Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Manuel Rivero Gymnasium 1675 Baltimore Pike Lincoln University, PA 19352 Lincoln Lions website Manuel Rivero Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,500 Lions of PA Lincoln University is a public state-related HBCU near Oxford, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, Temple, Pitt, Penn State, and Lincoln have this state-related designation. Legally, the universities remain separate and private entities, operating under their charters, governed by independent boards of trustees, and with assets under their ownership and control, thereby retaining much of the freedom and individuality of private institutions. The nearby University of Delaware also has a similar structure. Lincoln was founded as the private Ashmun Institute in 1854, it has been a public institution since 1972. It is the United States' first degree-granting HBCU. Lincoln has an impressive list of famous alumni including US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, poet Langston Hughes, and jazz artist Gil Scott-Heron. Manuel Rivero Gymnasium is part of the bigger Manuel Rivero Hall which also includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, classrooms, a wrestling room, a dance studio, and an eight-lane bowling alley. The facility was originally called Alumni Memorial Gymnasium and was renamed Manuel Rivero Hall in 1986. Manuel Rivero played football at Columbia University and played professional baseball in the Negro leagues for the Cuban Stars (East) and Pollock's Cuban Stars. Rivero went on to coach various teams at Lincoln between 1933 and 1977. He passed away in 2001. The Lincoln Lions play in NCAA Division II as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Track and Field program has been the university's most successful program. The basketball team set many records in 2006 by winning 201-78 over Ohio State Marion. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food stands at the game. There was a simple drink vending machine in the lobby. We are assuming that on certain games there would be some foods sold in the lobby of the facility. Atmosphere 5 Manuel Rivero Gymnasium is a simple facility with 3 seating sections. You will be close to the action, no matter where you choose to sit. There is a great cheer squad that dances and cheers loudly and effectively throughout the game. There is also likely to be a pep band, or at least a drumline to add to the atmosphere. Lincoln Lions Intros, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey We attended a doubleheader men's/women's event, which is a great value if you choose to do so. Both games are lively and fun to see. Neighborhood 3 Lincoln university is located outside of the town of Oxford, which is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania The Oxford Historic District and Oxford Hotel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a few interesting restaurants in the small town and we can recommend Hollow Earth Brewing, Margherita's Italian Restaurant, and Bellybusters Sub Shoppe. You can also stock up on food at the Landhope Farms convenience store or the Wawa in nearby Nottingham. Nottingham is also home to Herr Foods, which offers tours on weekdays. Check on the hours of their gift and outlet shop if in the area. Herrs also has a very good, and free, Christmas light display from December to January. Fans 5 The fans are very engaged in the game and create a great atmosphere inside Manuel Rivero Gymnasium. They are knowledgeable and loud. Access 3 Lincoln is located off a section of US Route 1 which is a divided highway so access is fairly decent. The only issue is that even though it is in the Mid-Atlantic region, this area of Chester County is much more isolated than you would expect. If you are traveling through this area you may know it as between Herr's Factory and Longwood Gardens. The university has guards at the entrance to their lots but if you let them know you are attending a sports event they will wave you through. There is plenty of parking near the gym. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the game cost $10 for general admission. With it being Division II and the cheap cost of attending a game, the return on investment is quite good. Extras 3 There is a great display case in the entrance lobby showing off all of the athletic accomplishments of Lincoln's teams. The cheer squad is pretty amazing and is a great enhancer of the atmosphere. The color choices and phrases on the seating sections are a nice touch. Final Thoughts Lincoln University is a great sports stop if you are looking for an event between Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Cox Pavilion 4505 S. Maryland Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89119 UNLV Rebels Women's Basketball website Cox Pavilion website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,500 Home of the Runnin' Rebels The Cox Pavilion is the home of women’s basketball and volleyball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Opened in 2001, it allowed the women’s programs to move from the too-spacious Thomas & Mack Center into a space more suitable to the teams. A few games a year of women’s basketball are still played at the Thomas & Mack Center. Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion are co-located with each other and share box offices and parts of a concourse. A temporary wall is set up to separate the two venues in the concourse area and is obviously moved around as needed. They are located on the north end of the main UNLV campus. UNLV was established in 1957. It is located in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada, in what is technically unincorporated Clark County. The university has strong science, business management, and law programs. The William Harrah College of Hotel Administration is annually ranked among the top hospitality programs in the United States due to the university's proximity to the Las Vegas Strip. When the university was known as Nevada Southern University they had adopted the "Rebel" athletics moniker and utilized a mascot dressed in a southern Confederate uniform named Beauregard. The Confederate symbolism is gone but the “Rebel” mascot still roams the sidelines of most sports events. Famous UNLV graduates include Cecil Fielder, Randall Cunningham, Jimmy Kimmel, Suge Knight, and Guy Fieri. Food & Beverage 3 There is one simple food stand as part of the Cox Pavilion setup. The Cox Cafe is moderately priced with "Rebel Dogs" going for $4, pretzels $3, nachos $3, and popcorn for $3. The Kids Meal at $9 is a nice option that includes the hot dog, snack, and small soda. Sodas are $3 and $4, with bottled water also $3. This is Vegas, so you should probably eat before or after a game at Cox Pavilion. But if you need to grab something quickly, the choices are not overwhelming but fairly priced enough. Atmosphere 2 Unfortunately, the crowds for most women's basketball programs are not very large. UNLV is no exception here with a moderate size crowd filling in the basic two-grandstand setup here. The UNLV Pep Band provides some atmosphere at the games and the Rebel mascot can usually be seen as well. The venue can get pretty noisy, even with small crowds so watching a game here is still a good time. Neighborhood 5 Well, you are in Las Vegas, so the neighborhood is pretty good. The arena is not walkable from the strip, although if staying at the Hard Rock Casino a walk is possible. That would be the ideal choice if coming here especially to watch a UNLV game. The Las Vegas Strip is world famous with a bevy of food and entertainment options available. Mid-strip is always a solid choice. If you have a car it is always good to wander off the strip. That is where one of the best buffets in town is located. Head to the M Resort far south on Las Vegas Boulevard for their Studio B Buffet, which includes unlimited beer and wine. I also always recommend staying and playing in downtown Las Vegas. The prices are cheaper and the gambling is better. It is a bit grimier, but the area has a true life of its own. The D Hotel is a nice lodging choice there. Make sure to stop into Pizza Rock, Triple Seven Brewpub, and American Coney Island for great food. If just in a drinking mood, make sure to check out Oak and Ivy (in the very cool Downtown Container Park) and the iconic Atomic Liquors. There are also numerous bars in the Fremont East neighborhood, so that pretty much everyone can find a spot they will enjoy. Fans 3 There are just not enough fans for women's college basketball. That is unfortunate as the action and sportsmanship are amazing to witness. The UNLV fans who are at the game do a great job of making noise and celebrating their team. The game I attended was between semesters so there should be more students in attendance when school is in session. Access 4 Access to the venue is pretty good. Located right around the Paradise Road and Tropicana Road intersection the venue has plenty of free parking available. Las Vegas can get very crowded so plan ahead, especially if you need to cross parts of the Strip or North Paradise Road, near the Las Vegas Convention Center, when a large conference is in town. The I-15 interstate is not far away down Tropicana Road. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be had for a fairly cheap price of $8. For the great entertainment value, as well as coming with free parking the return on investment is solid. . Extras 3 One of the NBA Summer Leagues often uses the Cox Pavilion. There are signs on the wall noting this. It is nice to see games at an arena where so many future and upcoming basketball stars have played at. I enjoyed seeing the volleyball and women's basketball teams having banners showing all of the current teams. That is a nice touch that makes you feel like rooting for the home team. The best extra is that you are in Las Vegas. Only minutes away is a large amount of entertainment, food, and gambling options that make this sports venue a unique sports choice. Final Thoughts The intimate atmosphere of this simple gym is an excellent choice while in Las Vegas when you want to witness some pure sports entertainment.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 NOW Arena 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Windy City Bulls website NOW Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 8,700 Bulls at Now The NOW Arena (originally known as the Sears Centre, Sears Centre Arena) is a multi-purpose 11,800-seat arena (8,700 for basketball) in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Hoffman Estates is a northwest suburb 25 miles (40 km) from Chicago (approximately a one-hour drive from downtown Chicago). The land formerly contained the former Poplar Creek Music Theater. Since 2016, the arena has been home to the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls affiliate in the NBA G League. The arena has a horseshoe-shaped seating area (seating on three sides of the court). Food & Beverage 2 The arena has two main concession stands in the building. One on each side of the arena. Prices at the stands are reasonable for arena fare. There is not much of a selection here. A review of the prices for the most popular items includes chicken tenders with fries ($7), Italian beef ($6), nachos ($5), pizza ($5), cheeseburger ($5), cotton candy ($7), pretzel ($5), Vienna beef hot dogs ($4), Dippin Dots ($5 or $7), popcorn ($5), and candy/cookie ($3). The arena carries Coca-Cola brand beverages including bottled sodas ($6), lemonade ($5), and bottled water ($4). The best of this limited menu is the beef sandwich. Alcohol choices are pretty good in the arena. Domestic beers are Coors, Miller and Leinenkugel ($7), 3 Floyds Zombie Dust ($10), and Blue Moon ($8). Mixed drinks are $10, hard seltzers are either $7 or $14 depending on the brand. Note, buy your food early or wait until after the game starts because the lines are long and don’t move fast. Atmosphere 2 The inside of the arena is bland. In the concourse area, no paintings or references to former teams who played there on the walls. However, there are a couple of banners hanging from the rafters for events held there. The concourse area is wide so you are not bumping into people as you navigate to your seats. There is nothing to get excited about in here. The seats are close to the court and there is not a bad seat in the house. A “lounge” area (with no concessions) is open to the public if it is not rented out for the night. This is a good place to watch the game. There is a kid’s area on the open end of the arena which has a blowup pop-a-shot and slide and other activities, which is a delight for the young ones. Kid's Area at NOW Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The “gift” shop is a pop-up area that is bigger than I expected. They have a great selection of t-shirts and hoodies (from about $25 to $75), etc. There is not much in small stuff like magnets, cards, etc… One interesting item I saw was game-used basketballs ($100). If you are looking to get a picture or autograph of “Gus T. Bull,” the mascot, you can pretty much forget it. He doesn’t go into the crowd much. There is a selfie station which is cool. You get to choose your background and then the picture will get e-mailed to you. Oddly, one of the backgrounds is not the Windy City Bulls court. One scoreboard is on the open end of the arena. The size is normal for this sized arena and the information displayed on the board during the game is informative. The activities between time outs are the usual stuff like a local cheer / dance team doing a routine. Of course, the game day operations provide some basketball related contests too. Neighborhood 2 There is not much of a neighborhood near the arena. A couple of strip malls are a few blocks from the arena that has a few restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Coopers Hawk, Kyoto Japanese, Pinstripes, and Rookies Bar and Grill. If you are looking for food and drink before the game the place to go is Rookies. They have a diverse menu at reasonable prices. The closest hotel is a Holiday Inn Express, about a half mile from the arena. Fans 2 The fans there are mostly parents with their young kids. While the place was about half full at the time of this review, the crowd was dead. Very few people are “into the game.” There is little excitement about the product on the court. Access 3 The arena has more than 4,700 parking spaces around the facility. It is very easy to access the Now Arena from I-90 via exits at Sutton Road or Beverly Road. If you arrive later, the parking lot lines can be long. Walking or taking public transportation, rail or bus, to the arena is not a viable option as the public transportation spots are far from the arena. Parking is $12 which is steep for developmental league basketball. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for Windy City Bulls games are $10 in the sections at the end of the courts and $20 for the sections even with the court, which is the majority of the seats. Floor level tickets range from $50 to $100 depending on the location. . Extras 2 An extra point is for the Spin the Wheel game. Though it is pricey at $10 a spin. There are some really good prizes such as a bobblehead, t-shirts, scarf, foam finger, ticket vouchers, and a “mystery box” (which on this night included a t-shirt and fitted hat. Spin The Wheel at NOW Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The arena gets an extra point for having two banners for the All-Elite Wrestling All-Out events held there. The pro-wrestling company had its first pay-per-view event in this arena. Final Thoughts While the atmosphere is not very exciting, based upon reasonable pricing and decent basketball, if you are a basketball fan, this is a good night out. Just be prepared to run into and hear a bunch of kids.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Centene Community Ice Center 750 Casino Center Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Lindenwood Lions website Centene Community Ice Center website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 2,500 Lindenwood's Mane Attraction The Centene Community Ice Center opened in 2019 at the cost of $83 million. It was developed through a partnership between the City of Maryland Heights, St. Louis County, and the St. Louis Blues. The Center features a wide variety of programs from skating lessons to leagues from youth ice hockey to adult level leagues. It also serves as the home ice for special populations hockey, including sled hockey, special needs hockey and Blues Blind Hockey. The City of Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation Department manages the facility. The facility has four NHL sized ice sheets, including a covered outdoor rink. One of the rinks is set aside for use by the St. Louis Blues practices, Lindenwood University Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey games, as well as the Blues AAA team and the St. Louis Lady Cyclones hockey program. Lindenwood University has had a men’s ice hockey team since 2003. The team played at the ACHA level until the 2022-2023 season, when it moved up to NCAA Division I status, where it plays as an independent. The Lions were a juggernaut in the years they played in the ACHA, as they won four national championships (2009, 2010, 2016, 2022). Their last national championship game at the ACHA level was held on their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center in 2022. In accordance with NCAA rules, Lindenwood’s men’s team will not be eligible to play in any postseason NCAA games until the 2026-2027 season. Food & Beverage 3 The Centene Community Ice Center offers food and beverage service at three levels. These are the 314 Social Bar and Grill for sit down service, the Schnucks Grab and Go Store for convenience store type of purchases such as snacks, drinks, and light sandwiches and the individual concession stands, which sell your typical stadium fare. Each concession level features Pepsi brand sodas and Budweiser brand beers (you are in St. Louis, after all !). The 314 Social Bar and Grill offers a much wider menu than the other two options. We found this option had the highest prices of the three options and offered very slow service. The menu includes nachos ($14), quesadillas ($12), salads ($14), chicken wings ($14/lb.), chicken tenders ($13), cheesesteaks ($16), burgers ($14) and pizza ($13). Drinks are Pepsi brand sodas ($4), Pure Leaf tea ($4), coffee ($4), and bottled water ($4). Budweiser brand beers are $7 for a draft beer and $5 for canned beers. Wines ranged from $7 - $13 and mixed drinks are $6 - $16. The Schnucks Grab and Go option offered food and beverage offerings at the same prices you would find at one of their convenience stores. It also was the fastest option of the three at the Centene Community Ice Center. There is one larger concession stand located in the lobby of the Ice Center, with smaller stands on the concourses inside the seating bowl. It offers your usual stadium fare, at higher-than-average prices. The main stand was overwhelmed during the between periods break. We suggest using the inside the seating bowl stands during breaks in the action. However, they do offer fewer concession items than the main stand due to limited space on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 The Lions hockey home is the 2,500-seat competition rink at the Centene Community Ice Center. The seats at the rink feature tip up chairback seating, as well as high table seating at one end of the ice. All seats are below the concourse and are within 25 rows of the ice, so there literally is no bad seat in the house. The rink also features a four-sided, center-hung scoreboard /videoboard at center ice, with smaller auxiliary boards at the ends of the ice. The Lions hockey home is the 2,500-seat competition rink at the Centene Community Ice Center. Neighborhood 4 The immediate area surrounding the Centene Community Ice Center consists of office parks and businesses that are related towards the nearby Missouri River. The closest hotel to the Ice Center is the Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Riverport-Airport. The only activity close by is the Hollywood Casino and Hotel St. Louis, which is located down the street from the Ice Center. However, just across the river and one exit further west on I-70 is St. Charles, MO. It offers a wide variety of cultural sites, restaurants and historical sites for visitors. There are a number of sites devoted to Lewis and Clark, as the city was the departure point for their expedition to the western United States. The city also features many unique shopping experiences in the historic district. St. Charles is also the home of the Lindenwood University campus. It is well worth a visit, as it is a beautiful campus with some stunning architecture. Fans 5 The Lindenwood men’s hockey team has an extraordinarily strong and diversified fanbase. There are several factors in place to explain this. First of all Lindenwood has a strong record of success in collegiate hockey. The men’s program was a powerhouse at the ACHA level, bringing home several national championships. The women’s hockey team has been in Division I of the NCAA for several years, and has been very successful in postseason play. This explains the staunch support from the alumni, as well as the present student body at the school. The student body section at Lions games is known as the Uproar, and it typically fills two sections of the stands at each game. Even though the Centene Community Ice Center is an off campus venue, it is only six miles and one interstate exit east of the campus. This makes it easy for students to get to. Another strength of support for the Lindenwood hockey program is that the St. Louis region is a hotbed for hockey at all age levels…. and the Centene Community Ice Center reaches all those markets. This includes the NHL Blues using the Ice Center as their practice facility, as well as minor league teams from both sexes, down to the high school, youth and kids leagues that call the center home. Access 4 Centene Community Ice Center is easy to reach from anywhere in the St. Louis region. It is 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, and 10 minutes from St. Louis’ Lambert Airport. Take I-70, I-270, or Highway 364 West to Casino Center Drive. Follow the Ice Center employees’ directions to the appropriate parking lot. The arena entrance is through the main center entrance to the Centene Community Ice Center. This brings you into the main entrance lobby. The lobby is very large and includes access to the 314 Social Bar and Restaurant, the concession stands and the Schnucks Grab and Go store. Additional concession stands are available at the concourse level inside the arena. Return on Investment 4 For the most part, the Centene Community Ice Center is a very affordable place to enjoy a college hockey game. Seating is open and first come, first serve for Lindenwood Lions hockey games, except for a portion reserved for season ticket holders. Tickets are priced by categories rather than seat location. These categories are General Public ($15), Senior Citizens 55 years or older ($15), Alumni ($10), Group ($5) and children aged 12 and under ($5). These are advanced purchase ticket prices. Tickets purchased the day of the game are $3 more at each ticket level. Parking at the Ice Center is $10. We found the concession prices to be much higher than normal at the concession stands and the 314 Local Bar and Restaurant. . Extras 5 Centene Community Ice Center has been named as one of the Top Ten Hockey Venues in the Country by the Sports Planning Guide. Centene Community Ice Center also serves as the home ice for the Saint Louis Blues AAA program, the St. Louis Lady Cyclones. The Centene Community Ice Center also has ties to the NHL. It serves as the St. Louis Blues practice facility and hosted the NHL Alumni All Star Game in 2020. The Ice Center will serve as an NCAA Regionals location in 2026 as St. Louis will host the Frozen Four Ice Hockey Tournament. The Centene Community Ice Center is adjacent to the St. Louis Music Park. This is a 4,500 seat outdoor music venue with an amphitheater setting. Final Thoughts The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally made the leap into NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. It provides an excellent playing surface, training facilities, a dedicated locker room for visiting teams, as well as lodging options just around the corner from the rink. However, visitors should be careful when they enter this Lions den!

