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  • UW Milwaukee Panther Arena – Milwaukee Admirals

    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.

  • Fenway Park - Wasabi Fenway Bowl

    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.

  • MGM Grand Garden Arena Set to Host SmackDown this March

    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.

  • Memorial Gym – Vanderbilt Commodores

    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.

  • Mahaney Diamond - Maine Black Bears

    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.

  • Bearcats Baseball Complex - Binghamton Bearcats

    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.

  • Allen Arena – Lipscomb Bisons

    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.

  • Hawk Stadium – UMES Hawks

    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.

  • William P. Hytche Athletic Center – UMES Hawks

    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.

  • Excite Ballpark – San Jose State Spartans

    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.

  • FIFA Proposes Stadiums to be Named After Pele

    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.

  • Earl E. Wilson Stadium – UNLV Rebels

    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!

  • Tony Gwynn Stadium – San Diego State Aztecs

    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.

  • William Peccole Park – Nevada Wolf Pack

    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.

  • Burr Gymnasium – Howard Bison

    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.

  • McKenzie Arena – Chattanooga Mocs

    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.

  • Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center – Incarnate Word Cardinals

    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.

  • Allstate Arena – Chicago Wolves

    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.

  • Dicolor Australia Stadium – Adelaide Giants

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

  • Merkert Gymnasium - Stonehill Skyhawks

    Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Merkert Gymnasium Chapel of Mary South Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks men’s basketball website Merkert Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 We Are Stonehill On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference. Merkert Gymnasium, located in the center of the Stonehill campus, is home to the Skyhawks men's and women's basketball teams and volleyball teams. The court is dedicated as the Paula Sullivan Court in honor of the longtime women's basketball coach, who coached the squad from 1971-1996. While in Division II, the Skyhawks appeared in 15 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice (2006 and 2012). The women’s team has appeared in 26 NCAA D-II Tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight three times. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar in the lobby. If you need a snack during the game, they’ve got you covered here with assorted chips and candy, along with cans of Coca-Cola products and bottled water. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere here at Merkert Gymnasium is typical of what you find in other small gyms across the country. The Stonehill crew does the best with the limited tools at their disposal to put on an entertaining production. The key to the atmosphere in any bandbox gymnasium is the participation of the student body. Stonehill students turn out in good numbers to cheer on the home team. It’s readily apparent that if Merkert Gymnasium ever filled to capacity, there would be an impressive home-court advantage here. All the elements you would expect to find are here, including the cheerleading squad, boisterous PA announcer, and music filling the gaps in play. One concern would be the quality of the sound system, as it can be difficult to understand the announcements at times. Scoreboards mounted on the walls at either end of the gym provide basic game stats. Fans of the color purple will love Merkert Gymnasium. It’s everywhere. Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s suburban location and sprawling campus belie its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half-hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24. More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here. Fans 3 As of Stadium Journey’s visit about midway through the 2022-23 season, Stonehill had only hosted six games in their D-1 tenure. Attendance has fluctuated wildly, from a low of 150 to a high of almost 1,200. Stadium Journey visited Merkert Gymnasium just as the semester break was ending, so all the students hadn’t yet returned to campus. Even so, there was a nice turnout from the student body, who filled up two sections of bleachers and brought a lot of noise and energy to the building. It’s pretty easy to see how Merkert would provide a great home-court advantage when filled. Local hoops fans are thrilled to have a Division One option in southeastern Massachusetts and are turning out in solid numbers to catch the Skyhawks. It will be interesting to see how attendance holds up once the novelty of the new program wears off. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban South Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from Merkert Gymnasium. Merkert Gymnasium is located in the middle of campus, not far from some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including W.B Mason Stadium, Lou Gorman Field, and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the McPhaidin Library parking lot located about a tenth of a mile from the gym. Walkways from the parking lot to the gym are wide and well-manicured, although not as well-lit as you might expect. Fans will enter Merkert Gymnasium into a small lobby adorned with murals from the school’s various athletic programs. The ticket table, snack bar, and rest rooms are all located here. Fans will take a flight of stairs down to the gym floor. There are molded purple bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of this cozy gym. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Skyhawks basketball games are priced at $12 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. Purchasing tickets on the day of the game increases prices by three dollars. Parking is free in the lots a short walk from Merkert Gymnasium. With inexpensive snacks available at the snack bar, a Skyhawks basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 Banners hang on the walls of Merkert Gymnasium honoring championship programs from the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. Stonehill had quite a successful resume while playing in Division Two. Final Thoughts An interesting trend in college sports recently is small schools like Stonehill moving their way up the ladder to compete in Division One. While local sports fans may tend to overlook small gyms like Merkert Gymnasium while chasing the bigger, more famous venues, these hidden gems make for wonderful Stadium Journeys. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

  • Nischwitz Stadium – Wright State Raiders

    Photos by Brandon Gee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Nischwitz Stadium Raider Road Fairborn, OH 45324 Wright State Raiders website Nischwitz Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 750 Raider Up to the Plate Dayton has long been thought of as a strong home for college basketball, but locals love their baseball just as much. In addition to the record-setting Dayton Dragons at downtown’s Fifth Third Field, the city has two college programs at the University of Dayton and Wright State University. Wright State’s Raider baseball teams call Nischwitz Stadium home. It’s a cozy facility on the edge of the school’s athletic campus and has been home to strong success in recent years in the Horizon League. Food & Beverage 3 Just past the entrance is the concession window. It feels like a stand at a community baseball field you would see after your little league games. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the prices are great. $1.50 hot dogs, $2 brats, and hamburgers, nachos, and a pretzel with cheese are all only $2.50 each. All drinks (cans of pop, water, Gatorade or coffee) are all just $1. No alcohol is served. It is basic, but serves what you need to make it through a game. Atmosphere 3 You walk up steps to the concourse which runs the length of the seating area, from the edge of the infield on the first base side to the opposite end on the third base side. No seating area is more than four rows deep ensuring that you’re always close to the action. You’ll notice that some fans have improvised a couple seating areas just outside the stadium’s walls. People set up lawn chairs outside the fence along the right field foul line, as well as setting up shop on the small grass berm that overlooks center field. Nobody seems to bother either group despite them not being paying customers. There’s not a lot of tension in the crowd. This is definitely a leisurely experience, nice if you just want to relax outside and watch some baseball. A nice thing that Wright State did is where they placed the stadium. Nischwitz is across the sea of parking lots that surround the Nutter Center, but is tucked away from all that blacktop and the school’s softball stadium behind a small forest. It separates the ballpark from its surroundings a bit, giving the park a tranquil feel. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding the campus does have a good amount of things to do. Plenty of food options are nearby, with many options if you head west on Col. Glenn Highway. Since this is the suburbs and Wright State was a commuter campus for some time, there’s no real “walkability”. You have to drive everywhere, giving the place less of a neighborhood feel. Since baseball is a spring sport, I would suggest making this a day trip with a drive to Yellow Springs, a quaint town friendly to artists and small businesses. It’s a nice place for families and is only a 20 minute drive west of Fairborn. Fans 2 Nischwitz Stadium only seats 750 so it’s not going to be incredibly loud. The fans who do show up are loyal to the team and cheer at the right time while calling out good plays. Raider fans averaged about 300 fans a game for the 2013 season. College baseball can be a tough sell in this area since they have to start the season so early. It’s still winter when the season kicks off mid-February. Still, with such a small stadium, I hope the school can work towards selling this place out on a regular basis. Access 4 Nischwitz Stadium sits in the Wright State athletic complex, near the school’s softball stadium. The area sits next to I-675 on the eastern edge of Wright State’s campus in Fairborn. From the north, turning right off exit 17 and a short drive puts you right at the lots in front of Nutter Center. From the south, exit 17 will lead you north of the arena on Route 844. Take the first exit for the arena. A left on University Blvd, then another on Raider Road leads to the surface lots. Turn into Lot 8, which is between the trees and the lake and should be marked with a baseball to let you know you’re next to the stadium. Parking is free and then it’s just a short walk to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 A game at Nischwitz is still a good value for baseball fans. Adults are $5 and kids are $3, and since the concessions window is serving up just the basics, you can feed yourself well for under $5 or $6/person. Parking is free and plentiful right outside the stadium. While the Raiders had an unspectacular 2013, the program has had a recent run of success that hopefully suggests that the season was a fluke. Wright State won a Horizon League regular season title in 2009, an HL tournament title in 2010, and both in 2011. Hopefully the future will see Wright State get back on track. Regardless, this is a nice little ballpark to spend some time. Extras 2 One point for separating the ballpark from the large swath of surface parking lots with the small forest area. You get the convenience of parking so close but the ballpark still has a bit of an idyllic setting. One point for the surprising amount of Raiders who have gone on to play pro ball. Team alumni that have reached ‘the bigs’ has included current Cleveland Indians pitcher Joe Smith and Brian Anderson, a pitcher on the 2001 World Series winning Arizona Diamondbacks. Final Thoughts Wright State is still a young competitor in terms of Division I college sports. If they just keep at it, as the university transitions from commuter campus to one which fosters a stronger sense of pride in the schools’ sports teams, then they will continue to find success. Raider baseball is not a major player on the NCAA college baseball postseason as of yet, but has been a strong competitor in the Horizon League. If you want to relax and just want to watch some baseball, you’d probably enjoy a day at Wright State’s Nischwitz Stadium.

