Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 Map It San Diego Seals website Pechanga Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,920 Seals Lax The San Diego Seals are members of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, enjoying winning seasons since their inception. In their five years of play (the NLL was cancelled during the pandemic), they have made it to the playoffs four times and to the second round twice. They have not yet made it to the finals. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Pechanga Arena also hosts the San Diego Gulls (AHL hockey). It is also home to a variety of other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more. A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional, not like the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. There’s been talk of building a new arena on the same site as the existing one. The proposition also includes an entertainment district (shops, dining, urban parks, etc.) and affordable housing. We’ll keep our eyes open for any progress on this proposal. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has a decent number of concessions; many serve only adult beverages. Some are closed as the lacrosse team does not draw as many fans as the hockey team or concerts. Be sure to walk the entire concourse to find the open concession stands and carts that match your taste buds. Pizza Port slices (cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno pepperoni, BBQ chicken) run $9 - $9.75. Arena Grill serves hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan sausages and burgers, chicken baskets, nachos, fries, etc. Nicolosi’s (Italian) sells meatball mac and cheese, 6” meatball hero, vegan mac and cheese ($13 - $18), as well as traditional fare and beverages. Small kiosks include lemonade, mini donuts, hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples, yummy-looking frozen dipped bananas, and Dippin’ Dots. Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands), water, iced tea, Monster Energy, and Powerade cost $6 - $7. A Cutwater Cocktail Bar, Elysian Brewing Company, and Breitbard’s Tap Haus have vast selections of beers on tap and in cans (domestic and local craft). Local craft includes brews from Eppig, Golden Road, Karl Strauss, Kona, Pizza Port, Stone, and Elysian, and cost $18. Many stands have cocktails and wines ($16 - $18). Pechanga Arena Breitbard's Tap Haus, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The choices are suitable for a meal or a snack if you arrive hungry and thirsty. The Stella Artois Lounge is a premium entertainment area available for rent and/or membership and includes a posh bar and other VIP features. The arena is missing one thing - tables to eat any purchased food. Instead, fans have to bring their refreshments to their seats. Atmosphere 4 Although old, the arena serves the lacrosse team very well. Two levels of average-width cushioned seats (without cup holders) make up the seating. Fans enter the middle of the seating area and walk up or down to their seats. The second level is about 15 steps up. No handrails are available for the top nine rows on either level. Those uneasy with steps should get seats in row nine as that’s the top row when walking in. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available along the inner walkway. Staff curtains off the second level behind both goal nets. Every seat has a decent view of the action on the court. Though the arena does not have suites, it offers premium seating along certain areas of the inner concourse, and Rady Children’s Cove premium field level seating choice behind one of the goals with partitioned tables and its own beverage station. Pechanga Arena Rady Children's Cove, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey It’s chilly inside. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring a sweatshirt and/or jacket. A suitably sized scoreboard hangs above center court. It shows the game action video, the score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter. Closed captioning is not available. At the game of this review, I noticed many delayed media timeouts, which annoyingly halted the flow of the game. The Seals have an impressive pyrotechnic opening and introduction. As with all box lacrosse contests, to pump the crowd, music plays constantly. When an opposing player goes to the penalty box (the sin bin), the announcer cleverly calls “[player’s name] makes the walk of shame…shame…shame…” The crowd is also entertained by a dance team (the Sirens) and a mascot dressed as a seal (Salty). Other in-game entertainment includes fan participative contests like a milk chug challenge, selfies, t-shirt tosses, a military hero of the game, and a junior lacrosse scrimmage during halftime. It is all very well executed and not over the top. Neighborhood 4 The area directly surrounding the rink is bustling with shopping centers, and within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available. Ocean Beach Pier is just three miles from the venue and is where visitors can watch the surfers (or surf themselves), walk along the beach, swim, or sunbathe in the warmer months. Or stroll the neighborhood shops, restaurants, and brewpubs. It’s a great place to visit. Sea World San Diego is a little over two miles. Historic Old Town is just a mile away; both are worth visiting. A plethora of places to eat and drink are within a few miles. We recommend the Long Story Irish Pub (though finding parking may be difficult), Phil’s BBQ, and Cocino de Barrio (Mexican). Within walking distance of the arena are staples like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Broken Yolk, and Buffalo Wild Wings (though we do not recommend this Broken Yolk and BWW). For the hop head, the go-to brewery for Seals fans is Bay City Brewing, right across the parking lot. Plenty of other breweries are close by: Deft Brewing (European style brews), Stone Brewing (in Liberty Station – serves food), and if visiting Ocean Beach, check out Ocean Beach Brewery (serves food), Kilowatt Brewing, or Pizza Port (Brewpub). Many, many more are within five miles of the arena. A Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Pechanga Arena, and a Ramada Inn is a block and a half away. Many other hotels with varied prices are within just a mile or two of Pechanga Arena, so pick your preference. Sports fans can attend other games in the area during lacrosse season, including the AHL Gulls. The University of San Diego is two to three miles from the arena. You may be able to catch a Toreros baseball, basketball, football, or other athletic games. San Diego is a fantastic city to tour, so make a day or weekend of it when attending a Seals game! Fans 3 There’s an energy in the crowd, and you just can’t help getting excited when the Seals score a goal. Lots of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams are in attendance. Visitors see plenty of purple, yellow, and black (the Seals’ colors) in the crowd. The fans certainly don’t follow lacrosse etiquette as they leave and enter during play action. At the game of this review, the lower level was about 65% full. The average attendance is between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game. This puts the team in the mid to bottom half of the NLL attendance ranking. Access 4 Getting to the arena is easy. It is right off the I-8 and I-5 Interstates in the Midway District of San Diego, a tad over a mile from Old Town San Diego and a little over three miles from the San Diego Airport. Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $15. The box office is on the north side of the building (Kurtz Street side). Public transportation is available and takes 30 – 45 minutes with multiple changes if coming from the airport. Check the San Diego MTS trip planner to see if this is an option from where you are. If not, Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are on the south side of the venue near the gas station and Chick-fil-A. It is easy and painless to get through security and scanning of the ticket. Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium sports bags are allowed. Fans can walk the entire concourse. Unfortunately, tickets are only available through AXS – an online ticket provider. Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app to their phone to get their tickets. The Seals do not offer hardcopy tickets. ADA seating is provided on the inner concourse surrounding the court. The arena has sufficient restrooms for a lacrosse game, but they are tight, with minimal room to maneuver (at least in the ladies). Return on Investment 3 Seals box lacrosse games are fun and worth your sports dollar investment. We recommend eating or drinking before heading to the game, as concession prices are the expected high stadium prices. Tickets run $21 - $80. A three-game ticket package offers a discount and is a good deal if planning on seeing more than one match a season. Groups of 10+ get a reduced rate, so corral your friends, work buddies, or social group members and come and enjoy an exciting evening out! Parking is $15. If time and your location permit, consider using public transportation. The stadium only accepts purchases via credit card, including parking. Every game has a special event, such as Heritage nights, Stick Up for a Cure night, Margaritaville nights, etc., and may include tailgating parties or giveaways. Extras 4 Photos on the concourse walls portray famous events and entertainers who performed at Pechanga Arena over the years. It is worth the effort to stroll the concourse perusing the historic concerts performed here. The team broadcasts a motivating video that energizes the crowd and gears them into a lacrosse frame of mind before the players take the court. When the announcer introduces the players, spectacular shooting flames, smoke, and hoopla abound. One retired jersey number hangs from the rafters, #17 Brodie Merrill. Pechanga Arena Brodie Merrill Retired Jersey, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Finally, praise to the crew who successfully transform the arena from a hockey rink to a lacrosse court in under 24 hours. Final Thoughts The venue has a lot of history on display and is a throwback to an earlier time when arenas were designed to be functional fan facilities. Box lacrosse is a fun, lively game to watch, and a San Diego Seals game delivers that sports enjoyment pleasure. Check out In Lacrosse We Trust for all lacrosse coverage.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Scotiabank Centre 1800 Argyle St Halifax, NS B3J 2V9 Halifax Thunderbirds website Scotiabank Centre website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,595 You’ve Been Thunderstruck Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Following the lead of the Halifax Hurricanes (National Basketball League of Canada) and HFX Wanderers (Canadian Premier League), along with rumors of the Atlantic Schooners (Canadian Football League) kicking off play in a few years, Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. What is a thunderbird? In Indigious cultures, a thunderbird is a mythical creature, and a symbol for strength and power. A fitting name for a team playing an indigious game on native lands. Originally opened as the Halifax Metro Centre in 1978, Scotiabank Centre has undergone multiple renovations to keep the venue up-to-date and attract major events. The most significant renovations came in 2015, inconsequentially, when the Scotiabank took over the naming rights. With the addition of the Thunderbirds, the arena is now home to three major tenants, including the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) and the Halifax Hurricanes. With a capacity of 10,500, Scotiabank Centre is amongst the smallest in the NLL. Food & Beverage 4 Scotiabank Centre offers an expansive variety of unique food options that rival venues with higher capacities. Canadian and Maritime classics such as Poutine (Cavendish fries, beef gravy and cheese curds) and Donairs (spiced beef shaved from a spit and served on a gyro with tomatoes, onions and donair sauce) are available ​a-la-cart ​ or in a combo with chips and a Pepsi product. Other unique offerings include: mac & cheese (with or without fried chicken), footlong hot dogs, $5 sandwiches, a butter chicken bowl and burrito bowls. Look for most of these concessions in the wide plaza area behind section nine. Traditional stadium food choices include: individual pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, nachos, popcorn and candy. Alcoholic beverages are $7.25 for a 14-ounce domestic draft (Bud, Bud Light & Alexander Keith’s), and $2 more for 20 ounces. Alexander Keith’s also has their own kiosk offering craft brews, including the Lunenburg Coffee Stout and Highland Pilsner starting at $8.25. Cocktails can be “shaken or stirred” at the bar located outside section eight. Vendors rarely walk the seating area, so you’ll likely need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the arena. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at one of the multiple water fountains available around the concourse. Overall, the concessions are well maintained and clean, with enough food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. Atmosphere 4 Largely due to its downtown location, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, the game day atmosphere outside Scotiabank Centre can prepare you for the thrilling action on the field. With the brick and glass bottom, concrete paneled top, and hints of the concrete seating area viewed from underneath, the arena is clearly distinguishable from Citadel Hill and Brunswick Street. Topography slopes down quickly around the sides of the building where the architecture is not as pronounced. However, large illuminated “Scotiabank Centre” signs were added to the blank facade, which can clearly be seen from Rogers Square, located a few blocks away down Grafton Street. Once inside Scotiabank Centre there is a “big-event” feel to the atmosphere. Walking around the concourse provides a variety of visual experiences. The side concourses are closed off from viewing the game; however, walk to the ends of the arena and suddenly you’re one with the crowd and have a full view of game action. The lower seating bowl offers great viewing angles to catch all the plays, without fans in front of you obstructing your view. The playing field is surrounded by 16 to 22 rows of seats; however, legroom is an issue no matter where you sit. If you consider yourself of average height or taller, avoid rows 19 thru 22. These rows were not part of the original arena design, but instead were squeezed in as part of a renovation years ago. This renovation closed off a walkway inside the seating bowl, resulting in more congestion on the concourse. Also, be aware of some obstructed view seats in sections 13 thru 17 (rows Q through S) due to metal posts supporting the skyboxes. An upper level is located on both sides of the playing field, consisting of 21 rows with decent viewing angles in the lower rows. Avoid seats next to the aisle in rows A thru G since the railing located at the bottom of the aisle may be right at your eye level. Also, stay clear of the top 16 rows (rows H thru W); hanging skyboxes diminish the game atmosphere and the scoreboard/video board over centre ice is not visible. A scoreboard and video board is projected on the backside of the skyboxes, but the acoustics are awkward and you feel distant from the action. Over forty skyboxes are located in a horseshoe style around the field of play. Handicap seating is available nearly all the way around the seating bowl at the concourse level. New seats were added as part of the 2015 renovations. They are larger, padded, comfortable, and are equipped with cup holders. The four-sided scoreboard hanging from the rafters is new as of 2019. This crisp, clear jumbotron is a welcome improvement and accentuates the atmosphere as exciting graphics are displayed after a big play. Scoreboard at Scotiabank Centre, Photo by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey The Thunderbirds have done a fantastic job celebrating the roots and culture of the Maritime region, not just through their name and logo, but also during the pre-game ceremony. Prior to the Thunderbirds taking the field, a high-tech video production introduces the players and creates a sense of what’s to come. Afterwards, bagpipers play and march from the concourse to the field where traditional Scottish dancers represent and help celebrate the Scottish roots of Nova Scotia. In-game promotions and entertainment keep you involved during breaks in the action. Free programs with information regarding both teams’ players and records are available on the concourse. The Thunderbirds’ dance team performs a few times prior to the game and during game breaks.The Thunderbird mascot, Bolt, roams the arena stopping for selfies and other fan interactions along the way. Arena acoustics are fairly good, unless you are seated in the back rows of the upper level. Upbeat music is played seemingly non-stop during play which is an NLL staple. The music helps keep the crowd’s energy up. The fans especially seem to respond well with loud rhythmic clapping whenever a classic Maritime song like “Barrett’s Privateers” (by Stan Rogers) plays over the loudspeaker. Neighborhood 5 Halifax has a rich history to learn and explore. As stated by the public address announcer prior to a game, Halifax lies on Indigenous lands belonging to the Mi’kmaq before the British settlers arrived and developed the area. For a few hundred years, Halifax was an important British army and navy base to help protect against potential French invaders. Halifax Harbour is naturally protected from the ocean, and is the second largest natural harbour in the world. Thousands of immigrants came to Halifax to find work in the fishing, shipping, and trading industry created by the protected harbour. In 1912, Halifax played an important role in rescue efforts following the sinking of the Titanic. In 1917, the city suffered a tragic event itself, when two ships collided in the harbour. One of those ships was full of ammunition, causing an enormous explosion that killed 2,000 people and destroyed a large part of the city. Check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about these fascinating events. Downtown Halifax is located on a steep hill, which slopes from the Halifax Harbour to Citadel Hill. The arena is integrated into the hill, which makes the arena look smaller from the outside than it actually is. Downtown Halifax is evolving into a popular destination again after years of dormant construction throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. If you want to grab a drink and a bite before or after the game, Argyle Street is a great area full of options with Antojo, Pint Public House & Gahan Restaurant all excellent choices. For a relaxed atmosphere during your stay, take a walk on the boardwalk along the Halifax Harbour; see some historic architecture, high-end restaurants, and the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. All of these destinations are within a 5-15 minute walk from the arena, making it a great location for the season ticket holder or a tourist. The Hampton Inn by Hilton and the Prince George Hotel are both located less than a block away from the arena. Plenty of other hotel options are scattered around the city depending on your desired price range and location. Fans 3 The Thunderbirds first game in Halifax came less than a year after the relocation announcement in early 2019. So naturally the franchise needed to work hard to attract and develop a loyal local fan base. In such a short time, it’s obvious the marketing folks have done a great job promoting the sport and franchise to a wide range of demographics. Every home game has a promotional theme including First Nations Night, University Student Night, a Salute to Veterans Night, among others. Through the first few home games, Thunderbirds attendance has averaged 6,500 spectators. Though some markets draw over 10,000 patrons per game, Halifax attendance ranks a respectable 8th out of the 13 franchises. Thunderbirds attract fans of all ages, from young families, young adults on a date, and long-time friends. Fans tend to be pretty quiet and respectful outside of a home goal or a big hit. The crowd (with help from the public address announcer) could easily create some unique traditions or chants during the game, and there’s little doubt the scores have potential to improve as the loyal fan base continues to develop. Access 4 Direct flights to Halifax are available from most major Canadian cities, and a few American cities in the Eastern Time Zone. Though Halifax looks close to the United States on maps, a drive from Portland, Maine would take around ten hours due to a lack of a direct route. However, the drive is beautiful no matter where you are coming from. When you arrive downtown, you are only minutes from the arena. It is easy to get there by foot or car. Two parking garages are within a block of Scotiabank Centre for $8, and metered parking is free on weekends and after six pm on weekdays. Metro Transit is another great way to get to the game. Several routes from all over the municipality converge into downtown for $2.75. Halifax is known for wet and icy winter weather conditions. Fortunately pedestrians can stay dry and not risk slipping on ice by using the “Halifax Link” indoor path system. See ​Halifax Link’s map here. Though there is not a dedicated main entrance, the most popular entrance is on the low (east) side of the arena. Stairs or ramps take you into an atrium where the Box Office, Will Call, and entrance to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame are located. However, prepare for a stair-hike if you enter the arena from this atrium. The entrances along Brunswick Street may be easier and less congested if you already have your ticket. The easiest wheelchair accessible entrance is from the Brunswick and Duke Street corner where the doors are level with the concourse. Once doors open, access around the arena is simple and straightforward. The concourse is a continuous 360 degrees around the field on an even level. Finding your seat should not be difficult, as plenty of helpful signs point you to the sections. The east side of the arena is open, wide and grand. Part of it was an alleyway that used to separate the arena and the former convention centre. This additional concourse space has a relaxed feel with tables to stand at and enjoy your drink and/or meal. Restrooms are clean and fairly large due to a 2015 renovation. Some restrooms are located on another level of the arena, so watch for signs. Return on Investment 3 Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside Scotiabank Centre or online through the team website. Ticket prices are more expensive than Halifax residents are used to for other local sports teams, and the “best seats” appear to be slightly higher than other NLL franchises in similar markets. An adult seat ranges from $28-$81 depending on your seat location preference. University student tickets range from $17.25-$23. Children 12 and under are a flat rate $23. And accessible seating is a flat $11.50 per ticket. Tickets for an applicable promotional night can save you around 50% on tickets. Purchasing group tickets saves money and includes incentives like field admission prior to the game. Other ticket buying options include discounts for fundraiser nights, senior citizens discount games, two-game rivalry pacts, season tickets, and “family section” tickets, which is a family season ticket in a dedicated area close to washrooms. Extras 2 An extra point for the incredible job the franchise does recognizing and celebrating the many historical and cultural aspects the Halifax region represents. Another for the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. The entrance is through the atrium, and admission is free with a game ticket. The Sidney Crosby exhibit is a must see.” Final Thoughts Indoor lacrosse is one of the most high intensity and thrilling sports you can watch. The game has a long history, as it was first introduced by the First Nations and now is the official summer sport of Canada. For fans who have yet to witness an NLL game live, it’s well worth spending an evening with loved ones or great friends to take in the excitement. Hopefully the Thunderbird franchise will continue to develop fan experience to maintain and build the local fan base.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ball Arena 1000 Chopper Circle Denver, CO 80204 Colorado Mammoth website Ball Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,800 Get in the Box Note: The name of the venue changed from Pepsi Center to Ball Arena Oct, 2020. Founded in 2003, the Colorado Mammoth are celebrating their 15th season in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) this 2018/2019 season. They have made the playoffs in all but one of their years in existence. They captured the NLL championship in 2006 and won division titles in 2003, 2004, and 2007. It’s been a while since they’ve placed a banner on the rafters. Two professional lacrosse teams are located in Denver, CO. The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Outlaws play at Broncos Stadium at Mile High and the Mammoth play at the Pepsi Center. The Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose venue in downtown Denver, CO. It is also home of the NBA Nuggets and the NHL Avalanche, as well as an event center for many concerts and conventions throughout the year. The team less featured in its souvenir shop, along the walls, and in advertisements is the NLL Mammoth. Food & Beverage 4 Some concession stands are closed during Mammoth games as the fan attendance is not as large as at an Avalanche or Nuggets game. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Pepsi Center. That said, the Pepsi Center still offers a wide range of options at expensive prices. Many more food and drink choices are on the first level than the third. If you have tickets for the third level, I recommend strolling around the first level before heading up. Tables are scattered throughout the concourse for consuming the food and drink, people watching, and soaking up the surroundings. Selections include the standard hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, candy, etc. Different or unique options are baked potatoes, chicken sandwiches, cheese steak sandwiches, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese balls, grilled cheese sandwiches, Go Nuts, bratwurst, Caesar salad, and onion rings. Pepsi varieties (of course) are the soda choice. The traditional domestic beer offerings like Coors, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light, and Miller Lite are available. The venue offers local brews such as Colorado Native, Dales Pale Ale, Odells, Breckenridge (most of these are on the first level) and other beer offerings include Fat Tire, Stella, Shock Top, and Red Hook. Premium cocktails, vodka lemonade, Moscow mule and basically, anything you might want to drink is here. For those looking for a sit-down meal inside the arena, the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House fits the bill. Its mountain lodge theme will transport you to the Rockies… while sparing you the frosty temperatures. Atmosphere 2 The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a half time show includes various entertainment acts. Several promotions are offered throughout the season such as Lacrosse Put Out Cancer, player autographs after game, and youth lacrosse games to name a few. Get in the Box posters and both teams’ line ups are handed out on entry to the Pepsi Center. An announcer/emcee for the Mammoth does a good job getting the fans to ring their cow bells, make noise, and is a fine source of entertainment and motivation at a game. The temperature of the venue is fine. Bring layers just in case it’s too warm or too cold. Two lines of closed captioning is offered in each of the four corners of the banner board section of the Pepsi Center and provide announcer comments and scoring and penalty results. Nice job to the Pepsi Center for providing that. More venues should do that. Closed Captioning at Ball Arena, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey At the game of this review, when entering the ticket box office area to purchase a ticket, a security rep stormed over and shouted “NO, you can’t come in here! We don’t open till 12 noon!” I would have left and never come back if I wasn’t doing a review for Stadium Journey. It’s a very poor way of welcoming Mammoth fans. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Denver is a happening place to be. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping are within four or five blocks of the arena. It is safe walking in and around the downtown area before or after a game. Denver is known for its craft brews. Be sure to take a brewery tour if you’re a connoisseur of the hops. I’d recommend Wynkoop’s at the corner of 18th St and Wynkoop St or Jagged Mountain (good IPAs) at the corner of 20th St and Lawrence St. The 16th Street Mall is just within a few blocks and is a pedestrian outdoor mall containing many of those shops and eateries. Free shuttle buses cruise the 1.25 mile strip and one can hop and off at most corners as desired. Check out recently renovated Union Station, a historic train station just a few blocks away. This houses a hotel, shops, bars, restaurants, and a public park atmosphere. A good place to eat pre or post game is the Thirsty Lion – it has a happy hour every day with a wide variety of beers and appetizers (enough for a meal) choices. Brooklyn’s (a sports bar) is in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center. Although convenient, this place is not recommended as the food is not great and the drinks are quite expensive. A better place worth checking out just two blocks from the Pepsi Center is Tivoli’s Brewery who serves their own beer and has really good food choices. The closest hotel is the Springhill Suites by Marriott and is only a 0.2 mile walk to the Pepsi Center and is walking distance to most of the downtown activities and venues. Fans 4 The Mammoth fans are pretty spectacular. As Mammoth player introductions are made, all fans stand, ring their cow bells and cheer. They boo the visiting team during their introduction. When the Mammoth score a goal, fans high-five their neighbors in celebration; doesn’t really matter if you’re a stranger. When an opposing team’s player gets a penalty, fans chant, “Hey #xx – Get-In-The-Box,” and stand up and point at the player as he walks toward the box. The last two minutes of the game all fans stand and applaud the players. Average attendance has declined a bit over the years and the arena is not as packed as it once was: In the 2000’s, the average attendance ranged from 16,000 – 17,000; that number has reduced slightly to 13,000 – 16,000 a game with 14,465 the average attendance in the 2017 season. Access 3 My recommendation for a Mammoth game (and any event/game at the Pepsi Center) is to take the RTD Light Rail and get off at the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens Station. An A Line train from DIA (Denver International Airport) travels direct to Union Station which is a short 0.5 mile walk to the Pepsi Center. Fans who want to visit a Mammoth game and downtown Denver won’t necessarily require a car anymore. If driving, take I-25 and get off at Auraria Parkway if coming from the south or Speer Blvd if coming from the north. Parking on the Pepsi Center grounds ranges from $15 – $30. The $30 is valet parking and is open to the general public. The nearby Auraria Campus, home of the University of Colorado Denver and Metro State University, has cheaper parking while only being a 5-10 minute walk to the arena. A designated Lyft/Uber area is just outside the venue. Getting through security is hit or miss. Sometimes the gate staff are courteous other times they appear to growl and roll their eyes in annoyance at fans entering the venue and security area. This needs to be improved as fans don’t always feel welcome. One must go through a security and metal detector just to purchase game day tickets which is asinine. Plenty of operational bathrooms are available with minimal or no wait. Hang out for a few minutes after the game and don’t leave immediately after the winning goal (but only just a few minutes otherwise you’ll be told to ‘Get Out’ about only 10 minutes after the end of the game; another un-fan friendly experience I’ve had at a Mammoth game). Players celebrate; shake hands with opponents like they do in the hockey playoffs and Stanley Cups finals. Players walk the entire court raising their sticks to the fans to show their appreciation. Sometimes there’s an interview with a player after the game; other times a post game autograph session is set up. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 (the $2 surcharge is not added when purchasing game day tickets this 2018/2019 season!) through $32 for fieldside VIP seats. Go to Happy Hour at the Thirsty Lion to lower food/drink expense and consider taking the light rail. Although ticket prices are extremely inexpensive compared to the other teams at the Pepsi Center, I just can’t give a high ROI rating at a sports team whose security team sternly tells me I’m not allowed in and I have to go through metal detectors just to purchase a ticket. Extras 3 Four retired Mammoth jerseys hang from the rafters: #22 Gary Gait (widely known as the best lacrosse player of all time), #6 Brian Langtry, #9 Gavin Prout, and #24 John Grant Jr. Colorado Mammoth Retired Numbers, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Kudos to those ‘conversion crews’ who convert a basketball court on a Fri evening to a hockey arena for the following Sat afternoon to a lacrosse venue that same Sat evening then back again for a Sun evening basketball game. For being able to take in a double header. Once or twice a year a fan can see an Avalanche and a Mammoth game at the Pepsi Center the same day. Final Thoughts The game of box lacrosse is an exciting, enjoyable, fantastic game to watch live. I’d recommend anyone who hasn’t seen a game yet to check it out. Customer service and being made to feel welcome each and every time needs to improve at Mammoth games at the Pepsi Center to make the entire experience worth coming back.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum Exhibition Place 19 Nunavut Road Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Toronto Tempo website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 8,500 Turn Up the Tempo The explosion of the WNBA has brought expansion to the cities of Portland and Toronto for 2026. Toronto’s entry to the league, the Toronto Tempo, has been met in the city with excitement and optimism. Even better than that has been the reaction on the ticket sites, where Tempo tickets are increasingly difficult to come by. The team was founded by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment minority owner Larry Tanenbaum and a number of other investors including Serena Williams, former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri and Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. Tanenbaum reportedly attempted to get the Tempo to be part of the MLSE portfolio, but was blocked by some members of the board. In their inaugural season, the Tempo made a calculated free agent signing, bringing in Canadian Olympian and TSN analyst Kia Nurse to be part of the roster. The inaugural home for the Tempo is Coca-Cola Coliseum. Located on the grounds of Exhibition Place, it is most well-known for being the home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. The building was originally built for livestock shows as part of the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in 1921. A massive renovation took place in the early 2000’s to convert the building into a hockey arena in an attempt to attract a professional hockey team. At a capacity of 8,500 for basketball, Coca-Cola Coliseum is the fourth smallest venue in the WNBA behind Atlanta, Washington and Dallas, and the Wings are moving to a larger venue in 2027. The Tempo are hedging their bets on the popularity of the new team with a few games at Scotiabank Arena as well as games in the big venues in Montréal and Vancouver. Food & Beverage 5 A number of recognizable brands are found throughout the Coliseum including Pizza Pizza, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Tim Horton’s and St. Patties. Traditional arena fare is found at the Food Junction stand, however some of the most unique items are also found here including Buffalo Chicken tenders, Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches, Beef Taco Loco Fries, Bacon Mac & Cheese eggrolls and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches. Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken and Steam Whistle are available beers. There are also a number of concession stands on the upper level. With the crowd size at the maximum, all concession stands were open. The Crown Royal bar has a number of spirits available as well as wine. Atmosphere 4 In the massive renovation that became Coca-Cola Coliseum, the exterior of the building was maintained. Although it is tightly wedged between the Enercare Centre and Horse Palace, there are still some exterior spots visible with very attractive yellow brick and curved architecture. It is one of the most unique looking arenas out there. Most fans will enter at the southwest corner of the building, however, entry for the CIBC Club is found at the north side near the public transit. Upon entering the concourses fans will find that the Tempo have made a strong effort to make the Coliseum look like their home. Many of the markings for the Toronto Marlies are covered with temporary banners for the Tempo. Framed historic photos remain uncovered including some throwback prints to some agricultural shows. The massive wooden doors at the south entrance are also a throwback to the agricultural days. The seating bowl is a single, split-level design with the court oriented from south to north. The best spot for a centre court logo photo is from the east. A four-sided video board with upper ring and lower rectangle screens hangs above centre court. Unfortunately, there are no videoboards dedicated to individual statistics, leaving the statistical side of the experience below some Canadian universities. Suites hang above the east and west sides. There are a number of permanent markings for the Marlies visible from the seating bowl including the Leaf crests for players who have played for the Marlies and moved up to the Leafs. The end result in the seating bowl is a feeling that the Tempo are still tenants in Coca-Cola Coliseum as opposed to residents. The gameday production at a Tempo game is not too complicated. A DJ booth is in the upper northwest corner, right beside the TSN crew who bring the pregame and halftime shows for television. The Rhythm Section, the Tempo dance team, performs during some pauses in the action. The Tempo also employ a pair of in-game hosts who help with the promotions. The more simplistic approach is a bit of a refreshing change compared to the NBA, which can be sensory overload. Neighbourhood 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. Coca-Cola Coliseum is shared with the Toronto Marlies and Toronto Sceptres. BMO Field is across the parking lot and is home to the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, hockey fans must take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 4 It is difficult to assess fans of the Tempo at this point. At the time of writing, the Tempo played only their second home game. As expected, the first home game brought in over 8,200 fans. As compared to the previous WNBA season, the Tempo would have had the 11th best attendance in the league. The venue is a bit restrictive, but offers the opportunity for the team to possibly grow into a larger venue. Ticket sales have been very strong thus far so a favorable mark is given for fans with some room to grow with longevity. Fans in attendance are louder than the typical Ontario fans, who tend to be more reserved. Access 4 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is on the south side of Manitoba Drive, and immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although it has a very close proximity to the expressway and is easier to get to from the west than the rest of Downtown Toronto, it can still be a challenge, as Toronto traffic can be a significant issue. There is plenty of parking on site, which will require payment at a kiosk or on a parking app. Fans should be cognizant of what other activities are taking place at Exhibition Place, as this can drastically affect parking. At the time of writing, parking was limited due to the upcoming World Cup which has lots blocked off for fan fests and construction. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Tempo games, they have a couple of options. A GO Transit station is at the north end of Exhibition Place. There are also buses and streetcars that can be found at Exhibition Place. Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Coca-Cola Coliseum is not too difficult; however, initially, the concourses can get congested during pregame. Once people start to utilize the upper concourse, it thins out a bit. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey strongly suggests fans consult the Toronto Tempo and Coca-Cola Coliseum websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy. Coca-Cola Coliseum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Toronto Tempo start at $30 for limited games. Most games start at $56 for standing room. Seats for most games start at $137. Dynamic pricing makes face value difficult to determine, but the initial popularity of the Tempo have driven ticket prices up. Parking at the Ex can go for $18. Concession prices are about what one would expect. The gameday experience in Toronto is good, but the outlay seems to be high for an expansion experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Toronto Tempo ownership investing in the team right off the bat. Before their first game, the ownership group announced that the building of a multi-million-dollar practice facility was in the works at Exhibition Place, reportedly the cream of the crop in the WNBA. An extra mark for Brittney Sykes scoring the first points in Toronto Tempo history. An extra mark for the Tempo Impact outreach program with focus on not only developing players but coaches as well. Final Thoughts Right out of the gates the Toronto Tempo have acquired a solid following making tickets difficult to come by. The gameday atmosphere at Coca-Cola Coliseum is solid for the first season. It will be interesting to see if the Tempo can maintain their following and force themselves into a larger venue. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Gainbridge Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indiana Pacers website Gainbridge Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,165 The Gainbridge Fieldhouse is All New Gainbridge Fieldhouse is nearing the completion of a three-phase renovation that transformed the Indiana Pacers' home into a modern facility with all the amenities of the 20s. The roughly $360 million will be incurred in the remodeling efforts, which includes a list of changes in this link. The building has new club seating and suites, renovated upper and lower bowls, and two additional club seating areas. Three distinct lower-level premium club experiences will also highlight the efforts that include two VIP member clubs that pay homage to the Pacer's former homes at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (1967-1974) and Market Square Arena (1974-1999). Morris Bicennential Plaza is located outside the main entrances and features a full-size basketball court for fans to shoot, dribble, and play a little basketball. The court converts to an ice skating rink during the winter months. The "Sphere" is a reflective, dome-like sculpture with an interior video screen that is ideal for photos. There are several murals and sculptures in the plaza, including a bar area for grab-and-go drinks. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, debuted November 6, 1999, as Conseco Fieldhouse. It would be known as Bankers Life Fieldhouse until September 2021. The seating capacity has increased from 17,923 to a whopping 20,000 - making it the 5th largest in the NBA. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options have been updated at the fieldhouse and include new and familiar options. The Warehouse District BBQ and Three Point Taqueria are two options that offer fans something different at the game. The Indiana Kitchen offers lemon pepper and honey glazed chicken wings, short rib poutine, and maple bourbon sticks. If you are looking for familiar options then Fieldhouse Favorites has you covered. Hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pretzels, and Pepsi products are all available. There is a value menu that features $4 hot dogs, $3 popcorn, and $8 PBR and Coors Banquet cans. A unique sweet treat is served at the Steak 'n Shake Milkshake Bar which offers cotton candy, mega M&M, and crazy chocolate brownie flavors. The Fast Break Market sells grab-and-go beverages and snacks. A nacho cart offers an array of toppings and Ben's Pretzels has long lines for freshly, made baked pretzels. The Crossroads Eats sells gourmet hot dogs. The Yuengling Flight Deck and the Jim Beam Bar offer beers, wine, and cocktails. It also has various TV screens and views of the playing court. Atmosphere 4 The Pacers have done a splendid job of creating an energetic atmosphere that starts in the main lobby. The atrium itself offers large windows, allowing natural lighting to fill up the area, and features banners of current players and a large roundel chandelier overlooking the half-circular staircase leading up to the main concourse. At times, the ceremonies in the lobby area include a barbershop quartet, a live band, or a drum band getting ready for the game. Fans are provided the chance to take in this musical environment as they purchase their tickets and walk up the stairs being greeted by staff and cheerleaders. The concourse has been revamped and features basketball-theme murals that are both popping with collar and creativity, along with honoring past greats who have suited up for the Pacers, Indiana Fever (WNBA), and high school teams of the state. Sadly, many of the trophy cases that once displayed basketball memorabilia are now gone, including the three ABA trophies and various team jerseys of the past. A $4.3 million 20 feet by52.5-foott video scoreboard includes underbelly panels for improving sightlines for fans sitting next to the court. This is surrounded by team banners of retired jerseys, league titles, and division championships. The Pacers’ gift shop has an array of team merchandise but is a little cramped for the size of the arena. However, a couple of stands and one station can personalize a jersey with your name on it located on the main concourse. Neighborhood 5 The fieldhouse is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and even closer to retail and restaurants than Lucas Oil Stadium down the street. The only problem is choosing which place to grab a drink or eat before or after the game. Located near the arena is the local favorite Kilroy’s Bar and Grill offers 40 flat-screen televisions, shuffleboard, video games, and their famous pepperoni stuffed breadsticks. Another fan favorite, Brother’s Bar & Grill, is a short walk and is another popular destination before or after the game. A few more favorite spots after the game that are near the fieldhouse are District Tap, Tequila Street Cantina, and Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar. If you have some time in town I would recommend visiting the neighborhoods of Mass Ave. and Fountain Square where one can enjoy live music, craft beer, fine dining, and a little shopping at local retail shops. Mass Ave. is also home to the Bottlework District which recently opened and houses The Garage where multiple foods and drink vendors offer an array of culinary treasures. Downtown Indy is also safe, clean, and easy to get around by car, foot, or mass transit. Local museums include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The riverwalk canal is also a nice spot for a stroll on a warm spring day. Fans 4 The fan base can be fickle at times when the team is not playing at playoff caliber, but that is expected for many others across the nation. With that being said, there are legions of dedicated fans who wear blue and gold no matter what the team’s record is at the moment. The fans are friendly towards visitors and make themselves heard through various cheering sections throughout the building. One thing is for certain, most people enjoy their time during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Access 4 The arena is easily accessible from the major interstates of 70, 65, and 465 with parking abundant throughout the downtown vicinity. After the game, exiting these facilities takes a little know-how of the one-way streets of Indianapolis, but signs are posted that direct customers to their desired route back home. Traffic moves smoothly during this time as well, as there are officers who are stationed to keep cars moving. The same can be said for moving around the building during the game. Bathrooms, entrances, and seating areas are well-marked. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket depends on who the team is playing. They can cost as low as $8 on the secondary market depending on the opponent and time of the week. However, ticket prices rise against popular opponents and on the weekends. The average price of a ticket will be between $25-30 on most nights. Parking ranges from $10-$20 the closer you arrive to the fieldhouse. I would recommend parking at the Circle City Centre Mall where the average price is $13 for 4-6 hours of parking. Metered parking is enforced until 11 PM on the street. There are no fees for Sunday games. The seats in the upper deck can be a little steep, but they do provide a great view of the court and play. There are many great vantage points from many levels and courtside seats put you almost in the play of the game. The organization provides affordable tickets that include mini-game packages that are posted on billboards across the city. Extras 4 The building itself provides wonderful aesthetics that begin in the main lobby and continue with vintage advertisements painted on brick walls. The collection of memorabilia showcases the building as a basketball-first facility. There is an impressive array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. A great location near many bars, restaurants, and a few shops. The area is well-lit, clean, and safe. If you enjoy walking, explore downtown on foot. Final Thoughts The Gainbridge Fieldhouse has improved in many aspects from new concessions to wider concourses, and more luxury areas to entertain fans. The energy before the game and during time-outs in the game keep fans entertained throughout the game. Tickets are affordable to many games, parking can be found for as low as $10 in nearby garages, and there is plenty of places to visit for a nightcap after a Pacers game. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Golden 1 Center 500 David J Stern Walk Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Kings website Golden 1 Center website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 17,608 Golden 1 Center is Also Green and Platinum The history of the Royals / Kings franchise has been one of a vagabond existence. It began as the Royals in Rochester, NY, then moved on to Cincinnati for several years. Its next home was split between Kansas City/Omaha and resulted in a name change to the Kings to avoid confusion with the baseball Royals. In 1985, it relocated to Sacramento, hoping to break the seeming jinx of being a small market franchise competing against the larger metropolitan areas. The team is now celebrating its 35th anniversary in California’s capitol city. However as late as 2010, the team was rumored to be moving to either Anaheim or Seattle due to an unsatisfactory arena arrangement and a losing record. That changed in 2016, as the city and a new ownership group opened the Golden 1 Center as the anchor for the new Downtown Commons (DOCO) district in downtown Sacramento. The 17,608-seat venue replaced the aging Sleep Train Arena (formerly ARCO Arena). The arena features 10,000 lower level seats with 34 luxury suites and 48 loft style suites. The remaining 7,000 upper level seats are steeply pitched so that the sight lines anywhere in the arena are excellent. What really sets the Golden 1 Center apart from its NBA brethren is its commitment to be the greenest and most environmentally friendly venue in professional sports. This has resulted in receiving a Platinum LEED certification, the top recognition for being environmentally sustainable in the world. This is accomplished through virtually every aspect of the arena’s operation. The venue is the only professional sports arena in the world to operate totally on solar power, thanks to solar panels covering the roof. The facility is cooled by opening 80-foot-high hangar doors to allow the Delta breezes prevalent in the area to flow through the arena. The greenery on the exterior walls of the facility includes food sources for the concession stands. Food & Beverage 5 One of the first things you need to know is that Sacramento is known as America’s Farm to Fork Capital. The concessions at Golden 1 Center are notable for the absence of the large corporate style stands. The Kings have a policy of having 90% of its concessions come from local businesses and farms within a 150-mile radius of the arena. This is known as the “Food to Court” principle. This reduces the carbon footprint by lessening the distance trucks or trains travel to deliver the foods. It also supports the local business community. Any leftover foods at the end of the game are either donated to area shelters or used for composting if it is in a half-eaten state. This reduces waste and saves room in area landfills. What this means for fans is guaranteed fresh foods and a wonderful variety of vendors to choose from. Amongst the locally owned businesses serving the crowds are Big Cheese Dog House, Block Butcher Bar Sandwiches, Café Bernardo, Centro Cocina Mexicano, El Jefe, Lowbrau Bierhall, Paragary’s Pizza, Petra Greek Market Café and Smokehouse BBQ. You’ll feel like your meal came straight from the farmer’s market! A sampling of prices for some of the more unique menu offering includes lamb and beef Gyros ($12), veggie burrito bowls ($13), fish tacos ($12), lemongrass tofu bowls ($12) and grass-fed burgers ($12). Beverage selections include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), bottled water is $6 and domestic beers go for $13. Sacramento is also known as a craft brewing hotbed. Locally sourced beers include Sierra Nevada, Sactown Union, Oak Park Brewing, Kneedeep Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing, Out of Bounds Brewing and Bear Republic. These beers sell for between $14 – $16. Atmosphere 4 Once inside the arena you will be very impressed by the openness of the facility. If you enter through the main gate, you will soon come to the plaza overlooking the playing court. It is a great place for a selfie. The venue offers wide concourses and the seats are wider than you find in most modern arenas, making for a very comfortable experience for the next few hours. The concourses are open to the court so you should not miss any of the action The Kings owner made his fortune in the technology field and you will notice he did not scrimp on the electronics in the Golden 1 Center. The center hung scoreboard is one of the largest in the NBA. It measures 84 feet long (the entire length of a basketball court is 94 feet). The panel on the board measure 44 feet wide by 24 feet tall. In addition, two 25-foot-tall screens will greet you as you enter the facility. Neighborhood 4 The Golden 1 Center is the centerpiece of the Downtown Commons (DOCO) development in downtown Sacramento. The four-block area includes restaurants like Sauced BBQ and Spirits, Yard House, and Punchbowl Social. It also features movie theaters, boutique shops and national retailers like Macy’s and Urban Outfitters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront, the California State Railroad Museum and the California State Capitol Building, three of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions, are just a few blocks from Downtown Commons. Fans 4 Of all the markets the Kings have played in, the fans in Sacramento are by far the most loyal. The Kings are the only top-level professional team in the area, so there is little competition for the sports dollar in a household. Since moving to Sacramento, the Kings have won only two division titles, as they play in the very tough Western Conference Pacific Division against the likes of Golden State, the LA Lakers, the LA Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers. The team has taken several of these teams to a seventh game of a series in the playoffs. There is great hope that new coach, Luke Walton, can work with the young and talented roster to build a playoff contender in coming years. Despite the lack of banners hanging from the rafters, Kings fans regularly fill the Golden 1 Center. Access 4 Getting to Golden 1 Center is a breeze no matter what form of transportation you use. 15% of Kings fans walk, bike or take public transportation to get to the games. There are five Sacramento Regional Transit (SRT) light rail stations within a few blocks of the arena along K Street. The Sacramento Valley Station is also nearby and is the second busiest Amtrak Station in the state of California. This all cuts down on emissions that can harm the environment. If you are driving, the arena can be reached via exit 515 B from I-5 (J Street/Downtown Sacramento). There are more than 13,000 parking spaces in and around DOCO. The Sacramento International Airport is only 12 miles from the venue, so you may not need to rent a car while in town. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Kings game average $48. Games against the Lakers, Clippers or Warriors usually will spike the prices a great deal. Parking at Downtown Commons lots costs $25 and can be pre-purchased at www.SacPark.com .Travel on Sacramental Regional Transit busses and light rail trains cost $7 for a one day unlimited rides pass or single rides for $2.50. Concession prices are typical of most professional arenas, but the quality and freshness of the foods is well worth it. Compared with larger cities, a Sacramento Kings game offers an excellent return on investment. Extras 5 The official street address for the arena is 500 David Stern Walk. This is a salute to the former NBA commissioner who worked tirelessly over several years to keep the Kings franchise in Sacramento. The Golden 1 Center is located just blocks from both the California State Capitol building and the Old Sacramento Riverfront, two of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions. In addition to Kings games, the arena has also hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017. The Sacramento Kings practice facility is attached to the Golden 1 Center and fans can watch the team prepare before a game through windows on the concourse. Public Art is also abundant at the Golden 1 Center. Jeff Koon’s Coloring Book #4 sculpture is hard to miss as you head through the main entrance. Final Thoughts Large venues can do lots of harm to the environment through heavy car emissions, trash, heavy use of carbon producing gases. Golden 1 Center is a winner in minimizing these harmful issues and should be a blueprint for future athletic facilities. Winning off the court can be just as important as winning on the court as far as our environment. The Kings new ownership is investing heavily to accomplish both of these goals.