was opened in 2006 and is named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Eugene Waldron, and his family. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small, but nice concession stand at Waldron Family Stadium. You will not want to have your entire meal at this stand, but if you are in the mood for $2 sodas and $2 hot dogs, then this is the right place. There are some nice table seating options right in front of the concession stand where you can still watch the game action. Atmosphere 3 The Waldron Family Stadium is a pretty simple facility with a few sets of grandstands on one side of the field. It offers a nice view at a nice level off of the field. There are seat backs in a few of the sections closest to the press box. The field is an all-weather synthetic field turf that also is the home to women’s lacrosse and the university’s soccer programs. The stadium also offers great views west towards the rest of campus and the sloping mountains of western Maryland. To be fair, the game I attended was a rainy, cold, messy affair. I have been to other soccer games at the stadium and they draw better than the one I attended, although not as well as the more popular lacrosse program. Please note that some of the images in the gallery are of the stadium during a lacrosse game. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing within walking distance to the campus. You will need to make a short drive into town to find any food or drink options. Emmitsburg is a pretty small town, but does have some interesting places that draw people to the area, besides just the university. The town is the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, National Emergency Training Center, and Emergency Management Institute. Also in the immediate area are some very notable Catholic attractions. It is a Catholic pilgrimage site and is the location of the Basilica and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as the site of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. A trip to the area demands a visit to the grotto even if you are not religious. It would be hard not to be impressed with the quiet awesomeness found here. Nearby Thurmont also has some attractions of its own, including Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Just note if you are hiking in the woods and see signs to turn around or be shot, these are not jokes. Frederick is about 30 miles away, while Baltimore (60 miles) and Washington, DC (70 miles) are the closest large cities. Back in Emmitsburg, the best food option is the The Ott House Pub in downtown. This bar and restaurant is a great mix of locals, firefighters, and university students. The food menu will not blow you away but their wings, as well as their hot roast beef sandwich, will certainly hit the spot. Check to see if they have a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery on tap. Gettysburg is 13 miles north. If you have time to visit the massive amounts of memorials and battlegrounds you should do so. Just plan ahead as crowds are huge at many times of the year. Fans 3 The fans here at the Mount tend to be knowledgeable, smart and respectful. Access 4 Sure, Emmitsburg can feel like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it really is not. There is a major highway, Route 15, which divides the campus. This route runs from Frederick in the south, northwards towards Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Waldron Family Stadium and the rest of the PNC Sports Complex is located on the east side of Route 15, while the main part of the university campus is located on the west side. A well lit and secured tunnel connects the two parts of campus. There is also plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 4 Prices are fairly cheap with $8 for general admission. Those are bargain prices, especially for a Division I level sports team. Tickets are available at the gate on game day only. Extras 3 Check to see if there are any other games in the PNC Sports Complex while you are at a game. Check out the massive field of solar panel arrays that the university has installed near the athletic complex. The solar farm produces more than 22,000,000 kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. The view is another extra. Although not large mountains, more like large hills, the mountains that the university sits along are very nice and offer great views. Final Thoughts Mount St. Mary’s Waldron Family Stadium is a simple, but well-appointed venue to watch a good level of soccer action. With extremely fair prices and good concession offerings this stadium is a must visit.

