Photos by Anluan Hennigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 St Andrew’s 78 St. Andrews Road Birmingham, England B9 4RL Birmingham City website St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 30,079 I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues St Andrews, home of Championship League club Birmingham City, has had a tumultuous existence. It first became the residence of ” The Blue” in the early 20th century when the club, formed by a group of cricketers, outgrew its previous home. At one time holding up to 75,000 spectators (in the era of terraced seating); it is now one of the more modest top-level grounds. During World War Two, St Andrews suffered horrific bombardment from German forces, eventually hit on 20 occasions. In many ways, it feels like the place is still recovering. Prominence and success gave way to malaise and dilapidation. However, the arrival of owners David Gold and David Sullivan coincided with a long-overdue redevelopment of the ground in the nineties. In 1994, €10m was invested in the development of the Kop and Tilton stands, with fans taking home debris as souvenirs. The new Railway Stand followed five years later. Despite this work, a clamor still exists for further improvement. A brand-new, 55,000-capacity stadium has long been mooted. As of yet, it is far from coming to fruition. Food & Beverage 3 There are various kiosks located throughout the grounds. An indistinguishable pie and drink can be purchased for a fair price which is in line with most Championship League grounds. Fans can also enjoy a selection of burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian dishes, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The black pudding and pork sausage with grilled onions and mushrooms on a brioche bun are not your normal football grounds food items. Also bear in mind that alcohol can’t be taken into the arena. Even roaming the concourse is forbidden, with strict white lines illustrating where you can and can’t go. Atmosphere 2 In many cases, the game drives the atmosphere. In this case, the game was arthritic with, unfortunately for the home fans, the away side in the ascendancy. The main source of virility was frustration at the lack of potency from Birmingham and some entertaining, if unimaginative, bating of the opposition. If you want to experience St Andrews at full pelt, then a trip to see the blood and thunder spectacle of the Second City derby between Birmingham and Aston Villa is recommended. The stadium features four stands: Spion Kop Stand, The Main Stand, Gil Merrick Stand, and the Tilton Road Stand. Away supporters enter through the Gil Merrick Stand and The Main Stand offers both the Cookhouse and Family section. The best spot for the atmosphere is in the Tilton Road Stand but some seats feature an obstructed view. Neighborhood 3 Only a goal kick from the city centre, St Andrews is right in the heart of the action. This is ostensibly a blessing and a curse. Situated in the Small Heath area, the ground is right next to Digbeth, a place that is not worth lingering in for extended periods. Birmingham is a city of tremendous light and shade however and the marvelous Bull Ring shopping area is only a mile or so away. It dominates the city and is one of the most architecturally shocking things you will see anywhere. There you will also find all manner of culinary options to fill the void that the ground creates. It may not always be pretty, but Birmingham is second only to London in size so there will always be things to do. Fans 3 An undoubtedly hearty lot was eventually worn down amid an insipid match and a most unsatisfying conclusion. The poor play was met with redoubtable chants of “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Wembley” an allusion to Birmingham’s upcoming involvement in the League Cup final. It has given Blues fans good cheer in an otherwise perilous season, with relegation a prevalent prospect. That sense of uneasiness is pervasive on the ground and amongst the fans. Access 3 Once in such a large city, the options available to you are myriad. Train travelers will need to find their way to Birmingham Moor Street station and mount services going to Bordesley. There are numerous buses which stop near the ground also. All in all, however, there is no simpler method than walking. Simply follow the hoards of blue-shirted fans walking up Digbeth and you can’t fail to arrive at the ground. From the Bull Ring, the walk is no more than a mile/20 minutes. If you want to risk getting there in your car, do bear in mind that the queues will be horrendous, so give yourself as much time as possible. Several auxiliary car parks are usually available next to the ground for between €5 and €10. Plenty of time should be allowed for entering the ground also, as I found to my cost on this night. The turnstiles can be particularly cramped and slow-moving, and by the time I had got into the ground, I had missed the first goal. The most pleasing aspect was the lack of queuing in the concourses. It was remarkably easy to get food and drink instead of the usual survival of the fittest experiment. Return on Investment 4 Birmingham must be commended for its ticket structure which offers almost unparalleled concessions. While adult tickets are around the average for Championship League grounds (€30-€40 for a game against one of the top clubs), student tickets are half-price, while children can get in for even less. Subsequently, St Andrews is a particularly attractive option for families. Couple this with the fact you are visiting one of the largest and most eventful cities in England, and a trip to St Andrew's is more than worth your while. Extras 3 One corner of the ground is dominated by a big screen which is a valuable and informative resource, offering replays of near misses, major incidents, and goals. It is something other Premier League grounds greatly lack. Little else is offered to further the match-day experience. Stadium tours are available throughout the year if you wish to delve deeper into the eventful history of the club.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Rivets Stadium 4503 Interstate Blvd Loves Park, IL 61111 Map It Rockford Rivets website Rivets Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 3,279 A Riveting Good Time in Rockford The Rockford Rivets are a team in the Northwoods League, a wooden bat collegiate baseball league. They joined the league in 2016. The name Rivets is tied to the city’s manufacturing history. Baseball has been played in Rockford since 1871, with the Rockford Rox being the main moniker until 1949. Other teams such as the Rockford Expos, Royals, Cubbies, and Reds played in the city. The Rockford Riverhawks of the Frontier League played ten years (2002 – 2012) in town. Rockford is well known for being the home of the Rockford Peaches, a professional woman’s baseball team in the 1940’s and 50’s. The Rivets play their home games at the comfortable Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, IL which opened in 2006. The stadium hosts Rockford University Regents baseball in the spring. It also holds concerts and superregional baseball tournaments. Food & Beverage 3 The Rockford Rivets sell the traditional stadium fare. Prices for hot dogs, brats, and burgers range from $3 – $5.50. Corn dog and chicken nugget baskets and walking tacos cost $8.75. Snacks run $3.50 – $10 and feature funnel cakes, cheese curds and funnel cake sundaes. Other choices are cotton candy, deep fried chips, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, pretzels, etc. Bottled soda and water cost $3.50. A concessions bar is on the third base concourse and sells cans of beer and mixed drinks ($8). Domestic beer is $6 while Milwaukee-based Broken Bat Brewery beer is $7. Atmosphere 3 Visiting a game at Rivets Stadium is low-key and more about the game than other ancillary goings-on seen at many Northwoods League stadiums. Seating is all on one level and fans enter the seating area from the top of the pleasantly wide concourse. All chairs are the blue stadium fold down type with cup holders. Some VIP seats with tables and cushioned chairs are along the concourse. Rivets Stadium Table and Chairs, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A party patio is down the first baseline in right field. A covered picnic pavilion is down the third baseline. Except for the picnic pavilion, the seats are not covered. Bring sunscreen and/or a poncho or umbrella, depending on weather. Sit behind home plate (sections 100 – 106) if you don’t pay attention or are afraid of getting hit by a foul ball. Otherwise, all seat sections are net free. The press box is in a small building behind home plate along the concourse. The game day staff thankfully does not play the music loudly and it is only played between players and half innings. Not between each pitch. Sweet! The field comprises gorgeous, thick natural grass and real dirt. The bullpens are on the field down each baseline. The player locker rooms are down the first base concourse. Kids and autograph seekers may be able to get autographs there before the game. Players walk across part of the concourse to get to the field. Watch out for yellow jackets. Starting lineups are posted on a white but don’t believe them. We recommend not filling out your scoresheet beforehand but waiting till the announcer calls it. At the game of this review the scoreboard didn’t work. Storms had knocked out the power earlier and the Rivets organization was unable to restore the scoreboard before the start of the game. When working, it shows the line score, player information, and advertisements. Neighborhood 3 Rivet Stadium is northeast of Rockford, in Loves Park, IL about 10 miles from downtown Rockford. While there’s not much within a mile of the stadium, several restaurants and fast food places are a little over two miles. Check out AERO Ale House (American Bar and Grill in a comfortable environment), Waffle Shop Family Restaurant, or Rock Pho’d (yummy Asian). Three hotels are a tad over a mile from the stadium: Home2Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Quality Inn & Suites. While Rockford is not next door, there is plenty to do in the city if visiting for a Rivets game. Visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens for a serene outdoor stroll. A trip to the Midway Village Museum offers historic exhibits of Rockford and a Victorian village tour. Be sure to visit the Home of the Rockford Peaches where the winningest women’s professional baseball team played from 1943 – 1954. Rockford Peaches, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Be sure to visit the MiLB Beloit Sky Carp just a 20-min drive north. The two closest Northwoods League teams are the Madison Mallards and the Kenosha Kingfish , both 70 miles away. In the winter, check out an exciting Rockford IceHogs minor league ice hockey game. Fans 2 The Rockford Rivets have the traditional mix of fans attending games: families, kids, young adults looking for a night out, and retirees. The season ticket base is small but loyal. The 2022 season saw an average of 874 fans in attendance per game, putting them in the lower portion of Northwoods League attendance. Access 4 The stadium is right off Interstate 90 with plenty of free paved parking on site. Rockford provides bus service to the nearby (.4 miles) Costco but the schedule looks like the transit service stops running before an evening game ends, so that is not a viable option to/from a game. The closest commercial airport is in Madison WI (MSN), though you’d get more choices if flying into Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Milwaukee (MKE). All three are an hour to 1 ½ hour drive (depending on traffic) to Rivets Stadium. A grand gate entrance greets fans. The gates open an hour before first pitch. The organization does not have any silly bag rules. The stadium has a nice, wide concourse where fans can walk easily and without congestion. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is on the concourse on top of the seating area. Fans cannot walk the entire circumference as the outfield is blocked. Serviceable restrooms are on the first base concourse. Note: If driving south from Wisconsin to Rivets Stadium, get gas in Wisconsin as prices in that state are significantly less costly than in Illinois. Return on Investment 3 All seats are $12 regardless of where they are. The organization holds promotion days several times during the season where all seats are $3. Parking is free and concession prices are about the same as other Northwoods League ballparks. It’s an enjoyable evening at the ballpark and certainly worth your sports entertainment budget. Extras 3 A few items are worth noting (or noting again). Not found very often anymore is net free baseball. watching a game NOT behind a net is becoming rarer and rarer. Not everyone will agree, but I (not necessarily Stadium Journey) consider this a bonus. The team having $3 admission nights is an excellent and affordable way to bring fans into the stadium and watch the Rivets. Players who made it to the MLB are posted along concourse facing, a nice touch exhibiting the prominence of the Northwoods League. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for all kinds of contests and activities between innings and constant blaring music, this is not the stadium for you. If you want to sit back and actually enjoy the game, this is the spot.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Municipal Stadium 274 E Memorial Blvd Hagerstown, MD 21740 Year Opened: 1931 Year Demolished: 2022 Capacity: 4,600 History in Hagerstown Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown is a classic baseball stadium that has seen its share of history. Opened in 1931, the facility has seen many great players of the past play the game here including Hack Wilson, Lefty Grove, Willie Mays, and Jim Palmer as well as current major league players such as Bryce Harper. In various leagues, teams such as the Hubs, Owls, Braves, and Packets played to the local crowds up until 1955. Numerous Negro League teams also played at Municipal Stadium over the years. In 1981, baseball returned in the form of the High A Level Carolina League and the Hagerstown Suns, who were affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles. In 1989 the Orioles moved their Carolina League to nearby Frederick, Maryland. Hagerstown then spent four seasons as the AA affiliate of the Orioles until that team moved to another new stadium in Bowie, MD. The city was never without baseball as the Toronto Blue Jays moved their Myrtle Beach, SC-based team to the Hub City. The franchise was a low A level, South Atlantic League team. The Blue Jays affiliation was also somewhat awkward at the time as the nearby Orioles were in a heated rivalry with the Canadian MLB team. The Giants and the Mets also were the Suns Major League affiliate at times in the early 2000s, also at the South Atlantic League level. But once again, none of these affiliations seemed to suit the local flavor. A move from Hagerstown seems inevitable. The team tried to move to the Fredericksburg, VA numerous times although funding and planning issues got in the way. It seems unlikely that Municipal Stadium can last. Hopefully organized baseball, either as the current Suns, or in some other form stays at this historic field. Food & Beverage 4 Food choices are not large in variety, with two basic food stands and a couple additional stands. But what is offered is cheap in price and of high quality. The Jersey Mike sub for $5 is a bargain with a meal deal for $3 more that includes chips, offering another value. Pretzels and sodas are $3. The BBQ Nacho that includes pulled pork, bbq, and cheese, will fill you up for $7. A pulled pork BBQ sandwich is also available. Beer and cider are sold at a couple of stands. The best place for beer is the Beer Garden down the left field line. Prices are decent, with beer starting at $6, but in a large glass. Atmosphere 4 This is an old stadium. There is no doubt about that. It does not have the bells and whistles of stadiums built in recent years. It does not even have the features of a stadium built in the 1950s such as the Reading Fightin Phils FirstEnergy Stadium . That Reading park is the goal for an older facility, such as Municipal Stadium, to strive for. Older can still be good. The atmosphere is still very good at a Suns game. If you’re a true baseball fan you will enjoy your experience here. The casual fan will also enjoy the extras such as good food and some fun diversions for the kids. There is also a good variety of seating choices. The covered grandstands offer relatively new individual seats with cup holders. There are also simple but renovated grandstands down both baselines, with a special Field Suite on the right field line that is angled for better viewing. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located close to downtown Hagerstown, but you may not even realize it. The ballpark is isolated from the town and feels like it is essentially in a residential area. There is a bar called Stadium Grill and Tavern located directly behind the stadium that can offer some pre and postgame meals. Also, make sure to stop by local used bookstore Wonder Book and Video located at 607 Dual Highway. They have been named one of the best used bookstores by USA Today. You may find yourself lost in their stacks for hours. Lodging options are varied. While there are some nearby hotels on Dual Highway, you may find it better to stay at a hotel such as Springhill Suites Hagerstown located in the Valley Mall parking lot. Fans 4 The fans in the grandstand, as well as those who stand during the entire game behind the dugout, are true hardcore baseball fans. You may never see a fan base that spends more time with their scorecards than you will see here in Hagerstown. They know and understand the game of baseball. The crowd can also get pretty loud. They are into the game and will root when needed and jeer when they need to jeer as well. A casual fan spending time on their cell phone will look like the odd man out here. It is a refreshing change when compared to fans at many modern stadiums who are not always actively engaged with the game action. Access 4 Although seemingly locked away in a housing neighborhood, Municipal Stadium is fairly easy to access. Signs will quickly direct you off of I-70 to Route 40 (Dual Highway) and then to Eastern Boulevard which takes you quickly to the parking lot. Parking is free and should be no problem for even the most crowded game. Be wary of parking too close to the first base grandstand as your car will be in a prime foul ball zone. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are a bargain at $9 for general admission and $12 for VIP. The Suns offer many other packages, special dates, group incentives that can make a game be an even greater value. With the free parking and the convenience of the stadium access, the baseball fan will find no better value around. Extras 3 The stadium is dripping with history. Knowing that Willie Mays took his first professional swings here is not to be forgotten, let alone the fact that Jim Palmer pitched from that mound. Or the fact that legendary teams of the Negro League such as the Indianapolis Clowns, Homestead Grays or the Pittsburgh Crawfords played games here. The plaques of the history of the stadium that are placed around the concourse drive that sense of history home even more. The nicely placed Beer Garden is a nice extra that allows a fan to enjoy a beverage and still see the game. The new seats in the covered grandstand take an old stadium and add some needed modern luxury. There is not a bad seat in the house. And now most of them are actually comfortable seats as well. One should also look at the sloped outfield. One of the reasons that major league baseball is not happy with this facility is this unusual “feature.” As a fan, baseball is all about the uniqueness and diversity of baseball fields. That feature, although unintentional, is certainly unique. Final Thoughts If you love the nostalgic history of baseball, then a game at Hagerstown should not be missed. The major leagues may want to move away from using Municipal Stadium as a home for organized baseball, but as a fan, you will love the true baseball experience on display here.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr Inglewood, CA 90301 Art of Sport LA Bowl website SoFi Stadium website Year Opened:  2020 Capacity:  70,240 The Art of Bowling Now in its 4th season since its inception, the LA Bowl has been hosted by late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and currently hosted by four time Super Bowl Champion Rob Gronkowski. It features teams from a current or Pac-12 legacy school and the Mountain West Conference. The annual bowl game is held at SoFi Stadium, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers .  Prior winners of the LA Bowl: 2021 Utah State 24-13 over Oregon State 2022 Fresno State 29-6 over Washington State 2023 UCLA 35-22 over Boise State Food & Beverage 4 The variety of food and beverages are vast, offering your usual stadium basics from hot dogs, burgers, soft pretzels to your basic boxed candy and bagged Frito Lays chips. Soda offerings are provided by Pepsi products  Domestic beer offerings from Modelo and Michelob are available as well as a vast choice of premium cocktails such as those from Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Crown Royal. Local favorites such as chicken/carne asada vampiros tacos, chicken/carne asada papa asadas and L.A. Street Dogs are offered. Other featured eats available range from pastrami dips to chopped cheese as well as kosher options offering the standard Kosher Dog, roast beef sandwich and turkey sandwich.  An LA Bowl exclusive provided by The Grill Dads   of The Food Network is The Gronk Smash, a smash burger named after the game’s host Rob Gronkowski.  Atmosphere 3 LA Bowl - Pride of the California Cal Band, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The fun starts from the time the gates open as fans can partake in the pregame fanfest at the American Airlines Plaza where fans of both schools are revved up by the marching bands and spirit squads of both schools. Once inside the actual seating bowl the mood is somewhat muted due to the sparse crowd inside a huge NFL venue. This is to be expected when attending a lower tiered bowl. Neighborhood 3 SoFi Stadium Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Aside from being the neighbors to the Kia Forum and the newly opened Intuit Dome the surrounding area does not offer much in regards to pre or postgame activities. Along Century or Manchester Blvd you may find your usual chains such as McDonalds, Jack in the Box or Starbucks but not much else. Cosm Los Angeles  is also close by offering a high tech viewing experience of major sporting events giving fans the feel of being at a live event.  Fans 3 LA Bowl - The Star of Nevada UNLV Band, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey For a lower-tiered bowl game played before the Christmas holiday the fan turnout is what you would expect. Don’t expect much hoopla from either side that you would see from a major bowl or CFP (College Football Payoff) game. The percentage of fans representing each school are even with the most die-hard of these fans excited for the opportunity of attending any bowl game. Access 4 Due to its status as a lower tier bowl, getting around the venue should not be too difficult. However this being Los Angeles, depending what part of the L.A. area you will be arriving from, you will still want to allow yourself some extra time when driving out to SoFi Stadium. The major streets around SoFi, Century and Manchester Boulevards, both lead to either the 110 or 405 freeways while Prairie Avenue leads you to the 105 Freeway.  Because of the anticipated sparse crowd, only the first three levels are open, making navigating the seating bowl easier in spite of the venues massive size.  Parking is also plentiful however no pregame activities are permitted for this event.  Return on Investment 4 The nice thing about a lower tiered bowl game is the reasonable prices. Tickets for this game start as low as $31 with the most expensive being $275. Because only the first three levels are open, no matter your seating location you will never be far from the action. The reasonable affordability of this event should leave you some extra change should you want to explore the L.A. area and other sports and entertainment venues during your stay.   Extras 3 Aside from the pregame hoopla at the fan plaza, don't expect too many other bells and whistles throughout the game; this is the general expectation for a game like this. Fans looking to purchase gameday souvenirs can make their purchases at the various pop up stands located throughout each concourse rather than the main flagship store that is closed for this particular game.  Throughout the game fans are treated to holiday tunes as well as trivia contests involving both schools and L.A. themed landmarks giving fans a chance to guess the famous L.A. venue that is displayed on the stadium’s massive halo video board. Final Thoughts The Art of Sport LA Bowl is a good budget-friendly postseason bowl game for fans wanting to witness a bowl game in a major venue without putting a deeper hole in their pockets. If attending the LA Bowl, you can expect to be close to the action regardless of where your seat location is.  Catching one of these under-the-radar bowl games could also allow an opportunity to witness some under-the-radar talent as well who just may be on their way toward a nice Sunday payday.  