Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Provost Umphrey Stadium 4400 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Beaumont, TX 77705 Lamar Cardinals website Provost Umphrey Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 16,000 Lamar Cardinals Rule the Roost The Lamar Cardinals first began playing organized football in 1923, when the school was known as South Park Junior College. The school has had a few interruptions in the course of their athletic history, but formally brought the sport back in 2010, and are now members of the Southland Conference competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). With the return of the football team came the remodeling of their home stadium, renovated and rechristened Provost Umphrey Stadium (after a local law firm that was a benefactor of the remodeling). Since that time, the Cardinals have somewhat struggled to find their footing at the DI level. However, the fans have shown up for the home team, and have been rewarded with high-level competition at a great venue. Food & Beverage 3 Food options abound at Provost Umphrey Stadium. There are four food concessions on the home side and two on the visiting team’s side. They parallel each other with the same options on each side. There are, of course, the standard options, such as hot dogs ($4), popcorn, nachos, fountain sodas ($5 for standard, $7 for souvenir cups), and Frito pies. Papa John’s Pizza has slices for sale; a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni) is one of four combo meals you can purchase for $7 or $8 (sliced brisket, pulled pork, and fried chicken sandwiches are the others) – each combo meal comes with a regular non-souvenir drink. Despite not having that “wow factor” item as an offering, what Provost Umphrey Stadium does have is a good selection at reasonable prices. I would not be doing my due diligence if I failed to mention one small “strike” if you will against the concessions at Provost Umphrey Stadium – it tends to get fairly frigid in East Texas the closer to winter that the calendar gets. With that said, to date, there are no hot beverages (e.g. hot chocolate or coffee) on the menu; it was the one complaint I audibly heard from several fans regarding the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The remodeling done to Provost Umphrey Stadium makes it truly one of the best looking in the FCS. It has a great overall look and feel; the over $4 million face lift brought in new benches and chair-back seating, new restrooms and concession facilities, a new concourse area, new lighting, and a new playing surface; all of this greatly adds to the overall atmosphere. Also adding to the atmosphere is the actual layout. On one end of the field, up a sloping hill, is the brick facade of the field house. At the half, both the Lamar Cardinals and their opponents march up the hill on zigzagging walkways toward the locker rooms. This is a great visual, and is a treat for fans looking for photo ops. On the other end of the field, up another sloping hill, are the Morgan Suites, which feature the luxury boxes and a 21-and-over only lounge. Finally, yet another unique feature which greatly adds to the overall atmosphere is the fact that both the home and visiting team’s bands are seated in the visiting side bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Beaumont is the largest city in East Texas that is close to the Louisiana border; Provost Umphrey Stadium is located in the heart of the Lamar University campus. As such, you get a great view of the school on your drive to Cardinals games. While Beaumont is not your typical college town, it still has a lot of the same look and feel in certain spots, especially as you get closer to the campus. When looking for entertainment options before and after games, one of the region’s most popular is located right on campus – Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum celebrates the oil boomtown heritage of the region. If you come on the right day, you’ll get to see a reenactment of an actual oil gusher! For some out-of-the-box fun, head on down Interstate 10 to Gator Country Adventure; this is exactly what it sounds like – an actual swamp that is home to dozens of rescued alligators. If you like up-close interaction with animals, this is for you. When it comes to food, the Kampus Korner Bar & Grill is your closest bet to grab a bite either before or after games. For something a little more in line with the geography – you are in the bayou, after all – give Suga’s Deep South Cuisine a try. As for hotels, Beaumont has all of the usual chains; if you are looking for variety, try the MCM Elegante or the Book Nook Inn in nearby Lumberton, Texas. Fans 2 The maximum capacity for seating at Provost Umphrey Stadium since its remodeling is 16,000; the largest attendance is 18,500. That took place way back in 1980 against a visiting Baylor team though. Last season, the average attendance for the Lamar Cardinals was 7,429, far below capacity, and on my most recent visit, this was the case as well. In all fairness though, it was one of those aforementioned chilly East Texas nights, so that could have been the factor behind the low turnout. That being said, the fans that did brave the cold and turn out were engaged in what was happening on the field. They were decked out in their red and black gear, and cheered from beginning to end. One more positive to mention is the area surrounding Provost Umphrey Stadium and how supportive the businesses appear to be of the Lamar Cardinals – there were numerous “Go Cards!” signs and banners throughout the neighborhood. Access 3 Beaumont and Provost Umphrey Stadium are easily accessible from both San Antonio and Houston (the two closest major cities in Texas) via Interstate 10. It’s a short jaunt off the highway to the facility, and the route is clearly marked. From Houston, Beaumont is about an hour and a half drive; San Antonio is just a 4 ½-mile drive. Coming from Louisiana, Lake Charles is about an hour away. At Provost Umphrey Stadium itself, a good portion of the parking is for season ticket holders and is reserved. However, there is visitor parking at the stadium; there is a free area and a $10 parking area a little closer to the stadium. There is also ample free parking throughout the neighboring area; if you’re up for a walk, this might be the way to go, plus you get the chance to stroll the campus, which is nice. As of now, there is no clear bag policy at Provost Umphrey Stadium, but security will search any large bags and/or backpacks. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating for Lamar Cardinals games at Provost Umphrey Stadium start at $20 per person. These are your standard stadium/bench type seats. For $30, there are reserved chairback seats; if you’ve got some issues with sitting for long periods of time, like you would at a college football game, this might be the best bet for you. The Lamar Cardinals play a great conference schedule; the Southland typically has some of the best competition at the FCS level, and the team also typically has at least a game or two in non-conference against a real powerhouse on the FBS level. When you factor in the ticket cost, combined with the free parking, and the value you get at the concessions stands – especially when you look at the combo choices – you are getting a great bang for your buck in Beaumont. Extras 2 All of the trappings of big-time college football are found at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Cardinals marching band – known as The Showcase of Southeast Texas – has won numerous awards over the years. When you see them in action at halftime, you’ll understand why. Also patrolling the sidelines and stands is Lamar’s mascot, Big Red. For kids, seeing a human-sized cardinal will be a highlight, as Big Red is known to seek out young Lamar Cardinals fans for photo ops. One last bit of “extra” to mention, this one for all the ferroequinologists – aka train enthusiasts – out there – Amtrak’s rail line runs directly behind the visitors stands, and frequently you can see the trains these during game times. It’s a neat design feature that adds just a little more flavor to Lamar Cardinals games. Final Thoughts While I personally would have liked to see more of a turnout on the home side for the game I most recently attended, overall I can say I was heartily satisfied with my visit to Provost Umphrey Stadium. Beaumont itself is highly underrated as a city, and I look forward to visiting again. The game experience for Lamar Cardinals football is one you should take in if you are in the area, if for nothing else than the bargain you get for the experience you receive. Pay a visit, you won’t be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Kezar Stadium 670 Kezar Dr San Francisco, CA 94118 Map It Sacred Heart Cathedral website Kezar Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 9,000 Welcome to Kezar Stadium Nestled on the outskirts of Golden Gate Park and in the heart of San Francisco rests an elegant football stadium filled with history. Ever since it first opened its doors in 1925, Kezar Stadium has hosted countless football games and track and field events. Of course, it's best known for being the first home of the 49ers from 1946 through 1971.   After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , it was condemned and demolished, reduced to a high school football stadium with a public track surrounding the gridiron. On one side of the field is a replica of the arch that once greeted fans years ago. On the other side of the field is the last true remnant of the stadium, a long, dark and narrow tunnel. In the past, players were able to walk through it on their way to the game, but it's been closed for years due to asbestos. There are rumors that one day that tunnel will get cleaned and players will be able to go through one of the coolest entrances in all of high school football.  The school that most uses Kezar Stadium these days is the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Fightin’ Irish. Founded in 1852, it is the city’s oldest Catholic secondary school as well as its first co-ed Catholic high school. It has an esteemed history in athletics with alumni such as the NFL’s Kevin Gogan and Keith Ismael. The Fightin’ Irish football program further established themselves as a Bay Area power by winning their first ever state championship in 2021. Food & Beverage 1 With just two taco trucks on hand and the booster club selling cookies on the home side of the stadium, the food options at Kezar Stadium are scarce. However, they won’t stop you from bringing food into the venue. All through the game, one can see small pizza boxes from North Beach Pizza just across the street. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere  resembles t he team. While it’s not usually the most talented bunch, they try hard and sometimes even come away with a victory. While the atmosphere  is  not particularly lively, the people in charge  try  their best to give the fans the very best experience possible. Even though the band  is  small it  is surprisingly loud and vibrant, a mirror image of the atmosphere at Kezar Stadium.  Speaking of Kezar Stadium, there are large patches of grass in the end zones where the stands once stood. All through the game, you can see people walking around the myriad of walkways around the green, either playing with a football or making a nice Friday night stroll to take in the scenery.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the heart of San Francisco, nestled between the expansive and gorgeous Golden Gate Park and a very busy intersection. There are numerous restaurants across the street from Kezar Stadium. These eateries are an eclectic bunch that include CreoleLa, Lava Java, the Kezar Pub and North Beach Pizza.  Kezar Stadium is five miles away from both the Golden State Warriors Chase Center and the Giants Oracle Park . The Stanyan Park Hotel is across the street, but at $162 a night, it’s a bit pricey for a three-star hotel. There are hotels dotting the landscape between Kezar Stadium and both Oracle Park and the Chase Center, some offering cheaper deals.   Fans 2 The stadium has a capacity of over 9,000 ye t when we visited,  there were probably less than 1,000 people in attendance. Of course, the away team was from San Jose, which is more than an hour away. But the Fightin’ Irish side wasn’t particularly crowded either.  No matter the size, the crowd  is i nto the game, often yelling at the referees for questionable calls, gasping at close calls and cheering on big plays. In other words, it’s a typical night in high school football. Access 1 Other than the small parking lot next to the stadium, finding a parking spot can be dicey. There is scattered parking on the street, but it's not recommended unless you’re on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. DO NOT park in the Golden Gate Park Music Concourse Garage. While the mile long walk is lovely and the $6.50 an hour isn’t the end of the world, the place is all underground and has so many entrances and exits throughout the Music Concourse that it will make your head spin. Also, most of the entrances close after night games so your head will probably spin even more. Taking the bus to the game might be the best option as there are seemingly countless bus stops all around Kezar Stadium. Once you get to the stadium, there is a small screening station where they do bag checks. But you needn’t worry about the line as high school football in the regular season usually doesn’t attract massive crowds in Northern California. Usually. There are bathrooms on either side of the stadium, under both scoreboards. While both are in good enough shape, the one on the visitor’s side didn’t have any workable sinks to wash your hands, meaning that you will have to trek all the way to the other side of the field to do so.  Return on Investment 3 The $11 spent on GoFans.com  is worth it. The nearly $30 spent on parking is not. But this is the type of experience that goes beyond the dollar amount. Even though it doesn’t look much like the old stadium, this place permeates history in every corner. In general, the home team is not the most talented, but they often play against good teams and always play against those opponents with a lot heart and a lot of hustle. Extras 2 The stadium is filled with seats from past 49ers games at both Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park. While the old wooden benches are slowly rotting away, the red plastic seats are in terrific condition. In total, the stadium has 5,000 seats from Candlestick Park, which is a little over half of its capacity. With the stadium filled with vintage seats from both Kezar’s golden era as well as Candlestick Park, one has the unique option of either collecting splinters or sitting in a seat with armrests, a true luxury for high school sports. Final Thoughts While getting to Kezar Stadium can cause quite a headache, it’s certainly worth going to a game. If you get there early enough, grab a slice of pizza across the street and explore a ghost from the past. I recommend that you either whip out your phone to look at past pictures to see where the massive sections of seats once stood or do some research on the relic beforehand. After all, history is worth exploring.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Autzen Stadium 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Eugene, OR 97041 Oregon Ducks website Autzen Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 54,000 Bright Yellow Football on the West Coast Autzen Stadium opened in 1967, and was featured in the 1978 cult classic, National Lampoon’s Animal House. The stadium underwent a massive $90 million renovation in 2002, which increased capacity to its current level of 54,000. Despite its relatively small size compared to many other FBS stadiums, Autzen Stadium is one of the loudest college football stadiums in the country, regularly hitting over 100 decibels inside, and consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top 10 places to watch a college football game. Food & Beverage 4 While Autzen Stadium has a wide variety of concessions options, its All American stand is the most common, with over a dozen locations inside the venue, especially on the upper level. That said, if you want something besides the stadium basics such as hot dogs and pizza, you may need to walk around to find one of the other stands – which is simple enough, though, as the venue is not that big. At the All American stand you can find all of the classic stadium fare, including hot dogs, smoked sausage, pizza, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, ice cream, caramel corn, and packaged candy, as well as Pepsi products, bottled water, coffee, hot cocoa, and frozen lemonade. Prices for food items at this stand range from $3 up to $9, while beverages cost between $4 and $5. All of the other concessions stands at Autzen Stadium seem to only have two locations, one on each side, but they offer plenty of variety, including tacos, burritos, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, Italian sausage, bratwurst, pulled pork, burgers (including a Vegan selection), and even salmon sandwiches – these items may cost $2 to $3 more than the main dishes mentioned above. However, note that all of the concessions stands inside Autzen Stadium sell the same items that are available at the All Amerian stands, so you can find those items anywhere. In addition, there are also a few small kiosks dotted around where you can find other items, such as kettle corn and Oregon’s famous one-pound ice cream sandwich. Atmosphere 5 Autzen Stadium provides a great atmosphere for college football, with lots of crowd noise, near sellout crowds, lively music that gets fans dancing, and tailgating that starts at least three hours before kickoff. Like many other football schools, the Oregon Ducks also have a great marching band, which performs before the game and during halftime. The band runs several different formations during pregame, including forming a giant “O”, as well as spelling out “D-U-C-K-S” to both sides of the stadium. The PA system also plays loud music throughout the game, including video at times, which keeps the fans engaged. The videoboard will also occasionally display a decibel meter, particularly during third downs, to motivate fans to get even louder. One of the most fun moments at an Oregon football game, however, is when the Ducks come onto the field before the game, led by Oregon’s mascot The Oregon Duck, riding on the back of a motorcycle. Accompanied by flag bearers running with banners spelling out “D-U-C-K-S”, this is a cool sight to see! Neighborhood 4 Autzen Stadium is located only about a quarter mile from the University of Oregon’s campus, and is bordered on the south by the Willamette River. There are several footbridges you can use to cross the river, and there are plenty of restaurants on that side (there isn’t much on the north side of the stadium, which is bordered by I-105). Two popular restaurants near Oregon’s campus are Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina, which features happy hour specials and small plates, and Oregon Electric Station, located inside a former train station, which features live jazz. If you are planning to be in town for the day or for the weekend, there are also several things to do in the Eugene area, the most popular being the Cascades Raptor Center, which is open from 10-6 from April to October, but only from 10-4 November through March (the center is closed on Mondays). Another popular attraction is hiking or biking along the Willamette River, and there are several parks along the river as well, on both sides. The closest hotels to Autzen Stadium are the EVEN Hotel and La Quinta Inn & Suites, both of which are within walking distance of the facility. There are also plenty of choices near campus, on the other side of the river, or along I-5, to the east of the stadium. Fans 5 Oregon football has a great fan base, with most fans showing up to Autzen Stadium wearing bright yellow team gear, with some green mixed in for good measure. As mentioned previously, games here tend to be sellouts or near sellouts, and the fans are loud and generally engaged, helped by the lively music coming through the PA system. One of the traditions they are trying to start at Autzen Stadium is that before the kickoff, fans in the student section will sway from side to side, reminiscent of what you will see at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, although not to the same scale. Access 4 Thanks in part to the smallish size, moving around Autzen Stadium is relatively easy – the 2002 renovation widened the concourses and upgraded the bathrooms and concessions stands, which means there is plenty of room to move around, and short lines for the restrooms and concessions. There is also a walkway around the top of the bowl, which makes it easy to get to your seat no matter which entrance you come in at, and you can also use that walkway to find your favorite concessions stand at halftime. Eugene even has its own small airport, which makes it easy to get in and out of town on game day. That said, I would recommend getting to the game early, however, as even 2 hours before kickoff some of the parking lots near Autzen Stadium are already full. You can find parking for $20 within a few blocks of the stadium (on the north side), or you can park for free on the streets in some of the neighborhoods on the east side of the stadium (turning down Kinsrow Ave or Chevy Chase St). No matter where you park, though, getting out afterward can be difficult, as there are a lot of cars in a small space – the local police do a great job setting up cones and routing traffic for optimal flow after the game, but it can still take 30 minutes to go a mile or two. Autzen Stadium is one of those places where you are better off parking as far away as you can stand walking, as this will save you time afterward, since the farther you are from the stadium, the less traffic you will have to contend with. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets to Oregon Ducks football games at Autzen Stadium start under $50 for the “upper” level (which isn’t really an upper level, since the whole bowl is a single tier), and this is actually pretty reasonable for big-time college football, and is cheaper than a lot of programs in the Power 5 conferences. Also, even at $20 parking is on par with other stadiums, and if you can park for free it is an even better deal. Plus, there are lots of concessions options for fans on a budget, so a day at Autzen Stadium can end up costing a lot less than going to a game somewhere else, football or otherwise. Extras 5 A great mascot, which actually required a special licensing agreement with Disney to accomplish, is a big plus, and there is also really terrific scenery here at Autzen Stadium, with rolling green hills visible from inside the venue, and the river to the south you can walk along on your way to the game. Some college football diehards may feel that Autzen Stadium lacks energy, since it is only half of the size of certain other FBS programs, but being able to get as loud as it does with only that many fans is pretty impressive, and getting around Autzen Stadium is also much easier, providing a more hassle-free game day (thanks in part to its size, but also a better design). Final Thoughts The chance to see Power 5 college football, at a budget-friendly facility like Autzen Stadium, and one that is so easy to move around, should not be missed. In addition, the Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit, and you can find plenty to do in Eugene while you are here. You will definitely get to see some quality opponents here, so it should be a great time for your whole crew. Go, Ducks!