Photo courtesy of the Texas Bowl On Wednesday, December 4th, Lone Star Sports and Entertainment and ESPN Events – the joint partners that present and own the annual Texas Bowl  – announced a new a new title sponsor that will begin this season. Texas based company Kinder’s will serve as the new title sponsor for the game , which will feature a matchup of a Big 12 team against an SEC team at NRG Stadium in Houston on December 31st. According to a news release, Kinder’s is recognized as “a leading provider of premium quality sauces and seasonings” and has been in business for over 75 years. Founded by World War II veteran John Kinder in San Pablo, CA in 1946, the company is known for its lines of barbecue and wing sauces, as well as its spice rubs. “We are beyond excited to announce our partnership with the Texas Bowl ,” said Kinder’s Co-CEO & Chief Brand Officer Jim Hart in a news release. “At Kinder’s we appreciate the kind of obsession it takes for these athletes and coaches to get to this level. We aspire to bring that same passion and commitment to everything we make, and it is a privilege to be part of providing the stage for them to showcase their incredible talents.” This will be the 19th edition of the Texas Bowl – the 2023 edition saw the then # 22 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys defeat the Texas A&M Aggies by a score of 31-23 in front of an announced crowd of over 55,000. According to Texas Bowl representatives, since 2014 the contest has become the most-attended bowl game outside of those participating in the College Football Playoffs. “We are thrilled to welcome Kinder’s to our family here in Houston as the title sponsor of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl,” said Lone Star Sports & Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher. “Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the passion for food, family, and football, so to have an opportunity to work with a partner like Kinder’s who values each of those to further enhance the experience for fans, teams, and our community, it is truly special.” Kickoff for the 2024 edition of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl is scheduled for 2:30pm, and the game will be simulcast on ESPN and ESPN+. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Mascot photo courtesy of Brockton Rox. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Campanelli Stadium 1 Feinberg Way Brockton, MA 02301 Brockton Rox website Campanelli Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,750 Rox Revival    When the Brockton Rox left the Can-Am League in 2012 and moved to the summer collegiate wood-bat Futures League, team ownership assured fans that the move was temporary, and the Rox would return to professional baseball quickly once they straightened out their finances. It took 13 long years, but the Brockton Rox are finally back in professional baseball. What a long, strange trip it’s been.      The original iteration of the Rox debuted in the Northern League in 2002. Their home, Campanelli Stadium, opened along with the start of the team. The ballpark was named for Alfred Campanelli, a suburban housing mogul and Brockton native. He donated two million dollars to the City of Brockton for a project that would “substantially benefit the people of Brockton.”      The team was a success, bringing affordable baseball to the hardscrabble city of Brockton, located about 25 miles south of Boston. The club was christened the Rox, a derivative of the nearby Red Sox and to honor Brockton native Rocky Marciano, the legendary heavyweight champion who went 49-0 during his career.     However, the team’s success on the field and at the gate did not translate to the front office, where the team slipped into unmanageable debt. As a last-ditch effort to keep baseball alive in Brockton, the franchise was moved to the collegiate Futures League until they got the team’s finances under control.     Unfortunately for local fans, this never happened. The Rox passed through a series of ownership groups who seemed to progressively pay less and less attention to the team and the stadium. Factor in similar neglect from the city, and Campanelli began to deteriorate, culminating in an infamous raccoon infestation  at the ballpark.      Things began to turn around in the early 20s when new team ownership and Brockton city administration partnered to invest some long-overdue attention and money into Campanelli Stadium. Renovations were made to virtually every corner of the facility, including new offices, clubhouses, plumbing, HVAC and kitchen equipment and a new video scoreboard in left-center field. The stated goal of the upgrades were to bring professional baseball back to the city.     In 2024 these efforts were rewarded when the independent Frontier League granted an expansion franchise to Brockton. The team was christened the “Chowdahheads” after a standard name the team contest. After lukewarm reaction and copyright issues, the team pivoted and rebranded as the Knockouts. For the 2024 season, two teams (the professional Knockouts and the summer collegiate Rox), played at Campanelli.     As you might expect, this wasn’t an ideal situation for either team. Neither team attracted a decent following, and the splitting of resources affected all aspects of operation. The Rox announced they would be folding at the conclusion of the 2024 Futures League season.    On January 29, 2025, a new ownership group, headed by New York Boulders owners Bill Janetschek, Rob Janetschek, Shawn Reilly and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, was introduced to the public. They immediately announced that the team would return to the classic “Brockton Rox” name and logo with the goal of returning professional baseball in the city to its glory days.  Food & Beverage 3   There are a pair of concession stands located on either side of the main entrance of the ballpark. Depending on the size of the crowd, one or both of the stands may be open. Basic stadium fare is offered here, with hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders anchoring the menu. Assorted sides, including french fries, pretzels, popcorn and chips round out the menu. Portable stands sell walking tacos and Mini Melts. There are food and beverage specials throughout the week.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Campanelli Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a selection of beer including Budweiser, Corona and Dogfish Ale. The Old Smoky Moonshine stand offers an adult beverage alternative. While the old fan favorite right field beer garden has not materialized (yet!), it has surfaced in the left field pavilion, where fans can watch the game at field level and play some tailgating-type games.   Atmosphere 3    Here is where fans who have been visiting Campanelli Stadium in recent years will see the biggest difference. The buzz is back in Brockton for the 2025 season. New ownership is working hard to not only get fans back in the seats, but to make sure they spend as little time as possible in those seats.   The nightly promotional schedule features some sort of deal or attraction every game. Celebrity guests including part owner Jim Rice and actor Steve Shirripa from the Sopranos have appeared to throw out first pitches and sign autographs for fans. Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie will actually pitch an inning for the team in an August game.   If you’re a traditional baseball fan who likes to watch a ball game in silence so you can hear the sounds of the game, you are not the target audience at a Rox game. The Rox game day staff have cultivated an entertaining show for Rox fans. Aside from your typical music and sound effects, which walk the line between being entertaining and overbearing, there is a diverse lineup of between inning games and promotions, which vary from night to night. Some favorites have been the Brockton Bread Race, which features three costumed bakery items, and "Find the Frank," where a young fan frantically searches the stadium for a staffer wearing a hot dog costume. Frank has become a Brockton fan favorite, working his way into various other promotions throughout the year, causing chaos wherever he goes. The Rox employ an emcee who ensures the fans are involved in the game and the energy levels are up, and he is supported by the PA announcer, who leans into his work, leading some giveaways and promotions himself. The two have a nice chemistry and some good back and forth. Fan cams, dance contests and junior announcers ensure that the fans are part of the show, too.   In recent years Campanelli has felt more like a library than a ballpark. New Rox management has taken the old “Fun is Good” attitude pioneered by the original Rox and turned it up to eleven. So far, results are positive. If there were more fans in attendance, this score would surely rise. Neighborhood 3    Campanelli Stadium is situated on the campus of Brockton High School, the largest High School in Massachusetts. Brockton is a city of about 105,000 residents located 25 miles south of Boston. Originally named North Bridgewater, the city was later named in honor of Isaac Brock, the British commanding general at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812. A couple of trivial facts about Brockton: during the Civil War it was the nation’s largest supplier of shoes, and it is the second windiest city in the United States.     There are many dining options in the immediate vicinity of Campanelli Stadium for visiting fans, but many of these establishments are of the fast-food variety. Among the more notable spots nearby are Pho 89, Charley’s Cheesesteaks, and McMenamy’s Seafood. Stadium Journey recommends a pair of restaurants on the other side of Route 24 near Stonehill College, Stoneforge Grill and Brack’s Grill & Tap. The Residence Inn here is a quality lodging option. There are no shortage of dining, lodging or entertainment options in the area should you widen your search.    Should you be visiting the area, there are many attractions located just a short drive from Brockton. Boston is just 25 miles to the north, and the popular summer attractions of Cape Cod are just 35 miles to the southeast. The historic destinations of Plymouth, MA and Newport, RI are both within an hour’s drive of Campanelli Stadium.    Fans 1 Rox ownership had hoped that attendance would pick up over the course of the season after a slow start. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. The Rox sit a distant last in the league attendance rankings, drawing an average of 1,100 fans per game. This figure is comparable to what the Knockouts drewin 2024 at Campanelli Stadium. Local fans have been slow to respond to the team after years of neglect, despite the best efforts of team management. Confusion over the multiple rebrands and the level of baseball being played in Brockton may be contributing factors to the lack of support.   Access 4    Campanelli Stadium is located about a mile from Route 24, which connects Fall River and much of the Massachusetts South Coast with the Greater Boston area. Interstates 495, 93 and 95 all pass within a short distance of Brockton.     While driving is the primary method to get to the ballpark, the Brockton Area Transit Authority’s  number 3 bus does have a stop at the High School next door. The final bus departs at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s  Fall River/New Bedford Line brings passengers from downtown Brockton north to Boston and south to Fall River and New Bedford.    The Rox website advises visiting fans to park in the large lots at Brockton High School. The school lots are a short walk from the ballpark. Be warned that the path from the high school’s main lot to the ballpark is unpaved and unlit. There are other, smaller lots on the back side of the ballpark that belong to local businesses. They seem to be available for use by fans. All fans will use the main entrance to access the ballpark, where the ticket offices and team store are located. A set of stairs leads to the entrance of the ballpark and the concourse level. There is an elevator located in the main plaza for those who need it.    The seating bowl stretches from short left field around to the right field foul pole. An open concourse runs atop the seating bowl. Seating consists of red plastic stadium seats with decent leg room. Sections far down the right field line contain metal bleachers with backs. All seats feature good views of the field. Rest rooms, while in need of some freshening up, are plenty large enough for the typical Rox crowd.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets for Rox games range in price from $10-$16. There are deals and promotions scattered throughout the season which will lower prices. Check the team website for further details. Parking is free in the lots at Brockton High School. While some concessions are a bit on the high side, the Rox have stayed true to their mission statement to provide an affordable alternative to the more expensive ballparks in Boston and Worcester.   Here's a tip for local fans: If you have a debit or credit card from Harbor One Bank (one of the team’s sponsors), you can save 5% on all concession prices and 15% on all purchases in the team store.   Extras 2   Two retired numbers hang on Campanelli Stadium’s outfield wall. Brockton native sons Rocky Marciano (#49) and Marvelous Marvin Hagler (#62) are immortalized with their final victory totals. Behind the ballpark in the entry plaza to Marciano Stadium is a statue of Rocky Marciano. Measuring 20 feet, it is noted to be the tallest statue of a sporting figure in the world. There is a statue of Marvin Hagler downtown, not far from Campanelli Stadium, near where the famous Petronelli Gym once stood.    Final Thoughts    New Rox ownership has a lofty goal: to return enthusiasm for professional baseball to the city of Champions. Will the Rox Revival be successful? The Rox appear to be on the ropes, but they haven't been counted out just yet. Time will tell if they can go the distance.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Lloyd Brown joins us this week to talk about the FCS stadium experiences. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

