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- Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte FC
Photos by Will Harpen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St. Charlotte, NC 28202 Charlotte FC website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,412 Soccer Thrives in the Queen City Major League Soccer has rapidly increased in popularity over the last quarter-century from a small league drawing several thousand in cavernous football stadiums to a league with teams in every corner of the US and Canada playing in intimate but raucous soccer-specific stadiums. In most cases, these stadiums are requirements for a ticket into MLS, but some successful exceptions have included Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders both setting attendance records, putting soccer on the map in their respective cities and regions, and vaulting in being selected as two of the host cities of the 2026 World Cup. Over the past decade, the Carolinas was passed over during each round of MLS expansion. Charlotte tried to put itself in the mix during that time, but the wait finally ended on December 17, 2019, when the city was awarded an expansion club in the league for the 2022 season. The team would play in Bank of America Stadium, an NFL-sized venue that it would share with the Carolina Panthers. There are risks in playing in a stadium of this size; this wasn't any in this case, as the Carolinas quickly embraced the new franchise with a league record of 74,479 in attendance on opening night. The record-setting MLS attendance on opening night continued throughout their inaugural season. Charlotte FC finished second behind Atlanta in average attendance with an impressive 35,260. Soccer is thriving in the Queen City. Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide variety of offerings at Bank of America Stadium. The concession stands throughout the concourse offer everything from regional to traditional favorites. The items include hot dogs, bottomless popcorn, nachos, and Dominos Pizza round out some of the more standard fares. For local favorites turned regional chain Bojangles offers Chicken Supremes and Bo Fries, and premium Loaded Nachos (pulled pork or chicken topped with BBQ, sauce pico de gallo, roasted corn, and jalapenos) Carolina Nachos (pulled pork or chicken topped with cheese, BBQ sauce, and jalapenos). There is premium and domestic beer, fresh lemonade, and Coca-Cola products with free refill stations are some of the beverages offered, and Dippin Dots Ice Cream is for dessert. There is also a little convenience store area offering snacks and drinks throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 4 Bank of America Stadium offers an incredible atmosphere for soccer, much as it does for football, which may surprise some people because the seats are wide and comfortable. The seating bowl is also 360 degrees offering a great view of the pitch even if you are in the upper bowl, as well as two large video scoreboards on both ends of the stadium. In most games, however, the upper bowl is closed, but this may not be the case as ticket demand rises and Charlotte FC starts to become more of a fixture in the community. The concourse, while crowded, is easy to navigate. There are giant screens throughout, so you won’t miss any action while stocking up on food and beverage. There is also a photo booth, team painting, and a large team store to stock up on the blue and white. Once the upper bowl is open for every match, the stadium has the potential to be among the loudest in MLS. Neighborhood 5 Bank of America Stadium is a short walk away from countless restaurants, bars, entertainment, and all that Uptown Charlotte offers. The establishments include Fuel Pizza, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, French Quarter Restaurant, and Mimosa Grill. The Epicenter houses a variety of restaurants, including the 24/7 Redeye Diner. Adjacent to the French Quarter is the Valhalla pub and eatery modeled after a European soccer pub, further adding a more soccer feel to the city. Charlotte is the state's largest city, with a metro population of over 2.6 million people. There are various entertainment and sports options. Truist Field is near the stadium and home to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. A bit further away is the Spectrum Center that houses the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. While not within walking distance is the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, who play at the Bojangles Coliseum. Other things to occupy your time include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Mint Museum, Imaginon Children's Library and Theater, and the US National Whitewater Center. Charlotte is also home to an Amtrak, Greyhound station, and a major international airport for those traveling in and out of town. The city is accessible by car via major interstates I-85 and I-77. The Lynx Light rail will take you throughout the city, with the closest stop being 3rd and Tryon. Fans 5 The fanbase is still buzzing from the electric atmosphere of the inaugural campaign and first home match. Opening night drew an MLS record of 74,479 fans and, throughout the season, was second in the MLS at 35,260 this season on average. There are five recognized supporter sections: Mint City Collective, Southbound and Crown, Crown Town Syndicate Carolina Hooliganz, and Blue Furia. Fans from throughout the Carolinas came out for Charlotte FC, and the atmosphere was electric, leaving no doubt that MLS made the right choice by expanding to Charlotte. There are also natural rivalries with other clubs in the southeast, such as Atlanta United, DC United, and others. The fans are also incredibly knowledgeable about the beautiful game; with the recent color change of the Charlotte Knights, three of Queen City’s professional teams have Carolina Blue, silver, white and black colors, along with their co-tenant Carolina Panthers. There is becoming a more common color theme of the sports franchise within Charlotte, but soccer and its emerging fan base throughout the country are loud and proud at Charlotte FC matches. Access 4 Bank of America Stadium is easy to access both by car and public transportation. There is a fair amount of parking, with generally half the attendance of Panthers games; parking is a little bit easier to find around the stadium. There are also a lot of parks and ride lots that utilize Lynx Light Rail, including stops at the Carson, Stonewall, and Convention Center stations. There is also parking throughout Uptown Charlotte that you can utilize for easy walking to the stadium. There is no reserved handicapped parking but handicapped seating throughout the stadium at the front of most sections. The stadium offers a ramp and elevator for the higher levels of the venue. Return on Investment 4 Parking and ticket prices vary, but they are not too expensive: ticket and parking average about 25-30 dollars each on the low end. The food tends to be a little pricey, with a hot dog, bottomless popcorn, and beer costing $6, $7, and $12, respectively. A Charlotte FC match with tickets, parking, food, and drink could round around $70-$80 on the low end, which may sound like a lot but is becoming the standard at most top-level professional sporting events. Extras 3 Charlotte FC earns a point for setting an MLS attendance record and a second point for making the stadium very prominent with signage, colors, and a large team store. The team is not an afterthought at the home of the Panthers. The final point is for the five fantastic and loud supporters section that helped lead the rest of the fans in singing, chanting, and cheering before, during, and after the ninety-minute match. Final Thoughts There were questions about whether soccer would be embraced in the Carolinas and whether Bank of America Stadium would be too large of a stadium. Those questions were shattered and put to rest when 74,000-plus attended the opening match. There is more to achieve for the blue and black on the pitch in the seasons to come, but it is clear that Charlotte FC has made its mark in the queen city.
- Colisee Financiere Sun Life - Rimouski Oceanic
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Colisee Financiere Sun Life 111 2e Rue Ouest Rimouski, QC G5L 4X3 Rimouski Oceanic website Colisee Financiere Sun Life website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,062 Le plus jeune propriétaire dans les sports For those people who feel that they have done a lot in their young lives, the example of the Rimouski Océanic is presented here. The Océanic are one of the rock solid franchises in the Québec Major Junior Hockey League. They have won the President’s Cup as league champions in 2000, 2005 and 2015 and even won the penultimate Memorial Cup, as Canadian Hockey League Champions in 2000. Rimouski has been home to such NHL stars as Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier and some guy named Sidney Crosby. In 2009, Rimouski hosted the Memorial Cup tournament. All of this since they moved near the Gaspé region of Québec in 1995 and they are currently owned by Alexandre Tanguay … who is in his twenties. The Rimouski Océanic were originally the Sherbrooke Castors in 1969. In 1982 they moved to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The move to Rimouski was facilitated by former owner and furniture magnate Maurice Tanguay. In 2016, Maurice would transfer his ownership stake to his grandson Alexandre at age 23. The younger Tanguay has a prominent role in the day to day operations of the team, which provides one of the best experiences in the entire QMJHL. Home for the Océanic is the Colisée Financière Sun Life, which was built in 1966 and formerly known as the Colisée de Rimouski. The city owned Colisée, like many QMJHL venues, is a classic barn-like venue which has received significant upgrades to bring it up to Major Junior hockey standards. The Colisée is a pleasant surprise and the Océanic experience is one that will rival any other in the QMJHL. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Colisée Financière Sun Life are fairly average. There is not a ton of space in the arena. There are three small concessions in the corners on the ice level. There are also three main concessions in the concourses. All of the expected items are available, including pogos, chicken fingers, chicken wings, hot dogs ($3), burgers, fries, cotton candy, chocolate and popcorn ($4.50). Of course, it just wouldn’t be Québec without poutine. A variety of different poutines are for sale in the concourse concessions. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice. Atmosphere 4 Built in 1966 with a capacity of over 5,000, Colisée Financière Sun Life is a perfect venue for a QMJHL team in a community like Rimouski. The barn-like structure is common throughout the league and is slightly modified in Rimouski. The roof is a little flatter and the original capacity is a little larger than some of the smaller rinks that required modification. However, the exterior shows that the Colisée was modified to add a main entrance, which is on the north side of the building. The front exterior is sharp, with lots of glass and a huge Océanic logo. The First Nations artwork in front of the arena gives it a very unique feel, with some local flavour. Inside the main atrium, the Océanic honour their tradition of producing some of the best NHL players with pictures on the doors of Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards and of course, Sidney Crosby. The seating bowl is a healthy mix of old and new. The rafters are classic hardwood and give the arena that old-school feel to it. Sight lines around the rink are fantastic. Three sections around centre ice are for club seating, while the rest of the arena features comfortable, modern seats. The rink runs from north to south and the perfect spot for the centre ice picture is from the east side of the building. In the rafters a number of banners hang, showcasing the great tradition of Océanic hockey. Banners for the on ice success for Rimouski hang proudly, including three Trophée Jean-Rougeau and three Coupe du Président banners join the ultimate honour, the 2000 Memorial Cup Champions banner. There is also a banner that honours the 28 game undefeated streak to begin the 2004 season. Two different types of banners hang in the rafters to honour players. The Océanic have retired the numbers of Jonathan Beaulieu, Michel Oulette, Allan Sirois, Brad Richards and Vincent Lecavalier. They join the banner for former owner Maurice Tanguay who has won it all with the Océanic. On the other side of the arena there are banners honouring Alain Côté, Louis Sleigher, Serge Bernier and Donald Dufresne. All are products of the Gaspé area and the Rimouski minor hockey system. It is just a matter of time until Sidney Crosby’s number 87 is also retired in Rimouski. The game day production is about what you would expect from a QMJHL experience. The Océanic use modern lighting on the ice and LED lights to modernize the production a bit. The PA system is quite good and clear and the video board is perfect for the size of the arena. Everything in the arena is loud, especially the ship horn which signifies an Océanic goal. The Océanic mascot, a seal named Loucky, participates on the ice, in the pregame festivities and makes his way through the stands, interacting with fans during the game. Neighbourhood 3 Rimouski is located right on the south shore on the St. Lawrence River. The city is quite picturesque at the waterfront. The arena is not located in a downtown area and there are only a couple of spots available for a pre or post game meal. St. Hubert is a Québec staple and probably a spot that needs trying when in the province. Another spot worth trying is Rétro 50, an old school, fifties style diner. For fans looking for other things to do in Rimouski, any of the traditional Québec outdoor winter activities are prevalent in the Gaspé area. These would include skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Spots in the city that are interesting include a tour of the HMCS Onondaga or the Point-au-Père Lighthouse. As far as sporting options, there are not too many others in the area. There are some athletic teams that play at the UQAR, but that is about it. Fans wishing to stay in the Rimouski area will probably want to head towards the waterfront. Hôtel Le Navigateur and Hôtels Gouverneur Rimouski are decent options for accommodations. Fans 4 The fan situation in Rimouski is curious. On first glance of the numbers, it seems that there is significant room for improvement. In the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons, the Océanic have averaged approximately 3,300 fans per game. This is well below capacity and places them 5th or 6th in the QMJHL. This is just above the mid-point for the small league. However, the game that was reviewed was a different story. A near capacity crowd was loud and proud throughout the game and noisemakers were definitely part of the equation. Perhaps with the playoffs around the corner and the Océanic poised for a decent run, the fans had made a surge and bumped their mark up. Access 3 The Colisée is located in the middle of Rimouski, south of highway 132, east of highway 232 and north of Autoroute 20. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all, given the relatively small size of the city. Parking is free in the Colisée parking lot. There are some public transit options that will require more research. Fans should check out the Ville de Rimouski website for more details on Taxibus and Citébus. The ticketing and main gate area are located in the north side atrium. There is plenty of space available and fans will not have to worry too much about lineups. That being said, getting around the arena can be very difficult. Concourses are extremely narrow and the concessions that are at ice level make getting around almost impossible during an intermission. Return on Investment 5 QMJHL hockey provides a return on investment that is second to none and Rimouski is a shining example. Tickets for the Océanic are extremely affordable with adult tickets going for $16.50 and club seats priced at $19. There are also discounts for students, seniors and children. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. The product on the ice is very strong. With such a small investment, bringing the entire family out to the game is a real possibility without having to drop a mortgage payment on the affair. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Océanic’s ability to groom some of the NHL’s best ever. Crosby, Richards and Lecavalier headline the list of former Rimouski players and all have won a Stanley Cup. An extra mark for the Océanic’s rivalry with the Québec Remparts. An extra mark for the brilliant job of blending the old with the new in the Colisée. An extra mark for breaking the mold and having the youngest owner going. Final Thoughts Having passed off the Rimouski Océanic to his grandson Alexandre Tanguay, Maurice Tanguay must be proud of how his team has continued. The Océanic continue to be a solid franchise in the QMJHL and have continued to enjoy success on and off the ice. They are truly one of the best experiences in the league and worth the trip to the south shore area. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- Centre Videotron - Quebec Remparts
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Centre Videotron 250-B Boul. Wilfrid-Hamel Québec City, QC G1L 5A7 Canada Quebec Remparts website Centre Videotron website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 18,259 Le foyer des Nordiques du Québec à l’avenir In 1995 the Québec Nordiques of the NHL moved from Québec City to Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche would win the Stanley Cup in their first year in Colorado, adding salt to the wound of the Nordiques fans. Hockey history is strong in the capital city of Québec and plans to bring the NHL back to town began to flourish. The first part of the plan involved the QMJHL. In 1997 the Québec Remparts returned to the Colisée Pepsi, moving from Beauport. With hockey returning to Québec, the next part of the plan was up to the fans. Fans came out to support the Remparts in droves providing attendance numbers unseen in the entire Canadian Hockey League, let alone the QMJHL. With the ownership of hometown hero Patrick Roy for a number of years, the Remparts flourished. The current iteration of the Remparts is actually the second to call Québec City home. The original run went from 1969 to 1985 and the original Remparts eventually moved to Longueuil and then Verdun before folding in 1994. Both versions of the team have seen success with each version winning a Memorial Cup. The 1971 and 2006 Memorial Cup championship continued the winning tradition in Québec City. The next part of the plan may be the most important. With the support of current Remparts owner, communications giant Québecor, the city and province of Québec built a brand new, NHL ready facility in Centre Vidéotron. Located right next door to the venerable Colisée Pepsi, the new facility opened in 2015 and is just waiting for the NHL to make a return. However, until that day comes, the Québec City fans continue to come out to support their Remparts in droves and continue to prove to the NHL that their town is as much a hotbed of hockey as anywhere. Food & Beverage 4 Centre Vidéotron is ready for the major leagues and the concessions in the arena are also ready for the big time. There are a number of different concessions in the main concourse on the 100 level which is where nearly all of the fans are for a Remparts game. All of the expected items are available including hot dogs ($4.50), burgers, fries, pizza ($8.75), pretzels, popcorn ($6.50) and nachos. No Québec location would be complete without the Québecois staple, poutine and it is available as well. A decent variety of ice creams can be found at the major concession areas for fans with the sweet tooth. Other options that are a little more original include soups and gourmet salads as well as a variety of sandwiches including a Philly Cheesesteak. One of the biggest concession areas is also the one you would expect the least … the sushi concession. Coca-Cola products ($4/$5) are the featured soda at Centre Vidéotron. Other soft drinks include Van Houtte coffee and hot chocolate as well as water and juice. A few alcoholic beverage options are also available. The beer selection includes Budweiser, Bud Light and Corona as well as local beers from the Archibald Microbrasserie. Wine is also available at concessions. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at a Remparts game is excellent. It begins with the approach to Centre Vidéotron. Located on the Exhibition grounds and right beside Colisée Pepsi, the improvement between the two venues is immediately noticeable. Centre Vidéotron is a sleek, rounded design, looking far more modern than many throwback-looking venues. The exterior is light and silver and from first glance looks like it is a major sports venue. Upon entering Centre Vidéotron, fans are thrust into the main atrium which also houses security. A large team store can be accessed from this level and once fans are past security it is up the stairs or escalator to the main concourse level. Concourses are wide and bright with a few tables for different local causes and the Remparts fan group. One stop that must be made in the concourse is the Gardien Ultime, where fans can test their goaltending abilities in a virtual reality environment. Pillars in the main concourse are wrapped with pictures of players, fans and local celebrities, including a pillar featuring legendary Université Laval Rouge et Or football coach Glen Constantin. The concourse is open concept, behind the top row in the lower level of the seating bowl. The state of the art video board is immediately in view. It is not as oppressively large as will be found in many major facilities, however it is a decent size and crystal clear. The technology continues to be in focus with two rings of ribbon boards around the arena and a crystal clear audio system. Tradition then takes over with a plethora of banners hanging above the ice. The south side of the video board features older banners for Québec teams. These include Allan Cup, Alexander Cup and Edimbourg Trophy banners for the Québec Aces, an amateur Québec Hockey League team that turned professional and had a bit of a run in the American Hockey League. Their most famous son was the 1951-1953 run of Montréal Canadiens legend, Jean Béliveau, who has a banner recognizing this achievement. Banners honouring retired Québec Nordiques numbers for Jean-Claude Tremblay, Marc Tardif, Michel Goulet and Peter Stastny hang proudly with the 1977 Avco Cup banner. There are even banners highlighting Stanley Cup Championships in 1912 and 1913 for the Québec Bulldogs and the retired number of former Bulldog, Joe Malone. The north side of the video board is dedicated to the achievements of both incarnations of the Remparts. Four Coupes du Président and the 1971 and 2006 Memorial Cups are immortalized here. Numbers of former Remparts Real Cloutier, Guy Chouinard, André Savard and Guy Lafleur from the first incarnation of the Remparts are joined by the retired numbers of Simon Gagné, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Alexander Radulov and former coach and general manager, Patrick Roy. The ice surface runs from north to south and the west side of the arena is the spot to get the perfect centre ice picture. The south end of the arena, at the concourse level has the Rempart, where fans turn the claxon which signals the beginning of the period or a Remparts goal. Even with the upper level curtained off, which is common in the Canadian Hockey League for clubs who play in NHL venues, the production at Centre Vidéotron is nothing but professional. The in game production is smooth and the Remparts use all of their technology in a professional manner, thinking details right through to the end. Champion, the Remparts mascot, makes his way through the crowd and has a presence on the ice in pregame ceremonies. Neighbourhood 4 Québec City is an excellent tourist destination. Centre Vidéotron is located northwest of Old Québec, the main tourist destination. There are a few spots of note in the immediate area. On the opposite side of Autoroute Laurentienne is a large shopping mall which contains a few spots to grab a bite before the game. East Side Mario’s, Restaurant Normandin and Valentine are all right there along with other chains. In Old Québec there are tons of options. Café Buade is the oldest restaurant in Québec City and definitely worth the spot. Others include Le Petit Château, Brasserie Française chez Jules and D’Orsay Restaurant. This list just scratches the surface in Old Québec. Other sporting options in Québec City surround Université Laval. The Rouge et Or are probably the premier football program in USports and play at Stade Telus. Among other sports, the Rouge et Or also compete in basketball at PEPS. The Exhibition grounds, where Centre Vidéotron is located, also host other events. Across Autoroute Laurentienne is Salon de jeux Québec, which is the local casino. In Old Québec it is Carnaval de Québec which is the biggest tourist attraction. Visitors will most definitely want to wander around Old Québec, a walled city, and check out the Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham, where the final battle between the English and French took place. Hôtel & Suites Normandin is probably the best bet for fans who desire to stay close to Centre Vidéotron. However, if it is the full Québec experience that is desired, staying at the Château Frontenac is the way to go. Fans 5 Québec City fans are proving that they are ready for an NHL return and have been doing so for a number of years. The Remparts dominate attendance figures in the QMJHL. Each season averaging between 9,000 and 10,000 fans per game, the Remparts have a lock on the highest attendance in the Q. As compared to the rest of the Canadian Hockey League, Québec is consistently in the top four. The Remparts have also taken their turn with the top attendance in the entire CHL and usually compete with the Calgary Hitmen and Edmonton Oil Kings for that honour. Fans at Centre Vidéotron are a little more laid back than expected. However, in a playoff atmosphere or for a big game, the Remparts faithful can get very loud. Fans are knowledgeable and love to get on the case of the referee. Access 5 Centre Vidéotron is located in the Lairet neighbourhood of Québec City, northwest of Old Québec. It is nestled neatly between major highways Autoroute 973 and Autoroute 40. Getting to Centre Vidéotron by car is not very difficult and the Exhibition grounds are very large with plenty of parking. Fans wishing to get to Centre Vidéotron by public transit are in luck. There are buses that travel Avenue du Colisée and Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel. Check out the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale website for maps, fares and schedules. The ticketing area is in the main atrium, which is expansive and spacious. Getting around Centre Vidéotron is not difficult. Although the attendance for Remparts games is among the highest in the CHL, it is still not close to capacity. Combined with the open concept, wide concourses moving around the arena is not difficult at all. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate. Return on Investment 5 Major Junior hockey in Canada remains a top tier value. Adult tickets for the Remparts can be found for an astonishing $17 to $19. Significant discounts for children, students and seniors are also available. The opportunity to see top notch hockey in a professional building such as Centre Vidéotron is not to be missed. Remparts tickets are even a bargain compared to Ontario Hockey League experiences. Fans who drive will be required to pay around $8 for parking. Concession prices are also decent. Overall, the Québec Remparts are an experience where the return can’t get too much better for the investment put forward by fans. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique use for the old Colisée Pepsi. As of this writing, Colisée Pepsi is being used as a training facility for Cirque du Soleil. An extra mark for maintaining the history of Québec hockey in Centre Vidéotron with Québec Aces and Nordiques banners along with Remparts honours. An extra mark for a community that is doing all of the right things to bring the National Hockey League back to town. Final Thoughts It seems like it’s just a matter of time until there is a National Hockey League team back in Québec City. When that happens, it will no doubt signal the return of the Nordiques. However, until that point in time, the Québec Remparts are a wonderful opportunity to see an amazing facility in one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The Remparts offer a return on investment that is as good as you can get. The main question is, what are you waiting for? Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- Centre Marcel Dionne - Drummondville Voltigeurs
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Marcel Dionne 300 rue Cockburn Drummondville, QC J2C 4L6 Drummondville Voltigeurs website Centre Marcel Dionne website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,000 Allez Voltigeurs! On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. With a modest population of 70,000, Drummondville captures the essence of Quebec hockey. The pride of Drummondville includes their junior hockey team, the Voltigueurs, and their favorite son, Marcel Dionne. Dionne was both infamous and the second most-famous Los Angeles King (behind only Wayne Gretzky), and arguably the player that gave the most to the franchise. As part of the Triple Crown Line, Dionne was a staple of the Kings, and regularly finds time to return to his hometown of Drummondville. The Voltigeurs are the second incarnation of major junior hockey in Drummondville. An expansion team in 1982, the Voltigeurs are named after a Quebec-based regiment that fought the Americans in the War of 1812. They followed the original QMJHL team, the Drummondville Rangers, which played from 1969 to 1974. Currently owned by Jean-Guy Rene, Roger Dubois, and Michel Parizeau, the Voltigeurs have enjoyed moderate success, making it to the Memorial Cup 3 times, and winning the President’s Trophy as the top team in the QMJHL in 2009. Their most famous alumni include NHL greats Steve Duschene and Daniel Briere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Centre Marcel Dionne are very ordinary. You are only going to find staple products that you would find in any arena, including hot dogs, popcorn, soda and nachos. There are only a couple of concession stands, and there are numerous vending machines to compliment those stands. The featured sodas are Pepsi products, and the beer available is Molson Export and Coors Light. Prices are decent, but a lack of variety is evident. Atmosphere 4 Centre Marcel Dionne is one of those arenas that sends you back in time. It has the feel of a community arena where your own kids would play house league hockey. The exterior is nothing spectacular, and could easily be driven right past without even noticing it. Once inside that community feel takes over. There is not much standing room where the ticket windows are. There is an opportunity to visit with the local early-birds or check out the various displays, including the large Marcel Dionne display. Once inside, the seating bowl looks like it is from another time. The seating bowl is small and steep, offering fantastic sightlines. The arena features wooden seats, which although are not the most comfortable, are terribly historic. The scoreboard is simple with a 4 sided projected video screen. Above the ice surface you will find the retired numbers of great Voltigeurs of the past including Steve Duschene, Ian Laperriere, Denis Gauthier, Steve Chartrand, Rene Corbet and Daniel Briere. At the far end of the arena you will find the modest banners from successful Voltigeur seasons, including the 2009 President’s Trophy banners. Throughout the arena there are various photos showcasing the hometown team. One of the more unique features of Centre Marcel Dionne is the giant Voltiguer banner which drops and shakes at key moments. Very simple, yet very unique. Neighborhood 2 The Centre Marcel Dionne is a community arena, located in a suburban area. There are not a ton of options in the immediate area for pre and post-game fare. Within a couple of minutes in the car you will find some recognizable chains, including Boston Pizza, East Side Marios and Quebec rotisserie chicken chain, St.Hubert. Fans 4 The Noise!! Drummondville fans are extremely loud! This is probably the only place that I have been that has not banned air horns. The air horn is a favourite of the Drummondville fan, and they use them liberally! The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. They were willing to talk about their beloved hometown team and the prospects that the Voltigeurs would have in the upcoming playoffs. The attendance at Voltigeur games is a bit of a disappointment, as they average just under 2,500 for the season, putting them in the bottom third of the league. Access 3 Getting to the arena is not too difficult as it is located just north of Boul St.Joseph, a couple of kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway. There is some parking on site that is free of charge if you are early enough. Once inside, however the concourses around the outside of the seating bowl do not encircle the arena, and are extremely narrow. Washroom facilities are also not the greatest. Return on Investment 5 It is ridiculous what a great deal a Voltigeurs game is. Top level junior hockey combined with free parking, good concession prices and unreal ticket prices equals great value. This is absolutely family entertainment. Voltigeur tickets go for $15 each, with seats for children going for a ridiculous $6. Unbelievable! Extras 2 An extra mark for the waving banner. Very unique! An extra mark for that hometown feel to a Voltigeurs game. Final Thoughts A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time, and a great group of fans who know how to be loud.
