Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Gwinnett Field 2500 Buford Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Gwinnett Stripers website Gwinnett Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,427 Editor's note: In early 2026, the Coolray sponsorship ended for the ballpark , and the venue name changed to Gwinnett Field. Keeping’ It Reel When the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, it also marked the birth of a long partnership with the city of Richmond, Virginia, as the Braves AAA affiliate would take root in the commonwealth’s capital city for 43 seasons. After spending four decades in Richmond, the AAA Braves played their final season at "The Diamond", where they had been for 23 years. With an aging stadium and little hope for the upgrades needed for a minor league baseball team, the AAA Braves relocated to Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia, a suburb less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, in 2009. The new ballpark in Gwinnett was billed as a mixed-use development, to include apartments, shopping, and dining. However, the development took longer than expected to materialize – Coolray Field stood alone in an open field for its first five years, while plans to build around it were still being finalized. Apartment complexes now surround the stadium, and changed the feel of the ballpark as they were completed; the first apartment building was finished in 2015, with a second completed in 2021. Since their move to suburban Atlanta, Gwinnett has made three postseason appearances, winning two International League-South Division titles and reaching the finals in 2016. Food & Beverage 5 Coolray Field offers fans a wide range of dining options, from traditional concessions to regional specialties, as well as what seems like endless beverage choices. One standout is "All the Fixins" which specializes in Southern cuisine, offering catfish baskets with hush puppies, hot honey pork chop sandwiches, Nashville Hot Chicken, grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, and footlong hot dogs topped with bacon jam. If the offerings at All the Fixins don't pique your interest, The Boathouse restaurant on the first base concourse provides an alternative, also with an impressive menu. It doubles as more of a sit-down restaurant and craft brewhouse, and the menu is more pub fare, with cheese curds and fried pickles, along with sides such as mashed potato bowls and potato wedges. Entrees range from smoked wings and tacos to brisket nachos and specialty sandwiches. The Boathouse also pours up to ten beers from Pontoon Brewing Company and another six from Wild Heaven, both local to the Atlanta area. Additionally, basic domestics are also available. The libations also extend beyond beer, with a selection of wines, hard Italian sodas, and pre-mixed cocktails on tap as well. But wait, there’s more! Throughout the concourse, several carts offer a variety of specialty items. Smokie’s Sausage Shack not only serves Polish and Italian sausage, but also offers brisket and BBQ sandwiches, and just as expected, Steakadelphia has a selection of cheesesteaks, while Cantina Comida Hispana offers a range of Latin American-inspired choices. Lastly, to satisfy a sweet tooth head to Sweet for their sundaes, floats, funnel cake fries, and of course the ever-popular Dippin’ Dots. Atmosphere 3 Originally named after their parent club, the team went by the name Gwinnett Braves for its first twelve seasons, before being rebranded as the Gwinnett Stripers in 2021. While the change faced significant pushback locally, it ultimately made sense to establish Gwinnett as a national brand. Additionally, it allowed for more of a theme to be integrated into the stadium and game presentation. In its first five seasons, Coolray Field sat alone in little more than an open, roadside field. Today, surrounded by two apartment buildings nearly encircling the stadium, the ballpark has a cozier feel. Beyond the stadium confines, local restaurant franchise Three Dollar Cafe overlooks the field from a distant vantage point. Like many minor league baseball teams, the Stripers host numerous promotional nights but primarily focus on appreciating local groups rather than having extravagant themes. Unlike some teams the Stripers don't have quirky promotions like "Mystery Egg Roll Night" or "Tribute to the Brannock Device” – instead they tend to stick to more traditional themes. However, each game still offers some form of promotion or discounted concession to boost weekday attendance, and in-game promotions are the standard scoreboard shuffle, variations of the dance cam, mascot races, and “Double Dare” inspired contests. When looking at seating options, the berm referred to as “The Bank” does offer space to spread out and for kids to run and play. The issue with this area though is the kids are lightly supervised by adults, which can be rather distracting if you are simply looking to enjoy the game from the grassy outfield hill. The best bet here is probably any of the grandstand seats down the first base side of the field since they offer the most shade. Neighborhood 4 The Stripers play in Lawrenceville, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta, approximately 30 miles from downtown ATL. Coolray Field is just off one of Gwinnett County’s busier traffic arteries, Buford Drive – the area has experienced remarkable growth since the opening of Coolray Field. There used to be just a road between Buford and Lawrenceville, but now Buford Drive is lined with several restaurants, stores, and hotels, and the area is anchored by the massive Mall of Georgia. The area around the ballpark is probably not a destination by itself, but for those arriving early or staying late, attractions such as Top Golf and Andretti’s Karting and Gaming, located just off the exit for Coolray Field, might be of interest. Fans 3 Gwinnett has typically seen routinely low attendance figures over the years. After the AAA affiliation was transferred from Richmond to suburban Atlanta, Gwinnett's inaugural season saw an average attendance of just under 6,000 fans, which was in the middle third of AAA teams in attendance. However, since then attendance has steadily declined and now ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 fans per game over the last six seasons. Much of the Stripers fan base consists of families and youth groups from Gwinnett, Hall, and Barrow counties. Some discussions around attendance troubles focus on the Stripers proximity to their parent club, just 34 miles around Atlanta’s north end to Truist Park. Although this may be a contributing factor, other AAA teams like St. Paul and Worcester rank in the top 10 of AAA attendance, despite being within 50 miles of their Major League affiliates. While the accessibility of the Braves might play a role, factors such as a lack of immediate attractions at the stadium, as well as lingering animosity from the public's lack of input in the stadium funding process, seem to contribute to the less-than-stellar attendance numbers. On a positive note, attendance has begun to increase since reaching a franchise low of under 3,000 per game during the 2022 season. Access 3 Navigating the metro Atlanta area can be quite challenging, especially during weekday games. I-85, the primary route through the northeast suburbs, often sees heavy congestion when leaving Atlanta. For the less populous communities north of Lawrenceville, however, southbound traffic on I-85 doesn’t face the same volume of traffic as you see heading toward the city during this time of day. Buford Drive leads to each of Coolray Field’s access points, which can be a bit tricky for first-time or infrequent visitors – the only entrance with any sort of signage is for VIP parking. Instinct would make one think the entrance next to that is the most accessible, and while that entrance does eventually lead to another parking lot, a lack of noticeable directions leaves drivers guessing whether to turn left or right. The actual most direct entry point is the third entrance, but much like the previous one, it is not well labeled and can easily be missed, leaving drivers to have to make a U-turn to try it all over again. With the parking lot running the length of the first base side of the stadium, it doesn’t seem like only two entrances for general seating would be enough, but fans move quickly through the gates. Once in the stadium, the concourse fully encircles the field and is wide enough to keep congestion to a minimum. Buford Drive is a divided highway so after the game, crossing back toward the interstate can be challenging. If you choose the wrong exit, a U-turn is needed to head back toward the freeway. Your best bet is to stay in the left lane of traffic, but exiting via Ballpark Lane, which runs in front of the main gates, tends to be a quick and easy exit point. Return on Investment 3 Seating on the berm starts at just over $11 once Ticketmaster fees are factored in. As ticket prices increase, so do the service charges which are applied to each ticket. On weekends, ticket prices increase, with the same ticket costing $17. Unfortunately, the secondary market does not offer much relief, as prices are comparable to those at the ticket office. Parking runs $10, so even a single visitor is already spending over $20 before entering the ballpark, and due to the lack of facilities in the surrounding area, there are no independent parking lots to offer a lower price. Concession prices are consistent with what you would expect at a sports stadium. Extras 4 The left field wall displays the retired numbers of three Atlanta Braves players: Hank Aaron’s # 44, brother Tommy Aaron’s # 25, and Phil Niekro’s # 35. Jackie Robinson’s # 42, which is retired across baseball, is also displayed. Balconies of the apartments beyond the stadium, stretching from left to left-center field, are marked with distances to home plate. Those along the left field line, just under 400 feet away, are well within play, while the farthest markers measure over 460 feet. The Stripers mascot Chopper is an active participant in mid-inning contests and makes his way around the stadium stopping for endless photo requests. In recent years, a lot has been made of "robo-umps" potentially taking over calling balls and strikes, due to perceived inconsistencies in umpire strike zones. Opponents argue this takes the human element out of the game; proponents advocate for increased consistency and accuracy. In AAA baseball, a balance seems to have been struck with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System – this system preserves the traditional role of the umpire while allowing for questionable calls to be reviewed by batters, pitchers, and catchers. The outcome of the challenge is then displayed on the stadium scoreboard and upheld or reversed accordingly. Final Thoughts For the Braves, having their AAA franchise located so close provides some operational advantages when it comes to roster management, but may be a barrier when it comes to attracting fans. The location does seem a bit isolated when considering the dynamics of Atlanta’s northeast suburbs. Attendance woes do not seem to be due to anything specific the staff in Gwinnett could or should be doing differently – the club is more a victim of planning circumstances that weren’t considered or planned for when deciding to build a stadium here. Promotional nights could be a bit more creative, but it takes the right organization and fanbase to pull off “Exploding Whales” or host a successful “Toilet Paper Night”. What Gwinnett does offer, though, is a decent minor-league baseball experience that is entertaining, while keeping the game on the field as the focus of the experience.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Daikin Park 501 Crawford St Houston, TX 77002 Houston Astros website Daikin Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 41,168 Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park Editor's Note: On January 1, 2025, the stadium was renamed to Daikin Park after Japanese conglomerate Daikin, the world's largest manufacturer of air conditioners, agreed to acquire the stadium's naming rights. The agreement will run through 2039. The Houston Astros were the first Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise to call the Lone Star State their home when they were founded in 1962. The then Houston Colt .45s spent three seasons at Colt Stadium while awaiting the completion of the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Houston Astrodome. For close to four decades, the ‘Stros held court at the most unique ballpark in the country, if not the world. However, the facts of life are that everything ages, everything changes. So, at the dawn of the 21st century, the Astros bid adieu to the dome and headed to their new digs in downtown Space City. The now-named Minute Maid Park has been the site of unprecedented success for the home team, including four wild card berths, six division titles, five pennants, and two World Series titles. Baseball Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio spent large chunks of their careers in the Juice Box, while all-time greats Randy Johnson and Iván Rodríguez chased championships in the twilight of their respective careers in Houston. As Minute Maid Park enters its 25th season of existence, the experience still feels new and special. Read on to learn more about the venerable Juice Box. Food & Beverage 5 Anything and everything you could want to eat or drink can pretty much be found at Minute Maid Park. Virtually every stand can get you your hot dog, popcorn, soda, beer, etc. – whatever you’re hankering for, you’re pretty much going to be able to get. National chain spots Chick-fil-A, Pluckers Wing Bar, Papa John’s Pizza, and Shake Shack have a presence at the ballpark, while local spots Killen’s BBQ and Taqueria Arandas offer up the quintessential Texas menu items of barbecue and Tex-Mex. In addition, local breweries Karbach, St. Arnold’s, and Ziegenbock also all have stands in Minute Maid Park offering up their wares. You can get quesadillas, pupusas, Mexican street corn, sausage sandwiches, chopped brisket-top baked potatoes, Cajun po’ boys, and loaded mac and cheese bowls at various spots in the ballpark. However, some of the new items to look out for this season include the Pennant Pickle Dog (available at all “Home and Away Stands” in the park), which is a footlong hot dog topped with Texas chili, jalapeño slaw, and fried pickle chips. Also be on the lookout for the Slova-Chos (located at the Slovacek’s Sausage cart on the main concourse), which are ranch-dusted kettle chips – this stand also offers Crawford Bock beer cheese, sauteed peppers and onions, and a choice of one of Slovacek’s signature sausages. Lastly, look for the Curveball Corn Dogs at the H-Town Grill kiosk; these are mini corn dogs loaded with chili, cheese, and diced onions (only in America, y’all). Atmosphere 4 The Astros and Minute Maid Park continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros. The energy is palpable once you are on the main concourse and can see the field. As you make your way through the walkways you see artwork, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and multiple team stores, including areas where you can get a custom jersey and/or custom baseball bat right there on the spot. As you make your way over to the left field side of the stadium, you’ll come across Hall of Fame Alley, home of the Astros Hall of Fame. Displays capture the legacy and careers of Houston greats like Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Lance Berkman, J.R. Richard, Terry Puhl, and more. For baseball fans, it’s a great trip down memory lane. Also, once in your seats, you’ll be able to see the banners representing all the team’s championship success above the train tracks in left field (more on this in the Extras section) – the team’s greats are also represented by the retired jersey numbers above the massive scoreboard in center field. Lastly, in past reviews I’ve mentioned a little about the ballpark’s history – built on the site of the former Houston train depot, many of those details were left here, from the brickyard to the vaulted ceilings in the alleyways, to the aforementioned train. All of this adds to Minute Maid’s unique charm. Neighborhood 5 Space City is the fourth-largest metro area in the United States, and with that comes all the cosmopolitan trappings of it being such. Houston boasts four of the big five pro sports leagues in the country, being home to the Houston Texans, Houston Rockets, and Houston Dynamo, so you always have a chance to double up on games if you plan your visit to Minute Maid Park just right. In terms of things to do besides sports, you can find everything – take a trip to the Museum District to visit a collection of some of the finest museums in the country, or visit Discovery Green, Hermann Park, or Buffalo Bayou Park to take in some of the finest urban green spaces this side of Central Park. If you have young ones on the trip, the first two options are must-dos. Lastly, if you want to escape the heat and take in a little shopping, The Galleria is the place to be. For dining and lodging, Houston is incredibly diverse, so whatever your tastes and whatever your budget, you’re going to find something that works for you. In the immediate vicinity, you’ve got a wide selection of eateries such as the famed Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Irma’s Southwest, and Biggio’s Restaurant & Bar. Hotels range from the four-star Westin Houston Downtown to the Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston. Fans 4 The Astros are currently averaging close to 34,000 fans per game, which places them firmly in the top 10 in all of MLB. As mentioned, the rising tide of the club has raised the ships of all fans in Houston – Astros hats, shirts, jerseys, etc. are more visible now than at any point in the team’s history, and those attending games here are likewise decked out in their ‘Stros gear. The last few seasons I’ve come to Minute Maid Park, the crowds have been loud and energetic; I don’t think casual fans would automatically include Houston among the best baseball fans in MLB, but I think it’s time to start that conversation. Access 4 Located conveniently in Houston’s downtown, Minute Maid Park is sandwiched between two major highways Interstate 10 and Highway 69. I always caution visitors to Houston about its traffic, so if you’re driving to a game, consider that when making your way here. Once in the area parking is plentiful, but it will cost you. If you’re flying in, George Bush Intercontinental Airport – one of the busiest, yet highest-rated airports in the U.S. – is only a 20-minute drive away. If you choose not to drive, the Houston METRO has a rail stop adjacent to the ballpark, which could save you a bit of a headache. Also, if you’re staying downtown and want to walk, the Downtown Tunnels are open Monday through Friday and will give you a respite from the weather. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for the Astros at Minute Maid Park start at just $7 per person – depending on the day and the game – which is a tremendous bargain. However, concessions are a little on the steep side, to be honest, and parking varies depending on how close to the park you want to be (I saw parking recently ranging from $10 to $50 per car). You’re also going to spend a bit if you decide to opt for a souvenir. However, given the caliber of baseball, the Astros have been playing the past few years, when you come here you’re paying to see a championship team loaded with All-Stars. Extras 3 Aside from the various photo ops throughout the stadium and the Hall of Fame, there is also the previously mentioned home run train. As could be surmised by its name, the replica 19th-century train goes off along a short 56-foot length of track every time the Astros a) take the field in the first inning, b) hit a home run, and c) win. It’s pretty basic, but it’s also pretty fun to see. The other extras are the team’s cheerleaders, the Houston Astros Shooting Stars, and their beloved mascot Orbit. Both are around throughout the game and are ever ready to interact with fans in the stands and on the concourse. Final Thoughts I have been to more Astros games over the years than any other baseball team; I’ve also been to a ton of games at Minute Maid Park. Still, all these years later it remains one of my top handful of places to see a game – the games feel “big” here, and the fans have always cared about their team, even in the down years. For baseball fans, the Juice Box should be added to your bucket list, especially given all of the other things there are to see and do in Space City. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Loek Loevendie Ballpark Herman Bonpad 5, 1067 SN Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Pirates website Loek Loevendie Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 500 Corporate Pirates The baseball roots in the cultural capitol of The Netherlands go back to 1938 when football (soccer) club S.V. RAP opened a “baseball department.” They played as the RAP Pirates for several years, before conforming to more traditional baseball naming as the “Amsterdam Pirates” when the baseball club separated from their parent sporting club in 1974. Advancing through the divisions of Dutch baseball, they cracked the top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse for the first time in 1982, and despite some relegations, managed to capture two Holland Series and make it to international play in the European Cup. In 2000, they moved into their new digs at Sportpark Ookmeer, west of Amsterdam city center. The 500-seat main baseball stadium became known as the “Pirates Playground,” and remained that way until 2019, when it was renamed Loek Loevendie Ballpark to honor a local baseball great. The Pirates also inked a sponsorship deal with human resources and training company L&D Support, now going under the moniker “L&D Amsterdam.” Overall, Loek Loevendie Ballpark is a solid Honkbal Hoofdklasse entry, not standing out in many areas except its fans and values. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 The standard in Honkbal Hoofdklasse is to have all the food and drinks available at the park on offer in the team’s clubhouse. Amsterdam follows this lead, but their clubhouse is the only in the top league where it overlooks the field with large, sliding-glass doors, letting you eat and drink while still watching the game below. The standard fare for Dutch baseball games are available at the bar grill, including hot and cold sandwiches, sausages, Dutch meatballs, and (of course) a big selection of frites, all for €4.00 and under. You can argue the selection, but not the prices. The erstwhile Pirates also have a healthy selection of beer to choose from. Choices change, but include Liefmans, Leffe Blond, LacHouffe, Palm, and Veltins, as well as Corona. All are €3.60 or lower, so drink early, drink often (unless you’re driving). Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of choice, as it is across the league. As for drinks, pick your favorite Belgian beer (or a Corona if you’re homesick). For food, you can try a hot Dutch sandwich, such as the chicken (“kip”), or be more adventurous and grab some tasty Dutch meatballs. But whatever you get, you have to get some frites with it (bonus points for mayo). You are in The Netherlands, after all. Atmosphere 3 Loek Loevendie Ballpark is in the standard location for a Dutch ballpark (a suburban sportpark), with the same overall configuration (laid out like a US Spring Training facility with multiple fields), but it has a rather unique structure. As with most Dutch ballparks, it is on the level of a nice Rookie League or low A-ball field in the American minor leagues. You enter behind the main grandstand, a large building with a flat, sloping roof, with access from stairways on either side. The team has large solar panels on the roof to power the building, and even sells power to the local area. At the top of the stairs is a large plaza, with the team clubhouse and offices at the back. The plaza houses several picnic tables with ash trays (to accommodate the high population of Dutch that still smoke), along with some low benches and high tables with bar chairs, both by the clubhouse and scattered around. The main seating area is down concrete steps from the landing, with eight rows of molded plastic chairs running from about halfway to third base to about half to first base. You can walk around behind home plate, but fans can go no further than the dugouts on either side of the field. There is a large digital scoreboard in the right field corner, giving out the by-inning score, basic stats, and player name and number. It rests above a standard outfield wall with some ads against an unbroken background of trees. A canal circles the park, and often home runs are “splashdowns” in the water, so take that, San Francisco. The clubhouse also houses the bathroom facilities and in one wall, there is the entrance to the small team store, featuring general baseball equipment (hard to come by in The Netherlands), as well as a small selection of team gear (almost indistinguishable from the MLB Pirates). The Amsterdam three-X flag flies several places in the park, but not the Dutch flag. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Sit where you want. The seats all offer a great view of the field. If you want more space to spread out, grab a picnic table (away from the smokers, if that is a problem). Like your baseball with a beer? Watch the game from the clubhouse, as this is the only park in the league where that is an option. Neighborhood 3 Although technically in the largest city in the country, Loek Loevendie Ballpark is tucked away in a suburban sportpark because… well, I can’t imagine what the rent would be to build a ballpark in the canal zone, but it is more than a fringe sport such as baseball can afford. There are still some okay amenities around, but it is slim pickings compared to the city center. The residential neighborhood works from the food side of things, as there is a decent clutch of local restaurants just to the south of the park. Turkish Turks Restaurants Eethuis Cesme, Chinese Kwun Wah, Italian Pomdori, French Brasserie De Serre, Dutch Meram Osdorp, and Turkish Restaurant Sahan are across the street. To the northeast is Greiks Restaurant Plato. If these don’t tickle your fancy, east to the tourist areas will yield uncountable other options. One downside is there is not a lot to do in the immediate location directly around the park. The Street Art Museum Amsterdam to the north is the only museum in the area, and there’s some shopping at the West Mall to the southeast, but that’s about it. The short ride to Amsterdam city center will offer you more of whatever you want than you’ll be able to fit into one vacation. The stadium is in more a residential area, so there isn’t much in the way of hotels nearby. The budget New West Inn is just across the street from the park, while the mid-range Citiez Hotel Amsterdam is just to the southeast. Upscale B&B Sloterpark is a bit to the northeast, and that’s about it. Ten minutes away to the northeast is Sloterdijk Station, with over a dozen hotels in different ranges to choose from, as well as Rembrandt Park a short distance to the east with even more choices. Fans 4 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The big-city team seems to draw on the high end of the average for most Dutch baseball games (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out of the ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Unlike other parks in the league, there is no definitive “home” and “away” cheering sections, and everyone pretty much congregates in the one seating area, or in the clubhouse overlooking the field. There also are a smattering of ex-pat Americans who seem to come to games, as well. The crowd, both home and visiting are quite into the game and its proceedings, definitely more than average for the league. Access 3 Loek Loevendie Ballpark is located west of the Amsterdam city center in “New West Amsterdam,” just west of man-made Sloterplas lake. Thankfully, there are public transit and other options available to get there, and the park itself is quite easy to navigate. There are two bus options from Amsterdam. From Centraal Station, GVB Stadbus 21 (€2.66) will get you to the Holensstraat stop, a short walk from the sportpark. A better option is leaving from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, where the GVB Stadbus 69 (€1.86) will drop you off at stop Bonpad, right across the street. Car, cab, or ride share is about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown. It is about an hour to get to Amsterdam from Rotterdam and 45 minutes from Utrecht, and then the bus or drive to the park. There is a large parking lot for the sportpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance, right next to the field. The stadium just has one entrance leading to the stairs up to the seating area on each side of the grandstand. The stairs are the only pinch point, and the wide plaza makes walking around easy and hassle-free. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Everything is €4.00 or under, including alcohol, so you can’t quibble on the prices. . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has the usual selection of baseball memorabilia (both Dutch and MLB), as well as club trophies and awards. The stadium is dedicated to local Dutch baseball great Loek Loevendie. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Loek Loevendie Ballpark is middle-of-the-pack in most areas, but it is a good atmosphere to watch a game for a good value a short distance from the largest city in the country.

