Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 College Center Park University of Texas at Arlington 600 South Center St Arlington, TX 76019 UT Arlington Mavericks men's basketball website College Center Park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 7,000 The Forgotten Mavericks The University of Texas at Arlington moved from Junior College status to university status in 1959. In 1963 UTA became a founding member of the Southland Conference before eventually settling in the Western Athletic Conference. Along the way, in 1971, UTA adopted the team name Mavericks, actually before the NBA team in Dallas would find themselves with the same name. Unfortunately for UTA, in an extremely crowded sports landscape in the DFW Metroplex, the UT Arlington Mavericks seem to have been forgotten. UTA is a large, public university that was established in 1895 and has a current enrollment of approximately 46,000 students. Home for the UT Arlington Mavericks is the College Park Center. Located on campus, the College Park Center looks brand new even after a decade of use. Before College Park Center, the Mavericks played on campus at the 3,000 seat Texas Hall. The move to College Park Center shows an intent on UTA to invest in their athletics and basketball program. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at College Park Center is surprisingly simple and strong. Concessions are run by Ted E’s Grill. All of the expected items are available including nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken fingers, wings, and cheeseburgers. What takes the concessions to the next level are BBQ items like brisket and pulled pork as well as specialty burgers. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice. The beer selection offers both micro and macro brews including Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Dos Equis as well as Shiner, Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde. Atmosphere 4 College Park Center is located on the campus of UT Arlington and is a strong, modern facility. The exterior of the building is attractive with the use of light and brown brick with plenty of glass. The Moritz Plaza on the north side of the building, between Spaniolo and Center Streets is the perfect spot to meet friends before the game or just hang out and enjoy some nice weather. Upon entry, fans will head right into the main concourse, which is bright and clean and colourful. The attention to detail at College Park Center is strong and there is no exposed concrete. The southwest corner of the building has a number of plaques outlining UTA Mavericks accomplishments for both teams and individuals. The number of baseball players who ended up in the pros is impressive, including Mark Lowe, Hunter Pence and John Lackey. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will find a two tiered seating arrangement with plastic blue seats in a hexagonal configuration. The upper level is draped off for Mavericks games to make the arena feel more intimate. The court runs from south to north and the east side is the perfect spot for that center court logo picture. Behind the seating bowl on the east side is the Maverick Hospitality Suite which can be rented for larger, catered gatherings. The four-sided videoboard is crystal clear and has smaller, rectangular LED scoreboards above each larger side. There is an LED ribbon board encircling the arena on the upper deck fascia. Above the east seating area hang banners depicting basketball accomplishments and the three retired numbers for Marquez Haynes, Willie Brand and Rebekah Vanduk. The Mavericks have not had a great deal of success making a postseason tournament only six times and making the NCAA Tournament only once. The gameday production is what one would expect from a college basketball game. The cheerleaders attempt to fire up the crowd and the band, which sits in the south end, has a strong presence. The game is not over produced and there is strong cohesion between the band and the music played over the sound system. The game is a little more traditional and there is no music during the play. The mascot, Blaze, can be found during select games. Neighborhood 3 The campus of University of Texas at Arlington is located in the College Park District. There are a few spots fans may want to stop for pre or post game food or drink. Pie Five Pizza, New York Eats, Hurtado BBQ and Babe’s Chicken Dinner House are all very close. Fans may want to head northeast, where the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums can be found, to hit Texas Live, which has a number of eating establishments. The Arlington Museum of Art and Arlington Music Hall are just north of the university for fans wishing for some extra culture. The sports scene in Arlington is very crowded with the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium and Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and other athletic events at Choctaw Stadium. The Dallas Wings of the WNBA also play at College Park Center and there are other athletic teams that UT Arlington fields. Of course, fans can head to Dallas or Fort Worth for other entertainment options. For fans wishing to stay in Arlignton, the Courtyard Dallas/Arlington may be a good choice. Fans 2 The UT Arlington Mavericks attract approximately 1,600 fans per game. In a 7,000 seat venue, the lack of fans is noticeable and detrimental. Of those 1,600 fans, many travel from visiting schools. There is little student presence at UTA games. It is unclear if increased success would bring in significantly more fans, but as of this moment the Mavericks, who play in a terrific facility, are the forgotten item in a very crowded DTW sports landscape. Access 3 College Park Center is located on the campus of UT Arlington and is south of I-30. There will be some traversing of the city to get to the arena, but it is not difficult and traffic is usually not an issue. There is not really any public transit in Arlington, so fans are required to use the car to get in and out. There are parking garages around campus, so finding a spot should not be difficult and parking can be prepaid. Getting around the arena is not difficult and the washroom facilities are more than adequate for the number of fans in attendance. UTA currently has a clear bag policy in effect. With the security policies and covid policies in constant flux across sports, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the UT-Arlington Mavericks and College Park Center websites for the most up to date list of prohibited items and security procedures. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for a Mavericks game can be found for as low as $8 and they go up to $20. There will be a cost to park the car and concession items are about what one would expect, price-wise. The Mavericks do what they can to put a good gameday package together, but a lack of student presence and overall fan support puts the return at a low point. Increased fan support to make it a Mavericks game a more fun experience, will shoot this score up very quickly. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Mavericks hand sign, similar to a hang loose Hawaiian sign, which gives the Mavericks a bit of an identity. The cheerleaders can be found using the sign often. An extra mark for UT-Arlington using the Mavericks name, even before the Dallas Mavericks. Final Thoughts Taking in a UT Arlington Mavericks game will not break the bank and it may end up being a hidden gem of an experience. Hopefully more people notice the Mavericks, specifically the students, and make the Mavericks experience a much stronger one. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bishopsgate Strokestown Road Longford, Co. Longford Ireland Longford Town FC website Bishopsgate website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,800 Longford Town FC Note: In November 2019, the ground's name was renamed Bishopsgate after the club's new main sponsor. In the Irish midlands and ninety minutes from Dublin is the county of Longford. The football team, Longford Town, were established in 1924 and played in the local leagues up until they were elected to the League of Ireland in 1984. Situated three miles from the town centre, the club – nicknamed “de Town” – have always played at their current and somewhat remote stadium, known locally as Strokestown Road since their inception. Through sponsorship deals and grant funding, the stadium was renamed Flancare Park in 2001 and is still affectionately referred to by League of Ireland fans as ‘the Flan Siro,’ in reference to the famous San Siro stadium in Milan. Ironically the club colours are black and red stripes, but that’s where any similarities with the Italian side AC Milan end. In 2013 the club signed a sponsorship arrangement with the City Calling Group and since then the ground has been known as the City Calling Stadium. Longford Town were promoted to the League of Ireland Premier in 2001 and enjoyed a successful early millennium. This coincided with the club upgrading and modernising facilities within the ground, replacing old terracing with new seating and bringing it up to the present 6,800 all seated capacity. In 2014 the club invested more money in facilities at the City Calling Stadium, with an upgrade to dressing rooms, the physiotherapy room and club offices. Following promotion in 2001 up until 2007, the team went onto achieve a number of successes on the pitch, reaching no fewer than six cup finals, winning three and losing three. They won the FAI Cup in 2003 beating St. Patrick’s Athletic and in 2004 against Waterford United. Longford also claimed a cup double in 2004 when they beat Bohemians 2-1 at home, when it was known as Flancare Park. The club had three brief forays into the UEFA Cup (currently the Europa League), all ending in disappointing first round exits. Following relegation from the top flight in 2007, Longford had a pretty bleak spell, spending seven years in the second tier and despite promotion in 2014 it looks like another stint in the First Division beckons. Food & Beverage 3 Food and drink options are available from two locations within the ground: the clubhouse, which is within the Main Stand, and from a small cabin just outside it. On offer at both are the very basic (and mostly homemade) essentials, including tea, coffee, soup, various sandwiches, crisps, nuts, chocolate, cans and bottles of soft drink, and all very reasonably priced between €1 and €2.50. There is no alcohol sold at the City Calling Stadium and nothing outside for three miles, so you would need to be fed and watered in town before and after a fixture in Longford. Atmosphere 3 Longford Town don’t attract much of a crowd, which has an impact on any atmosphere generated, but despite the remoteness of its location it is a very likable, homely and pleasant venue to watch football from. The club’s supporters group is known as ‘Section O,’ but apart from a couple of flags laid out, there are no audible fan groups congregated in any part of the ground, though there are a very few passionate individuals in attendance. Once you enter the stadium through the single available entrance, you have the option to sit in the stand or walk round to the three other sides of the ground. These three areas have uncovered seating on an elevated deck consisting of seven rows, with a handful of entrance and exit walkways. The Main Stand itself is relatively small and central with twenty feet of space on the left, which has a small covered shelter that has a couple of seats designated for elderly and disabled fans. The dressing rooms and players’ tunnel are situated at the right of the stand with the dugouts also in this area. It has eight truss type supporting pillars which will partially obscure your view. The seats have LTFC printed in black against red. The majority of both teams’ fans tend to congregate here and behind the left hand side goal. Behind the goal on the right there is seating for around half that end, then there is a brick wall which is painted red and black. It is evident that this area is rarely used due to the discoloured seats, some of which are also broken. However it is an uncovered end and, providing the weather is dry, sitting around the halfway line across from the Main Stand provides an excellent, unimpeded view of the pitch. Neighborhood 1 In short, there is no neighborhood. The City Calling Stadium is located in farmland on the N5 Strokestown Road, which is three miles from the town centre. If it is the lively all-round package of a match day experience you’re after with local sightseeing, the City Calling Stadium is not for you unfortunately. Fans 2 It would be hard to criticise the Longford Town fans as there is some internal strife at the club, with a recent managerial change and the team bottom of the table. Their current predicament is reflected by the low attendances of late, making it difficult to gauge the regular support at the City Calling Stadium. The average home gate varies between 400-800 depending on the occasion, so the level of support can change dramatically. Access 4 Free parking is available outside the stadium and if this fills up there is roadside space too. There is no direct public transport link to the stadium, with all incoming bus and train transport options stopping in town. You could walk to it, but this is not advisable if it is dark; it would be better to take a local taxi which will set you back 7 euros. On the approach to the City Calling Stadium there is a very generous-sized car park which caters for the majority of fans attending. There is only one entrance for supporters, which is through a couple of turnstiles facing you as you walk towards it. Once through, the Main Stand is on the right and you find yourself in a busy juncture with a spacious walkway. From here you can easily access all four areas and find the facilities from the programme sellers and club lottery ticket sellers to food outlets and toilets. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets cost €15, while concessions and students are charged €10 and children pay just €5. This pricing structure is more than fair as it is in line with the rest of the league. The prices of food and drink are very manageable, making the all-in cost of a day out to watch Longford Town very affordable, with decent enough toilet facilities too. Extras 1 The remote setting was in line with the accoutrement of the main course on the pitch – nothing is laid on to present the occasion in a more entertaining light except the footballers themselves. If you are expecting a glamorous halftime show with fireworks and acrobats, you will leave sorely disappointed. Final Thoughts County Longford still shows signs of the recession over the last decade, but also shows signs of progress and recovery. It’s a friendly town and the club has friendly staff and stewards who are only too happy to sign post and advise. At the match of this review, the sky line at the City Calling Stadium as the sun was going down was stunning and was a pleasure to watch the game in such surroundings.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Louis Crews Stadium 4200 Memorial Pkwy NW Huntsville, AL 35210 Alabama A&M Bulldogs website Louis Crews Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 21,000 These Dogs Bark And Bite Alabama A&M is a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Huntsville, Alabama. Founded in 1875, the school had an enrollment of over 6,600 students in the Fall 2023 semester. The Bulldogs athletic teams have competed in the Football Championship Subdivision’s (FCS) Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) since 1998. Before becoming a Division One program, the Bulldogs competed in Division Two’s Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Bulldogs have won fourteen conference titles, including twelve SIAC championships and the SWAC in 2006 and 2020. The Bulldogs claimed the 2020 Black College Football National Championship as that team went undefeated that season. Alabama A&M’s biggest rival is the Alabama State Hornets, located down I-65 in Montgomery. Those teams play each other in the annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham. Their other big in-state rival is the Tuskegee Golden Tigers from when A&M was a Division Two program, but since the Bulldogs moved up to Division One, matchups between Tuskegee and A&M have not been as frequent. However, they met up in 2023 and set the record for the largest crowd at Lewis Crews Stadium with 26,391 in attendance. Food & Beverage 3 There is a lot of great food on Bulldog game days… at the pregame tailgate. Inside the stadium, the options are somewhat limited, with the offerings including hot dogs ($3), polish sausages ($5), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($3), nachos ($4), dill pickles ($2), and candy ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand bottled sodas ($4), Dasani water ($4), and Minute Maid frozen treats ($3). There are alcohol stands that sell various beers ($5-$7). As of the writing of this article, the concession stands accept cards and cash, but starting in 2025, Alabama A&M athletic events will become cashless. Atmosphere 4 Bulldog game days start with pregame tailgating at the George E. Jones Tailgate Plaza. There will be many tents and cookouts many hours before toe meets the leather on the gridiron. As the time gets closer to kickoff, bulldog paws are on the road leading you toward Louis Crews Stadium. After passing the security checkpoint, there are several tents with Bulldogs merchandise before entering the concourse below the bleachers. Upon entering the concourse, there is an elevator to the executive suites and press box with a bust of Louis Crews, the head coach of the Bulldogs from 1960-1975, as well as a plaque commemorating John Stallworth. There are three concession stands throughout the main concourse and another one by the opposing smaller stand. The columns that hold up the bleachers commemorate members of the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. There are two sets of bleachers, with the main home stand seating 14,000 people while a 7,000-seat stand sits on the other side. The football field is surrounded by a running track with a video scoreboard by one end zone and the George Hobson Field House near the other. The football field has the Alabama A&M logo at midfield with a bulldog shaded in the turf if you look close enough. About an hour before kickoff, the Maroon & White Band marches into the stadium on the track by the scoreboard. The band plays music, the Dancin’ Divas strut in, and the cheerleaders get the crowd going. The football team comes out of the field house and enters the playing field through an inflatable helmet and pyro show. Fireworks went off every time the Bulldogs scored a touchdown, and there was a stadium-wide firework show at the end of the third quarter (I attended the Homecoming Game, but I can’t confirm if this occurs every game). Neighborhood 3 The immediate vicinity of the Alabama A&M campus does not have a lot of attractions for visiting tourists. To get the most out of a visit to Huntsville, I would recommend venturing a few miles south and visiting attractions such as the Huntsville Depot Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, and Big Spring International Park. It is recommended to travel a few more miles west and stop by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Dining options in downtown Huntsville include Catch 25 Seafood & Brewery, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, and Melt Huntsville for comfort food. Hotel chains include Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, and Embassy Suites. Fans 3 The fans arrive early for the pregame tailgate with great food, good vibes, and unwavering support for the Bulldogs. Most of the fans are either proud Alumni of Alabama A&M or students currently attending the university. Alabama A&M has had success marketing itself as the only D1 program in the quickly growing Huntsville area, and there are youth and church groups in attendance as well. The Maroon and White Band sets the tone for the crowd while the cheerleaders and Dancin’ Divas help raise the energy. Access 4 From I-65, turn off on I-565 and drive until you reach Exit 19B, where you make a left onto Highway 431. Keep driving, and the campus of Alabama A&M will be on your right. From the tailgating area, follow the paws on the road to get to the stadium, and the venue is easy enough to walk around. The lines for the concessions are not long, and there are enough restrooms throughout the concourse. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for Alabama A&M games are $35, while reserved seats at midfield are $45. Children’s tickets are only $15. Parking costs between $15-$30, so an individual can expect to pay $60, while a date will run over $100, and a family of four will drop around $150. Tickets for Alabama A&M games are more expensive than UAB or Jacksonville State but cheaper than Alabama State games. Extras 4 Alabama A&M has had 16 players play on Sundays in the NFL, including Robert Mathis and John Stallworth. The aforementioned players have had their numbers retired by Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs play the Alabama State Hornets in the annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham. This game is the biggest of the season for the Bulldogs and a chance to connect with the alumni of the other school. As is the case with other HBCUs, the Maroon and White band puts on an amazing halftime performance and performs throughout the game. Their performance is seen as the highlight of a Bulldog game day by many fans. Alabama A&M’s Homecoming weekend is a big deal as there is a party on the campus for the whole week. There will be many fans tailgating who do not go inside the stadium for the game, but they are part of the Homecoming festivities. Final Thoughts Alabama A&M has a unique and exciting game day experience. The tailgating scene before the game and the Maroon & White band’s halftime show are both amazing experiences. Alabama A&M knows how game day is supposed to be done.