- Eastlink Centre - Charlottetown Islanders
Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Eastlink Centre 46 Kensington Rd Charlottetown, PEI C1A 5H7 Charlottetown Islanders website Eastlink Centre website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 3,718 The Islanders of Prince Edward Island The Charlottetown Civic Centre (as it was originally known) was built as the principal venue for the 1991 Canada Winter Games and in 1993, became home to the PEI Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL). The mid-nineties saw every AHL franchise moved out of the maritime region. The Senators were no exception and moved to Binghamton, New York after four seasons in PEI. In 2003, the arena was renovated in anticipation of the junior team. Seats were added down to glass level in multiple locations, and luxury suites were built. The Islanders franchise started out as the Montreal Rocket, named after legendary Montreal Canadien, Maurice “Rocket” Richard. In 2003, the QMJHL expanded outside Quebec, adding teams in several Maritime cities. With the Rockets experiencing financial woes, the team moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and became the PEI Rocket. Excitement for the new team was evident; the first two seasons saw average attendance of well above 3,000 per game. However, the team struggled on and off the ice in the subsequent years. Attendance steadily decreased, managed only one playoff series win through the 2013 season, and was experiencing financial troubles once again. Charlottetown was in danger of losing its team until a local ownership group stepped in and bought the franchise in 2013. The new ownership group re-branded the team with help from the fans. They sought a new team name that best represented the area and people of their city. In the end, fans voted for the “Islanders” as their team name by a large margin. The new brand has turned the tide of the junior hockey club as attendance figures are rising again. Food & Beverage 4 Eastlink Centre offers a unique variety of food and drink options. Concession stands are found throughout the arena in the concourse and portal areas. The lines and wait time during intermissions are fairly long, as only a few staff works at the smaller stands. The quality of the food is about as expected at a stadium. Some of the unique menu items include poutine, popcorn chicken, pulled pork (in sandwich or poutine form), mozza sticks, slushies, candy bars, and a delicious looking dessert with Funnel Fries, cinnamon, ice cream and chocolate, called “Ice Cream Poutine.” For vegetarians, your options for a high protein meal are non-existent. For your thirst, Coca-Cola products are offered in both bottle and fountain style. Beer taps and bottles are full of Moosehead brewery products. All alcohol is served separately from concessions stands. Prices for food and beverage range from $2-$5 for regular menu items and $7-$8 for unique items. Combos are available to save a few bucks. Vendors do not walk the aisle; you will need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Overall concession stands are well maintained, clean, and have a nice modern look with the menu on video boards. Recommendation: Eat before heading to the game and grab a snack, drink, or dessert at the game. Atmosphere 3 The arena is only a small part of the complex, which also includes a convention hall, a casino, and a horseracing grandstand. The long, large building has an industrial look and feel. The facade is fashioned from good quality masonry block on the bottom portion of the building, and a plain blue corrugated metal skin on the top. The long horizontal exterior walls without varying the rhythm or materials, makes the building look exceptionally long and boring. Inside, the seating bowl is small and intimate, with every seat close to the action. The seating arrangement is almost symmetrical with 14 seating rows on each side of the rink. The blue plastic seats are close together with no cup holders. A few luxury suites are along one side of the rink with the press box located above them. A lounge above section 5 is available for all ticketed patrons above the age of 19. Here you will find food and drink options, seating tables, and TV screens. The scoreboard hanging from centre ice is small and simple. Video is projected onto screens in every corner of the rink. But the bright lights in the arena and the low quality projected screen make it hard to follow the puck in replays. Although dance and jock rock songs are played in attempt to raise the energy in the arena, fans get more into the music when classic hockey and maritime songs come on later in the game. In-game promotions are simple and effective. Noisemakers are available to pick up before heading into the arena. The in-game host keeps fans entertained during intermissions and commercial breaks with his good, quick-witted humour. Young kids get a chance to play on the ice during one of the intermissions to the delight of the fans. The mascot “Sly” shows up sparingly, and is not a part of in-game festivities. The best seats are at the sides of the rink and not on the ends. The side seats have good viewing angles so you see all the action on the ice. From the end seats you will not see a puck cross the goal line, especially if you have fans sitting in front of you. Neighborhood 3 Charlottetown has a rich history that is very welcoming to tourists. The city is most famous for the 1864 Charlottetown Accord where delegates gathered to discuss, and eventually agree upon the initial concept of a Canadian Confederation. Province House, the location of that 1864 conference, remains the city’s centerpiece. Visit Confederation Landings Park to learn more about this historic event and the growth of Charlottetown as a city. The downtown historic area and waterfront with beautiful old sandstone and masonry buildings provide inviting walks for tourists. Eastlink Centre is located away from downtown, at the north end of Charlottetown. The arena is tucked away between a largely residential neighborhood, and light industrial buildings, with no bars and a few fast food restaurants, making it more of a commuter venue. This means fans travel to the game and leave right after the final horn, instead of sticking around to enjoy some post game festivities. Lodging options are limited near Eastlink Centre. However, the Best Western sits at a good location right in-between downtown and the arena. For a sit down meal, plan ahead and visit some great restaurants downtown. For Irish bar/pub food, The Old Triangle is a popular place with local craft beers. For seafood, the Claddagh Oyster House is a local favourite. Wherever you eat, be sure to leave room for dessert at the highly rated Cows Ice Cream. The next morning, order a latte and breakfast burrito from Beanz, a local coffee shop. Fans 3 Islander fans get a unique, up close experience with the players before doors even open. Because the concourse is tight, Islander players head to the atrium to kick a soccer ball around in front of fans waiting for admission. The fans respect the players’ space and let them do their warm-ups without interruption for autographs or photos. The Islanders are averaging 2,000 patrons a game (54% capacity). During the game, fans are quiet, unobtrusive and respectful to the other team, the referees, and fellow fans. Even during a close game, only a handful were noticeably loud. Some tried to start a “Let’s go Islanders” chant, with little participation by the rest of the crowd. Patrons are only conspicuously boisterous after a home goal. Access 2 Direct flights to Charlottetown are available from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. This small city has a population of around 35,000, so the arena is convenient from everywhere you are in town. To arrive by foot requires a 20-25 minute walk from the downtown core. However, almost everyone drives or takes a taxi. 800+ parking spaces are available within a 5-minute walk of the arena. If a horseracing event is scheduled simultaneously with hockey, the parking gets tight. By bus, it’s a 15-minute walk from the nearest bus stop at Holland College. A fare for the “T3” transit is $2.25 and buses runs every half hour or hour, depending on the time of day. The main entry to the arena faces Kensington Street and is clearly marked with an architectural canopy in front of a two-story glass curtain wall. The main atrium divides the building from the convention hall and the arena. Here, you will find the box office, will call, an ATM, the team store, the main concession stand, a Tim Horton’s, and an outstanding Memorabilia room. Once doors open and your ticket is scanned, be sure to get your hand stamped for re-entry if you foresee heading back out to the atrium at some point. Access to the interior layout of Eastlink Centre is disappointing. Separation of public and private spaces is not clear, circulation for patrons around the arena is awkward and space inside the bowl is wasted by various walkways. The concourse is cold, narrow, and crowded at intermission with limited standing room. Walls are lined with concrete masonry block, cheap florescent light fixtures, exposed plumbing pipes and ventilation ducts above. The arena has plenty of restrooms throughout the concourse. Even during intermission, none of them had a line outside the door. Getting to your seat can also be confusing. Unlike most arenas where entrance to the seating area is from a high level above the rink, here you enter at rink level and walk up to your seat. If your seat is in Section 20, be prepared to follow a circuitous route. From the concourse take a portal to the inside of the bowl. Once there, follow the hockey boards and squeeze between the boards and the seating area. This narrow passageway may be difficult to navigate, especially when patrons are coming from the opposite direction. And watch out for the Zamboni! Then proceed back into the concourse until you run up against a black screen that separates fans from the opposing team’s locker room entrance. Turn and enter the seating bowl once again. If your timing is off, you may have to yield to visiting players entering the ice. Now walk behind the visitor’s bench to a stairwell and, voila, you are in Section 20! Patrons in wheel chairs have limited options, rink side at the ends or at the top of the bowl outside the lounge. Only a handful of spaces are available. Return on Investment 4 Prices for individual game tickets are reasonable for witnessing the highest level of junior hockey. Tickets are $16.50, with discounts for seniors, students, youths, and groups. No matter if you are a casual or a die-hard hockey fan, the experience you will get from the staff, fellow fans, and the product on the ice is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 +1 for the video booth replaying opponent goals. In-game operators realize that Islander fans are also true hockey fans that enjoy seeing great plays, even if the opponent makes that play. +1 for the Islanders goal celebration. Immediately after a goal horn sounds, the arena lights turn off and a light show decorates the ice. +1 for the Memorabilia Room. This is a fitting hall-of-fame showcase of hockey in Prince Edward Island that includes past and present teams, players and coaches from the island. Final Thoughts For a tourist, the best time to make a visit to Charlottetown may be September. The fall colours are spectacular, the hockey season has started and most of the popular tourist areas have yet to close for the winter. Prince Edward Islanders are proud of their hockey heritage, past and present. Fans are making the effort to support their local team that now has the local ownership and branding. Hopefully the past financial problems are behind them and the Islanders have a solid future in Charlottetown for the long term.
- Lincoln Financial Field – Army/Navy Game – Philadelphia
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Army/Navy Game website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series. There have been seven ties. The 2022 game had the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Food & Beverage 5 There are many concessions stands throughout all areas of the stadium offering the usual options. Beer is not sure cheap and the price is depending on the size and whether you purchase a draught or can. There are also some craft beer locations, but beer will be closer to $12 and up. Make sure to check out the self-pour vending machines in the north part of the concourse. Hot dogs are a decent price, although a few kiosks sell a better, grilled version for a little more. You will also find a decent Italian sausage at those same kiosks. A gluten-free kiosk is also available. Regular sodas are a good option with a souvenir size available for a little more. You will also see some options to get bottled soda, but they will only give it to you with the bottle cap taken off. I guess it does make it harder to throw a full bottle of soda if the cap is off. Cheesesteaks are found at the general food stands for a decent $9. Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches are great choices but will cost a buck or two more depending on the options. Chickie’s and Pete’s sell their famous Crab Fries for $10.50. The cheese sauce is extra. They also have a very good chicken cutlet sandwich. There are Dunkin’ coffee stands and Rita’s Italian Ice locations scattered throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. Even in the game back in 2018, which was played in a driving snowstorm, the atmosphere never suffered. The game benefits from being held at such a fine facility. The Eagles have excellent facilities and offerings for the team and fans. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Eagles merchandise will be unavailable. Neighborhood 4 The main problem with the entire sports complex is its distance from the actual city of Philadelphia. To really experience the city you would need to take a subway ride into center city. There are places close to the stadium still. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not really an entertainment center, but a mess of bars thrown together. It can still be a good pre-game meeting spot even with the outrageous prices. The Famous sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is pretty close on Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside here. The food is pretty good too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony & Nicks Steaks (Formerly the original Tony Luke’s) on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony and Nick’s offers more options with much better flavor. The place can get crowded before games and still gets it share of tourists. There will be many people that view even this spot as a bit too touristic, so for a more neighborly experience go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you on a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 5 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at a shockingly high price of $40 apiece. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the NRG station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest game around. It is a much desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. The entrance plaza is such a fun hub of entertainment that it serves to get the crowd entertained as well as pumped up for the game. The carnival atmosphere is pretty spectacular. The Eagles had installed 14 micro-turbines in the stadium in recent years. They used to add a unique look to the stadium, as well as provide sustainable energy for the complex. As of late 2019, the turbines have been removed for repair and have never reappeared. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest makes it a must-see for any real sports fan.
- Jersey Mike's Arena - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rutgers Athletic Center 83 Rockefeller Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website Jersey Mike's Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 8,000 Jersey Mike's RACtion Jersey Mike's Arena, also known as the RAC, is home to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team. The RAC (an initialism for Rutgers Athletic Center) is its former official name but is still commonly used. Another former name, the Louis Brown Athletic Center, is never used anymore. Louis Brown was a Rutgers graduate and former member of the varsity golf team, who made a large bequest to the university in his will. Rutgers and Jersey Mike’s Subs announced in 2021 they had reached a multi-year agreement to make the sub sandwich restaurant an official naming rights partner of the university. The venue has a unique shape which is like no other arena we have seen. It is like a truncated tent with trapezoidal sides. The inside is just as unique and very much outdated. The original architect Robert Hillier said the venue design was not his original choice and that money concerns negated many of the original design choices. The arena, located on Rutgers’ Livingston Campus in Piscataway, New Jersey, opened on November 30, 1977, with a win against in-state rival Seton Hall. The arena is home to men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball. The university will also use it for various concerts, graduations, and other events. The arena also served as the home of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets from 1977 until 1981. The Livingston Campus is one of the five sub-campuses that make up Rutgers' New Brunswick/Piscataway area campus. Rutgers University itself is one of three regional campuses of Rutgers University, New Jersey's public research university, and is located in New Brunswick and Piscataway. There are over 50,000 undergraduate students at this university. Rutgers men's basketball has generally had limited success over the last 30 years, but the last couple of years have seen major improvements in the program. Food & Beverage 4 For being a small venue, there are many good food options along the crowded options. The food options are actually pretty decent for a major sports venue. Jersey Mike's Subs are not surprisingly, sold in a couple of spots, along with a few other big-name options such as Dunkin. A popular choice is the tables selling Popcorn for the People which sells popcorn in many unique flavors. They will likely be offering samples for tasting. The Chicago style and chocolate espresso flavors are both great choices. Atmosphere 5 We checked the archives of Stadium Journey to see the past rankings of the RAC. The last couple of reviews had higher rankings in atmosphere and fans than in older reviews. The support for this venue has dramatically increased since the team has shown better success on the court. This arena has been dubbed, “louder than a 757 from nearby Newark.” The unique shape of the venue and roof system seems to enhance sound. Frankly, this is currently one of the loudest venues you will experience in sports. The main stands are very steep and offer only bench seating at the top of the venue. There is a very nice center-hung video board, with some really nice vertical screens in each corner. The band, cheerleaders, and team mascot enhance the atmosphere. For such a large school, the small size of Jersey Mike's Arena is pretty shocking. The students and general fans have a certain love for this outdated venue and seem reluctant to get a newer venue. It would seem that ultimately a team in the Big Ten Conference will need a larger arena. Neighborhood 3 Piscataway and New Brunswick are located just under an hour outside New York City. There are a few options on the Livingston Campus, although many may be just for students. Henry's Diner is close by along Rockafeller Rd and offers all-day breakfast, coffee & sandwiches in a retro setting. The Chimney Rock Inn is another good food option nearby. RU Hungry is located on the main campus in New Brunswick and is known for its famous fat sandwiches. There are 39 styles, including the Fat Knight: cheesesteak, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries, and marina sauce on a sub roll. The Bridgewater Marriott is a good lodging option for visitors. Fans 5 We can only judge by the current situation and not the past, so the fan support seems quite amazing. The loudness of the venue can partially be credited to the unique venue roof, but the fans are very loud and engaged on their own. The students are close to the court and can create an intimidating presence. Access 4 Jersey Mike's Arena is located on the Livingston Campus, so you need to set your GPS to the specific lot you are planning on parking. Do not look just for Rutgers in your GPS as it may lead you many miles away. The lots nearby the arena are plentiful and easy to access. The green, VIP lot is closest with the yellow pre-paid lot just after that. You also use the game day yellow lot for $20. There is one main entrance on the southeast side of the arena. Return on Investment 4 The arena is way too small for such a large university. The small size has served the school well on-court success has been limited but this means that most games will sell out quickly. It is nice to sell out but you would think it would also be nice to get more people into the stands. It may next to impossible for visiting team fans to attend games here. Tickets start at a little under $30, but you will likely have to buy on the aftermarket. Extras 4 The roof and overall design of this unique venue are an extra all of their own. There is a Rutgers Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring former Scarlet Knights. You should also check out the display showing off all of the past women's players who have gone onto the WNBA. The sound of the venue is amazing. It is not just the PA and music, but the loudness of the fans themselves. It is loud. I think Popcorn for the People may be worth a trip to the arena by itself. Final Thoughts Jersey Mike's Arena is outdated and borderline dilapidated, but it's still an amazingly vibrant arena to watch a very high level of basketball action. Should Rutgers have a better, newer, and bigger arena? Probably, but the basketball-watching experience is pretty amazing here.
- Bank of Colorado Arena – Northern Colorado Bears
Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bank of Colorado Arena 1600 14th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks website Bank of Colorado Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,734 UNC Bears Basketball The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) basketball team plays at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, CO about 60 miles north-northeast of Denver. Formerly known as the Butler-Hancock Hall, in 2014 the university announced a 15-year naming right agreement with the Bank of Colorado and renamed the arena to the Bank of Colorado Arena at Butler Hancock Athletic Center. The University of Northern Colorado’s men’s basketball team began play in 1901 just 12 years after the founding of the university. They have played in a variety of different conferences; the longest tenure was the Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference (RMFAC) from 1924 – 1968. They have played in the Big Sky Conference since the 2006/2007 season. They made the NCAA tournament once in 2010 where they lost in the second round. They won the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in 2018. The women’s basketball team, volleyball and wrestling teams also call Bank of Colorado Arena home. Food & Beverage 2 Basic stadium fare is offered at the Bank of Colorado Arena at affordable prices. Two concession stands on either side of the entrance offer the same items. Choices include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, pickles, flavored ice, and candy/chips ($1.50 - $3.75). Pepsi is the soda provider ($4) and it is nice to see Diet Dr Pepper in the selection. There is a Papa John’s tent that offers slices. Beer is served for $7 and includes your traditional Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Shock Top and two flavors of Mike's Hard Lemonade. A small souvenir table is to the left of the entryway that sells UNC Bears shirts, caps, banners, etc., though no hat pins. I recommend eating at one of the many outstanding eating/drinking establishments in Greeley and then getting a snack at the arena, if needed. Atmosphere 3 Bank of Colorado Arena provides an extremely comfortable game day experience. The seats are wide and legroom is marvelous. Seating sections are on all four sides of the court with the ‘Bear Den’ - student section - behind one of the baskets and the General Admission seats behind the opposite basket. The sideline rows go from A to Q with rows O, P, and Q containing plastic benches (no backs) while the remaining rows have spacious blue stadium fold down seats. Steps up the rows have banisters and the step height is lower than average, making them easier to ascend and descend for those who need it. Sit in section M to see the center court logo. No scoreboard is suspended from the center court rafters which fits this venue admirably. Instead, two video scoreboards are hung in opposite corners which display the game action, replays, and team stats such as fouls, turnovers, free throw %, etc. throughout the match. The other corners have dot matrix panels showing individual player stats, the score and time remaining. The music level is perfect (not intrusive) and the temperature of the arena is comfortably warm. The Bears provide traditional basketball promotions such as T’s for Three’s, yell for your Papa John’s pizza or Jimmy John’s sandwich. Cheerleaders and a pep squad appear throughout the game with some individuals doing backflips along the sidelines during breaks in the action. At the game of this review, several dance teams performed during half time: the cheerleaders, the Sugar Bears dance team and the Paws dance team. Neighborhood 4 Greeley is a small college town and has plenty to offer for entertainment, activity and enjoyment. 8th Ave has several dining establishments in its historic downtown area adjacent to Lincoln Park, just two miles from the Bank of Colorado Arena. JBs Drive In, Daruma Japanese, Roma Restaurant (pizza and beer), Rio Grande (Mexican place) are worth checking out for a meal. Greeley has several craft breweries, the most delicious (thus dangerous) is WeldWerks (especially if IPAs are favored). Brix Brewery & Taphouse offers 60 beers on tap including their own craft beer as well as tasty bites of grub – they are not open on Mondays. For tourist places to visit, check out the Meeker Home Museum (Meeker is known as the founder of Greeley), the Centennial Village Museum (this does close for the winter so it may not be open when attending a basketball game), or the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. The Greeley Stampede has been operating for 98 years but again, this is held in the summer so will not be open during basketball season. Other sports in the area include UNC baseball at Jackson Field, UNC football at Nottingham Field and one may be able to catch a double header with the nearby Colorado Eagles (AHL) several times a season. For places to stay if in town visiting, DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park, the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center or the Currier Inn Bed and Breakfast are all in the downtown area. Fans 3 The UNC Bears fans are very supportive. They all stand and cheer at great blocks and shots. In the past few years average attendance has ranged from 1250 – 1325 per game. Average attendance in this 2018-19 season is 1545 a game so it is increasing. The fan demographic varies. Students, alumni, families, kids and retired folks all join together in backing the team. At the game of this review, it was wonderful seeing many other UNC athletes supporting the men on the court. Access 3 Getting to the arena from out of town is okay. Greeley is not located right off any interstate and one must travel ten or more miles from any interstate on four-lane state highways. Once in Greeley getting to the arena is relatively easy as it is a small town. Parking is right outside the main entrance and is free (it was $5 the last time I went several years ago so this is a nice treat). Ticket booths open 1 ½ hours before tip off and are located outside the main entrance. A short check of the bags and you’re in the small entrance. Turn left or right to get the concessions and then do an about face and there’s the court and seating. The only concourse is the entry area with the two concessions and clean rest rooms. Fans stay in their seats for the game, however, the concourse may get a bit congested at half time. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $7 (youth general admission) to $17 (adult premium reserved), these prices include that annoying $2 additional fee when purchased game day. Even so, it’s a great investment of your sports travel dollar - parking is free and concessions are very reasonable. It's nothing fancy but it's a good two hours or so of entertainment on the court. Extras 3 Bonus items include the vast amount of legroom in the seating area and the wide chair width making it quite a comfortable stadium seating arrangement. The town of Greeley is well worth visiting with plenty of bars, restaurants, breweries, and other entertainment choices. It is truly a comfortable, small intimate setting for a basketball game. Final Thoughts Attending a game here is worth the effort as it is a small, welcoming venue and watching the game provides a friendly, enjoyable sports afternoon or night out.
