Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Compton Family Ice Arena 100 Compton Family Ice Arena Notre Dame, IN 46556 Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s hockey website Compton Family Ice Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 5,022 All in the Family There are many great college hockey facilities in the United States, some much better than others. The Compton Family Ice Area on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana might be in a league all by itself. It is a facility that is hard to describe unless you have been to a game, but once inside it is clear that this is truly a work of art in terms of experience. The facility is much more than a place to watch the Irish play hockey, but is a community facility. The state-of-the-art arena houses two ice rinks and was designed to support the Notre Dame hockey programs and those in the local community. The facility was made possible by a generous lead gift from Kevin and Gayla Compton at a total cost of $50 million. The 5,022-seat venue is separated into two sections featuring chair-back seating, bleacher seating, and standing-room-only sections. Construction began on March 15, 2010, and on October 21, 2011, Notre Dame hockey opened a new page in its history with a 5-2 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At any given time, there can be something going on inside the arena since it is open 24 hours a day. In addition to intramural hockey and broomball, women's club hockey, figure skating, and public skating, high school, and youth hockey are also offered. There is a multi-purpose room that is also used for weekly Mass. Food & Beverage 5 There is almost everything imaginable at the Compton Family Ice Arena. There are four stands on the main concourse that offer different varieties of menu items. O’Brien’s is an exclusive club that has a capacity of 250 people. There are also portable stands that feature local South Bend vendors offering everything from chocolates to fish and chips. The four main concession booths offer bratwursts, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and Coca-Cola products. However, each of them has something a little different including pizza slices, cheesesteak sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tender baskets. The prices range from $4.50 for a hot dog to $9.50 for an Irish burger. A few reasonable options include the popcorn and soda combo for $5 and the chicken tender basket for $8. Portable stands are spread out throughout the concourse, and are also varied and feature fare from local proprietors. The South Bend Chocolate Company offers chocolate by the pound, Ben’s Soft Pretzels usually has a long line for the giant, sweet pretzels selling for $6, and Hawaiian Shaved Ice is a delight for children for $5. The kids can choose from a myriad of colors and flavors to top their ice. Atmosphere 4 College hockey is a very interesting sport and when you have a program that is revered like Notre Dame, it’s going to produce high-energy capacity crowds every night. After all, this is one of the best places in the country to view college hockey, and boy does the fans enjoy it. The atmosphere begins well before the opening faceoff and ends at the final buzzer of the third period. There is everything here from a rowdy student section, a pep band, and fans of all ages standing or sitting throughout the venue. Once you walk inside the arena some stairs take you up to the main concourse, which provides everyone the opportunity to check out the souvenir shop. For season ticket holders who have upgraded their tickets, then access to O’Brien’s exclusive club is here as well. If you happen to have a question, someone from the staff will gladly help you with any concerns you have at the game. The seating area ranges from up close to very up close and personal to the ice rink. The top-tier seats hover over the ice somewhat, creating a floating feeling for the game. You are also shouldering shoulders with fellow Irish supporters who will keep you up with the action in the play. Neighborhood 4 The Compton Family Ice Arena is located on campus, sharing a parking lot with Notre Dame Stadium and the Joyce Center . If you have the opportunity to tour campus, it is highly recommended. You are also within walking distance of the Eddy Street Commons which offers shopping, dining, and residential apartments. There are nine restaurants to choose from including Blaze Pizza, Bar Bici, The Mark, and Yats, specializing in inexpensive Cajun and Creole fare. However, South Bend offers more opportunities to many bonafide places including South Bend Brew Werks, and Barnaby’s. South Bend Brew Werks is open seven days a week, offering small-batch beers, locally sourced food, and a refreshing emphasis on the local community. Fifty cents of every pint sold at the pub is donated to a local charity. The table tops, chairs, and stools have been repurposed from area bowling alleys and high schools. Fans 5 College hockey fans are very similar to college football fans in South Bend. Then again the Irish faithful is strong, dominant, and spread out throughout the nation. Here the fans are glued to the action, cheer for goals and breakaways, and jeer when the opposing club scores. They are well-educated about the game and when the band is playing at its loudest, it is hard not to sing along and cheer. Access 5 From parking your car, waiting in line at the concession stand, and arriving at your seat, getting around the Compton Family Ice Arena is very simple and easy to navigate. Cars are directed to their spots by staff members and it is needed since games sell out and the lots fill to the brim with cars. There are eight public restrooms with parity for both men and women, while the main lobby is spacious and open. Return on Investment 4 Depending on the type of game, tickets can start at $11 and go up to $49. Parking is also free in the parking lots surrounding the facility and cars are guided by staff to avoid any hassle or confusion. The concession stand prices tend to be on the high side, but it’s not too uncommon when you compare it to other minor league or professional facilities. There are a lot of options ranging from low to high regarding almost everything at the Compton Family Ice Arena. The choice is simply yours based on what you find affordable or expensive. Some facilities do not give this choice, but here they do. Extras 4 The staff is incredibly friendly and will assist you with any questions or concerns that you have during the game. It can range anywhere from where you sit to more information about the arena itself. The arena is much more than just a college hockey venue. It serves the South Bend area quite well and the needs of Notre Dame students and beyond. It is a facility that is open around the clock and is of a source of entertainment. The staff does a great job assisting vehicles to their spot in the parking lot. The area can get very crowded, and the staff makes it quite easy to get in and get out. The arena itself is a true spectacle because it looks like an older facility on the outside, but once you’re inside you see it is truly a modern and state-of-the-art venue that offers everything a fan needs in terms of food, comfort, and entertainment. Final Thoughts The Compton Family Ice Arena is one of the better facilities in college hockey, and well worth a visit for any fan of the Irish, the sport, or for those who are following their favorite team on the road.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carlini Field 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Carlini Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's men's and women's soccer teams have called Carlini Field home since 2019. The stadium features an artificial turf field and is named after alumni Joe and Christine Carlini. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Carlini Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 3 There are several places at Carlini Field where fans can watch the game. Entering the stadium from the parking lot will put you on a plaza of sorts, with various patio-like furniture fans can sit on and watch the game. You will have to arrive early if you want to sit here, as it is first-come, first-served. You can also walk down the steps from the plaza to a path, then walk down the path and up to a more conventional seating area. The middle section here consists of plastic chairbacks, while the two outer sections are metal bleachers. These seats will put you up close to the action. A scoreboard on the far side shows only the most basic information. There is space for it to show shots, but this was not working when we visited. It can be hard to read the scoreboard in bright light. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. A Catholic University soccer game is a pretty basic experience, but the unique layout of the stadium brings this score up a bit. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 3 Catholic University will draw about a hundred fans to a typical home game, sometimes more, sometimes less. A few games will get two to three hundred fans, while some will get only a few dozen. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players on the field, either on Catholic or the other team. They are knowledgeable about the players, team, and school and can get loud at times, although at other times, they are barely audible. The regular fans all seem to know each other but are welcoming of others who show up. With people spread throughout the many areas of the stadium, it can seem less full here than it is. Access 5 There are many options for arriving at Carlini Field. There is a lot next to the stadium with free parking, and if that fills up, fans can park in the much larger DuFour Center lot. However, this is unlikely to be necessary. Fans can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red like to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 20-minute walk from Carlini Field. Despite having CUA in the name, the Brookland station is slightly further from Carlini Field. Although the Brookland station is closer to the center of campus, Carlini Field is on the northern edge, putting it closer to Fort Totten to the north than Brookland to the south. That being said, the difference is so marginal that riding the extra stop on the Red Line to Fort Totten (if you are coming from that direction) would take longer. Restrooms are available on the plaza by the entrance - the men's room is on one side of the building, and the women's room is on the other. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Catholic University soccer games is free. Parking is free - a rarity in this city - and you won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. Overall, a Catholic Cardinals soccer game is a great value. Extras 2 One extra star for the many vantage points from which to watch a game. Look for the banners on the plaza honoring Catholic's soccer championships. Final Thoughts A Catholic University soccer game at Carlini Field is a pretty basic experience. Still, the stadium is nicer than most Division III soccer venues (and indeed, nicer than some Division I soccer venues), so there is tremendous potential for Catholic to take advantage of that. A visit to a soccer game here is an enjoyable and underrated way to spend a fall afternoon.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey and Shippensburg Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Heiges Field House 333 Lancaster Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Raiders website Heiges Field House website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,768 Ship Shape Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best-selling author Dean Koontz. The Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 universities Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirate hat. Heiges Field House was the second-largest wooden-domed structure in the world when it opened. The arena is the home to the school’s volleyball, wrestling, and basketball programs, as well as housing swimming in the attached pool. From 2004 to 2007, the Red Raiders posted a 37-3 record in home basketball games, which led the students of Shippensburg at the time to nickname Heiges Field House, “The Dungeon.” The arena has a wooden playing surface designed by the same floor designer as the University of North Carolina and the University of Kansas. Food & Beverage 2 There are small food stands open for basketball games. The offerings are basic, so eat before the game. Atmosphere 3 The arena feels very open and has a typical atmosphere for a Division II level school. The field house roof is on perfect display at all times with its cool style and large fans coming from it. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few varieties of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 3 The crowds are pretty good as Division II schools in Pennsylvania tend to have a good following. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the field. Parking is usually free but if it is a weeknight when classes are in session, please make sure to check parking regulations. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are around $10 and parking is free. This is a fairly good value for a decent quality game. Extras 2 There are many trophy cases in the small lobby that offer a glimpse of the successes of the various Raider teams. The unique architecture of the roof is a great extra all on its own. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays at a good level of basketball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Russell Diethrick Park 485 Falconer St Jamestown, NY 14701 Jamestown Tarp Skunk website Russell Diethrick Park website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 3,000 Baseball Goes Dark in Jamestown On November 1, 2018, the Jamestown Jammers announced that they were ceasing operations at that their assets would be donated to a local nonprofit organization. It marked the end of the summer collegiate version of the Jammers who began operations in 2015 when the “original” Single-A Jammers relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia after the 2014 season. There is optimism that local ownership will resurrect a ballclub for the 2020 season at Russell Diethrick Park. When what is now the New York-Penn League debuted in 1939, the city of Jamestown was one of its original members. Two years later when what was known as Jamestown Municipal Park opened, minor league baseball would have a home for the next 73 years except for six seasons. However, by 2014 the ballpark was the second oldest park in the league and rumors of the team relocating elsewhere had been rampant the previous several seasons. The facility was becoming an old hat for professional baseball but fit comfortably in the world of summer collegiate baseball. The stadium went through major renovations in 1984 and one of the men who was instrumental in the work was “Mr. Baseball” Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. In 1997 the ballpark would be renamed in his honor. Most recently, a brand new scoreboard and sound system were installed in 2006, and the press box was renovated before the 2010 season. The first season the new Jammers played in the Prospect League–with a majority of its teams situated in the Midwest–before switching to the upstate New York-based Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The college players were a new concept for many in town and crowds that had been around 1,200 fell sharply to 400 fans per game. In 2018, the team would capture its first championship title in the new league and sported a home record of 22-1 during the regular season. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the local Babe Ruth League, all games had to be played at their opponent’s home in Amsterdam, New York. Note: In 2020, the team name changed from the Jammers to the Tarp Skunk. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium features the main concession stand on the main concourse level behind the backstop offering a selection of food typically found at a baseball stadium. Here, fans can enjoy the quintessential hot dog, peanuts, nachos, and cold soda pop during the game. The prices are reasonably priced and perfect for this level of baseball. There are also a few interesting items that include eggplant parmesan sandwiches, Buffalo wing fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the ability to purchase a whole pizza. Then there are names for food items called the swashbuckler and Jolly Rodger. Coca-Cola and Budweiser products are sold at the stadium, along with Slush Puppies and Dippin Dots. Hop Sun, a summer wheat beer from nearby Southern Tier Brewing, is an enjoyable beer on a hot summer afternoon or night. Atmosphere 3 Tailor-made for a baseball game, Diethrick Park offers a large covered grandstand plus two bleacher sections down both the first and third base line. The best spot is underneath the roof for the perfect view of not only the field but the surroundings inside and outside of the venue. There is a series of large light towers that add to the nostalgia in the foul territories that have been in place for quite some time, lush forestry and rolling hills dot the outside of the stadium walls, and large billboard ads make up the outfield walls of the ballpark. The environment is quiet at times and many in the audience are there to view the game. There are casual promotions and in-between innings contests that are common in both the minor and collegiate wood bat leagues during the summer. One may witness a few kids running around the concourse, friends, and families cheering on a player on the field, or the die-hards who have been coming out to the stadium for years keeping score at their seats. The environment is casual and laid back, much like the Southern Tier region where Single-A baseball was the norm just a few short years ago. The college kids provide a rich tapestry of baseball and it is not much different to the discerning eye that the throw from third to first is not handled by professionals. When one has the chance to enjoy baseball from a stadium such as Diethrick, time stops just a bit to notice every aspect of the game. Neighborhood 3 Jamestown has a population of 31,000 people and is known for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. The museum houses artifacts, memorabilia, and a replica of the I Love Lucy set and props. The town celebrates its favorite daughter every August with a festival on the streets of the town. If you are looking for more laughs, the National Comedy Center should be the perfect spot for a few hours of laughter. Other spots in town include the Fenton History Center, Audubon Community Nature Center, and Enchanted Mountain Spirits Distillery. A few miles outside of town is Southern Tier Brewing Company which is housed in a giant outdoor cabin. There are a few great local restaurants within a few miles of the ballpark that are worth checking out for cheap eats or interesting menu options including Coach’s Tavern Inn which is home to bacon marmalade chicken wings, banana pepper sandwiches, beef and wecks, and their version of Rochester’s hot plate (baked beans and potato salad topped with two hot dogs and covered with meat sauce) and AJ’s Texas Hots, a hot dog joint with good, cheap food. A more upscale dining option would include Shawbucks, upside-down meatloaf and steak options, and Havana Cuban Cafe, ropa vieja, and lechon (slow-cooked pork) plates. If you are in town on a Saturday afternoon, drive down Falconer St, the main road in town, and look for the various barbecue pits and grills that line the streets. One of them is All-American BBQ & Catering, pull your car over and ask for a slab of ribs or a quarter chicken. The area has its version of regional barbecue that is not about the thick barbecue sauce, but all about the fire and technique. Fans 2 The fans have taken their time to warm up to the college kids that make up the Jammers the past four seasons. However, the ones who support the club do their best to make the kids feel at home at the old ballpark. There is a lineage of baseball history in town and perhaps a league championship will reshape opinions in the future. Access 4 The stadium is large enough to move around freely without any hassle. The crowds, even at their largest, never make the facility cumbersome to move around. The majority of concessions are located behind the grandstand backstop and finding bathrooms inside the venue is quite convenient. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $5 and $7 for all home games and parking is free on an adjacent grass lot. The concession prices are very reasonable and most items are under $5. There is a souvenir stand with a nice collection of team merchandise. Extras 3 The team was able to keep the nickname when it switched to the collegiate level and improved the logo dramatically. The colors neon green and navy look good on the uniforms as well as team merchandise at the stadium. Diethrick Park is an old-school ballpark and many of the stadiums in the PGCBL were once home to either NYPL or Eastern League franchises. These stadiums are a bit sleepier than the likes in Brooklyn, West Virginia, or State College, but they are a reminder of baseball from another era. A final point for the tasty barbecue that is available on the main drag in town between Jamestown and Falconer. Cars pull over to a spot, order up some grilled chicken and ribs, and take it home to devour. If you are in town on a Sunday afternoon, follow the smoke and enjoy a regional style of barbecue. Final Thoughts Hopefully, baseball will return to Russell Diethrick Park for the 2020 season. All it would take is local ownership and old-fashion marketing to get the crowds to return during the summer months. The ballpark is a friendly reminder of what baseball is supposed to be and how it can still be in the Southern Tier; there was a reason why a slew of minor league ballclubs operated here some time ago and why many of them are now summer collegiate ballclubs. Russel Diethrick Park is too good of a place to be without baseball for too long. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Phoenix College North Gym 3150 N 11th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 Phoenix College website Phoenix College North Gym website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Bears In Phoenix Phoenix College is a community college in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District and was founded in 1920, making it one of the oldest community colleges in the nation. Famous alumni of Phoenix College include Nick Nolte, CeCe Peniston and A Christmas Story’s Peter Billingsley. The Phoenix College Bears compete in the NJCAA as part of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Conference.. The basketball team plays in the North Gym which is informally called “The Bears Den”. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very small snack bar in the Gym’s hallway. Don’t expect to have a full meal here. There are some small snacks and drinks that are about all you will get. Atmosphere 2 The “Bears Den” is a simple gym that is equivalent to a small high school gym. Generally only one set of bleachers is open during games. The atmosphere is not very enthusiastic, but it will also depend if many students are on campus to enhance the crowd. Being a community college, student attendance is going to widely vary per day and time of the game. Neighborhood 4 Phoenix College is located in the Encanto Village, near downtown Phoenix. Encanto is also home to the Arizona State Fair,which includes the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the original home of the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Art Museum is also nearby. Encanto Village has a fairly eclectic restaurant scene with many good options nearby. Durant’s is a high end steakhouse with the look and feel of a dive bar. George & Dragon English Pub may be a more reasonable option for a post game bite. Fans 2 Most of the fans are family members, with a few students and locals thrown into the mix. Although not large in number, the fans seem to appreciate the action and offer good support. Access 4 Phoenix College is located northwest of downtown Phoenix. It not far from I-10, along a fairly major road, Thomas Road. The North Gym is located, shockingly, on the north part of the campus. It sits right next to Marich Field, the home of the Bears baseball team. There is a large parking lot on this side of campus, so parking should not be an issue. One should check local parking regulations, especially for games that occur on regular college operating days. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were $10 for the game we attended, but that was part of a weekend long tournament event, so it may be cheaper, or even free, on other days. The return on investment for attending a game at Phoenix College is fairly good. . Extras 1 There are not a lot of extras at Phoenix College, but one should look out for the feral cat colony on campus. It is a Trap, Neuter, and Return program that is working with the Animal Defense League of Arizona to manage the cats. You will need to refrain from feeding the cats, as their care is under that program . Final Thoughts Phoenix College basketball doesn’t offer much for the sports fan besides a simple, but enjoyable, small college gameday.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TD Arena 301 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 College of Charleston website TD Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,100 The Cougars Court The College of Charleston is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country, as it was founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785. It is the oldest college south of Virginia and the 13th oldest school in the U.S. Today it is a thriving downtown Charleston mainstay, with a student body of 11,500. The basketball program’s history at the College of Charleston is also lengthy, as the game has been played at the school since 1898. Today the Cougars are members of the Colonial Athletic Association and are one of the more successful small colleges in Division I basketball. Since 1983 they have had 20 seasons with 20 wins or more. They have made five NCAA appearances and five NIT appearances. Most recently the team won the Colonial Athletic League championship in 2018. The team has been blessed with some terrific coaches over the years, including John Kresse and former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins. The home of the Cougars is the TD Arena on Charleston’s famous Meeting Street. It opened in 2008 and seats 5,100 in its basketball configuration. It serves as the home for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs and the volleyball program as well. The arena’s exterior is constructed of brick and conforms to the very strict building appearance codes enforced by the Charleston Architectural Design Commission. It fits in very well with the surrounding structures on Meeting Street. Food & Beverage 4 The TD Arena is serviced by four concession stands. These include Chick-fil-A, Home Team BBQ, and two general concession stands. Home Team BBQ offers pulled pork sandwiches ($8), beef brisket ($10), and six-piece wings ($8). They also sell premium beers ($6), domestic beers ($5), and wine ($7). Chick-Fil-A offers grilled chicken sandwiches ($5) and iced tea ($4). The general concession stand has the broadest selection as they offer pizza ($5), nachos ($6), hot dogs ($4), hamburgers ($5), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), chips ($2) and cotton candy ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand products ($3), water ($4), and coffee ($3). Atmosphere 5 The exterior may conform to the Charleston Historic District standards, but once inside you will immediately notice how contemporary the facility is. The entry lobby is two stories tall and serves as both a reception area and a ticketing area. Once upstairs, you will notice the arena offers a two-level seating bowl with all concourses open to the court. The arena features seat-back seating throughout the facility. Before you head to your seats, check out the full-sized team store just inside the seating bowl area. It is the size of a store you would expect to see in a mall. As you circle the concourse you will see full-sized displays covering every sport played at the College of Charleston. Looking up, you will notice the many championship banners hanging from the rafters. The playing surface features the maroon block “C” logo of the College of Charleston and the name of John Kresse on the court. Coach Kresse was the basketball coach at the college for 18 years and has the most wins of any coach at the school. The arena features video boards/scoreboards in each corner of the seating bowl. It is readily apparent that basketball is the favorite sport at the school, as it has no football team and nearly every game is a sellout. Neighborhood 5 The TD Arena and the College of Charleston are located within the Charleston Historic District. This is ground zero for a great visit to one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The arena is just a few blocks from popular attractions such as the Old City Market, the South Carolina Aquarium, and the Battery. Marion Square is always hosting festivals and is home to a weekend farmer’s market in season. Foodies have their choice of Carolina Ale House, Star Rooftop, and Halls Chophouse to sample some of Charleston’s finest dishes. These are several lodging options near the TD Arena, which can save you the cost and hassle of parking at the games. Fans 4 The Cougars extraordinary successful record on the court has earned them a very large and supportive fan base. Many of Charleston’s top business leaders attended C of C and you will see them courtside before the game. The student body always turns out in large numbers, as the facility is on-campus and their admission is free with their student activity fee. The student body sits behind one of the baskets at the end of the court and does everything it can to disrupt the opposition. Leading their cheers is a large squad of cheerleaders and dance squad members, in addition to the pep band. Clyde the Cougar can be seen making the rounds of the gym and keeping everyone energized throughout the game. Helping to keep the fans energized is the school’s pep band, known as the Chucktown Sound, and Clyde the Cougar, the school’s mascot. Access 3 Finding your way to the TD Arena is relatively simple, as Meeting Street is one of the main thoroughfares in downtown Charleston. It can easily be accessed via Highway 17 or I-26. From I-26: Take I-26 East until it ends in downtown Charleston. Take exit 221-B and follow the signs to Meeting Street. Bear right on Meeting Street. TD Arena will be on your right just after the Calhoun Street intersection. From Highway 17: Cross the Ashley River Bridge into Charleston. Bear right on Lockwood Boulevard, staying in the left-hand lane. At the first light, you will turn left onto Calhoun Street. TD Arena is at the corner of Calhoun and Meeting Street. Once you are at the arena comes the hard part. Parking in downtown Charleston is at a premium. There are several parking garages located nearby, but most likely they will be charging special event prices on the nights there are home games. Our advice is to go into Charleston during the day and enjoy the many historical homes and sights of the city. Charleston is a foodie city, so have dinner at one of the fine eateries located in the downtown area. Park in a lot that offers a low early bird rate and makes a day of it. Charleston is a very walkable city and TD Arena is very easy to get to from anywhere in the downtown area. Return on Investment 3 Seating prices at the TD Arena are determined by the location of your seats. Lower-level courtside seats are $40, lower-level end zone seats go for $20, upper-level side court seats are $20 and upper-level end zone seats are priced at $15. Concessions offer a broad set of foods at reasonable prices. The costliest element of attending a Cougars game is the parking. Being in the Historic District means you are competing with tourists for a parking space. As a result, expect to pay $20 or more to park near the arena on game nights. Extras 3 The court at TD Arena is named for John Kresse, the winningest coach in College of Charleston history. He won 560 games at the school and led the Cougars to 4 NCAA Tournaments and 3 NIT appearances. The TD Arena hosted the memorial service for the victims of the Emanuel AME church shootings. The church is located just a few blocks from the arena. The campus of the College of Charleston looks like no other campus you have seen. It primarily consists of houses that have been repurposed into academic buildings. The campus stretches for several blocks in downtown Charleston, with a brick-paved plaza replacing what used to be streets and tying the campus together. The school has been recognized both locally and nationally for its historic preservation efforts. There are self-guided, and student-led tours of the campus daily. Final Thoughts The College of Charleston has a long and storied history of success in basketball. As a result, it plays in one of the finest arenas you will find at a small school at the Division I level. TD Arena is first-class in every way, and it is easy to see why players being recruited by the school are blown away when they see the facilities. This bodes well for a continuation of the 20-plus wins seasons the school has enjoyed for many years.

Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Billiken Sports Center 1 S Compton Ave St Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis Billikens website Billiken Sports Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 Billikens on the Basepaths St. Louis has long been regarded as one of the best baseball towns in America. Names such as Sportsman’s Park, Busch Stadium, Stan the Man, Jack Buck, KMOX, the St. Louis Browns and the St. Louis Cardinals all have a prominent place in the baseball history books. Yet there is another baseball team headquartered just a few miles down the street from Busch Stadium that is a little bit lesser known, the St. Louis University (SLU) Billikens. St. Louis University is a Jesuit university just west of downtown, with a student body of more than 13,000 students. Its history is closely tied to the city of St. Louis, as it was founded in 1818 as part of the Great Western Expansion, and was the first university west of the Mississippi River. More recently it has undergone a massive expansion, funding more than $850 million in campus improvements. The athletic teams of the university are known as the Billikens. What, you may ask, is a Billiken? It depends on who you ask. Some say he is a cartoon creation, others a mythical creature or a good luck charm. Physically, a Billiken resembles an alien creature from Area 51 with Smurf-type highlights. Whatever it is, it is unique in the mascot world. The baseball Billikens have had a very impressive record over the years. They have made seven NCAA Tournament appearances, won five Missouri Valley Conference Championships and three Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. They are the westernmost member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, which includes schools such as Davidson, Rhode Island, LaSalle, UMass, Virginia Commonwealth, George Washington and St. Joseph’s. Home field for the Billikens is the Billikens Sports Center. The stadium opened in 1990 and has a capacity of 500 permanent seats. The on campus field underwent massive renovations in 2011, taking up the artificial turf and replacing it with natural grass. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage offerings at Billikens games are minimal and are served from a portable tent set up behind the bleachers. Offerings include sodas for $3, water for $2, hot dogs for $2.25 and candy for $1.25. There are numerous fast food restaurants nearby and many fans bring their own food to the games. Atmosphere 2 For an on campus stadium, there is little to suggest that the stadium is a part of the university. The only reminders are the Billiken name on the scoreboard and the presence of the massive Chaifetz Arena which dominates the entire backdrop beyond the outfield walls.The remainder of the SLU campus has dozens of statues of everyday people placed all around campus, yet there is no signage denoting the sports complex or any statues of athletic figures. The field is in excellent condition, but is devoid of any ornamentation to fire up the fans. Neighborhood 4 SLU is definitely an urban campus, which has both good and bad aspects. Being situated downtown you are close to all the major attractions in St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and Union Station can all be seen from the campus. The Metrolink light rail system is excellent (and cheap) and lodging and restaurants (Syberg’s on Market or Pappy’s Smokehouse) are located across the street from the campus. As far as entertainment and restaurants in the area, you have two great districts to choose from. The newest is Ballpark Village, which is located across the street from Busch Stadium. It has a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Another area with a variety of options is LaClede’s Landing, located in an old warehouse district along the Mississippi Riverfront. While in town, two recommendations are to sample the many beers made here and to sample some of the German food, as St. Louis has a long German heritage. On the negative side, like any urban setting, there is a crime issue, so driving or taking public transportation after dark it is advised to be cautious. Fans 3 Being a baseball fan is in the genes of St. Louis residents, and the SLU fans are no different. The ballpark is just across the street from their dorms and it is a fun and convenient way for students to finish their day after classes end. SLU students are not rowdy at baseball games, but they are passionate about their team. Seating is in aluminum bleachers behind home plate and the fan mix is typically 70% parents and around 30% students. Access 4 Getting to SLU, a Cardinals game or any other downtown activity is very easy as St. Louis is located at the intersection of Interstates I-64, I-55 and I-44. Lambert Airport is located about 10 miles north of downtown and the Metrolink rapid rail system runs from the airport to many of the downtown areas of interest. The one thing you will notice is that downtown St Louis has many one way streets. If you think you can’t get here from there, simply go a block east or west to go the other way! Return on Investment 3 You realistically need to plan a long weekend when you visit St. Louis, as there is so much to see and do. The SLU games will not break your bank account, as baseball games are free, parking is $5 and refreshments are reasonably priced. Hotels in St. Louis can run from $300 to a more family friendly $130. Restaurants can also run a wide range, as there are fast food options in nearby Union Station to one of the pricier fine dining options near the convention hotels and the riverfront. If you want to save some money, the St. Louis rapid rail system, Metrolink, goes almost everywhere you want to go for $2.50 one way or $5 round trip and can eliminate the need for a rental car and hassles of finding parking. If you want to add a Cardinals game to your visit, figure tickets at a range of $35 – $80 and parking at $20. It is a good idea to buy tickets ahead of your visit, as even weekday games can be sellouts. Extras 4 Like most major American cities, St Louis has many extras worth considering during your visit. A Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is a bucket list item for any true baseball fan. Even if you are a teetotaler, a visit to the Budweiser Brewery is a must, as it is home to the famed Clydesdale horses seen in the commercials. The Missouri Botanical Gardens are absolutely beautiful in the spring. You can ride an elevator to the top of the Gateway Arch for a spectacular view of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Final Thoughts For the first time in my life I met a Billiken, now that I’ve been to SLU I doubt I’ll see one again! (old rhyme in the St. Louis area)

Photos by Ronald Ford, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Salem Civic Center 1001 Roanoke Blvd. Salem, VA 24153 Salem Mayhem website Salem Civic Center website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 3,952 Box Lax Salem Style The Professional Box Lacrosse Association brought its brand of indoor lacrosse to several new cities in 2022, including Salem, Virginia. While being the sister city of Roanoke, Salem has a rich sports history of its own, being home of the Salem Red Sox in one form or another since 1955. The Salem Civic Center has also seen its share of sports history hosting several minor league hockey teams throughout the 70s and 80s. Most famously it hosted the journeymen Virginia Squires and Julius Irving during his stint in the ABA. The PBLA has burst onto the professional sports scene promising a combination of fast-paced non-stop action, crowd interaction, and sports development, specifically in the United States. The Salem Civic Center seems to have had its sports heyday staring back at them from the rearview mirror and has not hosted a professional sports team since the 80s. Can this combination of new and old provide the roadmap to franchise success? Time will tell, as Stadium Journey visited game one of seven in this inaugural season. That being said, there were some hiccups. Food & Beverage 2 Here's the rundown; Lukewarm chicken nuggets and soggy french fries for $6, the same fries ($3 on their own) covered in convenience store chili and cheese for $5, corn dog $3, hot dog $3, convenience store nachos $3, a dollar more if you want chili. A fairly large popcorn is $5, large Pepsi products are $4, the medium is $3, and bottled water and Gatorade are $3. Candy is $2 as long as you like Airheads. Otherwise, there is no candy. There is a selection of adult beverages strictly in cans for the flat price of $8. Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Vienna Lager, White Claw, and Admit One Pilsner. There were whispers of an elusive beer garden but otherwise, there was nothing beyond the one concession stand for our section. Atmosphere 1 As the game time arrived for the premier of the Mayhem, the overhead lights were extinguished for what should have been the opening ceremonies. However, someone forgot the spotlight. So while there were some introductions for several people who are instrumental to the history of lacrosse in this area, as well the team introductions and even the National Anthem took place in almost complete darkness. Once the game started the music director tried to mix the music with the flow of the game, but it took nearly half the game for them to get the flow of attacking and defending set lists (those familiar with box lacrosse know that music is generally played throughout the game and a talented DJ can even be considered a home field advantage). Also, the Mayhem goal song sounds like a squirrel stuck in a blender while Limp Bizkit has a stroke (don’t believe me? Can I Get a Hoya. You're welcome). Luckily, the Mayhem lost, so we were limited to the number of times we were subjected to said ditty. It was sincerely fun to watch the PA announcer enjoy themselves throughout the game. There were also T-shirt tosses every quarter, which is nice as the souvenir stand offered nothing cheaper than $15 (ladies' T-Shirt), and most designs are reminiscent of items they have on their website. Neighborhood 4 The area around Salem Civic Center is a calm, quiet suburban neighborhood. There are several parks in the area, and there are plenty of places to stroll and relax on a nice day. It’s also nice to check out the state-of-the-art baseball stadium next door. Downtown Salem boasts the campus of Roanoke College, which features classic architecture and an almost Ivy League atmosphere. The civic center is a short drive from downtown Salem, which has plenty of pre-game food and drink. Mac & Bobs, Allsports Cafe, and Macados among many others are less than 2 miles away in the Main street area. There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area for folks staying overnight. Downtown Roanoke is a 15-minute drive for anyone looking for even more to do. Fans 4 This is where the PBLA has hit the nail on the head. Salem is the center of a region rich in lacrosse tradition, fans, and possibilities. Between the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, and many college programs with national championships, this area is flush with youth lacrosse organizations. And while the transition from outdoor to indoor lacrosse may be a bit jarring, it is not so much that they should lose many fans on the transition. If opening night attendance is any indication, the PBLA appear to have found their stride right out of the box. While several sections of the arena were cordoned off, the areas that weren’t were packed with families, and fans. Many of the attendees were sporting jerseys and paraphernalia from local lacrosse teams, as well as some NLL and even some old MILL logos in the crowd. While the new rules garnered some murmurs among the crowd, this speaks to their collective knowledge. Access 4 The Salem Civic Center is easily accessed from both I-81 north and south, as well as 220 and 460 coming in from the east. Roanoke Regional Airport is also a short 15-minute drive for those planning a more hasty exit from the city. However, with the region's railway history in mind, maybe consider an Amtrak into and out of town via the Roanoke rail station. The Salem Civic Center can be accessed via the Yellow Line route 92. The Valley Metro has a useful app that makes finding a schedule simple and quick. Parking at the Salem Civic Center is plentiful and free. This also makes accessing the facility via UBER or LYFT easier, as they don’t have to navigate parking queues. Every problem that arose during the Mayhem debut comes down to the arena setup. The good news is a lot of this can be fixed, even in time for the next game. One thing they do properly is advertised their bag policy, which restricts patrons to clear bags and small clutches plainly and in many places before approaching any queue. Their lobby is spacious if dimly lit and seems to be the perfect place to set up security and ticket scanning, having the will-call windows just inside the door. However, the only thing in the lobby was the souvenir table. Tickets show each seat is assigned a particular gate, you proceed through the lobby to your assigned gate and there your ticket is scanned. However, you are instantly cut off from the other sections of the stadium, including the souvenir table or any other concession stands or amenities that may be available throughout the rest of the facility. Yes, there surely must be a hand stamp pass-back solution to this, however, anyone who has had to repurchase a ticket due to a mix-up, misunderstanding, or phone dying is loath to entrust this and satisfied to stew in our assigned sections. The seating section is steep without handrails. This is a warning to those with bad knees or vertigo, but also a distinction for those who have spent games staring at the back of someone's head due to a shallow seating setup. Speaking of knees, if you are over 5’10, avoid the front row as there is a handrail here that is poorly conceived. Several of the seating sections are covered, and more than a few seats are damaged, again showing the arena’s age. Return on Investment 3 There is some concern as the price range of tickets is $15 to $25; however, they seem to have found their niche. It is worth noting that Salem had a fairly packed house on the same night the crosstown Rail Yard Dawgs were defending its newly acquired first-place status in an SPHL contest. The product on the field was as advertised. Those who are familiar with the NLL and MLL would not find what was presented tonight out of character or even a lesser product. Be sure to purchase your tickets at the box office, as Ticketmaster's fees for these events seem seriously overreaching. Extras 3 The PBLA promise to develop talent was on full display as there were several youth lacrosse organizations on hand as well as an exhibition at halftime of youth lacrosse that as always is almost as entertaining as the paid players. There was a local radio station on hand at the start of the game with some carnival games out front to get folks excited. And the uniforms on both of these teams are classy and on point, especially the helmets, one can only hope they eventually sell these. I was disappointed by the lack of pre-game and post-game tailgating that seemed to be part of the PBLA sales pitch, but it’s early in the year. There is plenty of time to grow.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 K.C. Irving Regional Centre 850 Sainte-Anne Street Bathurst, NB E2A 6X2 Acadie-Bathurst Titan website K.C. Irving Regional Centre website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 3,162 Home of the Titan In terms of the fan experience, hidden treasures are sometimes found in the smallest locations. Bathurst, New Brunswick is a little city of around 12,000 people located in the northeast quadrant of the province. This is where the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) call home. Creative economics, along with government commitment and community loyalty, have all contributed to the Titan competing in Bathurst since arriving in 1998. The Titan franchise originated in 1969 as the Rosemont National before moving to Laval, Quebec in 1971. The team changed its name four times while in Laval (1971-1998), eventually settling on the Laval Titan Collège Français before moving to Bathurst. The franchise was extremely successful in the 1980’s and 1990’s, winning five President’s Cups, one as the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (1999). “Acadie” is in homage to the vast Acadian population in the area. Famous alumni include Roberto Luongo, Vincent Damphousse, Patrice Bergeron, and Hockey Hall-of-Famers Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux. K.C. Irving Regional Centre opened in 1996 as a modern two-pad arena. Eddy Rink is the main ice surface surrounded by 2,900 fixed seats. Though the Titan are the only major tenant, the arena integrates community events, youth and professional sporting events, entertainment shows, exhibitions, and trade shows. As you walk around the concourse, as the flooring doubles as a walking/jogging track. Learning more about the history and deep connection with the citizens of Bathurst, adds more to the experience of a game at K.C. Irving Regional Centre. Food & Beverage 3 Food options at K.C. Irving Regional Centre are pretty basic for a sporting venue. The main concession stand is located just to the right as you enter the concourse. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are all offered between $4-$5, with discounts for combining your order as a “platter” including fries, onion rings, and a drink for around $13. Poutine is the only unique feature, costing around $5.50. Be prepared to wait in line if you attempt to order food before the game or at intermission, as the lines can get fairly lengthy. For a snack, two smaller concession stands offer popcorn, chips, chocolate bars, and slushies with little to no wait time. Oddly enough, the alcohol bar may be the best place to get food. Located at one end of the rink, the bar offers “The Hercules” special. This mammoth meal includes wings, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and curly fries for $14.50. Small snacking options are also available in the vending machines scattered around the concourse. The previously mentioned bar is the only place to purchase alcoholic beverages. A refreshing beer selection includes: Rickards, Granville Island, Creemore, and Heineken, in cans or bottles. Water, Gatorade, juice and Pepsi products are available in bottles for approximately $4 after tax. Credit cards are accepted at all permanent concession stands. Recommendation: Share an order of “The Hercules” with a friend. The flavour and variety is both appetizing and satisfying. Atmosphere 4 K.C. Irving Regional Centre is hard to miss from the main road. The arena’s strong stone masonry base and white corrugated aluminum panel middle and top with green trim, give clear indication of a major sporting venue. The look of the facility attracts your eye and draws you into the clearly recognizable main (and only) entrance. Occasionally outdoor festivities attract patrons before the game with bouncy castles, barbeques, and face painting. The location of the box office and entry to the seating area are clearly reconizable walking in the front doors. On your left is a tiny team merchandise store and an athletic “Wall-of-Fame.” Plaques recognize achievements of area teams and individuals in a wide range of sports. The arena interior is an intimate experience. The limited number of rows ensure every fan is close to the action. Programs are available for $1 and free paper noise makers are folded over every seat. Sightlines and row pitches are ideal for seeing the game at all times; however, if you do miss a play, a video board replays the action on a crisp, clear high quality screen. The public address announcer speaks with enthusiasm and professionalism in both French and English. A simple four-sided scoreboard hangs from centre ice, while championship banners and retired numbers hang from one end of the rink. Crowd noise is amplified by the cozy features of the arena, including the private boxes hovering over the concourse, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the opponent. Maximus is a visibly active mascot who high-fives all the kids and poses for cameras. Event-day operations do a great job keeping the crowd entertained with contests and fun activities through intermissions and commercial breaks. When the Titan score, prepare for a deafening horn to sound for several seconds. After relaying the home goal scorer, the PA announcer lets out a series of “WOOO’s” equal to the number of goals scored. Though this may be common in many hockey arenas today, Titan officials boast they started the fan-favorite activity. Neighborhood 2 K.C. Irving Regional Centre is located off of St. Anne Street, a few kilometers from both downtown to the east, and highway 11 to the west. This section of road is full of big box stores and chain restaurants with vehicular dominated layouts. The area lacks any desirable restaurants or attractions to experience before the event. Thus the vast majority of fans arrive near game time, and leave right after the final whistle. To get a better feel for the town, check out La Promenade Waterfront in downtown Bathurst a few hours prior to a game. Cute, unique shops and restaurants follow the curvature of Bathurst Harbour. For a little flavour of local crafts, make your way to the market on a Saturday just off of Main Street. For a fun, delicious and local dining experience, visit Jobie’s Mobile Kitchen for unique burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Fans 4 Titan fans are one of the most supportive, boisterous, and knowledgeable fans in the QMJHL. Fans stay on every play and stay positive even if a call does not go their way. Multiple fans bring bells and horns to add to the already great game atmosphere. The city’s citizens have continually “chipped-in” to keep the Titan in Bathurst. Unfortunately, hard times have hit the town in the last decade, decreasing attendance figures at hockey games. Prior to the 2008-09 season, fans came out to support the Titan at approximately 75% capacity. Since then, Titans have an average draw between 1,400-1,700 fans per game, or approximately 45-50% of capacity. In a small market, declining attendance is devastating for a franchise, and has threatened the existence of the Titan in Bathurst. The good news is both the new investors and the community continue to show their commitment to keeping the team in Bathurst. Access 4 Getting to Bathurst is a long trek no matter how you get there. Moncton is the closest major airport, approximately three hour drive away. Early October offers stunning fall colours, making the drive an enjoyable experience. Clear signs off the main highway navigate you to the arena. A large LED sign at the Sean Couturier Avenue signals your arrival. Parking is free and very close to the main entrance. The seating bowl layout is simple to navigate. The concourse runs a full 360 degrees around the rink on a single level. The view from the concourse is open to the ice, maintaining constant sightlines to game action, and permits standing room only atop dedicated sections. However, these concourses are narrow and can be difficult to weave through the crowds during intermission. Appropriately sized washrooms are located on both ends of the rink with little to no wait. Seating areas consist of 24 sections and 10 rows of seats. Sections are clearly marked on signs over each stair. Seats are made of blue plastic with sturdy metal supports. The seats provide adequate legroom but lack cupholders for your drink or personal items. Accessible seating is available at the top of multiple sections located at the sides of the rink or the corners. Private boxes are located on top of the concourse, offering excellent up-close and elevated view of the game. Return on Investment 5 The history of the Titan franchise and Bathurst’s dedication to hockey, along with the amplified in-game atmosphere, make an event at K.C. Irving Regional Centre an entertaining experience for any casual hockey fan. Ticket prices are “on-par” with the other teams in the Maritime division. An adult single-game ticket costs $17, with discounts for “reduced mobility,” seniors 60+, children (3-11 years old), and students (12-18 years old). For a family event, “Sunday Family Packs” are available for a discounted price of $22, which includes one adult and two children, or $33 for two adults and two children. Sunday games are advantageous for kids, as activities such as face-painting, picture stations, and player autographs are available. Group packages are also offered for parties of at least 25. Prices include taxes and fees if purchased at the box office. Tickets are available on-line but additional fees apply. Titan games very rarely sell out, and offer a lot of great seating options. Avoid the on-line fees and let the helpful box office staff find the right seats for you. Extras 4 +1 for the community’s effort towards maintaining the hockey team +1 for starting a trend around a number of rinks with the “Woo!” +1 for fun fan experiences before you enter the facility, in the main lobby, and around the concourse. +1 for clarity and simplicity for a first time patron to easily navigate their way from parking the car, to finding your seat. Final Thoughts The franchise was for sale and seemed poised to leave Bathurst in 2013. However, the team has remained in town after being sold to a local businessman with investors, including former Titan players. The spirit and dedication of the community is passionate for hockey. Come out to an Acadie-Bathurst game to witness and experience the heart of the city for yourself.

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Eagles website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Fly Eagles Fly Until 2003, the Philadelphia Eagles never had a stadium to call their own. The Eagles did play alone for five years in the 1930s and 1940s at the stadium, which would later be named John F. Kennedy Stadium, but most of the time, they used the venues of the Phillies, the old Philadelphia Athletics, and even the University of Pennsylvania Quakers. The Baker Bowl and Connie Mack Stadium were subpar stadiums, especially by the time the Eagles got to play at each. The 1971 opening of Veterans Stadium, shared with the Phillies, gave the team their first modern stadium, but one loved by almost no one. It also showed little life, except for the rat and mouse population in its lower sections. It also deteriorated fast and needed to be replaced desperately, and that is why Lincoln Financial Field was built in 2003 The stadium is architecturally not like many new stadiums. Its design does not use soft brick colors and other warm tones. Instead, it uses sleek steel, glass facades, and darker surfaces to make a unique statement. It’s both harsh to the eye and welcoming, all at the same time. The stadium also hulks over nearby Interstate I-95. Food & Beverage 4 For the best food options at The Linc, start in the north end zone plaza, where most fans enter the stadium. This festive introduction features an area with several unique food carts, including Brent Celek’s “Prime Stache,” serving as a mean cheesesteak. Bassett’s provides several BBQ options, while one spot over is a tent for McNally’s Tavern and their famous “Schmitter” sandwich. To be able to devour this beast, one must hold out from eating at a tailgate. The Schmitter features steak, onions, tomatoes, cheese, grilled salami, and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. This area with the best food is a hike from some seating sections, so it may be best to grab something on your way in. Inside the actual stadium, there are plenty of concession stands, and they are expensive, like their counterparts outside. The choices throughout each concourse level include the requisite items, but they are less varied, and disappointingly, only a couple of items are offered per stand. This is Philadelphia, and thankfully, several spots sell cheesesteaks. There are also some good-looking soft pretzels available, which is a Philadelphia favorite. However, the one I tried was cold. Of course, Chickie’s & Pete’s sell their famous crab fries ($11) and chicken cutlets ($9). Miller Lite and Budweiser are the prominent beers sold around the stadium. Other beers are available, but the local selection is limited. Coca-Cola provides soda products, and a regular is $5. For those who are not looking to drink alcohol, be sure to sign up for the Designated Driver program in the north plaza at ground level for a ticket to receive a free beverage. Atmosphere 5 Set amongst a backdrop of seemingly endless rows of tailgates, Lincoln Financial Field’s exterior of exposed steel, beams, brick, and glass is well-designed to represent the character of Philadelphia. Walking towards the stadium from the north, the open corners and upper deck shape almost give the perception of an Eagle flying. Inside, the stadium is so well designed, with angled seating sections enhancing the sightlines. The lower deck is at a shallow grade, while the upper deck has more of a steeper pitch, and all of the individual Midnight Green seats have backs and cupholders. Though the upper deck is high because of the below club section sandwiched between a layer of suites, the view is not bad at all. Various nooks and crannies give the stadium a non-uniform, unique appearance, while the open corners in the north end help to provide peaks of Center City (Philly’s downtown). The outer gates open 2.5 hours before kickoff for access to the plaza behind the north end zone. This is a nice area to spend a little time as there is entertainment and live music to go along with the food trucks. The gates to the actual seating bowl open 1.5 hours before the game, and once seated, the experience is enhanced by a pair of high-quality video boards at each end zone. The only downfall is the usage of big ads on the sides, which cut down on the picture. For fantasy football junkies, there is a separate board that rolls through player stats, and the WiFi in the stadium has recently been enhanced to handle the volume. For those looking to factor in weather, the highest several rows in the sideline 200s are underneath an overhang. The sun will shine brightest on Sections 115-125 and 219-231. The game atmosphere is tremendous as The Linc is a very loud stadium that can provide a distinct home-field advantage (so long as the fans don’t turn on their team). A Rocky-themed introduction video is goosebump-inducing, and the roar from the opening kick continues into the first possession. After an Eagles touchdown, “Fly Eagles Fly” is sung by pretty much everybody and topped off with a deafening “E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!” at the end. During halftime, there’s a chance the Eagles Drumline performs, and it is worth sticking around for. Neighborhood 4 The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes the nearby Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park, is located far away from the actual city of Philadelphia. To experience the city, you would need to take a subway ride into Center City. There are some places, albeit limited, close to the stadium. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not an entertainment center, but a few bars and restaurants together in one building. The star attraction here is the 32-foot screen at the NBC Sports Arena. The Victory Beer Hall is also another fine venue, especially for local brews. A couple of slightly lesser-known options nearby are McFadden’s, located on the first level outside of neighboring Citizens Bank Park, and the Live Casino past the ballpark. Famous local sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is relatively close to Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside. 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 and Nick's Steaks on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony Luke’s offers more options with much better flavor. Tony and Nick's Steaks can get crowded before games and still gets its share of tourists. 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 a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 It has been said that you can tell if the Eagles won or lost by just walking down Broad Street Monday morning as the mood of the city rides on the team. Philadelphia has a supremely passionate fan base that is seen as some of the most loyal, ardent supporters in the league. The city also draws the ire of many when the words “Philadelphia Fans” are uttered. They have a bad reputation and the stories have been repeated ad nauseam. While there is no arguing that there are plenty of obnoxious jerks at Eagles games who act like idiots, this is no different than what happens at many NFL games across the country. Additionally, these people at the games are in the significant minority. In terms of attending a game at The Linc wearing the jersey of the visiting team, you may get heckled, but as long as you are respectful, it is highly unlikely to run into any problems. I attended the game where the Eagles played the Saints and of the 30-40 people I saw wearing the Black & Gold, none of them were derided. Now, there is an exception as attending a division game rooting for the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders may not be the best idea. Eagles fans fill their stadium every Sunday and consistently rank in the Top 8 for NFL attendance by % of capacity. All the more impressive is the lack of empty seats at a game, in a day and age where it is easy to spot stadiums with open areas during a session of NFL RedZone. The crowd in Philadelphia turns The Linc into a very loud place and though they are quick to boo and get mad at their team, it is all because they care so much. That’s way better than sitting in a stadium where everyone is half-watching and playing on their phone. Access 4 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 shockingly high prices. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the AT&T; station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Philadelphia Eagles game is a very costly venture and while the entire NFL is expensive for the fan, it is even more so here. The expensive parking charge is hard to fathom and tickets range from $75 to $130. However, seats are snagged so fast, that it is likely fans need to use the secondary market and tickets start at $100. There are ways to save money though and using mass transit alone can save over $30. There are also standing room tickets which cost just $55. Despite the high prices, an Eagles game is quite an experience and this is a must-visit for football fans. Extras 5 In addition to serving as the Eagles home field, Lincoln Financial Field serves as the home of the Temple University Owls football games and it frequently hosts the Army-Navy game each fall. It also has served as the site of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. In the plaza area near the north end zone, there is a building that leads to escalator access for suite holders. The entrance area is open to all fans and this section is a great spot that pays homage to team history. Spend some time here before the game to check out the team’s hall of fame, timeline and multiple murals. Also, be sure to check out the banners hanging from the rafters of the stadium. A $125 million renovation project paid by the team and league not only upgraded the stadium but added some nice personal touches. Among the additions: are historical murals, an expanded team store, upgraded WiFi, and a connecting bridge in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, one more point for “Fly Eagles Fly.” It is very catchy! Final Thoughts Lincoln Financial Field does many things, all of them very well. Most importantly, it gives the Eagles and their fans a place of their own for the first time in the long history of the franchise. It also gives Philadelphia a home-field advantage that can only help the long-term health of the team. A sports fan will enjoy themselves at Lincoln Financial Field, as finally, Philadelphia football has a place to be proud of.