McCoy Stadium Sunset. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Since the relocation of the Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester, MA, baseball fans have wondered what was to become of beloved McCoy Stadium . Rumors circulated about an independent baseball team moving to the old ballpark or of a plan to convert the facility into a soccer stadium, but nothing came to fruition. The answer finally came this past November, when Pawtucket voters approved a measure to demolish the stadium and build a $300 million high school on the site. The Pawsox had planned to close out their time in the Ocean State with a final season in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the entire season. Many fans felt that they never had a chance to say goodbye to their team or the ballpark. Before McCoy Stadium comes down, the administration of Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien wants to give fans one last chance chance to enjoy the stadium. PawSox Celebrate a walk-off home run in McCoy Stadium's final game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Barry Richard of 1420 WBSM reports that there are plans for a final celebration at McCoy. "We are planning on having it around this coming Fourth of July and hoping to make it a multi-day celebration," stated Pawtucket Administration Spokesperson Grace Voll. For many years, a highlight of every PawSox season were the fireworks held on and around the Foruth of July. "The goal is to tie it into the fireworks display, but I don't have anything confirmed, and that could change," Voll said. Voll said nothing is definite yet regarding the ultimate demolition of McCoy Stadium. "We still don't have a timeline on demolition. I would say it is more likely to happen after the summer," she said. McCoy Stadium closed with a whimper. Sending it out with a bang seems a much more appropriate way to say goodbye to this Rhode Island landmark. McCoy Stadium Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 JMU Convocation Center 895 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website JMU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,426 Hail to the Dukes! From JMU Sports website: The Convo, as it's known around campus, previously housed the department's men's and women's basketball programs since 1982 before those programs moved to the Atlantic Union Bank Center in 2020. Renovations were announced in March of 2022 and completed late summer of 2023. ---- JMU Convocation Center was built in 1982, and has been home to James Madison University’s men’s and women’s basketball programs since that time. The facility has a capacity of 6,426, and is used for numerous other gatherings besides basketball, including concerts, conventions, and JMU’s winter commencement ceremony. The venue is also one of the rotating host venues for the CAA women’s basketball tournament, and has hosted that tournament six times since 1987; it has also hosted the CAA men’s basketball tournament once. JMU is currently fundraising for a new convocation center that will replace the current facility. The new basketball venue will include box seats and other amenities that are expected to boost attendance at games, and will also include training and workout facilities, locker rooms, offices, and practice space, as well as improved technology, sightlines, media space, and concessions. However, no timeline for the project will be announced until the university’s fundraising goals are met. Food & Beverage 3 JMU Convocation Center offers a decent selection from several cookie cutter stands near the main entrance. Main dishes include barbecue sandwiches, Papa John’s pizza, and hot dogs or veggie dogs for around $3 to $5, and gluten free buns are available for all items. Snack items include nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, kettle chips, king-sized candy, or blow pops at prices ranging from 50 cents up to $5. There is also a kid’s meal for $6, which includes a hot dog, chips, apple slices, and a prize. The drink selection at JMU Convocation Center is a little more sparse, but includes the basics such as fountain soda, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa, priced at $2.50 and up depending on size. Atmosphere 2 JMU Convocation Center provides a typical atmosphere for college basketball. The band is particularly active, with lots of singing and dancing around during the game. Unfortunately, attendance is such that often the band is making more noise than the rest of the crowd. In terms of set-up, JMU Convocation Center has most of its seating along the sidelines, with only a small section behind and above each backboard; one of these is reserved for the band, while the other is general admission. There are actually several different types of seats, though, in case you have a preference; reserved seats are hard plastic with chair backs, while general admission seating is mostly on wooden bleachers without chair backs, except for the aforementioned section behind the backboard, which consists of thick, padded benches. JMU’s staff provides the typical entertainment during breaks in the action, including contests that feature fans wearing flippers trying to shoot lay-ups, or fans bowling using basketballs and giant inflatable pins. JMU’s mascot, Duke Dog, also does a great job keeping the fans entertained, including playing one-on-one with kids before the game, and there are also cheerleaders on hand to help rev up the crowd, including a halftime show featuring junior cheerleaders from area clubs. Neighborhood 3 JMU Convocation Center was the first building at JMU to be built on the other side of I-81 from main campus, and therefore feels a little isolated, with only parking lots, other athletic facilities, and a few dorms in the immediate vicinity. However, there are a couple of great restaurants in town if you are looking for a bite to eat, and there are several attractions in the area if you are here for the weekend. Harrisonburg is not a metropolis by any means, but it does have several of the typical small-town attractions you have come to expect in places like this, for example the Virginia Quilt Museum. Alternatively, if you are a history buff (or aspire to be one), you can visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, which is located in Staunton (about half an hour southwest of Harrisonburg). The closest hotel to JMU Convocation Center is the Days Inn, but there are many more choices one exit further north on I-81, for example Candlewood Suites. In addition, if you are looking for a bite to eat, Anthony’s Campus Pizza and Corgans’ Publick House are both worth a visit; Anthony’s is very popular with the students, while Corgans’ serves Irish and American fare, and features live music. Fans 2 Due to the small crowd size it sometimes seems as if the band is making more noise than the fans. While the official average attendance at JMU basketball games is around 2,900, in reality it is a lot less, and the fans tend to be fairly spread out, so it is hard to feel a lot of camaraderie with your fellow Dukes fans. On the plus side, a lot of fans do wear team gear, so you will see lots of purple. In addition, many fans wave towels or cards emblazoned with the number “3” after exciting plays, so you can expect at least some occasional bursts of energy. Check out the video below to get a look inside JMU Convocation Center during a game: Access 5 Getting to JMU Convocation Center is a piece of cake, given that the venue is a literal stone’s throw from I-81. Also, there is free parking available in the lot right next to the arena on the south side; parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but given the crowd size there should always be enough room. Getting in and out of, and around JMU Convocation Center is similarly easy; there are entrances in all four corners, though most fans use the main entrances on the south side, next to the parking. In addition, there are plenty of bathrooms inside to accommodate the crowd, and no lines at the concessions. Getting to and from your seat is also easy, since the aisles are fairly wide, and there are ramps if you need them. Return on Investment 3 Despite the small crowd, the only tickets usually available are the $10 general admission seats, since the reserved seats are only given out to donors. You can’t really move down into the closer seats, either, since the venue has staff members stationed at the bottom of the general admission section. Nevertheless, with free parking and reasonable concessions, attending a JMU basketball game is a fairly cheap date, and a good way to see some college hoops, as long as you don’t mind the lack of fans or relatively low level of energy. Extras 2 JMU Convocation Center has some great décor in the concourse, with lots of Dukes-themed signage and images. Take a stroll past the concessions stands and you will find trophies on display, and above the court you will see banners hanging to commemorate past championships and tournament appearances, as well as plenty of purple. Final Thoughts The James Madison Dukes currently compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, and have had some ups and down in recent years in terms of on-court performance. However, the school is serious about improving the athletics programs here, as evidenced by their sizeable planned investment in a new basketball arena, so things should start looking up for JMU basketball in the coming years.

The crew discusses the arms race between cities for bigger, better, and more luxurious stadiums. Will the common fan get priced out? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