Photo Courtesy of Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center 1234 Grambling Rd. Grambling, LA 71245 Grambling State Tigers website Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,600 The Tigers, A Little Offbeat Nestled away in North Louisiana between Shreveport and Monroe on I-20, you will find the town of Grambling, home of the Grambling State Tigers. Grambling State is an all black school known more for its impressive drumline and old school Eddie Robinson football than for its basketball program. The Grambling State Tigers call the 7,500 seat, newly named Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center home. Opened in 2007 the new arena has many of the perks of a great arena, but it may be just a little too much for Grambling State basketball. Food & Beverage 1 I can’t really rate this since the game I attended the concession stands were not open because the campus was closed due to inclement weather. I was told by a member of the stadium staff that they do offer affordable snacks at reasonable prices so I’ll award one point. Atmosphere 2 With a lower concourse filled with backed seats and an upper concourse of bleacher seats, I never could seem to find a comfortable place to sit. The bleacher seats are a little too uncomfortable and the backed seats are a tad too close to enjoy any kind of leg room. The atmosphere definitely wasn’t one of the rowdiest, but the loyal fans still made sure you knew they were there. The PA system and the announcer were great. The announcer made sure to get the fans going and on their feet at the most important times. Unfortunately, there was no pep band which was highly disappointing, especially with the high reputation the band has. I did expect a more rowdy atmosphere since SWAC sports are known for great rivalries, and the Tigers were playing Alcorn State but in this game the atmosphere definitely fell short of my expectations. Neighborhood 1 Grambling is a pretty small college town (population of 4,700), which means you won’t find a whole lot to do in the area. While on campus I would definitely make sure to check out the Eddie G. Robinson Museum, a must see for any college sports fan. Other than the Eddie Robinson Museum you won’t find a whole lot to do on campus or in the town of Grambling. The closest entertainment I found was in Monroe, 35 miles down the road. There in Monroe there is a mall and a convention center that holds concerts from time to time. Also in Ruston just down the road from Grambling you can find the University of Louisiana Tech which also has college athletics and a usually highly ranked women’s basketball team. Overall though I think that’s a little too far to travel to find something to do, which is the downfall to a small college town. Fans 2 The fans weren’t in abundance due to the cold icy weather, but the fans that were there made sure you knew they were in the building. With chants of “Let’s Go Tigers” the fans were loud at the most opportune times. I was disappointed by the lack of a student section as there were only 25 or so students in the student section. The fans ranged from youngsters barely able to walk, to the older crowd there to enjoy a good game and root on their Tigers. Both teams were definitely having seasons to forget with a combined win total of 3 games won after playing 35, but that didn’t stop them from playing their hearts out. The lack of a pep band at the game I do think takes away from some of the aura of the game especially since that’s what SWAC schools are so well known for. Hopefully this will be something the Athletic Department addresses in the future. Overall though, I thought the fans did a decent job in making thier presence known. Access 4 Access to the college and stadium is as easy as it gets. Located just off the I-20, you can’t miss the university. The arena is nestled away in the corner of the campus along with the lady’s softball field and Eddie Robinson Stadium. Parking is free and a short walk from the stadium which is always a plus in my book. Since the arena is newly built bathrooms are in abundance and about as clean as you will find anywhere. Due to the smaller crowd at the game entrance and exit from the arena was a breeze. Return on Investment 3 With ticket prices ranging from $8-12 and free parking, you will not find a much cheaper basketball experience. Like I said earlier, I can’t say much for what you will pay for concessions or the quality of what they offer, but I think it would be hard pressed to ruin the trip. If you’re looking for the best of college basketball this definitely isn’t the place, but if you’re looking for a cheap game to attend and in the area, you can’t go wrong with attending a Grambling State basketball game. Extras 2 A definite plus for the beautiful new arena. It might be too much right now for the Tigers, but hopefully they will grow into it. Another plus goes out to the beautiful Eddie Robinson Museum and how this school has truly embraced and carried on the spirit of one of the greatest football coaches of all time. I do hope that one day Grambling State will include a pep band at their basketball games with the history and credibility that their band holds, it’s a shame to not see them involved.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey How many people know that the Las Vegas Raiders were once known by another name when they entered the American Football League in 1960? The franchise was originally named the Oakland Senors, but it was a decision that touched off a “unanimous and extremely vociferous disapproval” from almost everyone in town. Oakland was officially awarded a franchise in the AFL on January 31 of that year; by March 20, a Name Your Football Team contest was being held in conjunction with the Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Boosters in conjunction with the Oakland Tribune. Participants would clip out the official entry blank with their name suggestion and an explanation in 25 words or less of why they chose the name. All of the entries were judged on suitability, completeness, and originality. The winner would receive a trip to Acapulco, Mexico, plus two tickets to the first home game. The second-place winner would receive a trip for two to Oakland's game in Los Angeles, plus two tickets to the first home game. The third-place winner won a season pass for two to all home games that season. There were 10,000 entries submitted, including 1,777 different names. Many of them stood out and would be ideal for a current minor league club, including the following: Atom Smashers, Aristocrats, Bonecrushers, Bicarbonates, Electrons, Gringos, Iron Ponies, Litterbugs, Nutcrackers, Poison Oaks, Termites, Zodiacs, and Prune Pickers. A little more than two weeks later, on April 5, a five-man committee dwindled the suggestions to the Admirals, Lakers, Diablos, Seagulls, Metros, Gauchos, Nuggets, Senors, Dons, Coasters, Sequoias, Missiles, Knights Redwoods, Jets, Clippers, Dolphins, and Grandees. In the end, the Senors were chosen as the victor. Helen Davis suggested the name, along with seven others, but her explanation of why the name would make a good fit for the football team was the deciding factor. She had entered contests before but had never won, even at bingo. She stated that she was “flabbergasted.” Davis stated that the name “symbolizes the history, strength, and solidarity of the Old World of California. The name personifies the original fighting spirit characteristic of the first settlers of California.” Davis added that she was not an “ardent fan” of football but that she would now be due to her name being selected for the team. Management chose the “Americanized” spelling of the name Señores, which translated to a gentleman in Spanish, and team colors of black and silver with gold trim. There appeared to lean towards naming the team with a Spanish-influenced name. Members of the voting committee liked the name Dons, but that was already in use by the University of San Francisco. Also, it was suggested for fans early on in the voting process to look for inspiration from California's rich Spanish ancestry. However, by the next day, there were already questions about the new name. The City Council disapproved of the name 4-1. Mayor Clifford E. Richell said he had not come across anyone who liked the name. Councilman Robert L. Osborne quipped that he would sell his interest in the team due to displeasure with the name. The next day a petition appeared in the Oakland Tribune to change the name. It listed that the new name is without force, impact, local significance, or color. The name will not hold up and be subject to community ridicule. “If it can't be spelled correctly, don't use it because it is not dignified to misspell it. Miss Helen Davis had a very good idea, but somebody botched it up for her,” wrote Emily Castro in a letter to the editor Tribune. A few other letters to the paper pointed out the lack of a tilde over the "n", and the misspelling of the name has been deemed a source of confusion. A few more stated that it was a lack of foresight from a 3rd rate city and that it belongs on the pages of the comic strips. Then there were the voices who said they would no longer support the new club and remain fans of the San Francisco 49ers. It was business as usual for the Senors, who were signing players, looking for a suitable stable to call home, and setting ticket prices at $4.50 a person, the same as the 49ers across the bay at Kezar Stadium. Also, the Oakland City council approved a $13,500,000 bond to build a new stadium for the team. Finally, on April 14, Oakland management bowed to public objection and changed the name to the now-familiar Raiders. The winner of the new name was Kendrick Martin, who also won a trip to Mexico. It was met with a universal appeal from the populace of the area. Martin and 26 other contestants submitted the name Raiders and won trips to Acapulco. However, he was selected as the winner based on his reasoning why the club should adopt the name. “Our team of supporters must be fired and inspired by a fighting name. Raiders imply early sustained offense carrying the fight to the opponent's camp.” The new name was met with almost universal appeal, Alan Ward wrote in his column for the Oakland Tribune the following: "The switch from Senors to Raiders for the local grid team has been greeted with undisguised glee by the populace. Not in 100 years would football fans, and non-football fans, have been satisfied with the appellation Senors. It simply didn't fit. It had no meaning. It might have had meaning elsewhere, but not for an Oakland club. Raiders-now there's a solid name. It conjures images of Sir Frances Drake and Blackbeard. It's pithy, provocative, and fits easily into a newspaper headline." Tribune columnist Ray Haywood suggested in his column that if the club keeps changing names, there will be enough Oakland area fans in Acapulco to hold a Raiders pep rally. Miss Davis was not bitter about the name change and still planned on attending every home game shouting “Ole!” after every first down. “Raiders is a nice name. I don't care that they discarded my name. I want everyone to be happy. I'm just sorry Senors caused so much satisfaction. I've been kidding so much since the contest I'm actually relieved that they changed the name.” Perhaps the public would have learned to accept and love the Senors name; it could have been possible, but after a modest 6-8 maiden season, the club went 3-25 in their next two seasons playing out of three stadiums between San Francisco and Oakland. Crowds were no bigger than 13,000 per game, and a name change would have most likely arrived sometime soon. Raiders GM Chet Soda added the following statement after the end of the 10-day naming saga. “We certainly appreciate fans' interest in our club. Public sentiment disapproves of 'Senors’. We hope everyone will like Raiders as much as we do.” After 63 years, three Super Bowl championships, and legions of fans all over the country. I think many people liked the name Raiders. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cadet Ice Arena 2169 Field House Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Air Force hockey website Cadet Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,470 Air Force Academy Hockey’s Cadet Ice Arena The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Field House has as much curb appeal as a post-World War II federal government building: little if any. That’s because Cadet Field House is a post-World War II federal government building. There isn’t a festive lily garden or a white picket fence to welcome visitors to the building that, aside from serving as the nerve center for Air Force Academy athletics, houses the Falcons’ 2,502-seat Cadet Ice Arena – the team’s home since the building opened in 1968. That’s okay. Inside, an engaged crowd roots on the Falcon skaters. Seats are close to the ice and fans and cadets pay close attention to the game. And Cadet Ice Arena seemingly has a promising future. It’s in the middle of a 6-year, $115 million project that includes updated locker rooms and lounge areas, a new center scoreboard and upgraded arena lighting, renovated bathrooms, and a geothermal power system for the rink’s four ice chillers. Although most of this work is complete, evidence of HVAC work remains at the arena’s south end as of early 2023. But even exposed ductwork cannot detract from the experience of an Air Force Hockey game at Cadet Ice Arena. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Cadet Ice Arena are all about the basics. There are no artisanal cheeses or curated tasting menus. But the concession stands, all located on the arena’s west side, provide exactly what hockey fans want – and it’s not a charcuterie trolley. It’s hot dogs ($5), giant pretzels ($6), nachos ($7), and, for those who want to inject fruit-flavored frozen sugar water directly into their digestive systems, Icees ($7). The Air Force Academy is a Pepsi campus, with those products selling for $5 per 20-ounce bottle. Concessions at Cadet Ice Arena, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey The aptly named “Wild Brew Yonder” offers canned cocktails ($10) and canned beer ($8) just outside of the Falcons’ team store, in the arena’s northwest corner. Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and several local brews are available. Atmosphere 4 Falcon hockey enjoys a strong following. Home games frequently sell out and the in-game experience rates well. A new scoreboard above center ice and a new audio system, both installed before the 2019-2020 season, make the Falcons’ hype videos look and sound even better. The L.E.D. lighting installed as part of the same renovations has similarly improved the experience of watching the game. Sight lines are good from most seats. However, avoid sitting in the lower corners. There is no way to see action in the near corner at the other end of the rink. Be aware, however, that protective netting does not extend into most of the seating along the sides (only the ends). Fans need to remain vigilant, lest an errant puck turns a pleasant outing into a trip to the emergency room. Neighborhood 4 Cadet Ice Arena’s “neighborhood” is tough to evaluate because the Air Force Academy lacks a comparative peer. It’s a military service academy set on 18,500 acres in the shadow of Pikes Peak. It doesn’t have a nearby commercial district of bars, shops, and restaurants, although those can be found by leaving the Academy grounds and driving 15 or 20 minutes – or less. A cluster of bars and restaurants can be found a five-minute drive east of the Academy’s north gate on North Gate Boulevard. Buns & Bubbles (162 Tracker Drive, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921) is one such place. More than just a great name, B&B is a locally owned sandwich shop that serves Vietnamese sandwiches and boba tea. In the same development, the Brass Tap (13271 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 110, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921) has more than 150 beers on tap, as well as great burgers and chicken sandwiches. But if you elect to stay at the Academy, you can explore a truly one-of-a-kind campus. It has approximately 30 miles of single-track trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding – all open to the public. The campus is also home to a zoo’s worth of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, mule deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes. The Academy’s famed Cadet Chapel, with 17 spires that rise 150 feet in the air, began an eight-year renovation project in 2019 that will include the restoration of the chapel’s 24,000 pieces of stained glass, its pews, and its two organs. Even without the campus’s most recognizable landmark closed until 2027, the campus is among the nation’s most beautiful and interesting. Fans 5 Falcon hockey has a loyal following that frequently fills Cadet Ice Arena. In January 2023, Air Force (6-15-2 at the time) hosted Niagara University (11-9-2) in a game starting at 4:05 p.m. on a Saturday. The game sold out a day earlier, even though neither team is ranked and the schools are not traditional rivals. The zeal for Air Force hockey does not end at the ticket window. Fans know their hockey and are engaged once the puck drops. Cadet Ice Arena isn’t huge, so its smaller scale puts fans closer to the ice. Access 3 Cadet Ice Arena is located on an active military installation so visitors must stop at the Academy’s north gate (exit 156 on Interstate 25) for identification checks. Long lines can form but the cadets at the gate move cars through quickly. Once on the Academy’s grounds, a pleasantly meandering three-mile drive awaits. Parking lots adjacent to Cadet Field House do not require a long walk to the arena. The primary corridor on the arena’s west side has concession stands, restrooms, and the team shop. It’s sufficiently wide that ambulatory coagulation does not occur. Ongoing construction on the east side of the arena has winnowed foot traffic there. All in all, there’s plenty of room to move around – even with a large crowd. Note that Cadet Field House frequently hosts events other than hockey. Track, swim, and gymnastics meets, and basketball games can all be played in the building. Fans in the ice arena can see the field house’s indoor track through windows at the north end, in fact. This means that bottlenecks can form in places where people don’t like bottlenecks, like parking lots and entrances into buildings. Return on Investment 4 Tickets won’t consume your savings, as they range from $29 to $39, depending on location. An Air Force hockey ticket sells for significantly less than a ticket to a Colorado Avalanche game and is at the lower end of ticket costs when compared to fellow Front Range college hockey schools University of Denver ($25-$88) and Colorado College ($35-$60). Not only that, parking is free. Prices at concession stands are average. Extras 3 Cadet Ice Arena earns a point because it has a promotion called “Space Force Night.” A service academy dedicated to flight has the closest kinship of all the service academies with the United States’ newest military branch. “The Bird,” Air Force’s costumed human mascot, skates as part of team introductions. Much respect to mascots that skate. For the 2022-2023 school year, the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy resides in Cadet Ice Arena. That coveted award goes to the football season’s winner of the games played between the Air Force, Navy, and Army. The Falcons defeated both the Midshipmen and the Black Knights in 2022, bringing home the trophy. Commander in Chief Trophy at Cadet Ice Arena, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The Air Force Academy is worth a visit for its beauty and tradition alone. A game at Cadet Ice Arena is a different and fun way to experience the school. The program is consistently competitive and, especially against Army or local rivals Colorado College and the University of Denver, things can get loud in Cadet Ice Arena.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park 10 North Main St. Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green baseball website Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Big Green Baseball Team The first baseball team to represent Dartmouth College played in 1866. In 2008, Big Green alumni Mike and Cindy Biondi donated $5.2 million to the school for improvements to the ball field. Their donation funded renovations that included the installation of a new FieldTurf synthetic surface, new permanent seating for 650 spectators, dugouts, batting cages, bullpens, a new scoreboard, press box and landscaping. Mike Biondi had played baseball during his undergraduate days at Dartmouth in the late 1970s. Unfortunately he passed away suddenly just before the start of the renovations he funded. The ballpark was dedicated in his honor. The baseball field at Dartmouth College is formally known as Red Rolfe Field. Robert “Red” Rolfe was a 1931 alumnus of Dartmouth who went on to play for the New York Yankees for ten seasons and who served as the school’s athletic director from 1954 to 1967. Rolfe made four All-Star teams during his time in the Major Leagues. The Big Green have qualified for seven NCAA tournaments over their history, making it all the way to the College World Series in 1970. Thirty Dartmouth alumni have appeared in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 0 In a departure from prior visits, there is no food available at Red Rolfe Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during a Big Green game. You’ll be sure to see lots of hot coffee in the grandstand on chilly New Hampshire spring afternoons. Atmosphere 2 If you enjoy a laid-back, relaxed experience at the ballpark, where you can hear the chatter of the players on the field, talk comfortably with your neighbors, and roam around a ballpark to take in the action from a variety of spots, you will love your time at Red Rolfe Field. This is an old-timey, bare-bones game day presentation that traditional baseball fans will love. Red Rolfe Field is a comfortable place to catch a game, with a nice little grandstand, an excellent sound system, and easy accessibility. The PA announcer does his job in an unobtrusive manner, with little going on to distract one’s attention from the action on the field. Music is not even played between batters at Red Rolfe Field. Between inning announcements are kept to a minimum, in keeping with the overall aesthetic. Neighborhood 5 Red Rolfe Field is located southeast of the Dartmouth campus, nestled snugly behind Memorial Field and adjacent to Leede Arena. Dartmouth’s other athletic facilities, including Thompson Arena and Scully-Fahey Field, are located across South Park Street. Hanover is a quintessential New England town, with the Dartmouth Green acting as a central focal point for all town activities. Just a five-minute walk from Red Rolfe Field, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth co-op, where you can pick up your Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a couple-block span on this stretch of road near the ball field. Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including The Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. Fans 2 When the weather breaks in northern New Hampshire and people start to come outdoors after a long winter, downtown Hanover comes alive. While you will find larger crowds at Red Rolfe Field than at other New England college ballparks, they can still be properly described as “friends and family.” The fans who do show up at Red Rolfe Field are dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Many seem to share a personal connection with the players on the field. As you would expect in a small town like Hanover, visitors can feel comfortable and you may find yourself chatting up the locals over the course of the game. There’s even a respectable, if small, turnout by the student body, eager to get outside after a long winter indoors. Access 4 While Dartmouth College is far off the beaten path, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91 on the New Hampshire/Vermont border, Red Rolfe Field is located on the southeast edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. You can get more information here. Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. There is on-street parking available all over downtown Hanover, but the easiest option is to park across the street in the Thompson Arena lot and walk to the ball field. Once at the ballpark, fans will be greeted by a modest, attractive grandstand featuring individual stadium seats behind home plate and metal bleacher seating further down the lines. Additional bleachers set up down both foul lines that allow for movement and alternate vantage points. There is some room along the lines for standing room. Restrooms are located in the adjacent Memorial Stadium grandstand. These restrooms are new and clean, and more than adequate for a typical Big Green baseball crowd. All seats in the small grandstand feature excellent views of the action, even with netting protecting the entire grandstand. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Big Green baseball game. Parking in the lots near the ballpark is also free. With no concessions at Red Rolfe Field, attending a Dartmouth baseball game will not cost you a cent. Free programs featuring lineups, schedules and more are available to all fans in attendance. Extras 3 For a small ballpark like Red Rolfe Field, there are a lot of things to look at as you wander the grounds. Plaques honoring Red Rolfe, Mike and Cindy Biondi, Tony Lupien, Jeff Tesreau and Peter McKernen are mounted around the back side of the grandstand. Check out the folksy sayings on Coach Lupien and Tesreau’s plaques (“do the best you can with what you’ve got”, “all he ever asked was his share of the close ones”) and interesting placements (one plaque is mounted on a large rock) Dartmouth’s NCAA Tournament and College World Series appearances are commemorated on the outfield walls. Flags representing all eight Ivy League schools fly beyond the outfield fence. Final Thoughts Hanover isn’t a place you’ll find yourself in accidentally. If you do head to northern New England for a college baseball game, you’ll be rewarded with a ballpark that is consistently rated as one of the nicer small parks in the country. Baseball fans looking to experience that small-town relaxed vibe along with a small-park relaxed game day experience will find Red Rolfe Field to be as nice as any ballpark in the country.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hoy Field 509 Campus Rd Ithaca, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red website Hoy Field website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 500 Give My Regards to Davy Cornell has one of the more scenic campuses in the United States. The rolling hills, beautiful vistas, mix of modern and historic buildings, and active college town make for an enjoyable visit regardless of the sport you may be following. The Cornell Big Red baseball team is part of the Ivy League and plays at David F. Hoy Field, located on central campus in the shadow of the football facility, Schoellkopf Field. The ball field is named for a graduate of the class of 1891, who also lends his name to the Cornell Fight Song, Give My Regards to Davy . Baseball has been played on this site since 1922, although the current look of the ballpark is a result of renovations completed in 2007. At that time, FieldTurf was installed, the playing field was re-orientated, and new dugouts, grandstand, and a press box were all installed. The result is a cozy little park with few perks and seating for 500 spectators. While Hoy Field can hardly be described as a must-see venue, it certainly makes for an enjoyable afternoon if the weather is nice and you find yourself along the Southern Tier of New York. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions offered at Hoy Field, and fans are allowed to bring in their own food and drink if they would like. There is a Gimme Coffee location that opened in 2014 inside the nearby Bill & Melinda Gates Hall, which is a beautiful modern building located along the first base side of the field. Otherwise, your only option is to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. Atmosphere 3 Overall Hoy Field provides a very laid back and simple atmosphere in order to watch a college baseball game. All of the seating is located in the grandstand. There is one section with seven rows of gray chair back seats. If you sit the back row (Row G) toward the third base side (seat 15) you can hear the radio play-by-play from the press box, which is a nice added bonus. The remainder of the 400 or so seats can be found on silver metal bleachers, which provide above average leg room. Your only chance for limited shade would be in the back row of the bleachers on the third base side. Some fans choose to tailgate directly from the adjoining parking garage (176 Hoy Rd). From the top deck you can have a bird’s eye view of the action on the field below, while perhaps partaking in a cold beer if it is a warm spring day. There is netting that obstructs the view of the entire grand stand. Some fans choose to stand or sit along the baselines, and there are a few permanent benches in between the field and Gates Hall. Fans may also choose to bring their own chairs and sit along the baselines. The scoreboard provides only the basic information needed to follow along with the game. There are no lights at Hoy Field, so if you’re headed to a game, you can be sure that it will be an afternoon start time. There are no promotions during the game, with limited music and straightforward announcements from the PA. The focus here is on the baseball game alone. Neighborhood 4 Cornell has a lovely campus, and the baseball field is located just up the hill from the area of Ithaca known as CollegeTown. Here you’ll find several bars and casual restaurants, including a nice variety of Asian cuisine including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Indian food. Koko’s, located on College Avenue, presents affordable and authentic Korean food, but gets very busy at lunch time, so consider going a little earlier or later than the typical lunch hour. Downtown, you should make a stop in to the Ithaca Ale House. They serve burgers and sandwiches with additional specials that elevate the standard pub food a bit. On the night of my visit they were serving lobster mac & cheese which was very good indeed, along with a great selection of beers on tap. It’s a friendly environment with plenty of TVs to stay on top of the day’s sporting events. Another recommendation is Agava, which serves somewhat upscale and inventive Mexican food, along with a solid selection of beers and cocktails. The rustic and hip interior with separate bar and dining areas is a good place to spend some time, although the restaurant can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights. They also boast that they serve “farm-to-table food,” and where possible source their ingredients from local producers. There is a hotel on the Cornell campus, the Statler Hotel, which is located just across the street from Hoy Field. Many of the staff at the hotel are students who are studying hospitality in the School of Hotel Administration. However, rates are very expensive. The Hilton Garden Inn is about 1-2 miles from Cornell. More budget conscious choices can be found in downtown Ithaca (Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn), but in general hotels are rather expensive within close proximity of Cornell. Nature lovers may consider visiting the Ithaca Waterfalls or Robert Tremen State Park to experience some of the natural beauty the area has to offer. Consider visiting the Hangar Theatre or the Johnson Museum of Art if you would like some culture. You’re also in New York wine country, so consider a visit to one of the local wineries. Fans 2 It’s unlikely that you’ll see a packed house when attending a Cornell game at Hoy Field. You should be able to find the seat you want. Cornell fans are relatively subdued and are friendly. Because many of Cornell’s opponents are found within the region, you will also find several fans of the visiting team at games. Access 3 Getting to Ithaca and Cornell will generally mean driving some winding and hilly roads, but it is a beautiful journey regardless of what direction you may be coming from. There is a large parking garage located next door to the ballpark. If you park on the bottom level you can step right from the garage into the park. If you park on the top level, then you may choose to just sit above the action for a unique perspective. The parking garage is for “permit only” from 7:30am – 5pm Monday-Friday. If you come for a weekday game, then stop at one of the information booths on campus to get a guest parking pass. When driving on the Cornell campus, be aware that there is a lot of foot and bicycle traffic. Take your time, and be aware of crosswalks. If you’re staying in Ithaca, then you can take a bus (T-CAT) to the Cornell campus. Routes 83 and 92 have stops nearest Hoy Field at the corner of Campus Rd and Eden Ave. If you’re flying in, then Tompkins Regional Airport is your nearest choice, served by Delta, United, and US Airways. Restrooms are a little difficult to find. Your closest option is to take the steps up to Campus Road (behind the grandstand) and use the restroom inside the Belkin Squash Courts building. They may be inconvenient, but it’s better than a port-a-potty like you may find at many other northeast college ballparks. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. There are no concession stands, nor is there any merchandise for sale at a baseball game at Hoy Field. It may not cost you a penny to see a game at Cornell, but you get what you pay for. That is, a very bare bones but enjoyable experience, especially if you just want to sit back and enjoy a day of baseball. Extras 3 A free program is available with a color cover photo, rosters for both teams, and some notes about the series you’re seeing which is actually fairly nice. Cornell is truly one of the loveliest college campuses that you’ll see. It’s hard not to fall in love with the town and the school. Finally, an extra point for the great view of both the field and the surrounding area that can be found from the top level of the parking garage, truly one of the best vantage points in college baseball. Final Thoughts Cornell baseball at Hoy Field is a good example of what the sport is like in this part of the country. On a cold day, only the true baseball diehards would want to see a game here, but if you get a warm spring day, then the chance to meander around the beautiful campus, see some baseball, and explore the town makes this a very worthwhile trip.