As part of their move to FBS, Jacksonville State is making changes to their home football stadium, Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. During 2023 fans can enjoy new concessions options (now all cashless), as well as free digital game programs. Also in August of 2023, construction began on a new athletics fieldhouse behind the west end zone, which will be completed in time for the 2024 season. The new facility will include training equipment, hydrotherapy, coaches’ offices, and meeting rooms, among other amenities. The north grandstand is also getting its own facelift – the bleachers were removed prior to the 2023 season, although fans are still welcome to sit on that side using the concrete steps which still remain; the renovations to the north side will be completed in time for the 2024 season. Although the Gamecocks have won enough games to qualify for a bowl game in 2023 under normal circumstances, the team is not yet eligible for a bowl game due to the transition to FBS. However, in 2024 Jax State will be fully bowl eligible, and its home field will be fully renovated and ready for use.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 The Ballpark at Jackson 4 Fun Pl Jackson, TN 38305 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,000 We’re Goin’ Down To Jackson The Ballpark at Jackson is home to the Jackson Generals, the AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was originally known as Pringles Park, changing its name after the naming rights expired in 2012. The 6,000 seat park opened in 1998 and is owned by the city of Jackson. The park includes 8 suites, the Bullpen Bar along the third base line and berm seating / children's fun zone along the first base line. Two party decks were added to the park prior to the 2018 season. The Generals have won two Southern League championships and two division titles in their 20 year existence. In addition, the park has hosted the Southern League All Star Game twice (1999 and 2011) and regularly hosts the Ohio Valley Conference baseball tournament. Several area high schools also play their games at The Ballpark at Jackson. Food & Beverage 5 The Generals have a much bigger concession presence than teams at higher baseball classifications. The central concession area has 9 windows/lines to handle fans’ orders quickly and efficiently. In addition to the central concessions area, the stadium has a Blue Moon Grille and a Leinie Lodge stand, a convenience store style concession as well an ice cream stand. Here is a quick overview of the items available at the Ballpark at Jackson: catfish po’ boy ($8), burgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), cheesesteaks ($8), chicken sandwiches ($8), brats ($6), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($3.50), cracker jacks ($3.50), pork rinds ($3.50), chips ($1.50), candy ($3), cotton candy ($4.50), funnel cakes ($4), large ice cream cones ($5) and helmet sundaes ($6). On the beverage side of things, the Generals serve Pepsi sodas ($4) and bottled water ($3). 24-ounce domestic beers are $6 and premium beers are $7; 32-ounce servings of domestic beers are $8 and premium beers are $9. The team provides a large covered space filled with picnic tables on the concourse for those who would rather eat their food at a table, rather than balance it on their laps at their seats. There are two food-related promotions offered by the team. Thrifty Thursdays reduce the price of the following menu items to $2 : hot dogs, 24 oz. soft drinks, 16 oz. beers, ice cream and popcorn. Food Truck Fridays feature a rotating set of food trucks selling several types of food at the park. The stadium also features a gift shop known as the General Store. Atmosphere 4 The Ballpark at Jackson hearkens back to the days where the game was the central attraction and all the bells and whistles were not built into the stadiums. Jackson is a small town and the stadium reflects that in a positive way. The outfield walls are covered with advertising from local businesses such as car dealerships, barber shops, grocery stores and the bank. You’ll also see the local Rotary and the Jaycees sponsoring information on their organizations. Home runs in a certain inning earn fans some small item at a local business. This hometown touch may seem dull to some, but it also can be attractive to those who prefer their minor league ball without all the corporate trappings of modern day ball. The Generals have some type of contest or theme to each night, hosted by a very talented emcee. The fans really get into the competitions, even when the prizes might be rather trivial. The Generals mascot is a Bulldog named Sarge, whose jowly visage is everywhere in the park. Fireworks are a Friday night staple at the ballpark. There are only two minor negatives to the design of the Ballpark at Jackson. The scoreboard faces right into the sun for day games or early evening games, making it hard to see videos and the stats related to the game. The second item hurts an exciting part of any baseball game. You are not likely to see many home runs at the Generals home field. It is not that the dimensions of the field are that huge… it is the height of the walls at the park. All three walls are “Green Monsters” at over 25 feet tall. A shot to dead center (390 feet) also needs to be 30 feet up in the air as well. You will see some of the longest doubles in baseball at the Ballpark at Jackson. Neighborhood 3 The Ballpark at Jackson is located just east of the downtown area of Jackson. There are two hotels, the Holiday Inn and the Courtyard Marriott, in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. Reggi’s BBQ and Wings is a popular pre and post-game stop for Generals fans. The city of Jackson and its ballpark are located midway between Memphis (70 miles) and Nashville (136 Miles). It is the 7th largest city in Tennessee with a population of 66,000. From 1851 until the early 1960’s, Jackson was a railroad hub, with more than 15 passenger trains passing through each day. The Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum is one of the town’s main attractions, and it salutes this railroad heritage. Fans 4 The Generals fan base comes from the city of Jackson and the rural areas north or south of the city. The nearest major cities are more than 90 minutes away, so the locals provide a bulk of the attendance. Jackson is a town, where everybody knows everybody, and the team utilizes this to their advantage in the marketing of the team. The Generals draw very well from area youth groups, church groups, family reunions and sports teams. You can tell as each group is saluted in a seemingly endless list between innings. The Ballpark at Jackson is located next door to a regional youth baseball/softball multi-plex made up of more than 20 fields of varying dimensions. This also provides a good portion of the crowd, especially when a tournament is underway on weekends Access 3 Jackson, Tennessee is located 70 miles northeast of Memphis and 136 miles southwest of Nashville on I-40. To reach The Ballpark at Jackson take exit 85 off I-40 (Christmasville Road / F E Wright Drive). Go south on Wright Drive then take a left at either the first or second red light. The stadium will be on your left. You enter the park at the top of the seating bowl and the main concourse. There is a second concourse about 15 rows down from the top concourse. If you are not in good shape… buy a ticket nearer to the top concourse, as it is quite a climb up to use the restroom or get something from the concession stand. 80% of the stadium is made up of seat backs, with 20% devoted to aluminum bench seating. Return on Investment 5 A night out at The Ballpark at Jackson provides an excellent return on investment. Ticket prices are $10 for reserved tickets in advance or $12 for tickets purchased the day of the game and $6 for general admission tickets purchased in advance or $8 for tickets purchased the day of the game. General admission tickets purchased for Thrifty Thursday games are only $2. (Reserved seats have chair backs, while general admission seating is bench seating. The parking is free in the stadium’s lot. The concessions at The Ballpark at Jackson are very reasonably priced. There are several hotels within walking distance of the park priced at $100/night or less. Monday evenings are Belly Buster Nights that includes all-you-can-eat-ticket for $16 and Thursdays are Dollar Nights where various concession items are just a buck. Extras 3 The Ballpark at Jackson was named Ballpark of the Year for the 2017 season by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. The team name of “Generals” is a salute to General Andrew Jackson, the town’s namesake. The Johnny Cash / June Carter Cash hit song “Jackson” is about the city. Final Thoughts The Jackson Generals and the Ballpark at Jackson have been successful in a small-town market for 20 years by utilizing the old fashioned ‘baseball comes first’ strategy that has become somewhat lost into today’s minor league world. They market the team to local advertisers, rather than sell naming rights to a major corporation, offer a good ticket value for their fan base and provide a concession menu that would be the envy of many clubs at the AAA level. They have reached out to youth clubs, civic organizations and area churches and schools as the backbone of their ticket base. The community has responded very well to this “hometown” approach to running a successful franchise.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Subaru Park 1 Stadium Dr Chester, PA 19013 Philadelphia Union website Subaru Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 18,500 Sons of Philadelphia The Philadelphia Union competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference of the league. They began in 2010 as an expansion team. Earlier attempts to bring the MLS to the area failed at Trenton, New Jersey, and at Rowan University (also in New Jersey). The MLS is soccer’s highest level in both the United States and Canada. Subaru Park opened in 2010 in Chester, PA, and has also been called PPL Park and Talen Energy Stadium. Besides soccer, there have been “Battle of the Blue” football games played here between the University of Delaware and Villanova. The stadium has also hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship, the Major League Lacrosse’s Championship known as the Steinfeld Cup, the ACC Lacrosse Championship, and the NCAA Division I and Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship, as well as numerous rugby matches and concerts. Chester is a city located southwest of Philadelphia towards Wilmington, Delaware, and is directly on the Delaware River. Food & Beverage 5 Subaru Park has a pretty incredible variety of food options. The concourse has a large variety of almost every food type. This is the Philadelphia area so cheesesteaks are always prevalent. Philips Steaks is a great option for this item. Chickie’s and Pete’s has as their staple item the Crab Fries. You must try them at least once. They also offer a pretty good chicken cutlet sandwich, available plain or in buffalo style. There are a few other unique options around the concourse such as Scoops N’ Smiles, P.J. Whelihans, and Chank’s Pizza Cones. Prices are normal prices for a venue of this size, which means not that cheap. Atmosphere 4 The tailgate scene in the parking lot is pretty strong. It looks like the parking lot of Lincoln Financial Field, or some other football stadium. There are many more people out there than I expected. The various supporter groups each have strong showings. Once inside the stadium, you will find a U-shaped set of three grandstands, with an additional smaller stand at the riverside. This is called the “River End” and is where the team’s supporter groups sit during the game. That area can get pretty rowdy and lively. I like that it seems like a European stadium in that the team name is spelled out in the East stand seats. Facing River at Subaru Park, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The main complaint is that there is only one scoreboard, located in the north end, and is hard to see for many fans. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood is terrible. Chester is a downtrodden community that is not showing much life. The area around the stadium is safe on game days but you will not want to venture too far away. And, frankly, there is no reason to do so as there are limited local establishments worth going to. Keep to the local parking lots and areas where there are fans. The one exception at this time is The Larimer Beer Company, a short walk away from the Union’s training complex. It appears to be mainly open on game days and offers some nice drink options. No food is offered there although they may have an occasional food truck outside. Harrah’s Casino is right down Delaware Avenue from the stadium. If you are the gambling type this may be worth a visit. They offer gaming, as well as OTB and live harness racing. The track was built over a top part of the river, so it is worth checking out. There is a nice entrance plaza, where kids can expect to play some interactive games and participate in various vendor giveaways. There are additional plans calling for a riverwalk amidst other entertainment, retail, and residential projects in the area. None of these are currently close to opening. Fans 5 The most famous of the Union fans are the Sons of Ben supporter group. They were founded in January of 2007, way before the team was actually in existence. The group is a registered nonprofit, with more than 5,000 members. There are other supporter groups that crowd the River’s End part of the stadium. They all provide a great match-time atmosphere. The rest of the fans are also good. The stadium is loud and fans know and understand the sport very well. Access 3 The stadium can be pretty easy to get to. It is not far from I-95 via Route 322 towards New Jersey. If you cross the Commodore Barry Bridge from Pennsylvania you have gone too far. Delaware Avenue is the main street right by the stadium and runs north all the way to the Philadelphia International Airport. Parking is pretty expensive but is fairly plentiful. There are also shuttles to the SEPTA Chester Transportation Center for the regional train, but I don’t really think it is a popular option. There is also an Uber and Lyft-specific lot located near the stadium. Access getting out after the games is much more difficult. There will be a lot of cars slowly trying to get back onto Route 322 West. Expect delays as no one sticks around the area after the game. If coming from the south we recommend getting off I-495 in Claymont, DE, and driving through Marcus Hook, PA, and the south part of Chester, PA along US Route 13. Return on Investment 4 The parking is pricey so that drives down the return on investment. But the tickets are generally average by MLS standards. $25 to $50 will get you a seat, while the sideline seats are the best value. Extras 4 The dramatic view of the Commodore Barry Bridge makes this stadium stand out. It provides a cool atmosphere for watching the matches. While marveling at the bridge, you can also admire the River’s End seating area. That lively set of groups stands and cheers the whole match. If you can handle the constant drumming and chanting you are good to go. Tailgating is quite good at the stadium. I did not expect to see that level of support for American soccer. You should also wander around the concourse and look at the various soccer memorabilia presented. The team is really trying to be a member of the local soccer community. While in this area you should also stop by the well-stocked Union fan store to see the many ways you can support the team by wearing their merchandise. Final Thoughts Subaru Park is a well-designed soccer stadium located in a beautiful setting along the Delaware River. The only bad thing is that the neighboring areas of the city of Chester are not as idyllic as the setting.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Subaru Park 1 Stadium Dr Chester, PA 19013 Philadelphia Union II website Subaru Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 18,500 Another Philadelphia Union Philadelphia Union II is a professional soccer team based in Chester, Pennsylvania competing in MLS Next Pro. Founded in 2015 as Bethlehem Steel FC, the team is the official affiliate of the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. The team competed for five seasons in the USL Championship (the first three as Bethlehem Steel FC) before joining MLS Next Pro. Subaru Park opened in 2010 in Chester, PA, and has also been called PPL Park and Talen Energy Stadium. Chester is a small city located southwest of Philadelphia towards Wilmington, Delaware, and is directly on the Delaware River. Besides soccer, there have been “Battle of the Blue” football games played here between the University of Delaware and Villanova. The stadium has also hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship, the Major League Lacrosse’s Championship known as the Steinfeld Cup, the ACC Lacrosse Championship, and the NCAA Division I and Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship, as well as numerous rugby matches and concerts. Food & Beverage 2 During Union II matches there is a single concession stand open, that sells a small variety of food. There is not much here so eat before or after the game and use the concession stand for small items only. There may be a Kona Ice truck in the concessions area for certain games as well. There is only one main scoreboard, located in the north end. Atmosphere 2 There are limited seating sections open for Union II matches within the west stands. On sunny days that is a good thing as the sun will start to set behind the stands and keep you in the shade. On rainy days the covered stand should keep most fans dry. The stadium has a U-shaped set of three grandstands, with an additional smaller stand at the riverside. This is called the “River End” and is where the team’s supporter groups sit during regular Union matches. It is not open for Union II matches. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood is terrible. Chester is a downtrodden community that is not showing much life. The area around the stadium is safe on game days but you will not want to venture too far away. And, frankly, there is no reason to do so as there are limited local establishments worth going to. Keep to the local parking lots and areas where there are fans. The one exception at this time is The Larimer Beer Company, a short walk away from the Union’s training complex. It appears to be mainly open on regular Union game days (as well as some weekend days) and offers some nice drink options. No food is offered there although they may have an occasional food truck outside. Please check to see if they are open on Union II match days. Harrah’s Casino is right down Delaware Avenue from the stadium. If you are the gambling type this may be worth a visit. They offer casino gaming, as well as off-track-betting and live harness racing. The harness track was built over a top part of the river, so it is worth checking out. Fans 2 There is a small number of fans who attend Union II matches and no visible supporter section. The fans in attendance were very knowledgeable about the action and offered good cheer. Access 3 The stadium can be pretty easy to get to. It is not far from I-95 via Route 322 towards New Jersey. If you cross the Commodore Barry Bridge from Pennsylvania you have gone too far. Delaware Avenue is the main street right by the stadium and runs north to the Philadelphia International Airport. Parking is free for Union II match days and is very plentiful. There is construction going on for an expanded training facility, so plan on potential changes as the season goes on. If coming from the south we recommend getting off I-495 in Claymont, DE, and driving through Marcus Hook, PA, and the south part of Chester, PA along US Route 13. Return on Investment 5 The parking is free and game tickets are $12. This is a great value for this type of sports event. Extras 2 The dramatic view of the Commodore Barry Bridge makes this stadium stand out. It provides a cool atmosphere for watching the matches. You should also wander around the parts of the concourse that you can and look at the various soccer memorabilia presented. Unfortunately, you cannot tour all parts of the stadium for Union II matches. Final Thoughts Subaru Park is a well-designed soccer stadium located in a beautiful setting along the Delaware River. Union II might not get a lot of fans but the experience is still worth it for a sports fan desiring a cheap and enjoyable sports experience.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Ice World 1300 Governors Ct Abingdon, MD 21009 Loyola Greyhounds website Ice World website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 300 Ice Hounds Loyola University Maryland may not be as well-known as Loyola in Illinois. Or Loyola in New Orleans. Or Loyola Marymount in California. But this university began in 1852 as Loyola College in Maryland. It is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously an all-male college, Loyola became coeducational in 1971, following its joining with Mount Saint Agnes College. Currently, Loyola is located right next door to the all-female Notre Dame of Maryland University. Loyola has a strong liberal arts program, as well as a fine education school and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. Notable alumni include Tom Clancy, author of The Hunt for Red October , Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down , and ABC Olympics commentator Jim McKay. Loyola’s hockey team plays at the club level with opponents such as Salisbury University, Penn State Altoona, SUNY Albany, and the University of Maryland D3 level club team. The Greyhounds were Blue Ridge Hockey Conference (BRHC) Colonial Division champions in 2010, 2011, and 2014. They do play as part of the larger American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) system. Ice World is a twin rink complex located in Harford County, Maryland, about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Numerous youth and adult hockey leagues and teams play at the complex, which also offers many open ice skating times. Olympian and world champion ice skater Kimmie Meissner, a resident, can also be seen training at the facility off and on. Food & Beverage 2 Ice World has a snack bar that serves both rinks. The food is a basic snack bar variety, but the pricing is fair and the overall variety is pretty fair. You may want to eat a larger meal before or after attending a game here, but the snack bar will provide basic nourishment. Atmosphere 2 Loyola often gets some of the later game times so their ability to get a crowd is fairly weak. Games are also played often in Rink B. The atmosphere is pretty light although family and friends of the game participants often help out. There are just two small rows of seats in each rink, and many people will stand and watch directly at the glass along the corners of the rink. Neighborhood 2 Ice World is located in an industrial park off Maryland Route 7 (Philadelphia Road). There is not much around the area except for the facility. If you want options before or after games, it is best to head either to the Route 24/Interstate 95 interchange or further north on Route 24 towards the larger Abingdon area. The Boulevard at Box Hill is a shopping center with quite a few food options. I would recommend Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar restaurant chain. Wegman’s Grocery Store is also located here and offers another option for stocking up for the game. Fans 2 Fans who attend club-level hockey tend to be friends or family of the game participants. Loyola often gets pretty poor game times and the stands are far from full. There will be virtually no students in attendance unless they are those friends or family. Ice World is too far from campus for students to attend games. The fans are very knowledgeable about the games and take things very seriously. Access 4 Ice World is located not far off Interstate 95 at the Route 24 exit. Go south from the interchange, make a left (east) onto Route 7 (Philadelphia Road), and then a right onto either Continental Drive or Governor Court. The facility is at the rear of the business park. There is plenty of free parking, although depending on the event occurring on the other ice rink the lot may get busier. Harford County is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. Loyola does play on a lower level of club hockey but if you are in the area the value is quite fair. Extras 2 Check out the many banners for youth, adult, and college teams that also call Ice World home. There is also many a picture and plaque detailing the successes of the ice skating participants who also call the facility home. You may also want to check on events that are occurring on the other rink. Maybe you will catch world champion Kimmie Meissner practicing. There is a good pro shop in the entrance area for Ice World. Final Thoughts Loyola University Maryland’s hockey team displays some good hockey for fans, although the large distance away from campus and a small fan base hampers things a bit.

Photos by Brandon Gee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Nischwitz Stadium Raider Road Fairborn, OH 45324 Wright State Raiders website Nischwitz Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 750 Raider Up to the Plate Dayton has long been thought of as a strong home for college basketball, but locals love their baseball just as much. In addition to the record-setting Dayton Dragons at downtown’s Fifth Third Field , the city has two college programs at the University of Dayton and Wright State University. Wright State’s Raider baseball teams call Nischwitz Stadium home. It’s a cozy facility on the edge of the school’s athletic campus and has been home to strong success in recent years in the Horizon League. Food & Beverage 3 Just past the entrance is the concession window. It feels like a stand at a community baseball field you would see after your little league games. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the prices are great. $1.50 hot dogs, $2 brats, and hamburgers, nachos, and a pretzel with cheese are all only $2.50 each. All drinks (cans of pop, water, Gatorade or coffee) are all just $1. No alcohol is served. It is basic, but serves what you need to make it through a game. Atmosphere 3 You walk up steps to the concourse which runs the length of the seating area, from the edge of the infield on the first base side to the opposite end on the third base side. No seating area is more than four rows deep ensuring that you’re always close to the action. You’ll notice that some fans have improvised a couple seating areas just outside the stadium’s walls. People set up lawn chairs outside the fence along the right field foul line, as well as setting up shop on the small grass berm that overlooks center field. Nobody seems to bother either group despite them not being paying customers. There’s not a lot of tension in the crowd. This is definitely a leisurely experience, nice if you just want to relax outside and watch some baseball. A nice thing that Wright State did is where they placed the stadium. Nischwitz is across the sea of parking lots that surround the Nutter Center, but is tucked away from all that blacktop and the school’s softball stadium behind a small forest. It separates the ballpark from its surroundings a bit, giving the park a tranquil feel. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding the campus does have a good amount of things to do. Plenty of food options are nearby, with many options if you head west on Col. Glenn Highway. Since this is the suburbs and Wright State was a commuter campus for some time, there’s no real “walkability”. You have to drive everywhere, giving the place less of a neighborhood feel. Since baseball is a spring sport, I would suggest making this a day trip with a drive to Yellow Springs, a quaint town friendly to artists and small businesses. It’s a nice place for families and is only a 20 minute drive west of Fairborn. Fans 2 Nischwitz Stadium only seats 750 so it’s not going to be incredibly loud. The fans who do show up are loyal to the team and cheer at the right time while calling out good plays. Raider fans averaged about 300 fans a game for the 2013 season. College baseball can be a tough sell in this area since they have to start the season so early. It’s still winter when the season kicks off mid-February. Still, with such a small stadium, I hope the school can work towards selling this place out on a regular basis. Access 4 Nischwitz Stadium sits in the Wright State athletic complex, near the school’s softball stadium. The area sits next to I-675 on the eastern edge of Wright State’s campus in Fairborn. From the north, turning right off exit 17 and a short drive puts you right at the lots in front of Nutter Center. From the south, exit 17 will lead you north of the arena on Route 844. Take the first exit for the arena. A left on University Blvd, then another on Raider Road leads to the surface lots. Turn into Lot 8, which is between the trees and the lake and should be marked with a baseball to let you know you’re next to the stadium. Parking is free and then it’s just a short walk to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 A game at Nischwitz is still a good value for baseball fans. Adults are $5 and kids are $3, and since the concessions window is serving up just the basics, you can feed yourself well for under $5 or $6/person. Parking is free and plentiful right outside the stadium. While the Raiders had an unspectacular 2013, the program has had a recent run of success that hopefully suggests that the season was a fluke. Wright State won a Horizon League regular season title in 2009, an HL tournament title in 2010, and both in 2011. Hopefully the future will see Wright State get back on track. Regardless, this is a nice little ballpark to spend some time. Extras 2 One point for separating the ballpark from the large swath of surface parking lots with the small forest area. You get the convenience of parking so close but the ballpark still has a bit of an idyllic setting. One point for the surprising amount of Raiders who have gone on to play pro ball. Team alumni that have reached ‘the bigs’ has included current Cleveland Indians pitcher Joe Smith and Brian Anderson, a pitcher on the 2001 World Series winning Arizona Diamondbacks. Final Thoughts Wright State is still a young competitor in terms of Division I college sports. If they just keep at it, as the university transitions from commuter campus to one which fosters a stronger sense of pride in the schools’ sports teams, then they will continue to find success. Raider baseball is not a major player on the NCAA college baseball postseason as of yet, but has been a strong competitor in the Horizon League. If you want to relax and just want to watch some baseball, you’d probably enjoy a day at Wright State’s Nischwitz Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Maryland Softball Stadium 8537 Paint Branch Dr College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Maryland Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,000 Turtle Ball The University of Maryland, College Park, was founded in 1856. It is recognized as the flagship school of the University of Maryland system. The University of Maryland has traditionally been known as a basketball school. As a longtime member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the university has seen a great deal of basketball success under coaches such as Lefty Driesell and Gary Williams, even winning a national championship in 2002. Softball has not been one of the more visible teams on campus. They have only been around since 1995, but have made the 2010, 2011 and 2012 NCAA Tournaments. Opened in 2002 the University of Maryland Softball Stadium sits right alongside the Xfinity Center. Food & Beverage 2 The food offerings are pretty simple. But the variety and prices are not bad for a college stadium in this area. Hot dogs are $3, with pretzels ($3), popcorn ($3.25) and cracker jacks ($3) making up the bulk of the menu. Sodas and water are $3. Atmosphere 2 The stadium is a nice stadium tucked away between Xfinity Center and Paint Branch Drive. There are stands that run from the first base to third base sides. The seats under the press box and behind home plate are regular seats whereas the rest of the stadium is bench seating. The view behind the fences is mixed. There are plenty of green trees above the fence, but you can see the busy street right behind the fence. The street action can be a bit noisy. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood is a mixed bag. The softball stadium is far from the main part of campus, with only the Xfinity Center and some other athletic fields in the area. The town of College Park is located directly south of the campus along U.S. Route 1. RJ Bentley’s Filling Station, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Jimmy John’s, Ledo Pizza, and Five Guys are all good options in this “downtown” area. Looney’s Pub and Bobby’s Burger Palace are two other great options, and are located in The Varsity building (8150 Baltimore Ave) north of the downtown area, and may be even closer to the stadium if walking. The Sheraton College Park North Hotel at 4095 Powder Mill Road in nearby Beltsville is the best lodging choice, but it is not within walking distance of the campus. You will always have the dizzying array of Washington, DC options to choose from. The College Park Station of the Washington Metro is close by, and is your best bet for getting to DC, as the traffic and parking situation is far from ideal. Fans 3 Fans of Maryland softball tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. What this means is that weekend and later afternoon games will be busier than early afternoon weekday games. The fans who do attend really care about the game and are extremely knowledgeable. Access 3 The University of Maryland is not far from the Washington Beltway. But it is just far enough away that getting to the stadium is not too easy, either. U.S. 1 and University Boulevard are full of traffic lights, and will be very full of traffic, even on non-game days. Depending on game times, there should be plenty of free parking in nearby lots. Look at the signs closely as rules and regulations will differ greatly between parking lots. If travelling to the game via the Washington Metro, get off at the College Park Station and take the shuttle directly to the campus. Head towards Xfinity Center as the stadium is close to that. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for University of Maryland softball games so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 2 See if you can stop into the Xfinity Center on the way to the softball game and catch a glimpse of the 2002 men’s and 2006 women’s national championship trophies. Wander over after the game to see Cole Fieldhouse as construction changes it to an enclosed football practice facility. In 1966 that arena was where Texas Western (now UTEP) upset Kentucky for the national championship. Final Thoughts The University of Maryland Softball Stadium is a nice little stadium that is tucked away behind a much more famous athletic facility. It should still be a stop for any dedicated sports fan.