The podcast crew is joined by Melissa Burgess from The Victory Press to discuss the inaugural season of the PWHL. How did the first season go compared to how we thought it was going to go, and what comes next?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Indian Wells Tennis Garden 78200 Miles Ave Indian Wells, CA 92210 BNP Paribas Open website Indian Wells Tennis Garden website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 16,100 Playing in the Garden The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the home to the annual BNP Paribas Open Professional Men's and Women's tennis tournament. Located in Indian Wells, California, about two hours east of Los Angeles, this 54-acre facility plays host to the top ATP and WTA players from around the world for two exciting weeks in March. The BNP Paribas Open is one of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Premier 5 events, one of only three of its kind in the United States along with Miami and Cincinnati . Backed by a small group of tennis and sports enthusiasts, this facility has quickly grown into the incredible event that it is today. The most eye-catching feature, by far, of this beautiful park, is the 16,100-seat Stadium Court 1, which is the second largest tennis specific stadium in the world, second only to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open . In addition to the impressive capacity of Stadium Court 1, it also features 44 luxury suites, a full media workroom, and the players� locker rooms and restaurant. After Stadium Court 1, there are seven additional smaller temporary stadiums, which host the other tournament matches. Outside of watching tennis, there are a number of other great things to do around the grounds, ranging from eating and drinking, to demoing racquets, to shopping the boutiques, to even getting a free massage. Additionally, this is one of the most fan friendly events in the world with improved seating and visibility around the practice courts and mini soccer field, as well as the new updated digital practice schedule board located right outside of court 3. Food & Beverage 5 If you've never been to a tennis tournament you'll be in for quite a treat as the food offerings are quite different than one would expect at a baseball or football game. If you're expecting concession windows, ice cream carts, and beer guys patrolling the aisles, you may or may not be pleasantly surprised with the incredible variety and quality that is offered at professional tennis tournaments, especially at this one. Not that the typical stadium fare of hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos won't be found here, it's just that stadium food is taken to a whole new level. Depending on what you're in the mood for, you could have an authentic gyro, a footlong loaded with BBQ beef brisket, pizza, specialty bistro sandwiches, and even fish and chips, just to name a few of the unique food offerings found at the BNP Paribas Open. Once you've found something that tickles your fancy from the food court, find a place to get a refreshment, a little shade, and a spot to eat. There are two large beach-themed Corona bars, and a massive Don Julio bar with plenty of shaded tables and chairs at the center of the food court. If you're looking for a little more elbow room than your seat but don't want to miss a second of the action on the court, grab a couple of adirondack chairs in the Corona Plaza where the top three matches are being shown on the large video boards with stats and scores scrolling across the bottom. Atmosphere 5 As with food and beverage, the atmosphere at professional tennis tournaments is very unique. One moment you can be courtside engrossed in a fantastic third set match biting your fingernails, the next you can be socializing with friends in the food court. There are a number of different atmospheres within the grounds of the tournament depending on the setting. There are numerous massive murals of tennis players and images all around the buzzing and excited grounds. While it is important that you stay quiet while play is going on, don't underestimate the amount of excitement that shows at this big time tournament. Make sure to stake out some first or second row seats for an outer court match, so that you can get the up close and personal feel that is so special about these tournaments where you don't have to have a ticket to the outer courts. Additionally, in the evenings, live music, interviews, player autograph sessions, and trivia are available around the grounds. Neighborhood 5 While there isn't much to do in walking distance of the tournament, there are a ton of wonderful places to eat, drink, and things to do just a short drive away. There are two areas that I recommend, first is El Paseo where there are easily over a hundred places to visit. This upscale shopping and dining area is the perfect place to visit before or after going to the tournament or for a break in the action. There is something here for every budget and taste bud. Don't plan to do much shopping later in the evening as most of the stores close rather early while the restaurants stay open a little later, so shop first, eat second. If you like fresh seafood, make sure to eat at Pacifica. For unique specialty pizza, Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar. And for a steak, you have to go to Mastro's Steakhouse. This is typically the best area for player spotting so keep your eyes peeled for your favorite player getting a bite to eat. Lastly, even if you aren't a big art buff, make sure you stop in at one or two of the many art galleries in the area. If you're willing to drive just a bit further (15-20 minutes), I recommend visiting the North Palm Canyon shopping district. Similar to El Paseo, you will find a number of great shopping and dining options, however the things you will find here won't be nearly as upscale, but much more unique. Be sure to get an omelet for breakfast at Pinocchio in the Desert, have a burger at Hamburger Mary's for lunch, pick up some souvenirs at Just Fabulous, have some authentic chicken parmesan at Kalura Trattoria Italiana or authentic Mexican at Maracas, and get your picture taken with the giant statue of Marilyn Monroe. As you can see, there's a ton to do in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area, so don't forget to plan an extra day or two just to be a tourist. When you're looking for a hotel, be sure to book early as rooms go fast with only a limited number of resorts available. There are some great options near both entertainment areas mentioned. The top recommendation in Palm Desert which not only has a tremendous tennis facility to get a work out during your stay, but also typically hosts player exhibitions and practice sessions while the tournament is in town, the La Quinta Resort. If you're interested in relaxing more away from the tournament crowds, the Renaissance in Palm Springs is highly recommended with a tremendous pool deck. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best sports fans in the world. It's not uncommon to see fans travel all over the world to follow their favorite players. Since tournaments are played in so many places, it takes a lot of dedication to follow the sport, and tennis fans don't disappoint as they have showed up in record numbers. The 2013 BNP Paribas Open set a new tournament attendance record of 382,227 as well as new single day and night session records on the middle Saturday of the tournament. Access 4 Getting to the tournament from out of town, you have a few options. If traveling by air, the nearest airports available are Palm Springs International Airport (17mi), San Bernardino International Airport (70 mi), Ontario Airport (87mi), and Los Angeles International Airport (139mi). For the experience with the least hassle, Palm Springs International Airport would be the best choice. With shuttles and taxis available to transport you to your nearby hotel, this would be the best route. However, it will be without a doubt the most expensive and probably not the most convenient as far as flight times. If you decide to fly into one of the other airports, rent a car and drive yourself to the tournament. The key to saving yourself the most trouble is to make sure you arrive to the tournament early to avoid the troublesome traffic. With only a couple of roads leading to the tournament site, congestion is extremely likely and time consuming. The next issue is the long walk from the parking areas that is probable in delaying you further from entering the tournament. Parking right next to the tournament grounds in the official general parking is $15 per day. The biggest thing to keep in mind here is just to give yourself extra time to drive to the tournament and get into the grounds, as it can possibly be a long process. If possible, I highly recommend booking one of the nearby hotels, which offer a shuttle to and from the grounds for a much more stress free day. When it comes to the access inside the tournament grounds, it's important to keep in mind that with such large numbers in attendance, it is likely that restrooms will back up and form lines. Like at a basketball game, to beat the halftime restroom crowds, you head for the stands a few minutes before the half, it might be wise to try that strategy here. Also, I recommend avoiding the lines for the restrooms located in Stadium Court 1. Instead, search out the restroom stands located around the grounds. Lastly, it is important to be patient when trying to attend a match in one of the smaller stadium courts around the grounds, especially during a highly touted matchup as crowds will quickly form and congestion at the entrances is possible. Return on Investment 4 As with any professional tennis tournament, it has to be understood that there really aren't too many "economical" options. Plain and simple, it's expensive. Having said this, for the money, a ton of entertainment is provided. In comparison to other sporting events where you get to see the best in the world it is about on par if not a slightly better return on investment. Keeping in mind that a single ticket to any given day session will entitle you to see at least 3 matches and around 7 hours inside the gates, this is far superior to seeing one game of another sport for around the same price. The same concept goes for the food and beverage. While it can be expected that prices will be slightly higher, more variety and better products are also on hand when compared to a more mainstream sporting event. For tickets to the BNP Paribas Open, the cheapest and most convenient options are available directly through the tournament's ticket office . In addition to daily tickets, they also offer different kinds of mini packages for any number of people and days, as well as hotel packages. One of the great perks included in select packages is access to the VIP, air-conditioned, Emirates Club Lounge. Extras 5 This tournament is filled to the brim with extras that tennis fans just aren't used to. The spectacular views from any vantage point of palm trees, desert, and mountains are breathtaking. The official instant replay technology that's available on all eight match courts, the most of any tournament in the world. The unique mini soccer field and adjacent outdoor player-dining patio, perfect for spotting your favorite player having fun off the court. Along with the views outside of the grounds, the beautiful landscaping inside the grounds makes for a wonderful combination for the backdrop to the action on the court. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The BNP Paribas Open at The Indian Wells Tennis Garden: Smell the lemon trees Go to the top of the stands to get the best views of the desert Get autographs at the soccer field and practice courts Watch a match in every stadium court for a different atmosphere Shop the boutiques and exhibits Things to keep in mind when attending The BNP Paribas Open: Be sure to pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves and long pants since the weather varies and it will undoubtedly get cool in the evenings in the desert (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Since spring forward occurs during the middle weekend of the tournament, it is wise to attend the evening sessions during the second week (the tournament grounds are so beautiful that you'll want as much daylight as possible to be able to enjoy it)

It's the annual look back at our travels this year. What were our favorite venues, games, biggest surprises, and cities of 2023? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

Food, Family, and Football….Oh My! The Thanksgiving holidays are just around the corner. It is a time to get together with our families, count our blessings, and share in a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It is also a time to tear those same families apart, as it is college football’s rivalry weekend. The games scheduled for this hallowed holiday decide bragging rights for the next year between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, your family, and the in-laws. Even though many of these teams will be moving to different conferences in the New Year, these rivalries figure to survive the chaos of conference realignments and NILs. Here's the lineup of Thanksgiving weekend’s top matchups and this year’s game site: Ole Miss @ Mississippi State Davis Wade Stadium Texas Tech @ Texas Darrell Royal Texas Memorial Stadium Oregon State @ Oregon Autzen Stadium Vanderbilt @ Tennessee Neyland Stadium Alabama @Auburn Jordan-Hare Stadium FSU @ Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Cal @ UCLA Rose Bowl Notre Dame @ Stanford Stanford Stadium Kentucky @ Louisville Cardinal Stadium Washington State @ Washington Husky Stadium Georgia @ Georgia Tech Bobby Dodd Stadium UNC @ NC State Carter- Finley Stadium Northwestern @ Illinois Memorial Stadium Wisconsin @ Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium Indiana @ Purdue Ross-Ade Stadium Clemson@ South Carolina Williams-Brice Stadium Arizona @ Arizona State Mountain America Stadium Virginia Tech @ Virginia Scott Stadium Tuskegee @ Alabama State New ASU Stadium Southern @ Grambling Caesars’ Superdome