Photos by Jarod Goodman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 The Palestra 235 S 33rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers website The Palestra website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 8,725 The Cathedral of College Basketball Across the Schuylkill River from downtown Philadelphia lies the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, a historic colonial-era Ivy League institution that often receives more acclaim for its academics than for its athletics. But the Penn Quakers have left their mark on the sports world nonetheless, and none has made more of an impression than the men’s basketball program. Penn has fielded a team since 1897, and that team has played since 1927 in one of the most historic sports venues in the entire world: The Palestra. Food & Beverage 3 Don’t eat at The Palestra. While there’s a modest selection of concession items available, you’re in Philadelphia after all; there are so many incredible dining experiences to be had in the City of Brotherly Love. Additionally, while you’re attending a game at the historic Palestra, you’ll want to explore the place as much as you can and soak in the atmosphere as much as possible. Simply put, just don’t bother standing in line or wasting time getting food at the game. Should you decide to pop over to one of the concession stands anyway, moderately priced options will greet you. Some main dishes include cheeseburgers ($8), pizza slices ($5), and hot dogs ($4). There’s a variety of snacks available as well, such as nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts, all priced around $2-$5. The beverage of choice at Penn is Coca-Cola ($5), and bottled water is $4. The one unique stand in the building is the Cookies & Creamery kiosk, where you can grab a cup of ice cream ($5) or some cookies ($3) for a little treat. Atmosphere 5 The architectural and historical beauty of The Palestra is astounding. The exterior of the gym is eerily similar to a venue that is 13 years its junior, Duke’s Cameron Indoor, but that’s where the similarities end. From the moment you walk inside the door, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine and been transported to a bygone era. The exposed brick hallways, the steel archways that support the convex roof, and the high-up window panels that let sunlight flood the court are the main contributors to the Depression-era ambiance. The majority of the seating in the venue is composed of old wooden benches, though chair-back seats are present in the premium lower bowl. However, none of that matters, as every seat in The Palestra is close to the action due to the intimate design. What makes the arena truly unique are the end zone bleachers; there’s no barrier between the fans in the front row and the activity happening on the hardwood, giving those lucky few an incredible game day experience. To keep track of the game, two helpful scoreboards are perched high in the end zones. Sitting anywhere near the video board in the east end zone makes it hard to see highlights and replays, but the opposite wall has a handy scoreboard that records a variety of game statistics. Neighborhood 4 The Penn campus, along with neighboring Drexel University, makes up the hip district known as University City. Just across the Schuylkill River (pronounced skoo-kuhl , if you were wondering) from the business-oriented downtown, both neighborhoods are awash with entertainment and dining choices. Downtown is by far the most touristy and lively of the two, featuring several significant Revolutionary-era landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Other attractions of note include Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall, the Museum of Art made famous by the 70s blockbuster Rocky , and the National Constitution Center. Philly also has a rich maritime history as a strategic port on the Delaware River, and this history is on display daily at the Independence Seaport Museum. Foodies will love Philadelphia for many reasons, but the obvious draw is the iconic cheesesteak. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, located at 9th and Passyunk, seem to be the main perpetrators in the circulation of the Philly cheesesteak culture. Beefy battles aside, the Reading Terminal Market is also a popular destination with hungry tourists. Dating back to 1893, this gastronomic paradise is home to over one hundred vendors that serve up delectable dishes from pretzels to artisan cheese to fresh produce. Fans 3 The Palestra is electric during Big 5 games and when Penn takes on their arch-rival Princeton. For these packed-out games, it’s sometimes hard to move around the cramped gym and it can be a bit incommodious at times. But the atmosphere that the student section and the Quaker faithful produce amidst these contests is nothing short of special; it’s something basketball die-hards should experience at least once. When the Princeton Tigers or a Big 5 team isn’t on the schedule, don’t expect any wild crowds at The Palestra. For any other game on the slate, the arena doesn’t fill up. Sure, the fans that do find their way to the benches are all over the action and pay attention to the entire game, but it pales in comparison to those staple games. Access 3 The Palestra, and the University as a whole, are located in a cramped and dated part of Philadelphia, forcing game day visits to become a complicated, multi-step process. For starters, there is extremely limited parking near the gym. The lots in the surrounding area are reserved on basketball game days, but there are two primary garages to choose from. The first is located at 34th and Chestnut Streets, while the second is adjacent to the Penn Museum at South Street and Convention Avenue. Rates for these garages vary; you can also use the Parking Panda app to find a pre-paid parking space, and this is usually your best bet. Another option would be to take Philadelphia’s mass transit, called SEPTA, to the game. Three modes of SEPTA will drop you off near The Palestra: Regional Rail – Both the Penn Medicine and 30th Street Stations are within a 10-minute walk. Subway – The 30th and 34th Street Stations are both along the Market-Frankford Line, though the latter is slightly closer. Trolley – The 33rd Street stop is only about a 5-minute walk from The Palestra. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets start at $17 and go up from there. Tickets to the annual Princeton game or a Big 5 matchup may cost you more. Concessions, should you choose to grab a bite, are moderately priced and probably won’t run you more than $10 per person. Parking rates vary depending on the location and time but expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $30 for a space. After everything is said and done, a family of four should look to spend around $130 for a game at Penn. This is well worth the experience at the holy grail of college hoops. Extras 5 The hallways of The Palestra are a living museum, so plan to arrive plenty early and learn all about the rich history of the Penn Quakers and their glorious home. There are dozens of display cases that feature memorabilia and informative plaques alike, covering all Quaker athletic programs and showcasing their accomplishments by decade. These cases don’t just highlight the University of Pennsylvania either, but rather all of the Philadelphia Big 5 schools. Speaking of the Big 5, The Palestra has been the home of the basketball teams from Philly’s institutions of higher education for many years. While each university has its home arena, Penn annually hosts St. Joseph’s, Villanova, Temple, and La Salle at their venerable gymnasium. The Palestra opened on New Year’s Day of 1927 with a win over Yale in front of a capacity crowd of 10,000 – then the largest basketball crowd on the east coast to ever attend a game. (Thirty years earlier, Penn and Yale played in the first-ever basketball game to feature five players on each team.) Since its debut, The Palestra has hosted more games, more visiting teams, and more NCAA tournaments than any other venue in college basketball. Final Thoughts The history that Penn has both written and witnessed at The Palestra is what makes it a venue that should be at the top of your bucket list, college hoops fan or not. Whether the Quakers win or lose, you will not regret seeing a game at The Cathedral.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Veterans Memorial Park Strickland Field 503 Park Dr Weimar, TX 78962 Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 1,200 Veterans Memorial Park Strickland Field Veterans Memorial Park Strickland Field has hosted almost all levels of baseball since opening in 1948. The historic ballpark has been home to youth and high school baseball, the Babe Ruth World Series, a National Baseball Congress team, and the Texas Tomcats of the Texas Collegiate League. However, in 2022 it added a professional baseball club to its collection. The Weimar Hormigas of the Pecos League hope to become a fixture in town. The ballpark was built by Weimar veterans and is the primary home to both the Weimar High School Wildcats and the Weimar Vets of the Community League. The Wildcats have captured State 2A Championships in 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2003. The Vets are coached by Tom Strickland, who has been involved with the venue since 1976. His surname also graces the official name of the stadium. The stadium has also been home to the Babe Ruth World Series for players between the ages of 16-18. The last time it took place was in 2012, but the Texas Babe Ruth League team captured national championships in 2002 and 2014 while also appearing in the World Series 11 times between 1982 and 2012. The stadium was featured in the motion picture Everybody Wants Some!! that has been described as Dazed and Confused meets the 1980s. The baseball scenes of the fictional Southwest Texas College took place at the stadium that included signs for the college on the bleachers and scoreboard There is a lot of history in the ballpark, but that did not include baseball until the Pecos League came to town almost 75 years after its construction date. The Hormigas means “ant” in Spanish, and the club adopted the colors of red and black. It’s a new era of baseball at Veterans Memorial Park, and perhaps some of that history and championship-caliber play can rub off on the Hormigas and the stadium experience. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Weimar Hormigas lasted just the one season in the Pecos League. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand on the 3rd base side, offering snacks for folks during the game. The options are varied and quite impressive for the small ballpark. It includes hot dogs, nachos, burgers, popcorn, and peanuts. The regional Frito Pie is available that includes chili, cheese, and corn chips. Fans also have the option of choosing between Pepsi and Coca-Cola products, along with state favorites Dr. Pepper and Big Red. Shave ice is probably the most popular sweet treat for hot summer evenings. There are 12 flavors, but the most curious are, at least to this writer, tiger blood, pickle juice, and cotton candy. The other flavors are cherry, blueberry, lime, etc. The pricing ranges between $3-$6 for most products at the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is in pristine condition for its age, and little appears to have changed since its construction a few years after World War II. A marquee is front and center of the entrance and features dates of future games for the ball club. A collection of hand-painted murals decorate the walls from high school baseball and the local American Legion and VFW posts. A mural has been erected near the entrance that honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives in battle from the American Legion Post #5875 and VFW Post #0259. It is beautifully constructed with flags of all branches of services and baseball sculptures. The plaque was dedicated in 2006. The curved grandstand offers covered seating for 10-rows of seating with the press box underneath the roof. It provides plenty of shade for the hot Texas heat, but that can’t be said for the wooden bleacher seating down each baseline. A simple scoreboard is sponsored by a local bank that lights up in red and yellow, while hand-painted ads take up space on the green-wooden fence. There are more ads on the top of the bleacher seating. The gameday atmosphere is very mellow. The focus of attention is on the game on the diamond. The banter from the dugout is similar to that of small college ballparks. There is also a little chatter with the few who brave the heat from the covered grandstand. A PA announcer does a fine job announcing players. Neighborhood 2 Weimar has a population of around 29,000 and is located directly off I-10 between Houston (88 miles) and San Antonio (109 miles). It is easy to find on your travels between the two major cities, and there are a few restaurants in town worth checking out before a Hormigas game. Lesticia’s and Los Jarritos serve Mexican food, Texas Burger is a regional chain ideal for the family, and Rodeo Restaurant features burgers and sandwiches. Sammy’s Steak House is a premium option. The Kasper Meat Market is worth checking out for take-out meat products, including smoked Weimar sausage. The Whistling Duck Winery is a 4-acre winery featuring a tasting room of several handcrafted Texas wines. They are also “wine sippin” porches to cool off and spend a lazy afternoon in town. Fans 2 The Hormigas have played only a handful of games since our review. The local community is beginning to warm up to the club. The crowds are light in the 1,000-seat ballpark; when the team establishes itself, those numbers could increase. Access 4 Weimar is easily accessible from I-10, and three major cities surround it in a triangle (Houston, San Antonio, and Austin). There is plenty of parking outside the ballpark, and it is easy to move around the grandstand to access concessions, bathrooms, and the veterans memorial. For a ballpark built in 1948, fans don’t feel squeezed in during games. Return on Investment 3 The price of the ticket is $10-standard among the Pecos League ballparks from what has been told to me. Concession prices are inexpensive, and there is a wide selection of items from hot dogs, burgers, Frito pies, nachos, and flavored ice. Beer is also available for $3 a can, another great price for a baseball game. Parking is also free. Extras 4 Veterans Memorial Park – Strickland Field is a well-maintained ballpark that will be 75 years old and watching a game from under the grandstand is worth the price of admission alone. The veterans memorial is a nice tribute to the men and women who served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. The concession is nicely decorated with various menu items, along with the beautifully painted walls throughout the stadium from the outfield fencing, concourse signage, and the marquee entrance. Final Thoughts The Hormigas are the new club in town, and it will take time to create the ideal environment for its fanbase. However, the ballpark is in great shape, and there are plenty of concessions during the game. I hope things work out for the club and the Pecos League. This is a gem and historic building for baseball. It is one of the better ballparks in the league, and I hope to see success in Weimar in the foreseeable future. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Earlier this week the San Francisco Giants  announced that after 24 seasons they will be parting ways with beloved PA Announcer Renel Brooks-Moon .   “As a Bay Area native, it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve on the mike and in the community for the Giants for 24 years,” the 65-year-old said in the news release. “My very first game on April 11, 2000, I shall never forget, because the job has always been bigger than me. Representation matters, and it is my great hope that my time in the booth has inspired little girls, young women and people of color to pursue their dreams even if those dreams seem impossible, because impossible dreams can come true.   “To my successor, best of luck, and enjoy every minute of it! To the talented young control-room crew, I could not be prouder of you all. And last, but certainly not the least, the fans: 100% the best fans in all of baseball, many of whom have become personal friends. I can’t thank you enough for your overwhelming kindness and support. I will miss you all the most. Go Get 'Em Bo Mel!”   The news came as a shock to baseball fans throughout the Bay Area . In the past quarter century the presence and voice of Brooks-Moon at Oracle Park was synonymous to the game day experience along with the sweeping views of the bay and their three World Championships. Brooks-Moon was the second female PA Announcer for the San Francisco Giants replacing Sherry Davis , who held the position from 1993-1999. Aside from being the first female PA Announcer to announce during the World Series, Brooks-Moon has been honored by many organizations , including American Women in Radio and Television, Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, 100 Black Women, Bay Area Black Journalists Association and Girls, Inc. She is in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, and former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed "Renel Brooks-Moon Day" in her honor on March 18, 2005.  San Francisco Giants announcer Renel Brooks-Moon addresses the crowd during a Wall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on Sept. 17, 2022, in San Francisco. Photo Courtesy of Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images In light of her separation, Brooks-Moon on Wednesday was named 2024 Woman of the Year  by the California State Assembly on Wednesday by District Supervisor Matt Haney. On Thursday Giants President and CEO Larry Baer announced  that the Giants won’t have a permanent replacement for Brooks-Moon to start the 2024 season. Instead, they will use “rotating voices” in the 2024 season. Baer also stated that the team hasn't started the search for a replacement yet   but will “soon,” adding that it will take time because Brooks-Moon “is a legend” and leaves “tough” shoes to fill.    With Baer practically admitting the organization was not prepared to find her replacement, perhaps now would be a great opportunity for those of you out there to submit an audition tape to team president Larry Baer to be among the “rotating voices” of PA Announcers during the 2024 season. Who knows, maybe just maybe you could be the next legendary voice of Oracle Park though as Baer alluded to earlier Brooks-Moon “is a legend” and leaves “tough” shoes to fill.  Follow and view all of Andrei’s Los Angeles journeys on Instagram   @thestadiumjourneyman  and   @dreiinla  and on TikTok @dre1nla .

A historic ballpark in Fort Worth, Texas, will be torn down in the coming months. The Tarrant Regional Water District Board of Directors (TRWD) voted Tuesday night to demolish the LaGrave Field after deeming it a public safety hazard. The TRWD took control of the site in 2019 and had a contract with the Save LaGrave Foundation in the hopes of restoring the former home of the Fort Worth Cats, but ended the agreement with the foundation a year later. Since then, the TRWD has spent $200,000 annually on the property. The current LaGrave Field opened in 2002 as the home of the newly formed Cats of the Central Baseball League. The original dugouts were repurposed as suites for up to 10 people, the original home plate was left intact, and a replica of the covered bleachers was constructed behind the right field walls. The Cats would cease operations after the 2014 season. The original stadium opened in 1926 to replace the all-wooden Panther Park that opened in 1911. The Ft. Worth Panthers (Cats) had won 7 straight Texas League pennants, and fans flocked the ballpark by the thousands. A modern facility was built for the newfound interest in the team. The concrete and steel structure had seating for 12,000 and offered a view of the nearby Trinity River and kept the Panther Park name. One of the people instrumental in the success of the Cats was minority stockholder and business manager Paul LaGrave. Little did he know that the stadium would bear his name after his untimely death at age 44 in January 1929. The grandstands were destroyed on May 15, 1949 by fire. Fans would continue to watch baseball by bringing foldable chairs and finding seats on the first and third base bleachers. However, the following season, the stadium was rebuilt. The Cats would continue to play until 1958, returning for one final season in 1964. Parts of the old ballpark would be sold off and transported throughout the state. St. Mary’s University and Marble High School purchased parts of the bleachers and light standards. A few floodlights were sent to the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. LaGrave Field was hoping to restore the city’s professional baseball history that began in 1884, but after sitting in squalid conditions and being home to vandalism and vagrants for almost a decade, the decision to raze it puts an end to its future as a home to a professional team. The stadium sits on close to 350 acres of prime real estate and is part of the future Panther Island economic development. Several plans include a mixed-use waterfront district, possibly including apartments, businesses, and hotels or a waterfront destination. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Trinity Health Arena 955 Fourth St Muskegon, MI 49440 Muskegon Risers website Trinity Health Arena website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 3,500 Rising Up to the Occasion in Muskegon The L. C. Walker Arena was dedicated to the City of Muskegon on October 27, 1960. Louis C. Walker, the founder of Shaw-Walker Office Equipment, wanted to provide for the recreational needs of his employees and residents and donated a generous $1 million for its construction. The city then spent an additional $1.5 million on the land, utilities, parking, and some furnishings. Walker would help create at least 14 other recreational fields and parks in Muskegon during his lifetime. The arena has been home to a variety of events that have included concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. The arena also houses the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League and the West Michigan Ironmen of the American Arena League; its newest tenant is the Muskegon Risers of Major Arena Soccer League 2 who call the building home for six games during the winter months. The Risers were founded in 2014 and its nickname was inspired by the ‘Muskegon, Together Rising’ sculpture that stands in the heart of downtown. The club also operates in the United Premier Soccer League Midwest conference during the summer at Kehren Stadium. According to its website, the colors of blue and gold reflect the city’s natural beauty as a lakeside community during the spring, summer, and fall seasons but change to black and white during the winter indoor season when Lake Michigan freezes and lake effect snow blankets the community. The Risers also function as the primary player development partner of the Milwaukee Wave of MASL and the unique partnership includes cross-promotions, player development, tactical mentoring, game-day operations, and MASL call-ups. The Wave will also provide players who need additional playing time to the Risers when needed. It was the first and only such agreement in the two leagues of arena soccer. The arena has a capacity of 3,500 for indoor soccer games and features a playing surface that is gray with white lining. There is also an artistic flair to the inner concourse from colorful chairs and tables, local artist paintings, and social hang-out spots. With the arena turning 60 years old at the beginning of the next decade, it is still a hip place to enjoy a soccer game. In 2018 $1.7 million of renovations improved the fan experience and created a broader entertainment hub for patrons attending events in the building. These renovations included Rad Dad’s Taco & Tequilla Bar, a pavilion/beer garden, an enlarged concourse near the Western Ave. entrance, new suites and club-seating areas, a Kids Zone, and party decks on the northwest and southwest corners of the arena. The renovations decreased seating by 400 but fans are now able to enjoy events in the building in a myriad of options allowing for an open environment seen at much larger buildings across the nation. in January 2020 the building will change its name to Mercy Health Arena at the tune of $1.5 million over 15 years. The sponsorship will begin with a sports-theme restaurant called Carlisle’s, Walker’s middle name, and include patio seating with local sports memorabilia on its walls. Food & Beverage 3 The traditional concession stands offer $2 hot dogs, $6 cheddar brats, $10 brisket sandwiches, mac-n-cheese for $5, pizza by the slice or whole pie, and Pepsi products with unlimited refills for $4. Two bars offer domestic and craft beers for $4-$7 along with $7 mixed drinks and wine. That’s nice enough but in the summer of 2018, interior space was used to create a new restaurant called Rad Dads, a high-end taco restaurant featuring a wide selection of tequilas. They serve food and drink in two plastic outdoor heated igloos and an indoor space. There are also skateboards, classic pinball, and video games along with a wall of cassette tapes that creates a lively and unique décor. Along the stadium perimeter walls, small portable stands offer items such as classic Hawaiian shave ice (highly recommended) and ice cream. Atmosphere 2 The renovations have created a building that stands out not only in the M2 but could also hold its own in the MASL. Spectators who enjoy watching soccer from their seats still have that option while others who want to mingle or be seen by others can find a spot at the bar or numerous party decks on the concourse. The changes have indeed created a “hub” for entertainment in town during the winter season. There are some exterior and interior decor that show their age from when the building debuted in 1960. However, there is a colorful array of art inside the building that injects much-needed life into the old place. The most eye-popping aspect is the gray field turf that Risers play on during games that is not your typical green-colored surface. It was installed in April of 2017 and is also utilized by the indoor football team that occupies the building during the spring and summer, so you will see a few grid marks on its surface. Approximately ten rows of reasonably comfortable red/purple padded seats surround the oval playing surface. There are not any cup holders available. The sight lines are good and seats are close to the action. A few special seating areas are available for groups and a kids' play area will keep the little ones busy. These two areas were part of recent renovations to the arena that also include a beer garden with 8 flat-screen TVs and a social area. A scoreboard is over the center of the playing field that provides an average-quality sound system and good music during timeouts and between periods. The Risers do not have an official mascot. There is a small area offering team shirts and other merchandise. Neighborhood 3 The area around the arena is mixed residential/commercial with several choices for food, drink, and entertainment. Rad Dads is a part of the building and fans can have dinner there and have great views of the action on the turf. Nearby dining choices include Rebel Pies for pizza, 18th Amendment Spirits Company for a wide-ranging menu including wood-fired pizzas, and an old-school burger joint named Hamburger Mikey. Two well-rated breweries are Pigeon Hill Brewing Company and Unruly Brewing Company. Three state parks on Lake Michigan are great to visit in the summer. Other attractions include the Muskegon Heritage Museum, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, and the Monet Garden. Fans 2 The Risers are working to create a fan interest in indoor soccer. Given the 3,500 seats, the fan support is limited right now. They have many families who attend along with several groups. The noise level is pretty low, but don’t blame The Port City Supporters, a group of four guys doing their best to get fans involved. An interesting twist that goes along with the vibe of the building, in one corner, multiple bed sheets have been painted as flags of the players’ nationalities. A total of 25 out of the squad’s 31 players are from the area or have attended a West Michigan college or university. Access 3 Located on Business US 31 downtown and about two miles west of US 31, driving to the arena is pretty easy. Parking is a bit of a challenge as there are a few lots nearby so consider street parking. Handicap parking is at Fourth Street and Western Avenue and they have a handicap entrance with an elevator at the small back parking lot. There are two entrances; Western Avenue is handicap accessible and there are three handicap seating sections. Gates open one hour before the game starts. A concourse surrounds the seating area which allows fans to follow the action everywhere. They are updating and adding new restrooms. Return on Investment 3 Loge seats are $15; section seating is $11 and $9 tickets are offered to seniors, children under 17, and military members. Food and beverage prices are very reasonable and parking is free. The club does not offer a program but does offer free roster sheets showcasing the players’ names and uniform numbers. Extras 3 Any arena that has a taco joint named Rad Dads is certainly worth a point, as well as real Hawaiian shave ice for another. Outdoor igloos in winter are fun for a small group, especially in the frigid temperatures of Michigan. The local art, grey turf, colorful displays around the concourse, and local eateries add to an interesting vibe to the arena that sets it a party for your typical M2 venue. This might be the crown jewel of the league. Final Thoughts Muskegon’s citizens are working hard to use L. C. Walker Arena as a local entertainment opportunity at a reasonable price. It is a nice spot for families and groups to enjoy a night out. As for the game of indoor soccer, the arena is the ideal size for the sport and the Risers hope to hang their hat along with minor league hockey and indoor football as a sports and entertainment option in the city. The local art, grey turf, colorful displays around the concourse, and local eateries add to an interesting vibe to the arena that sets it apart for your typical M2 venue. This might be the crown jewel of the league.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hulman Center 200 N 8th St. Terre Haute, IN 47809 Indiana State Sycamores website Hulman Center website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 9,000 Hulman Center is the Place to Be in Terre Haute When you think of Indiana State University, you think of Larry Bird, and rightfully so. He put Terre Haute, Indiana, on the map in 1979 when he led the Sycamores to a 33-1 record and the NCAA Final Four, culminating in the iconic championship game against Michigan State and Magic Johnson. The canvas on which Bird and his teammates performed their magic was the Hulman Center. The multi-purpose venue opened in 1973 and had a capacity of 10,200 spectators. It is named after Indiana Motor Speedway owner and Terre Haute native Tony Hulman, who donated $2.5 million towards its construction. The State Budget Agency gathered $6 million, and the remaining $1.5 million was collected in a campaign sponsored by the ISU Foundation. The building was more than double the size of the Sycamores ISU Arena that had opened in 1961. The arena is centrally located between downtown and campus, designed to attract touring musical acts, house commencement ceremonies, and stage other events. The building remained virtually unchanged in aesthetics until recent renovations vastly improved its exterior and interior appearance. It has been a welcoming change from fans and alumni. The $50 million renovations added a new exterior façade, a glass entrance from the south end, an event/meeting space, a multi-purpose suite, and open views of the seating bowl from the concourse level. The most impressive improvement might be the glass windows, providing natural lighting to the building that changes the experience for fans. Other improvements include two hanging video boards measuring more than 14 by 24 feet and two hanging boards measuring more than 9 by 16 feet. The $2 million scoreboard was donated by the Hulman-George family. There is also new seating, new banners against the upper walls, and reduced seating capacity, down from 10,200 to 9,000. Also new this year is a Sycamore team that was nationally ranked for the first time since that 1979 team. It has created a renewed interest in the program, resulting in four sold-out crowds and increased attendance figures at most games. How has the change been since our last visit to town one year ago? Food & Beverage 3 The building has four concession points in the corners, offering basic stadium fare at reasonable prices, plus the school's Crossroads Cream Ale. The food choices include hot dogs, brats, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Pepsi products are the drink of choice at the arena. The ISU Athletics Department has partnered with the Terre Haute Brewing Company for the Crossroads Cream Ale, which "pays homage to a celebration of Sycamore pride. The beer is directed to fans and alumni and is an easy-drinking ale served by the can but poured in plastic cups. Atmosphere 4 The Hulman Center looks almost brand new, including an artistic design to the outside of the building along with a new glass entrance on the south side. The arena has a much warmer and more welcoming feel than the giant white warehouse-looking structure it once exhibited. However, one must pay homage to the 17-foot statue of Larry Bird outside its entrance. The North Entrance welcomes fans into the building and the first view of the seating bowl and video board. The team merchandise area is located adjacent to the doors. The number of options has more than quadrupled in size. The stands offer selections in old-school sky blue and current royal blue in caps, t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, and half-zip shirts. The Sycamores lead their conference and are playing their best basketball since 1979. It has led to increased attendance and an improved atmosphere at the home and center. Instead of a half-empty, vapid building, the place is alive with a frenzy of fans and students. The noise level booms during big plays and team introductions. The student section is at the south end of the court. It has been nicknamed The Forest, and they are always on their feet at the start of each contest. The dance team is situated on the end lines and performs during time-outs. Sycamore Sam is the official mascot and entertains fans on the court. Neighborhood 4 The arena is within walking distance of many bars and restaurants downtown and on the edge of campus. Downtown has changed a bit, and there are quite a few establishments to visit before or after the game for a bite to eat or drink or two. The Copper Bar and Terminal Public House are two spots for dinner that offer traditional pub food of appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas. The Copper Bar has a limited menu compared to The T Terminal, but prices are more than reasonable, and sandwiches are plenty. Both operate in historic buildings that add to the ambiance. They are open well after evening games on the weekends but expect an up to an hour wait before the game on Saturday nights. The Verve and The Ballyhoo are two college hangouts if you are in the mood. If staying away from the younger college crowd, a few blocks away are M. Moggers, Terre Haute Brewing Company, J. Gumbo’s, and Chava’s Mexican Grill are other options before the game, but grab a drink at the brewery instead of food. The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center is a must-visit. It was founded by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor, who passed away in 2019. She created a hologram of herself. Visitors can ask questions about her experiences during the war, fleeing Europe, and setting up a life in the United States. Fans 4 The Indiana State fans have something to cheer about with the Sycamores on the cusp of capturing the regular season MVC title. It has resulted in three sold-out crowds, something that hasn't been seen since 1979. The fan base has also taken their act on the road, chartering busses to away games in Evansville, Valpo, and Drake. The additional support is evident, with cheers and roars echoing throughout the 50-year-old venue. The student section has seating for 1,200 and has also blossomed with coordinated cheers and thoughts throughout the game. Access 5 The arena is downtown, three miles north of I-70 and off campus. If you arrive early, there is free parking on the street, but additional lots and a parking garage are available. A free parking lot a block north of the arena on Chestnut Street. Downtown Terre Haute consists of many one-way streets, but police presence moves fans in and out before and after the game. The building has four entrances and one concourse surrounding the seating bowl. The signage for seating sections is large and easy to follow for the first-time visitor. The concourse offers an open view of the seating bowl from the north entrance. During half-time, the lines can be long for concessions and bathrooms. Be prepared, or leave a little earlier to avoid congestion. Return on Investment 4 When your team is winning, it reflects the cost of a ticket. One year ago, the price of a ticket would be as low as $8, but since this is the best run by the Sycamores in 44 years, the price has gone up. Weekend games sell out, but it is possible to find a ticket on the secondary market for $20 for upper deck seats and $50 for the lower deck. Season ticket holders unable to attend a game are encouraged to give up their seats. It could lead to additional tickets offered the day before a sold-out Saturday game. The prices can be as low as $14 with service fees. It is wise to plan if the Sycamores continue their dominant play beyond this season. Team merchandise ranges from as low as $20 for a shirt, $25 for a cap or hoodie, to $45 for dry-fit shirts and jerseys. Concession prices are fair: hot dogs are $3.50, nachos are $5.50, large sodas are $4.50, and 20-ounce tall boy beers are $7.50. Extras 4 The arena earns one point for the 17-foot statue of Larry Bird in front, honoring one of the game's greatest players. He last suited up in 1979, but his legacy is alive at the school. He is indeed Larry Legend. The second point is for the recent renovations that have changed the appearance of the building from the inside out. A third point is for the newer banners on display, including a retro-looking 1979 Final Four logo, along with the school's only NCAA championship, the 1977 Gymnastic team. A third point is for after the game when fans line up around the portion of the court and high-five players. Many others pose for pictures or seek an autograph. Young fans eagerly await a chance for a photo or signature from their favorite player. A final point is for the improved merchandise stand. Pacesetters Sports operates the area and offers various styles and colors to show off your Sycamore pride. There are t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, polos, half-zips, and caps in royal blue and sky blue. There are many options featuring the old-school ISU logo from the 1970s. It's been a vast improvement since our visit a little over a year ago. Final Thoughts It is amazing what winning can do to a basketball program. The Hulman Center has not seen this much excitement since disco was king. The building is full of energy, folks are proud to wear school merchandise, and downtown restaurants are bustling before and after the game. The arena has always been a great place to watch a game, but it is much better when your team is vying for a conference title. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Culpeper County High School Baseball Field 1420 Achievement Drive Culpeper, VA 22701 Culpeper Cavaliers website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 500 Get on Your Horse and Watch Cavaliers Baseball The Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest summer collegiate baseball leagues in America, with 12 teams in and around Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley. The league has existed in some form for at least 100 years, although early records are spotty as to the exact date of founding and there are several conflicting sources. The Culpeper Cavaliers are the newest member of the VBL, having just joined this season. The Cavaliers play at Culpeper County High School, whose baseball field is not otherwise in use during the summer months. Despite playing in the Valley League, Culpeper is not actually in the Shenandoah Valley, as it is located east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession options at a Culpeper Cavaliers game. The main stand, which also houses the team store, sells bottled water, soda, Gatorade, candy, popcorn, and chips. There are also other more substantive options available out of a food truck, including burgers, fresh grilled hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Excluding the food truck, which sets its own prices, nothing costs more than about $4, which is a great deal. Atmosphere 3 There are a lot of places you can watch the game from here in Culpeper. The seating area is built into a hill surrounding the field, with several sets of bleachers at the top of the hill. There are also a few rows of very widely spaced bench seating further down. Many fans choose to forgo these options and bring their own chairs and sit either in the shade of the trees at the top of the hill, or somewhere else on it. Be warned there are a lot of bugs in the grass, and if you do not throw away your trash quickly after eating, the ants will swarm. However, the ants do not seem to have learned to climb the bleachers at the top of the hill, so you should be safe there. Unfortunately, most vantage points will find their view of either the scoreboard or some part of the field obstructed by the dugout roof, so this rating does get downgraded. The Cavaliers do some activities to engage fans, including the pony race, where kids attempt to race around the field while riding inflatable ponies. The team leans heavily into the horse imagery here, with the sound of a whinny played over the PA system after a Cavaliers pitcher strikes out an opponent. The team even brings in real ponies for select home games. Finally, there are a couple of Valley League traditions that are worth noting. Your game ticket doubles as a raffle ticket for the chance to win prizes throughout the game, so hold onto it. Additionally, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play, but can return them to the concession stand for a lollipop. Kids are constantly running up and down the hill to chase the foul balls to get their prize. Neighborhood 3 Culpeper County as a whole only has about 50,000 people, and most of it is very rural, but the area around the high school where the Cavaliers play is more developed than most other parts. Los Portillos Taqueria is located almost right next door, and if you head towards Business Route 15, you will find many more places including both chains and local restaurants such as Grill 309. Fans 3 Culpeper is the newest franchise in the league, so they have not had the time to build up a fan base that the other more established clubs have. A typical game will draw a couple hundred fans, with larger crowds on weekends usually. The Valley League is the epitome of small town ball, so there's a natural limit to how much any team can draw, and the Cavaliers are still establishing their fan base. Given a few years, they may draw even more than they are today, but they still manage to draw a decent crowd most nights. Access 3 Getting into Culpeper is relatively easy, although you will have little choice but to drive given this is a rural area. US Routes 15 and 29 split just south of here, and both provide easy access. Although they do have some lights, for the most part you can make good time. That being said, if coming from a major city you will have to do quite a bit of driving. Washington, DC is about an hour and a half to two hours away, and even if coming from another Valley League town, you will have to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains, which can be challenging for drivers if not doing so on an interstate like I-66 or I-64. Once you arrive here, signs will direct you where to go, although they are small and can be hard to see. Although the baseball field is at the high school, you are better off parking at the middle school next door, as that lot is closer than the high school's lot. Go all the way back and park in the corner of the lot closest to the high school. From there, you will walk between the two buildings to the baseball field. There is a small lot right next to the field, but it fills up quickly and is mostly used by gameday personnel, the elderly, and the handicapped, so you will probably have to use the much larger middle school lot. The hill is pretty steep, so getting up and down it can be a problem, especially since there are no paths so you will be walking on grass. Single-person men's and women's restrooms are available on the side of the press box opposite the concession stand. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5, as they are in most of the Valley League. Concessions are affordable as well with most items being under $4 other than the food truck, making a trip to a Cavaliers game an outstanding value. Extras 3 One star for the team store which sells Cavaliers gear. Normally it has its own tent, but occasionally it may be sold out of the concession stand. A second star for all the unique vantage points to watch a game here. A third and final star for the free programs at the entrance. Final Thoughts The Valley League is small town baseball at its finest, and the Culpeper Cavaliers are no exception. This is a new team that is rapidly growing its fan base, but they still manage to create a great experience for fans here. Given a couple years to further establish itself, a game here will be even better than it is now.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Patriots Point Soccer Stadium 85 Patriot Points Rd Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Charleston Battery website Patriots Point Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 3,900 The Energized Battery The Charleston Battery is one of the oldest continuously operating professional soccer clubs in the United States, as it was founded in 1993. It has played in several different soccer leagues, including the USISL Pro League, the USLA-League, and the USL Second Division. The team currently plays at the USL Championship level. The Battery plays its home matches in the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium located in Mount Pleasant, SC, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston. The iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge towers over the stadium and provides a dramatic backdrop during home matches. The stadium presently has a capacity of 3,900, with plans to expand to 5,000 over the next few seasons. The stadium also serves the soccer program for the College of Charleston. Patriots Point Soccer Complex is the club’s third home pitch in its long history. The previous homes for the Battery were Stoney Field (1993-1998) and MUSC Health Stadium (1999-2019). Patriots Point held its inaugural season with fans allowed in 2021, after a shortened pandemic season in 2020, where fans were not allowed in the stadium. Food & Beverage 5 Charleston is known as a foodie heaven, and the food and beverage selection at Battery matches will allow you to sample the best it has to offer. Before each match, a wide selection of food vendors is set up in the pregame pavilion area. Among the restaurants represented at every match are Home Team BBQ (chicken wings for $10, pork cracklins for $9, pork sandwiches for $10); Coastal Crust Pizza (cheese pizza for $15, pepperoni pizza for $16, and sausage and mushroom pizza for $17) and Cochita’s Kitchen (tacos for $3, quesadillas for $12, gourmet burritos for $14 and Cuban sandwiches for $12). Co-Op Burgers, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, T&T Kettle Korn, Foxes Fried, Taste of Berlin, and the Immortal Lobster operate on a rotating basis at Battery games. The stadium serves Coca-Cola brand soft drinks ($4), Recover 180 energy drinks ($6), lemonade ($4) and water ($3). Adult beverages are sold pregame in the Beer Garden and at concession stands during the matches. Brands represented at every match include Bud Light ($6), Heineken ($5), Rusty Bull Pale Ale for $8 (features the Strikers’ Wit Battery Soccer Edition in a can), Wicked Weed ($8) and Porch Pounder ($10). Atmosphere 5 A day or evening out at a Battery match is a picnic, a brew fest, a concert and a soccer match all rolled into one. Gates open 90 minutes prior to each match , with pregame activities centered around the pavilion area. This area includes a concert stage with different groups performing at each game, several vendors pouring in the beer garden, supporter group gatherings under tents, several food trucks and a team store. A miniature kid’s pitch will keep the little ones entertained. The Supporter Groups March takes place 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Neighborhood 4 Mount Pleasant is an eastern suburb of Charleston, SC. It is across the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor from Downtown Charleston. It is easily accessed via the Charles Ravenel Bridge. Mount Pleasant offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors. It offers beachfront activities along the Atlantic Ocean on the city’s eastern border. Two sites visitors will want to check out while visiting are the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Boone Plantation and Gardens , which feature lush gardens in the springtime, as well as educational activities about the Gullah culture which flourishes in this area. There are several hotels and restaurants along Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and Coleman Boulevard that offer easy access to the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium. Across the harbor from Mount Pleasant is the tourist mecca of Charleston. The city offers a wide variety of historical sites, including Rainbow Row, the Battery and The Citadel, great shopping along Meeting Street and wonderful restaurants throughout the city. For detailed information on things to do in Charleston, go to www.charlestoncvb.com Fans 4 The Charleston Battery has a strong fanbase headed by its supporter groups. The Regiment is its longest-running supporter group and is also the largest. Queen Anne’s Revenge is a younger group that is decidedly more contemporary, as it utilizes yellow smoke and a drumline throughout the matches. Its drumline leads the supporter group marches into the stadium 30 minutes prior to every match. Charleston Barra Brava consists of members of Charleston’s Hispanic population. The supporters’ section is a General Admission area located behind the goal at the northern end of the pitch. Access 5 Patriots Point is easily accessed via the Arthur Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston or I-26 and North Charleston. After getting onto the Arthur Ravenel Bridge towards Mount Pleasant, get in the right lane and exit at the SC 703 ramp towards Sullivan’s Island. Turn right at Patriots Point Road. Once at Patriot Point Soccer Stadium, you can enter through any one of three gates. Seating is at the eastern, western, and northern sides of the pitch. There are no seats any further away than 20 rows from the pitch, and the aisles are wide and easy to navigate. Return on Investment 5 A night or afternoon at the Battery games will not drain your budget. Tickets run from $25-$35 for seats along the sides of the pitch, with the higher priced tickets reflecting their closeness to the field. General Admission is $12 and is located behind the goal at the north end of the pitch. This is also the Supporter Section. Tickets are available the day of the game at the two ticket offices located at the stadium. However, Battery games frequently sell out prior to the day of the match, so we strongly urge you to prepurchase your ticket at the team’s Seat Geek online website prior to the day of the game. There are five parking lots servicing the stadium. The White lot costs $10, and the Orange lot is $5, as it is located 5 minutes from the stadium at the Shrine Temple. A second offsite lot, the Purple lot is also $5, and is located at the Patriots Point Naval Museum adjacent to the stadium. The Yellow and Blue lots are reserved for season ticket holders. There are a wide variety of concession vendors available during the pregame activities around the Pavilion and at concession stands during the matches. The prices are very reasonable. A team store is also open during each match, with merchandise at several price points. All transactions are cashless at Patriots Point. Extras 5 The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is permanently moored at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, which is adjacent to the soccer stadium and is well worth a visit. The Battery hosts the Carolina Challenge Cup each season. It pits four MLS and USL teams in a round-robin competition over one week. The Battery team name is a salute to the famous seawall and promenade in downtown Charleston. The team’s use of a cannon in its logo is a historical reference to the artillery placements that were placed along the Battery. A cannon is fired at the beginning and end of every match, as well as after each Charleston goal. The Patriot Point Soccer Stadium lies in the shadow of the iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge. The 2.5-mile span connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant as it crosses the Cooper River. It is designed to withstand winds of more than 300 MPH. This is necessary as Charleston is prone to hurricanes. The port of Charleston is one of the largest container ports on the East Coast. Patriot Point has repurposed shipping containers to serve as “suite boxes.” Each suite includes a bar and seating atop of the container or on a deck built in front of the shipping container. Final Thoughts The Charleston Battery is one of the pioneers in professional soccer in the United States. Their new stadium at Patriots Point offers a great place to enjoy a soccer match, with a quality pregame experience, exciting action on the pitch and the dramatic backdrop of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge hovering over the stadium. Best of all, the tourist mecca of Charleston is just across the bridge, offering great restaurants and a plethora of interesting historical sites to enjoy.

Photo by Gordon Sheldall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Student Recreation Center 900 University Ave Riverside, CA 92521 UC-Riverside Highlanders website Student Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,168 Big West in the Inland Empire The city of Riverside is located 60 miles east of Los Angeles but even native Angelenos can forget how big and important an area it is. Riverside is the 12th largest city by population in California and has had tremendous impact on the state’s citrus industry. UC Riverside had its beginning in 1907 as an agricultural research station and opened for classes for the first time in 1954, explaining the number 54 on their mascot’s uniform. The UC Riverside Highlanders basketball team plays in the Big West Conference. The men’s team has never won a championship, unlike the UCR ladies, who have won three titles to date. Despite this, they regularly field competitive athletic teams and provide an entertaining diversion for the students and citizens of their community. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concessions inside the basketball gym where the Highlanders play so the only option is the Highlander food truck parked just outside the venue. You must get your hand stamped by Security so you can re-enter but you are allowed to bring your food and beverage inside the gym. They offer cheeseburger sliders, BBQ pulled pork sliders and BBQ shredded chicken sliders (2 for $4.39 and 4 for $7.99), a hot dog ($3.59), chili cheese dog ($4.59), pretzel ($3.79), nachos ($3.99) and a third-pound cheeseburger for $5.99. The quality and value are good. A great choice, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, is the tasty Black Bean burger ($4.99) which is served Memphis-style with coleslaw and sweet BBQ sauce on it. Snacks include candy, Cracker Jacks, chips and popcorn. Soda, water and Gatorade are the only drinks on the menu. No alcohol is available. Be forewarned – Because there are no other options, the line is long and takes considerable time. If you want to want to grab some grub at halftime, you should duck outside a couple of minutes before the half ends, else, you’ll get stuck in the queue and may even miss the start of the third period. Atmosphere 3 The school band adds a great deal to the atmosphere, playing fan favorites. There are so many cheerleaders I lose count; they are active in bringing the players on before the game, dancing, leading cheers and making the handstands and towers look easy. The scoreboard is top notch and there is a guest table on entry where you can pick up some cool free stuff (posters, schedules, etc.). The game program with rosters and the current Big West standings is free. “Scotty,” the university’s mascot, sports a Tam o’ Shanter and actively roams the stands to interact with fans. Neighborhood 3 Box Springs Mountain Park is located just to the east of the UC Riverside campus. There are walking trails among the natural beauty. There is also a botanic garden on the UCR campus. Otherwise, the neighborhood is the college campus, student housing and businesses that cater to the UCR students. The Getaway Cafe (directly across from parking lot #24 is a sports bar popular with the university’s students. If you don’t want to hang out there, the Sub Station is a well-reviewed sandwich shop near the Getaway Cafe. Fans 3 The attendance at the game I attended was neither paltry nor huge. Fans were seated in the stands on both sides of the court and seemed knowledgeable as well as loyal to the home team. It looked as though there was a good mix of students (especially athletes from other school teams), parents and alumni. They rooted their Highlanders on but shrugged off a close loss when it was over. Access 3 The campus is off CA Interstate 215 making the recreation center easy to find if you go in the daytime and do not make any wrong turns; otherwise, it can get tricky. Signage on the campus is poor. I advise printing out a campus map and bringing it with you in case you get lost. Use “UCR Student Recreation Center” on Google Maps to navigate but keep in mind that the parking lot is around the corner. Exit the 215 freeway at University Ave. and head east toward the mountains. The road curves to the left whereupon it becomes Canyon Crest Drive. Parking lot #24 will be on your right and the attendant will be there to collect your $10. You should feel safe leaving your car there as this lot is directly adjacent to the UCR Police Department. Be advised it is a bit of a hike from the lot, North past the Police Department, turn right at the corner of W. Linden St., pass the track and the Student Recreation Center will be on your right. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are $12 for an assigned seat but $10 for seniors, youth and military with ID. You can save another $2 by getting your tickets in advance online. There is a Guest Services table with schedules, posters and a free game program. Factor in $10 for parking and you can see a game here for under $20 which is a reasonable value. Extras 4 One extra star is credited for the fine band and another for the numerous cheerleaders to fire up the crowd’s school spirit. A third star is awarded for the nice scoreboard with big screen, though it would be enhanced if they used it to show replays and highlights. Currently, it just shows the live action and the occasional “fan cam.” Lastly, a friendly and helpful staff is a big plus. Final Thoughts If you are in the Riverside area and get a hankering to watch some college b-ball action, or if your favorite team is playing the Highlanders, then this venue may just fit your bill. The fans and staff are helpful and friendly. The campus is out-of-the-way from the usual SoCal tourist traps, but this may be the secret to its appeal for many visitors.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Butcher Athletic Center 478 W Campus Drive Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Shephard Rams website Butcher Athletic Center website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 3,600 A Ram-a-Lama-Ding-Dong Shepherd University is a small college located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia in the extreme eastern portion of the state. Shepherd’s athletic teams are known as the Rams and compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) at the Division II NCAA level. The Butcher Athletic Center is the on-campus home of the Rams’ men’s and women’s basketball teams. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small concession stand located on the second floor of the Butcher Athletic Center, serving only the most basic options. Your only options for main courses are pizza ($2.25 for a slice of cheese or $2.50 for pepperoni) and hot dogs ($3.25). Sometimes Chick-fil-A sandwiches will be available for sale as well, for $5. Snacks include chips for $2 and candy for $2.25, while drinks include water for $3 and soda or Gatorade for $3.25. A frozen lemonade vendor from a local company will sometimes be present as well, either on the upper concourse or in the corner at floor level. Atmosphere 2 Unsurprisingly for the Division II level, a Shepherd basketball game is a barebones experience. Although they will play music over the loudspeakers during timeouts and offer occasional giveaways, there isn’t that much going on here. The one good thing is the PA announcer, who tries to get the crowd revved up, but it can be hard to hear him at times since the sound system is so bad. There are scoreboards at each end as well as over center court that show only the basic information, and seats on both sidelines. One side is chair backs while the other is general admission. Neighborhood 2 Shepherdstown is a friendly town but is not a particularly large one. There are a few restaurants and such in the immediate vicinity, but ultimately this is a sleepy small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains with not much to do. That being said, there is a lot of natural beauty in the area. Despite the popular John Denver song, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River are mainly associated with Virginia, not West Virginia, but Jefferson County, where Shepherdstown is located, is the one place in the state you can actually experience them. Civil War buffs can also take a short drive across the Potomac River to visit the historic battlefield at Antietam, Maryland. Fans 2 Shepherd Fans do not turn out in good numbers for Rams basketball games, averaging only a few hundred fans. However, those who do show up tend to be fairly involved, cheering on their team throughout, staying for the whole game, and not feeling afraid to hassle the referees or opposing team. It would be nice to see more fans show up, but at this level, that may be too much to ask. Access 3 Shepherdstown can be tough to access and will require at least some travel on local roads. State Route 9 and U.S. Route 340 can get you close, but then you will have to do some driving on back roads to get to campus. Once you’re at the arena, free parking is available in the lots near the arena, but additional restrictions may be in place on weekdays if you arrive early for the first game of a doubleheader. Be sure to follow all posted signs so you do not receive a ticket. Once you get in to the building, you will enter the gym on the ground floor, but will need to go up to the second floor to access concessions. This just seems needlessly confusing, and depending on where you’re sitting, may require going down to floor level and back up. After scanning your ticket once, you can return through the entrance on either floor. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $6 for a single game or $8 for men’s and women’s doubleheaders. Concessions are affordable as well. However, there just isn’t enough offered here for it to receive the maximum rating. Extras 3 There are free programs available at the entrance which show the rosters and stats for both teams. The Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby on the second floor and honors great Rams of days gone by. There is also a trophy case in the lobby honoring Rams athletic achievements in all sports. Final Thoughts Shepherd Rams basketball is a far cry from the Division I experience you can get across the state in Morgantown. However, if you’re looking for no-frills basketball at an affordable price without having to trek through the Allegheny Mountains, a visit to Shepherdstown may be for you. While it certainly won’t impress anyone, the ability to see a whole afternoon of basketball for just $8 a person makes it worth checking out.

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

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Stephen C. O’Connell Center 250 Gale Lemerand Dr. Gainesville, FL 32611 Florida Gators website Stephen C. O’Connell Center website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 10,133 Alligator Alley Florida is a football school. Everyone knows this. The National Championships that the Gators won with the likes of Gator legends Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow, and Danny Wuerffel are iconic and well-known. However, it wasn’t that long ago that the Gators brought National Championships in basketball back to Gainesville. The likes of Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer, and Billy Donovan are synonymous with the unlikely back-to-back championships the swamp is proud of. Florida has been playing basketball since 1915. They are currently a member of the Southeastern Conference and not normally the powerhouse that Big Blue, the Kentucky Wildcats, is. Since 1980, the home of the Gators has been the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Named after the 6th president of the University of Florida, who served from 1967 to 1973, the O’Connell Center shares the same architectural design as the Yuengling Center on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa. It was a way to stretch the limited state funding. In 2016 naming rights were sold to the medical firm Exactech for 10 years. The home for the Gators is currently known as the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The Gators basketball teams share the facility with the volleyball and gymnastics programs. It offers a great experience for college basketball in a power conference in what is often a forgotten corner of the SEC. Food & Beverage 4 Concession items at Exactech Arena are about what you would expect from a college basketball experience. There is decent variety at the numerous concession stands, but nothing that an ardent traveler would go out of their way to sample. Popcorn, burgers, hot dogs, fries, peanuts, nachos, and pretzels are all available. Not all items are available at all stands, so a quick tour of the arena to get a handle on concessions is not a bad idea. In a humorous tidbit, all chicken products are referred to as Gator Bait. BBQ Pork nachos and jambalaya are the most unique options. Soft drink options include Pepsi products as well as bottled water and sweet tea. Hot coffee and tea are also available. However, it just wouldn’t be the University of Florida in a variety of Gatorade products that several were not also prominently on the menu. Alcohol is not available at Exactech Arena. Atmosphere 4 The O’Connell Center is an attractive building from the exterior. Directly across the road from the legendary Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and surrounded by the requisite Florida palm trees, the O’Connell has a surprisingly modern look to the exterior with plenty of color present. Getting a picture with the bronze bull gator statue across the street is a must for visiting fans. Entry into the Exactech Arena brings fans into a plush atrium filled with the requisite orange and plenty of video screens. The date of this review was also the same day as the Peach Bowl in which the Gators were participating so, understandably the screens were tuned to the football Gators. The decor in the concourses is very nice and small details are considered. Pictures highlighting key moments at the Exactech Arena and some historical murals as well. The Alligator Alley kids zone has plenty of activities for the kids and is a great gathering point before the action starts. Inside the seating bowl, fans are welcomed by three levels of seating separated by a pair of walkways. The court runs from east to west and the best spot for a picture with the center logo facing the correct way is from the north side. Blue seats with orange highlights keep the school colors continuous through the arena. The east end of the arena features basketball banners. Final Four appearances are memorialized in blue and the National Championship banners for 2006 and 2007 stand out in orange. Above the court hangs a four-sided video board which is not overwhelming and adds to the atmosphere. Surprisingly, however, there are very few remnants of those championship teams. It could be just a matter of time until some of those championship players have their numbers retired and hung in the rafters for all the Gator-faithful to see. The game day experience is solid at the Exactech Arena. The Gator band can be found in the southeast corner of the arena, right beside the “Rowdy Reptiles” student section. The cheerleaders and Pom team keep that college feeling strong and the Gator mascot, Albert, can be found around the arena participating in the festivities and interacting with fans. Considering the game that was reviewed was during the winter break, the student section was particularly impressive and played a significant part in the game. Neighborhood 5 Exactech Arena is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Florida. As with many large universities, there are several local options for pre and post-game fare close to campus. Heading north to University Ave is probably the best place to be. Several recognizable chain restaurants can be found in the immediate vicinity, however, travelers who are looking for a more local option should check out The Swamp, Leonardo’s Felipe’s Mexican, The Social at Midtown, and Mother’s Pub and Grill. For travelers looking for other sporting options in the area, Florida Gators athletics are about all that will be found. Florida offers a full complement of athletic teams and courses, the crown jewel is the legendary Florida Gators football team who calls nearby Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium home. Other entertainment options could include the Florida Museum of Natural History. For fans that are looking to stay near the university, there are several options. The Hilton and Holiday Inn are both solid options, very close to the O’Connell Center. Fans 4 Keeping in mind that Florida is a football-first school, the basketball program does enjoy strong support. In years past, Florida has ranked in the top 50 in NCAA basketball attendance, recently ranking as high as 35th. Florida routinely averages between 9,500 and 10,500 fans per game. The game that was reviewed saw over 9,800 fans in attendance at a time when the school was quiet for winter break and the football team was playing in the Peach Bowl. The student section, known as the Rowdy Reptiles, brings energy and excitement to the game and sits courtside, beside the band. Access 3 The Stephen C. O’Connell Center is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. The campus is a fair hike east of I-75 and the arena is just south of University Ave. Patrons coming from out of town will have to do some meandering through Gainesville to get to campus. Once on campus, parking can be a bit of a challenge to maneuver. The date of the review saw the campus quiet for winter break so it was unclear as to how much parking enforcement was happening. However, there were plenty of cars pulled up over curbs and near sidewalks. When walking to the arena, mind the signs around greenspaces that warn you not to travel them after dark. Presumably, the wildlife comes out after dark. For fans looking for public transit options, there are plenty. Buses travel all over campus. Fans are encouraged to check out the Gainesville Mobility website for options including maps, fares, and schedules. Many college basketball facilities feature major league security procedures. Fans are encouraged to consult the Gators website for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the game. Inside, the O’Connell Center can be a bit of a maze and there are a number of different levels and ways to get lost. There are plenty of stairs and this would be a detractor for fans who struggle to ascend and descend staircases. Washroom facilities are found on the main concourse level and many fans will require descending those staircases often if too much Gatorade is on the agenda! Return on Investment 4 The opportunity to see some top-ranked college basketball in Florida for a decent price is a possibility. Tickets can be had for under $20 for a decent opponent. Keep in mind that the top-selling opponents are Kentucky, Tennessee, and other Florida teams. Parking can be found for a decent price and concession prices are not out of whack. Combine that with a solid product on the court and a surprisingly strong basketball experience and fans can enjoy a great experience without dropping a mortgage payment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the opportunity to get a photo with the bronze bull alligator outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, on the opposite side of Gale Lemerand Dr. An extra mark for the naming of the building after a former Florida president. An extra mark for the opportunity to poke around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The main team store is inside and it is open for fans to walk right in and check out The Swamp. Final Thoughts A trip to Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center is not a mecca experience however, fans will be pleasantly surprised at just how good the experience is. Gators basketball offers a great return on investment and a whole lot of fun that the whole family can enjoy. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @ profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 United Supermarkets Arena 1701 Indiana Ave Lubbock, TX 79409 Texas Tech Red Raiders website United Supermarkets Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 15,098 Red Raiders Wreck 'Em at United Supermarkets Arena Deep in the wide-open plains of West Texas lies the city of Lubbock. A booming oil and agricultural town, it has a reputation for breeding men and women doing things their own way: Mavericks. This way of life, this mindset, has been adopted by the school and athletics teams closely tied to Lubbock: the Texas Tech University Red Raiders. The Red Raiders began playing hoops at Tech the year the school opened for business, 1925. Since that time the Texas Tech men’s basketball team has won 11 conference tournaments and made 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Since 1999, Tech has done all of their home court winning at United Supermarkets Arena. This state-of-the-art facility blends new tech with old school aesthetics and has proven to be a true winner in West Texas. Food & Beverage 3 Texas Tech does a good job of catering to their fans, especially when it comes to food and beverages. There are numerous food stands and kiosks throughout United Supermarkets Arena; these range from your traditional stadium fare – hamburgers and hot dogs – to some good old-fashioned Texas-style barbecue. One stand in particular, the Lone Star Grille, offers some of that traditional grub, but in combo form – the stand’s offerings include a bacon cheeseburger basket ($11), a 1/2-pound hamburger basket ($10), and a steak finger basket (which I personally recommend) at $10. Alternatively, if you’re looking to branch away from the norm, look for the Big 12 Bowls stand; in addition to nachos and other favorites, this latter stand offers an out-of-the-box Asian Bowl ($12). At every stand inside United Supermarkets Arena you can also purchase soft drinks ($6 or $7.50 depending on size), bottled water, sports drinks, candy, chips, and popcorn, and there are also beer and alcohol kiosks sprinkled throughout the venue. I think you’ll be able to find something you find tasty to eat at Tech. Atmosphere 4 I’ve had the pleasure of catching several sporting events at Texas Tech over the years, so I felt I was prepared for what I was going to experience for my first-ever visit to United Supermarkets Arena. I admit that I have never been to some of the legendary college hoops venues in the country, but I have been to quite a few, and I can say unequivocally that Texas Tech fans are the loudest I have ever experienced. From the moment you walk through the doors of United Supermarkets Arena – which has a beautiful brick façade that is part of that great old school aesthetic – you are surrounded by a sea of red; Tech fans definitely give their Red Raiders a home court advantage. The rafters are bedecked with banners touting the success of teams past, and the retired numbers of Red Raider greats Polk Robison and Gerald Myers also hang there. The hallways of the arena have trophy cases displaying the tangible proof of the programs’ (both the men’s and women’s teams) successes. For women’s hoops fans, a full-sized painting of all-time great Sheryl Swoopes hangs on a wall near one of the arena’s entrances, and the national championship trophy from Swoopes’ 1993 team is also on display. You can feel the history emanating from every corner of United Supermarkets Arena, and it is a history that Texas Tech fans cherish and celebrate at every opportunity. Neighborhood 3 The city of Lubbock is a great blend of pure West Texas (you can literally see tumbleweeds in certain parts of the city) and a traditional college town. There are college hangouts and hot spots, and then there are places that celebrate the frontier spirit of Lubbock. If you’re looking to take in some of that history, make sure to take in the National Ranching Heritage Center . This sprawling complex, run by Texas Tech, features a collection of authentic ranch buildings that have been disassembled and reassembled on site along a walking path – this is a true trip back in time. Or for music lovers, be sure to stop by the Buddy Holly Center ; this museum honors Lubbock’s native son and one of the early pioneers of rock and roll, whose life was tragically cut short at an early age. United Supermarkets Arena is located right on the campus of Texas Tech University and is within walking distance of both Jones AT&T Stadium and Rip Griffin Park . If you plan your visit right, you can get in more than one game on your trip. Fans 4 Texas Tech fans are very passionate about their school and their teams. The men’s hoops team averages nearly 11,000 per game at United Supermarkets Arena, and the vast majority of these rabid fans sport the red of their team and throw their guns up (the team’s traditional hand gesture) at every chance they get. This is also a vocal fan base that loudly supports its team. The energy that they put out is infectious and starts as soon as fans walk through the door, and lasts until the final buzzer. The student section in particular is a sight to behold – this is a rowdy bunch and I mean that in a good way! If you attend a game I think you will be able to feel it for sure, and will probably get as caught up in it as I was on my most recent visit. Access 2 If there is one drawback to games at Texas Tech it is, quite frankly, how relatively difficult it is to get to Lubbock. If you look at a map of Texas and you cast your eyes out toward the New Mexico border, well before you get there you’ll find Lubbock. You can fly there from most cities in the country via the Preston Smith International Airport . Once you get there though, United Supermarkets Arena is pretty easy to find. Tech’s sports facilities are on campus and can easily be gotten to via Interstate 82. Parking is plentiful and is free in certain lots (there are paid lots if you want to park even closer). Public transport is plentiful and runs right up to the venue via Lubbock’s Citibus line. Or, another mode to be on the lookout for are the numerous electric scooters scattered across the city and the campus; there is even a parking lot for these scooters right outside the arena if you want to give them a shot. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Texas Tech basketball start at $20 per person for general admission seating, which is a pretty good bargain for the action you get on court. This is especially true in a season like the current one (2018-19) where the Red Raiders are a contender for the national championship. The concession prices are on par with other major Division I facilities, and you can find some pretty good bargains if you look. With free parking, you should be able to have an affordable evening at a gem of a facility in one of the most unique places in the state of Texas. Extras 3 I personally love going to college games because of all the accompanying pomp and circumstance that the teams bring to the games, and Texas Tech is no exception. The band (the Goin’ Band from Raiderland ) is there for games at United Supermarkets Arena, as are the cheerleaders and Texas Tech Pom Squad. In addition, the mascot Raider Red is there to patrol the baselines and entertain the fans. You can also expect an appearance from Tech’s other mascot, the Masked Rider – though without her horse (Fearless Champion) which would be wildly impractical in a basketball arena, so she does lose a little bit of her mystique. Oh yeah, make sure you get there in time for the announcement of the starting lineups for one main reason: pyrotechnics. Final Thoughts United Supermarkets Arena is a truly fantastic facility – Texas Tech has done a great job of honoring its history and heritage while embracing all of the “new” that caters to fans of all ages. If you’re a fan of college hoops, add this stop to your bucket list; I think you will enjoy it. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo courtesy of Kristella Cruz The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)  announced on February 28th that it has acquired H-E-B Park  in Edinburg, Texas, the current home of the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the United Soccer League, which ceased operations in 2023. The move paves the way for UTRGV to use the facility as its homefield for the Vaqueros football program, which will play its inaugural season in 2025.   Also announced at a press conference was the rechristening of the venue to UTRGV Stadium. Built in 2017, the stadium currently seats approximately 10,000, with the ability to expand to 12,500. In addition to their new home, the Vaqueros will play one game each season at Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville, Texas.   "UTRGV Stadium gives both our community and football program immediate access to a premier facility while also providing additional possibilities for our university," UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. "Its location off Expressway 281 also ensures convenient access for our fans, as well as visitors who make their way into the Valley for games." Image courtesy of UTRGV Athletics  The UTRGV Stadium complex features 20 acres of festival grounds that can be utilized for tailgating, concerts, and campus or community events. The stadium’s LED video board is 43-feet-by-24-feet, and was lauded as being state-of-the-art when installed. Lastly, there are 30 luxury suites and eight patio suites for premium game day seating.     “Continuing another historic chapter in our longstanding relationship with the university, this partnership between the City of Edinburg and UTRGV symbolizes our steadfast commitment to nurturing growth and opportunity within our community,” Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza said. “Bringing Division 1 football to Edinburg enriches our city's sports landscape and paves the way for new possibilities for our residents and visitors alike … I eagerly anticipate UTRGV football's transformative impact on Edinburg and the entire Rio Grande Valley.” ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

In February 2023 Major League Baseball’s Spring Training returned to a full schedule of games for the first time since 2020. The intervening years were wiped out by the pandemic in 2021 and the labor lockout in 2022. The Grapefruit League is the home for 15 MLB teams, playing games in 13 ballparks. Florida has hosted spring training in some fashion for more than 130 years. All but six of the current MLB teams have held their spring training in Florida at some time in their history. Three cities in Florida have hosted spring training for more than 70 years. Fans welcomed the return of spring training, with a 2023 attendance of more than 1.4 million fans attending a Grapefruit League game. The return of a full slate of games in 2023 has allowed us to do an updated ranking of the league’s home ballparks. To do this we employ our FANFARE rating system. This system evaluates each ballpark on its concessions programs, gameday atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value, and other extras. Special note: The Tampa Bay Rays ballpark in Port Charlotte was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian. This left the ballpark unplayable for the 2023 Grapefruit League season. It forced the Rays to play their 2023 spring training games at Champions Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. We are not including these two stadiums in our rankings, as they are only being used temporarily for the 2023 season. Stadium Journey is proud to release our 2023 ranking of the ballparks of the Grapefruit League: 1. LECOM Park, Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates (4.43) Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park has been a Pirate’s treasure, as the ballpark celebrated its 100th birthday in 2023. The park has hosted more than 6 MLB teams during its existence. The dedication to preserving the stadium and maintaining an excellent gameday experience is something to be admired. We were also impressed by the all-volunteer efforts of the Pittsburgh Pirates booster club in Bradenton to staff each Pirates home game. This earns the top spot in our Grapefruit League ratings for 2023. Congratulations… and Happy 100th Birthday to LECOM Park! 2. Hammond Stadium, Home of the Minnesota Twins (4.43) Lloyd Brown – Hammond Stadium delivers a strong Midwestern vibe to fans attending a Twins game. The concessions menu offers items like cheese curds, corn dogs, and brats. After that, you can wash it all down with a Killebrew root beer. The team also holds a Minnesota Day game, where fans are encouraged to wear something repping their hometown in Minnesota. 3. Clover Park, Home of the New York Mets (4.29) Lloyd Brown-The Mets took advantage of the two suspended years of spring training to transform its home in Port St. Lucie, FL. Clover Park’s changes have been a big hit with Mets fans. The ballpark made big improvements in its exterior, adding a lot of the blue and orange Mets team colors into its outward appearance. Accessibility was also improved, as the concourses were widened and extended to the outfield. 4. Ed Smith Stadium, Home of the Baltimore Orioles (4.14) Lloyd Brown- If you close your eyes, you will swear you are at a game at Camden Yards when you attend a game at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. You are sitting in a seat that came from there. The concession stands offer familiar foods from the Bay State, including crab cakes and Boog’s BBQ. We also love the beautiful grand lobby at the park, as it includes an impressive chandelier that features the pennants earned by the Orioles over the years. 5. JetBlue Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox (4.00) Lloyd Brown- Fenway South has received rave reviews for its unique wing-like roof that helps to cool the fans on hot Florida afternoons. The park also replicates many of the quirky features of Fenway Park. This includes the Green Monster in left field, the Pesky Pole, and the singing of “Sweet Caroline” at each game. 6. TD Ballpark, Home of the Toronto Blue Jays (4.00) Lloyd Brown- Oh Canada! TD Ballpark should earn the Comeback Ballpark of the Year in the Grapefruit League this year. The stadium is almost unrecognizable from its previous look. The exterior has had a major makeover, with the blue and white colors of the team becoming much more pronounced. The interior features new seating options, a much larger video board, an outfield boardwalk, and an improved concessions menu (don’t worry…. poutine is still on it!) 7. BayCare Ballpark, Home of the Philadelphia Phillies (4.00) Lloyd Brown - BayCare Ballpark pioneered the use of several elements that are now found in nearly every spring training ballpark. It was the first to offer a 360-degree concourse around the field, the first to offer berm seating in the outfields and the first to offer an extended spring training a menu that included regional favorites. 8. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Home of the Detroit Tigers (3.86) Lloyd Brown- The Tigers have called Joker Marchant their home stadium since 1996. However, Tigertown has undergone several renovations over time to keep the stadium up to date. Capacity has increased to 9,000 seats, making it one of the Grapefruit League’s largest stadiums. All new seats are in the shade, keeping fans cool on hot Florida afternoons. Best of all, Joker Marchant offers the unusual concession item of strawberry shortcake. This is because Lakeland Florida is considered the Strawberry Capitol of the World. 9. Steinbrenner Field, Home of the New York Yankees (3.86) Lloyd Brown- The New York Yankees have been an iconic brand in baseball for many decades. Steinbrenner Field celebrates that status throughout the venue. Yankee legends are commemorated outside of the ballpark with the Monument Garden and a statue of “The Boss”. Inside the stadium, you will find concession items that you would expect to find in the Bronx. If you look toward the top of the stadium, you will notice the latticework that is suggestive of Yankee Stadium. 10. CoolToday Park, Home of the Atlanta Braves (3.57) Lloyd Brown - CoolToday Park is the newest park in the Grapefruit League. It features a stunning graphics package on the outside, with murals featuring Braves greats including Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Phil Niekro. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are extremely wide and open to the field. There are drinking rails that go 360 degrees around the park. Fans can enjoy the Tiki bar in left field 365 days of the year. The concession package includes fried and grilled chicken, fried fish, and other food items with a Florida twist. 11. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Home of the St. Louis Cardinals (3.57) Mike Rusignuolo – Cardinal fans flock to Roger Dean Chevrolet in large numbers each spring, making this the toughest ticket on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Even though this stadium is shared with the Miami Marlins, the Cardinals are the main tenant in this ballpark. Cardinal fans fill the park for every game, and Roger Dean is rocking in red. When the games are over, fans have plenty of attractions in Jupiter, including several lighthouses along the Atlantic coast. 12. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Home of the Miami Marlins (3.57) Sean MacDonald - The Miami Marlins are one of two teams to call Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium their spring training home. Their spring training HQ in Jupiter, FL makes them the closest team to their regular season home stadium. This makes it easier for their fans to travel a short distance to their spring training games. The ticket prices for Marlins games at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium for Marlins games are the lowest in the Grapefruit League. 13. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Home of the Washington Nationals (3.29) Lloyd Brown - The Washington Nationals are one of two MLB teams to call The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches home. The park features unique sunshades at the top of each section of the stadium to provide a cooler environment for the fans. There are beach chairs atop the berm in right field to provide a unique spot to enjoy the game while sipping a cold drink. The park also features the iconic Presidential Race on the video board between the innings. 14. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, Home of the Houston Astros (3.14) Lloyd Brown - The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches offers easy access from both I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. The complex also offers fans the easiest access to the training facilities and practice fields of any team in the Grapefruit League.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Griffith Generals 600 N Wiggs St . Griffith, IN 46319 Griffith Generals website Griffith Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 500 Green & Gold for Griffith Generals Griffith High School’s baseball stadium is the home of the Griffith Generals of the Northern League. The summer collegiate team had played in Joliet, Illinois, for the past few years before making the move before the 2023 campaign. The relocation moves the club closer to other members in Northwest Indiana, locally known as The Region. The selection of Griffith High School was based on Assistance Principal Brian Jennings, who was the school’s former head coach and had been involved with the league in the past. The Generals were formed in 2018 and are entering their sixth season in the league. They won the league championship in 2021 and made the playoffs in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is open for General games. The menu options include hot dogs, Polish sausage, nachos, pretzels, candy, popcorn, chips, and pop. The prices range from $1 to $3 and are enough to snack on during a ball game. Since this is a high school baseball field, there are no alcoholic beverages served. Atmosphere 3 The Generals play at a small, 500-seat high school stadium that features two aluminum sets of bleachers with a concession and press box directly behind home plate. The area behind the concession stand offers picnic tables and borders the softball field. The setup creates an opportunity for an atmosphere that is grassroots. There is a PA announcer, music played between innings, and announcements made for the concession stand. Kids who retrieve a foul ball and earn a dollar when returned and a small ticket both at the entrance of the stadium provides information about the team. The atmosphere is laid back with the focus on baseball. There are not any in-between inning promotions, mascots, gimmicks, or over-the-top announcements for local companies. Player banter can be heard from the respective dugouts and when they are on deck. Player uniforms are vibrant gold and yellow and feature slashes through the number zero. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Griffith, Indiana, but a few miles away from the busy US-41, where a myriad of shops, retail chains, and malls exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots. Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, A KA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s that features burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families. The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains that include Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. Fans 2 There are few supporters in the stands at the Generals game. Many are friends and family members of the players on the field. However, with enough time and promotion, more fans might make their way to ball games during the summer months in The Region. Access 4 Griffith High School is south of I-94, east of US-40, and west of I-65. The ballpark is easily accessible by car in every direction. The parking lot is down the left field line and there is plenty of room to move around once inside the stadium. Return on Investment 2 The price of a ticket is $7, kids/veterans/seniors are $5, and children under 5 years old are free. T-shirts are $12 and $15 and ball caps are $25. The food prices range from $1-$3. It is affordable baseball for the entire family, and the gameday atmosphere is better than a few other fields in the area. Extras 2 Griffith Ball Field earns a point for selling team merchandise and offering kids a buck for returning foul balls. Final Thoughts Griffith Ball Field is a nice place for a Northern League franchise. Ownership has provided a nice backdrop for a game and perhaps that will improve in the future years with a little more game day production and promotion. Right now, if your focus is on the game, this is a nice escape during the summertime. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 NBT Bank Stadium 1 Tex Simone Dr Syracuse, NY 13208 Syracuse Mets website NBT Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 11,117 From Chiefs to Mets in Syracuse Professional baseball goes back a long way in Syracuse, beginning when the Jersey City Skeeters moved north in 1934 to start playing in the brand-new Municipal Stadium as the “Chiefs.” Outside of the renaming of the stadium for WWII hero Douglas MacArthur in 1942 and a three-year break in the late 50s, not much has changed in Syracuse minor league baseball except for their MLB affiliation. During their longest affiliation with the Blue Jays, the team moved to the new P&C Stadium in 1997 from the venerable MacArthur Park (unceremoniously demolished for the new stadium’s parking lot) and changed their names to the “Sky Chiefs.” That 11,071-seat stadium has undergone several name changes, renovations, and affiliate changes since then. And 2019 finds a new big-league club sponsoring the team, with the New York Mets taking over from the Nationals and renaming the team in their likeness. The former P&C Stadium is still their home, but since 2014, the naming rights have gone to NBT Bank. While the Mets are talking about big new renovations (and perhaps even a new downtown park), NBT Bank Stadium saw its last big renovations in 2012, with a PA system upgrade and installation of one of the largest LED scoreboards in the minors. While NBT Bank Stadium doesn’t stand out in a lot of areas, it is an easy-to-get-to park with a lot of good food and drink options for a cheap night out of baseball entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 Although the other facilities at the park might not blow a visitor away, the food and drink selection at the park lives up to their AAA pedigree. Salt Potato Hot Dog and Souvenir Drink, Photo by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey The food concessions are only along the main concourse that runs above the lower seating bowl, but they cram in a ton. The concessions include The Show (an eclectic mix of hot dogs, sausages, pulled pork and mac and cheese, $4.50-$7), Dunkin’ Donuts (donuts and unexpected offerings like poutine, $6.50-$9.50), Chicken Fry Fry (tenders and wings, $8-$10), Hoffman’s Home Plate (custom dogs, $6), Syracuse Land & Cattle (gourmet burgers, $9.50-$9.75), Vinny’s Original ($4.50 pizza slices), and Taste of NY at 1st (spiedes and brats, $8-$9). All of the food concessions stands and a few specialty concessions serve the same range of standard suds with a few variations (Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Labatt) at $7 for a regular and $9 for a large. The Jim Beam Bullpen Bar (by home plate, for some reason) has a selection of big-beer pounders ($8) and bombers ($12), as well as mixed drinks and the soccer mom favorite, wine slushies ($10-$12). But if you’re serious about beer, head to the Hops Spot and check out the big chalkboard wall with the dozens of craft beers available that day ($10-$12). Coke is the non-alcoholic beverage brand of choice, with drinks running $3.50, $4.50, and $6 for small, large, and souvenir. Bottled water is $4. “Eat local” is always the best policy, and since there is a short list of upstate New York culinary masterpieces, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not grabbing a Lupo’s chicken or pork spiede ($9) at Taste of NY. Or another undeniable upstate taste is the salt potato hot dog ($6 — it tastes better than it might sound) at Hoffman’s Home Plate. Don’t mess around and grab your choice of the local craft beers available that day at the Hop’s Spot ($10-$12) to wash it all down. Atmosphere 3 Tacking on the name “Historic” to a ballpark built in the late 90s doesn’t do NBT Bank Stadium any favors. While it shares the location of the original Municipal Park from the 1930s, the 22-year-old stadium doesn’t have any of the charm and appearance of an actual historic park and doesn’t measure up favorably with newer stadiums. It is a solid stadium, but it is nothing exceptional, especially in the International League. All the entrances dump onto the main concourse above the lower deck seating that runs from left field to right field around home plate. A smaller walkway divides the field box seats from the reserve box seats. A second level consists of palatial, two-tier luxury box building above home plate and separate general admissions bleachers hanging above first and third base. A small picnic area, kids area, and the Jim Beam Party deck sit out in right field. The backdrop over the outfield wall is scrub brush and trees, occasionally interrupted by passenger and cargo trains that run beyond the left field wall. A sizable digital video board juts above the left field wall to keep the fans informed on the play on the field. Ambiguous monster mascot Scootch leads the on-field shenanigans before the game and between innings. Anyone familiar with minor league baseball will recognize the standard array of contests of dubious skill, races, quizzes, and sing-alongs that fill the spaces between baseball. Any of the seats offer a good view of the field. If you want to be closer to most of the activities, grab a seat on the third base side by the home dugout. The reserved box seats are just as good as the field boxes, so you can save yourself some money. Heck, a $10 GA ticket for the upper deck isn’t a bad view of the field, either, and has some of the only areas in the shade or shelter from inclement weather. Neighborhood 2 As with many Mets’ affiliate parks, the immediate area around the park isn’t too inspiring. There’s not a ton to do unless you go downtown, but there are some good choices for lodgings. Right by the stadium doesn’t give you a ton of options for food outside of some recognizable chains. Downtown by the university opens up dozens of options, from cheap college comfort food to upscale restaurants. However, a quick drive or medium walk from the park onto Wolf Street lands you local standbys Jim’s Fish Fry, JR Diner, and The Loop Grill. Besides its relative closeness to the lake, there’s also not a lot going on by the stadium. The Destiny USA mall right south of the park has all the activities you’d expect of an upscale mall, including escape rooms, a WonderWorks, and indoor go-carts, but to find anything more substantial, you’ll need to take the drive downtown. Located between downtown, Onondaga Lake, and the airport, NBT Bank Stadium does have hotel options close-by. Just south of the park on the inner lakefront, there are the ritzy and hip Embassy Suites and Aloft Syracuse. North of the park is a clutch of airport hotels, including the more modest Super 8 and Country Inn & Suites, as well as the mid-level Maplewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, and Homewood Suites. More options lie north closer by the airport, east in East Syracuse, and, of course, downtown. Fans 3 Time will tell if the 2019 change of affiliation to the New York Mets will reverse the Syracuse baseball attendance fortunes, but the squad has nearly nowhere to go but up. The only thing keeping the former Chiefs out of the bottom of the barrel in the International League was the Gwinnett Stripers, who had a death grip on the bottom of the league for attendance for the last five years. While the determined but damp crowd for this game isn’t a fair bellwether, the situation does look to be improving. Early on in the campaign, the Mets have crawled within striking distance of the middle of the league’s attendance pack, but it will be seen if they can hold on to that for the entire season. That said, the crowd at the park are clear baseball fans. While the families certainly enjoy the between-inning antics, they are there to see a ball game and are involved and loud about the game on the field. Access 4 The park is very convenient to travel, and the wide main concourse makes it easy to get around most of the park. NBT Bank Stadium is located just off of I-81 and S.R. 11. If you’re coming from out of town, good news: the Syracuse Amtrak station is just beyond third base. For other mass transit, Syracuse CENTRO bus lines 116 or 216 ($2) will also get you right to the stadium from downtown. The copious parking area is split into two lots: general ($5) and VIP ($10). While the VIP lots are closer to the park, it isn’t *that* much closer, and doesn’t have a quicker way out of the park, so you should save $5 and stick to the cheaper lot. Attendants are still on duty at the end of the game to direct traffic, and exiting the stadium is hassle-free. Perhaps indicative of better days, there are three large entrances to the park at first base, third base, and home plate, but only home plate is generally open for most games. And it isn’t a problem, as the entrance process is quick and efficient, and you’re soon up the flight of stairs that dumps you out on the stadium’s main concourse. There is also a special entrance in right field for the Jim Beam Party deck and the picnic area, the only part of the outfield accessible to fans. Walking around is quite easy on the spacious concourse, but it only runs from outfield to outfield and not around the entire park. Getting around in the second level can be a little more challenging, as it only has stairways at regular intervals leading up to a small walkway at the base of the upper deck, but unless the crowds are big that day, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 While the park may not stand out in many areas, it is certainly a very affordable experience, especially for a Triple-A team that is one step away from the majors. The dismal attendance of late has led to the happy outcome of dirt-cheap ticket pricing. All tickets are $2 more on game day, but even then, they are quite the bargain. Premium Field Boxes behind home plate and the dugouts are $15, reserved box in the outfield and the second level of main seating bowl are $13, and general admission and handicapped tickets are just $10. (Active military gets $2 off premium tickets and free GA seats.) Food and drink prices are reasonable, with nearly all food and most drink options under $10. Parking is $5 for general and $10 for VIP parking, and the slim newsprint program is free, almost unheard of at the AAA level. As with most minor league teams, there are regular daily specials, such as craft beer nights, Taco Tuesdays, and all-you-can-eat nights that have special discounts or items added to your ticket. Extras 3 The park has a modest collection of memorials around. At the main entrance, there are banners for major leaguer Hank Sauer (who spent some time in Syracuse in the minors), baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and long-time Syracuse baseball executive Tex Simone (who’s name also graces the road of the stadium). The increasingly crowded Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame is on the concourse by home plate, and the Hank Sauer Room of Legends (also housing a bust of Tex Simone) is a restaurant area sitting in the right field corner that is also rented out for parties and hosts some special events, such as all-you-can-eat nights. One stand-out of note is the Frederick J. Karle Fan Walk of Fame on the promenade. While it currently enshrines only its namesake, it is a nice nod to the fans that you don’t often find in other parks. The small-ish team store is on the concourse by home plate, a small play area is found beyond right field, and the fan relation booth to sign up for on-field events and other activities are on the concourse close to third base. It is also worth noting that all the personnel are polite and helpful to a person, which also helps enhance a ballpark experience. Final Thoughts NBT Bank Ballpark has a great selection of food and drinks at a great price for baseball fans but doesn’t stand out in many other areas — a solid ballpark, but not a lot more.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex 711 W. Naylor Mill Road Salisbury, MD 21801 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 250 Baseball on the Eastern Shore The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a historically black university (HBCU) located in Princess Anne, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore of the state. The school's athletic programs, known as the Hawks, primarily compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), but as the MEAC does not have enough teams to sponsor baseball, the Hawks and the three other MEAC members who sponsor the sport compete in the Northeast Conference. The Hawks previously played on campus at Hawk Stadium , but with that field desperately in need of repairs and unable to host Division I baseball, the team began temporarily playing its home games at Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds , in 2018. Excluding the COVID-cancelled 2021 season, the Hawks continued to play there until 2022. In 2023, they moved into the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex, a county park in Salisbury. The complex consists of eight baseball and softball fields used by youth, high school, and amateur teams of various levels. UMES baseball plays at field number six in this complex - when you enter the parking lot, head straight back all the way and look for the school name and logo on a banner along the outfield fence. The good news is that in April 2023, construction began on a new on-campus baseball stadium on the site of the old one. That stadium is set to open at the start of the 2024 season. The stadium is supposed to be a vast improvement on the previous one, and after years of waiting, UMES will finally have their own home stadium again. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand in the middle of the complex shared by all the fields. Walk down the path along the right field line past fields five and seven and look for the blue building straight ahead. The menu is fairly basic but has a good selection for this level. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders are all available, and can be made into a combo with a fountain soda and fries for added value. Snacks include chips, mozzarella sticks, nachos, soft pretzels, snow cones, and assorted candies. Fountain drinks and bottled Gatorade and water are also available. Prices are affordable - no individual items costs more than $7, most are much less, and the combo will save you several dollars compared to buying everything individually. Atmosphere 2 The layout at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is extremely basic. There is a small set of bleachers down each of the foul lines near the dugouts, and fans are able to bring their own lawn chairs as well, which many do as the bleachers are quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the dugouts block views of the corners from the bleachers, and there is only a small area behind home plate to set up your chairs and avoid this as most of it is blocked off by a black windscreen. The good news is you will be up close to the action. The field UMES plays on does not even have a permanent scoreboard - a staffer gets up and hangs a cheap portable one from the chain link fence that is the backstop before the game. If you are sitting in the first base bleachers, you will not be able to see the scoreboard, or more precisely will only be able to see the back of the scoreboard, which doesn't help you any. There is not much going on at a UMES Hawks game besides the game itself. Baseball purists will love that, while others may not. Ultimately this is a basic experience in a basic stadium. Neighborhood 3 The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is located in a residential neighborhood of Salisbury. If you head a short distance away to Salisbury Boulevard (US Route 13), you will find many options up and down the street. Two breweries, Gateway Craft Brewing and Burnish Beer Company, are also close by. There are many other options available about a ten minute drive away in downtown Salisbury along Main Street and the other nearby roads. Fans 2 The crowd at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is mostly friends and family of the UMES players, or the visiting players. Due to the extreme distance from campus, very few students are able to attend. While the fans can occasionally be loud, for the most part they barely make themselves heard. Of course, this is inevitable with so few fans, and it is impressive that they even occasionally manage that. With so few fans in attendance, you can hear every individual clap and every thing every individual fan yells. On the rare occasions it gets loud, this can make for an interesting experience. Because this is a multi-field complex, you will occasionally get Little Leaguers whose game on one of the other fields just wrapped up watching from beyond the outfield fence for a few outs before they head home, and any time home run is hit over the fence, kids watching their siblings on the adjacent field will chase after the ball. This is an interesting twist on the common practice of kids chasing after balls hit out of play that you see at many ballparks. Access 2 The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is located a short drive off of US Route 50 via some residential streets. Salisbury is far from any major city, and depending on how late in the baseball season you come, you may hit beach traffic on the way to or from Salisbury which can add significant time to your route. Once you get to the complex, be sure to use the Scenic Drive entrance. Some GPS apps will try to take you to the Paleo Drive entrance, but this entrance is for umpires and staff only. However, there is no sign telling you this until you are halfway down the road, at which point you will have to make a three-point turn on a narrow residential street to get out, and avoid other cars coming down the road who also didn't realize it was the wrong entrance (or perhaps the drivers live on that street.) Once you get into the complex, there is plenty of parking in a gravel lot, but be careful of parking close to any of the fields or you may be in foul ball territory. There is a single port-a-potty next to the field. Real restrooms are available elsewhere in the park although you will have to walk quite a bit to get there. The concession stand is also far away from the field, as it serves the whole complex, and lines can get long depending on what is happening on the other fields. Return on Investment 4 Admission to UMES games is free and parking is also free. Concessions are affordable, especially if you order a combo meal to add value. However, this is too basic a stadium to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the ball and glove statue in the middle of the complex near the concession stand. Final Thoughts The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is such a basic experience that it is hard to believe Division I baseball is played here. The field UMES plays on is not even the nicest field in the complex - field number five has a permanent scoreboard and press box. Thankfully, the Hawks are getting a new stadium on campus next year, and it can not come soon enough.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Luther Williams Stadium 150 Willie Smokie Glover Dr Macon, GA 31201 Macon Bacon website Luther Williams Field website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 3,500 Bacon & Baseball While the Macon Bacon has only been a part of the middle Georgia community since 2017, the historic Luther Williams field has been a part of the fabric of Macon since 1929. The 3,500-seat park has seen its fair share of baseball, and it continues to play a role in the sporting culture of middle Georgia with quirky seating, a manual scoreboard, and the timeless beams that hold the awning over the grandstand. The Bacon are members of the Coastal Plain League, a wood bat summer collegiate league. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage here come in two waves. Season ticket holders have their all-you-can-eat concession stands, while the single-game goer has two concession stands on opposite corners of the grandstand. Here are the basic concession foods like nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, etc. In addition to these items, you can select from their “baconized” menu which is essentially the same basic concessions with bacon added to them for an upcharge of $5. I recommend sticking to the normal concessions as the upcharge of $5 to add burnt bacon bits to your cheese nachos is not worth it, and the normal items are reasonably priced.  In terms of alcoholic options, there is a full bar in the concession stand behind home plate and numerous lite beers and IPAs in the corner concession stands. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at a Bacon game is nothing to frown upon, nor is it anything out of this world. While it is a very old stadium, Bacon has done a fantastic job preserving its character while adding modern and quirky amenities. There is terrace and patio high-top seating along the foul lines, mixed with the traditional bleachers covered by a supported tin roof with a manual scoreboard. The bottom sections are chairbacks, while the top sections are bleachers with seatbacks. So if bleachers do not bother you, I suggest you go with the cheapest ticket. Unless you are stuck behind a support beam, there is not a bad seat. The Bacon staff tries to help you out with this issue by highlighting any obstructed view when purchasing tickets on their website. While there is no video board, Bacon still makes sure they find a way to do crowd activations in between innings. Whether it is having on-field musical chairs, or having some of the players race toddlers on a big wheel tricycle, they make sure something is done in between each break in action. The team store is located in a little room behind home plate, but because the area is so small they also set merchandise available for sale outside in the concourse to accommodate the crowd. With merchandise being said, keep an eye out for promotions that the Bacon hold, as they often do merchandise giveaways, or waffle house vouchers depending on the night. The night’s promotions can be found on their ticketing website. Neighborhood 2 The town of Macon itself does not give the fuzziest of vibes when compared to other cities in the beautiful state of Georgia. Luther Williams Field is situated inside a public park known as Central City Park and sits alongside recreational soccer and baseball fields. There is not much that one would want to walk to in terms of a pre-game or post-game location. I would suggest you take the brief car ride to Macon’s downtown strip as it is pretty nice with a plethora of bars and restaurants such as Downtown Grill, Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen, and Little India. However, there is not a plethora of hotels in the area, but I would suggest you stay in Hilton Garden Inn or TownePlace Suites, located on the campus of Mercer University, for the best budget option. Macon is also home to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Macon City Auditorium, Mercer University, and the Macon Coliseum. Fans 4 Although a relatively new franchise, the residents of middle Georgia seem to have a keen interest in this franchise. I believe that were in attendance for an exhibition match, as I could not find the opponent in the league standings, but the stadium was nonetheless sold out, which seems like a common occurrence for a Bacon home game. This crowd is not crazy passionate about their team, but they continue to show up and support the small local franchise in town, and families like to use it as an excuse to have a night out of the house. Access 3 The stadium itself sits in a recreation complex just east of downtown Macon, it is not right off the interstate, but still close to it. With it being in a rec complex, the free parking is simply pulling over in the grass lots surrounding the field. This does make it kind of hectic getting out of games because you are prone to being blocked in by other cars that break the unwritten rules regarding the organization of a rather unorganized parking structure on the grass. There is only one entrance gate to the venue, which does make the lines potentially slow, so it is advised you get to the stadium a little early to make sure you don’t get stuck in the line. There are ticket offices beyond security, but it is advised you purchase your tickets online before the game because it is prone to selling out. Once in the stadium, the outside concourse is very wide and easy to navigate, and the grandstand walkway splits the two levels of seating. Return on Investment 3 The get-in price for bleacher seating is $15, which does seem steep for summer league ball, but it is nothing absurd and is canceled out by free parking. Concessions are generally on par with stadium prices as long as you don’t add bacon to the items. If you are coming with a group be on the lookout for group promotions such as free hats and other items during select nights for groups of five or more. Extras 3 It is the oldest baseball in a state that baseball has a stranglehold on. It has bizarre seating areas combined with a non-electric scoreboard which successfully modernizes the stadium but also preserves the history that makes it unique. Final Thoughts Is this the coolest experience in baseball? No. But is it worth checking out if you live or ever find yourself in middle Georgia? Absolutely. It is classic low-level summer baseball that calls both baseball purists, as well as the casual fan to its gates time in and time out.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park 701 Porter Rd State College, PA 16802 State College Spikes website Medlar Field at Lubrano Park website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,570 Deer Old State College Spikes Baseball Located on the Penn State University campus in State College, Pennsylvania, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is home to the State College Spikes baseball team as well as that of Penn State. The Spikes are a former New York-Penn League team, but when that was contracted following the 2020 season, they transferred to the newly-formed MLB Draft League, a summer league consisting of prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft. The stadium opened in 2006, seats approximately 5,600, and offers picturesque views of Mount Nittany beyond the outfield fence. It is named after two former members of the Penn State baseball program, longtime coach Charles "Chuck" Medlar and player Anthony Lubrano. The team name alludes to the white-tailed deer, for whom a "spike" is an undeveloped antler. Food & Beverage 5 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park has a wide range of concession items at numerous stands scattered throughout the concourse. The Flash Point Grille sells the usual things such as burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and pizza. There are also numerous specialty stands selling everything from walking tacos to cheesesteaks to cinnamon-roasted nuts and more. Burgertopia, down the right field line, sells several specialty burgers, while a barbecue stand down the left field line offers pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and platters, the latter of which comes with cornbread, mac and cheese, and cole slaw. Despite being on a college campus, beer is available here to those of age. Just be sure to pick up a wristband first. Atmosphere 4 Despite losing its affiliated minor league status, a trip to a Spikes game still very much feels like minor league ball. A concourse runs from right field to left field with the field visible from anywhere on it. All seats are chairbacks with a good view of the action. The public address announcer is passionate and constantly attempts to get the fans involved. There are frequent between-inning contests on the field, including the dizzy bat race and knocker ball, where two contestants in giant inflatable balls will try to knock each other over. Music and other sound effects are almost constantly playing over the PA system, not just between batters but between pitches as well. However, this seems to keep the fans engaged as they will often use this opportunity to shout "Baseball" together. Neighborhood 3 Penn State is located in State College, and as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where you will find several restaurants and bars. Fans with a sweet tooth may also want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk or drive from the stadium. Fans 3 State College draws a couple of thousand fans a game, which is decent attendance, particularly when you consider this is a college town in the summer. The fans in attendance are passionate and frequently shout "Baseball!" after sound effects like fans in other places will shout "Charge!". They are engaged and not afraid to get on the umpire's case if they feel a call went against them. However, their passion is proportionate to their incentive. They were by far the loudest and most boisterous when a designated visiting player came up to bat - if he strikes out, everyone in attendance receives free Big Macs. The fans rooted for this to happen all night when we were there, and when it finally did, they were the loudest they'd been all game even though half of them had already gone home. Access 3 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is on the Penn State campus at the intersection of I-99 and US 322. Once you get on campus, parking is available in a large lot across from the stadium, surrounded on two other sides by the Bryce Jordan Center , home of Penn State basketball, and Beaver Stadium , home of Penn State football. Parking is $5, and signs direct fans to the proper entrance. The concourses at the stadium are wide and allow plenty of space for fans to move around. Multiple sets of restrooms are available, including family restrooms. Fans should not encounter a wait for these. Wheelchair-accessible seating, including companion seats, is available at the top of the concourse. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $8 and go up to $14 as you get closer to home plate. Concessions are affordable, and as mentioned above, parking is $5. The team also offers ways to increase this value further, such as 4 for $44 Fridays, where fans can get four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for only $44, a 50% cost savings. Even if you can't take advantage of this, a visit to a Spikes game is an affordable way of watching a baseball game and offers great value. Extras 3 One star for the gorgeous view of Mount Nittany beyond the outfield fence. There is a Kids Zone down the left field line. A third and final star for a unique mascot tradition, the Rally Rooster. If the Spikes are losing heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, a hype video welcoming the Rally Rooster and featuring the caw of the rooster will be played on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, a rather creepy-looking costumed rooster will run out onto the field to pump up the crowd, then enter the stands to continue engaging with them as the Spikes try to rally to victory. Every batter that inning will be preceded by a caw in addition to the usual walk-up music. Final Thoughts Although the State College Spikes are no longer an affiliated minor league team, a trip to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is still a minor-league carnival atmosphere. From the action on the field to hanging out with Ike and the Rally Rooster to the smell of roasting nuts and sizzling cheesesteaks, baseball fans of all ages are sure to have a good time at a Spikes game.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Eastlink Centre 46 Kensington Rd Charlottetown, PEI C1A 5H7 Charlottetown Islanders website Eastlink Centre website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 3,718 The Islanders of Prince Edward Island The Charlottetown Civic Centre (as it was originally known) was built as the principal venue for the 1991 Canada Winter Games and in 1993, became home to the PEI Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL). The mid-nineties saw every AHL franchise moved out of the maritime region. The Senators were no exception and moved to Binghamton, New York after four seasons in PEI. In 2003, the arena was renovated in anticipation of the junior team. Seats were added down to glass level in multiple locations, and luxury suites were built. The Islanders franchise started out as the Montreal Rocket, named after legendary Montreal Canadien, Maurice “Rocket” Richard. In 2003, the QMJHL expanded outside Quebec, adding teams in several Maritime cities. With the Rockets experiencing financial woes, the team moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and became the PEI Rocket. Excitement for the new team was evident; the first two seasons saw average attendance of well above 3,000 per game. However, the team struggled on and off the ice in the subsequent years. Attendance steadily decreased, managed only one playoff series win through the 2013 season, and was experiencing financial troubles once again. Charlottetown was in danger of losing its team until a local ownership group stepped in and bought the franchise in 2013. The new ownership group re-branded the team with help from the fans. They sought a new team name that best represented the area and people of their city. In the end, fans voted for the “Islanders” as their team name by a large margin. The new brand has turned the tide of the junior hockey club as attendance figures are rising again. Food & Beverage 4 Eastlink Centre offers a unique variety of food and drink options. Concession stands are found throughout the arena in the concourse and portal areas. The lines and wait time during intermissions are fairly long, as only a few staff works at the smaller stands. The quality of the food is about as expected at a stadium. Some of the unique menu items include poutine, popcorn chicken, pulled pork (in sandwich or poutine form), mozza sticks, slushies, candy bars, and a delicious looking dessert with Funnel Fries, cinnamon, ice cream and chocolate, called “Ice Cream Poutine.” For vegetarians, your options for a high protein meal are non-existent. For your thirst, Coca-Cola products are offered in both bottle and fountain style. Beer taps and bottles are full of Moosehead brewery products. All alcohol is served separately from concessions stands. Prices for food and beverage range from $2-$5 for regular menu items and $7-$8 for unique items. Combos are available to save a few bucks. Vendors do not walk the aisle; you will need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Overall concession stands are well maintained, clean, and have a nice modern look with the menu on video boards. Recommendation: Eat before heading to the game and grab a snack, drink, or dessert at the game. Atmosphere 3 The arena is only a small part of the complex, which also includes a convention hall, a casino, and a horseracing grandstand. The long, large building has an industrial look and feel. The facade is fashioned from good quality masonry block on the bottom portion of the building, and a plain blue corrugated metal skin on the top. The long horizontal exterior walls without varying the rhythm or materials, makes the building look exceptionally long and boring. Inside, the seating bowl is small and intimate, with every seat close to the action. The seating arrangement is almost symmetrical with 14 seating rows on each side of the rink. The blue plastic seats are close together with no cup holders. A few luxury suites are along one side of the rink with the press box located above them. A lounge above section 5 is available for all ticketed patrons above the age of 19. Here you will find food and drink options, seating tables, and TV screens. The scoreboard hanging from centre ice is small and simple. Video is projected onto screens in every corner of the rink. But the bright lights in the arena and the low quality projected screen make it hard to follow the puck in replays. Although dance and jock rock songs are played in attempt to raise the energy in the arena, fans get more into the music when classic hockey and maritime songs come on later in the game. In-game promotions are simple and effective. Noisemakers are available to pick up before heading into the arena. The in-game host keeps fans entertained during intermissions and commercial breaks with his good, quick-witted humour. Young kids get a chance to play on the ice during one of the intermissions to the delight of the fans. The mascot “Sly” shows up sparingly, and is not a part of in-game festivities. The best seats are at the sides of the rink and not on the ends. The side seats have good viewing angles so you see all the action on the ice. From the end seats you will not see a puck cross the goal line, especially if you have fans sitting in front of you. Neighborhood 3 Charlottetown has a rich history that is very welcoming to tourists. The city is most famous for the 1864 Charlottetown Accord where delegates gathered to discuss, and eventually agree upon the initial concept of a Canadian Confederation. Province House, the location of that 1864 conference, remains the city’s centerpiece. Visit Confederation Landings Park to learn more about this historic event and the growth of Charlottetown as a city. The downtown historic area and waterfront with beautiful old sandstone and masonry buildings provide inviting walks for tourists. Eastlink Centre is located away from downtown, at the north end of Charlottetown. The arena is tucked away between a largely residential neighborhood, and light industrial buildings, with no bars and a few fast food restaurants, making it more of a commuter venue. This means fans travel to the game and leave right after the final horn, instead of sticking around to enjoy some post game festivities. Lodging options are limited near Eastlink Centre. However, the Best Western sits at a good location right in-between downtown and the arena. For a sit down meal, plan ahead and visit some great restaurants downtown. For Irish bar/pub food, The Old Triangle is a popular place with local craft beers. For seafood, the Claddagh Oyster House is a local favourite. Wherever you eat, be sure to leave room for dessert at the highly rated Cows Ice Cream. The next morning, order a latte and breakfast burrito from Beanz, a local coffee shop. Fans 3 Islander fans get a unique, up close experience with the players before doors even open. Because the concourse is tight, Islander players head to the atrium to kick a soccer ball around in front of fans waiting for admission. The fans respect the players’ space and let them do their warm-ups without interruption for autographs or photos. The Islanders are averaging 2,000 patrons a game (54% capacity). During the game, fans are quiet, unobtrusive and respectful to the other team, the referees, and fellow fans. Even during a close game, only a handful were noticeably loud. Some tried to start a “Let’s go Islanders” chant, with little participation by the rest of the crowd. Patrons are only conspicuously boisterous after a home goal. Access 2 Direct flights to Charlottetown are available from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. This small city has a population of around 35,000, so the arena is convenient from everywhere you are in town. To arrive by foot requires a 20-25 minute walk from the downtown core. However, almost everyone drives or takes a taxi. 800+ parking spaces are available within a 5-minute walk of the arena. If a horseracing event is scheduled simultaneously with hockey, the parking gets tight. By bus, it’s a 15-minute walk from the nearest bus stop at Holland College. A fare for the “T3” transit is $2.25 and buses runs every half hour or hour, depending on the time of day. The main entry to the arena faces Kensington Street and is clearly marked with an architectural canopy in front of a two-story glass curtain wall. The main atrium divides the building from the convention hall and the arena. Here, you will find the box office, will call, an ATM, the team store, the main concession stand, a Tim Horton’s, and an outstanding Memorabilia room. Once doors open and your ticket is scanned, be sure to get your hand stamped for re-entry if you foresee heading back out to the atrium at some point. Access to the interior layout of Eastlink Centre is disappointing. Separation of public and private spaces is not clear, circulation for patrons around the arena is awkward and space inside the bowl is wasted by various walkways. The concourse is cold, narrow, and crowded at intermission with limited standing room. Walls are lined with concrete masonry block, cheap florescent light fixtures, exposed plumbing pipes and ventilation ducts above. The arena has plenty of restrooms throughout the concourse. Even during intermission, none of them had a line outside the door. Getting to your seat can also be confusing. Unlike most arenas where entrance to the seating area is from a high level above the rink, here you enter at rink level and walk up to your seat. If your seat is in Section 20, be prepared to follow a circuitous route. From the concourse take a portal to the inside of the bowl. Once there, follow the hockey boards and squeeze between the boards and the seating area. This narrow passageway may be difficult to navigate, especially when patrons are coming from the opposite direction. And watch out for the Zamboni! Then proceed back into the concourse until you run up against a black screen that separates fans from the opposing team’s locker room entrance. Turn and enter the seating bowl once again. If your timing is off, you may have to yield to visiting players entering the ice. Now walk behind the visitor’s bench to a stairwell and, voila, you are in Section 20! Patrons in wheel chairs have limited options, rink side at the ends or at the top of the bowl outside the lounge. Only a handful of spaces are available. Return on Investment 4 Prices for individual game tickets are reasonable for witnessing the highest level of junior hockey. Tickets are $16.50, with discounts for seniors, students, youths, and groups. No matter if you are a casual or a die-hard hockey fan, the experience you will get from the staff, fellow fans, and the product on the ice is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 +1 for the video booth replaying opponent goals. In-game operators realize that Islander fans are also true hockey fans that enjoy seeing great plays, even if the opponent makes that play. +1 for the Islanders goal celebration. Immediately after a goal horn sounds, the arena lights turn off and a light show decorates the ice. +1 for the Memorabilia Room. This is a fitting hall-of-fame showcase of hockey in Prince Edward Island that includes past and present teams, players and coaches from the island. Final Thoughts For a tourist, the best time to make a visit to Charlottetown may be September. The fall colours are spectacular, the hockey season has started and most of the popular tourist areas have yet to close for the winter. Prince Edward Islanders are proud of their hockey heritage, past and present. Fans are making the effort to support their local team that now has the local ownership and branding. Hopefully the past financial problems are behind them and the Islanders have a solid future in Charlottetown for the long term.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website IMSA Weekend website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 IMSA’s Indy Endurance Return While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, North America’s premier sportscar series hadn’t run there since the early 2010s. While events like the SRO Indy 8 Hours and the SCCA Runoffs have been held here in recent years, IMSA’s return in 2023 was heralded as a return to the promised land. With new infield camping being offered for the first time in the track’s history, options for fans were plentiful for this new race weekend. New for 2024, the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series increased the length of its race, from the standard two and a half hours to a six-hour endurance race.   Food & Beverage   3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as well as soda ($5-$7), water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda Plaza.   Atmosphere   5 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offers fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are. Renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines, and with the addition of the endurance race to the weekend, the feeling in the air is also more electric. IMSA fans love the endurance aspect of sportscar racing, and bringing one to Indy adds to the history of this racetrack.   Neighborhood   3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area all within a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of the nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. Thursday night before race weekend begins, a fan festival is held here with various race cars on display, driver autographs and Q&A sessions, and live music taking place. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indy just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track.   Fans   4 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. The pre-race fan walk during this year’s IMSA weekend was packed full of attendees, and infield camping was more prevalent than it was the year before. No doubt, fans showed up in large numbers this year, adding to the promise of future years here.   Access   4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the track’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of the lots require pre-purchased parking passes. With that said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to IMSA weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are relatively well priced; general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Friday, $45 for Saturday, and $55 for Sunday, with a 3-day general admission ticket costing $105. Reserved seating tickets range from $100 for Friday only in the Hullman Terrace Club to $465 for the full weekend – compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access as well as access to the paddock and pre-race fan walk. Parking starts at $10-$25 for Friday, and goes up to $25-$75 on the weekend days. Camping at the track ranges from $70-$145 outside the track in Lot 2, to $600-$1,500 for various infield Oval Turn 4 spaces.   Extras   4 Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the IMSA WeatherTech Series teams. The track also has several event stores set up throughout the facility, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. Before the main races on Saturday and Sunday, fans can come walk on pit road during the grid walk, as well as watch pit stop demos and meet the drivers and teams before the green flag falls. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield, and is open during race days – fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and enjoying the history of the sport of racing.   Final Thoughts Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and IMSA weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this now annual stop on the IMSA calendar. Sportscar fans will have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than four racing series taking to the speedway during the event.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Gutterson Fieldhouse 97 Spear St Burlington, VT 05405 Vermont Catamounts men’s hockey website Gutterson Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,035 A Punch in The Gut Gutterson Fieldhouse, also known as “The Gut,” is the largest indoor arena in the state of Vermont. It is named for Albert Gutterson, class of 1912, who was the school’s first Olympian. He set a record in the long jump beating the legendary Jim Thorpe. After winning back-to-back Division Two titles in 1972 and 1973, Vermont moved up to Division One in 1974. The team competed in the ECAC until 2005 when they moved to the Hockey East Conference. The Catamounts have qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, reaching the Frozen Four twice (1996 and 2009). 18 Vermont alumni have played in the National Hockey League, including Hockey Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 There are several points of sale in the main lobby as you enter Gutterson Fieldhouse. The menu doesn’t stray too far from arena basics, but hungry Catamount fans will find what they need. Stadium Journey does recommend heading downtown before or after the game to satisfy those hunger pangs. Maybe just stop here for a snack or drink. The snack bar at Gutterson Fieldhouse features Leonardo’s Pizza and McKenzie Hot Dogs. All your standard snacks can be found here, from pretzels and popcorn to nachos and chili. Fans looking for healthier options can choose tossed or chicken Caesar salads, along with assorted pieces of fruit. Fans looking for decidedly unhealthier choices can add some chili to their nachos or hot dogs. Coca-Cola products are featured at Gutterson Fieldhouse. In keeping with the university’s green policies, bottled water is not sold here. There are no alcoholic beverages sold at this on-campus facility. Fans sitting on the northern side of the building who do not want to navigate their way around the arena to the snack bar (more on that later), can make do with a small stand at the top of the stands. Assorted snacks and drinks can be purchased here. Atmosphere 4 Hockey is the top sport at the University of Vermont, and tickets can be hard to come by. You can’t help but be struck by the nostalgia and old-school feel of Gutterson from the moment you walk in the doors. The old curved wooden roof, the bleachers, and the tiny scoreboard at center ice all harken to days gone by. The students pack the sections at the far end of the fieldhouse along with Vermont’s pep band. While this isn’t the loudest or most organized student section a college hockey fan will come across, they get the job done and create a lively atmosphere at The Gut. In a different twist, the school utilizes the school’s ice skating team, dubbed the “Ice Cats,” not only to perform before the game but to act as the ice crew, scraping the ice during play stoppages. The remainder of the crowd consists of locals, some of whom have been coming to UVM games for decades. Vermont hockey fans know their stuff, but as may be expected, they take in the game in a more reserved fashion than fans elsewhere. Neighborhood 4 Burlington is a fantastic city with a real bohemian vibe, known for its microbreweries and excellent dining options. Located about a mile and a half from Gutterson Fieldhouse, it’s worth a visit, even in the harsh Vermont winter. The only thing keeping this neighborhood from a perfect score is that it’s rot walkable from campus, particularly in colder months. The Church Street Marketplace is the hub of the downtown. Filled with notable pubs, breweries, and eateries, it’s the place to be in Burlington. Visiting fans flock to American Flatbread, The Farmhouse, and Leunigs for local food and drink. As mentioned before, Burlington has a thriving microbrewery scene, with notable breweries including Zero Gravity, Queen City, Switchback, and Magic Hat all operating pubs downtown. Fans 5 The Catamounts annually average over 90 percent capacity at Gutterson Fieldhouse, ranking in the top 20 nationwide in attendance. Not bad for a school that plays in an older building with a capacity of only about 4,000. Hockey is the premier sport in Vermont, and the fans who pack Gutterson oregularlyknow their stuff. It’s not unusual to find yourself sitting among fans who have been coming to games for decades. The students at the University of Vermont pack the old barn as well, filling up the sections at the far end of the arena. While not the loudest or most organized section you’ll come across in your college hockey travels, they add a bunch of energy to the building. When the Catamounts get on a roll, the noise generated in the cozy rink can become quite intimidating. Access 4 Gutterson Fieldhouse is easy to find, located just off Interstate 89 on the southern edge of the University of Vermont campus. The school’s other athletic facilities, including Patrick Gymnasium , are located here. Parking is located in a small lot and a parking garage next to the building. Plan to get here early, because once the lot fills up, you will be forced to park in lots some distance from Gutterson, and take shuttles to and from the game. Also give yourself extra time after the game, as the garage takes a while to empty Fans will enter into Gutterson Fieldhouse into a decent-sized lobby, which houses the ticket booths, team store, and concession stands. Now, here’s where things get interesting. Depending on where you sit, you will have to enter the arena in though a specific side of the lobby. Fans sitting in sections 1-14 (the bleachers on the south side of the fieldhouse and the student sections on the far end) will enter the arena on the left. A walkway passes in front of these bleachers to these sections. If sitting on this side of Gutterson, you may want to avoid the first few rows. Fans sitting in sections 15-28 (the bleachers on the north side of the fieldhouse and the reserved seating on the near end) will climb a set of stairs to the Hall of Honor and proceed down the concourse to their seats. Yes, you have to go up to the top of the seating bowl and then back down to your seats. If you are sitting down low on this side of the arena, there will be no obstructions to your view. Return on Investment 3 Vermont utilizes variable pricing for its home games, with prices ranging from $23 for most bleacher seats to a maximum of $40 for individual seats for premium games. Children under 17 receive a five-dollar discount. Parking is free in the garage and lots around the fieldhouse. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a trip to a Catamounts hockey game an affordable option for Vermont sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the banners hanging inside the arena. Tournament appearances are recognized here, as is every Catamount player to represent his or her country in the Olympics. The school’s all-time team is honored, and there is a banner for the school’s only retired number, Martin St. Louis’ number nine. Be sure to check out the Vermont Hockey Hall of Honor, located on the second level above the main lobby. Photos of every Catamount to play in the NHL or NWHL line the walls, as do pictures of every All-American. Plaques honor Vermont Olympians and captains. Every Vermont alum to have their name on the Stanley Cup is honored, as is every Catamount draft pick. Banners hang from the roof, and the floor is painted to resemble the ice surface. It’s a great place to look around as you wait for the traffic to lessen after a game. Final Thoughts Gutterson Fieldhouse is a quintessential old-school hockey barn. Everything about the place screams old-time hockey. Vermont displays its history throughout the facility, and it’s easy to see that hockey is king here at UVM. Renovations are planned for “The Gut” as part of a $95 million improvement project, which will include a new events center next door to Gutterson Fieldhouse. Here’s hoping the renovations don’t change too much of the old-school aura here. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown & Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Fiserv Forum FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fiserv Forum 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Marquette Golden Eagles website Fiserv Forum website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 17,341 Where Golden Eagles Soar The Marquette University Golden Eagles basketball program is one of the most storied NCAA basketball programs in the country. The Golden Eagles are members of the Big East Conference. The program holds the record as the ninth highest number of NCAA postseason appearances with 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and 15 NIT Tournament appearances. The Golden Eagles won the 1977 National Championship, was a finalist in 1974 and went to the semifinals in 2003. They have been led by such coaching legends as Al McGuire and Rick Majerus. Amongst the elite players to come out of the Golden Eagles programs are Dwayne Wade, Jimmy Butler, Butch Lee, Maurice Lucas, Doc Rivers, and Jerome Whitehead. From 1988-2018 the Marquette basketball program called the Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee their home court. In 2018 they moved next door to the brand-new Fiserv Forum, which also serves as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks . The Fiserv Forum was built to replace the Bradley Center, as it no longer met NBA standards for an arena and was the oldest non-renovated arena in the league. Marquette signed a lease with the Fiserv Forum through 2025, leaving them the option to move to a smaller capacity, an on-campus arena at Marquette in the future if they decide to build one. The Fiserv Forum has a capacity of 17,341 for basketball, with 10,000 of those seats in the lower seating bowl. It is the first new sports and entertainment arena built in Wisconsin since 2002. It has thirty-four suites and three clubs and offers excellent sightlines from anywhere in the facility. It offers a full electronics package, including ribbon boards and the largest symmetrical scoreboard in the NBA. The scoreboard weighs 76,00 pounds and its panels measure 25 feet high by 29 feet wide. Naming rights for the arena belong to Fiserv Financial, a financial services technology company based in a Milwaukee suburb. Food & Beverage 4 Fiserv Forum has followed the lead of many of the other new stadiums and arenas that promote local restaurants heavily in its concessions program. Its program is known as “MKE Eats” and it features such local eateries as The Laughing Taco, Canal Street Pizzeria, Sobelman’s Burgers, Gold Rush Chicken, and Klements. It does have a smattering of national brands represented, including Chick-fil-A. As you would expect, in a town known worldwide for its beer, the arena’s alcoholic beverage offerings cover nearly every beer brand in the country. Brands with stands in the Fiserv Forum include Coors, Miller, Leinenkugel’s, and Pabst. There are four craft beer spots located around the arena featuring the beers from the local brew makers. The frequency of concession stands in the upper level of the Fiserv Forum is much lower on the upper level of the facility than the lower. You may want to make your purchases on the concourse level of the arena to avoid the long lines. Atmosphere 4 It is not a big secret who the primary tenant is at Fiserv Forum, as the Milwaukee Bucks signage is predominant throughout the building. However, once you are in the seating bowl of the arena, the Marquette logo and branding are everywhere on game day. The blue and gold color scheme of the court and huge “MU” at midcourt and Marquette Golden Eagles printed along the baselines assure you that you are in the right place. There is also signage at the tops of each of the two student sections featuring the Marquette branding. The video board above the playing surface also plays Marquette on a consistent basis, although upcoming events at the Fiserv Forum are promoted during the game as well. If you look up at the rafters, you will find that they are filled with banners reflecting the many championships the Golden Eagles have won and the many future NBA legends who wore the blue and gold during their college days. The student sections are divided behind each basket, assuring the visiting team will be distracted at their offensive end of the court throughout the game. The Golden Eagles fans can match the decibel level found at any Milwaukee Bucks game. They are assisted by the Marquette University Pep Band and Iggy, the Golden Eagle Mascot. The baseline seats are a sea of golden and blue at every home game. Most alumni of the school stay in the greater Milwaukee area after graduation. They also make up a sizable portion of the audience at Golden Eagles home games. It is not unusual to find many of the players from the National Championship team of 1977 in the house, as they are incredibly supportive of the basketball program. Neighborhood 3 The district surrounding the Fiserv Forum is known as the Deer District. This is a play on the Milwaukee Bucks moniker. The 30-acre area is being developed as Milwaukee’s live/work/play area within its downtown confines. An entertainment block has already been established across the street from the arena, with tenants including Good City Brewing Company, Punch Bowl Social, and Drink Wisconsinbly. Other restaurants in the area are the MECCA Sports Bar and Grill, the Cluckery, and Insomnia Cookies. Loft apartments near the arena opened in 2019 to begin to fill the “live” component of the district and a new office tower has been built to encompass the “work” portion of the triad. These are just the preliminary wave of development in the Deer District, with numerous projects in the construction phase. Another area close by is the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which includes a wide variety of restaurants and shops along its length. The “Bronze Fonz” statue is also a popular photo stop as the statue of Fonzie from “Happy Days” salutes Milwaukee for serving as the fictitious home of the Cunningham family. Fans 3 Marquette has a much longer winning tradition than the Bucks, as their appearances in the postseason have far outpaced their NBA brethren. Before 2019, the Bucks had only won one NBA title back in the days of Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The Golden Eagles fanbase is used to winning teams and is very loyal in its support. The alumni base for Marquette University is also heavily skewed to residents of the Milwaukee area, so they have never lost touch with the team over the years. Access 4 The Fiserv Forum offers easy access from every direction in the greater Milwaukee area. It is located less than a 15-minute drive from the city’s main airport General Mitchell Airport. The arena also offers easy access from both I-94 and I-43, the main interstates serving the Milwaukee area. Directions from I-43: From I-93 North take exit 73A (McKinley Avenue). Go right on McKinley Avenue to 5th Street. Turn right on 5th. Fiserv Forum will be one block left and a right onto 4th Street. Directions from I-94: Take I-94 East to I-43 North. Exit at 72C and proceed through the Kilbourn Avenue tunnel. At the next light turn left onto 6th Street and go two blocks north. Fiserv Forum will be on your left. Once at the arena, you will be able to find parking either connected to or adjacent to Fiserv Forum. This is especially important when winter comes, and the temperatures drop. There are three main entrances into the facility, in addition to a season ticket owner-only entry. The concourses in the building are wider than most NBA and college arenas. The Fiserv Forum has ten escalators and ten elevators to transport you to the second level of seats. There are nineteen women’s restrooms and fifteen men’s restrooms in the facility, so you should not encounter any long lines, even during the halftime breaks. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a Golden Eagles game is much easier on the pocketbook than attending a Bucks game at the same facility. Tickets range in price from $32-$38 for most games, with variable pricing in place for marquee games such as Notre Dame, UCLA, and the University of Wisconsin and Big East Conference games. Parking is available in the 5th Street Parking structure, which is attached to the Forum by a sky bridge, for $20. The Highland parking structure also serves the Forum for the same cost. The prices for concessions at the Fiserv Forum are quite reasonable in comparison with other NBA-level facilities. Extras 4 The Fiserv Forum’s unusual, curved exterior is meant to represent the major waterways, the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, which serve as important parts of the city’s history. The Fiserv Forum has a “no bag” policy in effect for entry into the facility. Its security rules are amongst the toughest in the nation in this regard. The Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame is located just down the street from the Forum. It is located outside of the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Arena. This building was formerly known as the MECCA, and it served as the home to both Marquette and the Bucks during the 1970s. Make sure you look up during your visit to the Fiserv Forum. There are a vast number of Marquette banners hanging from the rafters saluting the many championships the Golden Eagles have won over the years. Final Thoughts The Fiserv Forum is a wonderful NBA arena and makes a good home for a high-end college basketball program.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Pohl Gymnasium 1100 College St Columbus, MS 39701 MUW Owls website Pohl Gymnasium website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 570 Getting Ws at the W Columbus, Mississippi is home to the Mississippi University for Women (MUW), a public institution that has over 2,300 students enrolled. Despite its name, the school’s enrollment is currently 23% male. MUW started as a women’s only institution in 1884 when it was called the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls. This was the first women’s public college in the United States. It was renamed the Mississippi State College for Women in 1920 before another renaming gave the institution its current name in 1974. In 1982 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the school’s single sex admission policy was in violation of the fourteenth amendment and had to accept qualified men. Since that ruling, MUW has been a co-ed institution academic wise. While the academics had been integrated, the athletic programs continued to be exclusively for women. In 1971, MUW won the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (CIAW) national championship in basketball, becoming the third program to accomplish that feat. The CIAW was the predecessor to the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) which eventually folded into the NCAA. The point is MUW is part of women’s college basketball history. Unfortunately on November 10, 2002, a tornado ripped through Columbus and MUW. The tornado damaged a large part of the campus, including Pohl Gymnasium. The tornado forced the program to shut down their athletic program. In 2017, sports came back to MUW, this time the Owls would have men’s teams. Five years later, the Owls joined Division 3’s St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). The school has had numerous proposals to change the name of the school due to the fact that it has not been a women’s institution in over four decades. As of the writing of this article, no name change has been approved. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand at the entrance that sells basics such as hot dogs ($2), popcorn ($1), candy ($1), chips ($1), sodas ($2), Gatorade ($2), and water ($1). Have cash on you as the stand does not have a card reader. All proceeds go to the Owls Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Atmosphere 3 When you enter Pohl Gymnasium, there is a trophy case showing off various athletic successes from the MUW program over the years. After opening a door and walking to the seats you see a sign that says “Win Every Day” as well as a USCAA women’s basketball championship banner.  There is a running track that surrounds the gym above the seats and the players' locker rooms are upstairs by the track on the opposite side of the seating area. Only one side of the gym has seats. Two LED matrix scoreboards are in each corner of the gym, which face the seating area. They display the basics of points, period, time, and TOL. The gym displays banners of the other schools in the SLIAC above the players' benches and officials' tables. Neighborhood 3 Columbus is part of Mississippi’s Golden Triangle that also includes Starkville and West Point. Columbus is home to the Columbus Air Force Base and is therefore considered to be a Military town. On the campus of MUW is Summer Hall where there is an art gallery that is free to the public. A few blocks northwest is Columbus’ Main Street, where other attractions include the home of Tennessee Williams and the Riverwalk Trail hiking area. Dining options on Main Street include Harvey’s for Southern fare, Munson and Brothers Trading Post for pizza, and Huck’s Place for Cajun cuisine. There are plenty of chain hotels in Columbus including a Red Roof Inn, Days Inn, and La Quinta. Fans 2 MUW does not have a large fan base but its students and alumni get behind the Owls, win or lose. The fans seem to be knowledgeable about D3 basketball. Access 3 Coming from Highway 82, the drive to Pohl Gymnasium involves turning onto Military Road and driving until reaching 11th street where heading South will get you straight to the venue. There is a gravel parking lot across the field from the gym. Once inside, the gym is on the left. Return on Investment 5 On my visit to Pohl Gym there did not seem to be anyone charging admission to the public. This means I was able to see a MUW Owls Women’s and Men’s game for no charge. With free parking, it’s worth stopping by MUW to witness just how good D3 basketball can be. . Extras 1 Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus. His childhood home is now a museum. Final Thoughts Pohl Gymnasium may not have all the bells and whistles of a D1 basketball arena. However, it is a great place to watch competitive college basketball in its purest form.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Joe Walton Stadium 6001 University Blvd Moon Township, PA 15108 Robert Morris Colonials website Joe Walton Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 Colonials on the Move In a big city, the small college and university sports team can easily be forgotten. Robert Morris fits the description of small sports in a big city. Despite its recent success, Robert Morris football can also be described as a team that has fallen through the cracks in a big city. If you take a trip to the campus to partake in a game though, you’ll be sure to forget that you’re at a small school, but you won’t forget about your experience. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concession stands inside the stadium, but don’t be fooled, because there are two stands outside of Joe Walton Stadium. Varying on the crowd at each game, you will either need to get stamped to go outside to purchase your snacks, or sometimes the security at the game will let fans come and go as they please. Don’t expect much of anything at the stands though; there will be only the basics. The prices are pretty cheap with burgers at $3.50, nachos at $3, popcorn at $1.50 and hot dogs at $2. The quality is pretty average. Beer is not sold at Robert Morris football games. Atmosphere 3 Robert Morris is a bit of an odd combo when it comes to atmosphere. The parking lot and tailgating will give you the impression that you’re at a big time college football game. There is a lot of beer pong and corn hole being played as you walk through the gravel lot. The game itself has a lot of good and bad to it. Every time Robert Morris scores, a group of ROTC members fire off a cannon. Also, the student section seems very involved. The bad part of the atmosphere is the general admission seating (there seems to be a lot of moving around and people not paying attention to the game) and the fact that some elements to college football games that we’ve become accustomed to knowing are hidden; such as the band and the concession stands. The band is hidden at one end of the field and quite frankly, they’re not very loud. Other than this, you can pretty much expect your standard FCS atmosphere at Joe Walton Stadium. Neighborhood 4 The campus is near the Moon Township area of Pittsburgh, which is actually not that far away from Pittsburgh International Airport. The campus is your common small school campus; all of the University buildings are within a small radius of each other. Directly around the campus is not exactly a hot bed of activity, but within a short drive is the Robinson Township, which has just about anything you might need for eating or drinking purposes. A new restaurant called Burgatory just opened up in 2012 in Robinson Township. This is the same place that has a stand in CONSOL Energy Center. As long as traffic isn’t too bad, which is not always the case in Pittsburgh, it won’t take long to get from the campus to anywhere you’d like to eat or drink before or after the game. Fans 4 Robert Morris fans and students will pack this stadium. The student section is usually very loud and large compared to the size of the stadium. The fans are usually lined up even behind the seats (most of the seating is general admission) because the bleachers are full. A lot of the crowd will exit the stadium during halftime however, to go to their respective tailgating spot for their choice of beverage. Usually, a lot of the fans will arrive back to the stadium late for the second half, so normally it seems as though the second half has a little bit of a slow start. Other than that, the fans are very knowledgeable about their team and really add to the atmosphere of the game. Access 3 To start, the stadium can get extremely crowded and as a result, it’s very hard to move in the aisles behind the seats. If you get to the game too late though, be prepared to just stand behind the seats. Also, if games become too crowded, the ticket takers do not exactly check tickets from those who come back in during halftime, so the stadium can get more crowded than it even should. There are bathrooms sprinkled throughout the stadium that are of decent size, but it’s still hard to get in and out of them during halftime and in between quarters. The fans standing behind the seats make it very hard to maneuver though, through no fault of their own. Parking is spread out throughout the campus at no charge. As always, the earlier you get to the campus, the closer you’ll end up to the stadium. It will be harder to get out of the campus after the game than into the campus before the game starts, but it’s not the worst traffic you’ll see. There are plenty of police to keep traffic moving after the game; but you probably will sit for a little bit since there is only one road in and out of the campus. WARNING: If you are trying to find the stadium with a GPS, use the University’s address; not what is shown on other websites for Joe Walton Stadium. The correct address is 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets will cost just $7 and parking is free; so considering this is pretty equal to the price of a high school game, you can’t really spend less for such quality football. Tack on the free parking and great atmosphere outside the stadium, Robert Morris is really a tough place to beat for a high quality game at such an affordable price. However, this is FCS football and not FBS; so don’t go expecting all of the extras that come with high profile college games. Extras 2 There are not a ton of extras that come along with the Joe Walton Stadium experience. The great crowd and tailgating as you walk in are the biggest extras that this stadium provides. The other is for RoMo, the Robert Morris mascot. RoMo adds to the great atmosphere and can be very entertaining. Final Thoughts Joe Walton Stadium is a little bit of a mixed bag. The tailgating and great fans and students will give you the impression that you’re at a big time college game. But certain aspects such as the concession stands will put you back into the reality that you’re at an FCS game. Robert Morris will give an enjoyable experience, just remember the level of football that you’re going to see.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 St Mary’s Stadium Britannia Rd Southampton, England SO14 5FP United Kingdom Southampton FC website St Mary’s Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 32,384 Home of the Saints Twenty twenty-one (2021) sees the 20th anniversary of Southampton FC’s move from the Dell, their memorable former home, to St Mary’s Stadium. St Mary’s is a four-star-rated UEFA stadium that has already created memories of its own. Premier League football in 13 out of those 20 seasons, 6 Europa League fixtures, full men’s and women’s internationals all grabbed the headlines. An 8-0 win, a 0-9 defeat, a sub-3-minute Sadio Mane hat-trick, David Prutton ‘laying hands’ on an official, and, in this game, Saints striker Shane Long scoring with his ‘nether’ regions are the stories more likely to be passed down the generations. The Dell (1898-2001) held the hearts of most Southampton fans over the age of 40 as a quirky, compact ground that provided some big European nights of its own. Before that, the Antelope Ground was home situated just a mile from the current stadium. The move to a new stadium in 2001 was a homecoming of sorts – the club originally hailed from the St Mary’s area of the city. Indeed, its original name in 1885 was St Mary’s Church of England YMA. It’s a club ‘built on faith’ as they say in these parts. The stadium was built for a relatively cheap £32 million (compared to the estimated £390 million Emirates Stadium in London). In some ways, you get what you pay for since the ground differs little from similar constructions found in Derby, Middlesbrough, and Leicester. After the club was saved from extinction by the German-born billionaire Markus Liebherr, the stadium was looked after well under the watchful eye of Ted Bates, the Southampton FC legend whose statue sits just outside the ground. After the owner’s untimely death, the fabric was getting a little tired, hence the recent spruce up in summer 2019. It’s a bowl-shaped stadium, just over ten minutes from the city centre. The four stands are named after the areas of the city adjacent: the Chapel, Kingsland, Itchen, and Northam. The latter two house the more vociferous home fans where you should expect to stand more than you sit. Food & Beverage 4 You may well decide to eat in the city centre or from one of the burger vans hugging the pavements along Britannia Road. Inside the stadium, the choice and quality of refreshments certainly beat the ‘Stadia Catering’ at the Dell which famously sold out of food before halftime on more than one occasion! There are refreshment serveries in all the main concourses with prices in line with what you’d expect at a Premier League ground. Kingfisher beer and Magners Cider are £4.50 a pint. A glass of wine (do people drink wine at football?) is £4.20. Coke, Sprite, Oasis, and bottles of water as well as tea, coffee, and Bovril cost between £2 and £2.50. Steak and Ale, chicken, ham and leek pies, and sausage rolls (including a vegan option) are £4. Finally, crisps, pork scratching, and chocolate bars are also available. For more upmarket provisions, or if you just want to treat yourself, enquire via the website about the club’s hospitality options. There are 38 Executive boxes, 5 lounges, and a bar/grill with a capacity of 200. Ex-players are often around to meet visitors, chat, and take photos. The club has recently announced a new catering partnership with Gather & Gather to begin on July 1st, 2020. Gather & Gather will provide catering and events services across the club’s sites. Atmosphere 3 A move to a new stadium was mooted by FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy as far back as the 1970s with the club looking to cement its place toward the higher echelons of English football. A 25,000-capacity stadium near the airport almost came to fruition in the 1990s before finally, the council assisted in providing land on the east of the city for St Mary’s. Finally, the new stadium was ready for its inaugural fixture, a 4-3 friendly defeat to Espanyol in August 2001, and the first league fixture a week later at home to Chelsea. The record attendance so far was for the promotion party match v Coventry City in 2012 when 32.363 supporters were packed in. The stadium was built with expansion in mind. All except the Itchen Stand could be built upon to increase capacity if needed. St Mary’s could never replicate the unique atmosphere of the Dell, where fans were so close to the pitch making it such an intimidating place for visiting players. The roof can still be raised at St Mary’s though and when there is a sizable away support there can be some entertaining ‘discussion’ between fans. ‘Oh, When the Saints’ Southampton fans signature song, is sung with a real passion as well as the other usual songs that do the rounds. In short, it’s the largest ground south of London and definitely worth a visit. St Mary’s was the first stadium in England to install an LED lighting system which is cheaper, greener, and gives a distinct look at night matches. Two large scoreboards behind each goal provide information and team news and the playing surface is immaculate at all times of the season thanks to head groundsmen John Wright and his team. In late 2016 a brand new PA system was installed which, if you wanted to, you could probably hear from your hotel room! No marching bands these days, a light show with shooting flames and booming music is the latest craze. Premier League razz-a-ma-taz is loved by tourists but often loathed by the locals. There isn’t really a bad view in the whole ground although you will find it harder in rows a, b and c to get an overall impression of how the game is going. The sunsets seen from the Itchen and Northam corners are sometimes stunning! Neighborhood 4 Southampton has an eventful maritime history that in many ways has defined this city known as the ‘Gateway to the World.’ The Pilgrim Fathers set off to the ‘New World’ from here in 1620 seeking a more fruitful and ‘fit for living’ existence. Nearly three centuries later over 500 Sotonians perished at sea in the Titanic disaster. The ill-fated voyage left from Southampton and it is said that almost every family in the city was affected in some way. Both of these historical events are remembered within the excellent Sea City Museum in the cities’ Civic Centre (just look for the tall clock tower). There are also smaller memorials to both events dotted around the city. The city is a major port for container / RORO and cruise ships, many of the jobs in the city are therefore rooted in the logistics sector. Another industry that thrives in Southampton is the service sector with many of the shops, bars, cinemas, and restaurants now gathered around the West Quay Watermark complex. Other areas to explore for refreshments would be Oxford Street (upmarket bars and restaurants), Bedford Place (a large student area), Ocean Village (to get a glimpse of the sea), and the ‘Cultural Quarter’ around the civic centre building to the north of the shopping area. If culture is your thing then a guided walk around the city walls is highly recommended, as is the main art gallery and the Mayflower Theatre. If you choose to extend your stay then there are many attractive areas outside of the confines of the city to explore. The Isle of Wight, the New Forest, the historic city of Winchester, and the beaches to the west of the city around Bournemouth are all recommended. Family attractions such as Marwell Zoo and Paultons Park are both within a 20-minute drive of the city. All the usual chain hotels are here. The Jury’s Inn and Premier City Centre Hotels are very handily placed for the stadium and the city centre. For a more upmarket experience, the 5* Harbour Hotel at Ocean Village has great views from the rooftop ‘HarBar on 6th’ restaurant and is only a 15-minute walk to the stadium. For sports fans the Hilton Ageas Bowl Hotel is recommended, it’s integrated into the ‘Rose Bowl’ cricket ground, another international standard stadium on the western outskirts of the city. If you enjoy your stadium/groundhopping, other local clubs to visit include Eastleigh FC and Sholing FC, and many more in the Wessex League. St Marys’ Stadium is not in the most salubrious area of the city but there are lots of decent pubs hidden around the estates close to the ground. North and east of the stadium are the Northam Social Club (£1 entrance fee), the Prince of Wales, the Unity Brewing Company, Browns, Tap-it Brewing Company, Shamrock Quay Bistro, and The Chapel Arms. Further south there are the Oxford Street and Ocean Village areas and to the west of the city, there are numerous bars and restaurants in the city centre. Home fans tend to be spread out across the city for pre-match beverages. Away fans have various city-center bars suggested like Yates in Above Bar but, without colours, you can gain entry into most pubs if you keep your head down. Fans 4 No local team can match the large attendances at Southampton, which is regularly over 90% full each season (averaging over 30,000). This is about mid-level for the Premier League. Away from home Southampton takes good numbers across the UK and has sold out allocations in Prague, Arnhem, and Bucharest in previous years. Over 6,000 made the trip to the San Siro stadium in Milan in 2016, a memorable occasion for all Saints fans despite the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Inter. Brighton and Hove Albion, 60 miles away, are the closest attendance-wise, with similar 30k attendances. In the Premier League, Bournemouth is the closest geographically but with a restricted capacity of around 12,000, they will soon be looking for a newer, larger stadium. The fan culture in the UK is second to none. Well, it was 30 years ago. English football lacks the ‘tifo’ choreography and the organised chanting of its European neighbours, and it is now promoted as family-friendly. Grounds are far less intimidating here than they used to be. What you do get though is tribalism, humour (often coarse), and knowledgeable fans, and in all these respects, Southampton fans are no different. With the onset of all-seater stadia, English football began to attract the middle class through its turnstiles. The result was (higher revenues but) sanitized atmospheres and ‘customers’ instead of participants. St Mary’s fell foul to this like many others however in recent times, particularly in the Itchen North corner, the support is loud and proud. For the Premier League match v Aston Villa, as well as the club anthem of “Oh when the Saints,” songs were directed at star striker ‘King of the Scummers’ Danny Ings, center-back Jack Stephens, and the club’s continued ascendancy over Portsmouth, a 3rd tier side 17 miles east of the city. Access 4 There are excellent transport links to Southampton by air, rail, and road. If you are traveling from the Isle of Wight you can even arrive by sea! From Southampton Airport it’s just a 4-mile taxi ride to the stadium. Alternatively, you can take a train from directly outside the airport (Southampton Parkway) to Southampton Central in just a few minutes. A fast train to Southampton Central station from London Waterloo takes around 75 minutes, the stadium is a one-mile walk away. Shuttle buses also run on match days from the train station and the ferry terminal. You can drive to Southampton via the M27 or M3. If you head towards the city centre, you can park in any of the numerous car parks. Nearer the stadium lookout for makeshift car parks at £10 a time in the industrial estates around the ground. If you have any specific mobility needs with regards to getting around the ground it is worth contacting the club in advance. There are wheelchair accessible spaces in all 4 stands. More details can be found here. Visually impaired visitors can request audio description commentary, follow @Saints_AD for more information Match tickets are categorised depending on the opposition. Fixtures are designated as A*, A, B, or C. For A* games you could be paying £50 for a ticket, for category C matches as low as £15 for an adult (if accompanying a child). Purchase tickets online or from the ticket office on the ground. Return on Investment 3 With a location on the often-affluent south coast of England, approximately 80 miles from London, prices in Southampton will not be cheap. High demand fixtures will certainly be costly to attend. Choose a category C game and there is value to be had or a cup game/pre-season friendly as tickets are often reduced to just £10 or £15. Refreshments will always be on the expensive side inside the stadium, and when you add £4 for the matchday programme, Premier League football can be an expensive animal these days. Extras 5 The Saints Foundation is a fantastic charity that uses the power of the club to make Southampton a better place to live for everyone. Working in schools and with the city’s most vulnerable, the foundation has contributed immeasurably to the local community over recent years. The club has recently announced that three group stage matches will be played at St Mary’s in the UEFA Women’s 2021 Euros. Tours of the stadium are available, contact the club for more details. There is a large megastore in the Itchen/Chapel corner for your merchandise needs. A small ‘Fan-Zone’ has been created in the south car park of the ground. Kids can grab a burger, have a kick-around in a relatively safe environment. Saints Brass Band ( @SaintsBrass ) can be found outside the stadium come rain or shine. They lift the mood with a wide selection of tunes designed to get fans in the mood before kick-off! Saints Brass Band The stadium also hosts concerts with The Killers due in June 2020 and Take That, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, and the Rolling Stones all appearing in previous years. Final Thoughts On the football front, the Saints have always been entertainers (except for a brief spell under Ian Branfoot who didn’t quite understand that tradition). The club’s iconic player, Matthew Le Tissier, is still a fan of this friendly club and often attends games as an ambassador alongside Lawrie McMenemy and Francis Benali MBE, another ex-player held in high esteem locally. The club has been a mainstay of the Premier League in recent years after a dip into the lower leagues in the mid-2000s. That coincided with the club going into administration and although the current Chinese owners have yet to convince fans, it’s clear this home of South Coast football will be creating many new memories in the next 20 years and beyond.