2024 LA Bowl Champions - UNLV Rebels, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wilson Field 202 Martin Court Dr Davidson, NC 28036 Davidson Wildcats website Wilson Field website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 700 Wilson’s Wildcats Most people who are familiar with Davidson College know them for their success on the hardwood. Davidson basketball has made a name for itself on the national stage over the last few years, led mainly by Stephen Curry’s magical run a few years ago. The Wildcats have maintained that momentum, making themselves perennial NCAA Tournament participants. Davidson baseball has not experienced the same success as their hoops brethren, but they still put a competitive product on the field each season. The Wildcats call Wilson Field their home, and this on-campus facility recently celebrated 45 years of service. The ballpark, named for Davidson graduate and multi-sport star T. Henry Wilson, Jr., got its start in March 1967, though under a different name (Wildcat Park). Though Wilson Field’s age is certainly evident if you look hard enough, it provides a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in which to take in a game. Food & Beverage 4 It is not likely that the Food Network will ever visit a Davidson game to partake in their unique delicacies, but you certainly won’t go hungry at Wilson Field. There are several hot options from which to choose, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers ($4 for a single, $6 for a double), hot dogs ($2) and chicken sandwiches ($4). One item of note is that there is a grill just outside the concession stand, on which the burgers and dogs are cooked. It is highly unusual to see a grill at this level of baseball, so that is a nice touch. Additional snack options include candy ($1), popcorn ($1), Blow Pops ($.25), gum ($.05) and sunflower seeds ($1). Sunflower seeds and baseball seem to go hand-in-hand, so this is a good item to add to the menu. Coca-Cola products are available at the lone stand behind the third base dugout, with Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite for $1 each. If you prefer drinks of the non-carbonated variety, Gatorade is $2, with water available for $1. Coffee and hot chocolate are also $1 each. These were both popular selections on the rather cool day I visited Wilson Field, and they will help keep you warm early in the season. There is also one special note about Wilson Field’s concessions. All of the proceeds go to the Davidson volleyball team, and team members staff the stands. It is great to see teams supporting each other at the college level, particularly in sports where money is at a premium. Atmosphere 3 The real draw to Wilson Field is what you see on the outside of the park. The park is directly in the center of campus, surrounded by residences on one side and athletic facilities on another. As you approach the park, there is a staircase up to the park, with an arched entryway. The campus is beautiful, and the exterior of Wilson Field is an appropriate fit. The fixed seating in the park is all bleachers, and as is usually the case with bleachers, gets a bit uncomfortable after a while. If you take a cushion along, though, the seats are decently roomy — as bleachers go, anyway. The fixed seats behind the plate start to feel a bit like watching baseball in a cage after a while, though, as the backstop is topped by an excessively high net. If a less obscured view is what you desire, bring a lawn chair and head down the third base line. There is a wooded walkway where a number of fans tend to stand or sit and watch the game. The bonus of this area is that it is shaded, which is nice once it starts getting warm in North Carolina. There is not much inside the park to distract you from the experience of just watching baseball. A standard musical soundtrack plays between innings, and there are no cartoonish sound effects or overdone radio voices to be heard. The scoreboard is even quite utilitarian, offering just a basic “Guests” and “Home” linescore listing (a “Wildcats” tag may be good here), along with the number of the current batter, ball/strike/out counts and a hit or error indicator. The scoreboard can be a bit difficult to see during afternoon games, as the sun shines directly on the board. Neighborhood 4 Davidson is a small northern suburb of Charlotte, and there is a certain small-town feel throughout the area. There are a number of parks and walking areas within a short distance of the campus — assuming, of course, that you want to walk somewhere other than the scenic campus. There are also a number of dining options nearby, a lot of which are chronicled in our review of Richardson Stadium , Davidson’s football facility. North Carolina micro-chain Char Grill is between the campus and North Carolina Interstate 77, offering char-grilled burgers, fries, milkshakes and a number of additional post-game choices. Lake Norman is minutes from the campus, and in most cases, if you are attending a Davidson game, it is warm enough to go boating or get on your jet ski after the final pitch. If you would prefer to stay on the shore, there are fine restaurants near the lake for your evening meal. The communities of Huntersville and Mooresville are also within minutes, and center-city Charlotte or the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord are only 20 minutes away. Fans 2 A decent amount of fans attend Davidson games, and a lot of them come out wearing their Wildcat gear. The only issue with the fans is that there is not a lot of noise going on during the course of the game. At times, the stands were eerily quiet on the day I visited in early 2013. Wilson Field only seats 700 fans, so one should never expect ear-splitting sound, but the feeling much of the time is as though someone pressed the mute button on the crowd. There is a group of students that sits on the hill behind the right field fence, and they are somewhat rowdy. There is also a sign in front of their seating area that says “Welcome to Right Field,” along with another that sports a bullseye. Unfortunately, if you want to hear these fans, you will most likely need to venture out near where they are seated. They are in safe heckling distance of the right fielder, but are not easily heard elsewhere. Access 3 There is good and bad to the parking situation at Wilson Field. The good is that parking is free, which is always a nice touch. The bad is that there is very little parking nearby, leading to a potentially confusing situation. There is one very small lot in front of the stadium, and it is both usually full and highly susceptible to foul balls. Several cars were plunked with foul balls on the day I visited, much to the delight of the kids in the stands. The better suggestion is to park along the road near the campus golf center. This will result in a considerably longer walk, but will save you both the aggravation of looking for a parking place and the dollars on your comprehensive insurance deductible. If the golf center is not in use after the game, you can walk across the course to return to your car. Keep in mind, however, that the parking is in the grass, so this may be a problem if it starts raining. Davidson is served by Charlotte International Airport (CLT), which is approximately 25 miles southwest of the campus. Interstate 77 is less than 10 minutes away from the campus, serving cities to the north and south of Davidson. US Highway 21 and North Carolina Highways 73, 115 and 150 are also located within minutes. The bathrooms inside the park are reasonably small, but they are adequate to serve the crowds that usually attend Davidson games. The facilities are reasonably clean and appropriately maintained. Return on Investment 5 Davidson offers one of the best perks possible: free admission. No ticket is required. All you need to do is walk through the gate and pick a seat. This alone is enough to provide a tremendous return on investment. Because of the free admission and parking, you can get into the game, get a hot dog and soda and park your car for $3. It seems virtually impossible to see a Division I baseball game, eat and park for $3. You can, however, accomplish all of this in a day at Davidson. Extras 3 Free stat sheets are available in a bin along the front row of the bleachers at Wildcat games. This is not a program, per se, but it does provide you with the statistics of the home and visiting players. This, in conjunction with your smartphone (wi-fi is intermittently available) should give you all the information you require. The walk from your car will likely lead you by the Davidson indoor practice facility. The facility, located down the first base line, features a number of indoor batting cages, and provides plenty of room for Davidson’s players to take some swings between innings or anytime the weather outside prevents them from hitting on the field. The facility is extremely attractive for a school Davidson’s size, and if you can take a glance inside, it is recommended to do so. A dedication plaque rests at the entrance to Wilson Field. This plaque honors T. Henry Wilson, Jr., for whom the field is named. The plaque is mounted atop a brick column, and lists the date of dedication (March 19, 2005). Final Thoughts There are not many of the trappings of some of the so-called “cathedrals” at Wilson Field. The baseball experience is very straightforward, and is almost akin to a throwback when baseball was just baseball, and not dizzy bat races, kiss cams and wacky mascots. For those who like baseball — just baseball — and the warm North Carolina sunshine, Wilson Field is certainly worth a visit.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex 414 Deacon Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Carolina Thunderbirds Website Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,000 Federal in Flight The Federal Prospects Hockey League is an independent professional league composed of 10 teams scattered across the Eastern seaboard. In 2017, the Carolina Thunderbirds joined the fray as an expansion franchise in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Named after a former ECHL team that played in Winston, the Thunderbirds have made their nest at the city’s Fairgrounds Annex. Completed in 1989, the Annex has hosted hockey on and off since its inception, staging teams in various independent and affiliated leagues. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, the Annex has some amazing food options. You'll find a variety of items in the main lobby, including hot coffee, Orangeade, popcorn, Dippin' Dots, shaved ice, many different types of beers, and even fresh pork skins. Polish sausage is the one fairly unique option and is available for $7. There's also a Farm Made Ice Cream stand that scoops out rotating flavors into a cup or cone for $5. Labatt Blue Beer and Bud Light are the primary alcoholic beverages on tap, but a local brewery called Fiddlin' Fish also has a stand where they offer up some of their craft beer. The national beers are available for $7.50 in cans or bottles. Pepsi is served throughout the complex. You can even grab some Chick-fil-A at the rink, as popular menu selections such as the Original Chicken Sandwich are available for $6.25. Atmosphere 3 "The prescription" is prevalent at the Fairgrounds, as it is in most hockey arenas in the South, meaning you'll be hearing more cowbell all night long. You’ll also likely hear the Thunderbirds' goal horn a lot; it sounds similar to a loud diesel engine, echoing throughout the rink. Overall, most of the game day atmosphere is created by the fans in the stands. The environment that the Thunderbirds organization tries to create just seems stale. The PA announcer is more casual than at most arenas, acting more like a radio broadcaster than anything else. The music played during stoppages in play appears to be picked at random and is generally poorly timed, ending a dozen seconds or so after puck drop. If these small annoyances can be ignored, you’ll have a great time watching quality hockey. The Fairgrounds Annex itself is a decent barn with an overtly ‘80s feel. The building resembles a local skating rink and the aging facility looks like it belongs at a middle school. The main concourse in particular appears to have not changed since it was built in 1989. If the Thunderbirds, as a winning franchise on the ice, want to remain in Winston-Salem long-term, the Annex might need some upgrades. Neighborhood 2 The Annex is located in an athletic complex that’s home to three of Wake Forest University’s stadiums. Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum , home to Demon Deacons basketball, is next door. BB&T Field , Wake’s football venue, is diagonally from the Annex, while Couch Ballpark , home to the Deacs’ baseball program, is right across the road. Outside of the athletic facilities nearby, there isn’t anything in the area worth seeing. In fact, the surrounding neighborhoods are fairly run-down. Anything of interest is going to be several miles away in either downtown Winston-Salem or the suburban retail spots. Fans 4 The Thunderbirds have produced a very good brand of hockey since joining the league, culminating in a Commissioner's Cup win during the 2018-19 season. In addition to being crowned champions of the league, Carolina also set a lofty league record of 24 consecutive wins that season. This success has translated to the gate, where the T-Birds have set multiple single-game and single-season attendance records. The team continues to pack The Annex each home game, resulting in an electric game day atmosphere. In addition to horns and cowbells, fans in Winston were quick to adopt the famous “you suck!” chants made popular by some NHL fan bases. All told, a night at the Fairgrounds is going to be crowded and LOUD. Access 4 The Fairgrounds Annex is located near the athletic facilities of Wake Forest University on Deacon Boulevard just north of downtown Winston-Salem. The city is reachable from the east and west off of Interstate 40 and its business spur, though the latter has been closed in many spots for construction. Avoid this road if you can. Interstate 74 is also expected to pass through the area once it's completed in the near future. US-52 is the proposed path of I-74 and will likely be your main pathway to the Fairgrounds if you’re coming from the north or south. There’s ample parking in the massive lots next to the Annex and the adjoining LJVM Coliseum. For the 2019-20 season, parking is free. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Thunderbirds home games start at $9. They can be purchased in advance on Ticketmaster, but you’ll wind up forking over another $6 in fees. Your best bet is to just get your tickets on game day at the box office to avoid extra charges. Parking is free and the food items at The Annex are fairly priced. Game programs are $5, which is pretty steep for an independent hockey team. If you’re not a program collector, skip them entirely. A family of four could easily enjoy a hockey night in Winston for around $80. Extras 3 The Annex has a little merchandise stand in the corner of the main lobby, a nice touch. The hallways of the concourse are also adorned with Winston-Salem hockey history, dating as far back as the sport’s beginnings in the region in 1973. Finally, the team’s mascot (appropriately named Winston) is frequently seen roaming the concourse and stands. Final Thoughts While The Annex isn’t the most desirable place to watch a game, the product on display each and every night outweighs the venue’s shortcomings. If you like hockey, you’ll like hockey in Winston-Salem.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Fort William Gardens 901 Miles St Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1J9 Lakehead Thunderwolves website Fort William Gardens website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity : 4,680 The Only Game in Town There is no Ontario university that is more isolated than Lakehead University. Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the northwest shore of Lake Superior, Lakehead is 700 km by land from the closest competitor in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), the Ontario conference in U-Sports. It is a wonder that a university so isolated from its competition is able to field athletic teams, however, the Lakehead Thunderwolves are a force to be reckoned with, especially in hockey. The Lakehead hockey program dates back to 1964 with a tumultuous existence most of the time playing schools from Manitoba. The team, known as the Norwesters would fold in 1985. The Thunderwolves were established in 2001 and have a fairly unique structure. The hockey team is not run by the university itself, but is part of a partnership between Lakehead University and the Lakehead Thunderwolves Varsity Hockey Corporation, a nonprofit organization. There are a few other situations like this in U-Sports, namely Laval Rouge et Or, Regina Rams and Carleton Ravens football. The organization of the Thunderwolves offers a unique relationship between the university and private sector. It can’t be lost that this situation is further advanced by the status of Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey as the premier sporting event in Thunder Bay. Lakehead is a small university with approximately 7,800 students in Thunder Bay, a city of approximately 108,000. The Thunderwolves enjoy the premier attention of Thunder Bay as there is little to no local competition for the sporting dollar. Major junior hockey and minor league hockey have no real presence in Thunder Bay and the Thunderwolves enjoy not only the attention of Thunder Bay residents, but the attention of the Thunder Bay media as well, something many other U-Sports programs would kill for. With consistently the strongest attendance figures in the OUA, the Thunderwolves’ hard work was rewarded with the 2006 Queen’s Cup as OUA champions. Home for the Thunderwolves is Fort William Gardens. A local arena with a capacity of 4,680, the Gardens is large for OUA hockey, but also serves as the main arena for all of Thunder Bay. Built in 1951, the city owned Gardens have undergone a number of facelifts over the years and did an excellent job hosting the University Cup to crown the Canadian National Champions in 2009 and 2010. A trip to see the Thunderwolves when in Thunder Bay is THE thing to do and provides a unique experience in Canadian university sports. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at the Fort William Gardens are better than you would expect for OUA hockey, but are not over the top compared to other professional or junior hockey venues. Standard concession options include hot dogs ($3.7 5), popcorn ($3.50), chips, candy and chocolate bars. All concessions come in under the $5 mark. As far as soft drink options go, Pepsi products are available in either bottle ($2.75) or fountain ($2.50) form. Unlike many OUA hockey venues, alcoholic beverages are available at the Gardens. The Outpost, the Lakehead student bar, has a presence in the Gardens and offers Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Budweiser or Thunder Bay’s own Sleeping Giant beer ($3/$4). The concessions at Fort William Gardens would normally warrant a lower score, however the opportunity to find a local craft beer at an OUA venue is very unique and bumps the score up a smidge. Atmosphere 4 Being the only game in town, the Fort William Gardens is a great place to watch hockey with a nod to the historic. The exterior of the Gardens is unique in and of itself. Definitely showing it’s age, the Gardens features red, white and green siding covering what is definitely a barn-like structure. The main entrance can be found on Miles Street. Upon entry, fans are immediately greeted by a seat from Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, which sets the tone for the feel of the arena. The concourses are covered in blue and white, and it is clear that the main tenant is Lakehead. Team pictures can be found in the concourses and give the arena a bit more life. Inside the seating bowl fans will notice the simple score clock hanging above centre-ice. Nothing fancy, but it does the trick. Also hanging above the arena fans will notice a banner honouring the 2002-2003 Division Championship, in only their second year back as well as a banner honouring the 2006 Queen’s Cup Championship team. The ice-surface is oriented from north to south and the seating bowl is an eclectic mix of the old and new. The seats have all been upgraded over the years to standard, plastic arena seats that are comfortable. The more modern amenities continue with press box and alumni box, another unique feature for OUA hockey. The modern standards are contrasted with the classic architecture with barn-like, triangular wooden ceiling with wood beams which have all been painted a classic, Northern Ontario white. The feeling of hockey history and community can not be missed upon entering the Gardens. The gameday production is about what you would expect from a team in this league. The expected promotions can be found throughout the game, including chuck-a-puck, and Wolfy, the Lakehead mascot, has a presence both on and off of the ice. Neighbourhood 3 Fort William Gardens is located a solid five kilometers south of the Lakehead University Campus. There are a couple of pre and post game spots to find something to eat or drink near the Fort William Gardens. Just across Miles Street fans will find Excuria, a decent spot to grab a drink. The cocktails are known across the city of Thunder Bay. Another option fans may want to consider is Man Vs. Meat, which is a block south of the Gardens on Victoria Ave. The best burgers and sandwiches in town can be found here. Thunder Bay is generally viewed as an outdoor recreational community and golf, skiing, fishing and snowmobiling are all popular at various times during the year. Fort William Historical Park and Mount McKay are destinations fans may consider. As far as other sporting options go, the best idea is probably to head to the Lakehead University Campus to catch some Thunderwolves basketball at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse. Fans who are looking to stay in Thunder Bay will want to try the Valhalla Inn. It is Northwest Ontario’s largest hotel and is a 10 minute drive to the arena and close to the airport. The Holiday Inn may also be a consideration. Fans 5 There are no fans in OUA hockey quite like Lakehead fans. Lakehead does enjoy being the only game in town are rewarded with the most ardent and true fans in all of U-Sports hockey. Lakehead has consistently lead the OUA in attendance, most of the time hovering around the 3,000 fan mark. In a conference where the strong majority of programs measure the number of fans per game in the hundreds rather than thousands, Lakehead is head and shoulders above the rest. It is a point of pride for the Thunderwolves and their fans that they top the league in attendance as it is plastered all over various articles and promotional materials on the Thunderwolves website. Lakehead fans are a microcosm of the people of Thunder Bay. Lakehead fans are tough. They are tough on the players, coaches and referees, while showing any visitor that they are a long, long way from home. Lakehead fans are loud, proud and intelligent and give the home team a home ice advantage unlike any other in U-Sports hockey. Access 2 Fort William Gardens is located south of the Lakehead campus, not far from the waterfront. It is a fair distance east of Highway 61 and southeast of the Trans-Canada Highway. Getting to the Gardens can be challenging as travellers will have to traverse through Thunder Bay to a fairly residential area. Parking for Lakehead games can be very difficult. Although the arena lot is free, it is totally inadequate for the number of fans in attendance. Parking on local streets or other surface lots force fans to search hard for spots to park their cars. Public transit is available in front of the Gardens. Buses run every fifteen minutes and may be the way to go to get to the Thunderwolves game. Check out the Thunder Bay City Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. The main ticketing windows are large and lines move quickly. Seats are reserved, which is also unique for the conference. Getting around the arena is no problem at all. Concourses are surprisingly wide considering the age of the facility. Washroom facilities are adequate to handle the crowds that the Gardens see. Return on Investment 5 OUA hockey continues to provide a top notch return on investment. Thunderwolves tickets go for $13 and students and children are $8. This may be on the expensive side for OUA hockey, but it is not that far out of line from other programs. Concession prices are what is to be expected and parking, if you can find it, will be free. Combine that with the opportunity to take in high quality hockey in a community that loves university hockey like no other, and at a historic venue and fans will not be disappointed the Lakehead Thunderwolves. This is a true Northern Ontario hockey experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique university and private sector partnership that has brought the Thunderwolves to life and helped them rise to one of the premier hockey programs in the country. An extra mark for the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout. On the outskirts of Thunder Bay, Canadian icon Terry Fox was forced to end his 1980 Marathon of Hope where he had run across Canada to raise money for Cancer research. Terry ran on an amputated leg and completed 5,373 kilometres in 143 days. He was forced to end his run as cancer had returned to his body and would eventually take his life. The Marathon of Hope continues to this day and Canadians have raised over $600 million, eclipsing the $1.7 million Fox earned in his initial trek. An extra mark for the most unique Lakehead statistic. In their final season in the Great Plains Conference, the Lakehead Norwesters made it to the playoffs with an 0-24 record. Brandon University was suspended for making illegal payments to athletes paving the way for Lakehead’s entry. Final Thoughts If there is a bucket list item in Canadian university athletics, a trip to Thunder Bay to take in the Lakehead Thunderwolves might just be it. A totally unique experience, visiting fans will get a full Northern Ontario experience in the best university hockey atmosphere in the country. Sure the Thunderwolves benefit from being the only game in town, but it can’t be a coincidence that other leagues are a little shy to attempt to take up residence at the Fort William Gardens and compete with the Thunderwolves. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Damaschke Field 15 James Georgeson Ave Oneonta, NY 13820 Oneonta Outlaws website Damaschke Field website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 3,700 Plenty of Baseball at Damaschke Field They have been playing baseball on the Damaschke Field site since 1905 when it was known as Elm Park. A few famous people such as Babe Ruth and Roger Hornsby played baseball on the diamond during the early part of the 20th century. In 1938, the current grandstand was erected–some accounts list it as 1939 or 1940–and renamed Neahwa Field. Semi-pro and professional ball were played at the stadium along with a few exhibition games from time to time. In 1968, the facility was renamed Damaschke Field in honor of the local sports, coach, referee, and city Recreation Commissioner for more than 30 years. “Dutch” even threw out the first pitch of the season At the time the stadium was home to the Oneonta Yankees who would play an amazing 31 seasons in town until 1998. The field witnessed future hall of fame action as John Elway batted .318 during 42 games for the Yanks in 1982 as he contemplated a career in baseball after refusing to sign with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Tigers established a farm team that would operate until 2009, one of the many upstate New York towns to lose minor league baseball during this time. When the O-Tigers left for Dodd Field in Norwich, Connecticut, a collegiate ball club was quickly established for the following season. The New York Collegiate Baseball League expansion Oneonta Outlaws debuted in 2010 and captured two championship titles in 2011 and 2013. The Outlaws would jump to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League in 2016 and continue to make the 3,700-seat stadium an intimate baseball experience during the summer months. Food & Beverage 4 The first thing that one notices is the large grill that is cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken spiedies (a favorite regional dish that as one person told would not be summer without them). They are favorably priced and offer a few selections that are not always available at your other ballparks. Veggie burgers, popcorn chicken, and sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions are all a bargain in the $3.50-$5 range, so is that chicken spiedie on a sub roll at $5.50? The ballpark staple hot dog is a great price at $2.50 and one can enjoy nachos and peanuts for $3.50 each. Beer is served at a concession stand near the front entrance and features six different taps. Ithaca Brewing Company is the lone local craft beer on draft, but the options of Shipyard IPA, Heineken, Dundee, Bud Light, and Shocktop Wheat offer more than enough choices for $5 a serving. Another bonus is that a poker chip is given for each drink to lure fans to free tastings at the nearby Rail Benders in downtown Oneonta. Atmosphere 3 If this is what the NYPL was like at one time, then much has changed in the league. The ballpark is small but features a very elegant and simple arch-gated entrance. The stadium consists of a tiny covered grandstand and two sets of elongated bleachers down each baseline. There is also old-fashion box seating that makes up the reserved seating and provides a place to stretch out during the game. This place could do wonders for those who are stressed out in life as everyday worries take a back seat to the baseball game. The staff is rather friendly. Greeters meet you at the gated entrance and welcome you. The folks selling concessions wave hello and you are not too far from assistance with seating or your tickets. One can even say that you are right home at Damaschke Field. Where else are you going to learn about the park’s history or the best place to eat in town? The ballpark features a simple electronic scoreboard and gorgeous views of tree-covered hills in the background. On a perfect day, the skies could be magical to look at. I would suggest grabbing a reserved seat for $5, kicking back against one of the box seat railings, and enjoying the ballgame. If you are lucky, you may even catch a foul ball. It would be nice to see a little more history of Oneonta baseball somewhere inside the stadium. There have been a few great ball players that have gotten their jerseys dirty sliding into home. Don Mattingly, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, and two-time Super Bowl champion John Elway were all Oneonta stars at one time. The Outlaws themselves have won two championships since arriving in 2010. This creates a great presence, photo opportunities, bragging rights, and conversation starters. Neighborhood 3 Downtown is full of great places to eat and drink. The small picturesque downtown is worth a visit and the hardest thing to do is find the best place to eat as there are too many of them from which to choose. I would suggest eating at one of these fine establishments first and then having a drink after the game at Rail Benders on Main Street. Brooks House of Barbecue was mentioned by more than one person during my travels in the area. I normally stay away from barbecue joints in this part of the country, but this place challenges any misconceptions. The Depot is known for its burgers, pizza, and wings (they even bottle their wing sauce and have a website devoted to their garbage wings). The Farmhouse Restaurant is another popular choice for fine dining and a great atmosphere. Last, but not least, is Rail Benders (who also serves beer at the game). They have been voted one of the best bars in the area. They have 16 beers on tap and some good pub food. Fans 3 I am not sure what to say at times about the fans at the game, especially in a small little town like Oneonta. I have the feeling that they are mostly out to enjoy the summer months at a place that has been a part of their lives for a very long time. They have a stadium that may have changed in terms of the league of the team, but not in terms of anything else. With that in mind, they are no different from the countless other fans who attend ballgames across North America. The ballpark is the venue for the community to get together. Ask any of the longtime fans, and you are bound to hear a good story. Access 4 Directions to Damaschke Field are visible once you exit the interstate and signage guides you through downtown right to the stadium. If you are arriving from the eastern portion of I-88, the ballpark is found within minutes. When arriving from the west, you are taken through downtown Oneonta, which then gives you a great glimpse of the village. There is plenty of parking on a paved lot at the ballpark and it is free. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are a bargain at $5 for adult general admission and $8 for reserved seating. Seniors, military, and students get in for only $3. The parking is free, concessions have reasonable prices, and merchandise is plentiful and eye-catching at the concession booth. Extras 2 Oneonta is only 30 minutes away from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and makes for a great stopover for your journeys in the area. It is great to see that Damaschke Field is still able to host baseball and its size and location are ideal for collegiate summer wood bat baseball. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours during the summer months. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of St. Bonaventure Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fred Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field 3261 W State St St Bonaventure, NY 14778 St. Bonaventure Bonnies website Fred Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 500 Earth and Turf Fred Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field is home of the St. Bonaventure NCAA Division I baseball team. The original McGraw-Jennings Field dates back to October 1958, and is named after the first ever coaches at St. Bonaventure: John J. McGraw and Hugh Jennings. McGraw and Jennings were respected professional baseball players who are members of the Hall of Fame and they started the first baseball team in 1894. The team was known as the St. Bonaventure ‘Brown Indians’ until 1992 when they changed to the nickname ‘Bonnies.’ The Bonnies have played in the Atlantic 10 conference since 1984, and they won the conference Tournament back in 2004. The current Fred Handler Park is named for longtime Bonnies baseball coach, Fred Handler. The field was converted from natural grass to state-of-the art Sport Turf XP in 2006. This new green turf field is accentuated by views of the Enchanted Mountains in the background. The Buffalo News recognizes this stadium as one of the Top 10 most beautiful settings to watch a baseball game in the State of New York. Despite the beautiful setting, the remainder of the experience is average, due to the lack of amenities at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are served at the stadium, however there are many restaurants and bars in the nearby towns of Allegheny and Olean. If you want something to snack on during the game, or something to drink, then bring your own. Atmosphere 4 St. Bonaventure fans are recognized as some of the best in the Atlantic 10 as hundreds of students, faculty and locals flock to the hillside seating, IF the weather is good. This is a big IF, because the spring in Western New York can be cold and wet. In 1979, only 12 of the 24 scheduled games were played due to a very rainy season. In 1972, the Allegheny River flooded the entire field and since then, the town has prohibited building any seating or structures on the site. There is no official capacity at Fred Handler Park because there are no seats. You would be wise to pack your own chair to bring with you to the ballpark. On a nice day, they draw about 500 fans who sit on the hill along the third baseline. The complex includes an elevated press box behind home plate, and a radio tent for broadcasting the games on local radio ESPN 1450. Dimensions are 330 feet down the left and right field lines, 367 foot power alleys, and 403 feet to center field. There is a small scoreboard in right field, and in left field banners are displayed for the 2004 Atlantic 10 Championship and NCAA Regional tournament appearance. The view from the spectators hill faces southwest into the setting sun, so make sure you bring your sunglasses and a hat with you. Neighborhood 4 St. Bonaventure is located in the town of Allegheny which has a few decent student bars and restaurants within walking distance of the campus. I would recommend Randy’s Up the River for wings and beer. You may also want to visit The Burton, which is more of a student bar. There is a Country Inn and Suites Hotel being constructed across the street from campus which should be open by 2016 baseball season. Another good option is the nearby Hampton Inn in Olean. The better restaurants and hotels are in the town of Olean about three miles east of campus. Restaurant recommendations include Beef’n’Barrel, and Tasta Pizza. Fans 4 On a nice day, the Bonnies draw about 500 fans who sit on the hill along the third baseline. Loud music is played between innings and the students dance along. The locals park their trucks facing the field and tailgate while they watch the game. People are told to park at their own risk as several foul balls narrowly missed these vehicles during my most recent visit. Access 4 The ballpark is very accessible to campus, and about three miles from the town of Olean. There is plenty of free parking, and since fans don’t pay admission to watch the games, there are no lines or gates. Just park and wander over to the hill to watch baseball. There are no restrooms at the ballpark, but you can walk to Reilly Center across the street to use the restrooms there. The Reilly Center is also where the baseball team locker rooms are located. Return on Investment 5 There is no fee for tickets or parking, and people generally bring their own food, so there is no real cost to seeing a Bonnies game other than the gas it takes you to get to the ball field. Extras 3 One extra point for the Atlantic 10 championship banner located in left field. Another extra point for the amazing view of the Enchanted Mountains. One final extra point for the nearby Tim Horton’s location – a great stop for a cup of coffee on cold day.

Photos by Dylan McLean, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Riverside Arena 500 Fourth Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 Austin Bruins website Riverside Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,500 Friday Night Lights in Austin No, this isn’t another piece highlighting the fanfare of high school football in Texas. The sport here is Tier II Junior hockey, and this “Austin” can be found about 1,000 miles north of the one in Texas.  Austin, MN is home to the Austin Bruins of the NAHL, a league whose rapid growth in recent years will see its number of member clubs grow to 35 in the Fall of 2024. The Bruins debuted as an NAHL expansion team in the 2010-2011 season, playing games out of Riverside Arena in downtown Austin, which they share with the local High School and youth hockey teams.  Junior hockey in Austin dates to the 1970s when the Austin Mavericks of the MidjHL (and later, the USHL) also called Riverside Arena home. Food & Beverage 3 Riverside Arena has one concession stand run by the Austin Youth Hockey Association, and it has the traditional hockey arena fare and prices that one would expect.  Along with assorted candies, the concession stand sells hot dogs, brats, pretzels, and even ramen, all priced at $3.50 or less.  The few “higher end” items available are $4.50 pizza slices, walking tacos for $5, and for those with a bigger appetite and open to spending a few more bucks, Loaded Nachos sell for $7.  Non-alcoholic beverage options include Coca-Cola products, coffee, tea, cappuccino, and bottled water, along with the one beverage required by any facility that dares to call it a Hockey Arena , Hot Chocolate. One thing that’s not available when the local Peewees are on the ice but is for sale during Bruins games, is alcoholic beverages.  In addition to tap beer for $4, Bruins fans looking to imbibe can also purchase a glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon for $4, in addition to several choices of “hard” canned beverages such as Beast and Carbliss.  Lastly, for those who want to ensure their cup stays filled for the duration of the game, 10 packs of Fireball or a Dr. McGillicuddy’s Variety pack, are on the menu for $35 each.  Despite having a relatively standard hockey arena menu (other than the alcoholic drinks), Bruins fans seem eager to eat it up, literally.  Despite the staff doing a good job filling orders and keeping people moving, there remains a line at the concession stand throughout nearly the entire game. Atmosphere 5 During my visit, this is the area where Austin shined, giving their team a big home-ice advantage. The game I attended was on a Friday night, and although I arrived in plenty of time for puck drop, I found the arena parking lot already full which was a good sign right off the bat. Riverside Arena is a classic hockey barn like many found throughout Minnesota, and due to the fan support and the in-game production put on by the Bruins, it feels like you’ve entered the heartbeat of the town. There’s little doubt that Bruins games are happening in Austin, as witnessed by a capacity crowd of fans filling the stands on both sides of the ice.  At game time the lights dropped and a light show, complete with a disco ball, commenced to welcome the Bruins to the ice.  With Kid Rock’s Bawitdaba blaring through the P.A., the team hit the ice, bringing their flag-waving Bruins fans to their feet.  A nice touch followed soon after when a local youth “Player of the Game” skated out with the players as the starting lineup was announced.  A large video board, as good as any found in a D1 hockey arena, hangs above one end of the ice showing highlights and advertisements between periods.  Young kids and teens roam the arena throughout the game, stopping to cheer whenever the Bruins score, while the diehard hockey fans rarely leave their seats. The effort the Bruins organization has put into creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for their fans has made NAHL hockey a must-see event in Austin. Neighborhood 4 Riverside Arena lies right in the middle of Austin’s downtown commercial district, adjacent to the Cedar River. Like the town itself, the arena’s neighborhood is as clean and safe as you’d expect in a small Minnesota farm community.  For postgame festivities, there are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the arena, and if that’s not your thing you can always check out the Hormel Museum (home of SPAM) only a few blocks away.   Fans 4 The arena is packed with fans on both sides of the rink, and they are fully engaged with the action on the ice throughout the game.  Being Minnesota, it isn’t surprising to find a very knowledgeable fan base that understands the nuances of hockey, and when both cheers and boos are appropriate.  I found that Bruins fans not only knew the players, often calling them out by first name while cheering them on, but they also knew each other. Several times I overheard fans discussing “last game” or specific players, making it obvious that they were regulars at Bruins games. The only minor annoyance I encounter comes from the cellphone-wielding teens whose habit of roaming the stands during play occasionally blocks the view.  With the game being a social event for them though, I don’t mind. I am happy just to see that many teenagers attending a game live and in person.  Overall, the fans are plentiful, engaged with the game, and well-behaved.   Access 4 From the Twin Cities, take I-35 southbound to Owatonna where you'll exit onto U.S. Hwy14 heading east.  After 2.9 miles take the ramp to U.S. Hwy. 218 heading southbound.  Take 218 S for 30 miles into Austin and turn left onto Oakland Ave. W, and continue for 0.2 miles as Oakland becomes 1st Ave. SW.  Turn left onto 1st St. SE. then turn right onto Oakland Ave. E, drive for 0.2 miles and turn left onto 4th St. NE, and the arena is 0.1 miles straight ahead.  The arena offers free parking in its sizeable lot, with on-street parking also available at no charge.  Return on Investment 5 With single-game tickets costing only $7 and the quality of the game on the ice, attending a Bruins game is possible on most people’s budgets, and is well worth the investment. . Extras 3 If you’re a hockey fan or if you’ve spent time in a hockey arena, odds are that at some point you’ve heard the Gear Daddies  song “ I Wanna Drive the Zamboni ” coming out of the PA.   It just so happens that the Gear Daddies were born and raised in Austin, MN.  As the primary ice arena in town, when lead singer and songwriter Martin Zellar penned the tune, the arena he was speaking of was Riverside Arena in his hometown of Austin. Final Thoughts With the USHL being the only junior league above the NAHL in the US, you know that you’ll see quality hockey when attending a Bruins game and the setting makes it that much better.  Austin is a charming, small midwestern town that loves its hockey and supports its Bruins.  If you ever find yourself in the town that SPAM built, make time to take in a Bruins game while you’re there because Austin does hockey just as well as they do canned meat.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Husky Field Beechnut Street and Bonhomme Road Houston, TX 77074 Houston Christian Huskies website Husky Field website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 1,000 Dawg Days in Houston When it comes to college baseball in the Houston area, everyone knows about Rice, Houston, and maybe even Texas Southern. But the Houston Baptist Huskies aren’t an experience to sleep on. Tucked away in the southwest part of Houston, HBU offers up an old-timey take on the college baseball atmosphere. Lined with silver metal bleachers and a cast iron gate to enter through, Husky Field offers up the basics – perfect for a day of baseball. And it’s going to be day baseball. There are no artificial lights here; just sunlight. So if you’re looking for an afternoon escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, maybe Houston Baptist is the place for you. Note: Houston Baptist became Houston Christian beginning Sept 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The thing that makes Husky Field stand out in this area is the giant “Dawgs Up” grill set up behind the seating area. You’ll be able to get your hot dogs and hamburgers, but also get to see and smell them while they are being charred to perfection. The lone concessions tent is where you pay for everything, and if you’re getting a hot dog, burger, or sausage wrap after you pay you just walk back to the grill to pick it up. You can also add a bag of chips for $1. HBU also offers Pepsi options at its baseball games – it costs $2.25 for a can of soda, or you can get a Gatorade for $3. You’ll also be able to bring your drinks in, just not alcoholic beverages. The sausage wrap is the one unique menu item offered by the Huskies – it’s a sausage in a tortilla, but it seems to be the favorite among the locals. Either way, the food is good, cooked fresh, and reasonably priced, so you can’t go wrong with anything. Atmosphere 3 If you need luxuries at your baseball game, this is probably not for you. But if you just like taking in the game and relaxing in the bleachers on a sunny Saturday, then you’re in luck. Husky Field offers up an interesting archway donning its name to welcome you into the friendly abode. The majority of the seating area is metal bleachers with a few select plastic seatbacks behind home plate, or you can also bring in your chairs to sit in for extra comfort, and to be right up against the backstop. HBU does have tons of in-game promotions though, adding intrigue to almost every inning. A random fan is chosen for a free combo at Jimmy John’s early in the game, and if the Huskies scored three runs in the third inning, someone gets a free Payday candy bar. And in the fourth and sixth innings, if the HBU pitchers hold their opponent scoreless, one lucky fan gets some free Shipley Donuts. So there are plenty of reasons to stay and cheer on the Huskies. If you want the sun at your back, then you’ll want to sit on the third base side, which is also the home side. If you have a camping chair I’d recommend bringing that along, so you can sit up close and have some extra personal comforts with you. Neighborhood 2 Houston Baptist is located just off I-69 in a very residential area of Houston. Pretty much nothing that you’ll want to visit is within walking distance of the stadium, but luckily parking at HBU is free. There aren’t many great options in this area of Houston – if you’re looking for drinks with some food before or after a game, Prime Daiquri is probably the closest decent option. It has exactly what you think it has, plus a very eclectic food menu. Or if you just want some wings and beer, BreWingz is right next door – both of these restaurants are located just on the other side of I-69 from HBU. Saltgrass Steakhouse is also right down the road and is a very popular chain in the Houston area. From Husky Field, it is about a 15-20 minute drive on I-69 to get to some of the more social areas of the city. To find attractions, you’ll have to head into the central part of Houston; there is not much in the area immediately around Houston Baptist University. Of course, there are plenty of things to do in downtown Houston, and there is an area along I-69 called Montrose with lots of places to visit. And if you’re visiting Houston for a few days, Galveston is a one-hour drive away. Fans 3 The fans that come out for the Huskies are certainly passionate about their team, whether it’s because they are parents, friends, or HBU lifers. Husky Field probably has an average attendance of several hundred people, most of which are laid back. The home atmosphere isn’t what you would call intimidating, but you can certainly hear every little thing that someone has to say, whether it’s a player or a fan, and that adds to the overall vibe of the game. Access 5 Husky Field is certainly easy to get to in a city whose road system is pretty atrocious. The stadium is less than a mile from I-69, there’s plenty of parking, and nothing feels cramped or crowded at this ballpark. There is a Houston Metro bus stop right in front of the stadium (the Beechnut Street @ Bonhomme Road stop), and you can plan out your trip on the Metro website . Parking is accessible all around the ballpark – there are plenty of campuses lots just up the street from the park, making it a nice, short walk to the entry gate. There is one gate entry at Huslky Field, located on the west side of the park essentially at the corner of Beechnut and Bonhomme. This is also where you pay for your ticket ($5 general admission). With the crowd size, it is not a time-consuming process to get into the park, and there is no security check to slow things down. Once inside you can either set up camp on the main walkway with your chair or walk up into the stands to sit on the bleachers. You can also walk around and get to the first base side with no problem. The one-bathroom area is located right where you walk in as a separate little building. Also, with all of the pathways having views of the field, handicap access is not a problem at Husky Field. Return on Investment 4 It’s not very costly to go to a Houston Baptist University baseball game, and if you time it right, you’ll see some very notable baseball schools roll through town throughout the year. Tickets cost $5, parking is free, and you can get a full meal for $6. All of this with a good baseball game and a relaxing setting makes for a good, cost-effective day with the family. Extras 2 The first extra goes to the “Dawgs Up” grillmaster getting the main courses ready during the first part of the game. It almost takes you back to Little League, when you would have a cookout and then play a game afterward – this adds a little extra to that overall old-timey baseball feel of Husky Field. The second extra is for the conference championships remembered on the right field wall. HBU is a school that seems to be making strides in its athletics programs, and baseball is right there in the thick of it. Sooner or later this school will have some baseball history to go with the historical feel of its stadium.