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington Wizards website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,282 G-Wiz, It’s Basketball in DC Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Wizards, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. However, the Wizards have thus far been unable to match the rise in popularity experienced by their co-tenant, the Washington Capitals. In addition to hosting these two teams, Capital One Arena plays host to Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball. Capital One Arena is currently undergoing a massive $800 million renovation that is set to be completed in 2027. This will include major upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the arena. Food & Beverage 4 Capital One Arena has plenty of food and beverage offerings that are sure to satisfy any fan, and recently they have added some unique options as well. Main course options include Papa John’s pizza, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders, and the last two come with fries. Other options include Italian sausage, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A. In the past few years, arena ownership has added even more options beyond the standard ones, including tacos and donuts. Rita's Italian ice and frozen custard are available for fans with a sweet tooth. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Thirsty fans can buy bottled water or soda, all Pepsi products. Beer and other alcohol are also available to fans of age. The one bad part is that prices are expensive, as a meal and non-alcoholic beverage will easily cost over $20 and possibly over $30, and alcohol is extremely pricey as well. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Arena’s main entrance is located on F Street NW in DC between 6th and 7th Streets, although there are several other entrances around the arena. Regardless of where you enter, you will be on the lower level, so fans sitting elsewhere will need to use stairs, an escalator, or an elevator. The 100 and 400 levels are traditional seats for the most part, while the 200 level is the club level and the 300 level is all luxury suites. All seats have a good view of the court, but the legroom and seat width get smaller and smaller the further up you go. There is a scoreboard above center court which also shows video and player stats, as well as smaller boards in the corners. The Wizards do a decent job of keeping the fans engaged, with contests, cheerleaders, and a dance team, but oftentimes it seems like this distracts from the game itself. When the opposing team gets an easy rebound and uncontested layup off a missed free throw, and the crowd is going wild because they just won free chicken sandwiches, that’s not a good look. There is a mascot named G-Wiz who is a blue creature of some sort, but he mostly stays in the corner and only comes out occasionally. One unique tradition is what happens after Wizards three pointers. The PA announcer will announce a "DC THREE" by whoever made the basket. Some fans find this enjoyable while others find it quite annoying by the end of the game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 At any given Wizards game, there will be thousands of empty seats, in stark contrast to what you’d get at a Capitals game at the same arena. Attendance has been on the decline for several years, in large part because the Wizards aren’t that good. Although officially the Wizards average between 16,000 and 17,000 fans per game, in terms of actual attendance it’s significantly less. A lot of tickets get put on the secondary market and not sold, or the ticket holders choose not to show up for other reasons. Those who do show up frequently arrive late or leave early, and most of them don’t get too involved in the game. There are moments where they can get loud, but it’s mostly when they have a chance to win free Chick-fil-A if the opposing player misses two “Fowl Shots” or for other similar promotions. The Wizards have a nice arena, and it’s disappointing that the fans don’t turn out in larger numbers. Access 4 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Due to the construction and renovations to the arena, there are posted detours for both pedestrians and vehicles nearby. This should not impact you too much at the moment, but be sure to allot extra time to get to the game and follow all posted signs and directions. Return on Investment 3 The Wizards use a variable pricing format where the exact price you pay will depend on the opponent. Prices will generally start at between $20 and $25 depending on the opponent and go up to around $200 or more for lower level seats. However, you can often buy resale tickets for much less, especially for weeknight games and games against lesser opponents. Unfortunately, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so you can expect massive fees tacked on. When you throw in the expensive concessions, attending a Wizards game can be deceptively expensive. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the rafters as well, for retired numbers and the 1978 championship banner. One final star for the player introductions, an impressive display with spotlights in team colors and projected writing on the court. Final Thoughts Although the Wizards had high hopes when they moved downtown in 1997 into a shiny new arena, the experience has proven to be less than promised. Although a Wizards game is more affordable than it would be to see the Capitals at the same arena, you ultimately get what you pay for. The atmosphere in the arena is pretty dead and it is an average NBA arena at best.

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Eagles website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Fly Eagles Fly Until 2003, the Philadelphia Eagles never had a stadium to call their own. The Eagles did play alone for five years in the 1930s and 1940s at the stadium, which would later be named John F. Kennedy Stadium, but most of the time, they used the venues of the Phillies, the old Philadelphia Athletics, and even the University of Pennsylvania Quakers. The Baker Bowl and Connie Mack Stadium were subpar stadiums, especially by the time the Eagles got to play at each. The 1971 opening of Veterans Stadium, shared with the Phillies, gave the team their first modern stadium, but one loved by almost no one. It also showed little life, except for the rat and mouse population in its lower sections. It also deteriorated fast and needed to be replaced desperately, and that is why Lincoln Financial Field was built in 2003 The stadium is architecturally not like many new stadiums. Its design does not use soft brick colors and other warm tones. Instead, it uses sleek steel, glass facades, and darker surfaces to make a unique statement. It’s both harsh to the eye and welcoming, all at the same time. The stadium also hulks over nearby Interstate I-95. Food & Beverage 4 For the best food options at The Linc, start in the north end zone plaza, where most fans enter the stadium. This festive introduction features an area with several unique food carts, including Brent Celek’s “Prime Stache,” serving as a mean cheesesteak. Bassett’s provides several BBQ options, while one spot over is a tent for McNally’s Tavern and their famous “Schmitter” sandwich. To be able to devour this beast, one must hold out from eating at a tailgate. The Schmitter features steak, onions, tomatoes, cheese, grilled salami, and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. This area with the best food is a hike from some seating sections, so it may be best to grab something on your way in. Inside the actual stadium, there are plenty of concession stands, and they are expensive, like their counterparts outside. The choices throughout each concourse level include the requisite items, but they are less varied, and disappointingly, only a couple of items are offered per stand. This is Philadelphia, and thankfully, several spots sell cheesesteaks. There are also some good-looking soft pretzels available, which is a Philadelphia favorite. However, the one I tried was cold. Of course, Chickie’s & Pete’s sell their famous crab fries ($11) and chicken cutlets ($9). Miller Lite and Budweiser are the prominent beers sold around the stadium. Other beers are available, but the local selection is limited. Coca-Cola provides soda products, and a regular is $5. For those who are not looking to drink alcohol, be sure to sign up for the Designated Driver program in the north plaza at ground level for a ticket to receive a free beverage. Atmosphere 5 Set amongst a backdrop of seemingly endless rows of tailgates, Lincoln Financial Field’s exterior of exposed steel, beams, brick, and glass is well-designed to represent the character of Philadelphia. Walking towards the stadium from the north, the open corners and upper deck shape almost give the perception of an Eagle flying. Inside, the stadium is so well designed, with angled seating sections enhancing the sightlines. The lower deck is at a shallow grade, while the upper deck has more of a steeper pitch, and all of the individual Midnight Green seats have backs and cupholders. Though the upper deck is high because of the below club section sandwiched between a layer of suites, the view is not bad at all. Various nooks and crannies give the stadium a non-uniform, unique appearance, while the open corners in the north end help to provide peaks of Center City (Philly’s downtown). The outer gates open 2.5 hours before kickoff for access to the plaza behind the north end zone. This is a nice area to spend a little time as there is entertainment and live music to go along with the food trucks. The gates to the actual seating bowl open 1.5 hours before the game, and once seated, the experience is enhanced by a pair of high-quality video boards at each end zone. The only downfall is the usage of big ads on the sides, which cut down on the picture. For fantasy football junkies, there is a separate board that rolls through player stats, and the WiFi in the stadium has recently been enhanced to handle the volume. For those looking to factor in weather, the highest several rows in the sideline 200s are underneath an overhang. The sun will shine brightest on Sections 115-125 and 219-231. The game atmosphere is tremendous as The Linc is a very loud stadium that can provide a distinct home-field advantage (so long as the fans don’t turn on their team). A Rocky-themed introduction video is goosebump-inducing, and the roar from the opening kick continues into the first possession. After an Eagles touchdown, “Fly Eagles Fly” is sung by pretty much everybody and topped off with a deafening “E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!” at the end. During halftime, there’s a chance the Eagles Drumline performs, and it is worth sticking around for. Neighborhood 4 The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes the nearby Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park, is located far away from the actual city of Philadelphia. To experience the city, you would need to take a subway ride into Center City. There are some places, albeit limited, close to the stadium. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not an entertainment center, but a few bars and restaurants together in one building. The star attraction here is the 32-foot screen at the NBC Sports Arena. The Victory Beer Hall is also another fine venue, especially for local brews. A couple of slightly lesser-known options nearby are McFadden’s, located on the first level outside of neighboring Citizens Bank Park, and the Live Casino past the ballpark. Famous local sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is relatively close to Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside. The food is pretty good, too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony and Nick's Steaks on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony Luke’s offers more options with much better flavor. Tony and Nick's Steaks can get crowded before games and still gets its share of tourists. For a more neighborly experience, go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger, for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 It has been said that you can tell if the Eagles won or lost by just walking down Broad Street Monday morning as the mood of the city rides on the team. Philadelphia has a supremely passionate fan base that is seen as some of the most loyal, ardent supporters in the league. The city also draws the ire of many when the words “Philadelphia Fans” are uttered. They have a bad reputation and the stories have been repeated ad nauseam. While there is no arguing that there are plenty of obnoxious jerks at Eagles games who act like idiots, this is no different than what happens at many NFL games across the country. Additionally, these people at the games are in the significant minority. In terms of attending a game at The Linc wearing the jersey of the visiting team, you may get heckled, but as long as you are respectful, it is highly unlikely to run into any problems. I attended the game where the Eagles played the Saints and of the 30-40 people I saw wearing the Black & Gold, none of them were derided. Now, there is an exception as attending a division game rooting for the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders may not be the best idea. Eagles fans fill their stadium every Sunday and consistently rank in the Top 8 for NFL attendance by % of capacity. All the more impressive is the lack of empty seats at a game, in a day and age where it is easy to spot stadiums with open areas during a session of NFL RedZone. The crowd in Philadelphia turns The Linc into a very loud place and though they are quick to boo and get mad at their team, it is all because they care so much. That’s way better than sitting in a stadium where everyone is half-watching and playing on their phone. Access 4 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at shockingly high prices. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the AT&T; station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Philadelphia Eagles game is a very costly venture and while the entire NFL is expensive for the fan, it is even more so here. The expensive parking charge is hard to fathom and tickets range from $75 to $130. However, seats are snagged so fast, that it is likely fans need to use the secondary market and tickets start at $100. There are ways to save money though and using mass transit alone can save over $30. There are also standing room tickets which cost just $55. Despite the high prices, an Eagles game is quite an experience and this is a must-visit for football fans. Extras 5 In addition to serving as the Eagles home field, Lincoln Financial Field serves as the home of the Temple University Owls football games and it frequently hosts the Army-Navy game each fall. It also has served as the site of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. In the plaza area near the north end zone, there is a building that leads to escalator access for suite holders. The entrance area is open to all fans and this section is a great spot that pays homage to team history. Spend some time here before the game to check out the team’s hall of fame, timeline and multiple murals. Also, be sure to check out the banners hanging from the rafters of the stadium. A $125 million renovation project paid by the team and league not only upgraded the stadium but added some nice personal touches. Among the additions: are historical murals, an expanded team store, upgraded WiFi, and a connecting bridge in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, one more point for “Fly Eagles Fly.” It is very catchy! Final Thoughts Lincoln Financial Field does many things, all of them very well. Most importantly, it gives the Eagles and their fans a place of their own for the first time in the long history of the franchise. It also gives Philadelphia a home-field advantage that can only help the long-term health of the team. A sports fan will enjoy themselves at Lincoln Financial Field, as finally, Philadelphia football has a place to be proud of.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Karen Shelton Stadium 327 Ridge Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27514 North Carolina Tar Heels website Karen Shelton Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,000 Field Hockey's Crown Jewel in Carolina Although UNC is best known for its basketball program, the Tar Heels' field hockey team has enjoyed more success than any other. With a record eleven national championships, this is the most elite program in the country. The Tar Heels have an elite stadium to match their elite program, calling Karen Shelton Stadium home. The state-of-the-art facility opened in 2018 and seats 900 fans, plus standing room for another hundred or so. this is also one of the few venues in the country to meet the strict standards for international competition, further demonstrating that this is a crown jewel of the sport. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the stadium, located at the far right end of the seating area. Although having any concession stand at all puts Karen Shelton Stadium above the majority of field hockey venues, the menu here is fairly limited. Hot dogs ($5.89), candy ($3.99), chips ($4.79), peanuts ($5.49), popcorn ($6.19), nachos ($6.19) and soft pretzels ($7.89) are the only food options. To drink, fans can choose from bottled water ($4.89), a souvenir 32 oz. soda ($6.99), or, unusually for college field hockey, various beers and wines ranging in price from $9..99 to $14.99. Atmosphere 5 Karen Shelton Stadium may well be the nicest stadium in college field hockey, with an outstanding atmosphere to go along with it. Walking into the stadium, you will see a gorgeous brick exterior facade, then walk through an opening onto the concourse. From here, you can walk up or down to your seat. There is no track here like at some facilities, so you will be extremely close to the action. The second level above the concourse adds some sightlines not often seen in college field hockey. Surrounding the field are verdant trees and beautiful brick buildings, including the Champions Club for field hockey donors. The UNC athletic department clearly puts a lot of effort into the field hockey experience. The pep band sits in the rightmost section of the lower level and plays the fight song and other music before UNC penalty corners and after goals. The Tar Heel mascot, Rameses the Ram, roves the field and the stands high-fiving fans, "borroring" their sunglasses, and getting up to other wacky hijinks. Before UNC penalty corners, the PA announcer will lead the crowd in a call-and-response, shouting "Tar" before the crowd answers "Heels". T-shirts are tossed into the crowd after every UNC goal, further hyping the crowd. A large videoboard, one of the largest in college field hockey, is locted behind the goal on the left side. The one downside of this board is that it does not show time remaining on penalty cards. It does, however, show shots, saves, and corners for each team. Neighborhood 4 The UNC campus is located in Chapel Hill, part of the Research Triangle that also includes Raleigh and Durham. You are going to have to head off campus to find much of anything, but places like Al's Burger Shack and Carolina Brewery are just a short drive away. With three major cities within about a 15-20 minute drive, there is something for everyone in this area, it just may not be within the immediate vicini8ty of the stadium. Fans 5 UNC consistently ranks at or near the top of the country in attendance. While many other schools mainly draw friends and family of the players, UNC averages 600 fans a game in a thousand seat stadium. The crowd ranges from students to longtime Tar Heels fans to young families with kids who may play field hockey themselves and dream of playing for the Tar Heels someday. The crowds are knowledgeable about the team and the sport itself and cheer loudly. They participate in "Tar ... Heels!" calls-and-response and create an electric atmosphere at Karen Shelton Stadium. This fan base may very well be the best in the country. Access 4 There are several places to park at Karen Shelton Stadium. The Ram's Head Parking Deck is located right across the street along Ridge Road and costs $1.75 an hour. There is also the Ehringhaus Lot on the other side of the stadium where the most dedicated fans park and tailgate before the match. This is free after 5 PM and on weekends, but fans cannot park here outside those hours. Fortunately, that will cover almost every home game. Once in the stadium, restrooms are located underneath the bleachers and are clearly signed. There is also a family restroom for people who require one. The one downside is that the narrow concourse can get crowded at times, especially right before and after the match. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to UNC Field Hockey are free, presenting an outstanding value for one of the best venues in the sport. Parking will either be free or inexpensive, depending on when you visit, while concessions are reasonably priced as well. Overall, a UNC field hockey game is outstanding, affordable fun. Keep in mind there may be a charge for tickets for ACC or NCAA tournament games, as ticketing for those events is not coordinated by UNC. Extras 4 The pep band is worthy of an extra here, as that is something not often seen in college field hockey. Look for the plaques and banners honoring UNC's conference and NCAA championships. Free roster cards are available under a rock on the concourse. Understanding that field hockey is a niche sport in the United States, the team plays a brief video before the game explaining the basics of the rules so fans can follow along better. Final Thoughts Karen Shelton Stadium is the crown jewel of college field hockey. UNC fans may not be as familiar with UNC field hockey as they are with basketball, football, or other sports, but those who don't show up are missing out on one of the best hidden gems in college sports. If you are any sort of college field hockey fan, Karen Shelton Stadium should be on your bucket list, and sports fans in North Carolina will have a great time here even if they have never checked out field hockey before.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Geodis Park 625 Smith Ave Nashville, TN 37203' Nashville SC website Geodis Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 30,000 For the Gold and Blue Nashville SC competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The club plays its home matches at Geodis Park, the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States. It is owned by John Ingram , with minority investors such as the owners of the Dollar General store chain and actor Reese Witherspoon. The team spent two seasons in the USL Championship before joining MLS as an expansion team. They then spent two seasons playing at Nissan Stadium before Geodis Park was ready. The stadium is part of a re-development project at the former state fairgrounds site, which also includes Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Food & Beverage 5 Geodis Park offers a massive variety of food options. One of the best operational perks here is that practically every main concession stand features a satellite cart elsewhere on the concourse. The culinary lineup leans heavily into the city's culture, with no fewer than six local food spots featured around the stadium. Fans craving Latin American fare can hit up Taqueria Zepeda for steak or chicken nachos, tacos, and quesadillas. The Latin flavor continues throughout the concourse with three types of empanadas, yuca fries, fried plantains, buñuelos (fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar), and mango rice pudding. Central BBQ serves up three distinct types of barbecue sandwiches, while Nashville’s own Corner Pub delivers fantastic pub grub with a focus on burgers and smoked wings. The various grab-and-go stations are a fantastic addition. They offer a variety of pre-packaged snacks and drinks to serve as a quick filler without the traditional concession wait. The commitment to local favorites extends right into the beverage menu. Craft beer aficionados will find a stellar lineup featuring Hap & Harry’s Tennessee Beer, Hub City Brewing, Half Batch Brewing Company, Little Harpeth Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing Company, and "Pitch", a Nashville SC branded brew from Music City Beer Co. Fans looking for something different can grab ciders and spirits from Tennessee-based Bearded Iris, Diskin Cider, and Sugarlands Shine, or visit one of the fully stocked bars conveniently located around the stadium. For non-alcoholic choices, the stadium pours Coca-Cola products and offers cold brew coffee, Body Armor, and Red Bull. Atmosphere 4 The game day presentation at Geodis Park delivers everything you would expect from a top-tier MLS facility. The pre-match hype is fantastic, building excitement with a steady stream of flames, sparks, and yellow smoke during player introductions. Once the whistle blows, however, the gimmicks stop and the focus shifts entirely to the pitch. The energy is fueled organically by the supporters' section, whose nonstop chants, songs, and drumbeats create a quintessential soccer atmosphere. The stadium's design is incredibly intimate and fans feel close to the action. Ultimately, there really isn't a bad sightline to be found at Geodis Park. The only minor drawback is that the upper deck is quite steep, which can make traversing the stairs a bit of a physical challenge for some fans. The supporters' section is undeniably fun and rowdy, but it is not for everyone. This area is standing-room only, utilizing "safe standing" arched rails for fans to lean against rather than traditional seats. Neighborhood 3 Geodis Park is located on the old fairgrounds site and in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Unfortunately that means the local neighborhood is more focused on homes and normal people living than as a great area for sports visiting. It is not a bad neighborhood, but also not an especially welcoming one either. There are some new housing built in between the race track and the stadium. We wonder how loud that gets for those who choose to live there? Nashville's popular areas "The Gulch" and "Broadway" are a bit far away from the stadium as you will have to arrange for transportation to them after the game as walking all the way to downtown s not advised. Fans 5 Nashville SC’s attendance numbers are impressive, averaging over 28,000 fans per match and ranking in the top 10 for MLS attendance. This is impressive being such a large stadium. “The Backline,” is the collective name for Nashville SC’s various supporter groups. They keep the energy high from kickoff to the final whistle by beating drums, ringing cowbells, leading coordinated chants, and waving massive flags. The general crowd also remains highly attentive and actively engaged in the game, just with a bit less of the non-stop, boisterous intensity found behind the goal. Access 2 Geodis Park should score better with access than it does as it is located less than a mile from a major highway in I-65, but this closeness doesn't explain the poor access to this stadium. Parking in the surrounding neighborhood is officially discouraged, but realistically that is what many fans do. They park on side streets and take advantage of locals selling sports in their yards and driveways. You can also but spots in the official parking lots on the teams website, along with a few partner lots in the area. Once inside the stadium, the walkways are wide enough to minimize congestion. The only problem is that the club and suites side of the stadium is not open for walking entirely around the stadium. The lots are notoriously congested post-game. While parking attendants are on-site and do their best to organize the flow of traffic, there is only so much they can accomplish. The surrounding streets have restricted movement, creating a massive bottleneck as a high volume of vehicles from multiple lots all try to filter through a single exit point. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to see Nashville SC offer a solid value, with entry into the supporters’ section starting at a very reasonable $20 and other seats quite reasonable as well. Parking takes a noticeable bite out of the cost of attendance. The parking rates feel disproportionately high, often starting at over $30 per vehicle. While there are a few alternative lots to help you avoid paying top dollar, they are scarce around Geodis Park and do not offer post-game shuttles. You can find free parking if you are willing to walk more than a mile, but for the average fan, the long trek easily outweighs the financial benefit. Extras 5 The Heineken Supporters Bar Mural is a vibrant eye-catching diptych created by artist Kevin Bongang. There is also a website at https://geodispark.com/stadium-info/installations/ which shows all the various art around Geodis Park. Walking through the north supporters' gate reveals the printed lyrics of the team anthem "Never Give Up on You" on the wooden ceiling overhead. Also each Supporter Group within The Backline put their own unique design on a steel beam above the safe-standing supporters’ section. The area outside the north gate features live music, promotional setups, and interactive soccer skills centers before kickoff. Final Thoughts Geodis Park has quickly become one of the loudest and most energetic soccer stadiums in the US scene. It is worth a visit from any sports fan.