Photos by Jonathan Michel and Various, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Joseph J. Gentile Arena 6525 N Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60626 Loyola Ramblers website Joseph J, Gentile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 5,200 The Gentile Center Keeps Rambling on the A -10 Built in 1996, Joseph J. Gentile Arena plays home to one of college basketball’s most recent mid-major powerhouses, the Loyola Ramblers. The 4,963-seat arena sits on the northwest corner of Loyola’s campus in the Rogers Park neighborhood, 10 miles from downtown Chicago. It makes it one of three NCAA Division I basketball venues (the others being DePaul’s Wintrust Arena and Illinois-Chicago’s Credit Union I Arena) close to the heart of the city. Given the recent success of the team, which has reached the Sweet 16 twice since 2018, the arena is smaller than most would expect, but its intimate size fits the size of the school and makes life hard on any opponent who visits. Since the 2017-18 season, when the Ramblers made a miracle run to the Final Four, the team has posted an astounding 66-9 record at Gentile Arena. Loyola, which is moving from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Atlantic 10 Conference starting in the fall of 2022, gave the arena a massive renovation in 2011. The upgrades included new seating in the lower bowl, revamped concessions, restrooms, and new video boards that feature a 360-degree screen on the bottom of the main scoreboard, a fairly uncommon sight in mid-major basketball. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Gentile Arena are about what one would expect from a traditional sporting venue, such as hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, etc. The Vienna Beef Polish sausage is tasty and a fitting purchase if you are attending a Chicago sporting event. Drink options are average, as well, but a bonus is that the building does serve alcohol until the 10-minute mark of the second half. The best part of the fare at Gentile Arena is that fans don’t have to wait in long lines to order because multiple kiosks allow for convenient ordering and quick pick up. Atmosphere 4 Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of Gentile Arena is how tight it feels. There are no bad seats in the house as there are two levels of seating with nearly equal the amount of rows, separated by a concourse. The highest row of seats sits not far from the roof of the arena, preventing crowd noise from getting lost in a cavernous void. If you prefer an experience closer to the floor, courtside seats are available, but one would have to buy them before the season starts, as they are sold on a season basis and typically go fast. Seats in the upper corners of the arena do not have chair backs, so that may be helpful to keep in mind. Loyola’s beloved team chaplain, Sister Jean, read a pregame “prayer” from her wheelchair at center court, which was a nice opportunity for those to get a glance at college basketball’s favorite nun and television icon. The intro video before the game was energetic and well put-together, and that same energy continued into the game, with large amounts of crowd noise reverberating off the walls of the intimate arena. At times, one would think it’d be impossible for opposing teams to think straight in a game coming down to the wire. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding Loyola is about as busy as you would expect it to be, given that it is 15-20 minutes away from downtown Chicago. There are a wide variety of places to eat within walking or short driving distance from the arena, from fast food to ethnic restaurants to authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza. Rogers Park is a diverse neighborhood that is pretty safe for the most part, but it is Chicago after all, so you can never be too cautious when walking around. Most entertainment and food options around Loyola and Gentile Arena are located on Sheridan Road. Giordano’s is a Chicago staple that serves tantalizing deep-dish pizza and has a location on Sheridan one mile north of the arena. There are Jamaican, Asian, Mexican, and Ethiopian restaurants within a mile of the arena as well, so you’re in good hands if you’re down to try something new. Oasis (6809 N Sheridan), Bruno’s Lounge (6562 N Sheridan), and Cunneen’s Bar (1424 W Devon Ave.) are some of the most popular bar options near Loyola’s campus. Bruno’s is a small dive bar that is the closest of the three to Gentile Arena. Following a game, there will be some students if it’s a weekend but usually not too many. Oasis and Cunneen’s are typical pubs that will get the job done as well. Fans 4 Loyola fans are never hard to spot, as at least half of them typically sport maroon and yellow striped scarves at all basketball games. Many Ramblers enthusiasts are passionate about their team, and that is evident during games, although some fans were a little too passionate and boisterous. One student was ejected from the game after repeatedly yelling at a referee. There are a lot of students engaged in the game yelling, “You let the whole team down” after opponents’ missed free throws. Access 2 For a first-time visitor, accessing Gentile Arena is not the easiest. The location of Loyola’s campus is not close to any interstates or major highways, so be prepared to deal with downtown Chicago traffic unless you are coming from the north side of town. However, there is a Loyola station for the “L” train’s red line, which can make the trip easier. There is a parking garage that is a 3-5 minute walk from the arena, and that is likely the best parking option, unless you want to park on neighborhood streets. If you choose the latter, always be sure to check the signs to ensure that you are not parking illegally. Parking at the garage isn’t exactly cheap for an on-campus garage at $10 for men’s basketball games, but it’s not surprising given how much parking costs in Chicago. The concourse at Gentile Arena was also a bit confusing to navigate at first. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Ramblers men’s basketball games are separated into three levels: gold, maroon, and gray, and each home game is given a designation as to which level it is. “Gray” games are the cheapest and average around $20, while “gold” games are in the ballpark of $30. Upper terrace chairback seats are located at the top of the seating bowl and provide good value, given how cozy the arena is. Seven sections of Gentile Arena are reserved for students, so be sure to buy tickets in advance if you plan on attending a marquee game. Concession prices are reasonable, and parking isn’t outrageous. . Extras 3 Loyola’s campus is beautiful, so if time allows, take a walk around, and you’ll be treated to wonderful views of Lake Michigan. Gentile also earns bonus points for Loyola’s solid pep band and the wraparound scoreboard for those sitting close to the court. Final Thoughts If you attend a game at Gentile, it may be pricier compared to some other programs in their conference but be ready for a fun and energetic night of basketball in one of the best environments in the Atlantic 10.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Tom Gola Arena 1900 W. Olney Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19141 La Salle Explorers website Tom Gola Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,000 Exploring Tom Gola Arena La Salle University is a Roman Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. La Salle first admitted women students in 1970, becoming a fully co-educational institution. Nursing and Education are two of the largest majors at La Salle. Sports teams at La Salle are named the Explorers. The name derives from a 1931 mistake made by a local sportswriter. The writer thought the university was named after the French explorer Sieur de La Salle, when in fact it is named after St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. The students loved the mistake so much they adopted it in 1932. Athletic teams are now part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The men’s and women’s basketball teams also participate in the Philadelphia Big 5 with the University of Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, and Villanova University. The men’s basketball program at La Salle has been rated the 53rd “Greatest College Basketball Program of All-Time” by Street & Smith’s magazine and 71st by the ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia. La Salle has won one National Championship (1954), one National Invitation Tournament Championship, and advanced to two Final Fours. The Tom Gola Arena opened in 1998. That seems funny as the simple, antiquated design of this facility seems about 20 years earlier in design. That is because they retrofitted the top floor of an existing gym structure to house an arena. These compromises in design certainly show in the many issues that exist here. Before the opening of the Tom Gola Arena, the team played home games at the Spectrum for a few years, as well as the old Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center. They stopped playing on campus the year after their lone national championship. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand that sits on the mezzanine level. It can get very crowded here and is pretty poorly designed. The design is so bad that the condiment table actually is placed in front of trophies and awards, including the National Championship memorabilia. The good thing is that prices are very good, most items are $3 or less. But eat ahead of time. Atmosphere 2 There are two stands, one on each sideline. This simple design means that attendees sitting on the top few rows will be far from the action. It also means that fans will bunch and crowd between the doors and the stands. It is a bit of a mess. This is compounded by the fact that the bathrooms are next to the gym floor and add to that bunching and crowding effect. This design is very bad. This is generally not the greatest atmosphere for college basketball. Fortunately, the level of competition in the Atlantic 10 Conference is very good. You may not totally enjoy the seating and atmosphere but the fine level of play makes up for that in many ways. There is a band, mascot, and cheerleaders to help out with the atmospherics. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood is known as the Logan-Ogontz/Belfield neighborhood. Whatever the name, it is frankly not the best. It is not unsafe or very bad, but it is not 100% great and awesome. If you wander away from campus, just be aware of your surroundings. There are also not many businesses in the area except for the Explorers Den, which offers a very respectable cheesesteak. There is a small shopping center that offers parking for games at the corner of Chew and Wister. The university owns this shopping center. The Fresh Grocer and Dunkin Donuts in this center are your only other options before games. Eat before you get to the area is the best advice. Head to center city Philadelphia. Take advantage of options afforded by such a city. I would recommend the Good Dog Bar on 15th Street, close to Rittenhouse Square or Me ‘N’ Mo on South Street. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. Fans 3 The fans here are pretty good. The Atlantic 10 offers great competition and the fans respond accordingly. The arena still does let them down a bit. Access 2 Access is fair. The university is located not too far from highways such as I-76 and I-95 but far enough that you have to drive through some rough, but not too bad neighborhoods to get there. If you venture too far east the neighborhoods do get worse. Head for that shopping center at the corner of Chew and Wister for plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 5 The tickets are in the $15 to $20 range. For a fairly high level of competition, as well as free parking La Salle offers great value for attendees. If you do choose to eat at the games, prices are very good here as well. . Extras 2 It is nice to see the 1954 championship memorabilia, although maybe they can find a better place for condiments. I will also give Tom Gola Arena credit in that the unique layout and design of the facility, at least in terms of the entrance, is certainly something to see. Final Thoughts I understand that the 1998 design of this arena was a compromise in using an existing building. But it still feels that LaSalle made so many poor design decisions that it seriously compromises the quality of the fan experience. You will still see high-quality basketball, but in less than inviting environment.

Photos by Patricia Beninato and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse 1304 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Duquesne Dukes website UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,500 A Storied History in an Updated Space When it comes to Pittsburgh collegiate athletics, the University of Pittsburgh tends to overshadow the other schools in the area. Southwest of Pitt, though, Duquesne University (pronounced du-CANE) has been a longtime presence in the Atlantic 10, producing more high scorers in the division than any other school. It also made history in 1950 when one of its star players, Chuck Cooper, was the first Black player to be drafted by the NBA, going to the Boston Celtics. Duquesne’s recently renovated fieldhouse was named for the Pittsburgh native. While it’s not big, its prime location near downtown and updated amenities make it fun for college basketball fans, who can watch young stars like Amir “Primo” Spears and Kevin Easley Jr. under the direction of head coach Keith Dambrot. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll don’t come to UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse to eat, but if you’re hungry, food and drink here are decent and reasonably priced. Along with the usual hot dogs, popcorn and nachos, you can get a Pig and Pickles sandwich, with pulled pork, onions, pickles (of course) and a local brewery’s mustard. For seven bucks, it’s a good deal. It’s also seven bucks for beer and hard seltzer. There’s a small bar on court level in front of the Dukes’ locker room that offers various cocktails for around ten dollars for mixed drinks. Atmosphere 4 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse holds roughly 3500 people for basketball, with two levels of seating around the court with six club suites on the right facing the windows, framing a stunning view of downtown Pittsburgh. Most seats are typical fieldhouse seats, with a bleacher section reserved for students. The displays are top-notch with the recent renovation, with big LED screens above each basket and semi-circular screens showing scores and stats in each corner. The PA announcer completely leans into his job, and a DJ provides some interesting mixes–at very loud levels.When he’s got the turntables going, a conversation is next to impossible, even with the person next to you. With its intimate seating and the ponytailed pom pom-waving cheerleaders on the sidelines, it’s very reminiscent of a high school gym, albeit with excellent high tech. There are currently no restrictions due to the COVID pandemic at the fieldhouse. Neighborhood 3 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse is located on the Duquesne campus, but it’s happy to piggyback on its across-the-block neighbor, PPG Paints Arena when it comes to places for fans to hang out at before and after the game. That being said, there’s not that many, and add in major campus construction–at this writing, an osteopathic medical school is being built across the street from the fieldhouse–makes walking around a bit tricky. However, people always manage to find the Souper Bowl on Fifth Avenue, about two blocks from the fieldhouse, which despite its name offers burgers, sandwiches, and other pub food and not soup. Don’t miss the cheese-and-bacon-loaded Souper Fries, and the honey mustard chicken sandwich is top-notch. Its hours are dependent on what’s going on at the arena, so be aware of that if you’re planning a visit. Fans 4 I was warned beforehand that two things would affect the crowd at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at the game I attended. First, it was the end of a holiday weekend, so there weren’t going to be a lot of students around. Second, and more importantly for a Pittsburgh school, the Steelers were playing at the same time, and in this town, Steelers über alles. So the crowd was sparse, but they were very enthusiastic. There was plenty of Duquesne scarlet and navy to be seen, drum rolls on seats during Duke free throws, lots of cheering and chants, and the occasional heckling of the refs. Nicely, though, since Duquesne’s a Catholic school after all. I imagine this place rocks when it’s full because it was rocking pretty hard at about 40% capacity. Access 4 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse’s parking garage is located next to the fieldhouse with a cost of $10. If you find it, street parking is available through the Pittsburgh Parking Authority; you can pay at kiosks or on the Go Mobile PGH app. Bonus: it’s free if you get street parking for a Sunday game. The fieldhouse is an easy 5-10 minute walk from downtown, and if you’re taking the T (light rail), Steel Plaza will be the closest stop, roughly eight minutes away on foot. The fieldhouse itself has wide concourses and multiple points of entry. At this time, only mobile tickets are available. Restrooms are clean and have all-new fixtures, although be warned that the aforementioned super-loud DJ is super loud here. I emerged from a halftime restroom break with ringing ears and a renewed hatred of Pitbull. Return on Investment 3 If you sit on the first level behind the baskets, expect to pay $15 for seats. After that, the prices go up to $45 for club seats or seats in the Fan Corners above the scoreboards for in-conference games, five dollars less expensive for non-conference games. $30 for a cheap seat, sandwich, and beer for a lower-echelon Division I basketball game can be a deal for a big college basketball fan, but for families looking for something to do, the price tag at a Duquesne game can add up quickly. . Extras 2 There is a small kiosk on the main concourse by the concessions stand where you can buy some Duquesne apparel, but that’s about it for buying Dukes’ stuff inside UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. A much more extensive selection is available at the Barnes and Noble bookstore down the block from the fieldhouse, so head there for your Dukes souvenirs. The staff, which seems to be a mix of students and employees, are friendly and pleasant, and the Pittsburgh skyline view is a nice touch. Final Thoughts The game experience at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse is pretty basic. You won’t get the frills of a big Division I school like Pitt, but if you like college basketball in a fun atmosphere, it’s worth your consideration. Duquesne has gone to some expense to create a good space for its students and alumni to cheer on the Dukes, and while I’d hesitate to call it a must-see destination for Pittsburgh visitors, it can be a nice addition to a Steel City sports tour.