  • Eastwood Field – Youngstown State Penguins

    Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Eastwood Field 5555 Youngstown Warren Rd Niles, OH 44446 Youngstown State Penguins website Eastwood Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,300 Behind the Mall for Penguin Ball Secluded behind the Eastwood shopping mall in Niles, Ohio sits Eastwood Field, home of the Youngstown State Penguins baseball team. It is a unique position for a stadium and is also home to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. There are some minor league amenities in a college environment that are fun to explore. Eastwood Field was constructed in 1999 with an $8.3 million budget and has been home to baseball ever since. Even though the games here are enjoyable, being 12 miles from the YSU campus severely takes away from an authentic college baseball experience. A seating capacity of around 6,000 allows the possibility for some good crowds, but the distance makes it difficult for the casual fan to make the trip. Food & Beverage 2 The variety at the ballpark is great, but there’s nothing that stands out from the rest. Plus, some of the specialty stands they use for minor league games are closed during the college games. It’s never good to be informed on what you’re missing from the experience. The quality of the food is average. You can grab a hot dog ($3), burger ($6), grilled chicken sandwich ($6), or nachos ($4). For some added variety you can purchase chicken fingers, buckets of fries, pizza, or boneless wings. The essential snacks are there as well including sunflower seeds ($1.50), cracker jacks ($3.25), chips ($2), and peanuts ($3.25). There are plenty of drink options including bottled soda, Aquafina, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew ($3.50). Also, since the stadium is not on a college campus they are allowed to sell draft beer ($6 for a 20 oz. $9 for a 32 oz.). Atmosphere 2 If you are adventurous on your stadium journeys, you might just arrive at the YSU campus without a map looking for the baseball stadium. After all, they advertise the games on the marquees all over campus. Plus, the campus has been around for a long time so there is a lot to see. However, once game time comes around you’re going to have to make a trip to Niles about 20 minutes away. This really takes away from the experience when you’re expecting a college atmosphere. The stadium itself is fun, but not overwhelming. It is hidden behind a shopping mall of the same name and only has a view of vegetation beyond the outfield wall. It kind of makes you feel boxed into a corner. The environment really resembles minor league baseball more than college baseball. Everything from the music to the entertainment in between innings puts you right in the middle of that feeling. This keeps the stadium from achieving a more enjoyable experience for baseball fans looking for the college game. Neighborhood 2 The feeling of the neighborhood is literally nonexistent. That atmosphere is 20 minutes away on campus. However, there are some places to spend some time before or after the game. The most popular restaurant is Bill’s Place just off of Mahoning Avenue in Austintown. Located just about 10 minutes from the stadium, this is a great place to grab some decent food and play some pool and take advantage of the drink specials. The highlight of your trip will be Stambaugh Stadium, if you decide to spend some time on campus. The football program has enjoyed notoriety and success over the years. The stadium is a mammoth concrete structure located just off the highway. The location is really neat and a must see for any college football fan. Fans 3 Youngstown has some good fans that mostly come from a strong college football following. The distance from the campus seems to keep any kind of student attendance to a minimum. The crowd is mostly filled with families looking for a night out as opposed to a true college community. The fans that do show up are highly supportive of the team and come decked out in Penguin apparel. If you can, try to make it to the stadium when a big time school is in town, especially if it’s another Ohio school like Ohio State. This will increase chances of a bigger and louder crowd. Access 3 The stadium is really easy to get to, but it is hidden behind the shopping mall and located 20 minutes down the highway from YSU. Those factors can make it a bit tricky to find. The parking is only $3 and there’s plenty of room in the lot to find a good spot. The lines for concessions can get a bit long, but you can just find a smaller service station down the first base side instead of in the main concourse if you want to avoid standing in line. Once inside the stadium, you’ll find the area is quite spacious. The seating is general admission so you’re free to explore the different views of the ballpark. The best view is in the bleachers on the third base side, about 30 rows up. From there, you can see everything including the bullpen and all of the game action. Return on Investment 3 The tickets will only cost you $8 per person and are general admission. The prices at the concessions are respectable and the parking is cheap. Overall, this makes for an affordable night out with the family in a fun environment. Just make sure to prepare for the cold weather, even in the month of May college baseball can be a cold game. Extras 2 One point for all of the different views you can get from around the stadium, especially the best view from the bleachers down the third base line. Another point for the nice lawn area in right field, a great spot to enjoy some beverages. Final Thoughts The trip to Youngstown, Ohio can be enjoyable if you want to bring along the family or a best friend, but the stadium experience is not on par with premier college atmospheres. The campus and stadium are just too spread out and nothing seems to be within walking distance. There aren’t that many places to enjoy a good meal or to experience some entertainment outside the baseball game. But, if you happen to live in Northern Ohio, Eastwood Field makes for a decent night out.