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bolding Stadium 700 Wynne Dr Farmville, VA 23901 Longwood Lancers website Charles Buddy Bolding Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 500 Small Town Baseball in Virginia Located on the campus of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, Charles “Buddy” Bolding Field has been home to the Lancers’ baseball team since 1994. The stadium was originally known as Lancer Stadium but was renamed after longtime head coach Buddy Bolding in 2009. Bolding continued to coach the Lancers until 2013, making him one of the few coaches to coach in a stadium named after him. ' Food & Beverage 0 No food or drink is available for sale at Buddy Bolding Field. However, fans are free to bring their own and many bring drinks from the on-campus Starbucks or food from various fast-food places located nearby. We recommend doing so or eating before the game. If you are desperately thirsty, there are a couple of water fountains located by the restrooms but it is better to bring your own bottled water. Note that alcohol is not permitted in the stadium. Atmosphere 2 Buddy Bolding Stadium has a basic layout of a few sets of bleachers separated from the field by netting with a brick façade serving as a backstop behind home plate. None of the bleachers have backs, but if you are in the top row, you can lean against the back fence or the press box depending on where you are. Be sure to get there early if you want these seats – they are the first to get taken. All seats offer a great view of the action as the stadium only seats 500 fans. There is a scoreboard in right-center field which shows a linescore, and theoretically can show video or at least graphics, but this functionality was not working for most of our visit. There is not much to keep fans engaged here other than the usual walkup music. The sound system is crisp and clear and the public address announcer does the standard announcements, advertisements, etc. but not much else. For a baseball purist, this will be fine, but fans looking for something comparable to a minor league baseball game or a Lancers basketball game will be disappointed. Neighborhood 3 Farmville is a quaint, small town, and while it’s in the middle of nowhere, there is still plenty to do here. Although there are typical chain places, your best bet is to check out the local color at places such as Walker’s Diner or Riverside Café, both of which are very close to the stadium. In fact, everything in Farmville is very close to the stadium, because it’s a very small town. Just head off campus and turn onto Main Street and just about everything will be right there. Fans 4 Although Buddy Bolding Stadium only seats about 500 fans, the place is regularly near capacity with Lancers fans. They are knowledgeable about the players, the team, and the history of this program. You will see Lancers fans from across the community come out to support their team game in and game out from longtime fans who remember the Division II days to young kids taking in their first ballgame. The fans can get loud despite their small size, particularly after big Lancers plays. Access 2 There are a few roads into Farmville, but regardless of how you get into town, you are going to have to drive quite a bit. Most likely you will end up taking either State Route 45 or U.S. Route 460, but if you’re coming from any sort of populated area, Farmville probably isn’t close to you. Lynchburg is the closest remotely large city, and it’s a full hour away. Richmond is about an hour and 15 minutes, while Washington, D.C. is about three hours. Once you’re on campus, there are several lots available near the stadium free of charge, although they have been reduced in size in recent years due to the construction of the new tennis courts. Additionally, these lots are used by commuter students on weekdays so you may encounter more crowds if coming for a weekday afternoon game even though the attendance at the game itself will generally be less. There are lots further away if you have to use them as well. There are restrooms on site which are small, but given the small crowds at least in absolute numbers, shouldn’t be much of an issue. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Lancers games is free, as is parking. You won’t pay anything for concessions because there aren’t any. However, given the rather barebones experience, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. . Extras 1 Look for the banners down the right field line honoring Lancers greats of years past. Final Thoughts Longwood baseball has a loyal fan base despite a relatively short time in Division I. Unfortunately, the stadium they have does not befit this fan base. It is a rather barebones stadium with little going on. The fans are the main reason the experience here is as great as it is, but if the team itself put in more effort to improve the experience like they do for basketball, it would be even greater.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hesse Field on the Great Lawn 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website Hesse Field on the Great Lawn website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Soccer on Daddy Warbucks' Great Lawn Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. Hesse Field on the Great Lawn is located on Monmouth's campus and is home to the Hawks' men's and women's soccer teams. The stadium is located in the shadow of The Great Hall, a historic mansion that formerly belonged to F.W. Woolworth Company president Hubert Templeton Parson and his wife. Monmouth University acquired it in 1955 and it is currently preserved as a historic landmark. Movie buffs may recognize The Great Hall as the building used for Daddy Warbucks' mansion in the 1982 film Annie . The Great Hall is also known as Shadow Lawn, and is not to be confused with The Great Lawn adjacent to it. Hesse Field is the soccer stadium located on The Great Lawn, which served as a campus quad surrounded by various buildings. There is an additional grassy area behind the stadium that is also part of the quad. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions are sold out of a tent outside Edison Hall, behind the goal that will be on your left as you are sitting on the bleachers. The options are very limited here, with only bottled water, soda, and a few assorted packaged snacks such as chips, candy, and cookies. Fans can bring their food as well, and it is best to do so or eat before or after the match. The good news is that nothing costs more than $2, but bear in mind only cash is accepted. Atmosphere 4 Hesse Field on the Great Lawn features metal bleachers along one sideline, on the opposite side of the field from The Great Hall. There is also a small hill on the mansion side of the field that some fans like to sit on. Wherever you sit, you will be up close and personal to the action at all times. A scoreboard to the right of the seating area also shows shots, saves, and corner kicks for each team, but the labels are illegible at night. The setting on a campus quad in the shadow of a historic mansion does make for a unique place to watch a soccer game, and between the setting and the crowds (more on that later), the atmosphere here can be quite enjoyable. However, because of all the grass and trees in the area, there can be a lot of bugs flying around for night games, especially early in the season before the first frost. We recommend you bring bug spray, although most of the bugs don't bite and are just nuisances. Neighborhood 4 Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five-minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of the air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall. Fans 4 Monmouth soccer averages about 400 fans a game, filling the bleachers on The Great Lawn quite well. There are the usual friends and family, but also many locals, some of whom have kids who play youth soccer. College soccer is a bigger sport at Monmouth than at many other schools, and it has an accordingly large fan base. While you don't have the roar of the crowd you might see at a professional soccer venue, the fan spirit is quite good for this level. Access 3 Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90-minute train ride from New York City. There is a small parking lot right next to the stadium, but according to the Monmouth athletic website, fans are not permitted to park here and must instead park in the main campus lot near Kessler Stadium and the OceanFirst Bank Center . home of Monmouth football and basketball respectively. Parking is free as long as there is not an event at either of those venues. If there is, refer to their respective parking policies. You will want to park as close to the basketball arena as possible, then walk under one of the breezeways that connect the buildings along the academic quad. Turn to your left and walk around Edison Hall (or cut through it you can) and Hesse Field on the Great Lawn will be up ahead on your right. It is about a five-minute walk in total. All that being said, we did observe some fans parking in the lot adjacent to the stadium, and they did not seem to encounter any sort of problems. Park here at your own risk, or use the main lot and walk if you want to avoid any potential trouble. Restrooms are available in Edison Hall. Enter through the door near the concession tent. Note that players also use these doors to get to or from the field, so if they are entering or exiting (such as at halftime), you will need to wait for them to do so. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Monmouth regular season soccer games is free, parking is typically free as long as nothing else is going on, and concessions are quite affordable, albeit very limited. With the gorgeous campus settings and great crowds, a Monmouth soccer game is an excellent value. Extras 2 One bonus star here for the setting of the stadium next to a historic mansion. A second star for the banners behind one goal honoring Monmouth's conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Final Thoughts Hesse Field on the Great Lawn is in a location that is truly worthy of its name. The Monmouth soccer program has built up some loyal fans over the years, and between the crowds and the setting, a Monmouth soccer game on The Great Lawn is a great way to spend a fall afternoon or evening.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Spotswood High School Baseball Field 368 Blazer Drive Penn Laird, VA 22846 Massanutten Mountaineers website At The Foot of Massanutten Nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the Rockingham County Baseball League is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Virginia's version of town ball was founded in 1924 and is currently celebrating its centennial season. The league's eight teams consist of a mix of current and former college players with ties to the area. Some of the latter have been playing in the league for years. The Massanutten Mountaineers are the newest franchise in the RCBL, having joined in the 2024 season. They play their home games at Spotswood High School in Penn Laird, at the foot of Massanutten Mountain, which is visible behind home plate. In 2023, the RCBL Shockers played at Spotswood after relocating from New Market, where they had shared Rebel Park with the New Market Rebels of the Valley Baseball League for many years. However, officially the Mountaineers are a new franchise, not a continuation of the Shockers. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the stadium, located at a window behind home plate. Your only meal options are hamburgers for $3, cheeseburgers for $4, or hot dogs for $2. French fries cost $3, or you can add cheese for an extra dollar. Nachos are also $4. Assorted chips are available for a dollar, as is popcorn. Freeze pops cost 50 cents, and gum is five for a dollar. Candy is $2.50, and for some odd reason "candy" and "chocolate candy" are listed separately on the menu. Payment can be made through Venmo by scanning a QR code. There may be special options available - when Stadium Journey visited, they were selling strawberry shortcakes but options may vary by night. To drink, assorted soda cans are $1.50, iced tea is $2.50, bottled water is $1.5, and Gatorade and Prime (a sports drink made popular by internet personalities) are $2.50. Confusingly, there is a second menu, with different options (and different prices for the same options), visible at the back of the concession stand. This is the menu for Spotswood High School baseball games and is not used for Mountaineers games. Look at the menu that is taped to the window of the concession stand. Atmosphere 2 There is a large set of bleachers at the Spotswood High School Baseball field, located up a hill from the field itself, and down the hill from the parking lot and concession stand. Unfortunately, there is no aisle to climb the bleachers, making getting up and down challenging. The bottom rows are partially obstructed by the wooden railing between the bleachers and the hill. Stone ledge seating is located at the top of the hill as well. That being said, most fans bring their chairs and sit either on the ledges or elsewhere on the grass hill. This means the crowd will be quite spread out for a typical game. A scoreboard in right field shows only the most basic information. The Rockingham County Baseball League is classic small-town ball, and Massanutten is no exception. There are few bells and whistles here, no between-innings contests on the field, just a nice community feel and a place to take in a baseball game in a scenic setting. Like in the rest of the RCBL, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play. However, they can return them to the concession stand for their choice of a baseball card or lollipop. You will invariably see kids chasing after the balls hoping to claim their prize. Neighborhood 2 Spotswood High School is located in the shadow of Massanutten Mountain, which is home to the Massanutten Resort. In the winter, this is a popular ski area, but obviously, that will not be possible in the summer when the RCBL plays. Instead, you can find a water park, hotels, golf, and restaurants. If you are not looking for the full resort experience, your best bet is to drive about 15 minutes to Harrisonburg. Here you will find many restaurants and hotels. Fans 3 As the newest franchise in the RCBL (even if you count the Shockers playing at Spotswood in 2023), the Massanutten Mountaineers have not had years to build up a fan base like most of the other teams in the league. Furthermore, the fact that the crowd is so spread out due to the seating arrangements hurts the environment here. That being said, the Mountaineers do draw a decent crowd most nights. As is typical of the RCBL, this is a real community feel, and since it's a small community, many of the fans personally know the players, coaches, and even the umpires. (So be nice when the umpire gets the call wrong - you could be sitting next to his family!) That being said, this is not just a friends and family crowd - a Mountaineers game turns out the whole community. Access 2 Spotswood High School is located just off US Route 33, about 15 minutes east of Harrisonburg. The parking lot is right off the main road, simply turn in and you are there. You will then need to drive around back and to the left to the lot closest to the baseball field. If this fills up, there is other parking available in the school's main lot. There are two single-person gender-neutral restrooms located behind the press box and concession stand, so you may have to wait a bit to use one. The players also use these restrooms, and can occasionally be seen walking up the hill to do so, talking to friends and family along the way. As mentioned above, one major issue here is the tricky seating layout. The bleachers don't have an aisle to climb, meaning you're going to be stepping over the benches to get up there. It may be best to bring your seat if possible. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Massanutten Mountaineers games is typically free, courtesy of a local business that will sponsor the game. On rare occasions, there may be a small charge for admission if there is no sponsor - check the Mountaineers' social media for details. Concessions are also affordable. This makes a Massanutten Mountaineers game an excellent value. . Extras 1 One star here for the beautiful views of Massanutten Mountain behind home plate and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond the outfield fence. The Rockingham County Baseball League has many stadiums with great views, but Massanutten may have the best, with mountains on three sides of the stadium, and Massanutten almost directly behind it providing an up-close view. Final Thoughts Whether you're a resident of Rockingham County, come from elsewhere in Virginia, or live further afield, if you are in the area, you will want to check out an RCBL game. The Massanutten Mountaineers, like the other seven teams in the league, represent small-town community baseball at its finest. Most seasoned baseball fans associate town ball with Minnesota, but it is alive and well here in Rockingham County, Virginia as well. With gorgeous mountain views and a real community feel, a Massanutten Mountaineers game is a great way to spend a warm summer night.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ballpark at Harbor Yard 500 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Sacred Heart Pioneers website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,300 Pioneers at Harbor Yard Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The Pioneers baseball team plays its home games in the neighboring city of Bridgeport at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. The Ballpark, built for the professional Bridgeport Bluefish, won the 2009 Atlantic League Ballpark of the Year award. Sacred Heart is a school with an enrollment of just over 6,000 students, which makes it the second largest Catholic University in New England. Over the past 20 years the school has made the transition from a small 12-sport Division II program into a full-fledged Division I school with 32 varsity sports. In 2013 the school made headlines by hiring ex-big league player and manager Bobby Valentine to serve as their athletic director. EDITOR'S NOTE: The stadium closed after the 2017 baseball season. The venue was converted to an outdoor concert amphitheater known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. The Pioneers moved to nearby Veterans Memorial Park in 2019. Food & Beverage 0 Food is not sold at Harbor Yard during Sacred Heart games. Seeing all those concession stands unused may seem like a cruel trick, but fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy while taking in the action. Atmosphere 2 When there are only a hundred or so people in a stadium that seats over 5,000, the place is going to look and feel very empty. That is the case at Pioneer games at Harbor Yard. While the fans that are in attendance are vocal and supportive, there is only so much noise that a crowd of this size can make. Likewise, the game day presentation is a scaled down version of what Bluefish fans are used to. The video board in right-center field is not utilized. There is the obligatory walk-up music and PA announcements, but nothing else to distract fans’ attention from the action on the field. Trains pass by the ballpark throughout the game, and from some parts of the ballpark fans can also watch ferries arrive and depart to and from Long Island. Neighborhood 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and its next door neighbor, the Webster Bank Arena, built in 1998 and 2001, respectively, are located in a small neighborhood wedged in between Interstate 95 and the Long Island Sound waterfront. It was hoped that their presence would spur development in the area adjacent to the sports complex. Several buildings were razed to make room for both the stadia and the planned development. Unfortunately, this development has never occurred, leaving only a couple of large unpaved lots adjacent to the ballpark that are now used for parking. Downtown Bridgeport is located on the opposite side of I-95, easily accessible through several underpasses. This area carries a long-standing reputation as an area to avoid, particularly at night. As is the case in many cities, local leaders have worked hard to reverse this reputation, and several businesses have taken up residence in the area near the sports complex. Unfortunately, the area has not totally reached its potential, and many fans come to Harbor Yard solely for the events at the ballpark or arena and leave immediately afterwards. Fans willing to explore the area can find several fine restaurants and theaters in the area, as well as the Barnum and Bailey Museum. Fans 1 The crowds at Sacred Heart baseball games can easily be classified as the “friends and family” type of crowd. Early season crowds generally top out at about 100 fans, and don’t get too much larger as the season wears on. Even though Harbor Yard is only five miles from campus, there is no presence from the student body. Access 4 Ballparks don’t get much easier to find than The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the field is take exit 27A (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in a small lot behind the ballpark which is used by the Bluefish during their season. This lot is small, but sufficient for Pioneer games. There is a surface lot across the street from the ballpark and a parking garage next to the hockey arena should crowds ever grow large enough to require that much parking. Additional free parking can be found within a short walk of the ballpark. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the ballpark is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind Harbor Yard, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the ballpark. With the small crowds present at Pioneer games, fans will have no problem getting around the ballpark. While the concession stands are not open, the bathrooms are. But beware, they need a little TLC to bring them up to regular season standards. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission or parking for Pioneer games at Harbor Yard. Although the Northeast Conference will never be rated alongside the nation’s powerhouses, the level of play is good, and you can’t beat the price. Extras 2 Although they have nothing to do with Sacred Heart, the Ballpark at Harbor Yard has a couple of touches that are worth checking out. In the plaza outside of the ballpark is a statue of baseball Hall of Famer and Bridgeport resident James O’Rourke, who is credited with getting the first hit in National League history. Located behind the press box is a mural of several area residents who made their way to the major leagues. Another extra point is awarded for the unique, industrial background here at Harbor Yard. With the giant power plant looming beyond the right field fence and the frequent commuter trains passing by throughout the game, Harbor Yard boasts a most unique backdrop. Final Thoughts Partnerships between minor league baseball teams and universities in the Northeast have proven to be beneficial to all parties involved (Lowell, Tri-city, State College, etc.). The seasons do not overlap, and this arrangement allows for the ballpark to be in use for additional dates. However, with the lack of support shown for the Pioneers at Harbor Yard, one has to wonder if the team would be better served by playing on campus. If you are planning a visit to southern Connecticut, remember that this is New England, and the weather can be very unpredictable at this time of year. Be sure to check with the team, as postponements, time changes, and even venue changes occur regularly in this part of the country. Follow all of Paul Baker’s ballpark and stadium visits on Twitter @PuckmanRI