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Owen Owens Field 1130 Winton Dr. Concord, CA 94518 De La Salle Spartans website Owen Owens Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 4,500 Welcome to Owen Owens Field One of the most successful high school football programs in America has the most humble-looking stadium. Sitting 29 miles east of San Francisco, De La Salle High School’s Owen Owens Field has been home to a program that has won 39 North Coast Section titles (including the last 32), six CIF State Bowl Game championships, and nine mythical national championships. NFL stars such as Amani Toomer , Maurice Jones-Drew , and D.J. Williams played for the De La Salle Spartans. While all of those accolades are impressive in their own right, one number stands above all else in the Spartans program: 151. From the first week of 1992 through the very last game of 2003, the De La Salle Spartans won every single time. It was an incredible feat that will likely never be replicated. After they broke the national record (72) in 1997, coach Bob Ladoucer decided that they needed to validate their accomplishment by scheduling the toughest opponents in America. So, defensive coordinator/athletic director Terry Eidson went to work, scheduling some of the toughest opponents in high school football.  In the early years, the excessive crowds forced De La Salle to abandon their humble little home that was named after an early benefactor and former newspaper publisher for larger stadiums such as Cal Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium , the University of Pacific’s Amos Alonzo Stagg Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field , Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium and Anaheim’s Angel Stadium  as they took on national powers such as Long Beach Poly, Mater Dei and St. Louis of Honolulu. In recent years, interest in high school football has waned in Northern California.  Still, De La Salle’s schedule remains a minor national obsession as they routinely put together one of the toughest schedules in America. Thus, on this particular early October night, De La Salle hosted mighty Cathedral Catholic from San Diego, a matchup so big that Maxpreps.com  placed it on its weekly list of top ten games to watch in America.  However, their tough schedule is just one factor in the allure of De La Salle football. Even though Bob Ladouceur retired after the 2012 season, his successor, Justin Alumbaugh, has made sure to keep the tradition of Spartan football alive.  Food & Beverage 4 De La Salle offers a wide variety of food that can be bought with either cash or a card. They offer hot dogs and chips for $7, hamburgers/cheeseburgers and chips for $7, chicken quesadilla and chips/homemade salsa for $7, small candy for $2, bag candy for $3, soda for $3, Gatorade for $3, and bottled water for $2. On a personal note, these people really know how to grill a burger. Atmosphere 3 With the field surrounded by so many trees, it’s almost as if it is in its own little world, set apart from the struggles of everyday life. The rolling hills just beyond the home bleachers provide a nice touch at sunset and provide a calm before the storm for De La Salle’s opponents.  Owens Owen Field, Photo by Dave Hegler, Stadium Journey The student section in one end zone fills and provides the ever-present spark that keeps the Spartans offensive machine moving all night long. History and tradition surround the spectators the minute that they walk into Owen Owens Field. Like they have since 1979, the De La Salle Spartans don’t have single-digit numbers and they still run the vaunted Veer offense that powered them to 151-straight wins decades ago. The community of De La Salle expects to win, but they want visitors to stick around long enough to witness the impending blowout. As such, while the Spartans may win, opposing fans will always feel welcome at Owen Owens Field. Neighborhood 3 In general, the neighborhood is pretty safe and feels a world apart from neighboring communities such as Pittsburg and Richmond that have a long history of violence. While very few restaurants are open after the game, there are a large number of them located within a five-mile radius if you would like to grab a quick nosh before the game. These restaurants include Round Table Pizza , Ozora Sushi Restaurant , Thai Table Oak Grove , Ice Monster  and Rocco’s Ristororante Pizzeria . If you would like to stay in town for the weekend, there are several hotels in the area. These hotels include the Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel  and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Walnut Creek .  Fans 3 The De La Salle fans are both friendly and passionate about their team. What’s more, they make first-time visitors feel at home. From the dads playing catch with their kids in the open track right in front of the video board to the fans packed into the small yet spacious bleachers, it truly feels like a community event. Access 3 Parking is free across the street in De La Salle’s sister school, Carondelet High School, and is a very short walk from the field. The surrounding neighborhood is safe enough if you would like to park your car there. The campus has ample room to get a ride before and after the game. The men’s bathroom is well kept, and there are several porta-potties next to the visiting bleachers with wash stations awaiting guests outside.  Return on Investment 4 Most high schools charge around the same rate for their football games these days, and De La Salle is no different, charging $11 on Gofan.com . Still, while some of the biggest matchups in America go for as much as $150 a ticket, De La Salle remains lowkey.  Carondelet’s parking lot made the transition from battling the notorious rush hour traffic on 680 to attending a big-time high school football matchup painless and simple.  But of course, high school football itself is relatively inexpensive. What matters most is the cost of time. With De La Salle’s rich history and tradition, as well as its picturesque landscape, going to a game at Owen Owens Field is very much worth your time and effort.  Extras 4 The school puts together a terrific media guide, filled with rosters for both varsity teams as well as photographs of each Spartan on all three levels and their coaches. The away bleachers are small, yet spacious enough that it’s easy to move around in the front and high enough to see over the heads of the people on the sidelines.  If you have the patience, stick around at halftime to watch De La Salle’s marching band. Lined up single file, the crew stretches three-quarters of the field dressed to the nines in green garments with giant green capes draped over their shoulders and big topped hats with a white feather. Their presence alone is a spectacle, and the music is pretty good too. Lastly, the digital videoboard, while not the best in the Bay Area, is still better than most schools. De La Salle Spartans Marching Band, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts If you want the feel of small-town football played by big-time athletes, then going to Owen Owens Field just might be for you. The De La Salle Spartans have been a force in the Bay Area for the past 40 years. Yet its stadium sits just 4,500, paling in comparison to some of the monstrosities that have been built for some of America’s powerhouses, such as Judson High School  in Texas, Escambia High School  in Florida, as well as San Jose’s Valley Christian High School  and Bellarmine College Preparatory . In that regard, De La Salle really lives up to its name: the Spartans.