- Dee Events Center – Weber State Wildcats
Photo courtesy of Weber State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dee Events Center 2701 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408 Weber State Wildcats website Dee Events Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 12,000 Dee-Lightful Affectionately known as the "Purple Palace," the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah has been home to the Weber State Wildcats since 1977. As the largest arena in Utah north of Salt Lake City, and a capacity of 12,000, the DEC has hosted nine Big Sky Conference men's basketball tournaments, games in four NCAA Tournaments and countless Utah high school basketball tournaments. Food & Beverage 4 Weber State knows its family-friendly fan base well, and prices their concessions accordingly. The offerings are quite affordable for a family of any size. Let's start with the usual fare. Main food items include cheeseburger ($5), pulled pork ($5), chili ($5), pizza slice ($3), hot dog ($2), or Polish dog ($4). Smaller items include popcorn, fries, nachos, and chips ($2-$3 each). If you want something sweet you have plenty of options available to you. These include cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, boxes of candy, or Rice Krispie treats. "Purple-Pak" ice cream is also available in two sizes. A smattering of kiosks offer these specialty products, including an alarming number of seeds/nuts. Beverages are your standard Coke products. A bottle of water or soda is $3, or you can get a large cup for $4. There's not much in the way of chain infiltration, though I always love a good Chick-fil-A ($5-$8 combos with regular and spicy sandwiches or nuggets). The other chain is a Utah original: Teriyaki Stix. Touting themselves as a "Japanese grill," they offer a bowl of rice topped with either veggies ($6) or teriyaki chicken ($7). Financial troubles have closed a lot of Teriyaki Stix locations and its sandwich cohort, Hogi Yogi, so these bowls are rarer than ever. Atmosphere 4 The family-friendly feeling you get from the concessions is consistent when you make your way to your seat. A very tight circular seating pattern (all chairs, no bleachers) offers closeness to the court while still being a classy facility. In other words, you feel an upgrade from the "high school gym" atmosphere many expect from a low-to-mid-major conference setting. You'll find a large sense of community throughout the night, particularly in activities and promotions during timeouts and halftime. Lots of local businesses get involved by sponsoring these activities, and Weber State goes out of their way to honor outstanding community members, as well. Throw in a massive amount of cheerleaders and the always-on-the-move Waldo the Wildcat (whose pre-game ritual includes a stroll across press row) make for an ideal small-school college basketball experience. Neighborhood 4 The DEC is largely surrounded by residential areas and other Weber State facilities, so the nearby main drag of Harrison Blvd. is your closest food source. All of your typical college-town, fast-food fare is available, plus a couple of unique, award-winning food options. If you're in the mood for Mexican, try Javier's, a northern Utah mini-chain. The Javier's closest to the DEC is at 4874 Harrison Blvd, about a half-mile from the arena. All your Mexican favorites are there, including fajitas. There are lots of plates and combinations to choose from, ranging from $6-$12. If you're in the mood for dessert, don't miss the Nachos Dulces ($5.99): A deep-fried flour tortilla slathered in honey butter and cinnamon topped with ice cream. For pizza lovers, The Pie Pizzeria (1225 Country Hills Dr; 0.3 miles away from DEC) has a devoted following, and for good reason. The Pie's creativity, whether put in its own hands or those of the customers, is its defining characteristic. Not only can you create your own pie, you can make your own slice depending on the time of day. Besides, pizzas, they have plenty of salads, subs and zappis (calzones). Specialty pizzas range from $9.49 for a medium "Italian Special" to $41.99 for a giant 23" "Pie's Combo." If you want to try something new on a pizza, The Pie would like to interest you in either "The Greek" (white cucumber yogurt sauce, gyro meat, mozzarella and feta cheese, topped with tomatoes, red onions and a squeeze of lemon) or the "Thai Pie" (spicy Thai peanut sauce, chicken breast, carrots, red onions, fresh basil and chopped cilantro topped with mozzarella and toasted sesame seeds). Fans 4 I was a bit wary about what kind of crowd I would see when, at tip-off, there were more cheerleaders on the court than students in the student section. Those students in attendance (including the guy in the Whoopie Cushion costume) still made their voices heard early with their signature chant: "Turn-over! Turn-over! Turn-over! YOU SUCK!" Not the best day or place for Montana to have 17 turnovers. Each successive turnover meant a louder chant as more students filled the space throughout the first half, but there just weren't enough there to justify a full five points. The rest of the 5,579 fans in attendance were loud enough to make it seem as if more were there, especially when the officials were due for a ribbing. All in all, not bad for a Thursday night crowd. One quirk to be ready for: Fans stand and rhythmically clap to begin each half until Weber State scores its first points. Access 5 There are plenty of parking spaces surrounding the DEC, and they are all free. Season ticket holders have a section roped off for them, but all other spaces are fair game. I was able to park about 50 feet from an entrance with no hassle. There are lots of ways in and out of the DEC parking lot, and each exit is monitored by local police post-game, so traffic runs incredibly smoothly. It took me less than three minutes to get out of the lot. The restrooms are impeccable, and each one has both walls (not just one) lined with urinals, so you always have somewhere to 'ahem' go. The tight circular interior architecture assures you won't need to walk too far to find a restroom. Return on Investment 4 I was pleasantly surprised by my DEC experience. I had been there before for a handful of high school tournament games, but never to see the Wildcats. The intimate setting of the arena coupled with the ease of access to everything made for a nice night. As I wrote earlier, more students getting to the game (on time, if possible) would only enhance the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Whoopie Cushion guy in the student section. Whether you chalk it up to determination or a sheer disregard for embarrassment, he showed a strong commitment to a quirky costume. One point for the army of staffers available to help things go smoothly. No matter the size of the crowd, you are never too far away from someone who can help resolve any issue. It just helps add to the family-friendly atmosphere of Weber State basketball. One point for pulling off the all-purple look. Purple is not one of the most-used colors on the sports landscape. Nevertheless, nobody is as committed to displaying purple pride as Weber State. The result is a visually pleasing rotunda of purple seats, something you'd be hard-pressed to find anyplace else. Final Thoughts If my family lived closer to Ogden, I know we would make more frequent trips to the DEC. If you are a fan of small-town college basketball anywhere in the country, a trip to Weber State will thoroughly satisfy.
- Peter W. Stott Center – Portland State Vikings
Photo courtesy of Portland State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Peter W. Stott Center 930 SW Hall Portland, OR 97201 Portland State Vikings website Peter W. Stott Center website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,000 Stott Center The Peter W. Stott Center (also known as Viking Pavilion after a recent renovation), named after an alumnus and booster of Portland State, is the home for the PSU Viking basketball and volleyball teams. Built in 1966, it is located on the campus of Portland State University, which is on the south side of downtown Portland. The campus sits on 50 acres of real estate known as the University district. The Stott Center used to boast rooftop tennis courts where the men's and women's tennis teams competed, but these were removed (as was the swimming pool) during the recent renovations. The facility now includes student lounges, study spaces, offices, and a weight training facility in addition to the main and secondary gymnasiums. Now seating only 3,000 fans in its multi-purpose main arena, it is still one of the smallest college basketball arenas in the country. The Vikings compete in the Big Sky Conference, where they won conference championships and NCAA bids in 2008 and 2009. The program joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996. Food & Beverage 3 All-you-can-eat basketball is the way of the Stott Center. Anyone purchasing a ticket to a PSU home game receives all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn and soda from the concession stand. This is a unique promotion to say the least. Zenner's hot dogs, Papa John's pizza and Franz Bread sponsor the Get Stuffed all-you-can-eat. There are other items available, but there is no menu or prices listed anywhere. If hot dogs and popcorn don't spark your interest, there are limitless options near the campus to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 2 Taking into account the Stott Center's diminutive size, it does not feel like you are in a Division I arena, rather more like a high school gym. There is only one entrance to the gym. An 11 member pep band performs at the end of the court opposite to the entrance. There is a good sized video board on the end of the court next to the band that seems oddly out of place. When the team is playing well, there is a much different feel to the arena, but there is very little excitement during the game in off years. This is a program on the rise, but its home hasn't quite caught up yet. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Portland has plenty of options for most tastes. Lodging is plentiful near the campus, highlighted by the Marriott and Hilton hotels. The Cheerful Tortoise, a sponsor of PSU athletics for 50 years and voted Portland's Best Sports Bar, is the place to be before and after games with daily drink specials a terrific menu. Voodoo Doughnuts is a must visit locale. The Bacon Maple bars are outstanding. If you are looking for a more cultured experience, the Portland Art Museum is a few blocks away from the campus or a trip to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, should be on your itinerary. There is also a maritime museum on the banks of the Willamette River a mile or so away. Fans 1 Despite the stands being filled to about 60-65% capacity during my most recent visit, the crowd was very quiet. I could hear the coaches instructing their players more than I could hear the crowd. The student section, referred to as "The Green Man Group" was not audible either, with most socializing instead of paying attention to the on court activities. I'm sure that if the team was competing for a conference title or tournament spot, there would be a much different feel in the Stott Center. Access 3 With the campus of PSU being in downtown Portland, congestion is a big problem. There isn't much parking close, so be prepared for a bit of a walk. There are a few parking garages within six blocks of the arena, or you can take your chances trying to find parking on the street. Beware though, Portland is infamous for having one way streets, and bike lanes. If you're not familiar with the city, you could be faced with an unwanted adventure trying to find your way around. Public transportation is available within a two block radius. Tri-Met's MAX (train) and bus services are probably your best bet in getting to and from the Stott Center. Once inside, it is very easy to get around. For the size of the building and the capacity, there is plenty of room in the lobby for fans to move around, get a hot dog, buy a t-shirt, or anything else you might want to do. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $18 for adults and $8 for youth. There really isn't a bad seat in the house because at the worst, you are no more than 50 feet from the court. The plastic seats are not very comfortable and there is no safe place to set your drinks. With the all you can eat concessions, if you are a big eater it works out to be pretty reasonable entertainment value. But if you are looking for the excitement of big time Division I basketball, unfortunately this doesn't quite fit the bill. Extras 2 The PSU Hall Of Fame wall is just outside the court. Some notable names from the wall include Neil Lomax (NFL QB), Clint Didier (NFL TE), June Jones (NFL QB and Head Coach) and former MLB manager Tom Trebelhorn. The opposite wall has the school's Division II accomplishments including National Championships in Volleyball and Wrestling. The souvenir stand has caps for $20, t-shirts for $15 and sweatshirts for $30 - $45. There are not as many items as you might find at other arenas, but there are many choices of styles with what they do have. Final Thoughts The Stott Center is soon to be expanded and renovated. The "Viking Pavilion" will be the new basketball home for PSU within the existing Stott Center building. The project is to include a 5,000 seat sports arena, concert and event hosting, symposia and other general purpose uses. Based on the current situation, the expansion is a welcome upgrade to this program. It will create a new buzz for the school. The future looks bright for PSU athletics.
- Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome – Idaho Vandals
Photo courtesy of Idaho Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3 Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome 875 Perimeter Dr Moscow, ID 83844 Idaho Vandals website Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,000 The Moscow Spectrum Once football ends at the University of Idaho, the men's and women's basketball teams move from Memorial Gym to the Cowan Spectrum in the Kibbie Dome, which is also the football stadium. A court is created up against the football stands on one side, while bleachers are brought in around the other three sides of the court. Curtains are then hung behind the bleachers to create a more closed in, intimate atmosphere. Seating 6,000, the Cowan Spectrum creates a very interesting atmosphere and was even named one of the 20 toughest home courts by Sports Illustrated in the early 1980s. While it isn't perfect and could use some renovations for nicer bleachers (some rows of the bleachers fell off a few years ago, luckily when no one was on them), the Cowan Spectrum is not a bad place to play basketball and is certainly a better option than Memorial Gym. Much like the Kibbie Dome, the Cowan Spectrum brings a very unique and one of a kind feeling to Idaho sports. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands open for games at the Cowan Spectrum, one at the floor level behind the curtains for fans in the bleachers and one in the main concourse for fans in the permanent football stands. The prices are fair, with just a few dollars for a hot dog, popcorn, or other basic stadium food. There isn't anything unique though, and it might just be best to wait and eat before or after the game at many of Moscow's restaurants. The Cowan Spectrum serves Pepsi products for their beverages. Atmosphere 4 Getting to seats is not a problem, but the bleachers can become uncomfortable after a while. Bringing a seat pad may be a good idea. That's really the only complaint about the overall atmosphere though. The curtains make the whole venue seem small and let you feel right next to the action. You will have a good view of the action no matter where you sit in the arena. The mascot Joe Vandal interacts with fans most of the game and the PA announcer keeps everyone into the game, as well as the band playing during timeouts. There isn't a video screen though, so no replays are available. Neighborhood 4 The Cowan Spectrum isn't that close to downtown Moscow, but a short drive takes you to all the restaurants and bars in downtown Moscow that are dedicated to the Vandals. The Idaho campus is a very scenic place with beautiful buildings, including Memorial Gym just a block away that is on the National List of Historic Places. It shouldn't be hard to find things to do before or after the game in a classic small college town. Fans 2 While the game I went to had a good turnout, in recent years the attendance numbers have not been good. In 2014 Idaho averaged just about 1,400 people per game, much less than the 7,000 capacity. While the team hasn't been especially good as of late, you still want to see more attendance than that. The fans that do come are into the game, but there isn't much to keep them entertained. The loudest they got during the game was when they offered free pizza to the loudest fans, so I hope you see what I mean by their overall interest. Winning increases attendance though, and with wins the Vandals can bring in more fans. But a move back to the Big Sky conference, fan interest could be re-sparked. When Idaho plays regional and historic rivals like Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington, and Idaho State in games that matter, as opposed to games against the likes of Chicago State, UT-Pan American, and Utah Valley in the WAC, fans will have more of a reason to come out and see them play. Access 2 Getting to the arena isn't a problem at all when you come from Moscow, but coming from other places can be a challenge in the Moscow winters. There are some highways that come into Moscow, but they can be icy and dangerous in winters. The Pullman-Moscow Airport provides flight access from Spokane and Seattle airports. Moscow is a very isolated city, with only Pullman, WA close by. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $15 to get in, and that seems just slightly steep for a mid-major program. The only thing you get back really is the basketball game, there isn't much else to take away from it. But $15 isn't that bad, and the games are very fun. Extras 3 The Cowan Spectrum isn't lacking in showing the history of Idaho basketball. Retired numbers and championship banners are hung on the curtains, and the concourse has pictures of the University's history. Overall, the Cowan Spectrum is a nice place to watch a basketball game in a unique and intimate venue. It certainly isn't something any basketball fan needs to see before they die, but it still isn't a bad place to catch a game. The University has new arena plans drawn up and progress to build it has been slow, but the school doesn't plan on playing there much longer. A new arena would definitely be much better for the University and program, but the Cowan Spectrum still keeps Idaho with a good college basketball venue for the time being.
- Snow Globe Stadium – St Nick Saints
Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snow Globe Stadium 1225 Reindeer Rd North Pole, Top of the World www.hohoho.edu Year Opened: A Long Time Ago Capacity: 9,500 The Stadium Claus(e) Saint Nick State University is a technical school in the ice fields of the Arctic Mountains, located north of Alaska at the top of the world. The school was founded long, long ago, and has approximately 9,500 students. They are primarily enrolled in the Toy Technology School or the Logistics and Distribution curriculum. Rumor has it that a secret IT campus is located nearby– tabulating who has been bad or good. The Saints compete in the FCS (Father Christmas Status) level of NCAA competition and are a member of the Over the River… and through the woods Conference(ORC). Other schools in the ORC include Merry State, Toys Tech, Austin Pay by Layaway, FSU (Free Shoes University… but only if you are good and earned them!), and historic Slippery Rock (because it’s Icy) University. The football program has a very successful history– they have never been bad, they’ve always been good, for goodness sake! They also own the best all-time winning record of any team in the ORC. Who would dare beat Santa? The Saints call Snow Globe Stadium (alias the Chillerdome) home. The home-field advantage is obvious, as the football team has had an amazing 1000% winning percentage in home games since the stadium opened. The original capacity of the stadium was 50,000, but numerous renovations over the years have brought its’ capacity up to its’ present 100,000 seats. Also, because most of the student body is elves, the seats are tiny. The most recent upgrades occurred in 2010 and include the addition of 33 luxury sky boxes for toy execs, sleigh manufacturers, sno – cone operators, and a new presents box for you know who! New red and green artificial turf has also been installed on the field (no tundra here!) Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are plentiful throughout the stadium, but food choices are very limited. Beverage selections consist of hot cocoa, milk, and egg nog. Prices are very reasonable, as being a good boy or girl gets you a free serving. Food selections include chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, and fruitcakes. The cookies are delicious, but I would stay clear of the fruitcake. If Oakland ever gets a new stadium they could build it out of the stuff. The concession stands are staffed by children and very friendly elves. Atmosphere 5 Snow Globe Stadium is always a festive place on game day. Families arrive early in their sleighs to begin setting up for some wonderful pre-game holiday celebrations. The settings are elaborate, as there is always a competition for the best decoration, best use of lights, etc. The fans also love their school band, the Marching Toy Soldiers (think the Texas Aggie Band at Radio City Music Hall), as they perform before, during, and after the game, often to louder applause than the team. Even though the stadium is enormous you have a great view of every play thanks to the 2,400-foot flat-screen TV /scoreboard Santa delivered last Christmas. Expect a sea of red and green as SNSU fans are not shy about being Reindeer Rooters. Other nice touches include candy cane yard markers and the referees throwing coal instead of penalty flags. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located on campus, so it is surrounded by academic buildings, toy manufacturing labs, and dorms to house the elfin student body. The nearby college town of North Pole caters heavily to this population. Blitzen’s Bar. Area restaurants include Rudolph’s Roadhouse Grill and Mexican fast food at Jingle Bell. Holiday Inn has a monopoly on accommodations, as their franchises are the only chain allowed in town. For pre or post-game celebrating, head over to Blitzen’s Bar for a wide variety of home brews. Just beware of Vixen, who plies her trade here, when she is not in the red/green light district… she is naughty…not nice! The neighborhood gets into the home games, as they have wonderful Northern lights shows and ice sculptures on display. Fans 4 This may be FCS-level football, but you ARE at the North Pole. SNSU fans are rightfully proud of their team’s success through the years. They are predominately alums of the school and work in this company town for the major employer. Instead of Mississippi State cowbells, these fans employ jingle and sleigh bells to distract the visitors. However, they are always on their best behavior, as you know who is in the present-edent’s box, watching who has been bad or good. The recent arrival of red-nosed freshman Rudolph Reindeer is expected to light up the scoreboard. Access 2 The main shortcoming of this stadium is its’ remoteness. It is not reachable by road unless you are friends with the “Ice Road Truckers,” have a snowmobile or a mush team of dogs. Snow Globe Stadium also has stringent security measures at all gates… if you’ve been bad, you are not getting in! Airfare is prohibitively expensive and air traffic control space for most of the season is monopolized by SLEDEX and Amazon cargo flights. Even the executive airfield nearby is reserved exclusively by you know who. Make sure you book your tickets for a regular season game, as the Saints are not bowl-eligible due to business commitments in December and January Return on Investment 4 Snow Globe Stadium @ SNSU and the North Pole are obviously “destination” locales for watching football over the holidays. It is a family-friendly experience that you will never forget. Tickets are free (if you have been good) and so are the food and beverage. The stadium spirit shop will remind you of the FAO Swartz toy stores of your youth. Best of all you’ll leave happy and filled with goodwill to all after your visit. That is priceless…… until the credit card bill comes in January. As to the “other” ROI, Snow Globe Stadium has a comparable return policy to most retailers. However, it is probably your fault if something does not fit or is the wrong color. After all, you gave Santa your list, dummy! . Extras 4 The staff at Snow Globe Stadium strives to provide a unique experience for every fan. There is a commitment from top management to the ushers to make sure you are happy. The newest “extras” for your game experience include: Cheerleaders recruited away from the Rockettes. A new stadium lounge for those who want to join in the reindeer games socially. Exclusive tours, including locker room visits with the team after the game. Final Thoughts Snow Globe Stadium is a magical place to be and watch a game, some may even think it is an April Fool’s Day joke.
- Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center – Kent State Golden Flashes
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center East Summit St. Kent, OH 44242 Kent State Golden Flashes website Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 6,327 High Voltage MACC Mania It’s unfortunate that Kent State is most known for the tragedy that happened in 1970 with the shootings by the Ohio National Guard. A decent sized university established in 1910, Kent State is located just south of Cleveland in the college town of Kent, Ohio. With over 30,000 students, Kent State University is a significant member of the Mid-American Conference, where they have been a member since 1951, just five years after the founding of the conference. The Golden Flashes have a number of distinguished alumni including baseball legend Thurman Munson, football great Jack Lambert and golfer Ben Curtis. However, basketball at Kent State should not take a back seat to football, golf nor tragedy. The Golden Flashes have slowly grown to a strong team in the conference winning the MAC Tournament in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2008. Those same years the Golden Flashes made appearances in the NCAA tournament. The regular season MAC title was also won by Kent State in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015. All this sounds great, however it was the 2002 Kent State team that tops them all. In 2002, the Golden Flashes made it all the way to the Elite Eight, the best showing in Kent State history. Entering the tournament as a 10 seed, the Golden Flashes would go on to upset number 7, Oklahoma State, number 2 Alabama and number 3 Pitt. The home for the Golden Flashes is the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. Built in 1950, the MAC Center has seen the ups and downs of Kent State basketball and is a great spot to catch some basketball MACtion. With a capacity of 6,327 the MAC Center is just the right size for basketball in this conference. Named in honor of students and alumni who gave their lives in World War II, the MAC Center remains a living memorial in an age of corporate and large donor naming rights. The Golden Flashes demand energy from their fans and High Voltage is on the menu and MACC Mania is required for Kent State basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center are about what you would expect for an NCAA basketball venue of this size. Concessions are decent, but will definitely not blow fans away. The main concession stands offer hot dogs ($3), chilli cheese dogs, burgers, grilled chicken, sausage, nachos, popcorn ($3/$5), chips and pretzels among other things. Although the selection is decent, the variety will definitely not overwhelm fans with options. Alcohol is not sold at the concessions. Pepsi products are the featured soda ($3). Coffee, hot chocolate and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Although the selection isn’t massive, concession prices are pretty good with all items coming in under $5. Atmosphere 4 The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is a great place to catch a college basketball game. Approaching the MAC Center, fans will notice that this venue has been improved and upgraded over time. The original brown brick structure is still intact, but a newer grey stone, pillared entrance and foyer immediately greet fans. Large banners request fans to “Power Up” and let them know that “Home Is Where the Hype Is” and add colour and life to the exterior. The main foyer is large and bright and when fans pass through security, they are immediately greeted by a large inflated Golden Flash mascot. Lots of natural light gives the foyer light and makes it seem like a venue that is at a much larger, more prestigious basketball school. Clean and bright tile and a couple of mosaic tile pieces of artwork on pillars add more life to the building. The concourses feature a number of historic pictures and artifacts, which help outline the history of Golden Flashes basketball, among other sports. Upon entry to the main gymnasium, fans will be struck with the coziness of the seating area. The court runs from southwest to northeast with seating behind either basket and two levels of southeast and northwest grandstands. Fans have the opportunity to choose a variety of types of seating. The upper grandstands feature old wooden benches on both sides. The lower northwest grandstand has contoured plastic benches while the lower southeast grandstand has plastic chair seating. The southeast side is where fans want to be for that perfect picture of the center court logo. Surprisingly, there are some windows at the top of the grandstands which allow natural light to bleed into the main playing area. The upper southwest side of the court also features some glassed in, club seating. Above center court is the scoreboard which is pretty simple, but there are some video boards in the north and south corners of the gym. Above the northwest banners are the Golden Flashes championship banners from their appearances in the NCAA tournament and NIT as well as their MAC tournament and regular season championships. At the southwest end of the gym proudly hangs the Golden Flashes greatest basketball achievement, their 2002 Elite 8 banner. Beside that are the honoured numbers of Andrew Mitchell, Trevor Huffman, Demetric Shaw and Antonio Gates, all of whom were members of the 2002 team. The number of 2002 team member Eric Thomas is also honored, however, due to some significant legal troubles, Kent State has removed his banner. The game day production is what you would expect from a MAC school. The Kent State pep band plays in the southwest grandstand, behind the basket, and adds that college feel to the game. The northeast side of the gym features an in-house DJ who is clearly secondary to the band. The expected flag wavers and cheerleaders are also part of the game day experience. The Kent State mascot, Flash the Golden Eagle, roams the stands and courtside, interacting with fans, especially kids. Neighborhood 4 The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is located on the center-west side of the Kent State University campus. The closest major street to the MACC would be Summit Street, however, this is not the best spot to find pre or postgame fare. The best idea is to head north to Main Street, where fans will find a variety of establishments. There are a plethora of well-known chain franchises on Main, heading west towards Haymaker Parkway. There are also a few unique options that fans may want to consider. These include Main Street Continental Grill, Rockne’s Pub and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Kent being a small university town means there are not a ton of options for other entertainment nearby. Kent State does offer a full program of athletics, the most prominent of which is football played at Dix Stadium. Dix is quite a distance east of the main campus. Baseball is also played at Kent State during the spring months at Schoonover Stadium. For fans with a bit of an artistic side, the Kent State Art Gallery and Kent State University Museum are on campus. Also, the center of campus features a May 4th Memorial and May 4th Visitor’s’ Center for those who wish to learn more about the 1970 tragedy. There are a couple of places to stay that are not too far from the Kent State campus. Fans may wish to try the Kent State University Hotel or the nearby Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Although Kent State may not be known for preeminence in basketball, the Golden Flashes do lay claim to a pretty solid following. The Golden Flashes average more than 3,500 fans per game. This figure gives them a solid hold on third place for average attendance in the conference and are also above the MAC average for attendance. The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate and the keep the noise level at a decent decibel. The seating behind the baskets is for the students. At the game that was reviewed, the student section was not overwhelming and not over the top. There was definitely some room for improvement from the students. Access 4 The town of Kent is located north of I-76. The campus of Kent State University is located pretty much central to Kent. For fans arriving from out of town, they will have to traverse some of the town of Kent to make it to campus. However, for basketball events, this does not seem too difficult and traffic is not over the top. Free parking is located in the lot on the opposite side of Summit Street. For fans who wish to get a little closer to the MACC, there is some pay parking available on campus, closer to the arena. Fans who wish to get to Kent State via public transit are in luck. The PARTA transit system runs all through the Kent State campus. Check out the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority website for maps, fares and schedules. The main ticketing and entry gate at the MACC is found to the south of the building, at the newer foyer entrance. Ticketing windows are outside and lineups are not too bad. On a cold day, the entry to the main foyer can get pretty tight for fans who are waiting for the gates to open and want to escape the cold. Getting around the arena is not too difficult. The upper and lower levels of the main foyer offer fans space to get around and the concourses on the southeast and northwest sides of the court may be a little narrow, but are not terrible considering the attendance. Washroom facilities are on the small side, but are adequate for this venue. Return on Investment 5 Mid-American Conference basketball is one of the real bargains in the NCAA. Tickets for Golden Flashes basketball range from $12 to $35. Ticket prices, expectedly, increase for the rivalry game against Akron. Kent State students are free to get in. Considering the cost of tickets, decent concession prices and free parking, Kent State basketball does not require a huge investment for an afternoon or evening’s entertainment. The product on the court is also underrated and in fact, the game that was reviewed was tremendously exciting, against a conference rival, and went into overtime. All-in-all, Kent State basketball offers just about everything a fan could ask for considering the low investment required. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the interaction of players and fans. On the game that was reviewed, players went into the stands and invited children to come on the court for the National Anthem as they stood arm in arm. An extra mark for the May 4th Memorial and Kent State’s treatment of the 1970 tragedy. Final Thoughts The Kent State Golden Flashes and their home at the Memorial Convocation and Athletic Center offer basketball fans the opportunity to experience a great NCAA basketball environment for a decent cost. Although probably not a college basketball bucket list experience, Kent State should definitely be considered when sports fans are in the area and looking for something to take in. If catching some Golden Flashes basketball, fans are to be warned that MACC Mania is in the house and High Voltage is to be expected. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wendler Arena at Dow Event Center 303 Johnson St Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw Spirit website Dow Event Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,527 Michigan’s Hockey Spirit The failure of the North Bay Centennials in 2002 brought a third Ontario Hockey League team from Canada to the United States. Keeping a team in Michigan secures draft rights for all Michigan players entering the Canadian Hockey League to an OHL team, so keeping a team in Michigan is strategically solid move. The Centennials would move to Saginaw, Michigan, who had been without a team since the departure of the Saginaw Gears of the UHL. The newly minted Saginaw Spirit franchise would carry with it some degree of OHL history. Originally the St. Catharines Falcons, the franchise was founded in 1943 and would feature players such as Bobby Hull in their early days. Moves to Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1976 and North Bay in 1982 would eventually lead to the team landing in Saginaw. Home for the Spirit would be the Wendler Arena at The Dow Event Center. Built in 1972, the arena is now part of a larger events center which includes the Atrium, The Garden Room, The Theatre, The Red Room and Huntington Event Park. The events center was brought back to prominence in Saginaw with a naming rights deal with the Midland based Dow Chemical Company. Owned by Saginaw County, Wendler Arena is named after the former mayor of Saginaw, Paul Wendler, who was instrumental in bringing hockey to the Central Michigan city. When owner Richard Garber brought the Centennials to Saginaw, it took them some time to get their feet under them as they did not make the playoffs their first three years in Michigan. Success for the Spirit would be challenging as they would boast one lowly division title in their 25 years in Saginaw. Garber would bring in additional ownership including Brandon Bordeaux, Jimmy Devellano and former Red Wing, Chris Osgood. With a small city population of under 50,000, currently a poor team on the ice and economic challenges in Central Michigan, the Spirit are having a bit of a rough go. That being said, there is still hope that Michigan’s hockey spirit can continue to thrive in the OHL. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Wendler Arena are decent enough. There are four main concession areas within the outer concourse of the arena and offer a small variety of food options. In what seems to be a staple of junior hockey facilities, the distinct smell of beer nuts wafts throughout the concourse giving fans a reason to take notice. All of the expected arena fare is available including hot dogs ($3), pizza ($4), popcorn ($4), chicken fingers, fries, candy and chips. Soda options are Pepsi products ($2.50/$4) and can be found throughout the arena. Bottled water and Tim Hortons coffee can also be found all over the arena. Options that fans should consider include Olvera’s BBQ, which features brisket, pulled pork or chicken fajitas, or Jet’s Pizza, which is excellent. Alcohol is available in Wendler Arena. The adjoining Red Room offers a full-service bar for patrons before and during the game. It is a great spot to meet with other fans during intermissions. Also available in the concourse are Sam Adams beers and Angry Orchard. Atmosphere 3 Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. Upon entering the Wendler Arena, fans are welcomed to the outer concourse. Unfortunately, the outer concourse, which houses all of the concessions, is horseshoe shaped and does not offer fans the ability to travel all the way around the arena. The outer concourse does show its age with brown brick which screams seventies and eighties. Entering the inner concourse, which basically runs 360 degrees around the ice surface, fans are greeted with the three-tiered seating system the Spirit runs. There are nine rows of seating above the outer concourse, four below the outer concourse and another four that are at ice level. The age of the building has forced the team to come up with creative solutions for luxury boxes. One box sits above the arena on the end and others are at ice level, in the corners. The ice surface runs from east to west and that perfect picture with the center ice logo will come from the south end stands. There are only a couple of banners that hang from the rafters at the north end. The lone OHL banner for the 2011 West Division Champions hangs beside the Saginaw Gears banner which also commemorates the 1977 and 1982 Turner Cups the team brought back to Michigan. The retired number 89 of Vince Trocheck hangs with the other banners. Center ice features a very nice, three-tiered videoboard. The Spirit also have traditional simple scoreclocks in the northeast and southwest corners of the arena. The gameday experience is about what you would expect from an OHL club. The players enter the ice through the high-five alley and through a gate with multiple flood lights. The Spirit make good use of their mascots including Sammy Spirit, who lead the players on the ice with flags that they skate around the ice with. The Wendler Arena has a solid LED lighting system, which the Spirit make good use of during the pre-game. Neighborhood 3 Although there are a few spots of interest in the greater Saginaw area, the immediate area around the arena does not offer a ton. Fans who are looking for something before the game are wisest to consider heading south of The Dow. There fans can find a couple of spots to eat including Rally’s, Savoy Bar & Grill and Bradley’s Bistro. There are definitely some key attractions in the greater Saginaw area.Just south of Saginaw is Frankenmuth, where tourists come from far and wide to experience Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland.It is open all year round and offers a near infinite number of Christmas items for sale.In nearby Birch Run is one of the best spots for outlet shopping with the Premium Outlets at Birch Run.Other sporting options in the area include the Midwest League’s Great Lakes Loons who play in Midland at theDow Diamond. The closest rival of the Spirit is the Flint Firebirds, who play at the Dort Federal Credit Union Center.For some NCAA action, fans can take a short jaunt to Mount Pleasant where the Central Michigan Chippewas play football atKelly/Shorts Stadiumand basketball at McGuirk Arena. For fans who need a place to stay, the Ramada Saginaw Hotel and Suites is not far from the arena. Another option is the Best Western at Birch Run, which is right by the Premium Outlets. Fans 2 In recent years, the Saginaw Spirit have struggled at the gate. A team that hasn’t been great on the ice and some difficult economic times are definitely culprits in the challenges the Spirit have faced. The 2017-2018 season has seen the Spirit average less than 3,000 fans per game, which puts them in 16th place in the 20 team OHL. This figure has fallen from the previous few years where the spirit averaged over 3,300 and found themselves at the bottom of the middle third of the league in attendance. A number of sections in Wendler Arena were tarped off with advertising, which was disappointing to see and a little depressing. At one point, Wendler Arena was rocking and the support in Saginaw was very strong. Obviously, support has fallen off from that point. The fans that are in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, but the game that was reviewed was a bit of a blowout, so apathy is understandable. Access 4 The Dow Event Center is located one block east of the Saginaw River and immediately south of I-675. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all, especially with consideration to the lower attendance figure the Spirit have experienced. Parking can be found immediately south of the arena as well as to the west. Finding parking should not be an issue and is $6, which is not out of line for OHL hockey. For fans who wish to take public transit, the bus terminal is just east of the arena. Fans can check the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional services website for fares, schedules and maps. The ticketing windows are open inside the Atrium and offer quick service out of the cold winter elements. The will-call desk is uniquely on the other side of the security, which is what you would expect to find in most major arenas, including metal detectors. With the two concourses, getting around Wendler Arena is no problem at all. The washroom facilities are also adequate for the arena, especially with the reduced attendance. Return on Investment 4 Ontario Hockey League games continue to offer some of the best value for the sporting dollar. Spirit tickets go for $19, $17 or $15 depending on the location of the seat. There are also discounts for children, students and seniors. Parking can be found for $6 and the concession prices are good. The product on the ice is excellent with the OHL and the ability to bring the family out to a Spirit game is far greater than at a major league experience. Extras 2 An extra point for stickers identifying season ticket holders on seats in the Wendler Arena An extra point for a budding rivalry with the nearby Flint Firebirds Final Thoughts Michigan’s Hockey Spirit may be on the downside in Saginaw. That being said, the Spirit have brought the fans in from the cold in droves in the past and have the ability to do so again in the future. Perhaps a better team on the ice will help rekindle interest in the OHL club and the Saginaw Spirit will once again take their place among the elite level programs in the OHL. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Petes
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Peterborough Memorial Centre 151 Lansdowne St E Peterborough, ON K9J 7P7 Peterborough Petes website Peterborough Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 4,329 Good Years Ahead for this Historic Barn Over the past two decades, the Ontario Hockey League has undertaken a massive shift from community-scale to the big time. What was once a league of neighbourhood arenas has matured into a circuit of showpiece ‘NHL in miniature’ venues. Across the province, teams have abandoned their well-worn old homes for plush new ones and only a couple have bucked the trend. It’s at these clubs where hockey and community history continue to unfold, inextricably linked to each other through the long Canadian winters. In Peterborough, this is perhaps more true than anywhere in the league, for the home of the Petes has witnessed more of both than almost anywhere else. The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. The Petes are run as a non-profit community organisation, like the Kitchener Rangers. And like Kitchener, the Petes have an historic arena dedicated to soldiers killed in the World Wars that they’ve expanded and upgraded, rather than replaced. With about 4500 seats and new hospitality areas, the many quirks of the arena are well-known throughout the league and a refreshing antidote to the formulaic nature of modern rinks. Until recently, there had been plans to construct a new arena in the city, but those have now been placed on the backburner and the PMC should host hockey for another decade at least. That should come as happy news to hockey fans, as this old barn more than makes up for its shortcomings with character and history on display at every turn. It’s all too likely that Peterborough will eventually have a sparkling new arena for their beloved club, and that’s probably the right choice economically. But the decision to remain at the Memorial Centre, with continued gradual upgrades, is the right one for the soul of the city. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are one area where the age of the facility shows itself unfavourably to its modern peers. The PMC dates to a time when hockey fans didn’t expect gourmet options, and the options remain simple in the concourses, with pizza, sausages, nachos, ice cream, and snacks. Pizza slices are $5.50 but for a dollar more, the smoked sausage is a tasty option. Beer and Strongbow cider begin at $9, as do Caesars and other cocktails. There are a handful of small bars located throughout the arena, and lineups are never very bad. For interesting drink options, visit The Corner Bar, off the entry concourse, for local craft beer cans. Along the southwest corner and south end, the Gibson’s Club Lounge features a comfortable, carpeted atmosphere with a whisky bar pouring Gibson’s Finest rye. For a proper meal, choose seats in the south end. This section is the PMC Pub & Grill, where a full menu of pub fare is available at tables or at your seat, at ice level. Note that you must reserve a table in advance or purchase seats in this section to access the restaurant. Atmosphere 4 When objectively compared to modern OHL arenas, the unique, perhaps bizarre, design of the Memorial Centre falls short in many respects – though the gap has been narrowed with recent renovations. Subjectively, however, this classic barn is paradise for the hockey fan. The building has a long, irregular profile from the street, with the front entrance capped by four flags (Canada, the Union Jack, Ontario, and Peterborough). Inside the front doors, through which almost most fans will enter, the glorious history of the Petes begins to throw itself at you. Banners of the four legendary Petes coaches are first; Scotty Bowman, Colin Campbell, Bob Gainey, and local hero Roger Neilson. Along one wall, the ‘Memorial’ aspect of the arena is reflected in a large military display of regimental plaques, tartans, and other regalia from the World Wars and beyond. To the right is the extensive team shop and to the left, the even more extensive Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, open free to fans during the game. An extensive display fronting the concourse shows off the silverware of the wildly successful Lakers Lacrosse Club, who also call the PMC home. The concourses, as such, don’t extend fully around the rink, but are utterly crammed with history, including plaques for inductees to the Hall of Fame and the many team photos of the maroon-and-white. On either side of the atrium, narrow stairways provide access up to a second level atop the seating bowl, and under each are bar counters. The first floor concourses end abruptly on either side at the changing rooms for each team. Pass-throughs to ice level grant access upward to some seats, whilst others are more easily accessed top-down via the stairways. The second level is suites on one side, with the Gibson’s Club along the other, which is accessible to all fans. The pub area is accessible through a separate entrance at the south end, with suites above. It’s within the seating bowl where the PMC’s quirkiness really unveils itself. Firstly, it becomes clear the usual arena seating arrangement doesn’t apply here. The sides are quite short, only twelve rows, but the north end rises in a terrace more reminiscent of Anfield than a hockey arena. And on the south end, another classic feature; the Queen’s portrait gazes over the rink in a tradition that is sadly disappearing as old venues close. What used to be a Canadian staple is rarely found at new rinks – the only modern OHL arena to preserve this bit of Canadiana is Mississauga’s Paramount Centre. For a modern touch, a new HD video scoreboard hangs above centre ice and is used very professionally. Matchday production is classy, focused on the hockey throughout, and with a low key, friendly feel. Above the short sides, vertical walls rise to support the roof and display the dozens of banners for the Petes as well as the lacrosse championships of the Lakers. These vertical walls also serve to amplify the ice-level sounds so that every hit and bounce echoes through the arena. Speaking of bounces, the ice itself is perhaps the most famous quirk of this old barn. Most rinks today feature standardised ice surfaces, indistinguishable from any other arena in the league, with standard dimensions and identically-curved corners. Here, the corners (in)famously lack the usual curve, with a remarkably rectangular surface providing a true home-ice advantage. The Petes use their knowledge of the angles here to great advantage over their opponents. Fans will immediately notice the sharpness of the corners that have miraculously survived to this day, and can expect occasional miscues from the visitors as a result. In an era of increasing standardisation and rationalisation, the peculiar nature and abundant history are endearing features to cherish. Neighbourhood 3 The Memorial Centre is located in a mostly residential area not far south of Peterborough’s downtown core. There are a couple food and drink options nearby, though the city’s charming central business district is a five minute drive up George Street (which is known as Roger Neilson Way in front of the arena). On a nice day, it’s a 25-minute walk along the scenic riverfront, or a ten-minute bus ride. Downtown, there are lots of good spots for a pre- or post-game meal or drink. The Black Horse pub is a welcoming spot for a winter night and a walk up George Street or the neighbouring blocks will yield plenty of choices. One particularly good winter option is The Whistle Stop Café, famous for its enormous selection of poutine. East across the Otonabee River is trendy Ashburnham, home to the Ashburnham Ale House, and a short walk to the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock. This national historic site, where boats climb a steep hill, is featured on the Petes’ shoulder patches. Nearer to the PMC is the Canadian Canoe Museum, providing a stunning look an icon as dear to Canadian hearts as hockey. The museum is in the process of relocating to a bespoke new home along the river, but even in its temporary digs, it will be a pleasantly surprise even to those with no prior interest in canoes or local history. In warm weather, you can try out a canoe yourself along Peterborough’s extensive riverfront parkland, a couple blocks east of the arena. Along here, there are galleries and museums, historic locks and mills, and the Holiday Inn within walking distance of centre ice. And finally, even closer to the arena, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market is right next door, open every Saturday morning. Fans 4 The PMC is a smaller arena in a smaller city than most other OHL venues, but the Petes have been deeply woven into the Peterborough fabric for decades, and remain so even as the city has started to rapidly grow. Fans have come back in strong numbers as pandemic restrictions end, coinciding with a young and promising roster on the ice. Peterborough’s fans are known to be welcoming and friendly to visitors, with the notable exception of their detested rivals an hour down the road in Oshawa. The rivalry with Oshawa is one of hockey’s great old derbies. During our latest review of the PMC, fans cheered loudly when it was announced the Generals were currently losing their respective match out-of-town. For bucket list travelers, seeing the Petes host the Oshawa Generals should be near the top. Access 3 Getting to the PMC is easy from anywhere in this small city, as the rink is located along Lansdowne Street, a major artery. Ample parking is located to the west of the arena, and will cost $5 for the evening. There is also a bus loop in front of the arena, and service is frequent. Coming from out of town, Peterborough is about ninety minutes Northeast of Toronto in good traffic, and there are frequent express buses linking downtown to downtown. Within the arena, the discombobulated concourses are not intuitive, but the circulation is good once you get the hang of it. There are ample washrooms and lineups are not an issue. Friendly staff will proactively reach out to help fans navigate, and the relatively small capacity mitigates any potential crowding issues. In short, circulation in the arena doesn’t make much sense, but it works. Return on Investment 5 As a non-profit organisation, the Petes make every effort to keep ticket prices to a minimum and seats here are among the most affordable in the league. Indeed, tickets can be had for as little as $13. Chuck in $5 for parking and affordable, albeit limited, concessions, a night out in Peterborough can be tremendous value. If you come early and enjoy the Sports Hall of Fame and many historical markers throughout the arena, the value increases even before seeing the resurgent Petes take the ice. Extras 5 This is where the intangible qualities of such a unique, historic old barn come into play. Whilst it would be impossible to award full points for the atmosphere, there are few arenas more atmospheric than this one. Further, the community ownership and non-profit nature of the hockey club lend a truly welcoming feel to a Petes game, and the chance for Peterborough locals to be directly involved in their beloved team. Final Thoughts Peterborough is a charming little city and the Petes provide an equally charming, low key experience. The maroon-and-white have been the soul of this community for decades with the Memorial Centre as the heart. The arena is almost certainly in the twilight of its OHL life, but it’s great to know the Petes will call the PMC home for another decade at least. An evening at this old barn is sure to leave smiles on many faces as long as they do.