Photos courtesy of Columbia Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Robertson Field at Satow Stadium 533 W 218th St New York, NY 10034 Columbia Lions website Robertson Field at Satow Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 360 Columbia Baseball Tucked away in a remote nook of the Baker Athletic Complex at the northernmost tip of Manhattan on 218th Street, Robertson Field at Satow Stadium is home to the Columbia Lions baseball team. Befitting Manhattan’s trademark space-efficient design, Satow Stadium abuts the school’s football stadium, Wien Stadium, along the third base side and the softball field and parking lot along the first base side. The outfield wall borders Spuyten Duyvil Creek, which connects the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, and the Marble Hill neighborhood of the Bronx serves as the backdrop for fans, catchers, and batters. The Baker Athletic Complex opened in 1921, though it is unclear which year the baseball stadium opened. It is certain, however, that America’s first televised sporting event was held there in 1939, a Columbia-Princeton contest at what was then known as Andy Coakley Field. Coakley, a member of the 1908 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs (he did not play in the Series), coached a young Lou Gehrig at Columbia, though Gehrig’s time at the school occurred when the team was still playing at South Field, now part of Columbia’s campus approximately 100 blocks south of the current stadium. Andy Coakley Field was renovated in 2007 and re-named Robertson Field in honor of 1981 graduate Harold Robertson, a football and baseball player in his time at Columbia. In 2010 Columbia honored Phillip Satow, a 1963 graduate and Lion baseball player, by dubbing the diamond Robertson Field at Satow Stadium. Satow Stadium has four sections (plus one additional strip of two seats per row) with seven rows each of stadium-style plastic seats. The playing surface is FieldTurf, which makes sense given the cold Northeast climate, as it is not conducive to early spring grass growth. The seats, field, and press box are very modern and professional, as are the dugouts. The seats are asymmetrically located from the 7 o’clock position of home plate to approximately half-way up the first base line, with plenty of room to stand on the stadium’s wide concourse. The seats on the first base side abut the fence, while those behind the plate and to the left are slightly farther away. The outfield features a full-color scoreboard displaying photos of each batter as his personal walk-up music plays over the stadium’s PA system. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Satow. A deli and coffee shop are located across 218th Street from the main entrance to the Baker Complex, a few hundred yards from the Satow entrance. These are the closest places to get anything to eat or drink. Fans are allowed to bring in any food they would like. Though alcohol is specifically banned, one otherwise well-behaved fan was spotted drinking beer in his seat out of a blue plastic Solo cup. A few fans set up tables to eat and drink in the parking lot, though this was far from an SEC football-style tailgate scene. Many fans arrived with coffee and other hot drinks on this snowy March day. Atmosphere 2 There is not a single bad seat in Satow Stadium, though there are only approximately 360 of them. Because the seats are so close to the field, and because you wouldn’t have to raise your voice very much for everyone in the stands to hear you, there is a small feeling of community to the proceedings. The security staff, who appear to be student volunteers, are friendly and non-intrusive. Columbia has an interesting 147-year baseball history. Unfortunately, you would never know it from visiting Satow Stadium. There is nary a mention of Andy Coakley or Lou Gehrig to be found, and even the plaques commemorating Robertson and Satow themselves are located on a ramp to the visitor’s dugout on the third base side that is closed to spectators. The only acknowledgement of previous Columbia teams comes in the form of dates signifying NCAA Tournament appearances and Ivy League Championships on the outfield walls. The field at Satow is sunken below the rest of the broader complex, and both baselines feature tall, unsightly cement walls running nearly to each foul pole. The walls serve as a not-so-subtle reminder that this stadium is crammed very tightly into a much larger complex in America’s most densely-populated metro area. The stadium is also dwarfed to the left by Robert Kraft Field at Lawrence Wein Stadium, the school’s 17,000-seat football stadium, which also serves Columbia’s lacrosse and track and field teams. The visitor’s dugout is cut into the wall on the third base side, nestled below the track surrounding the football field. These physical limitations, coupled with the strange outfield configuration (the center field fence is actually closer than the left and right field walls) dictated by an unswimmable river combine to give the stadium a somewhat claustrophobic feel. Neighborhood 3 Compared to most of the country, the area surrounding Satow Stadium is teeming with options for pre and postgame dining or entertainment. Compared to the rest of Manhattan though, the area is fairly quiet. The stadium is located in the Inwood neighborhood at the northern tip of Manhattan, far from the hustle and bustle of New York City’s more touristy areas. Even the heart of Columbia’s campus sits a cool 100 blocks (5.5 miles) to the south, which seems to preclude students with no personal ties to any players from attending. Anything you would come from somewhere else and visit Manhattan to do is a long subway ride away. The neighborhood feels very safe, but aside from the deli and coffee shop on 218th Street, everything in sight of the Baker Athletic Complex entrance is fairly industrial, including several auto-body shops, closed storefronts, and raised train tracks running above Broadway, the closest major thoroughfare. Within a five-minute walk down Broadway are a handful of restaurants and sports bars. A few grocery stores are also only a few minutes away by foot. Fans 3 Crowds typically attract a friends and family-heavy affair, with a few faculty types in the mix, as well. The tailgaters mostly appears to be parents and younger siblings of players on either team. All that said, the chatter mostly revolves around baseball (though not necessarily the game being played) and the crowd cheers loudly at every hit and third out. While a small-time Ivy League baseball crowd doesn’t have the same atmosphere as those you might find at South Carolina or UCLA or some other baseball powerhouse, there are moments that remind you that college kids are college kids, no matter their school’s Princeton Review ranking. During a recent visit, a group of five young men sat together in the sixth of seven rows behind home plate. One of them asked the others where he could get a tin of Skoal and, upon receiving no helpful answers, demonstratively said he would “get a pledge” to bring him one. About 20 minutes later, a young man in a black North Face jacket arrived to deliver a tin of dip to the requesting gentleman. Some things never change. Access 4 Parking is free at the Baker Athletic Complex, and the 54-space parking lot is located adjacent to the Satow Stadium entrance. Softball and women’s lacrosse games may also be taking place at the same time as the Columbia baseball game, and there should still be empty parking spaces available. Parking at the far end of the lot closest to the softball field is not advised, as multiple foul balls land there. As with all things in Manhattan, parking is not the true measure of access. The complex is located within an eight-minute walk from the uptown terminus of the A-train, which runs (mostly) express down the island’s west side to Midtown and beyond, including JFK International Airport. The 1 train, which runs local from the Bronx to South Ferry at the southern tip of Manhattan, is also a short walk from the complex and stops every 8 blocks or so through Harlem and the Upper West Side. Because of its frequent stops, the 1 train takes much longer to reach Midtown Manhattan than the A, which reaches Port Authority in just over 30 minutes (the A also stops at Penn Station for those arriving on Amtrak, Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, and elsewhere). To get from Satow to Columbia’s campus, one can take the A seven stops to 125th Street and then either transfer to the B or C to go one stop to 116th Street or simply walk from 125th Street. There are no bathrooms at Satow Stadium, though the bathrooms at the football stadium are located in clear sight of the Satow entrance and are well-marked and decently maintained. From the most distant seat at Satow, the walk to the bathroom can be accomplished in less than 90 seconds. The stadium is also wheelchair accessible, and the concourse is in plain sight of the field. Return on Investment 3 Admission and parking are both free, so any investment is one of time and $2.75 for a subway fare (for those who do not drive). Despite the stadium’s cramped configuration, the stadium has its charms. Free double-sided programs with Columbia’s schedule and the rosters of each team are available in a small stand by the entrance, and everyone is free to sit wherever they please. When Satow’s 360-odd seats are full, there is ample room to stand and a set of bleachers is located at the edge of the football stadium overlooking the diamond. The fans are friendly and, at times, fairly involved. The feeling of attending a Columbia game as someone with no ties to either team or school is fairly odd, as nearly every fan seems to personally know at least one player. There is also a certain lack of attention to detail, as a baseball and a lacrosse ball were found in the stands that nobody seemed to know what to do with. Random equipment, specifically the netting that protects batting practice pitchers, is simply left in the spectator area. Extras 0 What you see is what you get at Satow Stadium, and you don’t see a lot. There aren’t really any extras to speak of. Final Thoughts Hardcore stadium chasing aside, there is really no reason to attend a game here if you don’t have any ties to Columbia or the opponent, and the stadium is located in a remote area (by Manhattan standards). The Baker Athletic Complex itself is fairly charm free, essentially a larger scale version of a suburban high school with chain link fences everywhere. That said, if you’re a real baseball junkie and live in New York City, admission is free and Satow Stadium is just a subway ride away.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Chaifetz Arena 1 S Compton Ave St. Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis Billikens website Chaifetz Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 10,600 The Home of Budweiser and Billikens Saint Louis University (SLU) is a Catholic Jesuit university located in the Midtown Arts District of Saint Louis. It was founded in 1818 and currently has just under 14,000 students. The school is heavily involved in community service as part of its Jesuit mission. It is ranked #3 in the country for community involvement by the Princeton Review. The athletic teams at SLU are known as the Billikens. So, what exactly is a Billiken? A Billiken is a mythical creature that brings good luck to those who are around them. They represent “things as they ought to be”. An SLU Billiken is blue and white and somewhat resembles one of the Teletubbies that used to appear on public television. Saint Louis University is the only university in the country that has a Billiken as its mascot. The Billikens basketball program is the headline team at SLU, as there is no football program. The Billikens play in the Atlantic 10 Basketball Conference and have done quite well over the years. The Billikens have made the NCAA Tournament ten times and the NIT Tournament twenty times. They have been the Conference Tournament Champions three times and Conference Regular Season Champions seven times. The team typically draws a crowd of 6,800 for home games, but it can be higher depending on who the opposing team is. The Billikens play their home schedule at the on-campus Chaifetz Arena. The arena opened in 2008. It has a 10,600-seat capacity for basketball games. It offers a terrific atmosphere for watching games and is referred to as the “Jewel of Midtown” by many people in the area. The arena also offers 14 luxury boxes for major supporters. Food & Beverage 3 There are six concession stands along the concourse at Chaifitz. They sell the typical arena staples, such as hot dogs ( $5), chicken tenders ($6), hamburgers ($7), pizza slices ($7), and candy ($5 ). The arena sells Pepsi brand sodas ($6), beer ($9), and bottled water ($5). Atmosphere 4 The Chaifetz Arena is a wonderful place to enjoy a basketball game. There are two levels of seating in the arena, which both deliver great sight lines of the action due to a steep pitch to the seating bowl. All seats offer chairbacks, and the seats feature the blue color scheme used by all Billiken teams. Chaifetz has a great electronics package in place, as it has four 14X 45 corner video boards/ scoreboards, a 959-foot ribbon board on the facing of the upper level, and an excellent sound system. The arena also has excellent lighting, which is used very effectively during the pregame introduction of the team. The seating around the court keeps the crowd very involved in the game. One end of the court features the SLUnatic student section, which always seems to have an appropriate (or inappropriate?) cheer for almost any situation on the court. The alumni tend to be seated on the sides of the court or at midcourt, and they also add to the energy in the building. The third component of the crowd is simply locals who love basketball. There is no NBA franchise nearby, so these folks have adopted the Billikens as “their team”. Neighborhood 4 SLU’s park-like campus is in the Midtown Arts District of St. Louis. It is within walking distance of several museums and the St. Louis Performing Arts Center. The campus is known for its stunning architecture, including several churches and numerous sculptures that grace the area. Among the many restaurants in the area, Pappy’s Smokehouse stands out for its terrific barbeque. It is located just off campus on Olive Street. The restaurant has been highly rated by both Southern Living and the Food Network for many of its menu items. The Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel offers easy access to Charifetz Arena, as it is located on Forest Park Avenue adjacent to the campus. The hotel has a rooftop bar that is very popular with SLU students. Fans 3 The St. Louis Billikens have a very local and vocal fan base. They draw from both members of the SLU community (students, faculty, and alumni) and from outside of the school, as they are the dominant basketball program in the Greater St. Louis area. The student section at the basketball games is known as the SLUnatics. They stand for practically the entire game and are never at a loss for some type of cheer. SLUnatics do everything they can to break a player’s concentration when the opposition is at the free-throw line. The SLUnatics are aided by the 100-member St. Louis University Pep Band (otherwise known as the “Billiken Band”). The band seems to play for the entirety of the game, as it has a song for nearly every situation or opponent. They coordinate the tunes they play with both the cheer team and the dance team. The band attends every home game and all postseason games. Access 4 Saint Louis University and Chaifetz Arena are easily accessed by public transportation or car. The university is located close to the many interstate highways that service the St. Louis area. Directions from I-64 from the east: Take exit 37A onto Bernard/Market Street. Stay on Market Street until you reach Olive St. Turn left on Olive to the parking garage. Directions for I-64 coming from the west: Take I-64 West toward Midtown and take exit 38A onto Forest Park. Take a right at Grand, then left at Lindell. From I-44 heading east: Take I-44 East toward downtown St. Louis. Take exit 287A onto Kingshighway. Merge onto I-64 East, then take Exit 37A onto Bernard /Market. The SLU campus and Chaifetz can also be accessed via St. Louis’ light rail system. Take the train to the Grand Station. Shuttles run on game nights, with direct service to Chaifitz Arena. Doors to the arena open 60 minutes before tipoff, allowing you plenty of time to get to your seats. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Chaifetz Arena and a Billikens game can be an expensive proposition, as ticket prices, parking and concessions are not cheap. Tickets to Billikens games are available at several price points. The cheapest tickets are $20 (upper level behind the basket) Other tickets are available in these price ranges. Upper-level corner tickets are $25, upper-level tickets on the side are $30, and an upper level at midcourt sells for $50. Lower-level seats are $50 for corner or behind-the-basket seats, lower-level midcourt costs $85, and lower-level midcourt first 10 rows are $200. Parking for Billikens games costs $15 prepaid or $20 day of the event at the Olive/Compton Parking Deck next to the arena. Parking for all Billiken games is available at the Olive/Compton Parking Garage on the SLU Campus. It is located on Olive Street. Extras 4 As you enter Chaifetz Arena you will see a statue of a Billiken. Stop and rub its tummy. This will supposedly bring you good luck. As you enter the arena, make sure to check out all the Championship banners that hang from the rafters. Chaifetz Arena has hosted dozens of music concerts featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, the Eagles, and many other top groups. Make sure you check out the Billiken Hall of Fame Walkway along the concourse of the Chaifetz Arena. Final Thoughts Chaifetz Arena is a convenient facility for basketball fans in the St. Louis area. It offers comfortable seating, excellent views of the action, and plenty of college spirit, courtesy of the Billiken Band and the SLUnatics.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Atlantic Union Bank Center 645 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website Atlantic Union Bank Center website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 8,500 The Hoops of J-M-U Opened in 2020, the Atlantic Union Bank Center is the new home of James Madison University basketball. For almost 40 years, the Dukes called the JMU Convocation Center home, but the arena was becoming outdated and showing its age. In 2020, the Dukes moved into the new arena, and although they were unable to have any real crowds that year due to COVID-19, when the fans did return in 2021, they came to a shining new facility that was one of the best in the conference and the mid-Atlantic region. Food & Beverage 3 The Atlantic Union Bank Center has a pretty standard selection of concessions. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and pizza are all available, as are soda, water, candy, and chips. Alcohol is available to those fans of drinking age. Just be sure to pick up a wristband first. Prices are fairly reasonable - bottled water is $5 but you can get a cup for just a dollar. Meal options will cost around $8, and alcohol is inflated as usual. Atmosphere 5 The fun at a JMU game starts before the game even tips off. About 15 minutes before tip-off, the lights will go down in the building, spotlights will illuminate the court, and the costumed mascot Duke Dog will run out onto the court, followed by cheerleaders waving flags spelling out "DUKES" and the JMU basketball team itself. The lights will come on momentarily for the team to warm up as the band pumps up the crowd with the school fight song and "Start Wearing Purple", a song by punk band Gogol Bordello that is frequently played at JMU athletic events due to the fact that purple is a school color. The lights will go back down again as the court is lit up in red, white, and blue for the national anthem before the players are introduced. As the visiting team players are announced, the band will shout "Who's that? Who cares?" after each player. Then, spotlights again light up the court while the Dukes are announced. Once the game actually starts, more gold lights flash in the stands after each Dukes bucket, although it is done in such a way to not mess up visibility for fans or players on the court. The band keeps the crowd energized throughout the game, as do the PA announcer and on-court host during breaks in the action. The Atlantic Union Bank Center is filled with JMU murals, signs, and painted glass depicting athletic accomplishments in the school. From the concourse that encircles the seating bowl, you can either walk up steps to your seats if you are seated in the upper (200) level or down into the main seating bowl if that is where you are sitting. A large videoboard hangs over center court, and smaller boards in each of the corners show variable signage including player and team statistics, out of town scores, and advertisements. All seats are chairbacks except some bench seats behind one basket where the students sit and all, even in the upper level of the arena, provide an excellent view of the action on the court. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are several hotels in the area long Route 33, including a Doubletree, a Clarion, and a Candlewood Suites. . Fans 4 Although James Madison will rarely sell out the whole arena, they routinely draw about 6,000 fans a game to an 8,500 seat arena. Many of the fans are loyal season ticket holders who come to every game, are deeply passionate about the team, and have been following them for years. The student section is also raucous, spurred on by the band and frequent giveaways and promotions encouraging them to show up and cheer on the Dukes. It can get incredibly loud in here when the crowd erupts following a big JMU basket. Expect fans to take heed from the song, show up decked out in purple, and cheer on the Dukes for the entire game. Access 3 The campus of James Madison University is located just off interstate 81. There are several exits which will ultimately get you where you're going - although the sign on the highway says to use Exit 245 to access the JMU campus, Exit 243 actually works better in most cases/ However, it is not a huge enough difference to worry about it too much. However you get on campus, free parking is available in the Ballard Parking Deck, and in surrounding lots once that fills up, which it will. We suggest arriving early to park close by. Note that a clear bag policy is in effect, which does take this rating down a notch due to the inconvenience. Once you make it into the arena, the concourses are more than wide enough to allow room to get around and the restrooms are of a sufficient size for even the largest crowds. The slope of the seating areas is quite steep, which makes even those in the upper rows feel like they are on top of the action, but the tradeoff is that making the climb up to the top of the arena can be challenging. The seating areas are also not very well lit (except for when they flash the gold lights after baskets) although you should still be able to see where you're going. Return on Investment 4 The exact ticket prices will depend on the game, with weekend games often costing a couple dollars more, but tickets will typically start at around $16 for upper level seats. Most lower-level seats are about $25, but club-seats will cost you almost twice that. These are not any better than the sideline seats on the opposite end of the court but do get you into the exclusive club area if that is something that interests you. Concessions are a bit expensive but not unreasonable, and parking is free, which is always a nice plus. All in all, a trip to the Atlantic Union Bank Center is a good value for a basketball game. . Extras 4 :One bonus star here for the murals and other displays honoring JMU athletics. There are free programs available at a table by the entrance. A third star for the pregame display. Make sure you are in your seat early to see the light show, the band, and the impressive player introductions. A fourth and final star for the Duke Dog statue outside the arena, which is a popular photo location. Final Thoughts Although the old Convocation Center had its charm, it was clearly an outdated facility. The Atlantic Union Bank Center is a much more modern arena with more amenities and still manages to bring the same energy that there was in the Convo. If you go to a James Madison game, expect a top-notch fan experience from the time you walk into the arena and see all the displays, to the pregame displays, to the game itself as rowdy Dukes fans attempt to cheer on their team to victory. Although this is still a new arena, it is poised to be a top-notch home for JMU basketball for years to come.