The Savanah Bananas are expanding their circus of fun and flair. During its Banana Ball 2026 World Tour   city announcement last night, the team unveiled two new clubs: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns, reviving one of baseball’s most legendary barnstorming names. The additions bring the Banana Ball League to six franchises, all set to compete for the league’s first official championship title at season’s end. But it’s the Clowns who steal the spotlight — a name steeped in baseball lore and entertainment heritage. “When I first heard the story of the Indianapolis Clowns, I was inspired,” said Owner Jesse Cole. “They were the first baseball team to put entertainment first and would go to great lengths to bring their style of baseball to fans all over the country.” The Clowns will be coached by Errick Foxx, who has been part of the Bananas coaching staff since 2018. Foxx will be joined by Primetime coach and former Philadelphia Phillies World Series champion and National League MVP, Ryan Howard. The original Indianapolis Clowns were pioneers of showmanship, blending athleticism with comedy long before “sports entertainment” was a term. They were known as the "Harlem Globetrotters of Baseball" decades before the Bananas by showcasing legitimate stars and making fans laugh at the same time. Fans would see an imaginative pepper ball game, the hidden ball trick, and players dressed up as clowns or hula skirts. Hank Aaron launched his professional career with the Clowns in 1952. He was a teenager when he arrived and still held the bat handle with his left hand on top of his right. That was corrected with the Clowns, and the young shortstop had a game where he went 6-9 and blasted one of his first home runs. Aaron’s stay was brief — just three months — before the Boston Braves purchased his contract for $10,000. Twenty-two years later, he became the all-time home run king when he swatted his 715th home run to break Babe Ruth’s record. The Clowns also broke barriers beyond the diamond. In 1953, Toni Stone became the first woman to play professional baseball when she joined the team. The following year, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson and Connie Morgan followed suit, while Nancy Miller made history as the first female umpire in professional baseball. The roster also featured names like Reece “Goose” Tatum, who later dazzled with the Harlem Globetrotters, and future big leaguers John Wyatt, Paul Casanova, Hal King, and Choo-Choo Coleman. However, by the time Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, many Negro League teams were suffering from a lack of talent and low attendance at the ballpark. Founded in 1929 (others say 1935) by Syd Pollock, the team evolved into one of the most beloved barnstorming clubs in the country. Before arriving in Indianapolis, the team was known as the Miami Giants, the Ethiopian Clowns, and the Cincinnati Clowns. The team joined the Negro American League in 1943 and split time between Cincinnati and Indianapolis in 1944 and 1945. After settling in Indianapolis in 1946, the Clowns played competitive baseball during the season, capturing four Negro American League pennants between 1950 and 1954. However, just like the Bananas when they played in the Coastal Plain League, the Clowns barnstormed during the off-season. The barnstorming season would be played in October and November. In 1950, the Clowns played 35 games in 13 cities against Jackie Robinson's All-Stars with a roster that included Roy Campanella and Larry Doby. The Clowns had a young Ernie Banks on their roster that campaign. The teams drew 125,000 fans and netted a profit of $200,000 that year. The Clowns dropped out of the NAL in favor of an independent schedule that would allow them to develop players, providing them a chance to make the majors. It also allowed the team to take short trips between cities and allowed them to play in a variety of towns. However, Pollack's other focus was on entertainment at the ballpark, something that was becoming hard to do in the shrinking NAL. "We want to concentrate more on having the team and its comedians get in more of their stunts such as 'shadowball', 'pepperball', and other fun-making specialties, including pantomime and laugh-provoking features." By 1961, the Clowns were the last surviving Negro League team. The following year, the Clowns integrated, reduced its roster to 11 players, played a 75-game schedule, and began playing in smaller cities. Pollack sold the team in 1965, and the team played on, sometimes playing in large stadiums like Comiskey Park or small venues like Fairchild Park in Burlington, N.C. Satchel Paige even suited up for Funmakers in 1967 at the age of 61. By the early 1970s, the Clowns were still playing around 150 games a year, winning 80 percent of them. In 1983, the club was purchased by Dave Clark and Sal Tombasco. Clark contracted polio as a child and played games on crutches. They were still barnstorming, but in much smaller markets and in front of crowds of around 60-75 people. The majority of the players were undrafted between the ages of 19 and 23, hoping to get noticed by a major league club. Allegedly, the New York Yankees had first rights on any players on the Clowns. The cities included Leesburg and Orlando, Fla, Valdosta, Ga;, and Muscatine, Iowa, where the Clowns were now based. There was even an appearance at Comiskey Park and the Metrodome. They entertained fans with spray confetti cans, giant bats, a third-baseman sitting in a lawn chair, and a rolling wagon with a miniature toilet for the opposing pitcher. However, in 1989. The team unceremoniously ceased operations, ending 60 years of operations. “The rebirth of the Indianapolis Clowns is an exciting and historically relevant tribute to the team that was at the forefront of combining baseball and entertainment,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues. “Our partnership is a tremendous opportunity to not only entertain, but educate fans about the rich history of the Negro Leagues while paying homage to the team that helped influence Banana Ball.” Interestingly, the Clowns haven’t called Indianapolis home since 1949. They played at Bush Stadium, then known as Victory Field, but were forced to take their entire 1950 season on the road following a dispute between team owner Syd Pollack and Abe Saperstein, the Globetrotters’ owner who controlled rights to Negro League games at the ballpark. Pollack, who received 25 percent of the gate after taxes, demanded an increase to 30 percent for the upcoming season. When Saperstein refused, the Clowns packed up and moved their home games to Offerman Stadium in Buffalo, New York. They retained their old name, playing 6 games in Buffalo and 4 in Indianapolis. The local newspapers in Buffalo called them the Buffalo Clowns, but that was never the official name. They operated in Western New York until 1955, when the Clowns concentrated on a barnstorming schedule. The revived Indianapolis Clowns will debut on February 27 in Anaheim, before making their long-awaited homecoming at Victory Field on May 15 and 16 against the Party Animals in a game that will be a home game for the many with Clowns gear in the stands. The season will conclude with the inaugural Banana Bowl is slated for Oct. 10, 2026. The Indianapolis Clowns hope to carry on the tradition of the original club and honor its legacy by blending baseball and entertainment, while also educating fans along the way next season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey and Mercyhurst University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Saxon Stadium 501 East 38th St Erie, PA 16546 Mercyhurst Lakers website Saxon Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,300 Lakers Set Sail In The FCS Mercyhurst University is a coed, four-year Catholic University located in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1926. It attained university status in 2012. Today it has a student body of 2,668 and offers 50 undergraduate Majors and six graduate majors. Its 75-acre campus is located just south of downtown Erie. The football program at Mercyhurst is still rather young, as its inaugural season was in 1981. From 1981 until 1995, the team played its home games at downtown Erie’s 10,000-seat Veterans Stadium. They then moved to the on-campus Saxon Stadium in 1996. The stadium is named for major donors John and Patty Saxon. The program started small, playing at the Division III level from 1981-1992. It then moved up to the Division II level from 1993-2023. Finally, it moved up to Division I level in 2024, where it became the newest football program at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, and it is a member of the Northeast Conference. Food & Beverage 2 There is a new concession pavilion adjacent to Gate 1. It sells the basics (sodas, popcorn, hot dogs). Concessions may also be purchased at the Mercyhurst Ice Rink concessions window. Atmosphere 3 Seating at Saxon Stadium is either on metal bleachers or on the berm located at the south end of the field. Due to extremely cold weather towards to end of the football season, the playing surface at Saxon Stadium is artificial turf. For this same reason, we strongly suggest bringing seat cushions, as the metal bleachers can get uncomfortably cold! The bleachers are elevated above the playing surface, which does provide you with an excellent view of the action on the fields, and the production crew needs to get on the same page as PA music and band music were competing. Neighborhood 4 Mercyhurst University is in Erie, Pennsylvania, a city of 94,831, located along the south shore of Lake Erie. It sits atop the highest hill in the Erie area, which provides excellent views of downtown Erie and the lakefront. Adding to the unique beauty of the campus are the Gothic-style architecture found in the campus buildings, as well as the lush landscaping found throughout the campus. Downtown Erie offers plenty of attractions and activities for Laker fans who are in town for a game. The town is often called the Gem of the Great Lakes due to its very active harbor and its long history related to the lakefront. Some of the sites visitors will want to check out while fans are in Erie are the reproduction of the USS Niagara, which saw service during the War of 1812, the Erie Land Lighthouse, the Erie Maritime Museum, and the Bicentennial Tower. Presque Isle Downs and Casino and Presque Isle State Park are also along the lakefront. Erie offers a wide variety of dining options for visitors to the area. Some of the popular restaurants include Mi Scuzi Restaurante Italiano, Julius, and the Federal Hill Smokehouse. The Breakfast Place is a great option for fans who want to get their game days off to a delicious start. Erie is also home to the Lake Erie Ale Trail, with several microbreweries and bars available for a pint or two. These establishments include the Brewerie at Union Station, the Lavery Brewing Company, the Erie Ale Works, and McCoy’s Barrelhouse. Lodging near the Mercyhurst campus includes the Baymont by Wyndham Erie along I-90, or the Courtyard Erie Bayfront in downtown Erie. Fans 4 Mercyhurst’s small student body is fiercely loyal to the school’s athletic teams. The stands are filled with green attire featuring the school’s iconic “M”. They are kept energized throughout the games thanks to the efforts of Luke the Laker, a husky Great Lakes Sailor who serves as the school mascot, as well as through performances by the school dance squad and drill team. The Laker Proud Marching Band does a terrific job with both pregame and halftime performances. The fans look forward to the ringing of the Sister Damien Spirit Bell, as it means the Lakers have secured yet another victory. Sister Damien was an avid sports fan who was known for ringing a cowbell throughout the games. Access 3 Mercyhurst University and Erie are both relatively isolated from any major cities. It is located 80 miles west of Buffalo and 90 miles east of Cleveland via I-90 and 100 miles north of Pittsburgh via I-79. Erie is served by Erie International Airport at Tom Ridge Field. The airport can only handle regional jets, and American Airlines is the only major carrier offering flights in and out of Erie. Once on the campus, follow the directional signs to Saxon Stadium. The stadium is in the back (northernmost) section of the campus. Parking is available in Lot 8 adjacent to the stadium via the Briggs Avenue entrance. The lot opens three hours before kickoff. Seating is available in raised metal bleachers on both sides of the field. The home side of the field has bleachers running along the entire length of the field, while the visitors' seating on the opposite side of the field has seating that runs between the 40’s. Many students prefer to sit on the grass hillside at one end of the field. Gates at Saxon Stadium open 75 minutes before kickoff. There are three gates into the stadium. Gate 1 is for use by both the home and visiting fans. Gate 2 is for team parents, team families, and recruits. Gate 3 is for the Pet Supplies Plus Walkway. The gate is restricted to fans bringing their pets to the game. Seating is located in the pet-friendly section on Alumni Hill. This is the only section of Saxon Stadium where pets are allowed. Gates at Saxon Stadium open 75 minutes before kickoff. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can vary depending on the opponent. However, the average ticket cost per game is around $32. All tickets are general admission seating. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Lodging options in the Erie area can go for $85 for a standard hotel room up to $150 for a hotel room in downtown Erie with views of the lakefront. Extras 3 Saxon Stadium is also utilized for field hockey, lacrosse, intermural sports activities, and marching band practice and performances. Saxon Stadium also serves as the home of the Erie Express semi-professional football team and the Erie Commodores FC soccer club. Saxon Stadium is the only college stadium where pets are allowed in the stadium (other than support animals). Final Thoughts Mercyhurst is one of the newest additions to the FCS level of college football competition. It also has the smallest student body of any school at the FCS level. However, it makes up for these limitations through great school spirit and the support of the Erie community. Saxon Stadium is the place to be on Saturday afternoons in Erie!

TO READ IN ENGLISH, SCROLL DOWN L’80^ Open d’Italia di golf si svolgerà da giovedì 4 a domenica 7 maggio 2023 presso il Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. L’impianto, situato nel comune di Guidonia Montecelio, a meno di venti chilometri dalla città di Roma, è di proprietà della famiglia Biagiotti. Nel passato ha già ospitato tre volte questa prestigiosa competizione. Soprattutto, dal 29 settembre al primo ottobre 2023 sarà il palcoscenico dell’edizione numero 44 della Ryder Cup. L’ingresso all’Open d’Italia sarà gratuito (previa registrazione su www.openditaliagolf.eu). Un segnale importante quello lanciato dalla Federazione Italiana Golf che punta ad avvicinare sempre più persone a uno sport in continua espansione (previste anche attività dedicate agli spettatori più piccoli). Il DS Automobiles 80^ Open d’Italia sarà anche il primo torneo stagionale del DP World Tour in programma in Europa. Verrà trasmesso in diretta televisiva su Sky Sport Golf, con gli highlights su Rai Sport, e in streaming online. L’80^ Open d’Italia di golf si svolgerà sulla distanza di 72 buche (18 al giorno). Dopo i primi due giri il taglio lascerà in gara i primi 65 classificati. Il montepremi sarà di 3.250.000 dollari, di cui 552.500 andranno al vincitore. Ad anticipare la sfida sarà, mercoledì 3 maggio, la Rolex Pro-Am. Ospite d’eccezione, il trofeo della Ryder Cup che arriverà direttamente dall’Inghilterra e sarà a disposizione del pubblico per foto e selfie dal 4 al 7 maggio. The 80th Italian Open of golf will take place May 4-May 7, 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. The facility, located in the municipality of Guidonia Montecelio, less than twenty kilometers from the city of Rome, is owned by the Biagiotti family. It has already hosted this prestigious competition three times. The venue will also be the stage of the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup, which will be held September 29-October 1, 2023. Admission to the Italian Open will be free (subject to registration on www.openditaliagolf.eu ) in an effort launched by the Italian Golf Federation that aims to bring more and more people closer to an ever-expanding sport (activities dedicated to younger spectators are also planned). DS Automobiles 80th Italian Open will also be the first seasonal tournament of the DP World Tour scheduled in Europe. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Golf, with highlights on Rai Sport, and streamed online. The 80th Italian Open of golf will be comprised of four rounds. After the first two rounds, the cut will leave the top 65 in the race for the trophy. The prize pool will be $3,250,000, of which $552,500 will go to the winner.The event will get underway on Wednesday, May 3 when the Rolex Pro-Am will take place. The Ryder Cup trophy which will arrive directly from England will be available to the public for photos and selfies during the event.