  • Mastodon Field – Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons

    Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Mastodon Field 2101 E Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 IPFW Mastodons website Mastodon Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 200 Mastodon Field Mastodon Field is the very humble home of the baseball team for IPFW (Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne). The Mastodons are members of the Summit League, where they have struggled to find success in the conference since joining in 2008. In a town that has become known for its idyllic minor league ballpark with Parkview Field, IPFW provides a very basic ballpark experience that is well-suited for baseball fans looking to get to a game on a warm spring day. Food & Beverage 1 There’s a very basic menu of concession available for IPFW baseball games, served from a small window in the building between the baseball and softball fields. The prices are very reasonable, but the quality is somewhat lacking, most notably the gray hot dogs ($2). You’ll also find popcorn ($2), candy ($1), and chips ($1). When it comes to drinks, you can get a hot beverage like coffee and hot chocolate ($1). Bottles of Pepsi products are also available ($2). There’s not much here, and it’s easy to bring in your own snacks if you would like. Atmosphere 2 This is truly just a ball field. It’s a simple facility with a small red brick wall connecting the two dugouts. Netting extends between each dugout with chain link fences moving from the dugout to the outfield wall. The green grass glimmers in the afternoon sun, and there are dirt base paths only between first and third. The base paths from home to first, and third to home are all grass, an interesting quirk, and one that would suggest that this would be a good ballpark for adept bunters. The outfield has symmetrical dimensions with 335 feet down each line, 380 feet in the power alleys, and 405 feet to straight away center field. The outfield wall is about seven feet tall, and is green painted wood, with no padding. A few small sets of bleachers with 36 blue bucket seats mixed in, make up the seating capacity of 200. There is some room down each line to set up a folding chair to watch the game, but the view isn’t great due to the chain link fence. Your best bet is to grab one of the bucket seats, or bring a stadium cushion and sit in the bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Mastodon Field is located on the IPFW campus. It is immediately next to the softball stadium and the modest tennis courts, and is across the street from the Gates Sports Center. There isn’t much in the way of interesting bars or restaurants within walking distance, but you’re just a few miles away from several chain restaurants along Coliseum Blvd. If you are staying overnight, then the Holiday Inn is your nearest option with rooms starting at $113. Downtown Fort Wayne is about 4-5 miles away from Mastodon Field where you can find some more interesting and unique dining options, including Mad Anthony’s Brewing Company for beer enthusiasts. Fans 2 With a capacity of just 200, it would be difficult for Mastodon fans to make much of an impact. You’ll find the usual mix of friends and family that you see in many college baseball venues in this part of the country. They have a vested interest in the game as they cheer on their loved ones. Access 4 The official address of Mastodon Field (and the other nearby athletic venues) is 2101 E Coliseum Blvd, which is a bit inaccurate and may trip up your GPS. In actuality, you’ll be turning off of Coliseum on to Crescent Ave, and then take the turn to the IPFW campus. The baseball field should be noticeable once you get close. Parking can be found for free in the lot across the street for Gates Sports Center. Just be sure to park in spaces with white lines rather than green lines, which are designated for those with the requisite parking pass. There are restrooms located in the lone building at the baseball field, opposite the concession window. If you would like better facilities, then you can also enter the Gates Sports Center, although that’s a bit of a walk. There are no handicap facilities evident at Mastodon Field, although none are needed as there are no steps to navigate. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge to see an IPFW baseball game at Mastodon Field, and parking is free as well. While the concession offering is a bit lacking, the prices are quite reasonable with nothing on the menu costing more than $2. While this may not be a destination experience, everything is priced right to go and enjoy a ballgame. . Extras 1 It’s hard to find many extras at an IPFW baseball game as this is as about as barebones as it gets. The field does look lush and green, which probably says something about the work that the players on the team are putting in. Final Thoughts If you’re a baseball fan in the Midwest in spring, and the weather is nice and you’re near Ft Wayne, Indiana, then this is a good way to spend a few hours. There is nothing that is particularly memorable about Mastodon Field, but it can still get your baseball fix at IPFW.

  • Henry Aaron Field – Milwaukee Panthers

    Photos by Milwaukee Beavers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Henry Aaron Field 4200 Green Bay Ave Milwaukee, WI 53212 Milwaukee Panthers website Henry Aaron Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 500 A Field Not Fit for a King If someone were to ask you to quickly guess where the only NCAA Division I baseball program in Wisconsin is located you would likely say in Madison, but you would be incorrect. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is the correct answer and Henry Aaron Field is the home of the UW-Milwaukee Panthers. Henry Aaron Field looks more like a high school or even rec league field, located in the middle of a park with only small sections of old metal bleachers. This facility is no doubt past its usefulness as a college baseball facility. Many fans bring their own folding chairs for comfort and sit right behind the chain-link backstop. Perhaps the school administration has recognized the issues with Henry Aaron Field as recent news indicates the Panthers are in negotiations with MKE Sports & Entertainment LLC to build a new multi-use facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. I was also informed by a team representative the 2015 season will be the final season at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers will play home games in 2016 at a facility known as The Rock. The Rock Sports Complex located in Franklin features amenities that Henry Aaron Field lacks such as concessions, grandstands, restrooms, and a turf field. While I was not informed which field at The Rock the Panthers will call home in 2016, I was able to find out that the complex features six fields each of which are modeled after the dimensions of MLB facilities in Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and of course Milwaukee. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage anywhere to be found, the only reason this section receives one star is because of the fact that you can bring your own cooler. The members of the crowd bring coolers with food and beverages. While the facility isn’t much, the ability to bring in a cooler is a huge money savings and adds a unique feeling taking a picnic to a baseball game. Atmosphere 2 The field isn’t within walking distance from campus, which is likely why the majority of the crowd consists of friends and family of the players. The positive aspects of bringing a cooler and folding chair and being able to enjoy a college baseball game so close to the action can’t be ignored however. It is a unique setting, even if it is a no frills atmosphere. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood doesn’t contain much beyond residential housing. It isn’t a bad part of town, it just doesn’t contain much in the way of businesses. The campus is not nearby as it is 4 1/2 miles southeast of the field. It is a relatively quick drive however that can be done with both Interstate 43 or surface streets. Fans 2 The fans in attendance are very polite and friendly. They also have a great knowledge of the game. It is pretty obvious though that their passion and knowledge is because they are all friends or family members of either the home or away team players. All fans are cordial and anything they shout is positive in nature beyond the occasional obligatory “that pitch looked good to me blue!” Access 2 Driving to Henry Aaron Field is a fairly easy commute, easily accessible from Interstate 43 or from surface streets. Driving from campus provides several routes to ensure the drive should go smoothly regardless of time or day of the week. An additional huge plus is that parking is free. There is plenty of street parking along with a decent sized parking lot located down the third base line. Students can take a shuttle to the field if they desire from campus. Return on Investment 5 There are no tickets so admission is free, parking is free, you can bring your own cooler with food and beverages, and you are seeing a good competitive game of Division I baseball. This is a good investment on a game day by itself but may also be a great consideration for a day game if you are already in town for a Brewers game at Miller Park that evening. . Extras 2 The ability to see a game for free and to pack your own picnic has to be mentioned again. One extra star for each of these features. Final Thoughts The opportunities to see a game at Henry Aaron Field become fewer with every game day that passes. Recent news indicates the Panthers are in negotiations with MKE Sports & Entertainment LLC to build a new multi-use facility in Oak Creek, WI. Regardless if those plans come to fruition, a team representative told me that the 2015 season will be the final season at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers will play home games in 2016 at a facility known as The Rock. Editors Note: Milwaukee baseball has called Franklin Field home since the 2021 season after 27 seasons at Henry Aaron Field at Lincoln Park. We hope to have a review of their new home available soon.

  • The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches – Washington Nationals Spring Training

    Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches 5444 Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Washington Nationals Spring Training website The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,858 Washington Moves to Stadium of the Palm Beaches The Washington Nationals moved into the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in 2017. They formerly played in the Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida, a stadium they had inherited from their former time as the Montreal Expos. The Nationals were seeking a new home as the Space Coast Stadium had become dated and they were drawing very sparse crowds. Viera had also become geographically isolated from where the other Grapefruit League teams played, necessitating long bus trips to away games. They share the stadium and the training complex in West Palm Beach with the Houston Astros. The ballpark was built by the city of West Palm Beach to attract a major league team (or two) back for the first time since the Atlanta Braves left for a new stadium in the Disney complex. Moving to the West Palm Beach area meant the Astros and Nationals could play each other at home, while also playing the Cardinals and the Marlins, who are a short distance away in Jupiter. The location of the stadium is between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it very easy to reach via these main thoroughfares. The design of the stadium is very similar to many others in Florida in that it must be elevated as digging down into the ground would result in hitting the high-water table. The stadium is in the center of the complex, with the Astros and Nationals training facilities surrounding it. Food & Beverage 3 For the most part, the concession offerings at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches are your typical baseball fare. Items include hamburgers w/fries ($11), grilled chicken w/fries ($10), BBQ sandwiches w/fries ($10), and chicken tenders w/fries ($10.50). Other items include ¼ lb. brats ($7.50), hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($5.50), pretzels ($6), candy ($4.50), and chips ($2.50) Pepsi brand products are sold for $5-$7 depending on the size. For adult beverages, domestic drafts are $10, premium drafts are $12. Canned domestic beers go for $9, while canned premium beers are $10. Cocktails and wine are $9. There is one concession stand named the Capitol Hill Grille, but it does not sell any food that would be unique to Washington DC. Fans with a sweet tooth may want to visit the Beaches Ice Cream stand. They offer an ice cream helmet for $7.50, a soft serve in a cup or a waffle cone for $6, and root beer floats for $7. Atmosphere 3 Nationals fans were very happy when the team relocated to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches from Viera, as there are frequent flights into the West Palm Beach airport from Washington, DC. Attendance at Nationals home games has picked up dramatically since the move from Viera. The stadium entry is via a set of steps on the west side of the stadium. The exterior of the stadium is virtually hidden, as there is greenery growing all around the stadium. Once you reach the top of the stairs you will be at the concourse level of the stadium. The concourse travels 360 degrees around the field. The seating bowl is located below the concourse level, with only the suites and press box on the second level. The Nationals dugout is on the first base side of the field. Seating capacity at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches consists of 6,200 seats, and room for 1,400 more fans on the outfield grass berms. One drawback to playing at the Palm Beach stadium is that it does not do much branding of either team in the stadium, apart from the two team’s logos in a sculpture form outside of the stadium. This gives the stadium a very generic feel from other Grapefruit League ballparks that actively promote their tenants through stadium colors, concessions, and imagery. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium itself is surrounded by the two teams’ practice fields and training facilities. The complex is so large that shuttle vans take you back to the distant parking lots. Once you exit onto Haverhill Road you will need a car as there are no hotels or nice restaurants within walking distance of the park. Most of the hotels are located along the I-95 corridor and the only restaurants nearby are of the fast-food variety. Since you will have a car, it is well worth your time to head across the causeway from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach. Once in Palm Beach, you will feel like you are in an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” First check out the boutiques along Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s shopping district, then visit the Flagler Museum next to The Breakers to learn about this enclave. Before you leave take a short driving tour of homes owned by the Kennedys, the Pulitzers, and many other celebrities. Fans 3 Nationals fans have been thrilled with the move to the Palm Beaches venue. Their attendance numbers are much higher than the Astros and many locals have also adopted the team. The team has created a great rivalry with their training complex neighbors, the Astros, as both teams have won a World Series in recent years. The teams play each other frequently, as the MLB is trying to keep travel to a minimum due to COVID protocols. Fans from both teams can stock up on team memorabilia at the Team Store located by the main gate. Access 3 Getting around at a game at the ballpark is going to require a car. Parking is just after you enter the complex from Haverhill, and the lots are a great distance from the stadium itself. Make sure you take one of the free trams that will drop you off at the park. Once at the stadium, you will have a series of steps to navigate up to the concourse level. All fans must enter through the West Gate, and during the security check, this area can become quite congested. Once inside, the stadium is very well laid out. It has a wide concourse and great signage, making it very easy to locate your seat. BTW, the seats are a generous 20 inches wide, enhancing your comfort level as you enjoy the game. Return on Investment 3 The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches uses a variable pricing system depending on the popularity of the visiting teams. Prices for the different sections can be compared with the slide with the stadium schematic. Field Box seats ($37-$56), Dugout Boxes ($31-$47), Infield seats ($28-$42), Outfield Reserve ($23-$32), and the Banana Boat Berm ($15-$25). Pre-purchasing your ticket before game day brings the price down by $5. Parking is $10 and payment must be made by credit card. Extras 5 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has canopies atop the stadium to provide as much shade and sun protection as possible. There are parts of the concourse that allow you to see directly down into the bullpens. Beach chairs atop the berm are available on a first-come/first-serve basis and provide a great view of the field while providing you with a wonderfully comfortable chair. A craft beer corner is in the left-field corner of the concourse. It has more than 32 tap handles to choose from. The popular President’s Race is a part of every game. However, it is in a video format rather than through live appearances by the past Commanders-in-Chief. Final Thoughts While the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is a very functional facility, it lacks many of the bells and whistles found in other spring training facilities. The video board does not show any replays and there are no scoreboards on the facing of the main seating bowl. The ballpark also lacks drinking and eating rails along the front of the concourse, a standard element in most parks. We found the concessions to be reasonable, and our view of the field was excellent. The lack of branding for the two resident teams was disappointing. Hopefully, some of these features can be added to the stadium for future seasons.

  • Charlotte Sports Park – Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training

    Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Charlotte Sports Park 2300 El Jobean Rd Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training website Charlotte Sports Park website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,670 Sports in the Port Park Port Charlotte, Florida began hosting Grapefruit League baseball in 1987 with the construction of the Charlotte Sports Park. The Texas Rangers held their spring warm-ups here from 1987 until the mass exodus to the Arizona Cactus League in 2002. After a period in the reeds hosting independent league ball and college tournaments, the Sports Park found new tenants in 2009 with the nearby Tampa Bay Rays, who had ideas for sweeping changes. The Rays completed their $27 million renovation before their first season, but political infighting with Charlotte County (who own the park) prevented a naming rights sale to fertilizer concern, The Mosaic Company. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay moved in for Spring Training, as well as their Florida State League and Gulf Coast League affiliates (the Stone Crabs and Rays), to rave reviews and early gate-busting attendance. Charlotte Sports Park won the 2014 USA Today Reader’s Choice Award for Best Spring Training Facility, but that award may be a bit of an overstatement. It is an above-average facility in most respects, but it doesn’t quite lead the league in any one category, and, in certain aspects (such as access to practice fields), it lags behind other Grapefruit League facilities. Food & Beverage 4 The Charlotte Sports Park is above the average fray in its selections of food and drinks at the park, at quite reasonable prices. The main concession stands are Home Stand (at first and third base on the outer promenade), and the Hot Corner Grill (by the home plate promenade). They serve up ballparks standards, such as hot dogs ($4.50), burgers ($6), brats ($8), pizza ($3), and sausages ($8). The Metro Deli down by first base concourse delivers wraps and sandwiches for $5 and $8. Additionally, there are Rays-blue stands all along the promenade serving up single-item specialties including cheesesteaks ($9), gyros ($8), fish & chips ($9), and a rather unique chicken pineapple ($9), which is as it sounds, chicken cooked up and delivered in a chopped-open pineapple. Adult beverages are also affordable. Beer is offered at the main concessions, as well as specialty concessions around the park. Twenty-ounce domestic beers (and all bottled beers) are $7, premium 20-ouncers are $7.50, and 12-oz domestics are just $5. The Bud/Michelob family is the core of the suds, but Stella, Blue Moon, Yuengling, Miller, Landshark, and Guinness can also be found. The Tiki Bar in the left-center has additional liquor choices, including wine ($7), frozen daiquiris ($9), well drinks ($7), premium drinks ($9), and Bacardi buckets ($15). If you’re out on a Boardwalk table for an afternoon game, grab a frozen daiquiri to keep you cool, and, if you’re feeling glutinous, get a cool chicken pineapple to share with a friend just so you can say you’ve tried it. Atmosphere 4 The Rays’ Spring Training home mostly hits all the right notes in their up-to-date digs, but the lack of practice field access is a big miss. Charlotte Sports Park follows a standard minor league layout with three entrances into a large exterior plaza and promenade, with a smaller interior seating walkway. The pathways meet at the outfield and turn into the “Baseball Boardwalk,” which winds its wooden way around the entire outfield with party areas and tables and booths for general admissions ticket holders. The stadium itself is elevated (you have to climb up to most entrances), and you walk down to the box seats closest to the field and up to the 200 reserved seats above the walkways. Those 200 sections are thankfully covered with awnings, providing some much-needed shade from the Florida sun. Sightlines are fine from all areas, and the lone, main scoreboard in left-center keeps everyone informed on the game. While there are some luxury boxes in the press box structure behind home plate, most loom above the Baseball Boardwalk in the outfield. Spacious picnic berms line the areas between the corner bases and the outfield on both sides of the park. Given that this is a review of the Grapefruit League park, one knock worth mentioning is the lack of access to the practice fields that you get at most other parks. The main playing field is just one of many where the minor and major league staff mingle in the spring, and one of the perks of Spring Training is getting up close and personal with the big league players. But those practice fields are closed off to fans. A bit of walking can get you near the minor-league practice fields, but it seems like a pretty big oversight for a Spring Training park. Both the Rays’ mascot, Raymond, and Stone Crab’s mascot, Stoney, make appearances before the game and between innings at the Rays Grapefruit League games. A human dance crew and MC fill out the team that provides your standard minor-league frivolities between innings, consisting of contests, races, and dancing. If you’re looking for shade, the first base side is your best bet in the last eight rows of the 200 seats (or only the very last rows of the third base 200 section). If the sun is to your liking, the tables on the Baseball Boardwalk are in great demand. Get in on the First Base entrance and go straight back to grab a table as soon as gates open two hours before game time and enjoy a sunny, table-seated view of a ballgame for just $10 per person. Neighborhood 3 Port Charlotte is a picturesque city (technically, an unincorporated community) in southwest Florida at the back of Charlotte Harbor. If all the nautical references didn’t clue you into the naval associations, the canals winding their way through the city probably will. Nearly all your dining options are clustered around route 4, ranging from chain places to more interesting local offerings. Carnivores will probably like PRIME-Serious Steak (on Cochran Blvd at the 771/41 juncture), Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill (southeast on 41), or Wally’s Southern Style BBQ (slightly further southeast on 41). For dinner and a show, try Visani Restaurant and Comedy Theater (off King’s Highway to the northeast), with top-flight Italian fare and nightly comedy stylings, or JD’s Bistro & Grille (on 41 towards the juncture with 776), with American food stylings and nightly jazz performances. While Port Charlotte is near a lot of tourist areas, there’s not exactly a ton to do in the locale itself. There are several small parks (Port Charlotte Beach Park, Ollie’s Pond Park), and, not surprisingly given the watery environs, there are several boat tours, boat rentals, and fishing charters. Duffers can make use of the Riverwood Golf and Country Club, the Kingsway Country Club, and the Deep Creek Golf Club. Fans 3 Although the park opened to league-topping attendance, recent years have not been as kind. Despite (or perhaps, because of) having the shortest distance from Grapefruit League to the home club (by a matter of miles over Miami), Tampa Bay is currently at the bottom of Grapefruit League attendance, even with the stadium’s current accolades. Even at a low-key weekday game, however, the fans make a good showing, at least half-filling the stadium, though visiting fans are also out in force to bolster the numbers. Spring Training crowds are often vacationing families from the team’s big-league hometown also taking in a game, but the almost non-existent travel time from Tampa to Port Charlotte means that, unlike most other teams, the fans are mostly local. They enjoy the Spring Training extras and access but are into the game itself at least as much as the other Grapefruit followers from further afield. Access 4 Port Charlotte is located in southwest Florida, on an inlet off the west coast. I-75 runs through the northeast of the town, and state route 41 runs through the middle, closer to the park, which lies a short distance away from county 776. Port Charlotte only has several on-demand services for disabled or elderly residents, so, as with most of Florida, driving is your sole choice to get to the park. The regional Charlotte County Airport is to the southeast of the park, but it is nearly equidistant from three major airports: Tampa in the north, Palm Beach in the east, and Miami to the southeast. Spacious parking is available at the park for a league-average $10. Getting in and out can be a little hairy on the county road getting out to 41 and 75, especially on weekday games that end a little late. Plan accordingly. There are three entrances to the park. The main entrance is at home plate by the ticket office, and there are two further entrances at the third base and first base. The Home Plate entrance, closest to the parking lots, is where the crowds mostly congregate. For shorter lines, take the long walk to the first base entrance. Getting around the park is easy, and the boardwalk in the outfield makes it possible to circumnavigate the park. The spacious outside promenade and infield walkways make getting around easy, although it can get congested on the narrow sections of the boardwalk in the outfield. Return on Investment 5 From tickets to grub, Charlotte Sports Park can be an affordable afternoon out for anyone. You can have an all-in experience for under $35, including the game, parking, eats, and drinks. Tickets are very reasonable, with all coming in under $30. Field boxes go for $29, Field Reserved for $24, Baseline Reserved for $19, and General Admission berm or Boardwalk seats are just $10. Group tickets and three-pack plans get $2 off each ticket, and a season ticket plan gets a host of benefits and prizes, as well as a per-ticket discount. Food and drink are very reasonable, with nearly all food and drink options (except for whole pizzas and Bacardi Buckets) for $9 or under, with most under $8. Parking is a league-average $10, and the program is a slightly pricey $4. Extras 3 Perhaps the most obvious extra is the outfield Baseball Boardwalk, part of the Rays early renovations of the park. Luxury boxes peek over the top, and it is a sunny place to watch the game near the bullpens. Championship pennants adorn the walls out towards center. An oversized, two-level team store is found at the main Home Plate entrance plaza, and the Kids Clubhouse play area is on the promenade between first base and left field. Guest Services (to sign up for games and contests) is on the outer promenade on the first baseline. The park is covered in posters marking Rays historical moments, as well as smaller signs about Rays firsts. The posters largely line the outer infield promenade, while the “firsts” signs are all along the park, including the Baseball Boardwalk. Final Thoughts Charlotte Sports Park is an above-average Grapefruit League facility in the backyard of their parent team. Although it is a modern facility with a lot going for it, it suffers from poor attendance, an unexceptional locale, and a lack of fan access to practice fields.

  • Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – St Louis Cardinals Spring Training

    Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Roger Dean Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training website Roger Dean Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Rulers of the Roost Although it may seem as if Roger Dean Stadium is named for a local luminary, in reality, the 6,871-seat stadium is named for a less-lofty local car sales magnate, making it one of two parks in the Grapefruit League related to car sales (the other being Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin). But the park is unique in that it (currently) is the only Grapefruit League park hosting two teams: the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. The park was originally shared by the Cardinals with the late, lamented Expos, but in 2003, the Expos became the Nationals and sought other facilities in Viera, while the Marlins moved in to fill the void. The park is neatly split between the two teams, with the Marlins signs and facilities on the left side of the park, and the Cardinals on the right side. Though the park is split evenly on paper, the Cardinals dominate the park with their more massive and rabid fan base, coupled with their lengthy and storied history. While it is one of the more expensive experiences in the Grapefruit League, Roger Dean Stadium makes up for it with an engaged fan base and great location. Food & Beverage 3 The food and drinks are mostly located in the exterior walkway that surrounds the seating area. Standard ballpark fare (hot dogs, pizza, burgers) are available at most concessions, with a twist or two such as brats and cheesesteaks thrown in. The pick of the ballpark grub is either the Super Dean Dogs (available at the “Stadium Favorites” concessions for $9.50), a truly jumbo dog in a pretzel bun that comes with an order of chips, and the “Island Grill” concessions, which serve up Shrimp Po-Boys, Crab Cake Sliders, and Mahi-Mahi Tacos ($9 for each of the selections). The MVP Grille brings some tastes from St. Louis to the stadium in the form of St. Louis dogs, Cubs Hater dogs (both $9), and pancake & sausage on a stick ($4.50, with maple dipping sauce). Try the pancake on a stick just to say you did. The concession also has selections from the Miami club, but Sonny BBQ is the only thing to recommend there ($9.75). For a team from St. Louis, the beer selection at the park is disappointingly modest. Your choices are mostly the Bud family, Rolling Rock, and Yuengling, but Monk in the Trunk, Landshark, and some other microbrew selections are available at smaller concessions around the park. One of those concessions with specialty beer, Island Cocktails, also doles out mixed drinks and cocktails, as well as wine ($8 for each). Atmosphere 3 Roger Dean Stadium has a fairly common minor-league layout. The field boxes (closer to the field) run from outfield to outfield around home plate. A second tier of loge seats, separated by the main walkway from the field boxes, runs from about third to first. Above them, the press box and luxury suites sit right around home plate. A party tent and small bleachers section minor leagues out in the onion theleft field, and the Cassidy Cool Zone (an air-conditioned group area with an all-you-can-eat buffet) and a small picnic berm sit in right. The view in the outfield is a pair of executive offices (the Marlins on the left and the Cardinals in right). The doors open two hours before game time from three gates arrayed around the park. Cardinals fans show up early and in great numbers, so Gate C is a slightly better option. The left side/right side split between the teams holds up everywhere. The Cardinals use the first base side as their home dugout, and Cardinals autograph seekers can hang out by the player gates outside of right field–but get there early. Crowds start forming way before game time as Cardinals fans make a day of it looking for signatures. Both Roger Dean residents offer a limited number of on-field experiences during home batting practice for $15 per person. For the cost, you get a personalized lanyard and an escort to a roped-off area behind home plate for the duration of batting practice and the best chance at autographs. You have to check in at the desk outside of Gate B, and it isn’t marked. If you’re looking for home autographs, get there early (it opens three hours before game time), as starting players take batting practice first and then disappear to the practice fields. Like everything else in the park, the Cardinals practice fields are on the right side. Follow the sidewalk down right field, and you’ll see the entrance. Once again, get there early to get choice seats at the fields where the major leaguers will be using. All the seats offer good views close to the action, but there is nearly no cover from the elements unless you spring for a luxury box or group event area. The only regular seating with any sort of protection is the last three rows of the loge boxes in front of the press box but not directly underneath the first base luxury boxes. Sitting anywhere else? Load up on sunscreen and pray it doesn’t rain. The Cardinals mascot doesn’t make the trip down for spring training, and there are limited between-inning contests compared to a regular minor or major league contest. These are more modest with the new between-inning pace-of-play clock, but the fun is still to be had. Neighborhood 4 Roger Dean Stadium is located within the planned community of Abacoa in Jupiter, FL. It is a development of different areas, each themed on a different architecture, with plenty of shopping and dining available. A Florida Atlantic University campus also lies just south of the park. Jupiter houses many top-notch golf courses that attract PGA talent, and it is a boon for any duffers. In addition to the ocean beach and the inlet area to the northeast of the park, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is of historical significance, and the Hibel Museum on the FAU campus offers a dash of culture. The Abacoa development has a lot of restaurant and bar options within a few blocks of the park. Those looking for a drink after the game will find JJ Muggs Stadium Grill right across the street, while Rooney’s Public House, and DAS Biergarten are just slightly further down the road. Eateries include the Copa Cabana, Le Metro Neighborhood Bistro, Costello’s Trattoria, Jumby Bay Island Grill, and Hokkaido Hibachi & Sushi. Fans 5 There is a slight discrepancy in the commutes for fans of both tenants of the park. It is over a thousand miles for the Redbird backers, and under a hundred for the Fish fanatics. You might think that Miami fans would be out in droves an hour and a half from home, but unfortunately, the Marlins lack of fan base at home extends slightly to the north. That is not the case for the Cardinals. They don’t have a reputation as one of the best baseball cities in America for nothing. Cardinals fans swarm south for the first sniff of baseball for the year, and Cardinals spring training tickets can be one of the hardest to get in the entire Grapefruit League. Cardinals fans come out in great numbers and make for a great place to watch a ballgame, spring training, or otherwise. A case in point on the discrepancy is a game between the Cardinals and Marlins where you have to take some time to pick out any Marlins black in the sea of red that dominates the park. Access 4 Jupiter is nestled on the southeast Florida coast, and the park is conveniently right off of both the (toll) Florida Turnpike and I-95. The park is about a half-hour by car from sister Grapefruit League locale Port St. Lucie, a little over two hours away from family vacation hotspot Orlando, and slightly more than an hour and a half to Miami in the south. Parking can be had for $5 for the uncovered grass lots or $10 for one of the parking decks (available for pre-order). For anyone looking to take public transport to the game, Palm Tran Buses on Route 10 ($2 per trip, $5 for unlimited pass) have a stop right by the stadium (University Blvd at Main St), and they serve Jupiter and surrounding cities, such as West Palm Beach. But a car is nearly a necessity for moving about Florida, especially if you’re going to multiple Grapefruit League parks. Palm Beach International airport is just twenty minutes south for those coming from further away. Getting around the park is a breeze. A wide exterior walkway extends from left to right field, servicing all entrances and getting people to the concessions that line the walkway, as well as the stairways up to the seating bowl. Another comfortable walkway splits the field and loge boxes seating areas on the inside of the park. The standing-room sections are on this walkway, which can get congested when the Cardinals are playing. Make your way to your seat in the outer promenade and pop up as near as possible to your seat. Return on Investment 3 Tickets at Roger Dean Stadium are some of the pricier in the Grapefruit League, but given the demand by rabid St. Louis fans, the market can support them. But the Marlins fans surely suffer for the prices that aren’t supported by their more modest history and demand. Tickets are on three tiers (Regular, Premium, and Super Premium). Standing room tickets can go for over $20, and the best seats in the house are what you’d expect for MLB-level seats. Mini-plans and “season” tickets can bring that price down a little, but it is still costly. Food and drink aren’t cheap, either. Many food items go for MLB-level $9 and above. There are some relatively cheap eats (brats go for $5.50 and regular hot dogs for $4.25), and beers run $7.75-$8.50, and a wine and mixed drinks will cost you $8. There are kids' meals (hot dog, chips, and a soda for $5) and some adult combo meals that help make it more affordable, but the prices are going to stay at what the Cardinals fans are willing to pay. It is still cheaper than a game in St. Louis, and the prices are somewhat justified with the storied franchise it houses, but remains on the high end for the Grapefruit League. Extras 3 A $6 magazine program is available, but it is overpriced for the content it provides. Everything as far as signage is split fairly evenly between the Cardinals and the Marlins. Some small plaques commemorate the stadium construction and a county administrator who championed it (Alan Tarlow), and a large plaque commemorating the park’s first Cardinals and Expos season ticket holders is seemingly disregarded behind the home plate concessions. The Palm Beach County Hall of Fame is celebrated in banners along the right field concourse, and a well-appointed brick fan walk is located outside the main entrance, surrounding a copse of trees. There is a small inflatable golf pitch stand for the kids in right field (a nod to the large golf presence in the area), and a sizeable team store hawks merchandise for the Cardinals and Marlins, as well as their minor league franchises which inhabit the park after the spring. Final Thoughts Roger Dean Stadium is a nice ballpark in a great community, and it is hopping when the Cardinals are in town, but it remains one of the more expensive experiences in the Grapefruit League.

  • The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches – Houston Astros Spring Training

    Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches 5444 Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Houston Astros Spring Training website The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,858 Astros’ Launching Pad The Houston Astros moved into the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in 2017. They share the stadium and the training complex with the Washington Nationals. The ballpark was built by the city of West Palm Beach to attract a major league team (or two) back for the first time since the Atlanta Braves left for a new stadium in the Disney complex. Both the Nationals and the Astros were looking to relocate as their former training sites were distant from other MLB team’s sites and this was resulting in a great deal of time traveling by bus to away games. Moving to the West Palm Beach area meant the Astros and Nationals could play each other at home, while also playing the Cardinals and the Marlins, who are a short distance away in Jupiter. The site of the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches was a former dump for debris from past hurricanes, and there was a tax incentive for reclaiming this area for the public’s use. The location of the stadium is between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it very easy to reach via these main thoroughfares. The design of the stadium is very similar to many others in Florida in that it must be elevated as digging down into the ground would result in hitting the high water table. The stadium is in the center of the complex, with the Astros and Nationals training facilities surrounding it. The stadium entry is via a set of steps on the west side of the stadium. The exterior of the stadium is virtually hidden, as there is greenery growing all around the stadium. Once you reach the top of the stairs you will be at the concourse level of the stadium. The concourse travels 360 degrees around the field. All of the seating bowls are located below the concourse level, with only the suites and press box on the second level. The Astro's dugout is on the third-base side of the field. The seating capacity consists of 6,200 seats, and room for 1,400 more fans on the outfield grass berms. Food & Beverage 3 For the most part, the concession offerings at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches are your typical baseball fare. Items include hamburgers w/fries ($11), grilled chicken w/fries ($10), BBQ sandwiches w/fries ($10), and chicken tenders w/fries ($10.50). Other items include ¼ lb. brats ($7.50), hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($5.50), pretzels ($6), candy ($4.50), and chips ($2.50) Pepsi brand products are sold for $5-$7 depending on the size. Water is $5.00 Beers cost Adult beverages include domestic drafts ($10), premium drafts ($12), canned domestic beers are $9.00 and canned premium beers are $10. Cocktails and wine are both $9.00.The H-Town Grille is designed to bring a bit of Texas flavor to the park. It sells 2 tacos for $8 and a Super Nacho for $12. It also carries Shiner Bock beer, a Texas favorite for $7.50. Two other stands in the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches sell more specialized fare. The West Palm Pizza Grille sells a variety of pizzas by the slice for $6.50. If you are feeling chill, head over to the Beaches Ice Cream stand. They offer an ice cream helmet for $7.50, soft serve in either a waffle cone or a cup for $6 and root beer floats are $7. Atmosphere 3 It has taken a while for Astro fans to adjust from their former home in Kissimmee. They were the only team playing at that stadium. Sharing the stadium with another club has taken a while for both the players and the fans to feel at home in their new surroundings. The stadium does not do much branding of either team in the stadium, apart from the two team’s logos in a sculpture form outside of the stadium. In 2021 the stadium is catching on with both the locals and the Astro fans, as they are reporting more sellout games this season. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium itself is surrounded by the two teams’ practice fields and training facilities. The complex is so large that shuttle vans take you back to the distant parking lots. Once you exit onto Haverhill Road you will need a car as there are no hotels or nice restaurants within walking distance of the park. Most of the hotels are located along the I-95 corridor and the only restaurants nearby are of the fast-food variety. Since you will have a car, it is well worth your time to head across the causeway from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach. Once in Palm Beach, you will feel like you are in an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” First check out the boutiques along Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s shopping district, then visit the Flagler Museum next to The Breakers to learn about this enclave. Before you leave take a short driving tour of homes owned by the Kennedys, the Pulitzers, and many other celebrities. Fans 3 Astros fans are gradually adjusting to the move from their longtime home in Kissimmee. Their numbers are increasing and many locals from the Palm Beaches area have adopted the team. The team has created a great rivalry with their training complex neighbors, the Nationals, as both teams have won a World Series in recent years. The teams play each other frequently, as the MLB is trying to keep travel to a minimum due to COVID protocols. Fans from both teams can stock up on team memorabilia at the Team Store located by the main gate. Access 3 Getting to a game at the ballpark is going to require a car. Parking is available as you enter the complex from Haverhill and costs $10 (credit cards only). Make sure you take one of the free trams that will drop you off at the park. Once at the stadium, you will have a series of steps to navigate up to the concourse level. All fans must enter through the West Gate, and during the security check, this area can become quite congested. Once inside, the stadium is very well laid out. The stadium has wide concourses, and great signage and it will be easy to locate your seat. BTW, the seats are a generous 20 inches wide, making it much more comfortable for you as you enjoy the game. Return on Investment 3 The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches uses a variable pricing system depending on the popularity of the visiting teams. Prices for the different sections can be compared with the slide with the stadium schematic. Field Box seats ($37-$56), Dugout Boxes ($31-$47), Infield seats ($28-$42), Outfield Reserve ($23-$32), and the Banana Boat Berm ($15-$25). Pre-purchasing your ticket before game day brings the price down by $5. Parking is $10 and payment must be made by credit card. Extras 4 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has canopies atop the stadium to provide as much shade and sun protection as possible. Parts of the concourse allow fans to see directly down into the bullpens. Beach chairs atop the berm are available on a first-come/first-serve basis and provide a great view of the field while providing you with a wonderfully comfortable chair. A craft beer corner is in the left-field corner of the concourse. It has more than 32 tap handles to choose from. Final Thoughts The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is a very functional facility, but it lacks the bells and whistles found in other spring training facilities. There was no drinking rail along the concourse and the video board never showed replays during the game… features that are found in nearly every ballpark. We found the concessions to be reasonable, and our view of the field was excellent. The lack of branding for the two resident teams was disappointing.

  • Hammel Court – Merrimack Warriors

    Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hammel Court 315 Turnpike Ave North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors men’s basketball website Hammel Court website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,200 M.C. Hammel Hammel Court is home to the newest Division One basketball team in the nation, the Merrimack Warriors. The basketball arena is located in the Volpe Athletic Center, which also contains Lawler Rink. It is named for former head coach Bert Hammel, who piloted the squad from 1980-2016. Basketball has been played at Merrimack since 1949. A longtime member of Division Two, the team competed in the Northeast-10 Conference from 2001-2019, when the school decided to promote all teams to Division One. As a member of the Northeast Conference, the Warriors are ineligible for postseason play until 2024. While in Division Two, the Warriors qualified for 11 NCAA Tournaments and won the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament three times. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand in the lobby which offers a limited menu. Burgers, hot dogs, and nachos are sold here. Assorted snacks are also available. On the plus side, no item costs more than six dollars. Pepsi products are sold at Hammel Court. In addition, a limited selection of beer and wine is available. Atmosphere 3 One of the advantages of playing in a small gym like Hammel Court is that the place fills with noise pretty easily. With the gym packed with standing-room-only crowds throughout the season, it can get pretty loud here. The game day experience here is a basic one, as Hammel Court lacks the capabilities for a fancy show. Scoreboards on either end of the gym display basic game stats. All the elements of a typical game day presentation can be found, from the pep band, dance squad, and cheerleading team to a packed student section. T-shirt tosses and contests during play stoppages keep the younger fans in attendance involved. Neighborhood 2 Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of over 31,000 located 24 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must-see” destination. Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags of Boston will find many dining and lodging options within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Route 114 or Interstate 495. Among the local dining options, Bertucci’s Pizza and Fuddrucker’s burgers draw big crowds on game nights. If looking for more of a sit-down experience, Burton’s Grill and Bar is a popular place for a pre-or post-game meal. Fans 4 Attendance has been impressive during the Warriors first season in Division One, with several standing-room-only crowds filling Hammel Court towards the tail end of the season. Even before the crowds picked up, the team was drawing between 600-1,000 fans per night to Hammel Court. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors can sustain these nice crowds, or if attendance will dwindle once the newness factor wears off. The fans at Hammel Court are enthusiastic about the Warriors and fill the small gym with noise throughout the game. The student section is filled to the brim right behind the benches, making their presence known to the visiting team and referees. Their antics may be a bit salty but visiting fans need not worry about bringing the whole family to Merrimack. Access 2 The Merrimack campus in North Andover is located 25 miles from downtown Boston just off Interstate 495, where routes 125 and 114 come together. Traffic in this area can be heavy, particularly if going to a weekday game, but driving is still the easiest way to access the college. Fans using public transportation from Boston can take the MBTA train that stops at the Andover station. Once in Andover, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority offers bus service to many local spots, including Merrimack College. Complete directions to the Merrimack campus, including local dining and lodging options, can be found here. Hammel Court is located on the southern edge of campus in the Volpe Athletic Center, adjacent to Lawler Rink. Duane Stadium and the other Merrimack athletic facilities are also located in this area. There are parking lots a short walk from the facility adjacent to the Rogers Center for the Arts and on the far side of the football stadium. The entrance to Hammel Court is located on the back side of the Volpe Athletic Center. Fans will enter a large lobby that contains the ticket tables, restrooms, concessions, and the Merrimack Athletic Hall of Fame. Hammel Court will be located on your right, with the rear entrance to Lawler Rink located on the left. Hammel Court is a tiny facility containing retractable bleachers on either side of the court. All seating consists of molded bleaches without backs. When attending on a chilly winter night, it can get tight when a big crowd is present. There is little extra room for coats and fans are packed together tightly in the bleachers. On the plus side, in a small gym such as this, there is no such thing as a bad seat. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Warrior basketball games are sold as general admission seating for $7. Members of the military, seniors, youth, and Merrimack staff receive a two-dollar discount. With free parking and affordable concessions, a night of Merrimack hoops is the most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 The Merrimack Athletics Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Volpe Athletic Center. Alongside photos of the honorees are plaques listing all All-Americans that have played at Merrimack as well as a trophy case packed with the hardware won by Warrior squads over the years. Banners honoring championship basketball and volleyball teams hang on the Hammel Court walls. Final Thoughts There were many doubters in the Greater Boston area who thought that tiny Merrimack College was making a mistake when it made the move to promote all its teams to Division One. For the men’s basketball team, the move has been a success both on and off the court. The team has set a record for most wins by a school in their first year in Division One and fans have packed cozy Hammel Court all year. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