SA20 is set to launch in early 2023, as the newest franchise league in T20 cricket. The competition will see some of the best white-ball cricketers feature in South Africa in the opening two months of the calendar. After the success of the Big Bash in Australia, IPL and The Hundred, those involved in SA20 will be hoping their league can have its place on the T20 calendar as competition fans and players alike enjoy. Here is a look at the world-class stadiums which will be used in South Africa for the competition, many of which are historical and date back to the 19th century. Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg) The Wanderers Stadium has been holding international cricket since 1956. The current South Africa team plays Test, ODI, and T20I matches at the venue, which is known as ‘The Bullring’ due to its unique atmosphere. Like the impressive Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, this is one of the biggest cricket grounds in the world. Imperial 𝙒𝙤𝙬nderers Stadium 🤩 What is your favourite cricket memory at this iconic ground? #ImperialWanderers #WhereJoziMeets #ImperialWanderersCelebrates30 (@WanderersZA) July 7, 2022 The Joburg Super Kings will play their home matches at the Wanderers Stadium. Their first game at the ground will come against Pretoria Capitals on January 17. SA20 organizers have also chosen this stadium to host the final in February, so should the Super Kings get there, they will be playing in familiar surroundings. Having held so much international cricket over the years, it is no surprise that the Wanderers Stadium has seen many records broken in the sport. The 2003 Cricket World Cup final, which was won by Australia, as reported by the BBC following the tournament, was held here. It also was the venue at which South Africa chased a world record 434 to beat Australia in an ODI in 2006. Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban) As of the 23rd of December, Durban’s Super Giants are the 7/2 joint favourites in the outright betting with Betway for the SA20 Trophy. They will play their home matches at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground, and they will be hoping their supporters can help cheer them to success. This stadium can house up to 25,000 spectators and it is home to the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins. Some cricket fans may remember India’s Yuvraj Singh hitting six sixes here off the bowling of Stuart Broad against England at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup event. Fast bowlers tend to do well on this wicket in Durban, so the likes of Jason Holder, Reece Topley, and Dilshan Madushanka will all be looking forward to bowling on it for the hosts. Newlands Cricket Ground MI Cape Town will play their home matches during SA20 at Newlands Cricket Ground. The stadium holds 25,000 fans, and it is another venue that is familiar with hosting international matches. We are not saying that Newlands is 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 beautiful cricket ground in the whole world... but it's probably in the Top 1. 😇☺️ Cape Town (@MICapeTown) November 22, 2022 With views of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain from your seat, it is a cricket ground that many fans around the world have on their bucket lists to visit at least once. It is next door to Newlands Stadium, which is known for hosting Super Rugby matches. The Cape Town venue hosted its first Test match back in 1898 when South Africa welcomed England to the stadium. With SA20 cricket on its way in 2023, it feels like a new chapter is coming to the historic sports ground. Centurion Park Centurion’s 22,000-capacity stadium is a ground the South African team has had a lot of success at in recent years. Traditionally, this is the venue used when there is a Boxing Day Test in the country. It will now be used by Pretoria Capitals at SA20.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dobie Holden Stadium 100 Wildcat Dr Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Dobie Holden Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,550 Football in the Swamps Pearl River Community College is one of 14 schools in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) in the NJCAA. The school first fielded a football team as a high school program in 1911, before becoming a JUCO member in 1925 and joining the MACCC in 1927. Since becoming a Junior College the Wildcats have taken home 19 State and MACCC championships between 1925 and 2006, winning more state championships than any other JUCO program in Mississippi. The Wildcats have also won two NJCAA National Championships (1961 and 2004) and played in another in 2006 (which they lost). Pearl River is the oldest community college in the state. Today the college has expanded to include 4 locations around South Mississippi, with an enrollment of 5,200. The main campus is located on the swamps of the Pearl River near the small town of Poplarville, right on the Mississippi-Louisiana state line. The Wildcats play on campus at Dobie Holden Stadium, named after the winningest coach in program history – Holden was a successful running back for LSU in the 1930s before coaching the Wildcats from 1948-1966. Holden won 8 state championships and one national championship during his time here and helped transform Pearl River into an elite JUCO program on the national level. Like most of the facilities on campus, the stadium was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina and was completely rebuilt following the storm. Following these extensive renovations, the Wildcats play in one of the nicest facilities in the MACCC. Food & Beverage 2 There are two concession stands located under the stadium on the home side, and one pop-up stand on the away side. The home side sells the regular menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, with canned Cokes and assorted candy. The unique item I saw was a funnel cake. The away side stand is under a tent and only sells popcorn, candy, and Coke. Atmosphere 4 The Pearl River campus is quite large and is typical of a southern college campus, with large marble buildings with Greek columns, as well as giant oaks scattered across campus. There's a small college feel here as you arrive and see people tailgating throughout campus – you almost forget you are at a junior college. The stadium originally opened after Holden's retirement in 1966 and currently holds 5,500 seats. Before that, the Wildcats played at a smaller stadium just south of the current stadium. Dobie Holden Stadium is located on the north side of campus as part of the school's athletic complex; the field faces north and south with the home side located on the west side of the stadium. The main entrance is located on the south side of the stadium and can be kind of hidden behind the building that house the Wildcat Den, the official team store of PRCC Athletics. Pearl River pays homage to the legendary coach with a large 6-foot sculpture greeting fans as they enter on the south side. Once inside the stadium, the home side is packed out for all the games. The home side features about 11 rows of all metal bleacher seating, except the 1,000 chairback seats reserved for season ticket holders on the 50-yard line. The band and the rather large student section take up the majority of the south side of the bleachers. In the north end zone is a huge video board with the words PRCC manicured into a bush underneath. Neighborhood 2 The MACCC schools are in small towns spread out throughout rural areas of Mississippi. Poplarville is one of the larger towns in the conference and is the county seat of Pearl River County. The campus is located several blocks west of downtown. Poplarville has a population of 2,000 and is typical of a Mississippi town, with the southern small town feel where everybody knows everybody. There are a few restaurants worth checking out downtown – Scooter's is a popular place for po'boys, and Deb's Pizza is a popular pizza joint in downtown. Also, as Poplarville is located in dry county alcohol is not sold inside the city limits. Poplarville also doesn't have any hotels; instead, I would recommend staying about 30 minutes south in Picayune. Poplarville is also about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg and an hour north of New Orleans, where there are plenty of hotels and better food options. Fans 4 Fans in football-crazed Mississippi love their football, and Poplarville is no exception – the small town shuts down on Thursday nights when the Wildcats play at home. JUCO football is so popular in South Mississippi that Thursday nights mark the beginning of fans' four-night football weekend that includes high school football on Friday, college football on Saturday, and then Saints football on Sunday. PRCC averages about 4,000 fans per game, which is pretty good considering the population of the whole town are only 2,000. It's a family affair in Poplarville as the whole town gets together and comes out to the football games. Many fans are tailgating all around campus, almost like you were at a regular college football game. And, as this is the swamps of the Louisiana border, I encountered an LSU grad and Poplarville native who was cooking fried gator under his tailgate tent. Access 3 Getting to the PRCC campus shouldn't be too hard. Poplarville is located right off Interstate 55 about an hour northeast of New Orleans, and about 30 minutes southwest of Hattiesburg. Exit 29 to Highway 26 will be your best bet as it is the main road that heads into town; the campus is located a few minutes down 26 just north of downtown. Dobie Holden Stadium is located right at the main entrance to campus, and there are plenty of parking spots on campus. Parking is free too which is always a plus. Once in the stadium, the concourse can be kind of cramped, especially at halftime, but other than that there are no issues, and you can pretty much sit wherever you want to. If you can find an empty chairback seat you can have a seat there as well. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are sold at the box office for $11, while the chairbacks are sold for $20, but if you purchase tickets in advance they are $8 for GA and $17 for chairbacks, and there are also a few empty chairbacks, so once the game starts it is possible to move around. I consider it a good return on investment to attend a Pearl River game if you are interested in JUCO Football. The experience has a small college football game atmosphere, and PRCC has sent over 290 players to D1 schools over the years, so you are getting to see some potential big-name college football players. Extras 4 One extra for the Wildcat Den, the campus bookstore located just outside the stadium – this is one of the nicest college bookstores I've ever seen. They have a wide selection of different Pearl River gear, and prices are reasonable too. They even have TVs in there for you to watch the game if you want to come in and get out of the heat. Also an extra for the Pearl River History Museum located on campus; this unique museum offers all kinds of insight into the history of the college. They have a wide selection of Wildcats sports memorabilia on display including the two NJCAA national championship trophies, several game-worn jerseys, and even Coach Dobie Holden's office desk, intact from his coaching days. This is a neat and impressive museum that chronicles the school's history, however, the museum is only open on Fridays. Dobie Holden Stadium is also the home stadium for local Poplarville high school football games. The Hornets have made the state playoffs 21 times, including four 4A state championship games (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) which they all lost. PRCC has a nice list of alumni as well, including several state senators and 13 players who have been drafted or played in the NFL. But perhaps the most famous person to have attended the school is Jimmy Buffett – after dropping out of Auburn after one year in 1964, Buffett enrolled at PRCC for the 1965-66 school year. As there are no local bars or clubs in the area for Buffett to play his guitar, he was confined to playing his guitar late into the morning from his dorm room at Huff Hall, which is still located on campus. The band at Pearl River Wildcats games even plays Jimmy Buffett hits during the halftime show, which is a pretty cool sound to hear. Buffett even made an appearance during a Halftime Show here in 2015.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bob Carpenter Center 631 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens website Bob Carpenter Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 5,000 Basketball At the Bob Located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark (pronounced New-ARK with the accent on the second syllable), the Bob Carpenter Center is home to the Fightin' Blue Hens basketball team. The arena opened in 1992 for $20.5 million and has been renovated and updated several times since then to ensure it stays as modern as it was when it was opened. Before 2018, the arena was also home to the Delaware 87ers (now the Blue Coats) of the NBA G-League. Food & Beverage 4 Although Bob Carpenter doesn't have the widest variety of concessions selections, what it does have is high quality and good value. There are several concession windows in the corners of the concourse, although they are not all open every game. The menu is basic for the most part, with nachos costing $5, popcorn $5, hot dogs $2, soft pretzels $3, chocolate chip cookies $3, pizza $4 per slice for cheese or pepperoni, and candy $2. An extra cheese cup for the pretzel or nachos (or the other items if you want it) is $1. Fountain soda and bottled water are $4. However, the best deal by far is the sandwich of the day for $8, or you can make it a combo with a hot and cold side for $12. The selection will vary by game, but when Stadium Journey visited, fans could get a pulled pork sandwich with optional sides of macaroni and cheese and cole slaw if they upgraded to a combo. There are several smaller stands on the concourse which sell other items. One stand sells alcohol for fans of ages. Keep in mind that although this stand also sells snacks, fans under the age of 21 can not buy them here or even stand in line with fans who are of drinking age, and will need to go to a different stand. There is also a stand selling ice cream made right on campus at the UDairy Creamery. One scoop is $3.95 and two scoops are $5.25. In addition to the usual flavors like vanilla and chocolate, there are unique flavors like raspberry cheesecake and honey apple cake. Fans can get their two scoops in different flavors if they want to try several of these unique options. Atmosphere 3 Walking through the front doors of the Bob Carpenter Center will put you in the lower lobby, which is covered in murals honoring Delaware athletics. There is also a trophy case and a statue of a blue hen, the school mascot and state bird of Delaware. If you are lucky enough to have courtside seats, you can get to those from here. Otherwise, you will need to walk up a flight of steps to the upper concourse, from which you can access concessions and walk down to your seat. A large video board hangs over the court with smaller scoreboards in two of the corners that also show the fouls and points for each player. All seats are chairbacks except the ones behind the baskets which are normally reserved for students, and all have an excellent view of the action as The Bob is a fairly small arena. The gameday experience at the Bob Carpenter Center is pretty standard with cheerleaders and a dance team. The cheerleaders will throw t-shirts into the crowd after every Blue Hens three-pointer as well as during select TV timeouts. A band also attends some games but was not there when Stadium Journey attended. The team has two mascots who are anthropomorphic blue hens, YouDee, and their younger sibling, Baby Blue. (Officially, both mascots are "neither male nor female" and are referred to by gender-neutral pronouns.) The mascots roam the court and the stands throughout the game to hang out with fans. Neighborhood 3 Newark is a typical East Coast college town. Your best option is to head downtown to Main Street, which offers numerous options including Grotto Pizza and the Deer Park Tavern. You can also head towards Christiana Mall or check out The Border Café, known for its Tex-Mex food and large “EAT” sign. Fans who missed their chance to get ice cream from the UDairy Creamery during the game can head there afterward to grab some Fans 3 Delaware averages between 1,500 and 2,000 fans a game in a 5,000-seat arena, so the place is consistently less than half full. The Blue Hens often work with youth groups such as school basketball teams to bring children to the arena, so there are a lot of young families in attendance for a typical game. However, there are a good number of older fans as well who have shown a lifetime of loyalty to the team. While the fans can get loud at big moments in the game, their small numbers hinder them and these passionate moments are few and far between. While the Blue Hens fans love to come decked out in blue and gold, seeing this nice arena with thousands of empty seats is not a good look. Access 4 The University of Delaware campus is located just off I-95. If coming from the north, take Exit 1, the last exit in Delaware, and the campus will be right there. If coming from the south, you are better off taking Exit 109B in Maryland. Although this will add a couple of minutes to your trip, it will save you the $4 toll that you will pay when you enter Delaware. Once you get on campus, there are several lots near the arena where you can park. The closest parking is sold for $5, while parking further away is free. Staff should be on hand to direct you to the right area. The upper concourse is very wide and there are plenty of restrooms on both the upper and lower levels. They may get a bit crowded at halftime but you will be back in plenty of time for the second half. The stairway to the upper level is a bit long but elevators are available for fans who require one. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $11 to $19 depending on where you sit, which is an excellent value for a modern arena such as The Bob. Parking is no more than $5 and free if you are willing to walk a bit. Concessions are affordable, especially if you go for the sandwich combo which is the most expensive thing on the menu but gets you a lot of food. All in all, a visit to the Bob Carpenter Center is a great value for fans to take in a basketball game. . Extras 3 There is a children's area behind Section 8 with games to play such as cornhole and Connect Four as well as a chance to make signs to hold up to cheer on the Blue Hens. The lower lobby is worthy of an extra star in its own right as it is practically a miniature museum dedicated to the Blue Hens. A third and final star for the banners hanging behind one of the baskets honoring Blue Hens basketball accomplishments. Final Thoughts The Bob Carpenter Center is a sleek, modern facility, and although it is now 30 years old, the University of Delaware has continued to do ongoing renovations to ensure it stays up-to-date. While it would be nice if more fans turned up to Blue Hens games, a trip to The Bob is well worth it for any basketball fan passing through Delaware.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 Las Vegas Bowl website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 A True Vegas Bowl Experience A bowl game in Las Vegas has been a staple of the college football schedule since 1992. However, with the construction of Allegiant Stadium, gone are the days of playing in the cold desert air miles from the strip at Sam Boyd Stadium. Instead, the brand-new modern home of the Las Vegas Raiders is now also the home for the Las Vegas Bowl. Showcasing a matchup between the SEC and PAC-12, this game always features top-tier teams facing off for post-season glory. But perhaps the best part of the game is the fact that the stadium is as great as the game itself. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at Allegiant Stadium are stellar. While not every concession stand is open during the Las Vegas Bowl, most are, meaning you won’t have to go far to find something to eat. Beverages range from premium cocktails and alcohol ($15-$30) to fountain sodas and bottled water ($4-$9). Even the basic food options here are above average, with $13 pizzas coming as Sicilian with cheese, veggie, and double pepperoni as the choices. For wings you can get six barbecue or buffalo with a choice of dressing on the side for $13 as well, with some concessions stands even offering salads for $10. Even standard French fries ($7) come with a premium version (rosemary garlic fries - $8). Whether you want BBQ, Mexican, or standard stadium fare, you can find it all within reach. Atmosphere 5 This facility is stunning – from the moment you walk into Allegiant Stadium you’re met with one of the cleanest and most spotless facilities on the American sports schedule. Even the concourses smell like fresh flowers. The natural light that flows from the windows throughout, and the semi-translucent roof make for a bright and comfortable viewing experience. Seating is perfectly staggered so that even a tall person in front of you won’t block your view of the playing surface. The halls are lined with Las Vegas history, both for sports and entertainment. There are also art pieces throughout, as well as unique lighting and design features. The end zones feature a large HD LED scoreboard on one side and a large window overlooking the Las Vegas strip on the other. And with this being a domed stadium, the temperature never gets too high or too low, regardless of the weather outside; you’ll stay dry and comfortable no matter what. Neighborhood 5 There isn’t much that can’t be said about the location here. Located literally on the other side of I-15 from the Mandalay Bay resort and casino, you are mere steps away from one of the world’s premier resort and entertainment destinations – hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment are all offered here. The biggest resorts are all within reach, be it MGM Grand, Venetian, Cosmopolitan, Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio, Wynn, New York New York, and many others; each one features enough to see and do for a vacation all on its own. Fans 4 The fans at the Las Vegas Bowl show up in numbers. With both teams hailing from Power 5 conferences, you’re guaranteed to have a matchup between teams with solid fanbases – this means the majority of the stadium will be full. Because of this, you get the true college bowl experience showcasing fans on opposite sides of the stadium, and offering everything there is to see and enjoy about the bowl season. The best part is, with a domed stadium, even a less-than-capacity crowd means the noise level will still be high thanks to the acoustics of Allegiant Stadium. Access 5 To get to Allegiant Stadium, just look for the large black dome on the far side of I-15. Exit signs on the highway and local roadways offer easy access to the facility. Parking lots surround the stadium, with local businesses also offering to park nearby. Once inside, signs point you to locations all around the stadium, making finding your seat a breeze. Also, even stadium egress after the game is painless thanks to a well-thought-out traffic pattern in and around the parking lots for those leaving the venue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Las Vegas Bowl start at $50 for the upper deck end zones, then rise to $110 for the mid-level sidelines, and $200 for the lower bowl sidelines; suite options are also available. These prices are comparable to most other bowl games, as well as those in NFL stadiums, and when including the value you get for the matchup featured, as well as the location of the game, it is easy to see why this game is a big draw for fans all over the country. Extras 4 The stadium features hallways that showcase the city’s history in both sports and entertainment. Bowl game merchandise is also available for fans throughout the stadium’s team store locations. The typical Las Vegas flair is also on display, with the iconic Vegas showgirls on the field for the coin toss during the pre-game. In addition, both team bands perform during the game’s halftime as well as during pre-game, giving you the full college football experience. Final Thoughts The Las Vegas Bowl is one of the top bowl games on the slate thanks to a new home and a new energy injected into the annual event. Fans flock to this popular destination and with good reason. It is easy to make a weekend trip out of this game thanks to its location being steps away from the Las Vegas Strip, and its winter date offers a chance to experience Vegas without the searing heat of the desert. Indeed, this may be one of the best bowl games to visit on the slate every season, regardless of whether you’re a diehard fan of the team’s participating, or you just enjoy college football as a whole.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 MetLife Stadium 1 Metlife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 New York Jets website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 82,500 J – E- T- S, Jets, Jets, Jets !!! MetLife Stadium was opened in 2010 as the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets to replace Giants Stadium. It is located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex just like its predecessor. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. They had one Super Bowl championship (Super Bowl III) in 1968. Food & Beverage 4 There are numerous food options within the surprisingly crowded inner concourses. Options are many as there with concession stands such as Bubba Burgers, Frank’s, BBQ Shack, Boardwalk Fryer, Wingman NY, and Momma Fusco’s Kitchen. Our personal favorite was Mr. Tot. Food prices are high, as likely expected for an NFL stadium within the New York City area. The combined Mrs. Field’s and Dippin’ Dots stands to seem to be very popular starting in the second half. There are also a few specialized bars and lounges, some of which may cost an additional admissions fee. MetLife sells Pepsi brand sodas. Atmosphere 5 When you enter the venue you actually begin on an outside concourse that wraps around most of the stadium. There will be activities and events pre-game in this area. This area is also a good meet-up spot for pre and post-game. Once inside the stadium, there is a pretty small set of concourse walkways around the venue. It is a unique setup, but it is easy enough to navigate. There are plenty of pre-game activities with bands, cheerleaders, etc to keep the fans interested. There is a new tradition where everyone in the stadium is encouraged to sing along together with the National Anthem, with the anthem singer leading that sing-along Metlife Stadium really tries to make the stadium awash in green for Jet’s games. With the stadium being a shared venue it is tough making it seem like a Jets stadium and not a GIants stadium. It is not always a success, as the venue can feel sterile at times. Neighborhood 3 The Meadowlands is a swamp. That is not some kind of put-down, but it is in a literal swamp. There is not a normal neighborhood nearby. Of course, New York City is a car or train ride away and offers many options for everyone. Parking lots surround the stadium. The addition of the recently opened American Dream Mall helps the place in the neighborhood score. While still not 100% open, it is home to many stores, restaurants, an indoor amusement and water park, an NHL-sized skating rink, an indoor ski slope, and an aquarium just to name a few. Please note that due to county laws, many stores in the mall are closed on Sundays due to existing blue laws. Fans 4 The Jets fans seem very blue-collar, especially compared to the fans of the other team that shares the stadium. They are a boisterous bunch that seems to stay excited even when the team’s success has been not great for many years. The Jets cheerleaders and other pre-game personnel and activities keep the crowd engaged. Access 4 The Meadowlands is located off many major highways and has massive parking lots. You will not fight to find parking, although expect to pay $40 and up. There are train and bus options but expect long lines and a large number of fellow riders to fight through to use those services. The Coach USA bus service round trip to Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal is one of our favorite options, depending on where fans are coming from. We do not recommend using rideshares after games as the setup and operations are a major disaster. We tried for a rideshare after another event at the stadium for a bit of time and it kept saying our ride was arriving in three minutes for nearly 25 minutes, all the while we were harassed by taxi drivers offering their much more expensive services. We ended up taking the train to nearby Secaucus Junction Station and getting a much cheaper rideshare from there, and it only cost a fraction of our original ride choice. Return on Investment 4 This is the NFL so the prices can be high, coupled with pretty expensive parking, which means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. If the Jets start losing more the tickets do come down to a cheaper level. Extras 4 The 50-yard line seats are only 46 feet from the sidelines. This is the closest to the field of any stadium in the NFL. MetLife Stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLVIII, two Wrestlemanias, and concerts by artists such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Paul McCartney. The Meadowland Rail Station for New Jersey Transit is located right by the stadium and offers easy game-day transit. The American Dream Mall is a bit of a mess, having many business issues, but it is still an interesting spot to check out in the area. Final Thoughts A game at MetLife Stadium is a great way to cap a trip to New York City and is also great for locals. The stadium may not feel like it costs 1.6 Billion dollars, but that does not mean it isn’t a good place for a game.