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camelback Ranch 10712 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85037 Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,000 Dodgertown West This year (2018) the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their 10th anniversary at Camelback Ranch, their Spring Training facility in Glendale, Arizona. The Dodgers made their move from their fabled digs at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida to be much closer to their West Coast fan base. Camelback Ranch is the largest spring training facility in the Cactus League and is the second newest facility after the Chicago Cubs Sloan Park. The main stadium opened in 2009 and has a capacity of 13,000 (10,000 fixed seats and room for 3,000 on the outfield berms). It features 12 suites, a party deck, and several outfield terraces for groups and parties. The latest new amenities are an extended sunshade along the first base stands and a new 30’ X 50’ HD video board in the right center field. Food & Beverage 4 As you would suspect, the concessions at Camelback Ranch are a mix of baseball standards, southwestern cuisine, and regional favorites from the host teams’ areas. The broad menu includes hot dogs ($6), hamburgers ($8), pretzels ($5), pizza ($7), nachos ($6), tamales ($7), burritos ($6) and chili cheese fries. Camelback Ranch does offer the famous Dodger Dogs ($5). It is extremely important to stay hydrated in the hot and arid climate of Arizona. Beverages available at Camelback Ranch include bottled water ($5), Pepsi brand sodas ($5), fruit drinks ($5) and beer ($10 for domestic brands and $12 for premium brands), and other alcoholic beverages such as margaritas ($12) or wine ($8). Sunscreen is also available at both concession stands and the team stores in case you forget to bring it with you. Atmosphere 4 Camelback Ranch differs from its Cactus League brethren in that it truly embraces the Arizona landscape in its design. The stadium and surrounding facilities truly blend in with nature in an eco-friendly way. The stadium itself is very low profile, as the field is sunk 12 feet below grade and the seating is 12 feet above grade. The materials used in the stadium include stone native to the area, stucco, and earth tones for its metallic surfaces to mimic the surrounding terrain. Even the seats are caramel colored to blend in with nature. The areas outside of the stadium are equally park-like. More than 5,000 plants and trees dot the property, including an orange grove. Several nature trails dot the property, taking you to the various practice fields that are on-site. The Dodger and White Sox facilities are separated by a lake filled with fish. This lake serves as both a cooling zone from the hot Arizona sun and a water source to irrigate the many grass fields on site. A day at Camelback Ranch is truly a day in the park, both in the ballpark sense and in the natural connotation. It is a very relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy a ball game. Neighborhood 4 While the Camelback Ranch is a large facility it is somewhat isolated from services such as restaurants, shops, and lodging. The “neighborhood” when referencing Camelback Ranch can be found on just the other side of the Highway 101 interchange. The Glendale Sports and Entertainment District offers a wide variety of options for visitors to the area. It includes more than 26 restaurants, including Culver’s Butter Burgers and Frozen Custard, as well as McFadden’s. Glendale is also home to two professional sports franchises, the Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Coyotes. Fans 4 You will see a wide spectrum of fans at Camelback Ranch games, or at any Cactus League games for that matter. First, you will see many locals who are spending their retirement years in the greater Phoenix area. Sun City is located just a few miles from the Camelback complex. They may originally have hailed from one of the cities involved in the game or have no rooting interest and simply love the game. White Sox fans gravitate towards the 1st baseline, while Dodgers fans typically sit along the 3rd baseline due to the designation of a dugout for each of the partnering teams. A second set of fans will come from the home base of the teams involved and they are checking out the prospects for their team for the season to follow. This is the primary reason the Dodgers moved closer to their fan base in Los Angeles. Since they have a large Hispanic fan base, you will see touches like a wider choice of Mexican foods available, Mexican music being played during the games, and items in the team store bearing the Los Doyers name. Another portion of the crowd is a combination of families from multiple generations. You will see many grandparents bringing their grandchildren to a game. Pre-season baseball is famous for being the easiest time to get a player’s autograph and Camelback Ranch’s design makes it very easy for that to happen. The best thing about fans at spring training time is that the vibe is very relaxed and there is not a great deal of competitiveness in the stands. Everyone understands that teams are getting the veterans into shape and prospects are getting evaluated in this period. A game result or team record is not necessarily indicative of the team’s performance once the regular season starts. This makes the fan experience very enjoyable at Camelback Ranch. Access 4 Camelback Ranch is one of the most accessible facilities in the Cactus League. Its location at the intersection of the multi-lane West Camelback Road and Highway 101 makes it very easy to reach by car or public transportation. It features several parking lots which surround the stadium, allowing you to park as close as possible to where your seats are. There are two main entry points, with one in center field and one in the home plate area. Upon entering the stadium, the concourse is at grade level, which is very easy for the large number of seniors who attend the games to navigate. Concession stands and restrooms are plentiful. The berms in the outfield are on a very gradual slope, making it easy for fans to reach their seat. Cooling stations and shaded areas dot the stadium to protect fans from the hot Arizona sun. Return on Investment 3 Camelback Ranch games command one of the highest ticket prices in the Cactus League. They range from $10 for a seat on the berm up to $45 for a seat in the home plate area. Concessions are also above average in cost compared to other stadiums. Parking at Camelback is free. There are many hotels at the West Camelback / Highway 101 interchange at various price points. Extras 5 The Dodgers kept the original name of the property as it was a working ranch at the base of the Camelback mountains. The Dodgers share the Camelback Ranch facilities with the Chicago White Sox. Both teams also use the facility as the base for their Arizona League teams. Two other professional sports franchises are located just across Highway 101 from Camelback Ranch. Gila River Arena is home to the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL and the University of Phoenix Stadium hosts the NFL Arizona Cardinals. The Dodgers have some interesting art pieces along the lakeside trail. You will meet a life-size bobblehead of Tommy Lasorda at one point and encounter the Walk of Fame featuring a large baseball signed by Dodger greats in another area. When the Dodgers are hosting a game, Dodger Dogs are served at the concession stands. Final Thoughts Baseball traditionalists who bemoan the loss of the original Dodgertown in Vero Beach forget their regrets when they see Camelback Ranch. The Dodgers’ Cactus League headquarters does a great job of remembering the Brooklyn origins of the club while providing the Los Angeles fans with a much more convenient location to visit and a great set of amenities.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Eichelberger Field 1202 W. Florida Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 Illinois Fighting Illini website Eichelberger Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,500 Shorty Gets A Stadium Eichelberger Field is named after Lila Jeanne “Shorty” and the late Paul Eichelberger who provided funding and support for the stadium and the softball team to open and start in 2001. “Shorty” is a long time supporter of the university and the athletic program. The stadium and program is just over twenty years old, but has been a great success. The annual “World’s Largest Softball Tailgate” has been a great opportunity for fans to experience this wonderful venue. Food & Beverage 3 Eichelberger Field has very typical stadium food. Among the stadium’s offerings were hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels. There also may be temporary vendors at various games that sell other specialty items. Atmosphere 4 Eichelberger Field is a great place to watch softball. The small stands are perfect for the venue and give fans a great view of the action. For apparel and other merchandise sales, a trailer is often operated by a local sports apparel store during games. There is a decent scoreboard at Illinois Field. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood closest to Eichelberger Field is mostly made up of research facilities, dorms, and academic buildings, not to mention high-quality athletic facilities. Culver’s at 2302 S Neil Street and Espresso Royale (1411 S Neil Street) are a couple of close quick service establishments nearby. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright Streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops, and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post-game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for every one. Try a pork chop sandwich and you will fit in nicely. Other great downtown spots are Blind Pig Brewery, Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery. There is also a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter’s location also try Billy Barooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Urbana is a bit slower pace kind of town. But there are three places that jump out as must-visits. 25 O’Clock Brewing Company is a great little brewpub, Crane Alley is a nice bar with some great beers and Masijta Grill is a great Korean barbecue. I would also throw in the eclectic music at the former country nightspot, The Rose Bowl. Fans 3 Illinois softball fans are great and they create a great atmosphere at Eichelberger Field. There are the typical friends and family seen at these type of sporting events but there appears to be a decent amount of local fans. Access 5 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. Eichelberger Field is not located close to a major highway but most roads leading to the area will be four-lane ones. There are many parking lots available, but it would be a good idea to look at the official university parking site so that you head the right way. There are parking lots located in the grass lots on the west side of Eichelberger Field. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72 so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 4 Admission is currently free. When you combine that with reasonable concessions and free parking it is about perfect for the experience you will find inside. Extras 3 There are free programs as well as links to an online program. There are also usually free posters, schedules and other goodies at a table inside the entrance. The scoreboard and entertainment are good for this level of sports. Final Thoughts Eichelberger Field is a fun experience and location for watching college softball. It is worth a visit.

Photos by Tyler Green, Stadium Journey & EKU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Turkey Hughes Stadium 521 Lancaster Ave Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Turkey Hughes Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 500 Turkey Hughes Field The Eastern Kentucky Colonels play their home baseball games at Turkey Hughes Field. The venue was named for Charles T. “Turkey” Hughes, who was quite a renaissance man in EKU athletics history. During his 43 years on the Richmond campus, he was the head coach of five sports, including baseball, and even helped form the Ohio Valley Conference in 1948. His name graces this 1960s venue due to these numerous contributions to Colonel athletics. The listed capacity of Turkey Hughes Field is 500 spectators. The stadium consists of three sections of bleachers, each with ten rows, meaning no fans are far from the action at home plate. If they choose, fans can also stand along the brick wall past the dugouts on either the first or third baseline. The playing surface has a unique character; it features a synthetic turf infield which allows EKU games to be played in a variety of weather scenarios. The outfield remains the traditional patterned grass and the pitcher’s mound is the expected dirt. This field and the brick wall backstop were the result of a $500,000 renovation in 2009 and more upgrades are planned for the future. Food & Beverage 3 A single food cart provides the food and beverage selections at Turkey Hughes Field. The limited selections are balanced out by the extremely reasonable prices. Hot items are guaranteed to be fresh, as a charcoal grill is used to prepare hamburgers and hot dogs right next to the cart. The hamburger, cheeseburger, and hot dog sell for $1.50, $2, and $1.50, respectively. As for drinks, water and soft drinks are $1, while Gatorade is $2. Other assorted selections are chips or candy for $1 and kettle corn for $3. For those fans still conscious of their burger toppings or previous meal, the food cart even sells 3 pieces of chewing gum for 25 cents. It may not be the biggest selection in sports, but it certainly is an affordable menu. Atmosphere 2 As with any baseball stadium, walk-up music accompanies each EKU batter on their trip up to the plate. The pre-game music and inter-inning sounds are almost entirely country music. Outside this music and sporadic cheering from the minimal crowd, there is not much in the way of atmosphere to be found at Turkey Hughes Stadium. Neighborhood 0 Turkey Hughes Field is situated in the middle of Eastern Kentucky University’s sports complex. It is flanked on one side by tennis courts and the basketball gym, McBrayer Arena, and on the other side by the football stadium, Roy Kidd Stadium. As found at most populous interstate exits, a variety of fast food is available on the 1.5-mile stretch between I-75 and Turkey Hughes Field. Choices include McDonald’s; Qdoba; Fazoli’s, a regional fast-food Italian chain; and Lee’s, a southern fried chicken joint. Visiting fans wanting to explore the Eastern Kentucky campus just have to take a short walk north of the venue to experience the central campus. Just north of campus on Main Street, or about a mile from Turkey Hughes Field, are several bars and grills. Jerzees, Madison Garden, and Paddy Wagon Irish Pub are all in this area and are known as gathering places. Fans 2 During my most recent visit in early 2013, a respectable number of EKU fans showed up for a Sunday afternoon conference game, mostly filling the bleachers behind the Colonel dugout near third base. The fan support is typical, with fans taking breaks from conversation to cheer and clap for the end of a defensive half-inning or base hits. Access 4 Turkey Hughes Field is located on the southern end of the Eastern Kentucky University campus. Visitors should take exit 87 off I-75 and travel east approximately 1.5 miles. Its proximity to the interstate as major as I-75 makes Hughes Field easily accessible from a variety of regional cities, especially Lexington, which is a brief 40 minutes to the north. Free parking is available immediately behind the venue in the EKU campus lots, which are off control during the times of baseball games, such as weekends and weekday evenings. Keep in mind that this is directly behind a baseball stadium; be sure to park as far from the stadium as you can, but in the same lot, as foul balls frequently land directly behind the venue. Since fans can congregate along the baseline walls, this area along the third base would be the best place for wheelchair seating. There are no restroom facilities at Turkey Hughes Field; fans needing this service should use the facilities in the adjacent McBrayer Arena . Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to an EKU baseball game at Turkey Hughes Field. However, there is also not much atmosphere. For long-time Colonel fans or baseball lovers, an EKU game is an extremely affordable, accessible, and pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening. For everyone else, Turkey Hughes Field may not be the most lively use of your time. An EKU baseball game here is simply what you make of it. If you love free baseball, catch a game at Turkey Hughes Field soon . Extras 1 One bonus point for the banner celebrating EKU’s 16 Ohio Valley Conference championships, which leads the OVC. The most recent of these was in 2012.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dorough Field House 4484 Peachtree Rd Brookhaven, GA 30319 Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels Basketball website Dorough Field House website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 900 The Stormy Petrels Oglethorpe University is in Brookhaven, Georgia, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community. Named in honor of the founder of the Georgia colony, James Oglethorpe, the university was established at its current location in 1915 – after originally being founded in the central Georgia town of Milledgeville in 1835, the school moved to Atlanta in 1870 before finding its permanent home in Brookhaven. The school took on the moniker Stormy Petrels  in reference to the legend that on his trip from England to the colonies, Oglethorpe marveled at the oceanic sea bird, the Storm Petrel, as it darted in and out of the ocean’s waves. The Stormy Petrels have called Dorough Field House home since 1960, and along with being home of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, the venue has also hosted the school’s volleyball team. Oglethorpe University is a member of the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association, which is comprised of colleges and universities throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Food & Beverage   2 A small concessions stand is adjacent to the Oglethorpe Hall of Fame on the upper level of the visiting end of the court. There is not a lot that will get mouths watering on the menu – just the basics of hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks consisting of candy and chips round out the food choices. Beverages include Coca-Cola soft drinks, Powerade, and bottled water. What does impress though are the prices; of all the items on the menu, a $3 hot dog is the most expensive. While there is not much to choose from, low prices do entice fans to grab a quick snack during the game.   Atmosphere   3 Dorough Field House’s stone exterior perfectly blends in with the surrounding campus buildings and neighboring baseball field at Hermance Stadium. The impressiveness of the field house does not stop there – upon entering the gym area, fans are greeted with a series of high arching wooden supports and a wood-paneled roof. A row of long, rectangular windows run along the bottom of the roofline and in the ceiling above each basket support, allowing a bit of natural light during afternoon games. What stands out the most is Pinholster Court itself, which has been dubbed “The Blacktop”, as the playing area is painted completely black. Without a doubt it is a one-of-a-kind court; when installed in 2015 the goal was to have a unique playing surface, which is indeed the case with Pinholster Court. Despite newer facilities that strive to have the most state-of-the-art, technologically advanced basketball arena, Oglethorpe has taken the 70-year-old Dorough Field House and given it a modern, luxurious feel with its woodwork and distinct court.   Neighborhood   4 Oglethorpe University is in Brookhaven, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community on Peachtree Road, one of Metro Atlanta’s busiest thoroughfares. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the area with a large, planned community named Town Brookhaven immediately neighboring the Oglethorpe campus. Atlanta’s famed Buckhead district is less than 5 miles to the south. Though the area has undergone a major redevelopment from the days when late-night bars and clubs were the norm, there are still plenty of bar and restaurant options in the area, many of them some of Atlanta’s finer dining establishments. On campus, Dorough Field House is tucked behind the historic Hermance Stadium, which was built in 1920, and the school’s tennis courts and track. These facilities form a bit of an athletics neighborhood in the southwestern corner of campus.   Fan   3 A look at attendance numbers shows the Stormy Petrels typically draw between 200 and 300 fans per game. Occasionally attendance may double that, with fans more apt to stand along the top rail of the seating area than in the 900-capacity gym. This is pretty good attendance given the university’s enrollment is under 1,500. In all, the fans do not seem to create a definitive home court advantage, but they are definitely supportive of their Stormy Petrels.   Access   3 Roads leading to Oglethorpe University can often fall victim to the gridlock of Atlanta traffic. Weekday games commonly do not tip-off until 8 pm, though, which does give time for traffic to ease a bit in the area, so dealing with the streets and highways leading to the Brookhaven campus is a bit easier during those games. Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, runs directly past the Oglethorpe campus, but with the closest stop a mile to the south it is probably not the most efficient. A small parking lot is directly in front of the field house, with a larger lot adjacent to the neighboring tennis courts and track; both mean just a short walk to the field house. The main entry point to the gym is down a sidewalk that runs between Dorough Field House and the outfield wall of Hermance Stadium. Fans enter through a rather nondescript door labeled "Game Entrance” – this doorway leads to the upper level of the field house and a walkway that runs around the top of the seating area.   Return on Investment   5 It is hard to get better than free admission, free parking, and highly affordable concessions prices. A Stormy Petrels game is likely the most affordable basketball experience to be found.   Extras   3 The thought of an all-black court might seem a bit different to visitors of Dorough Field House, and with good reason. While basketball courts have generally started to take on a bit more of an individualized appearance from venue to venue, Pinholster Court at Dorough Field House is believed to be the only completely black court in college basketball. The south wall of Dorough Field House features an extensive Hall of Fame. One of the more notable names is that of National Baseball Hall of Famer, Luke Appling, who played for the Stormy Petrels in 1929 and 1930. Appling’s Chicago White Sox jersey is displayed among the other retired Oglethorpe jerseys. In addition to the recognition of Oglethorpe’s greats at the south end of the gym, the north wall pays tribute to conference championships and national achievements of the school’s athletic programs.   