Wrestlers, the new seven-part docuseries, is the best thing I’ve seen on Netflix. Director Greg Whiteley raised the bar with his stellar Last Chance U series, and he surpasses it with Wrestlers. As the title suggests, Whiteley chronicles the up and down, rough and tumble existence of professional wrestlers. In Wrestlers, indie wrestling promotion OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling), located in the Louisville area, takes center stage. It’s a no-frills, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants operation, a world away from the glamour of the WWE and the AEW. It’s a good night for OVW if the turnbuckles work, and the wrestlers receive gas money. They do it for the love of “the sport,” and the squared circle is the one place where they feel like they matter. And… if they kill it at OVW, there’s a chance they can make it to the big time. John Cena and Dave Bautista are OVW alums. As far as pro wrestling, it has all been documented before in one form or another, but not like this - with the Whiteley touch. Whiteley is a gifted storyteller with a nose for nuance. Whiteley gets the wrestlers to open up and go to some dark places on camera without feeling exploitative. When the wrestlers do grapple, it means so much, much more than a predetermined match. And Whiteley’s expert camera crew makes the action look terrifically cinematic. Lastly, there are some wonderful montages set to music. Styx’s Come Sail Away has never sounded so good. Ditto for Bowie’s Major Tom. Unlike other indie promotions, OVW produces a weekly television show, which is expensive. Indeed, at the start of Wrestlers, the television show is on the cusp of shutting down. As a Hail Mary, partners with means have been brought in. The most outspoken partner is Matt Jones, a popular sports radio talk show host. Jones means well, but he rubs some of the wrestlers, including OVW’s leader, Al Snow, the wrong way with his aggressive demeanor. Snow is a familiar name to wrestling fans. In his heyday, Snow was known for his schizophrenic character who communicated with a plastic mannequin head. Snow and Jones have their share of disagreements. Snow wants to wrestle with poignant storylines. Jones’ priority is getting eyeballs and butts in the seats. Amid all this, Jones is dealing with a serious health issue, and Snow is playing the stone-faced high school principal with OVW’s motley crew of grapplers. Hollywood Haley J and her mother, The Amazing Maria James, are two of the most compelling wrestlers featured. They’ve had their issues. Haley spent much of her youth couch surfing because her mother was locked up. Now, she has a boulder on her shoulder and a mission to make the WWE. When these two face off against each other in the ring, it’s art imitating life - or vice versa. Either way, it’s powerful stuff. I’m no fan of spoilers, so I won’t say how it all ends. However, Whiteley brings Wrestlers to a satisfying end, while still leaving viewers wanting more. Wrestlers is more than deserving of a Season 2. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 All-American Bowl website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 72,000 All-American Bowl – Alamodome For over 20 years the nation’s best high school football players have competed against one another in the annual All-American Bowl . The game between all-stars from the East and the West has featured some of the best players in the recent history of the game – these include Vince Young , Andrew Luck , Tim Tebow , Adrian Peterson , Odell Beckham, Jr. , and Chase Young . Since 2002 – with exception of a COVID year in 2021 – the game has been held at the venerable Alamodome in downtown San Antonio. The stadium, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, has a long tradition of hosting numerous football games over the years; it serves as the home field for the UTSA Roadrunners and is the site of the Alamo Bowl each December. Countless high school games, minor league football, and even NFL games have been played on the Alamodome’s field. While it can at times feel truly cavernous, it has proven to be a great facility for football, especially high school football; the All-American Bowl is no exception. Read on to learn what makes the game and the venue something all fans should see. Food & Beverage 3 Not all the regular concession stands at the Alamodome are open during the All-American Bowl. However, what they do have is perfectly fine for fans on game day. At numerous spots on the main concourse fans can get their fill of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, hamburgers and fries, tacos, and bottled drinks. There are also a few spots dedicated to selling bottled domestic and imported beers; you won’t go hungry or thirsty at the Alamodome, but for this game the offerings are in the average category. Atmosphere 4 While the Alamodome basically opens up only the lower bowl for this game, and fans are there primarily to cheer on their friends and family members playing in the game (as opposed to a particular team), the atmosphere is still remarkably good for this game. It feels like a big deal, and everyone involved treats it as such. There is signage everywhere (this also extends to the downtown San Antonio area) touting the game. Local high school marching bands and cheerleaders keep the crowd engaged, and there are several game merchandise stores on the main concourse as well. But the true event that keeps the atmosphere high (and I’ll discuss it more in the Extras section) and makes this a spectacle is the player commitments – on a stage outside the north end zone, players stand in front of an array of hats with their prospective colleges’ logos. After a brief exchange, an uncommitted player will make his choice of where he will spend the next three to four years of his academic and playing career. It’s a lot of fun and just shows the caliber of players involved in the game. Neighborhood 5 I’ve written about the Alamodome in numerous reviews, and in particular why this section ranks as high as it does. There is a reason that big-time events still make their way to a facility that is now 30 years old, and it is primarily due to location. The dome is right in the heart of the Alamo City’s vibrant downtown – home to some of the area’s best hotels, restaurants, and attractions, downtown San Antonio is where most people want to be when they visit the city. The Alamodome is within walking distance of most of the mentioned best of the best sites and attractions. These include the fabled – and eponymous – Alamo shrine; the Cradle of Texas Liberty is one of the most visited sites in the country, and is currently undergoing an historic renovation and expansion. If you’re visiting the city for the game, it is a must to see the Alamo. Another site that should be high on visitors to do list is taking a stroll on the San Antonio River Walk . Built along the banks of the river that bears its name, the River Walk extends the length of downtown and beyond. Visitors can dine at top-tier restaurants, do some shopping, or stop in at dozens of spots for some libations. You should also make a point to hop a ride on one of the River Walk barges . When it comes to dining, there are numerous chains to take in, but you really need to make a point to try something local. In that vein, it doesn’t get more local than Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia . For over 75 years, the Cortez family – owners of Mi Tierra – have been the godfathers of Tex-Mex cuisine in San Antonio – this is the gold standard. Another newer spot to visit is one of my all-time favorites in the city, Schilo’s . This old-world German delicatessen is also the oldest restaurant in the city. Known for house-made root beer, made-from-scratch deli sandwiches, and the best cup/bowl of split pea soup in all of South Texas, Schilo’s will fill you up! For hotels, downtown San Antonio has scores that run the entire gamut of price ranges. However, if you want to be able to walk to the game at the Alamodome, there are several that are less than five minutes away – these include Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center and City View Inn & Suites . Again, depending on what your budget is, you’ll find something suitable for you that is not too far from the stadium if you stay downtown. Fans 3 All Star games are always a little tricky to gauge, in terms of fans. As mentioned above in the Atmosphere section, the vast majority of the fans in attendance are relatives and/or friends of the 100-plus players on the two rosters, and not of any particular team. That being said, it’s still a football game, and big plays still bring the fans out of their seats. The most recent game had an announced crowd of over 23,000 and that seems accurate; it was a good crowd that stayed around for the entirety of the game, and even well afterwards to have a meet-and-greet with the players. Access 4 Fans heading to the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome won’t have a hard time getting there; it is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks across the San Antonio skyline. The dome is a 10-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport , which offers scores of flights in and out of the city on an hourly basis. If you’re driving to the Alamodome it is located at a virtual crossroads of three major highways that ribbon the city: Interstates 10 and 35 and state highway 37/281. These are the major thoroughfares in the city and once you hop on, you can be anywhere in San Antonio in less than 30 minutes. Once on site, parking in the dome’s two open lots starts at $20 per car; however, the neighborhood surrounding the Alamodome has built a cottage industry on selling parking to events for often much less. Or, if you choose not to drive or utilize a ride-sharing service, San Antonio’s public transportation service, VIA Metropolitan Transit , offers bus service to and from the Alamodome throughout the day. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the All-American Bowl started at $25 per person. When you couple that with $20 for parking and relatively affordable concessions, this turns out to be a bargain. To get a chance to see the next Trevor Lawrence , or Reggie Bush , or Patrick Peterson at what is essentially the start of their careers, the cost to attend the All-American Bowl is truly a bargain. Extras 3 As mentioned above, the extras for the game are mainly the draw of the player commitments – this is really something to see and it truly fires up the crowd, especially when a player selects the school of fans in attendance. The other draws are the local high school marching bands and cheer squads. At the most recent game, an added attraction was the play of some flag football squads from the area during halftime; it’s fun seeing youngsters getting to enjoy a game in a venue like the Alamodome. Final Thoughts The All-American Bowl is a game unlike any other and for fans of football, it’s a treat to get the chance to see it in person. The Alamodome truly comes into its own for high school games – with basically only the sideline seats open for viewing, fans get the best sightlines of the whole field. Adding the bands and cheerleaders make it even more like a typical high school game, albeit one that is broadcast live on network television. I would definitely add this game to your bucket list if you haven’t already. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