- TD Place Arena - Ottawa 67's
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 TD Place Arena 1015 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7 Ottawa 67’s website TD Place Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 9,862 The Barber Shop There are plenty of uniforms from bygone eras that are so gaudy that it boggles the mind that they ever did the job. The “barber pole” version of multi striped uniforms definitely fall into this category. However, one team that has stuck with the barber pole is the Ottawa 67’s … and it works. The red, black and white stripes of the 67’s jerseys have been a staple for the team since their inception in 1967. One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67’s derive their name from not only their inception, but to the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867. The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice, are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. Home for the 67’s is also one of the most unique in the OHL. TD Place Arena or sometimes The Arena at TD Place, was originally the Ottawa Civic Centre and original home for the expansion Ottawa Senators of the NHL. TD Place Arena is nestled neatly under the south grandstand at TD Place. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at TD Place are what a fan would expect for an OHL venue, with a few interesting items. All of the favourites can be found, including hot dogs, fries, popcorn and pretzels. Pizza can be purchased from local Ottawa favourite Gabriel Pizza. Gabriel offers an original 67s Pizza to go along with pepperoni and cheese options. Poutine and pulled pork and pineapple sandwiches add to the variety of options. There is a fairly significant beer selection available including Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, Broadhead and Corona to go along with Budweiser and Bud Light. Twisted Tea, Bud Light Seltzer and Brickworks 1904 Cider are also available. Hitting the Lois ‘n Frima’s Ice Cream for some homemade ice cream, donuts, churros or a Slush Puppie would be the spot to go. Atmosphere 4 TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. Upon entering the arena, fans are welcomed to a huge concourse on the north side. The northern wall features a massive mural honouring Hockey Hall of Fame Coach, Brian Kilrea, who spent the bulk of his career coaching the Ottawa 67’s. Following his career and honours is a pathway through the history of the Ottawa 67’s franchise. There is plenty to look at and go through along the way. Heading over to the north side of the arena brings fans to a totally different area, with low ceilings and hockey motif. Make sure to check out the football stadium through the glass doors on the north side to get a better sense of the full stadium/arena complex. The southeast corner is The 67’s Barber Shop group seating area which looks like a great place to bring a group to the game. Entering the seating bowl, fans are welcomed with a very different structure. The north side, which is the side to be on for fans wanting that picture perfect centre-ice logo pic, has the majority of seats with two main levels. The east and west sides are similar, but the south side just has a few rows of seats under a low ceiling. Rather than hanging anything over the ice surface, the TD Place Arena utilizes the bulkhead above the south side seats. The main videoboard is centering banners and two other smaller videoboards. The score and time are kept on traditional scoreclocks between the main videoboard and the two smaller boards. On either side of the videoboard are the two Memorial Cup banners the 67’s have earned, from 1984 and 1999. The retired number banners of Peter Lee, Bobby Smith, Brian Campbell, Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson hang with a Brian Kilrea on the right side of the videoboard and the three OHL Champions banners, from 1977, 1984 and 2001 hang to the left. The gameday production is about what one would expect from an OHL experience. Popular music and classic rock are played throughout the game. The 67’s mascot, Riley, can be found throughout the arena interacting with fans. A unique feature for the 67’s is the giant wind-sock character, like those found at car dealerships, is blown up in the east end as the celebration continues. Neighbourhood 5 TD Place Arena is at Lansdowne Park which is located in a neat neighbourhood in Ottawa called The Glebe. With the building of TD Place, Lansdowne Park has seen significant development and there are a plethora of food and drink options in the immediate area. The Rowan, Irene’s Pub, Mr. Puffs, Joey Lansdowne, Local Public Eatery, Craft Beer Market, Crust & Crate, Milestones and Jack Astors are all within a two minute walk of the arena. For fans wishing for more sports, the Ottawa RedBlacks play at TD Place Stadium, right above the arena. The NHL’s Ottawa Senators play out in Kanata at Canadian Tire Centre. The summer months have Frontier League Baseball at RCGT Park with the Ottawa Titans. The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees play football at Gee-Gees Stadium, hockey at Minto Sports Complex and basketball at The Court at Montpetit Hall. The Carleton Ravens play football at MNP Park, hockey at Carleton Ice House and the 15 time National Champion basketball team plays at the Ravens’ Nest. For a possible doubleheader, fans may want to consider crossing the river into Gatienau, Quebec to check out the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL at Centre Slush Puppie. Outside of sports, Ottawa boasts one of the premier tourist destinations in Canada. Being the capital city, the Parliament buildings are high on the list of places to see. There are a ton of museums to check out while in Ottawa including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Royal Canadian Mint are the tip of the iceberg. The Rideau Canal is also just south of Lansdowne Park and skating on the canal may be the quintessential Ottawa winter activity. For fans wishing to stay in The Glebe to be near Lansdowne Park, will have to go north to the Rideau Inn or to some of the multiple Centretown hotels that are available. Fans 4 Traditionally, the Ottawa 67’s have enjoyed some of the strongest support in the entire Ontario Hockey League. However, the major renovations that were required at TD Place which displaced the 67’s to Kanata to the Canadian Tire Centre, significantly hurt the 67’s at the turnstile. The team has worked hard to slowly build the fanbase back up to where it once was. The Covid impacted 2021-2022 season has seen falling attendance across the board, including in Ottawa. Previously, the 67’s enjoyed averaging 4,000 fans per game, which kept them in the top third of the league for attendance. Fans are smart, yet fairly quiet, as most Ottawa fans are. Access 4 Traversing Ottawa is not the easiest proposition. Lansdowne Park is located south of Highway 417-Trans Canada Highway, the main route in and through Ottawa. A drive along the canal on Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the Park will be required. On the positive side, the City of Ottawa has done a wonderful job routing traffic into both entry points of Lansdowne Park effectively and what could be a difficult trek to the game is not as bad as one would expect. There is underground parking on site for a price and it can be pre purchased. This is definitely advisable as there is little parking available in the residential Glebe area. Parking at Carleton University and taking the free shuttle to the game may also be of interest to fans wishing to keep the car out of The Glebe. Ottawa has a strong transit system and there is a bus stop on Bank Street that is across from Lansdowne Park. Fans should check out the OC Transpo website for fares, maps and schedules. TD Place Arena boasts some of the widest concourses anywhere and getting around the arena is not difficult at all. There are plenty of washroom facilities for the size of the crowd that the 67’s draw. Return on Investment 5 Ontario Hockey League hockey remains one of the best investments possible for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the 67’s begin at $25 for adults and go up to $39. The south side of the arena is General Admission, and probably not the best spot to be considering fans will not be able to see the videoboard which is on the bulkhead above. There are also discounts for children and seniors and a variety of ticket package options. Concession prices at TD Place Arena are what one would expect and parking does have a cost at Lansdowne Park, but not at Carleton if the free shuttle is taken. The return is the opportunity to see one of the cornerstone OHL franchises, which consistently recruits a top product on the ice, in one of the most unique venues in sport. Compared to what one would pay to see the crosstown Ottawa Senators, the 67’s are a deal. Extras 3 An extra mark for the 67’s continuing to rock the barber pole uniforms for over 40 years. The 67’s are even referred to as the Barber Poles at times. An extra mark for the amazing revitalization of Lansdowne Park. An extra mark for one of the most unique uses of space having TD Place Arena situated under the north stands of the football stadium. Final Thoughts Catching an Ottawa 67’s game can be part of an amazing weekend or vacation in one of the most tourist-friendly cities in North America. There are a ton of things to do in Ottawa and a 67’s game can fit right in there. When in Canada’s Capital Region, make sure to head to The Glebe, Lansdowne Park and TD Place Arena to catch the Barber Poles in action. It won’t be a disappointment. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa Generals
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Tribute Communities Centre 99 Athol St E Oshawa, ON L1H 1J8 Oshawa Generals website Tribute Communities Centre website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,180 Generally Speaking … One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. In 2006, the Oshawa Generals moved to the brand new, City of Oshawa-owned General Motors Centre. Moving out of the old Oshawa Civic Auditorium was a boost for the team and has allowed Oshawa to be the host city for Memorial Cup. In 2016, the naming rights were purchased by Tribute Communities, a property development company, and the arena was renamed the Tribute Communities Centre. Food & Beverage 3 With pandemic restrictions being in transition at the time of this review, it appears that concessions are back open at Tribute Communities Centre, in full force. Concession options are what one would expect. All of the expected options are present with burgers, sausage, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and Pizza Pizza slices available at multiple purchase points. Coca-Cola provides soft drink options and there are also a few beer options available including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. There are also some cider and cooler options available. The concession lineup is decent, but there is nothing that will blow fans away. Atmosphere 4 The Tribute Communities Centre is designed like many other arenas in the Ontario Hockey League. The exterior is attractive with the main entrance along Athlol Street. The main square features a unique mirrored sculpture that defies description, yet provides a terrific meeting place and item for exploration. Fans can take Red Tilson Lane, named after the Gens war veteran, past the sculpture from Athol Street to Bruce Street on the other side of the building. Upon entering the main doors, fans are immediately met with a large staircase leading to the main concourse. Ground-level also sends fans to a modest team store. The main concourse gives fans the impression that the Tribute Communities Centre is like so many other OHL facilities. The concourse is behind the top row of seats in the seating bowl and is open so fans can see the action on the ice while traversing the concourse. The entry points to the seating bowl have signage sharing the Generals Ring of Excellence. Members include John Humphreys, John Stevens, Terry O’Reilly, Alex Delvecchio, Rick Middleton, Joe Cirella, Roy Sawyer, John MacLean, Jason Arnott, Billy Taylor, Darryl Lafrance, Ian Young, Scott McCrory, Paul Theriault, Dean Morton, Iain Fraser, Nathan Horton, Wayne Cashman, Bryan Allen, Bob Attersley, Floyd Curry, Matt Leyden, Jeff Daniels, and Dave Andreychuck. The six of the most prominent Generals do not have Ring of Excellence signage as they have their numbers retired, hanging from banners on the east side of the arena. John Tavares, Eric Lindros, Marc Savard, Tony Tanti, Red Tilson (who gave his life in World War II), and Bobby Orr each hold the most honoured place among Generals Alumni. On the south side of the building, fans have the opportunity to pursue the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum which is a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts not only about the Generals but for the entire region across sports. Enshrined members of the Hall of Fame can be found in frames around the arena The seating bowl is pretty much a single-tier bowl with standing room behind the seating bowl. The concourses are open to the seating bowl and the opportunity to see the game while at the concession stand is there. Above the seating bowl on the south side are several luxury boxes and the Prospects Grill offers some alternative seating, with a full-service restaurant, on the north side. The video board at centre ice is not overpowering, but clear and used effectively. The pride of the Generals can be found on both the east and west sides of the scoreboard. On the west side, the banners for the thirteen J.Ross Robertson Cups hang. The Gens took home the Ontario or OHL championship in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1966, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1997 and 2015. On the east side banners for the Memorial Cup victories of 1939, 1940, 1944, 1990, and 2015 hang. It is hard to find a junior hockey team more decorated than the Generals. The game day experience is about what can be expected for an OHL team. The music is what you would expect with a variety of contemporary and classic rock. The Gens mascot, Deke, can be found around the arena interacting with the fans and the opportunity to win some money is available with the 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 4 The Tribute Communities Centre is located in the Central Oshawa neighbourhood of the city. Oshawa has a population of 166,000, so it is not a huge city. However, Central Oshawa does have a few spots of interest for fans who are looking for pre or post-game food and drink. Right inside the Tribute Communities Centre, fans may wish to try out the Prospects Bar & Grill. Other options within walking distance include Smoke’s Poutinerie, Wing Addicts, Kings Corner, Brew Wizards Board Game Cafe, Riley’s Pub, and Top Corner Grill & BBQ. There are also a few fast food and chain restaurants around. Wendel Clark’s is heavily advertised and is a few blocks from the arena and may be the spot to try, especially for Toronto Maple Leaf fans. Fans looking for some other sporting options will want to head over to Ontario Tech University, where the Ridgebacks play hockey at Campus Ice Centre and basketball at Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre . If that is not quite enough, heading to Toronto for all that there is to offer there is an option. A few steps from the TCC is the Canadian Automotive Museum, which may be of interest also. For fans wishing to stay in Central Oshawa, La Quinta Inn & Suites Oshawa is a block away from the arena. Holiday Inn Express Oshawa is also a couple of blocks away. Fans 4 Although it is difficult to assess fans during the pandemic years, Oshawa has consistently been in the top 4 in OHL attendance. In normal years, the Generals average over 5,000 fans per game, which is very strong for the OHL. Even in the pandemic challenged the year 2021-2022, the Generals have averaged over 3,100 fans and are fifth in the OHL. Generals fans are knowledgeable about the game and their team. They are also pretty typical of the Ontario sports fan, which is not over-the-top and fairly reserved, who knows when to cheer and when to jeer. Access 4 Getting to the Tribute Communities Centre is not too difficult. The arena is less than 3 km from Highway 401, the main east-west artery in Ontario. There are a few parking options near the arena and the traffic is not terrible in Central Oshawa. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are some bus stops on King Street East, a block north of the arena. Fans should check out the Durham Region Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around in the TCC can be a little challenging, as it can be in many venues. The concourses are not huge and can get congested during intermissions when there is a big crowd. The washroom facilities are decent in the TCC. Security and Covid restrictions are consistently in flux in Ontario. Stadium Journey encourages fans to check out the Oshawa Generals website before heading to the game to be fully informed. Return on Investment 5 Oshawa Generals hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Seats range from $22 to $38 with the majority of seats at the $22 price point. Tickets will cost a couple of dollars more when purchased on game day. Parking can be found around the arena for around $5 and concession prices are average for this league. The product on the ice is fantastic and exciting. When compared with NHL hockey, the OHL experience gives far better bang for the fan’s buck. Extras 3 An extra mark for the tremendous history enjoyed by the Oshawa Generals and the fantastic job that they do putting it on display at the Tribute. An extra mark for the unique two-tone helmets that have been an Oshawa staple for years. An extra mark for the lengthy rivalry that the Generals have fostered with the nearby Peterborough Petes . Final Thoughts Being one of the cornerstones of the OHL comes with some expectations. The Oshawa Generals meet those expectations and then some. Catching some Oshawa Generals hockey is a tremendous hockey experience and a spot where hockey fans will be glad that they came. It is a little strange sounding that the Generals no longer play in the General Motors Centre, but Generally Speaking, Oshawa knows its hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .
- FirstOntario Centre - Hamilton Bulldogs
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FirstOntario Centre 101 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Hamilton Bulldogs website FirstOntario Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Home of (Future) NHLers Hockey in Hamilton, Ontario has a long history of clubs in leagues up and down the hockey spectrum, from the juniors to the NHL and all points in between. High-level hockey began in the city in 1920, when the Hamilton Tigers laced up in the fledgling NHL. The club took its name and colours from the popular Canadian football team that would eventually merge with their rival Wildcats to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The early years of the hockey side were filled with futility, with the players even going on strike in 1924. The team got sold to New York City in 1925, when they became the Americans, and NHL hockey in Hamilton ended. However, the Ontario Hockey Association came to town in 1953 with the Tiger Cubs, who moved around the Hamilton-Niagara area under various names including, most famously, the Fincups who won the 1976 Memorial Cup – the most recent junior trophy in Hamilton until now. But first, the team moved out and Hamilton began to pursue its NHL dream again. Building the Copps Coliseum in 1985, the Steel City grew frustrated by repeated NHL expansions to warm climates. The situation became so aggravating that Mayor Bob Morrow quipped Hamilton would get their NHL team “when Honolulu wins the Stanley Cup and two Mexican cities are in trouble because of the declining peso.” The American Hockey League eventually opened up in Hamilton, first with Vancouver’s farm team, then Montreal’s. Finally, the Bulldogs, as they were known, won the 2007 Calder Cup. However, the carousel continued as the club moved to Laval, Quebec, to be closer to their NHL parents. Instead, the storied Belleville Bulls OHL team moved to Hamilton (itself replaced by Ottawa’s new AHL farm team, the Belleville Senators). And once again, a championship banner will rise at the Coliseum (now named FirstOntario Centre). The Bulldogs – as an OHL club – are 2018 Ontario champions. They now compete for the Memorial Cup and a shot at national glory but as the famous black-and-yellow colours associated with the city have achieved newfound success, the hopes for some stability rise, and the dream for the eventual return of NHL hockey continues. Food & Beverage 3 Concession items at FirstOntario Centre are about what one would expect at a junior rink, with a couple interesting items. The regular items include hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, pizza, and chicken fingers all for between $4 and $6. There is also the Candy Counter & Sweet Shop selling chocolate bars and other sweet items. A popular stand is Lou’s BBQ, where fresh carved meats are available ranging from ribs to sandwiches. Another interesting option is Rita’s Ice Custard, with the first Canadian outpost of the American chain located just around the corner. Their stand in the rink sells gelato and other ice cream treats. Cin City sells warm cinnamon doughnuts and the Hot Dog Hut has gourmet dogs and sausages. The Budweiser King Club often has live bands before the game and during the intermission, and is a good place to meet for a beer. In terms of beer throughout the concourse, options are limited. On tap, there is unfortunately only Budweiser or Bud Light ($12). Tallboy can options are a little better, consisting of Alexander Keith’s and Mill Street Organic, as well as Stella Artois ($9.75-$10.50). Brickworks Cider goes for $12 with wine and coolers also available. Spirits are served too, including Wiser’s whisky, Lamb’s rum, Beefeater gin, and Absolut vodka. Soft drinks ($5) are from Pepsi. For a more secluded spot, The Lounge and Hammer Hideaway are places to have a pint away from the crowds; a level below the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Approaching the arena, it is obvious that FirstOntario Centre is an arena first and foremost, with the underside of the upper bowl visible extending above the concourse level. Even more obvious, though, is the fact that the arena was built in the 1980s. Both of those design ideas are true throughout the arena and the result is a uniquely large and professional-feeling arena for junior hockey, but one also lacking the modern vistas found almost everywhere else in the OHL these days. Before and after the harsh winter weather, the exterior is enhanced by some pregame entertainment along Bay Street and some tents from the team to engage fans before entering. Entering the arena, fans ascend escalators up to the concourse level. The concourse is wide and there are some good spots to catch a glimpse of ice level, especially in the corners. There are a couple murals commemorating big moments in the arena’s history, though Hamilton’s rich hockey heritage could be better commemorated. Inside the seating bowl, the NHL scale of the arena becomes apparent, though the upper tier is usually curtained off to provide a more intimate experience. The open lower bowl seats are dark blue and comfortable, though the scoreboard is somewhat dated. It is used fairly effectively, and in-game promotions are actually engaging rather than distracting, however a more modern scoreboard would improve the situation. The presentation is enhanced by fire which spits from the boards as the team enter the ice and, in a rare but fantastic step, fireworks which explode following a win. The arena can feel cavernous with the often smaller crowds for OHL hockey, though when the barn fills up for the playoffs, the atmosphere is incomparable in junior hockey. Neighbourhood 5 FirstOntario Centre is located in the city centre, steps from much of the best of what Hamilton has to offer. Hamilton itself is known as the Steel City, and is primarily a working class, blue collar town on the western edge of the Golden Horseshoe metropolis. It is one of the larger cities in Canada, although it is sometimes subsumed as part of Toronto’s circle of gravity. It has historically been known both for its massive steel plants along the harbor and its abundant nature, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the middle of town (locally known as ‘the Mountain’). Today, the exploding housing prices in Toronto have meant artists and young people are gentrifying Hamilton very quickly and the city is undergoing a massive growth spurt and culture change. Within an easy walk of FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton’s attractions unveil themselves. Within a five-minute walk is the main throughfare, James Street, with many new cafes, pubs, and art galleries. King Street, also nearby, is the central business district. Also just around the corner is the Hamilton Art Gallery, historic Dundurn Castle, and a handful of hotels including the Sheraton, the new HomeWood Suites, and the Staybridge. Not far away is Hamilton’s Bayfront area, with museums and parkland. Cootes Paradise is a beautiful natural sanctuary, near McMaster University, at the western edge of Lake Ontario. For good eats and drinks, King William Street is a block away, with various restaurants and drinking holes. Also around the corner is Hamilton’s party quarter, Hess Village, with bars and nightclubs. For other sporting options, the CFL’s storied Hamilton Tiger-Cats play in new Tim Hortons Field. Though outside of hockey season, seeing them play their archrivals Toronto Argonauts over Labour Day Weekend is a near-religious experience. McMaster University is nearby as well, with various athletic teams and a pretty home field for football, soccer, and other sports at Ron Joyce Stadium. The transit hub, Hamilton GO Centre is also nearby, as is the West Harbour train station. Both stations provide convenient bus and train service to Toronto and its suburbs. Fans 3 It is difficult to give an accurate rating to the fans of the Bulldogs this 2018 season. For much of the year, fans seemed to stay away, perhaps wanting higher-level hockey in their large city. However, as the playoffs rolled around, the fans filled the lower bowl, and even some of the upper bowl, and created an atmosphere unmatched in the OHL. Hamilton fans do seem to be louder and more boisterous than many of their counterparts in usually-staid Southern Ontario. Perhaps it stems from the blue collar nature of the city or perhaps from the leadership of the prolific supporters’ group, Golden City Brigade. They lead the chanting in their corner section, 118, and that is the place to sit for the most engaged experience year-round. Armed with a drum and flashcards for upcoming chants, the energy emanates from 118 throughout the rink. The supporters and players have a good relationship, as the players saluted 118 specifically after their championship win. In the playoffs, the energetic fan base reached their most vibrant. Flags, horns, cowbells, and chanting abounded and, even from the press box, it can be difficult to even hear yourself think at times. Fans were on their feet frequently and the energy was irresistible. This year’s OHL championship was certainly brought about in large part by the vocal support during the playoffs. Access 5 Getting in and around FirstOntario Centre is perfectly easy for anyone. Within the arena, the concourses and washrooms are easily adequate for the normal crowds well under capacity. Even with larger crowds, the circulation is acceptable for arena standards. Getting to the arena is even better, no matter how you arrive. By car, the rink is a short drive down York Boulevard from the east-west Highway 403 and not far from the urban expressway network of the city. There is lots of parking nearby, though it can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $20. Arriving by public transportation is a more cost-effective, and equally straightforward idea, with the Hamilton Street Railway operating frequent bus services to the rink, and the central McNab Transit Terminal a block away. Additionally, arriving by bike is a good idea if possible, with high-quality, segregated bike lanes leading to the rink from all directions and plenty of bicycle parking in front. Coming from out of town is also exceptionally simple, with two GO Train stations nearby. Hamilton GO Centre is a couple blocks away and has service on the Lakeshore West train line, as well as buses to numerous Toronto suburbs such as Mississauga (home of the OHL Steelheads) and York Region, and other cities like Guelph, Brantford, and the Niagara Region. The West Harbour train station, also nearby, is on the Lakeshore West line as well and is newly-opened. Aldershot train station, a short bus ride north, is the hub for intercity VIA trains and express GO trains to Toronto’s Union Station. Return on Investment 3 In general, OHL hockey is tremendous value and Hamilton is no different. Tickets go for between $20-$30 and concession prices are decent for a big-city venue. Parking is a little more expensive than in smaller OHL cities, but that is a function of Hamilton’s size. The product on the ice has been fantastic and when the rink is full, the atmosphere itself is intoxicating enough to be worth the price of admission. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Golden City Brigade leading section 118 in chanting, the ‘viking clap’ and other exciting support. They have played a part in an atmosphere better than anywhere else in the OHL when full. An extra mark for the acknowledgement of interns from Mohawk College who assist with game day production. They are saluted and given a rousing ovation each game. An extra mark for the use of fireworks celebrating wins, which is rare at indoor arenas. A final extra mark is deserved for the incredible atmosphere created by the fans in the playoffs, which is truly second-to-none. If they can continue to show up in large numbers year-round in the future, the fan score will rise substantially. Final Thoughts When the arena isn’t full, the FirstOntario Centre is a decent place to watch very, very good hockey being played in the centre of a lively and growing city. When full, the atmosphere is unsurpassed and will sweep any casual fan up in it. The proximity to both Toronto and the American border, combined with plenty to do, make Hamilton a great stop on the sporting calendar and continued success might make the Bulldogs the stable hockey team the city has wanted for so long.
- Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center - Flint Firebirds
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center 3501 Lapeer Rd. Flint, MI 48503 Flint Firebirds website Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,021 #BelieveinFlint If you troll around the Flint Firebirds Twitter account you will be bombarded with the hashtag #BelieveInFlint. Let’s face it, right or wrong, the city of Flint, Michigan has a horrible reputation. Whether it is the reported high crime rate or the crash of the city following the closing of the auto manufacturing plants, getting people to come to Flint has been difficult at best. So when Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. IMS also owns the local arena, which has negotiated a naming rights deal with Dort Federal Credit Union, and the newly crowned Firebirds would be an interesting tennant. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. The Whalers took up residence in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth for 18 seasons. Unfortunately, Plymouth would provide its own set of challenges and with the purchase of Compuware Arena by USA Hockey Foundation, it was clear that a new home was needed. Peter Karmanos was clear that Chatham, Ontario was the first choice, however with no suitable arena and no civic appetite to build one, Chatham was a short conversation. Flint swooped in and kept the Michigan quota of OHL teams at two. The newly minted Firebirds would have several challenges ahead of them. The ability to convince Canadian parents to send their sons to Flint for junior hockey would be significant. Educating the Flint community on OHL hockey would be another challenge, but the Firebirds would make news that would make all of their work even more difficult. In November 2015 the Firebirds would catch the attention of the entire hockey world when after a rash firing of their head coach, John Gruden, the entire Firebirds team quit. The issues were quickly resolved and Gruden and his staff were re-hired and hockey moved on, but it was not the right kind of publicity that the Firebirds received. The Firebirds have their work cut out for them, but are doing what they can and are trying their best to get hockey fans everywhere to Believe in Flint.. Food & Beverage 4 The Flint Firebirds offer a pretty good selection of fare for the Firebirds patron. The Dort features four main concession stands that are in the four corners of the arena concourse. Each features a pretty decent selection of hockey fare. Some items available include popcorn ($4), hot dogs ($4), polish sausage, pizza ($4), and pretzels ($4). Detroit staple, Cheli’s Chili, product of former Red Wings star Chris Chelios, is also available on its own or with a chili dog. There are also a few cheaper snack items available including cookies and chips for $2 each. A premium item that may catch your eye is the steak & cheese sandwich for $8. Concession stands offer Pepsi products for soft drinks in two sizes ($4/$3). Bottled water and Gatorade is also available. Hot beverages available include coffee, hot chocolate and vanilla cappuccino, each for $2. Alcoholic beverages are available at dedicated stands. The beers that are available include Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue and Blue Light. If you are looking for a bit more of a craft brew experience, then you may want to try Alaskan Breweries. Both the Alaskan Amber and Freeride APA are available. Other canned alcohol options are also available. Atmosphere 2 The Firebirds have some significant work to do when it comes to atmosphere. The age of the Dort immediately comes into play when talking about the atmosphere. With the building built in 1969, the Dort doesn’t offer too much in the way of aesthetics. A fairly non-descript building from the outside, the Dort has a brown brick exterior that has that seventies bomb-shelter kind of look to it. Upon entry the Dort does offer a fairly decent waiting area on the inside, which if nothing else, offers some shelter from the exterior elements before the gates into the arena open. The Firebirds have attempted to spruce up the waiting area with some orange and blue balloon-like balls decorating the waiting area ceiling. It does offer a bit of colour to what would otherwise be a fairly drab area. Access to the team store is available from the waiting area before the gates open. Once the gates open, the entrance to the store swaps to the door inside the arena. Inside the gates, patrons are welcomed to the main concourse, which like many other arenas in the OHL is behind the seating bowl in a open concept configuration where the ice is visible from the concourse. The ice is configured with the nets at the north and south ends of the arena. The ceiling is very low and the Firebirds have found a new videoboard that keeps the low ceilings in mind. There is not much in the way of markings for the Firebirds. There is nothing to show the franchise history from Plymouth and the Firebirds management is treating the team like it’s an expansion franchise. Promotions are a big part of the Firebirds experience. Check out the Firebirds website for a list of promotional dates. The date of this review featured ladies night, with all ladies entering the arena being offered a carnation. Pre-game music for the Firebirds is way too loud and obnoxious at times. The Firebirds mascot patrols the arena looking for kids and enthusiastic fans. As of this writing, the Firebirds “Name the Mascot” contest has not completed and a name for the mascot has not been announced. The Firebirds also have a cheer team complete with pom-poms, which is definitely unique for junior hockey. The rest of the in-game promotions are what are to be expected for hockey at this level. The seating in the Dort is unique to say the least. The seating bowl can be divided into two distinct areas. The upper half of the seating bowl features brand new, permanent plastic stadium seats with cup holders. The lower half of the seating bowl is on temporary risers and astonishingly features cushioned folding chairs. As with most junior hockey experiences, there is plenty of standing room behind the seating bowl which fans flock to. There does not seem to be much in the way of premium seating. The Blueline Club is in the pressbox level at the north end of the arena. The south end features a hot tub at ice level, which is a first for the OHL. If you want to see the centre-ice logo properly, you will want a seat on the west side of the arena. With the small capacity of the Dort, the best seats are in the upper half of the seating bowl. One or two rows from the top will give you a great view. Neighborhood 2 With the poor reputation that Flint has, it’s a pretty good idea to know where you are going and what you are doing. Around the Dort there are a couple of options. You may want to try the Firkin & Fox for an English style pub experience. Right on the other side of the building, Walli’s Family Restaurant may be a little more up your alley. Either way you will probably enjoy your experience. Both are located just south of Lapeer, to the east of the arena. With the vast automotive history in Flint, an option for other entertainment may be the Buick Gallery. Located northwest of the Dort, in the Flint Cultural Center, the Buick Gallery offers a small gallery of various Buick’s of the past. There may be other areas within the Cultural Center that you could also be interested in like the Longway Planetarium or the Sloan Museum. If you are making a weekend of your trip to Flint and looking for other sporting options, you are central to a number of different cities including Saginaw, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Auburn Hills and Detroit. All have either junior hockey, college sports or professional sports to offer. If you are planning on staying in Flint, the Super 8 offers a close proximity to the arena as well as the Firkin & Fox and Walli’s. Fans 3 It is important to remember that at the time of this review the Flint market is still being introduced to the Ontario Hockey League brand of hockey. The Firebirds have drawn on average 3,000 fans per game. There is definitely room to grow, but that by no means puts them at the bottom of the league attendance wise. It does put the Firebirds in the lower echelon of the OHL however. As the league and product continues to grow on the local market, and the rivalry with the Saginaw Spirit continues to grow, hopefully the attendance will continue to grow. The fans that are in the stands are typical OHL-type fans. The are not over the top loud or supportive. They make noise when there is something to make noise about. However, there is little sense of attachment to this team yet, and the Flint market has had numerous teams come and go. Some staying power would go a long way to help the Firebirds. Access 3 Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center is not difficult to get to, but offers some challenges. The Dort is located just south of I-69 and east of I-475, a great location for getting to and from the arena from out of town. It is a little bit of a drive from downtown Flint proper, which is north of the interstate. Flint does have some public transportation, however it is centered around the downtown area. The transit does not go out as far as the Dort. Other transportation options must be explored if driving is not in the cards. There is plenty of parking in the parking lots surrounding the Dort. The cost for parking is $10, which is expensive for this league. That being said, there is paid security that patrols the parking lot, so there is some piece of mind for the money that you are paying to park. The ticketing windows are within the waiting area inside the arena. It is pretty spacious and there is enough room for those picking up tickets, buying tickets and those who are just waiting to get in. The concourses behind the seating bowl are fairly spacious and getting around the arena is not too difficult. The washroom facilities are a little outdated and pretty cramped. Some attention needs to be paid to this area of the arena. Return on Investment 4 OHL hockey is always a great investment. The brand of hockey is fast and exciting. Ticket prices for the Firebirds are in line with other programs in the league. With seating options at $19, $15 and $12, the opportunity for a great seat at a low cost is a distinct possibility. Try the bronze seating at $12. Concession prices are good and the parking cost is quite high. The end result is a very reasonable investment. The venue in Flint isn’t the greatest, but it is still a solid investment with ample return. Extras 2 An extra mark for the classic Pontiac Firebird parked in front of the arena with a strobe light. An extra mark for the hot tub at ice level. A unique feature for junior hockey. Final Thoughts The Firebirds want you to Believe in Flint. Considering the hurdles that the team has already been required to jump over have been quite significant. I would be prudent to give Flint a chance. At the very least, the team is making sufficient effort to make junior hockey work in Flint. In the meantime, keep an open mind, give the Firebirds a chance and maybe you will even #BelieveInFlint. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- Erie Insurance Arena - Erie Otters
Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Erie Insurance Arena 809 French St Erie, PA 16501 Erie Otters website Erie Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 6,833 Erie’s Home for Hockey Since it was completed in 1983, the venue once known as the Erie Civic Center has continually hosted hockey, starting with the ACHL’s Golden Blades. Today, the arena is home to the Erie Otters, one of only three American teams in the Ontario Hockey League. The major junior league is part of the Canadian Hockey League, the highest level of North American amateur hockey for players aged 16 to 21. The Otters were created in 1996 and have had great success in their 25 years of existence, winning two OHL championships and numerous division championships. Current NHL superstar Connor McDavid played his junior hockey for the Otters. Erie loves its hockey team, but like the city itself, Erie Insurance Arena is dated and a little shabby. It doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun here, though. Food and Beverage 4 You’ll find the usual sports venue food suspects are well represented at Erie Insurance Arena–hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders and the like. However, since the Otters are part of a Canadian league, you can also cover the three major Canadian food groups, namely Tim Horton’s donuts, poutine, and beer. French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy accompanied by a cold Labatt’s (or a Coke) and a Timmy Ho’s cruller will take you over the border faster than you can say “how’s it going, eh?” The beer selection is quite good here, with plenty of local breweries like Erie Ale Works and Luminary Distillers represented. Best of all, the service is quick and friendly and the prices fairly reasonable. Atmosphere 4 Erie Insurance Arena’s seating is shaped like a horseshoe (media facilities take up one end). It holds roughly 6200 people for hockey, with two levels of seating and small club suites on the third and highest level. The seats are comfortable and roomy, and as far as sightlines go, there’s not a bad one in the house. There’s also a standing-room-only platform behind the goal on the first level, which serves as a natural gathering spot for fans. Scoreboards on either end are clear, if not particularly big, as is the center-hung display. Otter fans love anthem singer Roy Hollis Jr. After performing the Canadian national anthem, he will take off his jacket to reveal an American flag shirt and positively wail the Star-Spangled Banner. Otto the Otter is on hand for the kids and to lead team cheers, and promotions include Chuck-a-Puck, where fans fling pucks onto the ice and try to hit targets for prizes. Be warned, though, that the Otters’ Kiss Cam can get a little out of hand, so try to distract the little ones. There are currently no restrictions due to the COVID pandemic at the arena. Neighborhood 2 There are plenty of restaurants and bars near Erie Insurance Arena, which is in the heart of downtown Erie. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is on the run-down side. On a recent Saturday night, establishments seemed sparsely populated; the biggest gathering was in front of the arena waiting to get in. Although there’s ample parking, Otters fans say that they just come for the game for the most part because they “don’t feel comfortable hanging out” in the neighborhood. When asked outside if there was a place they’d recommend for a drink or a pre- or post-game bite, fans shook their heads or shrugged. “You can get the same beer in here cheaper” was a surprisingly common refrain. I was told that the neighborhood is livelier when the Double-A SeaWolves baseball team is playing at UPMC Park, next door to the arena. So there’s no lack of places to go, it’s just that Otters fans don’t want to go to them, apparently. As for hotels, the Bayfront area, roughly a mile from the arena, has a Courtyard by Marriott and a Sheraton. The hotel nearest the arena, the Avalon, is only about two blocks away, but it’s not in the best shape. Fans 5 Erie loves the Otters, and going to a game is less like attending a sporting event and more like going to a party with extraordinarily friendly people who love to talk about hockey. Blue and gold jerseys are everywhere, although there are also red and green alternate jerseys to be seen, usually with Connor McDavid’s name on the back. Many season ticket holders have been here for the duration of the team’s existence, and many of them have been billet families for players over the years. They speak with pride about their team and players both past and present and are always happy to school visitors on the Otters’ illustrious history. Then, if you’re lucky, they’ll buy you a beer and exchange quotes from Slap Shot with you. Access 4 Thanks to its location in central downtown Erie on French Street between 8th and 10th Avenues, Erie Insurance Arena is easily accessible by car and public transit. There’s a parking garage located directly across the street from the arena with a cost of $5. In addition, two parking garages flank the arena, which cost $4. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, known locally as the E, has three routes that stop at the arena; its schedule can be found at https://ride-the-e.com. The arena itself has comfortably wide concourses and multiple points of entry. Paper and mobile tickets are both accepted. There are several wheelchair-accessible seating areas throughout the arena. Restrooms are clean and have been updated with automatic toilets and hand dryers. Return on Investment 4 One of the biggest draws of minor-league hockey is inexpensive tickets, and Erie Otters tickets are no exception. The most you’ll pay for a ticket here is $18, and the team frequently offers deals like “4 for $44”. Interestingly, the team isn’t offering any giveaways, although it does offer some discounts on team merchandise at particular games. Combined with decent concession and merchandise prices, it won’t break the bank to take the family to an Otters game, and a game is also a popular Erie date night activity. Extras 3 The arena’s merchandise store, the Otters Den, is very well laid out and stocked. As mentioned in the previous section, discounts on particular merchandise happen at every game, so there are some good deals to be had. In addition, kids’ activities such as games and face painting are available, and a walk around the main concourse takes you past banners of former Erie players, Otters or otherwise. It’s a minor-league arena, though, so there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles like you might find at NHL arenas. The staff, many of whom have been here since the arena opened, are knowledgeable and friendly, to the point where fans ask after particular people if they don’t immediately see them. Final Thoughts If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. It’s kind of sad, though, that more fans don’t seem to take advantage of the surrounding neighborhood, preferring to get their food and drinks inside the arena and not wanting to hang around before or after games. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena.
- Sadlon Arena - Barrie Colts
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sadlon Arena 555 Bayview Dr Barrie, ON L4N 8Y2 Barrie Colts website Sadlon Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 4,195 Colts Country In 1995, the Ontario Hockey League expanded to Barrie, Ontario. It was the perfect location for the league to bridge the geographic gap between the Greater Toronto Area and the Northern Ontario teams in Sudbury and North Bay. Barrie has a terrific history in the OHL and Major Junior Hockey with a number of championships including the 1951 and 1953 Memorial Cups. The Flyers would operate in Barrie from 1945 to 1960 and eventually become the Sudbury Wolves after a stop in Niagara Falls. With the expansion effort, Barrie would require a new arena. The Barrie Molson Centre was built in just 13 months and opened in time for the Colts to play the majority of their inaugural season in their permanent home. In 2019, the City of Barrie, owner and operator of the arena, announced a new naming rights agreement with Paul Sadlon Motors, making the home of the Colts to be officially known as Sadlon Arena. The ownership of the Colts, Howie Campbell and Jim Payetta took control of the team in 2006. During the Colts’ tenure in the OHL, they have been relatively successful, but have had difficulty making it to the next level of success. The Colts have made an appearance in the Memorial Cup only once, in 2000. The inaugural Colts were led by OHL legend Bert Templeton. Mark Scheifele and Brian Little headline the NHL prospects who have come through Barrie. Most recently, Barrie was rocked by the death of Hall of Fame player and Colts Head Coach, Dale Hawerchuck. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at Sadlon Arena are fairly limited. The two main concession stands at the east and west ends of the arena off the typical arena options. Hot dogs, sausage, poutine, fries, nachos and cold options are available. Topper’s Pizza provides a variety of pizza varieties, including a Colt Feature. Pepsi products are the featured soft drink and Budweiser and Michelob Ultra are among the tall boy beer options. The Bailey’s stand combines Madison County Coffee options with the option of a Bailey’s shot and some State Fair Mini Donuts is the most unique option available. There are plenty of vending machines for fans who wish to grab a quick soda without staying in long lines. Atmosphere 3 Sadlon Arena offers a solid junior hockey experience that is not uncommon in many other markets. From the exterior, Sadlon Arena has a bit of a barn-like appearance with a rounded, elongated roof, which can be seen from Highway 400. Oriented from west to east, the most eye-catching feature of the arena is the Horsepower Sports Bar, which offers a unique brick facade to the front of the building with awnings. Although the west side of the building, on Bayview Drive, appears to be the front, there is no real main entrance or atrium. Entrances empty immediately into the concourse. Concourses at Sadlon Arena are decorated with as much Barrie Colts history as possible. Entrances to the seating bowl feature murals, complete with statistics and highlights, of former Colt players including Mark Scheifele, Bryan Little, Kyle Clifford and Alex Pietrangelo among others. Fans should make sure to look for the Dale Hawerchuck mural for the winningest coach in franchise history. Banners hanging from the ceiling also emphasize former Colts in their NHL garb. The Captain’s Wall shows all those honoured enough to wear the ‘C’ on their jersey and the championship wall shows Barrie teams that have participated in the Memorial Cup, J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals to crown the OHL Champions and Bobby Orr Trophy winners as Eastern Conference Champions. Entering the seating bowl, fans will find a single level seating bowl with an east-west orientation and suites at both the top of the seating and at ice level. The west side of the arena has the Horsepower Sports Bar, which has some tables that view out onto the ice as a ticketed seating option. The press box is small and along the north side, the side fans should be on for the perfect picture of the centre ice logo. Above centre ice, the videoboard is newly updated and clear with a ribbon under the four-sided screen. Along the centre the Colts hang their banners for division and conference championships. The 2000 OHL Championship banner is far too incognito given its relative importance. The Colts also have a number of “Leaderboard” banners along the north and south sides to give fans some statistical history for the team including season goals and points and goaltender wins to go with career leaderboards for those categories among others. Finally, hanging in the east end is the retired number 18 banner for Bryan Little, the all time leading scorer for the Colts. The gameday atmosphere is about what one would expect from an OHL game. The presentation is fairly traditional with the expected playlist and announcements and promotions. The Timbits minor hockey game takes place during the second intermission, giving local kids the opportunity to skate on the same ice as their local heroes. The Colts mascot, Charlie Horse, takes part in the pregame ceremonies and interacts with fans around the arena. Neighbourhood 4 Sadlon Arena is located in South Barrie near Highway 400, at Mapleview and Bayview. Mapleview has plenty of shopping and eating options and is quite a busy area. Fans looking for something to eat before or after the game will not have to look far. There are plenty of chain restaurants in the immediate area including Lone Star, Milestones, Panera and The Keg. Expanding the search to the opposite side of Highway 400 will provide another whole set of options. Some original options include the Spoon & Fork, the Simmering Kettle and The Burger’s Priest. However, making a reservation at the Horsepower Bar & Grill may be the best selection to round out the day. Right in the Sadlon Arena, it provides the full Barrie Colts experience. If in Barrie during the summer months, fans may want to head to Minesing to see the Barrie Baycats of the Intercounty Baseball League, or the Barrie Lakeshores of Major Series Lacrosse. Otherwise, Barrie is very much an outdoor city. Barrie is on the doorstep of Ontario’s Cottage Country. Barrie, itself, is on the banks of Lake Simcoe. In the winter months there are plenty of ski resorts around including Snow Valley, Horseshoe Valley and Mount St. Louis Moonstone. Just south of Barrie, in Innisfil, fans could head to Georgian Downs during the racing season. Fans who require a place to stay close to Sadlon Arena may choose the Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn or the Comfort Inn, all which are within a two minute drive from the arena. Fans 4 Assessing fans during the COVID pandemic is a little problematic. Traditionally, the attendance for the Barrie Colts has been very strong. With the capacity of Sadlon Arena at just over 4,000 fans, the Colts have routinely attracted more than 4,000 fans per game. In the game that was reviewed, there were less than 3,000 fans in attendance, however, it is fair to say that this aberration is due, in part, to the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, Barrie fans are notoriously quiet. Fans are knowledgeable and do not talk too much during the play. However, when there is a goal or a big hit, Colts fans can get plenty loud. Access 3 Getting to Sadlon Arena is not difficult at all. Clearly visible from Highway 400, Sadlon Arena is found at the corner of Bayview and Mapleview, south of the waterfront. Highway 400 is the main north-south arterial road in Ontario connecting Northern and Southern Ontario, and runs right through Barrie. Getting in and out of Sadlon Arena is not difficult, even though Mapleview is a major road in a major retail area. Traffic flows smoothly. Parking is free in the large surrounding parking lot. Spots closest to Horsepower Bar and Grill are reserved for season ticket holders. For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are Barrie Transit stops along both Bayview and Mapleview. Fans should see the Barrie Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around Sadlon Arena can be a bit of a challenge. There is not much in the way of an atrium or main entry and the concourses are fairly narrow. During pandemic times, when attendance is depleted, this is not an issue, but it can be very crowded for a capacity crowd. Some of the seats are also difficult to find. The ice level seats at the south side of the arena are in sections 128 and 129, below the suites. It takes a keen eye, or finding an usher or security to find the entries to these sections. To go with the narrow concourses are the extremely small washrooms. Choosing the right time to head to the washroom may be key to enjoying the game to the max. Return on Investment 4 The Ontario Hockey League continues to provide great value for the dollar. Tickets will go for between $23.50 and $25. Restaurant seats are $26 each, but a full table must be purchased. The product on the ice is solid, giving fans the opportunity to see the next generation of NHL players. Parking is free and concession prices are about average compared to the rest of the league. The end result is a great evening of entertainment for a price that is far more affordable than anything that can be found to the south in Toronto. Extras 3 An extra mark for the honouring of Dale Hawerchuck. The Hall of Famer and winningest coach in Colts history died in August of 2020 after a battle with cancer. His number 10 was painted behind the nets at the Sadlon Arena. The December 16, 2021 game against the Sudbury Wolves was to be in honour Dale Hawerchuck and raise a permanent banner to the rafters, however, the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Dale Hawerchuck Way now leads into Sadlon Arena from Bayview Drive. An extra mark for the speed at which the original Barrie Molson Centre was built. A mere 13 months from breaking ground until the doors opened had the Colts playing only a handful of OHL games in a substandard arena. An extra mark for rivalry games against other northern teams including the Owen Sound Attack, North Bay Battalion and Sudbury Wolves. Final Thoughts When heading toward Cottage Country, or heading for a ski weekend in Ontario, taking in the Barrie Colts at Sadlon Arena is a great plan that will not disappoint. The Colts provide a solid OHL experience which hockey fans will, no doubt, appreciate. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.
- J.D. McArthur Arena at Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre - Owen Sound Attack
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Journey FANFARE Score: 3.14 J.D. McArthur Arena @ Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre 1900 3rd Ave. E. Owen Sound, ON N4K 2M6 Owen Sound Attack website Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 3,500 The Little Bear that Could On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. Home for the Attack is the J.D. McArthur Arena at Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Located right on Georgian Bay, the Bayshore is named after Owen Sound favourite son and Hockey Hall of Fame member Harry Lumley, who played for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs and won the 1954 Vezina Trophy. The arena portion is named after J.D. McArthur, a former Owen Sound hockey player who also coached and sponsored sports teams in Owen Sound as well as serving as the arena commissioner and having a vital role in the construction of the Bayshore Community Centre. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at J.D. McArthur Arena are fairly simple. Hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, nachos popcorn, cotton candy, chocolate bars, and chips make up the entirety of the food menu. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, and Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks available at one of the four concession stands. As far as beer selection goes, Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Creemore, and Miller Lite are all available. The menu is very simple in Owen Sound and fans will find something to tide them over, however, for something more complex or interesting, stopping somewhere before or after the game is probably the best idea. Atmosphere 3 The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is in a picturesque location right on the bay. An older building that has been renovated, the Bayshore has an added atrium in the front. The exterior is an attractive light brick with huge banners of Harry Lumley and advertisements for the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame. The main entry at the south leads into the atrium where the main ticket office is found along with a small merchandise store. Heading to the left and around the corner fans may head down the hall to take in the Hall of Fame which includes a set of Harry Linley’s old goalie pads. After ascending the stairs to the J.D. McArthur Arena, fans enter the main concourse behind the seating bowl. Immediately the McArthur Arena gives vibes of a time gone by as well as the feeling that this venue, like the Owen Sound market itself, is of small size. The concourse is outlined with dark-colored, aluminum siding on the exterior walls, giving the area a dark and serious look to it. The Attack use every piece of space for murals of teams gone by or advertisements. A large mural dedicated to the 2011 championship team dominates the concourse and is worth checking out. The Captain’s Wall also features several familiar names who have served as captains of either the Attack or Platers including Kirk Maltby, Dan Snyder, and Bobby Ryan. Space is not a luxury afforded the J.D. McArthur Arena. Above the north-south running ice surface, several massive iron beams cross over the ice, holding the structure of the building up. The ceiling is the lowest in the league and gives the arena a bunker-like atmosphere. The video board above center ice, which seems precariously low-hung, is very narrow and has four sides of a video screen and four sides of a traditional scoreboard with a very narrow LED ribbon circle at the bottom. To the north side of the ice surface, the banners hang for the 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup team which includes conference and division banners. Honoured members of Owen Sound hockey Dan Snyder, Kirk Maltby, Scott Walker and Andrew Brunette also hang at the north end. Fans wanting the perfect photo of the centre ice logo should sit on the west side of the area. The seating bowl has ten rows of surprisingly comfortable, red, plastic arena seats. Luxury boxes have been squeezed into the east and south concourses and a large party box can be found in the southeast corner. The gameday production at an Attack game is very simple. Music is played during the downtimes and simple promotions happen throughout the game. The mascot, Cubby, makes appearances at various times during the game. Neighbourhood 3 The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is located in one of the most picturesque locations in the entire OHL, right on the inlet of Georgian Bay. There are a few spots for pre and post-game food and drink that are not too far. Bishop’s Landing Lake View Patio is right across the parking lot, in the Best Western. Other options not too far include The Yard, Mudtown Station Brewery, and Boot and Blade. Fans heading to 16th Street will find several chain restaurants and fast food spots. The Owen Sound Attack is the only game in town, so it is the draw in the Sound. The Grey-Bruce area is very much an outdoor area with fishing and parks on the water in the area. Other tourist attractions include the Billy Bishop Museum, the Marine & Rail Museum, and the Grey Roots Museum and Archives. For fans wishing to stay right by the arena, the Best Western is right there. Fans 3 With the smallest market in the OHL at just 22,000, Owen Sound needs to maximize its fan support to make ends meet in Owen Sound. Usually topping out around 3,000 fans per game, the Attack does not have the inelastic demand for tickets that one might expect. In the 2022-23 season, the Attack was 17th in the 20-team OHL in attendance, averaging just over 2,500 fans per game. Attack fans view their team like a family and do not get overly riled one way or another. Fans are loud when the Attack score but not overly rambunctious. More fan support and a little more passion in the small J.D. McArthur Arena would make that venue rock! The Attack probably needs to attract even more fans to ensure the long-term health of the team and galvanize their place on Georgian Bay. Access 3 The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is located northwest of the main highways that enter Owen Sound, Highways 26 and 6. Getting to the arena will require a bit of traversing of the city of Owen Sound, but not too much. There is plenty of free parking in the front and behind the Bayshore. With a small population of just 22,000, there is not too much in the way of public transportation. There is a bus route that stops on the 3rd and 18th. Fans should check out the Owen Sound Transit website for routes, fares, and maps. Getting around the Bayshore is what one would expect when getting around an older arena. The concourse behind the seating bowl can get tight, especially during intermission when the lines are forming for concessions. The seats are comfortable, but kind of low to the ground. There are also plenty of stairs from the main atrium level to the concourse level. Washrooms are adequate for the fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 OHL hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar and the Owen Sound Attack is no exception. Tickets for Attack games go for $26 for preferred seats. Regular seats are $24 and there are discounts for students, seniors, and kids. Although the venue is not the most spectacular in the league, being close to the ice with the low ceiling makes the experience feel cozy but more importantly, makes the play on the ice seem that much faster. The gameday production is simple and prices for concessions are decent and parking is free. Overall, the Owen Sound Attack is a great way to spend a Saturday evening. Extras 4 An extra mark for the memory of longtime Owen Sound Attack business manager Ray McElvie who played an integral part in the development of the Attack and who passed away in 2022 at the age of 87. An extra mark for the “Super Six” local business owners who saved the Owen Sound Platers who would rebrand to become the Attack. An extra mark for Owen Sound still going strong in the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. An extra mark for the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame, which will give fans some great things to explore. Final Thoughts The J.D. McArthur Arena may not be flashy like some of the newer venues, but it has character and it is a great place to watch an Owen Sound Attack game. The Attack continues to defy the odds in such a small market, but that can-do attitude has done the organization well and their continued success in the OHL is expected. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .
- McGuirk Arena – Central Michigan Chippewas
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 McGuirk Arena East Broomfield Road and South Mission Mt Pleasant, MI 48859 Central Michigan Chippewas website McGuirk Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,300 Go Chips In 2010, Central Michigan University’s Rose Center became McGuirk Arena after the completion of a renovation which included a new exterior, redesigned seating, a practice facility, and a student fitness center. McGuirk Arena is named for the McGuirk family who own real estate properties in Mt Pleasant and made a $2.5 million donation to help fund the project. The facility seats 5,300 fans with the majority of the seating being maroon plastic chairs, but the top 10 rows are plastic bleachers. The most unique feature of McGuirk Arena is that there is no center court overhang scoreboard, which makes for a very clean view of the action of the court. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few somewhat interesting items on the menu, but after ordering they left a bit to be desired. I tried the pizza calzone ($4), which was sort of a doughy disaster. I also tried the Embers pork sandwich ($6.50). Embers is a name I am familiar with for the area, and I was also a bit disappointed in this pulled pork sandwich offering. My suggestion with the food is to stick to the basics, since they’re cheaper. Better yet, eat before or after the game. They also offer pretzel bites ($4), which are similar to a hot pretzel that you would find in most arenas, just in a more manageable form. Pepsi is the soda of choice and you can purchase one in a souvenir sized cup ($6), or 32-ounce size ($3). Hot beverages are also available including coffee, cocoa, and cappuccino ($3). Overall, the food isn’t bad. Sometimes when interesting items are offered, it raises expectations, and in this case everything is just so-so. Atmosphere 2 You’ll walk in to the spacious entrance at the CMU Events Center and be greeted by a bust of CMU alum Dick Enberg. It is a great way to start, and you are hopeful that you’ll get that “Oh my!” feeling. The arena feels intimate, and you have a good view of everything going on from anywhere in the arena. The student section is mostly full, and students are on their feet, but no one seems overly into the game. The students sit under the basket nearest the home team’s bench. On the opposite side, in the corner behind the other basket is the pep band. Unfortunately, they are away from the opponent’s bench and, while decent, have little impact on the general atmosphere. I would have loved to see the band and the students more closely aligned and nearer the opposition’s bench so that they could be a more critical component to the home court advantage. The first 16 rows of seats are chairback with average leg room and no cupholder. As you climb beyond that, the seats are a fairly comfortable plastic bleacher. Ushers seemed to be checking to ensure that fans seated in the chairback seats had the appropriate ticket, but fans in the bleachers could easily choose where they want to see the game. I really like having no center court scoreboard, especially in an arena with a fairly low ceiling. It is interesting though that the main scoreboard does not display a game clock. The only places to see the clock are on the shot clocks atop each basket or at the scorers’ table. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does take some getting used to. Neighborhood 3 McGuirk Arena is located near the home of CMU football, Kelly/Shorts Stadium not far from the main thoroughfare into Mt Pleasant, Mission Street. The nearest place to find something to eat or drink would be O’Kelly’s. O’Kelly’s is sort of your typical sports bar with plenty of TVs, cheap drinks, and typical bar food. I chose to drive about 2 miles from the arena to Mt Pleasant Brewing Company. I am always a fan of the opportunity to try a new local beer when visiting a new sporting arena. Mt Pleasant Brewing Company has a small bar area, serving up 8 beers on tap, and a small menu of very good sandwiches. I tried the Brewben (like Rueben), and thought it was delicious. All sandwiches are $8, and all beers are only $3.50. This is definitely the spot that I would recommend. Fans 2 I was pretty disappointed by the fans in general. There are even some amongst the student section who are dressed up in clever outfits, so from the looks of it, you would think that they may be a rowdy crew. They seemed to enjoy themselves most after the referee made a bad call (or more accurately, a call that went against the Chips), and launched into a chant of “BULL-SH!*, BULL-SH!*”. It felt a little bit juvenile. The rest of the crowd was present, but seemed no more interested in the contest than someone in the park watching the squirrels. In fairness though, the game I witnessed was never really close and the Chippewas seemed out of it by halftime, so that may have sapped some of the energy out of the place. Access 3 Parking is free, but you’re still in for a bit of a walk from your car to the arena. Make sure you have your warm clothes if it is cold (it’s winter after all) as the trek across the parking lot is probably a 10 minute hike. That said, free parking is hard to beat. Inside the arena, everything is new and dressed in maroon and gold. The concourses are wide enough to deal with the crowd, and the bathrooms are clean and modern. Return on Investment 3 Reserved seating (chairback) will cost you $18, or you can go with the bleacher seats ($12). I would recommend the latter to save some money unless you need the back support. Seniors and children can get in for only $8. As of the time of this visit (January 2012), online tickets were not available through the team’s official website. Hopefully that will change soon. In the interim, you should feel comfortable getting your tickets the day of the game. The overall cost is very reasonable, even if you are not getting anything that would be considered life altering. If you’re in Mid-Michigan and want to check out some MAC basketball, then you won’t go broke seeing the Central Michigan Chippewas at McGuirk Arena. Extras 2 One extra point for the cool interactive Chippewas Hall of Fame located in the concourse. Rather than the standard plaques that you might find at many arenas, CMU has an interactive touchscreen that allows you to peruse the members of their Hall of Fame and get information as you like. It is rather innovative, and I would suspect more and more schools may move to something similar in the future. Another extra point, and this is just straight hometown bias, for the #44 hanging along the wall for former NBA All-Star, Olympian, MAC Player of the Year, and Traverse City Trojan Dan Majerle one of my personal idols growing up. Final Thoughts While far from a must-see venue, McGuirk Arena does manage to provide a comfortable and modern feeling experience, and a chance to see Division I basketball at a good price. If you are in or near Mt Pleasant, Michigan, then stop over at the Mt Pleasant Brewing Company for an IPA, and stop over to McGuirk Arena for a little round ball action.
- Ashton Gate – Bristol City FC
Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ashton Gate Ashton Rd. Bristol, England BS3 2EJ United Kingdom Bristol City FC website Ashton Gate website Year Opened: 1887 Capacity: 27,000 Home of the Robins After investing £47.2 million into the club in 2009, Bristol City chairman Stephen Lansdown has transformed the sporting landscape in Bristol. The city’s largest stadium ‘Ashton Gate’ has reaped the benefits. Lansdown first joined the board in 1996 and by creating ‘Bristol Sport’ he has brought together Bristol City men’s and ladies' Football clubs, the Bristol Bears men’s and ladies' rugby club, and the Bristol Flyers (the city’s basketball side) under one umbrella. Football at Ashton Gate has been in evidence since the turn of the 19th Century and after redevelopments in 1928, 1970, and 1994, the stadium clubs fresh investment. Under the new chairman, these refurbishments have now come to fruition and Ashton Gate is now a modern, stadium helping put the city of Bristol on the sporting map. Bristol City nicknamed ‘The Robins’ have played at Ashton Gate since 1904 and currently play their matches in the Championship in the English Football League (EFL). City, needed had two main periods in the top level of English football, in the late 1900s and the late,27,000-capacity. They are certainly due a return to the top-flight, and they now have the home facility to underpin their promotion dreams. Bristol is located in the southwest of England, approximately 120 miles west of London and 43 miles from the Welsh capital of Cardiff. The urban population of Bristol is over 650,000 making it one of the largest in the UK (11th). Food & Beverage 4 The main food outlets outside the stadium can be found near the corner of the South and Lansdown stands. This is the location of the main Sports Bar & Pizzeria which is built into the side of the ground. Burger grill and fish and chips concession stalls are also located here with a KFC just across the road in the South Bristol Retail Park. Burgers and hot dogs at the grill start at £6. Cod and chips are £8. Inside the stadium, the food offerings are much improved. Gone are the days of football grounds in England selling pie and Bovril only. Here you can satiate your hunger with pizza, chicken strips, and locally-made pastries at reasonable prices. Hot drinks are a little on the expensive side at £2.50, and soft drinks such as Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are the same price. Alcohol, which in England is only allowed to be consumed in the concourse areas, is also available, Thatchers Cider costs £4.80, Guinness, Heineken, Amstelhas1900s, and IPA cost £5. Cash and card are both accepted for payment and each concession stall looks clean, smart, and well-staffed. Atmosphere 4 The latest developments to the stadium have had a huge impact on the aesthetics of Ashton Gate. Before the 2016/17 season 1970s Southwest, the Williams, and Wedlock stands were demolished, the Dolman stand was extended, and the pitch relayed. The result is a locally-made, before, and smart stadium fit for the modern-looking first-class sport. No more large posts obscuring your views from the away end. The Atyeo stand, named after club legend John Atyeo (who also has a statue outside) has just over 4,000 seats and is usually given to away fans. This is the only stand that isn’t structurally joined to the others. The rest of the ground is a bowl/horseshoe shape with no breaks between the stands. The Dolman stand runs along one touchline and is a single-tier structure housing around 6,500 supporters. Behind the goal opposite the Atyeo stand is the South Stand with over 6,000 seats, finally, the jewel in the crown is the extensive and expensive Lansdown Stand. This two-tiered structure holds nearly 11,000 fans and affords views back across the city and even a snapshot of the famous Clifton Suspension bridge to your left. For the match Stadium Journey attended only 6,000 were in attendance spread across three of the stands, due to government Covid restrictions. The atmosphere made by fans though was excellent and shows that a full Ashton Gate could generate some serious noise. Two large scoreboards in opposite corners of the ground are well placed and provide all the usual information you need including action replays where appropriate. The PA system is loud, very loud. Neighborhood 4 Back in 2015, Bristol was named the UK’s first ever European green capital; it has also been named the best place for under 25s to live outside of London Bristol is a large and bustling city with a long maritime history despite the main docks moving out west to Portbury. The river Avon flowing through the city is still a key feature with old wharfs, bars, and restaurants providing a new economy for this enigmatic metropolis. The juxtaposition between the affluent parts of the city and the less salubrious areas gives the city an edgy vibe and the university ensures you will see younger people dominate in the city centre and drinking hot spots. The stadium is found in the wharves, center southwest of the city, a couple of miles from the city center. The main landmark on that side of the city is the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, built in 1864, which can be seen high up in the gorge that cuts through the western side of the city. Other attractions include a fantastic street art scene, the zoo, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, and Cabot Tower erected to mark the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot. City centre shopping can be supplemented with a visit to the Cribbs Causeway mall just over 10 miles north of the center. The city is littered with places to get a drink; lots of real ale establishments and quirky venues like the Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery located at 87-89 Park Street. For away fans visiting the stadium, the Nova Scotia which looks out over Bristol harbour is worth a visit. Opposite on the north bank of the river is another pub, the ‘Rose of Denmark’. Both are around a 20-minute walk from the ground. Bedminster Cricket club offers a bar and car parking and is just a 15-minute walk to the stadium. Fans 3 Pre-covid, in the 18/19 season, Bristol City FC's average attendance was a healthy 21,080. There is no doubt that if Bristol City made it into the Premier League, they would fill the stadium each week. The highest attendance for a City match is 43,335 who packed into Ashton Gate in 1935 for a fixture v Preston North End. Since the redevelopment, 26,088 is the largest attendance for City v Manchester United in the League Cup in Dec 2017. City’s main rivals are Bristol Rovers who currently play in the fourth tier of English football and there is no love lost between the red of the city and the blue of Rovers. As well as ‘anti-Rovers’ songs, all the usual chants will be heard at Ashton Gate, and of course expect songs referencing cider, the local drink of choice! Bristol Bears also based at Ashton Gate had an excellent recent average attendance of 17,924, one of the highest in the Guinness Premiership. Access 3 The city is very accessible from London and Cardiff. Bristol Airport serves visitors from further afield. By car, you should follow signs from the M4 or M5 and if you are traveling by train, the main station is Bristol Temple Meads, and center the closest is Parsons Street. Making your way from the city centre across to Ashton Gate in the southwest corner of the city takes a little more thought. You can walk to the ground from the centre but a bus/taxi would probably be better, match day bus services are normally in operation from Bristol Temple Meads to the stadium and back. For full details for traveling to the stadium including parking, click here. Return on Investment 3 With the 20/21 season played largely behind closed doors, ticket prices quoted are from the previous season. BCFC members attracted significant discounts on tickets but for a ‘one-time’ visitor expect to pay £27 for an adult in the south stand up to £37 in the upper Lansdown stand. Concession prices are available for U25, U22, U19 and Under 12s plus over 65s. In the club shop, also available online, you can get a scarf for £15 or a beanie hat for £20. The away jersey for 21/22 costs a cool £50. Adding travel, food, and drink, a visit to Bristol is worthwhile but not cheap. Extras 4 The Robins Foundation has recently been tackling loneliness in the city whilst the club has used its premises as an emergency food storage warehouse and a vaccination center during the pandemic The Euro 2020 tournament (played in the summer of 2021) was shown on large outdoor screens for fans to watch together. Elton John and Russel Howard are just two stars performing at Ashton Gate during 2021 and 2022 as well as numerous business events. Plans have recently been revealed to develop a world-class‘ Sporting Quarter’ for the city including a new hotel, arena, gym, and car parking. The two-site development will provide a 4,000-seater home for the Bristol Flyers basketball team and a new urban village development close to the stadium. Final Thoughts It is certainly exciting times for Bristol City fans off the pitch as the club continues to invest and grow its profile and infrastructure. The stadium is now fit for big matches, the most recent being the Vanarama Promotion Cup Final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United which was switched from Wembley due to its Euro 2020 commitments. This demonstrates that this venue is on its way to becoming the first-class facility that chairman Stephen Lansdown has always dreamed of.
- Lumen Field – Seattle Sounders FC
Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Lumen Field 800 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Seattle Sounders FC website Lumen Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 67,000 Names Change… The Fan Experience Remains The Same The Seattle Sounders FC has been one of the premier clubs in the MLS over the last two decades. They have won two MLS Cups (2016 and 2019), and the Supporters Shield for the best regular season record in 2014. Seattle has two major rivalries with their Pacific Northwest neighbors in the form of the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC . The Sounders have played at their current home since 2009. CenturyLink Field changed its name to Lumen Field in November 2020. This was not the result of a new stadium sponsorship agreement. CenturyLink has rebranded itself as Lumen Technologies. Most stadium signage has been changed to reflect this, but due to the immense cost of changing the name on the roof of the stadium, the CenturyLink name remains in place. Lumen Field has a capacity of 67,000, but for Sounders matches the capacity typically is limited to the lower bowl and can hold 37,722. Capacity is typically expanded for the rivalry games against the Timbers or Whitecaps or playoff games. The stadium has 111 suites and 7,000 club seats. Food & Beverage 5 If you cannot find something you like to eat at Lumen Field, you are not likely to find a place you like anywhere. The stadium has 48 different food vendors, covering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine, hometown favorites, and foods from the International District to stadium standards, pub foods, a value menu…oh, and of course, Starbucks. Seattle is a foodie haven, and local restaurants are represented at stands including Night Market, Hempler’s Hot Dogs, Pacific NW Marketplace, Ivar’s, Beecher’s Mac and Cheese, and ULI’s Sausage House. International flavors are available at Din Tai Fung, Premiere Meat Pies, and Cantina. The Pacific Northwest is also known for its culture of craft brewing. Pub food and craft beer selections are offered at the Beardslee Public House, the Brougham Beer Hall, the Craft House, and the Elysian Brewing Company stand. Lumen Field also offers a shortlist of value menu items for those on a budget. Items include popcorn ($2), hot dogs ($3), Coca-Cola brand sodas in 12-ounce cans ($4), 12-ounce Budweiser brand beers in a can ($5), and for $7 you can choose from a 12-ounce Elysian Craft Beer, a nine-ounce BABE wine or a 12-ounce Virtue Cider. Lumen Field does allow single-serving foods to be brought into the venue. They must be in a clear plastic bag. Atmosphere 4 The design of the stadium, the pageantry and traditions of the supporter’s groups, and the level of talent on the pitch all add up to a very enjoyable experience at Sounders games. The stadium was built on a very small footprint, so designers pioneered the use of cantilevered seating. This brings the fans closer to the action than at most stadiums. They also considered the somewhat soggy climate of Seattle and included a shell-like roof structure that protects 70% of the seats from the elements. The ends of the field are left uncovered, as the design team wanted to provide memorable views of the Seattle skyline at the north end, and views of T-Mobile Park and Mount Rainier at the south end. (A major complaint about the stadium’s predecessor, the Kingdome, was that it prevented fans from enjoying the beauty of the region due to its tomb-like design.) The pageantry of attending a Sounders game begins 90 minutes before the game. Fans and supporter groups participate in the March to the Match. This March begins in Pioneer Square and goes south until it reaches the plaza at the north end of Lumen Field. It is a very colorful event as the various supporter groups wave their flags, sing their fight songs, and participate in a good-natured rivalry of seeing if they can be louder in doing their chants than the other groups. The March is led by the Sounders own band, The Sound Force. Fans also can visit The Ninety, which serves as the team’s clubhouse. It is only open on match days. The Ninety features a look at the history of the team, trophies won in various soccer competitions and of course, offers a place to enjoy a few beers. Neighborhood 4 Lumen Field is in the SoDo (south of downtown) District. This is an area where much of Seattle’s history converges. Just north of the stadium is Pioneer Square. This area served as the city center during Seattle’s early days as a logging town. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops available in this area. To the east of the stadium is the International District, home to much of Seattle’s large Asian population. This area is known for its excellent dining offerings Just a 15-minute walk to the northwest of the stadium is the Puget Sound waterfront. The waterfront offers a wide variety of clubs, restaurants, and historical sites for visitors to enjoy. This is also where the ferry boats launch for trips to sites on the Olympic Peninsula. It is well worth the time for a round trip on the ferry to get great views from the water of the Seattle skyline to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. Fans 5 The Seattle Sounders and the Emerald City Supporters adopted the supporter group concept that long has been placed in Europe many years ago. As a result, the Sounders have one of the strongest (and loudest) fan bases in the MLS. Supporter groups are set up by geographic, ethnic, and all persuasions. These groups go much deeper than just attending a game as they become a social network for the members. Most of the supporter groups affiliate with a pub in their area or maintain a clubhouse for watch parties when the Sounders are playing an away match. They are also active on a year-round basis, participating in holiday celebrations as well as community improvement projects. The supporter groups fall under the umbrella organization known as the Emerald City Supporters. However, each group is free to develop its own identity, which includes its crest, its flag, and its songs and cheers. Many of these groups are based on a specific region of the state. However, the Sounders have supporter groups from as far away as the Midwest or Southern California. On matchday, the supporter groups form up at Pioneer Park and March to the Match. Once inside the stadium, they do their best to maintain the venue’s reputation as one of the loudest in US sports. Typically, these fans will stand for the entire game, creating an energy level that must inspire the home team and intimidate the visitors. They create large tifos, or banners, for each game, which also add to the pageantry of the event. Not every fan who attends a Sounders game is involved in a supporter group. However, they likely have a friend or relative who is. Access 4 The Seattle area offers a wide variety of methods to get to a Sounders match. Lumen Field is near the I-5 / I-90 interchange just south of the downtown area. Parking decks offer around 8,000 parking spaces relatively close to the stadium. However, the Pacific Northwest is known as being a very “green” area of the country, and its citizens are very concerned about climate change. The public transportation options for getting to a game are excellent and it takes a lot of cars off the road. Many fans who live in the downtown area bike to the stadium, where bike racks are provided. The Link light rail system runs from SeaTac Airport up to the University of Washington campus. It has a Stadium Station stop that services both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Commuter rail connects outlying cities to Seattle through the King Street Station which is just three blocks from the venue. A Sounders Game Train offers express rail trips on match days. King County Motor busses will also drop you off at King Street. Persons traveling from the Bremerton area and the Olympic Peninsula can take the Washington State ferry boat system to Pier 52, then walk the 15 minutes south to Lumen Field. Finally, Uber serves as the official rideshare service of the Sounders and offers discounted rides. Return on Investment 3 One thing to know before you go is that all activities related to a Sounders game are on a cashless basis. The face value of tickets to a Sounders match runs from $30 to $90. However, when the stadium is at its typical soccer capacity of just over 37,000, the games are sold out. Tickets on the secondary market can easily run into three figures. There are about 8,000 parking spaces spread out around the SoDo District. On game days these lots will charge $30 or more. The public transit options for a Sounders game can save you a great deal of money. The light rail and bus systems drop you off just a block from the stadium and typically cost no more than $5 a trip depending on the distance traveled. Commuter rail to outlying areas make it possible to get home after a game, rather than spending a night in Seattle, which has very high hotel rates. The ferry boats can also save time and money for fans coming over from the Olympic Peninsula. Extras 4 The Sounders home pitch has been the site of a wide variety of soccer tournaments. These include two MLS Cup games, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and several USL games and college competitions. The City of Seattle is bidding to serve as one of the US host cities for the FIFA World Cup competition in 2026. If it is selected, it will have to replace its FieldTurf playing surface with a natural grass playing pitch. The stadium has long been known as one of the loudest stadiums in the world. Many think the shell-like roof helps to amplify the sound. It has been in a back-and-forth competition with Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium for the title of loudest venue. The all-time attendance record for the stadium as far as soccer is 69,274 in 2019. This game featured the hometown Sounders in the MLS Cup game against Toronto FC. The Sounders were victorious, bringing home the Cup for the second time in the team’s existence. Final Thoughts There are very few sports venues that can match the pageantry and energy level created at Seattle Sounders FC games. The name of the stadium may change, but the great fan experience remains the same. You might say it is il-lumen-rating!