Photos by James Hilcheb Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Veterans Memorial Stadium 950 Rockford Road SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Cedar Rapids Kernels website Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 5,300 Cedar Rapids Kernels Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opened in 2002. The current stadium replaced the original Veterans Memorial Stadium, now the parking lot, that opened in 1949. Cedar Rapids has a rich baseball history began in the late 19th century. After a seven-year hiatus due to World War II, baseball returned to town in 1949 and has been played there ever since. The original Veterans Memorial Stadium hosted many teams in different leagues throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In 1962, the stadium became home to a Midwest League team and has been affiliated with it since, although under different names: Red Raiders, Cardinals Astros, Giants, and Reds. The Kernels name was adopted in 1993. In 2013, the Kernels became a Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins after having spent 20 seasons as an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. In 2016, the stadium played host to the Midwest League All-Star Game. With realignment occurring before the 2021 season, the ball club moved from being the Low-A affiliate to the High-A affiliate of the Twins. After minor league contraction, the Kernels are one of three remaining affiliated minor league teams in Iowa, the  Quad Cities River Bandits , and the Iowa Cubs . In 2023, the team installed a brand-new LED video board that allows for much more information and video content for fans. The renovations also included a new playing surface, a stadium annex, a players' lounge, and locker room renovations. Food & Beverage 3 Nothing jumps out at you as being overly unique, but there are plenty of food options for all tastes. The typical fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, etc is well represented. Ice cream is a good option, especially on the hot, humid summer days that Iowa is known for. The best bet is the Hot Corner Grill located down the third baseline. Here you have options of numerous-sized burgers, pulled pork, cheese steak, and a ribeye sandwich. They also give a litany of different topping choices. On select games, there are BBQ and Mexican carts open on the concourse. For beverages, Pepsi products are the featured soda along with water and sports drinks. Beer is available in both domestic and specialty (imports and craft brews). Wine and mixed drinks are also available. Atmosphere 4 The majority of the seating is traditional stadium-type seating. The seats are comfortably sized and have cup holders. It doesn’t much matter where you sit in sections 104-118. All the seats have a great view of the field. If your preference is to stay out of the sun, your best bet is the back rows of club seating, especially behind home plate and the third base dugout. These areas also give you a good view of the new scoreboard, which is beyond the right field wall. Down the right field line, sections 100-103, are plaza seating. These are metal bleachers and not particularly comfortable. It is well worth the extra couple of bucks to go with club seats. The concourse is easy to maneuver and although you have a clear view of the field while standing in line for concessions, there are TVs throughout the concourse with a live feed of the game. A particularly nice feature is the standing tables that line the concourse. If you would rather stand while eating your food, this is a great option without missing a single pitch. In the left field corner, there is a play area for kids. It is kind of tucked away behind a concessions area, which makes it difficult for parents to watch both their kids and the game at the same time, but still a nice option. Neighborhood 2 Veterans Memorial is situated in a complex style setting along with the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena , home to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL, a multi-purpose high school stadium, a small tennis complex, and a park. The stadium is located in the Kingston district, in the southwest of town. This area is home to a mix of industrial and residential sections. As such, entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants are hard to come by, but there are a few good options. Directly across the street is the Stadium Lounge. While not the flashiest place around, the traditional bar-style food is good, drinks are reasonably priced, and the employees are pleasant. Try the broasted chicken. A great selection is the Irish Democrat Pub & Grille. About four miles away from the ballpark, the Irish Democrat offers up some great food and plenty of beer options. Just across the river is Bricks Bar & Grill. Bricks offers up a fun atmosphere along with good food and about 60 beers to choose from. Another fun option is the Flying Wienie. They serve all sorts of hot dog combinations. You are out of luck if you go to a game on Sunday…they are closed. If staying in Cedar Rapids, you have the choice of lodging with a cluster of hotels a couple of miles south of the stadium, just off I-380. The Holiday Inn Express is a nice spot, with decent prices, and clean rooms. Fans 4 While Cedar Rapids isn’t the biggest city around, the thing that stuck with me was that everyone seemed to know everyone else, like people were coming to the ballpark with their summer families. It is a refreshing experience and makes for a great time. The fans are quite pleasant, follow along with the game, get loud when the game dictates, and generally enjoy themselves. Access 4 Veterans Memorial Stadium is located about a mile away from I-380 and is easy to find. Upon arriving, there is plenty of parking, which is all free. Once inside, the concourse is wide, and getting around the stadium is very easy. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the amount of fans that generally attend the games. Getting in and out of the stadium is easy and the vast majority of concessions are situated so you won’t miss any of the game if you are standing in a line. Plenty of handicapped seating is available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are priced anywhere from $12-$18. With parking being free and the concessions around what you would pay elsewhere, a trip to Veterans Memorial Stadium is a very good value and an enjoyable time. Extras 5 Before, or after the game, a visit to the Linn County All Veterans Memorial is a must. It is located just outside the stadium and is a very well-done tribute to the local men and women who served the United States. Photo by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey As a nod to their affiliation with the Minnesota Twins, a prominent sign in left field displays the retired numbers of all the Twins (along with Jackie Robinson’s number 42). There is also a nice tribute to pitcher Nick Adenhart, a former Kernel, who went on to pitch for the Angels but was killed by a drunk driver. Inside the Diamond Store (team store), is a room that houses the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame. This is a must-see if you are interested in the history of baseball in this city. On the wall are pictures and bios of those in the Hall. Display cases house old documents, uniforms, bats, balls, and autographs of some of the players who spent a portion of their careers in Cedar Rapids. The team offers free tours of the suite level, which has a great timeline of the history of baseball in Cedar Rapids. The outfield wall has some unique dimensions at Veterans Memorial Park. Down the line measures 315 feet. The wall enters the playing area and about fifteen to twenty feet in, goes back at an angle, and then straightens out again. This is a unique feature that makes for some interesting bounces when the ball goes off the wall. The left field gap is deep and a batter would have to step on one to get it out of the park there, at a distance of 407 feet. A special mention to the staff at the ballpark. They are very friendly and will point you in the right direction for whatever you need. Final Thoughts Veterans Memorial Stadium isn’t anything fancy, but it provides everything you need to enjoy a fun baseball experience. If you are a ballpark fanatic, don’t sleep on this one.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 SMCC Baseball Field 7050 S 24th St Phoenix, AZ 85042 South Mountain Cougars website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 300 (approx) South of Phoenix South Mountain Community College (SMCC) Baseball Field is  a very comfortable place to watch a ball game.  The venue has seating in both the shade and the sun, so sit where you want, depending on your preference.  The music volume is not obtrusive.  The fans are there to watch the game and, more than likely, their son or grandson. The South Mountain Cougars baseball team is an NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) member (also known as NJCAA Region 1 – D1).  People often refer to NJCAA as JUCO.  The baseball team began play in 1981.   Forty-six players have been drafted by MLB; four have played in the MLB.  The team won the regional championship in 2014. The conference plays its games with wood bat s, so you hear the pleasant sound of a crack of the bat, not a ping. Food & Beverage 0 The Cougars do not have a concession stand at the ballpark.  Fans can bring in their own snacks and drinks. Atmosphere 3 The stadium has three sets of bleachers that r un from dugout to dugout, with a smalle r set j ust beyond the first base dugout.  A blue tarp covers the set behind home plate for fans wanting shade; the other bleachers are in the sun.  The bleachers have steps to ascend to the seatin g; there are no ramps.  The third base set has a handrail up the middle of the seating; the other sets do not.  The bleachers are relatively new, installed in 2003. If sitting on the first base or third base bleachers, the dugouts block the view of the right and left field corners.  Sit behind home (in the shade) to see the entire game action. A medium-thickness net runs from dugout to dugout, protecting the fans in the seating area.  A section beyond the third base dugout is net-free, thou gh the only seating there is a fe w picnic tables.  The scoreboard is to the left of the batter’s eye and shows the basic line score.  It can be a tad difficult to read with the sun and the netting.   The field does not have lights, so only day games are played here.   The field is a lovely, green Bermuda grass turf.   The game is not announced so print out roster s beforehand if you want that info.  The music person plays various tunes at an acceptable volume, as well as walkup songs for the Cougars. Intriguing tall palm trees line behind the right field fence. Fans can enjoy a lovely view of South Mountain Park/Preserve in the distance beyond the first base side.   It’s genuinely about the baseball game played on the diamond. Neighborhood 3 The field is amongst the other South Mountain Community College athletic fields (soccer, track, softball, and tennis) in a complex called the Dr. Rául Cárdenas Athletic Complex. Severa l fast-food c hains like Jack in the Box, Raising Cane’s, Five Guys, and Chick-fil-A are just south of the college.  Nearby restaurants include Pad Thai Kitchen (Thai), Sun Asian Kitchen (Chinese), Applebee’s, and Rubio’s Coastal Grill (Mexican). For other things to do in the neighborhood, the most prominent is South Mountain Park/Preserve .  The park has several trails (hiking and biking) and panoramic lookout points.  Legoland Discovery Center is five miles east, and the Raven Golf Club  is just two miles from the school.  Downtown Phoenix is seven miles north. Most traditional lodging choices are at the intersection of I-10 and Baseline Rd, about four miles east:  Holiday Inn Express, Ramada, Studio 6, Springhill Suites, etc.  Check VRBO or Airbnb to see if they offer options if/when you plan on visiting. Other sports in the area include the Angels Spring Training (five miles east), the Arizona Diamondbacks , and the Phoenix Suns (both about seven miles from South Mountain Baseball Field). Fans 2 Cougar fans are mostly family and friends of the players.  You’ll see plenty of parents and grandparents rooting their kin on.  Since several of the ACCAC schools are in the Phoenix metro area, plenty of visiting fans are in attendance, too.  Access 3 South Mountain Community College is south of Phoenix, AZ, about four miles west of I-10, off Baseline Rd.   It is five miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Fans can take Valley Metro Bus Route 70 right to the college.  If arriving by automobile, two parking areas are available.  Once on campus, turn right after the line of palm trees and then left into a paved parking area.  This lot will have you walking behind the first base dugout to get to the seating area.  O r, you can co ntinue past the line of palm trees and make a right after the softball field, and there will be parking along the roadside near the baseball field.  Serviceable restrooms are available.  The seating area is not that conducive for fans in wheelchairs as there are no ramps up to the bleachers, and the backstop is quite high for someone in a wheelchair to see over.  Return on Investment 5 Attending a South Mountain Cougars baseball game is free and worth a visit if you simply enjoy the game of baseball.  There’s no charge for parking and no concessions for sale.   You spend what you bring for snacks and the cost of transportation to the field.  That’s it. . Extras 2 The outfield wall has a memorial for two student-athletes killed in a van accident in March 1996.  It bears the number 7 above and the number 16 below two crossed baseball bats.  The team has competed as a D1 JUCO member for the last 22 years. Even though it competes on the D1 level, the athletics program is funded at a D2 level. Final Thoughts If you enjoy the game for the game, watching a Cougars game at SMCC Baseball Field is a perfect spring afternoon out just south of Phoenix.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Seaman Stadium 256 Don Seaman Way Okotoks, AB T1S 1A5 Okotoks Dawgs website Seaman Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,200 Alberta’s Dawg House The Okotoks Dawgs are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. They play in the Western Canadian Baseball League and are six-time WCBL champions. They play at Seaman Stadium which opened in 2007. The team began in 2003 as the Calgary Dawgs but has some history as part of a larger overall youth baseball operation that began in 1996, which is noted on their team logo. While in Calgary they played at Foothills Stadium former home to the Calgary Cannons AAA baseball club. Donald and Doc Seaman were the principal donors to this new stadium in Okotoks, located 38 km (24 mi) south of Downtown Calgary in what is now a bedroom community of Calgary. Okotoks is the largest town (not a city) in the province of Alberta. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium has two main concession stands, along with a smaller stand at the far end of the left field berm area. That small food area in left offers the wonderful Spolumbo’s sausages on a bun. Spolumbo’s is a well-established Calgary deli that makes fantastic sausages, so this is a place to visit if you want a real treat. Having Spolumbo’s as an offering makes this food rating worth a 4-star on its own. The other two main stands are fairly similar and offer a good variety of the normal concession offerings at the usual ballpark prices. There are many beer and alcohol options at Seaman Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Seaman Stadium has a great atmosphere for a summer collegiate game, as the stadium rivals ones in higher-level leagues. The ballpark has a capacity for 5,200 with a mix of stadium seating around the infield, and a grass berm stretching the left field line. The grass berm is very steep and if it was a little less steep it could be a little better of a seating area. There are quite a few hospitality and VIP areas that can be utilized around the ballpark. The team offers the usual between-innings promotions seen at a minor league stadium. Neighborhood 2 Seaman Stadium is located east of the Okotoks' downtown area and is in an industrial area. There are no real options within walking distance for pre or post-game dining. You will need to make a short drive around this suburban area for other options. Cha Cha John’s and Tom’s House of Pizza are two of the options we recommend within a short drive from Seaman Stadium. Fans 5 The team is well-supported and fans pack the stands at Seaman Stadium at levels that are far above the averages for this league. The crowd seems knowledgeable and they seem to enjoy the players and coaches who often come back from one year to another. Access 4 Seaman Stadium may not be in an area that is exciting for pre or post-game activities but there is plenty of free parking nearby. There is plenty of signs that assist you in finding the stadium area. The concourse area is of a decent size although there are a couple of pinch points when the stadium gets packed. Return on Investment 4 Seats for the grandstand ($20) do often sell out, but there should always be tickets available to sit on the left field berm for $10. The prices will also be higher for Canada Day and Father's Day games. The overall prices might be a little high but still in the normal "ballpark" for high-quality games. As mentioned previously, parking is free. Extras 5 Duvernay Fieldhouse, a full-service indoor training facility for the Dawgs, as well as for the Dawgs Youth Academy players, is seen along the right field line. Diggity is the team mascot who entertains the crowd. There is also a good videoboard for the stadium. The Dawgs General Store is a very well-stocked team souvenir store. The Dawgs do a good job of showing off their history by detailing all of the alumni who have played for the team in the past along areas of the concourse. The Dawgs have been a great success in the WCBL and you will be able to see the many championships and successful teams by all of the banners and signage around the stadium. Final Thoughts Seaman Stadium is a wonderful ballpark, especially for the collegiate summer league level. There are likely to be affiliated minor teams that would be jealous of this fine facility.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Evans Diamond at Stu Gordon Stadium Frank Schlessinger Way Berkeley, CA 94720 California Golden Bears website Evans Diamond at Stu Gordon Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 2,500 Baseball in the California Sun The Bay Area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery around. The sports facilities here take full measure of this and are often unique in their own right. Evans Diamond at Stu Gordon Stadium is no exception to this rule. If you’re looking for a unique stadium layout for college baseball, you have come to the right place. Nestled on the campus for Cal Berkeley, this facility slots a baseball stadium in the middle of large buildings and tight quarters to give you an intimate feel for the sport being played. Food & Beverage 3 There are usually two concessions stand here for food and beverages; one is on the upper right field patio, which is sometimes used for special ticket packages for students that include a meal with their entry. The other is located to the left of home plate; here, food items include hot dogs ($2), specialty sausages ($7), nachos ($6), and popcorn ($5), as well as pretzels, candy, and ice cream (all $5). The variety isn’t big but the quality is top level, and the prices are very affordable. Drinks include soda, water, and Gatorade for $5 each as well. Atmosphere 4 The architecture of Evans Diamond at Stu Gordon Stadium is unique to say the least. Built in 1933, the exterior main entrance of the stadium remains relatively untouched since then. It’s classical facade and large gates remind you of many Romanesque stadiums from that era. However, once you’re inside the look completely changes. The right field line features large shade trees along the upper part of the concourse, shading the top-most rows of seats during the day. The left field line features a large patio area and the sheer west-facing facade of the Haas Pavilion. Here, student athletes can be seen on the upper levels of the building watching their fellow Golden Bears on the playing field. The fans here are passionate, as the Bay Area is chock full of baseball fans due to its historic success at the game. Neighborhood 4 The stadium itself is situated on the campus of Cal itself. This is one of the country’s most historic and revered colleges, and the beauty of the campus is evident from the moment you set foot here. Just outside of campus is Berkeley, a college town that has everything from hotels (Residence Inn by Marriott and Hotel Shattuck Plaza are your closest options to campus) to restaurants and shopping. Shattuck Avenue and University Avenue both are full of shopping and dining options. Fans 4 The Cal Berkeley faithful are passionate about the Golden Bears. Here, you will find fans that range from the long-time loyalists and former graduates to the youngest fans wanting to watch some baseball up close and personal. You’ll also find that fans here are polite and sport knowledgeable. Many have been following the team for years, and can talk for a long time about players of the past as well as the current crop of talent on the field. Access 3 The hardest part about getting to games here is the parking. On campus parking is limited, and if you were to find a spot, you will need to pay the meter or have a parking pass. Outside of campus there is metered street parking, but again this can be hard to come by. Fans likely are best off parking in a lot or garage off campus and walking from there. Getting to campus is also something that requires a lot of side streets, as there isn’t a highway exit immediately adjacent to the stadium. That said, heading due east from I-80 will get you there without an issue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Cal baseball start as low as $8, which is a steal compared to the Bay Area’s MLB counterparts. Coupled with affordable concessions, this makes watching some top-level college baseball a very affordable option for a sports night out for a family of four. Extras 4 When you first arrive inside the stadium, a fan giveaway table greets you with free posters and other goodies for Cal fans. Another neat part of visiting this facility is the carved tree stump in left field. The large tree stump was carved into the shape of a large baseball bat named “3000 Hacks” by the 2006 UC Berkeley sculpture class. Tree Carving, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Also around the stadium are commemorative plaques – the most visible is the Ed Sanclemente memorial plaque just behind home plate, recognizing the former Cal shortstop from the 1940s. Finally, right behind the right field line is a small trailer that serves as a team store for Cal baseball, offering shirts, hats, jackets, and other items for fans to purchase. Final Thoughts A team steeped in history, and an athletics program equally as accredited, Cal baseball offers a solid game day experience inside the intimate walls of Stu Gordon Stadium. While getting there and finding a parking spot may be difficult, watching some of the PAC-12’s finest slug it out on the diamond under the warm California sun is well worth the visit to Berkeley.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Foundation Field 1140 River Street Hamilton, OH 45011 Hamilton Joes website Foundation Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 600 Not Your Average Joes “We haven’t had a review of the ballpark in years,” says Hamilton Joes President/GM Darrel Grissom as he squeegees the water off the main grandstand that was just doused with a quick shower from a thunderstorm. The last time Foundation Field had a review was in 2003 when the Florence Freedom of the Frontier League used it as a temporary stadium while its ballpark was under construction 40 miles south in Kentucky. I had attended a game that summer but don’t remember too much of that initial visit. Grissom added that there was a set of temporary bleachers down each line that increased capacity to 3,000 for games. “They had a set of long bleachers that were somewhat uneven; they are gone and the ballpark is much better these days.” Foundation Field is now a 600-capacity ballpark that fits perfectly in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League and for the past eleven seasons has been the home of the Hamilton Joes. The team’s nickname is in honor of hometown hero Joe Nuxhall, who became the youngest pitcher in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds at 15 and later served as team broadcaster until he died in 2007. The ballpark was constructed in 2002 and originally built for the Miami University Hamilton baseball program. The Joes take over during June and July and have brought home two league championships in 2010 and 2016. The not-for-profit organization has and, according to its website, has placed over 30 players in professional baseball since 2009. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand at the ballpark has a menu consisting of grilled hot dogs, burgers, metts, and brats from $2 to $4.50. A mett is a popular sausage served in the Cincinnati area and found at other ballparks in the area, it’s a nice alternative at the game. Nachos and soft pretzels are $3 each and soda pop sells for $2.50. The concession window features a small bell that reads: Ring for Beer. The beer sold at the game is either Coors Light or Miller Lite and costs $5 a tall can. Atmosphere 3 There is a small-town atmosphere that is somewhat welcoming these days at a baseball stadium. Foundation Field is a very basic facility but it attracts nice crowds of fans who support the Joes each summer. The main grandstand houses the majority of the seating and features a press box on the top along with championship banners. Many in this section bring a seat cushion for the aluminum bleacher-style seating. There are small wooden bleachers scattered down both baselines but most fans enjoy the game from the lawn seats brought into the game. The backdrop of the stadium is residential homes and the steeple of St. Joseph’s church, where the gold cross shines during night games. The concession and merchandise table is a hub of activity behind the visiting dugout on the first base side where fans pick up shirts and hot dogs from the same place. The sausages and burgers are cooked up on the grill a few feet away. You will also find fans watching the game from their seating in this area that is rather close to home plate. Netting is set up to protect fans from foul balls or a thrown bat. Several promotions are not too over the top and announcements are not deafening loud or obnoxious. The public address announcer will stand in front of the crowd while they play guess the name of a song or find items on hand to win vouchers to local area restaurants. It is a very relaxed atmosphere with all the basic amenities offered to the fans. If you like your baseball without the in-your-face promotions, a Hamilton Joes game might be a nice alternative. Neighborhood 2 Hamilton is about 30 minutes north of Cincinnati and offers a few attractions that include Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Municipal Brew Works, Hanover Winery, and Butler County Courthouse. Miami University is just a few miles north of Oxford offering a charming little college town. Jungle Jim’s International Market is 6 miles south of the ballpark in Fairfield and it’s the Disneyland of supermarkets featuring departments of international foods, craft beers, wine, cheeses, produce, and exotic meats. You can also find regional foods not normally found in the Midwest. There is even a bar where fans can shop while enjoying a pint of beer. Fans 4 A Joes game averages around 400 a game but a thunderstorm right before the game this evening distracted fans from the game. However, the roughly 100 people in attendance provided the building a nice atmosphere and there are more than just friends and family of the players on the field. Boos and jeers are evident during a play at third that resulted in the Joes coach getting tossed from the game. Access 3 Foundation Field is located along the Greater Miami River near SR-127. The two nearest interstates I-275 and I-75 are 7.5 miles and 12 miles away from the ballpark. Inside the stadium, there is one main grandstand that features a ramp and both bathrooms and concession areas are located down the first baseline. Return on Investment 3 All tickets to the game are $5 a person, the same price for a beer, and three dollars more for a hot dog. The prices are affordable for this level of baseball and the small-town atmosphere is very strong throughout the nine innings of play. There is a small parking lot that is free of charge. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for the beer batter that two times during the game resulted in a dollar off beers. The second point is that all customers have a choice to bring in lawn chairs and even sit underneath various tents. The last point is for the nice array of team merchandise from soft tees with creative designs to ball caps that range from $15 to $20. Final Thoughts Foundation Field offers a small-town ballpark experience and is dedicated to anyone enjoying baseball in its purest form. The Great Lakes League houses many of these types of small ballparks and the Hamilton Joes have a nice little operation taking place just north of Cincinnati. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 CofC Baseball Stadium at Patriots Point Patriots Point Blvd Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 College of Charleston Cougars website CofC Baseball Stadium at Patriots Point website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,000 On Point A charming ballpark in the shadow of the Ravenel Bridge connecting Charleston, SC with the Mount Pleasant area, CofC Baseball Stadium itself doesn’t have to be anything special to impress. The 2,000-person capacity park couldn’t be in a more relaxing location. The park was built in 2001 across the Charleston harbor from the city of Charleston and the school’s main campus. In 2007 the park underwent a $3,000,000 renovation, resulting in its present-day state. Food & Beverage 2 The only concession stand can be located on the concourse behind the home plate. Food options are about what you’d expect at a park this size. Nachos, hot dogs, and barbecue sandwiches are your main course options at $4-$5, with peanuts, popcorn, and candy available as snacks in the $2-$3 range. It wouldn’t be South Carolina without boiled peanuts on the menu, and you can pick up a bag for $3. Sodas come in a 16-ounce or 20-ounce size for $2 or $3, so the value is pretty solid. If you’re feeling a little tired from the South Carolina sun, don’t worry, because Red Bull or a cappuccino can also be purchased for $3 or less. Atmosphere 4 Let me be clear, the in-stadium atmosphere is average, at best. It’s the surrounding area and scenery that give CofC Stadium a boost. You’re surrounded by water on Patriot’s Point, and the ocean air adds to the overall relaxing vacation-like feel of the park. Just driving up to the park enhances your overall experience. Once in the park, you’ll meander through the CofC athletic facilities, including a practice field and a soccer field to reach the park. In the left field, the ivy-covered fence adds character to the park. There are comfortable covered seats behind home plate and bleachers on both the first base and third base lines. Down the first baseline, there is also a pavilion with several picnic tables providing an excellent area to relax and take in a game. Good sight lines and comfortable seats with cup holders add to the overall serene scene that is CofC Stadium. The field itself is pretty plain outside of the left field wall, and there aren’t a ton of stadium frills. Yet, based on the prime real estate of the park itself, it’s really hard to rate the atmosphere as average. Neighborhood 5 There’s not a whole lot to rate negatively here. If you haven’t been to Charleston, just ask anyone that has and they’ll speak of the city with terms like “beautiful” and “favorite” that don’t do justice to the area at all. The stadium is located just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in the southeast (Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms are just to the north) and one of the most beautiful cities in the country (historic Charleston is a short drive across the bridge to the south). The immediate area around the park doesn’t lack charm either. Patriot’s Point offers stunning views of Charleston harbor and Fort Sumter. Just a block from the stadium is the aircraft carrier Yorktown and Fort Moultrie. From almost anywhere on the Point you can look up and see the stunning Ravenel Bridge putting its mark on the skyline. Restaurants and hotels aren’t in any shortage in the area. If you’re looking to spend a little more for vacation, Market Street downtown or a rental on Isle of Palms offers all the southern charm of the city at your doorstep. If you’re looking to focus on the game or are sticking to a budget, there are much more affordable hotels in Mount Pleasant near the foot of the bridge. One of my favorite local spots near Patriot’s Point is Shem Creek. You’ll find restaurants and bars on the creek where you can sit outside and watch the boats come and go. Vickery’s or Red’s are both ideal locations for this. Fans 3 This category falls squarely on an average rating. There’s a fair share of passionate alums at the park on any given day to cheer on their Cougars. They seem to know the players and know the game pretty well. They can be vocal, but not in unison, as there’s just not enough to bring “noise” to the game. Students have a light showing at the park, likely explained by the fact that the stadium is off-campus. CofC is located across the bridge and downtown. Access 3 You won’t mind the drive to CofC Stadium no matter where you’re coming from. Coming from the west or south, you’ll get to follow 17 across the Ravenel Bridge, which affords you some stunning views of the area. Coming from the north down 17, you’ll be hugging the coast and passing islands and beaches the whole way down. Once you turn onto Patriot’s Point, you’ll pass the park on your left and turn into the athletic facilities complex to park. Parking is free, but the lot isn’t large. There is some grass parking along the main road, but there’s a decent walk from those spots. Once you pay for your ticket, there’s a short walk through the complex to the stadium. The concourse is wide and it’s easy to walk from end to end of the park with views of the field. Restrooms are located near concessions behind home plate. You’ve probably been to nicer restrooms, but for the size of the crowd, they are sufficient. Return on Investment 3 Nothing here is expensive, but nothing about the stadium itself is particularly standout (other than the surrounding area). You’ll be satisfied to dish out $7 for a ticket and no more than $5 for food to put your feet up and enjoy the ocean air while you take in a Cougars game. But because the in-stadium experience itself won’t be particularly special, the rating here again falls about average. Extras 3 Points here unarguably are assigned for location. As much as I’d normally consider taking points for an off-campus venue, you couldn’t pick a better location for the stadium. The ability to make a trip to a Cougars game or weekend series into an ideal vacation is what bumps the grade to a 3 in this category. Outside of that, there aren’t a whole lot of extras to speak of that are above and beyond the expected experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harold Alfond Arena Tunk Rd Orono, ME 04473 Maine Black Bears men’s hockey website Harold Alfond Sports Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,641 Black Bear Hockey From the late 1980s throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the University of Maine Black Bears were a mainstay in the upper echelon of the college hockey world.  Winning eight Hockey East regular season and conference tournament titles, appearing in 17 NCAA tournaments, advancing to the Frozen Four on 11 separate occasions, and claiming national championships in 1993 and 1999, the Black Bears were one of the most decorated programs during this era of NCAA hockey. At the helm of most of the Black Bears success was Shawn Walsh, who guided the Black Bears from 1984 until he died in 2001. Since the passing of Walsh, the Black Bears have struggled to sustain the consistency that made them such a formidable program. However, that pendulum is lately swinging back to the positive side, which has revitalized Alfond Arena as one of the special college hockey experiences in the country.   Food & Beverage   4 Typical concession stands are found on both sides of the arena, with smaller specialty stands tucked into the arena's internal concourse; these smaller stands serve more snack items such as bottled soft drinks, popcorn, pretzels, and even churros. The main concession stands serve hot dogs, regular burgers, veggie burgers, chicken tenders, and personal-size pizzas – burgers and tenders also come in combo baskets. Pepsi products along with hot beverages, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available. What boosts the concessions here is the inclusion of the Maine whoopie pie, a creamy, sugary filling sandwiched between a pair of pillowy, cake-like chocolate cookies. Overall the concessions here are not overly impressive, but there is a decent variety of options with a touch of local flavor, and a few items not commonly seen that give the menu a bit of character.   Atmosphere   4 From the outside, Alfond Arena’s series of high-sloping roof peaks are reminiscent of the mountains of western Maine. It gives the outside a unique but feels every bit of its late 1970s design. Despite creating an interesting architectural appearance, the sloping roof lines do create obstructed views inside the arena. Seats along the furthest edge of the upper bleachers, closest to the student section, are blocked from seeing the goal by a large secondary scoreboard – make sure to check if seats have obstructed views before purchasing. Games frequently sell out, and if they do, expect to get comfortable with those seated around you. Seating in the upper-level bleachers is “friendly” to say the least. The fan behind you will probably have their knees in your back, and you will have yours in the back of the person in front of you, and will also probably be shoulder-to-shoulder with those on either side. For the best all-around value of a good seat at a reasonable price, ice level is probably the way to go. Those seats have the same back support and personal space as similar seats in the upper section but are a bit less expensive. Be aware though that the view from directly behind the benches and penalty boxes will probably be obstructed to a degree. The game experience is bolstered by the University of Maine pep band that plays throughout the game, which is a fantastic addition to the game in really creating a college sports environment.   Neighborhood   3 Orono is a vibrant, small college town that, despite its somewhat remoteness, gives visitors just enough from the food and beverage standpoint to arrive a few hours before the arena opens a strong consideration. The UMaine campus is separated from the Orono neighborhood of Marsh Island by the Stillwater River. Marsh Island is just over a mile from the athletics facilities and is home to a handful of bars, restaurants, and breweries; most of the establishments start to get busy about two hours before the puck drops. One of the more popular pregame establishments is the Orono Brewing Company – while their craft brews are the most popular attraction, there is also a strong food menu. The town of Orono neighbors the better-known and more populous Bangor, Maine, which might be your best option if looking for lodging or more entertainment to fill the time before or after a game.   Fans   5 Mainers are as passionate and loyal a fan base as you are going to find, regardless of the sport. Black Bear fans were spoiled by the success of the men’s hockey team throughout the 90s, and have been chomping at the bit to return to those glory days. Through thick and thin, Mainers will back their programs, and when those programs excel at the national level, that fandom becomes frenzied. With the fortunes of the Black Bears seemingly on the upswing, fans are again starting to take a major interest, and Alfond Arena is starting to sell out again on almost a nightly basis. The student section does a great job of creating a highly enthusiastic college hockey atmosphere. The students seemingly have an endless portfolio of cheers and good-natured taunts for the opposing team, starting with player introductions and running throughout the game. In all, the fans here create a distinctive home-ice advantage at Alfond Arena. The student section deserves a lot of the credit, but the fanbase is also backed by alumni and the local community, who fill the seats and are very supportive of their Black Bears.   Access   3 For many visitors to the University of Maine, Orono might seem like a world away – two hours from Maine’s largest city of Portland, and the state’s primary airport. Orono does neighbor Bangor, which is the third largest city and has the second most used airport in Maine. Most visitors will probably be driving from southern Maine via I-95 which runs just west of campus. The athletics facilities are just a few turns off the interstate, but traffic leading to campus before the drop of the puck can get a tad congested. There is plenty of parking in the lots around the athletic facilities, which are fairly easy to find upon arrival. For general ticket holders arriving before the doors open, entry is typically quick and easy. Be aware that of the two entry points, the longest lines are for students heading toward the general admission seating, with lines sometimes snaking around the back of Alfond Sports Stadium , home of Black Bear football, and almost to the baseball stadium, Mahaney Diamond . Once inside the arena, the entry concourse is rather narrow, in part due to the promotional tables that are set up, but also due to the apparel shop, “Bear Necessities,” which has several racks of t-shirts, jerseys, and sweatshirts in the walkways, making that area much more challenging to navigate. The concourses around the arena can get a bit tight in places, especially at the ends of the rink where it feels more like hallways due to the upper-level seating overhead. As with many smaller arenas that are often packed with fans, Alfond does have some issues with navigating its concourses freely. However, it is something a bit of patience can turn into just a minor inconvenience since some congestion should be expected to a degree.   Return on Investment   4 Most seats in the arena go for $20, which is nice given this price point includes bleacher seating in the upper reaches of the side stands, as well as some of the chairback seats at ice level behind each of the end lines. Seating along the glass is available starting at $35, which is nice for being so close to the action. Other seats at ice level go for $30 – the prime seats in the house are the $40 single seats in the second tier of seating on each side. These seats give fans the comfort of their seat with back support and also provide unobstructed views. When accounting for the free parking and concessions prices that are easy on the wallet, the overall price to attend UMaine hockey is pretty affordable.   Extras   4 The front concourse is a walk through the University of Maine hockey timeline from its beginning in earnest in the early 1920s, its permanent establishment as a varsity sport in the 1970s, and its successes of the early 2000s. The walls are also plastered with photos of players who have represented their countries in international competition, All-Americans, and the University of Maine Hockey Hall of Fame. Also on display are the two Hobey Baker Awards, given to college hockey’s top player, won by Black Bear players; the first was awarded to Scott Pellerin in 1992 and the other was won by Paul Kayria in 1993. The arena itself is amid upgrades – University of Maine athletics recently received a gift of $110 million to be used toward upgrades and the construction of facilities. In the initial phase, Alfond Arena saw a new LED video scoreboard hung over center ice, with ribbon boards affixed to the façade of the balcony of the student section, along with another scoreboard above that section. Upgrades have also been made to the arena’s sound system. Banners above the student section recognize the two national championships won by the Black Bears, as well as their numerous Frozen Four appearances and conference championships. Banana T. Bear, the UMaine mascot, makes his presence known before, during, and throughout the evening, from greeting students and other fans waiting to get in the arena to on-ice features during intermissions. Banana T. Bear also makes his way around the arena during each period, stopping to interact with fans and take photos; Banana T. Bear is a beloved mascot at UMaine.   Final Thoughts Hockey at Alfond Sports Arena had become a bit of an afterthought for the state since its glory days when UMaine hockey legends Coach Shawn Walsh patrolled the bench, and stars Jim Montgomery, Scott Pellerin, and Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Kayria graced the ice in Orono. While the fervor and passion from the students have been relatively consistent, interest from the community has ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs on the ice. The pendulum is now seemingly swinging back to the positive, however, which has revitalized Alfond Arena into one of the more special college hockey experiences in the country.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Pohlman Field 2301 Skyline Dr Beloit, WI 53511 Pohlman Field website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 3,501 Snappers Still Standing Strong in Beloit Pohlman Field was built in 1982 and holds 3,501 people. The park was originally named Telfer Park until the 1987 season when it was renamed after Harry C. Pohlman, who was a long-time coach in the Beloit school system and in American Legion Baseball. He was also an original member of the Beloit Brewers board of directors. The team is community owned and a not for profit organization (you can donate to the park and all contributions are tax deductible). Note that minor league baseball gave the Snappers an exemption due to the park not currently meeting MiLB standards to continue playing here, but that exemption expires in 2020. Renovations depend on revenue generated, the local government, and volunteers. However, the Beloit Snappers market is small which makes cash flow a problem. As such, there have not been many additions or upgrades to Pohlman Field since it was built. However, after the 2012 season, the outfield was raised and made level with the infield, and a new sprinkler system was installed. The Beloit Snappers have won the Midwest League Championship four times: in 1965, 1977, 1999, and 2008. The dimensions of the park are 325 feet in left and right field and 380 feet in center field; there is also a spacious foul ground. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are located behind home plate and down the right field line. The concession prices here are great, although nothing on the menu is unique or could be considered non-traditional baseball fare – options include such fare as pizza, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts. The most expensive food item on the menu is the nachos w/cheese at $3.25; 20 oz. Pepsi products are $3, as are many of the food items. Condiments for hot dogs are the usual ketchup, mustard, onions, and sauerkraut. The beer choices at Pohlman Field are Miller and Leinenkugel’s products. Domestic 12 oz. drafts are $3.25, with the same size premium beer at $3.75; 20 oz. drafts cost $1.50 more, and wine is $5. Atmosphere 2 The majority of the crowd at Pohlman Field tends to be older people who are into the game (many who are host families for the players). Of course, there are some families too, but it is weird that there are so few kids here. There is no big video board, simply an older digital scoreboard. So, you will not see any replays or “get louder” videos. But there are a ton of ads on the outfield walls – those in addition to the lighting give the stadium an old-time look. You will not find the amenities of the newer ballparks here. The seating is made up of mostly metal benches, with only a couple hundred box seats (molded plastic) in the grandstand behind home plate. Down the left field and right field lines are “picnic” decks, which is an area where you can stand or sit at a picnic table and watch the game. The concourse area runs behind the main grandstand. The kid’s play area is small and has a slide and a fast pitch. Other than that there is really not a lot to keep a small kid entertained. The gift shop is small but has a decent selection of hats and t-shirts. Other than that, there is not much in there. The prices are very reasonable. Snappy D. Turtle, the mascot, is frequently sighted on and off the field. If you need to be constantly entertained by between-inning entertainment, or you need big giveaways, this is not the place for you. The music that is played throughout the game is older tunes rather than loud more modern music. This is old-time baseball here. Neighborhood 2 Pohlman Field is located in a residential neighborhood next to a covered ice rink / recreational park (Telfer Park). There are plenty of chain hotels (Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn, etc.) and independent hotels within one mile of the ballpark. The restaurants within a few blocks of the ballpark are few and consist of Vinces’ Gourmet Hot Dogs, Krystal Family Restaurant, and even Casey’s gas station (which has sandwiches and good pizza made fresh). If you travel a bit farther you can get to some chain restaurants such as Taco Bell, McDonald’s, etc. Fans 2 The fans that show up have a good time watching the game and are very nice people. You’ll find several fans with a scorebook intently watching the game and keeping track of every pitch. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough fans to create much electricity or atmosphere. The team has averaged only about 900 fans per game over the past few years, so there is no need to buy a ticket in advance. Access 3 Getting to Pohlman Field is relatively easy – it is located on Skyline Drive about one mile west of the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 43 (Route 81). Public transportation is not an option, but free parking is available near the stadium. Return on Investment 3 General admission, reserved, and box seats on game day are priced $8, $9, and $10 respectively. There is also an all you can eat option on the party deck which includes hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chips, baked beans, Miller beer and canned Pepsi for $30. The prices of the tickets, concessions, free parking and friendly people make this place worth visiting, and a great deal from a cost standpoint. Extras 2 The players don’t have facilities connected to the dugouts, so you will frequently see players in the concourse walking to and from the dugouts, which is good for the people who like to get autographs. There are several banners at Pohlman Field honoring former players, including “From Beloit to the Majors” plaques. There are also championship banners displayed on the clubhouse. Final Thoughts Sure, the stadium is very dated and has none of the modern amenities that people are used to these days. But you can’t go wrong with Pohlman Field. Couple the free parking with the great ticket prices, cheap food, nice people, and good beer, and it is hard to beat the deal you get in attending a Beloit Snappers game. I would definitely put this stadium on the must-see list, especially since the Snappers may not be around much longer.