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Valley Strong Ballpark 300 N Giddings St Visalia, CA 93291 Visalia Rawhide website Valley Strong Ballpark website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 2,468 Gateway to Sequoia The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A baseball team of the Arizona Diamondbacks playing in the California League. The team was known as the Visalia Oaks (and even the Visalia Mets, Redlegs, and Stars) for many years until a rebranding in 2009 when they became the Rawhide. Their home stadium is Recreation Ballpark, a funky little ballpark that some may or may not like. The baseball team has played their entire time at Recreation Ballpark since its construction in 1946. Valley Strong Credit Union obtained the naming rights for Recreation Ballpark, on April 27, 2021. The venue is now known as Valley Strong Ballpark. Visalia is known as the Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (both about a 45-minute drive) and is located in the agricultural San Joaquin Valley of California. Food & Beverage 4 Recreation Field offers a decent amount of food choices and an excellent variety of beer options at relatively acceptable prices. It gets crowded and lines can be long. Concession stands on both the third and first base concourses offer unhealthy $15 combo food choices (hot dog, bacon loaded nachos, cheeseburgers, loaded carne asada nachos or burrito, with tater tots and a drink). Smaller side portions of pretzels, burritos, tater tots, etc. are offered for $5 at the same stands. A decent selection of beer (domestic, imported, and craft) is sold in cans and on draft and runs $8 – $12 (for a tall boy). A better recommendation – head to the Barrel House Brewery beyond right field and get a freshly made street taco or two and one of their delicious beers. Picnic tables with umbrellas are offered there as well to enjoy the refreshments. Atmosphere 3 The most unique aspect of Recreation Ballpark is its grandstand built into a decorated stone structure. The stone itself is painted with pennants on one side and cartoon characters representing all past MLB affiliations on the other. Seven sections (eight or so rows) of standard green fold down seats are behind home. Handrails are not available to assist with walking up those eight or so rows. “Suites” are at the top of the seating area with each owner’s corporate name displayed on a banner above the suite or box seat area. Three lower level rows are just below the main grandstand with a small walkway between the two levels. Avoid sitting in row E as that has the walkway right in front and passersby travel throughout the game disrupting the view of the game. A lower section of seats is also available on the first base side below the walkway. A party area is on the third base side and some berm seating is available down the first baseline and in right field. Nets span the entire seating area except for the right field berm. The right field wall turns into a barn at one point with a section for viewing from ground level through a chain link fence. A Hall of Fame Club is located on the first base side concourse. It is air conditioned, it blocks movement from the first baseline main entrance to other parts of the stadium, and only members or ticket holders are allowed in the club. Loud music and extraneous noises are thankfully absent. A Kid’s Zone is behind the barn in the right field which costs $5 for your kids or grandkids to expend some of their delightful energy. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood right around the stadium is a high volume vandalism area. Be aware of where you park your vehicle, even in public parking spots. Townsfolk tell me it is getting bad in this area of town. A little over a mile or so away is Main St of Visalia which appears safe (at least during the day). Many restaurants and breweries are along this strip. Sequoia Brewery, Brewbakers Brewing, and Barrel House Brewery are all within a few blocks of each other (walking distance). Of the three, Sequoia Brewery is recommended for its good service, beer, and food. Other restaurants along Main Street include Fuggazzis and Crawdaddy’s (New Orleans Cajun fare). Plenty of other dining choices are along and around Main St. Nearby hotels that look safe include the Comfort Suites Convention Center and the Marriott at the Convention Center. Be cautious of staying at hotels on the outskirts of town as they can be hit or miss (not so much the hotel but the crime area it may be located). For other things to do in the area, Visalia is known as the gateway to Sequoia National Park (45 min drive) so plan a hiking or outdoor adventure trip there when visiting the area. If kids or grandkids are in tow, check out the ImagineU Children’s Museum right in downtown Visalia. Other sports in the area (an hour or so drive) include Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) and the Bakersfield Train Robbers or Wasco Reserve of the Pecos League (independent baseball league). Fans 3 Fans are quite friendly and helpful. Most are there for an evening out and not so much for the game. Because the stadium only seats 2,468 – including the berm area (it’s the smallest MLB affiliated ballpark), it doesn’t take too many fans to make it feel full. And, although they have had the lowest average attendance of the California League the last few seasons, the stadium is usually 70 percent plus full. Access 2 The stadium is awful for accessibility for those in wheelchairs or needing assistance with steps or mobility. The concourse is narrow and crowded, steps are everywhere, and the elevator takes a fan down to the kitchen – it’s just bad. Bathrooms are clean but check to make sure the stall has toilet paper before using. GPS will take a visitor to the back parking lot (behind the grandstand). The ticket office and main entry are at W Oak Ave and N Giddings St just a block away. A bus system is available in Visalia but service ends too early for leaving a ball game. The closest airport is Fresno about 45 miles north. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices are extremely affordable with a seat a few rows behind home plate only $11 – not bad. In all, ticket prices range from $7 (pasture seating – berm) to $30 (Hall of Fame Club). Food and beverage prices are below other California League stadiums. The gift shop only accepts credit cards for purchases over $10. Hatpins are not available for purchase. Hopefully, the town can address the crime and vandalism issues around the stadium for future seasons. Extras 2 America’s largest cowbell stands in front of the Barrel House Brewery concession in the right field. Many a fan walk by and strike the object to hear the tone it makes. Fans also get a ‘My First Rawhide Game’ sticker if they indicate it’s their first game (a suitable replacement for not having hat pins). Final Thoughts Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

Photos Courtesy of St Peter's University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Yanitelli Center 2641 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 07306 St. Peter’s Peacocks website Yanitelli Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,200 Where’s the Peacock Pride? The Yanitelli Center, home of the St. Peter’s Peacocks, is a no frills venue which is certainly not one of the better places to take in a game in the MAAC. Kind of like the city (Jersey City) in which it resides, the arena is a bit rough around the edges. While the Peacocks have had some recent success, most years they are the bottom feeders of the MAAC, which probably explains why little has been done to spruce up the Yanitelli Center. The facility opened in 1975 at a cost of $6 million and also serves home to the university’s men’s and women’s volleyball, tennis, swimming, and diving teams. When men’s basketball games are played, collapsible bleachers are expanded to cover the gym’s three full courts to provide intimacy of 3,200 people. The Peacocks have made three appearances in the NCAA tournament: 1991, 1995, and a second round appearance in 2011. The team has captured six regular season conference titles in 1967, 1968, 1969, 1982, 1984, and 1987. The program’s biggest success was in 2017 when it captured the Collegeinsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) with a 62-61 victory of Texas A&M Corpus Christi 62-61 on a last second free throw by Trevis Wyche. It was the school’s first-ever national postseason tournament title of any kind. Food & Beverage 1 A small concession stand is located in the hallway outside of the actual arena. It offers a very limited selection of items – pretzels, candy, and soda is about it. With the tiny crowds that the Peacocks draw, it is no wonder that they make little effort to offer much in the way of concessions. My suggestion would be to bring your own refreshments. Atmosphere 2 Crowds are not the biggest or most enthusiastic you’ll ever encounter. In down years, the opponent’s crowd can easily outnumber the Peacock fans in attendance. And there seems to be very few students who attend the games despite the Yanitelli Center being located on campus. I have seen bigger crowds in televised games when the team is better, but overall there just seems to be a general sense of apathy from both the students and community. The Peacocks do have a cheerleading squad, but they only performed a couple times and generally seemed disinterested, like most of the fans in attendance. The arena itself consists of large bleacher sections on each side, but no seating on the ends and no chair back seating at all. Basic scoreboards are located on the walls on each end of the court. Because of how small it is, the Peacocks could have a good home court advantage if they ever could get more fans to come out to the games. Neighborhood 1 This is Jersey City – not exactly the safest place to be roaming around. The campus is located just off the center of the city in what appears to be a rather residential area. There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of restaurants or bars that are within walking distance. But Journal Square, which is the heart of Jersey City, is only about a mile away. Unless you are familiar with Jersey City or comfortable exploring, you are probably best to find some eats before you come into the city for the game. Fans 2 There just doesn’t seem to be much interest from the students or the surrounding community in the Peacocks basketball team. I’m sure some of it has to do with the poor teams they have had, but it’s not like they are bad every year. As recently as 2011 they did make an NCAA tournament appearance. Access 2 If you are driving, you will most likely need a GPS or someone navigating you in order to make your way to the Yanitelli Center without any wrong turns. The campus is located on Kennedy Boulevard, which is a main drag through the downtown of Jersey City. The home of college hoops is located on the corner of Montgomery Street and Kennedy Blvd. There is a small parking garage directly adjacent to the gym which can be accessed off of Montgomery Street. The number of parking spots is limited, but with the small crowds it probably doesn’t fill up often. Because of its proximity to New York City, taking public transportation in is also an option. Return on Investment 4 The Yanitelli Center doesn’t offer much in terms of comfort, so it is a good thing that you won’t have to spend much money to attend a game here. Parking is free and tickets are $10 for all seats (which are bleachers) and $5 for children 2-12, students w/ID, and seniors over 60. Certainly a reasonable price for MAAC level basketball. Extras 1 There is nothing to speak of when it comes to extra features at the Yanitelli Center. Other than some banners on the walls at each end of the court, there isn’t much to celebrate the history of St. Peter’s basketball. There is really nothing too unique about the venue. Unless you have a rooting interest in one of the teams that is playing, I can’t really recommend it.

Photos by Eric Moreno and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 FC Dallas website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Toyota Stadium Gives FC Dallas Home Pitch Advantage The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the most vibrant urban areas in the entire United States. For sports fans, it does not get any better as the region is home to all five major American sports leagues, including FC Dallas of Major League Soccer. One of the league’s charter franchises (originally known as the Dallas Burn), FC Dallas were founded by and are currently owned by Hunt Sports Group – the same ownership group behind the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. The team has won the Western Division three times, including most recently in 2016. They have done all of this winning from within the friendly confines of Toyota Stadium. The facilities are regarded as one of the best in all of MLS and for good reason. Deep in the heart of Texas is a true gem for soccer fans. Food & Beverage 4 If there is one thing that Texas does well, especially at sporting events, and that’s food. Toyota Stadium has got the food scene locked down. There is literally something for everyone’s tastes. All concessions are located on the main concourse level. The Lone Star Café offers your traditional fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, etc. Most of the concession items can be had for $5-$9. A standard hot dog is $5 and a large soda in a souvenir cup is $7 (with $2 refills throughout the game); this is pretty standard for major league sports. Where Toyota Stadium excels is in their specialty concession items and attractions. On the main concourse are three fan friendly bar-type areas. The Toyota Terrace, Big Kick Bar, and Budweiser Beer Garden are great venues to get an adult beverage and catch the game action. If you are looking for grub, the Urban Crust pop up trailer near the main entrance has a great – albeit pared down version – of their popular menu. You can get artisan personal pizzas for $10. It is arguably the most popular eating venue in the stadium, so you can expect a wait. Also found in near the east gate is the Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dogs stand. Fletcher’s takes pride in being the originators of the corn dog and offers them each year at the Texas State Fair. I would recommend making a visit to their stand if you attend a game at Toyota Stadium. One more interesting wrinkle in the food scene to mention. There is a Chef’s Corner stand along the east concourse area that is unlike anything I have seen at a sporting venue. Each game, the resident chef prepares what amounts to a gourmet meal for $12. The menu changes for each game, but by all accounts, this is a meal you could get a five-star restaurant. Atmosphere 4 FC Dallas does a tremendous job of fostering an almost European-like atmosphere (meaning there is a ton of energy in the crowd) for their matches. The parking lots are full of tailgaters and that attitude is fostered by Lamar’s Tailgate, which takes place at the north concourse near the main gate. This is everything you know a tailgate to be, complete with music, cheerleaders, food, and drinks. It closes out with a celebrity placing an FC Dallas scarf around the neck of a statue of the late Lamar Hunt, patron saint of sports in the Dallas area. During matches, the patios are great vantage points to see the action in the shade. This is important, trust me. If you can, you should spend some time in these areas to escape the heat. Toyota Stadium is an outdoor venue, but Texas gets hot – especially during the summer months, so keep this in mind. Like many sporting clubs, FC Dallas a lot of ancillary attractions that add to the overall stadium going experience. There is a drum corps that play nonstop throughout the match, FCDrum. There are cheerleaders, the FC Dallas Girls, and there are even in stadium DJ’s, the Bass Junkies. All of these combine to make the game-watching experience truly memorable in Frisco. Drum Line at Toyota Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Frisco, like many of the other communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, has become something of a boomtown. Anything you could want in terms of shopping, dining, and hotels is here in Frisco. And, if for some reason you cannot find it, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Plano, Grandview, etc. are all within an hour’s drive. The city is rife with other sporting opportunities if you come to an FC Dallas game at the right time of year. Chief among them are the Dallas Cowboys; the five-time Super Bowl champions have built their practice facilities in Frisco. The Star in Frisco is an amazing facility and they do allow tours year-round. One more highlight in Frisco proper needs to be mentioned. In an unassuming multipurpose building is the home of the National Videogame Museum. If you have ever picked up a game controller, plunked down a quarter at your local arcade, or engaged in any online questing, you have to make a pilgrimage. The museum tells the story of how games were developed, has a collection of every game console ever (and all are playable), and has a classic video game arcade. The highlight is a wall-sized version of the classic game Pong. Fans 3 The Dallas-Fort Worth is highly underrated as a “sports town.” The fans are loyal and they turn out in droves, especially when they have a winner on their hands. However, this has not always translated over into soccer. FC Dallas ranked last in the league in attendance in 2016, even in the midst of a very successful season. It might be a case of there just being too much going on in the Big D. Attentions can be easily divided with all that goes on there. However, the fans that do turn out are extremely loyal, passionate, and knowledgeable about the game. There is a ton of tailgating, as already mentioned. The fans come early and come steadily throughout the first half. They wear their team colors and team scarves (even in the triple-digit heat) and they chant the entire time. There are also several fan clubs that have their own sections in Toyota Stadium. It’s not too hard to imagine more and more sellouts as the team’s success continues. Access 4 Frisco is easily accessible from any part of the metroplex and is located right off of the Dallas North Tollway. Again, you can get to it from any part of the Metroplex in an hour’s time. Frisco is also just over 5 hours from San Antonio and Austin and just under 4 hours from Houston. The famous (or maybe infamous) DFW Airport has flights coming in from all over the country all hours of the day if you get the urge to come to a visit that way. At Toyota Stadium, there is ample parking in the lots designated for the matches; as an added bonus, parking is free. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for FC Dallas are very much on par with the rest of MLS’s prices. General admission seats can be had for around $25 per seat. This with the standard prices for concessions – this could mean you need to do some planning to attend a game, especially if you are bringing the family. However, considering the parking is free along with all the attractions and on-field action more than make up for the cost. Extras 5 I’ve mentioned a lot of the extras that are offered at Toyota Stadium. The tailgate prior to the start of the match, drummers, the DJs, the cheerleaders, the fan clubs, the patio bars, even the corny dogs, all make for truly special game experience. As with any sports franchise worth its salt, FC Dallas has its own mascot to interact with and delight the fans. Tex Hooper is an anthropomorphized Texas steer in a soccer kit. He walks through the crowd taking photos with fans – especially kids – and takes part in on-field ceremonies. He isn’t hard to spot and is a great photo op for fans of all ages. Final Thoughts Despite the often-oppressive heat, the game experience at Toyota Stadium is truly something special. For MLS fans, soccer fans, or even novices looking to dip their toes into the hullaballoo that is the “beautiful game,” the opportunity to attend an FC Dallas game at Toyota Stadium should not be passed up. You will enjoy yourself. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Taffy Abel Ice Arena 1000 College Dr Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783 Lake Superior State Lakers website Taffy Abel Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 3,880 Hockey by the Lake Lake Superior State University, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has an enrollment of about 3,000 students. They are one of the smaller schools in Division I hockey, and in 1988, they did the impossible. That Lakers team, led by the goaltending of Bruce Hofford, became the smallest school to win the NCAA hockey championship. Even more remarkably, the school was able to win championships again in 1992 and 1994. Those banners hang proudly in Taffy Abel Arena alongside two NAIA championship banners (1972 and 1974), but the program has lost some of its success in recent years. However, hockey is still very much in the blood of this town and the university’s students. Taffy Abel Arena, named for Sault Ste. Marie native Clarence “Taffy” Abel, is a part of the larger James Norris Physical Education Center. The Center also includes the basketball arena, the Ronald “Bud” Cooper Gymnasium. Food & Beverage 4 If you have ever been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, then you probably have had a pasty, which is basically personal-sized meat and vegetable pie. The pasty on the menu at Taffy Abel Ice Arena may not be the best you have ever had, but it’s certainly a unique local addition to the menu. Outside of the pasty, it’s a pretty basic menu at Lakers games. Pizza, hot dogs, nachos ($3.50), popcorn ($2), and soft pretzels ($2) are on the menu, just like you’ll find at most arenas. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with fountain drinks available ($2), as well as energy drinks ($2.75), water ($2.25) and juice. Coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider ($1.50) are on hand if you want to warm up. Unlike many college arenas, beer is also available for $3.50, discounted to $3 for each additional beer you order. Atmosphere 3 Your first impression of the seating area may be that it looks a little bit like it was sponsored by IKEA. The bright royal blue and “gold” (which is really yellow) is omnipresent throughout the arena. That impression aside, it really is a comfortable little arena. Fans will find comfortable blue plastic seats with above-averageno-frillsleg room, although there are no cup holders. Because this is a border town with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario you will hear O Canada and the Star Spangled Banner before every home game, something that makes the experience feel somewhat exotic if you’re not from the area. The team benches are on opposite sides of the ice, something that is fairly common in college hockey. If you want to sit behind the visiting team, then section D will be where you want to aim, or section P to sit behind the home side. A small pep band does its best from one corner of the arena to interject some energy into the game, but they end up being just a little too small to make a real noticeable difference in the atmosphere. The scoreboard is small and basic, with only essential information and no video capabilities. Overall, it is a no frills presentation when you go to a Lake Superior State hockey game. That can either be a huge plus, or a slight drawback depending on how much the hockey purity appeals to you as a fan. Neighborhood 3 With a population of just over 14,000 (2010 census), Sault Ste. Marie is certainly a small town, but there are a few places worth checking out while in downtown, which is about a five minute drive from the LSSU campus. Huge ships pass through the Soo Locks, the busiest canal in the world as far as the weight that passes through it. It is an amazing sight to see a five-minute1,000-foot-long boat pass by the town of mostly two-story buildings. The main downtown drag is Portage Avenue. Soo Brewery is a great spot for travelers who like to sample local beers on their sports trips, with 10 locally made beers on tap ($3.50 a pint). Next door is Maloney’s, where you can find a sandwich, burgers, good fish and chips, or the odd Mexican dish. There are several TVs and a pool table here as well, and 10 beers on tap. Further down the street is The Alpha, a slightly more divey bar, with $2 drafts if you’re merely looking to belly up to the bar before or after a game. The Antlers Restaurant is a local landmark, and any fan of taxidermy should be sure to stop in for a meal and a chance to see more than 200 mounted animals. The Ramada Plaza Hotel Ojibway is located on the same downtown stretch and has reasonable rates of about $100 a night in a perfect location for fans who may be coming in for a weekend of hockey. Fans 3 Lake Superior State averages about 2,000 fans per game at Taffy Abel Arena, ranking them in the bottom third for Division I college hockey. The pep band and student section are both small and disappointing, hurting the overall atmosphere somewhat. Fans no doubt love hockey in this area, and they are a knowledgeable bunch, but they are lacking that extra level which could make this arena a tough place to play. Access 4 Taffy Abel Ice Arena is a part of the larger James Norris Physical Education Building, which houses Cooper Gymnasium where the basketball and volleyball teams of Lake Superior State play. It’s a large building with a very large parking lot. Parking is free, and getting in or out of the arena is no trouble at all, as there is plenty of personnel to guide you to your parking space, and to ease the egress of traffic afterward. Inside the arena, it is a little tricky. A walk around the entire arena will take you up and down as you alternate between walking beneath the stands or around the seats. In some places, the concourse can be rather narrow, and if it is a full house, then the lines for the concessions can obstruct the walkways during intermissions. The restrooms are of adequate size and are clean. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets are only $12 for adults or $6 for all of those aged 18 or under. Students and kids under 18 can purchase a full season ticket for $95, while non-student adults will pay $199 for a full slate of games. With few other sports options, I would think that anyone who could afford it would spring for a season ticket, although single games are certainly reasonably priced. Add in parking, a drink, and a pasty, and you’ll still spend less than $20 on a Division I hockey game. It is a great bargain. Extras 3 The chance to sit beneath three championship banners certainly adds to the experience and is worth an extra point. Seamore the Sea Duck, makes his rounds throughout the crowd. He covers a lot of territory during the contest, seemingly giving every fan a chance to interact with this big blue-clad bird. One final extra point for all of the displays of the hockey past of Lake Superior State. There is also a jersey of every former player to have made it to the NHL, a chance for fans to reminisce about former players and dream of current players making their way to the top level of hockey. Final Thoughts Just an hour north of the iconic Mackinac Bridge, Lake Superior State is the most accessible of the Upper Peninsula college hockey venues for hockey fans in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Combine a trip to LSSU with a stop on historic Mackinac Island during the early part of the season (October). For residents of the Upper Peninsula or across the International Bridge to Ontario, you will certainly get your money’s worth if you go to see a game at Taffy Abel Ice Arena.

, Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Vibrant Arena at The MARK 1201 River Dr Moline, IL 61265 Quad City Storm website Vibrant Arena at The MARK website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 12,000 Still the Mark in the Quad City Vibrant Arena at The MARK, known previously as TaxSlayer Center, iWireless Center, and The MARK of Quad Cities, opened in May 1993 under the name Mark of the Quad Cities. Its current name went into effect in September of 2017 for $3.3 million for over ten years. The 9,200-seat facility is located in Moline, Illinois, and was constructed at the cost of $33.4 million. Since 2018 the arena has been home to the Quad City Storm of the SPHL after local ownership consisting of Ryan Mosley and John Dawson purchased a team in the league to replace the recently departed Quad City Mallards of the ECHL. The Storm kept hockey alive on the banks of the Mississippi River and hopes to bring back success from its days of the original Mallards franchise. The original Mallards hockey club operated from 1995-2007 in the Colonial and Central Hockey Leagues ceasing operations to make room for the Quad City Flames of the American Hockey League who operated for two seasons before being relocated by the parent club to Abbotsford, British Columbia. With the Quad City suddenly vacant, the Mallards were reborn in the CHL in 2009. The new Mallards were saved from folding again in 2011 and operated in the league until being absorbed into the ECHL for the 2014-2015 season after the CHL ceased operations. In 2017, the club signed a multi-year affiliation with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights and its AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves for the 2017–18 season. However, after ownership reported that it lost $4 million in five years the club ceased operations. The arena offers the perfect size for a minor league hockey arena and the surrounding neighborhood provides enough activities for both families and weekend getaways with friends for a night of fun and excitement. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has an abundance of menu options from pizza, spicy chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, hot dogs, and hamburgers. The potato bar at the Brewhouse Lounge & Patio offers tailored-made potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, or barbecue brisket for $6. The lounge is a nice place to hang out with large windows overlooking downtown and pints of Green Tree Brewery pints for $7.25. If you like the usual, enjoy domestic for $6.75, imports for $6.50, mixed drinks for $6, and Woodbridge wines for $7. Pepsi products are available throughout the arena. Atmosphere 3 The seating area is broken into two sections in a horseshoe shape configuration. The views are unobstructed due to the absence of a middle scoreboard hovering above the ice and there is not a bad seat in the arena. The team has banners of previous championships won by the Mallards along with the retired numbers of four former players. There is one large video screen at the end of the arena that posts scores, information, and other activities for the audience, similar to the setup at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. The concourse offers a stand with team merchandise and a 50/50 raffle adjacent to the stand. A larger team store is located downstairs inside the main lobby of the arena. The colors of teal and purple give the main concourse a 1990’s feel, but it is spacious, clean, and wraps around the entire building. The nightly promotions offer $1 beers on Wednesdays, $2 beers and hot dogs on Fridays, and $1 sodas and post-game skating on Sundays. There are also 19 promotional nights throughout the season then including Teddy Bear Toss, Vegas Trip Giveaway, Post-Game Fireworks, and Pucks and Paws Night. The team also employs the Mallards Bud Ice Girls who perform during the night at intermission. Neighborhood 4 The arena is located in Moline, Illinois, which makes up 25% of the Quad Cities with neighboring Rock Island down the street and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, across the Mississippi River. The distances between these four cities are relatively close and all offer a little bit of everything to enjoy before or after the game. The John Deere Pavilion is across the street from the arena offering interactive exhibits from the company’s history. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum has been in operation since 1862 and features an impressive amount of weaponry. The Jumer’s Casino and Isle Casino are two great ways to spend the night without the kids. There are also a few great places to eat within a few blocks of the arena including Nico’s Hispanic Fusion offering cuisine from various Latin American countries like mofongo, mondongo, and fried plantain sandwiches. Bent River Brewery has a fine selection of beers on tap: Mississippi Blonde, Jalapeno Pepper Ale, and seasonal favorites Sweet Potato Ale and Jingle Java Holiday Stout. Quad City is known for its style of pizza that is found at various locations including Uncle Harris, Harris Pizza, and Pizza Shack. The style differs from varieties in Chicago and New York in that the dough is somewhat maltier and nuttier, and the pizza sauce is spicier. The pies are cut by large scissors into strips instead of slices to further add to their uniqueness. Fans 3 The Mallard fans have strong, loyal fans who have been with the team since its initial inception in 1995. There are plenty of younger fans out at the arena for a good time and cheering on goals and hits on the ice. Average attendance hovers above the 3,000 mark and most weekend night games pack in the highest attendance figures. Access 4 The MARK sits along the Mississippi River and is easily accessible from I-80 and I-74; there are numerous parking lots adjacent to the arena that will run you no more than $5 a car. Once inside there is plenty of room to roam around with concessions, restrooms, and exits marked inside the building. Mallards games do not necessarily jaw capacity crowds, but a parking map can be useful just in case. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Mallards games start at $10 for upper-level seating with $16, $20, $24, and $30 tickets rounding out the price points for each game. The closer you are to the ice the higher you will pay for a ticket and I would suggest thinking about the price that works best for you. The cost of parking is $5, you can also park on the street for free when applicable, and concession prices are affordable–loaded potatoes for $6 and craft beer for $6.75. Extras 3 An extra for the loaded baked potato which seems to be popular in this part of the country. You do not usually find this type of cuisine at most sporting events, but Abby good way to fill you up during those cold winter nights at the old hockey game. Secondly, the downtown location along the Mississippi River provides fans easy access on foot to bars, hotels, restaurants, and the John Deere Pavilion. Whether you’re with family or friends you should be able to entertain yourself while in the Quad Cities. Lastly, for dollar beers on Wednesday night. I have heard of Thirsty Thursdays where dollar beers are the norm but never on Wednesday night. I really cannot complain, since the beers are $2 on Friday nights.

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

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 LECOM Harborcenter 100 Washington St Buffalo, NY 14222 Canisius Golden Griffins website LECOM Harborcenter website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,800 The Griffins Golden Home Located just north of downtown Buffalo, Canisius College is a small, private Catholic college of approximately 3,900 students. The Canisius Golden Griffins compete in the NCAA, Division I, but struggled to find an appropriate home on campus. Without a home on campus, for many years, the Griffs played at Division III Buffalo State; a slightly embarrassing ordeal for the school. Relief for the Griffins came in 2014 with the opening of HarborCenter. Part of the redevelopment of downtown Buffalo, HarborCenter is direct across the road from the home of the Buffalo Sabres, KeyBank Center. A larger complex, also housing a Tim Hortons, 716 Food and Sport, and the Buffalo Marriott, HarborCenter has become a busy hub, downtown. In 2017-2018, HarborCenter, along with KeyBank Center, hosted the World Junior Hockey Championships. HarborCenter is owned by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the same owners of the Buffalo Sabres and Bills. Having played Division I hockey since 1980, Canisius currently plays in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. The highlights of Canisius hockey have come from current NHL player, Cory Conacher, their 2017 Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season title, and participation in the 2013 Frozen Four tournament after winning the Atlantic Hockey Conference Tournament. The KeyBank Rink at HarborCenter has been a great move for the Griffins with an increased presence in the Buffalo area. However, a few years into their habitation at HarborCenter, a greater following was expected. Food & Beverage 4 Being a busy facility with several different tenants, HarborCenter offers a solid array of concessions. Conveniently provided by the (716) Food and Sport, which is on the ground level, concessions are better than your average, small, NCAA hockey facility. There are two small concessions behind the seating sections and two main concessions, one at the ice level and one behind the seating bowl. Chicken tenders, pizza ($4.50), fries, onion rings, pizza logs, popcorn ($2/$4.50), nachos, and pretzels are all available along with other grill items. However, some items that may not be expected include fruit, protein bars, peanut butter, banana sandwiches, and hummus dip. A full smoothie bar is also on hand. The soda of choice at HarborCenter is Coca-Cola and its products ($2.50/$3). Bottled water and Tim Hortons coffee products are also available. Very surprising is the alcoholic beverage selection at HarborCenter. Labatt Blue, Blue Light, and Bud Light are the staple beers that can be found, but local brews like One Buffalo and Southern Tier IPA are also available. Wine is also available. Atmosphere 3 Located in downtown Buffalo, HarborCenter fits right into the downtown area. However, if there is one thing it does not look like is a hockey arena. The exterior of HarborCenter is very nice with a sleek modern look but truth be told it looks a little bit more like a condominium or office building than a sports venue. With the recent World Junior Hockey Championships being hosted by KeyBank Center and HarborCenter, several displays and attractions are remaining in the Canalside area. Just across the road from HarborCenter is the bronze statue of Buffalo Sabres legend Tim Horton. There are also a few bronze bison statues across the road, which can be found in many places in the city. Inside the HarborCenter building, fans must ascend by an elevator to the seventh floor to reach the KeyBank Rink. The home of the Golden Griffins, as well as other local teams, immediately stands out with its bright interior due to LED lighting. Fans will also immediately notice the throwback to old-school hockey venues with the curved, hardwood ceiling reminiscent of the old hockey barns. The ice surface runs from east to west with the main concourses behind the seating area. Smart-looking grey brick gives the arena a clean and crisp look. Canisius markings are rather limited due to the arena’s multi-tenant nature, but at the west end of the arena, fans can find the 2013 Atlantic Hockey tournament championship banner along with a banner honoring First-Team All-Conference members. The seating bowl is not huge or overly comfortable. Essentially nine rows of wooden benches require standing, but on the plus side, the sight lines are terrific. The game day experience is a decent one. The Canisius pep band, the Blue and Gold Gang gives the game the college feel and the PA announcer has lots of energy. An interesting moment occurs at the beginning where the PA announcer asks for a moment of silence and reflects fans to Canisus’ Jesuit roots and reads the Jesuit code against oppression. Neighborhood 5 Being in downtown Buffalo, there are a host of places to eat and drink before or after a Golden Griffins game. Some of the best spots to eat include Washington Square, Liberty Hound, Cobblestone Bar & Grill, Iron Works, Lagerhaus 59, and a personal favorite, Pearl Street Grill. Across from the bronze statue of Tim Horton himself, you will of course find a large Tim Horton’s coffee shop. However, the big buzz is for (716) Food and Sport. This is a very popular spot and is being compared to the Real Sports Bar and Grill which has become so popular outside the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. HarborCenter is located right across the street from the KeyBank Center, which is home to the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL. Up the road is Coca-Cola Field, which is home to the Buffalo Bisons. The Golden Griffins play their basketball games on campus at Koessler Athletic Center which is about four miles away. Other options, if you are in the city, would include Buffalo Bills football in Orchard Park or Buffalo Bulls football or basketball in Amherst. If you are looking for something else to do in the immediate neighborhood of HarborCenter, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is just up the street. As far as accommodations go, there are several hotels in the vicinity of HarborCenter. The closest hotels are the Buffalo Marriott, located right at HarborCenter, and the equally convenient Courtyard by Marriott, right across Scott St from HarborCenter. Fans 2 Since moving to KeyBank Rink @ HarborCenter, the following at Canisius hockey games was expected to increase. However, attendance has remained fairly flat for the Griffins. Usually averaging around 1,000 fans per game, Canisius attendance is near the bottom of NCAA schools in the mid-fifties. There is not a lot of buzz in the stands from the fans and the student section, which is in section 7, is often fairly empty and fairly quiet. Although the KeyBank Rink capacity is only 1,800, often it remains legitimately half full. A better experience would be aided by a stronger, more passionate fan base. Access 4 Getting to HarborCenter is pretty easy. HarborCenter is located just across Perry Street from First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo. It is located near major highways, south of I-190 and east of the Buffalo Skyway. With downtown Buffalo attracting more and more people, parking is becoming a more significant issue. The first try for parking should be in the garage in HarborCenter. If that is not available, an attendant will direct fans to the correct parking lot. This is crucial as parking for a Sabres game versus parking for a Golden Griffins game is about a $14 difference. The Metro Rail Special Events Station is just east of HarborCenter and is free to ride “above ground.” Some buses travel the area. Interested fans should check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for maps, fares, and schedules. The main ticketing gate is at the east side of the building and out of the elevator, on the seventh floor. It is a portable kiosk. Getting around the arena is not a problem at all. Although the washroom facilities are not huge, they are more than adequate for a crowd of around 1,000. There is also ample room in the concourse for traveling around. With more fans in the stands, washroom facilities could be a bit of an issue. Return on Investment 5 A Canisius Golden Griffins hockey game provides a solid return on investment for the sports fan. Although the lack of fan support may leave the experience a little lacking, the minimal investment that is to be made by the fan makes up for it. Tickets for the Griffs go for $20 for a rail seat, $15 for reserved seats, and $10 for general admission. Unless rail seating is an absolute must, the $10 general admission ticket is the way to go. Parking should go for around $3 and concession prices are not too bad. The product on the ice is solid, as with most NCAA hockey experiences and Canisius does what it can to provide a solid hockey atmosphere. Although the rabid fan base is not there, the investment is so low that fans really can’t complain. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Canal Cup rivalry with Niagara. Located essentially up the road in Lewiston, the Niagara Purple Eagles are a similar school in size and location and a great rival for the Griffins. An extra mark for the great view of Buffalo from the seventh floor of HarborCenter. An extra mark for the recognition of the high number of Canadian players and fans in attendance with the playing of the Canadian National Anthem before games. Final Thoughts It is a little disappointing to see that the Canisius Golden Griffins have not found a stronger foothold in the Buffalo sports market since moving to the KeyBank Rink @ HarborCenter. That being said, catching the Griffs is a solid sporting experience. The investment is so low and the product on the ice is exciting in a decent college atmosphere. HarborCenter is a great facility and worth checking out. _______ Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Macon Coliseum 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 Macon Mayhem website Macon Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 9,000 Macon Mayhem – Southern Professional Hockey League Montreal, Toronto, Boston, the entire state of Minnesota – these populations are often instantly associated with hockey. Macon, Georgia on the other hand, not so much. “The Heart of Georgia” has a modest, yet very passionate hockey fan base. The Macon Mayhem are the fourth organization to play at Macon Coliseum. Hockey at the Coliseum dates back to 1973 with the Macon Whoopees, and has been the home to two other hockey organizations, the similarly named Macon Whoopee and the Macon Trax. One thing to keep in mind – when it comes to a facility such has Macon Coliseum, the team is leasing the facility and does not have control over some aspects of the overall experience. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Macon Coliseum is not going to be one of the more memorable parts of the visit. It’s not that it would be classified as bad; it’s just what you’d get at any stadium event you’d go to (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, popcorn, candy, nachos, and fountain drinks). These entrees can be combined with a drink and chips for a combo meal. Prices range from $13 for chicken tenders or bratwurst, $11 for a burger, or $9 for the hot dog combo meal. Cocktail stands are also located on the concourse; well drinks can be had for $10 while premium cocktails start at $15. Wine and 16 oz domestic beers are also available for $8. Local brewery Fall Line has a selection of their line of beers, but one of the most unique beer options is Dry County Brewing’s Macon Mayhem branded beer, Mayhem Lager. Atmosphere 4 From the outside the Coliseum has the appearance of a pyramid under construction. The main building looks similar to what it did when it was first built in 1968, but a more modern entryway was recently added, which uses a cradled M as part of the architecture. Once inside, the soaring roofline creates a very open feel to the arena. Within this vast openness an updated video scoreboard hangs over the playing surface where a much smaller one had previously been. The larger videoboard does a much better job at filling the void created by the very high roof. Seating is divided into rink side and an upper tier of seats. The far end of the arena provides for some group seating at ice level. The most popular seats appear to be toward the front of the second level of seating – these seats provide for a view with limited obstruction from the glass along the side boards. During the game the in-house MC does a good job engaging the crowd following penalties or other stoppages in play. He also provides commentary on the ebbs-and-flows of the action on the ice to help keep the fans energy up. Mac, the team mascot, is also very active throughout the game, either interacting with fans throughout the stands or riding his three-wheeler though the lobby area. While the Coliseum defiantly is not packed, there is a fun hockey atmosphere throughout the venue. Neighborhood 3 Macon Coliseum is located just across the Ocmulgee River from downtown Macon. Downtown Macon has several restaurants for many different tastes; just over a mile from the Coliseum is Cox Cafe. While the area is more industrial than a restaurant district, the food is undeniable. A bit closer to downtown is the locally renowned Rookery which is known for its burgers. Also, local brewery Fall Line Brewing Co. is just a 5-minute drive from the Coliseum. If looking to make a stay in Macon the most convenient location is the Macon Marriott at City Center. The hotel is located directly next to the coliseum and makes for a short walk. If proximity from the venue is not a priority, either the Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott adjacent to the Mercer campus would be good options. There is plenty to make a full sports experience from a visit to Macon. Mercer University is within a 10-15 minute drive, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is just 5 minutes away, as is Luther Williams Field, the current home of the Coastal Plain League’s Macon Bacon. History buffs may find the Harriett Tubman Museum of interest, while music enthusiasts can find museums for local artists The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, or Little Richard. Fans 4 Hockey is not typically associated with being massively popular in the southern states, and might even take a backseat to soccer. Despite the level of statewide interest in hockey, there is a very passionate fanbase for the Mayhem in Macon; many of fans come clad in game used Mayhem sweaters. Mayhem fans defiantly make their presence felt throughout the game. Many of them come equipped with cow bells that they rattle following each save from the goalie, or each time the team kills off a penalty. Even though the Mayhem’s attendance does rank toward the bottom of the league, it does not impact the overall excitement. While larger attendance numbers defiantly would increase the positive atmosphere, the current smaller crowd doesn’t create the feel of an arena lacking interest. Instead, the passion shown by the fanbase paired with the lower attendance numbers makes visitors feel as they are part of a special group of fans. Accessibility 3 The coliseum is located directly off I-16, with just one turn to make within a quarter mile of the parking lot. The area is currently undergoing major construction, however, which can make navigating the highway a bit challenging. Making your way around the venue can be a bit of a challenge at times. The walkway is a bit narrow and can be a bit confusing to navigate once the game has started, since the handicap seating area gets blocked off. The arena is set up to encourage fans making their way around the arena to use the inner concourse, but this area does not provide views of the game. Return On Investment 4 Taking the family to a Macon Mayhem game is definitely an affordable event. Parking at $5 is comparable to what you’d pay for parking at most minor league sporting events. Most tickets range from $9 for upper-level seats to $14 for the lower level. Tickets against the glass are a bit more on the higher end at $34. Pricing is also dynamic, though, so it is all subject to change. Where affordability is lost is with the food prices – while prices are pretty much in line with what you’d expect to pay at most sporting events, the cost for what you’re getting just doesn’t seem to match the expense. This though is not on the Mayhem, as they are not the ones setting prices. Extras 3 It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes a Macon Mayhem game such a good experience. The fans who would be considered regulars show a great deal of passion for the team and the game. Players fight tooth and nail, figuratively and literally, which goes a long way in sustaining the support and admiration from the regulars. The organization also has a great mix of entertainment to complement the game; all these factors combined create a feel for visitors that many organizations miss on. The Mayhem have specialty nights for each home game, so every visit should have a certain theme or special event associated with it. Also, over the course of the season there are 7 jersey auctions, which is part of what creates a great connection between fans and players. The Mayhem Lager adds a small, but special touch to the experience. While specialty branded beers have started to become more popular, there are not a lot of organizations who have their own brew like the Mayhem have with Dry County Brewing. One thing that seemed to be missing was any acknowledgement of the teams from the past. There are no banners to recognize any of the teams who had previously played and won championships. Part of this might have to do with recent ceiling renovations the venue underwent during the summer of 2022. Final Thoughts It’s understandable why some would be skeptical about hockey in Central Georgia. The reality though is it’s difficult to go to a Mayhem game and not have a good time. There might be some shortcomings as it relates to the arena, but the entertainment the Mayhem provide combines with the game and fan involvement, create a fun evening of hockey for all.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman and Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark 1251 21st Ave N Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Myrtle Beach Pelicans website TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,600 The Ticket to Success in Myrtle Beach The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999 and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. An unusually good amount of food and entertainment is available for children to make attending a game a great experience. The stadium offers 4,800 seats while there is room for a total of 6,599 including standing room. The Pelicans are the Advanced Class A team that have been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs since 2015. Food & Beverage 5 For a Class A ballpark, the Pelicans offer many choices and some unique food items. Start out at the Clark and Addison Grille in the right field corner which provides signature items such as the Chicago Double Play (beef and sausage) for $14.75, the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Burger for $12.75, Buckner’s Beef Sandwich for $10, Lee Arthur Grass Fed Burger for $9.75, and Santo’s Italian Sausage for $9. There are also homemade potato chips (often included with sandwiches) and fried pork rinds served on the side. Other food stands in the lower concourse offer Chick-fil-A sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, locally made crab cake sandwiches, assorted cheesesteaks, and chicken waffle bites. A Boar’s Head stand offers three wraps and pulled pork. Hand-dipped or soft-serve ice cream is available in multiple flavors and preparations. The Windy City Wieners assembles the traditional Chicago hot dog with all the fixings. One item recommended by a number of fans is The Mordecai – three large “Chicken Bog Balls” with a spicy sauce and chips for only $7. Other fun alternatives are Hawk’s Chips and Dip, Sosa’s Turkey Dog and a Grand Slam Veggie Burger. Pepsi fountain products are served here, just like Wrigley: $3.75 for 24 oz or $5.50 for 32 oz in a souvenir cup. A wide-ranging choice of beers are available: 16 oz premium draft for $7 and 24 oz domestic drafts for $7.50. A “Pelicans Beer Bat” is $15. One stand offers Tito’s Vodka mixed drinks for $8. Bottled water goes for $3.75. If all these options do not serve you well, you must have gone to a seafood buffet before the game! Atmosphere 4 ReturnTicket.com Park offers something for everyone: casual and intense baseball fans, families, groups, tourists, local residents; even “foodies.” The natural grass field is well maintained and many trees behind the outfield walls provide an excellent backdrop. Seating alternatives include comfortable traditional plastic seats (originally from Angels Stadium of Anaheim – they are starting to show some wear with chipped paint), metal bleacher seats with backs, and bench seating in left field. Nine luxury suites are on the upper level around the infield. One unique option is Tito’s Beach Party along the left field line, where the beach comes to the park as fans are encouraged to take off their shoes and dig their toes into the sand; groups of 50-125 can enjoy this beach for $10/person. For some games, fans can buy tickets for this area. One major improvement is new LED lighting for the entire field. It is programmed to do light shows between innings. Like many minor league parks, activities between innings on the field abound and entertain the fans. An enjoyable mix of music is played throughout the game. Games are played at night here, perhaps to allow fans to enjoy the beach or golf during the day and/or to have cooler temperatures. Neighborhood 5 The Broadway at the Beach across the street from the field consists of a lake surrounded by a Fishing Village, Boardwalk, and Mediterranean Village with 33 restaurants, entertainment venues, lots of shopping, three hotels and many other things to do. When large crowds are expected for a game, some fans spend time here before the game, leave their car parked in Broadway’s lot, walk across the street to the stadium, and can then avoid backed up traffic after the game. Since the park is located about 1.5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean with its many beaches, it’s easy to spend a day there and then enjoy a Pelicans game. Myrtle Beach has an amazing number of high quality restaurants at all price levels. So many, in fact, that we recommend using your favorite dining app. Fans 4 Because of the unique combination of tourism (one estimate shows over 14 million people visiting the area annually) and local population of 32,000 plus residents, the Pelicans draw some devoted local fans, groups, and local/tourist families to the park. The tourist factor is somewhat unique for Myrtle Beach. Fans come to see some promising young ballplayers and to enjoy the great food and entertainment. In 2018, the Pelicans averaged 3,327 fans per game, good for fifth in the Carolina League. Team mascot Splash is a lively, entertaining character who interacts with the fans throughout the stadium. Slider the Bat Dog is featured in a story about Bat Dogs around the Minor Leagues. The Pelicans Pro Shop is behind first base and accessible from the concourse as well as the parking lot; it offers a wide range of items for the fans. One quibble: all fans are given a small program at the gate that contains limited information and other parks offer a lot more. Access 5 Even though the city attracts so many tourists, getting to TicketReturn.com Field is convenient as US-17 and US-501 intersect nearby. The parking entrance is off Grissom Parkway; paved lots are behind the stadium and the parking is free (a word Stadium Journey really likes). Physically challenged fans will enjoy seating near section 103. The concourse is reasonably wide at the seats. The concession stands are below the seats, so fans cannot see the field while grabbing a bite or drink; same is true for the bathrooms. Return on Investment 5 Lower level seats go for $13 and upper level are $11, while left field bleacher seats cost $9. The team offers combination tickets to the game plus popular local attractions as well as many specials each day of the week. Considering the quality of the food, specials, and free parking, along with typical seat prices, this is a great value. Extras 5 One point for the new LED lighting and another for the innovative beach area. Another point for the Clark and Addison Grille and its friendly, customer-focused staff. Slider the Bat Dog is great fun to watch as he retrieves the bats for all players – another point. A final point for the large, well-stocked Pelicans Pro Shop. Final Thoughts Great food; excellent choice of craft beers; free parking; nearby Broadway at the Beach; Splash and Slider; friendly welcoming staff; and Myrtle Beach combine to make TicketReturn.com Field an easy choice for your visit. It is one of the best in the minors.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it will be the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s own concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level soccer match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

We have all seen the articles, snippets, and quick memorials for Pelé. In a news cycle that quickly moves on to the next sensationalized attention-grabber of information. They are quick to tell us his official name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who was born in Brazil on October 23, 1940, and was a football legend and Brazilian treasure. I think he deserves more time and to be brought up more frequently for changing the face of soccer in the United States. Pelé’s arrival in the United States changed the course of soccer in the United States of America. Pele came out of semi-retirement when he signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League for $1.67 million a year for the 1975 season and was the highest-paid athlete on the planet. The league struggled to gain credibility since forming in 1968, which included 36 franchises coming and going. His first game with the team brought on 21,000 plus and was watched by 10 million viewers on CBS. The game put the sport on the national radar of the country, and for the next three seasons, Pele and the Cosmos would draw fans wherever they played. When he played his final game, a record crowd of 77,000 people packed Giants Stadium in a match against his former club Santos. However, the success would be fleeting with the league expanding to multiple markets that would play in giant football and multi-purpose stadiums. Salaries skyrocketed, and clubs ceased operations rapidly. The league would cease operations in March 1985, and the Cosmos would fade from history a few months later after an ill-fated independent schedule. However, the cast had been set with youth soccer involvement exploding through the country; many of those players would become members of the US Men’s Soccer Team in 1990 when they qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. In 1994, the USA would host a successful World Cup, proving that the country could be a soccer nation. Soccer might still be played in high school football venues in front of 2,000 fans, or perhaps the indoor version of the game would still be considered the top echelon of soccer in this country. Today, Major League Soccer thrives with a majority of soccer-specific venues and a passionate fanbase with 29 clubs. Would that have been the case without Pele’s success with the Cosmos? Pelé is one of the most successful and popular sports figures of the 1900s but should be discussed and referenced throughout the 2000s. In the United States, he doesn't seem to get the recognition he deserves for not only being the best player but also for his undeclared dignity in soccer. He wasn’t just labeled one of the greatest players of all time but was given the title of “the greatest” by FIFA. He was a superior player & human being that was also named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. In addition, he was voted world player of the century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. To have titles like these but still not be a household name in the 21st century is why he holds the title (in my opinion) of one of the most underrated and appreciated players in the United States.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Phoenix College Softball Stadium 3201 N 15th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 Phoenix College website Phoenix College Softball Stadium website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Bears In Phoenix Phoenix College is a community college in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District and was founded in 1920, making it one of the oldest community colleges in the nation. The Phoenix College Softball Stadium is the home to this successful team. The Phoenix College Bears compete in the NJCAA as part of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Conference. Famous alumni of Phoenix College include Nick Nolte, CeCe Peniston, and A Christmas Story’s Peter Billingsley. The softball team has been one of the most successful teams on the Phoenix campus. The team has won the NJCAA National Women's Softball Championships eleven times, and ten of those were in the 2000s (the other being in 1979). The 2022 Spring season ended with them winning the Division II championship. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very nice snack bar located right at the softball stadium. The game we attended had the stand not open, but we are assuming that it is open for some games. We are giving a courtesy of one star for food and beverage. Atmosphere 3 The Phoenix College Softball Stadium is a very simple field with a small set of bleachers behind the field. There is a decent amount of room to stand and watch the games, as well as picnic tables that family and team supporters seem to claim fairly early. The fans make this a pretty good place to watch a game, as the atmosphere seems excited to be watching softball and their Bears teams. Neighborhood 4 Phoenix College is located in the Encanto Village, near downtown Phoenix. Encanto is also home to the Arizona State Fair, which includes the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the original home of the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Art Museum is also nearby. Encanto Village has a fairly eclectic restaurant scene with many good options nearby. Durant’s is a high-end steakhouse with the look and feel of a dive bar. George & Dragon English Pub may be a more reasonable option for a post-game bite. Fans 3 Although many of the fans are family and friends of players, this does not seem to lower the enthusiasm for the game and their team. It is a knowledgeable crowd who are eager to get into the game action. Access 4 Phoenix College is located northwest of downtown Phoenix. It is not far from I-10, along a fairly major road, Thomas Road. The Softball Stadium is located far northwest of the Phoenix College campus. There are a decent number of parking lots right near the field, so parking should not be an issue. One should check local parking regulations, especially for games that occur on regular college operating days. Return on Investment 4 It was free to attend the game we attended. There is a gate to the stadium, so a small admission charge is certainly possible. We are assuming it would be a good value, even if an admission fee is charged. . Extras 2 The softball team has been very successful, so spend some time checking out the signage and awards for past Bears teams. There are not a lot of extras at Phoenix College, but one should look out for the feral cat colony on campus. It is a Trap, Neuter, and Return program that is working with the Animal Defense League of Arizona to manage the cats. You will need to refrain from feeding the cats, as their care is under that program. Final Thoughts Phoenix College Softball Stadium is a simple affair but has been home to many champions. If you enjoy the game of softball, this would be an ideal stop for a fan who is in the Phoenix area.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 Las Vegas Raiders website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 What Happens In Vegas….Happens At Allegiant Stadium After a year’s delay of opening for fans due to the pandemic, Allegiant Stadium made its debut in front of a live audience during the 2021 NFL season. Allegiant Stadium is the brainchild of the late Al Davis, the longtime owner/managing partner of the Raiders organization. From the time you see the shining black and silver exterior of the building (aka The Death Star), you can see his input into the design of the facility. Everything in the stadium, including the bathrooms, is painted one of three colors…white, black, or silver. One addition made to the stadium after the senior Davis’ death is a 92-foot-tall memorial torch atop the northern end of the stadium. The torch was built using 3-D technology and is currently the largest 3-D printed object in the world. The $1.8 billion stadium certainly offers all the bells and whistles you would expect of any major building going up in Las Vegas. The 65,000-seat stadium features 127 suites and 8,000 club seats spread out over ten levels of seating. One of its most important features is a transparent ETFE roof, which allows spectators to escape the oppressively hot temperatures Las Vegas can experience throughout the year. This also allows the stadium to have a natural grass playing surface, another feature the old school Davis insisted on in the design. Allegiant Stadium uses a similar system to State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, where the 19-million-pound retractable natural turf surface is transported into the stadium via a tray-like structure that can move the grass inside for events and outside to receive adequate sun and water when the stadium is not in use. Food & Beverage 4 Allegiant Field has one of the most diverse sets of concessions offerings in the NFL. Hot dog and burger lovers can choose from Neon Dogs and Holsteins Shakes and Buns (Gold Standard burgers for $16, Nom Nom burgers with cheddar cheese and thousand island sauces for $16 and Veggie Burgers for $16 or Fukuburgers. Pizza is available at Pizza Rock, Evel Pie and Pizza Squared. Mexican offerings include Viva Las Noches, and BBQ Mexicana (Avocado Chicken Burritos, Smoked Brisket Burritos and a BLTA Wrap for $15 each, BBQ Pork Skins or Chips and Salsa for $8) and Mexican Specialties. Other stands include Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (Pulled Piggie, Chopped Brisket or Smoked Chicken for $15 and Kickin’ BBQ Beans for $3), and Graffico Bao Chinese. Your typical stadium food is available at the Taste of the Nations Tailgate Favorites stands (Raider Dogs for $7, souvenir soft drinks for $8 and water for $6). Adult beverages are available at Hop Valley (Hop Valley IPA’s for $13, Domestic canned beers for $13, premium canned beers for $15 and wine for $12) the Modelo Cantina Club, Casamingos Tequila Lounge, Las Vegas’ Area 419 (out of this world adult beverages) or the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Atmosphere 4 Sin City fans have waited an extra year to meet their new team in person and the energy and excitement in the stands is off the charts. Las Vegas residents proved they are definitely “big league” when it comes to sports as they have proven with the NHL Black Knights and now the Raiders. They have quickly adopted the black and silver colors of the Raiders and filled the stadium for each game thus far. Members of the “Black Hole” from Oakland have not turned their back on the team, as they make the quick flight from the Bay area to create havoc for the visiting team. Several of the local casinos have purchased suites or memberships in the many premium clubs at Allegiant Stadium to entertain many of their biggest clients as well. The private areas of the stadium are filled with a virtual gallery of Raiders-themed art with a Vegas twist (how about Elvis in a Raiders jersey or Marilyn Monroe in a Raiderette outfit?). The stadium also salutes the excellence of the Raiders organization through a very impressive Raider’s Hall of Fame as well as oversized tickets from each of the Raider’s three Super Bowl appearances. The black, silver, and white color scheme of the entire Allegiant Stadium complex pulls all these elements together. Neighborhood 5 There is no stadium in the NFL that is closer to more than 200 hotels, the top talent in the entertainment industry, wonderful restaurants, and sunny weather throughout the year than Allegiant Stadium. It is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, just across I-15 (Frank Sinatra Drive) from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The stadium is within easy walking distance of all the casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues that Las Vegas is famous for. Shuttles run along the Strip on gamedays, providing direct service to the stadium. No matter what time the game starts and ends, you will find plenty of things to see and do in Vegas… as it is truly open 24 hours a day. The city welcomes “the bad boy” Raiders with open arms as the city prides itself on being an adult playground. Las Vegas proved it was ready for professional sports a few years ago when the Las Vegas Blacks Knights stunned the NFL with sellout crowds and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans 3 The one element that has changed the most in the move from Oakland to Las Vegas is its fanbase. Raider Nation in Oakland was known as the most rabid fanbase in the league. It was probably most famous for the Black Hole, a seating area in the end zone so intimidating their own mothers would be scared to sit there. They wore outfits with chains, faux spikes on their biker jackets, and skull imagery. Most went by nicknames rather than by their given names. They were the embodiment of what Al Davis was… a rebel amongst a bunch of establishment billionaire owners. Davis famously took in players that had been let go from other teams due to their recklessness both on and off the field. Frankly, the franchise did not leave Oakland due to lack of fan support… it was because they could not get a new stadium deal, a problem the Oakland A’s are still experiencing. This is not a dig at the new fans the Raiders are cultivating in Las Vegas. After all, many people refer to it as “Sin City”. However, Raiders fans in Las Vegas tend to be more prosperous than they were in Oakland. A big reason for this is the PSL’s required to help finance the new stadium. This typically prices out the blue-collar workers that formed the Raider Nation in Oakland. Tickets now are used to reward the big spenders that are drawn to Vegas by the casinos. Rowdy behavior was expected at the Oakland Coliseum, in Las Vegas, that same behavior might get you ejected. Most of the fans in Las Vegas are employed in the hospitality industry… which is famous for welcoming visitors, while the Oakland fans enjoyed intimidating them. Las Vegas has proven that it has great sports fans… as the NHL hockey franchise has flourished in this desert oasis. They also fill Allegiant Stadium every Sunday despite the high cost of a PSL and some of the highest ticket prices in the league. It is simply too early to determine what the fanbase in Las Vegas will become…. and it is unfair to compare them to the Raider Nation of old. Despite the pain and the high cost of tickets, many of the Oakland contingents are still making the trek south to Las Vegas to cheer on their former team. To sum up our score for fans, it is simply a tale of two cities and two distinctly different fanbases. Access 4 Allegiant Stadium is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Las Vegas. It is located only 4 miles from the city’s McCarran International Airport and is within walking distance of many of the hotels/casinos at the southern end of the Strip. Shuttles will also travel up and down the Strip on gamedays to pick up fans. Fans driving to the games will also find the stadium is very easy to get to as it is right next to I-15. From the north: Take I-15 southbound to Tropicana Avenue. Take exit 37 to Tropicana West. Turn left at Dean Martin Drive, then right onto Al Davis Way. From the south: Take I-15 northbound to Russell Road exit (Exit 36). Follow the signs to Tropicana Avenue, turning left at West Tropicana. Turn left on Dean Martin Drive then a right on Al Davis Way. McCarran International Airport offers nonstop service to virtually every big city in the US. As the title sponsor of the stadium, Allegiant Airlines offers special deals on Las Vegas flights when the Raiders play at home. Return on Investment 3 As Las Vegas enters its second year in the NFL, it will be the first time their home fans will see the team in action on their home turf. During the pandemic season, no fans were allowed inside Allegiant Stadium. Due to this year-long delay, the demand for tickets has gone through the roof. During the 2021 season, the only way someone will be able to buy a ticket to a game in Vegas is on the secondary market. Don’t be surprised to see tickets anywhere in the stadium to go for less than several hundred dollars. The food concessions prices can vary greatly, as some of the vendors are run by celebrity chefs, while others is run by the more typical stadium food vendors. Another factor in budgeting for a game in Vegas is the cost of lodging. Hotels that have casinos and name entertainment and are situated on the strip are much more expensive and add a “resort fee” on top of your room price. If you travel just a few blocks off the strip you will find the familiar name-brand hotels that are perfectly decent at a fraction of the price. One thing to remember about Las Vegas… if you have a good night at the tables your gameday expenses will just seem to fade away! Extras 5 Allegiant Stadium also serves as the home of UNLV college football, the PAC 12 Championship Game, and the Las Vegas Bowl. The stadium plans to hold major concerts in the venue during the off-season. Stadium officials also plan to bid on major events, including the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and major conventions. They also plan to campaign for an MLS franchise for Las Vegas. Another unique feature of the stadium is retractable curtain-like windows atop the northern end of the stadium that faces out towards the Las Vegas Strip, resulting in stunning views at night when the Strip is lit up. Allegiant Stadium has the first sports betting lounge of any stadium in the NFL (it is Las Vegas, after all!). As you would expect in a city known for extravagant lighting, Allegiant Stadium offers a top-of-the-line electronics package. There are large videoboards located at each end of the stadium, with ribbon boards encircling the seating areas. Final Thoughts Las Vegas continues to build on its reputation as a great sports town. Now that the NHL and NFL have established themselves in the Fantasyland in the Desert… it will only a matter of time before you see the Super Bowl, the Final Four and other major sporting events played in Allegiant Stadium…you can bet on that!

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 M. M. Roberts Stadium 118 College Dr Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles website M. M. Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 1932 Capacity: 36,000 Welcome to the Rock The 2022 season marks a new era for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. After completing the last 27 seasons in Conference USA, the Golden Eagles are now in a new conference, the Sun Belt Conference. For a mid-major program in football, this school of 14,000 students in the pine belt of southern Mississippi has a pretty storied football history in itself. In 105 seasons of football, the Southern Miss program has won over 70% of the 1,059 games they've played. In addition, the Golden Eagles have won 8 Conference Championships, including 5 C-USA Championships. They've played in 26 bowl games, winning 13 of them, and won two Small College National Championships when they finished undefeated in 1958 and 1959. Southern Miss has also produced over 100 players who have played in the NFL, including two Pro Football Hall of Famers, perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time Brett Favre and perhaps the NFL's best punter of all time Ray Guy. The Southern Miss football program was born in 1912 when the college was known as Mississippi Normal School, and the nickname was the Normality. The team played football games at Kamper Park, a public park near campus where the Hattiesburg Zoo is located today. The school has gone by many names and nicknames over the 100-plus year history, including the Mississippi State Teachers College Yellow Jackets (1926-1939), Mississippi Southern Southerners (1940-1961), and Southern Miss Southerners (1962-1971) before finally settling on the Golden Eagles nickname in 1972. Since 1932 the Golden Eagles have played on-campus at Historic M. M. Roberts Stadium, a.k.a. The Rock. Named after a Southern Miss alumnus, the stadium was completely rebuilt and dedicated to M. M. Roberts for the 1976 season. Before that, the stadium was known as Faulkner Field, named after a local businessman. It was built with the help of the football players hauling concrete and thus is how the stadium received the nickname “The Rock”. Over the last 90 years, The Rock has become one of the more intimidating settings in college football with the Golden Eagles having a .690 winning percentage at home. Food and Beverage 3 There are 16 concession stands open during games with four stands on each concourse – each stand is called ‘Eagle Bites’ and sells the basics and not much else. The menu includes hot dog combos ($9) and hamburger or sausage combos ($10), with each combo meal coming with a souvenir cup that normally costs $7 to buy alone, so I consider the combo meals a good deal. You could also buy the items separately with hot dogs at $4 and hamburgers or sausage for $5. Other items sold on the menu include roasted peanuts and nachos ($4), popcorn, pretzels, and candy ($3). There are also two Southern Miss BBQ stands located on the east side (one on the upper and one on the lower level). The BBQ stand sells pulled pork and brisket sandwiches for $6. Alcohol is sold in the stands with 16 oz. domestic beers (Miller, Coors, or Michelob) sell for $6. They also sell 16 oz. premium beers (Voodoo Ranger IPA and Gold Rush) for $8. Gold Rush is a Southern Miss exclusive beer introduced by a local Southern Prohibition Brewery and features an Eagle and the Southern Miss logo on the can. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Southern Miss athletics, and they sell souvenir cups for $7 or a 22 oz. paper cup for $4. Atmosphere 4 With Southern Miss's move to the Sun Belt Conference, expect better competition and a better atmosphere at The Rock. There is a certain buzz around the campus for the 2022 season, something that hasn't been felt on this campus in a long time. The action begins early in the day as you can find people tailgating scattered throughout campus. The alumni and older groups of fans will be tailgating on the south side of campus, while the college students and fraternities tailgate in Spirit Park located just outside the stadium. You can find many food trucks in Spirit Park, and they have a large stage where a band will put on a concert. Two and a half hours before kickoff is perhaps the most famous game day tradition, the Eagle Walk – the football team will make a small parade around the stadium as they head into the locker room, accompanied by the famed Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and the Dixie Darlings dance team. The football team will walk down a section on the east side of the stadium lined with banners of past Southern Miss greats, and banners of all the bowl games the Golden Eagles have played in. Another popular gameday tradition at Southern Miss is the painting of the Little Rock, which is a rock about 3 feet wide on the south side of campus. During the week leading up to games, students will paint the rock with a popular saying related to the team they are playing against that weekend. The mascot is a giant Golden Eagle named Seymour and he is a constant presence interacting with the crowd among the fans and students. Once inside the stadium it is easy to see how the stadium gets its nickname – the Rock is a large concrete structure that rises straight into the air. The stadium is an older-style stadium with an upper and lower level separated by two concourses under the bleachers. The stadium features a two-level grandstand on the east and west sides of the stadium, with all bleacher-style seating. For years the stadium was open behind both the north and south end zones, but in 2008 they filled in the south end zone with 3,000 additional seats on ground level, and two stories of suites with a total of 48. There is also an indoor club level in the south end zone on the third floor called the Touchdown Club; the Club is completely climate controlled and features several couches and TVs, as well as different food options and a full-service bar that are not found on the concourse. You can walk right outside to a completely covered section with comfortable chairback seats, the only seating in the stadium that is covered. In the north end zone, they installed the football field house in 2009 and a larger video board that same year. For more premium seating there is an indoor stadium club on the east side as well called the Stadium Club. Southern Miss has three retired numbers, and they are honored with displays around the stadium – Brett Favre (#4), Ray Guy (#44), and Reggie Collier (#10) are the people who have had their numbers retired by Southern Miss. The stadium holds sound pretty well but can look half-empty, even with the somewhat decent crowd during the 2022 season. It wouldn't look as bad if The Rock wasn't so tall and instead built a little closer to ground level; then it wouldn't look half empty. You’ll also find people scattered throughout the stadium, so there will often be entire sections with just a few people sitting in them. The entire upper deck almost has no one sitting in the seats. It would be nice if they would just tarp off the upper deck to make it look like a much more intimate atmosphere. The east side of the stadium is where most of the fans will be sitting, with the student section taking up the southeast section of the stadium. If they aren't going to tarp off the upper deck then I recommend sitting up there for great views of the field – almost no one sits up there and you'll have the entire section to yourself. Neighborhood 3 Hattiesburg (a.k.a. The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city and still retains that college town feels. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the town. Within walking distance of M. M. Roberts Stadium, you'll find places like Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar; if you’re looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia on the walls of a hole-in-the-wall then 4th Street Bar is your place, while Keg & Barrel, The Porter, and Nostalgia are popular places closer to downtown. As a southern city, Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtown, Chesterfields, Ed's Burger Joint, Stricks, and Murky Waters BBQ. Also, as one of Mississippi's largest cities, there is plenty to do for all ages – for families, there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Pocket Museum, which is located in an alleyway downtown next to the Saenger Theatre. The Pocket Museum is Mississippi's tiniest museum, and each month the museum changes to a different theme. If you come to a game during October make sure you check out the spooky Halloween display that is spread out throughout the alley and at the Zoo. For shopping, there are plenty of chain stores and the Turtle Creek Mall. Another popular spot worth shopping is The Lucky Rabbit downtown, a two-story vintage thrift store that has everything including all kinds of old Southern Miss memorabilia and t-shirts. Or if you are into the outdoors there is Long Leaf Trace, a 44-mile bike trail that runs right through campus right next to the Wellness Center, while Paul B. Johnson State Park just south of Hattiesburg is an excellent place for camping. Fans 3 For the 2022 season, Southern Miss is averaging about 25,000 fans per game, which ranks about third in the conference in attendance. Southern Miss has a dedicated fan base with many of these fans going through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Southern Miss fans take great pride in the University because unlike most schools most of them are graduates of the university – they can remember the glory days of the football program back when names like Brett Favre and Reggie Collier played here, or when the Golden Eagles played Alabama almost every year and even won a few games, back when Jeff Bower coached the program for 18 winning seasons. The fans also remember the not-so-great moments of the Southern Miss program, like the 2012 and 2013 seasons when they went a combined 1-23, including losing 23 straight games. Hattiesburg is also a different kind of town than the other college towns in Mississippi; many graduates tend to live in Hattiesburg after graduation because of its large size. There are also a lot of grads who tend to live in the south and central Mississippi, so it's much easier for them to make it to games on weekends. The move to the Sun Belt Conference, also makes new rivalries for the Golden Eagles, as all the schools are located in the Southeast. When teams like South Alabama play expect lots of visiting fans in attendance. The student section has also seen an increase in attendance, with almost the entire student section being full during games. During the first defensive possession after halftime they will hold up a giant banner that says “Here Comes the Nasty Bunch” – the large banner takes up the entire student section and is named after the famed Southern Miss defense in the 90s that was nicknamed the “Nasty Bunch”. Access 4 There is a reason Hattiesburg is nicknamed the 'Hub City', as it is one of the most accessible cities in the State. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. You will not miss the campus as you come into Hattiesburg, as it is located on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, the two busiest roads in town. The Southern Miss campus is kind of small, only one square block, so you can see The Rock from practically anywhere on campus. The stadium is located on the north side of campus, but once on campus, it can be kind of confusing drive because many of the streets are one-way. Most of the parking on campus is reserved for pass holders, however, you will find a few free lots on the other side of 4th Street. My favorite place to park for free for football games is at the baseball stadium, Pete Taylor Park. There are also a few businesses that charge to park located along the east side of Highway 49 across from the stadium. The Southern Miss campus is also one of the smallest D1 colleges in the country, so you should have no problem walking around on campus. The Rock itself is also easy to get around, with a wide concourse and plenty of concession stands that don't back up. Return on Investment 4 Tickets aren't hard to come by, although if you order tickets directly off the website they will have higher prices – on the athletics website to sit in the upper deck it will cost $25, or to sit in the lower deck $40 to $50, which can be kind of steep. My recommendation would be to check secondary websites like Stubhub and Vivant Seats, where you can easily purchase tickets for $15 to $20. They also don't have anybody checking tickets, so it is possible to move around throughout the stadium if you want. Extras 3 The Southern Miss campus is a nice campus to walk around before the game; the campus is very small so it is possible to walk around the whole campus in less than 45 minutes. The Southern Miss campus is a great Southern campus with all kinds of sights and sounds to experience. Some of my favorite sights on campus include the All-American Rose Garden and the giant Eagle sculpture at the front entrance. Also, check out the old 1890s-era Roberts School House, still in its original form, or The Hub at the center of campus, where in the mid-1960s Jimmy Buffett could be seen playing his guitar here in-between classes. But my favorite thing to do while on campus is walking down the famous Eagle Walk – the Eagle Walk is deserving of an extra all by itself. 44 former players and coaches are honored with banners hanging from the stadium under the east side. All 26 bowls the Golden Eagles have played in are honored as well, including the 1958 and 1959 Small College National Championships. The Eagle Walk is also a cool place to be before the game when the team walks by into the stadium. Another extra because not very many college football teams can lay claim to having two of the best positional players to ever play football – Brett Favre, arguably considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play football during his 20-year NFL career, and Ray Guy, who played for the Oakland/LA Raiders for 14 seasons, winning 3 Super Bowls and being elected to the Pro Bowl 7 times. Ray Guy is considered the greatest punter to ever play football and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, as well as became the only punter ever enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ray Guy was a fixture at Southern Miss games until he sadly passed away during the 2022 football season. His legacy will forever be known at Southern Miss, as the street on the north side of the stadium is called Ray Guy Lane.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Dr Atlanta, GA 30313 Celebration Bowl website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 71,000 A Celebration of HCBU Football The Celebration Bowl features a contest pitting the conference champion from the MEAC against the conference champion from the SWAC. It is known informally as the Black Colleges National Championship Game, as it pits the two champions from the HBCU school conferences against each other. The Bowl started in 2015 and is held in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The mission of the game is to provide each of the participating school’s alumni, fans, and students with a first-class bowl experience while continuing to celebrate the heritage, legacy, pageantry, and traditions of the HBCUs. The 2022 game featured the SWAC Champion Jackson State University Tigers vs the MEAC Champion North Carolina Central Eagles. The contest served as the finale for Jackson State Coach Deion Sanders, as he takes over the reins for the University of Colorado Buffaloes in 2023. The game was a thriller, as it went into overtime, and the NC Central Eagles won in an upset. This ended Jackson State’s quest for an undefeated season. Food & Beverage 4 Fans attending the Celebration Bowl were thrilled with the variety of foods to choose from, and the low prices for these items This is due to Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s Fan First Food Experience. The principles of this experience are 1) to provide food at prices a family can afford 2) to provide the best selection of foods Atlanta has to offer, and 3) to experience it as hassle-free as possible. Atlanta pioneered the cashless purchases policy to speed up the order process. In addition, there is no limit on free refills for soft drinks. A sampling of prices includes Coca-Cola beverages ($2), water, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn are also $2, pizza, nachos, and waffle fries are priced at $3, The most expensive item on the Fan Friendly menu is $5 for a 12-ounce domestic beer. In addition to the Fan Friendly menu, more than 60 concession stands were serving a wide variety of foods that Atlanta the South is known for. BTW, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has more than 673 concession points located throughout the stadium. This kept the concession lines moving quickly! Atmosphere 4 The Celebration Bowl offered one of the most festive bowl week celebrations in the country. It was a class reunion/family reunion and holiday party all rolled into one. For many alumni, the game offered an opportunity to get together at a site that is convenient for everyone location-wise. It also offered families from the two participating schools a chance to meet in a good-natured rivalry that may never occur in the regular season. Celebration Week offered numerous opportunities to attend the social events attached to the bowl game. ESPN’s sponsorship and telecast of the game offered both the participating schools a priceless opportunity for exposure that money simply can’t buy. Finally, everyone who watched the Battle of the Bands at halftime was thoroughly entertained. Mercedes-Benz Stadium added to the atmosphere through its one-of-a-kind technology, an NFL best concessions program, and a temperature-controlled environment that is hard to beat in late December. Neighborhood 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium has located just two blocks from Atlanta’s most popular tourist destinations. In Centennial Olympic Park alone, visitors could choose from the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Celebration Bowl fans also visited many of the sites associated with the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr in his hometown. Finally, the College Football Hall of Fame offered a terrific exhibit on the HBCU’s involvement in college football. Fans could also visit and eat at the historic Paschal’s Restaurant, which is within walking distance of the Stadium. In addition to serving great food for more than 70 years, Paschal played a key role in the Civil Rights movement, as it regularly hosted planning sessions for Dr. King and the members of the SCLC staff. Fans 4 Fans from both schools made the trek to Atlanta for the Celebration Bowl. The metro area also has a large alumni base from HCBU schools which also attend the game. The Celebration Bowl and Coca-Cola provided an opportunity for fans from both schools to meet in a social setting the morning of the game. NC Central Sound, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Coca-Cola Fan Experience got underway at 8:30 am on the day of the game and did not close until 30 minutes before the kickoff. Activities took place on the Georgia World Congress Center International Plaza, which is adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Fan Experience included food and musical entertainment from both the concert stage and through music provided by the marching bands from each of the schools participating in the game. There were also appearances by elite HBCU players of the past at autograph booths. Fans also had the opportunity to stock up on game-related merchandise at the Celebration Bowl team store. Once inside the fans were protected from the cold weather, while enjoying a great football game. They could also see the key plays on Mercedes Benz’s unique halo video board which provides a 360-degree view of the action. Unlike most football games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, nobody left their seats at halftime. This is because nobody wanted to miss the halftime performances by Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band and North Carolina Central’s Sound Machine Marching Band. Access 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium offered many cost and time-efficient ways to get to the game. Attendees didn’t need to rent a car for the week or find an inexpensive parking space! Fans traveling from Jackson or Durham could fly to the game via either Delta or Southwest into Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. Downtown is less than a ten-minute ride via taxi or rideshare, and MARTA operated frequent rapid rail service between the airport and downtown. The doors to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened 90 minutes before kickoff, providing plenty of time for fans to find their seats and get a bite to eat. MARTA provided rapid rail service to both the Ashby Street Station and the CNN Center/State Farm Arena/Mercedes-Benz Stadium Stations, which are adjacent to the bowl site. Return on Investment 4 The Celebration Bowl offered tickets at a wide variety of price points. Tickets ranged from $100- $210 for a stadium club-level seat, which comes with a variety of food and beverage options. These are all located in the 100 level of the stadium. For $40 you can choose seats anywhere in the 200 level of the stadium, or at the lower level behind the bands (huh, what did you say?) or behind the end zones (with the students!) The Celebration Bowl used only two levels of Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s seating bowl. Parking rates on gamedays near the stadium ran around $70 (the stadium does not run these lots) MARTA offered rapid rail service for $9 unlimited rides in a day, and they have two stations adjacent to the stadium. Fans with game tickets could attend the Coca-Cola Fan Experience on the Stadium Plaza for free. . Extras 5 Atlanta was chosen to host the Celebration Bowl due to its location between the two participating conferences, its excellent athletic facilities, and its large presence as the home of several HBCU institutions through the Atlanta University Center. Twenty-seven players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame played their college careers at either a MEAC or SWAC member school. The Celebration Bowl is the only bowl to feature two teams from the FCS level of NCAA competition. The Battle of the Bands at halftime of the game is often as competitive as the game itself. The winner of the Celebration Bowl is usually seen as the winner of the Black Colleges National Football Championship. This is because the MEAC and the SWAC are the two largest HCBU football conferences in the country. Final Thoughts The tradition of the HBCU teams and the wonderful venue make for a great fan experience.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Toyota Center 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336 Tri-City Americans website Toyota Center website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 6,000 Bringing Together the Tri Cities The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. The team has had a colorful history in the community, having experienced numerous ownership changes and various attempts to move the franchise out of the region despite robust fan support. For the past decade and more the team has been co owned and run by former NHL stars Olaf Kolzig and Stu Barnes, both of whom played for Tri Cities and have deep ties to the franchise and the community. The team has never won a league championship, its closes brush with glory coming in the 2009-10 season when they lost in the WHL finals. Their biggest rival is from across the state. The Spokane Chiefs are just a two hour drive from Kennewick. Both fan bases travel well, and games featuring these two teams are often exciting and heated both on the ice and in the stands. A New Year’s Eve clash has become an annual tradition. Food & Beverage 5 Quite honestly, the vast selection and presentation of the concession fare is quite astonishing for a team at this level. The food at Toyota Center is amazing. The beer is amazing. Concession stands and vending carts are everywhere, and the smart fan visiting for the first time should do a 360 around the concourse before deciding what to eat because the choices are so many. Choices include Coke products and bottled water ($3) and popcorn helmets ($8, with $4.50 to refill). The Mexican stand offers two enchiladas or two tacos for $8.50, along with burritos, taco salad or chips salad. There is actually a coffee barista stand offering various lattes and cappuccinos along with Americano coffee in all sorts of flavors ($3-$7). Another stand offers gourmet sausages with a basket of fries ($8). A Baskin Robbins ice cream stand has a single scoop ($4), and a double ($6). A hand carved NY Strip sandwich comes with chips ($10) or potatoes ($12) and looks amazing. Papa Johns sells pizza in oversized slices ($4). They fry up bags of mini donuts in all sorts of flavors ($5/dozen). Poutine, a dish consisting of fries, gravy and cheese curds can be purchased for $6. Arena standards such as burgers, chicken strips and chicken sandwich baskets with fries are available for $8. A Chinese stand offers sweet and sour chicken, General Tso chicken or teriyaki chicken complete with chopsticks ($8). Local craft brews are sold throughout the facility, including a special brewed Americans Amber, made especially for the team. On the suite level is a large seating area with tables, open to any ticket holder, offering a concession stand and bar service for fans wishing to dine in prior to the game. The portions are huge, the service friendly, the choices almost endless. Outstanding. Atmosphere 5 You’d think with such mediocre on ice results all these years, and a team tucked into an American corner of a league which has a massive Canadian footprint, that things would be pretty sedate here in Tri City. Not so. There are fans clanging cow bells, a mascot named Winger who works the crowd and exhorts the loud support, a game night presentation which is light on kiss cams, electronic cheer sequences and canned music, instead letting the fans own the cheers. One super fan, a guy named Scott, is dressed in Ams gear and a kilt, waving an oversized flag of the State of Texas for some inexplicable reason, and dons a helmet which lights up and flashes every time the home team scores a goal. He tosses confetti and the fans eat it up. It’s a fun building to watch a game. Neighborhood 3 Think of Kennewick as one big sprawl suburb, a big bedroom community with no real downtown to speak of. The Toyota Center is tucked behind a large boulevard of strip plazas and malls. Drive behind this cluster of retail, and you’ll find yourself in this large mixed use office, hotel and apartment district with windy single lane streets and roundabouts. Much of the development is new and there are acres and acres of vacant land just east of the area ripe for new development. It’s not exactly a quaint walkable neighborhood, and the arena itself is surrounded by ample, well groomed and landscaped parking lots. The locals recommend a few good sports hangouts not too far from the Toyota Center, including Kimo’s Sports Bar and Brewpub, Ivar’s Seafood Bar and Uncle Sam’s Saloon. Fans 4 These aren’t your average, minor league, come for the cotton candy and beer type of fans. They understand the game and have a real passion for their team. The Tri City Americans enjoy pretty large support from the community, and the team engages that community in many ways, mostly through its superior customer service platform. Walk anywhere in the arena and it feels like one huge local family. Out of towners are easily spotted, and concession workers, ushers and game day staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome and at home. On the night we visited, they were offering professional photo ops with a former Ams star, complete with a portable studio and backdrop. The line snaked its way around the concourse for a chance to snag a photo with the player. Nobody complained. The fans were eating it up. It’s a love affair between the Ams and this community. Access 4 Getting in and out of the neighborhood surrounding the Toyota Center is really easy. Enter from the west at the marquee along North Columbia Center Boulevard and it takes you right into the arena neighborhood. There are also access points from the south and the north. There are multiple parking lots surrounding the venue and ingress and egress is a snap. Parking is shared with the nearby Three Rivers Convention Center. There are no public transportation options, so car it is. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets run $20, except for select premium games where the price goes to $23. There are discounts given to seniors, teens, and youths. Check out the team website and you might find some geared promotions, including a two for one Tuesday special and some four pack deals. Parking at the arena is free. We already raved about the concessions and the prices won’t kill the wallet. Extras 4 We will award one star for Stu Barnes and Olaf Kolzig, who have stepped in to give this franchise stable ownership and a consistent product. Their banners hang proudly from the rafters. And why not! Two stars go to the game day staff. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for arena staff to treat their guests and fans with respect and courtesy. The Tri City Americans go the extra mile to make their fans feel welcome. The one thing they police very carefully? They stringently guard the alcoves to make sure fans don’t walk up and down the aisles while play is in progress. But do so in a very polite and upbeat way. Interestingly, we saw most fans in their seats stay put until a break in the action, leaving the aisles unobstructed. They take their hockey seriously here. Add one star for the one goofy media timeout fan participation thing, where the PA announcer asked all the “men” to step forward to do the dance off. What that meant was time for the youngsters to take their shirts off and wave them up above their heads. Never saw so many shirtless kids at one time in one place other than the beach. Final Thoughts The WHL is one of those vast Canadian based leagues with but a small footprint in the United States, mostly here in Washington. The Tri City Americans don’t try to emulate their Canadian counterparts – other than a Canadian flag in the rafters and poutine on the menu, their whole mojo, logo, colors, event presentation, exudes “Americans.” Don’t underestimate the Tri City Americans. It is a super hockey experience, played in a fairly middle aged arena which has the look and feel of an old hockey barn. Make your way there and take part in the fun.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SaskTel Centre 3515 Thacher Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4 Saskatoon Blades website SaskTel Centre website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 15,195 Blades of Glory True story. Back in 1983, a Saskatoon-based investment group put together a deal to buy the NHL St. Louis Blues and move them to Saskatoon, a city that was off the grid for most hockey fans. Plans were put in place for a new arena to replace a dated historic downtown venue that had served the city well. Front office staffers were hired, and moving plans were put in place. And then it all derailed when the NHL Board of Governors refused to support the move. Lawsuits went flying from all sides, and in the end the Blues stayed put in St. Louis. Out of the disappointment of that debacle came a gleaming new arena and showplace for hockey in Saskatoon, an arena initially dubbed Saskatchewan Place. Fans who liked the old and creaky downtown barn weren’t happy with the move. But with numerous renovations, expansions, and now a showplace for some major events, the arena is now embraced within the community. Their principal tenants, the WHL Saskatoon Blades, are one of the charter franchises of the Western Hockey League, now going on 50 years as an anchor of that junior league. Add the newly relocated Saskatchewan Rush of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), a team drawing sellouts, including opening up the upper deck. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are amply scattered throughout the single main concourse, and nothing exceptional really stands out among the food choices. A barbecue stand offers BBQ brisket on a bun, BBQ chicken burger, and BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($6.75) along with BBQ pulled pork poutine ($6). There are also the standard hot dogs, foot longs, burgers, pizza and fries. Taco in a bag ($4.75) seems to be a popular item in these parts, and also a mention for the parmesan garlic fries ($5). One can also have the kettle chips topped with parmesan garlic if you ask. Pepsi products are served, and the beer selection is skimpy. Atmosphere 3 The biggest minus is the sheer lack of big crowds to ramp up the noise. With the size of the building, on most nights the upper deck is cordoned off with a huge curtain, placing the patrons in the lower seating areas. Even with an average crowd of 5,000, that does not fill the place, so the energy and noise is a bit muted and subdued. The fans who do make it here are spirited and knowledgeable. This is a Canadian prairie city with a good number of favorite hockey sons who made it big from this region, and another good number of marquee players who came through here. Neighborhood 2 Ugh. Place an arena in the middle of an industrial and office park, surround it with acres of parking, road access right through these desolate parks and onto area freeways, and to top it all off, the flatness and emptiness of airport runways just a mile or so to the southwest. There is absolutely no charm or elegance at all to the Sasktel Centre neighborhood, and one could only imagine how much nicer things would be if this identical structure was placed somewhere downtown, where there seems to be ample space. Most of the good eateries are a couple miles south of the arena straddling Circle Drive (Rt 16). Recommendations include Fox and Hounds Pub and Brewery, or Birmingham’s Vodka and Ale House. Try Grainfield’s Family Restaurant if you’re looking for comfort food and some local memorabilia, and even a treasure trove of trivia on the menu. Fans 4 The fans who support the Blades, and for that matter, supporters of visiting teams who make the trip for nearby rival cities like Swift Current and Prince Albert, are passionate and know their hockey. A good game night presentation adds to the fun, with a big furry white haired mascot named Poke Check working the crowd. There is just the appropriate level of music bumps and clever videos without being overwhelming. Access 4 If you have a car you are golden. Head north from the city and follow the signs to the arena off of the well marked road off of either Highway 11 or Highway 16 which split off just before the arena exits. There is parking on all sides of the arena and entry and exit from the parking lots are seamless. There is express shuttle public transportation service from the City Centre Transit Hub to SOME events at the Sasktel Centre. Best to check in at the City Centre Transit website before making plans to ride the bus. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start from $10, and run up to as high as $31 for the top tier premium seats. Here’s an advance notice – purchase them before the day of the game and you’ll save $2-$3 per ticket. Parking is free, with the exception of a small VIP lot where patrons can pre purchase parking right outside the door. With vast amounts of parking surrounding the building that seems like a waste of money. Concession prices are on the reasonable side. Extras 3 Saskatchewan’s true favorite son is hockey icon Gordie Howe, and his statue is on the entrance plaza on the west entrance to the building, providing a good photo opportunity. WHL division and championship banners hang smartly across the rooflines of the seating bowl. And another star for a series of bronze plaques in one section of the end zone concourse, memorializing the two IIHF World Juniors that this building has hosted, along with the Brier Curling Championships. The venue was also the host for the 2013 Memorial Cup. Final Thoughts In a league which runs the gamut of arenas from little more than an oversized community rink to the opulence of Edmonton’s Rogers Place, Saskatoon has itself a venue which has weathered well in its 30 years of existence, and has a “big league” feel even as a host for a junior team. The addition of indoor lacrosse has bolstered the building’s standing, even though the NLL is for the most part a shambles with its shifting franchises and lack of national sports legitimacy. No matter, fans pack the place. All in all, a visit to the Sasktel Centre is a must do when visiting the region.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Brandt Centre 1700 Elphinstone St. Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Regina Pats website Brandt Centre website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 6,136 Regina’s Brandt Centre The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities. Food & Beverage 4 Considering the age of the venue, the food selection here is surprisingly good. Yeah there is the traditional stadium fare. Add to that pulled pork, pulled chicken or roast beef sandwiches ($6), combo that with beans, coleslaw, pasta salad or chips for an additional fee. Poutine is available for $6, fries mixed with brown gravy and cheese curds. Freshly made candied apples are also a nice touch, along with the bags of powdered mini donuts. The draught beer here is an eye popping $8.50 or $10 for the tall 27 oz cup. Atmosphere 3 Like most peer junior rinks, games at this level are more of a family affair. The arena is 2/3 full, everybody cheers for the home team but without the intensity at say, the NHL level. Contests and promotions are the norm. Much of the pomp and ceremony here had to do with endless pregame presentations and plaque awards before the game even started, something we could have done with much less of. Neighborhood 1 What neighborhood? With the skyline of downtown Regina about 3 kilometres to the east in the distance, the Brandt Centre and Evraz Place are standalone facilities, surrounded by an ocean of parking on all sides and a railroad track straddling the south border of the complex. As for places to go within nearby driving distance, we’d recommend Casino Regina right in the center of downtown for gaming and dining. The Press Box sports bar on Albert Street has a lot of cool sports memorabilia, plenty of TV sets and tavern fare worth a look. Fans 4 Fan support here is pretty solid, and the Pats draw in the upper end of their peer teams in the 22 team WHL. The Regina Pats have a long and strong history which goes back to the franchise’s inception way back in 1917. Their team history is nicely showcased with a well displayed collection of championship banners and team retired numbers complete with murals, which line one end zone wall. Access 4 There is ample parking surrounding Evraz Place and the Brandt Centre, and access to the lots is available from three different directions, so the lots clear out here after a not too long wait. There is not a public transportation option here. Also worth noting is that Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, home of the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders, is just a long slap shot away and is visible on the skyline of the city. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for adults run $18, seniors and students a bit cheaper. That is a bit high by junior standards. A note to add here is that parking is abundant and free. Concession prices are also reasonable, as long as you’re not drinking the very expensive beer. Extras 3 The aforementioned banners and numbers deserve special props. No silly “Fans #1” banner or anything that would cheapen the long and storied history here. And by the way, this was also a host venue for the Memorial Cup championship. How about a hot tub suite? Yep, there, along the boards, is a fully functional hot tub with a great view of the action on the ice. Gotta wonder if there is any even better action going on in the hot tub on some game nights. **Andrew Kulyk is a stadium travel expert. Follow all of his journeys at The Ultimate Sports Road Trip.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Art Hauser Centre 690 (B) 32 Street East Prince Albert, SK S6V 2W8 Prince Albert Raiders website Art Hauser Centre website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,366 WHL In Prince Albert The Comuniplex opened in 1971, 10 years to the day after the Minto Arena had been destroyed by fire, and brought hockey back to a city that had been missing the sport for a long, long time. On opening day, there were no seats in the arena, so fans took to bringing pillows and blankets for sitting on the concrete slabs surrounding the rink. Times have changed. The Art Hauser Centre, as it has been known since 2005, has seen a number of improvements over the years, including seats, an elevator, an upgraded scoreboard and plenty more. Playing at the Art Hauser Centre, the Prince Albert Raiders have been one of the more successful junior hockey teams in Saskatchewan. Between 1977-1982 the Raiders won four Tier II junior national championships in six years. After graduating up to the WHL for the 1982-83 season, the Raiders went on to win the Memorial Cup in 1985 as the top junior team in the country. The Raiders have produced 72 players who have made it to the NHL, including Brad McCrimmon, James Patrick, Wes Walz and Mike Modano. And all of them have paid their dues in this little arena in this little city. Food & Beverage 4 Good options at good prices are what you’ll find at the Art Hauser Centre. The main concession stands are located in the main floor lobby on the west end of the stadium, known as the Johnny Bower Lobby in honour of the NHL Hall of Fame goalie who was born and raised in Prince Albert. There is also another stand with a paired-down menu at the far end of the stands in the southeast corner. The menu itself is quite substantial and tasty. You have your typical arena fare, such as popcorn (small bag is $2.25), chips ($1.50), burgers ($4.00) and pop (small cup is $1.75), all at very reasonable prices. And there are also some other choices such as delicious pizza-by-the-slice ($3.75) and breakfast burritos ($3.00). Curiously, and awesomely, you can also pick up some bona fide oddities at the concessions. Certs, Rolaids, Tylenol and hockey tape are all available for fans with… unique needs. I love this. Upstairs in the Art Hauser you’ll find the Ches Leach Lounge, named after one of the founding fathers of the Prince Albert Raiders. The Lounge is huge, with seating for 600, and serves adult beverages for patrons looking for something a little stronger than soda. It has a very social, beer garden-type feel to it and seems very much like a place where friends can meet and hang out before, during or after games. Atmosphere 4 The Prince Albert Raiders have a long and storied history and the fans are enthusiastic supporters as a result. The Art Hauser Centre only holds 3,366 people, including 786 standing room spots, but to sell the place out requires almost 10 percent of the city’s population to show up. Impressively enough, they fill the place to near capacity every night. The game I attended had a crowd of 2,755 fans and, in a small venue like that, the crowd is right on top of the action. The stands in fact are just 10 rows deep so no one, including the many fans who choose to stand at the back, have a bad view. The net result is a ton of audience energy, a great look at the ice surface, and a lot more crowd noise than one might expect. Overall this made for a very fun and entertaining experience at the good ol’ hockey game. Neighborhood 3 The Art Hauser Centre is located in the southeast corner of Prince Albert, well away from most all of the entertainment options in the city. About your only dining choices in the immediate vicinity are the Spicy Peppercorn Chinese-Vietnamese Restaurant across the street to the south, an A&W another block south, and a Tim Horton’s to the west of the A&W. Other than those, you’ll be going for a drive to find some fun. The good news is that you’re no more than five minutes from some of the more happening spots in town. Head a few blocks west on Marquis Rd. and you’ll find the Northern Lights Casino and just a little further on is a strip of hotels and restaurants on 2 Ave. Standard fare such as McDonald’s, KFC and Boston Pizza can all be found in this stretch along with a few mom and pop restaurants. Heading a couple minutes north along 6 Ave. from the Art Hauser quickly brings you to the Cornerstone commercial district where all manner of shops and services can be located. Again, many of the standard dining options are here, such as Ricky’s, Fatburger and Original Joe’s, all of which will fit the bill. Fans 4 Raiders fans are enthusiastic, engaged, and don’t mind voicing their displeasure with questionable calls by yelling at the offending ref by name. Like most junior hockey audiences I’ve observed, they are fairly quiet most of the time but, whenever something exciting happens on the ice, the noise level rises very rapidly, often punctuated by cowbells. With the low ceiling in the Art Hauser Centre, that gets things booming in a hurry. What this means is that you’ll be among fun, energetic people at a Raiders game and that’s always a good thing. Access 3 The Art Hauser Centre is situated near the outskirts of Prince Albert, in the southeast corner of town. Located near the corner of two major arteries, it is pretty easy to get there from anywhere in the city. Parking on site is free and there appears to be sufficient parking for everyone coming to the game. There is also a bus stop right outside of the rink, so public transit is an option. The downside is that there is only one way in or out of the parking lot, so leaving after the game is a bit of a lengthy ordeal considering the relatively few number of cars. Inside the arena, the Johnny Bower Lobby is roomy; the halls behind the stands and at the top of the stands, not so much. It can, therefore, be a little slow to move from your seats to the concessions or the washroom facilities. Return on Investment 5 Seats at the Art Hauser are $18.99 for adults, $14 for students and $9 for children, with standing room and luxury box locations also available. At that price, the level of entertainment is a bargain. You’ll be getting a quality product on the cheap which leaves you plenty of extra cash to buy a 50/50 ticket or some hockey tape at the concession stand. Extras 5 Once you’ve entered the Johnny Bower Lobby, you’ll see a large bronze statue of a goalie in honour of the late, great netminder. Behind the statue is a wall covered in glass plaques dedicated to key figures in the history of the Art Hauser Centre. Many of the rest of the walls throughout the Lobby as well as upstairs outside of the Ches Leach Lounge are covered in displays dedicated to the many members of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame, giving the place a real sense of the history in the community. Behind and below the south stands, the corridor leading to the far east of the stands is also the hallway through which the players travel from the locker rooms to the ice surface. Along this hallway you’ll find pictures of every Prince Albert Raiders team from 1971 to the present day, names of all the Raiders’ award winners and the Wall of Honour with plaques dedicated to the most critical members of the Raiders’ family over the years. The Raiders have a nice souvenir shop in the south corner of the Johnny Bower Lobby. All your needs for jerseys, hats, sweaters, keychains, etc. can be met here. A bonus for season ticket holders is a 10 percent discount for all purchases here. The team mascot, Riley Raider, makes the rounds before, during and after the game, shooting tee-shirts into the stands, encouraging chants and cheers, and entertaining the kids in the crowd. Out in the Lobby at the game I attended, several tables were set up raising funds for Saskatchewan’s annual Kinsmen Telemiracle campaign, a 32-year-old telethon that runs in support of people with disabilities; always a very worthy cause. Among the fundraisers for the day was also an auction for the extremely cool-looking special edition game-worn jerseys the Raiders wore that night. Lining the rafters in the stands are the many, many championship banners the Raiders have earned over the years. It’s a very impressive sight from anywhere in the rink. As things are ramping up to the start of the game, the Prince Albert Raiders theme song, “Go Raiders Go” by Russ Gurr, The Singing Farmer was played over the P.A. system. Having a classic 1970s vintage tune like that was a real treat to hear. This was followed up by Captain Tractor’s classic rendition of “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” which fits with the team’s pirate-themed current logo rather perfectly. Final Thoughts No, you’re not getting the great big monster event you might expect at an NHL game, but the more intimate, small town environment at a WHL game such as this has its own appeal. The Raiders have a good sense of tradition and do an excellent job remaining connected to their community. A trip up north to take in a game will be worth the effort.