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 NextGen Patch at Cairns Field 1717 Dudley St Saskatoon SK S7M 2T7 Saskatoon Berries website Cairns Field website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 2,200 Saskatoon Berries The Saskatoon Berries joined the Western Canadian Baseball League in 2024, becoming the latest addition to this college summer league, competing across Saskatchewan and Alberta. The WCBL traces its roots back more than a century, initially as the Canadian-American Baseball League, then evolving to the Western Canada League, the Northern Saskatchewan Baseball League, the Western Major Baseball League, and now its current iteration since 2019. The Berries play at Cairns Field in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. Cairns Field has almost as much history behind it as the league, built in 1914 and hosting a team in the Western Canada League. Several other teams have come and gone from the field over the years, including the Gems in the early 1950s, the Commodores in the late 50s and early 60s, with the 60s version of the team switching names several times between Commodores, Ambassadors, and Blues. Then there was a long pause before the Yellow Jackets moved in from 2002 to 2014. And now we have the Berries as the latest entry into the league. In spite of its age, Cairns Field has seen several upgrades over the years, giving it a modern feel, with all the amenities you’d expect to find. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is situated in the K+S Multi-Sports Centre, a complex at the heart of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex which serves as the grandstand for both Cairns Field and, on the other side, the track and field facility. This is just inside the gates and to the right. The usual assortment of concession options can be found here, including hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and pop. For something special, try the Berries Burger ($9.50), made with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and Saskatoon Berry Aioli. To the left of the gates is a set of picnic tables to hang out and eat your food, and also the Berries Hi-Ball Shack, where you can find an assortment of adult beverages. This includes several varieties of beer (check out the Berry Beer from local brewery 9 Mile) and hi-balls with rye, rum, or vodka. There is a satellite concession stand at the end of the left field fence to serve folks out there in the bleachers or standing room, and a concession cart behind the right field bleachers as well, both providing a stripped-down menu from the main spots' options. Additionally, tucked in behind the Multi-Sports Centre you’ll find a food truck, delivering some other treats and adding to the overall variety. Atmosphere 3 A packed house at Cairns Field brings good energy to the experience. With the crowd shoulder-to-shoulder in the stands, it’s easy to feel the excitement around you, and every cheer feels exciting and authentic, sweeping everyone up in the entertainment. Crowd Enjoying a Saskatoon Berries Game, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 3 Cairns Field is situated between an industrial park and a residential area. As a result, there isn’t much to do or see in the immediate area. Korean restaurant Diane’s Kitchen is a block north of the diamond and available for pre-game dining (or post-game if it’s an afternoon game). Or if you want to pop in to grab a slice of outstanding pizza to eat elsewhere, you can head into Vern’s Place, which is primarily a Husky gas station, with the pizza stand tucked into the back. Directly south of the Gordie Howe complex is the Holiday Park Golf Course, if you want to shoot a round before the ball game. And the Gordie Howe complex also has a campground, so if you want to bring your tent or trailer to town and stay right there when coming for a game, rather than looking for a hotel, that’s a good option. A fairly short 11-block drive north brings you to one of the major roads in Saskatoon, where you can find a bunch of options. All the usual franchise places can be found along this road, plus some nice local options, like the Blue Diamonds for anything from a burger to Veal Cordon Bleu. Fans 4 The fans bring good energy to the field. As with most teams in this league, things are fairly subdued most of the time, but pleasant. Fans cheer at appropriate times and let the umpires know when they aren’t happy with a call, showing they are engaged in the action. Access 4 Access around the diamond is pretty good, with few pinch points along the way. The area just inside the main gates, in particular, is spacious and accommodates lots of people around the concession stand, the pro shop, the washrooms, and the beer shack. There is ample parking around the stadium, all free. The easiest parking is directly north of the field, with plenty of room for the vehicles coming to the game, but there are several other lots around the complex with a bunch more space, so there’s little chance of everything being full. Roads clear out relatively quickly around the field. With its central location, people can head in all directions to get to where they’re going. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are pretty typical for the WCBL, with adults at $19, youths at $12, and children at $9.50 for assigned seating and $12 for general admission on the bleachers. You can also trade up to Castle seating behind the plate for $28 each. Extras 4 The Saskatoon Berries have a bit of a silly name, in the spirit of the Savannah Bananas. But credit where credit is due, they have fully embraced this name and jumped hip-deep into the fun. For example, the above-mentioned Berries Burger with Saskatoon Berry Aioli. Or their mascot, a big bear, named Barry, whose team jersey has the number 3.14 (aka pi. Get it? Barry Pi? Moving on…). Barry makes his way through the concourse and stands throughout the game, entertaining the kids and taking part in many of the between-inning contests and giveaways. Cairns Field has a big, impressive Jumbotron-style video screen overlooking the right field fence, providing game info and trivia about Berries players. Just inside the main gate is the team’s pro shop where you can get all the team memorabilia you’re looking for, from hats and shirts to miniature Barrys. Saskatoon Berries Pro Shop, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey The park has recycling bins alongside its regular garbage cans, which is always nice to see. Final Thoughts Berries baseball is relatively new in town, but the sport has a long and storied history here. The fans understand the game and have already established a solid core group. Coming to Cairns Field for a game is a fun time and well worth the visit.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium 4301 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 6,000 UIW Cardinals – Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the largest Catholic university in Texas. The 150-plus acre campus is home to close to 9,000 students and is located on a prime spot in one of the most scenic locations in San Antonio, while also being under a five-minute drive from the city’s vibrant Downtown area. In 2008, the leadership of UIW ventured into the world of college football. They fielded their first recruiting class that fall, taking the field as an NCAA D2 independent team with the late Mike Santiago as their inaugural head coach. While moving up the ranks, the UIW Cardinals settled at the NCAA FCS level as members of the Southland Conference. Beginning in 2018 the team has gone on a tear, winning four Southland Conference championships, the first under current Oklahoma State Cowboys Head Coach Eric Morris, the next two helmed by current Texas State Bobcats head man G.J. Kinne, and the final – in 2024 – under current coach Clint Killough. The Cardinals’ winning ways have led them to the FCS playoffs on all four occasions, twice reaching the quarterfinals. Through it all they have called one place home: Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. Named after university patriarchs and longtime owners of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, the on-campus stadium has given the Cardinals a distinct homefield advantage. Read all about it below. Food & Beverage 3 Currently there are three concession stands open for fans at Benson Stadium. Two are behind the home team stands; these tend to bottleneck pretty significantly during games, as there is not a ton of room underneath the bleachers where these stands are. The good news is that UIW tends to have three separate windows open for orders, so things tend to move as quickly as possible. However, if it’s a crucial time in the game and you’re sitting on the home side, make your way to the stand closest to the fieldhouse; this tends to be the least crowded. For visitors, the concession stand that sits near Sullivan Field is your only option. As for food items, it’s your traditional game day fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and bottled drinks. They also offer walking tacos (a.k.a. Frito Pie), which seem to be everywhere these days. The home side does offer a separate beer stand for those wanting an adult beverage or two. Nothing groundbreaking here for food and drinks, but things are solid and relatively inexpensive. Atmosphere 3 One of the main draws of UIW is its campus. It is, quite frankly, gorgeous. The red bricks, the tree-lined paths, the stream that runs through the campus, the iconic clock tower, all of it is just postcard perfect. It’s what I imagine one of the historic colleges or universities back east looks like. Public art also dots the campus, which provides a fun diversion before or after Cardinal games at Benson Stadium. Heading to the game, you’ll notice that all the athletics facilities – Benson Stadium, Sullivan Field, and Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center – are all in the same section of campus. This is not only convenient, but it adds to the atmosphere. Inside the football stadium, the visitors side of the field is plastered with the successes of Cardinals teams of the past, such as their conference titles and the names of All-Americans – which includes the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward. There are also two merchandise tents for fans, one near the Convocation Center and one on the home team side, which offer up items such as t-shirts, jerseys, and stuffed animals for fans. The athletics complex sits at the bottom of a hill, setting it apart from all the hustle and bustle of both everyday campus life and the noise and energy of the seventh-largest city in the country. It really feels like a small-town college campus, and I mean that in the best way possible. Neighborhood 5 As mentioned, the UIW campus sits in one of the most auspicious locations in the city, five minutes from the Alamo, Hemisfair Park, the San Antonio River Walk, Tower of the Americas, the Alamodome, and the Historic Pearl entertainment district. It’s even closer to sites like the award-winning San Antonio Zoo and Witte Museum. Restaurants such as Smoke Shack, Cheesy Jane’s, and Hung Fong are also all almost within eyesight of the school. Basically anything and everything that San Antonio has to offer visitors is available near UIW’s campus, and most should be open either before or after Cardinals games, so you can visit at your leisure. Fans 3 Throughout their history, the Cardinals have typically drawn anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 fans per game, but this all depends on the opponent for each game. The Southland Conference, fortunately enough, is littered with Texas schools and assorted Louisiana ones that are within an easy driving distance from San Antonio. Those games tend to fill Benson Stadium and have great energy. The fans that head to Cardinals games are usually dressed in UIW black and white and are engaged. They’ve been spoiled by the team’s prolific success – especially on offense – in the last decade. While the current team is still young, I firmly believe that as soon as they turn the corner in terms of playoff success, you’ll see consistently larger crowds – San Antonio loves nothing more than backing a winner. Access 2 The score for this section is a little muddled for me. As mentioned, the campus’ proximity to downtown San Antonio means Benson Stadium is within a 30-minute drive from anywhere in the city. The facility is also only about 15 minutes from San Antonio International Airport, which has daily flights to almost any and all spots on the globe. There is also signage directing visitors to campus from US 281, which parallels the school; you can see the university buildings clearly from the highway. What makes this section’s score low was the parking difficulty I experienced on my most recent visit. Entrances to campus from the thoroughfares surrounding the school were all closed to the public, and there were no other visible markings telling fans where to go. By happenstance I found the entrance to the only open parking available to the general public, off a side street on the feeder road from the highway. Even then, parking was cash only, which greatly backed up traffic. I will shoulder some of the blame as I didn’t read that online before attending. However, this wasn’t my first game there and took me by complete surprise. On the plus side, you are afforded the opportunity to park in a covered garage once you’re onsite; this comes in handy early in the season when the south Texas sun is baking everything from dawn till dusk. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for UIW Cardinals football can be had for as little as $13 per person ($15 with fees). I would highly recommend going directly through the school’s ticketing office, as the same tickets I bought were marked up exceptionally high on all the secondary ticket market sites. Parking is just $10 (cash only; some passes can be bought online ahead of time, however) and you get a covered spot, which you will be grateful for if you visit anytime before mid-October. The concessions are also fairly reasonable; no item except alcohol runs higher than $10. That’s really a good bargain in this day and age, especially for D1 sports. Extras 3 There isn’t much still in the way of extras at UIW games, but the Cardinals have all the bells and whistles of most college teams, such as their mascot Red the Cardinal, the Marching Cardinals band, the Cardinal Dancers, and the cheer squad. The team also does a fun job with their entrance, as the whole squad runs through the inflatable cardinal head with red and black smoke billowing and music blasting. It’s a nice touch. Final Thoughts It has been fun to watch the growth of the UIW Cardinals football program. Seeing where they are now from where they came from has been something special to see. However, the program is still in its infancy, so there’s no telling where they will end up, given time. While Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium will never be confused with some of the great cathedrals of Saturday, the Cardinals more than make up for any deficiencies the stadium might have with their performance on the field. If you’re a fan of fun college football, add this spot to your bucket list. And while you’re in town for the game, take a stroll around the UIW campus – I think you’ll be glad you did. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wheeling Island Racetrack 1 South Stone Street Wheeling, WV 26003 Wheeling Island Racetrack website Year Opened: 1937 Only Two Left Wheeling Island racetrack is one of only two active greyhound racing tracks in the United States, both of which are in West Virginia. On the inside, the facility is very similar to horse racing tracks you may have been to, with stadium seating overlooking the track, TVs to watch races at other tracks, and betting machines for you to make your wagers. Food & Beverage 4 The dog track has its own dedicated concession stand near the entrance, which offers chicken tenders, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, and fish sandwiches, as well as snacks such as fries, popcorn, candy, and cookies. Prices are a little on the high side, but nothing that would surprise anyone who has been to a sports stadium before. There is also a bar tucked in a corner, which doesn’t seem too busy – because it is tucked away, some patrons may not even notice it. There are plenty of tables with chairs in the venue, making it easy to sit and eat while you watch the racing. Atmosphere 4 Wheeling Island racetrack has a pretty good atmosphere – the PA announcer especially does a great job announcing the races in her very energetic and lively voice. It is easy to see racing from anywhere inside the facility, and there are plenty of machines and cashiers available for you to make any wagers. Pro tip – if you use the betting machines on the far side, away from the concession stand, you shouldn’t have to stand in line. The ones next to the concessions are much busier, again likely because patrons may not notice the others tucked on the far side near the bar. Neighborhood 2 Wheeling Island racetrack is located on the southern end of a tiny island, also called Wheeling Island, in the middle of the Ohio River; you can get there by taking Exit 0 off I-70 (yes, Exit Zero – one of the few in the United States). This section of the city is a bit dilapidated, with a few blocked-off roads and several ongoing construction zones. There are a few restaurants around, including local chains such as Bob Evans or Perkins, but only a couple of hotels nearby; most of the hotels in the area are about 10 miles to the east in St. Clairsville, Ohio, or 10 miles to the west near Wheeling’s city center. Fans 3 Wheeling Island racetrack is pretty busy on the average day, though by no means would I call the facility crowded – you will be able to easily find space in the stadium seating, at one of the tables indoors, or even at one of the tables outdoors if you prefer to get closer to the action. Live racing happens Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1 pm, but the venue seems busier on the weekends. Access 4 Getting to Wheeling Island racetrack is straightforward: take I-70 to Exit 0, which appears just after crossing into West Virginia when heading east, or just before entering Ohio when heading west. The only tricky part is navigating a few unusual turns on and off the freeway, a product of how the interchange is laid out. Once you are off the freeway, head south across the island and the facility is easy to find. When you arrive, be sure to veer right and park behind the hotel, where there is a direct entrance into the racetrack – using that parking lot will save you from having to walk all the way through the casino from the main entrance. Return on Investment 4 I would definitely recommend a visit to Wheeling Island racetrack, especially if you have never seen greyhound racing before. With the political winds as they are, we may soon see this sport disappear from West Virginia, as it already has from every other U.S. state. The views of the track from the facility are amazing, the PA announcer is a lot of fun, and you can also get the thrill of victory from picking the right dog, especially if you happen to back it with a few bucks on an exotic wager. Extras 4 There are some greyhound statues outside, as well as some tables outside topped with bright yellow umbrellas. If you take a stroll out that way, you can see the greyhounds parade past before each race and see the dogs tear by on their way around the track. The multiple video boards inside make it easy to see the odds change throughout the day, as well as on the giant videoboard outside. Like at horse racing venues, you can also bet on racing at other locations (simulcast wagering) if that is your preference, and the concession stand has some great food options.

“Major League Baseball made its 1969 debut on the South Side Wednesday, but the star attraction was neither the host White Sox... It was, instead, a diamond-shaped patch of pool-table green Sox Astroturf infield of the future.” ​It was a dubious year for the Chicago White Sox, who finished the season before with a 67-95 record (their first in 17 years) and attracted a minuscule 7,493 fans per game. The team owners, John and Arthur Allyn Jr., predicted that the Sox would draw little more to the ballpark and projected a loss of $438,800 in 1969. ​The brothers launched a $500,000 “high-pressure campaign” to bring fans back to the nearly 60-year-old White Sox Park; it wasn’t going to be with the players on the team, but with innovations and additions that hoped to spruce up the old place. White Sox Park got a makeover from the inside and out. The greatest change was the addition of $100,000 worth of green synthetic grass infield called Sox Sod, which was the second stadium in the major leagues to use it. This innovation was designed to reduce bad bounces and hops, provide a firm footing, and require lower maintenance than grass. The green hue was hoped to make the stadium look vibrant on color TV sets. "We will be able to use the field just 15 minutes after a heavy downpour, and this means it could save us two or more rainouts a season", said Arthur Allyn. The infield turf was a shade greener than the natural grass outfield. The turf was going to be different from the Astrodome's. The Sox Sod had a base of 13 inches of gravel, 5 inches of asphalt, topped by an absorbing rubberized cushion of three-quarters of an inch, to which the synthetic grass is bonded. ​Sox manager Al Lopez thought that hitting would be different this year, and a line drive would come off much quicker. Shortstop Luis Aparicio said the carpet would cause some ground balls to get to the infielders faster than normal. ​“It will be tougher to bunt a runner from first to second, but it should be easier to get the ball past the pitcher to move a man from second to third.” The future Hall of Famer added that he could see the ball well, but had some trouble with the ball coming off the green and onto the basepaths. Third baseman Bill Melton said the ball would get to him much faster. Sandy Alomar, Sr., added that the turf had truer bounce because, unlike the Astrodome, their sod was permanent.” Even Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson praised the new turf, saying that club officials had to do something to give the Sox more hitting. The team would muster only a .228 batting average, which was below the league average from the previous season. Chicago Daily News columnist Dave Nightingale wrote almost an entire article about the “phony fuzz” and added that the ball speed would be greater, bunted balls would roll like marbles to the fielder, and tricky hops would be a thing of the past on the new carpet. ​“While we are not committed to putting ‘Soxsod’ in our outfield next year, we are definitely considering it,” Arthur Allyn said. “However, we do want to see how the infield works this year before we make any decisions.” Tommy John winds up against the Red Sox on the infield turf. ​Allyn predicted that the turf would be added to the outfield within a few years, but that there was just too much money involved in doing it at the moment. It would have cost the White Sox an additional $300,000. ​Also new were bright blue uniforms, similar in hue to those of the Los Angeles Dodgers or, dare I say, the Chicago Cubs up north at Wrigley Field. The home sets were a complete overhaul, featuring a solid white jersey with blue piping, the iconic Old English Sox design, and white stirrups with blue striping. The pinstripes disappeared, and the caps no longer featured the interlocking block “SOX” logo. For the first time in team history, the Old-English SOX emblem was on the cap and matched the design on the shirt. There was no other color besides royal blue. ​Interestingly, the new uniforms were supposed to have an additional color according to the Chicago Sun-Times article on February 11, 1969. Stu Holcomb, the Sox PR Director, was planning on having traditional patriotic colors. ​“They will be tailored in red, white, and blue, perhaps even topped with an Uncle Sam Sailor cap. A pointer, little white beard may also be allowed.” ​Holcomb also ditched the powder blue shades of the road jerseys of the past 5 years in favor of traditional grays, just as expansion franchises in Seattle and Montreal were introducing their own powder blue road uniforms. The drab gray uniforms featured the same Chicago script wordmark, but in white against a gray jersey. ​The Sox also introduced royal blue satin jackets with the SOX logo on the chest. Team officials wore Ivy League jackets featuring the Arthur Allyn crest, a design of 50 stars and 13 stripes on a royal blue field. However, there was more at Comiskey Park, including fences brought in to help hitters. A vinyl-coated fence, colored hunter green, was installed in the outfield, moving the right field wall 20 feet and the center field wall 15 feet. Ed Holstein, director of park operations, deemed the walls “the safest on the market.” A makeshift fence also houses the Sox bullpen. ​Other changes included a Pitch-O-Meter clock to count down the 20 seconds the pitcher has to deliver a pitch when a runner is on base, or an automatic ball would be called. The hope was to hear fans count down from the stands. Wait, a minute, is this 1969 or 2025? ​A Dugout Lounge was created for all ticket holders, offering dinner and cocktails. About 11,000 seats were switched from reserved to general admission on both the upper and lower decks. Then there was a group of 15 young women in miniskirts, called the “Soxettes,” introduced to help make fans feel welcome at the games. They were dressed up in red, white, and blue outfits to greet fans. The miniskirt-clad ladies also handed out schedules and matchbooks and were involved in the community with school visits and TV appearances. Newspaper articles of the time took notice of their presence at the old ballpark. ​Management spent $100,000 on improvements to the lighting in the parking lots and alleys to make “White Sox Park the brightest area in Chicago and make customers feel that they can walk out to their cars and have nothing to be afraid of.” The team’s motto was “White Sox Park is the Light, Bright and Right One.” Sox manager Don Gutteridge argues with the ump in a bright blue satin jacket. ​Opening day under sunny conditions, but only 11,000 fans were in attendance. After 35 games, the Sox knocked in 132 runs, compared to 92 from a year ago, but were hitting a meager .237, nine points lower than a year ago. In 20 home games, the Sox attracted 165,903 fans - down 39,712 from the same time a year ago. Meanwhile, the Cubs attracted 272,955 fans in 19 games. ​The changes were seen as gimmicks to a few fans, especially John Battistella of Westchester, Illinois, who wrote a letter to the Chicago Daily News. ​“So what do Arthur Allyn, Stu Holcomb, and Ed Short come up with? Shorter fences, different uniforms for players and concessionaires, but the same patsy hitters. One highlight came on July 20 with the announcement of the Apollo moon landing. The White Sox marked the moment by firing fireworks from the exploding scoreboard, a small band played several songs, and the 16,000 fans in attendance joined together in a prayer for the astronauts’ safe return to Earth. The Sox finished the season with a 68-94 record, 29 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Western Division. Attendance was 589,546, averaging about 7,278. There were 11 games played in Milwaukee that drew 391,335 - 66% of the Sox total attendance for the year. Arthur Allyn was asked if he regretted the decision to spend lavishly (which he reported was closer to $600,000 on improvements). He said not in the least and that he plans on spending even more in the next year and a half on advertising, promotions, facility rebuilding, and providing the public with the sort of team it deserves. “When you’re winning, everything takes care of itself.” The year brought many changes designed to make coming to the ballpark fun again. The improvements and public campaign did not result in winning ways or higher attendance for the White Sox. It was worth a ride on the “magic green carpet,” but winning is what the Sox faithful really wanted. And still desire. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 West Family Stadium 208 University Dr West Liberty, WV 26074 West Liberty Hilltoppers website West Family Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 4,000 Up, Up, and Away We Go West Liberty University offers a scenic setting for football with a great home game atmosphere, including a party deck for alumni and bucket-style chairback seats for about half the fanbase. There is no seating on the visitors’ side of the field, but the home side boasts two concession stands, as well as berm seating behind one end zone that I saw a handful of fans enjoying. Food & Beverage 2 West Family Stadium doesn’t have a wide range of concession options, but it offers a few favorites such as hot dogs with or without chili, nachos, cookies, and packaged candy, as well as sodas and bottled water. There are two concession stands on the home side, both serving the same items, but one is cash-only – the line for the cash-only stand is almost non-existent, while the credit card stand line is very long, so I recommend bringing cash to the game if you want to save time. Atmosphere 3 West Family Stadium has a great atmosphere with lots of energy coming from the fans. The band, while small, does a great job keeping the fans engaged with its performance before the game, as well as by playing lively songs during breaks in the action. The seats in the center section are all chairbacks, with metal bleachers on both ends of the grandstand. There are also vendors on hand before the game, such as the Army or National Guard, handing out giveaways and souvenirs. The stadium appears to be well kept up but does show its age a little – for example, there is no video board, just a basic digital scoreboard, and you can see fading on some of the dedicatory plaques. Neighborhood 1 West Liberty University is about 10 miles up the hill from nearby Wheeling, West Virginia – the Hilltoppers moniker is very apt. As a result, there is very little in the vicinity of West Family Stadium; there are a couple of pizza places, but the closest hotel, Oglebay Resort, is over seven miles away. However, even once you get down that hill, there are only a few restaurants and hotels in that part of Wheeling. There is a casino and greyhound racetrack on Wheeling Island, an island in the middle of the Ohio River, but the only real civilization is about 20 miles from West Family Stadium – 10 miles down the mountain using Highway 88, and then another 10 miles on I-70, either east to St. Clairsville, Ohio, or west to Wheeling’s city center. The greyhound racetrack on Wheeling Island is one of only two still operating in the United States, so it may be worth a look if you are in the area. Live racing happens Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1 pm, so depending on what time the football game starts, you may be able to catch a few races before or after. Fans 3 West Family Stadium has a great fan base with many home fans wearing team gear, but the fan base is a bit mixed, since both the home and visiting fans sit together on the press box side of the field. As a result, you will hear loud cheers even when something bad happens for the Hilltoppers, and you might see as many fans wearing the opposite colors as you will see them sporting WLU black and gold. Access 2 As mentioned above, you will have to drive about 10 miles up, and sometimes down, a mountain to get to West Family Stadium, with many, many switchbacks, so it won’t be much fun, especially at night. Then, once you get to the stadium, unless you have a pass or get there really early, you will have to park down the hill from the facility and use concrete stairs to walk up to the stadium, some of which are uneven or sloped. But once you get to the stadium itself, there is plenty of room to move around, and the bathrooms are more than large enough to accommodate the crowd. There are also no assigned seats, so you are free to sit wherever you want, first come, first served. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to West Liberty Hilltoppers football games are $15, which may be a little on the high side for D2 football, but is by no means exorbitant. I consider attending a game at West Family Stadium a good return on investment – the venue may be missing some of the amenities fans may be used to nowadays, what with the recent revitalization of many sports stadiums, but West Liberty offers an above-average experience compared to other D2 football venues. Extras 3 The berm seating is a plus, as it offers a way to get closer to the action on the field, and the giveaways before the game are a lot of fun, especially if you happen to be bringing any little ones. The party deck for alums is also a nice touch; note that this is the only covered seating in the facility, so if you are there for a day game and happen to have any connections in that regard, you might want to take advantage.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Danville Stadium 610 Highland Blvd Danville, IL 61832 Danville Dans website Danville Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 4,000 A Hidden Gem in Danville They do not build them like this anymore, and they never will; not by any stretch of the imagination will someone construct a facility like Danville Stadium. It is a place that was constructed on a whim after Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey passed through town on his way to Decatur, Illinois, to place a farm team shortly after World War II. After a few drinks and heavy conversation, Rickey was convinced by a few local people to place a team in town. Rickey agreed based on the stipulation that a ballpark would be built for the following season. The very next season, Danville Stadium was constructed at the cost of $71,000, and 67-years later, the Danville Dans of the Prospect League enter their 26th season of operation. The stadium was home to the Danville Dodgers/Dans from 1946-1954 and then the Danville Warriors/Suns from 1970-1976, and the Dodgers once again for the 1982 season. On June 20, 1947, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, and Pee Wee Reese came to Danville Stadium to play for their minor league affiliate. The current Dans debuted in 1989, known as the Highlanders during the first season, as a collegiate summer team in the Central Illinois College League. A couple of years later, the ballpark was used for the motion picture “The Babe.” The Dans moved to the Prospect League in 2008 and have been a mainstay in town, producing nine championships. Food & Beverage 3 The majority of the food is prepared and served underneath the grandstands at “The Varsity,” which has an eclectic selection of hot dogs and sandwiches. There are six styles, including the regular Bleacher Bum Dog, the Chi-Town Dog, the Chili Dog, and the Junk Yard Dog, which features chili, cheese, pickle spears, cucumbers, and my vote for all-time best hot dog topping: giardiniera. If you want something else, there are Italian beef and pulled pork sandwiches and Polish and Italian sausages. There is also popcorn, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, pop, and beer in this area, along with tables to enjoy your food before you return to your seats. The Dans step it up a notch with grilled brats, ribs, and steak sandwiches on certain dates in the right field picnic area. The steak sandwich is a bargain for $6, and with grilled peppers on top, it might make this the best deal for a piece of steak anywhere in the country. Try paying less at another ballpark or restaurant. You may have to travel to Buenos Aires to find a better deal for steak. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot of history dripping throughout the wooden beams and bleachers of Danville Stadium. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Pee Wee Reese made appearances here. Cecil Cooper, Dave Stewart, Darrell Porter, Pedro Guerrero, and Jonathan Papelbon have all donned Danville uniforms. There is only one small entrance into the ballpark where workers greet you and rip your tickets in half, just like the way they did it before scanners took over at ballparks. Once inside, one has to marvel at the wooden covered grandstand that is supported by thick wooden beams and features dusty wooden seats. There are strange but wonderfully effective trash removal chutes, and interns collecting 50/50 raffles throughout the contest that give the place a sense of nostalgia. A picnic area is situated at the end of the third baseline, and a set of theater-style seats are located behind each dugout; in between these seats is a dirt area that might have been home to more box seating at one time in the stadium. There have been improvements that include a 36′ full digital color message/scoreboard from Watchfire Signs; the state-of-the-art scoreboard was donated by a former member of the board at Danville Stadium. It adds a little touch of modern comfort to the old ballpark. Neighborhood 2 Danville Stadium is a few yards north of I-74 and situated a few miles from downtown Danville. If you happen to get into town a few hours before the game, check out Gross’s Burger a few miles south of the ballpark. It is a local institution and offers flat grill burgers with various toppings for super low prices, along with thick milkshakes. The Moon Glo is another favorite spot that has been family owned since 1962, offering tenderloin sandwiches, steak dinners, and other pub food. According to its website, Royal Donut has been serving award-winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins since 1973. Gross's Burgers is a few miles from the stadium and worth a visit, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Little Nugget Steakhouse on 6 South Henning Rd lets customers cook their steaks on a community grill. Yes, sir, I will have that piece of raw meat, sprinkle a little Montreal seasoning, and cook it medium-well for a few minutes. I admit the last time I did this was with an ex-girlfriend in college almost 13 years ago, but after making a brief appearance on my trip, the place still has wonderful thick steaks and a few other items for the non-beef eater. If you have an extra day or two, trek west about 20 minutes to the University of Illinois in Champaign, which has a beautiful campus and livelier downtown scene. Danville is also an hour away from two other Prospect League cities of Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana, with a few more league cities a bit further in Springfield and Normal, Illinois. Fans 4 Danville fans are savvy and enjoy coming to the ballpark to watch the game; they aren’t easily led to the stadium for clear promotions or other gimmicks. The Dans have attracted around 1,600 fans per game the last few seasons, which usually places them number two in the league behind Chillicothe. A nice number for the ballclub that pulls in a fan base from nearby division foes in Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana. Access 5 Once again I find myself in a rather small city without a sign from the interstate. The field is two-tenths of a mile north of exit 215 B on I-74, but there is not a sign until you are within view of the old wooden ballpark. There is free parking, and getting in and out, and back onto the interstate is very easy. When this ballpark was constructed, perhaps someone had the foresight that it would be near the interstate, because it is in a perfect location for one to make a quick stop or take in nine innings worth of action. Return on Investment 5 All adult tickets are $8, children (6-8) are $5, and 5 and under are free of charge. Tuesday night is $3 Buck Tuesday, including $3 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products, and one brand of beer. There is no charge for parking at the stadium, and regular prices are reasonable for concession items. All tickets to Sunday games are $6 for adults. Thursdays include $17 for 2 tickets and 2 Busch Lights. The aspect of watching baseball in a well-maintained historic ballpark also adds value to the price of admission. Extras 3 Danville Stadium receives a point for $2 Buck Tuesdays that include $2 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products, and one brand of beer. Danville Stadium receives the second point for managing partners of the team, Jeanie Cooke and Rick Kurth, who do not take a salary for operating the baseball team and have other careers. Many of us would love to take on the responsibility of running a baseball team and having a ballpark as your second home, and Cooke and Kurth do it with style and class. Danville Stadium receives a final point for its historic nature and memorabilia that is featured in a small room that illustrates the players, the teams, and the legacy of the ballpark. Final Thoughts At one time, Danville Stadium was slated for the wrecking ball and left to rot after the Milwaukee Brewers relocated their Single-A team after the 1982 season. True, baseball would have moved away from Danville, but aren’t we somewhat better for having baseball played at Danville Stadium and other buildings of its kind? It is good to know that there are still old-school parks left to watch baseball at these days.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Athletic Park 324 E Wausau Ave Wausau, WI 54403 Wausau Woodchucks website Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,000 A Jewel of the Northwoods League Originally built in 1936, Athletic Park in Wausau, Wisconsin, has been housing competitive baseball for over 80 years. Minor league teams such as the Wausau Lumberjacks, Timberjacks, Mets, and the Timbers called Athletic Park home from 1936 to 1990. After the 1990 season, the minor league affiliate moved to Geneva, IL, and, in 1994, the Wisconsin Woodchucks were formed as a charter member of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. Twenty-seven years later, the park has been renovated section by section and is one of the jewels of the league. In 2000, the Wisconsin Woodchucks changed back to their original name of the Wausau Woodchucks, complete with new branding. They had been known by the city name in 1994. Food & Beverage 5 Athletic Park offers a very good selection of food and beverages. There are two main concession stands, one behind the first base dugout and a larger one down the left field line. The dugout stand has pizza slices, soft pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts for $3. They also have vanilla and chocolate soft serve and several frozen treats. A great selection of various craft beers for $5-$6 is for sale. Down the left field line is a bigger concession stand with several entrée options. The standard hot dog is $3, bratwurst is $4, and hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches both run $5. Several “ballpark favorites” really stand out. They have mac and cheese with bacon for $4 or pulled pork for $5. Regular nachos with cheese and jalapeños are $3.50, or you can upgrade to BBQ pulled pork nachos with coleslaw for $7.50. I dove into their Irish nachos. Instead of tortillas, it’s seasoned waffle fries topped with bacon, cheddar cheese sauce, onions, jalapeños, and sour cream. Definitely worth a try! Other favorites are chili cheese waffle fries and white cheddar cheese curds, $6-$7. A wide selection of craft beers is available for $5-$6. Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy are their standards, and there are about ten other crafts from various breweries. White Claw cans are $4, and 5-Tool Ale, a Northwoods League exclusive pale ale, is available for $4.50 for a pint-sized can, the cheapest I’ve seen it anywhere in the league. Bottled water and bottled Pepsi products are $2.75-$3.50. Atmosphere 4 Athletic Park was originally built in 1936, but the entire ballpark has been rebuilt in the last decade. It feels like a newer ballpark, mainly because it is. General admission tickets for metal bleachers are $9. These are located down the third baseline. They are attached to the rest of the stands and not just a “temporary section” of seats. Box seats behind home plate are $10. New in 2021 are the Dugout Seats above the first base dugouts for $12. The seats are all raised about 10 feet above the playing field. There is an elevator available for wheelchairs or people who have difficulty with the stairs. There are various on-field games and contests in between innings. Unfortunately, my game was rained out in the 5th inning, so I didn’t get to see the whole array of their contests. The scoreboard is above the right field wall and is quite basic. It displays the score, runs, hits, errors, outs, and the player’s number. There is no video board in the stadium. There were only a few hundred people the night I attended, but a lot of that can be attributed to it being a Monday game with rain in the forecast. I’m told that there is usually a solid fan base that shows up. Neighborhood 2 The park is in a residential neighborhood. There’s really nothing of note in the immediate area. The only food options within walking distance are a Subway, Biggby Coffee, and Thrive Foodery, an American food restaurant about a block away. Downtown Wausau and its River District are a mile or so south of the stadium. There’s a large selection of bars and restaurants downtown. The Wisconsin River is also nearby, which provides nice scenery for walking. Many standard hotel chains are within a few miles of the stadium. The Motel 6 ran me less than $50 for the night and is only a few minutes' drive away. Fans 3 I wish there had been more fans on the night that I attended. I loved the ballpark, but it felt a little empty. I’m sure it was just a bad night because of the weather. The fans who were there seemed to be really into the game. I talked to a few people who said they love coming out to the games. Access 3 While Wausau isn’t near any interstates, State Highway 29 and US 51 are nearby and both are divided highways. The ballpark is about two miles off the junction of those highways. The actual address is 2401 N 3rd Street. There is no actual parking lot, but a half block beyond the center field fence is a large grassy lot that many people use for parking. There is also street parking available with no meters. There is one main entrance to the park behind home plate. Return on Investment 3 $9 for a minimum ticket is starting to be a good price for a baseball game. The food selection is very good, and the beer prices are very reasonable. This quickly became one of my favorite parks in the league. Extras 3 One point goes to the renovation job done to the park in recent years. The current owner bought the team about a decade ago, and he put his own money into updating the stadium section by section. It looks great. One point goes to the incredibly friendly staff. Several people noticed that I was wearing a shirt from a rival team in the league (my home park in Traverse City), and they stopped to talk to me about their park and mine. People seemed to go out of their way to talk to me. One point goes to the elevated seating. I like the raised view and being slightly above the field. It’s a different experience from most ballparks. Final Thoughts Athletic Field quickly became one of my favorite parks in the Northwoods League. There might not be any feature that absolutely stands out, but the park just had “it” for me. It’s definitely a ballpark that I’m looking forward to visiting again.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 League Stadium 203 South Cherry St. Huntingburg, IN 47452 Dubois County Bombers website League Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,783 There’s Nothing to Cry About at this Ballpark League Stadium is home to the Dubois County Bombers of the Prospect League, but the ballpark is famously known as the home of the Rockford Peaches in the major motion picture A League of Their Own that chronicled the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the 1940’s. Bombers ownership has not forgotten this and has made sure that the game day experience is somewhat reminiscent of the 1992 film. League Stadium itself does have quite a history, as the grounds have hosted baseball since 1894, when the Dubois County Fair Board built a wooden grandstand to accommodate the crowds at the annual county fair. The facility seated 1,500 people and featured a 260-foot-long grandstand that hosted events such as horse racing and livestock shows. In 1921, strong winds destroyed the original grandstand, but it was rebuilt in time for Independence Day celebrations. Semi-pro baseball would be a fixture with the Huntingburg Merchants of the Indiana-Kentucky League during the 1950s, with crowds around 1,000 per game. Dubois County was a hub with 10 baseball clubs alone. However, in 1973 the county fair moved to another location, and by 1984 one-third of the deteriorating grandstand was razed, with only the portion behind home plate preserved. In 1991, Huntington's mayor, Connor Nass, proposed using the stadium for the film A League of Their Own. Two new wings were added to the existing portion of the stadium and built to the exact details of the time of the film, the 1940’s. The wood was cut into straight pieces, nails were used instead of staples, and the roof would not feature shingles. A crew of 36 men worked on the transformation of the stadium in 10 weeks for $800,000. The result was a permanent 2,800-seat baseball stadium that would be used once filming would cease. Hollywood came back in 1995 for HBO’s Soul of the Game about the Negro Leagues. League Stadium became Kansas City’s Blues Stadium. The next year, the Dubois County Dragons of the Frontier League opened up shop and stayed until 2002. The Bombers arrived as a summer collegiate team in 2005 and have been a mainstay ever since, donning 1940s-era uniforms and an enthusiastic game day staff that keeps the spirit of the “A League of Their Own” alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a few sections where they serve the basics, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches, and peanuts. The selection is not as varied as other places, but definitely satisfying for baseball games during the summer months. The prices range from $3 (hot dog) to $4.75 for a double hamburger. There is a beer garden down the left field line that offers popular national brands and a few locally made beers on draft. The prices range from $3 for Bud and Bud Light cans to $6 for craft selections from Basket Case Brewing Company in nearby Jasper, Indiana. Atmosphere 5 The ballpark offers two distinct sections of seating that include 1,400 orange theater-style seats that were once installed at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium and wooden bleachers in the upper area of the grandstand. The very top row of the stadium offers VIP seating with table tops and chairs, along with plenty of elbow room for socializing. The covered wooden grandstand includes various columns and posts that feature banners of former players who called the ballpark home. There are also US flags hung in various parts of the grandstand netting that extends from both dugouts. There is an electronic scoreboard behind the right field wall, but it appears somewhat out of place here. A small press box with a lively crew that includes a public announcer who dresses up as Harry Carey and imitates the former Sox and Cubs announcer with his rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. He also gets the crowd excited throughout the game with announcements and on-field promotions. The in-between promotions include dizzy bat races, throwdowns at third where kids toss water balloons at the mascot Casey (a local college student dressed in a throwback uniform), and T-shirt tosses to lucky fans who get a chance to walk on the field. The Peaches are a group of eleven young ladies dressed in pink baseball uniform dresses from the movie who sell tickets, greet customers at the door, provide temporary tattoos to young fans, and take part in dancing to the Cotton Eye Joe after the 4th inning of play in the grandstand. The dance is part of the tradition and provides a boisterous cheer from all in attendance. The stadium also features many memories from A League of Their Own, including movie set pieces underneath the grandstand, merchandise in a small–but very impressive gift shop–and the infamous quote “There’s no crying in baseball!” uttered by Tom Hanks during the film is plastered against the exterior wall. There is even a spot where he said the famous line. The outfield walls are lined with beautifully painted 1940’s period advertisements that had been left over by the film crew, along with the hand-operated scoreboard. A concrete wall (painted brick brown) surrounds the stadium with League Stadium imprinted behind home plate and in center field. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Huntingburg is located a few blocks from the ballpark, offering various storefronts and places to eat before or after the game. The Gaslight Restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza. Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a fine choice for dining, and Market Street Soup & Salad is another fine choice. There are also a few regional chain restaurants along the main street heading north towards Jasper, where a few more breweries, such as Basket Case Brewing Company and Schnitz Brewery & Pub, are located. A few attractions in Dubois County include the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in nearby Santa Claus, Patoka Lake, Ferdinand National Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest. The majority of lodging options are a few miles north in Jasper. Fans 4 The local population enjoys their time at the game with fun, excitement, and good baseball on the diamond. There is a lot of in-between promotions and cheers for the local college talent. There is also a small group of die-hard fans who sit down the third baseline that makes its presence felt when they think a strike should have been called against the visiting team. The group brings out props and engages in chants that are quite uncommon in the summer collegiate leagues. Access 3 League Stadium is located about 2.5 hours south of Indiana and is within 45 minutes of Evansville and 1.5 hours from Louisville, Kentucky. The closest major interstate is 6 miles south on I-64 and 25 miles west of I-69. Two-lane state roads might be your best option if coming in from the north. However, once inside the stadium, the concourses are wide, and bathrooms and concessions are clearly marked. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket starts at $5 and maxes out at $8 for the VIP bar suites. There is plenty of free parking around the ballpark, which is located in the local community park, and concession prices are fairly inexpensive, including $3 hot dogs and beers. The theatrics that take place during the game from the Peaches, Casey, and the public announcer really give the stadium its soul and liven up the atmosphere. Extras 5 League Stadium gets a point for its aesthetic that includes 1940’s advertisements on the outfield walls, a hand-operated scoreboard, old-school ticket designs, and players' rayon uniforms. The stadium earns another point for the Peaches and Casey, who entertain the crowd during the game, from on-field promotions to dancing in the main concourse. The third point is for the free O’Doul’s beer offered for its designated driver program. The final point is for the old-fashioned, small-town baseball experience that you can’t find throughout the state. Final Thoughts A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. League Stadium offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in a small-town field that is indeed reminiscent of the 1940’s.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Xfinity Mobile Arena 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Xfinity Mobile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here. Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls. The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls, Drexel Dragons, Villanova Wildcats, LaSalle Explorers, and St. Joseph’s Hawks. Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers, is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Corn Crib Stadium 1000 W Raab Rd Normal, IL 617613 Normal Cornbelters website Corn Crib Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,000 The New Normal The Corn Crib opened in 2010. The baseball stadium still feels fairly new ten years later and is an intriguing place to watch a game of baseball. The Normal CornBelters share the stadium, which seats 7,000, with Heartland Community College. The Heartland Hawks play both their baseball and soccer on the stadium’s artificial turf surface. This arrangement makes for interesting field placement and a lot of foul ground. The Normal CornBelters began as a Frontier League team in 2010 but in 2019 moved to the Prospect League. However, due to the coronavirus in 2020 and the Prospect League canceling the season, the CornBelters started the “Kernels Collegiate League.” The “League” consists of mostly local players and includes four teams: the CornBelters, Gems, Bobcats, and Hoots, all playing at the Corn Crib. The stadium is located near the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, which are the home of two universities, Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. The stadium’s name is a result of an agreement between the CornBelters and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Food & Beverage 3 The Corn Crib Cafe concession stand has mostly standard food such as hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburger/cheeseburger, chicken strips, nachos, and fries. Then they have some non-standard fare such as BBQ pork, BBQ pulled pork nachos, and corn nuggets. I highly suggest the BBQ pork and corn nuggets, but everything I have had is excellent. Across from the Corn Crib Café, there is another stand; however, this stand is only for people who buy a special ticket package. I am not sure if this is always the case or just because of the coronavirus. Corny’s Sugar Shack sells sweet & frozen treats such as Slushies, ice cream sandwiches, sundae cups, popsicles, and a pickle sickle (frozen pickle juice). Unfortunately, this stand was closed on my visit due to the coronavirus. However, the same items are for sale at the Corn Crib Café. Huskers Bar features local DESTIHL Brewery beer such as Hawaii or Normal Pils and other craft beers like Goose Island 312 and Shock Top. In addition, they sell buckets (5 – 16 oz. bottles of beer) of domestic (Budweiser and Miller Lite products) beer for $22 or 16-ounce cans for $5. In addition, the bar has margaritas and mixed drinks, top-shelf mixed drinks, and well drinks. The food prices for the amount you get are very reasonable. However, the lines are very long due to there only being two stands open. Atmosphere 2 The main entrance and ticket office are located in the outfield. An entrance is behind home plate too. A “corn” theme resonates throughout the stadium. Even the stairs near the office going up to the stadium have corn pictures on them. In addition, usually t, there are a couple of rows of corn in the right center planted in between the players’ clubhouse and their entrance to the outfield (on this day there were not). The players enter the field of play walking through them, à la a “Field of Dreams.” Though on this day the players did not walk through the “field,” the managers did. Seating around the stadium includes box seats and some bleachers, as well as large amounts of lawn seating in left and right fields. You cannot walk around the whole stadium, as behind center field is not accessible. The playing surface itself is an artificial turf surface, which many local independent league teams are doing so they can host other events and cut down on rainouts. The stadium is also used for soccer, so there is a very large amount of foul territory as the seats are not close to the baseball field, especially down the first and third baselines. So sitting at the far end of the foul lines, you will be a far distance away from the action. The usual scoreboard and video board are beyond the right-centerfield wall. The video board is pretty small, and some of the statistics can be hard to read. On the concourse, one of the women’s rooms is billed as the “World’s Greatest Restroom.” It is sponsored by a local home improvement vendor, so I wish I could see what it looks like. Though the women I talked to didn’t say it was the “greatest.” About two years ago, an awning was added behind home plate that provides more shade and covering than the ballpark had when it originally opened. The kids' play area, which is located down the third baseline on the concourse, features a few inflatables and is free of charge. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Normal, which is the home of Illinois State University and near Illinois Wesleyan University, so there are plenty of “college bars” and fast food places. However, the college is located about one mile south of the stadium on Main Street. Surrounding the Corn Crib is Heartland Community College, a trailer park, and a golf course with some retail businesses. The City of Normal has an “upscale” area which is nice where there are plenty of food choices and shopping. If you do decide to go into town for food or drinks, you need to go to Tub II and/or Maggie Miley’s, which are good bars with excellent food. Elroy’s (a sports bar) and Maguire’s Bar & Grill are good places for a drink. One local favorite restaurant is Monical’s Pizza of Normal. An interesting fact is that Monical’s is in the first Steak ‘N Shake location. Fans 3 Like in other Prospect League stadiums, the fans are mostly families looking for a cheap night out or people who go out to socialize. The diehard fans sit right behind the plate and are knowledgeable about their team. Most everywhere else in the stadium, you see the more casual fan. The CornBelters left the Frontier League and joined the Prospect League due to attendance/cost issues. Being in the Prospect League makes it easier for the CornBelters to make money or break even. They are still hoping that attendance increases after the virus scare is over. The CornBelters have numerous promotional nights, such as 10¢ hot dogs or family days, etc., but the fireworks nights or a popular giveaway item, like a bobblehead, usually get a good attendance bump. Access 4 The stadium is very easy to get to. It is about ½ mile south of the intersection of I-55 and Business 51 off of Raab Rd. The ballpark is small, simple, and easy to move around. The crowds never get too busy, unless for promotional nights or fireworks. The bathrooms and exits are marked clearly for all customers. Return on Investment 4 The CornBelters game began at $5 for lawn seats, $8 for reserved bleacher seating, and $10 for reserved box seats, and parking was $2. The CornBelters offer special pricing every Tuesday at the ballpark. General admission tickets are available at 50% off the regular price. Concession discounts include $2 hot dogs, chips, popcorn, water, soft drinks, and Gatorade. Additional $3 options feature corn dogs, brats, french fries, nachos, churros, and Twisted Tea 12 oz cans. Cheese fries and 16 oz domestic beer are available for $4. Editor's Note: The ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 3 The mascot, Corny, once again adds to the corn theme and is very accessible during the game. Kids, of course, love his antics and getting their pictures taken with him, as do many adults. The corn theme is carried throughout the ballpark. From the corn stalks outside the ballpark, the pictures on the stairs, and in center field to the random corn facts posted throughout the concourse to the old farming equipment on display. The CornBelters have a “Not Forgotten” seat to honor the men and women lost protecting our country while in military service behind home plate. This is a nice way to honor those who served. Final Thoughts The Corn Crib is a nice stadium, and the large foul ground is kind of unusual. It is a place that I would recommend seeing, but don’t count on getting a foul ball.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium 17273 State Route 104 Chillicothe, OH 45601 Chillicothe Paints website VA Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000+ Paints Baseball Built in 1955, VA Memorial Stadium was originally used as a softball field for long-term patients of the nearby VA Medical Center. In 1993, the Chillicothe Paints were formed, and the field was completely renovated, including adding the existing outfield wall. The Paints were charter members of the independent Frontier League from 1993 until 2008. In 2009, the team changed direction and became charter members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. More than a decade and two league championships later, the team is still going strong. Food & Beverage 4 VA Memorial Stadium offers a solid menu of ballpark food at very reasonable prices. Standard hot dogs are $3 (upgrade to a coney or super dog with sauce, melted cheese, and onions for a dollar or two more). Sloppy Joes and cheeseburgers are $4. Brat with kraut, pulled pork, and grilled chicken sandwiches are $5. There are also nachos and super nachos for $3.50/$5. The most expensive item on the whole menu is a double cheeseburger, which checks in at a very reasonable $6. I didn’t see any vegan options available for entrees. 20oz Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2.50. There are two stands with identical items, one right behind the home plate, and another in the left field picnic area. Two beer stands are available, one each down the baselines. 16oz Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra drafts are a mere $3.50. On Thirsty Thursday, 12oz beers are a buck. Similar aluminum cans are $4.50 for 16 ounces. They also have cans of White Claw for $3.50 and O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic beer for $2. Behind home plate is a DQ Ice Cream stand that offers cups of ice cream, Dilly Bars, Star Kisses, fudge bars, and orange bars, all for $2.50 each. Atmosphere 4 As is the case with a lot of parks built in its era, there is a great old-time feeling to VA Memorial. The covered concourse behind home plate only extends about halfway down the infield but has room for well over a thousand fans. There are 12 rows of wooden seats, with the first six rows having backrests. Most of those have season ticket holders’ names on them. Beyond the bases, there are two sets of metal bleachers to handle more fans. There is also a large picnic area down the left field line with plenty of picnic tables. The total capacity is over 3,000. Behind the first base bleachers is a large kids’ play area named in honor of Jackson (Jack) Fish. Jack was a former employee and batboy for the team. In 2017, he passed away, and the team honored him with the playground and a memorial plaque. Jackson Fish Memorial Playground, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey A basic electronic scoreboard is above the left-center field wall. No videos, just the runs, hits, errors, player number, and pitch speed. The PA sound system is quite clear. There are no on-field games during innings, but there are a lot of lucky number giveaways to various businesses. Lucky numbers are obtained by purchasing a program, complete with scorecard and roster sheets, for $1. Neighborhood 2 The biggest detriment to the ballpark is its location in proximity to the town. The stadium is located on the grounds of a large VA Medical Center. Officially, it is designated Building 244 in the complex. Other than a golf course that is also part of the complex, there is no other business around. The only thing within a couple of miles is a large prison. It’s a nice-looking setting, but there is nothing else nearby. If you venture into downtown Chillicothe, five miles away, there are plenty of dining and shopping options. Chillicothe was the original capital of Ohio, and there are banners downtown that celebrate the fact. The Majestic Theater has also been open for 158 years. The city has all the usual chain restaurants. Plenty of fast food. But there are quite a few individual restaurants worth exploring. I had a delicious cheeseburger at 50 West downtown. I also had a couple of Ohio brews at The Pour House nearby, and the smell as I walked by the Hometown Hibachi almost made me have a second lunch. The downtown setting is worth the visit. There are several hotels in the city, but most of the cheaper motels are located about a half hour away in the town of Washington Court House. There are no lodging areas within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 Fan attendance is quite good at VA Memorial. Over 1,500 showed up for the Wednesday night game that I attended. A couple of Little League groups were there in uniform. The covered grandstand felt a little empty, but that’s because fans can spread out down the lines. A lot of people stayed in the shaded picnic area. The Paints have been in town for 28 years now, so the team has a good core of season ticket holders who sit right behind home plate. Access 3 I had to do a bit of searching to find the ballpark. Google Maps does not have the ballpark listed at all. The stadium is located on the VA Medical Center campus, right on State Route 104. It’s just north of US 35 and just west of US 23. The physical address of the stadium is 17273 State Route 104. No interstates serve the area, and there’s no public transportation. Parking is free and plentiful. Tickets are all General Admission and are $7 each. Children, seniors, and veterans can purchase tickets for $5. There are two sets of restrooms. The original restrooms are located under the grandstand. They are very small and cramped. I would recommend going down the left field line to the picnic area. That area is much newer, and the bathrooms are very spacious. Return on Investment 4 This is definitely a ballpark where you get your money’s worth. Ticket prices are very reasonable, and food and especially drinks are as inexpensive as you’re going to find at a ballgame. General admission tickets are $8, while senior, military, and children tickets are $6. Extras 3 One point goes to the players who, before each game, walk through the crowd and thank the fans for coming out and slap high fives with fans and kids. I asked an usher, and they said it’s an every-game thing. One point goes for the beer prices. After paying $11 at a Triple-A game earlier in the day, it felt nice to have two for under $10 here. One point goes to the Jackson Fish Memorial Playground. They really did a lot to honor their former fan and employee. His story has a sad ending, but they celebrate his life very well. One point goes to the stadium itself. I really liked the feel of the ballpark, and the Paints have been going strong here for almost three decades. They’re definitely doing something right. Final Thoughts I had been wanting to come to VA Memorial Stadium for many years, but it’s never been on my path. The city is not really on the way to anything. Now that I’ve been here, I really want to come back. It was a very nice experience both at the ballpark and in the town. If you’re looking for a great old-school feel setting for a baseball game without too many bells and whistles, Chillicothe is it.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Community Field 2712 Mt Pleasant St Burlington, IA 52601 Burlington Bees website Community Field website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 3,200 Small Town Baseball in Iowa Burlington, Iowa, has the distinction of being the smallest city in full-season minor-league baseball. The town of 25,000, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, has been home to professional baseball since 1889 and, for the majority of the last 130 years, has hosted a ball club of some type. The most popular nickname is the Bees, which was first used in 1924 and has been the name of the current Burlington Bees club in the Midwest League since 1993. The home of the Bees is Community Field, a facility that has had an interesting history since debuting in 1947. The 3,200-capacity ballpark’s original grandstand burned down on June 9, 1971, but no games were lost due to temporary bleachers being installed. The ballpark would be rebuilt in time for the 1973 season. The stadium was upgraded in 1999, including new bleachers and box seating, the elevation of the party deck, and an upgraded scoreboard. This was followed by a much more extensive 2005 renovation that made use of more than $1 million from the Vision Iowa fund. The changes resulted in a fully covered and expanded main concourse, a new press box, a new outer brick facade with wrought iron gates, and a separate building to house team offices, a ticket office, and a team store. The cost of the renovation came in at about $3 million. The ballpark’s most distinguishable feature, and what makes it unique from any other ballpark in the country, is the canopy that arches over the main concourse behind the grandstand and the first few rows of the grandstand seating itself. Perhaps the ballpark’s other distinct feel is the hometown atmosphere from the small concession stand, affordable pricing, the friendly banter among fans, and the hospitality by the Bees front office. To many, this is what the minor league ballpark should be all about during the spring and summer months. Editor’s Note: Our review was when the Bees were an affiliated team in the Midwest League. They have been members of the Prospect League since 2021. Food & Beverage 4 Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of food that most baseball fans will not find at other stadiums in the country at Community Field. The majority of the menu items are featured at the main concession stand behind the grandstand, and most items are well-priced. The Lippy Dog is a must if you happen to be at a game from Thursday to Sunday. The item is made from a giant fried chicken tenderloin that is dipped in buffalo sauce and then served on a hot dog bun with either blue cheese or ranch dressing. The Lippy Dog is the Bees take on the chicken lip, the same item that is served on a stick instead of a bun throughout the state. The price is $5 for an item not found at any other stadium. Another take on an Iowa favorite is the Bees-Rite sandwich, which is the club’s take on a Maid-Rite sandwich. The loose-meat hamburger is best enjoyed with pickles, onions, and mustard. The Bees version seems a bit more glued together but equally tasty; even better is that it costs $4. Iowa is also known for pork tenderloin sandwiches, a flattened piece of pork that is breaded and fried and served on a very small bun. Some tenderloins are big enough to share with someone you are at the game with. The cost is $6. The concession stand offers both chicken and hog wing baskets for $7; a hog wing is a pork shank that I first tried last year at a Reading Fightin Phils game. There are also chicken strip baskets, brats, Chicago dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. There are also macho nachos and taco ‘n bag. You can wash all of these tasty treats down with Pepsi products. The beer selection includes a variety of domestic beers from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller. Coors Banquet, Michelob Ultra, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are also included at $4 for a 16-ounce can. A few premium brands will cost you .50 cents more and include Blue Moon, Bud Light Lime, White Claw, Red’s Apple Ale, and Smirnoff wine coolers. Two craft beers are on tap: 6-4-3 Double Play Brew and Kölsch-45 for $5 a pint. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is small, quaint, and just how you might remember minor league ball from your youth. The grass parking lot offers plenty of space in front of the stadium, and small ticket booths are staffed by friendly staff who tell you to enjoy the game. There are a few more greeters at the wrought iron gates on both sides of the building that spell out the team’s nickname. The concession stand, team offices, bathrooms, and a small team store that houses every game day program in team history and a trophy case are located in the same building and underneath the large canopy. The area features the four-team championship banners won by the Bees, and perhaps the official team mascot Buzz can be seen posing for photos. The grandstand is made up of a majority of bleacher-style seating except for the first four rows of box seating. The party deck located on the first baseline is raised ten feet above the field and features Stingerz Landing, which offers four box seats with half-moon tables. The scoreboard just tells the score and does not include a video board, and ads fill up the outfield fencing of the field. Homers @ Third is a social and bar area down the third baseline where many congregate to enjoy a beer or two while viewing the game. The area is slightly lower than the playing field, and many lean up against the wooden fence. The area features table tops and stools and is quite busy on Thirsty Thursdays. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood and about 3 miles from downtown along the Mississippi River. The Catfish Bend Casino is located two blocks from the ballpark; the casino includes a water park, go-karts, an arcade, and bowling for the kids. There are also bars, restaurants, a spa, and a golf course for adults. If you stay at the hotel, it includes free tickets to the Bees game. A few more places near the ballpark are Dillons BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs), Lips to Go (chicken lips and even a chicken lip pizza), Maid-Rite (loose meat sandwich), and Gators Grill and Sports Bar (pub food and drinks). Fans 3 There is a collection of fans who reside at Homer's @ Third and share a few stories about the history of the club along with the ballpark itself. There are also a few fans who travel 200 miles round trip to watch the Bees. There is also Dancin’ Bobby, who dances to every song that is played over the PA system in between innings. The average attendance for games is around 900 and is among the lowest in all of full-season minor-league baseball. That is not surprising due to the town’s population and the three other Midwest League franchises within 117 miles of Community Field. Access 4 Community Field is located on Mt Pleasant Road about half a mile north of the intersection of Route 34 and 61. The stadium offers a free grass parking lot, and once inside, most of the ballpark’s essentials (bathrooms, concession stand, and team store) are located behind the press box and grandstand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 The price of a general admission ticket is $9, reserve tickets are $10, and box seats are $11. Seniors and student tickets are $7, and kids under 5 are admitted free. The ball club offers seating on Stingers Landing that sells for $50 and includes 4-box seats with half-moon tables. Parking is free of charge, and concession items include affordable pricing and regional items. The cost of a general admission ticket, a hot dog, pop, and popcorn is $2 on Monday nights. Tuesdays are 2 for 1, and Thirsty Thursdays include two domestic beers for $6. There are also specials on Bud and Busch Light on Friday evening games. Editor's Note: Ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 4 Community Field earns a point for its roof that creates a focal point at the ballpark and gives the facility its signature look. Another point for Homers @ Third is that it features some of the club's most ardent fans plus a few regulars who enjoy hanging out with friends during the game. A third point is the small-town atmosphere that can only be achieved in a town like Burlington and reminds many of us what minor league baseball once was a few short years ago. The fourth and final point is the friendly staff that engages in stories either at the concession stand or in the gift shop. Final Thoughts Community Field is a rare treat in the world of minor league baseball and fits in a sort of square peg with many of the other ballparks in the Midwest League; however, that is fine, since sometimes it’s nice to attend a baseball game where the action on the diamond is the focal point and childhood memories can come through 9 innings of baseball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 NelsonCorp Field 537 Ballpark Drive Clinton, IA 52732 Clinton LumberKings website NelsonCorp Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 5,000 An Old-Fashioned Baseball Experience Sitting a mere few hundred feet away from the Mississippi River, FieldCorp Field opened in 1937 as Riverview Stadium and was home to the Clinton Owls, a farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The stadium has been renovated to include new lighting, bigger dugouts, and better locker rooms and batting cages. The home of the Clinton Lumber Kings is the only charter member of the Midwest League from its maiden season of 1956. A quick scan of the list of players who have played in Clinton includes greats such as Denny McClain, Mike Scioscia, Dave Stewart, Orel Hershiser, Jason Bay, and Ian Kinsler. The LumberKings are the last remaining member of the original Midwest League, which began in 1956. For fans of stadiums with an old-time feel, NelsonCorp Field is right up your alley. Additionally, Clinton is a mere 90-minute drive from Dyersville, Iowa, home of the iconic Field of the Dreams movie site. Editor’s Note: Our review was written when the LumberKings were an affiliated team in the Midwest League. They have been members of the Prospect League since 2021. Food & Beverage 3 Much like the ballpark, the concessions offer the basics, with one exception. The featured food item at this ballpark is simply called…the garbage pail. For $8.50, you get a load of mini tacos, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, poppers, cheese balls, corn nuggets, and corn dogs. It’s not the healthiest thing around, but who cares? Everyone who was eating them seemed quite happy with their choice. The prices are quite good, and for $3-$5 you can have burgers, brats, hot dogs, nachos, grilled cheese, onion rings, cheese balls, ice cream, popcorn, and many other traditional ballpark items. Cans and bottles of soda, including RC Cola, Diet Rite, Sun Drop, 7 Up, A&W Root Beer, lemonade, and Snapple, along with water, are the beverage choices. For the adults, there is a decent choice of beer and malt-type beverages available throughout the concourse and out by left field. Atmosphere 5 Entering the gates gets you to the concourse with concessions, restrooms, and the LumberKings team shop. Walking up the entrance ramps to the seating bowl is like going back in time. The stadium was built in 1937, and not much has been done with its appearance since, which isn’t a bad thing. The seating bowl is very uncomplicated, with three rows of stadium box seats that sit in front of the walkway, guaranteeing fans will rarely have their view of the game blocked by someone walking by. Behind the walkway, bleachers encompass the rest of the seating bowl. The bleachers behind home plate have backs to them and are a bit more comfortable than those without. Netting surrounds most of the infield from mid-dugout on the third base side to mid-dugout on the first base side. An overhang covers the entire seating bowl, so the likelihood of being in the shade most, if not all, of the game is quite good. Over the right field wall is the Leinenkugel’s Lumber Lounge, which hosts groups of 25-200 people. The Coors Light Picnic Pavilion hosts groups of similar size and sits down the left field line along with the Bullpen Patio, which hosts smaller groups and gives the unique experience of sitting directly over the wall from the home bullpen. A kid’s area is also in the left field corner where kids can play on various equipment for $5, good for the entire game. Once the game starts, it’s all about baseball with your typical between-innings promotions. A primitive scoreboard sits over the left-center field wall. You won’t get replays on ancillary stats on the scoreboard, simply the line score and ball and strike count, which only adds to the old-time charm of this stadium. Neighborhood 3 The best part about the location of the ballpark is that you are a couple of minutes’ walk from the Mississippi River. A quick walk up 6th Avenue will get you to the Candlelight Inn Restaurant. The Candlelight is a great family restaurant, with a large menu with something for everyone. Chicken George with Jan sauce is the specialty of the house and quite popular. If Mexican food is your thing, just down South 2nd Avenue is the El Toro Restaurant. The locals say El Toro doesn’t serve a bad meal and is well worth a visit. The majority of the hotels are in the same area, about 10 minutes away from the ballpark. It’s a quick and easy drive, and there is a wide choice of lodging including a nice Hampton Inn. Fans 3 For those involved in the party areas, many seem more interested in socializing than paying attention to the game. Fans sitting in the seating bowl largely have their focus on the goings-on on the field and cheer when the situation dictates. Numerous fans can be seen keeping score of the game, a tradition that seems to be disappearing from baseball stadiums across the country. Fans in Clinton are pleasant to talk with and seem proud of their ballpark. Access 4 The majority of the ballpark is very easy to get around. The concessions are under the seating bowl, with another food area down the left field line. The seating bowl is easily maneuverable, and you can get to the restrooms and concessions without much difficulty. The left field corner encompasses a kid’s area, concessions, and a party area and can become quite congested on busy nights. The parking areas are close and easy to get in and out of. The concession lines move relatively quickly and are sufficiently staffed. Return on Investment 5 For the price you pay, this might be one of the best experiences in all of minor-league baseball. Parking is free, and there are two lots (on the first base and third base sides of the stadium) that make the walk to the stadium minimal. Tickets are $12 for box seats and $11 for general admission. Seniors, students, and the military will pay $10 for GA, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets purchased in advance are one dollar less. Combine this with very reasonable concession prices, and it equals a great time for a minimal amount of money. Editor's Note: Ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 4 An extra point simply for having a fun stadium that is 80 years old. The left field wall has a unique semi-circle “inlet” that would allow for some very strange bounces should the ball hit it. Any sports fan will appreciate the cup holders in the restrooms. This should be a requirement everywhere. The LumberKings staff makes the game experience very family-friendly. Families can attend a game without worrying that their kids will hear a lot of things they probably shouldn’t. Final Thoughts FieldCorp Field doesn’t offer the most modern feel in the Midwest League; it offers quite the opposite. It takes fans back in time to when baseball was about taking in the experience of what was happening on the field, rooting for your players and against the opposing team. For a true baseball fan, this is a fabulous venue. Come to the ballpark, turn off the cell phone, and simply enjoy baseball at its purest. If enjoying a ballgame is your goal, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Robin Roberts Stadium 1415 North Grand Avenue E Springfield, IL 62702 Springfield Lucky Horseshoes website Robin Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 1925/1977 Capacity: 5,200 Feeling Lucky in Springfield Robin Roberts Stadium originally opened in 1925 as Reservoir Stadium (the name references the water reservoir located on what is now Lanphier High School). Then it was known as Lanphier Park, and then the stadium was renamed after Robin Roberts, a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher and a 1976 graduate of Springfield's Lanphier High School. The stadium has a long history of minor league baseball: Springfield Senators (1925 -1935, Three-I League/Mississippi Valley League) Springfield Browns (1938 -1942, and 1946-50 Three-I League) Springfield Redbirds (1978 -1981 AA - relocated from New Orleans (Pelicans) Springfield Cardinals (1982 -1993 Midwest League) Springfield Sultans (1994 - 1995 Midwest League) Springfield Capitals (1996 - 2001 Frontier League) Springfield Sliders (2001 - 2021 Central Illinois Collegiate League / Prospect League) In 2022, Golden Rule Entertainment (the primary majority ownership group led by Jamie Toole, his wife, Melissa Gaynor-Toole, and WWE Hall of Famer and TNA Wrestling founder Jeff Jarrett) became the owners and rebranded the team as the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes (2022 to present). The Lucky Horseshoes name was chosen to honor the local delicacy, the horseshoe sandwich (an open-faced sandwich consisting of thick-sliced toasted bread (often Texas toast), a hamburger patty or other choice of meat, French fries, and cheese sauce), which originated in Springfield, Illinois. The “lucky” was added to play along with the name horseshoe, and to US President Abraham Lincoln, whose home, along with his library, is a tourist destination in town. The first game played at Robin Roberts Stadium, then known as Reservoir Park, was on May 12, 1925. That day, the Springfield Senators dropped a 6-4 decision to the Terre Haute Hottentots in the Three-Eye League. The next day, a massive crowd of 12,000 people showed up for the opening ceremonies and witnessed a triple play and a grand slam. Sadly, the Senators lost 7-6. In 1997, approximately $280,000 worth of renovations were completed on the stadium, including improved lighting, new locker rooms, increased seating capacity, and a new scoreboard with a small message board. The stadium features a "turtleback" field, where the infield is elevated with a steep downslope to the outfield, making the pitcher's mound the highest point on the field. This was common in many ballparks of the 1920s and was created mostly for drainage purposes, as they allow rainwater to drain off the infield quickly. It is one of a handful of ballparks that feature the quirk, but it is still effective. The concourse displays paintings of the championship flags that occurred in the ballpark:1939 Browns, 1980 Redbirds, 1996 & 1998 Capitals, 2008 Sliders, and 2022 Lucky Horseshoes. The ballpark has two picnic areas down each foul line and a beer garden area in the concourse behind first base. The concourse is painted in the team colors of blue and yellow. For an old ballpark, it is a comfortable spot for a game during the summer months. The playing field is big, with dimensions of 320’ feet down the lines and 420 feet to center. There is a lot of foul ground here too. Robin Roberts Stadium, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Future renovations are planned that will change the ballpark significantly. The renovations will cost about $6 to 7 million and will include stadium lighting, a reimagined seating bowl configuration, increased ADA seating, bathroom renovations, increased parking spots, an improved PA & sound system, and a new team store. In 2026, Robin Roberts Stadium is the home of the Women’s Professional Baseball League. The League has four teams: Boston Hunters, Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, and San Francisco Firebells. I find it odd that the League is playing in Illinois, as there is not an Illinois-based team. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession stands are underneath the grandstand and have almost anything you would need at a ball game. The prices range from approximately $5 to $11 per item; the Lucky Horseshoe and pulled pork nachos are the highest-priced menu items at $10.75. They also have a pork chop on a stick, pulled pork sandwich, walking taco, chicken strips, cheese curds, hot dogs, corn dog (sadly, it is not a Cozy dog), nachos, and burgers. The food is locally produced and quite tasty, especially the horseshoe. Sodas / Gatorade cost $4.75, and bottled water is $4.50. Slushies are $5, and popcorn is $4.75. Two bar areas serve cans of beer. If you want a domestic (Budweiser, Michelob, Busch, Coors, or Miller tall boy), it will cost you $6.75. In addition, they have beer locally brewed for the Horseshoes: Shoes on First Golden Lager, Springfield Lucky Lager, Limes on Second, Shoe Brew, Field of Blackberry Dreams, and Homerun Honey Wheat, which cost $8.25. Canned cocktails sell for $7.25. Atmosphere 3 Even though the crowd was small, the atmosphere was fun, maybe because it was a fireworks night. It is a very comfortable and relaxing place to watch a game. The focus is on the field instead of the in-between promotions, which were absent during the night of this review. The ballpark is wide open and consists mainly of aluminum bleacher seating down the foul lines and theater-style seating behind home plate. There is the main concourse between the reserved and general admission seating. A picnic area for groups is located down the first baseline of the facility with a small party deck down the left field line. On days when these areas are not rented out, anyone can sit there. Horace, the club’s official mascot, makes his way around the concourse signing autographs and giving hugs and high-fives to fans of all ages. The souvenir shop is a throwback to the old booths that used to exist in similarly constructed buildings. Fans can select from t-shirts, caps, jerseys, foam fingers, and other paraphernalia. A shirt starts at $25, a cap is about $30, and an official jersey is $80. They had game-worn specialty jerseys on sale for $20; however, the sizes were limited. Keychains and other novelties like baseballs, etc. sell for a few dollars to $20. A Wall of Fame of former players lines the upper level of the stadium’s grandstand, featuring former high school standout and Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. The Lucky Horseshoes have retired numbers on the left field wall: #30 Lucas Otto (who was killed by a driver going the wrong way in a car accident in 2020), Abraham Lincoln (#16 for the former president), #20 Robin Roberts (former Springfield resident who became an MLB Hall of Famer), and #42 Jackie Robinson. Lucky Horseshoes Retired Numbers, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 You can see residential houses over the right field wall, and behind the left field line is the Lanphier High School Football Field and School. In addition, the ballpark is not too far away from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, which features wonderful exhibits from the 16th president of the United States along with his presidential home and monument. A must-see if you are a history buff or just a fan of Honest Abe himself. Across the street from the library is the Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery. The popular spot offers craft beer, food, and outdoor seating with a bocce ball court. A few more places are the Illinois State Museum, the Dana Thomas House, and the Old State Capitol. A farmer’s market is held downtown every Saturday during the summer months, and one should enjoy a pint from Buzz Bomb Brewing Company or Anvil & Forge. The city is on Route 66 and worthy of a visit to the Cozy Dog Drive-In (2935 S 6th St.) - the place is credited with inventing the corndog. It has a collection of memorabilia from the famous highway, along with smash burgers, hand-cut fries, homemade chili dogs, and cozy dogs (deep-fried, battered hot dogs on a stick). You can also get a breakfast horseshoe with sausage gravy. To get a regional dish called the horseshoe, I would go to D'Arcy's Pint (661 W Stanford Ave) to try a Springfield classic: the "Horseshoe.” The TV show Man vs Food went to Joe Rogers' Original Recipe Chili Parlor (located at 820 S 9th St). Adam Richmond attempted the "Firebrand Chili Challenge" (the challenge was to eat six bowls of their intensely hot, secret-spiced Firebrand chili). I am told this is really good chili. Fans 3 The Horseshoe fan appears to be occupied with the game taking place on the field and very into the quality of play. They enjoy a winner just like any other baseball city, but many are decked out in caps, jerseys, and shirts that make them stand out as legit fans. Access 4 The ballpark is located on the north side of town, not that far from downtown attractions. Once inside, it can get a little crowded near the concession and entrance of the stadium. However, one can navigate quite efficiently once inside the grandstand. There is a lot of room at this ballpark and enough to stretch your legs out when applicable. There is bus service to the park, but I didn’t see any buses go by the stadium. Check the local schedules before counting on the buses. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $14, a general admission ticket is $12, children (4-12) and military are $6, and children under 3 are free. Parking is free, and concessions are reasonably priced. A few things to keep in mind: Thursdays have Thirsty Thursdays where beer is cheaper. Extras 3 The park gets an extra point for having the leagues’ team names and logos on the support poles on the concourse. The Horseshoe sandwich is quite delicious and worth getting for just about $11 during the game. A third point added because in the 5th inning, the general manager throws out cans of beer to fans. Final Thoughts The ballpark is not the most modern, but it is a nice historical park you should see, especially before the new renovations. Attending a Springfield Lucky Horseshoes game at Robin Roberts Stadium is both an economical and relaxing way to enjoy baseball in the Prospect League. It is a good old-fashioned ballpark that many will enjoy for the pure aspect of watching the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hollywood Casino at The Meadows 210 Racetrack Rd Washington, PA 15301 Hollywood Casino at The Meadows website Year Opened: 1963 Meadows Racing Hollywood Casino at The Meadows features live harness racing in Washington, Pennsylvania. While it is a clean, modern venue on the inside with all the bells and whistles, the apron is filled with food trucks and local vendors selling arts and crafts and other items, making it difficult to watch the races and forcing patrons upstairs to get a decent view. The Meadows also features 20-cent pentafecta betting during the final race of the evening, which is something not all horse tracks offer – this type of wager is also known as a Super High 5. Food & Beverage 4 Besides restaurants in the casino itself, plus a concession stand on the lower level of the race facility itself, The Meadows has a slew of food trucks parked outside on the apron, so visitors can find all sorts of great food and drinks. The concession stand inside features typical concession fare such as burgers, nachos, brats, and hot pretzels, while the food trucks include well-known options such as Cousins Maine Lobster, as well as local chains serving up chicken and waffles, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and many more. The only downside is that the large portions and quality offerings also come with high price tags. Atmosphere 2 The biggest downside at The Meadows is all the vendors and food trucks parked on the apron – the strip of ground right next to the racetrack. While it is great to have so many food options and shopping options if you are into that (handmade jewelry, clothing, local knickknacks, etc.), it does make it difficult to watch the races, especially if you are the type who likes to get close to the action and/or view the horses before placing a wager. There are about half a dozen rows of outdoor grandstand seating above the apron, but the lowest rows of those seats are partially blocked by the tops of the vendor tents, meaning you either have to sit in the highest rows or sit upstairs inside the grandstand building to get a good view of the races. You can’t see the track from the tables and chairs on the lower level of the facility at all, as the view is completely blocked by the vendors and food trucks. Ignoring that one issue, there are plenty of comfortable seats inside the building, including lots of tables and chairs, myriad betting machines and cashiers, and a simulcast area where you can bet on races at other tracks. All in all, it is a very nice racing setup, but for that one major flaw. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants in the area, including Bistecca Steakhouse (with cigar bar) inside the casino itself, or Seafood Tango just off the property. There are also plenty of hotels; unlike many similar venues, however, the casino doesn’t have its own hotel attached. If you are looking for something to do while in town for the races, be sure to check out the Washington Wild Things at EQT Park, or check out the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where you can take a 4-mile trolley ride around the different exhibits. Fans 3 The Meadows is pretty busy during a typical day at the races, with post times starting at 12:45 pm Tuesday through Thursday (and some Saturdays), and at 5:10 pm on Friday. Friday nights tend to be the busiest – the aforementioned food trucks and vendors were likely brought in to increase foot traffic at the track. You may notice that attendance gets lighter as the night goes on, so it will be a lot less crowded once you get to races 12 and after. Access 3 Getting to The Meadows is simple enough, as Washington, Pennsylvania sits right along I-70, making it easy to reach from either the east or west. Once you get on property, however, things get a little more confusing – the signage sends you one way for the racetrack, then seems to point you back the other way. Your best bet is to park in the south garage, which is the closest access point to the track, rather than in the lot near the casino’s main entrance. If you do end up at the casino main entrance, just walk down the sidewalk to the right, away from the valet parking; this will take you to a second door with an escalator down to the racetrack, avoiding the need to meander through the casino. The racing facility itself is on the lower level; the upper level has only a small seating area with tables and chairs overlooking the track. That small upstairs area is outside the casino checkpoint area, meaning kids are allowed there – no one under 21 can be in the casino, but anyone is allowed at the track (they just can’t bet). Return on Investment 1 If you want to see horse racing, I wouldn’t recommend The Meadows; the vendors and food trucks on the apron block too much of your view, and that really hurts the overall experience. Unless this is your only option for horse racing, or you are already in the area, you may be better off driving over to Wheeling and checking out the greyhound racing instead. Extras 2 On the other hand, if you are looking for more of a fair-like atmosphere, where the horses are only one part of the overall scene, you may still enjoy the experience at The Meadows. The food trucks offer plenty of different options, and you may even find some unique handmade treasures out on the apron. The facility is also modern and well-kept, with plenty of tables and chairs where you can sit and chat with family or friends while taking in the surroundings.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Percival Molson Memorial Stadium 475 Avenue Pine Montreal, QC H2W 1S4 Canada Montreal Alouettes website Percival Molson Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 25,012 Downtown Football in Montreal Percival Molson Memorial Stadium is one of the oldest (American) football stadiums in the world – well over a century old, it opened in 1915. Compare that to Bobby Dodd Stadium, which opened in 1913, the oldest football venue in US college football’s FBS, or Franklin Field, which opened in 1895, the oldest football stadium in US college football’s FCS. Molson Stadium is on the campus of Montreal’s McGill University and is home to the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, as well as several of McGill’s sports teams. Food & Beverage 4 Molson Stadium has a good selection of concession items on offer. Still, most are sold at ground level, and the lines are generally very long – it is common for fans to choose items based on which stand has the shortest line versus which food item they want. For those sitting higher up in the stands, they do have staff who walk around selling snacks and beverages, but it will be a long walk back downstairs to get anything more substantial. Concession options include hot dogs starting at 5,25$, fries for 6,25$, Italian sausage for 8,25$, popcorn for 9,00$, and poutine starting at 11,00$, as well as hamburgers and other items. Non-alcoholic drinks include bottled Coke products, bottled water, Powerade, energy drinks, and other items starting at 6,00$, while alcohol selections start at 11,50$ and include canned domestic and imported beer, wine, cocktails, and more. Atmosphere 3 Molson Stadium has a band on stage behind one end zone, which plays before the game and during halftime – the mini-concert is much better at halftime after it gets dark, with the band indulging the crowd with pulsing lights and cones of smoke. There is also a great mascot that moves around the stadium interacting with the crowd, including playing games with fans (mostly kids) on the field during breaks in the action. They also have cheerleaders on hand, but the videoboards on both ends of the field are relatively small. One highlight is the tunnel the team comes out of to begin the game – called the “birdcage” in a nod to the Alouettes avian moniker, the blue inflatable tunnel has jail cell bars on one end, complete with a padlock, which are opened to allow the players to come onto the field. The staff also adds a couple of smoke machines at the front of the tunnel to enhance the effect, and the cheerleaders are also on hand to cheer on the Alouettes as they take the field. Neighborhood 4 Molson Stadium is located in downtown Montreal, so fans can walk to the facility from their hotel if staying nearby (more on this later). There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, both fast food type places like A&W and the Canadian classic Tim Horton’s, as well as more upscale restaurants like The Keg Steakhouse – you may have heard of Montreal steak seasoning, but if you haven’t, let me tell you that Montreal steak is an actual well-known thing, and I would recommend visiting one of the great steakhouses in town to try it. Also, if you haven’t been to Canada before, I would recommend trying smoked meat (Dunn’s is a great choice), poutine (which is sold pretty much everywhere, even places like McDonald’s), or Tim Hortons. If you plan to be in town for a full day or overnight, a great place to visit is Old Montreal, where you can find the city’s Notre Dame Basilica, or you may prefer to visit one of the great parks in town – if you head to the east and drive or hike up the hill, you can get some great views of the St. Lawrence River. Fans 3 Molson Stadium will see a decent number of fans during Montreal Alouettes games – though the dated facility and lack of amenities may not offer much of a draw for some fans, the Alouettes are also riding high right now from winning the Grey Cup last season, which seems to have increased the attendance a little. In fairness, Molson Stadium has the smallest capacity of any current CFL stadium, so even with their 2nd-lowest average attendance in the league, the facility can appear mostly full. However, this low level of attendance year after year may also explain why they aren’t moving to a better stadium, and also why the staff is not investing in any upgrades to the venue. Access 2 Molson Stadium is difficult to get to and difficult to get around. There isn’t a formal parking lot – with its downtown location, fans are forced to park in one of the parking garages nearby, or if they come early enough, may be able to park on one of the city streets. As mentioned earlier, you can also walk from one of the nearby hotels if staying downtown, although it might be a long walk – uphill on the way there, but downhill following the game. You might also choose to have an Uber drop you off or pick you up near the entrance; there are also bus stops nearby and a metro station on campus. As mentioned above, it is also difficult to move around the stadium due to the long concession lines at ground level, which tend to block the pathways fans are trying to use to get to their seats. There is a ramp that goes around behind the north end zone, which fans can use to get to the west side of the facility, or you can walk around at ground level on the south side – the main entrance is on the east side of the field, but the west side is considered the home side, where you will see the mascot hanging out and have the midfield logo facing you. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Alouettes games are not expensive, coming in at around $77.00 for two tickets on the sideline (even cheaper in the end zone). That is a reasonable price to pay for a CFL game, and even a sporting event in general, but the facilities and access found here bring the score down a little. Extras 3 The games here are mostly announced in French (similar to the signage inside), which of course makes sense for Montreal and would seem pretty normal for any local, but for someone from another part of Canada, or the United States like yours truly, does add a bit of an exotic flair. The Alouettes are in the middle of the pack in terms of Grey Cup wins, with eight victories and 19 appearances as of this writing, but given the current franchise has only existed since 1996 (they relocated from Baltimore after winning the 1995 Grey Cup), that is a pretty impressive record – the Alouettes are the second-oldest active team in the league behind Ottawa, which was re-founded in 2014. Final Thoughts Montreal is a great city to visit, with easy flights from many places in Canada, the US, and even Europe, so if you have a chance to stop by, I would highly recommend it. While Molson Stadium itself may not be the jewel of a sports venue it once was, you are still in for a fun time at a reasonable cost, and you are likely to see a pretty good team on the field in the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Princess Auto Stadium 315 Chencellor Matheson Rd Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2 Canada Winnipeg Blue Bombers website Princess Auto Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 33,500 The Loudest Fans in the CFL Editor's Note: In January 2024, the Winnipeg Football Club agreed to a 10-year stadium naming rights deal with Princess Auto. The name of the Stadium was changed to "Princess Auto Stadium" in April 2024. This review, written in 2018, refers to the stadium by its previous name, Investors Group Field. Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) is home to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Colloquially known as “Home of the CFL’s Loudest Fans” (this moniker is proudly on display inside the stadium), the facility opened in 2013, and has a capacity of just over 33,000, but can be expanded to hold 40,000 fans. Located on the University of Manitoba’s campus, Investors Group Field is also used by the school’s football team for home games, as well as by the Winnipeg Rifles of the CJFL, which is a national amateur Canadian football league, from which some players “graduate” into the CFL after proving their skills. Food & Beverage 5 Investors Group Field has everything you could expect in terms of food and drink at a sports stadium. There are plenty of concessions stands behind the seats on each sideline, as well as additional options on the plazas behind each end zone. Food options at Investors Group Field include chicken tenders (regular or spicy), vegetarian perogies, turkey wings, chicken and waffle sandwiches, fried fish, multiple types of hot dogs, chili, butter chicken and rice bowls, several types of burgers (including turkey and chorizo), falafel, shawarma, salads, and pizza, plus all manner of snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, nachos, sunflower seeds, soft pretzels, samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, fries, chips, packaged candy, donuts, cotton candy, and even veggies with dip. And of course, what Canadian sporting event would be complete without poutine on the menu? If you are visiting from out of the country, this is definitely a dish you should try at least once, but even if you are a local, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of items available at Investors Group Field, with options available to suit any budget. Individual items start at $4 and run all the way up to $13, with combos starting at $12. Drink options are not quite as numerous, but there is plenty to get you by for a couple of hours. Selections include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, and coffee or hot chocolate ($2 to $9 for non-alcoholic drinks), as well as beer, wine, and plenty of liquor and mixed drinks – beer starts at $7, liquor starts at $8, wine is $9, and mixed drinks are $16. Atmosphere 5 Investors Group Field is a great place to take in a football game – the fans are loud, thanks in part to the cantilevered roofs over both sidelines, and all the seats are chair backs, so you can sit in comfort and style. In addition, the Blue Bomber staff brings in plenty of entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the action. First up are Buzz and Boomer, the two bird mascots decked out in Winnipeg jerseys and helmets, who keep fans entertained along the sidelines. Next is Captain Blue, the Blue Bomber pilot who drives his biplane onto the field before the game and after every Bombers score. You will also hear cannon blasts throughout the game, courtesy of the silvery-blue cannon above the end zone, which is fired after every Winnipeg score. And in addition, some lucky fans are treated to free t-shirts, fired from a Gatling-style gun sponsored by Boston Pizza. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber players even get into the act, running and jumping into the end zone stands when Winnipeg scores, for high fives and pats on the back from fans in the front row. And then of course, you have the ubiquitous fan contests, in this case weight lifting competitions and fans racing each other while inside giant inflatable hamster wheels. The crowd noise is even loud when the stadium is only half full – the decibel level inside Investors Group Field was once measured at the max level of 108. Neighborhood 4 Winnipeg is a large, sprawling town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. Being on the University of Manitoba’s campus means there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of Investors Group Field except parking lots and campus buildings, but there are plenty of restaurant and lodging options within a few minutes’ drive. And if you are coming in from out of town, there are lots of hotels and restaurants near the Winnipeg airport, about 10 km north of the stadium. If you have time before or after the game, Fort Whyte Alive is a great place to visit in Winnipeg – not far from Investors Group Field, the keynote attraction at Fort Whyte is the Bison Safari on Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, where you can take a shuttle ride right up to within a few feet of the magnificent animals (Fort Whyte has a population of between 30 and 35 bison on site). There is also a small Interpretive Center on site, which features tons of activities for the kids, and if outdoor activities are your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as activities on the water such as sailing. Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is touring the National Mint, where coins from around the world are made. The mint has daily tours every half hour starting at 9 am – reservations are not required but are helpful if you want to schedule a specific time. Note that the tours are better on weekdays, however, since the productions lines are turned off on weekends, but you can still tour the facility on weekends if you choose (the tour is exactly the same, except that the machines are off and the line workers are not there). Fans 4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans get credit for being as loud as they are, but sadly the facility does not always sell out – at a typical game you might only see half to two-thirds of the seats filled. On the plus side, however, a high percentage of fans are decked out in team gear, so you will definitely feel right at home if you choose to show up in your Bombers gear. Access 4 It is easy enough to get to Investors Group Field, and you can see its distinctive outline from kilometers away – the highways around Winnipeg (and much of Canada) are actually really well done, with lots of six and eight-lane divided roads laid out to speed the traffic flow; credit goes to the local city planners, it is obvious they planned ahead when building the streets here. Unfortunately, the parking situation at Investors Group Field leaves a little to be desired – as expected, the stadium being on campus means there are lots of parking restrictions, and not many side streets too park along in the vicinity. Cash parking is available in the Gold and Blue lots for $20 on the east side of the stadium (or you can park in the Black value lot for $10 further away to the east), but for the closer in lots will need a pass. However, once you get inside the stadium, it is really easy to move around – there are giant plazas behind each end zone you can use to get from side to side, so you can enter at any gate and still find your seat with ease. There are also plenty of bathrooms inside Investors Group Field to accommodate the size of the crowd, although as with most sports venues you may face lines at the concessions during peak periods like halftime. Return on Investment 4 Single game ticket prices for Winnipeg Blue Bombers games start at about $32 CAD, which is in line with professional sports throughout Canada, and is slightly lower than pro football games in the US. Parking is reasonable at $20, and if you are careful with your spending, you can do okay at the concessions as well. That said, with a large group you may end up spending a bit more than you would like (assuming you are picking up the whole tab), but the cost per person at Investors Group Field is a pretty good value for professional football. Extras 5 How many sports venues can boast three mascots? A lot of stadiums feature twin mascots like Buzz and Boomer, but adding Captain Blue and his biplane to the mix is really above and beyond. Furthermore, having the players themselves interact with fans by jumping into the stands when the home team scores really takes Investors Group Field to a whole new level. And don’t forget the cannon either, blue in color for the Bombers and fired after every score – again, while lots of sports venues might have one or two of these elements, very few have all three. Being the loudest stadium in the CFL is also a plus, and the staff really deserves credit for having so much fan interaction in terms of contests and giveaways. Final Thoughts CFL games are a lot of fun, thanks in part to having only 3 downs instead of 4, giving every snap the potential to turn into a big play. So if you have never been to a CFL game, or if you have but have never seen one in Winnipeg, I would encourage you to check out Investors Group Field – you won’t be disappointed.