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Gryphon Centre Arena 149 Reynolds Walk Guelph, ON N1G 4Z8 Guelph Gryphons hockey website Gryphons Centre Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,400 A Facelift for the Gryphons’ Igloo In 1964 the University of Guelph was reborn. Previously known as the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph is now a world renowned, comprehensive university with an enrollment of over 27,000 students. Guelph traces its roots back to 1874. With regards to athletics, Guelph has been playing ice hockey specifically all the way back in 1899. In recent years, Guelph has turned heads with its investment in their athletic programs and facilities. The Gryphons are in the conversation as an elite level program in football at both the conference and league level and their new football pavilion is threatening to redraw the landscape with regards to football recruiting. Guelph has also opened up a brand new athletics facility complete with new spectator area for varsity basketball. Not to be forgotten in all of this athletic excitement is the Guelph Gryphons hockey program and their home at the Gryphon Centre Arena. Recently the recipient of a decent facelift, the Gryphon Centre is in contention with any other on campus facility in the OUA. Built in 1989, the Gryphon Centre is home to the Guelph Gryphons men’s and women’s hockey teams and Gryphons figure skating team as well as other recreation programs. The centre features two ice rinks, the Gold Rink and Red Rink. The Gold Rink is home to Gryphons hockey and is Olympic-sized with a capacity of 1,400 spectators. The Gryphons have seen some success at the Gryphon Centre Arena and are hoping that in the excitement of all of the new athletic projects on campus, the Gryphons’ igloo is not lost in the shuffle. Food & Beverage 1 Guelph Gryphons hockey does not offer a spectacular culinary experience. Upon entering the arena, past the ticketing desk, a vendor is right by the door selling soda and popcorn. Unfortunately that is all that is available at this level. Another option may be to hit the Tim Hortons which is on the ground floor of the Gryphon Centre. Keep an eye on the hours for Tim's as it may not be open for the duration of the hockey game. Atmosphere 3 The Gryphon Centre Arena is more than comparable to the other arenas in the OUA and is also the perfect size for OUA hockey. The exterior of the Gryphon Centre is nice enough with a grey brick exterior at the front of the arena, across from the Mitchell Athletic Centre. Large windows allow natural light into the arena, and at night the Gryphon logos in the top windows shine through like a beacon to hockey. Entry into the Gryphon Centre leads to the main foyer which is where the location of the Tim Hortons is, as well as a small team shop. Entry to the Red Rink is also at this level. Fans should take a couple of minutes and peruse the trophy case on this level. Among the artifacts, team pictures and trophies are five plaques for Gryphon All-Canadians in hockey. Among those honoured are Ken Lockett, Brad Pirie, Matt Mullin, Todd Wetzel and J.P. Davis. Fans will be required to ascend the staircase to the upper landing and the entry to the Gold Rink. The upper landing also has plaques attached to the wall for honoured Gryphons hockey team members. Joining the All-Canadians are Rob Arabski and Steve Petrovic. The Gryph’s Sports Lounge is also located on this level, opposite the Gold Rink. Unfortunately, Gryph’s looks out over the Red Rink and not the Gold Rink. Entry to the Gold Rink will welcome fans with the brightness of the new LED lighting, which makes a huge difference on the initial impression of the interior of the rink. Fans enter behind the horseshoe seating at the northwest end of the arena. The ice surface runs from northwest to southeast. The seating in the Gryphon Centre features the centre ice section with full plastic arena chairs and high-top counters, perfect for standing room behind the grandstands. The remainder of the seating has been upgraded with more comfortable contoured plastic bleachers which have been fastened over the original, hard, wooden benches. Surprisingly, the centre ice area may not be the best spot to watch the game from as the chair seating offers little in the way of legroom. New paint and markings and sticking to the red, gold, black and white colour scheme make the Gryphon Centre visually appealing. At the southeast end of the arena hangs the scoreboard, which is fairly simple but does the job. The southwest side of the arena, which is the side lacking spectator seating, has the Gryphons championship banners hanging above the penalty boxes. Hanging for the Gryphons are a bit of a hodge-podge of hockey banners, which is a little different than other schools. The Gryphons have won the Queen’s Cup as OUA champions on six occasions, specifically in 1976, 1979, 1980, 1994, 1997 and most recently in 2015. The highlight of the championship banners is the 1997 University Cup in which the Gryphons were declared National Champions. Other banners present include banners for women’s hockey achievements, figure skating achievements and a banner men’s hockey earned before they became the University of Guelph in 1958. A handy feature of this arena is the Gryphons hockey roster is posted on a large billboard on the southwest side of the arena which is great for a quick glance at who is on the ice. Fans may expect that the arena would be exceedingly cold, however, the climate is quie comfortable for fans and the heaters above the seating area work well. The gameday production is about what you would expect from an OUA program. Many of the jobs throughout the arena are performed by students, including the play-by-play and online broadcast on OUA.tv. The Gryphons have a bit of an entrance, which is fairly unique for OUA hockey, and the lights go down and the Gryphons enter through the fog machine before the national anthem. One of the upgrades at the Gryphon Centre was the PA system, which is now clear and allows fans to hear what the announcements are, rather than feeling like they are in Charlie Brown’s class. Neighbourhood 4 The Gryphon Centre Arena is located right on campus of the University of Guelph on Reynolds Walk. There are a few options that are within walking distance of the arena, but not a ton. A quick venture in the car will take you to Gordon Street where you will find Fifty West, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Manhattan's. A quick turn onto Stone Road will bring patrons to Stone Road Mall and a variety of chain restaurants including Montana’s, Milestones and Fionn MacCool’s. If you are wanting to stay on campus, then try P.J.’s Restaurant in the Atrium or even Gryph’s in the Gryphon Centre itself. Other entertainment options in Guelph would include heading north to downtown Guelph. The River Run Centre has a number of shows that may interest fans on the right day. The Sleeman Centre, home of the OHL’s Guelph Storm is also nearby. Other sporting options in Guelph include the Gryphons football team, which plays at Alumni Stadium and the Gryphons basketball team at the brand new Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre. For fans that need to stay over in Guelph, the Delta is very close to campus as is the Days Inn. Fans 3 Guelph Gryphons hockey has a decent following. Sometimes, OUA hockey is difficult to assess with regards to attendance as reporting can be sporadic. As of this writing, Guelph ranked third in the OUA in average attendance in the 2016-2017 season. However, the Gryphons drew over 4,500 fans to a game against Wilfrid Laurier held at the Sleeman Centre known as the Frosty Mug. The attendance at this game definitely skews the results. That being said, the Gryphons usually bring in between 200 and 500 fans for a regular game, which is pretty good for OUA hockey. Gryphon fans are a good mix of faculty, students, family and community fans. They are intelligent fans and support the home side. They are not over the top loud, but do bring something to the gameday experience. Access 4 Getting to the Gryphon Centre is not terribly difficult. The University of Guelph campus is located east of highway 6 and south of highway 7 for those fans that are coming from out of town. There will be a bit of a drive through Guelph to get to campus, but traffic moves well along the major roads. Public transit is available in Guelph, right onto the university campus and along Stone Rd and College Avenue. Fans interested in public transit should see the Guelph Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. Parking is available to the east and south of the Gryphon Centre. There is no charge for parking during game times, especially on weekends, however a quick check of the facility page just to be safe might be in order. The ticketing desk is at the top of the stairs just outside the Gold Rink. It is basically a temporary table and tickets are available on a cash only basis. Getting around the arena is not a problem at all and there is not usually a capacity crowd. Washroom facilities are on the small side, but should not be an issue. Return on Investment 4 Going to see a Guelph Gryphons hockey game is a sound investment for your sporting dollar. Cheaper than a trip to the movies, a Gryphons hockey ticket is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Although the concession options are not fantastic, free parking and a nice venue to watch hockey definitely help the situation. The Gryphons have put a strong product on the ice for many years and continue to do so. OUA hockey is vastly underrated as it is exciting and fast-paced and offers a more pure form of hockey without the fighting shenanigans. Extras 3 An extra mark for the solid investment that the University of Guelph has made in athletics. An extra mark for a history that dates all the way back to 1899. An extra mark for the student run broadcast team. Final Thoughts The Guelph Gryphons are very excited about their new football and basketball facilities. However, not to be lost in all of this are the subtle, but effective upgrades that the university has put into the Gryphon Centre Arena. A solid OUA hockey venue, the Gryphon’s igloo looks to see more success on its ice well into the future. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by NAU Athletics and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Walkup Skydome 1701 S San Francisco St Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks website Walkup Skydome website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 10,000 Swing Your Axe, You Lumberjacks! Northern Arizona University (NAU) was founded in 1899. It offers more than 180 different degree programs at the undergraduate level. The student body at NAU has just over 28,000 students. The school’s campus is located just south of downtown Flagstaff, AZ. The athletic teams at NAU are known as the Lumberjacks. The football program at the university got its start in 1915. For most of those years, the school was a member of the Frontier Conference, which was made up of schools in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. That all changed when the program joined the Big Sky Conference in 1978 at the FCS level of college football. Over the years, the Lumberjacks have made the FCS playoffs six times (1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2013, and 2017). The football home of the Lumberjacks since 1977 has been the on-campus J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. It is named for a former NAU school president who led the school from 1957- 1979. The stadium is the third domed stadium in the Big Sky Conference and only one of eleven universities in the country with a domed football venue. At one time it was the largest wood-span structure in the country at a roof span of 500 feet and a height of 142 feet above the field. Now it only trails the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA. One built-in advantage to the Walkup Skydome is its location. It is built at the highest altitude (7,000 feet) of any stadium in the FCS and the second highest altitude of any stadium in the NCAA (the University of Wyoming basketball stadium in Laramie is the highest). This takes any visiting team a while to catch their breath! The stadium formerly had a capacity of 16,000, which was downsized to 10,000 during a 2011 renovation. This downsizing was due to the installation of 21-inch wide seats… and we all know how big lumberjacks are! The Skydome also hosts the Lumberjacks basketball program and NAU’s track and field program. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands at the Walkup Skydome provide a very limited menu of stadium standards. This includes hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, BBQ sandwiches, popcorn and candy. Pepsi brand sodas are sold at the concession stands. Atmosphere 4 The seating bowl at the Walkup Skydome is very compact, as the dome design can span only so far. This means that any of those 21-inch seats will give you a view of the action. Unlike most stadiums, the NAU student section (aka The Lumberyard) gets the seats in between the 40’s on the west side of the field. Some alums may be irritated about that, but hey…. they were in those same seats when they were students. Having the students at midfield is very strategic due to the amount of noise they can make to support the Lumberjacks, while making communications much more difficult for the visiting team. Having a dome helps concentrate all that noise as well. The REALGRASS ™ playing surface features the NAU logo at the fifty-yard line, with the end zones featuring the blue and yellow colors of the school. The Walkup Skydome features an excellent electronics package to keep the fans updated on the game developments. There is a 42’ x 24’ videoboard that constantly shows replays and closeups of game related activities. It is flanked on both sides by a pair of 24’x13’ axe-shaped statistics boards that are updated after each play. Another feature that is hard to miss in the Walkup Skydome are the many banners that hang over the stands on both sides of the field. They salute the various sports championships won by any team or individual at NAU. Speaking of atmosphere …… the Walkup Skydome maintains a constant and comfortable 72 degrees…. No matter how cold it is outside! Neighborhood 4 The NAU campus is located just south of downtown Flagstaff, AZ. The area immediately around the Walkup Skydome is the NAU campus, so a short drive is needed to get to restaurants, hotels and other attractions. It is important to know that Flagstaff has been ranked as the #3 Best College Town in the USA by the American Institute of Economic Research. We can understand why, as the Flagstaff area averages 287 sunny days a year. It also has the backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance. The city also offers some great breweries, including Lumberyard Brewing, Mother Road Brewing and B66 Brunch, Brew and Barbeque. Flagstaff also has a stretch of the iconic Route 66 running through it. Flagstaff is also a great jumping off point for the Grand Canyon (75 miles away), Sedona (30 miles away) or Phoenix (150 miles away). In 30 minutes, you can be at the Snowbowl Ski resort as well. Fans 4 Lumberjack fans get the gameday started early as the fan tailgate lots open six hours prior to the kickoff. There are some terrific spreads of food and wonderful entertainment in this area. The students have their own tailgate area in a different section of the campus. The team comes through the tailgate area 2 hours prior to kickoff, with the Lumberjack band and the cheerleaders helping to cheer them on. Once inside the dome, there are several unique spirit activities to enjoy. Shortly before the game, a member of the spirit squad takes an axe to a stump at the 50-yard line. This really gets the noise up and fires up the team. Louie the Lumberjack is the team mascot, and he makes his appearance at this point. Another tradition that fans love is the sawing of “tree cookies” by a member of the NAU Forestry Club on the home sidelines after a NAU touchdown or field goal. A tree cookie is a narrow round cut of a tree trunk. This gets the fans’ attention, as the sound of the chainsaw is deafening. Access 3 It is very easy to get to the Lumberjack games from the I-40/ I-17 interchange. Directions from the I-40/ I-17 interchange: Take exit 341 (McConnell DRIVE. Turn right onto West McConnell Drive. Turn right onto East Pine Knoll Drive. In 121 feet turn left, then a short right into the gameday parking lot. Shuttles will transport you to the dome and bring you back after the game. There are separate concourses for each side of the field. They do not encircle the field, so make sure when you enter the Skydome to head to the appropriate concourse for your ticket location. The concourses mirror each other as far as services such as concessions, team stores, restrooms, etc. Return on Investment 3 You do not have to be a lumber baron to afford a Lumberjack game. Tickets are sold as either reserved seats ($20) or general admission seats ($13). Reserved seats are between the 40’s on the east side of the field, while general admission seats go from the goal lines to the 40’s. NAU students attend for free as part of their student activity fee. For the most part the parking nearest the dome is reserved for the season ticket holders. Free parking is located down the hill from the stadium. However, the school has shuttles from the free parking lot to the stadium throughout the gamedays. Extras 5 Since opening in 1977 the Walkup Skydome has hosted one Division II playoff game, three FCS playoff games, two NIT basketball games, four Big Sky Conference Basketball Tournaments, and ten Big Sky Conference Indoor Track and Field Championship Meets. For many years the Walkup Dome was used as the preseason home for the Phoenix Cardinals. It still is used as the preseason training site for the Phoenix Suns. The first home game of the season includes the Running of the Freshmen event. The entire freshman class at NAU takes part in this. They run the length of the field before heading to their seats in the student section. Many freshmen say this is their fondest memory of their first year at NAU. The rivalry game each season is the NAU vs Southern Utah game. The winner takes home the Grand Canyon Trophy. The large lumberjack statue next to the ticket office makes a great photo op. Final Thoughts The Walkup Skydome provides a very comfortable environment to enjoy NAU football. The dome helps to amplify the crowd noise, making it difficult for the visiting teams to communicate and call plays. But to paraphrase Monty Python… they’re the Lumberjacks, and that’s okay!

Photos by David Hegler and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SAP Center 525 W Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose Sharks website SAP Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 17,562 The Shark Tank Ever since the San Jose Sharks were founded in 1991 and moved into the newly-built San Jose Arena two years later, their hometown has wholeheartedly embraced them. By the time the playoffs roll around, the vast city of San Jose, California is very much a Hockey Town.  The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena. Of course, the arena hosts much more than Sharks hockey. In the past, it has hosted the Golden State Warriors, the Arena Football League’s Sabercats, and the Indoor Football League’s Bay Area Panthers as well as a plethora of concerts. As a result of its history, the SAP Center is a staple in the San Jose community. Food & Beverage 4 San Jose is a melting pot of all sorts of nationalities and cultures, most of which are represented in SAP Center’s food court. It has virtually everything from the Smoking Pig BBQ, The Hula Truck, Umai Sushi, and Launch Test Kitchen. The only culture that the arena doesn’t embrace is the rich Indian culture that has richly enhanced the city’s eatery landscape.  If you’re looking for something sweet, then Sweet Treat just might be for you. They offer ice cream sundaes topped with sugary cereal such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch. There is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages available. Coors Light and Modelo are the main beers available throughout. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks available at the arena. Atmosphere 3 As of this writing, the Sharks sit near the bottom of the NHL. You wouldn’t know it if you saw their entrance. As the players run through the giant shark head and onto the ice, the crowd roars its approval, no matter the record.   Their guest service representatives do a fantastic job of inspiring positive energy throughout the game. All through the game, the video board shows employees giving gifts to lucky winners throughout the arena, keeping the audience engaged. Neighborhood 3 In general San Jose is a pretty safe place to visit and the same can be said about the surrounding neighborhood of the SAP Center. It’s a relatively unique setting with residential neighborhoods directly surrounding the arena and various restaurants outlining the general area.  If you’re willing to walk a couple of blocks, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mexico Lindo Y Cantina, La Cuevelas Restaurant and Five Guys are all to the right of SAP Center on the Alameda. The closest eatery to the arena is the Botanero Bar & Grill, which is directly across Julian St.  The closest hotels are right down W. Santa Clara St., the Hotel De Anza: A Destination by Hyatt and AC Hotel San Jose Downtown, both four stars. If you’d like to catch a minor league hockey or college football game, both the San Jose Barracuda hockey and San Jose State football teams are less than three miles from the SAP Arena. Fans 2 The fans know that good things are just around the corner for their team. All through the game, they cheer and groan as loud as possible, living through each moment of the contest. Still, the empty aisles are noticeable. At a glance, the arena was 65% full at the game of this review, which was fuller than expected. Access 3 Located just four miles south of the San Jose-Mineta Airport, there are several viable options to getting to SAP Arena. Both Uber and Lyft are popular options in this part of town and bus stops are all along the Alameda and W. Santa Clara Street (they’re the same street but change names at the arena).  Fans should check out the Valley Transportation Authority  website for fares, maps and schedules. There is also parking at the arena, which goes for between $25 and $35.  Security is pretty standard for a pro sports facility, with a bag check and bomb sniffing dogs, but it’s not congested. Return on Investment 3 The neat thing about teams that are stuck at the bottom of the league is that the tickets tend to be cheaper. I sat in the second to last row of general admission and paid just $41 with a good bird’s eye view. The more expensive seats in the lower bowl go for $90 to $320. Despite being so far from the action, I could still hear the pop of the pads and always had a clear view of the action. This is an arena where there is no bad spot to watch the action. Extras 2 You may have noticed numerous lights that seem to be flashing onto the ice in one of the pictures. Those lights are not fans. Instead, the arena has fitted each seat with a set of lights that flash three different colors throughout the game. I’m sure other arenas throughout America have this feature, it’s just my first time seeing it firsthand.  Another interesting feature in the arena is the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. All along the arena’s walls, you can see plaques depicting the greatest athletes and sports figures that have hailed from San Jose. It’s always neat to have a free history lesson.  SAP Center Sports Hall of Fame, Photo by Dave Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts San Jose loves its hockey. Whether it’s through the trauma of another playoff exit or the joy of finally winning a game, the city’s love for the sport has been forged through fire. It’s a passion that you can’t truly understand unless you go to a game.

Photos Courtesy of Operation Sports Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Albertsons Stadium 1400 Bronco Lane Boise, ID 83725 Boise State Broncos website Albertsons Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 36,387 The Turf is Blue in Boise Albertsons Stadium (formerly known as Bronco Stadium), home of The Blue, is the third stadium in Boise State short history. The university has grown from a junior college with a thousand-seat field with wooden bleachers in the 1940’s, to the current incarnation, with a capacity of 36,387. The turf was upgraded in 2008 to the new FieldTurf surface. The Stueckle Sky Center was completed in 2012, with three levels of luxury boxes and a modern press box. A new football complex was completed with coach’s offices, state of the art weight room, locker room, and recruiting lounge in 2013. The stadium also houses the Allen Noble Hall of Fame, the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and Larry and Marrianne Williams Plaza. Unique in all of football is The Blue, the world’s first blue AstroTurf field. First installed in 1986 basically as a way to make Boise State stand out during their days in Division 2, it has transformed into a rallying point for the Boise State team and fans. Between the talent on the field and Boise State loud and dedicated fans, the Broncos home field advantage is daunting, racking up a win percentage of 82.4% since the turf was installed. There are lots of myths about the turf itself–everything from birds dying in scores by diving headfirst onto the turf, to it being an unfair advantage for Boise State to play in their traditional all blue uniforms at home. The Blue is one of Boise’s most popular places to see. Not only does Boise State football play here, it is also home of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, a cold weather bowl played between the Mountain West Conference and the Mid-American Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Standard food and beverage options are available, soda, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, hotdogs. Also, stands for hand-dipped corn dogs, mini donuts, tacos, and warm candied almonds. Alcohol is prohibited inside Albertson’s Stadium, but is allowed in the parking lots and Stueckle Sky Center. Prices are reasonable for the high quality of options provided. The mini-donuts with caramel dipping sauce are a local favorite. Atmosphere 5 Albertsons Stadium is a very high-energy place to watch a football game. The noise level has been measured as high as 123 decibels during the 2014 season. Boise State’s marching band, The Blue Thunder adds traditional college football ambiance and entertainment. Of course, The Blue is deserving of its own mention, as the only non-green playing surface among FBS programs. Bronco players are led out of the tunnel at the beginning of the game by a horse and rider, with the first player out carrying The Hammer (awarded to the last game’s best special teams player or player with the biggest hit.) Bronco fans chant “Boise! State!” with opposite sides of the stadium answering each other. It’s bright, loud, and a very entertaining show. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium is mostly residential and student housing on the south side, with downtown to the north, but there are quite a few restaurants and bars in close proximity to the stadium itself. Lots of fast food options, plus Busters Sports Bar and Grill, Pie Hole Pizza, Cobby’s Sandwich Shop, The Ram Brewpub, and Suds. Tailgating happens in lots all around the stadium. Fans 4 Bronco fans are said to be among the nicest fans in college football. They are loud, but at the right times, and are generally friendly and knowledgeable about their team and the sport. There are chants to participate in, and the university is doing a great job of engaging fans in the stadium experience over social media. The student section is also loud and well organized. The only drawback is that fans are still adjusting to the recent trend of 8pm kickoffs, which while beautiful in September, can be rather chilly in late November. This often results in some folks filing out before the game is over to go home and warm up, especially if the team is up big or temperatures fall to single digits. Hard to blame them, especially those with children, but the stadium is a much different place in the 4th quarter vs. the 1st during the latter half of the season for the late evening starts. Access 5 Parking is fairly inexpensive in comparison with some other stadiums and shuttles run from downtown for hours surrounding game times. It is possible to find free parking on surrounding streets as well. There is plenty of access to restroom facilities, as well as elevator access to the upper areas of the stadium. The restrooms are cleaned often and even have heaters which can help immensely during cold weather games. Return on Investment 4 Increasing ticket prices and other fees have been a talking point inside Bronco Nation for several years, and ROI is debated at length, especially in recent years when the stadium has not quite been selling out for all home games. Upgrades to the stadium such as the video board and sound system have greatly improved the experience, as well as expansion of alcohol boundaries during tailgating. Ticket prices do seem to be slowly normalizing to the local economy more and more each season, and with such a unique atmosphere, $25 for the north end zone at the lowest is a screaming good deal for the level of football being played at Boise State. Extras 5 Albertsons Stadium is on the banks of the Boise River, nestled among the trees at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is a very picturesque setting for one of the most interesting college stadiums in the country. The Boise River Greenbelt also runs along the north side of campus, directly next to the Bleymeyer Football Complex, and the Cavens-Williams indoor practice facility. There is an outdoor, real grass practice facility nearby as well. The stadium is home to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, an award given internationally to athletes engaged in humanitarian efforts as well as excelling athletically. The Allen Noble Hall of Fame is a tribute to great Broncos who contributed to the winning traditions at Boise State. The Stueckle Sky Center, while also being the luxury option for watching the Broncos play, is a gorgeous venue in its own right with 240 degree views of downtown Boise, the river, and The Blue itself and is available to the public to reserve for events.