Photos by Steve Bloom, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 EQT Park 1 Washington Federal Way Washington, PA 15301 Washington Wild Things website EQT Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,200 Major League Fun at Minor League Prices EQT Park is the home of the Washington Wild Things of the Independent Frontier League. The franchise played in Canton, Ohio, from 1997-2001 as the Crocodiles prior to being purchased and moved to Southwestern PA, and was renamed to its current moniker. The ballpark is a modern 3,200-seat facility on a hill above Washington Crowne Centre right off Interstate 70 in Washington, PA, and offers fans a very reasonably priced day out in a park with every seat close to the action. The facility features a synthetic turf field on the right that was installed before the 2010 season, visual photos of menu items, grassy areas, and easy access throughout the concourse. The ballpark once housed a hot tub in the left field corner, but that is no longer a feature of the experience. The city of Washington’s population is near 14,000, but it is only a 30-minute drive from Pittsburgh and Wheeling, West Virginia. Located adjacent to I-70 and near the Washington Crown Center shopping mall, the colorful ballpark offers various food options, between-inning promotions, and even cookies and milk. *Editor's Note: The Stadium name was changed to EQT Park in March 2025. Food & Beverage 4 EQT Park offers a high-quality concessions experience with a wide variety of traditional ballpark fare such as nachos, burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and ice cream. There is a wide variety of Pepsi products along with foreign, domestic, and craft beers. The quantity and quality of the items make for a pleasant dining experience. Lines move rapidly with very friendly service. Every concession stand in the park accepts credit cards. Atmosphere 3 The Coal Tipple Bar is in the left field corner with a large assortment of beverages as well as tables to sit at and enjoy the game. There is a picnic area along the right field line as well, where groups can enjoy the game together without losing any of the intimacy of the park. Behind the stands along the third base line is a playground as well as bouncy houses for the children who need a break from the game. The ProGrass Synthetic Turf field is easily maintained and in immaculate condition. The video board in right field is large and easy to see from any location in the park. The digital scoreboard in center field is just as large and easy to see. Wild Thing, a hairy beast-type creature, is the mascot. Wild Thing is quite active, interacting with the fans throughout the ballpark. No matter where you sit, you have a good view of the action. The seating bowl wraps around the field from the outfield corners into home plate. Box seats are $15, the higher up in the seating bowl. Reserved seats are $12, and the General Admission seats are $8. The top several rows of the seating bowl near the press box and five private boxes are covered. The team has fun contests in between innings for the fans, all of which get enthusiastic responses, especially when Wild Thing is taking part. Additionally, the music played between innings and during player walk-ups is very unobtrusive to the fan experience. The atmosphere at this Frontier League park is a lot of fun. The size of the facility is conducive to player-fan interactions throughout the course of the game. After the game, the entire team goes into the right field concourse to sign autographs as fans leave the park. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located just up the hill from a typical suburban shopping center in southwestern Pennsylvania. Within a quarter mile of Wild Things Park are numerous well-known hotel and restaurant chains such as Comfort Inn and Red Roof Inn, as well as McDonald's and Wendy's. Within five miles of the park, you can find any type of restaurant, such as Applebee's or Olive Garden. In case of a rainout, a movie theater is within walking distance of the ballpark. Within 15 minutes of the park along Interstate 79, you can find the Meadows Race Track and Casino as well as premium shopping deals at Tanger Outlets. For history buffs, there is the Trolley Museum right by the Meadows and Tanger Outlets. Fans 3 The Washington Wild Things fans are a passionate group looking for a fun and more economical time compared to seeing the nearby Pirates at PNC Park. The Wild Things rank in the middle of the Frontier League attendance, averaging around 2,000 fans per game. Even small crowds at Wild Things Park can seem bigger based on the rowdiness of the fans. Access 4 EQT Park is quite accessible as it is just a hop, skip, and a jump off Interstate 70. There is no public transportation to the field, so driving is a must to the ballpark. The closest airport to Wild Things Park is 45 minutes away in Pittsburgh. Parking is $5 per car in a large lot behind the outfield with ample handicapped spaces. The majority of the fans enter through the convenient right field entrance. There is another entrance behind home plate, but it is seldom used. The concourse is underneath the seating bowl and does not have a view of the playing surface. The restrooms are all large and extremely clean with no lines. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are average for any lower-level professional baseball team and provide a wide variety of amenities throughout the facility. As is the case with other teams, depending on how many games a fan wants to attend, investing in a season ticket package can save several dollars per ticket per game. The team has no programs to distribute to fans. Extras 3 There is a small team store behind right field with a variety of team merchandise to purchase. Throughout the concourse, you will find tributes to former players who have made it to the Show as well as Frontier League Hall of Famers. The team employees, from the ticket takers, ushers, and concession workers, are all very friendly and engaged with the fans. The Wild Things do not broadcast the games on the radio; however, Kyle Dawson does play-by-play on the team’s video broadcasts on the team website. The background for EQT Park is not exciting compared to some other parks I have attended, but it provides quite a scenic view of tree-covered hills common to Pennsylvania.

Photos by Paul Baker & Phil Selig, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Stade Quillorama 1550 Avenue Gilles-Villeneuve Trois-Rivieres, QC G9A 5K8 Les Aigles de Trois-Rivieres website Stade Quillorama website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 4,500 La Maison du Baseball de Trois Rivieres The Trois Rivieres Aigles (Three Rivers Eagles in English) began play in 2013 in the independent Can-Am League. Among the team’s initial owners were 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne and Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron. The team is named for the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, who played in this same stadium from 1971-1977. Some notable players to play here during the days of the affiliated Aigles are Ken Griffey Sr., Dan Driessen, and Ray Knight. The Can-Am League merged into the Frontier League for the 2020 season, with the Frontier League absorbing five of the six remaining Cam-Am League teams. Unfortunately, the Aigles were not able to play in 2020 & 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent US-Canada border closing. During the Aigles’ eight seasons of competition in the Can-Am/Frontier League, the team has qualified for the playoffs three times, winning the Can-Am League championship in 2015. Stade Quillorama was built in 1938. The ballpark is located on the course of the Circuit Trois Rivieres, the site of the longest-running road race in North America, Le Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres. The ballpark, which was previously known as Stade Fernand-Bedard and Stade Stereo+, entered into a naming rights agreement with local bowling centre Quillorama in 2019. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concession stand at Stade Quillorama, so be prepared to spend a little bit of time in line, unless you plan your trip to get food very wisely. The menu here consists of standard ballpark fare (well, standard ballpark fare for Quebec). Hungry Aigles fans can choose from hot dogs, chicken fingers, and pizza slices. But take a look beyond the basics to see where the menu gets interesting. Of course, since this is Quebec, you can pick up some poutine. This appears to be the most popular food item served at Stade Quillorama and doesn’t appear to be a downsized ballpark version of poutine. In addition, items such as onion rings and garden salads are sold at this small concession stand. A selection of snacks, including popcorn, candy and chips are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stade Quillorama. On a hot Trois Rivieres summer night, fans may opt for a Slush Puppy instead. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a decent selection of beers, including Les Aigles beer from local Archibald microbrewery. Fans wishing to skip the long lines of the main concession stand can head to one of two smaller bars, where drinks of all varieties are sold. Atmosphere 3 Many visiting fans may feel intimidated in visiting Stade Quillorama due to the language barrier. Those who do not speak French need not fear, the city of Trois Rivieres is bilingual and fans will have no problem communicating with any of the staff or even most fans here in Trois Rivieres. The one exception may be with the PA announcements, which are done primarily in French. For most baseball fans, this should not affect their enjoyment of the action. There is a video board in left field and a simple scoreboard in center field which provide fans with game information. Otherwise, the Aigles staff put on a typical minor league show, filled with between-inning games and contests, including standards such as the dizzy bat race. There is a mascot, a giant red bird named Grand Chelem (Grand Slam), who roams the stadium interacting with fans and participating in the on-field action. The mascot also dances on the field alongside some of the team’s interns to songs such as “Sweet Caroline.” There are several different seating areas from which fans can take in the action, including field-level VIP tables, a party deck in left field, and a lounge featuring seats just beyond the shallow left-field fence. Even though Stadium Journey visited Stade Quillorama on a Tuesday night, there was a band in the party area performing before the game. This was the place to be during the game. Some fans prefer the deck at the top of the seating bowl on the first base side of the field, complete with tables and beer vending machines. Neighbourhood 3 Stade Quillorama’s location is unique in that it is located on the Circuit Trois Rivieres, the site of the oldest road race course in North America, the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres. Also located on the site are the Hippodrome 3R, Piscine de l’Expedition, and Trois Rivieres Coliseum. The entire complex is located on the eastern edge of Trois Rivieres, about a five-minute drive from Centre Ville. Many view Trois Rivieres as a simple stop on the road between Quebec and Monteal, but the city is the second-oldest French settlement in North America. It contains a vibrant downtown area and several points of interest for fans visiting the area. Numerous bars and restaurants line Rue des Forges and Rue Notre-Dame. Other points of interest include the Quebec Museum of Popular Culture, the Borealis Paper Industry History Centre and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivieres. The ECHL’s Trois Rivieres Lions play in nearby Colisee Videotron. Fans 2 The Aigles are averaging over 1,100 fans per game about halfway through the 2023 season. This figure marks a slight decrease from previous years, but crowds tend to increase throughout the season, so the Aigles should end up right around their typical average of 1,300 fans per game by season’s end. This figure puts them near the bottom of the Frontier League’s attendance rankings. Despite their relatively small numbers, the Aigles are an integral part of Trois Rivieres community fabric and they have their share of dedicated fans. Many fans have been following the team since day one. One notable aspect of the crowd here is the relative lack of children here at Stade Quillorama. Fear not, this is a place where fans can be comfortable bringing the entire family. Access 3 Stade Quillorama is located about five minutes from Centre-Ville Trois Rivieres, in a complex containing several other facilities. Route 40 runs about a mile from the ballpark. Due to Stade Quillorama’s age, it can be quite difficult to get around the facility. The ballpark features a cramped entry plaza that contains the team store, a bar, a concession stand, and washrooms. Be prepared for long lines. Steep ramps and staircases lead to the seating bowl. Depending on where your seats are, you will need to navigate a maze of stairs, railings and walkways to get to your location. It can be confusing for first-time visitors, as well as difficult to navigate for fans requiring special access. Many seats feature obstructed views due to the presence of support beams which hold up the roof. Fans who have visited McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket or Stade Canac in Quebec may get a familiar vibe from the setup. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Aigles games are affordable, with prices starting at $14 for general admission seats and maxing out at $25 for “prestige” seats. Purchasing tickets on the day of the game adds two dollars to the total cost. The majority of seats at Stade Quillorama can be had for under $20. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and children. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark, and concessions are reasonably priced. A night at an Aigles game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the display of retired numbers on the concourse, along with Matthew Rusch’s retired number 22 jersey hanging on the left field wall. A second extra point is awarded for Stade Quillorama’s unique location in the middle of a Grand Prix racetrack. The road most fans take to the ballpark is part of the course. You can see the tire marks on the safety wall as you approach the stadium. The start/finish line is just a few metres from the ballpark’s front door. A third extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of Stade Quillorama. This is one of the oldest ballparks still in use in professional baseball. Final Thoughts Trois Rivieres will not be a destination considered by many baseball fans when planning a road trip. However, a trip to Quebec to see Stade Quillorama is a worthwhile stadium journey for any fan. This old-timey facility is a cozy place to catch a game, and the small city of Trois Rivieres is a unique destination to include on a ballpark road trip. Pair a visit to Stade Quillorama with a trip to its sister stadium Stade Canac for a nostalgic and entertaining weekend. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Athletic Kulture Stadium 2100 Nursery Rd Minesing, ON L9X 1A3 Barrie Baycats website Athletic Kulture Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 2,000 Vintage Baycats Editor's Note: The Baycats announced a three-year naming rights contract with local gym Athletic Kulture, to begin with the 2025 season. On the doorstep of Ontario’s Cottage Country, the City of Barrie lays claim to the seven-time Intercounty Baseball League Champion, Barrie Baycats. An expansion team in 2001, the Baycats stormed the IBL and dominated, winning six championships in a row from 2014 to 2019. Relatively young compared to the majority of clubs in the amateur baseball league in Ontario, the Baycats have fit right in with the rest of the teams and remain competitive into their twentieth season as part of the league. The home for the Baycats is located just outside of the city limits of Barrie in the town of Minesing at the Barrie Community Sports Complex. Vintage Throne Stadium is part of the complex and is a fairly simple stadium. Vintage Throne Barber Shop purchased the naming rights to the stadium in 2022. The Baycats consist mainly of players who work regular day jobs and commute into Barrie for baseball as well as some college players. The Barrie Baycats is a non-profit organization that is run by a Board of Directors. Checking out a Baycats game is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon. Food & Beverage 3 Concession items at the Barrie Baycats are decent. The lone concession stand offers favourites including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and poutine. Chips, assorted candy, freezies, slushies, and pre-packaged ice cream treats are also available. Bottled water, Coca-Cola products, Gatorade, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate round out the beverage options. On the first base side of the stadium, in the right field, a beer tent sells a variety of beer from Muskoka Brewery among others. The Baycats also feature Baycats Brew in partnership with Collingwood Brewery. Atmosphere 2 Vintage Throne Stadium is part of the greater Barrie Community Sports Complex. The stadium itself, like many in the Intercounty Baseball League, is a fairly simple permanent structure with several semi-permanent bleachers. The main structure behind the home plate houses locker rooms, washrooms, concessions, and the press box. Light brown brick with blue trim and a red roof make the main structure fairly attractive. The seating area consists of the main bleachers behind the plate. Two sets of bleachers are on either side of the main bleachers and a few sets of portable bleachers can be found on either side down the lines. The stadium is surrounded by greenery and has a real Northern Ontario feel to it. The dimensions of the field are symmetrical with 325’ down each of the lines and 405’ to the deep centre. The fence contains plenty of advertising and lets visitors understand that the Baycats are truly a local team. A unique feature at Vintage Throne Stadium is the video board above the simple scoreboard beyond the right field. This feature does put Vintage Throne Stadium ahead of many of its IBL brethren. The Baycats lay claim to an astonishing seven league championships, however, there is nothing of note to share this information with fans on either the inside or outside of Vintage Throne Stadium. This is unfortunate. Some Intercounty League stadiums feature chain link fences behind the plate to protect fans from foul balls. This often provides obstructed views behind the plate. Vintage Throne Stadium features the mesh that is more prevalent in major and minor league parks that is far easier to see through. The gameday presentation at a Baycats game is fairly simple. The Baycats do broadcast games on the radio and YouTube and commentators are at the top of the bleachers, out with the fans. There are a few simple promotions and nothing too over the top. Music played between innings and before the game is a healthy mix of classic rock and country. Neighbourhood 2 Vintage Throne Stadium is part of the Barrie Community Sports Complex. The complex is quite large and features numerous other baseball and softball diamonds as well as other sports fields. The complex is on the edge of the limits of Minesing, which is a very small town. The car is going to be necessary to get anywhere. Fans wishing to find something to eat in Minesing should consider Cicco’s. However, the best bet is to head into Barrie and find a place for some food or drink. The Flying Monkeys Taproom, McReilly’s, and Pi are all good choices. Barrie is located right on the shores of Lake Simcoe and there are plenty of beaches within the city that are great in the summer. Fans who head west instead will hit Georgian Bay with more freshwater beaches. There are also plenty of fishing opportunities to the north. The Simcoe County Museum is the closest attraction to Vintage Throne Stadium. Sports in the area are limited to the winter season when the Barrie Colts take the ice at Sadlon Arena. Fans 2 Assessing fans in Intercounty Baseball is very difficult. Attendance figures for games are not normally published. Fans in Barrie are typically quiet. It seems that there are around 100 fans in attendance per game. The fans are a healthy mix of friends and family as well as die-hard regulars. It is fair to say that attendance at Baycats games is not out of line with other IBL clubs. Access 4 Getting to Vintage Throne Stadium is not very difficult by car. Located off Highway 26, on Nursery Road, northwest of Barrie and east of the town of Minesing. Traffic will not be an issue and there is plenty of free parking in the Barrie Community Sports Complex. The main hiccup for getting to Vintage Throne Stadium is that there is no public transit that gets to the sports complex from either Barrie or Minesing. This is not the biggest deal in the world, because getting to Barrie or Minesing is pretty much done by car also. Washrooms are found around the front of the stadium, on the outside, and are pretty small, however, they will do for the size of the crowd in Barrie. There is plenty of space around the ballpark and a variety of seating and standing options. However, bleachers are what fans can expect, unless they bring their chairs. Return on Investment 4 The Barrie Baycats, like the entire Intercounty Baseball League, is a very affordable endeavor. Regular-priced tickets are $10 and seniors can expect a $2 discount. Kids 12 and under are free. Parking is free and concession prices are very reasonable. The product on the field is solid and the production is pretty simple. Overall, a Barrie Baycats game is a great way to spend a summer evening or afternoon. Extras 3 An extra mark for the video board, a unique feature in Intercounty Baseball. An extra mark for the remarkable success the Baycats have enjoyed during their 20-year existence. An extra mark for the strong sense of community and non-profit nature of the Baycats. Final Thoughts Catching a Barrie Baycats game will not blow you away with the glitz and glamour. The ability to truly catch the sounds of the game and to go back to when baseball was simpler is a definite plus. With a very affordable experience, a Barrie Baycats game at Vintage Throne Stadium is a great way to pass a summer evening or afternoon on the doorstep of Cottage Country. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Penn Medicine Park 650 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Lancaster Stormers website Penn Medicine Park website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 6,000 A Storm In Lancaster Lancaster is a city located in South Central Pennsylvania, which serves as the seat of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County and one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. It has a population of around 60,000 and is most commonly known as being the heart of Amish country. There are many tourist attractions in the area based on the Amish culture, as well as a slew of factory outlet stores. The Lancaster Red Roses were a minor league baseball team that played in the city from 1884 to 1961. They had a noted rivalry with York, PA, and their “White Roses” team. It was a re-imagination of the famous War of the Roses. The team played in the Piedmont League, Interstate League, Tri-State League, Pennsylvania State League, Atlantic League (1896-1899), Eastern Interstate League, Middle States League, Pennsylvania State Association, Keystone Association, and Eastern League. They had various names such as Lancaster Red Sox, Lancaster Lanks, Lancaster Maroons, Lancaster Chicks, Lancaster Ironsides, and Lancaster Red Stockings. The pro field at that point, Stumpf Field, is now home to high school baseball. In 2005, the city came back to professional baseball as part of the independent Atlantic League. The name “Barnstormers” was chosen in a team-sponsored fan ballot. The name served two purposes, first playing on the term “Barn,” as well as referring to the act of “barnstorming,” which is playing in exhibition games while travelling around in various areas. In 2024, they re-branded with the Stormers name and the bull as a main part of their logo, as well as using some storm and barn imagery. Originally, the stadium was named Clipper Magazine Stadium. The University of Pennsylvania Health System ("Penn Medicine") purchased the naming rights in 2025. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium has a plethora of basic, good food options around the stadium. Food is of good quality, and the prices are reasonable for this level of baseball. We recommend a walking taco. Beer starts at a reasonable price and goes higher if you choose a craft beer. A favorite spot is the pavilion on the right that offers a nice selection with a large craft beer menu. It is also a great spot to sit and enjoy some nice views of the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a walkway that extends around the entire field. Make sure to spend at least one inning watching the game from various viewpoints around the stadium. The seating bowl is a pretty standard setup for minor league baseball stadiums. There is no bad seat in the house. There is lawn seating in the left field area. Many fans also try to snag the single row of metal seating located at the bottom of the lawn and next to the outfield fence. The views here are great. A kids' area is located right near the lawn seats. The team has a mascot named Cylo, which is not a cow or a bull, although it looks just like such an animal. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located just north of downtown. The stadium has been a part of the resurgence of the city. Make sure to walk around a bit before the game. There are many great food and drink options in downtown. Franklin and Marshall College is located just northwest of the stadium and is within walking distance. There are a good number of stores and restaurants near the college. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel, is located pretty much across the street from the stadium and makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 4 The Barnstormers have regularly been among the leaders in the Atlantic League for attendance, with an average of over 3,000 fans per game. The fans that sit right behind the plate are knowledgeable. Once you get out to the fringe parts of the park, you may see the more casual fan. The stadium seems to make both types of fans feel right at home. Given the Atlantic League's relatively small geographic area, fans of the visiting team, particularly those of the York Revolution, are often present in significant numbers. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located downtown, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. Their rival Atlantic League team, the York Revolution, is a short distance west on Route 30. There are many free parking lots around the stadium, as well as more expensive, slightly closer VIP lots. Return on Investment 5 The best bargain is lawn tickets for under $10. If you want a seat, look for ones under or around $20. These prices are great for the high quality of baseball seen in the Atlantic League. Also, be on the lookout for special deals and events. There is also a nice variety of season and package plans. Extras 4 The team store has a great variety of Stormers merchandise. The prices and quality are very good. Check out the clearance racks for some nice, cheap options. The kids' play area in the left field area, which includes a merry-go-round, is a great place for the uninterested kids to spend some time. The variety of options for them is pretty good. If you have kids, buy lawn seats and send them over to the kids' area while you enjoy the game. As you walk along the left field line outside the ballpark, coming from the parking lot, you'll find a mural dedicated to former players who have reached the major leagues. Finally, the 360-degree concourse and its many vantage points to watch a game are quite an extra. Final Thoughts Penn Medicine Park offers a great baseball environment while still giving casual fans a fun entertainment option.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Empire Ballpark Nicholson Rd & Wilfred Rd Thornlie, WA 6155 Australia Perth Heat website Empire Ballpark website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 4,500 Originally posted 1/28/2016 The Power of Perth Since the return of the Australian Baseball League in 2010, the Perth Heat has been the team to beat. They have been champions for the 2010/11, 11/12 and 13/14 seasons and were the runner up in the 12/13 season. Perth Heat are heavily involved in the local community and are particularly well known for their support of the Team Spencer charity, raising money for research into Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Barbagallo Ballpark (now known as Perth Harley-Davidson Ballpark) is the premier baseball facility in Western Australia and has had steady upgrades over the last few seasons. Additional funding is already secured as part of a staged plan to continue to upgrade the ballpark. The next tranche of funding is set to upgrade the toilet block and the stadium lighting. Baseball through all age groups is played at Barbagallo approximately 250 days/year. Barbagallo is a lovely venue with lots of space for kids to run and play catch, good food and beverages, fantastic customer service, and a lovely family/summer feel. Note: Stadium name changed to Empire Ballpark Dec, 2020. Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide variety of food and drink options at Barbagallo Ballpark. There is one permanent concession stand/kiosk located on the concourse towards the third base side that is run by local organizations as part of fundraising for that group. It offers hot dogs, pies, sausage rolls, candy, soda, chips, ice cream, etc. ranging from $1-$6. There’s a bar with eight different beers (lagers and ales) as well as bottled beer on offer. Draft beer is $7 and the bottles go for $5-$8. Wine and pre-mixed spirits are also available. The food specialty is in the trucks that provide a variety of food options including Dal Pizzaiolo (Woodfired pizza) full pizza for $15, Gringo’s Grill (hot dogs, chilli dogs, pulled pork sandwiches for $5-$15), Kazz’s Caribbean Kitchen (jerk chicken, corn, rice, and curry for $15), and Chillout In Style (shaved ice, ice cream, candy floss, chillers) for $5. Except for Chillout In Style, which is located by the left field bleachers, all concessions are on the concourse. Pizzas can be delivered to your seat after ordering at the truck, or you can lean on the fence behind the corporate boxes and have a nicely unimpeded view of the infield while you wait. Pre-packaged, but unbranded food such as sandwiches, fruit, and chips are permitted inside the park. Atmosphere 3 The outfield has some tall gum trees and it is very pleasant to watch the sky take on sunset colours above them. The coastal plain of Perth is very flat and Barbagallo Ballpark has only one level – from inside the ballpark, the field is the easiest thing to see. With the reasonably large space available and a comparatively small seating capacity, Barbagallo Ballpark has some grass areas from which the game can be seen. The hill beside the left field dugout is a hugely popular spot for children, who spend most of the game hanging out, playing, and trying to snag foul balls. Both before and after the 8th inning there is the “running of the kids” across the outfield. Reserved seating consists of three sections directly behind home plate. The stretches down to first and third base are general admission seating. The wheelchair section is next to the players’ families section on the concourse above third base. There is a small set of bleachers down the third base line and a much larger set down the first base line. At the very top of the first base bleachers is a set of resort-style outdoor lounges on fake grass. Corporate boxes line the edge of the concourse and there is a VIP Corporate Lounge above first base. The boxes and the lounge have food and drink service. Right next to the first base dugout is the On Field Lounge, which is the closest seating to the field. The reserved seating is under shade sails which also provide some shelter from rain, should something as unlikely as rain happen during a Perth summer. Shade comes to the first base side first, however shade from the reserved seating sails also moves over the third base general seating at the same time. All seating in the ballpark has a good view of the game. I would only recommend reserved seating for day games when it is simply too hot to sit in the sun. Players in the ABL are very accessible and are often available before and after games for signatures. There are plenty of opportunities to talk to players pre and post game – the outfield in particular is very accessible. Home team players pick their own walk-up music and walk-up music for the visiting team is selected on their behalf. The ground announcer takes plenty of time to announce the players and their positions, which is helpful to those who like to keep score. There is between-innings music and crowd participation games in the longer breaks after the 3rd and 6th innings. The LED video scoreboard is clear and easy to see in both day and night. Neighborhood 2 There really is nothing within easy walking distance of the ballpark. The ballpark is within Tom Bateman reserve and the immediate area is bounded by a major north/south road, the Roe Highway, a freight rail line, and suburban housing. The Thornlie train station is on the far side of the Reserve and into the suburbs – approximately a 2km walk. That train line takes you back into Perth in under 25 minutes. You can choose to get off early and go to the cafe/restaurant suburb of Victoria Park (Victoria Park Station) or the all-night party at Burswood Casino (Burswood Station). Perth is a beautiful city and one of the most isolated in the world, located in one of the original 25 worldwide biodiversity hotspots. The Mediterranean climate is similar to Southern California, so it can get very hot and dry over the summer. You may wish to visit earlier in the season rather than later for the best baseball weather. Take a few days if you can to explore the beaches, rivers, vineyards and forests within the city limits. There are free bus services throughout the downtown