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Commonwealth Stadium 11000 Stadium Rd Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7 Canada Edmonton Elks website Commonwealth Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 56,302 Edmonton's Mighty Elks The Edmonton Eskimos have won the CFL’s Grey Cup 13 times, the second-highest total in league history. Nine of those wins have come while the Eskimos have called Commonwealth Stadium their home, including an unprecedented five in a row from 1978-1982, the first five years that Commonwealth Stadium was in service. As a building that was constructed in the 1970s, one might expect it to be long in the tooth, worn out, and obsolete. In fact, The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium (as it is officially known since naming rights were sold to The Brick furniture stores) has undergone some major upgrades in the last decade. As a result, the place is looking fresh and new in many respects. There may come a day when this field is ready for retirement, but that day is not today. Note: In June 2021, the team name changed from the Eskimos to the Elks. Food & Beverage 4 There are tons of concessions at Commonwealth Stadium. In addition to the typical concession stands lining the outside of the main concourse, one of the key aspects of the recent renovations was adding large concessions areas off the east and west concourse areas, creating lots of extra space and providing the fans with more options than they might otherwise have. All the standard concessions choices are available, from hamburgers ($6.50) and foot-long hot dogs ($5.50) to potato chips ($1.50) and fountain drinks ($4 for a small). You can also find some specialty variations on those themes, such as the Green and Gold Hotdog ($7.50), which has mac and cheese, bacon, and jalapeno peppers on it. Additionally, you’ll find Boston Pizza stands in the side concourses, and Tiny Tim Mini Donuts in the main concourse. Molson Canadian is readily available on tap ($7 per glass), and there are a number of specialty beverage stands where you can get something more exotic. If you’re still looking for something more, you can pop into the Quarterback Club on the east side, or Jackie Parker’s on the west side for more of a lounge atmosphere. Finally, there is a “tailgate” area at the north end of the stands at field level, for folks who want to enjoy an adult beverage right next to the action. Atmosphere 4 With a team that has won as many Grey Cups as the Eskimos have, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous nods to the glory years. The south exterior wall is decorated with the list of championships, along with huge pictures of three of the most famous Eskimos of all time: Warren Moon, Norm Kwong, and Willie Pless. The Grey Cup list can be found on the walls of the main concessions areas as well. Out front of Commonwealth Stadium is a Fan Fest set-up. There are food trucks, displays, games, live music, and a fenced-off party area for fans wanting to get pumped up before entering the facility. The names of the Eskimos Hall of Fame players are proudly displayed along the leading edge of the lower deck of stands, and there are a lot of them, again echoing the proud football tradition in Edmonton. You’ll also find pictures of Eskimo greats on banners hanging above the main concourse ring. The brand-new green-and-gold seats are nice and wide, making sitting in the stands quite comfortable. They also all have cup holders, so less fumbling around when trying to sit down or get up, also a good thing. In the grand scheme of things, the Eskimos tend to have pretty good attendance, compared to the rest of the CFL. In 2016, they drew 30,998 fans per game, second-best in the league behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But in a stadium that holds more than 50,000, it still seems fairly empty, which negatively impacts the energy in the stands. The lower bowl is mostly full and has great energy, but the upper bowl is sparsely populated. Neighbourhood 2 The neighborhood around Commonwealth Stadium is pretty low on interesting places to spend your money. Most of the area is older residential with some industrial stuff mixed in. You’ll find the End Zone Pub & Grill across the street to the north, and a McDonald’s and a Subway a little further east along 112 Ave,. but that’s about it in the immediate vicinity. Heading west a few blocks, you’ll find yourself in Edmonton’s Little Italy. A bit of wandering up and down 95th St. should get you to you a suitable place to grab a bite. Sorrentino’s Bistro-Bar is a solid restaurant chain with tasty food, but they are closed on Sunday, so don’t plan for that place unless you’re going to a weeknight or Saturday game. Other options include Santo’s Restaurant and Lounge or the Italian Centre Shop. Generally speaking though, if you’re looking for some pre- or post-game entertainment or dining, you’ll be much better off heading elsewhere. Fans 4 Eskimos fans are used to success. A steady string of superstars and championships has made this franchise one of the crown jewels of the CFL. However, poor seasons in 2010, 2012 and 2013 dropped attendance down from over 37,000 per game in 2008 to around 32,000 in 2013, and they’ve stayed at about that number since then. Putting over 30,000 people in the stands still means the Eskies are one of the best-attended teams in the CFL, so they have a huge core group of fans who will show up rain or shine, win or lose. As noted above, the crowd seems relatively sparse in a stadium as big as Commonwealth Stadium, but credit where credit is due, the crowd noise can jump to over 90 decibels wherever you sit in the stands when something exciting happens, as the fans are very enthusiastic and engaged. Many people in the crowd are proudly wearing their green-and-gold attire, and that means that the fans in attendance are true fans who are with their team through thick or thin. Access 4 Don’t bother bringing your vehicle to Commonwealth Stadium; you won’t have anywhere to put it – parking at the stadium is extremely limited. You can try to find a neighborhood street that doesn’t require a permit to park, but those are few and far between. If you do need to drive to the area, you can park at Northlands Park, a coupleof kilometres north east of Commonwealth Stadium, for $16 ($10 if you’re a season-ticket holder). From there it’s just a single stop south on the Light Rail Transit system to get where you’re going. Your best option, far and away, is simply sticking with public transit. The Eskimos have a long-standing agreement with the Edmonton Transit System (ETS); anyone with a game ticket gets to ride for free before and after the game. There are a number of express buses from several malls around town, but your best bet remains the LRT system – the train has a stop right outside the east side of the stadium. Do be aware that only a few train stops have Park and Ride lots (as noted above, you can use Northlands as well), so if your plan is to do just that, you’ll want to be sure to hit one of the locations where you can actually drop off your wheels. For people who are planning to buy their tickets at the stadium, ETS fares are only $3.25 for adults, so your trip there will still have a pretty reasonable price tag. Bonus props to the stadium for seeming quite spacious once inside. With the offset concessions areas, the concourse never seems particularly crowded, even at half time and at the end of the game, as the fans were filing out en masse; definitely a plus, especially if big crowds make you a little antsy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $35 to $117, with many seats significantly discounted for youths. You can also grab seats in the south-most sections, known as the Save-On-Foods Family Huddle, for $28.50 (these tickets are available at Edmonton Save-On-Foods stores). This is by no means the cheapest place to see a CFL game, but still quite reasonable to watch a professional sports team. Odds are that you will see an entertaining game in a comfortable, energetic place, so Commonwealth Stadium is a good investment. Extras 5 The Eskimos have their primary team store located adjacent to their offices at the south end of the stadium, but there are also two very well-appointed locations inside the concessions areas off the east and west concourses. There are also a number of other, smaller kiosks around the concourse (and outside as well), so there’s lots of access to all the green-and-gold stuff you could ever want. There is a massive video screen located on the north end of the stadium providing game info and replays. This is a recent upgrade from an almost-equally massive screen that had been there. Unfortunately, the screen is almost impossible to see from the north-most upper deck sections, so if you want a view of the screen, stay away from sections EE, FF, NN, and OO (to be fair, these sections are generally not open for regular season games, so it shouldn’t be a problem most of the time). As noted above, there is a great sense of team history around the stadium, with numerous reminders of great teams and great players from the Eskimos past – this is a definite bonus to see as you look around the facility. During breaks in the action, the Eskimos Cheer Team and mascots Punter and Nanook keep people entertained. The Cheer Team dance, cheer, and perform acrobatics between plays, and also have a couple of full-blown routines per game out on the field during longer stoppages. Punter and Nanook make their way around the field and visit in the stands, entertaining the kids and helping out with giveaways and contests during the game. Another feature for families is Brickley’s Knothole Corner. With the purchase of special seat tickets in the Knothole Corner area in the south west corner of the stadium, families have access to a variety of kid-friendly activities. There are recycling bins in a number of locations around Commonwealth Stadium, so fans can make sure their waste is diverted away from landfills whenever possible. Final Thoughts The Edmonton Eskimos are unquestionably one of the class organizations of the CFL, and a class organization deserves a quality home. The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium delivers as a great place to take in a football game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 BC Place 777 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 Canada BC Lions website BC Place website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 54,500 This is the Place BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, opened in 1983, and was built as part of Canada’s preparations for the 1986 World’s Fair. The venue has been home to the CFL’s BC Lions since its construction, but was also used as the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Originally built as a dome with an air-supported roof (similar to the old H.H.H. Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN), BC Place underwent an extensive renovation about seven years ago, and now sports a retractable roof supported by cables. Besides the BC Lions, BC Place is also home to the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Food & Beverage 5 BC Place has an incredible selection of food and beverage options, which is especially impressive given the typically low turnout during Lions games (more on that later). Besides all of the typical fare, such as hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders, you can also find local favorites such as Poutine, as well as more interesting fare such as pulled pork mac & cheese and chicken & waffle sandwiches (basically a chicken sandwich with waffles as the bun). BC Place does not have any generic stands, per se, but instead has a variety of concessions options with interesting names, such as Thirsty Pigeon or Beast on Fire, each of which sells a different fare that sort of relates to its name. For example, Lionsgate Grill has burgers, Beast on Fire has chicken and prime rib, and The Poutinerie has (you guessed it) poutine. Other stands offer grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteak, vegetarian tacos, salads, and even veggie bowls, and you can also find a wide variety of the typical snacks, such as peanuts, jerky, potato chips, donuts, ice cream, and cotton candy, as well as many others. Food items range from $3.25 for the smallest items, all the way up to $14.75 for the prime rib. The drink selection at BC Place is equally as wide as the food selection – on the concourse you can find pretty much anything you can think of, including soda, bottled water, lemonade, fruit juices, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, Red Bull, you name it, as well as plenty of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Beer is available on draft or in bottles and cans, and there are lots of options, including standbys like Budweiser, as well as favorites like Mike’s Hard Lemonade or Okanagan ciders, or even craft beers such as Stanley Park. Non-alcoholic drinks start at around $3.50, while beer and alcohol start at $8. Atmosphere 2 The BC Lions average around 20,000 fans per home game. While this has definite benefits in terms of making it easy to get around, the lack of attendance is pretty obvious once you get inside the stadium. The most glaring sign of the low turnout is the upper deck, which is screened off because seats in that section are not sold during Lions games. That said, there won’t be much in the way of crowd noise, but the staff deserves credit for bringing in lots of other entertainment elements. For example, there is a guy with a tambourine who works with the mascot to rev up the crowd, there are plenty of team flags and other Lions décor, and the Felions Dance Team is on hand to entertain the crowd. In addition, there are games for the kids in the concourse, and even a music stage outside, which features local bands on game days. Also, all of the seats in the stadium are chair backs, which is a big plus. Neighbourhood 4 BC Place is literally only a few blocks from Vancouver city centre, and is right on the water, so there is plenty to see and do nearby. There are dozens of restaurants within walking distance, including all types of cuisine, so you should easily be able to find something to your liking, including a craft beer market on the other side of False Creek. The only downside is that this section of town will always be pretty crowded, so you will definitely have to deal with some traffic (pedestrian and otherwise). If you are looking for something to do before or after the game, there are plenty of attractions nearby. For example, Science World at TELUS is within walking distance of BC Place, as is Edgewater Casino. In addition, Stanley Park, with its famed totem poles and other statuary, is only a short drive to the north. You can also find several museums within a mile or so, and Stanley Park boasts its own aquarium. There are also plenty of hotels within walking distance of BC Place, although they tend to be on the very pricey side, being in downtown. Fans 2 The fans that show up at BC Lions games are really into it, and a lot of them dress up in team gear. You will catch many of them slapping their boom sticks together with reckless abandon, or waving giant orange flags they brought from home. The only downside is that there are just too few of them, so the stadium looks fairly empty; the staff may need to come up with some additional promotions to boost ticket sales, or somehow improve the teams’ on-field performance. Access 3 Once you make your way to BC Place, getting around is a cinch, thanks in part to the lackluster turnout, but mainly due to a well-designed venue; the oval design allows plenty of room in the concourse, and there are concessions on both sides of the aisle, making it easy to find what you want. In addition, the bathrooms are LITERALLY enormous, with more than enough stalls to accommodate everyone; this is not surprising given that the venue was designed with World’s Fair and Olympic-size crowds in mind. Unfortunately, getting TO BC Place presents much more of a challenge. I mentioned the heavy traffic earlier, but the lack of parking is an even bigger issue. There is no parking to speak of outside the venue, except for the parking garages dotted around the city, some of which are many blocks away. If you are staying in the area, you may be better off just parking at your hotel and walking from there. Or, take advantage of Vancouver’s public transit options, which include buses, trains, and ferries. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to BC Lions games start at $35 per ticket in the lower bowl – remember that upper-level seats are not currently being sold – but they do have specials in the summer for kids ($5 each). Concessions are probably a little on the high side, but not terribly out of line for a professional sports team, although when you factor in parking (if you can find it), you could be looking at a pretty steep outing depending on how many are in your group. Still, football is always a good time, so if you are not a diehard Lions fans, you may want to save your BC Place visit for a day when an opponent you really like is in town. . Extras 2 BC Place has a really great design, which is best enjoyed when lit up at night. Also, the staff gets credit for trying to add so many fun elements to the experience. Final Thoughts Vancouver is a fun city to visit, with lots to do in the area. While BC Place may no longer be the jewel of the CFL, it could still offer a fun time if you are in the area.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SaskTel Centre 3515 Thatcher Ave Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4 Map It Saskatchewan Rush website SaskTel Centre website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 15,195 Rush Into Saskatoon Until 2016, the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. But since then, the Saskatchewan Rush have been residing in Saskatoon. The Rush were playing in Edmonton in 2015 when they won their National Lacrosse League division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. After the move, the team went to the finals again for three straight years, winning twice, and giving their new fans a ton to cheer for. They won their division yet again in 2019, although their playoff run was cut short, and they were leading the division in 2020 when the pandemic shut the league down, cancelling the season. So, the fans have gotten used to success. The Rush now play indoor (aka “box”) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone some renovations, expansions, and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. As a result, SaskTel Centre has played host to a number of high-profile events, including the men’s and women’s Canadian curling championships, the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships, the Memorial Cup and any number of first-rate concerts and exhibitions. Food & Beverage 4 Concession stands around SaskTel Centre have improved over the last few years, adding some variety to what used to be a pretty unremarkable selection. On the main concourse, every concession has a different menu; upstairs in the mezzanine are three concession stands offering more conventional fare. Prices are pretty reasonable as well. At The Classics concession on the main floor, you can get a Loaded Burger for $10.50 or trade up to a Bison Burger for $19.50. A 21 oz fountain drink is $4.75. You’ll also find several specialty locations offering pizza and a variety of fancy adult beverages, from wine to whiskey to cocktails. The Original 16 Lounge is also open on the upper floor during the game. The lounge is a quieter place to have a beverage and relax, with a few tables and TVs showing the game out in the arena. Atmosphere 3 Box lacrosse is one of the best spectator sports ever created. It has everything that a sport needs to be entertaining: speed, power, finesse, subtlety, aggression, and a healthy dollop of rough-and-tumble to round it all off. So it comes as no surprise that there’s some good energy in the building when the Rush take the floor. There is always music playing at NLL games, which adds extra juice to the atmosphere and helps keep the fans engaged throughout the event. This is apparently a rather polarizing subject, with most fans either loving it or hating it and not many in between. Adding to the atmosphere are several touches around the arena. The three league championship banners and one conference championship banner are hanging from the rafters as well as a banner commemorating the team’s first and only retired jersey number (Jimmy Quinlan’s number 81). Unfortunately, these banners are tucked so high up in the rafters that they can only be seen from a couple of sections in the lower bowl—dropping them down to the same level as the hockey banners are found would make them much more prominent. Saskatchewan Rush Banners, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey On the downside at SaskTel Centre, if you’re sitting high up in the balcony along the sides of the arena, your view of the scoreboard is obstructed by the press box. TV monitors and smaller scoreboards are located in several locations to help address this issue, but you’ll be getting a little less detail. Views of the game don’t appear to be blocked, however, so you’ll still have a good look at the main event. Additionally, views from Section 8 in the upper bowl can be badly obstructed by curtains drawn around the unused portion of the upper bowl, which is close to half of the seating up there. You may have to relocate if the arena crew is unable to draw those curtains back for you. Neighborhood 2 The location of SaskTel Centre was very controversial when the arena was announced in the late 80s. Located in the Agriplace Industrial Park north of the Saskatoon International Airport, it is a couple of kilometers north of the city proper, which means anyone visiting will be in for a trip, either by car or bus. Although there are several industrial businesses around SakTel Centre, there is virtually nothing in the way of food or entertainment options in the area. A few blocks away you’ll find a Tim Horton’s, a Subway, a Husky House and, across Highway 11 in the Travel J truck stop, there is a Denny’s. In other words, if you’d like a bite to eat before or after the game, you’ll again be going for a drive, as there really isn’t much locally. The good news is that Circle Dr. on the north end of Saskatoon is only a couple of kilometres south of the rink. This is a major artery for the city, so you can find lots of dining options there. For example, on the southeast corner of the intersection between Highway 11 and Circle Dr., you’ll find Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar, and the dining and other entertainment choices just grow from there as you travel east, west, or south. Fans 4 While in Edmonton, the Rush were never really able to establish a fan base big enough to justify the cost of playing in the big city; in 2015, the Rush were sixth in the NLL in attendance with an average crowd of 6,568 in an arena that holds 16,000. Things improved for the Rush after the move, however. In their first season in Saskatoon, the team drew over 11,000 fans per game. And from 2017-2020, they averaged better than 13,700 per game, putting them in the Top 4 in league attendance. Times have gotten tougher since the pandemic, however. After losing the 2021 season entirely due to a league-wide shutdown, it seems the city has forgotten about lacrosse. Between 2022 and 2024, the team brought in around 8,000 per game, right around league average. And for the 2025 season, they’ve dropped to only 6,500 fans per game, in spite of being in playoff contention. The fans who are still coming out to see the Rush enthusiastically embrace their team. In-game rituals are well established, such as a chest-thumping routine many fans have adopted following Rush goals, inspired by a scene from the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.” There are also lots of people wearing Rush gear throughout the arena. The fan base has shrunk in recent years, but the ones who continue to show up are hardcore. Access 3 In spite of being on the outskirts of town, access to SaskTel Centre is pretty easy. The arena is located in between Highways 11 and 16, so getting there is relatively simple, although it may be a bit of a drive from the south end of town. There are 4,000 parking spots around the facility, and they are free, so there is ample parking for those who drive. Getting into and out of the parking lot can be a hassle due to a limited number of entrances and exits, however, with the reduced crowd numbers recently, traffic flows fairly well before and after the game. There is also transit service to SaskTel Centre, making that an option as well for those who don’t want to drive. Once inside, you’ll find that the almost 30-year-old building struggles to accommodate big crowds. This is much less of an issue when the place is less than half full. The concourse has a couple of pinch points where passing through can be a challenge, particularly around the Rush souvenir table. Washrooms—particularly the men’s—can also get quite busy between periods. Pro tip: The upstairs concourse, which wraps around about half of the stadium, is far less busy than the main floor, as they’re only opening about half of it to fans, what with the much smaller crowds these days. If you’re looking to get away from the crush of the crowds, find your way up there. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices as low as $32 in the balcony Family Zone and the best seats in the house a bargain at $70 apiece, attending a Rush game is a terrific value. Seats are available at all price levels, although the lower bowl seems to fill up pretty quickly, so plan accordingly. The seats themselves are comfortable and provide a great view of the floor regardless of location, so there really isn’t a bad seat in the house (except possibly in Section 8, as noted above). If you sit high enough, you’ll lose your view of the scoreboard, but you won’t lose sight of the game itself. Extras 5 The Rush provides a solid product over and above the game itself. There is a stand set up in the concourse for souvenir collectors, for all your Rush hat, shirt, and knick-knack needs. The downside of these tables is that it chews up some of the concourse, which is tight to begin with, but it has tons of stuff and looks to me to be an upgrade in size and scope from the stand the Rush had back in Edmonton. Saskatchewan Rush Merchandise at SaskTel Centre, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey The team’s mascot, Rowdy the Bison, keeps the kids entertained with his antics on the floor during breaks in the action and touring the stands. The Rush have a dance team, the 016 Electric Crew, who helps with giveaways and maintains a presence around SaskTel Centre throughout the game. They perform several routines on the floor during breaks in the action to help keep the audience fired up. You’ll see the Rush’s Championship banners hanging in the SaskTel rafters, helping to make the place look like home. Also, SaskTel Centre lights the exterior of the building in Rush green so there is no doubt it is playing on game day. The Rush are good at running special game day promotions. For instance, they held a Marvel Super Heroes night this season where everyone got a comic book tying the NLL to the Marvel comic universe, and fans were encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero. After games, the Rush and 016 Electric Crew come out onto the floor for an autograph session with any fans who want to hang around for a bit. This is a great feature of the NLL and gives fans a chance to meet the team. The inner walls of the concourse feature TVs allowing people to check out what else is happening in the sports world as well as game action when they’re out getting a snack. If you’re sufficiently inspired by the game that you need to get some ink, Headrush Tattoo has a location set up here with some of the best tattoo artists in the province ready to create something special for you. Recycling bins are provided throughout the concourse for fans to drop their cans and bottles in. As a bonus, you’ll also find a cell phone charging station in the concourse for SaskTel customers with low batteries, and there is also free Wi-Fi for SaskTel customers. Final Thoughts The lacrosse community in Saskatchewan is still relatively small, so seeing people with little knowledge of the game come out and have a great time is gratifying. Box lacrosse truly is nothing short of excellent. Expect a good time and a great game.