- Dignity Health Sports Park – LA Galaxy
Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dignity Health Sports Park 18400 Avalon Boulevard Carson, CA 90746 LA Galaxy website Dignity Health Sports Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 27,000 A Galaxy of Fun It’s been often said that soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Unfortunately, its popularity has not always reached the same fevered pitch in the United States. Major League Soccer (MLS), formed in 1995, began to play in 1996 with 10 teams, growing to 12 teams in 1998. During its early years, MLS would experience some rough times, with two teams folding after the 2001 season. Also during its early years, MLS would experiment with the rules in order to reach out to an Americanized audience. The league would also market itself around the talents of U.S. players such as Landon Donovan. With the expansion of stadiums designed primarily for soccer, MLS has long rebounded and today currently has 20 teams. The L.A. Galaxy, one of the original 10 teams who began play in 1996, played initially in the storied Rose Bowl and would remain there until 2003. At the site of the 1994 World Cup, crowds at Galaxy games were often sparse. Only the Columbus Crew played in a soccer-specific stadium as other teams often found themselves using NFL stadiums, where oftentimes the venues were practically empty. Upon moving to the StubHub Center in 2003, then known as the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy would move into a much more intimate 27,000-seat stadium. Aside from soccer, the facility also houses a velodrome, a track, and field, and a tennis stadium, located right next to the soccer facility. In Jan 2019, the venue name changed from the StubHub Center to Dignity Health Sports Park. Food & Beverage 4 The StubHub Center offers a vast variety of food and drink options. Your standard stadium fare of hot dogs, sausages, pizza, nachos, and popcorn (ranging from $4.75-$9.50) is all here. The Backstage or Ultimate Burger is also available in the north concourse toward the tennis stadium for $14-$15. For those of you with hearty appetites, My Father's BBQ is also located in the north concourse offering up Angus Beef Brisket or Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches, as well as BBQ chicken plates. Each plate is $15 and comes with Texas Toast and two sides. Coca-Cola soda products range from $4.50 for a regular, $5.50 for a large, and $6.50 for a souvenir cup. A wide range of alcoholic beverages is available throughout the entire concourse as well as over at Rock N Brews, costing anywhere from $9 for your basic draft (Bud Light), $12 for your more premium drafts (Guinness), up to $15 for premium bottled beer (Stone IPA, and Redd’s Apple Ale). For those of you bringing your sweet tooth to the game, churros are available as well as those delicious cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon, with hot chocolate and Starbucks coffee to perhaps go with your cinnamon roll. These sweet treats are available at “The Kick.” Should that day’s event be a scorcher, Italian Ice, coming in lemon, blue raspberry, cherry, mango, and the flavor of the day are also available for $6. If you can’t decide, you are free to sample each flavor. Atmosphere 5 Whether you are a die-hard or new to the sport, you will be amazed at the passion displayed by the fans throughout the game. With a capacity of 27,000, there is absolutely no bad seat in the house, offering great sight lines where one is never far from the action. Also, the majority of the seats are covered by huge overhangs which no doubt help in keeping crowd noise amplified throughout the match. From the first minute, all the way to the ninetieth it is a never-ending party in the stands as the fans continuously show their support, maintaining their energy throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 Aside from a KFC on Avalon, the surrounding area around the StubHub Center does not really offer much in regards to pre/post-game dining and entertainment. However, the stadium is centrally located between Downtown L.A. and Long Beach, which are great options if you are staying anywhere near L.A.X. If heading toward Long Beach, The Pike offers up a good variety of bars and restaurants, among them the Beachwood BBQ and Brewing. Should you decide to head toward Downtown LA, there is always L.A. Live across the street from the Staples Center. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to take in a sporting event at both the Staples and StubHub Center. However, if you are going to a sporting event or just about anywhere in Los Angeles, chances are you will not be staying anywhere close to the venue you plan to visit, thus you will probably be driving, something that requires a lot of patience in Los Angeles. Lodging around the StubHub Center is all but non-existent, however, about a five-minute drive from the stadium is an Extended Stay America. Being that almost everything in Los Angeles is spread out, you may want to do some extensive planning of your route beforehand. Fans 5 There are several L.A. Galaxy Supporters Groups throughout the stands. The most popular groups are the Galaxians, Angel City Brigade, and L.A. Riot Squad. Throughout the entire game, they can be seen waving their flags, singing, and chanting. Their involvement in the game is evident and spreads throughout the rest of the stadium as well. Cozmo, the Galaxy mascot is actively involved throughout the stadium getting the other sections involved. With all the passion displayed in the stands, a Galaxy game is still a great family experience. Though Major League Soccer is a great distance behind the other major sports in regards to popularity, the L.A. Galaxy fans are some of the most vocal in sports, and they really add to the game experience with their high level of enthusiasm that is felt and spread throughout the entire venue. Access 4 Parking around the StubHub Center is plentiful, with certain gates opening up to seven hours before kickoff for those wanting to do some pre-game tailgating, with charcoal dispensers available on site. Parking prices range from $15 for general parking to $30 for preferred. As with any venue in Los Angeles, chances are you will be driving a good distance and with the Stubhub Center located in Carson, you will want to give yourself ample time. Though there are no direct freeway routes and the fact the drive may be a good distance from where you may be staying, the StubHub Center is accessible through various streets and freeways, particularly the 110, 91, and 405 freeways. The concourses inside the stadium are very wide, particularly those in the east section with plenty of concessions to navigate. The concourse circles the entire stadium, so you can walk throughout during a break in the action, or even during the game for those who want to move around. Also available throughout the concourses are plenty of TV screens so you won’t miss any of the on-field action. Picnic tables are plentiful in both the east and north concourses as well as charging stations. Return on Investment 3 Compared to the price of admission to view other sporting events in L.A., prices for an L.A. Galaxy game are somewhat reasonable though still a bit steep for an MLS game. The lowest price for a game is $19.50 on the upper sidelines, while General Admission will go for $25. Everything else will range from $27-$300. If you are looking for a good vantage point, then sit on either sideline, where ticket prices range from $35.50 to $59.50 for a midfield reserved seat. If you are looking to sit with some loud and passionate fans who will be cheering and chanting non-stop throughout the entire contest, you may want to purchase a general admission ticket and sit among the L.A. Galaxy supporter clubs. Extras 4 There are multiple cool extras here worth mentioning. The easy-access phone charging stations with big-screen TVs to watch the game is an awesome amenity that more stadiums should pick up. The use of TVs in general around the stadium is a great addition as well. The Wall of Legends on the north end of the stadium is a cool place to experience the history of the LA Galaxy franchise and will only get more interesting as time goes on for one of the more storied MLS clubs. Finally, the awesome supporter groups at both ends of the stadium add a European soccer supporter touch to the atmosphere at the StubHub Center. Final Thoughts Though not one of the more popular teams in Los Angeles, a trip to an L.A. Galaxy game should still be on one’s list. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the fans throughout the game are one of the main highlights of attending a Galaxy game. Like many who are slowly grasping Major League Soccer, you will get a true feel of the soccer subculture that is steadily growing in Southern California.
- Q2 Stadium – Austin FC
Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Q2 Stadium 10414 McKalla Place Austin, TX 78758 Austin FC website Q2 Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 20,738 Q2 Stadium – Austin FC In 2018, after the relocation of Columbus Crew SC to Austin proved unsuccessful, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced they would award an expansion franchise to the state capitol of Texas in time for the 2021 season. Construction began on the stadium, located in the North Burnet area of the city, and was completed in time to host Austin FC’s inaugural season. The home opener took place in June of 2021, and both the team and their home have proven to be an immediate hit with the fans in Austin, routinely reaching capacity for their home games. Q2 Stadium was designed to be sleek, modern, and inclusive, as well as to embody the spirit of Austin and its inhabitants – that mission was accomplished. Food & Beverage 5 Great thought and care was put into the design of Q2 Stadium, and this was especially true for its concessions. There are numerous concessions stands on the main concourse, including two chain restaurants with Austin roots in Double Dave’s Pizzaworks and Pluckers Wing Bar. While you can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza or an order of wings while you take in a match at Q2, these are hardly your only options – far from it in, in fact. Two of the main food groups that Texas is known for – tacos and barbecue – are well represented at Q2 Stadium. Texas chain Tacodeli has a large stand near the northwest gate, but you can also look for One Taco and Casa Chapala, as well. For your nachos fix, Hot & Loaded Nachos and Queso Fountain have you covered, pun intended. For ‘cue, Slovacek’s, 512 BBQ, and Valentina’s BBQ have smoked meat offerings for you. In keeping with their mission of inclusion, Austin FC has numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free concessions options at most stands, including the aforementioned taco stands. Q2 Stadium also has a Beer Hall and numerous bars and beer stands (look out for local favorite Easy Tiger’s carts with their massive soft pretzels). Also, proving they’re not only about adult beverages but have tried to be as inclusive as possible, Yeti has a free hydration station for fans needing a water break on those hot Austin nights. In terms of cost, this is an MLS event. In other words, big-time sports in a big-time city, so you can expect to spend applicable prices. As an example, a standard burger and fries combo that can be found at the Oak Hill Grill will run you $15. However, in terms of the quality of food you’ll get at Q2 Stadium, you’re getting what you’re paying for. Also, bear in mind that the stadium is currently a cashless facility, so that will need to be taken into consideration when you go to pay. Atmosphere 5 I’ve been to quite a few professional soccer matches over the years; granted, nothing overseas or in Latin America, but this was my third MLS event and honestly Q2 Stadium far exceeded any of my previous stops by leaps and bounds. Since it is still early in its infancy, having opened only in early 2021, it still retains all of its newness and uniqueness. However, and again this is going to be a running theme, great care was put into the design of the stadium, from ensuring accessibility to incorporating the team’s color (green…it is literally everywhere and can be seen on everything) and imagery (the team’s symbol is the live oak tree) and all of that adds to the overall atmosphere at Q2 Stadium. For example, whenever Austin FC scores a goal, the lights in the stadium all glow a magnificent emerald green color, which is truly something to see. There are three premium clubs, the Captain Morgan Club, Lexus Club, and Q2 Field Club open to attendees (with the proper tickets and/or credentials); some of the clubs stay open up to an hour after Austin FC matches. Outside the stadium, there are also two main areas for live events – H-E-B Plaza and Live Oak Park; these tend to be areas for live music and fan gatherings prior to and after Austin FC matches. Inside Q2 Stadium there are also plenty of options for fans to load up on Austin FC merch. There are four main shops, including the massive Verde Store (which can also be shopped online), as well as numerous pop-up kiosks. It’s not hard to see why so many fans are kitted out on in green and black at Austin FC games when the team is still so new. Neighborhood 4 Austin is a fantastic city, period. It is great to visit for a day, for a weekend, or for a week. No matter what your age or your interests, you’re going to find plenty to do to keep you occupied both before and after Austin FC games. Q2 Stadium itself is in north Austin in an industrial area of the city. However, the venue is not far from the downtown/capitol/university area of the city, which is the tourism and entertainment hub of Austin. If you are looking for culture, museums such as the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, which tells the complete story of the history of Texas from prehistoric times to today, to the LBJ Presidential Library, which tells the story of native Texan and our nation’s 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson, are found in downtown Austin. If the outdoors are more your speed, Lady Bird Lake should satisfy you. This 416-acre reservoir of the Colorado River greets visitors entering Austin on Interstate 35, and is a beloved natural landmark for residents. It offers hiking and biking trails (there are bike rentals offered throughout the area), while kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing are also allowed. For dining and hotel options, this area of the city is going to be your best bet when attending games at Q2 Stadium, but there are also options in the area for before/after the game. For dining, CAVA is a Mediterranean restaurant that allows you to completely customize your order (either bowls, salads, or pitas) and create something unique with fresh and authentic ingredients. For a more upscale, sit-down affair, Andiamo Ristorante might be what you’re looking for. Ravioli ai funghi, penne con salmone, and cacciucco are just some of the fare offered. If you’re looking to stay in the area, two mid-priced hotels are within a short distance of the stadium, if you would prefer to stay close by on match night: the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Austin Northwest/The Domain Area and Hilton Garden Inn Austin North-Near the Domain. Fans 5 Like most soccer clubs and football teams, even though they are still in their earliest of days, Austin FC has cultivated a die-hard collection of supporter groups. The Austin Anthem, Los Verdes, the Oak Army, the Burnt Orange Brigade, and more all occupy the south end of the stadium. All decked out in scarves and kits in green and black, they can be seen – or heard, more accurately – banging drums and chanting and cheering from the opening seconds to the final ones. The team is currently enjoying a regular string of sell-outs in their new stadium, which is to be expected. This wave of early goodwill will have to be built upon with success over time, but for now, Austin FC is the proverbial only game in town outside of the University of Texas, and the fans are showing their support in full force. Access 3 For now, if there is one area where Q2 Stadium still has some room for improvements, it is in terms of access. As mentioned, the stadium is in the northern area of the city; this puts it 17 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is not bad at all. However, as you make your way toward the stadium, there really is only one thoroughfare to drive down on Burnet Road, and this tends to cause some traffic issues. If you are driving to games, there are multiple parking lots to park at; fans are encouraged to pre-purchase their parking passes for games, however. CapMetro, the city’s public transportation system, does have a bus line that drops off and picks up near the stadium, and by the start of the 2022 season there is a plan in place to have a light rail light stop at Q2 Stadium. Offsite parking can be had, as well, depending on how willing fans are to walk, for as little as $15-$20. Ridesharing is also encouraged. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Austin FC matches, depending on the day, start at around $45 per person. For a brand-new team playing in a brand-new stadium, this seems right on the metaphorical money in terms of cost. Plus, the team has already proven such a hit with the local community that they are already waitlisting people for season tickets. Parking, like everything else at Q2 Stadium, is cashless and will run you between $25 and $55 depending on the lot you choose to park at onsite. With concessions running what they are, Austin FC games could run a pretty hefty tab, especially if you’re bringing the family. I will say the experience is pretty incredible, but you will need to be prepared to spend at Q2 Stadium. Extras 2 In terms of extras, unlike many other teams, Austin FC has not yet gone the route of creating add-ons to attract fans, especially younger ones. For example there isn’t yet a kids club or costumed mascot, and since they are a brand-new franchise, there is nothing yet in terms of any kind of Hall of Fame or anything to honor the players and teams of the past. Right now, Q2 Stadium is all about the experience itself. There are a few places set up to take photo ops or selfies (make sure to look for the Austin FC kit wearing grizzly bear near the south entrance) that are always popular with fans. The rest of the traditional extras might come in time, but for now, enjoy the experience. Final Thoughts So as I’ve said, I’ve been to quite a few soccer matches over the years, but I’ve never been to any that matched the level of excitement that I witnessed at Q2 Stadium. Austin FC has built a great fan base, so far. It was truly an unexpected experience for me and something I can only compare to as akin to a big-time college football atmosphere. If you’re a sports fan, this is one you should definitely add to your sports bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.
- Legacy Arena - Birmingham Squadron
Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Legacy Arena 1001 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham Squadron website Legacy Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 17,654 Establishing A Legacy For Years To Come Legacy Arena was originally known as the BJCC Coliseum, opening in 1976. The arena reopened in mid-2022 under its new name, after a $123 million renovation. It is a virtually brand-new venue, as it underwent massive changes to its lobby, seating bowl, and electronics package. The new lobby includes a massive glass wall to allow in much more natural light. The new entrance fronts the corner of 9th Avenue and 19th Street North. The seating bowl has been reconstructed with the installation of 17,654 new seats and a new video board measuring 18’ X 18’ on each of its four sides. Club level and suite seating were added as part of the renovation. Legacy Arena is a part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). In addition to the arena, this complex includes the new Protective Stadium, the Uptown Entertainment District and the BJCC Concert Hall, the BJCC Theatre, and the BJCC Exhibition Hall. The newest tenant at Legacy Arena is the Birmingham Squadron. The Squadron is the G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. The team moved to Birmingham in time to play in the 2021-2022 G League season. The Birmingham team derives its name from the fact that a flock of pelicans is known as a “squadron.” Food & Beverage 4 The Legacy Arena has several concessions stands located along the concourse at the top of the lower seating bowl. They all operate on a cashless basis. The Anvil Grill, the Bridges Café, and 421 Eats serve the typical arena fare. This includes cheeseburger w/fries ($12), beyond burgers ($15), chicken tenders w/fries ($12), hot dogs ($5), French fries ($5), pretzels ($5), nachos w/cheese ($5), popcorn ($4), candy ($4). These stands sell Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), Powerade ($6), and bottled water ($5). Crossroads Chicken Company sells a spicy chicken sandwich ($12) and a chicken tender basket ($12). The Sloss Smokehouse offers a pulled pork sandwich ($11) and BBQ nachos ($11). Alcoholic beverages are available at three locations. Lady Electra serves cocktails ($13), domestic draft beers ($9), premium draft beers ($10), domestic canned beers ($8), and premium canned beers $10. Wine by the glass is also served for $9. Boxcar Brewhouse and the Steel Town Tap Room offer a revolving set of craft beers from breweries in and around the Birmingham area. Atmosphere 5 The recent renovations at Legacy Arena have resulted in a nearly brand-new facility. Fans enter the facility from the heavily landscaped entrance plaza. The entrance lobby is several stories high with a wall of all windows to bring light into the facility. Legacy Arena Lobby, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Squadron team store is immediately on your right as you enter the lobby. It carries a wide variety of team merchandise. To get up to the arena and its seating bowl you take a set of escalators. This brings you to the concourse level. The Squadron only utilizes the lower seating level, which means every seat in the arena is close to the court. The concourse is open to the seating bowl, so you can still see the action if you are in line at a concession stand. The concourses are wide and easy to navigate. The concession stands are spaced out around the concourse and are frequent enough that the service is very quick, and you should not expect much of a wait at the concession stand. The signage is excellent, and you should have no problem finding a seat. The Squadron has an attractive basketball court, which features blue and red graphics along the baselines and at the midcourt. The center-hung video board features game action, as well as information on upcoming events. It features four screens, so fans can see the information clearly, no matter where their seats are. The electronics package also includes ribbon boards on the facing of the upper-level seats. Breaks in the action are filled with fan participation games, and the antics of Commander, the Squadron’s pelican mascot. Neighborhood 4 The area surrounding the Legacy Arena is known as Uptown (www.uptownbham.com). This is a major entertainment district located just north and west of the I-20/I-59 interchange in downtown Birmingham. It includes sports venues. concert halls, bars, and restaurants. Two restaurants in the nearby Uptown complex to check out our Mugshots Bar and Grill and Eugene’s Hot Chicken. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the Legacy Arena. Both the Westin and Sheraton Birmingham are located across the street from the venue. Access to the Uptown area has been greatly improved through the completion of improvements to the I-20/I-59 interchange and the completion of the City Walk BHAM Pedestrian Park. Fans 2 The Squadron is slowly building a fanbase in a city that has been defined by a long heritage of football and baseball glory taking place in Birmingham. Basketball is competing with a football history that includes Auburn- Alabama games at Legion Field and Birmingham Barons baseball games going back more than 100 years. Birmingham’s history with basketball includes only the early UAB basketball teams of Gene Bartow. The team and the G League are working together to reach families and youth that are big fans of the NBA as a core fanbase. It is not unusual to see several youth groups in the crowd on weekends and there is definite evidence that this strategy is working, as attendance has begun to pick up. The Squadron is also marketing to patrons of the adjoining Uptown dining and entertainment as an early night option (games are at 7 pm). The hope is that couples will attend a game and then walk over to finish their evening at their favorite restaurant or watering hole. Access 4 Fans should have no problem getting to and around Legacy Arena, regardless of which direction they are coming from. The arena sits just north and east of the interchange between I-20/I-59 and I-65. Several multi-lane avenues form the perimeter of the facility. The gates open one hour before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Once you arrive at the arena, the access is extremely well laid out. The initial security area for inspecting bags is located well before where the tickets are scanned. Multiple doors are open at the building’s base, and the lines move very quickly. After riding up the escalator, you will see that the concourse is very wide and easy to navigate, Signage is excellent, and you should have no problem finding your seat. Return on Investment 3 The concession prices at Legacy Arena are in line with most pro franchises but are higher than average for a market like Birmingham. A family of four could spend more than $150 just for food at a Squadron game. Parking is readily available in and around the Legacy Arena, although it does not have parking of its own. There are more than 10,000 parking spots within a 10-minute walk of the arena. Fans can go to the Waze app and identify parking lots that are convenient for them. The prices can be as high as $35 or could be as low as free in one of the limited parking spaces along the streets near the arena. All services at the Legacy Arena are provided on a cashless basis. . Extras 3 In 2023 the Legacy Arena will host the first and second rounds of the 2023 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. The games will be held on March 16 and 18, 2023. Several events of the 2022 World Games took place at the Legacy Arena in July 2022. Since reopening after the renovation, the arena has hosted concerts by Kane Brown, Kirk Franklin, Jason Aldean, Greta Van Fleet, and Machine Gun Kelly. Final Thoughts Legacy Arena’s renovation provides the crowning jewel in the redevelopment of the Uptown area of downtown Birmingham. Its’ proximity to the many restaurants and entertainment options in the Uptown District, as well as Protective Stadium, makes it an attractive choice for sports fans. It is no surprise that it has already been booked as one of the regional sites for the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
- Coventry Building Society Arena - Coventry City FC
Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Coventry Building Society Arena Phoenix Way, Rowleys Green Coventry, England CV6 6GE Coventry City website Coventry Building Society Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 32,753 You won't Sing the Blues at CBS Arena Coventry Building Society Arena, also known as CBS Arena or Coventry City Arena, is a 32,609-seater that includes an exhibition Hall, a hotel, and a casino. The Arena Park Shopping Center contains one of the largest Tesco Extra hypermarkets in the country. The complex has every bit of something for the sports traveler. The stadium opened in 2005 and replaced Highfield Field, which Coventry City called home for over a century from 1889-2006. The new, modern facility is owned and operated by the Wasps Rugby Football Club, which charges rent to City. It makes for an unusual agreement and has resulted in the club playing matches at St. Andrew’s in Birmingham for the past two years. Sky Blues has been the club's nickname since 1898 but gained popularity in 1962 when manager Jimmy Hill reintroduced it after a 40-year hiatus. The colour has become synonymous with Coventry City, which includes the same seat hue inside the stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are very good at home matches: pies, pasties, hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available inside the stadiums, with pies ranging from £2 to £4. The steak and ale pie is filling. Atmosphere 3 The CBS Arena is one of the modern venues in the league, offering four stands that wrap around the field. The West Stand is two-tiered that offers corporate and hospitality suites, a police control box in the corner, and access to the hotel that has a pitch of the views. The South Stand is for away supporters and features a video board. Outside the stadium are spots to check out, including the team shop, the Wall of Fame, and the Jimmy Hill statue. Certain blocks within the stadium stand out from another. It will depend on where you are seated. However, the views are great from the majority of the stadium. Neighborhood 2 There is a large parking lot and a shopping complex outside the facility. There are places nearby to enjoy a pint before the match: The Longford Engine, Parkston Working Men’s Club, The Coach & Tavern, The Foleshill Gas Club, The Bird in Hand, Dhillon’s Brewing, Riley, and The Cherry Tree. The Arches is an English and Indian fusion restaurant/pub worth having a meal at. Nashaa has traditional Indian cuisine, while chain restaurant Nando’s has peri peri chicken and other items. The Anecdote is located at the stadium and is a worthwhile place for Sky Blues fans to get together for something to eat before the game. The DoubleTree by Hilton has 121 rooms and 50 rooms that overlook the pitch at the stadium. Fans 4 The Sky Blues fans have seen a lot in the last few years having the play at home away from home do the contract disputes with the Wasps. It would pressure most fan bases, but they have welcomed the club back to the CBS Arena with open arms. The fans provide an atmosphere that might be among the best in the Championship. Access 5 The stadium is located outside the town center and features various parking lots for easy access by car. The venue is also accessible by train, which has a station nearby. There are copious bus routes that drop fans off near the arena: routes 3 and 5 at the shopping centre and routes 20, 20A, 20B, and 20C. Inside the venue, the concourses are wide and provide services, bathrooms, concession stands, and other information spots within the facility. The fanbase is dedicated to specific areas, while away supporters are safe and sound in the South Stand in sections 6 to 9. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket comes in three categories depending on the opponent. The cheapest adult ticket is £20, £25, and £33. Under 18 prices are as follows: £10, £15, and £20. The price of a pie is £3, hot chocolate £2.50, a pint of beer £4, and a programme is £3. The parking lot is £13 and is prepaid. Extras 2 The Jimmy Hill statue and the Wall of Fame are worth posing for photos at the game. The taste of the pies is rather good. Final Thoughts CBS Arena is a very non-descript stadium but offers a few advantages for the atmosphere. While it's located outside the city for easy access by car or train, it doesn't stand out from other venues in the league in terms of aesthetics. Is it worth checking out of the match, Of course? However, it sort of falls in the middle-of-the-road category.
- The Stadium Journey Podcast 526 - The Year in Review 2022
It’s the end of the year episode, and the gang talks about their favorites from the year 2022: the best games, venues, facilities and biggest surprises. All that and more on the year-end finale podcast for 2022! You can find all of our fantastic video content on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. For audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast, visit HIAC Talk Radio.