Final Thoughts Dorough Field House is a beautiful facility – from the stonework on the exterior that seamlessly blends in with the surrounding campus buildings, to the woodwork throughout the interior of the gym, the venue is remarkable. The game presentation is a bit straightforward, but the intimate setting gives fans the feeling of being part of the game. In addition, a gym this size puts fans right on top of the action on the court, where the calls from the bench, the communication between players, and the speed of the college game is on full display. The combination of these factors creates an entertaining basketball experience at Oglethorpe University’s Dorough Field House.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Knights Field 2100 Treece Terrace Louisville, KY 40205 Bellarmine Knights website Knights Field website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 500 A Ballpark with a Hilly View Knights Field has been the home to Bellarmine University baseball since 1954, and in 2021 the program moved to Division-I and joined the ASUN Conference. The ball field is located at the entrance of the campus and offers a picturesque view of the campus buildings and other athletic venues. The ball field offers covered dugouts, bullpens, a batting cage, and an elevated press box. There is a 20-foot high fence in the outfield, along with a simple scoreboard. The grass seed field is simple and features small bleacher seating in the back of home plate. As rudimentary as it is, the home of the Knights offers one unique perspective. The field is at the bottom of the natural rolling hillside; it offers fans to watch baseball on the graded upward slope. It created a tradition of fans enjoying the game on blankets on the hill. This method began to catch on with more and more fans each year and has since become a staple of enjoying a game at Knights Field. Food & Beverage 2 A small concession stand with restrooms behind the left-field corner of the ballpark. It also serves as the concession stand for the softball field. The stand was closed during our visit, and no menu was listed. Perhaps fans can enjoy soda, chips, candy, popcorn, or a hot dog or nachos during a Knights game. Atmosphere 2 Fans can expect a relaxing day at a Knights game; the ones who attend are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their daily activities. The ballgame is for the ardent baseball fan. Our visit took place when the weather dipped a bit from the balmy 80 degrees that the Louisville area had been enjoying. It was a cool 55 degrees with gunpowder gray skies and cool enough to wear a sweater. Unfortunately, there were not too many in attendance. The banter on the field was familiar from other ballparks of its size in Division-I college baseball. The ping of the aluminum bat, the banter from both dugouts, the sounds of cleats against the concrete from players fetching foul balls, and light applause from fans in one of the few bleacher-style stand behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 The university is not too far away from The Highlands, aka “Restaurant Row”. It is a lively neighborhood known for its casual pubs, restaurants, artisan shops, bookstores, coffee shops, and independent stores along Bardstown Road. Against the Grain Public House has a small location on the main street that offers craft beer, burgers, salads, and cocktails. Noche Mexican BBQ is known for its smoked brisket fajitas and quesadillas. Mark’s Feed Store is a two-story restaurant specializing in barbecue. Havana Rumba features tapas and happy hour cocktail specials. A tad closer to campus and off Bardstown Road is Shennanigan’s Irish Pub. Guests can enjoy Irish and pub food, drinks, and live music at this typical Irish pub. Kaelin’s Restaurant is also nearby and features pub food, fried chicken, dinner entrees of short rib and shrimp and grits, and an all-around positive vibe. While in Louisville, check the schedule to see what other teams are playing. If you are craving more baseball, check out the Louisville Bats at Louisville Slugger Stadium or the Louisville Cardinals at Jim Patterson Stadium , Louisville City and Racing Louisville FC both play at Lynn Family Stadium . Fans 3 The Knights fans in attendance are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their activities. Access 3 The university is located a few miles north of Interstate 264 (Henry Watterson Expressway) on State Road 1703 (Newburgh Road). The ball field is in front of the arched entrance to campus, with parking on top of the hill. It is ideal for fans who can climb the hill or walk the staircase, but not so much for fans who have limited walking access. Return on Investment 4 This ball field sits on top of a steep hill near the football and softball fields at the campus entrance. It creates a picturesque setting for baseball and on a warm spring day, a chance to watch the game from the hill on a blanket. Tickets are free and Parking is free on campus during athletic events but may be at a premium on dates/times when classes are in session. Extras 1 The vantage point of watching the game from the hill can be enjoyable on a warm spring day. It provides a view not common at other college ballparks. The campus buildings and other venues add to the aesthetics. Final Thoughts Knights Field does not feel like a ballpark but more like a city park. The place blends in nicely with the college environment and is a communal place. It is a place to view the game in simple terms and enjoy the sounds of the ping off the bat and the cheering from the home bench. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Xfinity Center 2001 Paint Branch Dr College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Xfinity Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 17,950 Fear The Turtle Xfinity Center is the home arena to the Maryland Terrapins men’s and women’s basketball teams. The 17,950-seat arena opened in fall of 2002, replacing the much smaller and outdated Cole Field House. It is located on UMD’s campus in College Park, just outside Washington, D.C. on a campus home to over 37,000 students. The Terps’ motto is “Fear the Turtle”, reflecting both the fear the team instills in opponents and the Terrapin mascot. However, this slogan is not as prominent as it has been in years past. Maryland was the defending national champion when their shining new arena opened, and for the first few seasons, almost every home game was a sellout or nearly so. Although the Terrapins are no longer the national powerhouse they were at the turn of the century, the Xfinity Center is still one of the top basketball venues in the country in terms of energy level, atmosphere, and quality. Food & Beverage 4 The Xfinity Center has pretty much the same classic offerings you’d find anywhere, with main courses including hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, boneless wings, hot dogs, and pizza, as well as side dishes such as fries. Local chain The Greene Turtle has a stand which sells boneless wings and crab cake sandwiches. Fans with a sweet tooth can buy boozy ice cream as well as regular ice cream (by which we mean non-alcoholic, not boring) from the UMD Creamery right on campus. For those who require kosher meals, there is a certified kosher stand available outside section 121 selling items such as deli sandwiches and falafel in addition to stadium classics such as hot dogs and popcorn. Note that due to Jewish religious laws, the stand is not open for Friday and Saturday home games, nor on certain Jewish holidays where food cannot be prepared and/or served. Atmosphere 5 The Xfinity Center is a large arena with two levels, plus some courtside seats for top donors. The student section occupies the lower rows on one sideline, plus a towering wall behind one basket that extends from floor to ceiling. All seats have a decent view of the action, even the ones far away. Before each game is a lengthy pregame program, featuring multiple hype videos to get the crowd hyped. When they introduce the Terrapins lineup, the lights go out and fans are encouraged to turn on the flashlights on their phones, creating an impressive display. During one media timeout in the second half, a giant Maryland flag is unfurled in the student wall, as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays in the arena. Marylanders love their flag, and this is a unique tradition you will find nowhere else. The Terps have a mascot named Testudo, who unsurprisingly is a terrapin turtle. He tends to stay near the court during games rather than roaming the stands. Unless you are sitting close to the floor, you will likely not get to interact with him. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner  is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub  on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott  just off campus, and The Hotel  on campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Although Maryland no longer sells out every home game, the fans still show up in large numbers and are loud and raucous. The floor-to-ceiling wall of students is imposing and brings the energy throughout the game. The other fans will get involved as well, making the Xfinity Center extremely loud at times. One student tradition of note takes place when the visiting team is being introduced before the game. The student will read newspapers which have been provided for them, shunning the visiting team. Once the Terrapins are introduced, they tear up the papers and get loud until the game is over. Access 3 Unless you are a season ticket holder or donor, any official option option for parking at the Xfinity Center is going to involve walking quite a ways. the Regents Drive Garage costs $20 for non-conference games or $23 for conference games and is about a ten minute walk away. The Stadium Drive Garage is free to park in but is a 15-20 minute walk. Parking passes closer to the arena are available on the secondary market but will likely cost much more than buying through the school. The concourses at the Xfinity Center are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds, with lots of open space and plenty of signs directing you where to go. Restrooms are located throughout the concourse and the lines are not an issue. Unfortunately, getting out of the garages after the game can be quite a problem. There is little traffic control and cars can get extremely backed up. Getting out of surface lots is easier, but unless you're a season ticket holder or donor, you will need to turn to the secondary market to park there. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a Terps game will vary widely depending on the opponent. For a non-conference opponent from a low-major conference, tickets will be reasonably affordable through the team and you can probably get them for below face value on the secondary market. Tickets against fellow Big 10 schools will start at between $35 and $50 for upper level tickets. Of course, that is not the only cost of attending a game. Parking will cost at least $20 unless you are willing to walk a long distance, and concessions can get expensive as well. While a Terps basketball game is a great experience, it has a high price commensurate with that. Extras 5 Look for the trophy case in the lobby with trophies from the Terrapins' men's and women's national basketball championships. A second star for the banners in the rafters honoring Terrapins greats. The traditions with the unfurling of the giant Maryland flag and the pregame reading of the newspapers by the student section are each worthy of an extra star here. Look for the Terrapins Hall of Fame along the walls honoring Maryland greats of all sports. Final Thoughts Maryland basketball at the Xfinity Center is a great fan experience. From unique student traditions to raucous energy in a packed house, to chowing down on a crab cake from the Greene Turtle, fans will certainly have a good time taking in a Terps game here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Arthur W. Perdue Stadium 6400 Hobbs Rd. Salisbury, MD 21804 Delmarva Shorebirds website Arthur W. Perdue Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 5,200 Eastern Shore Baseball At Its Finest Delmarva may not be a term that most people recognize. But essentially it designates the Eastern Shore of Maryland, along with the neighboring areas of Delaware and Virginia. This peninsula is known as the DelMarVa Peninsula. The Shorebirds stadium is right outside of Salisbury, MD, the county seat of Wicomico County and the largest city in Maryland’s Eastern Shore region. The stadium is named for the founder of Perdue Farms, Arthur Perdue. Perdue is headquartered in Salisbury. Arthur’s son Frank Perdue, and now his grandson Jim Perdue are known far and wide as the national spokespersons for the brand. The stadium opened in 1996 as a Single-A affiliate of the Montreal Expos. Eventually, the Shorebirds became the Single-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, playing in the South Atlantic League. The team also draws from the many visitors to the region during the summer months as nearby Ocean City swells to between 320,000 and 345,000 visitors, and up to 8 million vacationers annually. Food & Beverage 4 The food prices are very similar to most minor league baseball stadiums. They are very fair and offer many choices. Most entrees are $4 and up and won’t break your wallet. Be on the lookout for the numerous Family Pack options for both hot dogs and chicken tenders. Another great choice is the Jumbo Crab Pretzel. Sodas are $4 and $5.75, depending upon the size. You are on the “Eastern Shore” so choosing chicken and/or crab is always a good idea. Atmosphere 4 Delmarva prides itself on offering a family atmosphere and a place where the entire family can enjoy baseball. The true fan can enjoy the quality play, while the kids can enjoy the carousel, bounce houses, and face painting offered. In-game promotions are also offered to keep the atmosphere fresh and fun. The team tries to keep it happening in between innings to not distract from the game. There are orange bleachers for general admission sections and green seats for assigned seating. The cheap seats get great views, as well as the fans paying for the more expensive ones. The stadium will seem very similar to Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick and Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, both also Orioles team affiliates. Neighborhood 3 Perdue Stadium is not located in the heart of the city but at the busy junction of US Highway 50 and Route 13. There is nothing in walking distance to the stadium so you will have to drive to enjoy pre and post-game festivities. A good local choice is the Evolution Brewing Company and their quite nice tasting room. They also offer a full restaurant option next door to that. Another option is the Market Street Inn in downtown Salisbury. I would also recommend stopping over to Ocean City and trying the dizzying array of food options located in this tourist town. OC Wasabi is a personal favorite that offers an amazing sushi roll that contains fried soft-shell crab. Or try the numerous crab options in the area. Fans 4 The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. This is a Baltimore Orioles fan base, so expect to hear the loud “Ohhhhhhh” chant during the appropriate place in the National Anthem. Locals feel that the song is to do with as they please while showing support to the home team. It is good-natured, so who could disagree? Access 3 Since the stadium is located at the convergence of US Highway 50 and Route 13, traffic can usually be pretty easy to handle. But be aware that on summer weekends there is a large amount of traffic heading east towards Ocean City, as well as traffic heading west at the end of said weekends. Plan carefully as traffic has been known to back up to Washington, DC, and Baltimore, many hours away. It really can be that bad. There is plenty of parking, but the team does charge to park. I don’t see why they need to do this, but the price is less than $5. Return on Investment 4 Prices are not the cheapest minor league games around but still offer decent value. The best values are the general admission tickets that cost $8. These seats are close to the action, and give you flexibility to move around and/or get more food. Other options run from $11 to $13, which is pretty good value. Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game. Extras 4 The Eastern Shore Baseball Hall Of Fame is also located at the stadium. Make sure to stop in and see the numerous players and teams that have played on the DelMarVa Peninsula. It is worth a couple of points right there. Kids will love the fully stocked kids' area with a carousel that has a great view of the field. The team runs some great promotions, so check the calendar to see what is happening when you attend a game. Final Thoughts Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Valley Children's Stadium Bulldog Ln Fresno, CA 93740 Fresno State Bulldogs website Valley Children's Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 41,031 The Biggest Show in Town Editor's Note: The stadium name changed from Bulldog Stadium to Valley Children's Stadium in July, 2022. They were the underdog BCS Buster before being the underdog BCS Buster was cool. Before Boise State , before Northern Illinois , before TCU and before UCF there was Fresno State. Boasting the motto “Anybody, anytime, anywhere,” Fresno State challenged the likes of Southern Cal , UCLA , Georgia Tech , Kansas State , and Virginia , and often won. Bulldog Stadium in Fresno gets its fair share of big name opponents with a bigger-than-average-mid-major program. Bulldog Stadium opened in 1980 as Fresno State football’s home stadium, as well as the host of the now defunct California Bowl. Current capacity is 41,031, which easily makes it the biggest show in town in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. Fresno is the 5th largest city in California at over 500,000 people, so there are plenty of fans in the area to draw from. The sunken bowl stadium is known to be one of the louder mid-major stadiums in the country, and with good reason. Food & Beverage 4 Bulldog Stadium is packed with different food options, mostly located at either end zone. All of your normal food options can be found around the concourse, but the north end zone is where the unique variety can be found. There you’ll find soft serve ice cream, foot long corn dogs, funnel cake, chili dogs, polish sausage, garlic fries, monster taquitos, deep-pit barbeque and absolutely delicious nachos. Most of the food falls in the $5 to $7 range, so it’s all reasonably priced. Bottled water or soda cost $3-$4 with refillable souvenir cups costing $6 ($3 per refill). Alcohol is not sold in Bulldog Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Bulldog Stadium isn’t exactly a premier college football stadium in the country, but for a mid-major it’s got a lot of positives. Upon first approach it appears to be a much smaller venue, but this is because it’s sunken into the ground with lighting that extends horizontally over the field as opposed to straight up. This gives Bulldog Stadium its unique character. It also means you enter the stadium from the top and descend into the bowl as you approach your seats. The tailgating scene is impressive and the fans are much louder than their numbers. It’s not going to rival the elite programs in the nation so a fifth star would be unattainable, but the scene more than holds its own against any mid-major program in the country. The party outside the stadium is very organized with large tents and plenty of food…and of course plenty of beverages. There are plenty of activities going on during the game that involve a lot of fan participation. The band and the student section are also very involved, so the atmosphere overall is very festive. I can only imagine how much better the atmosphere is when the stadium is completely full. On the occasion of my visit, the Bulldogs were off to a rocky start for the year, so although the crowd was loud, Bulldog Stadium was only at about 75% capacity. Neighborhood 3 Three stars seem about right for an area that gets mixed reviews across the board. Fresno itself is somewhere I wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time, but the area immediately around campus is on the fringe of Clovis. Clovis is a quiet community northeast of Fresno that has plenty of hotel and dining options. Because of the distance from the ocean, things are more reasonably priced in the Fresno/Clovis area than they are in the coastal California cities. For dining options, the clear favorite is the Dog House Grill just south of campus. The tri-tip sandwich there is a California delicacy. There are also several excellent Thai and Mexican options in the immediate area. Further north in Clovis is the Sequoia Brewing Company where you can find craft beer and good food on tap. Of course, it’s college football, so you probably could also just partake in the excellent tailgating in the area. Fans 3 The “Red Wave” may not be able to compare with the Michigans or Alabamas of the world, but for the size of the program they are more than strong enough to warrant a solid rating. The tailgate extends for blocks around the stadium, where locals are cooking up chimichangas and sausages. Once they arrive at the game they may not fill the stands, but they are loud regardless. There is a bit of an issue with fans arriving late, but despite that they clearly rank in the upper echelon of non-power conferences. I teetered between 3 and 4 stars on this one and settled on a high 3 stars, mostly because of the inability to sell out for a big Friday night game. But those that come are passionate and loyal, so the stars earned are well deserved. Access 3 Again, this falls just about average. Fresno State is located between the Yosemite and Sierra Freeways in northeastern Fresno. There are no major interstates in the immediate area, but Route 99 cuts through the San Joaquin Valley several miles to the west and is the only real way into and out of Fresno. There is some congestion around the stadium due to the tailgating scene and some closed roads, but nothing that will take particularly long to navigate. Parking around the stadium ranges from $5 to $20 depending on distance, but if you’re willing to hike you can find off-campus street parking about a mile from the stadium either south of Shaw Avenue or to the north in the residential neighborhoods. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a Fresno State game can vary considerably in price depending on the opponent. Low range is around $20 with the upper range reaching between $50 and $70. Food prices are mid-range with a wide variety, but parking is a bit on the pricey side if you aren’t willing to walk. So overall, it’s right in line with what you should expect to pay for a solid college football experience. Extra 2 While the experience overall is strong, there’s not a whole lot of frills to award extra points. The unique stadium lighting? The extra food options? Overall, I’ll add points for the Red Wave and general hard-nosed attitude of the Fresno State fans. Final Thoughts Bulldog Stadium is a pretty solid venue from top to bottom. So next time you’re in Fresno throw on a red shirt and head to campus to join the Red Wave for some football.

Photo Courtesy Kansas State Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tointon Family Stadium 1800 College Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 Kansas State Wildcats website Tointon Family Stadium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 2,331 Not All Diamonds in Manhattan are from Tiffany's Kansas State University is the oldest state university in Kansas, opening in 1863, six years before its neighboring rival, the University of Kansas. K-State is located in Manhattan Kansas, a city of more than 50,000 in the northeastern portion of the state. The university has an enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. Its top majors include Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Human Ecology, and Education. K-State’s athletic teams are known as the Wildcats, and they compete in the Big 12 Conference. Baseball has been played at KSU since 1897 and they have won four NCAA regionals and three Big 12 Conference championships over that period of time. The baseball Cats call Frank Myers Field at Tointon Family Stadium their home field. Built in 1961, the stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, with a near re-build of the facility in 2001-2002. The stadium holds more than 2,000 fans, and features AstroTurf GameDay Grass on the field itself. Chairback seating was added during the 2002 renovations, as were five club suites. A Daktronics scoreboard was also installed to keep fans updated on the game and scores from other Big 12 games. The exterior of the stadium is constructed of limestone in keeping with the architecture found throughout the KSU campus. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand at Tointon Family Stadium is located on the concourse and offers a wide variety of typically baseball fare The options include sodas ($4), water ($2), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), hot dogs ($3), chips ($2), and hamburgers ($5).Unfortunately being on the concourse, there is no view from the concession stand of the action on the field.On the good side, a picnic area is available adjacent to the stand so you do not have to balance the food on your lap.In addition to food and beverage, programs and K-State merchandise are also available in the same area. Atmosphere 3 Tointon Family Stadium really feels like a part of the K-State campus due to its exterior mimicking the architecture and limestone building materials found throughout the K-State campus.Being in a college town also adds to the enjoyment of the games.The crowds typically are about 50% students and 50% townspeople, and they are equally supportive of their Wildcats.They tend to come early and are very knowledgeable about the players and the opposition.Even though K-State is a large university you still get a small town, friendly atmosphere when you visit Manhattan. Neighborhood 4 Tointon Family Stadium is located on campus in the athletic complex for K-State. Neighboring facilities include Bramlage Coliseum (basketball), Bill Snyder Family Stadium (football), and the Christian Track and Field Complex. Manhattan is definitely a college town, as the university is a major part of its population and the major employer in the area. The Aggieville district has been the town’s entertainment hotspot since 1899 and is still going strong. Restaurants you might want to sample include the Rock-A-Belly Deli, the PowerCat Sports Grill, or Cox Brothers Barbeque. If you’re looking for a drink, the Aggie Lounge (called the “Lou” by locals) is your classic college dive bar. Two hotels within walking distance of the stadium are the Holiday Inn at the Campus and the Bluemont Hotel. Those looking for K-State merchandise need look no further than Varney’s, which carries everything purple or wildcat. KSU’s McCain Auditorium also hosts major concerts and touring shows throughout the year. A majority of the accommodations are located in downtown Manhattan or along Hwy 24. Fans 4 I hope you like the color purple, as you will be surrounded by Wildcat fans covered head to toe in purple, while seated in purple stadium seating.Around Manhattan this is known as “Purple Pride” and there is no doubting the allegiance of these fans.They are boisterous and they fill the stadium for almost every game.However you are sitting in Tointon Family Stadium, and being Midwesterners, it is a very friendly bunch.The one game that is an exception to this rule is when the Jayhawks come to town, and these two bitter rivals face off.The two campuses are only 90 miles apart, so the visiting team typically brings a large contingent of their supporters with them. Access 2 K-State and Manhattan are accessed eight miles north of Interstate 70.Manhattan Regional Airport has daily service to both Dallas/Ft.Worth and Chicago.There is no public transportation system within the city of Manhattan, but the university does maintain its own on-campus bus system.Manhattan is somewhat isolated on the tall grass prairie lands of central Kansas.It is about 35 miles west of Topeka, the state capital, and about 140 miles west of Kansas City. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to K-State games are staggered by reserved seats ($12) versus general admission ($8), with further discounts in price for seniors, military and children ($5).K-State students are able to attend free of charge as it is factored into their student activity fee.All reserved seats are permanent seat backs, while even the general admission seating areas feature seat cushion/chair backs.General admission seating includes bleachers along the first base side of the field, while berm seating is available along the third base line.Parking is free and plentiful in the Snyder football stadium parking lot adjacent to the baseball field.Lodging and food in Manhattan itself are very reasonably priced, making a visit to the area very family friendly budget wise. . Extras 4 Manhattan, Kansas likes to refer to itself as the “Little Apple.” While it does not offer the traffic, crowds or major league sports of its bigger “sister city,” it does offer some nice extras for visitors to enjoy. As you enter the town from I-70 you can’t help but see the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This natural history museum is one of the biggest museums of any kind in Kansas. The downtown area of Manhattan is built following the town center concept and is very walkable to shops restaurants and businesses. Closer to campus, Aggieville offers restaurants, bars, theatres and shopping just across the street from the university. Each June, Manhattan hosts the Country Stampede, a three-day music festival featuring some of country music’s greatest stars. Finally, we are in Kansas, so a visit to Dorothy and Toto, too is in order. Just twenty miles east of Manhattan is the small town of Wamego, Kansas, which has developed a major tourist attraction with its Oz Museum and Oz Winery. You will see lots of wonderful memorabilia from the movie and it is a pleasant break during a long drive with the kids.

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

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Johnny ‘Red’ Floyd Stadium 1500 Greenland Drive Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders website Johnny ‘Red’ Floyd Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity : 30,788 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders – Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium The Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) first took to the gridiron way back in 1911. Current Head Coach Rick Stockstill is one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the FBS, taking the top spot in Murfreesboro in 2006. In that time the Blue Raiders won their most recent of their 13 conference championships, and have made 9 bowl game appearances. Since 1934 they have called the stalwart Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium their home. Named for two-time former head football (and one-time former head basketball) coach Johnny “Red” Floyd, the stadium is located right on the lush campus of Middle Tennessee State University. It has seen several renovations over the years, with the most recent taking place in 2019 with the addition of the Blue Raider Beer Garden in the South End Zone. The Blue Raiders have remained competitive since moving to Conference USA. Floyd Stadium definitely shows its age, but is still a respected stop among its conference peers – read to learn my thoughts. Food & Beverage 3 When it comes to concessions, for the most part it’s a straightforward affair at Floyd Stadium. Hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, candy, fountain drinks, and bottled water are the standard offerings. All of these can be had for just $4, which is not too shabby. There are several kiosks featuring these offerings on both the home and visitor sides of the stadium. This is fine, but what keeps the score from being lower are the aforementioned Blue Raider Beer Garden, which serves unique craft beers from Steel Barrel Brewery (including a blue beer), and the Zaxby’s stands, which are also on both the home and visitor sides of the stadium. Ubiquitous in the south, Zaxby’s is known for its fried chicken, and the stands at Floyd Stadium offer box meals featuring either four of their chicken strips or one of their chicken sandwiches, chips, a cookie, a drink, and one of their signature dipping sauces for $12. If you want something beyond a hot dog during the game, this is your only option. Atmosphere 3 As mentioned (and honestly this will be a running theme), Floyd Stadium is an older facility. It’s a classical design with lots of open areas and lots of bleacher seating in most areas. I’ve already mentioned the Beer Garden, which is really a high point for the stadium. Fans in this section can not only eat and drink at field level, but they are right on top off the visiting team’s tunnel. Things can get pretty lively here, as you might imagine. In the north end of the stadium is the Family Fun Zone, a carnival-like area with face-painting, bounce houses, and games. It’s a great area for the whole family, but especially for younger fans. This is often an area that gets neglected in the college arena, so it’s nice to see MTSU taking this into consideration. Whenever MTSU scores, be it touchdown, field goal, or even extra point, the stadium lights dim off and on, which is a pretty neat effect. Another atmospheric point of interest is how MTSU has added signage to celebrate their conference championships to the exterior of the stadium, and signage for the bowl appearances inside. They also have the numbers of their retired players (I was fortunate to be there for the retirement ceremony of Kevin Byard’s number) on the exterior of the press box. These are just added reminders of how long and sustained the program’s success has been. Neighborhood 3 Murfreesboro is about a 40-minute drive south/southeast of Nashville. While a fairly large town, with a population over 150,000, Murfreesboro is still a college town with MTSU and the Blue Raiders at its core. If you’re heading in for a game at Floyd Stadium and are looking to do some activities in town (rather than heading into Music City), there are sites to see in Murfreesboro. For history buffs this area of the state has plenty to offer you. The area was a major theater during the Civil War and there are important sites across the region, including Stones River National Battlefield. Fought on the last day of 1862, it was one of the fiercest battles of the entire war and changed the complexion of the clash between the Union and the Confederacy. Families traveling in for the game will want to make time to stop by and visit the Earth Experience – Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History. This is the first natural history museum in middle Tennessee, and it has some real treasures amongst its collections. Dinosaurs, rocks, gems, and other fossils collected from across the state are all on display for visitors. If you’re looking for a bite to eat before or after Blue Raiders games at Floyd Stadium, you really can’t go wrong with Tennessee barbecue; Slick Pig BBQ is one of the best restaurants in Murfreesboro. With specialties including barbecue pork, chopped chicken, and hickory smoked wings, you won’t go away hungry. One other spot I’d like to point out, for those that enjoy a good craft beer, is Mayday Brewery. Specializing in craft beer and craft pizza, Mayday Brewery is all about having a good time, enjoying a good bite and good beer, and making new friends. Fans 2 Middle Tennessee State has averaged just a hair under 16,000 fans per game at Floyd Stadium in recent years. This ranks them near the bottom of Conference USA, which is a shame considering how successful the program has been. I was honestly looking forward to seeing what the crowd had in store for my visit. With MTSU coming off a monumental win and taking on a big conference opponent, on paper this promised to be a big crowd. Alas, it was not, and I could not help but be a bit disappointed. The student section was fairly full and the Beer Garden was packed, but you could not help but notice how empty most of the rest of the stadium was. To be fair the game I attended was a Friday night game and not a traditional Saturday tilt, so that may have skewed attendance some. Access 2 Getting to Murfreesboro and Floyd Stadium, unless you’re a resident of the state, is not super easy. As mentioned it is about a 40-minute drive from Nashville. That’s the good part; Nashville International Airport is one of the busiest in the country, so you won’t have a problem flying in from wherever you happen to reside. The stadium is clearly visible once you get near the MTSU campus (which is clearly marked off MTSU Blvd), and there is ample parking in the lots surrounding the stadium. The city does have a public transportation option, but it stops running at 5pm on Fridays, so if you don’t want to drive a rideshare is your only option. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for MTSU games at Floyd Stadium can be had for as little as $8 per person (depending on the game, of course). This is an incredible bargain for an FBS team that has a really strong track record of success. When it comes to parking, as just mentioned above there are ample spots in lots surrounding the stadium. Best of all, the vast majority of these lots are free to the public. If you combine this with the low-cost for the concessions (I didn’t even mind springing the extra for the Zaxby’s), you’re getting a fantastic bargain at Floyd Stadium. Extras 3 On gamedays MTSU brings out all of the regular accoutrements of college football to enhance the experience for their fans. It starts with MTSU’s Band of Blue, who lead the team out at the start of the game, play endlessly throughout, and entertain at halftime. The Blue Raider Cheerleaders and Dance Team are always on hand to interact with the fans and perform during breaks in the action. There is also the team’s mascot, the winged, blue horse Lightning. Always around for photo ops, Lightning is a fan favorite, especially among young MTSU fans. These are all in addition to the previously discussed Family Fun Zone and Blue Raider Beer Garden, which are also great additions for fans to check out. Final Thoughts While I was admittedly disappointed by the turnout, I was happy overall with my visit to Murfreesboro, MTSU, and Floyd Stadium. This is a beautiful part of the country and a great, old-school venue, the likes of which I’m personally a fan of. I would not say that anyone needs to add this venue to their bucket list, by any means. However, if you’re a fan of college football, you can’t beat the price you pay to attend Blue Raiders games at Floyd Stadium. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Goodman Stadium 124 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Goodman Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 16,000 Football Stars in Bethlehem Nestled in the town of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Goodman Stadium is home to the Lehigh Mountain Hawks football team. The Mountain Hawks compete in the Patriot League in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA. Lehigh's biggest rival is Lafayette, who plays 17 miles away in Easton. The game, known simply as The Rivalry, has been played 158 times going back to 1884 and has been played every season since 1897. It is both the most played and longest uninterrupted rivalry in college football. Food & Beverage 5 While there are a couple of concession windows at Goodman Stadium that sell the basics - hot dogs, beverages, and little else, the real attraction here is the food trucks and tents set up on the concourse by local vendors. You will find numerous options here, including quesadillas, cheesesteaks, barbecue, pizza, and much more. Prices are a bit on the high end but you get what you pay for, as the food is quite good. Soft drinks and bottled water are also available at pretty much any stand. Keep in mind that although gates will open 90 minutes before the game, most concession stands do not start selling until an hour before. Plan accordingly. Atmosphere 3 There is seating along both sidelines at Goodman Stadium, as well as a hill behind the south end zone that some fans like to sit on. The inner concourse runs down the middle of the seating area, and fans can walk up or down depending on where they are sitting. There are a few chairbacks on the west side, but most seats are standard bleachers. Given how small the stadium is, anywhere you sit will have a decent view of the action. Lehigh has a marching band called the Marching '97, about the number of members. They perform before the game and at halftime, concluding the latter show with the playing of the Lehigh alma mater, which fans are invited to sing along with. They also play sometimes during breaks in the action, although often recorded music will be played instead, or the team will honor alumni and members of the community during extended breaks in the action. Neighborhood 3 Bethlehem is not the largest town, but there is still plenty to do here. If you head north from campus, you will find many restaurants and other attractions along both sides of the Lehigh River. Seven Sirens and Bonn Place are two popular breweries on the south side of the river, and there are other options to choose from as well, ranging from Peruvian to Italian to typical American food. Bethlehem has the feel of a small college town, so while there is plenty to do here, it's far from the excitement of a major city. Fans 2 Although Goodman Stadium seats 16,000, they will not come close to selling out most games, typically drawing only a few thousand fans. Even those who show up rarely get loud, to the point where you can hear the players shouting on the field from many rows back. Not only that, they take their time at their tailgates before heading in, so the stadium does not reach its eventual capacity until near the end of the first quarter. The one exception to this is The Rivalry against Lafayette, where boisterous, sellout crowds are a given. Lehigh fans are passionate about the game against Lafayette, but less so about the other games on the calendar. Access 3 Getting to the Lehigh campus will require some driving on back roads no matter where you are coming from, but at least you can enjoy the scenery as you drive through the country. Once on campus, parking is at the lots surrounding Stabler Arena, home to Lehigh basketball. From there, fans will walk across a grass field to get to the stadium - this will take about five to ten minutes depending on where precisely you parked. The stadium may not be visible from all spaces but just follow the crowd. As mentioned above, Lehigh fans often don't make their way to the stadium until close to kickoff, so there can be long lines to get in at this time. If you want to be in your seat for the start of the game, don't wait until the last minute to head in. Getting around the stadium can be a challenge, as the concourses are narrow and crowded, particularly the inner one used to access the seating bowl itself. Return on Investment 4 For most home games, tickets range from $10 to $19, depending on how close to midfield you want to sit. For the Lafayette game, all tickets are $28.50 due to significantly increased demand. Concessions from local vendors are fairly expensive, but worth the cost. Parking in the lots is free as well. In the end, a Lehigh football game is a pretty good value, and getting tickets to the Lafayette game may be worth the extra cost in years when Lehigh hosts. Extras 3 There is a bell on the Lehigh sideline which is rung after every Mountain Hawks score, once for every point they have scored. There is a team store by the entrance selling Lehigh merchandise. A third and final star for the wide selection of food from local vendors, which is a nice touch. Final Thoughts The history of the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry is unmatched, and the passion of Mountain Hawk fans for that one game is nearly so. Unfortunately, the team failed to get nearly as much support the rest of the season. If you have a chance to check out The Rivalry, definitely do so, but if the schedule doesn't work for you, a Lehigh football game can still be a decent experience in a scenic setting.