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Meg Minard, Stadium JouMrney Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena 400 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee Admirals website UW Milwaukee Panther Arena website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 9,652 The Road to Nashville Goes Through Milwaukee The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena is the oldest sports arena still in use in the Milwaukee area. Built-in 1950, it has gone through several name changes over the years, including the Milwaukee Arena, the MECCA, the Wisconsin Center Arena, and US Cellular Arena. Past tenants have included the Milwaukee Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks, and Marquette University basketball. Today it serves the UW – Milwaukee Panthers basketball program, the Milwaukee Admirals AHL hockey team, the Milwaukee Wave of the MASL, and the Brew City Bruisers women’s roller derby team. Numerous renovations have been done to the arena throughout its 70+ years in existence. More than $6 million in upgrades have brought the arena up to modern standards. These repairs were paid for by the Milwaukee Admirals and the Wisconsin Center District, the owner of the building. Among the upgrades is the replacement of all 10,783 seats in the arena, the renovation of all bathroom and locker room facilities, the installation of LED lighting, and the expansion of concession areas. A new shared team store was added to service the spirit gear needs of the fans of the Panthers, Admirals, Wave, and Bruisers. Milwaukee Admirals Ice hockey has been played in Milwaukee, WI since 1970, with a one-year stint as the Milwaukee Wings in 1972-1973. They have played in the AHL (American Hockey League) since 2001 and have been affiliated with the Nashville Predators that entire time (plus three years in the IHL). They played in the BMO Harris Bradley Center until the end of the 2015-2016 season and relocated a block away to the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena beginning the 2016-2017 season. In March 2016, the Admirals signed a 10-year agreement to play at UW Milwaukee Panther Arena. As part of that agreement, many significant renovations were done in the arena. It’s a comfortable facility in which to watch a hockey game and one well worth checking out. Food & Beverage 4 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena provides a good selection of refreshments, food, and drinks at fairly reasonable prices. The arena has 13 concession stands spread equally throughout the building. They include Ian’s Pizza, Mil-Town Taco, the Let Me 10-yearBe Frank, Mac & Cheese, and Colossal Pretzel. A review of the prices for the most popular items includes beer braised bratwurst ($9), beef hot dogs ($8), pizza ($7), regular pretzel / colossal pretzel ($6 or $9), popcorn ($6 or $7.50), and assorted candy ($4.50). Soft drinks consist of RC Cola and Dr Pepper products ($5 / $6.50), Gatorade ($6), and bottled water $(4.50). Saz’s (Milwaukee-based restaurant and food service provider) serves BBQ pulled pork or beef brisket sandwiches, turkey breast wrap, cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, and sour cream and chives fries ($5 – $13). The Mac & Cheese supplies classic and gourmet mac & cheese ($8 – $12). Mil-Town Taco offers up Street Taco Sampler-3 Carne Asada or Adobo Chicken tacos ($9) and Extreme Nachos ($11). One of my favorite stands is the Roasted Nuts (almond, pecan, cashew, or a combination) for $5.50 - $8.50 depending on the size.) Craft beer (Blue Moon and Smith and Forge Cider) is available at most stands ($8); domestic beer (Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Coors Light) is also available at most stands ($8-$9). Arty’s provides some cocktails and the South Goal Tap Room located behind the stands on the south side of the building features a full-service bar area. If you’re from out of town, I’d recommend going local and splurging on the specialty brat from Usinger’s and a brew from one of the two Leinenkugel Lodges on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Except for the signage out front, the building’s exterior looks just as it did in 1950. The ticket lobby is thankfully indoors and out of the weather elements which can be cold and blustery during hockey season. As part of the renovation, the original box office lobby terrazzo floor was restored giving it historic charm. Indoor Ticket Booth at Panther Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Inside even with all the renovations of the Panther Arena, the concourses and ramps feel like an old high school building. Numerous displays and plaques recall the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Championship in 1971, the NCAA Championship season of 1977 achieved by Al McGuire and the Marquette basketball team, and the many concerts that took place in this facility. All seats are cushioned throughout all levels of the seating area. Premium seats are ice level at the north end of the rink and include a buffet and two drinks. Ice Box seats are between the player benches ($750 – $1000). As it is an older facility, handrails are not available going up and down the upper-level rows so one must use the backs of seats for support, if needed. The bathrooms are nice and spacious, clean, fresh, and bright. Many banners are hanging from the rafters. The banners are retired numbers and Championships from the Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Wave and UW-Milwaukee Panthers. Neighborhood 5 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena is in the middle of downtown Milwaukee and has all the intriguing entertainment and activities that the city has to offer. If you schedule it right, you can do a double or triple hitter of games (Brew City Bruisers (roller derby), Panthers, Admirals, Marquette University,y or the Milwaukee Bucks) in a day or weekend. Milwaukee has a very vibrant downtown area with many great restaurants, bars, and attractions within walking distance of Panther Arena. The arena is located adjacent to both the UW – Milwaukee and Marquette University campuses, guaranteeing the nightlife will just be getting started as the game ends. On the restaurant front, Milwaukee is a melting pot of great ethnic restaurants, many of which are located along the riverfront on both Water Street and in the Old World Third Street section. Some restaurants to check out are the King and I (Thai), Major Goolsby’s, Maders (German), The Old German Beer Hall, Sam Giorgio Pizzeria, Milwaukee Brat House, George Webb, and Mikey’s Burgers and Bombs. They are all reasonably priced and within a few blocks of the arena. When you think of Milwaukee, a few things come to mind… cheese, beer, and Harleys. A great way to spend your pregame time on weekends is to check out the nearby Wisconsin Cheese Mart, and the Harley Davidson Museum and go on the Miller Brewery Tour. The attractions are located just west of the Panther Arena. A few hotels are within a few blocks of the arena which have parking included. So you can save a few bucks on parking by walking from the hotel to the arena. The closest is the Hyatt Regency around the corner from the Panther Arena, but for a more uniquely Milwaukee experience stay at the Brewhouse Inn and Suites. It is a former brewery converted into a great boutique hotel. The lobby even still has the distilling tanks as furnishing in the lobby. Historical markers line the streets around the downtown neighborhood and are worth checking out if weather permits. Fans 3 Admiral fans have not given up on the team with the move to the UW Panther Arena with an average attendance of 4,500 per game (not including the playoffs). However, on days of popular giveaways or concerts, attendance will be a lot more. That said, the Admiral’s fan base is good. Just like any other minor league team, there are a lot of kids at a game. However, many adults go too. The fans are into the game. They show dissatisfaction with the referees when calls don’t go the Admiral's way. They have hockey etiquette and seem to stay in their seats while the puck is in play and during game action. Access 3 Getting to and moving in and around the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena for an Admirals game is quite easy. The concourses can get crowded between periods and expect long lines at the restrooms. Panther Arena has more than 10,000 parking spaces available within a six-block radius around the facility. It is very easy to access from I-43 via exit 72-C, then stay straight on Kilbourn Avenue. Better yet, stay at one of the many hotels located within a few blocks of the arena and walk to the game. Once inside Panther Arena, there is some evidence of the facility’s age as far as access. The concourse areas tend to be narrow and can get very congested when the concession stands are busy. There are also some ramps leading to the various seating levels that are unique to a separate era. The closest airport is General Mitchell International Airport (about 10 miles from the arena). Depending on schedule and price some fans may choose to fly into Chicago O’Hare Airport and drive the 80 miles north. Milwaukee County Transit Service has an extensive bus schedule with several routes (80, 49) stopping near the arena. Uber and Lyft are prevalent in downtown Milwaukee as well. Return on Investment 4 Single ticket prices range from $15 – $36.50. Add $2 on the day of the game purchase. The team offers Flex Plan Vouchers which can be used in any increment to any game throughout the season. Parking runs between $10 – $25 depending on which lot you use. However, if you get to the area early enough you may be able to find free street parking. The Admirals host various concert nights so for the price of a ticket, a fan can be entertained by a concert after the match. Extras 5 With three minutes to go between the second and third period break the Admirals have the best “3” celebration, ok, the only one, that I have seen. This is not to be missed. The 3 celebration is game day operations turn off the house lights and flash a "3" on the scoreboard and play music. The fans take out their cell phones, turn on the flashlight and wave them around. It is stupid fun. The Wisconsin Athletic Walk of Fame is located just outside of the UW Panthers Arena. In 1977 the facility hosted the NBA All-Star Game. Elite players who appeared in that game included Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pete Maravich, and John Havlicek. The Admirals do a great job with the giveaways and promotions. Various promotional games are available for kids under 14, seniors (60+), first responders, and students. Wendy’s, the Brewers, Harley Davidson, and other sponsors all provide discounts in some form or fashion. Check their website for additional information on promotions for the current or future seasons. Inside, a banner lists all the Admiral players who have made it to the NHL. A wide variety of merchandise choices are available at the team store including pennants and hat pins. Final Thoughts In an era of disposable stadiums and frequent tear-downs, the UW – Milwaukee Panthers Arena is a great example of successful historical preservation. It is not only surviving but thriving, as it is in use nearly every day of the week by a different sports franchise. Even though the arena is not the most luxurious, it is a good place to see a game and is worth the trip.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Fenway Park 4 Jersey St. Boston, MA 02215 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Fenway Park website Year Opened: 1912 Capacity: 37,731 Worth the Wait? When you think of Fenway Park you picture legends like Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz dazzling fans with their heroics on the diamond. What you don’t think of is kickoffs, first downs, and marching bands. However, Fenway Park finally played host to the Wasabi Fenway Bowl in the 2022-2023 bowl season. This bowl was originally set to debut in 2020 but COVID forced postponements in both the 2020-2021 bowl season and the 2021-2022 bowl season. Football at Fenway actually dates back to 1916 when Holy Cross & Boston College squared off. There was even a professional team, the Boston Patriots of the AFL, who called Fenway Park home. Though Fenway had hosted football games in the past, the inaugural Wasabi Fenway Bowl between Cincinnati and Louisville was the first time Fenway Park played host to a bowl game. In the end, it was a mixed bag of an experience that had some high points but also some low points. Food & Beverage 4 The food offerings at the Fenway Bowl were a bit different than those you would find at a typical Red Sox game. Normally Fenway Park’s food experience is enhanced by the numerous vendors located right outside of the gates on Jersey Street. However, those vendors were not present for the Fenway Bowl. That doesn’t mean there was a lack of options inside the ballpark though. All of the usual stadium fare can be found at Fenway. Fans can snack on sausages, popcorn, candy, and pretzels among other ballpark staples. Pizza, chicken tenders, and even lobster rolls can also be found around the park along with the famous Fenway Frank. If you’re looking for a Pepsi you won’t find one at Fenway as they carry only Coca Cola soft drinks. What you can find though is a plethora of craft beer options alongside the requisite New England staple, Sam Adams. Unsurprisingly, the prices for food & beverages at Fenway is not cheap. For example, a 16oz Truly Hard Seltzer will run you $11.50, a 20oz water costs $4.75, and peanuts cost $5.75. Atmosphere 5 This is truly a unique experience for a bowl game. Watching college football at Fenway Park is a sight to behold. The cold New England air, the green monster in the background, Sweet Caroline, and the aura of Fenway all combine to make for a memorable experience. There’s history everywhere you look at Fenway. Look towards the right field bleachers and you’ll see the retired numbers of legends like David Ortiz, Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, and Yaz. Take a look at the green monster and you’re reminded of Fisk’s homerun in game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Seeing the players come up and out of the dugout for pregame introductions is really cool and the marching bands also provide a great element of both music and choreography. The pageantry of college football combined with the history of Fenway Park just makes for a really memorable atmosphere and experience that fans will enjoy. Neighborhood 5 Fenway Park is located in a great neighborhood. There are numerous dining options within walking distance. If you’d like to check out some uniquely Boston locales try the Cask ‘N Flagon, The Bleacher Bar, or Fenway Johnnies. If you’re looking for variety stop at Timeout Market where you can find a rotating group of eating establishments. You can find pizza, burgers, Asian cuisine, and much more. There are also numerous coffee shops, fast food, and fast casual spots for fans looking to grab a quick bite outside of the park. If you’re looking to catch some music there are also some great options. The House of Blues and the new MGM Music Hall at Fenway are perfect spots to check out. If you’re traveling with young kids then the Boston Children’s Museum is a fun time for the whole family. Fans 2 The deck was stacked against the fans for this bowl game no matter who was involved outside of Boston College or UCONN. College football isn’t nearly as big of a deal in New England as it is in other parts of the country. The passion and intensity is geared fully towards the pro teams in New England. Add in the fact that most of the time the teams aren’t local to New England it’s tough to get a strong attendance number. There were of course still loyal fans of both schools at the game and they did try to enhance the atmosphere as much as they could but in the end it was definitely not a rowdy event. You definitely don’t have to worry about getting heckled or being mistreated for wearing the wrong colors. Access 3 There are some really easy ways to get to Fenway and there are some really frustratingly hard ways to get to Fenway. The easiest and simplest method is to take public transportation. There’s a commuter rail stop right outside of Fenway Park. If you’re coming from Western MA just take the Worcester-Framingham line to Lansdowne. Fenway Park is a stones throw away from the station. There’s also the Providence/Stoughton line which drops you off near Northeastern University. If taking the T, your best bet is to take is the green line. If you plan to drive to Fenway Park be warned that the parking/traffic situation can be an absolute nightmare. This bowl game will always be played around Christmastime when people are out shopping and traffic is at its worst. There are lots close to the park but they fill up fast and aren’t cheap. Save yourself the headache and take the train. Once inside, Fenway is fairly easy to navigate. The concourses are wide enough to accommodate the bowl game crowd and fans should have no problems with congestion. As far as preferred sightline, for the Fenway Bowl we would recommend the State Street Pavilion as it gives you a birds eye view of the action. Return on Investment 3 Bowl games in general are a tough event to determine a true return on investment. The quality of football will be a mixed bag depending on which teams are picked for the game. There’s also the fact that a lot of high quality players sit out bowl games if they’re entering the NFL draft. What doesn’t change year to year though is the backdrop and Fenway is an awesome place to see a football game. Another thing that won’t change is the price for food and parking. Those prices will always remain high unfortunately. Tickets should be fairly easy to come by though unless BC or UCONN ends up playing in this game in the future. Overall, if you find seats with a good sightline and have a blanket or two you should be able to have an enjoyable time. If nothing else, you can tell your friends that you saw football played at Fenway Park. Extras 3 One star has to go to the history of Fenway Park. The history is visible everywhere you look. If you’ve never been to Fenway Park before it is definitely worthwhile to take a stroll through the park to visit some of the memorable sites of which there are many. A second star goes to the great food scene in and around Fenway Park. There’s something for every taste and appetite in the Fenway neighborhood. There are plenty of chain restaurants and mom and pop establishments. A final star goes to the marching bands. If you’ve never seen a Division One marching band at a college football game, you are in for a real treat. The synchronized motions that flow perfectly with the music is a sight to behold and adds a real flair to the game. Final Thoughts There’s a lot to like about the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. The backdrop is incredible, the food is top notch, and seeing college football in downtown Boston is just fun overall. However, there are a lot of variables with any bowl game but particularly one in New England. It’s going to be cold, the attendance typically won’t be high unless a local team is included, and some of the players will opt out due to the NFL draft. In the end it’s a cool event that is worth checking out at least once.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is a multi-purpose arena located within the MGM Grand Las Vegas hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The arena has a seating capacity of 17,000 with bleachers and is used for a wide range of events including concerts, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Despite its relatively small size, it’s one of the most iconic arenas in the world and frequently hosts high-profile events. It has a long history with WWE and is set to host SmackDown this March. History of the MGM Grand Garden Arena The MGM Grand Garden Arena was built in 1993 and quickly became one of the most iconic live spots in the USA. Its main use has been for UFC and boxing events, with many super fights in recent times such as Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II in 2020. It has also hosted the Latin Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Billboard Music Awards. In terms of sports, the arena is home to the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. There are also various concerts that take place there every year. Ariana Grande, Shakira, and the Killers have all performed there recently. The MGM Grand Garden Arena is located within the famous MGM Grand hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, which is the largest hotel in the world with 6,852 rooms. It’s one of the longest-running sites in the Nevada gambling hub, having previously existed as the Marina Hotel and Casino between 1975 and 1990. The casino itself makes it into the top ten list of largest casinos in the world, with an area of 171,000 square feet. There are more than 2,500 slots and 139 table games to choose from. SmackDown Set to Come to MGM Grand in March Wrestling has long been associated with the MGM Grand, and it has hosted numerous events from UWF and All Elite Wrestling in the past. Recently, it held its first-ever WWE pay-per-view event. This was Money in the Bank in 2022, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Allegiant Stadium. The success of that event persuaded WWE organizers to make a return to the arena this year. WWE Friday Night SmackDown is one of the biggest wrestling events on the planet, and it takes place in a different location every week. It usually tours around the USA, but it has also been held in other countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan. To date, it has been broadcast from a whopping 163 arenas around the world. This year, the event will be in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in March, and viewers can expect to see the likes of Braun Strowman, The Brawling Brutes, and Charlotte Flair. WWE fans are soon to get a taste of how the MGM Grand Garden Arena is the perfect setting for fighting events. It’s highly likely that there will be many more wrestling contests to come there in the future.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Memorial Gym 210 25th Ave S Nashville, TN 37240 Vanderbilt Commodores website Memorial Gym website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 14,316 Historical Memorial Gymnasium - Vanderbilt Commodores In the Music City, it only seems appropriate that the gymnasium of the largest university in Nashville was originally built as a basketball arena and concert hall. Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gymnasium has a long history of being one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams to play in. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions stands are abundant throughout Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium. Each of the four main lobbies has two concession stands and a beer cart. Most food choices are found on the main level – fans can choose from Chick-fil-a sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and nachos. There is also a wide variety of BBQ choices including nachos, mac-and-cheese, and pulled pork sandwiches. Soft drinks come from the Pepsi family of products, while alcoholic options include Budweiser beers, Bud Lite Seltzers, craft beers from Tennessee Brew Works, and wine. In addition to the concessions at the main lobby level, the mezzanine and balcony levels have smaller concessions stands. Vanderbilt also offers in seat ordering where fans can skip the line, order from their seats, and pick up their food at one of the main level concessions stands. Atmosphere 5 If making a list of quirky arenas in college basketball, Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium would be right near the top of that list. Given the building’s dual needs, it requires a unique layout. Memorial Gymnasium is one of the few raised floors in the NCAA; the raised floor allows for a more gradual slope to the main level of seating – the slope of the seating is similar to that of movie theaters. With the gradual slope and raised floor, the team benches have been moved to the ends of the court. If benches were to be in the traditional location, fans in the first few rows would be looking at the back of the bench all game. Each of the four sides of the building is comprised of three tiers of seating: court level, mezzanine, and upper balcony. Given the overhang of the decks above, seats in the back of the first two levels have some rather obstructed views of the full arena and center court scoreboard. However, Vanderbilt has tried to minimize the impact of this with large video and scoreboards on the corner abutments around the gymnasium. When buying tickets, try to stay toward the front of the sections of the A-E levels – these areas have fold down seats, rather than the bench seating that is in much of the arena. Also, the further to the front, the more of the full arena you will be able to see. Fans of the visiting team typically sit in any of the F levels of seating. Neighborhood 5 One of the big draws of Nashville is its vibrant nightlife; the epicenter of the excitement has been dubbed the “Honky Tonk Highway”, and is within 2 miles of Vanderbilt’s campus. Here visitors can take in Nashville’s famed juke-joints and bar scene. The historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, is the centerpiece of this downtown neighborhood. If looking to pair a visit to Vanderbilt with other local sporting events, the Nashville Predators are less than 2 miles away at Bridgestone Arena. The home of the Tennessee Titans of the NFL, Nissan Stadium, is just across the Cumberland River from downtown. While Nashville’s most popular tourist attractions are a quick rideshare away, Centennial Park and the Greek Parthenon replica are immediately across the street from Vanderbilt’s campus. The Hillsboro neighborhood directly bordering Vanderbilt also has many shops and quality restaurants. Fans 5 If the one-of-a-kind nature of Memorial Gymnasium is not enough to create a special experience, Vandy fans add to the aura of basketball here. Whether it is the acoustics of the building, the passion of the fanbase, or a combination of both, the energy throughout Memorial Gymnasium shoots through you as if you’ve been struck by lightning. A great deal of the credit for this energy goes to the student section – students show up in large numbers and make themselves part of the game atmosphere from the moment the Commodores take the floor. Basketball at Vanderbilt is a special experience, and much of that can be attributed to the students due to the school spirit and enthusiasm they display. Access 4 Getting to the Vanderbilt campus, as with most metropolitan areas, is dependent on the traffic. While not much more than a mile off Interstate-65, weekday games can be impacted by the headaches of gridlock in major cities. Parking is available at several decks around Memorial Gymnasium, the most convenient being the 25th Street garage. Prices fluctuate depending on whether it is a conference or non-conference game, and if parking is purchased in advance or not. Non-conference parking runs $5, while for conference games it is $10 if bought ahead of time; buying the day of adds $5 to the cost. There are 10 entry points around Memorial Gymnasium. For first time visitors, there might be a bit of importance to entering through the gate associated with the section of the seat – the entry level of the arena contains a maze of hallways, so it is easy to get turned around in the wrong direction if you don’t enter too close to your assigned seat. Return on Investment 3 When talking Power 5 schools, you are typically going to pay a premium when it comes to ticket prices. Ticket costs are going to be higher in a conference like the SEC, but it doesn’t have to be a deterrent to attending a game. Non-conference games typically have lower priced tickets while providing a similar experience. Vanderbilt utilizes flex pricing when it comes to their tickets. For example, tickets against rivals Kentucky or Tennessee are three times the rate as the get-in-the-door price for Alabama. While the overall experience can be worth the expense, it can be a bit cost prohibitive, so scout the schedule ahead of time to find the most reasonable ticket prices. Extras 4 There are many points of interest that just add to the experience of Memorial Gymnasium. First, the practice gym is home to Vandyville, a carnival of photo ops, face painting, and inflatables to help keep the younger fans entertained during pre-game, or if sitting down for the entirety of the game becomes too much. The lobby areas also provide fans with live action game statistics, so while fans may not directly be able to see the action while getting some food, they can keep up with the score and any statistics they might be missing. Vanderbilt features the history of its men’s and women’s programs around the arena; the most impressive among past Vanderbilt basketball players, who have also won conference awards and played professionally, is their 1984 Olympian, Jeff Turner. Final Thoughts Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium is definitely an arena that is a must-stop for stadium enthusiasts. Beyond the rarity of the raised court and the quirks of the building itself, the whole experience of a basketball game at Vanderbilt is extremely fan friendly and a great college basketball atmosphere.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Mahaney Diamond Long Rd Orono, ME 04473 Maine Black Bears website Mahaney Diamond website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 4,400 Black Bear Diamond Baseball has been played at the University of Maine since 1881. For years, the team played in several locations around the Orono campus. In the early 1980s the school built Mahaney Diamond for the Black Bear baseball team. The field is named for Larry Mahaney, an area businessman and philanthropist who graduated in 1951. His donations allowed for several renovations to the park. In addition to serving as home of the Black Bears, Mahaney Diamond has served as home of the Bangor Blue Ox and Bangor Lumberjacks of the independent Northeast League. The field has also served as host of NCAA Northeast Regional and America East Conference Tournament. UMaine has qualified for 16 NCAA Tournaments and seven college World Series. Nineteen former Black Bears have played in the major leagues. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small shack behind the grandstand which houses a snack bar. Choices are limited here, but it is nice to have food available. It’s an option not many college ballparks in the area enjoy. Hungry Black Bear fans can enjoy snacks including hot dogs, pretzels and nachos. Popcorn, assorted candy, cookies and whoopee pies are sold here. Coca-Cola products are sold at Mahaney Diamond. Perhaps the most popular items sold here on cold Maine spring afternoons are cups of coffee and hot chocolate. A small merchandise table is set up behind the grandstand, offering assorted UMaine t-shirts, hats and sweatshirts. Atmosphere 2 Fans looking for an elaborate game day presentation may be disappointed by the laid back, relaxed atmosphere at Mahaney Diamond. PA announcements are limited to lineup announcements and an occasional sponsor message. The focus here is on the game going on down on the field, which is something that will surely be appreciated by baseball purists. Neighborhood 2 The University of Maine is located in the small town of Orono, which is located in the center of the state. With a population of just over 10,000 permanent residents, the town is actually smaller than the University. Downtown Orono is located about two miles from the UMaine campus. Several fine restaurants can be found on Mill Street, including the original location of Pat’s Pizza, a Maine pizza institution. UMaine students flock to The Family Dog for gourmet burgers. Fans looking for a more traditional pub experience can check out the Orono Brewing Company, Woodman’s Bar and Grill, or Bear Brew Pub. Many fans will choose to travel to nearby Bangor, Maine’s third largest city, where there are more options for dining, lodging and entertainment. Be sure to stop by the giant Paul Bunyan statue for a photo, or visit famous Bangor resident Stephen King’s house. Fans 3 UMaine draws between 400-500 fans for the typical weekend Black Bears game. You have to be a dedicated fan indeed to watch a baseball game in the typically brisk Maine springtime. The Black Bears do have some surprising support from the community and student body. What the student section lacks in numbers they make up for in enthusiasm. While the students who attend Black Bears baseball games can’t compete with the “Maineiacs” who pack Alfond Arena for hockey games, they can be quite entertaining. Access 3 Mahaney Diamond is easy to get to from Interstate 95. Simply take exit 193 (Stillwater Ave.), turn towards the shopping center, take a right onto College Ave., and turn left onto Munson Rd. at the first University of Maine sign. The campus is located about two miles from the highway. All the athletic facilities are grouped together on the northern edge of campus. Mahaney Diamond is tucked in behind Alfond Stadium. Parking lots are located a short walk from the ballpark, adjacent to and in between the hockey arena and football stadium. Most of the seating at Mahaney Diamond consists of metal bleachers with backs. In an unusual twist, the seats further down the line have the fancier seats, as there is a section down either baseline that consists of individual folding plastic seats. Much of the area behind the grandstand consists of dirt paths, which can become muddy during the Maine thaw. Fans would be well advised to walk carefully around the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Black Bear baseball games cost six dollars, with a two dollar discount given to youths and seniors. UMaine students are admitted at no charge. While six dollars is not a steep price to pay to catch some quality college baseball, UMaine is one of the few schools in New England that charges an admission fee to attend games. Parking in the lots near Mahaney Diamond is free, and the prices at the snack bar are inexpensive. An afternoon at a Black Bears game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the Mahaney Clubhouse, an indoor training facility down the left field line. A party deck is built into the side of the building and is rented out to groups on occasion. The field turf playing surface ensures that Mahaney Diamond is playable even during the cold, short Maine spring. Final Thoughts While far off the beaten path (the closest division one baseball school is a four hour drive away), Mahaney Diamond is a quality ballpark. Just remember, this is New England, where the spring weather can be extremely fickle and unpredictable. Postponements, cancellations, changes in schedule and even changes in venue can and do happen regularly. The weather in Maine usually doesn’t turn until after the college baseball season is almost over. If planning a visit to Orono, be flexible. Follow all of Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of Binghamton University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bearcats Baseball Complex 4400 Vestal Pkwy E Vestal, NY 13902 Binghamton Bearcats website Bearcats Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 464 Bearcats Ballpark In 2012, Binghamton University opened its updated Bearcats Sports Complex, which included new softball, tennis, and baseball facilities. The ballpark is light on bells and whistles, but is a comfortable place to see the Binghamton Bearcats of the America East Conference. The ballpark has seating for 464 spectators in green plastic bucket seats. There are no lights here, nor seats that would be in the shade, so if you’re fortunate enough to get a warm day on the eastern edge of the Southern Tier, then bring your sunscreen and enjoy a ball game. Food & Beverage 2 There is a table set up behind the main grandstand offering concessions. The food and drink available is somewhat determined on the weather, but even when the full menu is available, there still isn’t a lot, so you may consider bringing in your own snacks and drinks. On a recent visit, they didn’t set up for hot dogs because it was too windy. The prices are quite reasonable with all items going for $1-$2 including fresh fruit, cookies, candy, and chips. Prices are not posted so just ask the staff member working the table. Drinks include bottled water and Coke products in 20 ounce bottles for $2.50. If you are feeling peckish, then you should be able to get something to keep you satiated for the game, but if you want something more substantial, consider bringing in your own food. A trip to the Spiedie & Rib Pit just down the road on Vestal Parkway would be an excellent stop pre-game. Atmosphere 3 For this part of the country, this is a nice little college ballpark. It’s a no frills experience, but is a fine and functional facility. All of the seats are green bucket style chairback seats. They’re reasonably comfortable, but a little narrow. If you like a little extra room, then consider bringing your own chair and setting up along the left field line where there is a small hill that presents a good alternate view of the game. All of the seats in the grandstand have a net to protect the fans. The ballpark is symmetrical with 325 feet down each line, 365 to the power alleys, and 390 feet to straightaway center. The scoreboard is located in left center field and offers just the basics for you to follow along with the game. The PA announcer is to the point, just sharing a batter’s name, number, and position. You’ll also hear music in between innings. Neighborhood 3 Binghamton’s athletic facilities, including the Events Center, are located just off of Vestal Parkway, and there are plenty of chain restaurants that line this busy thoroughfare. Just name your favorite chain, and you’ll likely find it here. However, when you’re in Binghamton, a spiedie really is a must. A spiedie is basically a sandwich with marinated meat (sort of a kebab sandwich). The Spiedie & Rib Pit is a great choice, and it’s located within walking distance from the baseball field. A little further down Vestal Pkwy is the Ale House, a good place to have a couple of beers. They also have surprisingly good pizza. If you come later in the season, you may be able to make it a doubleheader by seeing the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at NYSEG Stadium. If you’re looking for something besides sports, then consider a trip to the Robersom Museum and Science Center, or Bundy Museum of History and Art. There are plenty of hotel options along Vestal Parkway. The Holiday Inn Express is a good choice just down the road. Fans 2 You won’t find a lot of fans at a Binghamton baseball game, but the good news is that since it is a small facility, it doesn’t take much to fill up the venue. You are likely to find a couple of hundred fans at a Bearcats game. Mostly it’s a mix of friends and family, and some of the students. The good news is that the fans have had a lot to cheer about in recent years. Binghamton was the regular season champion of the America East Conference in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Additionally they won the conference tournament, and a trip to the NCAA Regionals in 2009, 2013, and 2014. Access 4 Parking is free and plentiful on the other side of the tennis courts which sit next to the ballpark. Overall, it is very easy to move around the ballpark since it is so small. There is plenty of public transportation throughout Broome County, with the 47 bus being the one that will drop you nearest the ballpark. You can check out the entire system of routes online. You’ll buy tickets and enter the ballpark near the big pagoda near the main parking lot. If it’s your first visit, you may be a little confused, but just head to the pagoda and you’ll be all set. There is also a permanent restroom here for each gender, if you would prefer that over the port-a-potties they have at the field. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are just $5 for general admission seating. It’s hard to complain about a $5 ticket, free parking, and reasonably priced concessions, but there are plenty of college programs that don’t charge admission at all. Still, it’s worth the cost for what you’ll get. Extras 2 One extra for being able to bring a spiedie into the game. It really adds to the experience and gives you that true Binghamton vibe. I visited on a day of a doubleheader, and it was just what I needed between games, and close enough to get it and come back without missing a pitch. Another extra point for the small size of the ballpark. It really is the perfect size for this program. They built a new facility and did it the right way. Final Thoughts You’ll enjoy a trip to Binghamton’s Baseball Complex. Whether you’re in the area for business, pleasure, or following your school on the road, Binghamton provides a good ballpark experience for a decent price with plenty to do in the immediate vicinity of the field.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Allen Arena 401 Granny Pike Dr Nashville, TN 37204 Lipscomb Bisons website Allen Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 5,028 Allen Arena – Lipscomb University While Nashville might best be known for its nightlife and country music scene, tucked away in the quiet Green Hills neighborhood is the campus of the Lipscomb University Bisons. Opened in 2001, basketball at Allen Arena started with a bang, as the inaugural game was won on a half-court shot as time expired. Home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, Allen Arena is also shared with the women’s volleyball program, which all compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Food & Beverage 2 Allen Arena features one small concessions stand in the main lobby. While there are a limited number of options, the prices are very reasonable – fans can choose from nachos ($4), slices of pizza ($3), popcorn ($3), candy ($2) and a wide variety of Coca-Cola beverages ($3). Lipscomb has chosen not to sell alcohol at its games. Food at Allen Arena does not provide much when it comes to choices, but it is enough to tide you over until you can grab something more substantial after the game. Atmosphere 2 Allen Arena is a modern looking facility; the school’s purple and gold colors adorn the windows of the main entrance. A smaller version of the nearby Allen clock tower has been incorporated into the arena's entrance architecture. Unlike many college basketball arenas, Allen Arena does not have an overhead scoreboard; rather scoreboards are placed in the four corners. Each end of the arena does have a video board, which seem intended to show a live feed of the game, but mostly reads “Lippy” in script lettering. The Lipscomb cheer squad puts in a lot of work during timeouts. Hardly a break in the action goes by when they are not either involved in one of the several raffles, or performing a routine before the ball is put back in play. The school mascot, Lou Bison, is present and active during the timeout promotions, but primarily sticks to the baseline area with the cheer squad. Attendance at Lipscomb is rather hit-or-miss. Games such as homecoming or the “Battle of the Boulevard”, with intercity rival Belmont University, are highly attended games – close to the 5,000 fan capacity of Allen Arena. On the other hand, most other games are lightly attended, with crowds of less than a couple thousand. Neighborhood 4 Lipscomb is in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, one of the city's most popular neighborhoods. The campus is surrounded by many large, residential homes. The Green Hills Shopping Mall is within 2 miles of the Lipscomb campus and has an extensive number of restaurants. One of the highlights is Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville staple. Fans coming to town for an extended stay can find several other sporting options to pair with a game at Lipscomb. Three D-1 college basketball programs, Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Tennessee State can all be found around the city. Professional sporting teams in season include the Nashville Predators in the city’s entertainment district, and the Tennessee Titans, who are just across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville. Fans 2 Sustainability of basketball attendance at Lipscomb seems to be a bit of a challenge. While the high interest games mentioned, homecoming and the rivalry game with Belmont, do have near capacity crowds, the announced attendances for most games sit in the high thousand to low two thousand. The bench side of the stands is comprised mostly of alumni who are content in watching the game. They typically only get excited during good basketball plays or questionable officiating; it is not that they are silent, but it seems to be in more an appreciation of the game than being boisterous fans. The student section is comprised of approximately 200 students who populate one of the sections across from the visiting team’s bench. Other than a handful of exuberant attendees, the overall interest in the game seemed to be a bit waning. Access 3 The most direct access to Lipscomb is via Interstate-65 from the north or south, or from the I-440 bypass if approaching from the east, west, or from Interstate-24 (toward Murfreesboro). The campus is within 2 miles of both highways. Given that Lipscomb is in a large city, gridlock on the highway is always a concern when it comes to weekday games. Once on campus parking can be a bit confusing to locate – the team’s website does not provide specific parking information. The East Deck is closest to Allen Arena, and is accessible via the secondary entrance to the campus off Granny White Pike. This deck is a bit inconvenient in that there is no way inside the deck to go to the next level up if the current level is full. The west deck is also an option, but requires entrance via Belmont Boulevard. The primary entry point into Allen Arena is at the front of the building. Once through the doors, fans enter the lobby to face a wall of trophy cases featuring the accomplishments of each of Lipscomb’s athletics programs. To the right fans will find the Lipscomb Athletics Hall of Fame, while most general admission seating is to the left. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Lipscomb basketball games are rather inexpensive; prices start at $10 for general admission seats, while reserved seating goes for $15, with some nights offering special promotions. The Nashville Night promotion offers general admission tickets for $6.15 in representation of Nashville’s area code, for example. Paired with free parking and inexpensive food options at the concessions stand, Lipscomb offers a very well-priced basketball experience. Lipscomb does offer a Junior Bison Club that includes free admission for children to all Lipscomb athletic events for the academic year. Overall, Lipscomb does offer very reasonable prices, and does make it affordable for families to attend games. Extras 3 The trophy cases in the main lobby do an excellent job highlighting the accomplishments of Lipscomb from their journey between NAIA and NCAA. A good accompaniment to the trophies won are the Hall of Fame plaques dating back to 1986. The hall of fame is very thorough in recognizing those who have left their mark on Lipscomb athletics. Adults bringing younger fans to the game will be pleased to know Lipscomb has kept them in mind. It might be a bit unrealistic to think young children could sustain their attention for the entire game, so to help provide a break for younger Bisons fans, there is a bounce house and balloon artists to help keep them entertained, when staying in their seat becomes too much. Lipscomb does a lot to make children part of the in-game entertainment. One of the big thrills for kids in attendance is when they are called to the court to help the cheer squad with the t-shirt toss. Lipscomb does a lot to make the game a memorable experience for its younger fans. Final Thoughts While Lipscomb basketball games do not have the high intensity atmospheres found at some universities, there definitely is thought put in to making the game an enjoyable experience for the entire family. While a game at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena might not be a destination stop, it can be a decent complement to any visit to Nashville.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hawk Stadium 31040 Backbone Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website Hawk Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,000 UMES in Princess Anne The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a Historically Black Land-Grant University located on the DelMarVa Peninsula just south of Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1886 the university has gone through several names: Delaware Conference Academy, Industrial Branch of Morgan State College, Princess Anne Academy, Maryland Agricultural College and Maryland State College before switching to its current name in 1970. The 745 acre campus has many programs and degrees with hotel and restaurant management, fashion merchandising, construction management and professional golf management being some of the biggest, along with engineering. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. Only nine of the 13 member MEAC schools field teams in baseball. Bethune-Cookman University has been dominating the MEAC for nearly two decades. UMES is a charter member of the MEAC. UMES has had limited success in sports until recently. The UMES women’s bowling team won the NCAA Bowling Championship in 2012 and is the most consistent team on campus. In 2015 the men’s basketball team played in their first postseason in 30 years, as they played in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Once a big time football program, UMES ended their program in 1979. There is still some talk of bringing the football team back into action. UMES is tied with Florida State for the most alumni appearing in a single Super Bowl game. In the 1968 game (Super Bowl III) between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts, UMES was represented by five alumni: Earl Christy (1961 – 1964), Johnny Sample (1954 – 1957), Emerson Boozer (1962 – 1965), Charlie Stukes (1963 – 1967), and James Duncan (1968 – 1971). NFL player and coach Art Shell attended UMES. Other famous alumni are Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band and Jamaican track star Merrecia James. Hawk Stadium was remodeled in 2008, but very little other information is known about the small, simple facility. It is located in a convenient spot on campus. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small table setup behind the home dugout selling some simple food items. Hot dogs are $1, hamburgers $2 and sodas $1. The prices are fair but if you want more you need to bring your own. It is unclear if this table is set up for all games, or just because it is a weekend game. Atmosphere 2 There is not too much of Hawk Stadium. There is a single grandstand made up of metal bleachers that run from dugout to dugout. A few rows of bench seating is all there is. The view is through and above a chain link fence. You feel pretty separated from the field of play. The angle is also low so some outfield action seems hard to see. The simple scoreboard in left center was not working the day of this review. A PA announcer does a good job introducing players and playing music. No scorecard or program was seen. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much right around UMES. Historic, as it is recognized, Princess Anne is right outside the campus. It is a nice town, but there is not much really going on in the quaint village that would really make you want to spend much time there before or after a game. There are some restaurants in the area. Peaky’s provides good seafood dishes, with the offering of the iconic Smith Island Cake a pleasant surprise. Lynn’s Kitchen is a decent Chinese restaurant. Besides that, Princess Anne doesn’t offer much except fast food places like Popeye’s, Hardee’s and McDonald’s. It may be a good idea to head the 10 miles or so north into Salisbury where there is a plethora of restaurants. The Evolution Craft Brewing Company at 201 E Vine Street has a great tasting room and restaurant. Fans 3 As with most northeast college baseball stadiums, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There are a number of local residents who seem to be regulars at the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 There should be plenty of parking around the stadium, especially on weekend games. Some daytime in-semester games could be a bit busier. The main problem with UMES is that it is isolated on the DelMarVa Peninsula, relatively far from any real city. The only time that UMES feels like it is not out of the way is if you happen to stop by on the way to an early summer/late spring trip to Ocean City. Maryland. Route 50 that cuts through Salisbury is the main path for most visitors to that beach vacation spot. Of course, being south of Salisbury, means that even on the way to the beach, UMES is a bit out of the way. Princess Anne will never be anything but out of the way for most people. Return on Investment 4 UMES baseball games are free to attend and parking is also free. This coupled with the cheap prices for food make this a good investment for a true baseball fan. You will use quite a bit of gas getting to the game in somewhat isolated DelMarVa Peninsula. Maybe coupled with a trip to Ocean City, it would make the trip to a game somewhat palatable. Extras 2 The UMES athletic facilities have a strange little mini golf course located on an old basketball court right behind the stadium. It is not opened for general use but it is a strange little sight. Maybe it is used for student activities? The campus is also a nice little quiet place that warrants a quick walk around. The new Student Services Center building looks very nice. Final Thoughts Hawk Stadium is a very basic baseball facility. And the MEAC can offer some interesting baseball games, so the low cost of attending a game can make it worth attending this out of the way stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 William P. Hytche Athletic Center 1 Backbone Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website William P. Hytche Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,500 Eastern Shore Birds The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a Historically Black Land-Grant University located on the DelMarVa Peninsula just south of Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1886 the university has gone through several names: Delaware Conference Academy, Industrial Branch of Morgan State College, Princess Anne Academy, Maryland Agricultural College and Maryland State College before switching to its current name in 1970. The 745 acre campus has many programs and degrees with hotel and restaurant management, fashion merchandising, construction management and professional golf management being some of the biggest, along with engineering. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. UMES is a charter member of the MEAC. The UMES women’s bowling team won the NCAA Bowling Championship in 2012 and is the most consistent team on campus. In 2015 the men’s basketball team played in their first postseason in 30 years, as they played in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Once a big time football program, UMES ended their program in 1979. There is still some talk of bringing the football team back into action. UMES is tied with Florida State for the most alumni appearing in a single Super Bowl game. In the 1968 game (Super Bowl III) between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts, UMES was represented by five alumni: Earl Christy (1961–1964), Johnny Sample (1954–1957), Emerson Boozer (1962–1965), Charlie Stukes (1963–1967), and James Duncan (1968–1971). NFL player and coach Art Shell attended UMES. Other famous alumni are Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band and Jamaican track star Merrecia James. The William P. Hytche Athletic Center is named after William P. Hytche Sr., who served as the school’s president from 1975 to 1997. Food & Beverage 3 When you walk into Hytche Athletic Center there’s a hallway to the right and a hallway to the left, and the doors to the court straight ahead of you. If you head to the right, you’ll get to the one concession stand at the center. The stand only takes cash, but the selection is respectable as long as all you need is a snack as opposed to a full meal. Hot dogs ($2) and Wing Dings ($3) are the entrees while candy ($1.25), chips ($1), gum ($0.25), bottled drinks ($2) and bottled water ($2) are the sides. The prices are great, with nothing being more than $3. Atmosphere 3 As soon as you walk into the athletic center, you are greeted by an employee sitting behind a folding table selling tickets. Once you get past the ticket tables, you can truly appreciate the Hytche lobby, which features plaques, portraits and free posters. The plaques are part of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Athletic Hall of Fame, and really make a great impression to anyone who enters the venue. There are also glass cabinets that hold UMES memorabilia, such as a basketball recognizing Tee Trotter, a point guard from the early 2000s that scored over 1,000 career points with the Hawks. With the sun able to come through the glass roof and cast a shadow inside, it really is a nice-looking lobby as you make your way through the doors into the actual gym. Inside the gym, you’ll quickly realize that basketball isn’t the only sport it hosts. Track & field and gymnastics events also seem to be held in the gym, as there is a lot of extra room around the actual court with mats and ladders stacked all around. There are even a few racquetball courts inside the gym. The good part is that there was a lot of room to walk around on my visit and I never felt stuck, crowded or pushed either getting to my seat or going back out to the lobby. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much right around UMES. Historic, as it is recognized, Princess Anne is right outside the campus. It is a nice town, but there is not much really going on in the quaint village that would really make you want to spend much time there before or after a game. There are some restaurants in the area. Peaky’s provides good seafood dishes, with the offering of the iconic Smith Island Cake a pleasant surprise. Lynn’s Kitchen is a decent Chinese restaurant. Besides that, Princess Anne doesn’t offer much except fast food places like Popeye’s, Hardee’s and McDonald’s. It may be a good idea to head the 10 miles or so north into Salisbury where there is a plethora of restaurants. The Evolution Craft Brewing Company at 201 E Vine Street has a great tasting room and restaurant. Fans 2 The game of this review was not especially packed, but the students were not back from winter break so that was to be expected. The team also appears to draw a decent amount of locals to watch the good quality of basketball that the MEAC conference offers. Access 3 There should be plenty of parking around the stadium, especially on weekend games. Some daytime in-semester games could be a bit busier. The main problem with UMES is that it is isolated on the DelMarVa Peninsula, relatively far from any real city. The only time that UMES feels like it is not out of the way is if you happen to stop by on the way to an early summer/late spring trip to Ocean City. Maryland. Route 50 that cuts through Salisbury is the main path for most visitors to that beach vacation spot. Of course, being south of Salisbury, means that even on the way to the beach, UMES is a bit out of the way. Princess Anne will never be anything but out of the way for most people. Return on Investment 3 The price is good for Division I basketball. Coupled with the decent concession pricing and no parking fees, the return on investment at UMES games is very good. Extras 3 The bleacher setup along the endlines is pretty unique. And seeing the racquetball courts along the edge of the arena is also a unique site. Also make sure to check out the many banners for the successful women’s bowling team. That is not something you see at all schools. The UMES athletic facilities have a strange little mini golf course located on an old basketball court right behind the stadium. It is not opened for general use but it is a strange little sight. Maybe it is used for student activities? The campus is also a nice little quiet place that warrants a quick walk around. The new Student Services Center building looks very nice. Unique End Line Seating at Hytche Athletic Center, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When you put it all together, a day at Hytche Athletic Center has its perks and offers a unique experience, especially for the kids. There’s a lot of room to improve overall, especially in entertainment and atmosphere. If the Hawks start bringing more wins to Hytche, expect to see more fans coming out, creating an improved atmosphere.

Photo Courtesy of SJSU Spartans Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Excite Ballpark 588 East Alma Ave San Jose, CA 95112 San Jose State Spartans website Excite Ballpark website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 4,200 Somewhat Home of the Spartans San Jose Municipal Stadium is one of the relics of the minor leagues. It’s been open since 1942 (a WPA project) and seats a solid 4,200. The stadium feels old, perhaps even older than its 1942 opening. The narrow concourse and painted walls depicting classic baseball scenes and quotes about baseball by celebrities embrace the historical feel of the park. Unfortunately, this park is home to San Jose State by schedule only and has absolutely no inkling of embracing the college program. Decorated almost completely for the California League San Jose Giants , this is simply a borrowed home for the Spartans. San Jose State baseball plays the majority of their baseball at Municipal Stadium, but occasionally plays home games at smaller Blethen Field on campus. The Spartans don’t exactly have a sparkling history to go along with their borrowed stadium either, although they did make the College World Series in 2000. The good news is San Jose State plans to build a new on campus stadium to replace Blethen Field at some point in the future, presumably moving their home games out of Municipal Stadium. Note: The stadium name changed from San Jose Municipal Stadium to Excite Ballpark in 2019. Food & Beverage 2 Municipal Stadium features a modicum of food selection from one open concession stand behind the first base line. The menu is pretty plain including things like hot dogs ($4.75), polish sausage ($5.50), nachos ($4.75), corn dogs ($4.75) and mac & cheese ($4.50). Perhaps the most interesting thing on the menu is a batting helmet full of nachos for $9.75. None of the food is particularly bad, there’s just not much of a variety. Soda is available for $4, but there’s a variety of drink options to choose from. Bottled water ($3.50), apple juice ($3.50), coffee ($2.50), hot chocolate ($3), Gatorade ($4) and pure leaf tea ($4.50) are all available. There is beer available for $7, but it’s limited to Bud Light. Sutter Home Wines are also available for $7. Picking out any one item is tough because nothing really stands out. But to me, a simple hot dog and a Bud Light sums up what this stadium is all about. Atmosphere 2 There’s not much atmosphere to speak of, and the atmosphere here seems to be stolen from the San Jose Giants. When entering the park you’ll quickly notice all of the painting on the walls, although it’s mostly representing the Giants and the teams of the California League. There’s a grandstand wrapping from first base to third base that holds the majority of fans. There are bleachers in right field and pavilion with tables in left, but they are basically all closed for San Jose State games. This actually hurts the atmosphere by pointing out how much just isn’t available at a Spartans game. There’s not really any in-game promotion to speak of at Municipal Stadium. The PA announcer is pretty bland and the video board in right field never actually plays any videos. Seating is more or less limited to the grandstand area all with basically the same view. There’s no covered seating, so it’s pretty much at your discretion where you choose to take in the game from. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood is pretty tough to peg. It seems relatively industrial and bland, but there are some hidden gems in the area that make it tolerable. And the larger area of San Jose has a lot to offer. There’s not a whole lot of food options in the immediate area, mostly Mexican and Asian food places. Stanley’s Sports Bar is less than 2 blocks away and easily walkable as well. If you’re looking for breweries, there are 4 in the immediate area and two worth checking out. Strike Brewing and Hermitage Brewery are both within a few blocks and offer excellent craft beer options. San Jose itself is home to multiple attractions, both sports and otherwise. The San Jose Sharks and San Jose Earthquakes are both in the area and offer up some great sports experiences. Not far away you can check out the famous Winchester Mystery House for a spooky and interesting guided tour of the remarkably unique mansion. There are plenty of hotels in downtown San Jose, but those can be a bit pricey. Just south of the stadium are a Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn for slightly better prices while still getting a decent upscale hotel. Fans 2 Again, there’s not much to speak of in terms of fans. The shared venue is a bit too big for what San Jose State draws. The number of fans at a game rarely exceeds three digits. A couple hundred fans, a few of them students, are around the park, but it seems like there’s just as many visiting fans as home fans. Even with half the stadium closed off, there are far more open seats than taken ones. Overall this means fan engagement is at a minimum. There are a few fans that will call out the players by name, but there’s not much in terms of true fan support. Access 3 It’s pretty easy to get to the park, but this also is a function of the lack of attendance and overall traffic in the area. Access could easily become an issue if there was a bigger draw. Public transit is basically non-existent, even in the Bay area known for public transit options. Municipal Stadium is a few miles from any easy transit station and only a bus line comes into the general vicinity. If you’re flying in, the San Jose airport is right up the road and is a pretty big hub for traffic from a lot of locations. Parking is free and easy to find. There’s a parking lot over the right field fence, but you can park on the street incredibly easily. Be careful to not park in the ice skating rink lot next door, as signs make it clear that towing can be enforced. There’s really only one gate into the stadium and there’re three ticket booths in front of it. Generally, no one will really be there and getting in and out is pretty simple. The concourse is narrow, but the lack of attendance makes it easy to navigate. Restrooms aren’t particularly nice and seem like they are from 1942, but access is quick and easy. Return on Investment 2 Even at a cheap price, I’m not sure this is worth adding to the travel list. $5 for a ticket that allows you to sit anywhere you want to is pretty easy. Add food and drinks in and you’re looking at about $15 for a game. Realistically though, you’re better off checking out the stadium for a San Jose Giants game. You’ll get the same historical feel but more aligned with the team and with access to the whole park. Extras 2 I know they are generally for the minor league club and not for San Jose State, but I spent as much time looking at and reading the murals and paintings all over the walls here as I did watching the game. Baseball quotes, California League history and general random baseball drawings are everywhere in the concourse and make for an interesting walk. Final Thoughts While I’d tell you to check out Municipal Stadium for its history, I’d recommend skipping the San Jose State experience and showing up for a minor league game. With any luck, the San Jose State baseball program will have their own on campus stadium that feels more like home than their current setup.

TO READ IN ENGLISH, SCROLL DOWN Uno stadio intitolato a Pelé in tutti i 211 paesi affiliati alla Fédération Internationale de Football Association. La proposta è stata lanciata dallo stesso presidente della FIFA, Gianni Infantino, nel corso della cerimonia funebre della leggenda brasiliana, cerimonia tenutasi allo Stadio Vila Belmiro del Santos FC, in Brasile, lo scorso 2 gennaio. La stessa Fifa ha deciso di rinominare il campo presente nella sua sede di Zurigo, in Svizzera, “Estádio Pelé – Fifa Zurich”. Prima federazione a recepire le indicazioni di Infantino quella di Capo Verde. L’Estádio Nacional di Praia, la capitale del paese, è stato così intitolato “Estádio Pelé”. Hanno poi seguito l’esempio del piccolo stato dell’Africa Occidentale la Guinea Bissau (che ha deciso di rinominare l’Estádio Nacional di Bafatà, la seconda città più grande del paese, “Rei Pelé”) e la Colombia (che ha modificato il nome dell’impianto di Villavicencio, capoluogo della regione di Meta, in “Bello Horizonte - Rey Pelé”). ------------------------------------------------------ A stadium named after Pelé in all 211 countries affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was recently proposed. The proposal was made by the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, during the funeral ceremony of the Brazilian legend held at the Vila Belmiro Stadium of Santos FC, in Brazil, on January 2. FIFA itself has decided to rename the field at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, “Estádio Pelé – FIFA Zurich." The first federation to follow the indications of President Infantino is Cape Verde. The Estádio Nacional in Praia, the capital of the country, was thus named “Estádio Pelé." The small West African state of Guinea Bissau (which decided to rename the Estádio Nacional of Bafatà, the second largest city in the country, “Rei Pelé”) and Colombia (which changed the name of Villavicencio facility, capital of the region of Meta, in “Bello Horizonte - Rey Pelé”) have also both followed the proposal.

Photos by Drew Cieszynski Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Earl E. Wilson Stadium Swenson St Paradise, NV 89154 UNLV Rebels website Earl E. Wilson Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,000 Hustlin’ Rebels Many programs claim to play baseball in paradise, but only one can claim it in a literal sense. With Paradise, NV being home to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels, this is one ballpark that fans from all over the country will gladly travel to. The Rebels home field is known as Earl E. Wilson Stadium, named for Hazel and Earl Wilson. The Wilson estate donated $6.5 million to the University, $1.2 of which was used for the construction of the baseball stadium. Beyond just location, the facility is easily one of the most reputable in college baseball. Able to accommodate 3,000 fans, this venue has experienced a rather consistent stream of improvements every few years. The program started the Hustlin’ Rebel tradition in 1973, playing at Rebel Field. Later, in 1980, it was renamed Roger Barnson Field for the University’s previous Athletic Director. In 1993, construction of the current stadium began on the site of the previous stadium. When it was dedicated in January of 1994 as Earl E. Wilson Stadium, it was decided that the Roger Barnson namesake would remain on the field. Food & Beverage 2 If fans have any stomach room left after the all-you-can-eat buffets on the strip, they will find a single concession stand behind home plate. Fans should note, however, the concession stand is cash only. The food options are limited to pretzels ($3), popcorn ($2), nachos ($3), Rebel Dog ($4), caterpillars or gummy bears candy ($3), Twizzlers ($6 – not a typo), sunflower seeds ($2), or a sliders and chips combo ($6). The beverage options include bottled water ($3), Powerade ($3), and bottled Coke or Sprite soda ($3). Being one of the few schools to offer alcohol options on campus, fans can get Bud, Coors, or Miller beers for $6, coffee or hot chocolate with Bailey’s Irish Cream for $5, and lastly wine for $6. Atmosphere 3 Attending a Rebels game while in Las Vegas is a great change of pace from the strip or even downtown. The stadium is indeed a beautiful one and while you can see the towering hotels in the distance, there are not a lot of diversions detracting from the game at hand. The public address announcer is easily one of the best in the Southwest United States and gives the venue a major-league feel. Neighborhood 5 If you’ve never visited the campus of UNLV, you would be surprised by its proximity to the strip. Before or after the game, fans have access to some of the best entertainment and food options in the world. Lodging is never an issue as there are likely more hotel rooms within a 10-minute radius than at any other venue in the world. Of course, not every fan wants to deal with the intensity of the strip, so there are many more low-key options in the immediate area. Roy’s Hawaiian, Buca di Beppo for Italian, the Hoffbrau House, Capriotti’s Subs, Red Lobster, Origin India Restaurant, Johnny Rockets, and Kaizen Fusion Roll & Sushi are all just minutes away. Fans 3 The turnout of the fan base was a bit surprising considering the success of the program, but the school was on spring break during the game, so many students may have been away. There appeared to be many locals at the game who would have little or no interest in the nearby entertainment and simply were there to cheer on the home team, as they do every game. Earl E Wilson certainly draws more opposing fans than any other venue due to the nearby entertainment options and marketing of the city. This can create some interesting atmospheres with the bantering among fans. Access 5 Access is possibly the best feature of this stadium. During the game, many airplanes will fly overhead as the venue is just minutes from the airport. If fans are driving rather than flying, the campus is just moments off of the 15 freeway. Lastly, if fans are staying on the strip, it is even feasible to walk to the venue. Parking is available just outside the main gate, but spots do appear to be limited. There does not seem to be an attendant on hand, so my parking was free on game day, although I would caution that vehicles do require the hourly permit during school hours. Once inside the stadium, you’ll notice a rather spacious concourse and easy-to-find restrooms. There are two restrooms per gender, all located behind the main grandstand. In the men’s room, fans are greeted by a sea of red paint and have six stations for use. The seating area has mostly fold-down seats, rather spacious, but lacking cup holders. There are some bleacher seats a bit higher, but with a capacity of 3,000, they are seldom used. Return on Investment 5 With many items in Las Vegas at exorbitant prices, this is easily one of the best entertainment values. Fans get to witness one of the best stadiums in college baseball, one of the more successful programs in the sport, and often gorgeous weather for reasonable prices. A regular ticket is a mere $8, with seniors at $6, kids admitted for free, and a “Student Buddy” for just $4. Even more impressive is that creative promotions are often offered to save fans even more. Some of the promotions that I took note of included “wear green on St. Patrick’s day” or bring your NCAA conference tournament stub for half-price tickets. Extras 5 While many of the extras are not immediately apparent upon walking through the gates, Earl E. Wilson does have many extra touches that enhance the experience. First are the many benches both outside and inside of the stadium. Not just everyday benches, some are made of granite and other materials to memorialize those that have contributed to the program. Benches for Charles & Selma Knauss are found outside of the stadium, while inside both James A Kelly and Blair L. Woofter are honored. Unfortunately, not everyone is rather engaged in a baseball contest. Whether consciously or not, during the design of the stadium a large grass area was placed along the third base side. During the game, many children were taking advantage of this area for their imaginative sports. Upon entering the stadium, the plaza that greets fans has a large flowerbed that spells “UNLV” as well as a plaque honoring Earl E. Wilson. The prominent red facade of the stadium reinforces the school colors and once fans get to the top of the plaza steps, they’ll find the starting lineup for the Rebels displayed prominently. The retired numbers from the programs are found on the large 12-foot outfield wall. The players immortalized in Rebel baseball include Ryan Ludwick (18), Matt Williams (15), and coach Fred Dallimore (13). The UNLV bullpen is both elevated to see the playing field and shaded from the hot sun. The opposing bullpen is simply an aluminum bench. Nothing more needs to be said except “home-field advantage.” Lastly, the “335 Club” needs to be mentioned. Named for their position beyond the 335-foot marker of the outfield wall, this section is reserved for the most passionate Rebel fans. These fans seem to start tailgating hours before the game, are always spotted in red, and have an exclusive view of the playing field. Final Thoughts Baseball fans cannot deny Earl E. Wilson Stadium as one of the best in the sport. There is probably no venue that can compete in the slightest in the “Neighborhood” category with significant points in the Access, ROI, and Extras categories. A few of the changes I would love to see at the ballpark include cup holders on the seats, additional concession options and the acceptance of credit cards, and an awning of some sort that could shield fans from the hot desert sun. All in all, however, a visit to see the Hustlin’ Rebels is time well spent!