  • Indiana Farmers Coliseum – Indy Fuel

    Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Indiana Farmers Coliseum 1202 E 38th St Indianapolis, IN 46205 Indy Fuel website Indiana Farmers Coliseum website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 6,300 A Tradition of Hockey at Indy’s Coliseum The Indiana Farmers Coliseum went through $53 million in renovations between 2012-2014 in order to welcome professional hockey back to the building. The Indy Fuel of the ECHL is affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League and has found a niche in a city that favors basketball, football, and minor league baseball during the winter months. Indianapolis has had a strong history of hockey in its city and a majority of it has been played at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The building debuted the same year as the city’s first professional team in 1939. The coliseum is located on the Indiana State Fairgrounds and served as home to various minor league franchises up until 2012 when it was closed for major renovations that would alter its interior structure, but maintain its historic exterior. The Fuel has tossed their hats to the list of professional hockey clubs that have called the coliseum home from the Indianapolis Capitals, Chiefs, Checkers, and Ice. The city’s biggest connection to hockey royalty is to Wayne Gretzky who began his professional career with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association in 1978 for eight games before being sold to the Edmonton Oilers. The Great One would return to the city to drop the puck for the 2018 ECHL All-Star Game held at the building. Gretzky is among a list of hockey legends who got their start or spent their time in the Circle City and include Dominik Hasek, Mark Messier, Dave Keon, Glen Hall, Alex Delvecchio, Marcel Pronovost, Terry Sawchuk, and Sid Abel. All of these men are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Food & Beverage 4 The food at the Coliseum has improved over the past five seasons since the Fuel entered the league and there are some interesting items that are worthy of consumption when at a game. The concession areas, located on the main wraparound concourse, have a simple look, but some of the new food items are quite tasty. The menu items have changed since our last visit two years ago and offer much more variety along with updated flat-screen monitors showcasing selections and pricing. The Legacy and Slapshot burgers, pork tenderloins, and pulled pork and spicy chicken sandwiches range in price between $10-$12, All sandwich items are served with a side of fries. There are a few kiosks that offer more options including beef and chicken stir fry, grilled brats and Polish sausages, and nacho supreme. Hot dogs are served in adult and kid sizes at concession stands. Snacks and held bites include chili cheese fries, barbecue loaded fries, mini corn dogs, and chicken tenders and fries The Jose Cuervo Bar is located at center ice in Section 209 and offers mixed drinks and draft beers in a bar-like setting, while at the same time, offering wide-open glimpses of the game. There are a few more wide-open spots on the main concourse where fans can stand and watch the game. In other areas of the building, fans can pull up a stool, enjoy food and drink, and take in the game. The Coliseum offers 16 and 24-ounce domestic beers for $7 and $9. Craft beers from local Centerpoint and Sun King breweries are available in 16 and 24 ounces for $9 and $11. If you do prefer a pint or can of beer there are options for White Claw seltzer, Jack Daniels punch, and Bramble Mule cocktails. Local Whiskey Tango bourbon is also available. If you do not drink, Pepsi products are available in the arena. Atmosphere 4 The Coliseum has a seating capacity of 6,800 and has been retrofitted from its original designs that date back almost 80-years-ago. The interior’s aesthetics has been dramatically altered with the installation of the original terrazzo floors, exposed walls, and steel support beams, and the inclusion of 96 original wooden theater seats. The upper concourse does not wrap around entirely around the building and that is due to the age of the building and construction efforts to keep the interior within the realms of historical value. However, the ones who are in this area do get a nice view of the ice, but there could be a few more concession points to serve some of the fans in this seating area. The Jose Cuervo Bar is a nice spot to watch the game with a gathering of fans while enjoying something to drink. The building’s main lobby is located on ice level and all fans must depart to their seats up to two flights of stairs at both ends. The lobby consists of ticket booths, the official souvenir shop “The Garage,” and a few nostalgic nods that include historical photos, original ticket booths, and a few wooden stadium seating. However, there could be more nods to the facility’s history with perhaps championship banners, more historical photos, and paraphernalia. Neighborhood 2 The Fairgrounds are not located in the best part of the city; the best bet would be to drive less than 3 miles north to South Broad Ripple, or SoBro as the hipsters say it, where there are plenty of local restaurants, bars, and nightlife to entertain guests after a hockey game. Twenty Tap features poutine, Bahn mi sandwiches, vegetarian buffalo wing bites, and fried cheese curds to go along with one of the more prestigious selections of beers on tap and a couple that is made downstairs in the basement. Next door is Fat Dan’s which specializes in smoked chicken wings, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, decadent burgers with various fixings, and craft beer selections. Also in this area is one of the Fuel’s official sponsors, The Sinking Ship. It’s a hockey bar with a menu that stretches from grass-fed stuffed burgers, and Cuban sandwiches, to seitan gyro wraps and wings. It is one of the area’s most eclectic spots and definitely a happening spot for hockey talk. Upland Brewing Company has a small taproom that is somewhat unassuming but orders a Champagne Velvet Pilsner or Free Time Lager on tap. Fans 4 Indianapolis does have a niche hockey market that comes alive when rivals from Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne come to town. The crowd can become even more frenzied on promotional nights that range from Blackhawk Night to Nickelodeon Night at the Coliseum. Average crowds have been creeping towards 4,000 a game the past five seasons and when there are only 6,800 seats available, the near-capacity crowd might make one think that they are indeed in a hockey town. Access 3 The Coliseum is located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds at the corner of 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway. There are two access points into the building that may cause a line on either street, but there are more exits available after the game for quick access out of the fairgrounds complex. At times, there may be other events taking place, it may get a little confusing navigating to your parking lot. Inside the building, the main concourse does get a tad congested on busier nights in the building which may lead to the narrow corners of the concourse being somewhat cumbersome to maneuver through between intermissions. Thankfully, during game time, the concourses are quite clear of traffic. After the game, various exits and interior staircases open up for everyone to exit quickly from the building to the front of the main entrance. There are plenty of staff members who guide motorists to various exit points and back on the main streets of 38th and Fall Creek Parkway. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $12 to $45 per game, slightly higher than division rivals in Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne, but both teams play in much larger arenas. The majority of the upper-level tickets are $12 and $15 and that is a reasonable price for a minor league hockey ticket, along with secure $5 parking, not too much to ask for, or a night of ECHL hockey. The return on investment increases with promotional nights that include Fuel Do317 Right which offers $3 beers and sodas, $1 hot dogs, and $7 limited edition t-shirts on select Friday nights, $2 Tuesdays where select concession items are just two bucks, and All-You-Can-Eat hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and nachos during each Thursday game. If with the kids, take them to Nickelodeon Night, or if it is guys' night out, the popular Blackhawk Night is an ideal choice, both games draw near-capacity crowds to the building. Extras 3 The Coliseum gets an extra point for the renovated wooden seats that are available as a seating option in the building. It is a nice nod to the building’s history and the seats are quite comfortable for their age. The Coliseum has improved its concession items from the last two visits and the variety has improved from the concession stand favorites to kiosks around the concourse. All items range in price from $8 to $12 apiece with the chicken sandwich served with a side of fries. A third point for the team’s introduction on the ice through fire and Metallica’s song “Fuel,” is sort of what one expects from a team called the Indy Fuel. Final Thoughts There are times when the building is packed with hockey fans and one believes that Indianapolis is indeed a hockey town. The team does a grand job of providing various promotional nights to lure fans to the building. The exposed piping and steel beams provide aesthetics unparalleled in the ECHL. The Fuel does what it needs to do in terms of marketing itself to the populace of Indianapolis; it should continue that trend in the upcoming years.

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