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

Like most shopping malls around the country, Macon Mall in Macon, GA was experiencing hard times. A new lifestyle center had lured away many of its tenants, while other national tenants had gone bankrupt and gone out of business. Online shopping has become popular during the pandemic and has cut down the flow of shoppers in the mall drastically. The vacancy rate in the mall hovered at 74 %. The final straw was the owner of the mall turning over the mall to the city of Macon. The city was facing a quandary. What do you do with a shopping mall? The first thing the city did was downsize the mall by demolishing one wing of the mall. In its place, the city will construct a 10,000-seat amphitheater. It already was a needed amenity in the area and would bring traffic back to the mall area. This still left a large vacant area where one of the anchor stores had stood. How could that space be filled? The answer to that question is to marry a shopping mall with pickleball. Pickleball is the #1 participant sport in the country. Leagues and courts are popping up everywhere. The solution is the 32-court Rhythm and Rally Sports and Event Complex . The 150,000-square-foot facility is the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world. The facility also includes climate-controlled locker rooms, showers, and a pro shop. The city of Macon has seen its white elephant turn into a gold mine. The new facility is a great hit in the pickleball community. In the first few weeks, it was open, Rhythm and Rally hosted a tournament with more than 6,500 participants. Players came from 24 four states and several foreign countries. A second tournament in January 2024 drew more than 900 participants. The facility has lined up a series of local, regional, and national tournaments throughout 2024. The local community has responded to the new complex just as enthusiastically. Local membership in the complex has skyrocketed, with most of the courts in use around the clock. The facility has also drawn the attention of government officials in other cities and states, as they all are facing the same issues of abandoned properties. It has spawned the concept of adaptive reuse in malls and other large vacant properties. In the meantime, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events Complex expects to generate between $ 3-5 million in revenue in 2024 for the city of Macon.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 NASCAR Cup Series Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Mid-American 4th of July Power Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the USA. Its annual schedule features NASCAR on the Fourth of July weekend. Fans from all over the Midwest flock to this track to witness some of North America’s best sports action, in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan friendly and easy to navigate. Food & Beverage 5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. With over 20 concessions stands located around the course, Road America is led by the Gearbox, a hillside concessions stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin, you can get the best cheese and sausage foods there, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers. The addition of the IndyCar Series to the Road America schedule means even more food options are now available around the race course. Of course the beer is also cold and tasty, perfect for sitting under a tree feeling the cool breeze as the cars go speeding past. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a “let’s go race and enjoy every moment of it” state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America has also undergone a recent renovation, including the addition of new entrance gates, a new store, and brand-new shower and bathroom facilities in the camping grounds. Neighborhood 4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls the small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there is a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice (Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan). If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes. Fans 5 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. Over 250,000 fans packed the track during NASCAR race weekend, making it a race unlike any other on the schedule. NASCAR Cup Series at Road America - Fans Watching From the Hill, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path; at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. However, with the addition of IndyCar to the schedule, the facility has greatly increased its signage nearby. The entrance is so sudden and not easily marked that in the past one would be liable to drive right past it, were there not a major race going on that weekend. Now, however, with the new signs it is much easier to get on the right path to the entrances. Once you’re at Road America you will also discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about to begin with, which can be frustrating if you had to wait hours in line. Check the fan map of the venue to identify the alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete a few years ago, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. But what sets the track apart from others is the ease of which traffic flows from the track after major events. After the packed NASCAR weekend, long lines eased out of the track without much trouble, meaning there wasn’t much backup for fans going home. Return on Investment 5 Despite being practically in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin, Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Extras 5 Where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. However, if treetop views or social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America. You will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend. The fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful – it’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America. The new NASCAR Fourth of July race weekend creates the perfect mix of celebrating America with watching one of the world’s top racing series at one of the world’s top racing tracks.

The next time you attend a Lakers , Clippers , Kings hockey  or any other event at Crypto.com Arena, as you pass by the much celebrated Kobe Bryant Statue unveiled last month , you may notice that at the marble base of the statue are some glaringly needed adjustments. The statue depicts Kobe in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger walking off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.  At the marble base of the statue are the player stat lines of the box score from both teams on the night of Kobe’s accomplishment. However some spelling errors were noticed on players names Jose Calderon and Von Wafer, as well as “decision” being misspelled as “decicion” from the stat line.  A tweet from German basketball journalist Andre Voigt shows photos of the errors.  https://twitter.com/drevoigt/status/1766970863054696482 “We have been aware of this for a few weeks and are already working to get it corrected soon,” a Lakers spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.  The bronze statue was sculpted by Julie Rotblatt Amrany and stands 19 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds. The statue also includes a QR code which fans can scan with their phone. The QR code directs fans to a  short film directed by Antoine Fuqua and narrated by Denzel Washington . The statue is the first of three to be created honoring the five-time NBA Champion and top scorer in Lakers history. Hopefully everything will be spell checked before Black Mamba is honored along Chick Hearn Court. Fans honoring Kobe the day after his statue was unveiled, 2/9/2024 Follow and view all of Andrei’s Los Angeles journeys on Instagram @thestadiumjourneyman  and @dreiinla .

This week the gang is joined by ballpark chaser extraordinaire Joe Robertson, who has visited over 750 ballparks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

After months of speculation, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) has announced a double-header at Allegiant Stadium , home of the Las Vegas Raiders, will kick off the 2024 season. CEO of the NRL, Andrew Abdo, confirmed four clubs will make the trip to the US: Brisbane Broncos, Manly Sea Eagles , South Sydney Rabbitohs , and Sydney Roosters , with the games scheduled to kick off on March 2, which coincides with a Sunday afternoon broadcast into Australia. The matches will be the first ever regular season games staged outside of Australia and New Zealand. Abdo stated that the 2024 Las Vegas season opener would form the centrepiece of an “Australia Week” showcasing Australia to the US. Allegiant Stadium, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey He went on to say: “We are now working collaboratively with the four clubs to finalise arrangements for the proposed matches in Las Vegas and make this a blockbuster event for fans by maximising travel, attendance, and enjoyment of a unique rugby league experience. Rugby league will be on a stage which the sport has simply never been on before and we look forward to giving all clubs the opportunity in coming years.” Reports suggest the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs were strategic inclusions given their high-profile supporters include the likes of Hugh Jackman (Manly) and Russell Crowe (South Sydney), which will assist in marketing the event. However, cynics are well aware that the NRL’s enthusiasm for Vegas is a bid to cash in on the explosion of legalised sports betting in America rather than to grow the sport of rugby league. Australians are among the biggest gamblers in the world, but recently there have been calls for the federal government to implement tougher regulations, particularly around advertising during live sport broadcasts. The last big-time rugby league match to be staged in North America was an international between New Zealand and England, held in 2018 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. However, the event was a financial disaster which resulted in the national bodies of NZ and England eventually writing off debts worth more than $300,000 each. Rugby league is a similar but separate sport to its better-known cousin, rugby union – however its popularity is largely limited to Australia, New Zealand, England, and the Pacific Islands.

The mecca for any hockey fan is a journey to Toronto, Ontario to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The question is, with the other major sport halls of fame, where does the Hockey Hall of Fame stack up? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they head out to discuss the home of Lord Stanley and the Hockey Hall of Fame. 🏒🏒

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

It's time for our annual Year in Review episode! The crew looks back at our favorite games, stadiums, cities and surprises for 2024. We even get some input from you, our loyal listeners! Also, will this be our last show? We wrap up seven years of memories. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.