Photos by Drew Cieszynski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tony Gwynn Stadium 5500 Campanile Dr San Diego, CA 92115 San Diego State Aztecs website Tony Gwynn Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,000 Gwynn from Ear to Ear Sometimes all it takes to build a great experience at a stadium is pride. At Tony Gwynn Stadium, there is more than enough pride in a quietly storied Aztecs program to go around. Tony Gwynn, the stadium’s namesake, is the hero of the Aztec faithful partly due to his time at San Diego State as a player and manager at San Diego State and also because of his legendary tenure with the hometown Padres. But he’s far from the only legend to play between the lines at Gwynn Stadium. Mark Grace and Stephen Strasburg are Aztec legends in their own right. Along with Gwynn, one of the most notable things about an Aztec baseball game is their presence. Tony Gwynn Stadium was originally named Smith Stadium in honor of longtime Aztecs coach Charlie Smith. In 1997 it was rebuilt and renamed Tony Gwynn Stadium, with the field retaining the Charlie Smith name. The $4 million stadium seats 3,000 and was funded mostly by John Moores, ex-owner of the San Diego Padres. Food & Beverage 4 Food options are local and delicious at Tony Gwynn Stadium. In the general grandstand, your options include hot dogs ($4), nachos ($6), chili cheese nachos ($7), chili cheese bread bowls ($4), PB&J sandwiches ($3), chicken caesar wraps ($5), pulled pork sandwiches ($5), pretzels ($4), peanuts ($4), churros ($2), buttered popcorn ($5), kettle corn ($5), and frozen lemonade or ice cream ($3). The more interesting options are found at the other stands around the small concourse. Belinda’s Mexican food offers a variety of tasty Mexican items including burritos, quesadillas, street tacos, nachos supreme, and customizable plates. The meats are your choice and ready to serve in front of you and no matter your choice, the meal will cost you under $8. There is also a local pizza place that sells gigantic slices of pizza. There is also a Jamba Juice stand as an additional option. Overall, there are a lot of available options for food compared to most college parks around the country. Atmosphere 4 While there are bigger and more beautiful college ballparks around the country, there’s something special about the sense of local baseball history at an Aztecs game. The aforementioned Tony Gwynn is more than a San Diego State legend and stadium namesake, he’s a symbol of the program and fans. His stamp on the program is as ingrained as any you’ll see in the collegiate ranks. From the mural on the outfield wall to the merchandise sold behind the grandstand, and into the hall of fame near the 3rd base seats, Tony Gwynn is omnipresent. The atmosphere here starts and ends with him. But the outfield wall is adorned by more than just the image of Gwynn. Stephen Strasburg’s image on the wall is a more recent face of the program. But names like Travis Lee, Aaron Harang, Chris Gwynn, and Mark Grace speak to the tradition as well. The park itself is the centerpiece of the SDSU athletic complex and is adjacent to the lacrosse and softball fields. The area is a hub of athletic activity, so you’re likely to get a couple of sports events for the price of one. Fans are proud of their past and show up in pretty good numbers to cheer on the Aztecs. They aren’t always as rowdy as some of the best fan bases in baseball, but they hold their passion in their way. Some of the coolest features of the park tie into that tradition as well. Behind the 3rd base grandstand is a spectacular program Hall of Fame full of jerseys, photos, and memorabilia from their rich past. Hall of Fame banners, plaques, and images surround the ballpark. On the field, Aztec pride is strong as well. The team takes the field to “Welcome to the Jungle,” and plays with intensity from that point on. Add the reliably beautiful San Diego weather, and you have a recipe for success and an enjoyable day at the ballpark. Neighborhood 4 It’s San Diego, enough said….right? Well, while San Diego offers a huge variety of local options and beautiful weather, the area immediately around San Diego State doesn’t quite meet the top-level college town vibes. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to like in the area. A variety of Mexican options and burger joints make for typical college-level food venues around College Avenue. The real options are in downtown San Diego though. The Gaslamp Quarter is the most “happening” part of the city and consists of so many hotels, clubs, bars, and restaurants that you’ll have difficulty picking the right one. Some of the more popular options for you include Searsucker, Barleymash, Meze, and Neighborhood, but you won’t go wrong with other options there either. Seaport Village is not far either and offers shopping and food on the water. Overall, it’s hard to top San Diego as a setting for any athletic event. Fans 3 The numbers will be there. Fans show up sporting Tony Gwynn and Aztec gear in pretty solid numbers. They aren’t particularly loud or intimidating, but they show up. Word also has it that they travel pretty well for road games. All of this is respectable and has a lot to do with the tradition and pride around the program. Access 3 Getting to Tony Gwynn Stadium is as easy as one can expect in southern California. If traffic isn’t a nightmare (particularly if you’re coming from the north), it’s easy to get to. Located east of San Diego just off of I-8, it’s just a short drive from Qualcomm Stadium. Once you get to campus, there’s a parking garage located just outside of the athletic complex. While convenient, the garage itself is poorly planned. The ticket booths are $1 per hour and require the purchased ticket to be displayed on your dash. Oddly, all of the ticket booths are located on the stadium side of the garage. If you happen to park across the garage, prepare to hike back to your car to display the stub on your dash. My best advice? Stop the car at the ticket booth on your way in and grab your ticket before you park, as this can be an inconvenience for the first-time visitor. Just a short walk from the garage past the lacrosse field will take you to Tony Gwynn Stadium at the heart of the athletic complex. The walkway behind the grandstand is open and nice, making it easy to get around to your seat. Due to crowds and the lack of redundancy on concession stands, expect lines to get food. You’ll be better served to take in a few innings before eating to let the lines die down. Return on Investment 4 Prices are across the board better than average for big-time college baseball. Parking will cost you anywhere from $3-$5 and game tickets are $6 for General Admission only (that’s right, sit wherever you’d like). All of the food items will run you less than $8, so put it all together and you have a very reasonably priced athletic event. Extras 3 Extras here are pretty exclusively related to the tradition of the program. The plaques and banners boasting their famous players greet you at every turn. Tony Gwynn has a large raised stone plaque directly behind the home plate. But the jewel of the stadium is the Stephen and Mary Birch Baseball Museum. This museum is overflowing with everything the baseball lover would want to see, including Tony Gwynn Aztec and Padre jerseys, bats, pictures, and baseballs from events dating back to the beginning of the program. Get there before the 7th inning though, because the door is locked late in the game. Final Thoughts Tony Gwynn Stadium is one of those parks that exceed expectations. While it doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of some of the more well-known college baseball venues, it inspires an “I didn’t know the program had this much tradition” reaction that grips you from your first step into the stadium. Stop by the stadium, catch a game and buy a Tony Gwynn souvenir from the early days of his greatness. You won’t regret it.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 William Peccole Park 1664 N. Virginia Reno, NV 89557 Nevada Wolf Pack website William Peccole Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,000 Root Root Root for the Wolf Pack Many Wolf Pack fans are surprised to learn that former football coach Chris Ault was not the longest-tenured head coach at Nevada. Instead, that honor goes to former baseball manager Gary Powers, who led the program from 1982 to 2013. In the span of that 31-year career, Powers’ teams won 937 games overall, including 17 seasons of 30 or more wins, three conference titles, and four NCAA Tournament appearances. His players also boast equally extensive achievements, like 17 All-Americans and more than 75 draft selections by Major League Baseball teams, including Chris Singleton, Lyle Overbay, Kevin Kouzmanoff, and Braden Shipley. The Wolf Pack’s home of Peccole Park saw its first sellout just last year, beating the previous record by more than 500 fans while accompanying the school’s first Mountain West Conference title since joining the league in 2012. New managers Jay Johnson and now T.J. Bruce have tried to add to that rich legacy in a ballpark that Powers himself had a hand in getting built in 1988. And after that first taste of success, Nevada fans and players alike are eager for more. Food & Beverage 3 The food and drink selection is adequate in both variety and quality, but could greatly benefit from the addition of some signature items. The short lines, availability of beer, and acceptance of credit cards buoy this rating. Food items at the main concession stand include hot dogs, Polish dogs, and ice cream bars for $6, nachos or children’s hot dogs for $4.75, pretzels for $5, popcorn or assorted bags of candy for $4, and bag of peanuts or a box of Cracker Jacks for $4.50. The secondary concession stand on the third baseline offers cheeseburgers with fries for $9, bags of sunflower seeds for $4.50, and small bags of chips for $1. None of the items will overwhelm you with quality, but they also won’t set you back much. Fountain drinks like Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Sierra Mist fetch $3.50 for a child’s size, $5 for a souvenir cup, and $6 for a large, while Gatorade bottles go for $4.50 and bottled water for $4 (the secondary stand has 20-ounce soda bottles for $4.50). Like other Wolf Pack sporting events, beer is also sold at the park, with a domestic draft or bottle (Budweiser or Bud Lite) fetching $8 and a premium draft or bottle (Lagunitas IPA, Red Hook ESB, New Belgium Fat Tire or Angry Orchard) selling for $8.50. The cheeseburger with fries has crisp, fresh toppings with your choice of cheese, and is our food recommendation. Discounts on all of the above items are available to Dugout Club boosters. Atmosphere 3 A game at Peccole Park is a fairly typical college baseball experience, quainter and much less bombastic than its football or basketball counterparts. Most of the stadium’s 3,000+ seats are aluminum-backed benches near the two dugouts, with sections of individual aluminum seats behind home plate and green plastic seats in the “Dugout Club” for boosters on the first baseline. While lacking cup holders, they’re all fairly comfortable for what they offer, and all but the general admission section face the infield close to the action. The turf is entirely artificial save for the dirt pitcher’s mound, and its dimensions are perfectly symmetrical: 340 feet down the left and right field lines, 383 feet to left- and right-center, and 401 feet to the large wall in straightaway center. Peccole Park’s scoreboard is strictly business, with the innings, runs, hits, errors, and batter at the plate the only stats shown. Ditto for the entertainment, with the game’s only music confined to the short breaks every half inning on the stadium’s serviceable PA system. Assigned seats are located in the sections behind home plate and the dugouts, while open general admission seats are next to left field. If you don’t mind benches, the latter seats offer a nice view of the ballpark and beyond. Things to consider before a visit include the ballpark’s lack of covered seats and northern Nevada’s notoriously unpredictable springtime weather. We can’t emphasize that last part enough: it’s not uncommon to need both sunblock and a good jacket for certain games. Neighborhood 3 Peccole Park is tucked away on the northeastern edge of the University of Nevada campus near recent additions to its medical school and a set of railroad tracks across the street. This is also applicable to hotels and other attractions. A stroll north through campus or a visit to the Fleischmann Planetarium are both worth looking into. The University Inn offers the closest stay, while the downtown core trades proximity for a greater variety of lodging options. Shows, bars, and restaurants are the names of the game in that area, and the greater Truckee Meadows offers potential day trips like Lake Tahoe and Virginia City. Fans 3 The fans at Peccole are exactly what you’d expect from a typical college baseball crowd: small in number but sufficiently engaged in the action. Typical attendance is slightly above the average for the seven teams comprising the Mountain West Conference, which is still only about a third of Peccole Park’s capacity of 3,000. While cheering and booing at appropriate times, there still isn’t a ton of them for most games, which are an even mix of a few hundred diehards and a few hundred more casual fans. The singing of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” by the park’s regulars at the 7th Inning Stretch is a welcome sight in an otherwise sedate affair. Access 4 Arriving at the ballpark is accessible on most days, and getting into the park is one exception shy of a perfect score in this category. The most practical public transit option is the Sierra Spirit bus operated by the Regional Transportation Commission. For 25 cents per rider from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm most days, a bus will make half-hour rounds throughout the University and downtown areas. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about 15 minutes away by car. Most of the parking around Peccole is behind the center field wall and foul lines, and getting into and out of these free areas on non-school days is not a problem. Knowing the usual risk involved in parking where foul balls tend to land, we recommend parking a few rows behind the high center field wall when possible. The park’s two main entry gates don’t strenuously check visitors, but there’s one thing in this area fans should know about it before attending a game. If you plan on buying tickets at the main gate on the day of a game, bring cash, as the ticket office is not set up to take credit cards at this time, and there are no paperless options. For the crowds typically on hand, the park is spacious and easy to move around in, although it’s not open from the main concourse area. The permanent restroom on site is also sufficient for the park’s needs, and reasonably clean. There are several handicap-accessible parking spaces behind the third baseline and a smattering of accessible seats throughout the stadium. Return on Investment 4 An outing at Peccole Park is just about the right price for a program at Nevada’s level and is sports entertainment on a budget. Single-game tickets start at $7 for the outfield general admission section and go up to $9 in the two reserved sections behind the dugouts and $11 behind home plate. Youth and senior tickets in the outfield section are just $5. Group purchases of 20 or more tickets can bring costs down to $5 each in the outfield or $7 each in the reserved areas. Tickets for a whole season – usually 20-25 home games – start at $130 in the outfield and “Dugout Club” booster area, $145 in the reserved sections, and $190 behind home plate, with youth and senior season tickets in the outfield only $45. Mini-plans in increments of four games ($28 outfield, $32 reserved) and eight games ($46 outfield, $54 reserved) for any games you choose are also available. Another way to save even more money at the park is the $2 Tuesday games, where general admission tickets and hot dogs are just $2 each. For most other home games, a standard ballpark hot dog and a soda won’t eclipse $15. Extras 2 While the ballpark itself is thoroughly adequate in most ways, one particular extra sets it apart from its peers in the Mountain West, and that’s the view from inside. The downtown Reno skyline and Sierra Nevada mountains in right field and hills out in the left field make for a great backdrop. This is especially true for night games when the field and the skyline are lit up, and you can tell the stadium was oriented with those views in mind. Other extra features common at other ballparks include the numbers and pictures of former Wolf Pack players on the left field wall, a similar poster for retired manager Gary Powers in the right center, a banner of the team’s various championships near the first baseline, and some custom laid stonework of a large Wolf Pack baseball at the main concession stand. While not an “extra,” it’s nice to see these dedications to the program’s past displayed on the outfield wall instead of tons of advertisements. Lastly, the Wolf Pack athletic staff members at the park are courteous, informative, and easy to work with, which is always good for a point in this area.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Burr Gymnasium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website Burr Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 2,700 Basketball at the Burr Burr Gymnasium is located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. and is home to the school’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The arena opened in 1963, seven years before the Bison joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) as a charter member. Howard University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) in Washington, D.C. The school has over 70 undergraduate programs. The main campus is located in northwest Washington, D. C. Howard University is considered the “Mecca” because it is one of the elite HBCUs. The Howard Bison compete in the NCAA’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The school sponsors teams in eight men’s and eleven women’s sports. The school’s nickname is the Bison and recently they changed the logo so that it no longer used the copyright of the Buffalo Bills. Although “The Burr” is a small arena, at just 2,700 seats, and Howard is much less-known than other regional teams such as Georgetown and Maryland, a visit to Howard is an experience not to be missed for any college basketball fan on a trip to the nation’s capital. Food & Beverage 3 .There are two places to buy concessions at Burr Gymnasium, one on each side of the bleachers. A window on one side offers a basic menu - sausages ($8) and hot dogs ($5) are the only meal options, but you can also buy jumbo pretzels, popcorn, candy, chips, and drinks here. On the other side of the concourse, you will find a table operated by a local restaurant. This offers a more extensive menu, with items like shrimp, chicken, and fried fish for around $10 each, or $2 extra if you want fries. Cheeseburgers and hot dogs are also available here, as are homemade lemonade and fruit punch (many fans prefer a 50/50 mixture between the two which is available despite not being listed on the menu.) The lines here do move slowly so we recommend purchasing your food before the game if possible. Atmosphere 5 Walking into Burr Gymnasium will put you in a small lobby, which will take you to a concourse covered in murals honoring Howard athletics. This isn't some generic arena - it really feels like the home of the Bison. The nice thing about an arena as small as this one is that there are truly no bad seats. Every seat is within a dozen or so rows of the court, so you’ll always be close to the action even up top. All seats in the arena are chair backs and are reasonably comfortable. This is always a plus as some smaller venues have bleachers which can be uncomfortable to sit in for two hours. Two new videoboards were recently installed, one on either end of the court, and they also show player stats. For most games, the Howard band will be in the arena playing music before and during the game. As they play, they will dance along to their own music, as will the cheerleaders, dance team, and the fans. There may be few early-season games where the band is not present, but when they are here, there is a raucous atmosphere from start to finish. Although the Howard band is better known for their performances at football games, they really add to the atmosphere for basketball as well. Howard Bison band, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Howard University is located amidst a number of historically African American neighborhoods in Washington. Shaw, U Street, and Columbia Heights, each of which have their own history in the African American community, surround the college. Ben’s Chili Bowl, located about a 20-minute walk away in the U Street neighborhood, is not just an outstanding restaurant but a historic landmark as well. The chili, hot dogs, half smokes, and burgers are renowned throughout the area, but keep in mind there is often a long line to order due to the popularity. And, of course, you’re in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, and there’s plenty to do throughout the city. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s taking in the many monuments on the National Mall or visiting one of the numerous museums, there is so much you can do here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, but some of the privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 4 Although some early season games are sparsely attended, once the MEAC season gets going, Bison fans will pack the Burr. Many games are sold out or nearly so, with almost every seat in the building filled and some fans forced to sit in the aisles because there is no place else to go. They cheer for the Bison throughout the game and it can get very loud in here at times. The small arena traps the sound in and it can feel every bit as loud as a power conference arena despite having a much lower capacity. As noted above, the fans love to dance along with the band's music and they serve to enhance each other. It is not uncommon to see groups of fans spontaneously break out into elaborate dance routines during breaks in the action. The experience with the crowd will vary widely depending on the game, but for a contest against a conference opponent after football season ends, it will usually be something special. However, this rating gets knocked down a star because it can be quite different for early-season games. Access 3 Howard University is in a tricky spot to get to. It’s just far enough from the heart of downtown that it isn’t easily accessible via public transportation, and just close enough that it’s hard to drive there. The closest Metro stops are Shaw and Columbia Heights, but each is about a 20-minute walk away. You can try parking on Gresham Place or one of the other side streets near the arena, but this may not be possible or even permissible depending on the time of day and day of the week. Be sure to obey all posted street signs, as the police will give you a ticket or even tow you if you don’t. Websites like SpotHero may help you find a guaranteed place to park, but this may cost $50 or more, depending on the day. It will, however, be significantly less expensive on weekends most likely, closer to $10 or $20. There is a lot right next to the arena, but it is for permit holders only. Depending on how far away you are coming from, your best option may be to take a rideshare like an Uber or Lyft, which has the benefit of letting you off right outside the arena. This may not even cost much more than parking, although it will be far more expensive than taking public transit. Return on Investment 3 For a typical MEAC doubleheader, tickets are $20 each for general admission, although this will get you into both the men's game and the women's game before it. Most non-conference games are not doubleheaders and may have different ticket prices. Concessions are reasonably affordable, but getting to the arena, whether by paying for parking or taking a rideshare, may cost more than everything else combined so that does take this rating down a bit. Extras 4 The Hoard band deserves extra recognition, as they really contribute to the atmosphere when they are here. So do the jerseys of notable past players hanging from the rafters, which go several rows deep. One more star for the several murals dedicated to Howard athletics throughout the concourse. And one last bonus star for the fact that most home games are doubleheaders, allowing you to get two games for the price of one. Howard Bison Mural, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Although Howard doesn’t get the recognition or media coverage that Maryland and Georgetown do, Burr Gymnasium is a great venue to watch a basketball game. Be sure to visit when the band is here as it is a much better experience with them present than without them. Therefore, we suggest visiting either for a MEAC game or for the annual Martin Luther King Day game against a non-conference opponent, as the band is typically there for those. Throw in the possibility to see two games for the price of one and it can make for a full day of hoops in an intimate setting.