area and inner suburbs and in the historic beachside suburb of Fremantle. Perth beaches are white sand with crystal clear cool water. The Swan River is filled with people paddling, rowing, fishing, boating and skiing. Kings Park in the heart of the city has beautiful views over the city and both Perth Water and Melville Water. The low range of hills behind the city are largely reserved for state and national parks and there are plenty of hiking trails through which to explore them. The historic town of Guildford about 20 minutes from the city centre makes a great base for exploring the still-rural Swan Valley, which is home to the oldest vineyards in Western Australia. Fans 4 The Perth Heat has a solid fan base and regularly attracts first timers to the ballpark. Crowds have doubled since the 2010/11 season. Baseball knowledge is very uneven across the crowd, but people are very happy to talk with pretty much anyone about anything. The crowd and staff at Barbagallo are one of the friendliest I have encountered in my travels. Heat stalwart Spider, who runs that Catch Card competition is cheerful, friendly, always willing to talk to everyone, the first ‘staff’ face seen inside the ballpark and really sets the tone for the evening. Funds from the Catch Card competition help support the Heat interns. It is more than 1,500 miles to the nearest city and team in the league. This is true of all other sporting codes except Australian Rules Football, where Perth hosts two teams. Given the cost of travel, it is uncommon for supporters of other teams to make the trip to Perth. The incredibly one-sided nature of the crowd is the same across all sports in Perth and is one of the most distinctive things about attending a home game for any Perth team. If there is the odd supporter of the opposing team at Barbagallo, they are generally treated very well. Even if they are Canberra Cavalry fans. The freight train that often runs behind the outfield wall is called the Rally Train. On some evenings the crowd will sing along with Darryl Braithwaite’s “Horses.” Take Me Out to the Ball Game gets its traditional airing in the middle of the 7th, but YMCA gets far more crowd participation. Access 3 Barbagallo Ballpark is located in the Tom Bateman Reserve, in the suburb of Thornlie, about 15km from the heart of Perth city. The reserve is home to Barbagallo Ballpark, a softball diamond, a kids playground and two large grassed sports grounds. There are really only two ways recommended to get to the ballpark. Driving is the easiest way and the ballpark is located near the intersection of two of Perth’s major arterial roads. There is plenty of parking available for the cost of a ‘gold coin’ donation ($1 or $2). When parking, be aware that later arrivals must make a sharp u-turn onto a grassed area. Cars with larger turning circles may need to swing wide to make this turn. The other option is to go via train and walk or bicycle the 2km from Thornlie station. With the current ‘speed-up’ rules in place, games are ending in plenty of time to walk back to the train station before the last train, but the 30 minutes between trains in the evening can make for a long boring wait. Should you choose this option, a full-fare ticket is $4.40 each way to the downtown area. It is free to take a bicycle on the train. Game tickets are easy to come by, with a caravan just to the left of the gates providing options to pick up pre-purchased tickets and cash sales taking place just inside the gates. Bag check is quick, easy, cheerful and friendly. Wheelchair access is available and the wheelchair ramp provides a view of the back of the clubhouse. It is pretty common to see the players relaxing here prior to the game. The wheelchair section itself is right next to the section for the players’ families on the concourse near the food trucks. The toilet block is small and lines for the ladies can get very long, very quickly. There are plans and funding in place to upgrade the toilet block at the end of the 2014/15 season. It is very easy to move around the ballpark and most people are considerate about moving between batters or innings. The hills down from the general admission seating to the bleachers are steep and a little rough. High heels are not recommended in this area. Return on Investment 4 At $19.90, general admission in Perth is substantially more expensive than general admission tickets in South Korea and is on a par with reserved seating at most minor league parks in the USA. Crowd engagement is also much lower than in those international ballparks, which is more a reflection of the laidback attitude of the Australian crowd than the effort put in by the Perth Heat staff. That said, there are regular promotions and group sales can get your ticket pricing as low as $10 each, which is in-line with international pricing. Multi-game punch cards and a range of membership options also bring the per-game price down substantially and are well worth the investment if you live in the area. Given the small size of the ballpark, all tickets are good tickets and there are a huge range of seating options for general admission. General admission ticket, dinner, a beer and a coffee work out to more than $40 – though of course you can bring your own food and drink and limit this cost. If you are planning to get dinner at the ballpark, getting a group together for a Corporate Box at approximately $50 each including complimentary food and drink is definitely the way to go if you can manage it. Overall, a Perth Heat game is solid value for the money and a very enjoyable experience. Extras 4 I cannot recommend the Perth Heat staff highly enough. They have always been utterly amazing, including times when I have been ordering tickets from overseas to be shipped to various places around Western Australia. Given that baseball is still something of a niche sport in Australia, Perth Heat does a solid job of getting out in the community and being visible. For a small park, the food choices at Barbagallo are excellent – fresh, delicious and ranging from Aussie standards, to ballpark standards, to the slightly unusual and a little bit gourmet. The range of on-tap beer is also a solid step up from what you might expect of a park this size. The crowd in Perth really are super-friendly. I cannot say enough what a great baseball community you’ll find in the stands in Perth.

Photos by Meg Miinard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 MIT Narrabundah Ballpark Kyeema St Narrabundah, ACT 2604 Canberra Cavalry website MIT Narrabunah Ballpark website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 2,000 Canberra Cavalry Baseball The Cavalry were formed in 2010 as part of the re-birth of the Australian Baseball League for the 2010/11 season. After being largely ignored by previous iterations, the ACT Baseball Association ran a public campaign to ensure the national capital would be included in the new ABL. Despite being the smallest market by far, the Cavs have done an impressive job in building a club capable of on-field success, culminating in both an ABL and Asia Series championship in 2012/13, and drawing strong local community support. The Fort at MIT Ballpark (also known as Narrabundah Ballpark) subsequently received a $2m investment to support the Cavalry’s entry to the ABL, and the ACT government had previously committed close to $5m for a substantial redevelopment to improve the fan experience. Current capacity is listed as 2,250. The ballpark complex includes three fields, which are well used by local community competitions in addition to the ABL. Food & Beverage 4 While The Fort is a small venue, there are a variety of offerings befitting a much larger park. Most popular are the Collectable Helmet Deals; vegetable nachos ($17), waffle fires ($15.50), onion rings ($15.50), and beef nachos ($16.50) – all of which you can add a soft drink to for an additional $5. There are also the usual hot chips, hot dogs, pies, and burgers. Adults can enjoy a drink with beers around $7, spirits $9.50, and wine $6.50. Also popular are slushies – either with or without alcohol. There is now an ATM within the park, so if you haven’t got cash with you you’re still covered. Atmosphere 3 The laid-back and relaxed atmosphere here is immediately noticeable, but don’t let that fool you; the Cavs do an outstanding job of engaging fans and keeping the crowd entertained. There’s a variety of seating areas, giving a spacious feel, yet a seemingly contradictory intimate atmosphere. The main grandstand is behind home plate, but the concourse runs between it and the field. It is quite small, but fully undercover with reserved seating only. Directly behind home plate is a special members-only section. Most of the rest of the park is general admission, including bleachers on the first plate line and the third base line. There’s also plenty of standing room which allows you to get right up close to the action. Additionally, there’s two areas that include catering and drinks; the bunker box and the party deck – perfect if you’re in a group and planning a big night out. The park itself is quite scenic, adding to the relaxed and serene feel. Expect numerous promotions and skits in between innings, along with a singalong to Sweet Caroline, and regular appearances from the mascot, Sarge. Neighborhood 3 The Fort is a suburban ballpark, meaning there is little on offer in the immediate vicinity. However, there are two affordable hotels within walking distance; the Best Western Plus Garden City (55 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah), and Ibis Styles Canberra (203 Goyder Ave, Narrabundah). There are a small number of shops close by and in neighboring suburbs, as well as a public golf course and the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club (although greyhound racing in the ACT is scheduled to be phased out from April 2018). The only restaurant nearby is Knuckles, at the Harmonie German Club (49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah). Outside of this you’re better off heading north towards Barton and the Canberra CBD – a few places worth considering in that area are Canberra Casino (21 Binarra St, Canberra), Mooseheads (105 London Circuit, Canberra), King O’Malley’s (131 City Walk, Canberra), and Honkytonks (17 Garema Place, Canberra). Canberra is Australia’s capital city, and as such is a veritable goldmine of interesting tourist attractions. We’ve chosen to mention only three here, which should give you a good starting point for your trip. Parliament House (Parliament Drive, Canberra) is open every day of the year excluding Christmas Day. However, if you’re hoping to sit in on Question Time, be aware that parliament only sits around 60 days a year, and is normally in recess during the ABL season. Despite this, it is still worth your time. In addition, around ten minutes away by car is the Australian War Memorial (Trealor Crescent, Campbell); a museum and archive which chronicles and commemorates those Australians who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice – this is an absolute must. Lastly is the National Science and Technology Centre (King Edward Terrace, Parkes). Commonly known as Questacon, the Centre is a large, family friendly, interactive facility designed to inspire and foster interest in science. Canberra is also home to several other professional sporting teams including Canberra United (W-League) and the Canberra Capitals (WNBL), both of whom are based north of the city. Check their schedules for any potential double header opportunities. Fans 5 The Cavalry are one of the best attended teams in the league, behind only Perth. Many of the fans we spoke to are semi-regulars, attending numerous games per season. Everyone is friendly and chatty, and happy to engage in friendly banter. Canberra has a friendly rivalry with the Sydney Blue Sox, with the two competing for the Hume Highway Cup. Crowds at The Fort are consistently over 1,000, which for this park is perfect. Access 2 Canberra is a planned city, and consequently is relatively well spread. The easiest method of travel to a Cavalry game is by car, with plenty of parking just off Goyder St. While there are public busses that pass near the park, they cease early in the evening. A taxi or Uber from the city would take around 15 minutes. If you’re close by, walking is fine. Once inside, the venue is spacious and roomy, and the bathrooms are small but adequate. Return on Investment 4 Value for money exceeds expectations – adult entry is between $18 and $25 if pre-purchased online, with a small increase if you’re buying at the gate, and a general admission family pass is outstanding value at only $44. In addition, food and beverages are priced fairly, and contribute to making a Cavs game affordable, and a great return on investment. Extras 2 The team at the Cavalry make it easy to enjoy your visit to the ballpark. The fans and staff are obviously enjoying being a part of baseball in Canberra. Also, the promotions are entertaining, and there is a team store on site. Final Thoughts The Cavalry do an outstanding job here at The Fort at MIT Ballpark. The atmosphere is friendly, with an emphasis on entertainment and value for money; a visit to The Fort is well worth the effort.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Dicolor Australia Stadium Lot 2 W Beach Rd West Beach SA 5024 Australia Adelaide Giants website Dicolor Australia Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 5,000 Shark Squad Bites in Adelaide The Adelaide Bite were formed as a part of the relaunched Australian Baseball League in 2010. Like the other founding clubs (Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney), the Bite were centrally owned until the 2018/19 season when a private ownership model was adopted across the league. In somewhat of a coup for baseball in South Australia, the Bite were bought by the Adelaide Crows AFL club. The “Bite” moniker is a double entendre, of course in reference to the Great Australian Bight, which describes the curved shape of the southern coastline of central Australia, at which point the Nullarbor Plain drops into the Southern Ocean, and also in reference to sharks for which the waters off South Australia are a popular habitat. For much of the past 70 years, South Australian baseball has been based at Norwood Oval, a facility operated by the local Australian Rules football club – the Bite played their home games at Norwood Oval until making the move to the newly renovated Diamond Sports Complex at West Beach in 2016. The current capacity at Bennett Field is 5,000. While the Bite made successive Championship Series in 2015/16 and 2016/17, they have struggled since. Note: The team name has changed from the Adelaide Bite to the Adelaide Giants. Venue name has changed to Dicolor Australia Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 While only the staple food items are available at Bennett Field, they are done surprisingly well. Hungry fans can choose from several variations of hot dogs, burgers, and hot chips, along with chicken nuggets, fish and chips, meat pies, sausage rolls, and toasted sandwiches. On my most recent visit we sampled a hot dog and a burger, with both deserving of praise. You can find the Diamond Field Café at the rear of the main grandstand, where the service is friendly and relatively quick. No item is priced greater than $10, making eating at the park an affordable option for all fans. Similarly, cold drinks (non-alcoholic) here are between $2-$5. Alcohol can be bought from the bar, with a selection of beers available for between $6-$8. Atmosphere 2 The facilities at Bennett Field are simple but adequate. A $4m state government grant financed improvements to the stadium to bring it up to ABL standards, with the facility now the home of baseball and softball in South Australia. “Diamond Sports,” a joint collective of the state bodies for baseball and softball, own and operate the complex, which also includes offices and an indoor training centre. There is a small covered brick grandstand behind home plate which constitutes the reserved seating area. The small bleacher sections on both baselines are general admission. Being close to the ocean, the locals tell us a constant sea breeze keeps the local temperature cool, so bring a jacket for night games. A large group of local juniors occupied the bleachers on the first baseline at a game we recently attended, which added to the atmosphere. The juniors formed a human tunnel through which the home team was introduced prior to the game, which was a nice touch. There is a shark mascot known as Chomper, but otherwise there are minimal crowd engagement activities at Bennett Field. There are occasional interludes on the PA, but they are sometimes difficult to hear. Neighborhood 4 Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city characterised by its grid-like set up featuring straight wide streets and abundant parklands. In contrast to most other capital cities around the country, it was established as a colony of free settlers rather than a penal settlement. As is the case with all the ballparks in the ABL, Bennett Field is located in the suburbs. The stadium is actually relatively close to the city, located in West Beach out by the airport, about a 20-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD. While the immediate neighborhood does not offer an abundance of nightlife or activities, you are close enough to central Adelaide to be able to take advantage of all that the City of Churches has to offer. Once there, the northern area of the CBD (adjacent to the River Torrens), is the heart of the cultural, entertainment, and shopping precincts. Check out the nightlife on Hindley Street or peruse the shops in Rundle Mall. Along North Terrace you’ll find the Art Gallery of South Australia, the State Library, numerous memorials, and the Migration Museum. Most of these attractions have free entry and are definitely worth exploring. The Adelaide Casino is also on North Terrace, and is noteworthy not for its opportunity for gambling, but for its location within the historic Railway Station building. The closet venues near Bennett Field for pre or post game food and drinks include Adelaide Sailing Club (9 Baracoo Rd, West Beach), Henley Beach Hotel (at the corner of The Esplanade and Seaview Rd, Henley Beach), and the historic Ramsgate Hotel (328 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach). There are plenty of accommodation options nearby as well, including the West Beach Parks (Military Rd, West Beach); an affordable family option comprising a mix of cabins, tent sites, and caravans. If you’re looking for something more, then try nearby Glenelg or the Adelaide CBD. Bennett Field is also only a ten-minute drive from the beach side tourist hub of Glenelg, and of course Adelaide is also in close proximity to the world-famous wine growing region, the Barossa Valley. If you are in town for a few days, both areas should be on your to-do list. Be sure to check the schedules for the other summer sports for any double header opportunities – the Adelaide Strikers (cricket: BBL and WBBL), Adelaide 36ers (basketball: NBL), Adelaide Lightening (WNBL), and Adelaide United (soccer: A-League and W-League) are all near Bennett Field. Fans 2 Adelaide drew well in the early years of the new ABL, and retained solid attendances through the successes of 2014/15 and 2015/16, but have significantly dropped over recent seasons. However, this is not a phenomenon unique to the Bite, as the league has struggled to deal with the removal of MLB funding. Fresh injections of capital from private ownership will hopefully arrest the slide and rebuild the fan base. In the meantime crowds are small (less than 1,000 at a typical game), but fans are knowledgeable and welcoming. Access 3 The easiest way to get to West Beach is by car. If you haven’t got your own or a rental, consider a ride-share service (about $20 from the CBD). While you can use public transport, it requires some pre-planning. There are several bus routes that connect the city to West Beach, but it is a 40-minute journey. Alternatively, you can catch the tram to Glenelg and a bus from there, but again, it’s a fairly long journey. There’s plenty of parking available adjacent to Bennett Field, with the entrance to the venue literally right in front of you. If you haven’t pre-bought a ticket online you can do so at the gate, with a hassle-free experience to purchase and then enter the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The Adelaide Bite game day experience at Bennett Field is very affordable. Adult tickets are just $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating in the grandstand behind home plate; they also have a discount where a family of four can gain general admission entry for $32. Alternatively, you may want to up the ante and shell out for a more unique group experience offered in the “Shark Tank” or dugout box. With free parking and very affordable concessions, Bennett Field is a great option for a family night out. Extras 2 There is a small merchandise van on site, and also a free team list offered to fans upon entry. Final Thoughts We’ve long considered Adelaide to be an underrated destination; it’s a relaxed and fun city with something to offer for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, then consider adding a family friendly visit to a Bite game at Bennett Field, and if you’re a local, then definitely give it a go.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ballpark at Fitton Field 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester Bravehearts website Ballpark at Fitton Field website Year Opened: 1905 Capacity: 3,000 Fitts Just Right Baseball has been played at the site of Fitton Field in Worcester (pronounced “Woo-stah” by locals) since 1905. The ballpark is named in honor of the Reverend James Fitton, who donated the land on which the baseball and adjacent football stadium is located. The Bravehearts, whose name is taken from the heart on the city seal and Worcester’s nickname as “the heart of the Commonwealth,” joined the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in 2014. The team instantly became one of the more successful teams in the circuit, winning championships in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019. In addition to the Bravehearts, the Holy Cross Crusaders baseball team plays here. Fitton Field has also hosted professional baseball in the past, as the Can-Am League’s Worcester Tornadoes spent eight seasons in the Heart of the Commonwealth before folding in 2012. During their time at Fitton Field, the Tornadoes installed lighting and permanent seating, bringing the venue up to professional standards. Despite the success experienced by the Bravehearts, there was real concern about the viability of the team once the city of Worcester committed to build Polar Park and move the Red Sox’ AAA team to town. Despite the presence of the top Red Sox farm team just two miles away from Fitton Field, Worcester continues to be one of the better draws in the Futures League. Food and Beverage 5 For a small ballpark like Fitton Field, there is a really good variety of food items available at a Bravehearts game. Concessions are sold out of a stand on the first base side of the ballpark near the entrance. All your ballpark staples can be found here, including hot dogs and burgers, BBQ chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, and sausage and pepper sandwiches. A variety of snacks are sold at the stand here as well. On weekend games the menu expands with the addition of pulled pork mac and cheese and steak and cheese subs. A rotating series of food trucks also pulls up to the Fitton Field concourse, featuring anything from pizza to ice cream. The team also runs a pop-up ice cream tent featuring flavors from local favorite Gibby’s Ice Cream. Pepsi products are featured at Fitton Field, in both bottles and fountain varieties. A good selection of adult beverages are also sold at Braveheart games. In addition to some national brands, local craft brews from Wormtown brewery are sold. If it’s especially hot during your visit, you can opt for a frozen beverage! Bravehearts Cheerleaders Perform After a Run. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 4 While most summer leagues in New England tend to put on a minimal show and let the game itself be the focus, teams in the Futures League tend to present the game in a fashion similar to their minor league counterparts. The Bravehearts are no exception, with lots of distractions presented throughout the game geared towards the younger fans in attendance. The Bravehearts employ a cheerleading squad, who serve as the central focus of the gameday experience, performing routines throughout the game and participating in promos. Speaking of promos, the team holds many through the game, and in a twist, the players themselves participate in some of them. It’s fun to see the players competing in wheelbarrow races or hot-dog eating contests. You’ll be sure to see Jake the Lion roaming the stands interacting with fans and doing his thing during promos. Fitton Field features a good sound system, and it is put to good use with music throughout the game and a PA announcer with a professional delivery. At one point every game, all the kids in the stands get a chance to run across the outfield. After each Bravehearts run, the entire stadium, players included, clap their hands to the team’s victory song. Neighborhood 3 Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park, located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus. The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options. Worcester’s acclaimed “Restaurant Row” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center. The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by Polar Park, is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing close to Fitton Field. Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. The Bravehearts Score Another Run. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Fans 3 There was a great deal of consternation around the Bravehearts when the Worcester Red Sox announced they were moving to town. After all, the Bravehearts were annually among the national leaders in attendance for all summer collegiate teams, averaging over 2,000 fans per game. The team energized the baseball community and had a dedicated fan base, but would the mom-and-pop Bravehearts be able to compete with the juggernaut Red Sox organization? 2026 marks the sixth year that the WooSox have played their home games just two miles away from Fitton Field. Since their arrival, attendance at Bravehearts games has declined, but has not bottomed out as feared. The team’s listed attendance is over 1,100 fans per game in 2026, placing Worcester near the bottom of the seven-team Futures League. This writer has visited all of the Futures League ballparks regularly, and the attendance seen in Worcester is as strong or stronger than most of the teams in the circuit. By positioning themselves as a more affordable, family-friendly alternative to the big-money WooSox, the Bravehearts continue to attract both die-hard fans and families to Fitton Field. Access 4 The Holy Cross campus is located in southwest Worcester, near the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Fitton Field is located on the northern edge of the Holy Cross campus, at the foot of Mount St. James. Driving is the primary method for getting to the Holy Cross campus. The Worcester Regional Transportation Authority’s 29 and 42 buses stop near Fitton Baseball Field on Southbridge Street. There is free parking in a garage adjacent to the ballpark. Fans will enter the ballpark on the first base side of the field, at the top of the seating bowl. Concessions and merchandise stands flank the sides of the entrance, and a building housing the bathrooms is located on the third base side. The majority of the seating at Fitton Field is made up of individual seats. There are a few sections of metal bleachers with backs down either foul line. Handicapped seating is plentiful around the top of the seating bowl. Even with all the tents and stands set up all over the concourse, fans will have no problem navigating around Fitton Field. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Worcester Bravehearts games are priced at ten dollars for general admission seats. Tickets for children under 12 are discounted by one dollar. Members of the Kids Club are admitted for free on Sundays. Parking is free in both the garage next door to the ballpark, as well as on the streets near the campus. Add in affordable prices for food and beer, and a night at the Worcester Bravehearts will certainly not break the bank. Bravehearts Alumni Posters at Fitton Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 The connection between the team and community is strong, as several longtime fans who have passed away are memorialized on the wall behind the press box. Bravehearts alumni who have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams are commemorated with posters on the back of the press box and facilities buildings. Ted Williams hit his first home run as a member of the Red Sox at Fitton Field during an exhibition game. Final Thoughts When the Worcester Red Sox moved into the city and built their $159 million ballpark a mere two miles from Fitton Field, everyone wondered what would become of the Bravehearts. Central Massachusetts baseball fans need not worry. The Bravehearts are alive and well and continue to thrive in the Heart of the Commonwealth. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Route 66 Stadium 955 East Trafficway Springfield, MO 65802 Missouri State Bears website Route 66 Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 10,486 More than the Bear Necessities Editor's Note: The venue name changed from Hammond's Field to Route 66 Stadium in May, 2026 to honor Springfield’s history as the birthplace of the Mother Road and to celebrate the centennial of U.S. Route 66. At first glance at one of the gates at Hammons Field, the relationship between the Springfield Cardinals (the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) and the Missouri State University Bears seems to be one of a symbiotic nature. Consider the following: The man who helped bring MLB-associated minor league baseball back to the area and the namesake of the stadium, John Q. Hammons, is an MSU alumnus. Both teams logos are shown in unity on the signs leading into the park. One of the Bears outfielders, Tate Matheny, is even the son of St. Louis manager, Mike. Once inside the gates, though, that aesthetic balance ends as most all other related signage is emblazoned with the Cardinals logo and colors. It becomes clear that the Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference play second fiddle to the minor league club. That being said, they do so in one of the nicest baseball venues in America’s heartland. Word is that the only park that the MSU players have been equally impressed with in the region is the University of Arkansas Baum Stadium in Fayetteville. The result is an affordable evening or afternoon — tickets are $5 to sit anywhere in the park — to watch Division I baseball in a venue with less of the bells and whistles of a Cardinal game (no radar gun readings in the right field or a mascot), but still many amenities not found in a typical college venue, such as a large playground area on the first base side and a large video board in left field. Food & Beverage 3 When the likes of Missouri, Kansas or another big-draw team comes to town, those in charge will open much more of the park’s many concession areas. On this night, with Oral Roberts in town for a midweek series, there was only one concession stand open with the standard fare. Unfortunately, the prices remain the same for both Cardinals and Bears games, so prepare to hand over $6.25 for that chicken strip basket or $3.75 for a hot dog. On the plus side, thirsty fans who are not interested in Coke products can pay $7.25 for a 20-ounce Budweiser or Bud Light. For whatever reason, one of the workers said that a considerable amount of peanuts are sold at MSU games than when the Cardinals are playing. It should also be noted that not food or drink items are allowed in the stadium except for a sealed bottle of water. Atmosphere 3 The seats look out to a less-than-spectacular vista consisting of traffic from the East Chestnut Parkway in left field and a gathering of industrial buildings beyond the right field wall. The most scenic view can be found in straight away center where a collection of trees complements the grass berms on either side and alludes to the surrounding Ozarks. There is only one gate to enter the stadium (behind home plate), but MSU cheerleaders greet fans, which is a nice touch. The cheerleaders also dance at the top of the concourse and on the dugouts during various stoppages of play. Every seat has a cup holder — even those in the unused upper deck along the third base side. This theme extended into the bathrooms, where, yes, the urinals are also equipped with cup holders to help propel the vicious cycle. The first base side gets more sun, but on an evening game, such as this one, a majority of the seats are shaded in the first inning. Neighborhood 4 The surrounding area certainly is not lacking in amenities. The stadium is located west of Jordan Valley Park, which features The Creamery Arts Center and the Mediacom Ice Park. The heart of downtown is a 15-minute walk away. Locals tend to head to South Avenue, where there are lots of culinary options. One place in particular to check out is Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 406 South Ave., where a popular order is the fried tacos. Fans can also head due south down the John Q. Hammons Parkway toward the MSU campus and hit up Ebbets Field at 1027 E. Walnut St., a baseball-themed restaurant that pays tribute to the famed home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Another spot to check out is the Dugout, located just minutes down the street from the park at 1218 E. Trafficway. Fans 3 Given the city’s passion for baseball, the fans are certainly knowledgeable of the game. It was a bit difficult to judge their enthusiasm because of the sparse crowd on a weekday game that started out with overcast skies. Most were probably just happy that they had the option to wear T-shirts and shorts — and not having to sit through the less than ideal weather that has confronted fans for most of the 2013 season. After all, the team had to cancel a game the previous Friday night due to snow. “The weather has absolutely killed both teams,” local resident and longtime Bears fan Michael Zima said of the park’s tenants. “I’ve gone to multiple games this year in long johns.” Access 5 There are plenty of nearby parking options. There is a large lot directly across the street, but at $5 a pop there were not many takers. Most fans park in spots near the Jordan Valley Park attractions. In addition, there is a large parking garage directly across from the ice park. It seems as if the parking rules are relaxed for Bears games, which equates to a greater opportunity of finding free parking closer to the stadium compared to when the Cardinals are in town. The park’s concourses are wide, as one would expect from such a venue. The restrooms are large, clean and feature cup holders. Return on Investment 4 A Bears game may not have all of the pageantry that comes with a Cardinals game, but it’s a very good family entertainment value at $5 for any seat in the house and lots of options for free parking. The only downside is that the food prices do not change; so budget-conscious fans should grab something before — or after — the game. Extras 2 One point is awarded for the perks of being in a quality minor league park, such as the playground in right field, and the collection of great signs. For instance, above one of the gates, the following can be found: “Thank You. We hope you enjoyed your visit.” It’s a simple touch, but it still helps induce that classic baseball nostalgia. An additional point is given out for the concession stand perks of having the hamburger and cheeseburger cost the same ($5.50) and being able to get a baggy with onions, tomatoes and lettuce for no extra cost. Very tasty.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Goggin Ice Center 610 S Oak St. Oxford, OH 45056 Miami RedHawks men’s hockey website Goggin Ice Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 3,642 Hockey is Good at the Goggin Ice Center Tucked away on a small campus in Southeastern Ohio is Miami University which is home to a picturesque campus with red brick streets and fans with a passion for hockey. The epicenter of this passion is the Goggin Ice Center, named after former university vice-president, Lloyd Goggin. The facility consists of two NHL-sized sheets of ice and debuted in 2006 at $34 million. The RedHawks play at the “A Pad”, also known as the Steve “Coach” Cady Arena. The “B Pad” is used for recreational skating. The building also hosts intramural hockey and broomball programs, Jr. RedHawks youth and Talawanda High School varsity hockey clubs, hockey camps, skating lessons, ice shows, and other events. The facility includes 2,800 reserved lower bowl seats, 102 club seats, 4 opera boxes, and 6 private suites. The capacity of the building swells to 3,700 with standing room only included. It was one of the most labor-intensive projects in the university’s history and was completed in 104 weeks. The Redhawks properly dedicated the arena with a 5-2 victory over Denver University. The arena was named after former head coach Steve Cady who coached the club for its first seven seasons from its start in 1978 to 1985. The building itself is decorated with former players who have moved on to the National Hockey League, championship banners, and historical photos from the previous 40 seasons. The Hawks have made twelve NCAA tournaments and two Frozen Four appearances in 2009 and 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The Cady Arena offers a rather basic assortment of concession items at four main locations on the concourse. Fans can choose from hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and barbecue pork sandwiches. Pepsi products are available and if you have a sweet tooth, cookies, and an assortment of sweets are available at an additional stand. There are no alcoholic beverages allowed except in the upstairs lounge area. Atmosphere 5 The architects of the Cady Arena designed the facility that would feature everything its hockey program would ever need. The brick interior gives the building a sense of nostalgia and provides beautiful a beautiful backdrop to its hangar roof. Once you take your seat and the opening faceoff has been completed you are immersed in an energetic atmosphere that becomes quite intoxicating as each period progresses. The ambiance is as electric and frenzied as some of the best college venues in the country. The compact-sized arena offers many elements: a passionate student section, boisterous alumni, and a school band that generates its special brand of home-ice advantage. The hockey program is considered by many to be the number one sports team on campus. The students take up residency on a first-come/first-served basis at the north end of the arena. They do everything your typical student section would do at a college sporting event of its size and they do it quite well. The rest of the audience fills in the noise with chants after each goal, hard hit, penalty call, or break in the action. The soundtrack to all of this is the marching band that resides right next to the student section in the western section of the building. The arena offers seating at all ends of the rink with a wraparound concourse that offers concessions, bathrooms, and access to other parts of the facility. The interior walls feature retired numbers of former players and championship banners hanging from the rafters on each side of the ice. There are two video boards on both the north and south end of the building. The main lobby is an attraction all of its honoring former players who have won the Stanley Cup in the National Hockey League with giant-size photos along with NHL jerseys of former Redhawk players decorating the walls. The lobby also houses a box office, a skate shop, and a team store that gets quite busy before and after games. There is also access to the second rink that was being used for curling during our visit. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the school’s official mascot “Swoop” greeting fans. Neighborhood 4 Oxford, Ohio, has a population of 21,731 and the university has slightly more with an enrollment of 24,505. The small town is quite attractive and provides a pretty nice college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a hockey game. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and arena, where you find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holds packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few upscale restaurants: Alexander House, High Street Grill, and Paesanos, and local favorites: Mac & Joe’s, Rapid Fire Pizza, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and awesome sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 5 The fans at the Cady Arena are loyal, zealous, and fervent. They are focused on the game the minute the first puck is dropped and when the Hawks score the first goal, they point their finger in the air and sing a little ditty to the opposing goalkeeper. The crowd, both students and regular fans donning university colors or jerseys, also have chants for when there are penalties that can be slightly PG-13. If you are not familiar with some of the chants, ask a fan next to you, they are more than happy to explain what it means and how you can learn the lingo. Access 4 Cady Arena is a small facility with one main concourse for single-ticket purchasers; it is very easy to move around the building from one end to the other, but be careful not to accidentally walk out the main doorways. Even with near-capacity crowds, the flow of traffic moves rather smoothly inside the arena: bathrooms, exits, and concession areas are easily accessible. Return on Investment 4 The average price for a ticket is $25 for most home games, but they do sell fast and when college powerhouses North Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth come to town, the price may increase or the tickets sell out. Parking is $5 in the parking garage or open lots, but there is available street parking if arriving early. The best seats might be towards the top of the seating bowl or on the west side of the rink, opposite the player benches. Most games are near capacity and the crowd is a dedicated brass that does its best to make you a fan. All of this makes the price admission well worth the investment. Extras 4 The fans provide an extra point for the experience at the Cady Arena; the supporters are passionate, loud, and love their hockey in a part of the country not known for hockey. The lobby is nicely decorated with memorable events from the team’s history, but most of the focus is on the former players who have made a name in the NHL. Their jerseys are displayed on the walls along with special attention to players who have hoisted the Stanley Cup. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. If the weather is right, it could provide for a nice stroll before the game. The merchandise stand offers a special of the game, for example, a flex fit cap for $10. A great way to spend a little bit on university swag. Final Thoughts The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. If you happen to find yourself in Cincinnati or Dayton, take a short trip to the campus of Miami University. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 PeoplesBank Arena 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Huskies hockey website PeoplesBank Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,750 Husky Hockey in Hartford Editor's Note: In June 2025 PeoplesBank announced they had entered into a 10-year naming rights agreement with the downtown Hartford arena at a cost of $20 million. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is the largest arena in the state of Connecticut. It was originally built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel, and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower. The University of Connecticut has sponsored varsity hockey programs since 1960. They initially competed at the Division Three level in the ECAC conference. The team played at an outdoor rink near Memorial Stadium until 1998 when the school made the decision to upgrade to Division One. The Freitas Ice Forum was built to house the team and served as the Husky's home until the team joined the Hockey East Conference in 2014. At that time, the Huskies moved to downtown Hartford and the XL Center. Despite the XL Center’s history as an NHL arena, it was never meant to be more than a temporary home for Huskies hockey, while a plan was developed for an on-campus arena. In 2021, UConn announced plans to build a new arena adjacent to the Freitas Ice Forum. The Toscano Family Ice Forum hosted its first women’s hockey game on January 13, 2023, and its first men’s hockey game on January 14, 2023. The school now plays the majority of its games on campus, scheduling only four games a year in Hartford. The Huskies have yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Seven UConn alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 5 The XL Center offers a menu that balances traditional arena fare with local flavor. Depending on your appetite, you can visit Chicken Fry Fry (featuring chicken tenders and fries), Fresh Classics (sausage and pepper sandwiches and nachos), Grill Masters (burgers), or Hot Dog Nation (yep, hot dogs). Dunkin’ Donuts operates a pair of stands featuring their signature coffee and baked goods. Pepsi products are featured at the XL Center. A complete concessions guide can be found here. Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor should seek out Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Other notable stands include Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza (featured on Man vs. Food), the Portly Pig, Los Mariachis, and The Sausage Guy (the same one from Fenway Park). Chick-fil-A serves up their legendary chicken sandwiches. Portable carts serve up a variety of snacks, including Carvel ice cream. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find stands dedicated specifically to alcohol sales. Several national beer brands, including Sam Adams, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Blue Moon, can be found throughout the XL Center. Local brewery Two Roads sells a UConn-branded specialty brew, TwoConn Easy Ale. A new option at the XL Center is the new Sports Bar and Fanatics Sportsbook, where fans can watch games on the 80 televisions hung on its 100-foot-long video wall while placing bets on the action. The Sportsbook Lounge also offers a full-service bar and restaurant featuring a menu of arena favorites. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have visited the XL Center over the years can testify that the sheer size of the XL Center works to spread out the fans and dampen any noise produced by the crowd. For Huskies crowds, however, some life is breathed into the old building. Driven by the student section and pep band, there’s an energy here that the old barn doesn’t often see. With the XL Center’s location 27 miles from campus, the turnout from students can be pretty impressive. Arena staff put on a nice presentation, with the large video board put to use with hype videos, ads, replays, and crowd shots. There are t-shirt tosses and other contests to keep fans engaged, and the Husky mascot, Jonathan, participates on the ice and interacts with the crowd throughout the game. Neighborhood 5 Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but there is a lot to do in Connecticut’s capital city. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants and shops, and is filled with people, even on the weekends. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants, including Urban Lodge Brewery and Vaughan's Irish Public House. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Max Downtown, Sorella, Plan b Burger Bar and Bear's Barbeque highlight some of the diverse and popular options downtown. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center, and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members, and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Check out Hartford.com for more information. Fans looking for other sporting options in Hartford can pair a Huskies hockey game with a UConn men’s or women’s basketball game here. The AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack also calls the XL Center home, and the Hartford Yard Goats play a couple of blocks away at Dunkin’ Park. Hartford Athletic FC plays at Trinity Health Stadium on the Connecticut River waterfront. Of course, the Storrs campus is just over a half hour away. Fans 3 Crowds for Huskies hockey can vary greatly depending on the time of year, opponent, and even the weather. Stadium Journey visited the XL Center on a beautiful October Saturday afternoon with an announced crowd of about 2,700 in attendance. While a decent crowd, the sheer size of the XL Center makes a decent crowd look tiny. Larger crowds can be expected later in the year after football season ends. UConn hockey generally lands in the middle of the pack in terms of national attendance, drawing around 3,000 fans per game. Despite the XL Center’s location 21 miles from the UConn campus, a good turnout from the student body can be expected. Driven by the pep band, the students give the building some energy night after night. Locals, youth teams, and alumni help fill the XL Center. Access 4 The XL Center is in downtown Hartford, easily reached via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond. There are almost 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan, the XL Center website has a link to the downtown map here. In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters are not in operation on weekends. Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter a spacious lobby. This area was once part of the Civic Center Mall but is mostly empty space now. The ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. There is a nice display in this area featuring jerseys from every high school hockey program in Connecticut, as well as a display featuring photos from Hartford’s hockey history. All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Upper-level seats are usually not sold. Since the typical Husky crowd only fills a fraction of the XL Center, getting around is usually not too difficult. The restrooms are clean and large enough for the typical Husky crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Husky games at the XL Center are affordable. Center ice sections sell for $23, with end zone seating priced at $18. Parking in the lots and garages surrounding the XL Center ranges in price from $10-20, with on-street parking available for fans wishing to search for it. On-street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day long on weekends. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Extras 3 Banners honoring the 17 University of Connecticut National basketball champions (11 women’s, six men’s) hang from the rafters on one end of the arena. On the other end of the arena, the Huskies have hung their 2000 MAAC championship banner. The XL Center doesn’t ignore its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Banners honoring Whalers division championships, retired numbers, and the Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, hang from the rafters. In addition, the lobby contains a large mural of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history. After every Husky goal, Brass Bonanza, the Whalers’ goal song, plays. Final Thoughts The XL Center has its share of critics, particularly those who feel that Hartford deserves another NHL team. While the XL Center is no longer an adequate facility for the NHL, it is an excellent venue for college hockey, even if it is a bit too large for the needs of UConn. With the building of the Toscano Family Ice Forum, the XL Center will host only a handful of games every year, handling those games deemed too big to be held on-campus. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 M&T Bank Arena 305 Sherman Ave. Hamden, CT 06518 Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s hockey website M&T Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,386 Back at the Top of the Polls Editors Note: The venue name changed from People's United Center to M&T Bank Arena in April, 2022. The People’s United Center is a multi-use facility consisting of two full-sized playing surfaces for Quinnipiac’s winter sports teams. The two venues (a basketball court and hockey rink) share a common lobby and concession area. The facility is located on Quinnipiac’s York Hill campus and is the centerpiece of an expansion project on that campus. Completed in 2007 for $52 million, it was designed to be a drawing point for potential student-athletes. Building the facility involved moving 615,000 tons of earth and rock, all of which remained on campus to construct roads for the development of the 250-acre York Hill campus, located less than a mile from the school’s main Mount Carmel campus. The hockey rink is formally named the Frank Perrotti Jr. Rink. Perrotti was a New Haven resident, local entrepreneur, and devoted Quinnipiac hockey fan. He is described by the university as “a neighbor, friend, and benefactor of Quinnipiac.” Hockey began as a varsity sport at Quinnipiac in 1975 as a Division Two squad called the Braves. The Bobcats moved up to Division One in 1998 as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The team rechristened the Bobcats in 2003, and now plays in the ECAC. The Bobcats have qualified for the NCAA Tournament seven times, reaching the championship game in both 2013 and 2016. Six Quinnipiac alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single concession stand in the lobby of People’s United Center. It serves a limited menu, with turkey wraps, hot dogs, chicken fingers, French fries, and nachos the highlights. Assorted snacks, ice cream novelties, and candy are sold here. While the menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, most items are priced at five dollars or less. If you’re looking for a quick snack and want to avoid the lines in the lobby, there are a pair of vending machines on the concourse. Pepsi products are featured at People’s United Center. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head on over to the basketball court, where the “Bobcat Den” serves up a variety of beer and wine to be enjoyed before games or during intermissions. Spots in the Bobcat Den must be reserved in advance. Free snacks are served along with the cash bar here. For a fancier dining experience at a Bobcat game, purchase a ticket to the University Club, which features a private dining room, full-service bar, and dedicated seating section high above the ice. Atmosphere 4 With a packed house every night, you would expect a lively atmosphere at People’s United Center. You wouldn’t be disappointed. While it’s not the loudest arena you’ll ever visit, game-day plenty is going on during a Bobcats game to keep you entertained. There’s a crisp video scoreboard at center ice that is put to good use with hype videos, game stats, contests, and more. The student section, anchored by the pep band and Ice Cats, comes prepared with a repertoire of chants and routines designed to distract the opposition. Boomer the Bobcat roams the stands interacting with fans throughout the game. There’s a souvenir stand set up in one corner of the arena for fans needing some Bobcat gear. Neighborhood 3 While Hamden is a lovely community, once named one of America’s “best small cities” by CNN Money, it is hardly a destination location. Surrounding the campus are several strip malls, which give visiting fans some options for pre- and postgame dining. Many visiting fans will opt to head into New Haven, which has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie hotspot. Right across the street from Quinnipiac’s Mt. Carmel campus is Sleeping Giant State Park, a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. If visiting the area before the weather turns, the many trails here are worth exploring before a game. Whitney Avenue dissects the two Quinnipiac campuses. There are plenty of eateries here if you wish to stay local. Eli’s on Whitney is a Bobcat's sponsor and a popular choice of locals. If you continue south on Whitney Ave. for a few miles you will find yourself in downtown New Haven on the campus of the Bobcats’ chief hockey rival, Yale University. Visiting fans will find plenty of lodging and dining options in this area, including Louis’ Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger, as well as Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s, the originators of New Haven-style apizza. Fans 5 Quinnipiac annually fills the People’s United Center to over 95 percent of capacity, averaging around 3,100 fans per game. Hockey is absolutely the number one sport at Quinnipiac, drawing rabid hockey fans from all over greater New Haven. Compare Quinnipiac’s attendance to local rival Yale, who averages about one thousand fans less per game despite being only a few miles away. The student section, located at the far end of the arena, is packed with fans every night. As the Bobcats have returned to the top of the national rankings, the student body has seemed to have gotten their groove back, as they add a lot of energy and noise to the Perrotti Arena. Notable in the student section is four students who dress as Teletubbies and take up residence in the front row. It would appear the costumes are passed down over the years, as the Tubbies have been in attendance every time this writer has visited Quinnipiac. Access 5 Quinnipiac is located in the New Haven suburb of Hamden. This town of just over 60,000 residents is located just to the north of New Haven. Quinnipiac University is located in the northern, Mount Carmel section of town, which has a rural feel to it. The university is split into two campuses about a mile from each other on opposite sides of Whitney Avenue. The newer, York Hill campus contains the People’s United Center, the Rocky Top Student Center, and several dorms. Most of the school’s facilities, including the Quinnipiac Baseball Field, are located on the older Mount Carmel campus. The university is easily reached via Interstate 91, which runs a few miles east of campus. Visiting fans will take exit 10 off I-91 to the Mt. Carmel Connector (Route 40). Travel a mile north on Whitney Avenue to Sherman Avenue, and the entrance to the York Hill campus will be on your right. Fans will enter the arena into the shared main lobby, which contains the concession stand and some restrooms. The hockey arena will be located on your right, with the basketball court on your left. There is a single concourse that circles the entire rink at the top of the seating bowl. The rink is visible from all spots on the concourse, and there is plenty of standing room on this level. Fans will walk down to their seats, which are all blue plastic folding stadium seats. The restrooms are located in three corners of the venue. Lines do form at the concession stand and restrooms during intermission, so plan your trips appropriately. Likewise, with only one road in and out of the venue, don’t be in a rush to leave. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Bobcat hockey games are priced at twenty dollars per game for all seats. Tickets for seniors are discounted to fifteen dollars, and youth tickets to twelve dollars. Certain games are designated as “premium” games, with ticket prices increased by five dollars. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the People’s United Center. Concessions are inexpensive, with most items priced under five dollars. Extras 3 Several banners hang at the far end of the Perrotti Rink honoring championship teams, tournament appearances, 100-point scorers, and Frozen Four appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams. One banner commemorates coach Rand Pecknold’s 500th career victory. An extra point is awarded for the presence of the Ice Cats, the Quinnipiac cheerleading squad at Bobcat hockey games. In addition to leading cheers from their perch above the student section, the squad takes part in pregame festivities on the ice. This squad does it all. Outside the entrance to the facility is a statue of a Bobcat, the school’s mascot. When the school decided to change its name from the politically incorrect Braves to the Bobcats, students developed the legend of the Bobcat, which guards the Quinnipiac campus. At the same time, the sleeping giant does his thing over at the state park. The legend can be read on a plaque next to the statue. Final Thoughts One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jarred Townsend, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Mankato, MN 56001 Minnesota State Mavericks men’s hockey website Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,280 Experiencing Mankato Hockey at Verizon Wireless Center Since opening its doors in 1995, Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota has served as home to the Minnesota State Mavericks hockey team (both men’s and women’s). The 5,280-seat venue located downtown replaced All Seasons Arena, a much smaller venue built in 1973 on the Minnesota State University Mankato Campus. Today All Seasons Arena serves as the team’s practice facility. Over the past 20 years, Verizon Wireless Center has seen its fair share of name changes because of altering sponsorships – having previously been known at different times as Mankato Civic Center (95-98), Midwest Wireless Center (98-07), and Alltel Wireless Center (07-09). Needless to say, if the arena’s walls could talk, they’d tell you the quintessential story of Midwest hockey: devoted fans who have over the years, watched the Mavericks battle against opponents in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference. In recent years, the team has experienced a renewed amount of success, earning conference tournament championships in both 2014 and 2015. Note: In 2019, the venue name changed from Verizon Center to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Food & Beverage 4 While Verizon Wireless Center may not have as many food options as some other hockey arenas, it serves up quality. The Lonestar Brat is a highlight, featuring a coney bun with BBQ pulled pork, jalapenos, and shredded cheese ($4.75). Another great choice is the Pulled Pork Nachos ($5.50), and if you wish, you can add jalapenos, onions, and additional BBQ sauce. Other interesting highlights include the Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla ($4), the Buffalo Chicken Wrap (5.50), the Black Bean Quesadilla ($4), and the Caesar Chicken Wrap ($5.50). Meanwhile, your more basic options are as follows: Hot dog ($3.75), chicken strips with either ranch, honey mustard, or blue cheese ($5), cheese curds ($5.50), nachos ($3.50), popcorn ($3), potato chips ($1.50). Pizza fans need not despair, Pizza Ranch serves by the slice ($3 to $4), with options including Pepperoni, Sausage, Cheese, and Roundup. Being located off campus has its benefits, as Verizon Wireless Center is allowed to sell alcohol and thus, features a full bar. 16 oz cans of beer cost between just $5 and 6 dollars. $5 options include Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Golden Light, while $6 options include Stella Artois, Organ Grinder, and Stella Artois Cider. Meanwhile, on tap (all $5), you’ll find Organ Grinder and Mad Butcher IPA. Another interesting bar option: is wines from Chankaska Creek Ranch, a winery located in Kasota, Minnesota. And what would a hockey experience be without dessert? Frozen custard from Culver’s is a favorite, especially for kids attending the games. Overall, food and beverage pricing is very affordable, and the food is superb. Atmosphere 3 As with most collegiate hockey venues, Verizon Wireless Center’s atmosphere comes to life thanks to the fans and the action on the ice. The view of the rink is spectacular and there’s hardly a bad seat in the house. No matter where you are, you feel close to the action. The arena’s corridors, however, are a bit narrow and not the most visually appealing (concrete flooring and brick walls for the most part, albeit the floor, does feature some interesting painted designs here and there). Otherwise, the atmosphere is great in the stands, yet is a much larger letdown elsewhere in the arena. Neighborhood 5 Verizon Wireless Center is located in a great part of the downtown area and within walking distance of many other Mankato hotspots – many of which you can also access by parking in the ramp of the Civic Center Plaza (where the arena is located within). Popular restaurants in the area include Olives Restaurant (Mediterranean), Number 4 America Bar & Kitchen (an upscale bistro & bar), the Bicker Inn (popular Irish pub), Rounders Sports Bar & Grill, Pub 500 (bar with live music), New Bohemia (features great tap options). Aside from the hockey arena, Civic Center Plaza also features reception and banquet halls, a conference center, hotels, and other amenities. Overall, it’s a great part of town that’s kept up well. There’s plenty to explore in the area. Fans 4 Fans are loyal, engaged, and quick to participate verbally in matches. You can expect them to know the players by name, and cheer them on accordingly. After experiencing a considerable amount of success during the 70s and 80s, Mankato hockey has recently returned to success under head coach Mike Hastings. During both the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons, the Maverick’s men’s team has claimed conference tournament championships. Meanwhile, Coach Hastings has won over 60% of his games since taking over in 2012. The games seem to be decently attended, albeit there were a noticeable number of empty seats when I went. However, the fans who did attend seem highly devoted and most are probably regulars on a game-to-game basis. Access 5 Access is great. There are a couple of nearby parking garages and if spots are available, one of the nearest garages within Civic Center Plaza provides free parking during the games. The only drawback, however, is that the ramp can perhaps fill up fast and if you arrive late, you’ll want to find another lot or park on the street. Otherwise, there are a couple of other lots in the area where you can expect to pay no more than $5 for parking. No matter where you park, however, you really shouldn’t expect to walk more than 2 to 3 blocks to get to the arena’s main entrance. Return on Investment 4 On average, tickets cost around $16, and no matter what section you’re in, you’re bound to have a good seat in the house. Once you get in, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the affordable concession prices – whether it’s a beverage (i.e. beer) or one of the amazing food items. Overall, the whole experience is reasonably priced and your enthusiasm for what happens on the ice will likely determine the level of satisfaction you leave Verizon Wireless Center with. It’s not particularly the most impressive arena (the corridors can be bland), but it gets the job done. Extras 2 Walking around the narrow corridors of the arena, you’re likely to notice some wall wraps sporting imagery of Mavericks hockey players on the brick surface. It adds an interesting touch to otherwise, somewhat uninteresting parts of the arena. Another interesting tidbit about recent Mavericks history is the fact that they’ve remained in the WCHA, even after 2/3rds of the conference’s member teams jetted either for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference or the Big 10 in 2011. Meanwhile, as other teams including Bowling Green State University and North Michigan settled into the division, the Mavericks remained resilient throughout – in recent years, reaching new heights of success under current head coach Mike Hastings. For that, they deserve much credit. Final Thoughts Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clearview Federal Arena at RMU Island Sports Center 7600 Grand Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15225 Robert Morris Colonials men’s hockey website Clearview Federal Arena at RMU Island Sports Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 1,200 Colonels are No Longer Skating on Thin Ice Robert Morris University is a private school in Moon Township, PA near the Pittsburgh International Airport. The school has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students. It is especially known for its business and mathematics programs. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Colonials. The hockey program at Robert Morris University is relatively young, as the program started in 2004. It has been very successful on the ice, as they earned the AHA Tournament title in 2014 and the AHA regular season titles in 2015 and 2016. They have been to the NCAA Hockey Tournament twice. The team now plays in the Atlantic Hockey League. Other schools in the league include Air Force, Army, Bentley, Canisius, Holy Cross, Mercyhurst, Niagara, RIT, and Sacred Heart. In 2021 the RMU hockey program was discontinued due to financial hardships in the athletic programs at the school. RMU has always had a competitive disadvantage against other AHA teams, as most of its competition either plays in on-campus arenas or in professional rinks that feature many more amenities. Alumni and the school started a Hockey is the Goal Fund to get the program back up and running again. This campaign included pledges from alumni and students, special events, and recruitment of corporate sponsorships. The campaign was a huge success, and the program returned to the ice in time for the 2023-2024 season. The home of the RMU hockey program is the off-campus RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island. It is located 6 miles east of the RMU campus. The facility opened in 1998 and RMU bought it in 2004 to house its brand-new hockey program. The facility has two rinks, with the Colonials playing in the Clearview Federal Arena section of the complex. The arena has bench seating for 1,200 fans, Food & Beverage 4 Concession services for Colonial’s hockey games are provided by the IceHouse Bistro. It offers a full line of Starbucks coffee products, as well as a better-than-average set of concession stand fare. Fans looking for more than a snack can get grilled cheese sandwiches ($7), quesadillas ($7), 1/3 hamburgers ($10), chicken sandwiches ($10), a chicken tenders’ basket ($11), cheesesteak sandwiches ($14) or an Impossible burger ($14). These orders all include an order of fries. Lighter far include popcorn ($3), chips ($3), pretzels ($4), fries ($4), nachos ($5), cheese pizza slice ($3), pepperoni pizza slice ($4) and salads ($8). The RMU Island Sports Center sells Pepsi brand sodas ($5) and water ($4). Atmosphere 3 As you enter Clearview Federal Arena, the seating is only on one side of the rink. It is bench seating and offers clear views of the action on the ice, as the team benches are on the opposite side of the ice. The Colonials logo is prominently featured at center ice and there are several signs on the walls identifying the rink as being the Clearview Federal Rink and as being RMU’s home ice. The walls also include banners from each of the Atlantic Hockey League schools as well as banners from each of the Colonials championship seasons. There are simple scoreboards at each end of the ice. Neighborhood 3 The immediate neighborhood surrounding the RMU Island Sports Center is limited due to the fact it is on a small island in the middle of the Ohio River. However, the Fairfield Inn and Suites has a property on Neville Island, which is within walking distance of the Sports Center. Carmody’s Grille offers a convenient dining choice on the island. It serves pub fare and has an extensive set of craft beers to choose from. The North Shore and Downtown areas of Pittsburgh are just a short drive SE of Neville Island. Attractions in those areas include the Andy Warhol Museum the Carnegie Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Fans 4 After the near-death experience with the hockey program, the RMU fan base has come out with a burst of support for the skating Colonials. The fans saved the program through the Hockey is the Goal fundraisers, and they continue to show their support by filling the 1,200 seats at the RMU Island Sports Center. The student section, the Colonial Crazies, can be counted on to make the short drive over to Neville Island to show their support for the program. While hockey does not lend itself to the usual cheerleader-led cheering section, the Crazies are very knowledgeable about the game and know when to cheer for a good play, a successful penalty kill, or a terrific stop by the goalie. Access 3 The RMU Island Sports Center is located nine miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh and 5.5 miles east of the Robert Morris campus. It is located on Neville Island, which is in the middle of the Ohio River. The Center can be reached via I-79 and the Yellow Belt. Directions from the RMU main campus: Go east on University Boulevard. Turn right onto PA 51. Turn left onto the Coraopolis Bridge. Turn left at Grand Avenue. Directions from Downtown Pittsburgh: Take I-279N to exit 1B-C and bear left onto PA 65 N. Go 8.7 miles. Take the exit on the right for I-79 S. At exit 65 head right on the ramp for PA 51 (Neville Island). Turn left at Grand Avenue. The Island Sports Center will be on your right. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Colonials hockey game at the RMU Island Sports Center will not burn a hole in your pocket. Season tickets are only $125. Single game tickets for General admission are $10, Youth/Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Military are $5, and RMU students are free with student ID. Parking at the Island Sports Center is free. As long as you stick to the lighter fare at the IceHouse Bistro, the food prices are quite reasonable. Full meals tend to be pricier than average. Extras 4 Robert Morris University served as the host school for the 2013 Frozen Four Tournament. Games were held at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. More than 60 RMU hockey players have gone on to play professional hockey. In addition to the RMU hockey program, the RMU Island Sports Center has an indoor driving range, a miniature golf course, rowing facilities, and track and field training facilities. The Pro Shop at the RMU Island Sports Center carries a full inventory of RMU hockey swag gear, as well as a great of Pittsburgh Penguins merchandise. Final Thoughts The RMU Colonials hockey program is back on solid ice after a two-year absence. The stands are once again filled with Colonial Crazies as the team is happy to be back on its home ice at the Clearview Federal Arena of the RMU Island Sports Center.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens 100 Chippewa St W North Bay, ON P1B 6G2 Canada Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens website Nipissing Lakers hockey website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 4,246 Lake Effect Editor's Note: In January 2025 it was announced that Boart Longyear had acquired the naming rights to the facility. This review refers to the arena's previous name, North Bay Memorial Gardens. The year 2002 was a dark one for the Gateway to the North. The city of North Bay, Ontario had enjoyed twenty years of North Bay Centennials hockey. However, in 2002 due to rising costs, falling attendance, an aging facility and bad ownership the OHL team was sold and moved to Saginaw, Michigan to become the Saginaw Spirit. The Memorial Gardens was dark for a while. Enter Nipissing University. The small, but growing university was ready to take their athletic program to the next level and hockey was the key. In 2009 the Nipissing Lakers iced a team and entered play in the OUA, the Ontario conference in Canadian university athletics or USports as it is officially known. The void was filled and North Bay had hockey once again. The Lakers got out of the gate quickly and the community supported this team the way no other university team had been supported in the province. North Bay is a community of 52,000 and Nipissing University boasts approximately 5,000 students. It is a relatively young school receiving their charter in 1992. The school is known for their Faculty of Education, producing teachers for decades, previously as North Bay Teachers College. The home for the Lakers is the North Bay Memorial Gardens Sports Arena. Built in 1955, the Gardens had been home for the Centennials before the Lakers. With the Lakers hitting the ice, the community really got behind the team and came out in droves. This directly led to $16.5 million in upgrades to the arena and the return of OHL hockey to North Bay with the Brampton Battalion moving north. It is clear that the Lake Effect has brought more than just OUA sports to the city on Lake Nipissing. Food & Beverage 4 Playing in an OHL venue, the Nipissing Lakers benefit from better than average concession options. Popcorn, chocolate bars, candy, chips, pretzels, nachos, fries, poutine, onion rings, chicken fingers, and pizza are all available. Combos are available to help with the cost a bit. Quality is better than the typical snack bar fare. A few different types of hot dogs from Nathan’s are also available to promote variety. One of the interesting items on the menu that might be worth consideration would be the Dessert Funnel Cake Poutine available in either strawberry or chocolate. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the Memorial Gardens. Nestle coffee products are also available. Molson Canadian, Coors Banquet and Coors Light are available in the concourses. There are also a variety of coolers and cider available for those not interested in beer. The Hall of Fame lounge also features a full fridge for beverage purchase. Atmosphere 3 With the arrival of the OHL’s North Bay Battalion came with it some renovations to the North Bay Memorial Gardens. Built in 1955, the Gardens looked out of date when the Lakers first arrived. Yellow siding and brown brick were the extent of the exterior décor. The result of the renovations to the exterior is the addition of offices and luxury boxes which affected the front entrance. Now above the main entrance are two stories of green glass which attempt to bring the façade to a more modern time. The original Memorial Gardens signage remains on the front, but the addition of a large, digital sign gives the Gardens the opportunity to advertise all sorts of events. Upon entry, fans are thrust into the main concourse and that fifties feel returns. The concourses are lined with light brown brick and little details all around the concourse gives it character. Team photos for all Centennials, Battalion and Laker teams are displayed smartly on wooden backing. The North Bay Sports Hall of Fame is full of classic pictures and local history. Those with keen eyes will spot Hall of Fame members Craig Rivet of the Montreal Canadiens, CFL star Mike O’Shea and Lakers head coach Mike McParland. However, the highlight of the concourse is definitely the “Lest We Forget” display listing every North Bay veteran from both World War I and World War II. This is a reminder for hockey fans that the Memorial Gardens remains a living memorial of those who served. Inside the arena fans will see the main seating area as three main sections. The ice surface runs from north to south and the east and west grandstands support the majority of fans. At the north end of the arena is the Hall of Fame Lounge and at the south end is another section of seating, which is new with the renovation. A large video board hangs over centre ice, but is not used for every game. The game that was reviewed did not use the video board. Above the Hall of Fame lounge at the north end of the arena are the flags which centre the portrait of Queen Elizabeth. At one time, all Canadian arenas featured a portrait of the monarch, so this is a real throwback for the Memorial Gardens. The game day production at Laker games is fairly simple. Classic and hard rock music is played between plays and the promotions are fairly simple. Fans will have the opportunity to focus on the game itself, which in some situations seems to be a lost luxury. Neighbourhood 3 North Bay is a wonderful city in Northern Ontario. Known mainly for outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter and cottaging and fishing in the summer months, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to find other adventures that could include a Lakers game. The North Bay Memorial Gardens is located west of the Trans Canada Highway, east of Lake Nipissing on Chippewa Street. The immediate area surrounding the arena is fairly residential with the local YMCA right next door. Access to the highway is easy so it is not difficult to head downtown or other spots to find interesting North Bay highlights. Nipissing University is a fair distance from the arena, located at the top of the hill at the north end of the city. In addition to the many outdoor activities that can be found in North Bay, fans may also want to check out the North Bay Museum. As far as other sporting options go, Nipissing also fields a basketball team on campus at the Robert J. Surtees Student Athletic Center. The OHL has made a return to North Bay as the North Bay Battalion also share the Memorial Gardens. There are a number of options for pre and post game fare in North Bay. Fans will definitely need to hop in the car to get there though. Cecil’s Brewhouse, Moose’s Cookhouse, Burger World and Arugula are all good options. For fans staying in the city, the Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn are good options that are pretty close to the arena. Fans 3 OUA hockey does not draw massive crowds in any market. However, the Nipissing Lakers shattered attendance figures in their first season. They led the conference in attendance attracting over 33,000 fans to the Gardens, averaging over 2,300 fans per game. Since the return of the OHL to North Bay, a big chunk of the Nipissing fans have switched over to the Battalion. However, the Lakers still regularly draw around 300 fans per game. It may not be what it once was, but it remains a very respectable figure for OUA hockey. Being so far off campus does prove to be challenging for Nipissing, which makes their attendance figures even more respectable. Access 5 The North Bay Memorial Gardens is located west of the Trans Canada Highway on Chippewa Street. The highway runs north, right through the city, essentially splitting it. Being very close to the highway and highways 11 and 17, the Gardens is very easy to get to by car. There are 1000 parking spots at the Memorial Gardens and there is no charge for parking. For fans who wish to utilize public transit, there is a bus stop on Chippewa Street directly in front of the arena. Fans can check out the North Bay Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. The box office is located on the west side of the building and lineups are not usually an issue. With the relatively small crowd as compared to the arena capacity, getting around the arena is pretty smooth. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate to support the Nipissing crowd. A bonus of the renovations at the Gardens was the removal of the old, wooden, two-for-one “love” seats. The experience is more comfortable now with regular arena seats. Return on Investment 5 OUA hockey is a great way to get sports entertainment while paying a low price. Nipissing hockey is among the best value in the entire conference. Adult tickets for Lakers hockey are only $10 each and alumni, students and seniors can get in for $5. Nipissing students and kids under 12 are free. Parking is free at the Gardens and the concession prices are decent. The product on the ice is solid and the game day production will not blow fans away with a whole lot of distracting extras. The end result is a solid product for a minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the budding rivalry with Sudbury’s Laurentian Voyageurs. Both schools play off for the 705 Challenge Cup. Two extra marks for the Nipissing Lakers influencing hockey culture in a city in a way that no other school in Ontario has. Without the success of the Lakers, it is unlikely that the OHL would have returned to North Bay. Final Thoughts It is amazing how far North Bay has come since the departure of the Centennials. It was the community of North Bay rallying around the Nipissing Lakers that brought the city to where it is today. Nipissing Lakers hockey remains a great experience for OUA hockey and fans heading to the Gateway of the North should check out the Lake Effect. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Advanced Capital Ice House Raven Road Ottawa, ON K1S 5R2 Carleton Ravens Ice Hockey website Advanced Capital Ice House website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 820 Quote the Raven Editor's Note: In October 2025 Carleton University announced they would be renaming their hockey facility in honor of Michael Hapke's $1 million donation to the school's athletic department. Hapke is the CEO of the Advanced Group of Companies. Ask any Canadian about the athletic teams of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, inevitably the conversation will come to basketball. The Carleton Ravens basketball team has enjoyed unprecedented success, achieving seventeen National Championships since 2003. That success through basketball has invigorated the rest of the athletic department. The return of Ravens football after a 15 year absence in 2013 signaled a change in the Ravens Athletic Department. Hockey also returned in 2008 after being on hiatus since 1974. The Ravens hockey team was originally founded in 1949 and played for six seasons before disbanding. The second iteration of the team lasted from 1960 to 1974. The Ravens have since appeared in the USports National Championship Tournament in 2014, 2016 and 2019. Home for the Ravens is the Carleton Ice House. The arena was built in 1974 and features two NHL-sized ice surfaces. The main rink has a capacity of 320 seats with space for 500 fans to stand. Food & Beverage 1 The concession options are extremely limited at the Carleton Ice House. On the ground level there are a number of vending machines for drinks and snacks. There are signs that there is a Tim Hortons and Subway in an adjoining Physical Education building, however, if their hours of operation coincided with hockey games is unknown. Atmosphere 3 The Carleton Ice House is a fairly simplistic hockey venue. The exterior is fairly attractive at the main entrance at the west with light brick and windows attached to a long building with rounded roof. The main lobby has plenty of red and black with Ravens markings. There is not much that is sport specific or even hockey specific, but the lobby is not unattractive. Fans must ascend to the upper level for entry to the rink. In the main rink there is a strong warehouse feel to the environment with the north wall covered in corrugated siding. The ice is east-west oriented and there is only seating on the north side. The seating area consists of 3 or 4 rows of older, red arena seats with plenty of standing room behind the seating. The simple scoreclock hangs on the eastern wall along with a banner for the retired number 12. Paul Correy played for Carleton before the program dissolved, but was integral in the return of hockey to the university in 2008 by leading the fundraising campaign and drumming up interest in the community. He was enshrined in Carleton’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 and has subsequently had his number 12 retired by the hockey team. The south side of the arena features Ravens markings to give the rink a bit more of a home team feel to it. The gameday production at a Ravens hockey game is extremely simple. There are no promotions, which are common during USports hockey games. The most irritating feature of the gameday experience at Carleton has to be the sound system, which is very poor, making announcements almost impossible to understand. Neighbourhood 4 Carleton Ice House is located on the campus of Carleton University, adjacent to the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood. There are a few spots that are not too far from campus that are good choices for pre or post game food and drink. Some possibilities include Hometown Sports Grill, Bergham, Local Public Eatery, Irene’s Pub and The Prescott. Ottawa is a fantastic tourist spot and there are a number of other sporting options in the city. Carleton is of course known for its basketball team but also fields a football team. The Ravens’ closest rival is the cross-town Ottawa Gee-Gees, who also field football, hockey and basketball teams. Professional sports is available with the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa RedBlacks and Ottawa Black Bears and fans can get their Junior hockey fix with the Ottawa 67’s. Ottawa has a plethora of things to do in the city, however, not in the neighbourhood where Carleton is. Skating on the Rideau Canal, visiting Parliament or taking in one of the dozens of museums in the city are great tourist options. For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Best Western and Residence Inn are good options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, for the 2024-2025 season, Carleton attracted an average of almost 240 fans per game. The game that was reviewed saw 155 fans at the game, which seems to be low. This ranks Carleton 8th in the conference in average attendance. There is plenty of room for improvement, but they are not at the bottom of the conference. The fans in attendance were knowledgeable and supportive. It would be beneficial if Carleton could attract more students on a regular basis and not just for the big rivalry games. Access 4 Carleton Ice House is located on the campus of Carleton University, adjacent to the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood of the city. Getting to the arena is not that difficult. It is located south of Highway 417 which provides fairly easy access. However, traffic in Ottawa can be an issue, even on the highways. There is parking on site, however, fans will need to pay, even on the weekends and in the evening. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the light rail station is west of University and there are buses on University also. Fans should consult the Ottawa Carleton Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the arena is not difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Carleton Ravens hockey offers good value for a small investment. Tickets for the Ravens start at $15 with discounts for youth, alumni and students. Fans will have to pay for parking and concessions are a bit of a pain with vending machines. That being said, the product on the ice is good and fans will have a good time at a Ravens game Extras 3 An extra mark for the Colonel By Classic, the rivalry game with the Ottawa Gee-Gees that is played at TD Place Arena, home of the Ottawa 67’s, and is very well attended. An extra mark for the resurrection of the Ravens hockey program. An extra mark for the Ravens hanging in under the massive shadow of Carleton basketball. Final Thoughts When in Ottawa, taking in a Carleton Ravens hockey game is a great way to enjoy an evening of hockey for a low price. The Carleton Ice House is a simple venue but is adequate for USports hockey. Time will tell if some of the basketball Ravens success can rub off on the hockey team. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Modern ERP Arena Idrottsvägen 7 Gävle, Sweden 806 33 Brynäs IF website Modern ERP Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,585 Of Straw Goats and Gävle Gävle, pronounced “Yeh-vluh,” is Sweden’s 13th largest city…more or less. Internationally, the town is probably best known for the giant straw goat that it builds every year at Christmastime and for the arsonists who subsequently make a sport of burning it down. But Gävle has a few other claims to fame: Läkerol lozenges and Ahlgrens Bilar (candy) are Swedish staples that originate here. And there’s the hockey team, Brynäs IF (BIF). Despite being a small market team, BIF is something of a powerhouse, with more than a dozen Swedish titles under its belt. Brynäs IF calls Gavlerinken Arena home. Confusingly located a short drive from the harborside neighborhood from which Brynäs IF takes its name, Gavlerinken Arena is an interesting and stylish mix of old and new. We were unlucky enough to catch an unusually boring game here, but we were still able to recognize an unusual, interesting, and above average facility. Editor’s Note: Gävlerinken Arena name was changed to ERP Monitor Arena in 2019. Food & Beverage 4 With multiple sit-down restaurants, a food court-style bistro, a bar, traditional concession stands, and vending machines, Gavlerinken Arena covers all the bases. Though striking us as a bit unusual in a ’60s-era arena, the table service restaurants provide decent views of the ice surface and are popular with local fans. Food prices around the arena aren’t too bad, either, with prices at the Bistro ranging from 79-149 SEK (USD $9.50-$17.90; EUR 8.50-16.00 as of 2015) for sandwiches, tacos, and the like. The Bistro is available to all fans, while other restaurants require a separate ticket. Vending machine fare is fairly standard, with chips and candies going for around 20 SEK (USD $2.40; EUR 2.14). Hometown Ahlgrens Bilar candies are available. The traditional concession stands are the only option that fans may find lacking. Concession stand fare is largely limited to hot dogs, popcorn, and packaged snacks. Candy is sold on convenience store-style display racks. Bottled soft drinks are available, and coffee is another popular option. If you need a place to sit while you eat, some concession stands offer tables. Atmosphere 3 Gavlerinken Arena probably deserves a better score than we’re giving it, but our sole visit to Gävle brought us a painfully boring game that sucked the energy out of an already small weekday crowd. Even still, our rating for atmosphere is hardly terrible. We’ll walk you through the experience. After arriving at the arena, you’ll make your way across the parking lot. Careful – you’re farther north than parts of Alaska and Greenland, so watch out for ice. Considering the ice and the fact that there are only a couple of ticket windows, all of which are outdoors, and your first impression might not be the best. That’s understandable. But from here on, there’s little to complain about. Before entering, take a step back and look at the arena’s façade. While not imposing, Gavlerinken Arena looks modern and important. Security on the way in is minimal, and not in a bad way. Your ticket is checked, and you step into a three-story glass atrium. The main lobby actually feels more like a shopping mall than an arena, but also not in a bad way. The concourses might be a bit bland, but Brynas makes up for this in other ways. You take the escalator up, and yep, it still feels like a mall. The lighting is dim, but it’s atmospheric, and it works. As you enter the seating bowl, you notice the sharp graphics on the retired number banners. You notice just how many championship banners there are. You even notice the wooden embellishments on the seats and remember that, yes, this is where IKEA comes from. It’s bigger than you expected. It’s bigger than anyone would expect from a city of this size. You’d love to see the place full and rocking. Sure, you can tell that this arena has been around for a while, but it still feels current. The seats are comfortable, except when you have to stand up, which is more often than usual. Why are the rows here so abnormally long and the aisles so abnormally few? Still, it’s a small complaint. Game presentation is mostly in Swedish, with a smattering of English thrown in every once in a while. The audio sounds good, even that weird, poppy “put your ass up in the air” song. The video board is helpful, but not overused. Your view is good, and it looks like everyone else’s should be, too. It’s nothing particularly remarkable, but you think you like it here. Neighborhood 2 Gävle is a small city to begin with, and Gävlerinken Arena sits just past the suburban developments at its northern edge. A harness racing horse track and an indoor tennis complex are Gävlerinken Arena’s only immediate neighbors. Then, beginning just steps behind the arena, is forest that continues more-or-less untouched until you run out of Scandinavia. This may be the quietest arena neighborhood you’ll ever find. There’s something legitimately peaceful about that, but unless you’re also into horse racing or are up for some tennis, there’s nothing to bring you here early or keep you here long past the final whistle. Fans 3 Gävle isn’t much of a tourist destination. When our hotel owner learned that we had come solely to see a match, she beamed. “You’ll love it! The whole town comes out!” In North American terms, Brynäs IF could be compared to the Green Bay Packers or the Hershey Bears; a small market powerhouse with a proud history and a loyal fan base. The only game in town, and a source of pride. Busses to the arena are standing room only as jersey-clad fans make their way to the arena. During the game, the team’s most ardent supporters take their traditional place behind the net where they stand and cheer for their team. Elsewhere, fans watch intently and occasionally chat with friends. Games here feel social and communal. Fans are friends, and everyone is devoted. The devotion, though, is calm and understated. There was no rowdiness during our visit, and we felt very calm and comfortable visiting. We felt welcome, but the fans’ enthusiasm wasn’t contagious. Walking in, we wondered if one game here might make us Brynäs fans. It didn’t. Access 2 You’re either going to drive here or take the bus. You could bicycle, but with dark roads and frequent snow and ice, that might not be a safe option. Since a single road is the only way into and out of the arena, prepare for traffic both pre and postmatch. If you’re driving, parking is adequate, which is good considering the relative remoteness of the rink. Public shuttle busses run between the rink and Central Gävle. Round-trip tickets will save you a tiny bit, and will also give you a souvenir: they are printed with a player photo. English isn’t as visible in Gävle as in other places in Sweden, simply because there’s relatively little to bring non-Swedes here. Don’t let that deter you if you need help. English is just as much understood in Gävle as in Stockholm, and most passers-by in this safe and friendly city will speak more than enough English to help you find your way around town. Once inside the arena, things continue pretty easily. There is little need for a strong security presence here, but officials are around in case you need anything. Lighting is good and walkways are flat and roomy. No problems with the restrooms, either. We saw a few fans with special needs moving around with relative ease. Return on Investment 3 Sweden’s reputation as an expensive country is deserved. There are plenty of places where foreigners may get sticker-shock all over Scandinavia, but Gavlerinken Arena is not one of them. While not inexpensive, ticket prices are comparable to other high level leagues in Western Europe and North America. A large and well-stocked souvenir shop has a large selection of team merchandise, including sale items. Snack prices are reasonable. Overall, Brynäs offers an average value. Extras 4 Gävlerinken Arena gets the details right. It’s clean. It’s stylish (perhaps surprising for a team whose logo is a difficult-to-read gold-on-white.) Not only are its seats and banners stylish, but so are the tickets, which have a black-and-white player photo. Even the kids get in on the style. Gävlerinken Arena boasts a swanky children’s lounge. “Lilla Gävlerinken” has life-size player photos, table hockey games, and hardwood floors. Looking like it came fresh out of a design catalog, “Lilla Gavlrinken” is one of the nicest looking children’s area you will come across at any stadium. It’s for the kids, but plenty of adults would love to have something like this for a man cave. Free Wi-Fi is also a nice bonus. You have to sign up for an account on the SHL’s webpage, but you can do this from the log in page inside the arena. Sign up is in Swedish only, but the form is easy enough to figure out. Final Thoughts Gävlerinken Arena isn’t unique enough to earn “can’t miss” status, but it is an example of an area that does just about everything right. We thoroughly enjoyed our sole visit here. While it’s unlikely that anything will bring us back to this small town anytime soon, we’d jump at the chance to make a return visit should the opportunity present itself. We have a hunch that a good game and a full house might be enough for us to fall in love with Brynäs IF and Gävlerinken Arena.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Upplands Bilforum Arena Råbyvägen 71 Uppsala, Sweden 754 60 Almtuna IS website Upplands Bilforum Arena Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,800 Established 1932. Since 1948. Uppsala is planning a new arena. It could potentially open as soon as 2017. When it does, no one will be surprised if Almtuna IS becomes a force in Swedish ice hockey. For now though, hockey-mad Sweden’s 4th-largest city boasts only a 2nd-tier team playing in a third-rate arena. There’s nothing really wrong with any of this, but it is a bit shocking. You’d expect hockey to be a bigger deal here in Uppsala. Almtuna IS (AIS) formed as a multi-sport club in 1932 and added ice hockey a few years later, hence their confusing tagline, “Established 1932. Since 1948.” Almtuna has spent the past half-century bouncing around the middle-levels of Swedish ice hockey. These days, AIS plays in the HockeyAllsvenskan, the 2nd-level league one step below the SHL. 2012 was once rumored as a potential opening date for the new arena. That didn’t happen, but a new building does seem pretty much assured, even if the 2017 opening date is also looking questionable. Until then, Almtuna’s home is the A-hall of Metallåtervinning Arena (“Metal Recycling Arena”). Metallåtervinning is a complex of three rinks, all under separate roofs, which serves the community’s needs for hockey, skating, and bandy. It’s humble, but it’s doing an admirable job of punching above its weight class. Editor’s Note: Metallåtervinning Arena has since changed its name to Gränby Ishall and then to Upplands Bilforum Arena in 2020/2021. Food & Beverage 2 I once rented a VHS movie from “Dave’s video and tanning salon.” A few years later, I bought some loose tea from “Real-tea,” a mall kiosk that sold tea leaves and real estate. I was reminded of these unusual combos during the intermission at the Almtuna game. Metallåtervinning Arena is compact. Space is at a premium. So, concession stands do double-duty as merchandise counters. You can order a Coke and a cap. Selection of snacks and souvenirs is on the slim side, but that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Just a glance at this unpretentious arena should let you know that this is a no-frills, utilitarian place. It doesn’t get your hopes up, so it doesn’t let you down. A traditional Swedish coffee and pastry is on offer, as are packaged snacks and bottled Coke products. A small bar gets packed to capacity during intermissions. If you only attended matches here, you wouldn’t get hungry, and it would probably never even occur to you that other arenas might offer more. Atmosphere 3 Can an arena be too small even if it’s not selling out? For the 2014-15 season, Uppsala is the third-largest city in the 14-team HockeyAllsvenskan, yet it has the second-smallest rink. Many of the teams Almtuna faces in the HockeyAllsvenskan have spent significant time in Sweden’s top league and boast big, modern arenas. That’s not the case here, where the most distant seats are nine rows from the ice. Everyone is right on top of the action. The proximity to the players is certainly a plus for the fans who make it to the games, but could it also be a minus? Despite the small capacity, games here rarely sell out. We have to wonder if the small-time venue makes people take the team less seriously, which discourages new fans from coming and which, as part of a vicious cycle, allows the team to drag out its tenure in its undersized home. Metallåtervinning Arena wouldn’t be out-of-place if it were home to a Junior B or Senior team in Canada, or even as home to a top-level team in a lesser hockey playing country like Denmark or France. For the second-highest level of professional hockey in a major hockey-playing nation, though, you’d expect fans and players alike to have just a little bit more. Metallåtervinning Arena doesn’t do anything wrong, but it just doesn’t feel right. Neighborhood 2 Thanks to its home in Uppsala’s northern Gränby neighborhood, Metal Recycling Arena was once known as “Gränbyhallen.” Gränby has a suburban and car-centric feeling, but the area is well-served by city buses. Bicyclists are also fairly common. Central Uppsala has much more to entertain visitors, but Gränby does have a pleasant park and “Gränby Centre,” a large shopping mall. Other than that, it’s mostly apartment buildings. Should you want to hoof it, these can all be reached on foot within 20 minutes or so. Most fans, though, will want to roll in shortly before the puck drops and head out shortly after the final whistle. Fans 3 Almtuna fans deserve a pat on the back. Numerous Swedish cities smaller than Uppsala host better hockey and better facilities. A few of these aren’t even that far away. Yet Almtuna has a small devoted following. Its main fan club, the Red Lions, stands on concrete steps behind the goal, waves flags, and cheers for the team non-stop. Fans of the opposing team have their own standing section on metal risers behind the far goal. They are protected by a team of more security guards than are really necessary. Access 3 If you’re in Stockholm and the home teams are out of town, a quick trip up to Uppsala is an easy way to scratch the hockey itch. Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is actually slightly closer to Uppsala than to the capital, and trains run frequently along this busy route. Walking to the arena from central Uppsala would take close to an hour, so most people come by car. The arena complex is easy to find along a main road. Given the arena’s small capacity, parking is adequate and traffic isn’t a major concern for most games. From Uppsala’s city center, you should be able to find a taxi to get you to the arena, but the ride won’t be cheap, and you probably won’t be able to find one on the street for the return trip. The bus might be a better option. City bus #3 towards Uppsala Östra Nybystop picks up at many stops, including just outside Uppsala’s main railway station, and drops off on the main road just outside of the arena. The bus runs about every 10 minutes, but you may want to re-confirm bus routes, timing, and frequencies locally. Most bus drivers speak English and accept (or even require) credit cards. At night, it can be easy to overlook the venue, so you might want to ask the driver to alert you at your stop. Uppsala is a university town, and students here like bicycles. You can park yours next to the rink, and most don’t even bother to lock up their bikes. After arriving, fans enter the arena from street level and buy their tickets indoors. While definitely a small building, nothing feels cramped. Lighting is adequate. From the hallways (we hesitate to use the term “concourses”) restrooms initially appear undersized but prove larger than you might expect. Aside from the seats, everything here is on ground level. Though you will have to make your way up some stairs to get to your seat, the small capacity means that you won’t have to climb too far. Wheelchair access is at ice level in the corners. As such, fans with special needs will have an exceptionally easy time here, and a good view of the action. Return on Investment 3 Value is in the eye of the beholder, and nowhere is this more apparent than Metallåtervinning Arena. On one hand, paying professional-level prices in such a small and bare bones arena just doesn’t feel right. Then again, relatively few venues in Sweden or elsewhere allow for such intimate access to high-level hockey. Maybe it’s a bargain. Maybe it’s a rip-off. Maybe our view is skewed since we lucked into a 50% off all merchandise sale, but we say the pros and cons balance, and the value is about average. Extras 3 Metallåtervinning Arena exudes low expectations. With such a basic building, it would be easy for Almtuna IS to slack off. After all, who would question why a team in a community rink wouldn’t have this or that? Almtuna, though, isn’t resting on its laurels until the new arena is built. Team photos line the walls. A small video board behind the net gives you the basics. And there are seat cushions. As you walk up the stairs to take your seat, there are piles of foam seat cushions for you to borrow. Frankly, the seats aren’t particularly uncomfortable without the cushions, nor do the cushions make them particularly comfortable. But they are there if you need them, and an usher comes around to collect them all after the game. The cushions seem like a lot of work for a miniscule payoff, but Almtuna gets points for expending the extra effort for its fans’ comfort. Also unique is the roof. White tiles with hardwood support beams do just enough to add some Nordic flavor while differentiating the place from other small buildings. Finally, there’s the fact that Metallåtervinning Arena is just different. Worldwide, there are very few remaining venues where you can watch high-level sports in such intimate settings. Almtuna is in line to join the 21st century trend of big, fancy arenas. Until then, we’ll give Almtuna IS and Metallåtervinning Arena bonus points for being different and not letting themselves become victims of circumstance. Final Thoughts Some arenas are greater than the sum of their parts. This review may not indicate it, but we actually really enjoyed our time here, and we’d have no hesitation about making a return trip. But it’s true that fans who like the feeling of big-time hockey will be disappointed. Fans who enjoy the more intimate hockey experience typically found at lower levels will love the intimacy that Metallåtervinning Arena provides. But even those who love the place will likely admit that this place just feels a little too small, and a little too insignificant for the Hockeyallsvenskan.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CC Amfi Kornsilovegen 54 2316 Hamar, Norway Storhamar Ishockey website CC Amfi website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,100 Olympic History in Hamar Lillehammer grabbed the glory of hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, but 38 miles (61 km) to the south, the town of Hamar shared in the fun. Two decades plus later, Norway’s 20th-largest city still keeps its two Olympic venues active, and both absolutely warrant a visit. Hamar OL-Amfi, also known as Nordlyshallen (Norwegian for “Hamar Olympic Amphitheater,” and “Northern Lights Hall,” respectively), hosted both the short track speed skating and figure skating events of the XVII Olympic Winter Games. Speed skating on the long track was held 2.5 miles (4km) away at the Vikingskipet. Though there was preliminary talk of possibly hosting ice hockey in Hamar, organizers eventually decided to keep hockey in Lillehammer. It was only after the Olympics when ice hockey finally moved into Hamar OL-Amfi, in the form of the Storhamar Dragons of Norway’s top level GET-ligaen. Nordlyshallen is an excellent home for its adopted sport. Note: Since this visit the stadium name changed from Hamar OL-Amfi to CC Amfi and the team name changed from Storhamar Dragons to Stormara Ishockey. Food & Beverage 3 Vaffler: Norwegian waffles. That’s really all you need. Grab a cup of coffee and a waffle (NOK 20 each, about $2.40 US, or EUR 2.32 as of early 2015), add a scoop of jelly and some sugar, and you’ll fit in with the Storhamar faithful. Truth be told, the waffles aren’t the best you’ll find. Concession workers bring them out fresh on large platters, and despite their popularity, sometimes the waffles get cold before a new batch comes out. But even a cold waffle is a treat. There’s a reason why these are the go-to game day snack in Norway. Your other options are sufficient (think hot dogs and Cokes), but nothing remarkable. If you want to bring in your own snacks, well, no one objected to our bottle of water. Atmosphere 5 Though not a giant rink by international standards, Nordlyshallen is the largest hockey arena in Norway’s top league by a significant margin. Sellout crowds are exceptionally rare, but even with a crowd of only half of capacity, the arena doesn’t feel empty. The crowds do their part, but most of the atmosphere is set by the building and the way the team uses it. Get here on time to take everything in. You’ll want to make sure you’re in your seat well before faceoff, and there’s a lot to see first. Walk around the brick and hardwood-lined concourse. Look at the photos, posters, and trophies lining the walls. Look out the windows and across Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Peek out to the ice surface and remember the violent rivalry between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Think back to Tonya Harding’s skate blade fiasco as she took to the ice for her Olympic Free Skate. Divine retribution or another case of bad luck? Either way, that happened here. As players prepare to take to the ice, a soloist belts out a live performance of “Storhamar, vårt Storhamar,” a team anthem that is both powerful and evocative, even if you don’t speak Norwegian. Then, colorful spotlights and a slick intro video cut to Green Day transports us out of the mid-90s to today as the players take to the ice. A modernish scoreboard at center ice shows us the video, while retro (are the mid-’90s retro?) dot-matrix displays leftover from the 1994 Olympics give us additional information. Seats are comfortable but not remarkable, unless you’re sitting in one of the sections originally designed for judges or international media back in 1994. In that case, you’ll have a desk! Sight lines are good from just about everywhere, and no views are obstructed. Neighborhood 4 The Dragons play in the residential Storhamar neighborhood of Hamar, from which they take their name. There are a handful of nearby sites that are worth seeing. A five-minute drive (or 25 minute walk) towards Lake Mjøsa’s waterfront will bring you to the Hedmarksmuseet, a large open-air museum that contains, among other attractions, the ruins of the old Hamar cathedral. Though most locals will have been many times and will see no need to make this a game day stop, the site is absolutely worth visiting for an out-of-towner. Originally completed around 1200 AD, the ruins now sit in a modern (and controversial) glass enclosure. Access to the park is free, while certain attractions inside have an entry fee. Even closer to the arena is Maxi Storsenter, a modern shopping mall where you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before the game. A true stadium journeyman will also make a point at popping into the smaller, older rink next door. Fans 3 When we saw the attendance, we couldn’t believe it. The fans made the crowd feel twice as large as it actually was. Not that they were particularly loud or rowdy, but something about this arena and the Storhamar Dragons fans means that a crowd of 3,000 in a 6,000-capacity rink just doesn’t feel too small. The area behind one goal is reserved for fans of the visiting team. Directly across the rink, the Storhamar Supporterunion fan club stands, sings, and supports the home team throughout the match. In a country where hockey isn’t the main sport, their passion and dedication is especially noteworthy. Access 3 By car, European route E 6 serves Hamar. For those taking advantage of Oslo’s growing role as a hub for low cost airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle, quick and comfortable trains link Hamar hourly with central Oslo and the Oslo airport in Gardermoen. Should you want to relive the rest of the 1994 games, trains continue to (and arrive from) Lillehammer. Hamar OL-Amfi is located about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from Hamar’s railway station. If it’s not too cold, an average walk from the station or the city center should take about 40 minutes, but be careful – sidewalks can be icy. City buses serve the arena; inquire locally for current routes and schedules. Local bus fares are more expensive than in many cities, weighing in at 33 NOK (USD 4.00, EUR 3.82 in early 2015), but still affordable by Nordic standards. A small number of taxis are available in Hamar, but fares are relatively steep. Parking is available immediately outside of the arena and is generally sufficient for local crowds. Once you’ve arrived at the venue, access is similarly good. Most fans will enter on the main concourse from ground level, though some may enter at ice level. Concourses are wide, flat, and adequately lit, making circulation simple. From the concourse, fans enter the middle part of the seating bowl and then move up or down to take their seats. Restrooms are plentiful and sufficiently clean. Security is present and visible at the arena, but hardly feels necessary in such a safe and peaceful town. Return on Investment 3 Though Norwegian ice hockey lacks the reputation of its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland, the country has a strong hockey tradition, a well run national league, and a higher level of play than many fans might expect. If that’s not enough, Oslo’s growing role as a hub for low cost international flights has made travel to this expensive region a bit more accessible. If you’ve ever wondered whether Norwegian hockey would be worth your time, the answer is simple: It is. Stavanger now claims Norway’s most modern rink, but Hamar’s Nordlyshallen deserves to be mentioned alongside of Oslo’s Jordal Amfi when discussing this country’s most interesting and most historic rinks. Prices here in Hamar are about average. You won’t get a bargain, but you will get a very good experience for your money. In fact, you’ll get possibly the best hockey experience Norway has to offer. Extras 4 In Olympic circles, the 1994 Winter Games are still regarded as one of the best. That history is still alive in this building. The vintage scoreboards, seats with desks for international media, and photos in the concourses make the visitor feel like these legendary games just happened yesterday. It’s rare that history feels so close. Final Thoughts We were disappointed by the Storhamar Dragon’s team shop. Beyond that, we only have positive things to say about our lone visit to this Olympic gem. While not quite a bucket list arena, Hamar OL-Amfi/Nordlyshallen is a comfortable rink in a beautiful location with a powerful Olympic history that is still palpable more than two decades on. The Dragons don’t just rest on this, though. A thoroughly modern, but not overdone, game presentation keeps fans firmly rooted in the 21st century. The quality of hockey on display is quite good, and better than many would expect from this often-overlooked league. A stop at Hamar OL-Amfi is absolutely worth the time for any hockey fan, Olympic fan, or anyone who simply likes nice arenas.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Toyota Field 500 Trash Panda Way Madison, AL 35758 Rocket City Trash Pandas website Toyota Field website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 7,500 Rocket to the Ballgame Baseball has been played on-and-off in Huntsville, Alabama for many years, but it was not until 1985 that it found a long-term home in the city. That year, the Huntsville Stars moved into Joe W. Davis Stadium, a field they would call home until 2014, when they relocated to Mississippi to become the Biloxi Shuckers. In 2020, baseball was set to return to the Huntsville area in the form of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, playing at Toyota Field in nearby Madison, but that entire season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trash Pandas finally took to the field in 2021 at their brand new stadium and have been attracting large crowds ever since. The "Rocket City" part of the team name alludes to Huntsville's long and storied history in manufacturing rockets and its role in the space industry. The "Trash Pandas" portion is a nickname for a raccoon, alluding to their black and white color scheme and their tendency to steal from trash cans. Food & Beverage 5 Toyota Field has a wide range of concessions that are sure to satisfy virtually every fan. Main concession stands have names like Gravity Grille and Dumpster Dive, alluding to the team's nickname, and you can find all the classic options such as burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders. and more. Wings are available in a variety of flavors at the Bandits stand. Other options include chili dogs, smashburgers, cheesesteak fries, and a fried chicken sandwich topped with pimento cheese. Peanuts, both traditional and Cajun varieties, are available for sale as well. There will often be a specialty item or two for each game which varies depending on when you visit. For those with a sweet tooth, another stand sells Blue Bell ice cream and sundaes, with soft serve ice cream also available. Alcohol is available to drink for those fans of age, and Pepsi products are available as well. Atmosphere 5 Toyota Field has a 360 degree concourse, although the portion in the outfield is one level down from the remainder of the stadium, forcing fans to take stairs or an elevator to access it. The outfield portion contains a large kids' play area, while the remainder of the concourse provides access to the seating bowl and contains the concession stands, team store, murals, and other areas. The field is visible from the entire concourse, although you may have trouble seeing over some suites from part of it. Every seat in the stadium offers a great view of the action, with a large scoreboard in the outfield keeping fans informed on what is going on. The fun at a Trash Pandas game begins before the game even starts, when team mascot Sprocket the raccoon comes on the field in his custom-made car, waving to the fans before getting out to hype them up even more. There are several other costumed characters as well including a man dressed as a hot dog and a giant chicken who goes up on the roof of the Trash Pandas dugout to encourage the crowd to cheer. There are lots of mid-inning merchandise tosses involving everything from t-shirts to sunglasses as well as wacky on-the-field contests such as kids having to spin around and then stomp on a line of balloons while blindfolded. During the middle of the fifth inning, the astronaut race takes place on the field between Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, and Mae Jemison. The astronauts also can be seen roaming the concourse during the game, interacting with fans and posing for photos. The mid-inning astronaut race. Neighborhood 3 Toyota Field is located in the Town of Madison just outside of Huntsville. The area around the ballpark is still being built up, with some restaurants located along Town Madison Boulevard just beyond the outfield fence. Most of them are chain places, but there are a few local options there. You can also head to Huntsville Decatur Highway on the other side of I-565, which also has many local options, but again, most of them are large chains. If you head into Huntsville itself, about a 15 minute drive away, Back Forty Brewing Company is a great place to get a beer or a bite to eat while hanging out with friends or watching live sports on the many TVs. You can also tour the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to see real rockets and space artifacts and maybe even ride in a space simulator. Fans 4 Like anywhere else, the crowds at a Trash Pandas game will depend on where you go. For a typical weeknight game, there will be about 3,000 fans in attendance, while Saturday night games can draw near capacity crowds around 7,000. The fans are some of the most knowledgeable of any in the minors, which is perhaps unsurprising given Huntsville is one of the most intelligent cities in America, full of literal rocket scientists. You will spot many folks keeping score or having intelligent conversations about what is going on in the game. Still, they are here to have fun as well and they will enthusiastically participate as items are tossed in the stands between innings. Access 4 Toyota Field is located right off I-565, about 12 minutes from Interstate 65, a major north-south highway through the region. Parking is available in a large, spacious lot and will cost $6.75 if purchased in advance through the Clutch app or $10 if you buy on site when you arrive. There is plenty of room in the concourse for fans to move around and the restrooms are more than sufficient for the crowds. When re-entering your section, ushers will hold you at the top until there is a break in the action so you do not block other fans' views. Getting out after the game is easy enough, as barriers separate traffic leaving the stadium from through traffic on Town Madison Boulevard to ensure everything can flow continuously. If getting back on I-565 after the game, the highway is right there and it will be a breeze to get on. Return on Investment 5 Berm seats at Toyota Field for the grassy hill down the right field line are just $10, with fans able to bring their own blanket or sit on the grass. Due to the slope of the hill, they are unable to bring lawn chairs and will need to sit on the ground. Every actual seat, from those right behind home plate to those way up the lines, is about $20 with fees, providing an excellent value to fans. Since it's not going to cost you any extra for better seats, you might as well get good ones near home plate or behind your favorite team's dugout. Concession prices are about what you'd expect for minor league baseball. The $6.75 for parking (if you buy in advance) is typical for minor league baseball in this part of the country. Charging over $3 more for buying the day of is unusual, but easily avoidable if you don't want to pay that much. Extras 4 There is a large team store down the right field line near where you come in selling a wide variety of Trash Pandas merchandise. You can also find some Huntsville Stars gear here in honor of the previous team to call this city home. The large kids play area in the outfield is worth an extra star here. The astronauts race in the middle of the fifth inning is a fun tradition that combines the racing mascots you see in many places with the space industry that has made Huntsville the city it is today. Look for the Launched to the League display on the concourse honoring former Trash Pandas who have made it to the big leagues, mostly for the Trash Pandas' parent club, the Los Angeles Angels. For an added bonus, the "A" in "Launched" is actually a rocket, giving the word a double meaning. Final Thoughts A Rocket City Trash Pandas game is a fun experience from start to finish. Not only do you get to see a professional baseball game at a great price, but the fun that happens between innings will keep the whole family entertained, even fans who don't care about baseball. One of many zany team nicknames that joined the minors around that time, the Trash Pandas are living up to the hype that built up when they moved to Madison. If you are in the Huntsville area, be sure to make the trip to Toyota Field to see a Trash Pandas game. It is one of the top stadiums in minor league baseball.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 STMHA Rink @ Joe Thornton Community Centre 75 Caso Xing St Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 St. Thomas Stars website Joe Thornton Community Centre website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,200 Jumbo’s House St. Thomas, Ontario, is essentially known for two things. First, it was the town that saw the tragic death of Jumbo The Elephant. A member of Barnum and Bailey’s Travelling Circus, Jumbo, an African elephant, was struck by a train and died in September 1885. The town has commemorated this event with a large statue of Jumbo in town. St. Thomas is also known for being the hometown of NHL Hall of Famer Joe Thornton. St. Thomas is also the home of the Junior B St. Thomas Stars of the GOHL. A city of 42,000, St. Thomas is located south of London. The Stars were established in 1961 as the Barons and have enjoyed a long history on the Junior B circuit, which included a year of hometown hero Thornton suiting up for the Stars. The team had a few years in the Junior A and Junior C circuits, but spent the majority of their life at the Junior B level. The team adopted the Stars moniker in 1984 and is currently owned by Joe Daniels. Other distinguished Stars alumni include Gregory Campbell, Dan Cloutier, John Cullen, Logan Couture, Brian Willsie, and Bo Horvat. Home for the Stars is the Joe Thornton Community Centre. Built in 2005 and originally named Timken Community Centre, it acts as a community hub with a pair of NHL-sized rinks, a walking track, and community rooms. The Stars play in the STMHA Rink, named for the St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association. In 2018, after Timken Canada had closed their St. Thomas manufacturing plant four years earlier, the city renamed the community centre after Joe Thornton. Food & Beverage 3 The upper lobby is where the main concession is found. Fries, chicken fingers, poutine, onion rings, hot dogs, and burgers are on the menu. Beverages include soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Inside the STMHA Rink, in the northwest corner, is where the Ice Box is found. Alcoholic beverages, featuring a small beer selection, along with some snacks, are available here. Atmosphere 3 The Joe Thornton Community Centre has a fairly attractive exterior featuring brown brick with lighter brick for highlights. The main entry is under a peaked canopy with large windows for natural light in the lobby. After entering the building, fans are met by a permanent ticket window before the stairs that lead to the upper lobby. In the upper lobby, there is no question who this facility is named after, as there is Joe Thornton everywhere. A full set of framed jerseys hangs above the staircase. The St. Thomas Wall of Fame is found in the upper lobby and includes Toronto Maple Leafs legend “Hap” Day and actress Rachel McAdams with Thornton. There are a number of trophy cases on this level, and one of them is dedicated to the Stars. Entry to the STMHA Rink is met with NHL action shots of Thornton, Cory Emmerton, Greg McKegg, and Rumun Ndur, St. Thomas locals, over the windows. Inside the STMHA Rink, the ice is west to east oriented with seating and netting all around the ice surface. The walking track is found behind the seating. The best spot for a view of the centre ice logo is from the south. There are nine rows of plastic arena seats with standing room behind the seating with drink rails. In the northwest corner, the Stars accolades are found, including a banner for the 1987 Sutherland Cup as Junior B Champions in Ontario. Banners highlighting the careers of Dan Clouitier, Logan Couture, Brian Wilsie and Joe Thornton hang on the wall, as well as a new banner commemorating the 2025 induction of Thornton into the Hockey Hall of Fame. There are lots of Stars, markings, and colours around the rink. The gameday production at a Stars game is not dissimilar to other teams in this league. Promotions include program raffles and a 50/50 draw. The speakers in the rink are good, the PA announcer does a good job, and the announcements are easy to understand. Neighbourhood 3 Joe Thornton Community Centre is located east of Downtown St. Thomas. There are a number of bar and restaurant options, mostly of the chain variety. Along with Boston Pizza and Chuck’s Roadhouse, some original options include Legends Tavern and Harry’s Charcoal Broiled. The Stars are the only game in town. For fans looking for other sporting options, making the short drive to London, where the London Knights can be found during the hockey season, is the best idea. Other tourist options in the area include the Elgin County Railway Museum, CASO Railway Station, St. Thomas Elevated Park, Elgin Military Museum, and, of course, the Jumbo the Elephant memorial. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn are not too far. Fans 4 The St. Thomas Stars enjoy strong fan support. For the 2024-25 season, the Stars averaged 640 fans per game, which ranked them 5th in the GOHL. At the time of writing, the Stars ranked 6th in the league and saw 537 fans at the game that was reviewed. Fans in attendance are not unlike most other Ontario fans, as they are fairly quiet and reserved. Access 4 Joe Thornton Community Centre is located east of Downtown St. Thomas. It is about 1 ¼ km south of Highway 3 and 12 km southeast of Highway 401. Getting to the arena is not too difficult. There is plenty of free parking on site. For fans wanting to take public transit, there are stops on Caso Crossing and Talbot. Fans should consult the St. Thomas Local Motion website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the arena is not too difficult, and the washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Return on Investment 5 The St. Thomas Stars and GOHL provide tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Stars are $12 with discounts for seniors and youth. Cash or card are methods of payment available. Concession prices are reasonable, and parking at the facility is free. The product on the ice is very good, and the arena is comfortable. Put that all together, and it equals a solid night’s sports entertainment for a low financial outlay. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Joe Thornton Community Centre as a community hub. A pair of extra marks for the Jumbo the Elephant memorial and local celebrity, Joe Thornton. Thornton’s NHL nickname of ‘Jumbo’ comes from his hometown and the sad story of the circus elephant. Final Thoughts The St. Thomas Stars are a solid franchise in the Junior B level GOHL. St. Thomas has shown its love for their hometown hero, Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Thornton. The Joe Thornton Community Centre is a solid Junior B facility that offers good sightlines and comfort, and taking in a Stars game has tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 25 Hester St. Hamilton, ON L9A 2Nc Hamilton Steel website Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,500 The Kilty Buzz Editor's Note: The Kilty B's will be rebranding as the Steel for the 2026-2027 season. On the Mountain in Hamilton, there is a little shrine to one of their favourite hockey sons. Dave Andreychuk was a star for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In his final season in the NHL, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win their first Stanley Cup. Andreychuk is a product of his hometown Hamilton hockey system, and the Mountain Arena now also bears his name. A hockey hub for the “Mountain,” the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena was built in 1966 and boasts a capacity of 2,500. Renovations have been completed on the arena over the years, including replacing the old wooden seats with plastic stadium seats salvaged from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays. One of the additions includes a figure skating rink. The Junior B level of hockey in Ontario has a presence in Hamilton. The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has the Hamilton Kilty B’s, a traditional Hamilton hockey name, as part of the league. The arena was also the home of the Hamilton Fincups and Hamilton Steelhawks of the OHL and Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL. The Red Wings began as a Junior B team in 1973 and played as the Kilty B’s from 1977 to 2002. The current Kilty B’s organization began as the Junior C, Stoney Creek Warriors. They earned four titles and moved up to Junior B in 1994 and were renamed the Stoney Creek Spirit. After returning to the Warriors moniker, they moved to Ancaster in 2013 and then to Hamilton in 2015, just after the departure of the Hamilton Red Wings. The Red Wings franchise held the rights to the historic Kilty B’s brand and was sold to the current owner to bring the buzz back to Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar can be found on the south side of the arena, behind the seating bowl. Simple options include chips, chocolate bars, and popcorn. Coca-Cola products are available, as well as a small selection of mainstream domestic beer. Vending machines are also available in the halls at ice level. Concession prices are very good as compared to major sporting venues. Atmosphere 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is a throwback from a different time with a few comfort upgrades. It is part of a larger complex with a figure skating ice surface. The main entry for the arena is on the parking lot side behind Hester Street. The exterior is low profile with tan brick with light accents. Both the front and rear have Kilty B’s markings, alerting fans that this is the home of Hamilton’s Junior B squad. Upon entering the building from the east side, fans enter a small lobby that is a shrine to Dave Andreychuk. The lobby is littered with pictures of Andreychuk from different teams, a collage outlining his journey to the Stanley Cup, and some of his career stats. Another collage outlines his experience playing youth hockey in Hamilton, and a framed jersey from his number retirement by the Oshawa Generals is also prevalent. Temporary tables welcome fans for purchasing tickets and 50/50 tickets. Fans must ascend the stairs to reach the seating area, which is made up of up to seven rows of older blue stadium seats. The seats themselves have repurposed seats from the former Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The repurposing is similar to what was done at Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto and the fields at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the best spot for the center ice logo picture on the north side. The love for Dave Andreychuk continues inside the arena with his honored number 8 from Hamilton Youth Hockey, as well as highlights of his NHL career. The west side of the arena features Kilty B’s logo and the 50th anniversary logo. The arena has a low profile ceiling with trussed support beams across the building, painted black. In each of the four corners, the top rows still have the original seats, and behind the wooden seats are small replica boards with class, perfect for playing mini-stick hockey on the other side. Above centre ice is the skinniest four-sided score clock ever seen in a hockey rink, designed to minimize pucks hitting scoreboards. The PA system is pretty good, and the announcements are clear to understand. The gameday production is fairly simple, but not unlike other Junior B teams. The Kilty mascot, Stinger, traverses the crowd and attempts to lead some cheers with the aid of a small drum. Kilty B’s goals are marked with a fog horn, similar to the one used by Andreychuk’s Buffalo Sabres. Simple promotions like a 50/50 draw are part of the game. Neighbourhood 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon Neighbourhood on Hamilton’s Mountain. It is south of Central Hamilton. There are a few spots for food and drink in the immediate neighbourhood. Some options include La Spaghett Pasta House, Charlie’s Chopsticks and Garden Kitchen. There are other sporting options in Hamilton, most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. The McMaster Marauders field football and basketball teams among others and the Hamilton Cardinals of IBL play in the summer months. Hamilton’s main arena, FirstOntario Centre, is closed as of 2024 for a year or two for major renovations. Other tourist options include Upper Chedoke Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum. Mountain Arena is located in a fairly residential area. Fans wanting to stay near the arena may select the Courtyard Hamilton. Fans 3 The Hamilton Kilty B’s have shown some improvement in fan support. In the 2023-2024 season the Kilty B’s attracted an average of 470 fans per game. This was an improvement from the previous year and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs moving to Brantford may be a partial explanation for the increase. The Kiltys ranked 7th in attendance in the 20 team OJHL. Thursdays are typically Kiltys night. However, with a building capacity of 2,500 it will take more than 400 fans to make a positive impact on the atmosphere. The fans in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, similar to most other Ontario fans. Access 4 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain. It is less than 1 km north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and east of Highway 403. It is on the north side of Hester Street between Upper James Street and Ronald Shay Avenue. Getting to the arena is not too difficult, however, traffic on Highway 403 near Highway 6 can be busy during the post work hours. There is plenty of parking onsite that is free. For those fans interested in public transit, there are Hamilton Transit buses that travel Upper James. Fans should consult the Hamilton Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the arena comes with the challenges of any older venue and the washrooms are pretty small, although that should not be a big issue given the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment at a Hamilton Kilty B’s game is very high. Adult tickets go for $10 each, cash at the door. Students and seniors are only $5 and kids under 7 are free. Concession prices are low and parking at the arena is free. The on ice product is strong and fans will have a good time at the game, especially if they like Dave Andreychuk. The history and old school feel of the venue is a bonus. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena as a shrine to this Hamilton hockey product. An extra mark for the repurposed seats from Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. An extra mark for the ownership group rescuing the traditional Hamilton Kilty B’s brand. Final Thoughts Taking in some GOJHL hockey at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is not only a great opportunity to check out some history at a classic venue, but also getting to see a strong hockey program with a traditional brand. It seems that the Hamilton Kilty B’s may just have the Steel City buzzing! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 InnovationPlex 2001 Chaplin St E Swift Current, SK S9H 5A8 Swift Current Broncos website InnovationPlex website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 3,239 Hockey at Speedy Creek Editor's Note: On July 19, 2022, Innovation Credit Union, the facility's naming rights holder, announced that they were refreshing the name of both North Brattleford's CUPlex and Swift Current's Innovation iPlex to InnovationPlex. The Swift Current Broncos began operations in 1967 when the Centennial Civic Centre opened its doors as part of the many celebrations that took place around Canada to commemorate the nation’s 100th birthday. Due to financial issues, the Broncos moved to Lethbridge in 1974 and remained there until 1986 when they were bought and returned to their original home in Swift Current. While the Broncos were in Lethbridge, the Civic Centre suffered some hard times, including a 1976 wind storm that tore the building open on both ends, requiring major repairs. More recently, the Centennial Civic Centre received a $14 million face lift and expansion in 2007-08 and was rebranded the Credit Union i-plex. The additions on the east and west ends almost doubled the square footage of the facility, creating a curling rink, increasing seating capacity around the hockey rink and adding a number of new bells and whistles to the facility to bring it into the 21st century. The Broncos have had some highs and lows since returning to Swift Current. In 1986, their first year back, there was a tragic bus crash that killed four of the players. Two years later, in 1989, they had a high point, winning the Memorial Cup. But that high point was later brought low again by the revelation of sexual abuse charges against Broncos head coach Graham James, who spent three years in prison due to his actions against members of his team. The Memorial Cup win and the players lost in the 1986 crash are both honored by banners hanging from the rafters, reminding fans of the good times and the bad. And these days it is more good than bad, with the Broncos solidly in the WHL Eastern Conference playoff picture the last few years, giving the fans plenty to cheer about. Food & Beverage 3 When you walk into the Credit Union i-plex’s main entrance, on the southwest corner of the arena, you’ll find yourself in the main arena lobby. To your right is the Stable, the team’s store. Straight ahead is the rink itself, and to your left is the main concession stand. All the usual arena options are here: potato chips, fries, poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), burgers, candy, and bottled pop. The prices, relative to larger venues, are quite reasonable, with the single burger selling for $4.50 and a bottle of your favorite Coke product for $2.75. The chicken fingers ($6) also come highly recommended. There is a second concession on the east end of the stands with the same selection, so fans don’t have to make the trek all the way across the building to get their munchies. In addition, there are also three locations around the stadium providing beer and hi-ball options for the adult audience. Two locations are to the north and south of the east concessions; one is in the main lobby, adjacent to the main concessions. Atmosphere 4 In a small facility like the Credit Union i-plex, it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the energy up in the place. A couple thousand people, many with cowbells, can get the place rocking in no time at all. What I have typically found in junior hockey arenas is that the crowds are usually fairly subdued until something important happens, but when it does, things get boisterous in a hurry, showing the fans to be engaged in the action. With the game viewable from standing room in the main lobby right at ice level, audience members downstairs almost feel like they’re right in the game, just inches from the play. And even the worst seats in the main viewing bowl are only 11 rows back from the ice, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. As I’ve observed in many WHL rinks, there is also a row of standing-only spots marked out around the perimeter of the seating bowl in addition to the end boards in the lobby area. Many fans apparently prefer to stand to watch the game and some even bring their own stool for use in their designated standing location. The building itself is tidy and clean throughout, making for a pleasant experience. All of this adds up to a positive environment to take in a game. Neighborhood 2 The Credit Union i-plex is located on the southeast corner of Swift Current, right on the edge of town. The neighborhood to the north and west is residential while to the south and east are essentially prairie farmland. Bottom line is that the immediate area provides absolutely no pre or post-entertainment or dining options. The good news is that you’re not too far away from anything in Speedy Creek (as Swift Current is sometimes known). The i-plex is only a couple kilometers south of the Trans-Canada Highway and along that highway you’ll find the bulk of the commercial district for the city. Along the north and south service roads you’ll find all the typical franchise restaurants you might expect in a city, plus a couple mom-and-pop places as well. Word is that the Original Joe’s, at 935 Central Ave. N., adjacent to the west end of South Service Road, is the place to go after games, with the local Boston Pizza (1601 North Service Rd. E) a close second. Fans 4 Swift Current is a small city of just over 15,000 people. To fill the Credit Union i-plex’s seats to capacity, they need to draw about 20 percent of the city’s population. The fact that they routinely flirt with sellouts over the course of any given season tells you how dedicated the residents of Swift Current are to their team. As a result, the fans in the stands at Broncos games are well informed about the team, the players, and the sport. Many fans can be seen in their Broncos gear and they are ready to have some fun. They come to cheer their boys on to victory and they express their displeasure when things don’t go their way. Overall, they are very fun to be around and help to create a great atmosphere for hockey. Access 4 Situated on the corner of Chaplin St. and Memorial Dr., the Credit Union i-plex is easy to get to from anywhere in Speedy Creek. You’re only a couple kilometers east of downtown and all of the surrounding residential communities are very close by. There appears to be ample parking in the i-plex parking lot and the parking is free, saving you a couple extra bucks to spend on Broncos merchandise. After the game, the lot clears out quickly. I was able to get back on the street and on my way in well under 10 minutes. Inside the building, the main lobby appears to have plenty of space for the crowd in between periods and the concessions are queued up effectively to keep them from interfering with foot traffic. Leaving the lobby, you’ll go up stairs to the top of the stands to make your way to your seat. The upper corridor is a little tight along the sides, but opens back up at the ends behind the luxury boxes. Return on Investment 4 Game day tickets are $18 for adults, $9.25 for students (13-18 years old) and $7.25 for children. For such a bargain price, the opportunity to check out the next generation of hockey superstars before they become famous is a bargain. The product on the ice is excellent, presented in a pleasant environment, and definitely worth the money. Extras 5 The Broncos mascot, Charlie Horse, participates in a number of on-ice ceremonies and give-aways and also makes his way through the stands to entertain the kiddies throughout the game. Considering the modest size of the arena, the scoreboard is impressively large, with quality monitors on all four sides, providing a live action feed of the game as well as replays of the big moments. There are a number of points of interest through the arena and lobby harkening back to times past. The Broncos’ championship banners, including the 1989 Memorial Cup banner, hang proudly from the center spine of the rink. There is also a banner in tribute to the four players killed in the 1986 bus crash. The four-leaf clover logo displayed on the banner, with the jersey number of one of the players on each lobe of the clover, can also be found on the shoulder of the Broncos uniform. In the lobby, to the immediate left of the main entrance, you’ll find the Swift Current Broncos Hall of Fame display, featuring the names and faces of all the key contributors to the Broncos legacy, such as former NHLers Brian Trottier, Dave “Tiger” Williams, and Joe Sakic. On the far side of the concession stand, there is another tribute to the fallen four from 1986. A poster-sized memorial featuring Broncos jerseys with the players numbers, names and photos again reminds fans of that dark day in December, 1986 when the team tragically lost four of its own. The team’s store, The Stable, is located just to the right of the main entrance. Everything Broncos can be purchased here, from jerseys to hats to pucks to keychains. And for fans who love their cowbells, there are two different sizes of cowbell to choose from. If you’re looking for something to do prior to the game, the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame is located on the upper floor of the i-plex with an entrance on the northwest corner of the building for the price of a donation. Have a walk through and see displays about great Saskatchewan hockey figures like Gordie Howe, Glenn Hall, Ed Chynoweth, and Fred Sasakamoose. Something else I always appreciate seeing is recycling bins and the i-plex has them placed throughout the arena. Final Thoughts The Credit Union i-plex is approaching its 50th birthday but the recent updates have given the building a more modern look and feel. The interior design still has a distinctly small-town feel while maintaining some of the more upscale features many fans have come to expect in stadiums. There have been ups and downs in Broncos history and the arena has not shied away from paying tribute to both, giving the building a good sense of its place in junior hockey history.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Centrium 4847B 19 Street Red Deer, AB T4R 2N7 Red Deer Rebels website Centrium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 6,000 The Rebel Alliance Editor's Note: On June 5, 2025, Westener Park announced a new naming rights agreement with Sylvan Lake-based equipment company Marchant Crane, renaming the arena Marchant Crane Centrium. Nestled almost exactly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, the residents of Red Deer share a healthy split of allegiances between the two major Alberta cities’ NHL clubs. Both the Oilers and Flames are well represented in Red Deer, however, when it comes to Junior Hockey, there is no question as to who is king. The Red Deer Rebels have been members of the Western Hockey League since 1992. Founded by Terry and Wayne Simpson, the Rebels have seen quite a few future NHL players walk through the doors and also enjoyed some team successes. The ultimate team successes for the Rebels came in 2001 when the Rebels, led by future NHL players Jeff Woywitka and Colby Armstrong, saw Doug Lynch score the biggest goal in Rebels history, an overtime goal to defeat Val d’Or in the Memorial Cup Final. Red Deer is the third largest city in Alberta. At a population of 90,000 it is the perfect kind of city for junior hockey. Home for the Rebels is the ENMAX Centrium. Built in 1991, the Centrium looks like a rather large facility for the city, with a capacity of 6,000 for hockey. The naming rights for the Centrium were purchased by energy company Enmax Consolidated. The Simpsons would sell the Rebels to former NHL player Brent Sutter, who follows an increasingly common Canadian Hockey League formula, acting as majority owner and head coach. The Centrium is located on Westerner Park, Red Deer’s local fairgrounds, and owned and operated by the non-profit Westerner Exposition Association. The Rebels have done a great job in developing an identity for themselves in Central Alberta and developing NHL caliber talent. They also boast one of the best logos in all sport. If you are in Alberta, then the Rebel Alliance, then a trip to the Enmax Centrium to see the Red Deer Rebels will be a worthy experience. Food 4 Food options at the ENMAX Centrium are about what you would expect from a junior hockey facility. Options at the Centrium for food are what you would expect. Burgers ($4.75), hot dogs ($4), grilled chicken, chicken fingers, fries ($3.50), onion rings, poutine, chocolate bars, chips, licorice, candy, nachos and soft serve ice cream are all available at the various concession stands. Pizza is provided by local favorite Buster’s Pizza and a variety of concoctions are available. ($6) The quality of food items are decent and the prices are what you would expect for junior hockey. For something a little more unique, give the cheese smokies a shot. For beverages, a pretty good variety of Pepsi products are found throughout the Centrium ($2.50/$3.50/$4.50). Other soft drinks are also available, including coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, Gatorade, iced tea and bottled water. The Centrium offers a decent selection of beer also including Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top, Alexander Keith’s IPA, Corona, and Stella Artois ($6.75). Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff coolers and Keith’s Cider are also available. Atmosphere 4 The ENMAX Centrium offers a great atmosphere to watch a Western Hockey League game. Approaching the Enmax Centrium immediately surprises patrons. The sheer size of the arena from the outside makes it feel as if you are heading to a major league event. As compared to many other Canadian Hockey League venues, the Centrium just looks like one of the biggest, outside of the NHL or former NHL venues. The exterior features brown brick and siding which is nice enough looking. The front of the Centrium offers a nice meeting area with ticket windows. The exterior has loose brick and the longhorn skull logo in a very smart looking exterior. There is not much in the way of glass for the arena itself but that is to be expected considering the age of the building. The entry is where you will find the honoured players who played for the Rebels. The entry has large banners hanging from the ceiling honouring Colin Fraser, Martin Erat, Boyd Gordon, Mathew Dumba, Martin Hanzal, Colby Armstrong, Brandon Sutter, Dion Phaneuf, Jim Vandermeer, Cam Ward, Darcy Kuemper, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, James Reimer, Kris Versteeg, Jeff Woywitka, Derek Meech, Alex Petrovic, and coach Brent Sutter. Upon entering the arena itself, patrons are immediately met with the 360 degree open concept concourse. The ice-surface is in an east-west configuration. Above centre ice hangs a nice, four-sided videoboard with a ribbon ring below it. On top of video board are four, red goal lights, which are used when the Rebels score. Above the ice on the west side of the arena hang 10 division, conference and league championship banners. The centrepiece is the 2001 Memorial Cup Championship banner. Above the ice on the east side are a variety of other banners with links to the ENMAX Centrium including banners for games played in Red Deer for the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2011 and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canadian Womens National Curling tournament of 2012. The seating bowl features two levels. The lower level is a complete bowl with approximately 12 rows. The north and south sides of the rink also feature an upper bowl. The seats are all plastic green, which matches the iron work throughout the arena, specifically the ceiling. The green is almost a light mint green, which looks out of place compared to the team colours and the rest of the arena. There are a few luxury boxes between the upper and lower levels on the north and south sides. There are also luxury boxes on two levels above the concourse on the west side. The east side of the arena features an open bar with a curious large curtain behind it. If you are looking for the perfect picture with the centre ice logo, then the south side of the arena is where you want to be. A great spot to sit is in the first few rows of the upper deck. It offers a great view of the entire ice surface, and is not too far. The in-game promotions are what you would expect from a Canadian Hockey League game. The 50/50 draw is pretty significant here and the live 50/50 tracker definitely helps bring in more dollars. The Rebels do not overpower fans with promotions. A nice little preview of the game is offered before the game on the videoboard. The music that is played through the evening is the typical mix of pop and classic rock with a little more country music peppered in. The Rebels mascot is Wolly Bully and travels through the arena interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 4 The Centrium offers quite a few interesting options in the immediate neighbourhood. The Centrium is located on the grounds of Westerner Park, at the southern end of the city of Red Deer. Nearby Gaetz Avenue offers a huge variety of bars and restaurants for pre and post game meals. Numerous national chain restaurants are in the immediate area including Montana’s, East Side Mario’s and Five Guy’s Burger and Fries. Other options you may want to consider include Taphouse Bar and Grill, Fionn MacCool’s, Toad ‘n Turtle, Earl’s Kitchen and Bar and Rusty Pelican. There are a number of events that also take place at Westerner Park including camping and horse racing, which may be of interest. It may be out of the way a bit, but a trip to this area is not complete without heading to the Alberta Badlands and the town of Drumheller. The terrain is very interesting and a trip to the Royal Tyrell Museum is a must for anyone interested in dinosaurs. Other sporting options are pretty much relegated to a trip to either Calgary or Edmonton, which is not too much of a burden. A number of hotels are also in the immediate area. The Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer and the Howard Johnson Inn Red Deer are pretty good selections. Fans 4 The Red Deer Rebels have a pretty strong following in the WHL. Over the past three seasons the Rebels have seen a pretty decent increase in fan support. The 2013-2014 season saw the Rebels average just under 5,000 fans per game. This ranked 7th in the league. The Rebels have been trending in the right direction and by the time the 2015-2016 season rolled around the Rebels had bumped themselves up to 5th in the WHL, averaging over 5,600 fans. Considering the top three teams in the WHL, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, all play in much larger markets and NHL sized arenas, the Rebels are in a great spot. A deffinit factor in the increased attendance numbers has to be the hosting of the 2016 Memorial Cup, which also guarantees the Rebels a spot in the tournament. The fans in Red Deer are fairly typical of Canadian junior hockey. They are not over the top excited, but are well educated, sophisticated, and make noise at all the appropriate moments. Access 5 Getting to Red Deer and the Centrium are no problem at all. ENMAX Centrium is located on the grounds of Westerner Park, at the south end of the city of Red Deer. The park is just east of the Queen Elizabeth Highway, highway 2 and getting into the park is no problem at all. If you are interested in taking some public transit to the Centrium, there are buses that run on 49 Ave and 19 Street. check out the Red Deer Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. For those entering Westerner Park by car, there is plenty of parking on the grounds. At $5 a visit, it is not the greatest deal in the Canadian Hockey League but is absolutely affordable and cheaper than their Calgary and Edmonton rivals. The main entry into the ENMAX Centrium is on the east side of the building. It is large and spacious and offers a great place to meet friends and family. Ticket windows are inside the main entrance. Inside the arena there is plenty of room to get around. Intermission are understandably mormore crowded but much better off than many other facilities. The washroom facilities at the Centrium are also adequate. Return on Investment 5 The Canadian Hockey League experience offers one of the best returns on Investment in all of sport and the Red Deer Rebels are no exception. Ticket prices for the Red Deer Rebels remain under $20 at $19.75 a piece. There are also discounts for seniors, students and children. Parking is $5 and concession prices are pretty good. Combine that with the high pace of play and the opportunity to see future Hockey Hall of Farmers, and you have the opportunity to bring out the entire family for some top notch entertainment. Extras 3 An extra mark for Red Deer hosting the 2016 Memorial Cup. An extra mark for the numerous kids in attendance who found corners of the concourse to play mini-sticks. An extra mark for the great location of Red Deer, smack dab between Edmonton and Calgary. Final Thoughts The Red Deer Rebels offer patrons a great product in a great facility. The Rebel Alliance will assuredly do a fantastic job hosting the 2016 Memorial Cup. Their stability in the Western Hockey League has been an attribute that other teams strive towards. If you are making an Alberta stop, the a trip to Red Deer for the Rebels is a natural and you won’t regret it. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Temple Gardens Centre 110 1st Ave NW Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0Y8 Moose Jaw Warriors website Mosaic Place website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 4,465 Mosaic Place Editor's Note: On March 1, 2025 it was announced that the Peepeekisis Cree Nation had entered into a five-year, $600,000 naming rights agreement with the city of Moose Jaw. This review, written in 2016, reflects the arena's name at that time, Mosaic Place. After a four-year stint in Winnipeg, the Western Hockey League’s Warriors moved to Moose Jaw in 1984. They played their games at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, better known as the Crushed Can, for many years, but in 2011 the team moved to a brand new facility right downtown, known as Mosaic Place. The $61 million arena seats 4,465 people, which is the equivalent of about 13 percent of the entire city population when the place is full. In addition to the rink area, it also features an eight-sheet curling club, a banquet room, and other meeting rooms. It has played host to a number of major events, including the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and concerts by A-list performers like Alice Cooper and Carrie Underwood. But the Moose Jaw Warriors are the centrepiece of entertainment in the building. The Warriors have won the East Division of the WHL three times in their history and have placed an impressive 47 players in the NHL including Kelly Buchberger, Mike Keane, and Ryan Smyth. Although they have never won the Memorial Cup, they are a consistently strong franchise that has a knack for developing talent. Food & Beverage 3 There are four concession stands in Mosaic Place, one in each corner, and there are also concessions upstairs for people sitting in the club seating section on the north end of the rink. There are also vending machines in a few spots in the concourse if you’re just looking for a bottle of pop and a bag of chips or a candy bar. The options at the concessions are pretty standard, but there are some interesting choices as well. In addition to stuff like hot dogs ($4.75) and French fries ($4.75), you can also try the boneless dry ribs ($7.50) or buffalo chicken burger ($7.50). One of the other specialty options I tried was the Pointer Dog ($8), named for 2015-16 Warriors team captain Brayden Point. It’s a double smoked farmer’s sausage in a pretzel bun, topped with onion rings, bacon, cheddar cheese, and banana peppers. Probably not the healthiest thing I’ve ever eaten, but yummy! Next to the concessions you’ll find self-serve toppings stands where you can load your burgers and dogs up on ketchup, mustard, as well as fresh pickles, onions and peppers. The typical beverage options are also available at the concessions. A medium fountain drink is $3; a 16 oz. coffee is $2.25. If you’re seeking an alcoholic beverage, you’ll also find a decent selection, including Great Western and Original 16 beer on tap ($6.75 per glass) and highballs as well ($6.75 for a single). Atmosphere 3 As I have found throughout the WHL, the atmosphere at a Warriors game is fairly subdued but focussed. There isn’t much crowd noise during play, unless something exciting happens. My handy-dandy sound meter phone app told me that when the Warriors scored, the arena sound level increased to about 100 times louder than in the moments leading up to the goal. So people are paying attention and ready to get excited at the appropriate moments. One thing I really appreciate about the experience is that Mosaic Place is beautiful inside. It is spacious, well-lit, has great acoustics, and is well-appointed with features that let you know this is Moose Jaw Warriors territory. The south end wall has two huge fabric jerseys hanging from it, bookending the Mosaic Place signage. There is a row of Warriors championship banners and retired team numbers hanging above the north end of the rink; the Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame is on the north wall of the concourse, with bronze plaques of all the key figures in team history. The colour scheme of the facility also matches the Warriors uniforms, giving this place a great feel. Neighborhood 4 Mosaic Place is located just a couple blocks west of Main St in downtown Moose Jaw. The neighborhood is old and a little long in the tooth, but actually has lots to see and do. If you are looking for something to do before game time and you’re into historical tours, head to the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, at 18 Main Street and take a 50-minute multi-media guided tour of the city’s famous tunnels, which were used a century ago by Chinese immigrants and in the Roaring 20’s by Al Capone to smuggle booze to the United States. As for nightlife, there are a number of options. Right across the street to the east of Mosaic Place is the Crushed Can Sports Bar and Nightclub, named after the old Moose Jaw Civic Centre. On Main Street you’ll also find a few more places, such as Brown’s Social House, the Cornerstone Bar and Grill, Houston Pizza, and DK All-You-Can-Eat Sushi House. Keep heading east and you’ll find several more places such as a nice little Irish pub called Bobby’s Place, a Boston Pizza, and Casino Moose Jaw. Without looking too hard, you should be able to find something within easy walking distance of Mosaic Place to suit just about anyone’s taste. Fans 4 The fans in Mosaic Place are a pleasant crowd, quiet for the most part, but engaged in the action on the ice and primed to cheer when circumstances call for it. As with any hockey fans I’ve been around in Canada, the folks at the game are knowledgeable and dialled into the game. Crowds at Warriors games are typically in the 3,000-3,500 range, with several games a season over 4,000 so the place is at three-quarters of its capacity or better every night. Considering that Moose Jaw is a city of about 33,000 people, that’s pretty strong local representation on any given night. Access 4 There are only about a hundred parking spots on site at Mosaic Place, however there are almost 1,500 spots within 500 metres of the building on the streets around the arena and all of them are free during evening events. The only caution would be to avoid parking in local business lots, such as at the Safeway grocery across High Street to the north of the arena, as you’re likely to be ticketed and/or towed. Getting to and from the building is pretty easy from anywhere in the city. Main St. can get you from the TransCanada Highway at the northern city limits to the heart of downtown in 10 minutes or fewer. Other arteries such as 9 Ave can get you to the south side of town and roads like Caribou Street can deliver you to the east or west in no time at all. Of course, in a city this size, nothing is too far away from anything else, so travel times are always relatively short. Moose Jaw Transit’s Route 1 drops off right by the facility and Routes 2, 3, and 4 have stops within a couple blocks. Inside the building, the concourse is very spacious. The Grand Entrance on the west side of the building features a large, roomy staircase, with an adjacent escalator, leading to an upper lobby and the main doors into the arena bowl. The hallways surrounding the lower seating bowl are quite wide, with plenty of room to accommodate the audience. There is one traffic pinch point in the northeast corner, near the main entrance, where the concession stand queues out into the walkway, so things can get jammed up a bit in that spot. Roping off the concession lineup to direct it to the side of the walking area would fix the problem, but in the grand scheme of things, that’s a pretty minor issue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets anywhere in the lower bowl are $19.05 per seat, with club seating upstairs on the north end going for $28.57. These prices are right in line with the rest of the WHL and make for a terrific value for the opportunity to see the hockey stars of the future honing their craft in a great location. The sightlines throughout Mosaic Place’s seating area are excellent, so every single seat in the building is a good one. Extras 4 There are a number of interesting Warriors-related touches around Mosaic Place. There are a number of championship banners and retired number banners in a row above the north end of the rink. On the south end are two giant home and away Warriors jerseys hanging on either end of the Mosaic Place logo. The Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame is located on the north wall of the concourse with more than 20 bronze plaques commemorating the key figures in team history. There is a Kids Zone in the southeast corner of the concourse, set off from the main walking area, where youngsters can frolic and play if they need a little distraction. Something we observed were signs with a number to text to if there’s a problem. I think this is a great idea and gives the facility the opportunity to respond quickly to any issues that might arise. Inside the north lobby is the Crushed Can Retail Store, where you can pick up all your Warriors swag, from jerseys and caps to bunny hugs (known to people outside of Saskatchewan as hoodies), and key chains. This is about as big and well-appointed a store as I’ve ever seen for a junior hockey team, with something for every fan. Posted in a number of locations around the concourse are “Green Building Tour” signs, telling visitors to Mosaic Place of all the eco-friendly features of the arena’s design. Among those features is one I’m always happy to see: recycling bins throughout the building next to the regular garbage cans. Warriors mascot Mortimer Moose makes his way through the stands during the game to entertain the kids in the crowd. He also helps out with some of the promotions that happen during stoppages in the game. Final Thoughts The Moose Jaw Warriors play in a beautiful building that is cutting-edge and still practically brand new. For that reason alone it is well worth the trip across southern Saskatchewan in the middle of winter to check it out. If you’re in the process of seeing every WHL arena, you need to move this one up your priority list.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Co-op Place 2802 Box Springs Way NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0H3 Medicine Hat Tigers website Co-op Place website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,100 Den of Tigers Since the Medicine Hat Tigers’ inaugural season of 1970-71, they’ve won two Memorial Cups and five Western Hockey League titles, making them one of the most consistent performers in WHL history. Not surprisingly, they’ve produced a ton of talent, graduating 109 players to the NHL, including Jay Bouwmeester, Rob Niedermeyer, Chris Osgood, Lanny McDonald, and Kelly Hrudey. Until the fall of 2015, the Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future. Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. Food & Beverage 4 There are four main concession stands at Co-op Place, one in each corner of the arena. The north west and south east concessions, known as the Badlands Grill and the Gas City Grill, offer pretty standard fare. A plain burger with fries is a bargain at $10. Add cheese for $1 and bacon for $2 and it’s quite tasty. You can also find hot dogs ($8, also including fries), candy and chips, pop in a bottle or from the fountain. There is also a selection of alcoholic drinks available at these concessions. You can get Molson Canadian, Coors Light, or Coors Original for $7, a selection of craft beer for $8, plus a few cocktails and other drinks. The northeast and southwest concessions are Express locations where you can grab and go. The menu has the same beverage options, while the food is a little simpler—snacks, nachos, hot dogs (without the fries), and so on. Additionally, there are several locations around the arena exclusively selling adult beverages, including the Molson Hockey House lounge area on the south side. Between periods the lounge fills up with fans looking to enjoy a cocktail and some conversation away from the ice. On the east end, between the two main concession stands, are two smaller set-ups selling popcorn and little donuts. On the north side you’ll find The Blue Line, offering a more in-depth cocktail and beer menu. In the southwest corner of the main concession is the Grit City Caesar Bar, if you’re looking for that Great Canadian drink. They offer five different blends, including a non-alcoholic version. Upstairs in the west concourse behind the upper seating is the Whiskey Bar, selling a variety of unique whiskey options as well as some other cocktails. This spot is only open for Tigers games on Fridays and Saturdays. If you head downstairs in the southwest corner, you’ll find one more concession stand, called The Tigers Den, serving up made-to-order pizza, if that’s what you’re looking for. Food and drink pricing throughout Co-op Place is very good compared to many other venues. Definitely a plus. Atmosphere 3 Watching junior hockey around Alberta and Saskatchewan, you’ll find that the buildings tend to be fairly subdued for most of the game, but get much louder and more energetic as soon as something exciting happens in the game. At the Co-op Place things are much the same. You get the sense that the place is locked and loaded to erupt when the Tigers score, but that energy level does seem to come and go. It’s pleasant and friendly, but not quite edge-of-your-seat intense. Crowds tend to fill this venue to about half capacity for most games, so that also results in a little less energy in the stands. The banners that used to decorate the Arena downtown are now located on the east end of Co-op Place. Lanny McDonald’s retired number is hanging from the rafters and the many, many championship banners the Tigers have earned over the years run the entire width of the roof at that end of the ice surface. All this history does a good job of helping make this place feel like the home of the Tigers. Medicine Hat Tigers Banners, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 2 There was some controversy when the location of Co-op Place was originally announced. Located in the Box Springs Business Park, a developing industrial area on the west edge of Medicine Hat, the arena is about as far away from the city proper as it can get while still remaining in the city limits. The area itself is largely empty prairie land, with a few warehouses and store fronts. Therefore, if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite before or after the game, your options are extremely limited. In fact, there are really only four food options in the immediate area, and by “immediate area” we’re talking less than a 20-minute walk. The busiest spot is the Boston Pizza located at 2500 Box Springs Rd., a little more than a half kilometre away. A Keg franchise has opened right next to the Boston Pizza as of 2016. A little farther away you can also find El Super Taco (103 - 2201 Box Springs Blvd.) which specializes in authentic Mexican food. Finally, if you’re looking for something quick and simple, an A&W can be found in the Petro Canada gas station a little further west at 2900 Box Springs Blvd NW. And next door to that is a McDonald’s and a Subway. On the upside, with a relatively small city like Medicine Hat, the drive to more dining and entertainment options is really only 10 minutes or so. But plan to make that 10-minute drive. Fans 4 The fans at Co-op Place are fairly relaxed for most of the game. However, they get loud when there’s a big hit, big save, or big goal. Looking around the seating bowl, people appear engaged on the game and, like other Canadian hockey crowds, they know their game. Medicine Hat crowds have a reputation for being dedicated to their Tigers and seeing all the people proudly wearing their black and orange confirms it. Clearly these are fans who love their team and that’s always nice to see. Access 3 Getting to the arena is pretty easy, although it’s a bit of a drive for most people. There is ample free parking around the building and the parking lot is designed well enough to allow vehicles to get in easily and for the lot to empty in a reasonable amount of time after games. The concourse appears at first glance to be quite wide and roomy, with plenty of space for the crowd. This is indeed the case at the ends of the rink. However, due to lineups for The Blue Line, community events tables, and the Molson Hockey House queuing into the corridors, both the north and south sides can logjam between periods, although this has improved in the last few years. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets to see the Tigers cost $23.40 each for adults, $16.65 for youths (13-17 years old), and $12.65 for children 12 and under. That seems to be right in line with other teams in the league and a pretty good deal to check out the next generation of talent. Extras 5 The Tigers Store is located just inside the main entrance on the west end of the building. Here you’ll find all the shirts, hats, jerseys and stuffed toys you could want with the team logo and colours. The Tigers mascot, Rroary, has an awesome name for a mascot tiger and spends the game in the stands pumping up the crowd and high-fiving the kids, providing some family friendly entertainment away from the ice. It is always pleasing to see facilities that try to look out for the environment, so seeing recycling bins around Co-op Place is a definite positive. As a LEED-Silver certified building, it just makes sense that they’d place a priority on green practices. One excellent feature is that there are glow-in-the-dark strips on the leading edge of the stairs in the stands, adding to fan safety without being overly distracting or intrusive. This is a great idea that other arenas could learn from. The video screen over centre ice is huge and state-of-the-art, with high definition video that is clear from all areas of the arena and tack sharp. As with most WHL arenas, the top of the lower bowl features standing room viewing locations around most of the rink, with the remainder of the area reserved for wheelchairs and mobility-challenged fans. The north side of the concourse had several tables set up promoting several local causes and businesses. This helps keep a community focus at the event. Final Thoughts Co-op Place is still relatively new, clean, and fresh. It’s continuing to mature into an excellent venue for the Tigers. Although they have yet to host a Memorial Cup, they continue to work hard to earn that distinction somewhere in the not-too-distant future.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 VisitLethbridge.com Arena 2510 Scenic Dr S Lethbridge, AB T1K 1N2 Lethbridge Hurricanes website VisitLethbridge.com Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,479 Rock You Like a Hurricane Editor's Note: As of August 6, 2024, the arena's naming rights were acquired by the Lethbrige Lodging Association and will be called the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. ENMAX Centre opened its doors in 1974, in anticipation of the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Sportsplex (as it was then known) was designed for a multitude of purposes. The stadium converts easily to a number of different applications for curling, concerts, hockey, basketball, banquets, etc. Beginning in 2009, the ENMAX Centre underwent a major facelift, with $34 million in upgrades. New features included new luxury suites, a new scoreboard and sound system, new press facilities, new locker rooms for the teams, and a new restaurant and lounge on upper level of the north end. Now in its 50th year of operation, the facility’s upgrades keep it looking and feeling like a more modern arena. The Lethbridge Hurricanes ice hockey began their history as the Winnipeg Jets in 1967 and have been in operation ever since. They changed their name twice while in Winnipeg before moving to Calgary and becoming the Wranglers in 1977. They remained in Calgary until 1987 when they relocated to Lethbridge and were renamed once again, becoming the Hurricanes, a name they have stuck with now for more than 30 years. They are a member of the WHL (Western Hockey League). Food & Beverage 3 There are five primary concession stands around the arena: two each on the east and west sides and one on the north end. Depending on which concession you step up to, you’ll find some different menu options. The three stands to the north of the building all share a fairly standard arena menu that includes fairly conventional concession fare, including hot dogs ($5.50), popcorn ($6.75 for a regular), and fries ($5.25). Pizza ($7.50) is also available at some spots. If you’re looking for something in particular, you may want to shop around at each stand as the menus do vary from place-to-place. There are also a few other specialty stands, including a concession with specialty cocktails (Pina Coladas, Caesars, etc), one with specialty coffees, a Hawaiian shaved ice stand and a roasted nuts stand. There is also a modest selection of beer on tap ($7.50), coolers, hi-balls and wine ($7.75-$8.50) available at the stands. All things considered, the main concession stands are fairly pedestrian in their pricing, options, and quality, but there’s usually also a feature item on the menu, so you might give that a shot if you’re looking for something unique. Upstairs in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge there is a row of seats right up front allowing fans to watch from the lounge’s vantage point as well as a number of tables that give you a view of the ice surface. Further back, there are more tables for a real dining experience with a detailed and delicious-looking menu. The lounge opens two hours before game time, so this is an excellent option for pre-game dining in a very nice location prior to a Hurricanes game. Atmosphere 3 The vibe at the ENMAX Centre is fairly laid back, as it seems to be at most WHL arenas. There are cheers at the right times but the stadium, typically around two-thirds full, is pretty quiet otherwise. Another issue is the seating. After checking a number of different seating locations around the stadium, one thing that stood out, particularly in the corners, was legroom that can most charitably be called “cozy.” In spite of the seats themselves being new and quite comfortable, the lack of legroom makes it awkward to stay facing forward without having to slide your knees to one side or the other. The legroom is snug for a person who is five-foot-eight; it could be downright unpleasant for a six-footer. Additionally, there are about 50 seats in the upper decks of Sections “AA” and “SS” where about half of the view of the rink is completely blocked off by the luxury boxes. You can still see the game on the video feed on the scoreboard, but it makes this handful of seats less than ideal. Aside from those flaws, sight lines from everywhere else in the building are excellent and the venue’s overall atmosphere is fun and inviting. Also on the plus side, there are a number of touches that help provide a sense of Lethbridge’s hockey history. The rafters at the south end of the stadium are lined with championship banners, including eight earned by the Hurricanes over the years. On the west wall of the concourse is the Hurricanes Hall of Fame, with the names of all the award winners who have earned accolades over the years. ENMAX Centre - Banners Behind the Goal, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 You really can’t ask for a better location than that of the ENMAX Centre. Located right on Scenic Drive, one of the major thoroughfares for Lethbridge, the stadium is also just a couple blocks from Mayor Magrath Drive and most of the key shops and services in town. You are within walking distance of fast food, casual dining, bars, pubs, shopping; pretty much everything is right there. From Five Guys Burger and Fries to Boston Pizza to Brown’s Social House and everything in between, there is something for everyone. A few blocks to the east of the rink is Legend’s Pub, with a good selection of beers and excellent pizza. North of the arena along Mayor Magrath you’ll find the Kingsman Alehouse, with an even better beer selection and a menu full of quality English pub-style food. Fans 3 The fans are obviously dedicated, as they supported the team through a six-season playoff drought from 2010 to 2015. But it’s a relatively small group of fans. With the stands only filled to 60 or 70 percent capacity, the place feels a bit empty at times. Still, the people who are there clearly know their hockey, as most Canadian audiences do. They cheer at the right moments, boo at the right moments and appear engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Parking at the ENMAX Centre is outstanding, however, the city has begun to charge $5 per vehicle in the last couple years for non-season ticket holders, which is a hassle and makes the event a little less cost effective. There is also reserved parking for fans attending the luxury suites. If you’re looking for a free alternative—and you’re willing to walk an extra couple blocks—the parking is free in the neighbourhood directly north of ENMAX Centre. Having said that, getting in and out of the parking lot is a snap, with traffic clearing out quickly and easily following the game (you can typically get back on the streets from the middle of the lot in about five minutes or fewer). With the stadium situated on a major artery, next to a second major artery, getting to and from the ENMAX Centre from anywhere in Lethbridge will be a quick trip. After a game, it is possible to get to the extreme north end of town in fewer than 20 minutes. If you’re looking to bus in, there is a stop right in front of the stadium, again making getting to and from the venue simple. Approaching ENMAX Centre, Photo by Jim Flannery Return on Investment 4 With game-day tickets available for $25.50 a seat for adults and $14.25 for youths, pricing for walk-ups is excellent, providing great value for your viewing dollar. There aren’t many better deals out there for this level of competition and entertainment. An excellent value for your money. The two dozen luxury boxes are leased by ENMAX Centre and are a hot item, so if you’re interested, make your inquiries to the facility well in advance. Season ticket sales for the devoted fan go on sale in the spring, with early bird deals as well as loyalty pricing for returning season ticket holders. Extras 5 ENMAX Centre has a number of great touches to add to the experience of taking in a Hurricanes game. The Hurricanes have a souvenir stand in the northeast corner of the main concourse called Top Shelf, where fans can pick up hats, tee-shirts, jerseys, and various knick-knacks, all at fairly typical prices. A nifty feature that I’ve seen in many junior hockey arenas is standing room spots all the way around the perimeter of the concourse, which are sold in the same manner as the seats. Apparently many fans prefer to watch games from these standing positions, rather than the seats, so this gives the audience one more unique viewing option. As a facility and franchise with very close ties to the community, ENMAX Centre makes several community tables available around the concourse, allowing community-based fundraisers and awareness campaigns an opportunity to bring their message to the fans. The Hurricanes also have a mascot, Cane, to keep the kids in the audience entertained and to help out with various promotions and giveaways during the game. Also of note, among the upgrades to the facility are the new scoreboard and sound system. The scoreboard provides a hi-res video feed of the on-ice action which is readily visible to everyone in the stands. The excellent sound system beams music and public address announcements to the audience and has characteristics that put it on par with the systems in NHL-quality stadiums around North America. It’s always nice to see recycling bins at stadiums and ENMAX Centre is no exception, allowing the fans to be green while enjoying a night out. Final Thoughts When all is said and done, this is a great place to see the stars of tomorrow doing their thing. If the team can find ways to draw more fans to games with creative marketing strategies, it’ll bring the energy up in the building and make it that much more entertaining.