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Harvard Stadium 95 N Harvard St Boston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson football website Harvard Stadium website Year Opened: 1903 Capacity: 30,323 Harvard’s Yard Built in 1903, Harvard Stadium is the nation’s first stadium built for college football. Containing architectural elements of a Greek stadium and Roman circus, it is considered an engineering marvel, as it was the world’s first massive reinforced concrete structure. Harvard Stadium is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is one of just four athletic arenas to be so designated. A gift from Harvard's Class of 1879 for their 25th anniversary, Harvard Stadium amazingly only took 4 months to build at a cost of $310,000. The physical layout of Harvard Stadium is quite significant to the way football is played today. When college football's rules committee met to discuss ways to make the game less violent and dangerous back in 1906, one of the rules changes considered was widening the field by 40 feet. Since widening Harvard Stadium was an impossibility, and the committee felt that losing the prestigious Harvard team would be a death-knell to the fledgling sport, the committee decided to adopt the forward pass instead. In addition to college football, rugby, lacrosse, soccer and even ice hockey have been played at Harvard Stadium. The New England Patriots called Harvard Stadium home for two years during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. Part of the 1984 Olympic soccer competition was held here, as were the U.S. track and field Olympic trials in 1916 and 1920. Harvard first sponsored a football team in 1873 and were one of college football’s dominant teams in the early years of the sport, as the Crimson won twelve national championships between 1873 and 1920. Even today Harvard ranks in the top ten in all time wins in college football. Over their history Harvard has won 17 Ivy League titles and have had 21 alumni enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. 38 Crimson alumni have played in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 3 When they were building Harvard Stadium around the turn of the century (and I’m talking about the 20th century here), it’s not very likely that concessions were considered in any part of the planning process. That being said, there are enough food and beverage options here to satisfy any hungry football fan. There are a few permanent concession stands tucked into small spaces underneath the grandstand. These stands offer a basic menu consisting of hot dogs and assorted snacks (pretzels, nachos, popcorn and peanuts. Coca-Cola products are featured at Harvard Stadium. For something a little more substantial, check out the grill located just outside Harvard Stadium’s west entrance. Here fans can purchase burgers, sausages, chicken fingers and french fries. Food trucks scattered around the area offer hot beverages, ice cream treats, fried dough and other snacks. During football games the Dillon Pub moves outside into the grassy space just north of Harvard Stadium. Fans can enjoy some adult beverages here before the game while listening to live music and playing some outdoor games. Brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Castle Island and Wormtown Brewery highlight the offerings here. Atmosphere 4 You might think a facility with the age and history of Harvard Stadium and a team with the tradition of the Crimson would hit you over the head with their history at every opportunity. This really isn’t the case. Harvard lets the historic surrounding do the talking for itself. There is absolutely a certain aura that is felt when stepping into this concrete behemoth, but the focus is squarely on the game taking place on the field. Most of the entertainment aspects college football fans have come to expect at a game today can be found at Harvard, including the pep band, cheerleading squad and dance team. There is a modern video board atop the Murr Center in the north end zone, which is utilized to good effect with videos, replays and advertisements. There are even ribbon boards on the ivy-covered walls of the Murr Center which display game statistics, although they did stop working early on during Stadium Journey’s visit. There are on-field contests for younger fans in attendance, t-shirt tosses and a modern sound system. There’s a good turnout from the student body and a most impressive turnout from alumni. The greatest drawback is even a crowd of 10,000 fans, which is large for an FCS team, can be swallowed up by the enormity of Harvard Stadium. If you come to Boston for a game with a smaller crowd, the atmosphere will suffer greatly. Now, if you happen to be visiting for the latest installment of “The Game” against archrival Yale, prepare yourself for one of the great experiences in all of college football. Neighborhood 5 Before or after a game at Harvard Stadium, take a walk across the Anderson Memorial Bridge, which spans the Charles River, and explore Harvard Square, a top Boston tourist destination. While Harvard Square may not be the bohemian center it once was, it still is one of the most popular areas in Boston for walking, shopping, and people watching. For those wishing to bask in the history, architecture, and aura of Harvard, walking tours of the campus occur regularly. While touring the campus, take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as so many others have done. Just remember these three things about the statue: 1) it is not actually a statue of John Harvard (no image of him exists), but of a random student; 2) John Harvard was not the founder of the college, but its first benefactor; and 3) the college was actually founded in 1636, not in 1638, as the statue claims. But remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck. For an entirely different experience, head in the other direction, into the town of Allston. Known as a working-class town, Allston has no shortage of bars, shops and restaurants just a short drive from Harvard Stadium. If neither of these choices do it for you, head to downtown Boston, just a couple of miles away from the Stadium. You’ll find more than enough to interest you there. Fans 4 Harvard averages between 10,000 and 11,000 fans per game annually, a figure which regularly ranks them in the top twenty FCS schools in attendance. During years where Harvard hosts “The Game” versus Yale, this figure increases accordingly. A sellout crowd of over 30,000 will do that to an average. You’ll find a cross-section of Boston sports fandom at Harvard Stadium, from assorted alumni who have been coming to games since they were in school to townies and other casual sports fans. There’s also a decent turnout from the student body on any given Saturday. With the compact footprint of the Ivy League, expect a decent turnout from visiting fans as well. Fans are not rowdy at Harvard, but they are vocal in their support of the Crimson and not afraid to make some noise. Access 4 While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard Stadium is located across the Charles River, in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities, including Lavietes Pavilion , Bright-Landry Hockey Center , O’Donnell Field , and Jordan Field . Anyone who has ever tried to drive the crowded, crooked streets of Greater Boston can tell you that you are better off leaving your car at home and taking public transportation. The same is true for getting to Harvard Stadium. Stadium Journey’s recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from the Harvard Stadium. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website . If you do insist on driving to Harvard Stadium, simply take Storrow Drive to North Harvard Street. Parking is available throughout the Athletic Complex. Cars are jammed into seemingly every available space in the complex. Tailgating is only allowed in certain areas, and some parking areas are a decent walk from the stadium, so reserve your spots and arrive early. Harvard Stadium is an enormous concrete horseshoe. Fans will enter the stadium underneath the grandstand into an open concourse, where concession stands and restrooms can be found. Over the years the school has made great efforts at paving and smoothing the concourse area, eliminating the old “ankle buster” spots and tripping hazards that showed up from time to time. Keep in mind that Harvard Stadium is almost 120 years old, so it is not the most accessible stadium you are going to visit. Stairs lead up to the seating bowl, emptying out about a quarter of the way up the grandstand. All of the seats here are concrete bleachers, so bring some padding to protect your backside. Fans requiring handicapped seating can access the accessible seating area via a ramp located on the open (north) end of the horseshoe. All seats feature excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 3 Harvard University uses a variable pricing system for their home games. Prices start at $20, with youth and seniors discounted to $10. Certain premium games (i.e. conference games vs. Princeton) have increased ticket prices to $25. Waiting for game day to buy your tickets increases the price by five dollars. If you are looking for tickets to “The Game,” the biannual game against Yale, expect to pay significantly more (we’re talking $100 each - and be sure to get your tickets well in advance). Parking in the many lots located throughout the athletic complex (and it does seem like cars are squeezed into every available nook and cranny of the complex) will run you between $10-20. It is highly recommended that you purchase in advance. More parking information can be found here . Concessions are a bit pricey, but are generally in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 3 Harvard won multiple national titles in the early days of college football. These championships are commemorated along the façade of the south end zone, along with Ivy League championships. A banner honoring the Crimson’s 1920 Rose Bowl win is hung in the north end zone by the scoreboard. A second extra point is awarded for the Dillon Pub, filled with live music, food and beverage before every game. A final point is awarded for the aura football fans will experience when entering Harvard Stadium. There are not many stadiums anywhere that can match the history of this place. Final Thoughts Many places today will substitute the word “historic” for “old.” While Harvard Stadium is indeed the latter, it is most certainly the former. More than just a stadium that has been around for a long time, Harvard Stadium had a direct influence on the game of football that we know today. A visit to this concrete behemoth on the banks of the Charles River should be on the short list for any serious college football traveler. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Barcroft Park 4200 South Four Mile Run Dr Arlington, VA 22206 George Washington Revolutionaries website Barcroft Park website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 500 Colonial Baseball At The Croft Note: In June 2023, George Washington University changed its team name from the Colonials to the Revolutionaries. Tucker Field at Barcroft Park is the home of the George Washington Colonials baseball team. It is not located on George Washington’s campus in downtown Washington, D.C. but rather is located across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, in the middle of a county park. The venue opened in 1993, and since then the Colonials have a winning percentage of close to .600 at home. The 500-seat stadium is quaint and a bit out of the way, but is well worth checking out. The ballpark received a multimillion-dollar renovation before the 2012 baseball season that included synthetic turf, a new bullpen, upgraded concession area, dugouts, and stadium seating. Two years later, school alumnus and a member of the GW Board of Trustees Avrum “Ave” Tucker donated $1 million towards the facility and it was officially renamed Tucker Field at Barcroft Park. Tucker played centerfield for the Colonials when the club played its home games on the Ellipse between the Washington Monument and the White House. GWU are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference have captured four conference titles along with four NCAA tournament appearances in 1979, 1989, 1992, and 2002. Food & Beverage 1 No concession stand was open when Stadium Journey visited Tucket Field at Barcroft Park. There is a window that has been used for concession stands in the past, so we are giving it a point here in case it is open sometimes. Atmosphere 3 Tucker Field at Barcroft Park is a quaint field that seats only 1,000. All seats are behind home plate or immediately adjacent, and are bleachers with backs. There are only a few rows, so every seat is close to the action. A scoreboard in right centerfield shows the linescore, and a newly installed board in left-centerfield is capable of showing lineups and other graphics. There is not much going on between innings other than music, so fans looking for the distractions you’d get at a professional game will be disappointed. However, baseball purists will find The Tuck an enjoyable place to take in a game. Neighborhood 3 Tucker Field at Barcroft Park is located in a residential neighborhood of Arlington County, so there is not much in the immediate vicinity. However, there are numerous restaurants and other stores a short drive away, either in the heart of Arlington or across the county line in Fairfax County or the City of Alexandria. The City Diner is located on Route 7 and is a local favorite, as is Bob & Edith’s Diner in Arlington. If you’re willing to drive a bit further into Arlington into neighborhoods like Ballston, Clarendon, or Rosslyn, you will find a much wider selection. Fans 3 Tucker Field at Barcroft Park is a small stadium, and gets the crowds of one or two hundred that are typical for mid majors in this part of the country. Many of those are fans of the away team, but GW fans do show up as well to cheer on the buff and blue. Unfortunately, because the stadium is located so far from campus, few if any students show up to games here. The intimate atmosphere helps mask the lack of attendance, but the Colonials still do not draw well. Access 4 Tucker Field at Barcroft Park is located off South Four Mile Run Drive in Arlington, just off Leesburg Pike (Route 7) and Columbia Pike (Route 244) in Arlington, Virginia. It is about a 15-minute drive from the GW campus. Free parking is available in a small lot next to the stadium, with overflow parking available if this fills up. Once inside, you should have no trouble finding your way around the stadium, and it is small enough that you shouldn’t have to do much walking. There are restrooms available behind home plate near the entrance, which are small but of a sufficient size to handle the crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $6 for adults or $5 for children, which is about standard for this area. Group tickets are available for $4 each if you’re buying 15 or more, and GW students get in for free. The concession prices are about average as well, and parking is free. While a visit to a Colonials baseball game won’t break the bank, its value isn’t anything special either. Extras 1 There are free programs available at the top of the bleachers with some basic information. That’s about the only extra, the rest of the experience is very barebones. Final Thoughts Although many residents of Northern Virginia don’t realize the George Washington baseball team plays so close by, GW does have its fans and they turn out for their games. A visit to a Colonials game can be an enjoyable way for baseball purists to spend an afternoon, but it is far from the carnival-type atmosphere you would get at a professional game or at some colleges which care more about college baseball.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William H. Detrick Gymnasium 1615 Stanley St New Britain, CT 06053 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website William H. Detrick Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 2,654 The Devil Went Down to Connecticut   The William H. Detrick Gymnasium is named for Central Connecticut’s most successful coach. Mr. Detrick coached the Blue Devils for 29 years, compiling a school-record 468 wins. While a student at CCSU, Detrick earned 12 varsity letters and was a member of the first CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame class.   Central Connecticut State University, more commonly referred to as CCSU, is the state of Connecticut’s oldest publicly funded university. It was founded in 1849 as the State Normal School to train teachers.  Today CCSU has an enrollment of just under 10,000 students. More than half of CCSU’s student body lives off campus, and close to 90 percent of the students are from Connecticut.   Basketball has been played at Central Connecticut since 1934. For the team’s first 50 years, the Blue Devils competed at the NAIA and Division Two level, upgrading to Division One status in 1986. CCSU now competes in the Northeast Conference, made up of ten schools located from Maryland to Massachusetts. The Blue Devils have qualified for the NCAA Tournament on three occasions (2000, 2002, 2007), losing in the first round each time. Two Central Connecticut alumni, Keith Closs and Corsley Edwards, have played in the NBA.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small snack bar that operates in Detrick Gymnasium’s lobby. Hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches highlight the menu, along with an assortment of snacks, chips and pretzels. Bottles of Pepsi products are sold here. No alcohol is sold at Blue Devil basketball games.   The snack bar only accepts cash. On the plus side, no item costs more than five dollars. Should you wish to skip the concession lines, there are vending machines by the entrance to the pool.   Atmosphere 2   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Detrick Gymnasium occurred during semester break, so there was not a huge turnout from the student body, still, there was a representative crowd in the building and the Blue Devils staff put on a good show for the fans in attendance.   Despite the semester break, the Blue Devil pep band, cheerleading squad, dance team and Kiser the Devil were all in attendance. Play stoppages were filled with performances or games for the younger fans in attendance. Local youth squads took the floor at halftime, along with Kiser, who interacted with fans and posed for selfies all game long.   