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Stadio San Paolo Piazzale Tecchio Napoli, Italy 80125 Italy SSC Napoli website Stadio San Paolo website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 60,240 The Azzurri Stadio San Paolo is the largest sports facility in the city of Naples. For seven years, from 1984-1991, one of the greatest soccer players of the twentieth century, Diego Maradona, was seen on the playing field of El Pibe de Oro. San Paolo Stadium is located in the Fuorigrotta neighborhood, in the western and most populous part of the city of Napoli. Since 1959 it has hosted the home matches of the Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli. It was opened on December 6, 1959 with Napoli playing host to Juventus in a match of the 10th round of Serie A, the top level of Italian football. The match was won 2-1 by the home team (Vitali, Vinicius, Cervato the authors of three goals). San Paolo Stadium has also hosted some matches for the Olympic Games in 1960, several competitions of the European Championships of 1968 and 1980, as well as five matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup (including the semi-final Italia vs. Argentina). Previously the Azzurri (the nickname of the players of Naples comes from the colors of the sky and sea of this corner of Italy) had played at the “Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia,” at the “Partenope Stadium,” and at the “Arturo Collana Stadium.” The “Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia” and the “Arturo Collana Stadium” are still present in the city. The “Partenope Stadium,” wanted and funded by Giorgio Ascarelli, the first president of Napoli, was destroyed during World War II by the Allied planes bombing. The Italian national football team has played at the San Paolo Stadium on 23 occasions. The first occurred in 1960, and overall the National team has a record of 12 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats. Food & Beverage 4 Naples is known worldwide for being the city where pizza was invented. So before entering the stadium it is required that you stop in one of the many pizzerias in the Fuorigrotta district. You can find a classic “Margherita” pizza with tomato, mozzarella and basil at a cost of just 1 euro. Even the coffee is a tradition in this part of Italy. It is served accompanied by a glass of water. Warning: never drink the water after the coffee, always before, or the barman would think that the black drink in the cup is not liked. Outside and inside the stadium the price of a coffee is 0.80 euro. Also sample the desserts (pastiera, the curly sfogliatella, the baba), dishes based on fish and fries (similar to London’s fish and chips in Naples there is o’cuoppo). Atmosphere 4 After 60 years, the stadium still looks as good as ever due to several renovations over the years. San Paolo Stadium was designed in 1948 by architect Carlo Cocchia. The work to build it lasted about six years. But its present appearance is very different from the original one. Owned by the municipality, the facility was modernized to host the European Championships in 1980 and the FIFA World Cup in 1990. Finally in the summer of 2010 it was the subject of another restyling. Today it appears to the public with three rings (the upper one, however, is closed) oval, totally covered and with a lighting system housed in the attic, some LED screens about 16 meters long placed in the stands Distinti and Centrale, and an athletics track with eight lanes. The pitch measures 110 x 68 meters. In addition, within the system, there is space for several gyms used for boxing and martial arts. San Paolo Stadium, with its 60,240 seats, is the third in Italy in terms of capacity after the Meazza in Milan and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and just ahead of the Franchi in Florence and Juventus Stadium in Turin. Napoli is fourth in Italy for number of fans, only behind Juventus, Inter and Milan. The first name of the structure was “Stadio del Sole.” The current name is the result of the legend that the apostle St. Paul arrived in Italy docking right in the Fuorigrotta district. Neighborhood 4 In Fuorigrotta there are several faculties of the University of Naples Federico II, the oldest state university in the world, founded in 1224. There are other sports facilities including the swimming pool known as Felice Scandone, the true temple of Italian water polo. The Mostra d’Oltremare, a major fairgrounds, and an amusement park is also worth a visit. There is no lack of hotels as within a short walk from the Stadium San Paolo there is a four star lodging option, along restaurants, pizzerias, and fast food. Fans 5 San Paolo Stadium offers one of the warmest group of supporters in Italy and Europe. Attending a football match of Napoli at the San Paolo is a unique experience. Blue scarves and flags color the different areas of the stadium. The songs accompanying the actions of the players and to every goal of the local team seems to be an earthquake. The most ardent fans follow the match from the two curves, A and B. Since the 1980’s there has been a friendly link with the supporters of Genoa. Napoli’s biggest rivalries are with the fans of Hellas Verona, Atalanta, Juventus, Milan, and Inter. Access 5 Fans can reach the San Paolo Stadium by car. There are several car parks, but after matches the traffic in this area of the city flows slowly. You may also use the different public transport links in the Fruorigrotta district. If you are arriving by car, then you can access the stadium via highway A1 (Milan-Naples) or highway A3 (Naples-Reggio Calabria), going to Tangenziale Napoli exit 10 “Fuorigrotta”. If you are renting a car or taking a taxi, then it is about 20 minutes from Naples International Airport or about 15 minutes from Naples Central Railway Station. The stadium is only few steps from the train station “Napoli Campi Flegrei,” subway line 6, stop “Mostra d’Oltremare,” city train line 2, stop “Napoli Campi Flegrei”; city train line Cumana, stop “Mostra d’Oltremare”; or bus station “Campi Flegrei” (city and suburban buses come here). Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket to enter San Paolo Stadium varies by sector, from a minimum of 25.00 euro for the two curves up to about 100.00 euro for the “Tribuna d’onore.” The tickets can also be bought online. On the team’s website, under “Online ticket,” you can see the events scheduled during the football season and the cost of tickets for individual sectors of the stadium. In addition there are always tickets which include concessions, including the initiative “Tribuna family” which offers a special price for adults with small children accompanying. Extras 3 There are several areas on the world heritage list near the stadium including the archaeological areas of Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata; historic centre of Naples; and the Costiera Amalfitana. The typical Neapolitan cuisine, with pizza, desserts, and fish dishes makes this a great destination for stadium travelers. The islands in the Golfo di Napoli: Capri, Ischia, Nisida, Procida, and Vivara are beautiful and worth a visit if you can.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Casey Field West Oak Street Covington, VA 24426 Covington Lumberjacks website Casey Field website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 2,000 VBL Baseball in the Alleghany Highlands With 12 teams nestled up and down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, the Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest collegiate summer wood-bat leagues in America. The Covington Lumberjacks play their home games at Casey Field, a former Appalachian League venue that hosted the Covington Red Sox in 1966 and the Covington Astros from 1967 to 1975. Today, Casey Field is also a football stadium used by Alleghany High School. It has a strange layout - centerfield is very short to accommodate the football bleachers, and there is a Pesky Pole situation in left field. The foul pole is extremely shallow, then juts out almost completely straight, to accommodate a construction area for a new field house for the high school. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a window down the first baseline by the entrance. Options for meals include hot dogs, nachos, barbecue sandwiches (in this part of the country, invariably pulled pork), cheeseburgers, and pizza slices which are better than you'd expect for this part of the country. Snacks include peanuts, candy, popcorn, and french fries. Bottled water and soda are available to drink. Icees are also sold out of a truck near the entrance. Even though this is a high school stadium, beer is available for sale out of a tent behind home plate. Bottled water can also be purchased at this tent, for fans who don't want to wait in a long line just to get water on a hot night. Prices are reasonable for the most part. The Icees, which are sold by an outside vendor, cost $5 but nothing else, even the beer, is more than $3.50. Atmosphere 3 There are several sets of bleachers near home plate at Casey Field, but no aisle to climb up them, which makes getting around challenging. There is also a very large set of bleachers in centerfield which is the sideline seating for football games and is mostly unused for baseball, although a few fans do sit here. Many fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit at the bottom of the bleachers or by an opening in the fence near the concession stand. Other than the centerfield bleachers and the aforementioned gap, all seats are behind a metal fence. It is not as thick as in some other places, but is more intrusive than netting. This is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played during breaks in the action, but not particularly loudly. The PA announcer is involved and will often welcome local guests, but is not over the top. There are few if any on-field contests, so a Lumberjacks game is a pretty simple experience. Neighborhood 3 The City of Covington is located in Southwest Virginia in the Alleghany Highlands, but not quite in the Allegheny Mountains (yes, the spelling is different and it's all quite confusing.) This is a very scenic area of the state with gorgeous mountain views, hiking trails, lakes, and more. There is not much to do in Covington beyond a few chain restaurants, including a KFC right next to the ballpark. Clifton Forge is about ten miles away and has more options. It also has a major railroad history, which may be of interest to railfans. Fans 4 The Covington Lumberjacks draw a few hundred fans for a typical home game. This may not seem like much, but the population of Covington is only about 5,000 people, plus another 15,000 in surrounding Alleghany County. Lumberjacks games are truly a community affair, and most of the fans seem to know each other, although they are welcoming of newcomers. During player introductions and big moments, the fans will ring cowbells to show their support for their team. They wear Lumberjacks gear and are generally a passionate crowd. Access 2 Covington is located just off I-64 via Exit 14. If coming from the west, you will probably have to cross over the mountains to get here. If coming from the east, the drive will still be hilly but not fully mountainous. Once you reach the ballpark, there is a paved lot down the right field line and a gravel one beyond the left field fence. Street parking is also available once these fill up, but be warned some of it is within foul ball territory. The big problem with access here is the bleachers. There are no aisles to climb, making getting up them extremely difficult. You will have to step over rows of seating and work your way around fans who are aleady there to get up or down. This brings the rating down significantly and is why so many fans bring their own seats. Restrooms are available next to the concession stand and are a generally sufficient size, although you may have to wait a couple minutes. They also get extremely warm on hot days. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Lumberjacks games is free. Most Valley League teams charge a few dollars, which isn't much money, but free is better. Concessions are extremely affordable as well. As a result, a Covington Lumberjacks game is a fantastic value. Extras 3 Look for the free roster cards by the concession stand. The gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains is worthy of a bonus star here - many of the Valley League venues have great views and Covington is no exception. A third and final bonus star for the 50-50 raffle. The Lumberjacks operate as a non-profit, and this gives fans a chance to support the team and potentially win a cash prize. Final Thoughts Although Covington may not have the fanciest stadium in the Valley League, it has a strong and loyal fan base. It's hard to argue with watching free baseball in a scenic environment on a warm summer night, and a Lumberjacks game allows you to do all of these things. Baseball fans in the Alleghany Highlands will definitely want to make the trip here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brockell Field One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Brockell Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Baseball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The baseball stadium is named after former long-time baseball coach and 2019 Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie "Dick" Brockell. Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options available at Brockell Field. There is a shared concession stand with the softball field but we do not know when it is open. We will award a 1, assuming that it is open on busy weekend games. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There is a large and weird variety of seating options around the field. There is a couple of small three-row bleachers, a couple of garden benches, regular park benches, park picnic tables, and a raised stone seating area. You can also sit on the grass to bring your chair. The baseball field is located right next to some nice woods, that offer a nice view past the fences. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is simply named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs and its sister restaurant across the street, Woody's Tacos are our choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the busiest and most well-known highways in the country so getting to campus will not be difficult. Follow signs to the back of the campus and you will find the athletic field. There will be plenty of parking. We are dropping our rating down a bit as current construction might make your way back to the baseball field a bit of an adventure. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 The unique variety of seating options is an extra on its own. Final Thoughts Brockell Field is a basic pleasant baseball field located in a nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Target Field 1 Twins Way Minneapolis, MN 55403 Minnesota Twins website Target Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 38,649 It’s a Beautiful Day for Baseball in the Twin Cities From 1982 until 2009, the Minnesota Twins played their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, widely regarded as one of the worst stadiums in baseball. The place was cramped, the roof frequently collapsed, and nobody wanted to be indoors during the two or three months that Minnesota actually has nice weather. In 2010, the Twins moved into their new home, Target Field, in downtown Minneapolis. This jewel of a stadium has a gorgeous limestone exterior and every modern amenity a ballpark can offer. The Twins won the AL Central in their first season in the new stadium and have made the playoffs three other times since then. Food & Beverage 5 Target Field offers just about any food one could want, ranging from ballpark classics like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza to more unusual items like burritos, Aussie Pies, and Tony O’s Cuban Sandwich, which honors Twins legend Tony Olivo. The Truly on Deck area by the right field gate offers additional unique offerings such as Italian grinders, Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, and a more extensive burger selection than you can get at other concession stands. Prices are expensive but on par with what they’d be at any other major league stadium. You certainly won’t go hungry at Target Field, and you’ll have a lot of food to choose from. Atmosphere 5 Target Field is a modern stadium that was built to create a unique atmosphere for fans. Walking into the stadium will put you on a concourse above the 100 level and you can take escalators up to the 200 and 300 levels. If you are seating in the field box seats, which have single or double-digit section numbers, you will walk down the steps past all the 100-level seats before your section starts. It can be a bit confusing but ushers are happy to help you out. There are many unique visual aspects scattered throughout the stadium. There is a neon sign in right-centerfield featuring twins Minnie and Paulie, in honor of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The sign lights up at night and flashes when the Twins make a big play. There are two main scoreboards at Target Field – a large one in left-centerfield which normally shows player stats and a line score but can also show animation and replays, and a smaller one in right-centerfield which shows a more detailed box score normally, but, like the other one, can and does display other things as well. Ribbon boards line the field which shows more detailed stats, including sabermetrics like exit velocity and the vertical and horizontal break on pitches. The Twins have a mascot named TC Bear who appears on the field before the game and interacts with fans throughout. During the fourth inning, the team has a mascot race on the field featuring Minnesota-themed characters Louie the Loon, Wanda the Walleye, Babe the Blue Ox, Skeeta the Mosquito, and Bullseye the Dog, the mascot of corporate sponsor Target. While it is disappointing to see the corporate image thrown in there, this is still a fun tradition that always excites fans. Neighborhood 4 Target Field is located in Downtown Minneapolis, in a complex that also includes the Target Center , home of the Minnesota Timberwolves. There are many options just on the other side of Interstate 394, including local favorites such as Pizza Luce, The Loon Café, and Dulono’s Sports Bar. There are many options here – you’ll certainly find something you like. Fans 3 When Stadium Journey visited on a Monday night, the stadium was just about half full, but even on a Saturday night, the Twins rarely draw more than 30,000, meaning there are about 10,000 empty seats in the stadium. (And that’s the official attendance, the actual turnstile count is likely lower.) Despite the Twins being in first place, they still don’t seem to be drawing particularly well. Part of that is because Minneapolis is a small market, but the Twins built an appropriately small stadium and still don’t come close to selling it out. Fortunately, the fans who do show up are passionate and loyal. From the moment you approach the stadium gate, you will be surrounded by fans wearing their Twins gear and getting ready to cheer on their beloved team. It’s just a shame there aren’t more of them. Access 3 Target Field is located in Downtown Minneapolis, which is a mixture of road work and light rail tracks that make it hard to drive around. If coming by light rail, the station is right outside the stadium, which is easy enough, but if coming from someplace that isn’t on the light rail, it can be significantly more challenging. Parking is available on several ramps near the stadium which are connected to the entrances by skyway. To those who don’t understand the unique Minnesota terms in the previous sentence, there are several parking garages near the stadium which are connected to the entrances by the elevated enclosed walkway which links the core of Downtown Minneapolis. There are signs directing you to the Ramps, but they will often stop functioning and leave you on your own to find your way. Prepaid parking ranges from $12 to $14. Be sure to scan your pass from your phone when you enter the garage rather than taking a ticket or you will have a lot of trouble when you get out and the gate does not recognize it. It can sometimes take a while to exit the garage but it will put you right on the highway and then you’ll be fine. As a modern stadium, Target Field has wide concourses and ample restrooms for the crowds. Lines at concession stands generally move quickly and you can save even more time by pre-ordering on the Ballpark app from your phone. Return on Investment 5 Like many teams, the Twins use dynamic ticket pricing, so the exact cost will vary by opponent. Weekday games against unattractive opponents early or late in the season start as low as $9. Even for a top-tier opponent, you should be able to get tickets for under $20 if you want. Upper-level seats behind home plate start at $33 on average, while good lower-level seats inside or near the bases can be had for as little as $49 for a typical game. As noted above, parking ranges from $12 to $14, and concessions are reasonably priced for a major league stadium, so a Twins game is a great value. Extras 5 There are many, many extras here but we can only give it five stars in this category. The Minnie and Paul sign and mascot race are both worthy of an extra star here. There are extras both inside and outside Gate 34, the main gate in right field. As you approach this gate, you will find Target Plaza, containing statues honoring Twins greats as well as a giant baseball glove. The glove is a popular photo opportunity and people love to sit or stand in it and take their pictures. Just keep in mind the glove can get hot on summer days. While those extras alone would be worthy of five stars, there is more. A model train is located on the outfield concourse, retired numbers hang in left field, and championship banners for the Twins, as well as the first incarnation of the Washington Senators that moved to Minnesota, fly in right-centerfield above the stands. Final Thoughts The difference between Target Field and the old Metrodome is like night and day. While the Twins previously played in one of the worst stadiums in Major League Baseball, they now play at one of the best. Just walking up and gaping at its gorgeous exterior, you get the sense that this place is different, and once you get inside, you will not be disappointed. From the Minnie and Paul sign to the unique concession items to all the other extras here, a trip to Target Field for a Twins game should be on every fan’s bucket list.

Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Desna Chernihiv Stadium st. Shevchenko 61 Chernihiv, 14027 Ukraine FC Desna Chernihiv website Desna Chernihiv Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 12,060 Football in Chernihiv Note: In the spring of 2022, the stadium was heavily damaged after Russian missiles struck the ground and was subsequently ransacked by looters. Efforts are underway to obtain funds for rebuilding. The city of Chernihiv in the north of Ukraine is celebrating some great days for its football team. Throughout its history, they have never known such a high level of success. As a result, the stadium lacks a lot in terms of facilities, but makes up for it with charm. Food & Beverage 4 The Yuri Gagarin Stadium offers a good mix of concessions for supporters. Be prepared to queue as they are very popular with visitors. However, located at each end of the main stand, the queue offers views of the pitch, so you do not have to miss any action. Take cash as the food vans cannot use cards yet. Plans are afoot, though. Hot food is available from the bbq, and the fryers, so take your pick. There are also cold snacks available to suit your taste. The local Obolon beer was available for purchase in the ground for a couple of dollars. Hot drinks are available until the boiled water has run out for less than a dollar. Try the barbecued meat for a couple of dollars. Very tasty and a unique offering in Ukraine. Atmosphere 2 Despite having seen better days, the Yuri Gagarin Stadium still manages to create a good atmosphere. Get ready for antiquated facilities but a brilliant view of all the pitch from this multi-purpose facility. Yes, there is an athletics track. The stadium has two stands that run either side of the pitch and go back around twenty rows. The seats in the centre of the stand are more expensive; however, you can easily view the whole pitch. The far side stand is in poor condition, with the supporters club and visiting fans being the only ones allowed over there. Giant Desna Chernihiv banners and security fences separate them as well. The food huts are located at either end of the main stand, with toilet facilities nearby. The stadium has very little in terms of entertainment away from the game itself. Most supporters gathered near the main gate before the game, enjoying the food facilities there. You have the option though to watch the pre-game warm-ups as well. Seating is only available to visitors on one side of the pitch. The sectors nearer the halfway line are more expensive. If visiting, check the weather beforehand as there is no roof, and you are open to the elements. Neighborhood 3 The Yuri Gagarin stadium is located to the south of the centre. It is in a residential district, so there are facilities available. However, it is better to take a public bus to the town. Dynoys Café, over the road from the stadium, is very popular with supporters, who want to get a drink or a quick bite to eat before kick-off. It is affordable but low on quality. It is preferable to eat before or after the game in one of the many downtown restaurants. Georgian restaurant ‘Buba’ and gastro pub ‘Robata’ sit in the main square around three kilometers from the ground, providing great people-watching vantage points. The city is off the tourist trap, but there is a pleasant park to walk through before the game. The central district also offers some pleasant churches to visit before the game. Chernihiv will have a second team in the professional leagues this season, so it is worth checking out if they are playing. The Presidentskyi and the Riverside Park Hotels are both located within a kilometer of the stadium. They are found in quite a picturesque location on the banks of the river Desna. In the centre of the city, you can find a Reikartz as well, which provides similar facilities as elsewhere in the country. Fans 4 Desna Chernihiv has some of the most loyal and loud supporters in the Ukrainian Premier League. Desna supporters turn out in larger numbers than usual for the league. The stadium was generally at 75% full but is packed for the visit of the big two. It is an impressive level and puts them in the top four of the league. With passionate fans on either side of the pitch, the stadium does make a lot of noise. The main singing section is not accessible for occasional supporters, but you can still get involved. The away fans also have their own area, which is always populated with fans. Access 3 Although located away from the center, the Yuri Gagarin stadium is very accessible for supporters. From the wide concourses to the good public transport access, it is an enjoyable trip. Several public buses run from the center along Shechenka Street towards the ground. Just jump off near the park, and you will be near the only entrance to the ground. Taxi’s drop supporters off outside the ground as well. The only problem with Chernihiv is that the train network doesn’t run in this part of the country, making access from Kyiv reliant on buses. Free parking places are in abundance around the ground. We recommend parking in the neighboring park, as it is relatively quiet and an easy escape after the game. As there is only one gate to enter, it is hard to get lost on a trip to Chernihiv. Security carries out body checks on the ground entrance, but it is nothing more than your typical procedure. Sadly, the toilets are not the most pleasant of experiences here. Plans are afoot to open a new facility for supporters, with more modern conveniences next season – we can only hope. The entrance to the ground is quite open, with plenty of space for people to move around. Supporters with mobility needs will need to take their place on the first row as the steps up into the stands are quite severe. Return on Investment 4 As a trip to the Premier League, the Chernihiv experience is a very affordable day out. It provides enjoyment to people of all ages, and the city is close enough to add to the trip. As with most stadia in Ukraine, five dollars will provide a visitor with a good experience. Ticket prices range between one or two dollars, while food and beverage start at a couple of dollars. For visitors, who want to purchase a memento of the day, the souvenir shop is close by, and t-shirts will only cost you an additional five dollars. As you can imagine, you can bring your own food for less money into the stadium. It is worth buying tickets higher up in the corners as you have a great vantage point for the game itself. Extras 1 It is possible to organize a tour of the venue beforehand, and the souvenir shop is easily accessible by the main gate before match time. Final Thoughts In terms of days out, Chernihiv is a fantastic city, close to Kyiv. The team is at a high point in its history, and it is a pleasure to be part of the experience.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome 1705 S San Francisco St Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks website J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 7,000 Elevation 7000 The Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks basketball team plays their home games at 42-year-old J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Arizona. The dome is a massive wood-span structure that covers 6.2 acres with the roof spanning more than 500 feet and rising 142 feet above the playing surface. Opened in 1977, it is used for NAU’s football, basketball, indoor track & field, as well as other sports and entertainment events. The Lumberjacks have played in the Big Sky Conference since 1970 and have appeared in two NCAA Tournaments (1998 and 2000). Food & Beverage 2 Two concession stands are open for basketball games; one on each side of the concourse with basic stadium food on offer for relatively decent prices. Choices include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels ($2.75 - $5.50) and two value meals – hot dog, popcorn, 16-oz Pepsi or BBQ sandwich, popcorn, 16-oz Pepsi for $6. Fountain Pepsi products run $3 - $3.75 with bottled water, hot chocolate, and coffer also served. Beer is only sold in the VIP section called True Blue Lounge located on the floor behind one of the baskets. Either value meal is the best bet, however, we recommend not eating at the dome but head downtown Flagstaff just a mile and a half away to find local places for refreshments. Atmosphere 2 While the Walkup Skydome is suited well for football, it falls short for basketball. The basketball court is placed in the middle of an indoor football surface. Only five seating sections are open for basketball games. The court only takes up ½ the football configuration and looks out of place and unimportant. Twenty-one inch-wide, blue-plastic, fold-down stadium seats with no cup holders make up the seating sections. Sit in section 113 to see logo right side up. Yellow seats spell out NAU but are centered for the football configuration; not the basketball. The sound system and video boards (one on each end) are the technological highlight of the venue with extremely crisp, clear videos and sound. No center hung video scoreboard is available and that suits this arena just fine. Marching band music is piped in when the Lumberjacks take the court. Some promotions are offered during timeouts and half time: kids run the court and shoot baskets, t-shirt tosses, and the like. A kid’s bounce house is inflated pregame and halftime but deflated during play. A humming noise (from lights? the electronics?) permeates the dome throughout the game which is distracting. Neighborhood 2 NAU is a pretty campus and when attending in the winter, you’ll see plenty of snow-capped mountains and pine trees. Downtown Flagstaff, just 1 – 2 miles away, is the place for dining and a beverage. Some recommended choices are: Pizzicletta (wood-fired pizza), Tourist Home All Day Café (breakfast/lunch), Proper Meats + Provisions (sandwiches), and a few blocks north Josephine's Modern American Bistro (New American). Flagstaff has several breweries: Dark Sky Brewing, Flagstaff Brewing, Mother Road, and Lumberyard are a few in the downtown area to enjoy before or after a game. Other things to visit when in Flagstaff include the Lowell Observatory or just visit the Historic Downtown and Railroad District . And, the Grand Canyon National Park is a little over an hour drive away. Other sports include the NAU football team, or take an hour and 15 min drive down to Prescott Valley and see the Northern Arizona Suns basketball (G League). If traveling from out of town, every kind of hotel chain in a variety of price ranges is available a mile or two from the university for a night’s sleep. Recommended choices include Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Flagstaff, and LaQuinta Inn & Suites Flagstaff. Plenty more are in the area. Fans 2 The arena is just too big for basketball. That includes the fan attendance and the court. In the last few years, attendance has averaged just around 1,000 fans per game. This makes attending a game at a venue that holds 7,000 pretty skimpy with not a whole lot of energy running through the stands. The fans in attendance do their best to support their team and stand and applaud and when appropriate and they should be commended. Access 4 Getting to and in and around the Walkup Dome is quite simple. The university is at the junction of I-40 and I-17 - right off I-17, with plenty of free parking just adjacent to the arena. The box office is located outside the east entrance (behind the Lumberjack statue) and opens a few minutes before the doors open. Flagstaff has a small airport about 5 miles out of town with services from Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix provided by United Airlines and American Airlines. Flights are limited. Mountain Link is the public bus transportation provider in Flagstaff with Maroon Route 10 servicing the university. It does not appear the service is available for returning from late weekend evening games. A clear bag policy is stated but wasn’t enforced during the visit of this review. Not sure if that’s the case for all basketball games. Once inside, the concourse is plenty wide for the fan base and steps down to the court have hand rails. Bathrooms are clean and serviceable. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices listed range from $8 (GA) to $12 (reserved and premium reserved) plus an additional $4 fee per ticket. This is not an extra fee when purchasing game day; just an extra fee imposed by Northern Arizona University. The pricing is misleading as it does not include the extra fee. So, single-game pricing is really $12 - $16. NAU students get in free. NAU has giveaways on some nights so this might increase the return on your sports dollar. Parking is free and concession prices are very reasonable. Extras 3 Be sure to get a photo taken with the Lumberjack statue outside the east entrance. Trophies and photos of all NAU athletics line portions of the concourse’s Hall of Fame and banners hang from the rafters of the arena. Walkup Skydome is one of the highest NCAA basketball courts in the US with an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level. Final Thoughts Flagstaff is a quintessential college town with plenty of outdoor activities, local entertainment, cultural events, bars, breweries, and restaurants. Visiting an NAU basketball game isn’t high on the list of things to do but, if in town during the winter and spring, perhaps a visit to the Walkup Skydome might be in order just to say you did.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Stadium 100 Institute Rd Worcester, MA 01609 WPI Engineers football website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened : 1914 Capacity : 2,000 Worcester Engineers Football   One of the oldest football programs in the country plays at tiny Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a school of just over 7,300 students. Founded in 1865, WPI was one of the first engineering and technical colleges in the United States. Today the school offers degrees in over 50 programs across several disciplines. WPI is consistently ranked as one of the top colleges in the nation.   After attempts to start association football (soccer) and rugby, WPI’s first American football team was fielded in 1882. By 1887 football was a varsity sport. Despite some early success by the team, WPI leadership refused to let the team enter a conference with other top small-college New England teams. Would WPI have been a member of the Ivy League if this alternate reality happened? We’ll never know. Today, the Engineers compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) alongside several other small but prestigious area colleges. WPI has won three conference titles and competed in one NCAA tournament (1991) and four bowl games.   The Engineers football, field hockey, soccer, and track and field teams play at Alumni Stadium, which is dedicated to honoring all the alumni who funded its construction. The playing field has been devoted to H. Carr and Sons, a local construction firm headed by WPI alumnus James Carr. Renowned architects the Olmsted Brothers were hired to design the facility. It debuted on November 14, 1914, with a 14-0 victory over the RPI Engineers.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small concession stand at the north end of the stadium, located at the entrance to the parking garage. A limited menu, including pizza slices, assorted snacks, and drinks, is sold here. On the plus side, no item costs more than four dollars. All proceeds raised by the snack bar benefit the other WPI athletic teams that work the stand.   Atmosphere 2   The atmosphere at a WPI football game is typical of what you will find at other small facilities in the area. This is a laid-back, reserved experience, one that is very appropriate for a school known for its engineering programs. Even though this is hardly a rowdy scene, all the elements are in place at Alumni Stadium.   The school’s pep band and cheerleading squad highlight the festivities, with the band providing all the music throughout the game. Those fans who arrive early might be surprised to hear that the music of choice blaring out of the speakers is metal. The sound system is of good quality, providing clear sound to the fans sitting in the bleachers. During the game, the PA announcer does his job in a workmanlike fashion. Over-the-top shenanigans just wouldn’t fit in here. A small scoreboard in the south end zone provides basic game information. Neighborhood 4   WPI is located on Boynton Hill and is self-contained and separated from the adjacent neighborhood. Institute Park borders the campus on the north side. Adjacent to the park are several notable restaurants, including Fix Burger Bar, Ralph’s Diner, and the Oak Barrel Tavern. Lodging options close to campus in the downtown area include Hampton Inn and Suites and Courtyard Worcester. The Worcester Art Museum and the Salisbury Mansion are located on the school’s campus.   Fans looking for dining or shopping options on the residential south side of campus can head to nearby Highland Avenue, where The Boynton and Sole Proprietor highlight the local offerings. Downtown Worcester and Shrewsbury Street, home of Worcester’s legendary “Restaurant Row,” are just over a mile from campus.   Fans looking for sporting options in Worcester can check out the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Railers or Polar Park, home of the AAA Red Sox. There are 14 colleges in and around the city, but Holy Cross is the city’s only Division One program. Among the facilities, there are Fitton Field and the Hart Recreation Center .   Fans 3   WPI draws impressive crowds to their games at Alumni Stadium, particularly when compared to other D-3 schools in the area. Announced crowds often surpass 1,500 fans. Stadium Journey attended the Engineers’ 2024 home opener on a beautiful September Friday night, with an announced crowd of 1,848 in attendance. This figure feels entirely accurate.   In addition to drawing a large number of locals and alumni, there is a very good turnout from the student body, many of whom gather on the large berm on the east side of the field. You can be certain to see a good number of opposing fans in the stands, as the Engineers’ schedule is filled with local squads. The only thing holding back this score is that this crowd is fairly quiet and restrained, despite the personal connections many of the fans have with the players on the field.   Access 3   Alumni Stadium is located on the western edge of the WPI campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including Harrington Auditorium . WPI sits atop Boynton Hill, just a short drive from downtown Worcester. Driving is the primary method to arrive at WPI, as Interstate 290, which bisects the city, runs just a mile from campus. Fans using public transportation can take Worcester Regional Transit Authority’s  31 or 825 busses, which both run along Park Avenue behind the stadium.   Parking is located on the north end of the facility in a garage underneath the Rooftop Fields Complex. The garage is more than large enough to handle a typical Engineer football crowd. If you wish to avoid the garage, there is on-street parking in the neighborhood. Strangely, also located in the parking garage is the concession stand and visiting locker room.   Be aware that there is a security check in effect before entering Alumni Stadium. Fans can bring in a sealed bottle of water, but bags are not allowed. All seating at Alumni Stadium consists of a large grandstand on the west side of the field. Metal bleachers without backs stretch virtually the entire length of the field, giving fans plenty of good vantagepoints. A standing room is available on either end of the grandstand. The large hill on the east side of the field is a popular place for students to hang out, particularly when there’s a large crowd in attendance.   Restrooms are located in the WPI Sports and Recreation Center in the northeast corner of the facility. The restrooms are far from the grandstand and are very small, so plan your trip there wisely. Also, when you leave the bathroom, you’ll need to go back through the security check in the parking garage to re-enter the game. I guess WPI security is concerned with fans stealing toilet paper from the bathrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to WPI football games are sold as general admission for five dollars. However, since you need to purchase the tickets online through Hometown Tickets, they end up costing $6.49. Parking in the garage adjacent to Alumni Stadium is free. No item at the concession stand costs more than four dollars. All in all, a trip to see the Engineers is a very affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 1   WPI is one of two colleges in the nation that has a goat for a mascot. Gompei the goat, named for Gompei Kuwada, a member of the class of 1893 and the school’s first goatherder, is immortalized in two statues on campus. One, of a charging goat, is located near the entrance to Alumni Stadium. The other statue, The Proud Goat, can often be seen wearing a sweater in the winter.   Photo Courtesy of Worcester Polytechnic Institute Final Thoughts   Many people fail to realize that Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England. There are 14 colleges located in and around the city. One of the most fabled of these institutions is Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Alumni Stadium has served as a solid home for the Engineers football team for over a century.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 North Charleston Coliseum 5001 Coliseum Dr North Charleston, SC 29418 South Carolina Stingrays website North Charleston Coliseum website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 13,000 Stingrays Sighted on South Carolina Coast The South Carolina Stingrays were founded in 1993. They are an affiliate of the Washington Capitals and the Hershey Bears. The Stingrays play in the Southern Division of the ECHL. They were the first professional hockey team in the state of South Carolina, and the oldest continuously operated ECHL team to remain in its founding city. Over the years the Stingrays have been regulars in the ECHL playoffs, as they won the Kelly Cup in 1997, 2001, 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2021. More than 30 Stingrays have gone on to play in the NHL. The home ice for the Stingrays is the North Charleston Coliseum. The Coliseum also opened in 1993. It seats 10,537 in its hockey configuration. The Coliseum is part of a complex that also includes a performing arts center and a convention center. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage offerings at the Coliseum are organized much like a food court at a mall. A wide variety of national brands are represented, as well as some local favorites. The food court has a large seating area that allows you to eat your food at a table, rather than trying to balance it in your lap at your seat. There are also individual concession stands around the concourse for those who want to get back to their seats ASAP. The foods offered at Stingray games are for the most part the arena standards of pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. Some of the more unique items offered are noodles, fried rice, funnel cakes, and booze pops. The Coliseum sells Pepsi brand soft drinks, as well as tea, craft beers, and wine. Friday night games are known as Frothy Fridays. Frothy Beard beer is only $5 on Friday nights. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 The Stingrays and the North Charleston Coliseum have partnered up to provide a better-than-average gameday experience for their fans. The ice surface features the very colorful blue and red Stingrays logo. Banners saluting the multiple Stingrays’ championship seasons hang from the rafters at the venue. The center-hung videoboard features replays of significant plays on the ice, updated game statistics, and information on upcoming events at the venue. The video board is also used for fan-based contests, kiss cams, and dance cams. Neighborhood 4 North Charleston is a bedroom suburb of Charleston, SC. It offers many shopping and dining options that can’t be found in Charleston due to narrow streets and strict Historic District regulations. It also provides free parking for the most part… something that is unheard of for the most part in Charleston. The closest accommodation to the North Charleston Coliseum is the Hyatt Place Charleston Airport. It is located next door to the Coliseum, just a two-minute walk from door to door. This saves you from paying the $10 parking fee charged by the Coliseum. The nearby Bonefish Grill is an excellent option for a pre or postgame meal. Rusty Bull Brewing Company provides an excellent option for those looking for a wide selection of craft beers. Two attractions you will want to check out in North Charleston are the Waterfront Park along the Cooper River and the Hunley Project. The Hunley was a Confederate submarine that was lost at sea during the Civil War. The submarine was recovered in 2000. The Hunley Project outlines the history of the Hunley during the Civil War and the long painstaking process of restoring the 150-year-old vessel.   Fans 4 The South Carolina Stingrays have built one of the largest fan bases in the ECHL. This is due partly to the long history of the team in the area. It is also due to the many retirees from the northern climates that have relocated to Charleston due to its warmer climates. They are well-versed in hockey from living in the north. A third source of fans is the many military personnel in the area. They also come from areas of the country with a strong hockey influence. The average attendance for home games is 7,447. The crowd is at its loudest on power plays and Stingray goals. You can expect to hear “(enter the name of opposing goalie)… you suck!” after a Stingrays goal. Stingray gear is very popular attire at games, and if you forgot your gear, the Reef shop at the Coliseum will be glad to help you. Stingrays’ mascot Cool Ray does a great job of keeping the fans energized throughout the game. Access 4 The North Charleston Coliseum is easily accessed from virtually anywhere along the Atlantic coastline. Directions from Downtown Charleston: Take I-26 West to Montague Avenue (Exit 213). Turn left on Montague. Follow Montague past International Boulevard. The Coliseum entrance will be on your right. From Savannah/ Hilton Head: Take I-95 North to Highway 17 North.  Take Hwy 17 North to I-526 East.  Take the Montague Avenue exit off I-526 East. At the end of the ramp turn right on Montague and the Coliseum will be on your left. From Myrtle Beach: Take Highway 17 South to I-526 West.  Follow I-526 to Montague Avenue and exit. Go straight to the base of the ramp. Turn left at Montague Avenue and the Coliseum will be on your left. Coliseum gates open one hour before the puck drop, leaving fans plenty of time to get something to eat or drink and find their seats.   Return on Investment 3 The Stingrays offer tickets at a wide variety of prices. 200-level seats are priced at $19-$26. Tickets at the 100 level of seating start at $27 for seats in the corners and behind the goals. The top pricing level is $36 for seats between the blue lines. Parking at the North Charleston Coliseum is $10 on game nights. Concessions prices are very reasonable by arena standards.   Extras 4 The Pink in the Rink fundraiser at the North Charleston Coliseum is one of the largest events of the year to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Funds raised go towards breast cancer research and programs that benefit breast cancer patients. The Fan Zam rides between periods are unique in that the Zambonis are specially rigged to carry multiple riders, rather than the usual one. The North Charleston Coliseum has hosted concerts by Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Hootie and the Blowfish, Brad Paisley, Mumford and Sons, and many more. It has also hosted both the Big South and Southern Conference basketball tournaments and two presidential debates. Final Thoughts The South Carolina Stingrays are a solid organization that brings many of the northern transplants to the Charleston area regularly to enjoy a night of great hockey. The North Charleston Coliseum is the longtime home for Stingrays hockey. It provides easy access to the major interstates in the Charleston area. With fellow ECHL members located close by in Savannah and Greenville , every game is a rivalry game.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 WACA Ground Nelson Cres East Perth WA 6004, Australia Perth Scorchers website WACA Ground website Year Opened: 1893 Capacity: 24,500 It’s a Scorcher at the Furnace The WACA Ground (Western Australian Cricket Association) is the home of cricket in Perth, Western Australia. Officially opened in 1893, the current capacity is 20,000. Despite such a long history, with the bulk of Australia’s population residing in the eastern states, the tyranny of distance meant a long wait until the WACA became a regular host of international cricket. The first test match to be played at the ground didn’t take place until 1970, marked by a century to Greg Chappell on debut. A new grandstand was opened to celebrate test cricket coming to Perth, originally known as the Test Stand, but later renamed after WA stalwart, John Inverarity. As with many of the other major cricket stadiums around Australia, the WACA has been used for numerous other sports; most notably as a previous home for AFL clubs the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, and also the now defunct NRL team, the Western Reds. With the new Perth Stadium scheduled to open in 2018, the WACA will be remodelled into a high performance cricket hub still capable of holding international fixtures, but the Scorchers, along with major internationals, will all move to the new venue. The Perth Scorchers, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. They have since experienced great success on the field, making the grand final in all but one of the five seasons to date, and winning two championships. The Scorchers regularly see capacity crowds at the WACA of 20,000 plus. Food & Beverage 4 The variety of the food available is one of the big surprises of a trip to the WACA, although the typically high prices will bring you back to reality. Nevertheless, there are some impressive options to be found. The burger selection is solid, with special mention going to the top-of-the-line beef, bacon and cheese burger ($13.50), and the pulled pork burger ($12.50). Also a stand out are the wood smoked hot dogs (from $10), which complement the more standard items such as hot chips, pies and sausage rolls. Additionally, there are a small section of sandwiches, wraps and sushi for those fans looking for a lighter option. Beverage wise, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available – again, fairly pricey with a beer costing a minimum of $7. Atmosphere 3 Being relatively small in capacity by modern standards makes the WACA an intimate, boutique venue. Various refurbishments over the years has seen the gradual addition of grandstand seating. In addition to the Inverarity Stand, spectators can also take advantage of the Prindiville Stand and Lillee-Marsh Stand. The remainder of seating is grass hills and tiered concourses at ground level. This writer may be somewhat of a traditionalist, and therefore find the naming of grandstands and other fixtures around the venue as a welcome nod to history and past greats. For example, there is also the “Barry Shepherd Entrance” at Gate 6. Shepherd not only played test cricket for Australia, but was also an outstanding junior footballer and later an administrator for the WACA. The playing surface itself at the WACA is world famous for the nature of the pitch conditions, traditionally being bouncy and quick. The stadium is branded as #TheFurnance for Scorchers games, and feels like a fortress. Neighborhood 4 The suburb of East Perth is nestled on the banks of the Swan River, a short distance from the main CBD. The surrounding area has plenty of great hotels, restaurants and cafes including The Royal (60 Royal St). The Perth area has a strong affinity with the water with the river and great beaches. In fact, just beyond the sprawling parklands of Kings Park is the Royal Perth Yacht Club (6 Australia II Dr, Crawley). Royal Perth was of course famously the challenger club who won the 1983 America’s Cup following 132 years in the hands of the New York Yacht Club, and subsequently staged the 1987 defense off Fremantle. There are many locales within the metropolitan area worth exploring; Fremantle is a must, along with the glorious beachside communities of Cottesloe and Scarborough. There are several other major sporting venues in Perth, namely, Domain Stadium (AFL – West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers) and nib Stadium (Rugby – Western Force, and Soccer – Perth Glory). Soccer is a summer sport in Australia so check both the Big Bash and A-League schedules if you’re travelling to town for any doubleheader opportunities. Fans 4 The WACA may be a small ground, but the fans duly pack it out every game and are as passionate about their team as any other BBL franchise. There are plenty of families in attendance, and the crowd is largely a sea of orange. Unlike other teams around the country, fans show up early and are raring to go by the time play gets underway. Access 3 There are several reasonable options to get to and from the ground on game day. The City of Perth operates several paid parking stations well within walking distance. Check https://www.cityofperthparking.com.au for details. Rates are very reasonable when compared to other major cities around the country. For public transport check the website at http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au to plan your journey. Note that there are several free bus services from the CBD to the ground. Trains are an option but the station at East Perth is around a 2km walk. One of the nicer points about walking into the precinct is the scenery, and many fans were soaking up the atmosphere while strolling through the Queen’s Garden as they approached from the west. Once inside the stadium, it is not as easy to move around and the stadium somewhat becomes a victim of its age and lack of development over the years. Access to upper levels is by stairs, seating rows are long and narrow, and bathrooms are dated. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $20. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. As always, all BBL teams tend to offer a good experience for families, and are a sensational way to take the youngsters to experience the fun of a night out at the cricket. Extras 3 Extra points for: #TheFurnace – excellent marketing to blend with the team branding and to liven up an otherwise bland stadium name If you only attend one game, make it the New Year’s Day game Free sunscreen! Final Thoughts While it’s not the most modern stadium going around, the experience is excellent. See the Scorchers at #TheFurnace before the new Perth Stadium opens across the beautiful Swan River.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Sonny Pittaro Field 2083 Lawrenceville Rd Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Rider Broncs website Sonny Pittaro Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,000 Take a Ride(r) to Sonny Pittaro Field Sonny Pittaro Field is the baseball home of the Broncs of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The stadium opened in 2005, and is named after longtime Rider coach Sonny Pittaro, who retired the year before after leading the team to nine NCA Tournament appearances. The stadium is located at the back of Rider's campus, surrounded by several other fields, including Ben Cohen Field , home to the Broncs' softball, field hockey, and lacrosse teams, as well as the softball field, tennis courts, and track & field complex. Pittaro Field was briefly home to the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League in 2021 due to ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toronto Blue Jays were forced to relocate to Sahlen Field in Buffalo due to border closures, forcing the Buffalo Bisons to relocate to the Thunder's stadium in Trenton. With no place else to go, the Thunder played their home games on Rider's campus until the Canadian border reopened and everyone returned to their normal home. However, in terms of both player and fan amenities, the field is nowhere near the level of other Draft League ballparks, all of which were affiliated minor league stadiums until the contraction of 2020. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are sold at Sonny Pittaro Field, but fans are welcome to bring their own with the exception of alcohol and sunflower seeds. There is a drink machine on site that appears to sell bottled water and soft drinks, but it was not functioning when we visited. Atmosphere 2 There are several places at Sonny Pittaro Field to watch a game from. Chairbacks and bleachers surround the area behind home plate, although the bucket seats are quite narrow with limited legroom. These seats are all behind netting due to their proximity to the field, but it doesn't obstruct the view too much. There are additional bleachers further up the field, outside the dugouts, which are not behind netting. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore as well. This is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played during some breaks in the action, and the PA announcer can be loud at times, almost as if he is yelling into the microphone. There is little going on here besides the game. Baseball purists will enjoy that, while others may get bored quickly. Neighborhood 3 As Sonny Pittaro is located towards the back of the Rider campus, there is not much else to do in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head back to the main road, you will find several places to eat, hang out, and more. Varsity Pizza is a short drive away and sells great pizza by the slice or as whole pies. The Tastee Sub Shop also seems popular. If you drive about ten minutes into Trenton, you will find many more options as well. Fans 3 Rider typically draws a couple hundred fans a game. Some of these are friends and family of the players, while others are locals who have been coming to games for years and have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the team and its history. Some former Rider baseball players still turn up for games, and Sonny Pittaro himself has been known to make an occasional appearance at the ballpark that bears his name. The fans can get loud at times, but are mostly subdued during the game. This is typical of northeastern college baseball. As the MAAC covers a small geographic footprint, there will often be a good number of fans of the visiting team as well. Rider fans mostly sit up the first base line, while visiting fans sit up the third base line, as that is where the respective dugouts are. Oddly enough, few fans choose to sit in the bucket seats behind home plate even though those are the only proper seats in the stadium - the rest are uncomfortable metal bleachers. Access 3 Sonny Pittaro and the Rider University campus are accessible via I-295 (formerly I-95 until a few years ago when the designation changed to resolve the infamous gap in the latter.) There are signs directing you to the field once you get on campus if you do not have a GPS. There is a spacious lot in between Pittaro Field and Ben Cohen Field that fans can park in. It is highly unlikely this lot will ever fill up given the small crowds baseball attracts. Even if there are events elsewhere on campus, people attending those will likely not park in the stadium lot as it would be quite inconvenient for them to access the rest of campus. There are no real restrooms on site but there are a few port-a-potties down the first base line. Players use these too, so you may have to yield to them on occasion. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to Sonny Pittaro Field, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. Parking is free as well. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the signage and murals on the outfield walls and dugout honoring Rider baseball history, as well as longtime coaches Sonny Pittaro and Tom Petroff. Final Thoughts Sonny Pittaro Field is a typical northeastern college baseball stadium. While the Broncs certainly have loyal and knowledgeable fans, they don't have too many of them. A visit here is a chance to take in a free baseball game and learn a good deal about the team from the others in attendance, which is always a nice bonus. While it may not be the fanciest stadium, Sonny Pittaro Field is an enjoyable place to spend a spring afternoon watching baseball.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ronken Field at Karras Park 2501 S Grange Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57105 Sioux Falls Sunfish website Ronken Field website Year Opened: 1992 Renovated: 2013 Capacity: 500 Sioux Falls Sunfish In 2021, the Expedition League expanded into the Sioux Falls, South Dakota market and the Sioux Falls Sunfish were born. They play their home at Ronken Field at Karras Park, which is also the home of the 2018 NCAA Division-II Champion Augustana University Vikings. The sunfish, or bluegill, is a popular panfish throughout the Sioux Falls region and all of South Dakota, hence the team name. Food & Beverage 3 The food menu is fairly limited at Karras Park. The main concession is actually outside the park gate down the first baseline. Their menu contains pulled pork nachos ($6), a quarter pound hot dog ($4), and pizza slices for $3. Popcorn and candy are also available. Bottled water and soda are $3 and Monster energy drinks are $4. This concession stand building is also where the stadium restrooms are located. There’s also a Taco Cart underneath the stands to the first base side of home plate. They sell walking tacos for $6 and this is also where the beer is sold in the stadium. Most cans of beer are $5 for 16 ounces (Budweiser, Busch Light, White Claw and Bud Light Seltzers). They also have a couple 12 ounce craft beer cans from nearby Remedy Brewing Company for $6 (I’d recommend the Queen Bee Imperial Honey Crème Ale if it’s available). Atmosphere 2 There wasn’t much of a crowd on the night I visited. Roughly 75 people. I’m told that the crowds are around a hundred on the weekends. The team is still getting word out of the team to the locals. They’re also having trouble getting some promotions. They were denied fireworks nights because they’re in a residential area and, the college won’t let them have Bark in the Park Nights where people can bring their dogs. Most of the seating is right behind home plate. There is one row of stadium-style seats followed by a few rows of wooden bleacher seats. The bleachers appear to be fairly new. The problem is, there’s no shade. If the sun is out, you’re in it. There are also some metal bleachers down the first baseline past the dugout. Two little patio table with chairs are also situated right to the left of home plate and provide an interesting field-level view of the game. They’re right on top of the action, but again, the sun is a factor. The scoreboard in right centerfield is a basic score/runs/hits/errors/outs/batter number scoreboard. The playing field is all turf on the infield but switches to grass in the outfield. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located on the campus of Augustana University. While there is parking nearby, there’s nothing really within walking distance of the stadium. Downtown Sioux Falls is a couple miles north. There are plenty of local restaurants downtown to suit your taste. I personally had a delicious Shepherd’s Pie at The Blarney Stone Pub. The major tourist attraction in Sioux Falls is Falls Park where you can see the actual waterfalls that the city is named for. It’s a short, 10-minute drive from the stadium. Sioux Falls is a fairly decent sized city so there are plenty of hotel and motel options in town. I tend to stay as cheaply as possible and I found the Econo Lodge for right around $60. Fans 2 I’d love to give the fans a higher grade, but there just weren’t many there. The Sunfish haven’t really caught on in the area yet. The ones who were there were into the game for the most part, but I’d estimate only about half the crowd stuck around until the end of the game on the night I was there (again, the sun on a warm night could be a factor). Access 3 The park is fairly easy to get to. It’s located just north of I-229 which stems off of I-29 and I-80. The physical address of the park is 2501 S Grange Ave. There is a free parking lot that is also used for the nearby football field and the gymnasium. In the unlikely event that the lot is full, there is some nearby street parking available. From the lot, you’ll walk down the third base side of the field, and that’s where the ticket gate is. All seats are $8. Return on Investment 3 There aren’t a lot of frills to Karras Park, but for a reasonable price of $8, you can watch college baseball players put on a good show. The beer prices are also quite reasonable for a baseball game. Extras 0 It’s baseball and nothing more. If it’s sunny, you’ll get to work on your tan. Final Thoughts The Expedition League added three new teams for the 2021 season. They’re trying to expand and add several more. Sioux Falls is currently the largest city in the league’s footprint, but the fans just haven’t caught on yet. There is also competition from the Sioux Falls Canaries of the independent American Association. Hopefully, the attendance will improve and the team can stick around.