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

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Nusz Park 425 Lakeview Dr Starkville, MS 39759 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Nusz Park website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,100 New Home at Nusz Park The Bulldogs softball program is a fairly new sport at Mississippi State University, with its first year being in 1997. Prior to that, the school competed as an independent in softball from 1982 thru 1986 before taking a ten-year break. Because of Title IX and its impact on women’s sports, the SEC began sponsoring softball officially in 1997. Since starting back up, the Bulldogs softball team has been one of the more successful softball programs in the conference. Though they haven’t made any trips to Oklahoma City for CWS, the Lady Bulldogs have made 14 regional appearances, with their first being in 2000. The Lady Bulldogs play on the north side of campus at the brand new Nusz Park, which opened in 2016 and is located right next to the famous Dudy Noble Field , home of MSU baseball. For the first 20 years, the softball team played at the MSU Softball Complex which was located on the same site. The old softball complex had only one set of bleacher seating that could hold just 300, and the field itself was beginning to show its age, so after the 2015 season, the entire softball facility was stripped down and rebuilt into what it is today. The new state-of-the-art softball facility was constructed for just $6 million – renovations included the installation of 1,100 maroon chair back seats in addition to an expanded concourse, upgraded press box and practice facility, and the first permanent concessions stand at the softball stadium. The facility was named after former alumni couple Tommy and Terri Nusz, who made a significant contribution toward the construction of the park. Food & Beverage 3 Part of the recent renovation included the opening of the first full-service concessions stands at the softball complex. Though you will not find anything fancy, the aptly titled Hail State Eats stand serves the basics with everything being priced at $2 to make it easy on the wallet – hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, candy, and 20oz sodas are all the same price. Coke is the soft drink provider and no alcohol is sold, though you are allowed to bring your own beer if you drink it out of a cup. Atmosphere 3 Nusz Park sits nicely tucked away on the north side of campus right next to all the other MSU athletic facilities except Davis Wade Stadium . The field faces to the north, with beautiful Chadwick Lake off in the distance behind right field. The Bulldog athletic facilities are behind the complex, with A. J. Pitts Tennis Center and Nusz Park sharing the same entrance; there is even a walkway where you can walk between both venues. Nusz Park blends in nicely with its surroundings – the brick facade makes it look like just another campus building. The former MSU Softball Complex consisted of one set of bleachers behind home plate that extended from dugout to dugout, but the renovation in 2016 added over 1,000 maroon chair back seats, which is more than double the number the old complex could hold. There’s also standing room only sections with drink rails at the top of the concourse, where fans can watch the game from high above. Taking inspiration from Dudy Noble Field next door, Nusz Park has added a boardwalk that circles the entire outfield from foul pole to foul pole. There are also fans in the outfield grilling and tailgating and trying to recreate their own Left Field Lounge at Nusz Park. Neighborhood 4 Mississippi State is unique in that it is a big SEC school in a really small town void of any attractions, as the college itself is the main attraction in town. Because there are not a lot of big cities nearby, Starkville has kind of developed its own little subculture and is void of a lot of national chains and malls, as many of the restaurants are local to the area and use local farms instead of big-name producers, and many of the shops are mom and pop style stores. The Cotton District is the main area of town for nightlife; located just off campus within walking distance of Nusz Park, the District as it’s known is home to multiple bars and restaurants. The Cotton District is unique in that many of the neighborhood’s buildings resemble buildings you’d see in New Orleans and Europe, as the developer of the neighborhood traveled there for ideas during the mid-90s. Bin612, Gringos, Drifters, Bulldog Burger, The Fountain Bar, The Klaassroom, Commodore Bobs, Two Brothers Smoked Meats, and StaggerIn are some of the bars in the District. The Bin is a late-night favorite among college students who flock to the bar for its famous cheese fries – when the bars close around 1 am, you can find a huge line of college students stretched the whole block waiting to get the famous fries. In addition, Two Brothers Smoked Meats has really good smoked wings and its signature white BBQ sauce, while Bulldog Burger has a huge selection of different burgers. The Cotton District is a small one block area that gets really packed with a lot of college students, especially on weekends so the older crowd of alums may want to venture more towards downtown if they want to avoid hanging out with the younger college students. Just a short way down University towards downtown you’ll encounter multiple bars, restaurants, churches, and tons of residential units and one-bedroom houses. Located midway between the District and downtown is the famous Little Dooey – this BBQ joint prides itself on its smoked BBQ, fried catfish, and other Southern favorites. Little Dooey is even a favorite among the folks at College GameDay, with Lee Corso calling it the best BBQ in the country. And right next door to is Stromboli’s; this tiny rinky-dink looking Italian eatery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the smell of the pizza being cooked can be smelled from across the street. Right behind Stromboli’s is Central Station Grill, which is built into an old milk plant – the Grill is known for its Sunday brunch and drink specials. And yet another favorite in this area is Dave’s Darkhorse Tavern, a pub-style bar famous for its pizza and located on the side of a sketchy looking motel. Though the motel is not the safest, the bar has really good pizza, and if you come in on your birthday everyone with you gets a free 24-inch pizza. This dimly lit tavern also has really good live music and is the place that attracts the mid to late 20s crowd, unlike the Cotton District; many of the service industry workers (cooks, chefs, waiters, bartenders, etc.) can often be found spending their weeknights at The Tavern, as many of them work during the weekend. Besides the above, a couple of bars and restaurants in downtown I recommend checking out are The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester, which is an outdoor bar in the courtyard of an old historic hotel, and the State Theatre, which is a 3-story club type bar. Restaurant Tyler is my favorite restaurant for lunch, however, as it has a really cheap seafood blue plate special, and in its basement, there is a bar called Downstairs at Tyler, which is located in a former speakeasy that was used during prohibition. Oby’s is another favorite of mine and features sandwiches and po-boys. Super Bulldog Weekend is the big event for the community during the spring, with hundreds of food and arts and crafts vendors lining the streets of the Cotton District. Usually held during the Spring Football Weekend, this event always coincides with a big SEC baseball series, so if you time it right you may be able to see an MSU baseball game while in town. The baseball games this weekend usually attract a higher crowd than usual – in fact, most of the attendance records at Dudy Noble Field have been set during Super Bulldog Weekend. Fans 2 There was a low turnout at the game I attended most recently, but it’s hard to knock the fans as an exciting top 5 baseball match-up was taking place next door. Many of the fans at Nusz Park seem to be employees of the university or friends and family of the players. The Bulldogs are averaging about 480 fans per game, which places Nusz Park about halfway full. There were about 50 or so fans out in the outfield tailgating during the game, and as usual, there were several people ringing cowbells. Fans here are definitely reserved, and not as rowdy or passionate as their big brother counterparts next door. Access 3 The one drawback to coming to a game in Starkville is that the city is located in kind of a secluded area of the state. The closest major cities of Tupelo and Meridian are both located over an hour away, and the closest major airport is over an hour and a half away in Jackson (although there is a smaller Golden Triangle Regional Airport located nearby in Columbus). There are really only two roads coming into town and those are Highway 82 that runs east to west and Highway 25 which runs north and south. However, the town has recently become more accessible to other areas in the state thanks in part to the upgraded Highway 45, which is located just outside of town and is the main road you would travel on if coming from the coastal area of Mississippi. Twenty years ago this road wasn’t fully constructed, meaning you would have to get off on a rural back road and then get back on the highway later; it was also a two-lane road that made traveling to Starkville pretty dangerous. Within the past ten years, though, this road has been widened to four lanes and it is now fully finished. Make sure you fill up on gas before embarking, however, as there aren’t many stations on the roads heading into Starkville – it’s more of a peaceful rural drive through the backwoods. Once in Starkville prepare for lots of traffic congestion, as the town is small and the roads are not exactly the nicest. If in town during a weekend when the baseball team is playing, parking around Nusz Park can be a nightmare, as the lots fill up quickly; my suggestion, if you are in town for a weekend game, would be to park at one of the lots on campus and walk from there. There are usually several lots open just south of Davis-Wade Stadium and you cut through the famous football tailgating spot The Junction. Usually though if there is not a game going on next door then there should be plenty of parking found around Chadwick Lake or the Sanderson Center, which houses the university’s fitness center. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for tickets to softball games at Nusz Park, so factor that in with the cheap concessions prices and you could get food, drink, and get to see top-level SEC softball action for less than five bucks – the return on investment is good at Nusz Park. Extras 2 Nusz Park got into the national spotlight in its first year after opening, as the 2016 SEC Women’s Softball Tournament was hosted here. Though the Bulldogs did not win the tournament, it was nice for this facility to host such a high caliber event in its first year of operation. Try to come to town when the baseball and softball teams are both playing on the same day. The newly renovated Dudy-Noble Field is truly one of the best atmospheres to watch a college baseball game at in the country – attending a game there is something every baseball fan should experience. The two fields are located next door to each other, so fans can walk between the two venues and catch a doubleheader of baseball and softball. Final Thoughts At Mississippi State, the softball team is often overshadowed by the other MSU sports programs, as even the women’s basketball program dominates interest in women’s sports here. However, not to be outdone, Nusz Park is an absolutely gorgeous facility in which to catch a softball game, and truly a hidden gem of a stadium that is worth checking out if you are in the area.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pirate Field 50 Tippin Ave Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola State College Pirates website Pirate Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,000 The Pirates of Pensacola Pensacola State College opened its door in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College, the first college of any kind in Pensacola. PSC is the largest college in west Florida with 36,000 students and 21,000 of those being undergrads. In 2010 the college began operating as a four-year university and began offering bachelor’s degrees. As a result, it changed its name to Pensacola State College to reflect these changes. However, even though PSC is now a four-year university, its athletic programs still compete on the Junior College level. The Pirates currently compete in the NJCAA Panhandle Conference for all sports – the conference currently has five teams that compete in the panhandle area of Florida; PSC, Northwest Florida State College, Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, and Tallahassee Community College. The conference has produced a ton of successful ballplayers such as Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, Buck Showalter, Adam Duvall, and Don Sutton, with most of them playing at Chipola College, the team the Pirates played on the last night I attended. Pirate Field opened its doors in 2000 and is a very simple, pleasant ballpark of about 1,000 seats located right across the street from Pensacola International Airport. With its single grandstand, brick façade, and palm trees located out front, the inviting stadium sits nicely tucked away in the corner of campus. Though Pirate Field is a JUCO level stadium, the field does have some professional history as the independent Pensacola Pelicans competed here for one season in 2002. The Pelicans were a charter member of the Southeastern League from 2002 until the league folded in 2003, after which they joined American Association of Independent Baseball. By this point, the Pelicans would be long gone from tiny Pirate Field, as they relocated a few miles north to the campus of the University of West Florida. The Pelicans were a huge success during the one season they played at PSC, as the Pensacola area previously had not hosted professional baseball since the 1962 season, so fans were hungry for baseball again, and it showed during the lone season the Pelicans played here. The team led the league in attendance, had the best record, and won the league’s inaugural championship. The Pelicans were so popular with the city that they needed a new ballpark ASAP to accommodate the need for baseball in this town. The Pelicans would pack their bags and head north of the city where they would continue to replicate their success for the next 8 years. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand in the ballpark and prices are reasonable – prices range from hamburgers and nachos ($4) to hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($2), and candy ($1). Coke is the primary soft drink provider, and 24oz. bottled sodas are available for $2, with bottled water at $1. One thing I did notice was the popcorn was Act II brand popped in a microwave and served in a bag just like you would at your house. But with 36,000 students enrolled at the school, you would think they would be able to afford a popcorn machine or at least serve it in a container or bowl like you would get at a regular sporting event or a movie theatre. Atmosphere 3 Pirate Field has a very simple relaxed atmosphere, typical to the one you would find at a high school baseball game. The stadium consists of a single basic grandstand that faces southeast. There is one main entrance to the right of the grandstand, with concessions on that side and several picnic tables as well. To the left of the grandstand is where the restrooms are located, as well as some more picnic tables. Left field contains a basic scoreboard that has the score and not much more. The most interesting feature of the ballpark is its location, as it is located directly across the street from the airport. Pensacola International Airport just expanded several years ago to become an International Airport, so that means bigger planes fly in and out at various times during the game. In centerfield, palm trees and the airport’s huge parking garage provide the backdrop for Pirate Field, and from left field you can get a really good glimpse of the runway and the infamous huge UPS jet that sits just beyond the left field wall – the jet has been sitting there providing views at Pirate Field dating back to the Pelicans’ days. Another interesting feature of Pirate Field is that the infield is clay, but the base paths from home plate to first and third are just grass. There is also music being played between innings, but no PA announcer announcing the lineup or anything – if they are going to go through the trouble of playing music, at least have a public address announcer or something. Neighborhood 3 As mentioned the campus is located directly across the street from the airport, so there are plenty of restaurants and lodging available in the immediate area. Immediately across the street to the south is Cordova Mall, the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida. Chain stores include Dick’s, Best Buy, Dillard’s, and Belk, and you can also find just about any typical mall store inside. In addition, outside the mall in the parking lot, you can find Panera Bread, Red Robin, Zoe’s Kitchen, Steak ‘n Shake, Chili’s, Red Lobster, Newk’s, Firehouse Subs, and Moe’s. A restaurant I recommend in the Cordova Mall parking lot is BJ’s Brewhouse – BJ’s is a typical bar food set up that brews its own beer inside the restaurant and has over 60 beers on tap. In addition to the mall, if you go down the main road through the 9th Street area you can find every typical chain restaurant found in most decent sized cities. There is a movie theatre and bowling alley located across the street as well, but if you want to experience Pensacola’s nightlife at its best then take a 15-minute drive south to Seville Quarter. This area, which is modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter, has many different bars and restaurants and is Pensacola’s main nightlife spot – just go all the way down 9th Street to Main, and Seville Quarter is just west of there. Fans 3 For this level of JUCO baseball, you are only going to get a couple of hundred fans in attendance, as the ballpark can only hold 1000 fans – at the most recent game, I attended there were only about 200 fans in attendance, with maybe 100 people sitting in the bleachers scattered about in different groups. Fans seemed engaged in the game and it seemed like most of the people were either affiliated with the college or relatives of the players, as most of the players are from Florida. On this particular afternoon, the Pirates played Chipola College, a storied baseball program from nearby Marianna, and Chipola had a decent amount of supporters who made the short ride over. There is a walkway that separates the bleacher seating from the field, and I saw several scouts as well as several coaches from various local college programs set up in lawn chairs sitting there. All in all, the atmosphere is very relaxed here, and fans are quiet yet knowledgeable of the program and the players. Access 3 Depending on which way you are coming to PSC determines whether the access is convenient or not. The campus is located on the northeast side of the city just south of I-10, so if coming from the east or west I-10 will be your best bet. Just take the Davis Highway, which is one of the main highways in Pensacola; the campus is located a couple of blocks east of that roadway. Things can be a bit more difficult if coming from the downtown area, as traffic can be terrible depending on what time of day it is. Just take I-110 to the Brent Lane exit and the campus is located just off 9th Street; though the campus is only about 8 miles from downtown, with traffic taken into consideration the drive could be a lot longer. If flying in from out of town, the campus is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport – you could fly into Pensacola and walk across the street and be there in less than 5 minutes. PSC is mostly a commuter school, however, so although there 36,000 students enrolled, it doesn’t mean the campus is so large that it’s difficult to find your way to the stadium. There is a lot of construction currently going on around campus, so certain roads and some parking lots tend to be blocked off, but finding Pirate Field shouldn’t be too difficult; the ballpark is on the northeast side of campus on the corner of Tippin Avenue and Underwood Street. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are free, parking is free, concessions are cheap, and you get to see some of the top amateur baseball players in the state of Florida before they make it big. If you’re lucky, you can always say you got to see the next Jose Bautista or Don Sutton before they made it to the big leagues. Extras 3 One extra for the airport being located right across the street and providing the backdrop to Pirate Field; if you go to the top of the grandstand you can get a good view of the runways beyond left field. Games here even have to be stopped for a few minutes occasionally to accommodate the noise when a plane flies into the airport. Another extra for the success that Pirate Field experienced during the 2002 season when the Pelicans began to n play. Though independent baseball is not exactly the hottest ticket in town, the Pelicans brought in a loyal fanbase and packed the tiny stadium. Though it would take ten additional years, that one season showed that Pensacolians are excited about professional baseball being brought back to the city, which eventually led to affiliated baseball returning during the 2012 season. Midway through the 2002 season the Pelicans were purchased by businessman Quint Studer – Studer was originally from Illinois, but relocated to Pensacola in the 1990s to work as a health care consultant at a nearby hospital. Studer become a prominent figure in the Pensacola community, as he is known for running numerous non-profit groups and making many charitable efforts over the years, but he was also the one who brought affiliated baseball back to the city. In 2012 he purchased the Carolina Mudcats and relocated them to Pensacola to become the Blue Wahoos (as part of this deal, Studer had to facilitate the Kinston Indians moving to Zebulon, NC to replace the Carolina Mudcats ; the Indians ended up taking over the Mudcats name). The Wahoos have won Minor League Baseball’s Organization of the Year award three times in their seven-year existence, and in addition, Blue Wahoos Stadium , a three-time recipient of the Southern League’s Ballpark of Year, has consistently been ranked as one of the premiere minor league ballparks in the country; all of this simply because the Pelicans lone season here at Pirate Field laid the foundation for the team that would call the city home ten years later. Without that one season here, perhaps the Blue Wahoos wouldn’t even be here today. Final Thoughts Pirate Field is a very pleasant ballpark to watch a baseball game at, serving its purpose quite well. It’s not a bucket list ballpark you must visit by any means, but if you are in the area and want to catch a baseball game for free in a former minor league ballpark, then I recommend a trip to Pirate Field.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Reser Stadium SW 26th St & SW Western Blvd Corvallis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Reser Stadium website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 45,674 Beaver Nation Reser Stadium – formerly known as Parker Stadium, is and has been the home for Oregon State Beaver football since 1953.Originally holding 28,000 fans, the stadium has had expansions and upgrades to the point that it now holds 45,674. The most recent upgrade that was completed in 2016 was to the north end zone, which is home to the Valley Football Center, houses coaches’ offices, meeting facilities, and a weight room. The 2016 expansion dubbed “Victory Through Valley” included a new auditorium, locker rooms and rehab facilities, and Hall Of Fame. Reser Stadium doesn’t seem as big as it is when you enter, although it is among the smallest stadiums in the PAC-12. In spite of its size, when the game begins, it feels twice as big, and yet keeps the warm and cozy feeling. There have been more than a few major upsets at Reser Stadium over the years.In 2006 & 2008, the Beavers beat the top ranked USC Trojans and also had a 5 game winning streak over rival University of Oregon Ducks in their annual Civil War game from 1998–2006. Food & Beverage 4 Underneath the west side bleachers, there are few specialty vendors.NY Style Sandwiches offers cheese steaks, hot pastrami & pulled pork sandwiches for $10.On the east side (the more recent addition), there is much more variety. Qdoba offers burritos & nachos, both at $10.Cheesy Stuffed Burgers serves a 3 cheese burger $10, Sriracha Meltdown burger $10.50 and a guacamole BBQ bacon burger $11.50. DeMaggios Pizza has slices for $6. Both east and west sides offer the standard fare; hot dogs $4.25, polish $6, nachos $5, popcorn $5.Coffee lovers need not fret, being in the northwest Dutch Bros.coffee is available $4-6. By far the most interesting offerings here are behind the south end zone. Ice cream nachos or s’mores panini’s are available for $6. Can’t say I’ve ever heard of either of these, but the lines were pretty long so they must be popular. Atmosphere 5 The student section is down in front, which makes things very loud for the visiting team. Reser is very much underrated as far as home field advantage is concerned. There is high energy throughout the game. After every Beavers first down, the PA announcer says “And that’s another Oregon State…”and the crowd finishes with “…first down.” It gave me chills hearing that. There is a large video board on the east side of the stadium that helps keep the crowd up to date on game stats. Despite a few down years, the fan base is as strong as ever and the energy inside the stadium is proof of that. Neighborhood 4 Reser Stadium is located on the campus of Oregon State University right next to Gill Coliseum, which is the home of OSU’s basketball & volleyball teams. Corvallis has a small college town feel to it and seemingly the whole city shuts down on game day.Despite being a city of around 55,000, Oregon State football has a huge following. If you are looking for an after game destination, there isn’t much that’s really close, but if you travel about a mile away, on SW 3rd & 4th Streets you have a fair amount of choices to choose from. The Sunnyside Up is a good breakfast spot, and the Big River Restaurant & Bar is a good spot for the rest of the day’s meals. Out-of-towners looking for a place to stay have a few options within a mile or so. Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the stadium. There are a few other hotels within a mile and a half of Reser. Fans 4 Oregon loves its football, and Beaver fans don’t take a back seat to anyone. “Beaver Nation” is as passionate a fan base as any in college football. That passion doesn’t go too far like some fan bases where visitors are taunted and sometimes hassled. The stadium feels very inviting for everyone, the same feeling you would get in most “small town” settings, even though Corvallis isn’t a small town. Beaver fans are very classy and set a good example for others to follow. I didn’t see many fans that were there because “it was the place to be and be seen.” True, hardcore, OSU Beaver football fans filled the stands. Access 4 Like a lot of locales in Washington, Oregon & California, Corvallis is off of I-5 although not directly. If you are not much of a fan of freeway driving, route 99W is the scenic option.Approximately 10 miles west of I-5, Reser Stadium’s parking situation is actually very good. There are plenty of places to park going to the stadium, and that doesn’t include the parking lots specifically for football fans. Lots advertise $15 – $20 for parking, which is reasonable. Once inside, the east side stands and concourse have plenty of room for fans to get around. Bathrooms are big enough for high volume. The east side also has plenty of space for handicapped fans. On the west side (the older part of the stadium), there is room to get around although not as much as the east side. I suspect that the west side will be the next phase of expansion. The one thing I see as lacking is a walkway going around the stadium. The east and south side share a common walkway but to get to the west side you have to go outside to the concourse and then walk up a circular ramp to get there. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets for OSU football range from $35 – $99 depending on opponent. The average cost of a ticket is in the range of $45 – $55. (Note: these prices are a few years old. Was unable to get current prices, but would assume they have increased). Looking out from my vantage point, it doesn’t appear to have a bad seat in the house. Oregon State appears to have a less is more philosophy, and it works. Football fans get just that, football, and it’s refreshing to attend a sporting event that is for that type of fan. Family friendly and exciting, a football game at Reser Stadium is well worth the investment. Extras 5 Tailgating before a Beaver game is an incredible sight. The parking lots surrounding the stadium are filled with tailgaters and that seems to be as much of an event as the game itself. Whatever food you can’t find in the stadium, you can probably find outside before the game. I was offered a beer and a brat before the game by a total stranger. That’s part of that small town feel. They paid tribute to the 1964 OSU Rose Bowl team between quarters and brought them out on the field. The Beaver marching band marched at half time and also played before the game in the parking lot. The band and cheerleaders also led the crowd during pregame. Traditional stuff, but it all adds to the whole experience. Fans wanting hats or shirts to remember their visit to Reser Stadium fear not, there are numerous places to get these items. Hats range from $20 – $38, jackets – men’s $55-120 women’s $36-100, and knit hats $24 as well as other items for sale in black and orange. There is a statue on the east side of the stadium donated by the last living member of the legendary eleven ironmen of the 1933 OSU football team. Final Thoughts Corvallis was selected as the Best College Town In The PAC-12. There’s a lot at Reser Stadium for the avid football fan and it’s a top notch experience; good fans, good atmosphere, it is the total package.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bristol Motor Speedway 151 Speedway Boulevard Bristol, TN 37620 Bristol Motor Speedway website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 162,000 It's Bristol Baby! Bristol Motor Speedway has been one of the favorite short tracks in the NASCAR circuit for both drivers and racing fans. The .533-mile oval means a slower pace, but it ramps up the strategy used by the drivers due to its 4-degree banked turns, narrow straightaways and two pit rows. The speedway opened in 1960, but it bears little resemblance to the original facility. Today the speedway is the 4th largest sports venue in America and the 8th largest sports venue in the world, with a seating capacity of 162,000 fans. This includes more than 150 luxury suites. The speedway has also expanded its complex to include drag racing, truck racing and several levels of stock car racing. This keeps the facility busy throughout the year. Bristol holds two major NASCAR events each year. The Food City 500 is held in the spring and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Nighttime Race is held in August. Bristol is one of the few tracks that hold a nighttime race, which is held at night to avoid the extremely high daytime temperatures in the South. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Bristol Motor Speedway are grouped by seating area. The same offerings are offered in each of the seating areas throughout the track. Many of the vendors are the same franchises you would find along the highway. These vendors include Pinty’s (chicken products), Arby’s (roast beef), Maxdog (hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos), Zeny (cheese steaks, polish sausages, chicken tenders) and Bush’s Beans (BBQ). The Speedway Specialty Stand offers the Triple Bacon Colossus Burger, the Sloppy B Burger and Chicken Fried Steak with gravy on fries. Beverages at the vendors stalls include bottle water, iced tea, Powerade and sodas (brands differ by vendor, as they have national contracts with Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Due to a national sponsorship with NASCAR, only Budweiser brand beers are sold at the Speedway. Atmosphere 5 The owners of Bristol Motor Speedway have created a very fan-friendly environment. The short track nature of the facility offers a much better viewing atmospheres than some of the super-speedways. First of all, fans are seated in stadium style seating, rather than the typical bench style seating found at most tracks. This is a major plus when you are watching an event that lasts more than four hours. Bristol also employs two pit rows, rather than just one. This aids the flow of the race, but it also allows fans on each side of the track to watch the action in the pits. Another innovation is the removal of the scoring pylons from the infield. This is actually a necessity due the tight space of the infield. The pylons and video boards in the grandstands have been replaced by the Colossus center hung video board. It weighs more than 700 tons and has four video panels measuring 30 feet by 63 feet each. No matter where you are sitting in the facility, you will have a clear view of the standings and be able to see replays of any major occurrences on the track. Even the end of the race is well thought out. Rather than have Victory Lane at track level in the infield like most tracks, Bristol has built their Victory Lane atop a building in the infield, which is much more visible to the fans. Neighborhood 3 Bristol Motor Speedway is in the Tri Cities area of Tennessee and Virginia. It is seven miles south of the Virginia – Tennessee Line. On race weekends surrounding the Food City 500 and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race, the Speedway becomes a city of 150,000 plus residents. These residents live in areas set aside for RV’s, campgrounds and area hotels. Most of the businesses in the area service the needs of the race fans. In a larger sense, the Tri Cities area forms the neighborhood with more permanent attractions, restaurant choices and lodging. To the south of the Speedway are Johnson City and Greeneville, Tennessee. To the north of the Speedway are the adjoining cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. Two attractions to check out in the area are Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee. For those racing fans that want to eat in a restaurant away from the speedway, but want to stick with the mood, the Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant in Bristol, Virginia is a great choice. It offers great food and a wide selection of craft beers. The closest lodging to the speedway is found along Volunteer Parkway (Hwy 11), which runs right in front of the track. Many lodging centers offer shuttle buses to and from the speedway. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are tribal in their allegiance to a particular driver. Realizing this, Bristol names its seating sections for past race winners and NASCAR champions. This allows fans to pick tickets in an area with fellow fans of that particular driver. In addition, the FanFest held the week leading up to the race offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite driver or to purchase merchandise bearing the number or team colors of that driver. Fans also enjoy the variety of options available for parking within the Bristol Motor Speedway complex. Bristol does not offer infield camping or RV’s due to limited space, which creates a much more inviting atmosphere for people to walk around and meetup with friends prior to the race. Access 3 As you can imagine, creating a temporary city of 150,000 people over a weekend will present some access problems. First some of the basics: 1) the best interstate access to the Speedway from the south is to take exit 69 off Interstate 81 in Tennessee, then take Highway 394 to the track. From the north, take exit #3 of Interstate 81 in Tennessee and head south on Volunteer Parkway (Highway 11) If you are flying in, the Tri Cities Airport handles both scheduled traffic and private planes and is located just five miles from the track. Unless you have a Speedway, Parking Pass or have reserved a spot to camp out or park your RV, you are more than likely going to be staying at least 10-15 miles away. The speedway has an extensive shuttle bus system that will shuttle you back and forth to the track. For specific pick up and drop off points for the shuttle bus system, go to https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/fans/shuttles-and-buses . Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the two premiere races at Bristol range from $60 – $185, depending on the location of the seats. This is on par with the other tracks in the NASCAR circuit. Concessions are set to the non-track prices of items sold in the franchise year-round locations. Hotels in the area do apply their special event pricing which can exceed $200 a night, well over their average nightly rates. Many of the campgrounds surrounding the track are privately owned and have their own pricing structure. Parking is $10 at the Bristol Motor Speedway North lot, with a free shuttle to the speedway. Other satellite locations offer free parking with $20 round trip shuttle rides to the speedway. Extras 5 Darrell Waltrip is the undisputed racing champ at Bristol, taking the checkered flag 12 times at the track. The “Battle of Bristol” football game set an NCAA record for attendance at a football game with 157,000 fans. The game pitted the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech in a facility equidistant from each team’s campus. The animated film “Cars” used Bristol as its inspiration, with a cameo appearance at the beginning of the film. In the film Bristol “played” the Motor Speedway of the South. The drag racing facility at Bristol is known as Thunder Valley. It literally is built into a valley with hills to each side of the racing surface. The seating for fans overlooks the strip from both sides. This provides an excellent view of the entire race and an earsplitting introduction to the noise created by these top fuel racing machines. Every year Bristol Speedway hosts the Speedway in Lights Christmas Lights event. All proceeds from this event and other events throughout the year goes to Speedway Charities. The Bristol unit of Speedway Charities has contributed more than $13 million to non-profits in the Northeastern Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia region since 1996. Final Thoughts Bristol Motor Speedway shows that there is still a place for short track racing within the NASCAR schedule. What the races lose in speed, has been turned around to take advantage of the capability to see the entire track from your seat. The track management has done a great job of keeping Bristol relevant through constant improvement to the fan experience.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.26 Belluna Dome 2135 Kami-Yamaguchi Tokorozawa-City, Saitama 359-1153 Japan Seibu Lions website Belluna Dome website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 35,655 When is a Dome not a Dome NOTE: The name of the stadium has changed since this review was written. In 1979, the Seibu Lions moved to Tokorozawa, a city in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. A new stadium was built for them and called Seibu Lions Stadium in a testament to originality. It was a typically pedestrian ballpark until 1997, when a roof was installed over a two year period and the stadium was renamed Seibu Dome, yet again a brilliant and unexpected decision. In 2009, the Lions took the $51.1 million posting fee they earned from Boston in the Daisuke Matsuzaka deal and renovated the dome with new concession stands, seating, a scoreboard and even toilets. Still, the overall feeling here is one of mediocrity, which is a shame as the Lions are the Pacific League’s most successful team, winning 13 out of 17 pennants between 1982 and 1998, and taking 8 Japanese titles in that time. Most recently the team won the 2008 Asian championship. There is no wall behind the stands, so it is not a true dome, and the elements are still part of the experience: not good in Japan’s hot and humid summer. The stadium is built into the side of a hill which requires you to walk up a fairly steep incline to get to the infield seats. On a 35 degree day, you will be sweating by the time you reach your seat, so bring a face towel to dry yourself and then grab a beer and enjoy the game. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium offers almost nothing intriguing once you are inside, but fortunately there are a number of concession stands outside. If you get there an hour or two before the game, take the time to wander around the area in front of the stadium and examine the various options. I tried a meat-covered onigiri (rice ball) for 400 yen which was OK. There are plenty of other choices though, and you can bring whatever you buy here into the stadium. KFC is the most famous name you will see, but I would suggest trying one of the other lesser-known stands, such as the kebab truck or creperie. Inside the park, there are dozens of small stands that dot the incline, but they mostly offer typical ballpark fare. There is a large three-level restaurant/team store called L’s that offers tables at which you can stand, but again the offerings are unappealing. Still, it might be worth stopping here as this area offers good views of the game, lying between home and first base. Drinks are served by the countless beer girls who spend the game running around with large kegs on their back, from which they dispense draft beer. Other vendors have different libations if beer is not your thing, just flag one down and you will be served with a smile. Atmosphere 2 The stadium has little in the way of a ballpark feel; the lack of a wall allows a lot of ambient noise to escape and the way the stadium is built into the hill makes the seats seem farther from the field. The best sections directly behind home plate are reserved for season seat holders and are filled with pairs of large chairs, which further reduces the feeling of being at a ballgame. The field is entirely ugly green turf except around the bases, the seats are an ugly uniform green, the fence another ugly green and even the outfield berm is really just concrete covered with yet a different ugly shade of green. Seibu Dome is not a pleasant sensory experience. There is a very large scoreboard but it is not used as well as it could be. The lineups are displayed next to a giant linescore, but they could do with more replays. Domes are generally lacking in a true baseball atmosphere and the Seibu Dome is no different. It is a decent ballpark but that is about it. Neighborhood 1 The stadium is in the middle of nowhere, taking over an hour to reach from Shinjuku. There is nothing in the immediate vicinity and there is no reason to explore before or after the game. The only thing nearby is an amusement park one train stop away and also run by Seibu. If you are with a family, this might be worth visiting before a night game. Fans 3 The Seibu fans are OK, cheering their team at the right time and waving towels when a run scores. But compared to the other fan groups in Japan, the Lions’ supporters are average, with little to separate them from a typical fan base. Access 3 The stadium is right next to Seibu Kyujo Mae train station, which is over an hour from Tokyo. There are many different ways to get here, the easiest being a direct train from Ikebukuro station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line. You enter the stadium behind the batters eye and move to the first or third base side depending on your seats. Lions’ fans sit on the third base side, a rarity in Japan, where the home team supporters sit on the first base side. If you are in the outfield cheering section, you will reach your seat almost immediately, but if you have reserved seats, you will make your way up the hill, passing through two more checkpoints where you need to show your ticket again. It is easy to move around the stadium and you can watch the game from the incline without being asked to move. This is helpful during a hot day as the hill is often blessed with a breeze that doesn’t reach the seats below. You cannot make your way between the first and third base sides – the area behind home plate is guarded as it houses the season ticket seats and the common man is not allowed in. As the stadium is perfectly symmetrical, that’s not much of an issue, although the concession stands might be slightly different from one side to the other. Return on Investment 3 The best thing about Seibu Dome is that tickets are reasonably priced and there are many options. The best are the field view seats, which are right on the field behind first and third base and go for 4,800 yen ($60) on game day. There are also the Bench Side seats, next to the dugout and close to home plate which are also 4,800 yen. These are often sold out, but there are always A and B reserved seats (3,500 and 3,000 yen respectively) available. Tickets are cheaper before game day and if you are a fan club member, even better discounts are to be had, but these are difficult for people visiting for a short time. I highly recommend that you avoid the outfield area – the views are not good from there as it is quite low, and after 3 hours sitting on the ground, you will be in pain. . Extras 2 The Lions’ minor league stadium is located next door and if you are extremely fortunate you might get a day-night doubleheader, so be sure to check the farm team’s schedule at the NPB home page . The Lions offer fans of different types a chance to experience being on the field. For example, Tuesday nights are catch-ball nights, where any fan can play catch on the field after the game, while Wednesday evening is ladies night, where women can try pitching or experience sitting in the Lions’ dugout among other activities. Final Thoughts Given the distance from Tokyo and the lack of anything particularly compelling here, a visit to Seibu Dome is not something that most baseball fans need put on their bucket list. If you want to see all 12 ballparks in the country, this is the one which will probably be the most annoying to get to and offer the least memorable experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 KFC Yum! Center 1 Arena Plaza Louisville, KY 40202 Louisville Cardinals website KFC Yum! Center website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 22,090 At the Corner of Basketball and Bourbon The city of Louisville, Kentucky, jumped to the forefront of college basketball arenas when they opened up the KFC Yum! Center in October of 2010. With over 22,000 seats inside the venue, the KFC Yum! Center is the fifth-largest college basketball facility in terms of seating capacity. What makes the home of the University of Louisville Cardinals men’s and women’s basketball team one of the best facilities in the nation is the wide variety of amenities that can be found in all areas of the facility. In 2021, the arena received $8 million worth of renovations that included 12,000 square feet of LED and a new center-hung video board that is three times the size of the original one. The renovations also included improved audio and broadcast upgrades, updated concession stands, and 130,000 square feet of carpeting in 75 premium suites, 70 premium boxes, and other lounges. The KFC Yum! Center is surrounded by 4,200 hotel rooms as well as many attractions in Downtown Louisville such as 4th Street Live, which can be reached directly from the KFC Yum! Center with Louisville’s skywalk system. Food & Beverage 5 There are plenty of menu options beyond the standard Taco Bell, KFC, and Papa John’s varieties inside the arena. The arena has over 59 concession stands sprinkled throughout the concourses. There are kiosks offering food and drink, designated areas sponsored by local distilleries, and plenty of KFC Yum! brands from Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC. The visually-pleasing KFC and Pizza Hut areas offer fried chicken, boneless chicken wings, and personal pan pizzas. However, check out the Haute Dog location that offers Chicago and Chili-cheese dogs, along with kettle chips and bavarian pretzels. The Farmstead stands have burgers, chicken tender baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and black bean burgers. They are sold individually or with season fries and a drink as a value meal. The grab-and-go section features beer, soda, chips, and candy for quick transactions. The building also includes several kiosks that serve cheesesteaks, barbecue nachos, roasted nuts, popcorn, skinny chips, and kielbasa sandwiches. Other kiosks house locally made beer from Rhinegiest (Cincinnati) and Country Boy (Lexington). The Kentucky Ale Taproom is detectable by its luminescent red lighting and draft beer selection. Heaven Hill and Rabbit Hole Distilleries have their little nook on the concourse level. The Rabbit Hole location is a vast and old airport terminal, featuring a spacious bar and even a spacious window view of the Ohio River. It is a quiet place for a drink but is boisterous during halftime. Heaven Hill is also a pleasant spot to enjoy a drink, but much smaller in size. Atmosphere 4 KFC Yum! The Center is not your typical college venue. The sounds of 22,000 screaming fans, the areas to enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or bourbon, and the various spots to look around are all top-notch. It can be quite an experience in comparison to many other collegiate venues across the land. There are many points of interest along the concourses of the arena. The Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame features legends of all sports with ties to the state. The main entrance features photos and images of the basketball program and also houses the official team shop. One of the best features is the wide-open windows that let patrons gaze upon the Ohio River and the many bridges that cross the mighty river. View from Windows at KFC Yum! Center, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The arena may be the selling point of the visit, but the star of the show is the Louisville men’s basketball program. The team’s rich history is on display from the championship banners, retired uniform numbers, and photos of past players and coaches. It is a carefully crafted entertainment complex that should appeal to a multitude of basketball fans, concertgoers, and casual sports fans. Neighborhood 5 There are plenty of entertainment options before or after the game within blocks of the KFC Yum! Center. Directly across the street in Whiskey Row is the Troll Pub that serves typical pub fare, but in a dungeon-like atmosphere where you can also take a picture with the ceramic troll on your way to the game. Adjacent to the Troll Bar is the Sidebar, where bourbon and bourbon-inspired cocktails are in fashion. A few steps down the street are two local favorites for pizza and Southern cooking: Impellizzeri’s Pizza and Doc Crow’s. A short walk away from the venue is multiple museums that range from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Science Center, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. There is a lot to do in one day or a weekend, and that’s just on Main Street in downtown Louisville. The entertainment area, 4th Street Live provides plenty of excitement at night. Fans can enjoy the Ohio River at Louisville’s many riverfront parks, which is home to the AAA Louisville Bats, or take in a mid-sized event at historic Freedom Hall – the current home to Bellarmine Knights basketball games. Fans 4 Louisville fans regularly pack the mammoth arena and have been ardent supporters of the Cards for decades. The fans are intelligent, loud, and loyal to their basketball program. With the amount of money that has been poured into the new facility, they are a very happy group of Cardinal fans. Louisville is one of only three college programs to average over 20,000 fans per game, with Syracuse and Kentucky ranking one and two. Access 3 The only blemish with attending a Louisville basketball game is the gridlock one will likely experience when arriving at the game. The downtown venue can feature some headaches for drivers. If not familiar with the area, you may find yourself stuck behind lines of cars on the busy streets outside the arena. Be sure to allow yourself extra time. The parking lots cost between $10-$15 at most city lots. If you are lucky, you might be able to find free parking on the street, depending on the day and time. Also of note, there is a toll road over I-65 when crossing the Ohio River from Indiana. The cost is anywhere between $2.21 (transponder) to $4.42 (mail by plate), but if you want to save money, use the US-31 bridge for free access to downtown. It also drops you off in front of the arena and parking lots. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices will vary depending on who the Cards are playing and when making your purchase. At this time, upcoming games start at $20 plus fees, while a game against Duke begins at $49 with fees. If you know when you are attending a game, buy your tickets early. However, KFC Yum! Center and the city of Louisville are worth making a trip for any sports fan looking for a great destination city. Extras 4 There are quite a few extras at the KFC Yum! Center, and it is a center for entertainment. The first star is for the aesthetically pleasing concession areas, bars, and decorative windows that open up the venue to the downtown surroundings. The arena receives another star for being close to many downtown Louisville tourist spots, restaurants, and bars. One star for all of the history on display for this great program. The last star is for the overall experience one should enjoy while attending a basketball game. Final Thoughts The KFC Yum! Center is not only a magnificent college arena but an ideal home for a professional basketball team for the city. Many multi-purpose arenas might appear similar, but the Yum Center has an identity all its own. Its proximity to numerous eateries, landmarks, and tourist destinations easily propel a Cardinals game for a perfect day, night, or weekend visit for the sports traveler. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .