Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Under Armour Stadium 2620 Port Covington Drive Baltimore, MD 21230 Christos FC website Under Armour Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 1,400 Christos Soccer at the House Christos FC is a lower division soccer team currently based in USL League Two, one of several leagues that make up the fourth level of the American soccer pyramid. The league consists primarily of current and recently graduated college players who are looking to sign their first professional contract. However, there are some older players as well, some of them former professionals. Christos FC was founded in 1997 and is best remembered for their run to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup in 2017, where they faced MLS side D.C. United in the fourth round and briefly took the lead before falling 4-1. The club is named after local liquor store Christos Discount Liquors. Christos has called many different stadiums home over the years, but in 2025, they began splitting their home games between Under Armour Stadium, a 1,400 seat stadium at Under Armour Headquarters, and Retriever Soccer Park on the campus of UMBC. Team ownership has said the goal is to play all games at Under Armour Stadium in 2026, but that was not possible in 2025 due to scheduling conflicts. Food & Beverage 4 The Jimmy's Famous Seafood food truck is parked outside Under Armour Stadium during Christos FC games, and fans are permitted to leave and re-enter to get food. Just remember to get a wristband, and show it to staff as you re-enter. There is a wide range of seafood here, but despite the name, there are other options too. The one downside is that prices are on the high end. A crab cake sandwich is the most expensive option and will set you back a whopping $28, while other options such as a shrimp po'boy, crabby shrimp club, Philly cheesesteak, and chicken tenders will set you back around $15each. This is not a complete list, as there are too many options to list here, mostly but not exclusively seafood. For the health conscious, a chopped Greek salad is only $8, although you can add on shrimp or chicken if you pay extra. Soda, bottled water, lemonade, and sweet tea are available to drink. There is also a concession stand inside Under Armour Stadium, but it is closed for Christos FC games, so you have to use the truck. The Jimmy's Famous Seafood truck parked outside Under Armour Stadium for a Christos FC game Atmosphere 4 Under Armour Stadium is a small facility, with about 1,400 seats, all of which are bleachers with benchbacks. Because it hosts several different sports, there are lots of different lines and markings on the field, plus a running track. Despite this, you should have no problem seeing the soccer lines. A digital scoreboard on the far side shows select game statistics in addition to the score and clock. The PA announcer will continuously hype the crowd up, and has been known to occasionally complain about the referees. The crowd will cheer when he tells them to, but will spontaneously erupt in chants as well. (More on that later). Kids are often invited down onto the field at halftime to kick the ball around, take penalty kicks, try to hit the crossbar, or enjoy other activities like practicing their goal celebrations. Neighborhood 5 Under Armour Stadium is located on the Baltimore Peninsula, a part of the City of Baltimore surrounded on three sides by the Patapsco River. Historic Fort McHenry, still flying the American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner", is at the end of the peninsula, but for the most part, this is a modern neighborhood with restaurants, distilleries, and more. Nick's Fish House, the Sagamore Spirit Distillery, and Rye Street Tavern are just a few of the many options here. There are also many waterfront activities for visitors to enjoy, which vary by the day, so check the internet or social media in advance. Fans 5 Christos FC draws good crowds to a small stadium, mostly filling the bleachers. The fans are loud, bang thundersticks, ring cowbells, and have their own chants that they cheer throughout the game. There is no designated Supporters Section like at many soccer facilities, but in some ways it seems like the whole stadium is full of supporters. They will be seated, unlike true Supporters Sections, but can be just as loud and passionate. They have been known to stand and cheer after a goal is scored, but you do not need to worry about your view being obstructed. The one downside is that the fans are not as knowledgeable about the team or the game of soccer as you see at many places, but that doesn't stop them from cheering on their team to victory. Christos FC Fans celebrate a goal Access 3 The ability to get to Under Armour Stadium is the one downside of a Christos FC game. The good news is that once you get here, there's a spacious parking lot and large restrooms, and this is generally an easy stadium to get around. The bad news is that it's quite difficult to get here. Although Under Armour Stadium is only a mile or so off I-95, the traffic patterns and street layout in the Baltimore Peninsula area are very poorly designed, and things can get quite backed up. It's actually a very easy drive off the highway, since you're staying in the same lane most of the way as it first exits I-95 onto Maryland Route 2, then exits Maryland Route 2 onto the local roads, but traffic will move very slowly. Be sure to allot extra time. Return on Investment 4 Officially, tickets go for about $25 each, which seems quite expensive. However, the team offers buy one-get one free tickets for almost very game, which reduces the price to about $12.50. A few games may not offer this deal, so be sure to check ahead. Concessions from the food truck are quite expensive, but that is beyond the team's control. Given the experience here, a Christos FC game is a great value. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the Under Armour flagship store in the large building to the left of the stadium. It includes a large selection of branded merchandise of just about every kind you can imagine. A second star for the postgame autograph session for kids. Final Thoughts Christos FC has been playing low-level soccer for almost 30 years and has built up a loyal and passionate fan base. With the move to Under Armour Stadium, they now have a sleek, modern stadium to go along with it that has all the amenities you could want without being too cavernous or spacious. Soccer fans in the Baltimore area will definitely want to check out a Christos game on a summer evening.

It was dubbed the “House of Horrors” and the “House of Thrills”. It featured a distance from left field to home plate at a measly 233 feet; its stadium was more suitable for football and track and field. When a pop fly becomes a home run, a line drive to left field turns into a double play, and a 12-4 lead in the ninth is not safe – there must be something odd at the ballpark. In 1974, Eugene Emeralds of the Pacific Coast League relocated to Sacramento and renamed the Solons, who originally played in town from 1903 to 1960. The plan was to build a 2,500-seat ballpark, but it would not be ready for the upcoming season. That is when the Solons announced they would call Hughes Stadium home, much to the amazement of many in the community. Hughes Stadium 1st base Line, Center for Sacramento History Hughes had been built in 1928 and served as a home for college and high school football games. It had been the home of the Camellia Bowl, the NAIA national football championship since 1961, and featured a cement track and field around the grass field. Such measurements would seem impossible for a baseball diamond. The Fresno Bee Sports Editor called it “miserable, a dinosaur stadium designed by a blind architect,” but that did not stop the City Board from granting permission for the PCL club to use it as a ballpark for the 1974 season.  Solon’s organization put up a 40-foot screen in left field that was 233 feet from home plate (the league minimum was 250 feet). The rumor was that PCL officials were unaware of the configuration originally listed at 261 feet in initial press clippings. However, that was not the case on opening night on April 17. Mt. Sacramento in the distance, Center for Sacramento History A crowd of 17,318 was on hand to watch the Solons lose 10-3 to Spokane, just a few hundred 209 shy of what the San Francisco Giants attracted to Candlestick Park for their home opener that season. Fans were greeted by 5 home runs by both clubs, along with countless children chasing foul balls behind the third baseline.  Fans were curious about the new home of the Solons, one that was heavily promoted in game-day programs and pocket schedules that year. The “House of Thrills” was a huge promotion in attracting fans to baseball games in hopes of coming home with a handful of souvenirs smacked off the bats of hopeful future major league players. The screen, dubbed Mt. Sacramento, was a feast for right-handed batters who quickly took advantage of the hitter-friendly facility. A total of 51 home runs were launched in the first six home games of the season, and by season’s end, Solon’s batters would launch 250 dingers, while opposing members swatted 241 into the metal bleachers. “If you want to bring in the people, you have to bring in the fences,” said FM John Carbray. “When the fences are closed, it’s fair to both sides. Nothing kills attendance like a 2-1 pitching duel.” Hughes Stadium Baseball Dimensions/1974 Pocket Schedule Carbray was a natural-born promoter who promoted everything from boxing, drag racing, post-game rock concerts, soccer, and basketball. He would later help build the PCL Fresno Grizzlies off the ground in 1993. “The fact that he (Carbray) coaxed the PCL into allowing the Solons to play in a ballpark that was about as legal as a spitter serves to indicate that the man has something, besides modesty going for him,” wrote Jack Bluth in the San Mateo Times . Outside of the ballpark, young fans would burn calories chasing home run balls bouncing off the parking lot pavement, but many more bought a $3 to see the balls fly out of the stadium. The Solons attracted 295,851 fans on the season, an average of 4,109 per game. The number was tops in the league and bested the previous year’s leader, Hawaii, who attracted 238,390 fans. “You don’t see anybody leaving early. Here you can be down 6-0 in the sixth and still expect to come back. Win or lose, it’s exciting,” added John Carbray.  “Most PCL teams would be happy as punch to have 2,000 to 3,000 people.” The other oddities of the action on the field were that sac flies were a quixotic feat, the left fielder would play more of a deep shortstop position and throw runners out at first base, and ground balls into the left field would result in force outs at second base. Hughes Stadium Portable Dugouts, Center for Sacramento History The stadium did not have dugouts but turned makeshift-covered benches colored powder blue and yellow as the spot for the club to sit during the game. The pitching mound was torn out throughout the season to accommodate other sports but never put back in the exact spot. Pitchers claimed this caused them to have sore arms. Early inning games featured a glare from the sun in left-handed pitchers, with later innings distracting left-fielders. A few of the games were delayed 15 minutes. Home runs and the uniqueness of the ballpark were the main attractions, but so were a few of the promotions. A 20-foot scoreboard was blown up after the 5th inning of one game, and a daredevil stuntman rode through a fiery outfield wall before jumping his bike over 14 cars. The majority of cars were owned by fans in exchange for free tickets for use in the stunt. It attracted a crowd of 9,000 to the game that night. Future major leaguer Gorman Thomas belted 40 of his 51 home runs at home; journeyman Bill McNulty led the Salons with 55 home runs, 44 coming at Hughes. Four other members had 28 or more home runs on the season. The team scored 937 runs but allowed 1030 for the year. “I like the city, and the fans were great, but I won’t go back,” Gorman quipped to the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune during spring training of 1975. Hughes Stadium Scoreboard, Courtesy of CBS News There were plenty of distractors. Mainly pitchers where the club ERA at the end of the season was 6.82. It was a place that psyched out pitchers and crushed their egos with a broken-bat swing, a potential home run. “I don’t care what they do; I don’t want to go back,” commented Tom Hausman the following season. The right-hander gave up 43 home runs at home, but only 7 of them were on the road. “If you could come out of a sane season there sane, you were doing a  good job.” The Solons established eight records that included the following:  most home runs by one club (305), most home runs combined in a park (491), most home runs by one team in one game (10), most home runs by two teams in one game (14), most grand slams in one game (3), most grand slams in an inning by two clubs (2), most grand slams in one inning by one team (2), and most home runs by a player (44 by McNulty). The Solons also tied a league mark with four consecutive home runs in one game. In 1975, the left-field screen was pushed back, and the concrete tore up to further the distance to 251 feet. There were an additional 22 new light fixtures to improve the vision of fielders who would try in vain to secure a pop-up home run. Most importantly, the venue was given an exemption from the Field Act earthquake standards for one year. Hughes Stadium 3rd base Line, Center for Sacramento History The Solons led the PCL in attendance with 252,201 customers and clubbed 196 home runs–down a bit from the previous year. The pitching staff once again posted a horrific 5.71 ERA. The following season, the writing was on the wall for baseball in Sacramento. Attendance fell to dead last with 82,324, and home runs tailed off slightly with “only” 183 round-trippers at Hughes. In 1977, the franchise was shifted to San Jose with the condition that it would return to Sacramento if a new ballpark would be built within three years. Solon’s new GM Joe Gagliardi hoped a new 3,500 stadium would be ready at Cal Expo, the site of the state fair, by 1978. Unfortunately, fans would have to wait for another 22 years for it to be constructed. Raley Field, now Sutter Health Park, would open in 2000 for the Sacramento River Cats–where both earned run averages and home runs shrunk to more respectable levels. The 10,624-seat ballpark is considered one of the finest in the minor league leagues and a favorite among ballpark travelers. Hughes would be earthquake-proof but later went through a multi-million dollar renovation and re-opened in September 2012.  The Sacramento City College venue is used for athletic events, classes, local high school games, state-wide athletic championships, and showcases except baseball. We will never see another ballpark quite like it ever again, or will we? Fans still enjoy the long ball. —— Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his  YouTube channel .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bream Gym 31 W Lincoln Ave Gettysburg, PA 17325 Gettysburg College Bullets website Bream Gym website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 3,000 Home of the Bullets Gettysburg College is a private, four-year liberal arts college founded in 1832. From its founding until 1921 it was known as Pennsylvania College. Author Jerry Spinelli, Carson Kressley from Bravo TV’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and former Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul are graduates of the college. The area is more known for the July 1st through 3rd 1863 military engagements, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The area is very busy nearly all times of the year as tourists flock to the battlefields, as well as the commercial endeavors that surround the area. Sports teams at the college are known as the Bullets and there are 24 NCAA Division III men's and women's teams. Although the mascot for Gettysburg College is the Bullet, there is no official Bullet mascot at sporting events. The Gettysburg College women's lacrosse team won the Division III National Championship in 2011. The Bullets play in the Centennial Conference. Men's basketball at Gettysburg have won conference championships in 2001, 2002, and 2009. Bream Gym is the long time home of the Bullets. Since the mid-1960s, it has served as the home court for men's and women's basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Food & Beverage 3 There is a nice little campus food option located between the gym and Bullets Pool called The Dive. Prices are good and the food all looks great. The best option is a fresh and delicious yogurt parfait. Atmosphere 3 Bream Gym is quite bright inside. For a gym that has been in use for so long, the windows and lighting system make it appear much newer. It is still a pretty basic gym with separate basic seating sections along the four sides of the court. All other aspects of the simple gym are nice, but nothing that will excite a fan too much. Neighborhood 5 Gettysburg is a great small town. There is almost always traffic in the town as tourists flock to the area all of the year. In summer months it can be almost unbearable to drive through the area, so make note of that. Because so many people travel in the area expect to see numerous food options. But not all of them are good so make sure to check reviews so that you do not waste time in tourist dumps. My favorite restaurant choices are Hunt's Battlefield Fries, Tommy's Pizza and The Garryowen Irish Pub. The fresh cut fries at Hunt's are a must. A couple of homestyle options are Hoss's Steaks and the Lincoln Diner. You can't go wrong with their simple, but tasty offerings. There is also a very good outlet mall right outside of town called The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. With no taxes on clothing in Pennsylvania it is a popular attraction on its own. Fans 3 As with most small college gyms the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The game I attended was during move-in weekend so there looked to be some students attending with their parents. Access 3 Gettysburg is close to many things. Washington, DC is 75 miles away and Baltimore is 55 miles away. The main east-west road through Gettysburg is U.S. Route 30, and U.S. Route 15 runs south towards Frederick, MD and Washington DC, as well as north to Harrisburg, PA. The only real problem is the traffic in the area. The college is located in a small neighborhood north of downtown and it won't be very hard to get to the college, but expect to venture on many small roads to get there. Parking is usually pretty OK, but the larger the event the more likely that parking will be at a premium. You can always park downtown and walk to campus. Return on Investment 5 Basketball games are free. Parking is also free, unless you had to park downtown. Either way the value and return on investment is very good here at Gettysburg College. Extras 5 There is a nice veterans memorial just outside of Musselman Stadium. Stop in and think of those who gave all to this nation before seeing a game here. It will be well worth the visit. The architecture of the college is worth noting. Make sure to wander around and see the marvelous buildings on campus. The John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness is a pretty spectacular architectural building with its unique glass tower. There is a nice hall of fame and historical exhibits of the Gettysburg College athletic program located here. The Gettysburg Battlefield and all that surrounds it is worth a couple stars in itself. Yes it is a tourist attraction, but one must stop in and see. There is a multitude of historical markings, statues and attractions in the area. Besides being on hand upon this stadium's opening, Dwight D. Eisenhower is a popular name on the campus and the region. He retired to his working farm adjacent to the local battlefield. The Eisenhower Institute is also a part of the college and develops and sponsors civic discourse on significant issues of domestic and international public policy. Final Thoughts Gettysburg College has a nice, older gym that feels fresh and new. It may not be highest level of basketball but you will enjoy the simple surroundings.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McKale Memorial Center 1 National Championship Dr Tucson, AZ 85721 McKale Center website Arizona Wildcats website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,655 Bear Down at McKale The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team is a nationally prominent program that calls the McKale Center home. Technically the McKale Memorial Center, the venue hosts men’s and women’s basketball for the University of Arizona, as well as volleyball and gymnastics. There are also many offices located throughout the venue for various Wildcats athletics. McKale Center opened in 1973 as a replacement for the Bear Down Gymnasium. Bear Down is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the “Adams College” gym in the 1984 blockbuster film Revenge of the Nerds. McKale Center was named after J. F. “Pop” McKale, who was the Arizona athletic director from 1914 to 1957. The court itself at McKale Center bears the name “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after the legendary Arizona head coach and his late wife. There was a recent renovation to McKale that included the installation of the center-court scoreboard, two LED banners along each sideline, new seating and concessions areas, and relocation of bathrooms to the exterior concourse. McKale Center is the second-largest arena in the Pac-12 conference after Utah's Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Arizona gets larger attendance than the Utah venue and has a long streak of leading its conference in attendance in conference history. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage score is higher than one would initially think. There are not much food stands in the renovated venue, but the ones that are there off a great variety of food options, including many alcoholic options. Owing to its southwest location, McKale Center has many options such as Burros and Sonoran Dogs. Prices are fairly good, especially for the high caliber of the venue. Atmosphere 5 The University of Arizona is serious about basketball. No matter the successes (or downfalls) of other sports, basketball is the king at this Tucson school. McKale Center is packed with students and local fans for all games. The ZonaZoo is the boisterous student section along the north baseline. Students line up before the game for a good spot in this section. There will be many chants and screams from this section during the game. There is also a good pep band and cheerleaders to enhance the noise. The fans do stand at the start of each half until a basket is made. Although the venue is not the newest one out there, the renovations have made sure that the McKale Center is a perfect, modern venue for high-end basketball. The scoreboard and other displays are what this level of play should have. The venue is pretty interesting in terms of accessing the seating bowl. There is not one main entrance but a series of tunnels and hallways, often through office areas, to get you inside the venue. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area over one million people live. McKale Center is located on the southeastern corner of the campus near Arizona Stadium, home of the university’s football team. There are many restaurant options near the venue. You can’t go wrong with places such as Frog & Firkin, No Anchovies, Gentle Ben’s Brewing, or Dirtbags. If you want to venture away from campus we also recommend Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. In that area, Seis Kitchen is a great Mexican restaurant and Beaut Burger is a great Vegan burger restaurant. Burgers at Beaut are so good, you may not even realize it is not real meat. The Aloft Tucson University is a hotel very close to the McKale Center. We can also recommend the Loews Ventana Canyon resort if you want to go a bit higher end. Fans 4 McKale Center is filled for every game. Basketball is a big deal in Tucson. The student section will be loud and crazy, while the older fans will more likely cheer in a more orderly manner. Access 3 Being located on a crowded urban college campus, parking will be a bit difficult. There are many lots and garages, all at varying price levels. Please plan and either buy parking ahead of time or be very aware of your parking options before heading to the game. There is a good public transportation option in Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar system that stops very close to campus. A good option is to park at the Mercado San Agustin mentioned above and take that option to the game. Return on Investment 3 With the basketball team being such a big deal, prices will tend to be high. Dynamic pricing is used, so you will have to research carefully the particular game you wish to attend. . Extras 4 The unique and varied entrances to the seating bowl are an extra all on their own, but it also offers a fan a way to check out the various displays of past team successes for all the programs that play in the McKale Center. Try to check out Arizona’s Hall of Champions and the Lute Olson statue and display. The varied food offerings, especially southwestern items, are a nice touch. The external concourse, added during recent renovations, allows a nice meeting spot for fans. Final Thoughts The University of Arizona Wildcats is a well-known basketball program and the McKale Center is a great venue for a high level of play.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.87 Levi’s Stadium 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way Santa Clara, CA 95054 San Francisco 49ers website Levi’s Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 68,500 The Field of Jeans The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. The team was founded in 1946 and joined the NFL in 1950, becoming the first NFL team on the West Coast and the first top level sports franchise in the San Francisco area. The team has won five Super Bowls and six NFC Championships. It has also sent seventeen members of the 49er’s teams on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team’s original home was the old Kezar Stadium, followed by Candlestick Park. After a wide variety of new stadium options in San Francisco failed to be approved, the team decided to relocate the new stadium in Santa Clara, California, where it held its preseason camps and already had administrative offices. In 2014, Levi’s Stadium hosted its first NFL game. Levi’s Stadium has a capacity of 68,500 but can be expanded to 75,000 for major events like the Super Bowl or the World Cup. Its unique design allows 60% of the fans to be seated in the lower bowl of the stadium and closer to the action. Most of these seats are in the end zones and on the east side of the stadium. The west side of the stadium is predominantly made up of 8,500 club seats and 165 luxury boxes. The west side of the stadium is in the shade for most of the game, while the east side of the stands is looking into the sun. The fans in the east side stands have been dubbed as the Zinni Zone, as the Zinni Company provides sunglasses to fans before the game. Food & Beverage 3 Unlike most NFL stadiums, Levi’s Stadium does allow food to be brought into the venue. The food must be in a clear plastic container and be of the same proportions as any other carry in objects as dictated by the NFL. All beverages must be in a sealed clear plastic container as well. There are more than enough concession stands at each level of the concourse, so you should not encounter long lines. Once you see the prices at the stands you will understand why. Most stands offer the stadium standards including nachos ($13), hot dogs ($10), hamburgers ($12), pizza slice ($13), popcorn ($7.50), BBQ sandwiches ($16) and candy, along with bottled water ($7), Pepsi brand sodas ($7) and lemonade ($8). Some of the more regional dishes available at the stadium are crab sandwiches ($18), curry bowls and organic chicken sandwiches ($18). Beers go for $12 for a domestic brand or $15 for a premium brand. Levi’s concession stands are standardized in appearance, and carry names like BBQ Sauced, Blue Line Pizza, Micheladas, Links, Franks, Starbird Chicken, Super Duper and Sandi’s Cobbler Cups. On the positive side, each of the stands are positioned with an open view to the field of play. One of the best viewing points for concessions are in the Bud Light Party Zones in each end zone. They offer a stunning overview of the entire field of play from the upper decks. Obviously, Levi’s Stadium has not adopted the popular fan friendly pricing model now being used in many NFL markets. We suggest you bring a meal with you or eat prior to the game and use the stadium concessions for your beverage and snack needs. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Levi’s Stadium is quite different from its predecessor, Candlestick Park. It provides the latest in technology, with 38 escalators and 25 glass elevators. The stadium also has the latest innovations in video broadcasting, as it has an HD video board at each end of the field with screens measuring 200’ X 48’. The stadium also offers wi-fi and closed captioning for those who need it. The 49ers game app is one of the most informative we’ve found in the NFL. The stadium construction also includes a very wide (63 foot) concourse, allowing easy movement to concessions and restrooms. One major drawback to the stadium’s design is in its layout in relationship to the sun. Unlike San Francisco, Santa Clara experiences hot and sunny days up through mid-season. This results in fans in the east stands having to deal with the sun in their eyes for most of the game. Make sure you bring your shades if you are seated in the eastern side of the stadium. By the way, Levi’s does offer free sunscreen for fans upon request. Neighborhood 4 The first thing we need to point out is that the team’s name is somewhat misleading. The neighborhood around Levi’s Stadium is Santa Clara, California, a city 40 miles south of San Francisco. It is in the heart of Silicon Valley, with many of the largest technology companies calling Santa Clara home. The immediate area around Levi’s Stadium is predominantly centered around the convention industry. As a result, there are several major hotels, including the Hilton Santa Clara and the Santa Clara Marriott that are within walking distance of the stadium. California’s Great American Park, an amusement park, is also adjacent to the stadium. It typically closes during the fall but hosts a pregame Red Zone Rally before every 49ers home game. Since you are in the middle of Silicon Valley, a trip to the nearby Intel Museum will provide you with a look at how microchips changed the technology industry. The Fish Market tops our recommendations of top restaurants in the area to check out. Fans 5 The move from the Bay Area to Santa Clara has resulted in quite a few changes in the fan base. Season tickets now require a Personal Seat License, an expensive proposition for many of the blue-collar fans who attended games at Candlestick. In addition, the average ticket price for 49ers games is among the highest in the NFL. The 40-mile drive on California highways has also caused a change in the makeup of the crowds. The local fan base has become more corporate in nature, as the Santa Clara area is quite affluent and work for some of the top technology companies in the country. The stadium caters to them through multiple clubs and social spaces on the western side of the stadium. The more blue-collar, longtime fans of the club make their way down from the Bay Area and fill the end zone and the eastern side of the stadium. What has not been lost in the move to Santa Clara is the intense enthusiasm and loyalty to the team. 49ers fans are known as “The Faithful” for good reason. They are extremely loud throughout the game and have stuck with the team through thick and thin. The stands are filled by a sea of red jerseys on game days. Coach Kyle Shanahan has brought winning football back to the Bay area, resulting in sellout crowds despite being 40 miles from its namesake home. Access 4 Getting to the 49ers games has become more daunting for San Francisco area fans of the team. The 40 miles separating San Francisco and Santa Clara can be daunting drive, as traveling on the 101 Freeway on game weekends can back up for miles. Once at the game fans are faced with a distant parking lot system and much higher parking fees than they have been used to. Fortunately, there are several options in getting to Levi’s Stadium on Sundays. The state of California has one of the more efficient rail transportation systems in the country. This is especially true for cities in the greater Bay Area and Northern California. Fans from the Stockton area can utilize the ACE train that links with the local VTA light rail system in San Jose, which delivers you to Santa Clara. Sacramento fans can access the games by riding the Capitol Corridor train to San Jose and then to the VTA system. Finally, San Francisco area fans can take Caltrain to San Jose at a cost of $28.50 for a combo ticket with the VTA fare included. Locals can use the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) busses and light rail system, which will let you off and pick you up at the Great American Station directly in front of the stadium. You will need to purchase a $5 eight-hour pass at the beginning of your trip. Hold on to this ticket as there are no vending machines at the Great American Station for your return trip. The most environmentally friendly option to arrive at the station is by walking or riding your bike to the game. The Santa Clara area is blessed to have a network of paved hike/bike trails. The San Tomas Aquino Trail runs directly to Levi’s Stadium. The stadium offers a bike valet service to safe-keep your bike during the game. Once at the stadium, access is excellent. There is a wide assortment of entry points into the venue and the inside concourse is 63 feet wide with plenty of space to maneuver through the crowds. The concourses are also open to the field, so you will not miss any of the action. There are plenty of elevators and escalators for fans with upper level seats. Return on Investment 3 Attending a 49ers game may require you to bring your gold prospecting equipment along to pay the tab. The 49ers ticket prices are amongst the most expensive in the NFL at $117 per seat. Parking at the stadium runs $40 – $60 prepaid, with an additional $10 tacked on for game day purchases. Public transportation or using the nearby hike/bike trails can bring this cost down dramatically. Concession prices at Levi’s Stadium are among the highest in the NFL. We encourage you to bring your meal in with you, or to eat before the game. Save your concession spending for candy, snacks and beverages. Hotel costs on game day weekends run $200 a night. An easy option to lower this cost is to stay in nearby San Jose. Extras 4 In addition to the 49ers home games, Levi’s Stadium also plays host to the Redbox Bowl, the PAC 12 Football Championship Game and numerous concerts. It has also served as the site of Super Bowl 50 (2016), the 2015 NHL Stadium Series game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings, and the 2019 College Football Championship Game. Levi’s Stadium is very technologically advanced and utilizes this in its quest to become one of the greenest stadiums in the NFL. It has earned Gold LEED certification through its recycling efforts, the use of solar panels for power, the green roof atop the luxury box tower which features 40 types of vegetation and its efforts to promote public transportation as a means of getting to the stadium. The California’s Great American Park hosts a pregame package called the Red Zone Rally that starts three hours prior to kickoff. The package costs $85 and includes unlimited food and beverages, visits from the 49er’s cheerleaders and drumline, autograph sessions with former 49er greats and an appearance from Sourdough Sam, the 49ers mascot. The 49ers Museum deserves its own extra. We’ve visited several team museums over the years, and the 49ers experience far surpasses the other stadiums. Being in Silicon Valley allows the museum to utilize cutting edge technology such as virtual reality, holograms and touch screens to tell about the history and success of the team. Included in the museum are the Super Bowl Gallery, the Team Spirit section, which covers the team’s traditions, the Bill Walsh Innovation Center and the 49ers Hall of Fame, which salutes 27 former 49ers with life size statues. The museum is open during 49ers games, but to truly see all it has to offer it is best to visit on non-game days and spend an hour or two checking out all the exhibits. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, Santa Clara residents and active military members Final Thoughts Levi’s Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the NFL. Its location in the heart of Silicon Valley is a major improvement over the 49ers former home at the weather challenged Candlestick Park. The team has seen a resurgence on the field in recent seasons, providing fans with an up-tempo offense that will fill the stands. The gold rush has returned!

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stadion An der Alten Forsterei An der Wuhlheide 263 12555 Berlin, Germany FC Union Berlin website Stadion An der Alten Forsterei website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 22,012 Fashionable Football in the Forest Current football fashion dictates that a trip to Berlin demands a visit to FC Union and the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei. Across the city, Hertha Berlin attracts larger crowds, has a greater stadium capacity, and plays in the higher league. However, it’s FC Union and their compact 22,000-seat Kopenick home that’s captured the imagination of football fans across the continent. Stadion An Der Alten Forsterei (translated to the stadium next to the old foresters house) opened in 1920. Terraced on three sides there are just 3,617 seats, all located in the main stand (haupttribune). The stadium has been the focus of redevelopments over the last 30 years which have resulted in a modern, bright, and fit-for-purpose stadium. Early versions of FC Union have played football in the city since 1906. It wasn’t until 1966 that they fixed upon their current name. They played their football in the East German ‘Oberliga’ in the days when city rivals Dynamo won 10 titles in a row. The accusation that Stasi chief Erich Mielke helped ‘ensure’ Dynamo Berlin were champions brought forth a rivalry that lasts to this day. After the wall came down, financial hardships meant it was 2009 before Union climbed to their current level in Bundesliga 2. It was my first visit to the city of Berlin and it captured my heart. I knew it would. The history, the architecture, the landmarks, and the street art all exceeded expectations, the bonus being numerous other football stadiums you should visit whilst you’re in town. Food & Beverage 3 Entering the stadium perimeter through sektor 3 gives you immediate access to stalls selling a variety of refreshments. Visit an outdoor grill to purchase your bratwurst, then an adjacent stall for your beers and Coca-Cola. Queues are short, the price is tolerable and the quality of the bratwurst is excellent. This sector allows external access around to the corner of the haupttribune stand and further catering outlets are available on each corner. As there are several steps to then enter the stadium itself, you could choose to buy your refreshments from kiosks inside the stadium, making it slightly less likely that you will spill your beer. If you can’t wait, then upon arrival at the local Kopenick S-Bahn station, try the impressive Forum shopping center opposite the station where you can grab a pastry and espresso. You will also see pockets of fans outside bars dotted around the area with slightly stronger pre-match beverages. Back in the centre of Berlin of course there are numerous culinary options. If you travel down from Alexanderplatz then there is a Coffee Fellows on the corner of Dircksenstabe with the usual sustenance available and it’s a great place for people to watch too. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is generated by the fans behind the goal in the Waldseite (sektor 2) helped by the fan choreographer and an enthusiastic PA announcer. Fans in the rest of the ground join in and impressively keep up the singing throughout the game. A good turnout by the away fans can help the atmosphere too. A seat in the main stand will give you a cracking view of the action and outside, the opportunity to view one of the finest-looking facades in European football. Built-in 2013, the design is almost castle-like and is an imposing, eye-catching stand. The other three stands are functional and nondescript in comparison. They are, however, home to three sides of glorious terracing from which nearly all the atmosphere emanates. It is so refreshing in these ‘all-seater’ days that a renovation hasn’t spelled the end of the terrace. The roof/coverings are also low, which helps keep the noise reverberating around the stadium. Finally, the proximity of the fans to the pitch also helps. With no running track or big gaps between the stands and the pitch, it ensures players have little doubt about what fans require of them. Neighbourhood 5 The stadium is located in a mainly woodland forest area, however, Kopenick itself has all the local amenities you need. If you choose to stay in central Berlin, it is a great place to base yourself to explore the rich history and various other stadiums dotted around the city. Much has been written about this great city which this review refrains from competing with. Instead here’s a quick run-down of what we recommend. One highlight is walking along Karl Marx Allee, a preserved Soviet-style boulevard with wide streets and wedding cake architecture. Next, head to the Stasi Museum in Lichtenberg, preserved just as their imposing offices were left; it provided an incredible insight into their inner workings. Whilst there take a peak at the decrepit but fabulous HOWEGE Arena, home of SV Lichtenberg 47. The Berlin Wall memorial and Mauer Park market should also be high on your list. Take the U-Bahn from Alexanderplatz to Eberswalder and you’ll be immediately impressed with the fantastic floodlights of the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportspark. If you can catch a game there, it’s the old stasi team ‘Dynamo’ you need to look up. I went to a regionalism match on a cold Friday night with around 1,400 others. It’s a great stadium with a superb graffiti wall. The Mauer market on Sunday morning can be found next door to Friedrich-Ludwig stadium. It’s an incredible mix of stalls selling clothes, artwork, toys, etc. with food also available from around the world. I went for an Argentinian beef sandwich followed by coffee from the ‘Coffee Ape’ mobile stall. When you are finished you can stroll down Bernaeur Street to see the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall. They have done a tremendous job of communicating the enormous heartache caused by this imposing monolith, now thankfully consigned to history. Of course whilst in Berlin you should also check out the Brandenburg Gate, The Bundestag, The Jewish Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the list just goes on. Finally, ‘Street Food Thursday’ in the fantastic Markthalle Neun gives you a fantastic array of dinner options, from pulled pork sandwiches to octopus. Simply turn up, wander around, and dip in and out of the various stalls until you are full. The nearest U-Bahn is Gorlitzer Bahnhof. Our base for our 4 days in town was an apartment right outside Hallesches Tor U-Bahn station, just one stop south of Checkpoint Charlie. Whilst it was technically in the stylish Krezsberg area, the locality was a bit run down. It more than suited our needs though, we even had a pub on the ground floor of our block and a coffee shop three doors further down the road – perfect. Fans 5 Not many fans can attend a match and tell their kids they helped build the stadium that they stand in, that they’ve sat on a sofa on the halfway line and watched a World Cup game, or that they’ve donated their blood to help ensure the club doesn’t go bust. This though is FC Union Berlin (nickname Eisern Union ) whose fans certainly don’t agree that convention is something to follow. The anti-establishment feeling comes from that old rivalry with Dynamo and the German 50+1 ruling is something they cherish; not seek methods to get around. So far in 17/18 average home attendance is 21,170, In 16/17 it was 20,859, just under 20k the season before. In short, attendances are consistently good and any promotion to the top flight would bring pressure to increase that stadium capacity of 22,012. Access 3 Schonefeld Airport is 20km south of Berlin and you can catch a taxi into town which takes around 25 minutes and costs 40 Euros. Alternatively, Tegel Airport brings you into the northeast of Berlin and it’s a similar distance into the centre of Berlin. To get to the stadium, the train is your best option. From Hallesches Tor, take the U-Bahn east to Warschauer Stabe. Then you cross over the bridge to board an S3 metro train heading southeast, you’ll probably be seeing plenty of home fans by now, clutching their bottles of beer and bedecked in red and white. You can also board the S3 from more central locations too like Alexanderplatz, and journey time is between 30-50 mins depending on where you get on. You can buy tickets for the Berlin transport system from machines at each station. The whole system works on trust so there are no barriers anywhere, but plain-clothed staff will be around to check whether you have paid. Once you’ve disembarked at Kopenick (Zone B) you can pick up the match day programme at the entrance to the station, easing any worry you may have about whether you will find one. From the station follow the fans on a ten-minute walk which will feel more like a nice stroll in the countryside than a walk to the football. It’s worth noting that to get into any of the three terrace sectors you will need to climb several steps. At the top of the steps you enter the stadium at the very top of the stand, then climb down the steps to your place. If mobility is an issue contact the club first or consider buying your ticket in the haupttribune. Your ticket may be for M, N, O, P, etc. but no one is checking so you can choose whichever view you like. We stood in Sektor 3 or ‘Gegengerade’ as it is also known, close to the noisier fans behind the goal to our right. If you travel to the stadium by car you will want to miss central Berlin. If traveling from the west exit Autobahn 10 and use the address 12555 Berlin, An Der Wuhlheide 263 on your navigation device. From the east it's Autobahn 113 followed by the same final address. There isn’t any parking at the ground but there’s some in the vicinity. It looks quite busy by kick-off time so perhaps arrive early and take in the atmosphere. Return on Investment 4 Terrace tickets cost just 16 Euros each, which is decent value for the whole experience. Refreshments are reasonably priced although, on the merchandise front, a scarf set us back 15 Euros which seemed a little steep. The programme is 2 Euros and the local transport system is pretty cheap. Berlin itself is, of course, going to cost you a few Euros, particularly if you spend time around the tourist areas. Extras 2 The club shop will sell you all the usual merchandise you may require. If you like the more eclectic gift, there’s an FC Union toothbrush or an FC Union spirit level. Perfect for your builder friend who has bad breath. Each Christmas, the stadium also hosts a carol-singing event that has gone from fewer than 100 attendees to almost a full stadium. Hymn sheets are provided and visitors travel from all over to this rather unique event. Final Thoughts Berlin, what a city! Four days isn’t enough! I’d recommend you take with you one of the excellent David Young East German fiction thrillers Stasi Child, Stasi Wolf, or A Darker State. I took the latter. The descriptions of East Berlin in the books are vivid and thrilling as you walk the same, mostly unchanged, streets. Whilst in Berlin, Stadion An der Alten Forsterei is a stadium you need to tick off. A first-rate club doing some exceptional things in a superb city. The unique and attractive frontage of the stadium, the lusty atmosphere, and the forest location do make this a great venue. Fans are friendly and the commute from Berlin to Kopenick, followed by the stroll to the ground all add to the intrigue and anticipation. The only real ‘problem’ is the raised expectation before you arrive. Maybe I’m just contrary but once something becomes fashionable, I head to the road marked unfashionable. Many argue that Berlin football hasn’t hit the heights a city of this stature should; they are probably right. Nevertheless, there is a richness to the football culture in Berlin that goes far deeper than the need for trophies, glory, of course, manifests itself in many different ways. So do visit this atmospheric ground, but make sure you also visit the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportspark and HOWEGE Arena too if you are a fan of the tumble-down and not just the trendy.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Canal Park 300 S Main St Akron, OH 44308 Akron RubberDucks website Canal Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 9,097 Ducks in the Canal The city-owned Canal Park takes its name from the Ohio and Erie Canal that runs beyond the outfield of the ballpark. The ballpark opened in 1997 and was designed by Populous, the same architectural firm that designed the Indians’ Jacobs Field. The ballpark holds 9,097. Currently, the Akron RubberDucks, changed their name in 2013 from the Aeros to reflect the history of Akron’s rubber industry. The RubberDucks have been the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Cleveland Indians since 1989 when they were located in nearby Canton, Ohio at Thurman Munson Field. The ballpark is asymmetrical with the following dimensions: Left Field: 331 feet, Left Center: 376 feet, Center Field: 400 feet, Right Center: 375 feet, Right Field: 337 feet. The hi-definition scoreboard in right center field gives information on the game and a sideboard in left center provides additional information. There are ball-and-strike ribbon boards at the ends of the luxury boxes. Canal Park has a large concourse, which makes it easy to walk around the park when crowded, an area that runs from left field to right field that allows access to all the regular seating areas. In addition, the seats are angled toward home plate. The gift shop is big with a nice selection of jerseys, shirts and hats. It is low on key chains, magnets and other small trinkets. One huge seller is the Duck Bubble Gun which sells for $6. This is a bubble gun in the image of a Rubber Ducks head and blows bubbles. The kids love this. Food & Beverage 5 The ballpark has themed concessions located along the concourse. Godfather’s Kitchen has hot dogs ($2 or $3.75), Italian sausage ($5.50), Papa John’s pizza ($5). Tater’s dishes has your standard ballpark food (hot dogs, chicken for $5, hamburgers for $6 and pulled pork nachos for $9). The Dog Pound specializes in hot dogs, bratwurst ($5.50), kielbasa ($7.50) and Italian sausage ($5.50). The Biergarten sells sausages and dogs. The Sock Hop is all about ice cream which including floats ($5 or $8). The Nice to Meat U Grill has monster hamburgers and some “extreme” items. Big portions of food are not a problem here because there are some “extreme dining” options at the ballpark. Some examples are the “Nice 2 Meat U Burger” (three steakhouse seasoned Certified Angus Beef burgers-1.75 lbs, two beef franks, crispy bacon, grilled onions and American cheese on a toasted Kaiser bun for $15), the “Three Dog Night” (Kielbasa split in half with a bratwurst inside, split in half with a hot dog inside of it topped with sauerkraut and served on a sub bun for $12), “Pineapple TerriyAKRON” (a half pineapple hollowed out and filled with a mixture of white rice, grilled chicken, diced pineapple and Thai chili garlic sauce topped with a teriyaki glaze for $12), “Not Your Routine Poutine” (a 10 oz portion of French fries topped with gravy, cheese curds, pulled pork, green onions and bacon bits for $12) and the “Screamer” (21 scoops of a premium ice cream on top of a brownie base and finished off with chocolate syrup, bananas, whip cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries served in a souvenir helmet for $25). There are more extreme items too. Besides the usual foods there some unusual items you don’t find at other parks. For example: build your own Steak sandwich ($9.50), pierogies ($6.50), turkey legs ($7.50), veggie burger / bratwurst ($7 / $6.75), corn dogs ($3.75), sauerkraut balls ($5), wedge salad/assorted vegetables/ hummus & pretzels and fruit cup (all $5), cannolis ($2.50), mini donuts ($7) and apple pie ($3.50). Beer prices at the park are $4.50 / $7.75 / $11 for a 12oz / 20oz / 32oz domestic draft (Budwieser). Premium drafts (Yuengling, Shocktop and Leinenkugel’s) are $5 / $8.75 / $12.50 for a 12oz / 20oz / 32oz. Of course, there are local “Craft” beers on tap too from the Canton Brewing Co., Ignite Brewing Co., Lock 15 Brewing Co., Hop Tree Brewing, R. Shea Brewing which are all $8. In addition, there are some other local craft beers in bottles / cans – Mucky Duck and Rhinegeist Brewery for $7. The Tiki Bar in right field in addition to beer serves hard liquor and wine. A bottle of soda / Powerade is $.4.25 and Iced tea is $4.75. Fountain drinks are $2.75 / $4 / $7.50 for a 16oz / 24oz / 32oz. Bottled water is $3.50 and a slushie is $4.50. Coffee/cappuccino/hot chocolate is $2.50. In addition, to the concessions there is the “Game Grill & Bar” located in the right field corner. You can sit out on the patio on the right field walkway to watch batting practice while you eat, but you won’t be allowed into the park before the gates open outside. The “Game” delivers standard bar & grill fare, with most entrees under $12. The restaurant is also home of the extreme item the “Squealer” which is a foot-long Five Star Meats hot dog, stuffed with pulled pork and wrapped in bacon that is deep fried and topped it with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. Atmosphere 3 The concourse at Canal Park runs from right-center to left field and the main seating bowl is below street level. Suites are above the seating bowl from about first to third base. There is nowhere in the park besides in the Tiki Bar, in the restaurant or under the suites to get out of the sun. The “kids” zone consists of a blow-up slide near the Tiki Bar in right field and a small concourse section behind home plate that has some minor games like racing cars and “fish for a rubberduck” and win a prize. There are three entrances that open about an hour before game time (for those not in luxury boxes or season ticket holders): Buchtel Avenue, Canal Entrance, and State Street. Lines can get extensive on promotional days. The Diamond Boardwalk is open before game time to take you beyond third base to the actual Canal Park beyond the outfield, but the gate to the boardwalk gets closed before game time. Autograph seekers will want to be by the home first base dugout before and after the game. Between-inning entertainment includes the mascots, regular minor league contests, races, and quizzes, post-game includes toss-a-ball, fireworks (special nights), and kids running the bases (on scheduled days). Neighborhood 3 Canal Park is located in the heart of downtown Akron across the street from the University of Akron. The old canal area is being renovated into parks and performance spaces, but there are closed factories and manufacturing buildings in the area. Right outside of left field is the Ohio & Erie Walkway Trail / Locke 2 Park (one of 19 locks once used to move canal boats) and the Akron Children’s Hospital. In addition, the Richard Howe House (and canal museum) and Locke 3 Park (a small park that hosts bands in the summer) are all around the ballpark. Being downtown there are many restaurants, fast food restaurants and bars in the area too. Within a couple of miles is the Akron Zoo, the Akron Art Museum, the E.J. Thomas Hall of Performing Arts Hall and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. About a half hour from Akron is the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio. Fans 3 Like most of the minor leagues, the RubberDucks cater to locals and families. Many fans here seem to be interested and knowledgeable about their players and the Cleveland Indians who are their parent club. Of course, there are people just there to hang out and socialize. Cleveland is about 40 minutes away from Akron and that helps draw some Indians fans to this park. The RubberDucks are averaging over 4,500 per game this season (2019) and for the past five years. The people and workers at the game are very friendly and willing to talk about the park, team and area, if you should choose. Access 4 Access to the ballpark is easy. The ballpark is located in downtown Akron located at the intersection of S. Main and State St and is accessible by car or bus. The park is approximately 10 minutes north of intersection of I-76 & I-77. It is also about 12 miles south of the intersection of I-80 and Route 8. Canal Park is about a 40-minute drive to Cleveland and Canton, two hours to Columbus and Pittsburgh and two hours to Toledo. There are several municipal and private lots within walking distance of the park which costs $5 to $10. In addition, there is limited meter parking which is free on the weekend, if you get there early enough you may get lucky and not have to pay for parking. The Akron METRO buses will get you to the ballpark (routes 1, 4, 9, 10, 14, and 34) for $1.75 per ride or $2.50 for a day pass. In addition, Greyhound buses are available and the Akron station is just down the street from the park If you are flying in to or out of Akron, the Akron-Canton Airport is down I-77 about 30 minutes to the south of the ballpark. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are relatively cheap here. Reserve Seats on game day are $13 for adults ($12 for Juniors & Seniors), with General Admission at $7. The “Duck Row” just beyond third base in left field, delivers swivel seats and in-seat food and drink service for $17 and “Homerville in right field with two rows of 11 swivel-seats with drink rails in front of the Tiki Bar is $25 but you receive either two (2) 16-ounce beers or four (4) 24-ounce sodas. In addition, you can rent out the “Park Fowl Territory” Picnic-style seating starting at one table of eight people, with options for up to 400 (50 tables). Minimum 24 people for a picnic outing and a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet-style picnic, beginning one hour before the game. Lastly there is the Tiki Terrace in right field. Groups as small as 24 guests can reserve this area, however if no groups have rented the area anyone can sit here. Included in this area is a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet-style picnic, beginning one hour before the game. As with all teams if you get season tickets or group seats in advance you will receive a discount. Extras 5 The RubberDucks receive an extra point each for the following: Giving out a 1st game certificate and button at the Guest Services booth if you say this is your first game. They also have scorecards and programs for free. Lastly, if you feel like participating in the in-between inning contests you sign up there for a chance to do so. The Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame (free admission) that honors both the players, teams and umpires from the Akron area is located just north of the Rubber Duck’s Team Shop with an outside entrance at the park. The two main team mascots, “Rubberta” the duck or “Webster” the duck walk the concourse and are available for pictures and autographs. The RubberDucks also have “Orbit” the space cat, “Homer” the inflatable pigeon but apparently they are not there every game. The POW/MIA seat on the first base side and LeBron James number is retired too. The “Duck Mug” which is a 16oz plastic mug (for soda) resembling the logo the sells for $12.50 but refills are only $1. Final Thoughts Canal Park is a comfortable, clean and well-maintained ballpark and is definitely worth the trip based upon the food alone but the people definitely make this park a must see.

Photo Courtesy of Jacob Oliveria Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jerome Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Jerome Schottenstein Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 19,500 The Schott for Buckeye Hoops When referencing “The Shot” in Columbus, Ohio, be prepared to talk about a kid from Loveland, Ohio named Matt Sylvester. Quite possibly the most famous moment in Buckeye hoops aside from their only National Title in 1960 is the three-pointer that knocked off undefeated Illinois in the final game of the 2005 regular season. This famous shot occurred in Value City Arena at the Schottenstein Center on the campus of the Ohio State University, which is the other Schott on campus. Though not full of historical moments, Buckeye basketball has made great strides in the ten years since Sylvester’s shot to put them among the elite in the Big Ten Conference. Most of the success of the program has occurred recently under the leadership of Thad Matta, with two trips to the Final Four (2007 and 2012) and at least a share of the Big Ten Title in 2006, 2007 and 2010-2012. The arena seats 18,809 for basketball. It is too large to be considered one of the great college basketball venues. The feeling of intimacy is nonexistent inside the arena and is too difficult to sell out games due to the large size. The Schott is a multipurpose facility used for other events such as concerts, which can be the downfall of big budget programs. The prospect of revenue with an arena of this size outweighs enhancing the stadium experience with a more intimate feel. The venue is also home of the Ohio State hockey team . Food & Beverage 4 The options in Value City Arena are solid and there are some vendors such as Donatos and Roosters that are favorites in the area. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn will cost $4-$6. Sodas cost $4.50-$5.50. The Brutus Pretzel is served with sweet cream cheese and other items which make the $12 worth it. The pizza from Donatos is a great choice at $7 and the Turkey BLT Sub is another good option at $8. You must try the Rooster’s nest – crispy buffalo chicken tenders and fries topped with melted cheese, bacon and scallions. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Also be sure to grab a Graeter’s ice cream cup ($6). This is the most famous ice cream in Ohio and it started in Columbus! Bottom line is you won’t be disappointed with the selection and taste of all of these items so be prepared to try some of them on game day. Atmosphere 4 The Buckeye Nuthouse is home to the Ohio State Student Section at each basketball game and they come to play themselves. Even though the overall atmosphere can’t compete with some of the top schools in the country, the students do their part to support the Buckeyes. Student leaders of the Nuthouse camp outside for every game to guarantee their spots in the front row. In 2010, the school eventually moved the student section from behind the baskets to behind the benches so the students would be shown on television broadcasts. It really has made all of the difference in creating a rowdy environment and is the number one reason for the good atmosphere at Ohio State basketball games. The band is also great, and you can really tell how much the fans love all of the songs by how much they participate. Fans outside the student section can get loud and exciting during a big matchup like Wisconsin or Michigan State but are completely taken out of the equation against less talented schools. A game against lesser talent could almost be considered boring. The arena is too large and there just isn’t enough energy on these days. Neighborhood 3 Value City Arena is located on the campus of the Ohio State University, one of the best places to visit for any fan of college sports. However, the area is too spread out from the Schott and requires a long walk to visit anything of interest. The main place to go off campus is a walk along High Street where you can find a great Buffalo Wild Wings (which began in Columbus). This is a great place to hang before the game for some drinks and good food. If you make the trip from out of town, be sure to check out Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, because it is the most popular spot to eat on campus. With the school’s location near the downtown area, the experience lacks a cozy small town feel like you’ll find at some of the state’s MAC schools (Bowling Green State University or Ohio University as examples). This is great for college football, but the combination of the large size of the basketball arena and city feel of the campus makes it seem more like a professional event. Fans 4 Buckeye fans are some of the craziest, loudest, loving, hating, passionate fan bases in all of sports. The city seems to cry the day after a football loss, riots break out in the street after beating that team up North or taking home a National Title and the Buckeyes are the best in every sport, every time. When it comes to basketball, these fans are still here but lack the obsessive nature of the football program. In any case, they are friendlier and more lenient of losses, which contributes to the lack of atmosphere on some days. This also makes these fans extremely approachable when visiting, so be sure get some accounts of Matt Sylvester’s shot in 2005, or the heartbreak of losing to Florida in the 2007 National Championship game (after losing to the same school in the football title game, not three months earlier). That was a tough year for Buckeye fans, and they’ll be happy to tell you about it. In the end, you’re going to hear some pretty great stories, especially from former students. Access 3 Value City Arena at The Schottenstein Center is located just off Ohio State Route 315. It’s really easy to find, but the traffic and commuting can become very difficult. Also, parking around the arena is not efficient due to the large amount of “passes only” spaces. The best thing to do is to find some parking further down Lane Avenue, away from the arena. You should be able to find a spot for $10, or you can park near High Street for free. Just make sure it’s not a tow away zone. Once inside the arena, the concourses are a little snug, but the seats are very comfortable and the staff is extremely friendly when helping to find a seat. Lines for concessions and restrooms can become unbearably long during breaks, and also make it very difficult to navigate through crowds at this time. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are too high for Buckeye basketball and are highly inflated for “prime” matchups. My advice is not to participate in Ticketmaster because of the extra fees added on to the ticket. The ticket office will help you find an affordable seat without the fees. Expect to pay at least $22 for a seat in the upper bowl and over $50 for anywhere else. On my latest trip for Senior Day, I ended up paying $37 for the upper bowl due to the big matchup versus conference-leading Wisconsin. Just call the OSU Ticket Office at (614) 292-2624 for details. Overall, a day watching Buckeye basketball will cost more money than you want to spend for the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Buckeye Nuthouse and one of the best student sections and student organizations in the country. Another point for “Hells Bells” before the game. The students lock their arms together and sway back and forth in alternate motions to create a great pregame tradition. This could turn into one of the best if there was more participation from the fans. One last point for the views of Ohio Stadium in the distance. One of the coolest parts of your trip will be driving right alongside this concrete beast, a beautiful sight for any college sports fan. Unfortunately, Value City Arena lacks even half the fervor. Final Thoughts Some people in Columbus say winning the National Championship in football in 2015 was the worst thing that could have happened to the basketball program. There is some truth to this. The environment for basketball games lost a lot of passion, but it is cyclical. If you can catch this program on a good year, it can be one of the best. As of right now, the arena is too big and can’t be filled for every game, giving some experiences an empty feeling. The former home of Buckeye Basketball, St. Johns Arena, would provide a better experience just for the sheer closeness of the stands. Having a professional feeling in a college environment takes away from the overall experience. When this happens, just glance over to The Buckeye Nuthouse, they’ll remind you where you are.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 UTRGV Baseball Stadium 920 N Sugar Rd Edinburg, TX 78541 UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros website UTRGV Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 5,000 UTRGV Vaqueros – UTRGV Baseball Stadium In 2013 the University of Texas system combined two of its far south Texas schools, UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville, into one school to better serve the students and residents of the area. This also combined the athletic programs of the UT-Brownsville Ocelots and the UT-Pan American Broncs into the newly formed UT-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros in time for the impending 2014 season. The new Vaqueros would inherit the former Broncs statistics and records, including their impressive accomplishments on the baseball diamond. From 1968 to 1986, the team made the NCAA Tournament a staggering 13 times – including a trip to the College World Series in 1971. They did so under the stewardship of legendary Head Coach Al Ogletree who coached at UT-Pan American from 1969-1997. Vaqueros Accomplishments, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The city of Edinburg donated the formerly eponymously named Edinburg Stadium – home of the Broncs and of the minor league Edinburg Roadrunners – to UTRGV in time for the 2014 season. It was renamed UTRGV Baseball Stadium in 2016, when the first of a series of renovations began. It’s truly a unique setting for baseball in one of the most unique setting in all of Texas. Read on to learn what makes it special. Food & Beverage 3 While there are two concessions stands at UTRGV Baseball Stadium – one down each baseline – there was only one open during my visit, with one separate beer and alcohol tent. With that said, this one concessions stand had a pretty darn good assortment of food offerings for a college stadium. They have your traditional hot dogs and chili cheese dogs (at the oddly priced $3.29 and $3.59, respectively), nachos, chili cheese nachos, and – as a bonus – fajita nachos ($8). Also on the menu are fajita tacos (you can smell them from the parking lot and they’ll set you back a measly $4 apiece), Frito pie ($3), sausage wraps ($5), and a Vaquero chicken sandwich ($6.50). On the beverage side there are fountain sodas, bottled water, and sports drinks, in addition to the aforementioned adjacent beer and alcohol tent. The tent sells $6 domestic pours and $7 mixed drinks through the bottom of the seventh inning. All in all, this is a more than a decent menu of offerings; I’ve been to minor league parks that have offered less! Atmosphere 3 Just like with the concessions, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall atmosphere at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. As you walk up to the stadium off Sugar Road you are greeted by the Al and Joann Ogletree Plaza, complete with monuments to Coach Al and his wife. The plaza serves as a gateway to the main entrance of the ballpark. Al and Joann Ogletree Plaza, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Once inside, UTRGV logos emblazon the roofs of the dugouts and the sit atop the outfield walls, beyond which is outlined with the ubiquitous palm trees of the region. Adorning the outfield walls are the years commemorating the team’s trips to the NCAA Tournament, their College World Series appearance, and their most recent conference championship (in 2019 as members of the Western Athletic Conference). In center field there is a flag waving with Coach Ogletree’s retired number, and there is also a team merchandise store located near the stands behind home plate and along the first base line. There are also covered areas in left field and right field, so that general admission seating fans can get out of the sun on those oh-so frequent hot games that happen in the Rio Grande Valley. Neighborhood 3 UTRGV Baseball Stadium is located right in the middle of the UT-RGV campus. As such, the only things you’ll find in the immediate area around the ballpark will be student housing and university buildings. However, venturing not too far into the city of Edinburg proper you’ll find plenty to do, plenty to eat, and plenty of find places to lay your head for the evening. Edinburg is the county seat of Hidalgo County, Texas, and is the third-largest city in the Rio Grande Valley. For sports fans the city is home to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League and the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the USL; you have a good chance of doubling up your sports fandom when taking in a game at UTRGV Baseball Stadium if you plan your visit right. For outdoor enthusiasts, this region of Texas is one of the literal and figurative hotbeds of activity for cycling enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. For the latter, the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center is a 40-acre wetlands oasis in the middle of the city, and is just a short drive from the ballpark. It offers visitors watchable wildlife year-round in a setting friendly to birds, butterflies, and water-loving creatures. If you’re a history buff, the Museum of South Texas History is right up your alley. The museum tells the story of this region of Texas from pre-history to modern times. Exhibits include a fully complete skeleton of a mammoth, as well as Texas Revolution-era artifacts. It’s also a short drive from the UTRGV campus, which is a nice bonus. In terms of dining, one spot you must hit up is Delia’s . As their slogan says, Delia’s specializes in tamales, and these are as legit as they come. Just be forewarned that this is literally all that is on the menu. I’d recommend taking some home with you if you have the means because they are that good. They have multiple locations around Edinburg, including one less than three miles from the ballpark. Also, as you might surmise, being this close to the border, Tex-Mex is the food of the place and Trevino’s Restaurant has been consistently rated as the best in the city. Fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas – all are on the menu and all are crowd-pleasers. When you’re looking for a place to lay your head during your stay in Edinburg, there are numerous options not only in the city, but also near the ballpark for you to choose from. While none are within walking distance, most are less than 10-minute drives away, including the TownePlace Suites by Marriott McAllen Edinburg and the Motel 6 Edinburg, TX . Fans 3 The Vaqueros draw a pretty good size crowd to games at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. On their calendar they even noted a forthcoming game against the Texas Longhorns was already a sellout, which will be a nice boon for the program. At the most recent game I attended it was another good crowd, filled with what looked like students, alumni, and local fans. They were engaged throughout (despite the heat) and cheered their team the entire game. My one complaint is what appears to be a tradition the hometown fans have – whenever the P.A. announcer says a visiting player’s name, the crowd would yell “Who?” followed by “Cares.” I’m all for good old-fashioned heckling, but this seemed out of place at a college game and seemed like something that should be left to pro sports. Access 2 First things first in terms of Access; it is a chore to get down to the Rio Grande Valley from virtually every major city in Texas. By car it is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from San Antonio, five hours from Houston and Austin, and seven and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. If you want to shorten the trip, the McAllen International Airport has daily flights to and from both Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth. It’s also a 20-minute drive to the ballpark. Once you get onsite, parking is free and ample in the lot right in front of the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating for UTRGV Vaqueros games is $8 per person. With the schedule that the team plays in the WAC combined with their non-conference opponents (I already mentioned their sellout game against the Longhorns ), fans get quite the bang for their buck at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. This is especially true when you take into account the low-cost concessions and the free parking. Extras 2 One area where I have seen a lot of college baseball lag behind is in the “Extras” area. Unlike other college sports they don’t trot out a lot of the pomp and circumstance at games. What they do have are contests for fans in between innings (there’s a bean bag toss, a jersey race around the bases, things of that nature) and the traditional singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. Another nice perk was handing out free Dairy Queen Blizzard coupons every time the Vaqueros hit a home run. Final Thoughts I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by my experience in Edinburg. UTRGV Baseball Stadium still has the great feel of a minor league stadium, and that greatly combines with the college atmosphere and the overall surrounding of the scenic Rio Grande Valley. I think all baseball fans would enjoy the experience as much as I did. Book yourself a trip to the Valley and catch a Vaqueros game when you can. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pen Air Field Campus Dr Pensacola, FL 32514 West Florida Argonauts website Pen Air Field website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 6,500 Arete the Argonauts Located on the banks of the Escambia River in north Pensacola lies the University of West Florida. The medium-sized university of about 12,000 students opened in 1963 and is currently the largest four-year university in western Florida. Nicknamed the Argonauts, UWF has been a member of the D2 Gulf South Conference since 1994. The Argos football team is fairly young, entering its 5th season as of 2021. The Argos made it to the National Title game in just their second year of playing, a feat that is unheard of in college athletics. Since the NCAA was founded in 1906 no program has ever made it to the National Championship in their second year of playing. Though UWF would lose that game in 2017, just two years later the Argos wound up winning the title, also becoming the fastest program to take home a National Championship. In just five short years UWF has become a D2 powerhouse, and the program is only continuing to rise. Because the university does not currently have an on-campus stadium, the Argos play about 15 miles away in downtown Pensacola at the beautiful Blue Wahoos Stadium, home of the Double A’s Pensacola Blue Wahoos . However, with a baseball game being scheduled on the same day, UWF was forced to construct a makeshift stadium around Pen Air Field, the on-campus practice field that opened in 2016. This game is notable as being the first on-campus home football game in the program’s history. Food & Beverage 3 Because this is not a normal stadium there are no permanent concessions on-site, but that didn’t mean the university didn’t go above and beyond by bringing in outside food trucks and vendors to serve the fans. As soon as you enter the grounds there are four different food truck options to choose from – Sonny’s BBQ truck that sells items such as ribs and pork sandwiches; Joe’s Caribe that sells Caribbean, Latin, and Mexican flavored dishes; an ice cream truck that sells all different types of ice cream and sundaes; and the Greeks Food Truck that sells exotic Greek-flavored foods. The university also has a tent set up where they sell regular ballpark items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and popcorn. There is also a separate tent that sells alcohol of all kinds. Needless to say, the various food trucks made up for the lack of concessions, and the fact that you could try all these different types of foods is a plus and something you normally wouldn’t find at a D2 football game or some D1 games for that matter. Just make sure you have cash as none of the stands here accept cards – with no ATM on site this could pose a problem as there is a no re-entry policy. Also, one drawback of building a makeshift stadium is that there are no permanent water fountains on the property; as this was a warm and muggy Florida evening, being able to stay hydrated is a must, and the only way to get any water would be to pay $3 in cash. This is something the university could consider if they ever host a game at Pen Air Field again. Atmosphere 4 The $2 million Pen Air Field opened in Spring 2016 and serves as the official practice facility for the Argos. The field faces north and south with the south end zone housing the Darryl Gooden Center, which is where the coach’s offices, weight rooms, and lockers are located. When Pen Air Field was opened it was not built to host official football games, but the University did everything they could to make sure this was a top-notch experience for the first-ever home football game on campus. And though the waterfront stadium and downtown setting of Blue Wahoos Stadium make for a great experience, it just doesn’t beat a college football game being played on campus. It is a pretty cool setup here as this is just a basic practice field that was transformed into a temporary stadium. Scaffolds with areas where the announcers and tv crew sit were brought in and set up behind the west sideline, while on the east side of the field they brought in temporary metal bleachers that extended about 70 yards parallel to the field. One drawback to the seating is the fact that only season ticket holders could sit in the bleachers – the students had to either sit on blankets on the grass or stand on the west side under the scaffolds, which was the designated student section. In the north end zone is a permanent scoreboard that just shows the score, but right next to that is a large 20-foot videoboard they brought in just for the game. Directly behind the bleachers are the various food trucks and the bar area. UWF also did a good job promoting the brand and bringing in potential students; they had multiple tents set up from different clubs and organizations promoting their groups – it was like orientation day at UWF. The campus bookstore also has a large tent with a broad selection of t-shirts and gear for sale. Neighborhood 3 Pensacola is a cool city with plenty of things to do for people of all ages. Unfortunately, UWF is located on the north side of town away from the city’s main attractions, but across the street from the campus is a shopping center that features a Target, Kohl’s, and Chick-fil-A, but not much else. For food around campus, I recommend trying Foosackly’s, which is a cheap fast food restaurant that serves only chicken, or Dodge’s Store, which is located in a gas station that has excellent fried foods. For hotels in the area I recommend trying the Davis Highway exit off I-10 about 5 miles south of campus; there are plenty of hotels at this exit. Although the campus is not close to everything, you can still get to everything the city has to offer in 30 minutes or less. About 15 miles south of campus is Historic Downtown Pensacola – if interested in nightlife and going out you can find hundreds of bars and restaurants lined up along Palafox Street and in the Seville Quarter. The beaches of Pensacola Beach are about 20 minutes south of campus as well. The campus is also located in a rural swampy area of the city right on the Escambia River. There are plenty of woods and wetlands; nature lovers could spend all day walking or riding their bikes on the beautiful trails. The campus rec department rents out kayaks and bikes for those who want to get a glimpse of Florida’s protected wetlands, where you can encounter alligators, bears, deer, and all kinds of wildlife in the woods surrounding the campus. They also have a nice 21-hole disc golf course that goes throughout campus. Fans 3 Before 2016 this area of the panhandle didn’t have a college football team to call their own, with the closest in-state school ( Florida State ) located over 3 hours away. That all has changed and in just five short years the Argos has become Northwest Florida’s college football team. The school receives constant exposure in the city, more than most D2 programs do. Just shopping around the local Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart expect to find a section of Argos gear right there next to the Florida State stuff, so fan support in the city is growing. The school even receives constant press from the newspaper, and the local ESPN radio affiliate broadcasts the coaches’ shows every week. During UWF football’s first five seasons the Argos have averaged 5,660 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium – the stadium only holds 5,085 people meaning UWF sells out almost every game. The fact that so many fans turn out for a game off-campus, I could only imagine how many fans would show up for a game on-campus – as I arrived on campus fans were scattered around drinking, grilling, and watching games on TVs under various tents throughout the parking lots near the stadium. It seemed like the students were tailgating right outside the UWF Field House next door, home of the Argos basketball team , while other fans were set up at different lots around campus. All in all, everyone seemed pumped up and excited, being that this was the first home game since winning the 2019 DII National Championship – at over 6,500 people this game did break the school attendance record for the largest crowd in program history. Access 3 UWF’s campus is located on the north side of town, about 15 miles north of downtown. I-10 is your best bet for getting to Pensacola, then taking the Davis Highway exit north to campus. Davis Highway is one of the busiest streets in the city and they are always doing construction on this road, so be careful as it can get confusing. Traffic also backs up substantially, especially right off the interstate, so take that into account if coming from out of town. About a mile north of the interstate Davis Highway splits off to the left and turns into University Blvd; you can take this road about 3 miles and drive right into campus. The whole campus is one big circle with the athletic facilities on the west side, with Pen Air Field directly behind UWF Field House. Return on Investment 2 General Admission tickets cost $23 and can only be purchased online. I considered the prices kind of high for this level of college football, but you are getting to see the defending D2 National Champions, who were ranked number 1 headed into the game I most recently attended. Because the bleachers are taken up by season ticket holders and alumni, the GA tickets are standing room only, so that is a drawback as well. The level of play on the field is quite good though as the Argos roster is filled with transfers from D1 programs. Just scanning the roster for UWF for the 2021 season expect to find players who have previous experience playing at power 5 programs all over the country. Parking is $10 and there are plenty of parking lots on campus, with the ones closest to the stadium charging for parking. But you should be able to find plenty of free parking – you just have to walk a little. Extras 3 One extra for just the fact that the Argos have been to two D2 National Championship Games in just the first five years of their existence. Some schools have played for a hundred years and never won a championship, so the fact that UWF did it so quickly is quite special. If you want to view the 2019 D2 National Championship Trophy, it’s on display in the lobby of the Darryl Gooden Center just south of the playing field. Another extra for the Argos regular home field Blue Wahoos Stadium, also home of the Double-A Blue Wahoos. With its gorgeous bayside setting, the stadium has been voted the best view in minor league baseball but is also in the running for the best view in all of D2 football. The football experience on campus is great, but everyone in the area needs to experience a UWF football game downtown. The game I last attended, was also a special day as the game took place on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. As Pensacola is a pretty big military town there was a cool pre-game ceremony they did – the UWF Band played the National Anthem and right towards the end of the song the Navy did a flyover. Because there was no American flag on display the Fire Department had a truck in the south endzone hanging a giant flag from the top of the ladder. I remember getting goosebumps looking up at the Flag as the Anthem was getting ready to commence, watching the planes approach and the fireworks getting ready to go off. Then as the Argos ran out of the tunnel onto the field, I just knew I was a part of something special, the first-ever football game on the University of West Florida’s campus. Final Thoughts The UWF 2021 home opener was nothing more than a test run. With the matchup on the field, there was little doubt as to who the better team on the field was, and the Argos completely dominated the action from start to finish. However, this game was more than just the action on the field – it was about if the campus can support an on-campus football stadium. After the turnout and atmosphere at a makeshift stadium, I can only imagine how it would be in a few years if the Argos can create their own on-campus home. Plus, with the 2022 Minor League Baseball schedule being announced already there is already a scheduling conflict for UWF and the Blue Wahoos next year, so look for Pen Air Field to host another game next season, and hopefully one day they will have permanent bleachers constructed around the field.

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

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lee's Family Forum 200 South Green Valley Pkwy Henderson, NV 89012 Henderson Silver Knights website Lee's Family Forum website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,567 Camelot Amidst Slapshots *Editor's note: The former Dollar Loan Center was renamed the Lee's Family Forum on April 4, 2024. The name change comes after only two years of the original 22-year naming rights contract had elapsed. The newest franchise in the AHL is the Henderson Silver Knights. The Silver Knights added as the Las Vegas Golden Knights ownership group purchased the San Antonio Rampage and relocated them to Henderson, NV to serve as the AHL affiliate of the parent club. The club began play in time for the 2021-2022 season. The club began play with games held at the Orleans Resort Arena, with play shifting to the brand-new Dollar Loan Center in Henderson in April 2022. The Dollar Loan Center is a 5,567-seat arena located on the former site of the Henderson Pavilion Amphitheatre. The venue also serves as the home of the Vegas Knight Hawks of the Indoor Football League and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 4 Several concession stands known as FanFare are located along the concourse. They offer a burger basket ($16), hot dogs ($7), brats ($7), chicken tenders w/fries ($12), chips ($5), candy ($5), popcorn ($5), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6) and water ($5). A full-service restaurant, the Craggy Range Sports Bar and Grille, is in the arena. It offers a wide range of pub fare including sliders ($12), nachos ($16), wings ($15), burgers ($16), BBQ sandwiches ($15) and fish sandwiches ($13). The sports bar offers more than 15 craft beers. The Golden Goblet offers alcoholic drinks. These include deluxe cocktails ($12 for singles), luxury cocktails ($15 for singles) and a wide assortment of craft beers ($13). Nacho Daddy has an individual stand. It offers a Supreme Tostada Nacho or BBQ Chicken Nachos which both sell for $15. Atmosphere 4 The Dollar Loan Center differs from most athletic venues in that it has adopted a specific theme that is carried out in the names of its various amenities and also in the outfits worn by facility staff. It becomes readily apparent that the parent club Las Vegas Golden Knights are behind the decision to adopt a Modern Medieval theme for the Silver Knights new home. You will be greeted by a ticket taker in a Medieval outfit and served by a wench at the concession stand. Town Crier Welcomes Crowd, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The various components of the arena also have Medieval themes (i.e., the 28 suites are known as chambers, premium seats are the Royal Landing, the plaza is known as the Tiltyard, where jousts are held, the penalty box is a dungeon and restrooms are, of course, the Throne Rooms.) The arena mimics the parent club’s staging of a castle at one end of the ice and a pair of decks at the other end (known as the King’s Lookout and the Queen’s Lookout). The center hung scoreboard features a war horse and the team store is known as The Saddlery. After a Silver Knights win, the town crier comes out and proclaims a victory over the opposing kingdom. While we think this unique aspect of the arena works in the world of Las Vegas, where hotels, shops and restaurants are all based on themes… we’re not sure it would work anywhere else. The arena features a 360-degree concourse at the top of the seating bowl. The concourse is wide and offers excellent circulation during breaks in the action. You will not lose sight of the action on the ice from the concourse, as it offers open views from anywhere in the arena. There are also drinking rails for fans who wish to stand while enjoying a beverage or some food from the concession stands. The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame lines one wall of the arena. It features local athletes from UNLV, as well as the many boxers and other sports elite that are linked to the Las Vegas area. Neighborhood 4 Henderson, NV is a suburb of Las Vegas. It is the second largest city in Nevada, with a population of over 330,000. It is located just southeast of the Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport. Like its larger neighbor, Henderson is all about entertainment, food, and fun. You will have no problem finding something to do near The Dollar Loan Center before or after a Silver Knights game. There is an Artisan Booze District with several craft breweries to choose from, tasting rooms for local wines and a distillery. The Water District is known for its great shopping and unique boutiques. Lake Las Vegas offers an oasis of water sports in the middle of the desert. Fans 4 The kingdom of Henderson has welcomed the Silver Knights with open arms. Thus far games are drawing an average crowd of 4,500 per game and the fans have already identified some of their favorite players. The fanbase tends to break about 50% hardcore hockey fans and about 50% teens and children from the area youth hockey program. Even though the team is new to the Henderson area, it is a very knowledgeable crowd. The Silver Knights have also seen a noticeable number of fans from the visiting team’s hometown, as the lure of Las Vegas coupled with a hockey game can make for a fun sports travel weekend. Access 3 The Dollar Loan Center is convenient to reach from anywhere in the Valley, including the Las Vegas Strip or Harry Reid International Airport. Visitors to the area typically use cabs or rideshares to get around the area, as things are close together and parking at casinos can be very pricey. Many hotels along the strip offer shuttles to sports events in the area. Directions to the Dollar Loan Center are quite easy: From I-215: Take Exit 5 (South Green Valley Parkway) and follow the parkway for .6 miles. The Dollar Loan Center will be on your left. The RTC bus system also has two routes (#111 and 221) that offer a stop directly in front of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Henderson and Las Vegas offer a wide variety of entertainment options, but that can come at a high price. Tickets for Silver Knights games cost $48 for seats along the sides of the rink, $38 for seats in the corners and $28 for seats at the end of the rink. Concession prices are high for this level of competition. Parking at the Dollar Loan Center is $10 prepaid, or $12 the night of the event. All transactions are cashless at the Dollar Loan Center. Extras 3 The Dollar Loan Center hosted the Big West Conference College Basketball Tournament in its inaugural year. The Dollar Loan Center was built utilizing practices proposed by the Green Building Initiative to be environmentally friendly. While the medieval theme may not be your cup of mead… we think it works well in Henderson! Final Thoughts The addition of the Silver Knights to the Las Vegas area, along with the brand-new Dollar Loan Center, has been a great boon to the activities available for visitors to the Henderson area. The location offers convenience for the parent club to pull up players from the AHL level to fill in for an injured player or give a promising player a shot at playing at the NHL level. The Dollar Loan Center can offer a wide variety of sports, entertainment, and meeting facilities when the hockey season ends.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Nottingham Field 2100 17th Ave Greeley, CO 80639 Northern Colorado Bears website Nottingham Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 8,533 A New Sheriff at Nottingham Since moving from a successful run in NCAA Division II up to NCAA Division I (FCS) before the 2006 season, the University of Northern Colorado Bears have struggled. UNC has just two winning seasons (6-5 marks in 2015 and 2016) in FCS play and the Bears compiled a 7-26 record between 2017-19, including two-win seasons in 2018 and 2019. To inject life into the program, after the 2019 season, UNC hired former Denver Broncos wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ed McCaffrey as head coach. The school opted out of playing the 2020 season because of COVID-19. But McCaffrey’s presence along the sidelines at UNC’s Nottingham Field has brought renewed interest in a program that won NCAA Division II titles in 1996 and 1997. The 8,533-seat, multi-purpose Nottingham Field has served as the Bears’ home field since 1995. Grandstands are placed along each sideline in sufficiently close proximity to the field that fans can sit very close to the action. Perhaps because the facility is not fully enclosed (and definitely because the facility is in northeastern Colorado), gusty winds present challenges to both players on the field and fans trying to stay warm in the stands. Nottingham has just one scoreboard, behind the southeast end zone. It has a small video board to show replays and promotions, with the score, down and distance, clock, and remaining timeouts are shown as well. The program is heading in a new direction under McCaffrey. Bringing in his son, Dylan, to quarterback the Bears as a graduate transfer from Michigan drew positive attention to UNC. And the McCaffreys were not the only new sights at Nottingham in 2021, as UNC replaced the field’s natural grass with a synthetic turf before the season. Crowds have been sparse, averaging around 4,000 fans for the past decade. But McCaffrey’s leadership has the UNC faithful optimistic for the program’s future. Food & Beverage 3 Dining and drinking options at Nottingham Field are exactly what fans would expect at a college football game, with concessions stands behind the grandstand on both sides of the stadium. Hot dogs ($3.75), pretzels ($4), nachos ($4), and popcorn ($2) are all available. The Grillin’ Bear serves hamburgers ($5), cheeseburgers ($5.50), and bratwurst ($4.75) in a free-standing location atop the stairs at the northwest end of the home-side bleachers. Pepsi products are sold at Nottingham for $4.75 from the fountain and $3 in bottles. Beer drinkers will find Bud Light, Coors Light, and Modelo on tap for $7 a piece. Cans of Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Corona Hard Seltzer are available, also for $7. Atmosphere 2 The Bears do not draw large crowds. The fans who do attend games are engaged and alert, responding to the action on the field. However, a 50 percent attendance rate does not create a loud or intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. And the student section does not fill, either. Should McCaffrey build positive momentum for the program, the empty seat issue should resolve itself. UNC has a surprisingly robust tailgating scene in the lot adjacent to Nottingham Field’s northwest end zone. Fans connect with each other in a small village of recreational vehicles, cornhole games, and grills before, during, and after games. UNC’s band, the Pride of the Rockies, marches through the tailgate lot en route to entering the stadium before kickoff, adding to the atmosphere. All of Nottingham’s seats offer unobstructed views of the field of play, with metal bleachers and seat backs throughout the grandstands. Fans can gain a unique perspective by standing at field level near the northwest end zone. This area positions fans just yards away from where one team is trying to score and the other team is trying to prevent that from happening. It offers a unique view of the speed and size of college football players. One caveat: the play on the field can and does continue beyond the field’s borders so stay alert for players, officials, and footballs finding their way beyond the sidelines and end zone. One other caveat: because the team benches are very close to the grandstands, fans can hear a lot of dialogue from the sidelines. In the heat of a game, players and coaches sometimes use language better suited for a Quentin Tarantino film. Those with kids or disdain for blue language might want to move to higher seats to avoid the impassioned pleas emanating from both sidelines. Neighborhood 3 Nottingham Field sits on UNC’s western edge, adjacent to residential neighborhoods. There are no bars or restaurants within walking distance of the stadium. A walk through UNC’s campus is easy and worthwhile, however. More than 3,700 trees provide shade and a well-marked path system guides visitors around the 250-acre campus. A sculpture titled “A Place in Time” is a circle of benches shaped like hinges (radius: 45 feet). A 10 foot-tall, bronze hinge pin stands in the middle; its shadow tells time as it moves across the face of this giant sundial. Students refer to this sculpture as “Stonehinge.” Additionally, the Michener Library stands across a parking lot from Nottingham. The library bears the name of Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener, who earned a Master of Arts degree in education from UNC (then called the Colorado State Teachers College) in 1937 and taught social science there from 1936-1941. The Michener Library now holds its namesake’s papers and special collections. Otherwise, several meeting places are less than a 10-minute drive from Nottingham Field. Downtown Greeley has several cafés, bars, and restaurants. Santeramo’s Pizza House is a Greeley institution, serving pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Southwest of the stadium, the G.O.A.T. Sports Bar has 36 televisions and an extensive menu of food and drinks. Fans 2 The Bears do not draw large crowds but those who do attend are loud and engaged in the game action. UNC has smartly placed its student section, the “Bear Den,” behind the visitors’ sideline on the southeast side of the stadium. The students who come to Nottingham represent the Bears with noise and enthusiasm. UNC’s band also plays on the stadium’s southeast side, providing visiting teams with an unwanted soundtrack during huddles and timeouts. Access 3 Depending on traffic and time of day, Greeley is between 45 minutes and two hours north of Denver. There is no regional or mass transit service between Denver and Greeley. UNC has signs at parking lot entrances, but there are no signs to guide drivers to those lots on approach to the stadium. Ample parking surrounds Nottingham, so the walk from the car to the stadium entry gate is not a long one. Concourses inside Nottingham are generally wide, particularly on the stadium’s southeast side. However, the concourse above the stands on the northwest side of Nottingham has several narrow points near entrances where concession stand lines and fans entering the stadium congest a popular route of ingress and egress. Another potential impediment to reaching that concourse: the stairs up and down northwest grandstand might be too steep for some, a paved sidewalk offers a less precipitous ascent. Return on Investment 4 A game at Nottingham Field is a very good value. A general admission ticket sells for $17, with reserved seats available for $35 and up. Ticket prices are thus very reasonable, as is parking. Parking next to Nottingham Field costs $10; those willing to walk a bit longer distance can park for $5 in an outer lot. Members of UNC’s alumni association enjoy free valet parking at the corner of 17th Avenue and Reservoir Road. Food is also reasonably priced. UNC offers meal deals at all concession stands. For instance, a cheeseburger combo, which includes a bag of Lay’s chips and a bottle of soda, costs $8.50. The hot dog combo sells for $6.50. Fans can purchase two bottles of water for $5.50 – a great bargain – particularly during early season games when the weather is hot and sunny. This pricing does not exist at most college football games. Extras 1 Nottingham merits an extra point for its sound system. The PA announcer can be heard clearly throughout the stadium and the music sounds good. Final Thoughts The potential exists for Nottingham Field to be a strong home-field advantage. If McCaffrey can build the program into a regular winner, the fans will come. Until that happens, fans in Greeley can enjoy a nice football experience at a reasonable cost. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It might be among the best college football rivalries in the nation, even if you have never heard of it. The Monon Bell Classic dates back to 1890 between Division III schools Wabash College and DePauw University. The two campuses are separated by 27 miles of Indiana country roads, but on gameday, the atmosphere ranks up with the best D-I schools. Wabash is home of the Little Giants and located in Crawfordsville, with an enrollment of 835 undergraduates. It is one of three remaining all-men liberal arts colleges in the country. DePauw is home to the Tigers and has an enrollment of 2,161 students. The attendance at the game is 73 percent more than the two schools' combined number of students. The site alters teacher years between DePauw’s Blackstone Stadium and Wabash’s Little Giant Stadium, with weather conditions as unpredictable as the annual outcome. Last season, DePauw won convincingly at home in snowy conditions 49-14, fans were warned not to throw snowballs. This year’s contest was held under clear skies in the upper 50s in front of 8,100 people. The festivities begin well before the opening kickoff at 1:00 p.m. with various tailgating spots set up by students and alumni. The school soccer pitch becomes the Monon Bell Village, and scores of tables decked out with food, from grilled burgers, sandwiches, salty chips, baked goods, and casserole. Perhaps the fanciest of all is the alumni tent, offering an assortment of fine bourbon and cigars. The DePauw fans set their tailgating down the old railroad tracks that once transported the Tiger faithful. Their area is equally festive but much smaller. A Wabash student made his way into the grassy area, and hurls of insults rained on him like a visiting right fielder at old Yankee Stadium. The f-word is said before each school by the opposing side. As kickoff approaches, a Wabash grad from 1976 was making his first visit since he was a spry 22-year-old, and this reporter was still in diapers and a crib. He had relocated to Florida and never made his way back to his alma mater. He admitted that a lot had changed, including Little Giant Stadium, rebuilt in 2021, but the atmosphere was still the same along with beating the Tigers. There are separate entrances and bleacher seating for both schools. Temporary bleachers flank the field, but neither side mixes during the game. You can easily spot the Wabash red section from DePauw’s black and gold area but don’t accidentally wander into enemy territory. A 300-pound bell trophy was donated from the Monon locomotive in 1932. The alumni felt that a symbol should be used to represent the annual contest between the two schools. At the time, the Monon would transport students back and forth between the two campuses, and since that day, the bell can be heard hours before and after the game ringing aloud. The student sections stand for most of the game and flank the endzones of today’s contest. The weather was warm enough for a few of them to paint their bare chests while others donned the traditional coveralls in appropriate team colors. Walking underneath these two packed sections merits ducking in and out saliva from the yells and chants. The main grandstand has swelled with alumni and locals who have become accustomed to the annual November pantry. There have only been six occasions where this game had not taken place, once during COVID and before that in 1910 when Wabash’s Ralph Wilson was killed in a game against St. Louis. The school canceled the rest of their season after four weeks in respect. Finally, it’s kick-off, and almost every seat in the bleachers and grandstand is filled. Their voices can be heard after every defensive hit, first down, long run, or pass. The men of the Sphinx Club are noticeable in their red-and-white-striped overalls and pot as they rev up the Wabash side of the field. When the home team scores, they all do push-ups following the score. The game is a back-and-forth effort that features five lead changes, a blocked PAT, a fumble, and a blocked field goal attempt in overtime that resulted in Nathan McCahill diving into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown and a 33-30 victory for the visiting Tigers. The student section storms the field to honor their heroes of the day, with McCahill hoisted upon his teammate's shoulders. Hundreds of fans crowd around the center of the field. They rejoice in excitement; the bell will be secured for one more year on the DePauw campus. For the Wabash faithful, it is a bitter taste left in their mouth as they leave the stadium, but there is always next year when these two rivals face off again 27 miles south in Greencastle for the 130th meeting of the Monon Bell Classic, one the best college football rivalries in the nation. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Columbus Memorial Gymnasium 1400 25th St Columbus, IN 47201 Columbus North Bulldogs website Columbus Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 6,547 A Nice Night in Columbus When the city of Columbus, Indiana, wanted to construct a new physical education building for its high school in December of 1952 they did it the old-fashion way. This meant getting together without outside organizations, professional fundraisers, or government assistance. In two weeks, a total of nearly $1 million had been pledged and more than half of the amount as cash. A total of 6,952 individuals, firms, and civic organizations had responded to the challenge of funding the new Columbus Memorial Gymnasium. When the gym was dedicated on November 23, 1954, there was a total of 7,046 (now 6,547) unobstructed seats for Columbus North High School Bulldogs basketball games. The building was one of the finest in the nation and contained 173,000 face bricks and 50,000 other interior masonry units, the roof was supported on steel trusses, and the concrete bleachers contained 116 tons of reinforcing steel. The stage located on the north end of the gym is operated by a folding door 72 feet long and 24 feet high. The completion of the gym was nothing new for the citizens of basketball frenzied towns who also pledge donations to construct basketball gymnasiums in nearby New Castle, Muncie, and Kokomo. The 1950s saw a wave of Hoosier Hysteria where larger, modern facilities were constructed to meet the demands of ticket sales and provide the opportunity to house money-generating sectional and regional games that returned to the city for the first time since 1926. Columbus’s venue would be part of the same civic pride and it is interesting to note that the original playing court would not be replaced until 2014. Food & Beverage 4 There is one main concession booth in the remodeled lobby outside the playing concourse that has quite an array of food options for hungry patrons. There are the usual hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels for $2.00; however, there are chicken sandwiches for $3.00, pizza for $4.00, and frozen yogurt for $4.00. If you have a sweet tooth you can grab candy, cookies, donuts, and Rice Krispie treats starting at $.75. Coca-Cola products are served and priced at $2.00. One could opt to eat at the game and the Bulldogs have a nice, neat, and professional-looking stand to serve these needs. Atmosphere 3 Memorial Gymnasium is a massive size venue that was built during an era when Indiana schools tried to out-build each other in terms of girth. The crowds do not pack the house like they used to, but there still is an enjoyable atmosphere inside the facility. The first thing you will notice is the 24-foot high stage door that reads Bulldogs. The rest of the seating sections are separated by two levels and wrap around the court in a horseshoe design. The seating area has a few nicks and crannies that provide interesting views of the game on the court. The lower levels feature modern, hard plastic seats, while the traditional hardwood seats populate the upper sections. Banners from the numerous championships won by the school’s sports programs are on display. The pep band charges up the crowd during the game and so does the student section making life a little uneasy for the opponent attempting a free throw at the line. Neighborhood 4 Columbus is a pretty and interesting little town that has its little downtown with a few other options within driving distance. The Powerhouse Brewery offers delicious pub food and reasonable prices along with quality craft beer. 450 North Brewing Company serves great beers and brick oven pizza, even by the slice, and Zwanzigz Pizza also features hoagies, calzones, and salads. There are even more great restaurants to choose from that including The Garbage Pub and Grill, Skooter’s, and Amazing Joe’s Grill. If interested in shopping the Edinburgh Outlet Mall is located off of I-65 with further restaurant chain restaurant options. In this area, a few nice choices to stay at overnight include Residence Inn, Comfort Inn and Suites, Courtyard, Holiday Inn, and the nearby Hotel Indigo at the Columbus Architectural Center. Fans 3 The fans at a Columbus North Bulldogs game can be loud and raucous just like any other high school support group. They fill the stands in the giant facility and cheer on their home team throughout the game. There is a great mix of old and new fans at the games. Access 4 It is not too difficult to move around between sections and seats. The outside entrances to the playing area also include staircases and ramps that provide a sort of labyrinth to certain parts of the building. You always have a great view from most of the seats in the house and locating the concession stand and washrooms is very simple. Return on Investment 4 Memorial Gymnasium is a grand old facility and a wonderful place to showcase basketball talent. The price of admission is $5, much like many other gyms and field houses in the state. However, you get a little more bang for your buck with a great selection of food at the concession stand and a myriad of memorabilia that dons the hallways outside the main entrances to the gym. Extras 3 There are a lot of great photographs and other memorabilia that line the hallways in trophy cases inside the facility. They are all located in an empty part of the gym just outside the main entrances to the seating area. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to scope out the history of basketball and other sports at Columbus North High School. The concession stand is definitely worth grabbing a bite to eat and you may not want to get something to eat afterward, which is ironic since there are many wonderful places to eat in and around Columbus. The outside lobby to the playing area is updated and looks rather modern in comparison to the gym itself. It has a professional feel with a hospitality room and even an entrance to the natatorium that houses the Columbus North Bullfrogs swimming team. Final Thoughts Memorial Gymnasium in Columbus, Indiana, was dedicated in 1954 and continues to provide basketball to legions of fans more than 60 years later. It is a colorful gym that offers a little bit of old and new to visitors every night. Well kept up, it has plenty of little nooks and crannies from which to enjoy the game. Columbus is not a bad place to spend an evening and why not add a Bulldogs basketball game to your itinerary? _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wolstein Center 2000 Prospect Ave Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland State Vikings website Wolstein Center website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 8,500 The Sea is Crowded To say that the Cleveland sports scene is crowded may be a bit of an understatement. Everyone knows of the presence of the Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians. Add to that the Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge and the love the city has for Ohio State athletics, and there is not much room left. Enter the Cleveland State Vikings. Playing NCAA Division I basketball in the Horizon League, Cleveland State is struggling to find and maintain their place in the major league city sports market. The Vikings have been playing basketball since 1929, back when they were known as Fenn College. The school was renamed Cleveland State University in 1965 and currently welcomes over 15,000 students. In 1994, the Vikings moved to the Horizon League. Home for the Vikings is the Henry J. Goodman Arena @ Bert L. & Iris S. Wolstein Center. Usually referred to as the Wolstein Center, the 8,500 seat venue was built in 1991 and is also home to the Cleveland Charge of the G-League. The venue is named after businessman and former chair of the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees, Henry Goodman, and real estate developer and CSU alum, Bert Wolstein. Cleveland State has enjoyed three NCAA tournament appearances, three conference tournament championships, and six regular season conference championships. Food & Beverage 2 The concession selection at Wolstein Center is pretty limited. Hot Dogs, brats, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, chips and candy are what will be found. The soft drink supplier is Pepsi and fountain Pepsi products are available along with bottled Gatorade. There are also a number of beers available, including Coors Light, Miller Lite, Great Lakes and Market Garden. White Claw Seltzer is also available. The prices are pretty good and there is enough here to keep fans from going hungry, but there is nothing offered that is overly interesting. Atmosphere 3 The Wolstein Center definitely looks like a circa 1990s arena. Built as a simple oval, the exterior features a light siding upper oval with brown brick and glass on the lower level. The lettering of the building name is a green that is featured throughout the building. Each of the four corners have plenty of space to meet others before the game. The exterior is fairly attractive, but there is nothing to wow a person, a theme throughout the Cleveland State experience. The concourses in the Wolstein Center are wide enough and do have a slightly dated feel to them, however, Cleveland State uses their green to their advantage. The white and green walls highlight the team colors but the drop ceiling found throughout the concourses is a unique green and seals the home venue feel. Fans who are interested in doing some treasure hunting will want to check out the Cleveland State University Athletic Hall of Fame, which is on one of the interior walls in the concourse. When fans enter the seating bowl, they are welcomed to a separated, two tier seating bowl. The court runs from west to east and the west end has a massive green curtain which drapes off the end of the arena. This is designed to make the arena feel a little more cozy by pushing the court right up to the east end. Behind the curtain on the west side is the Kid Zone featuring activities for the kids and inflatable fun. The perfect center court picture should be taken from the south side. Surprisingly, the Wolstein Center lacks a center court videoboard. Scoreboards can be found in the upper northeast and southeast corners and there are hanging scoreboards in front of the curtain. The only LED boards are found in front of the scorers table. Banners are found on the east side of the building, including the honoured numbers of Ken McFadden, Franklin Edwards, Norris Cole and Clinton Ransey. The gameday production is pretty much what you would expect from a college basketball experience. The band is found courtside on the east side, and plays throughout the game. They were not terribly loud at the game that was reviewed and it is possible that the sound of the band just got lost in the rafters. The cheerleaders and dance team add the expected flair throughout the game. The Vikings do employ an in-game host, who is a little over the top and not overly consistent with a college experience. The Vikings do have a significant focus on kids with the Kid Zone and kids getting to take shots from the floor after the game. The mascot, Magnus, roams the floor and interacts with fans. A victory by the Vikings brings the theme to the Drew Carey Show, “Cleveland Rocks” by the Presidents of the United States of America over the speakers. Neighborhood 5 The Wolstein Center is located on the western edge of the Central neighborhood of Cleveland, just east of Downtown. There are a ton of things to do in downtown Cleveland. As previously mentioned, the Wolstein Center is also the home of the G-League’s Cleveland Charge. Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians , and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters , are a brisk walk from the Wolstein Center. Further north, on the lakeshore, is FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns . There are a number of other attractions in Downtown Cleveland. There are a number of theatres in the area as well as the Cleveland Grays Armory Museum and Great Lakes Science Center. However, the must see attraction is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On the lakeshore, the Hall of Fame will probably require a very short drive, but it is absolutely worth it and a must see when visiting Cleveland. There are also a plethora of places to eat and drink near the Wolstein Center. The Wild Eagle Saloon, Republic Food and Drink, Grille 55, Rascal House, Southern Tier Brewery and the Winking Lizard are all worth checking out. For fans wishing to stay close to the arena, the Comfort Inn Downtown is mere steps away from Vikings basketball. Fans 3 The Cleveland State Vikings have attracted an average of 1,850 fans per game in the 2022-2023 season. This ranks them 5th in the Horizon League, which is the normal spot for the Vikings. Clearly the capacity at the Wolstein Center is far greater than the average number of fans per game, which makes the arena seem cavernous. Cleveland State fans are fairly laid back, but the focus on kids that the Vikings have shown will hopefully breed new fans and bring that attendance figure up. Access 4 Getting to the Wolstein Center is not terribly difficult. Being located just past the edge of Downtown Cleveland will hopefully keep fans from being forced to drive through the heart of the city where most of the traffic is. The Wolstein Center is located just south of major street Euclid Avenue and north of I-90. The off-ramp from the interstate is right there so getting to the arena should be no problem. There are a number of parking facilities in the area, but the South Garage, just east of the Wolstein Center is the easiest to get to. For fans wishing to take public transit to see the Vikings, there are Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority buses that travel Prospect Ave and 21st street. Fans should check out the PARTA website for fares, schedules and maps. With attendances that are nowhere near capacity, traversing the concourses is no issue and there are plenty of washroom facilities. There are four entrances at Wolstein Center, one at each corner, and the ticket windows are found in the northeast and northwest corners of the building. With the security protocols of spectator sports in constant flux, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Cleveland State Vikings website before heading to the Wolstein Center for the most up to date information regarding bags, procedures and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Taking in a Cleveland State Vikings game is very affordable. General Admission tickets begin at $10. Reserved tickets in the corners can be found for $12 and the middle is $16. Concession prices are very reasonable and parking can be found for $10. The product on the court is solid and the gameday atmosphere is decent. Horizon League basketball is as good as other mid-major conferences and fans will have a good time. Combine that with the ability to take in a sporting event in a major, downtown area, far less expensive than the other options, and fans have a recipe for a great day. Extras 2 An extra mark for the focus Cleveland State has on the youngsters with the kid zone and ability to take shots from the court at the end of the game. An extra mark for the Cleveland State Vikings rivalry with the Youngstown State Penguins. Final Thoughts Finding a space in the very crowded Cleveland sports market is a challenge. The Cleveland State Vikings have attempted to carve out a niche for themselves in Cleveland. Although there are improvements that could be made, the Vikings home at the Wolstein Center is a solid arena and the experience at Cleveland State is an enjoyable one. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photo Courtesy of Todd Floyd Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium S Evander Dr. Florence, SC 29506 Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,300 Magic City Memories To those unfamiliar with the area, Florence is a nice place to stop for a stretch of the legs on South Carolina’s stretch of I-95, or the eastern terminus of I-20. Situated in the Pee Dee region of the state, Florence is flanked at reasonable distances by Savannah to the south, Columbia to the west and Fayetteville to the north. The city is also just over an hour from Myrtle Beach, which also draws a lot of traffic to the Magic City. Florence is a lot more than just a rest stop, though, as this former rail town has a pretty impressive story of its own. Sports in Florence hold a pretty impressive chapter in the city’s book, with Darlington Raceway just off US 52 and SC 151 a few miles west of the city. The yearly NASCAR race (now dubbed the Southern 500) has been responsible for some of the most exciting finishes in NASCAR’s storied history. The race dates back to 1957, seven years after the track opened. Darlington is also home to former MLB second baseman Orlando Hudson — as a sign will tell you as you enter the town — with former outfielder Reggie Sanders calling Florence his birthplace. Baseball in Florence dates back almost a century, with the Florence Blue Jays of the South Atlantic League calling American Legion Stadium in east Florence home from 1981-1986. Those Blue Jays teams featured talent such as Jimmy Key, Cecil Fielder and Fred McGriff. The club relocated to Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach, with the Coastal Plain League’s Florence RedWolves coming to town in 1998. The RedWolves also left American Legion Stadium in 2012, but their trip was not as far, heading four miles away on US 76 to the then-virtually new Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium on the campus of Francis Marion University. Food & Beverage 4 For a park this size (Francis Marion baseball competes at the Division II level, and the RedWolves are in the summer collegiate wood-bat Coastal Plain League), there is a lot of choice. The team offers hot dogs ($2.75, $4 for the “Big Daddy Dog”), hamburgers and cheeseburgers ($3.75), regional favorite boiled peanuts ($4), Philly cheese steaks ($6), the “Wolfburger” ($6.50) and the “Diablo dog” ($3.75). Corn dogs ($2), French fries ($2.50, $3.50 with chili and cheese), pretzels ($3), nachos ($4), pizza slices ($2), pizza slabs ($3) and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets ($4) round out the hot selections. The club also offers more of the “classic” ballpark snacks, such as chips ($1), Cracker Jacks ($1), sunflower seeds ($1), roasted peanuts ($2.50) and popcorn ($1.50). “Add-ons” are available for purchase on hot items for a quarter each, including chili, cheese, salsa, pickles, peppers and onions, chopped onions and jalapenos. Sparrow Stadium serves Coke products, with nine different bottled soda, water and tea options for $2.25 each. Four flavors of Powerade are also available for $2.25, which is a tremendous help on the extremely hot summer nights in the Pee Dee. If beer is more your speed, there is a separate side window in the main concession area from which beer and other drinks can be purchased, along with a stand on the concourse and the beer garden. 12-ounce cans of Bud products and bottles of such products as Shock Top and Fat Tire are $3. Five different wine selections are also available for $3 apiece. Atmosphere 4 Creating a unique atmosphere is quite difficult in a “shared” ballpark. Florence’s staff is very effective at “RedWolvesizing” the stadium, as they call it, however. The seats are all very close to the field, creating a rather intimate environment. There is also very limited netting to provide obstruction, as the netting only stretches between the dugouts. The backdrop is also quite serene all the way around the park. The stadium is part of Francis Marion’s Griffin Athletic Complex, which offers a small man-made lake near the home plate entrance. A bridge extends into the lake, allowing fans to walk out and listen to the fountains before the game. There is a cluster of trees that forms the batter’s eye, helping eliminate the noise of US Highways 76 and 301 just yards away. Most of the between-innings events are similar to what you will see in other parks, with the dizzy bat race and several other standards being featured. The Chicken Dance is also done, but with a bit of a twist. The interns, Homer (the team’s mascot, if he’s in attendance) and a group of hearty fans perform the dance. If someone dropped you in a seat without telling you otherwise, you would swear you were watching affiliated baseball, and not a summer collegiate league. The baseball-forward atmosphere carries over to the entire experience. There is a standard scoreboard beyond the wall in left-center, with an easily-read combination of red numbers and letters on a blue and black backdrop, along with a small collection of ads lining the wall. There are very few intrusive sound effects to disrupt the game, save for the occasional standard glass breaking during foul balls. Neighborhood 2 Sparrow Stadium is located on Francis Marion’s pastoral campus. The university is about all that is going on in the area, however. FMU is located just off US 76/301 in Florence, and aside from a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Wendy’s and a Pizza Hut, there is very little in close proximity to the university. Florence is a reasonably small town, so if the game ends late, there are few choices available to satisfy whatever hunger pangs did not get addressed with the ballpark concessions. Southern chain Fatz Cafe is two exits down I-95 on US 52, and is a recommended stop. There are a number of local establishments and chain restaurants within the city limits, but all are at least a few miles from the stadium. Fans 3 The listed physical seating capacity for the facility is 800, with additional berm seating for many more. The fans that turn out for RedWolves games, though, clearly love their team. The RedWolves’ fan base is involved and intelligent, though there are nights five-plus seasons into the team’s residence in the stadium where seats are still available. This was especially the case on the night we visited, as a heavy series of storms blew through just prior to the first pitch and caused a nearly three-hour delay. The seemingly recent epidemic of children chasing foul balls is also on display in Florence, and they have plenty of room to roam without needing to worry about traffic or needing to leave the park and re-enter. The easily accessible dugouts can create a bit of an issue, though, as memorabilia-seeking children can easily lean into the dugouts and ask players for broken bats or baseballs. It might be good to station an intern or other staffer near each end of the dugout to keep this from happening. A sign may even work. Access 5 The benefits of Sparrow Stadium essentially being in a park are readily on display. The restrooms are mere steps from any seat in the facility, as well as the concession area. Though the concession area and restrooms are outside of the seating bowl, this is really a minor drawback. The concourse and seating rows are as wide as possible, considering the seating arrangement. The parking at Sparrow Stadium is free and plentiful. The majority of the parking is beyond the outfield wall, which allows you to easily access the ticket windows at the entry to the complex. The club also offers online ticketing (with payment through PayPal), so if you have purchased your seats ahead of time, there is a will call tent set up just inside the gates. There is very little problem with exiting the parking areas, as officers will help guide you on really busy nights. The stadium is literally feet from US 76/301, so you can be on your way to I-95, I-20 or any other part of Florence in a matter of minutes after the last pitch is thrown. Return on Investment 5 One of the reasons to love the Coastal Plain League is the value you receive. Seeing the next minor and major leaguers just steps from you each summer is a really cool thing, and the RedWolves make it really easy on your wallet to do so. Box seats are just $7, and are no further than five rows from the field. Be careful, however, as these seats cannot be purchased online. General admission seats also can only be purchased before 4:00 on the day of the game. Speaking of general admission, the general admission seating is bleacher seats with backs, but this should not dissuade you from this option. These seats are also quite close to the action, and are a mere $6. Seniors and kids pay just $5, and military members with ID pay $4. Combine the ticket prices with the concessions and free parking, and this is an ideal place to take your entire family for an evening – or a season. Extras 5 The aesthetics of the complex are truly breathtaking, and there are fountains and a lake surrounding the baseball facility. The waterfront also contains a few plaques honoring those who have played a key role in Francis Marion’s history. This is a relaxing addition to the athletic complex. There is a wall board in the breezeway between the seats and concession stand that contains the night’s lineups and the current league standings. This is a good central location for information, especially considering the fact that the scoreboard does not have room to accommodate the data. Florence offers many promotions and one of them honors the “sweethearts” in attendance. Team employees bring flowers around to certain selected female fans, while the beach music classic “Carolina Girls” plays over the public address system. This is a nice touch to both call on the team’s southern hospitality and thank the female fans for coming to see the team. As with many Coastal Plain League cities, the RedWolves take time out at each game to honor active duty and retired military personnel in attendance. Since the seats are so close to the field throughout the park, players can be seen removing their caps and applauding those who served, and can be heard thanking them. This is a truly heartwarming touch, and fitting of the city in which the club resides. There are also several unique seating choices at Sparrow Stadium, including the berm areas down each line and the party decks atop the general admission seating on both sides of the park. The decks allow for the highest and most expansive views in the park, making them worth a visit on your next trip to a RedWolves game. Final Thoughts The summer heat and sunshine bring a lot of visitors to South Carolina’s Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, as they actively seek tans, swimming pools, walks on the beach and coastal cuisine. Many of these travelers head right past this ballpark, and may not even realize they are doing so. Florence combines great people, a great product, and a jewel of a ballpark. If your summer travels lead you to Myrtle Beach or anywhere else in the region, you truly owe it to yourself to pay the RedWolves a visit. Their home is a true hidden gem, just like the league in which they play.

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 CHS Field 360 Broadway St St Paul, MN 55101 St. Paul Saints website CHS Field website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,210 A Saintly Good Time Opened on May 21, 2015, CHS Field is home to the Saint Paul Saints. The Saints were born in 2003 and were a member of the Northern League until 2005 when they became members of the American Association. 2021 marked a new beginning of sorts for the team as the Saints left the independent baseball world and became the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Between the beautiful ballpark, great food, unique promotions, and a very creative staff, CHS Field is one of the true gems in all of baseball. CHS Field replaced Midway Stadium as the home of the Saints. Midway Stadium, which had hosted the Saints since 2003 simply became outdated and too small to hold the fans of a franchise that has proven to be extremely successful over the years. Located in the Lowertown District of St. Paul, the $89 million ballpark played host to both the 2016 and 2019 American Association All-Star Games. Food & Beverage 5 If you can’t find anything you like to eat here, you probably aren’t trying very hard. The ballpark offers a litany of different foods along with an abundance of choices for beer drinkers. In addition to all the usual ballpark fare, CHS Field ups the ante on food choices. The poutine with smoked pork shoulder is a favorite among the fans. French fries with cheese curds and pork shoulder all smothered in brown gravy is a winning combination and highly recommended. Bacon-wrapped blueberry bratwurst, pork belly pops (pork belly on a stick dunked in coleslaw), chicken and waffles with maple syrup, bacon and sausage gravy, and smoked turkey ciabatta are among the other unique items offered up. On warmer days at the park, be prepared to stand in line for Snuffy’s Malt Shop. It may be a bit of a wait, but the shakes and malts are far superior to most ballpark shakes and you have a perfect view of the field action while waiting. If you are a craft beer fan, you will be happy. There are numerous options throughout the ballpark to go along with the more traditional domestic options. Head to the left field corner where over 30 craft beers are available. If alcohol isn’t your thing, give local Killebrew (yes, that Killebrew, we are in Minnesota Twins country) Root Beer or Cream Soda a try. Atmosphere 5 This is what the Saints are known for…crazy promotions and between innings entertainment. They certainly deliver and what else would you expect from a team that includes Bill Murray as one of its owners? Prior to entering the stadium, take a look to the left of the entrance area. There you will see plaques that celebrate the contributions of scouts that are in the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. All inductees are honored by having their plaques displayed at three minor league and three independent club’s ballparks. You can walk around the entire ballpark and it is highly suggested. In the right field corner is the Treasure Island Terrace. You can’t miss the black and yellow pirate ship which is a multi-level space that can be rented to groups during games. Also towards the right field corner is the team shop. The team shop is well worth a look, but generally very popular and therefore busy, so be prepared for a bit of a line. There is a kids play area behind the center field wall and in left field are great views of both bullpens along with a grass berm that sits directly behind the bullpens. Down the third baseline is the must-see attraction at CHS Field. Between sections 118-120, is the City of Baseball Museum. Opened in May, 2019, the museum celebrates baseball in Saint Paul. Among the treasures in the museum are a Roy Campanella game-used bat, Rey Ordonez’ 1997 Gold Glove, a Toni Stone (first woman to play professional baseball for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League) autographed baseball, and so much more. Admission is free for fans during games and is also open during the team’s regular business hours of 9-6 Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays during the season. Behind home plate sits Monument Pork (an homage to Monument Park in Yankee Stadium). The inductees are all past live pigs who were team mascots. It won’t take much time to see that pork plays an important role is all-things Saints baseball. Neighborhood 4 Lowertown is a fun area that boasts a large array of food and drink options, many within a few blocks of the ballpark. The Ox Cart Arcade & Rooftop offers up some great food options (try the loaded tots sampler!). You can come in and watch a game on one of their televisions, play some arcade games, or simply relax before or after the game. Big River Pizza is a great option for pizza fans and is one block west of CHS Field. The Buttered Tin is a terrific bakery that also offers up breakfast and sandwiches. It’s a good choice for a day game (they are open from 7-3 daily). CHS Field sits a few blocks from the Mississippi River and there are plenty of walking areas right next to it. The Minnesota Children’s Museum and Minnesota Museum of American Art are also within a mile of the ballpark. Fans 5 The Saints have given fans every reason to turn out and they certainly do. The fact that the team meets the expectations of regular fans above and beyond fielding a decent team makes the fans even more loyal, especially now with the Twins affiliation. As such, they are always engaged in the game and promotions, which makes the atmosphere even better. Access 4 With a full ballpark, there are always going to be some areas where getting around is slower than one would like. The team has done a very good job at trying to space things out well, keep lines moving, mark sections and restrooms well, and there are plenty of friendly employees and ushers that will help as well. Return on Investment 5 You can get in the ballpark for as little as $5 for berm seating. $6 will get you a bleacher seat. For reserved seating, the outfield reserve is $15, with infield reserved and home plate reserved being $18. The Capital Box seats (directly behind home plate) are the most expensive at $30. I’d avoid the Capital Box simply because the views are so great from the other seats, you can save a few bucks for food/drinks and not miss out on anything. Parking is available directly across the street but is a bit pricey at $20. Parking in the Union Depot parking lots will save $10 and is right around the corner from the ballpark entrance. Parking farther away will be even cheaper if walking a few blocks isn’t an issue. Combine the ticket and parking prices along with average food and drink prices and you get a huge bang for your buck when attending a Saints game. Extras 5 First and foremost, the City of Baseball Museum alone is worth the 5 stars here. The on-field promotions are more unique than most ballparks and the cast of unique characters that interact with the fans throughout the game provides a fun experience. CHS Field is trying to go green as much as possible. They collect runoff water to help irrigate the field and flush toilets. 12% of the electricity used comes from solar panels in left field and there are various recycling bins clearly marked throughout the park. The entire staff couldn’t be friendlier. From the ticket takers to the ushers to the concessions folks, everyone seems genuinely interested in making sure the fans have a good time. CHS Field is a mere 12 miles from the home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field . With the major league affiliate being so close, there are opportunities to take in two games in the same day which is a fun option. Final Thoughts Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees, to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photo courtesy of the Providence Journal If you find yourself driving around the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island, you may find yourself passing by what was once the center of the area’s hockey universe without even knowing it. A nondescript parking lot at 1111 North Main Street once buzzed with activity every winter Saturday night. It was on this spot that the old Rhode Island Auditorium once stood. From 1926 until 1972 the red barn on North Main was the home to the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. At the time of its construction, there were only two professional hockey teams in the United States, the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. The new arena was built to capitalize on the growing popularity of ice hockey in the area. As the only indoor rink in Rhode Island at the time, teams from all over the state drove to Providence to get ice time, no matter what the hour. The first event at the new rink was an ice-skating show which attracted an overflow crowd of over 6,000. The Reds won four Calder Cups while playing at the Auditorium. The franchise, which left Providence in 1977, still operates today as the Hartford Wolf Pack after spending 20 seasons in Binghamton, New York. It is the oldest continuously operating franchise in all minor league hockey. Photo courtesy of RIReds.org In addition to serving as home to the Reds, the 5,300 seat Auditorium was home to the NBA’s Providence Steamrollers from 1946 until 1949 and the Providence College Friars hockey team from 1952 to 1973. Through the years, the venue hosted concerts, The Ice Capades and religious events. Rocky Marciano held 28 of his 49 fights at the Auditorium. A riot after a 1969 concert by Sly and the Family Stone here caused a temporary ban on all rock concerts in the city. After the Reds left for the new downtown Providence Civic Center (now named the Amica Mutual Pavilion ), the old barn tried to hang on, hosting small events and concerts as “The Main Event” (U2 played here in 1980), was used as a tennis venue, and was even converted to a disco/roller skating rink (called “11-11”). Photo courtesy of ArtInRuins.com The Auditorium was finally torn down in 1989. Parking for employees of The Miriam Hospital now occupies the site. In 2009, the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society, a group formed to commemorate the hockey team, marked the site with a plaque commemorating the team’s existence. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bulls For the past nearly 100 years, mascots have been an important part of a professional sports team’s identity. In the past live animals were all the rage, but in the second half of the 20th century, a revolution took place and teams turned to mascots of the costumed, anthropomorphized variety. Mr. Met – the mascot of the then expansion New York Mets  – became the first costumed mascot in Major League Baseball. From those nascent days, the floodgates were opened and virtually every pro team in the country has a costumed character patrolling the stands and rallying the crowds. They are social media stars and produce some the best-selling merchandise that each team has to offer. Children love them, adults love them, virtually everyone loves them. But which one is the most loved? Recently, the online gaming site LSR  sought to determine which mascot was America’s most popular. Analyzing data from Instagram, which was found to have allowed many mascots to grow significant online followings in the past decade, of the four major sports leagues it was determined that Benny the Bull , the mascot of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls , is America’s most popular mascot. Having an online following of around 513,000, Benny – who has been with Chicago since 1969 – is known for his trick dunks and acrobatic flips. Coming in second with almost 471,000 Instagram followers is Blue , the mascot of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts . The team’s mascot since 2006, Blue is known for his pranks, challenges, world travels that he posts about online. Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts Also representing the NFL and ranking third in Instagram popularity with 275,000 followers is Toro , the mascot of the Houston Texans  – with the team since their inaugural season in 2001, Toro has made a reputation of his highlight reel stunts. Photo courtesy of the Houston Texans “The mascots who represent America’s major sports teams have their own important role as stand-out characters that fans can rally behind to support their team and see in person at their games”, said Adam Candee, the Managing Editor of LSR in a news release. “It is understandable that many of them would have gained a significant online following, especially on Instagram where they often post clips of their antics during games”. Gritty , the mascot of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers , ranked third with around 459,200 Instagram followers. The furry, orange creature has been the team’s mascot since 2018, and has proven to be a pop culture phenomenon. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers Rounding out the top five is the second mascot from the City of Brotherly Love, the legendary Phillie Phanatic , mascot of MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies . With around 211,400 Instagram followers, the Phanatic is an icon in the world of professional mascots. He’s been with the team since 1978 and is famous – or infamous – for his run-ins with opposing teams and fans. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies “[It] should be noted that the most successful mascots also use their following to share positive messages and have more personal interactions with the fans, like Benny the Bull promoting literacy to local schools and making public appearances around Chicago”, Candee said. “This shows the extent to which sports mascots can impact their local community beyond just hyping up fans during games”. Top 20 most followed American sports mascots on Instagram:  ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photo Courtesy of Southeast Missouri State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Capaha Field 1400 Broadway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks website Capaha Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 2,000 Redhawks by the River Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a state university on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1873 and has a student body of more than 11,700 students. The university has nine schools and offers more than 150 academic programs. It is a liberal arts school with the largest program being the School of Education. The Redhawks baseball team calls Capaha Park its home base. In a unique town/gown arrangement, Southeast Missouri State partners in the ownership and management of all of its athletic facilities with the City of Cape Girardeau. This has proven to be economical for both parties. Capaha Field has a capacity of 2,000 seats and fans can also watch the games from the hillsides located behind the first base dugout and behind the left field wall. The dimensions of the field are 330 feet down the lines and 400 feet to straightaway center. The natural grass playing surface is kept in immaculate shape by the Cape Girardeau Parks Department. The Redhawks compete in the Ohio Valley Conference with schools such as Austin Peay, Jacksonville State, Tennessee Tech, Murray State and UT-Martin. The bleachers at Capaha Field are very unique and have quite a baseball history behind them. Wooden bleachers are available with 2/3 of the seats under a roof-like structure behind home plate and 1/3 exposed to the elements. Atop the structure is a press box built separately from the roof. During World War II severe gas rationing was in place and long distance travel was discouraged. The St. Louis Browns had usually had their spring training headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas which is quite a distance to travel. Due to gas rationing they had to look at other options. They met with the town leadership of Cape Girardeau, which is approximately 100 miles south of St. Louis. The business leadership got together and had the grandstand built at their own expense, and those bleachers are still in use today. Food & Beverage 2 A majority of people who attend SEMO games treat them as a picnic in the park and bring coolers, grills, tents and chairs with them. Therefore the concessions offered are very limited and there is no concession stand built into the grandstand structure. The university works with Jimmy John’s sandwich chain to provide sandwiches, chips and sodas at the same cost as a store bought item. In addition, since the park is off university property, beer is allowed to be sold at games. (It is Budweiser… we are near St. Louis after all!) Both concessions operate off folding tables at the top of the hill overlooking the field. Atmosphere 4 SEMO games hearken back to the origins of baseball where there are not lots of bells and whistles, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The community shows up in large numbers, sets up its seating and picnic, and watches the game in the comfort of a lawn chair or the bed of their pickup truck. It is a chance to catch up with your neighbors and have an excellent view of the ball game. This tradition is known as “fill the hill” and is truly a community gathering place. The bleachers hold 2,000 and I would estimate at least as many more fit on the hills along the first base line and beyond the outfield walls. Neighborhood 3 SEMO and Capaha Park are located in downtown Cape Girardeau, a college town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The local population is just over 38,000 with most people employed by either the university or the local healthcare system. There are a number of restaurants unique to “The Cape” that are worth a try. For breakfast, try Sands Pancake House on Kingshighway Street. Cafe Soupe has a great soup and sandwich combo for lunch and the Broadway Biergarten is a good choice for dinner. If you have any room left in your stomach, stop in at Cape’s Cream of the Crust Ice Cream and Fountain Soda Shop. Cape Girardeau is an antique shopper’s mecca with lots of great buys. The hotels in town are family friendly, but not five star. You will find the usual chains located along the interstate. Fans 4 SEMO fans come in all shapes, ages, and sizes and may or may not have a history with the university. For many people, SEMO is simply their town’s home team. Typically, you will find the grandstand populated by youth teams, moms with strollers and the older demographic. This is due to the shelter the grandstand provides as it keeps them out of the hot sun and protects them from the rains of early spring. The hillside fans are much more likely to be students, alumni and faculty from SEMO, along with many of the people who live in the residential neighborhood around the stadium and can simply walk down with their lawn chairs and catch a game for free. What both groups share is a passion for their Redhawks. It is a virtual sea of red from the top of the hill to the first row in the bleachers. Rowdy the Redhawk, the SEMO mascot is often on wing at the games to stir up the fans as well. Access 3 Cape Girardeau is located 115 miles southeast of St. Louis and 175 miles north of Memphis. I-55 connects the city to St. Louis and I -57 is just across the river in Illinois. Several flights a day connect to St. Louis from the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Once you are in town, parking is readily available at Capaha Park, which is two blocks from the SEMO campus. A majority of the students simply walk to the games as it is faster and easier than finding parking within the park. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are not required for a Redhawks game and there is no charge for parking. The local restaurants are very reasonably priced as are the hotels. Where you need to watch your wallet are the wineries, which can be very pricey, and at the Isle Casino…. if you roll a bad streak. Extras 4 For a small town the size of Cape Girardeau, there are a surprising number of extras for you to enjoy during your visit. First, you are in the middle of Missouri wine country. There are no fewer than eight wineries in the area, with tastings scheduled every day of the week. Another unique aspect of the town are the many murals decorating the flood wall along the Mississippi River and the walls of area businesses. There are more than 40 murals to enjoy, with historic events, famous people, local landscapes and tales of the Mighty Mississippi depicted on the panels. The Isle Casino Cape Girardeau is available to those who like to play games of chance. Finally, this area of the state is very conservative, so you won’t be surprised to find out that Rush Limbaugh is a native of Cape Girardeau. Pick up a map of the Rush Limbaugh Hometown Driving Tour at the local visitor’s center which takes you around to the significant places of his youth… just make sure you stay on the right side of the road! Final Thoughts It is nice to see a community embrace a college team as its own. The town/gown relationship seems to work very well in Cape Girardeau.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey, and Johnathan Puello Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Clover Park 31 Piazza Dr Port St Lucie, FL 34986 New York Mets Spring Training website Clover Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 7,160 The Mets and Their Field of Clover The New York Mets have held their spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida since 1988. This is the third longest relationship between a city and a Grapefruit team after the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Phillies. They have played those 35 seasons in the same stadium, although it has gone through several names, including Thomas j. White Stadium, Tradition Field, Digital Domain Park, and First Data Field. In 2020, the park was rechristened as Clover Park. In conjunction with this change on the marquee, the venue began a two-year, $57 million renovation to address the many shortcomings of an older facility competing with much newer stadiums in the Grapefruit League. We’ll address those improvements through each section of this review. Food & Beverage 3 Clover Field has a wide variety of food and beverage items available to suit almost any taste. The concession stands are grouped by section within the stadium, with sites behind home plate, along the first and third baselines, next to the Budweiser Terrace, and atop the berm in right field. They tend to replicate between these areas, so you should not have to venture far from your seat to find the stand item you want. Stands carry the traditional ballpark favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken strips, fries, and popcorn. Many other stands offer regional foods that New Yorkers have come to expect. This includes knishes, bagels, and deli sandwiches. Still other stands feature only one item…. Funnel cakes, cotton candy, or Italian ice. There are several places to purchase adult drinks at the ballpark. One of the most popular places in the park is the Corona Beach House in the outfield. It carries brands including Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, and Funky Buddha. There are more brands available along the Budweiser Terrace also in the outfield. Atmosphere 4 Branding has become very important in the world of professional sports, and the previous incarnations of the park had fallen behind the times in this area. The exterior of the park now leaves no doubt as to what team plays there. It features the blue and orange colors of the club, with branding messages and graphics featuring some of the Mets’ top players on display. The seating bowl is in the midst of a multi-season phasing in of 7,160 seats in the Mets shade of blue. In the midst of all the renovations, it is nice to know that some things at Clover Park have remained the same. The capacity is still the same at 7,160, a comfortable amount considering the stadium’s footprint. The stadium design maintains the same two level seating bowl, with the clamshell canopy designed to keep as many fans as possible in the shade and out of the hot Florida sun. Most importantly, the field dimensions are still 338L, 410C, and 338R. There are two Mets team stores at the complex. The outside store is open on non-game days and prior to home games. The second store is located inside the stadium along the concourse and is accessible only during the game. Neighborhood 4 The bond between the city/county of Port St. Lucie and the Mets has been a strong one over the nearly 40 years of their partnership. The longtime link between the two has actually led to a population increase in the area, as many longtime Mets fans have chosen to have their winter homes near the Mets Spring Training facility. The Port St. Lucie location just off of I-95 allows the Mets to get to the Jupiter, Florida spring training home of the St Louis Cardinals / Miami Marlins , which is only 30 miles south of Clover Park. Port St. Lucie is also close to Vero Beach, the former historic home of the Dodgers. Many New Yorkers still remember that team from their days in Brooklyn. Ironically, the Dodgers move west to California led to the creation of the Mets. Baseball is not the only game in town in Port St. Lucie. Golf is extremely popular in the area, and the PGA Village also calls the city home. There are dozens of private and public courses in the city. There are a wide variety of accommodations available in the city, with the Holiday Inn Express and Suites being the closest to the ballpark. Folks looking for a bite to eat either before or after a game can’t go wrong with Duffy’s Sports Grill . In addition to great food and drinks, Duffy’s has a bank of TV’s tuned in to every sport imaginable. Fans 4 New Yorkers are some of the most loyal fans in baseball…. If you are for “their” home team. If you are fans of the “other” New York team… you are their greatest enemy. That is unless you are a Red Sox fan… and then both sets of New York fans consider you their greatest enemy. All kidding aside, Mets fans had to endure the horrible teams of the early 1960s until the Miracle Mets breakthrough occurred in 1969. Since then, the Mets have fielded several World Series teams, and always seem to be in the hunt for a playoff spot in most seasons. Over the years the Mets fans have been treated to many Hall of Fame players, as well as many colorful personalities. They have treasured great memories of both types of players. Many of the practice fields in the spring training complex bear the names of these Mets immortals. Many Mets fans have made Port St. Lucie their winter home. They tend to make up a large percentage of the season ticket base for Spring Training. There is even a contingent of the 7th Line Army present at this southern outpost of the Mets world. Access 5 Getting to Clover Field is relatively easy from I-95. Take exit 121 (St. Lucie West Blvd) and go east on St. Lucie West Boulevard. Follow signs and make a left on Peacock Boulevard. Although there's no public transportation, rideshare pick-up and delivery is right in front of the stadium. Some hotels will shuttle fans staying at their hotels. A major portion of the renovation budget at Clover Park was devoted to improving accessibility at the ballpark. This starts outside of the stadium, where a new left turn lane was added to Peacock Boulevard, making it easier for fans to enter the stadium parking lot. Once people exit their cars, the main entrance to the ballpark has been reconfigured with a new staircase, and additional security lines were added to make the entry process easier. The ballpark also went to electronic ticketing only, as this makes that process go much quicker. The next area that has been improved through the renovations is the widening of the concourses inside the stadium. In the past, this area was very congested, especially between innings and prior to the games starting. The flow is much smoother now. The concourses are three times wider than before. Concession stands are set back into walls so they do not protrude into the concourse. The area where fans access the seating area from the concourses was also enlarged, enabling fans to get to their seats quicker, and also providing more air circulation into the interior corridors. One last structural deficit was addressed with the extension of the walkway on the third base side of the field out to the outfield concessions area. Sets of elevators are available to the left and right of the main staircase. Ramps are located in other areas of the stadium. More restrooms have been added, each with stalls and sinks that are accessible. And, private areas for nursing mothers are on the concourse. The gates at Clover Field open 90 minutes before the first pitch, allowing you plenty of time to check out the concession stands and find your seat. Return on Investment 4 You might think all these renovations have led to an increase in the cost of attending a game. However, the Mets have one of the most reasonable prices to attend a game in the Grapefruit League. Tickets are priced based on the level of the field and the location in relation to the field. First off, we need to share that all seats between the bases are for season ticket holders. You might be able to get tickets on the secondary market, but they will likely be pricey. The standard single game prices are $35 for lower level seats beyond the infield, $30 for upper reserved seats beyond the infield, and $25 for berm (known as “The Hill”) seating in right field. Parking at Clover Park lots is $15. Please remember that all features at Clover Park are credit card only. You can prepay for your parking on the team website. Concession prices vary widely between stands, but the rule of thumb is that the specialized stands selling a limited menu tend to be pricier. Extras 5 Clover Park’s street address was changed in 2020 to 31 Piazza Drive to honor its longtime All Star catcher Mike Piazza with both his name on the street and his uniform number as the location on the street. There is a display of more than 850 baseball bobbleheads on the concourse at Clover Field. These figurines feature the Mets players, broadcasters, and managers who’ve worn the blue and orange, as well as many other Major League stars. The Mets hosted two exhibition games at Clover Park with teams from Nicaragua and Venezuela prior to the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The Mets and the Yankees Spring Training homes each feature a memorial to the lives lost on 9/11. They both were constructed of steel recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center Towers. Clover Park also serves as the home stadium for the Class A affiliate of the Mets, the St. Lucie Mets . Final Thoughts The renovations at the longtime spring training home of the Mets have been a big hit with the fans. It functions at a much higher level, with greater accessibility, and new concession areas. The lack of branding in the ballpark has also been addressed with a name change in the street address, as well as new graphics featuring the blue and orange colors of the team throughout the park.

Photos by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Allie P. Reynolds Stadium 524 N Duck St Stillwater, OK 74075 Oklahoma State Cowboys website Allie P. Reynolds Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 3,821 The Allie of Oklahoma State Allie P. Reynolds Stadium has been the home of Oklahoma State University baseball since it opened in April 4, 1981. With a capacity of 3,821, the stadium has hosted nine NCAA Regional tournaments to date and has undergone numerous renovations, most recently in 2005. The stadium is named for Allie Reynolds, a six-time World Series Champion pitcher for the New York Yankees and a former Oklahoma State Cowboy. Along with fellow Yankee great and Oklahoma native Mickey Mantle, Reynolds dedicated the ballpark in 1981. Food & Beverage 2 This particular sporting venue has very little to offer in terms of variety of concessions. While it has your typical ballpark food like popcorn, hot dogs, brats and Coca-Cola products, it has basically nothing else. The quality and price of the food is good though, so if you are the type who always gets the popcorn and hotdog as part of the baseball-watching experience, you should be fine. But for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary, you will be out of luck. Atmosphere 2 Unfortunately, what the venue lacks in food variety it does not make up for in atmosphere. The PA announcer wasn’t particularly entertaining, and the crowd itself doesn’t really add much to the atmosphere either. There is music between innings, and every now and then a movie quote or sound effect was played to liven things up at least a little bit. It was fairly humorous to hear Willy Wonka yell “You get nothing! Good day, sir!” when an opposing batter struck out, but there was little else to keep the casual fan involved. Neighborhood 5 Luckily, the surrounding area makes up for some of the more deficient categories in this review. Stillwater is a college town and is built around that concept, with a lot of good places to eat and hang out. The Hideaway boasts the best pizza in the world, and that’s no oversell. Their pizzas are good, ol’ fashioned and American-made, just the way a good pizza should be. They have so many different specials that literally anyone can find something to like. Another spot that Stillwater is famous for is Eskimo Joe’s. Head over to Joe’s for some of their world-famous cheese fries or a great burger. While waiting on your table, shop around in the adjacent Eskimo Joe’s clothing store. Stillwater is medium-sized, offering a nice blend of small town ease and larger town appeal. But if you long for more to do, it is also only about an hour from both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Fans 2 The crowd itself was actually very sparse, despite the fact that the game I attended was a fairly important conference game. While they would get loud every once in a while, the fans were pretty quiet in general, despite what happened on the field. Some were fairly entertaining with their abilities to berate the opposing batters in the on-deck circle and the umpires. As a whole though, they were average to below average as far as their involvement in the game itself. Access 3 Parking is not a problem. I was able to get free parking very close to the stadium. Sadly, this probably stems from how small the crowd was. The walkways and aisles provide plenty of room to get around, but the seats are actually pretty uncomfortable. Whether you go with bleacher seating or chair backs (there is no price difference), you won’t be in the lap of luxury. The facility as a whole is also pretty dated. The seats look old, both in wear and in the color scheme. The restrooms look old too, and have no automatic flushers or dispenser of any kind. Return on Investment 3 A ticket for a baseball game at this venue is dirt-cheap, which is appropriate given that the experience isn’t the best in the world. However, it should still be better, especially given the tradition and history of the baseball program at Oklahoma State. So if you find yourself in the area, you should be able to get a cheap seat without even buying the ticket ahead of time, which is convenient. The experience isn’t great, but it’s still baseball. Extras 1 I’ll give one extra point for the OSU policeman who tried (and failed) to catch a foul ball during my visit. It was actually one of the most entertaining moments of the experience and was especially humorous when the crowd teased him for dropping it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Higgins Soccer Complex North Rd Philadelphia, PA 19085 Villanova Wildcats website Higgins Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,000 Villanova Soccer Located on Villanova University’s West Campus in the Philadelphia suburbs, the Higgins Soccer Complex is a 1,000 seat soccer stadium that opened in 2014. The stadium has an artificial turf field and is located adjacent to a practice field that is also used by the soccer program. Villanova’s soccer team, like most of the school’s athletic programs, plays in the Big East Conference. Until recently, they had not enjoyed much success, but they have made two NCAA Tournaments since 2016. Food & Beverage 2 Food and drink is available for sale out of a food truck in a parking lot behind the goal at the Higgins Soccer Complex. However, only snacks are available, so it may be best to eat beforehand. Takis (rolled, flavored tortilla chips) are available, as are popcorn, chips, candy, soda, and water. Nothing is more than $5 and most of it is less than that. Atmosphere 4 The Higgins Soccer Complex has bleacher seating along one side of the field, taking up most of the sideline. There are about five or six rows of bleachers and for many home games they can be close to full. Villanova creates many incentives for fans, especially students, to attend soccer games even though they are not a “major” sport, such as free giveaways, a t-shirt toss at halftime, and more. As in most soccer venues, the fans really create their own atmosphere here. It is very rare in most of the country for a college soccer game to have a capacity crowd, but Villanova did when Stadium Journey visited. This significantly enhances the atmosphere here. Neighborhood 3 Higgins Soccer Complex is located on Villanova’s West Campus, a short drive away from the main part of the college. There are a few options closer to the main campus but few options within walking distance of the soccer field. The Refectory is a popular restaurant, Campus Corner is a popular pizza place with local students, and there are numerous other options a short drive away including Minella’s Diner. There is really no need to deal with traffic and city parking to head into Philadelphia. Fans 5 As mentioned above, the fans at Higgins Soccer Complex create tremendous energy, in large part because of the incentives the school creates to get them to attend. Although the stadium has a small capacity, the bleachers are often packed, particularly with students, who cheer on the Wildcats to victory. They will come decked out in the school colors and can get quite loud. A few fans, particularly students, tend to leave early but most stay for the entire game. Access 3 Parking is available in several lots on the West Campus adjacent to the stadium. When driving onto campus, ask the guard and they will provide you with directions if you don’t know where to go. If the lots fill up, which they will if you don’t get there early, additional parking is available on the street outside the stadium. There are no real restrooms on site, but there are a couple of port-a-potties in the parking lot. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Villanova soccer games is free, although the policy may be different for Big East or NCAA Tournament games. Concessions are affordable, and parking is also free. Considering the great atmosphere, this is an excellent value and well worth it. Extras 1 One extra star for the excellent atmosphere created by the fans here. This shows what happens when you give fans, especially students, incentive to attend sporting events that aren’t thought of as “major.” Final Thoughts There are very few college soccer venues in the country that draw capacity crowds. Granted, the capacity of Higgins Soccer Complex is only 1,000 fans, but the Wildcats do often fill the place up. Even though college soccer isn’t thought of as a huge sport, Villanova actively encourages attendance and creates incentives for students to do so. This massively improves the atmosphere and the school should be commended for it. For any soccer fan in the Philadelphia area, a visit to Higgins Soccer Complex to take in a Villanova soccer game is well worth it.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Ludwig Field University Boulevard and Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Ludwig Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 7,000 Fear The Soccer Turtle Ludwig Field on the University of Maryland's campus is home to the four-time national champion Maryland Terrapins soccer team. The stadium officially seats about 7,000 fans and has consistently ranked as one of the top college soccer venues in the country. Maryland has been one of the most successful college soccer teams in recent years, winning the national championship in 2005, 2008 and 2018 as well as a title back in 1968. Until they missed out in 2023, the Terps had made every NCAA Tournament since 2001. The 2023 tournament was only the second one they have missed since 1994. Terps alumni to have played in Major League Soccer include Donovan Pines of D.C. United, Zach Steffen of the Colorado Rapids and U.S. internationals Graham Zusi and Zach Steffen. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single food stand in the corner of the stadium. Although Ludwig Field is an outstanding venue, the concessions here are simply average. Your only meal options are chicken tenders (which come with fries), veggie burgers, hot dogs, and for health conscious people, a chicken caesar wrap or a spinach, nut, and berry salad. Fruit cups, candy, peanuts, and chips are all available, as is Sasho's Crew Crunch ice cream, which is dulce de leche ice cream with a chocolate swirl and nestle crunch pieces. Gatorade, bottled water, soda, and hot chocolate are available to drink. There is also a beer garden where fans of age can purchase adult beverages. Atmosphere 5 There are four sets of seats at Ludwig Field, one along each sideline and one behind each of the goals. The students tend to occupy the goal line seats and stand behind whichever goal the Terps are shooting at (more on that later.) The seats on the near sideline as you come in are chairbacks and are extremely close to the action - the front row is only a few feet away from the sideline. This is the best place to sit, but as all seats are general admission, they do fill up here. On the far sideline, you will find a large set of bleachers which are separated from the field by a running track. You may also struggle to see over the overhangs that cover the team benches, although if you sit high enough, this will not be an issue. A scoreboard is located behind one goal and shows some team stats in addition to the score and time. Before the game, the Terrapins enter the field amidst pillars of smoke, and the crowd gets fired up for the game. As is typical of soccer at any level, much of the atmosphere comes from the fans, and we will discuss this more in that section, but the team does a lot here as well. There are activities on the concourse for kids and adults alike, and if you arrive early, you can sit up very close to the action at a top-notch college stadium. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner  is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub  on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott  just off campus, and The Hotel  on campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Maryland consistently ranks in the Top 5 in the nation in attendance, and while they seldom draw close to the alleged capacity of 7,000, the stands can get quite full even with only about half that in attendance, as they were on the day Stadium Journey was in attendance. Sure, they can always manage to fit more fans in if they pay for tickets, but if it gets much fuller than that, some fans may be standing or crammed extremely tightly into the bleachers. Nonetheless, it felt like a near-capacity crowd when we visited, even if officially it wasn't. Terps fans are loud and proud of their team, especially the large student section. As mentioned above, they stand in the bleachers behind whichever goal the Terps are shooting at in that half, and seek to annoy the opposing goalkeeper as much as possible. They are loud and do support their team, but also have chants directed at the opposing goalkeeper that may not always be completely clean. We're talking mild vulgarity, not slurs or R-rated curse words or anything like that, but it may not be G-rated either, so just be mindful of that. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is a few miles off of I-495 (the Capital Beltway) and Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Once on campus, you can park in Lot 1B or 1D right next to the stadium for free on weekends and weeknights after 5 PM. If going to a weekday afternoon game, you will have to park further away in a garage, and pay for that, but as Ludwig Field has lights, this will very rarely be an issue. Note that there is a lot of construction going on in the vicinity of Ludwig Field, so you may have to walk or drive around blocked off construction areas that can change on a daily basis. Once inside the stadium, you can walk around the track area to get from one set of bleachers to another. Getting around the bleachers themselves can be difficult when it is crowded, but this is to be expected and will likely be the case at any venue. Real restrooms are available by the concession stand and the far side bleachers, and there are also Port-a-Potties right by the entrance if you are sitting on that side and don't want to walk all the way around.. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults are $15 for select premium games against top opponents and $10 for all other games. Discounts are available for youth and seniors as well. Parking is usually free, and concessions are reasonably priced. Considering this is one of the top college soccer stadiums in the country, perhaps the best, this is an excellent value. Ticket prices may be higher than most college soccer venues, but they are still not that high and you get what you pay for. Extras 4 Look for the area behind the goal by the entrance offering various promotions and giveaways for children and adults alike. Selections will vary by game, of course, but can include giveaways of free food or Terps merchandise, sign making, or other fun activities. Free roster sheets are available as you come in as well. Look for all the banners throughout Ludwig Field honoring the Terrapins' four national championships. The crowd energy here, especially from the students, is worthy of a fourth extra star. Final Thoughts Ludwig Field may be the best college soccer stadium in the country, and it certainly ranks among the elite. The Terps have a great fan base, a gorgeous stadium, and an outstanding team that plays in it. Soccer fans in the region will definitely want to make the trip to Ludwig Field to check out a Terps game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry and Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bud Metheny Baseball Complex 1446 W 43rd St Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website Bud Metheny Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 2,500 Baseball at the Bud Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia, in the Hampton Roads area of the state. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Monarchs and will compete in Conference USA through the end of the 2021-22 season when they will move to the Sun Belt Conference. Monarchs baseball plays their home games at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex. The Bud was built in 1983 and is in dire need of renovations on the player side of things. The lack of player facilities cost the Monarchs the opportunity to host a regional in the NCAA Tournament in 2021. As a result, fundraising efforts are underway to make these changes. However, as far as fans are concerned, Bud Metheny Baseball Complex is nice as it is. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex. One is located right in front of you as you come in and serves a good variety of items including freshly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, pulled pork, Beyond Burgers for vegetarians, and assorted soft drinks and snacks. A second stand is located down the right field line in a beer garden-like area known as the Rally Alley. This stand also sells beer for $6-$7 a can in addition to many of the same items as the main stand. Fans can hang out in the Rally Alley with their beverages and food and watch the game, but beer cannot be brought outside Rally Alley into the main stands. Note that all stands only take credit cards, so be prepared. Atmosphere 4 There are several places at The Bud from which fans can watch the game. Walking into the stadium through the main gate will put you on an asphalt concourse. From there, fans can walk up some metal stairs to three sets of metal bleachers without backs. They can also watch the game from the Rally Alley down the right field line. Finally, there is an area directly under the home plate bleachers where some fans choose to stand and watch the game. This provides the best view of the action but limited seating options, so you may have to stand for the whole game here. However, the bleacher seats are also close enough to the action to offer a great view. There is a large video board in right-center field. Rally Alley at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The Monarchs do a lot to create an exciting atmosphere here, including Baseball Bingo, giveaways, a pre-game hype video, and more. Some of the sound effects they play during the game are taken from the popular PC game Backyard Baseball , which will be nostalgic for anyone who grew up in the 90s. The Monarchs have a mascot, a lion named Big Blue, who will make appearances at the games from time to time. Neighborhood 3 Bud Metheny Baseball Complex is located along a residential street so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena , there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 4 The Monarchs typically draw about 400 fans a game, which for this level is a good crowd. Some of those who show up are students at ODU, some are friends and family of the players, and others are just Monarchs fans. Whatever brings them out to the ballpark, the fans are loud and passionate. When the Monarchs make a big play, it can get quite loud here. These are not just some casual fans who show up – many come out decked in ODU colors and cheer on the team loudly and proudly for the whole game. Fans Enjoying a Monarchs Game at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 by the field hockey stadium as well as in the Elkhorn Avenue Garage across the street from the baseball stadium. However, both are about a one-block walk from the front entrance to The Bud despite the garage appearing closer on a map. Parking there is free on weekends, but you will be charged an hourly fee on weekdays. Getting around the stadium is easy enough. There are restrooms located to the right of the main concession stand which are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $6 for adults, available at the gate, with discounts available for youth and seniors. Concessions are affordable, with nothing more than $7 and most things significantly less. Parking is free on weekends, so we suggest going then to maximize your value. Although some teams in the area don’t charge for admission to baseball games, the experience at an ODU game is worth the small price of admission. Extras 4 Look for the graphics along the outfield fence honoring ODU baseball accomplishments. Free programs and scorecards are available at the entrance. Pencils for keeping score are also available, something many teams don’t think to provide anymore. The Rally Alley is a unique feature and vantage point to watch a game. A fourth and final star for the friendly and helpful staff here, who go above and beyond to make this a great game day experience. Final Thoughts On the player side, the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex certainly needs improvements. If ODU ever wants to host a postseason event, they will need to make them, which is why fundraising is underway to do so. However, as far as fans are concerned, the Bud is already a very nice stadium to watch a game. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some fancier ballparks, a trip here is still a very enjoyable experience for any baseball fan in Virginia.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Emory G. Bauer Field 780 Dove Dr Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Emory G. Bauer Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 500 Valparaiso’s Vibrant Downtown and Value Valparaiso University is a private university of 4,500 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Founded in 1859, the city is an hour southeast of Chicago. The baseball program was founded in 1916 and has called Emory G. Bauer Field home since the 1970 season. The 500 seat ballpark features grass berm seating along the third baseline, grandstand seating behind home plate, and bathroom facilities on site. Bauer Field is named after former Valpo coach Emory Bauer who coached the Crusaders for 28 seasons and posted a 361-245-2 record. The stadium received renovations in 2001 that resulted in a clubhouse, locker rooms, and indoor training facility. In 2008, a new PA sound system and outfield fence were added to the ballpark, while the press box was renovated as well. In January of 2020 a total of $550,000 in gifts from university alumni will begin to transform the ballpark from its current condition to one of the premier facilities in the Missouri Valley Conference. Phase I of the improvements will include the installation of synthetic turf on the infield and down each foul line. The existing grandstand will be torn down and replaced with a new and larger grandstand that will include a larger press box. Phase II will include the addition of lights, a new outfield wall, and a concession stand. The renovations will also include improved landscaping, fencing, and parking facilities. What makes a visit to a baseball game is the city itself; the town of 32,000 features a beautiful downtown square that includes restaurants with outdoor seating, small shops, and bars. A visitor to the city could definitely make the most before or after the game here in Valparaiso. What makes a visit to a baseball game is the city itself; the town of 32,000 features a beautiful downtown square that includes restaurants with outdoor seating, small shops, and bars. A visitor to the city could definitely make the most before or after the game here in Valparaiso. Note: In April 2021 the team name changed from the Crusaders to the Beacons. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food or beverages served at the stadium, even though there is a grill near the training facility that looks as if it has been used for a few burgers and hot dogs in its day. Many in attendance can be found with something to eat that includes bags of chips, peanuts, a cold drink from the cooler, or take out from the Wendy’s, KFC, or Culver’s that are within walking distance from the field. In fact, you could catch foul balls in the Wendy’s parking lot. It would be nice if a grilled hot dog and cold drink could satisfy a fan or two at the game, but for now you’ll have to bring your own. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the field is pleasant, relaxed, and is definitely a perfect place to enjoy a couple of hours under the spring sun. The funky little stadium incorporates grass berm seating all the way down the third base and left field line, while a set of bleachers stand tall behind home plate. There does not seem to be many traditions, fans are friends of the players on the field, and many in attendance are enjoying themselves with friends and family. The rowdiness, team sections, and pleas to make noise from the PA announcer are not there, which could be a blessing. It is a very condensed and relaxed way to watch a baseball game. Many would agree with the decision to simply enjoy the game, keep score, and enjoy the weather. This is pure college baseball at its essence. Neighborhood 5 Valparaiso’s downtown square offers a collection of amazing eateries, shops, and great places to drink craft beer. The streets on nice days are packed with people, enjoying dinner and drinks on outside patios. There is a selection of retail shops that sell olive oil, wines, fresh cheese, meats, and homemade sauces. The colorful and pleasant main street is definitely worth walking to check out the many selections of restaurants. Don Quijote is legendary for its Spanish cuisine. Pikk’s Tavern specializes in steaks, ribs, and other traditional food offerings. Figure Eight Brewing has set up shop a block off the main street and features an impressive selection of beers and pub fare inside their swank little building. Vaps offers the town’s most interesting street food, with ground lamb and beef selections served in a flatbread with feta cheese, cabbage, cucumbers, and yogurt at an inexpensive price (they are also huge). Stack’s Bar and Grill, Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, and Serrano’s Mexican Grill are other great options when in town. About a mile west of downtown is Four Fathers Brewing; the small little brewery is off the state road and offers a fantastic pale ale and is popular among the locals. Santini’s and Tomato Bar Pizza are two fantastic family options to share a pie with the family. Fans 2 A small collection of fans gather for Crusaders baseball games at Bauer Field. A majority of them sprawl out down the third baseline on the grassy area. Many seem to be friends and family of the ballplayers on the field. Many are on their cell phones, carrying on conversations, or discussing what to eat after the game. A few die-hards don the school’s colors and cheer on the Crusaders on the field of play. Most on the lawn are simply taking in the sun on a lazy, and extremely leisurely, afternoon. You cannot blame them for that. Access 3 The university is 15 miles off of I-65 at the Merrillville exit and the baseball field is located a few yards off the main road of SR 130. However, there are not a lot of directions to the baseball field from the road. The field is directly in back of the Wendy’s and the Speedway gas station at SR 130 (Sturdy Rd) and Warbler Drive. The baseball field does not turn up on GPS or Google maps, but if you stay on the main road in town, you should not get too lost on your way to the game. Return on Investment 2 Tickets and parking are free at the games. The bleachers can get a little packed due to the size of the structure, but many in attendance are glad to lift their legs up to have you walk by without obstruction. The baseball facility has men’s and women’s restrooms, bleacher seating, and the grass lawn seating is a nice touch for visitors who enjoy a little more leg room. These are all positive features for anyone to make a return visit in the future. Extras 2 One extra point for the 500 seat bleachers in back of home plate. One extra point for the great downtown with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s a very prominent and interesting place to enjoy with either friends or family. Final Thoughts A visit to Valparaiso is much more than just the baseball game. It is the charming downtown and small time atmosphere that make this college town a little more vibrant from other small university towns in the state of Indiana. World class restaurants, fantastic breweries, and local shops is what puts a stadium journey on the list.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Williams Assembly Center S Prentiss St Jackson, MS 39203 Jackson State Tigers website Williams Assembly Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 8,000 Jackson State Tiger World Roughly halfway between Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana sits the city of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Within the town is the campus of Jackson State University, an HBCU with an enrollment of over 7,000 students. The Jackson State University Tigers athletic program plays in the SWAC conference and their basketball programs have played at the Williams Assembly Center since 1981. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand in the corner of the arena selling the usual stadium fare such as hot dogs ($5), nachos ($5), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), chips ($2), and peanuts ($4). Pepsi provides soft drinks with 20 oz drinks ($4), water ($3), and Gatorade ($3). The concessions only take cash, so remember that when attending a game. We recommend grabbing a pre-game or post-game meal rather than stopping by the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the arena was refreshed a couple of seasons ago and fans enter the arena by a sign that reads “Tiger World” with an illustration of a tiger head. The entrance includes a trophy case showcasing some of Jackson State’s athletic accomplishments over the years. Once your ticket is scanned, you notice the seats are in four separate sections. The seats by the sidelines are split between season ticket holder seats in the front and the main seating bowl between blue yellow and red sections. The seats behind the reserved seats by the baselines are bleacher seats.  There are banners commemorating Jackson State’s athletic accomplishments including Jackson State’s three NCAA tournament appearances. I will give an extra point for the four-sided scoreboard that was added in 2024. Each screen is 10x23 feet and hangs over the center of the court. It replaced a scoreboard that seemingly had been in service since the arena’s opening (the old scoreboard had the vintage NCAA logo). Unfortunately, the game I attended happened before I could see the new scoreboard in person. I was disappointed to not see the band during my visit to Jackson State. A band would have made the atmosphere significantly better given that Jackson State has one of the best bands in the country. Neighborhood 3 Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi as well as the capital of the state. The campus is only a couple of miles away from downtown attractions such as the Russell Davis Planetarium, Mississippi Museum for Art, and the Old Mississippi State Capitol Building. If you drive north on Highway 51, you can stop by Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium , which is the home of the Jackson Tigers football team. Restaurants include Basil’s for pizza, Bettina’s Soulfood Kitchen, and the Farish Street Burger Bar. If you want a drink, bars include Ole Tavern, Martin’s, and One Block East. Lodging options include Westin, Hilton Garden Inn, and the Old Capitol Inn. Fans 4 The fans were engaged throughout the game with cheerleaders and an emcee helping to keep the energy up. The fans are knowledgeable about the game and have pride in their school.  The passion for their school is immediately noticed. The fans will get behind the Tigers regardless of whether they win or lose. Access 3 From I-20 Westbound turn off exit 45A onto S Gallatin Street. Turn left on Dr Robert Smith Pkwy then make another left at the third roundabout. The Williams Assembly Center will be on your right. From I-55 Southbound turn off exit 96A onto Pearl Street. Pearl Street becomes Dr Robert Smith Pkwy. From here follow the same instructions as above. Once at the arena, there should be enough parking, although you may need to walk up some steps to get to the arena. Once inside the arena, there is plenty of room to walk around and there are enough restrooms. Return on Investment 2 Tickets go for $15 and typically include both a women’s and men’s game. If you pay $10 for concessions that means you pay $25 for a day of SWACtion. That would have been a great deal if the band was performing. Extras 2 The court is a parquet floor similar to what the Boston Celtics play on. Walter Payton played football for the Tigers. Final Thoughts Jackson State has a very passionate fan base that gets behind their Tigers regardless of how the teams are performing. The Tigers are investing in the basketball program as seen by the recent renovations to the arena.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Hard Rock Stadium 347 Don Shula Dr, Suite 102 Miami Gardens, FL 33056 Miami (FL) Hurricanes website Hard Rock Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 65,326 Rockin’ in the Miami World Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL is best known as the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins for over 35 years and has gone through several name changes in that time. Besides hosting “the fish”, the facility has also hosted six Super Bowls and two different college bowl games (one of which, the Orange Bowl , is still held here), currently hosts a tennis tournament, and was once the temporary home of the Florida Atlantic Owls , as well as the then Florida Marlins. However, on a few Saturdays in the fall, Hard Rock Stadium welcomes the hard-rocking fans from the nearby University of Miami, becoming a literal sea of orange for a few hours. The Miami (FL) Hurricanes have called the venue home since 2008, when they moved here from the old Orange Bowl Stadium, which was subsequently demolished and replaced by LoanDepot Park , home of the MLB’s Miami Marlins . Food & Beverage 5 Being mainly an NFL stadium, it won’t surprise you that there is a huge selection of food and beverage options here – they sell practically anything you can think of. Hard Rock Stadium boasts almost 100 concessions stands across its three levels of seating, and all the basics can be found here as well as plenty of more specialty items. First, you can find burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos, hot dogs, etc., but they will all be gussied up a little with extra or more gourmet ingredients; no plain Jane menu items here. Then, moving on to the more unique items, you can certainly find a taste of Florida here such as arepas, but there are also all kinds of other options such as seafood, deli sandwiches, and sushi – yes sushi; there is a Benihana stand offering that dish as well as hibachi, fried rice, and poke bowls. Click here to see all the other options Hard Rock Stadium has. For drinks, the facility boasts multiple full bars, as well as numerous stands selling canned beer and seltzers, and you will also see individual vendors all over the place, hawking beer from plastic tubs filled with ice – they are located in convenient locations, near the ramp for example, so you don’t have to go hunting to quench your thirst. Note that the concession prices here are higher than you will see at other college venues, and also the venue is 100% cashless, but if cash is all you have, you can redeem it for pre-paid Visa gift cards at any of the team stores on site. Atmosphere 5 The Miami (FL) Hurricanes put on a great show at Hard Rock Stadium – the band marches down and around the stadium during pregame, there are plenty of band formations done on the field, and you will see the cheerleaders, dance team, and mascot front and center, strutting their stuff as well as any other pep squad you can find. The mascot’s antics are particularly fun to watch, especially seeing him give it to the refs after a particularly egregious call on the field. The best thing about Hard Rock Stadium, however, is that 90%+ of the seats are covered – due to recent renovations there is now a white roof covering most of the venue, almost everything except the field itself if you were looking down from above. That said, if you sit anywhere except the first few rows closest to the field, you will find yourself safe and protected from the elements, and The heat and sun are extremely intense this far south in the Sunshine State, so the shade is much appreciated. There are also 4 enormous video boards here, one in each corner, so you are easily able to watch replays, and all the seats are bucket-style chairbacks, so you should be able to enjoy the game in comfort. Neighborhood 4 There is certainly very little entertainment within walking distance of Hard Rock Stadium, given the enormous footprint the stadium and its accompanying parking lots take up, not to mention the freeways and highways all around it, but there are plenty of great restaurants within a short drive. Being in Miami Cuban food is a great option, and you will see plenty of those eateries in the area, as well as numerous great seafood places. There is also a wonderful Mexican restaurant closer to the airport (about 20 minutes from the stadium) called Chevys Fresh Mex, which is worth a look if you are headed that way. In addition to the restaurants there are plenty of hotels in the area, most of them closer to the beach, and if you are looking for something to do before or after the game, have you ever seen live horse racing? Miami boasts two tracks within a short drive of Hard Rock Stadium, Gulfstream Park, and Hialeah Park – both have attached casinos if you prefer that type of thrill. Gulfstream Park offers live racing from July to October and again from December to May, so that is the one you will likely have to hit up during football season, as Hialeah only has live racing from November to February. Fans 5 The fans here are stellar – while they don’t typically sell the place out, when you go to a game here you will find yourself literally in a sea of orange, as almost everyone is sporting Hurricanes gear, or at least wearing the team colors. The fans are also very loud, especially the ones behind the northwest end zone, and I was surprised by how few visiting fans there were, even for games versus a ranked opponent. The tailgating scene is also crazy; the Orange lots are filled with tents and fans eating, drinking, playing games, and enjoying the day – it seemed like the stands were even a little slow to fill up after kickoff, as so many people were still out partying, but the attendance maxed out by the of the first quarter. Access 3 The big knock for Miami football is simply the traffic – it takes a very long time to get to Hard Rock Stadium, and it is even worse getting out of the parking lots after. The staff tries to do a good job managing the flow, but there are just too many folks packed into too small a space, and this was for a college game not even a pro game. Pay attention to where you parked, by the way; there are signs up above for each section/color, as well as giant numbers marked into the pavement for each row, so I would make a note, or snap a photo, as all the parking areas will pretty much look alike once the game is over. Once you get to the stadium itself, there are metal detectors/scanners for security, and it will take a while to walk around – there are lots of gates, so if you need to get to a certain gate for your seat it will take time to get there, as the venue is so large (Will Call for example is at the Southwest gate, which is quite a haul from the Orange parking). Some of the egress inside is also overcomplicated – there are winding ramps up to the higher levels, which are again quite a long walk to get around, so you may prefer the escalators, but these have fencing around them to direct traffic, so you must walk in a big circle to get onto them; I found this a little unnecessary. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are a little on the high side for Miami (FL) football if you buy from the school itself, but you can find them cheaper on third-party sites. Note that all the tickets are mobile, though you will still see scalpers trying to sell them as you walk up to the entrances. Nevertheless, the Miami (FL) fans alone make attending a Hurricanes game worth it – you get all the crowd noise and energy here that you might expect from a much bigger program. Extras 4 There are seating areas all over the place both inside Hard Rock Stadium and outside, making it easy to sit and eat or spend time with friends at the game. There is also a Dan Marino statue outside if you want a selfie, and who could object to the scenery of palm trees swaying in the breeze? Final Thoughts Hard Rock Stadium for a Miami (FL) Hurricanes football game is a trip worth the time and expense – you will be treated to lots of great food in the stadium, a wonderful crowd, and a high-quality venue with shade from the elements. Plan a little in terms of where to park and how to buy your tickets, and you should have an awesome time.

When many fans think of football (soccer) in England, typically the Premier League and its 20 clubs come to mind. In fact, there are over 1800 football clubs at numerous levels in England. For fans of Welcome to Wrexham, it has been discussed how confusing it is. For the unfamiliar, here is a quick primer: ·       5th Level – The National League consisting of 24 clubs ·       4th Level – EFL League Two consisting of 24 clubs ·       3rd Level – EFL League One consisting of 24 clubs ·       2nd Level – EFL Championship consisting of 24 clubs ·       Top Level – Premier League Additionally, there are multiple other levels with regional teams all fighting to break through to the sport’s top levels. Teams move up through promotion or down through relegation on a seasonal basis. This does not occur for any sports in the states, but imagine the Chicago White Sox becoming a AAA team next year. That is English football in a nutshell. On a recent trip to England, the family and I were scheduled for a tour of Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC of the Premier League. Prior to our scheduled tour, we received an email from the team letting us know they had to cancel the tour due to a game on the same day. Ah yes, one other thing I learned about English football…there are A LOT of different tournaments throughout the season (you Welcome to Wrexham fans also know this). So, our tour was bumped due to UEFA Conference League Qualifying. Fortunately, we had another football tour scheduled. Full disclosure, I’m a recent football fan. I’d watch the U.S. teams compete in the Olympics but that was about it until a few years ago. I cannot recall why I started watching football, but I did and it stuck. I needed to pick a team of course. Not knowing much about football, I simply guessed. I’m a big fan of tennis. Wimbledon had a football team. That is the story. With that, we showed up for our tour of Cherry Red Records Stadium, home of AFC Wimbledon. For those keeping score at home, AFC Wimbledon currently plays in League Two. Our tour consisted of a small group of about 10-12 folks and our tour guide has been a Wimbledon season ticket holder for upwards of 30 years. He began with asking us how much he needed to speak about the team who should not be mentioned. I knew very little about this, but here is the incredibly short version as I’ve since found out. Wimbledon Football Club was formed in 1889. The team was called The Dons, The Wombles, and even The Crazy Gang for a short time. Over time, the team rose through the ranks, reaching the First Division (this is prior to the formation of the Premier League) in 1986. The team was relegated in 2000 and in 2001, the club announced it was moving to Milton Keynes. This incredibly unpopular decision led to supporters forming AFC Wimbledon. To further muddy the waters between the two teams, the new Milton Keynes team also has the name, The Dons. From the outside looking in, there are clearly a lot of hard feelings these 20+ years later. So, back to the tour. Cherry Red Records Stadium, which opened in 2020, has a capacity of 9,215. The stadium is a charming place that seems like it would provide a great atmosphere for matches. The tour began with a visit to the stadium suites that are largely like suites in any other stadium and provided a great view of the pitch. Next stop was the locker rooms. There was very little difference between the home and visitors locker rooms and the tour guide pointed out that many teams say this is the best visitor’s locker room in League Two. Both locker rooms lead into an area that has the entrance to the pitch. This being the first professional football pitch I’ve ever been on (or right next to anyway, we didn’t step inside the lines) I have nothing to compare it to. Suffice to say that with a stadium full of fans, I can imagine it would be an amazing experience to play a match here. For the fans, there appeared to be no bad seats anywhere in the stadium. We next visited the south stands. The south stands are for the most hardcore of AFC Wimbledon fans and the section includes a safe standing area. In between the rows are sturdy metal rails making it near impossible to fall forward. This became a requirement after an incident is 1989 in which ninety-seven Liverpool fans died after a crush of fans during an FA Cup match. As we headed into the concourse, it was impossible to miss some rusty blue metal gates. The gates were from the original Plough Lane, former home of Wimbledon. When Plough Lane closed, someone spray painted “Womble Til I Die” on the gate. The gate sat in a metal scrap yard for many years, and someone tried to clean up the yellow spray paint. The team was able to restore the gate to some extent and it recently became a permanent fixture inside the concourse. The final stop was the museum. The museum is a small room within the team shop. There is a lot of team history crammed into the small room and it is well worth taking the time to look around. One of the featured displays is the greatest performance in the history of the club, the 1988 FA Cup. In 1988 Wimbledon played Liverpool in the final. Called one of, if not the biggest upset in the history of the FA Cup, Wimbledon won 1-0 on a goal by Lawrie Sanchez in a match played in front of almost 100,000 fans at Wimbley Stadium. Hopefully as the team is able to do more around the grounds, there can be a larger area dedicated to all the historical items they have. Those items seem a bit compacted in such a small area. The tour took about an hour and was well worth the cost of 15 pounds for adults and 5 for kids. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but very much enjoyed the tour guide’s stories about the club and some of the players that have passed through Wimbledon over the years. The team is very much tied to the community. In fact, ownership is a trust that involves all the members with a one-member, one-vote system. Unfortunately, the team wasn’t home for a match while we were in London, but given how much I enjoyed the tour and the story behind the team, I’ll be back for a match or two.