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 McKenzie Arena 720 East 4th Street Chattanooga, TN 37403 Chattanooga Mocs website McKenzie Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 10,995 McKenzie Arena – University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Mocs Just off the banks of the Tennessee River sits the campus of the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga. Since 1982, UTC’s McKenzie Arena has proved to provide Mocs basketball with a definitive home court advantage, winning more than three-fourths of their home games. Nicknamed “The Roundhouse,” a building that services locomotives, the moniker is not just in recognition of the outward appearance of McKenzie Arena, but also pays homage to the rich railroad history of Chattanooga. Food & Beverage 3 Food at McKenzie Arena is pretty much what you would expect to get at most basketball games. There is not a ton of variety; pizza, hot dogs and nachos are the highlights on the menu. Each of the three can be paired with chips and a drink for $10 or less. Concessions also offer several snacks familiar to concession stands – popcorn, candy and pretzels. Soft drinks include Coca-Cola products. Beer is the only alcohol option. Regardless of the size or type of brew, beer will set you back $12. Selections include 25 oz cans from the Budweiser family of beers and seltzers, Bold Rock cider, and a selection from the local craft Hutton & Smith Brewing Company. While beer prices seem to be a tic on the expensive side, it is not overly egregious when it comes to the overall experience at McKenzie Arena. Note that the concessions stands are cashless, so be prepared to pay with a debit or credit card. Atmosphere 4 In the name of complete transparency, McKenzie Arena is in the midst of a $34 million facility upgrade. From the outside things may seem to be in a bit of disarray, but it is all in the name of progress. Fans enter the arena between court level seating and the upper level. While the arena undergoes enhancements, just the court level seats are available. An initial thought might be closing part of the seating would negatively impact the experience, but in actuality it brings fans closer to the action and concentrates their energy. Since McKenzie Arena does host concerts and other large events, the upper level does make sense, but for basketball the court level seating is just fine. A large four-piece scoreboard is suspended above center court and provides fans with live action feeds of the game, and is also used for on-court contests and advertisements during stoppages in play. More traditional scoreboards hang above two of the court level tunnels which provide fans with the typical time-score-fouls information, as well as running player foul and scoring totals. The Mocs do a lot to keep fans engaged throughout the game. Including the aforementioned on-court games, the school’s pep-band is highly active in not just bringing a touch of the traditional college atmosphere, but the band members also do a lot to lead the student/fan involvement of chants, cheers, and good-natured ribbing of the visiting team players. Neighborhood 5 When thinking of the destination locations in Tennessee, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Gatlinburg quickly come to mind. Often overlooked is Chattanooga, which might be one of the best kept secrets in the country. Just blocks from downtown Chattanooga and a short walk across the pedestrian bridge from the Northshore area is Chattanooga North, the area around McKenzie Arena which provides a full weekend’s worth of activities, all within a mile to perfectly complement a basketball game. The Riverfront district that neighbors UTC’s campus has all a visitor could ask for – bars, restaurants, museums, and miles of trails. Some of the most popular attractions in the downtown area are the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum, both of which are a mile from McKenzie Arena. Given the relatively mild winters of the south, taking advantage of Chattanooga’s riverwalk could also be an option. Chattanooga is home to an endless number of quality restaurants. One plan of attack might be to start the morning with breakfast at Bluegrass Grill, take the pedestrian bridge across the river to pick up lunch at the River Street Deli, and finish up with a late-night meal at Aretha Frankensteins in the nearby Hill City neighborhood. With its proximity to downtown Chattanooga, hotel options are plentiful. Fans 3 While the construction currently going on at McKenzie Arena creates some inconveniences when it comes to parking and entry points, it does help with the role fans play in the game. The closing of the upper level of seating concentrates fans more around the court, in turn making the court much louder. Attendance for Mocs games typically sits around 3,000 to 4,000, which given the current seating capacity is about three-fourths full. The interest of the fans seems to ebb and flow throughout the game. At times, the Mocs fans fill the role of a 6th man, but often seem to be more reactionary instead – there never seemed to be much involvement in getting loud to help create the next defensive stop. The student section, along with the pep-band, situated behind the basket at the home end of the court, does a good job at bringing a degree of controlled rowdiness, that is always good to see at college sporting events. Access 4 The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga is easily accessible from Interstate-24 to Tennessee Highway 27, which feeds into downtown Chattanooga. AT&T Field, home of the Chattanooga Lookouts is visible at the 4th Street exit, welcoming you to the downtown area. 4th Street leads directly to McKenzie Arena and the surrounding parking lots. Three lots are located across from McKenzie arena. At $10, the proximity does make the convenience well worth the price. With one of the three entrances into the arena currently closed due to the ongoing construction, lines tend to get a bit backed up entering the building. Once in the stadium, fans will have to navigate a bit of a narrow concourse to their seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Mocs basketball can be purchased for as low as $10 for seats behind the basket, and up to $20 for padded seats along the sidelines. Ticket prices increase the day of the game by $2, so purchasing tickets ahead of time can save a couple dollars. With all the seating at court level, there really is not a bad seat in McKenzie Arena. Sitting behind the hoop will always create obstructions because of the basket, unless you are close to the floor, but any other seats would be just fine. Extras 3 While the current McKenzie Arena renovation won’t add a lot to the typical fan experience, it will improve the outside ascetics of the arena. McKenzie Arena’s open concourse allows fans to make their way to concessions, restrooms, or any other features away from the court while staying connected to the game. While the action on the court is not visible from the concessions stands, fans can see the floor as they walk to and from their seats. A small, but very useful feature, are the phone charging stations around the concourse. Fans can get a quick charge of their device while still keeping the court in view. Final Thoughts It’s hard to go wrong with a game at McKenzie Arena. While the structure itself has not undergone significant upgrades since it opened in the early 1980s, enough has been done to maintain the arena so it doesn’t feel like an archaic relic. The Mocs take the traditions of college basketball, and couple them well with fan entertainment. Pair the work the gameday staff does with the exciting, high scoring brand of basketball the Mocs play, and it all comes together for an entertaining college basketball experience.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center 4301 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 2,000 UIW Cardinals – McDermott Convocation Center As the largest Catholic university in Texas, with a student body of over 9,300, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has a long and storied history. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the school’s athletic teams are known as the Cardinals. They began the school’s basketball program in time for the 1980-81 season. After much of their existence in the NCAA’s Division II, where they made the postseason tournament in 2002, 2009, and 2010, they moved up to Division I and are now members of the Southland Conference. Since that time they have made it to one postseason tournament, the Collegeinsider.com Invitational Tournament (CIT) in 2015. Since 1989 the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as UIW volleyball squad, has called Alice P. McDermott Convention Center their home. The venue’s namesake, the late Alice P. McDermott, was a longtime supporter of education in South Texas and San Antonio – especially UIW. The cozy venue is the metaphorical heart of the Cardinals’ athletics complex. Food & Beverage 2 When it comes to concessions, there really isn’t much to write home about at McDermott Convocation Center – there is one concessions stand located at the front of the venue as soon as you walk through the main entrance. The only offerings available here are stadium-style nachos, a hot dog combo, kettle corn, candy, and bottled sodas and water. Beer is also available for purchase. Everything is relatively low-cost, with a hot dog combo running you around $7. It’ll do in a pinch, but if you’re looking to really get your grub on, you’d be better served to eat prior to the game, or wait until afterwards. Atmosphere 3 The venue has the feel of a high school gymnasium, and that helps out with the atmosphere somewhat. Since just 2,000 fans can fill this place to capacity, even a fraction of that seems like a good-sized crowd. The design of it also helps acoustically, as the crowd noise just seems to be bottled up, which makes it louder than it should be. Inside the venue there are banners hanging from the rafters denoting the Cardinals postseason success. Flanking each side of the concessions stand there are trophy cases, one highlighting the overall success of UIW athletics, and the other being the Cardinals Hall of Honor. The main draw, in terms of atmosphere, is the aesthetic and beauty of the campus. UIW is truly a beautiful university, with its tree-lined walkways and bridges that span the headwaters of the San Antonio River. There is also a lot of public art interspersed among the many red-brick buildings; I would advise anyone taking in a game at McDermott Convocation Center to make time beforehand to spend some time on the campus grounds. Neighborhood 5 McDermott Convocation Center, as mentioned, is the central heart of UIW athletics. It is within eyesight of both Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium and Sullivan Field, home to the Cardinals football and baseball teams, respectively. Depending on when you make your visit, you might be able to double-dip and see an additional game at one of these other venues. Regardless, the UIW campus itself is located in a great spot in the city, just a short drive up one of the busiest thoroughfares to the Alamo City’s vibrant downtown. Along the way, however, are a bevvy of exciting entertainment and dining options. Starting with entertainment, I highly recommend all visitors to S.A. stop in and see the Witte Museum – the most-visited museum in the city, it chronicles South Texas’ history through exhibits on culture, science, and nature. It has large exhibits on the Texas Rangers (not the baseball team), a science treehouse, and even dinosaurs! If you’re looking to stretch your legs before your visit to McDermott Convocation Center, plan a stop at Brackenridge Park, home to hiking and biking trails, the oldest golf course in Texas, the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, and San Antonio Zoo. There is also a driving range, soccer and baseball/softball fields, and a Starbucks for those in need of a quick caffeine fix. For dining options, I have a couple of recommendations that are personal favorites. First is Hung Fung Chinese Restaurant – in business for over 80 years, Hung Fung has introduced Chinese cuisine to generations of San Antonians. Hung Fung plays all the hits, such as lemon chicken, beef and broccoli, and sweet and sour pork, and it does them really well. Another recommendation that I’ll offer is Broadway 5050; offering up one of the best burgers in town, the Broadway 5050 is a classic hangout spot. Come for the burgers and beer, stay for the atmosphere. If you’re looking for places to stay while in town, downtown San Antonio is loaded with options for all price ranges. If, however, you’re looking for something even closer to UIW’s campus, there are options. None are within walking distance, but several are less than five minutes away by car; these include Holiday Inn Express and Candlewood Suites. Fans 3 As mentioned, McDermott Convocation Center could be considered on the small side compared to other Division I programs. However, the school has a strong alumni base and good representation from the student body at basketball games. The crowds may not be large, but they are loud and passionate. Also, if you attend a game on the weekend, you’re really going to see a larger crowd than during the week. Access 4 As mentioned, UIW is in a great location in the Alamo City. With it being so close to Ddwntown, it is centrally located, and since it is located off a main thoroughfare, it can easily be reached from any point in town. It is also located – thanks to a very visibly marked exit sign – off State Highway 37/281. This also puts it at a 14-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport. Once on site, parking is plentiful and free in the athletics compound lots. Signage also marks the way to the gym. The city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit also makes frequent stops to the UIW campus for those who don’t want to drive. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for UIW Cardinals games start at $10 per person and go up to just $15 per person. This is a nice bargain for Division I basketball. Their home schedule doesn’t usually draw in many “blue blood” teams as part of their non-conference schedule, but it is still a good bargain; this is especially true when you account for the low-cost concessions and free parking. Extras 2 There isn’t much in the way of extras at Cardinals basketball games. They do have contests in between timeouts and toss t-shirts to the crowd periodically, but the venue just doesn’t lend itself to much more. The Cardinal Red Basketball Band does perform throughout the game and the Cardinals Dance Team performs during breaks in the game; that’s about it though. Final Thoughts McDermott Convocation Center is a fine venue for what it is. It could give the impression of a high school gym, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The real draw, I think, would be the campus itself. The UIW campus is truly beautiful. If you have the chance to visit and possibly double up with another game, that is something sports fans should try to do. It’s not a bucket list venue, but you will still enjoy yourself in a visit to UIW for basketball. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Allstate Arena 6920 N Mannheim Rd Rosemont, IL 60018 Chicago Wolves website Allstate Arena website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 16,692 Skating with Wolves Allstate Arena, formerly known as the “Rosemont Horizon,” was built for DePaul University basketball but is now a multi-purpose arena. In 1999 it was renamed the Allstate Arena after extensive interior and exterior renovations. Concerts and traveling events such as the circus, monster trucks, professional wrestling, and ice skating shows use the facility. Arena football, Chicago Sky (WNBA), and DePaul basketball used the stadium in the past. Now, the only regular tenant is the Chicago Wolves (AHL hockey). Many championship banners and retired numbers hang in the rafters for the Chicago Wolves. The Chicago Wolves have called the Allstate Arena home since 1994 Food & Beverage 3 In the past few years, the arena renovated and upgraded its concession areas. The names of the stands honor Chicago history (not Rosemont) by giving them Chicago / Rosemont related names, i.e., Lexington Tavern, Exchange Street Sausage Company. The food selection and quality have really improved over the years. They have the classic hot dogs for $4 and a slice of Connie’s pizza (cheese or sausage) for $9. Allstate Arena also added a premium sandwich stand called the Carvery that changes the sandwich each homestand; this game was a prime rib roast with spring mix and chips for $15. Four types of nachos are offered ranging from $7 to $15. A "large" (20 oz) lemonade will set you back $8 and bottled soda or Gatorade is $6. Cotton candy is $7 and candy is $4. A 32-ounce fountain soda is $8 and a 16-ounce fountain soda is $4. Bottled water is $5. Note, if you are looking for peanuts you can't find them here. Popcorn or nachos cost $7 and a soft pretzel is $6 with an additional $2 for a cheese cup. There is a Dunkin Donuts stand which has hot / iced coffee ($7), lattes ($10), hot chocolate ($8), cappuccino ($4), a 10 pack of Munchkins ($5) and ice cream ($6 or $10). Full bar service stands have mixed drinks ($9 to $15) and a selection of over 30 beers and craft brews, Vizzy hard seltzer ($13), and 16-ounce cans of domestic beer ($10). A 24-ounce can of domestic beer is $14 and premium beer is $15. They also have small bottles of wine for $10. The workers are friendly and provide a good service but can be very slow at times. I would suggest that you wait until the game starts before you get in line. Atmosphere 3 The first thing you will notice is the sightlines are not very good, especially on the lower deck. In addition, the seating area is cramped. However, you should get there for the pre-game fireworks / pyro show and video which is very entertaining. It should be noted, the fireworks are loud and many little kids start crying when the fireworks go off. In addition, you really can feel the heat from the flames which are used in the pre-game show, even in the upper deck. The stadium does the usual time out / commercial break entertainment stuff, such as kiss cam, throwing t-shirts into the crowd, and other on ice contests like musical chairs, a bozo buckets variation (throwing a foam puck into a garbage can), or a shoot the puck contest. Between the periods the Wolves also provide a Pee Wee hockey game. Fans seem to enjoy the Pee Wees especially when the kids can barely skate. The music at the arena is mostly pop music and for the most part, hasn’t changed much in the past ten or more years. The bad part of all the contests / videos of the crowd is if you are sitting in the upper deck you can forget about getting on the video board or getting a t-shirt. Yes, an occasional shirt goes up there but not many especially if you are in the corners. In addition, if you are on the south side of the stadium there is no chance for you to be “picked” for a contest and it is rare to be on the video board. Lastly, don’t expect to see their mascot “Skates” in the upper deck since he rarely goes up there. As you walk the hallways you will notice Allstate Arena has some banners with the names of some Chicago Wolves greats which is a nice touch. Neighborhood 2 The Allstate Arena is in a commercial area and adjacent to a commercial shopping center (Target is the anchor tenant), a strip mall, and a hotel. The adjacent shopping center has Chili’s, Longhorn Steak House, a sushi restaurant, and an IHOP. Across the street is La Cave, which is an upscale restaurant. Within a few miles, there is a T.G.I.F’s and Hooters. In addition, Rosemont Parkway Park is a few miles from the arena. This area is a bunch of restaurants and entertainment options if you are looking for something to do before the game. If you are looking to do some shopping, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall is about two miles from the arena. Fans 4 Most fans that attend games are friendly and are into the action. The crowd is mostly families, and there are lots of kids present. I found people in the upper deck know more about the team than people in the lower deck. In addition, I have noticed many of the same people at the games, so you know they are dedicated to the team. The Wolves are the affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes however, you wouldn’t know it by looking at their jerseys or by jerseys worn by the fans. The Wolves do not have a patch of their parent club on the jersey nor do they have a jersey that reflects Carolina’s colors. Fans wear mainly Chicago Wolves jerseys (many game-worn), hats, shirts, etc. Of course, you will see some Chicago Blackhawk jerseys in the stands too. Wolves’ games are mostly played on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Wednesday games draw around 4,000 fans. The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games average attendance before January about 6,000 and 8,000 and 6,000 respectively. But after January, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games average attendance is around about 7,000 and 11,000 and 7,000 respectively. The reason for the difference in attendance before and after January is the Wolves have many group nights (i.e., churches, Pee Wee hockey, boy scouts, and girl scouts). Access 4 There is no public transportation to the arena, therefore, you will have to drive there. The arena is located near O’Hare Airport so is it easy to get to, off of I-90. The main street by the arena is Mannheim Road and the traffic is controlled by Rosemont police. Onsite parking is available for $15. If you get here early enough, you can park at the adjacent shopping center. However, the police patrol the lot so if they see you park and walk over to the arena, they will ask to you leave (especially if you are wearing Wolves gear or hockey gear). If they don’t see you, there is still a risk of being towed if they notice your car there for a long time (unless you are parked near one of the restaurants in the adjoining shopping center). There is cheaper parking across the street in small parking lots and the exit is easier from these lots but they do fill up quickly. Return on Investment 3 Minor league hockey; major league prices (tickets range from $16 to $62 on game day). The Wolves rarely sell out, so fans are better off buying a cheaper ticket and sitting just about anywhere in the upper deck, especially before January. After January, the seating in the upper deck is limited except in the corners. The ushers in the lower deck usually check tickets, so fans can’t go there without a ticket. Extras 4 Wayne Messier (formerly with the Chicago Blackhawks) usually sings the National Anthem before each game. The Wolves have five championship banners (1998, 2000, 2002, 2008, and 2022) and retired numbers of their top individual players (Wendell Young and Steve Maltias), coach (John Anderson), general manager (Kevin Cheveldayoff), and two beloved players who have died (Dan Synder – car accident and Tim Breslin – cancer). As for giveaways, the Wolves have very few and if they do it is usually the first 500 to 1000 so you will have to get there early to get one. They do give out a “Breakaway” magazine every game. The problem with the magazine is that in every homestand edition only the middle story changes. The Wolves do get a bonus point for every 1st Saturday home game they have “Adopt a Dog” night. Usually every dog / puppy gets adopted. A dog will cost you about $100 but it has all the papers, shots and is fixed. Final Thoughts The Wolves do well with attendance considering there is a lot of competition for the entertainment sports dollar with many options. Since their inaugural season in 1994-95 the Wolves have only missed the playoffs a few times and only finished sub .500 once, so you know you will see some decent hockey.