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rogers Place 10220 104 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5J 4Y8 Edmonton Oil Kings website Rogers Place website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 18,437 The Kings of Edmonton Hockey Since the Oilers arrived in Edmonton in 1972, junior hockey has been a tough sell. The original Oil Kings, founded in 1950, moved to Portland in 1976 following steadily waning attendance. But after a couple aborted attempts to revive junior hockey, the newly incarnated Oil Kings seem to have finally found their place in the community. The Oil Kings returned to Edmonton for the 2007-08 season and have been have found an audience. Owned and operated by the Katz Group, which also owns the NHL’s Oilers, the Oil Kings are drawing good crowds, and winning consistently. In fact, the Oil Kings won the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the 2011-12 season and the 2013-2014 season, as top team in the WHL and went to the Memorial Cup as the Western representatives. The Oil Kings went on to win the 2014 Memorial Cup, making them the best junior team in Canada that season. The Oil Kings spent most of their history playing at what is currently known as Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Colosseum). But starting in the fall of 2016, the Oil Kings have relocated to the new downtown arena, called Rogers Place. It is the newest, most modern arena in the hockey and without a doubt the premier place to watch the WHL. At almost a half billion dollars, the new downtown arena has spared no expense in making sure every trip to the building is an event, over and above whatever sport or concert you’ve come to watch. A detailed consultation process was conducted with the fans during the design phase. As a result, the facility has many design features that reflect the experience the fans wanted to have. Food & Beverage 4 As compared to the options available at Rexall, the food choices are a definite improvement. Regular concession stands have a relatively small selection to choose from, but each location has a slightly different menu, so have a look around before you settle on something. You’ll find all the expected options, from hot dogs to burgers, fountain pop to bottled water. If you’re into burgers with everything, try the Bobby Nick’s Burger ($12). The Jasper Ave. Chicken Burger ($10) is also quite tasty. Most concessions also have some basic adult beverage choices, if you’re looking for a glass of Molson Canadian or Coors Light ($11.50). There are typically also a couple of premium options available as well. There are also a couple of specialty stands around the several levels of concourse that feature interesting fare such as perogy nachos, butter chicken and chick peas, or smoked brisket sandwiches. You’ll also find four Pizza 73 locations around the building. If you’re looking for something a little more special, there are a few more places to check out. In the lower concourse, available to fans in the lower bowl, there are two club-style areas known as the Coventry Homes Club and the North Mezzanine Club, complete with tables for fans to gather around between periods. The concessions in these areas have an upgraded menu with some more exotic selections. On the main floor concourse, you’ll find the Molson Canadian Fan Deck, just outside the side of the rink, with a full-service bar and more food choices. Fans in the PCL Loge Level have access to two more choices in the River Valley Grill and the Carvery. Overlooking Ford Hall, the main entrance to Rogers Place, is Curve Restaurant, which is a reservation-only location on this floor as well. Sky Lounge is a premium seating club on the west end of the upper concourse which has a special menu and in-seat beverage service. Directly below it is the Sportsnet Club which also features premium seating and a unique menu. Out in Ford Hall, and accessible before and after games, is the Molson Canadian Hockey House, yet another option for dining at the rink, with a full list of food and beverage options. When you put it all together, there are more restaurants in Rogers Place than there were within several blocks of Rexall Place. This is a major upgrade. But don’t forget your pocketbook as the food options in this building are the priciest in any arena in Alberta. Atmosphere 3 The arena is decorated with images from Oilers history, making it clear who the number one tenant of this arena is. Just to the west of the main entrance is a Wayne Gretzky statue that was relocated here from Rexall Place when the Oilers moved. Through the glass behind the statue you can see the Oilers Hall of Fame room, which features memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, ON. All excellent stuff, but nothing to indicate that this is the home of the Oil Kings as well. Whether you enter Ford Hall from its main entrance, a block south of the main Rogers Place building, or through the main doors, this is a beautiful gathering area for fans prior to walking through the gates into the arena itself. Ford Hall is open year-round so folks visiting Edmonton’s downtown core can stop by and check it out. The main concourse is significantly wider than that of Rexall Place and several stories high, giving it an open, roomy feel. Once inside the seating bowl, you’ll also get a sense of spaciousness, from the wide seats (19”-22”, depending on where you’re sitting) and ample leg room to the significant elevation from ice level to the top of the upper bowl. Not that you have to worry about the upper bowl much anyway, as the Oil Kings don’t open the upper bowl most nights. With attendance usually in the 5,000-9,000 range, the lower bowl is more than adequate to house all the fans. If you go to one of the busier nights where the upper bowl is open, seats up there still don’t feel that far away from the game action, however, due to the upper levels being cantilevered out over the lower levels, bringing them much closer to the middle of the arena, giving even upper deck audiences a sense that they’re right on top of the game. The energy in the stands is also good. While the game is underway, ambient sound levels indicate a steady buzz of excitement, which can quickly spike when a goal is scored, a fight breaks out, or something else exciting happens. Neighbourhood 4 Rogers Place is situated on the north end of Edmonton’s downtown core. To the west of the rink is the main campus of MacEwan University. If you stick to those areas before and after games, you should have no troubles at all. North of the arena is a much less desirable part of town. Central McDougall isn’t the worst part of town, but you perhaps don’t want to find yourself alone after dark in that area. It is, in fact, hoped that setting Rogers Place up in that location will help to gentrify the neighbourhood, so this could improve over the next few years. Two blocks east and south of the arena is Sir Winston Churchill Square, a central gathering place for the city which is framed on three sides by Edmonton City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Winspear Centre for Music, and the main branch of the Edmonton Public Library. Very nice location to check out. On the southeast corner of Rogers Place is the Grand Villa Casino, so patrons of Rogers Place can stop in and try their luck at the slots or table games before or after seeing the Oilers. There are also two restaurants in the casino, adding to your dining options right in the main building. Match Eatery and Public House has a classic British Pub vibe, while Atlas Steak + Fish is a more upscale place. If you’re looking to grab a bite or a drink before or after games, you have a ton of good options within just a couple blocks of Rogers Centre. This again is a major upgrade compared to old Rexall Place. As noted above, you can always try the Molson Canadian Hockey House right in Ford Hall, if you want to eat right outside the main gates, or at Curve on the PCL Loge Level once the gates open. Across the street to the south west of Rogers Place is the Mercer Tavern which provides casual pub dining. Around the corner and sharing the same building is Rostizado , a Mexican eatery which is considered to be one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants. If you’re in the mood for steak, you can try the Chop Steakhouse. One of several Chop franchises around Canada, this is a good choice to satisfy your need for world-famous Alberta beef. Another good pub option is the Underground Tap and Grill, located just a block away from the Central LRT station. Underground features 72 beer taps, including the largest selection of Alberta-brewed beers in the province. If Italian food is your thing, there are a couple good choices. Pazzo Pazzo is a traditional Italian restaurant with all the dishes you’d expect to find. Just a couple blocks away you’ll also find Edmonton’s downtown Old Spaghetti Factory which also features a full Italian menu, including nine different spaghetti variations. Next door to the Old Spaghetti Factory is Haweli, which serves Indian food. If you’re looking for something a little spicier and more exotic, this is the place to try. Really, this is just scratching the surface. There are many, many more places nearby, from Harvey’s to Subway to Denny’s to Mikado Japanese to Sofra Authentic Turkish Cuisine and on and on. Fans 4 An average crowd for the Oil Kings is larger than the capacity of most WHL rinks, even if they rarely sell more than half the seats in Rogers Place. That level of enthusiasm for junior hockey is worth something all by itself. More than that, a large portion of the audience are wearing Oil Kings gear, showing their dedication to the team. Being a Canadian crowd these fans are hard core and they know their hockey. Crowd noise was good throughout the game, with the appropriate cheers and boos during exciting moments in the action. This shows them to be engaged with the game and attentive. Access 4 Getting to and from Rogers Place is fairly easy. There are almost 18,000 parking spots within a 10-minute walk of the arena. The Rogers Place website recommends that you use ParkingPanda.com to pre-purchase a spot to guarantee your place. This is probably a good practice to follow if you decide to make the drive downtown as there have been r umblings about price gouging for patrons who roll up to downtown parking without a reservation, with prices as high as $38 in some cases, although these extra-high prices have been for concerts and Oilers games, not Oil Kings games. The other popular option for getting to any sporting event in Edmonton is by way of the transit system. The MacEwan Light Rail Transit station is physically connected by a walkway to Rogers Place’s north side, while three other LRT stations—Bay Enterprise Square, Central, and Churchill—are all located within 10 minutes of the building. Transit tickets are $3.25 for adults, while children under five ride for free. Once inside Rogers Place, having five floors of concourse helps to spread people around a bit, although the luxury box and PCL Loge level concourses are underused, as you have to have a seat in that area to be granted access. The Mezzanine level and the main concourse remain busy between periods. With no one sitting in the upper bowl, there is generally nobody around the hallways up there either. Surprisingly, in a building as new as this, there are a number of pinch points in the flow of foot traffic around the concourses, some on the main floor, but also on the Mezzanine concourse, making the place seem much more crowded than one might expect. This could simply be a queuing issue as several concession washroom lines back up into the corridors and could be something that is solved over time by directing traffic more effectively. Speaking of the washrooms, lineups to both the men’s and women’s washrooms were surprisingly long considering that the arena was less than half full. As with the queuing challenges, this might be mitigated over time as fans figure out which washrooms have the least activity and begin to spread themselves around the building better. If there simply aren’t enough washrooms to adequately service the crowd, this may be a sore spot for people attending Rogers Place for years to come. Return On Investment 4 Oil Kings tickets run anywhere from $20 to $39, a bargain compared to Oilers tickets. That’s particularly the case since they’re basically all lower bowl seats that would cost 10 times as much to see an NHL game. You really can’t go wrong with the price for an Oil Kings game. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to see this shiny new arena, this is a great option. Extras 5 Over and above the hockey game, there are a ton of other things that add to the experience at Rogers Place. There is a Designated Driver program available onsite for fans that might have had a few drinks too many. This is an excellent idea that should be seen in more venues. Free Wi-Fi access is available to fans throughout the building, allowing fans to live Tweet games, check their emails and otherwise interact with the World Wide Web while onsite. Oil Kings mascot Louie the Lion helps keep the fans entertained around the arena, participating in giveaways during breaks in the action and making his way around the seating bowl to interact with the kids in the crowd. The Oilers Hall of Fame room, as mentioned earlier, is located right at the front of the building and can be seen through the glass by fans walking along the sidewalk in front of Rogers Place. Tours of the room are beginning in late 2016, allowing fans to get an even closer look at all the cool stuff in that space, including Wayne Gretzky’s rookie uniform and many other pieces of Oilers history. On the northeast corner of Rogers Place is the Edmonton Downtown Community Arena. Accessible from corridors inside the building, this arena is now home to the MacEwan University men’s and women’s hockey teams. It also serves as the Oilers’ and Oil Kings’ practice ice and it is also available as a public skating rink. There are TVs all over the building, so even if you step away from your seat for a few moments during a game, you can probably still keep an eye on the action from wherever you happen to be. Speaking of video, Rogers Place features the largest true HD scoreboard in the NHL (and NBA, if they played in Edmonton). At 14 metres wide by 11 metres tall, it dominates the space above the rink and provides a spectacular image from every angle. The Oilers Store can be found in a number of locations around the building giving fans an opportunity to stock up on all the Oil Kings and Oilers clothes and souvenirs they can carry. If you’re an art fan, Rogers Place has several special pieces for you. The floor of Ford Hall is adorned with a giant circular mosaic called Tsa Tsa Ke K’e (Iron Foot Place) by local artist Alex Janvier. The northwest plaza, adjacent to the MacEwan LRT station has a large sculpture called Essential Tree by realities:united, an art collective in Berlin. The northeast plaza features a red circular sculpture called Skater’s Arch by Saskatchewan artist Douglas Bentham. And directy above the main entrance to the Downtown Community Arena is a piece that combines sculpture and painting called 9 Figures In Motion With A Puck by local artist Al Henderson. As an added bonus, you’ll also find a cell phone charging stations in the concourse for Rogers Mobility customers with low batteries. Rogers Place is the first NHL rink in Canada to be LEED-Silver certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly arenas in North America. Final Thoughts Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple hours just checking the place out. This is likely to only get better as more features get added over time. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress most everyone. If you’re a hockey fan and you’re looking for the chance to see the newest, hottest arena in western Canada, Rogers Place is definitively a place to check out.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Calgary Hitmen website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,283 Hitmen, Take Two The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Hitmen’s success has extended all the way to the NHL. They’ve had more than three dozen players make it to the pro ranks, including stars Ryan Getzlaf, Brad Stuart and Andrew Ladd. Although the Wranglers played in the old Stampede Corral, the Hitmen play next door in the much larger Scotiabank Saddledome. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and have been home to the Calgary Flames from Day One. The ‘Dome is now also the home of the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks and, of course, the Hitmen. At almost 30 years of age, the Saddledome is starting to show some signs of age, but it has seen a number of renovations along the way to keep things fresh. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome. All the typical fare is available at the main concessions at pretty typical prices, whether you’re looking for a hot dog, fries, nachos or popcorn. You will also find Pizza 73, Good Earth Coffee and a Jugo Juice for fans who want something a little different. The Jugo Juice station also has some healthy options, such as the chicken wrap, for the more health conscious among us. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the game I attended was fairly laid back and relaxed; no big energy, no loud cheering. This perhaps can be partly attributed to spreading 7,000 fans around a stadium built to accommodate 19,000. The Avison Young section of the lower bowl (the premium seats) was about half empty and there were very few people above about the 10th row of the upper bowl. With large spaces left largely unoccupied, building a bunch of excitement and intensity in the stands seemed like a challenge. To be fair, Calgary crowds in general tend to be fairly subdued. Also, the Hitmen historically have drawn even bigger crowds to the ‘Dome, which would typically bring up the crowd noise. And overall, although the Saddledome never did rock during the game, it looked like the audience was engaged and enjoying things just fine. Neighborhood 3 The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds, just south and east of the downtown core. The immediate vicinity, known as Victoria Park, isn’t the best neighborhood in town by a long shot. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with skyscraping condo complexes growing up in a couple locations to the immediate north as well as across the street to the west. And most of those complexes have some kind of restaurant or bar on the ground floor. Just a few blocks due west of the Stampede Grounds on 17th Ave you’ll find a string of clubs and bars that have come to be known as “The Red Mile.” Among the most popular is Melrose Place, right in the heart of things. You’ll also find the Ship and Anchor Pub, which has been repeatedly named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary by local publication “Fast Forward Weekly.” You’ll also find my favorite local Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero, on the east end of the Red Mile. Fans 4 Historically, the Hitmen have drawn some of the biggest crowds ever in the WHL. According to their Wikipedia page in 2004-05 they were the first Canadian Hockey League team to average 10,000 fans per game. This year (2012-2013) the Hitmen average attendance of just over 8,600 is a little more modest than that record-breaking season, but that’s still more than the capacity of every other Alberta WHL rink except Rexall Place in Edmonton. In fact, they have been over the 10,000 mark three times in the 2012-2013 season. As noted above, the crowd is generally low-key but attentive to the game. They know their hockey and they respond appropriately to the hits, the goals and the referees’ calls. Access 3 Calgary has the second highest downtown parking rates in North America, behind only New York City . So if you drive down to the Stampede Grounds, expect to pay for the privilege-parking on the grounds which will run you $13 and, depending on what other events might be going on around the area, might fill up quickly. There are also choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking options. A few local residents rent out yard space for parking and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking. The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. Expect the usual stop-and-go delays that go hand-in-hand with traveling downtown in a city of more than a million people. Another good option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end which has a connecting walkway that will take you directly to the Saddledome. The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city running north and south, so it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $2.75, youths are $1.75. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to see the Calgary Hitmen run anywhere from $16 to $36 while students and children can get into the cheap seats for $12 each. Compared to the price of a Flames game to see NHL hockey this is a real bargain. For the great price, you can count on seeing a quality hockey game in a good location. Extras 4 There are a number of added extras when you come see the Hitmen at the ‘Dome. The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. For example, there is a substantial exhibit remembering the excitement of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were held, in large part, at the Saddledome. You could probably spend the entire game in the concourse looking at and reading all the displays, so there’s lots to check out. You’ll also find a couple locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs, including clothing and knick-knacks for all three of the ‘Dome’s regular residents: the Hitmen, the Flames, and the Calgary Roughnecks. Roaming the stands during the game, and taking part in activities between periods, team mascot Farley the Fox keeps the kids entertained throughout the event. Looking up into the rafters, you’ll see the large row of championship banners amassed during the Hitmen’s history, along with the Flames’ and Roughnecks’ banners. Final Thoughts Overall, the Hitmen do a nice job of keeping the fans entertained. Taking in a game is well worth it.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Lakers website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,997 Land O’ Lakers The Staples Center is the center of the LA indoor sports universe, as it serves as the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, the LA Kings of the NHL and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. The arena opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 19,079 for basketball and 18,118 for hockey. Note: The Staples Center name changed to Crypto.com Arena in Dec, 2021. Food & Beverage 3 Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and this is reflected in the Staples Center’s concessions offerings. Among the vendors in the arena are Blaze Pizza, BS Taqueria, Cooler by Budweiser, Dave’s Doghouse, EATS, Golden Road Brewhouse, Impact Sports Bar and Grill, Outtakes, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Smokehouse BBQ. One word of warning… while the food selection is of excellent quality, you may develop indigestion when you see the prices. They are amongst the highest in the NBA…nearly $7 for a hot dog. You may want to eat somewhere less expensive before or after the game, utilizing the Staples Center for just snacks and beverages. Atmosphere 5 As you would expect in Hollywood and the home of TV shows, the Staples Center excels in production quality. The sound system and lighting quality in the arena far exceeds what you will would find at other arenas. One of the reasons for this are the vast number of concerts held at the arena, featuring the top artists in the world, many of whom are local residents as well. They tend to be very demanding of the technical crews, and the Staples Center delivers. You’ll want to make sure to be in your seats prior to the National Anthem, as both the Lakers and the Clippers have very dramatic pregame introductions. The Lakers are definitely the aristocracy as far as indoor sports in Los Angeles. There are statues in the plaza of Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and even longtime announcer Chick Hearn. Kobe Bryant’s is sure to come soon. Once inside the arena, the sixteen banners for the championships the Lakers have won fill an entire well, while another wall carries all the retired numbers of the Laker immortals. Neighborhood 4 The Staples Center is located in the LA Live sports and entertainment district. LA Live has more than 20 restaurants, including Shaquille’s, Yard House and several of Wolfgang Puck’s brand of restaurants. Also included in the complex are a variety of night clubs, the GRAMMY Museum and even a bowling alley. There are several hotel brands represented in the area, which can save you the hassle of being in traffic trying to get to the arena. Fans 4 The fan base of the Lakers is very much like the fan base of the New York Knicks. The two teams are very popular with the celebrity set, who sit court side at many games. They range from TV/movie stars to stars from other sports and even national politicians. This adds a bit of fun for those who like to stargaze from some of the more economical seats. Lakers fans are more refined in their cheering for the team, as they expect a lot from the team, considering their past success. The team is currently transitioning from the Kobe Bryant teams of the past to the Lebron James years of the future. It has been a tough season for the team and the fans as it fell short of the playoffs for one of the few times in recent history. The two teams that will really raise the noise level at the Staples Center are the hated Boston Celtics and the team’s neighbor at the Staples Center, the LA Clippers. Access 3 Anyone who has ever driven in the Los Angeles area can tell you that LA stands for “lotta autos.” There is a vast network of interstates in the greater metropolitan area, but the two to keep in mind for the Staples Center are I-110 and I-10, as the arena is located just north of the 110/10 interchange. It is always important to leave yourself plenty of time to make it through traffic to a game. We suggest you download the Staples Center app, as it includes the WAZE app, which provides up to the minute information on accidents, road construction and alternate routes that may get you to the arena faster. Once you have reached the Staples Center, parking can become an issue. The Center owns 3,300 spaces, but there are more than 16,000 spaces within a 10-minute walk of the arena. If you plan to park in a Staples Center owned lot, you should pre-purchase your parking pass at AXS . Staple Center lots charge $30, but privately-owned lots in the area can be much cheaper. The Los Angeles Metro public transportation system can provide a less time consuming and less stressful method of reaching the Staples Center. The Metro Rail Pico Station will drop you off at the doorstep of the arena. We suggest you purchase a one-day pass for $7, which gives you unlimited rides within a 24-hour period of purchase and will allow you to visit the many other interesting sites in the Los Angeles area. Go to www.metro.net for detailed information on navigating the Metro system. The Staples Center itself provides excellent access to each of its seating levels. There are four main entry points for the general public, with many more set aside for season ticket holders and VIP’s. The concession stands are plentiful and typically the same stands have a location on each level of the seating bowl. The Staples Center has more than 60 restrooms. One word of warning if you are seated in the 300 level of the arena. Like many sports facilities, the Lakers utilize “stage lighting” to spotlight the action on the court. As a result, there is poor lighting in the upper level. This makes it difficult to identify the row you are sitting on or in finding your specific seat. The dim lighting also adds to the difficulty in ascending or descending the steeply inclined steps in this section Return on Investment 3 Like most major metropolitan areas, such as New York and Chicago, the cost of doing business is much higher. In addition, it is a very competitive market for both the tourists and local’s entertainment dollar. It is therefore not surprising that Los Angeles ranks only behind the Big Apple on the Fan’s Cost Index. Parking, concessions, tickets and traffic congestion can all add up in making a night out at a Lakers game an expensive proposition. However, this expense must be weighed against the high level of quality play the Lakers put out in most seasons. There will definitely be additional banners hung from the rafters of the Staple Center. Extras 4 The Staples Center has hosted three NBA All Star games, two NHL All Star games, eighteen Grammy Awards shows, four WTA Tennis Tour Championships, two NCAA Men’s West Regional Finals and eleven X Games competitions. The Los Angeles Lakers have won six NBA titles since moving to the Staples Center and sixteen NBA championships overall. The LA Clippers are still hunting for their first NBA title. If you are planning to go to multiple sports events at the Staples Center and purchase a souvenir at each game, you may want to check out the Team LA Store before going into the arena. The store is the licensed seller for goods for all the teams and has stores all over the city, including LA Live. By buying your merchandise before you go into the game, you can avoid lugging your goods up to your seats. You can also avoid paying the extra fee charged for a shopping bag inside the arena, as the Staples Center has adopted several “green” initiatives. Stargazing is another unique facet of attending a game at the Staples Center. It is not uncommon to see several of your favorite TV/movie stars sitting court side with their families Final Thoughts The Staples Center continues to serve as the premiere indoor sports facility in the Los Angeles area. Its mix of teams touch upon almost every demographic in a city known for being very diverse. Its location across the street from the LA Live music, restaurant and entertainment district makes it a very attractive place for a night on the town for your family and friends.