The focal point of the CCSU experience is the new video board, which is put to good use with a pre-game hype video and game stats. Overall, this is a rather understated presentation, which fits a smaller facility like Detrick Gymnasium perfectly.   Neighborhood 3   Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 73,000 people located 12 miles from Hartford, Connecticut. Detrick Gymnasium is located at the center of campus. All of Central Connecticut’s athletic facilities, including Arute Field , the CCSU Baseball Field  and the CCSU Softball Field  are located nearby.   There are not many choices for dining or lodging immediately adjacent to the CCSU campus, but fans looking to venture out into New Britain will be rewarded with many excellent options. Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear and an Oktoberfest vibe all year round.   Lodging options are plentiful in nearby Farmington. Connecticut’s capital city, Hartford, is a short fifteen-minute drive from Central Connecticut’s campus, and offers numerous dining, lodging and entertainment options.   Fans 2   Central Connecticut averages just over 1,000 fans per game, which is slightly above the Northeast Conference average. With the overpowering presence of the UConn Huskies in the greater Hartford area, it’s hard for the Blue Devils to get any serious attention from local fans.   There is a solid turnout by the student body at Detrick Gymnasium, but the students add little energy to the atmosphere. Instead of congregating in a dedicated student section, CCSU students scatter throughout the building, talking amongst themselves rather than becoming part of the game day atmosphere.   Access 4   New Britain is located (naturally) in Central Connecticut, a 15-minute drive from Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford. Route 9 passes directly by the campus, and connects with nearby interstates 84 and 91. With its suburban location, the great majority of fans drive to the Central Connecticut State campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, several CT Transit  busses access CCSU, with the 140 bus stopping right at Arute Field.   There is a decent sized parking lot adjacent to Arute Field, a short walk from Detrick Gymnasium. Additional parking is available in the CCSU Student Center Garage and the Copernicus Garage on either side of the facility.   Detrick Gym is located in Kaiser Hall along with the Jack Suydam Natatorium. The busy Detrick Gym lobby contains a concession stand, souvenir stand, restrooms, several trophy cases and the CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame.   Most seats at Detrick Gym are molded plastic bleachers, with some chairback seats located on one side of the facility. All seats provide excellent views of the action, even if the grandstands are pushed back a bit from the court.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Central Connecticut basketball games are reasonably priced at twelve dollars for reserved chairback seats at center court and eight dollars for general admission bleacher seating. Seniors and children are admitted for five dollars.   With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a Central Connecticut basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 2   CCSU displays their athletic history throughout Detrick Gymnasium, with banners honoring their tournament appearances hanging inside the gym and the CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame located in the lobby.   Also located in the lobby are several trophy cases where Blue Devil hardware is displayed, along with displays honoring Coach Detrick and Harrison Kaiser, the namesakes of the building where the Blue Devils play.                                                                                      Final Thoughts   Detrick Gymnasium is typical of so many smaller facilities in the northeast. If you’re looking for an inexpensive entertainment option presented in an intimate, laid-back setting, a CCSU basketball game is the place for you.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Wildcat Center 305 Shipyard Street Providence, RI 02905 Johnson & Wales men's basketball website Wildcat Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 600 Wild at the Harborside   Johnson and Wales University is a private university with its main campus in downtown Providence, RI. Founded in 1914 by Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales as a business school, JWU has a total enrollment of over 7,000 students spread out over its four campuses. Today the school is best known for its culinary arts and hospitality programs. Several celebrity chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Aaron Sanchez, are alumni of JWU.   Initially known as the Harborside Center, the Wildcat Center contains two gymnasiums, a fitness center, game room, the university’s bookstore and space for student involvement and life programming.   Johnson and Wales basketball currently plays in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) alongside several other schools in New England. Starting with the 2024-25 season the Wildcats will move to the Commonwealth Coast Conference. JWU has qualified for four NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2018.   Food & Beverage 1   There are no concessions sold at Wildcat Center. Fans are allowed to bring in their own snacks to enjoy during a Wildcat basketball game. Should you need a snack, there are a pair of vending machines in the lobby.   Atmosphere 3   A Wildcats basketball game will feel and sound similar to so many other Division Three events. It’s a rather simple, relaxed atmosphere. The crowd is made up mainly of family members and friends of the players on the court. A dance squad takes their place along the far baseline, performing during breaks in play. The PA announcers go about their jobs (two people share the microphone here) in an unobtrusive manner, with their voices somewhat unintelligible over a fuzzy sound system. Simple scoreboards provide basic game information at either end of the court. Young fans spend their time shooting hoops at the open baskets on the far side of the gym, totally ignoring the game.   The unquestioned highlight of the experience at the Wildcat Center is the cheerleading squad. They take up residence in the near side bleachers and come armed with a repertoire of chants, cheers and routines that are designed to distract the opposition, but which will undoubtedly draw your attention at some point. Their material is that much fun!   The main basketball court at the Wildcat Center takes up one half of the larger gymnasium. This has the unwanted effect of dampening the noise level in an otherwise cozy gym. For the best game day experience at a Johnson and Wales game, get there early and sit on the smaller, north side bleachers.   Neighborhood 3   Johnson and Wales’ Providence campus is divided into two parts: Downcity and Harborside. The Wildcat Center is located in the Harborside campus, on the Providence/Cranston city line. The campus is wedged in between the Port of Providence and the residential Edgewood neighborhood. Having such an industrial area next to your campus will severely impact the number of restaurants, pubs and lodging options typically found around a campus.   Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best mid-sized cities in the country for culinary options, thanks in no small part to the JWU alumni working in all aspects of the hospitality industry. Downtown Providence is about a ten-minute drive from the Harborside campus. That is where you’ll find your best dining and lodging options if visiting the city from out of town. There’s no shortage of choices, but many out-of-towners head to Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for some fine cuisine.   Downtown is also where you’ll find the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of Providence College basketball  and the AHL’s Providence Bruins . If you prefer to stick around campus, locals have frequented the Edgewood Market for decades for their deli grinders and pizzas.   Fans 2   A crowd at a Johnson and Wales basketball game is your typical “friends and family” gathering typical of most Division Three schools. Most of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the court and as a result are very knowledgeable and invested in the Wildcats.   There’s a decent turnout from the student body, and given that much of the Wildcats’ schedule consists of local teams, there’s a good chance you’ll see many fans of the visiting squad in attendance on any given day.   Access 4   The Wildcat Center is located in Johnson and Wales’ Harborside campus, located on the Providence/Cranston city line. The Port of Providence is adjacent to the campus, so the area has a very gritty, industrial feel. When driving to Wildcat Center, you may want to keep in mind that your GPS may direct you there via the Port, and those roads are likely to be closed to local traffic. To avoid this snafu, simply take Narragansett Boulevard into Cranston and enter the campus via Harborside Boulevard. A left onto Shipyard Ave will put you right at the Wildcat Center. For visitors using public transportation, RIPTA’s 3 and 4 buses stop at the school’s front entrance.   There is ample parking for the Wildcat Center behind the building and across the street from the facility. Fans will enter the building into a large, well-lit lobby, where the school’s athletic Hall of Fame and restrooms are located. The main gym is ahead to the right.   Seating consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. One smaller set of bleachers will be immediately in front of you. This is actually the preferred seating, as the larger bleachers on the far side of the court are set back a bit, offering a lesser vantage point.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for attendance at a Wildcat basketball game. During conference games, you’ll even get a chance to see both the men and women play – that’s two games for the price of none! Parking is free in the lots surrounding the Wildcat Center. With no concession stand on grounds, chances are you won’t even spend a cent while visiting Johnson and Wales.   Extras 1   The JWU Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Wildcat Center lobby. Hanging from the rafters in the gym are banners commemorating conference championships and tournament appearances for all of Johnson and Wales teams.   Final Thoughts   The Wildcat Center is a bright and attractive facility that serves as a comfortable home for Johnson and Wales basketball. It provides a great counterpoint for the big-time (and big-cost) college basketball played just a few miles up the street.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Burdick Pool 291 University Ave Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Burdick Pool website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 200 Tiger’s In The Pool Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. The Tigers swim and diving teams compete in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) as one of 6 men's teams and 9 women's teams. The pool is an eight-lane, 25-yard pool with depths ranging from four-and-half feet to 13 feet. There is one 3-meter diving stand as well as two one-meter stands. The venue did not yield a home loss from 2007-08 to 2010-11 for the five-time CAA champion Towson women's team. The Burdick Pool is located within Burdick Hall which opened on November 2, 1968, in honor of Dr. William H. Burdick. Originally designed as a Health and Physical Education building, it was also used as a gathering venue for campus events, including concerts and rallies before the Towson Center arena opened in 1976. Today Burdick hosts classrooms, labs, and offices for the Department of Kinesiology, as well as the University's Campus Recreation Services. The overall building feels like a new building, not one over 50 years old. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food for sale at Towson swim and diving meets. There is a decent selection of offerings at vending machines down the hall. Atmosphere 3 It is a fun time at a Tigers meet. The atmosphere is fun and vibrant. The sound system is not great as pools are just not the best at carrying sound. It is hard to keep up with the action as there is not great scoreboard usage for the fans, especially with the sound issues. This shouldn't dampen your enjoyment too much as the action is in the pool anyway. Neighborhood 3 Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Underground Pizza. Baltimore is also a quick drive away and there are many options around that area. Fans 4 Most of the audience is family or friends of the competitors as well as other team members. The diving team watches the swimmers and vice versa, so they fill the stands part of the way just by themselves. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the campus. Parking is free and plentiful on the weekends, with weekday meets harder to attend. During most times, we recommend parking at the Union parking garage and walking the short walk to Burdick Hall. There should be paid visitor parking if coming on a weekday. Weeknights should also be free but could be limited if classes are in session. Once inside Burdick Hall ask the recreation staff how to get to the pool. The pool is in an area that is normally open only for students when the rec area is open, but they will show you how to access the pool seating area. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost to attend swim and diving meets. . Extras 3 Burdick Hall has an impressive rock climbing wall at the entrance so you should take a look to see if any students are attempting climbs. The nearby University Union has many cool places for both food and shopping and should be a stop on the way. Check out the various tiger statues around the campus. There is one right by the nearby University Union. Final Thoughts Burdick Pool may be a simple venue but it offers a great spot to watch a sporting event you may not have seen on the collegiate level.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 SpeedTour website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 VIR’s SpeedTour Celebration The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. It hosts multiple racing events during the season including IMSA, Trans-Am, SRO, and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly. The annual SpeedTour weekend at the track features Trans-Am, SVRA’s vintage racing, and the FR and F4 series, showcasing open-wheel racing’s future talent. Food & Beverage   2 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers ($9-$10), chicken fingers ($10), and more. In addition, the track has snacks ($2.50-$6.50) and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up during the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track has also started offering breakfast options, including breakfast sandwiches ($7-$8) and combo breakfasts ($9-$11). The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Also, unfortunately, unlike other weekends at the track, there are no food trucks during SpeedTour weekend, meaning the concession stand lines can get unbearably long, even with their new self-checkout lanes.   Atmosphere   5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner and include the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harken back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turns 1-4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. Neighborhood   2 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors. While there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. Thankfully, the nearest town of Milton just outside the track has seen some new restaurants show up in the last few years, giving you at least some options for dining right next door. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, or South Boston to the East, which is where you can find the closest places to eat – there you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites or Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs. Fans   3 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekends, and know everything about the sport they love, and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everything from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. While SpeedTour weekend may not have the same number of fans as you can find during IMSA weekends, the crowd is no less impressive, watching Trans-Am and SVRA competitors race around the facility. Access   2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads; State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston. There are no major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well-marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to signage pointing them toward the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield. Return on Investment   4 Tickets for Trans-Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend at VIR are affordable, offering fans the ability to not break the bank to get access to exciting racing. A 4-day ticket costs $65, with 2-day tickets available for $45. Friday only ($25), Saturday only ($55), and Sunday only ($25) options are also available. Camping passes are also affordable, which means you can take in the races on-site without losing your shirt. Extras   3 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets, as well as autograph sessions for fans to see the stars up close. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing. The track is big, technical, and exciting – fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it’s easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make their visit worth the trek.

Many people think that Denver’s history with baseball began with the awarding of the 1991 expansion franchise to the city, a team that would become the Colorado Rockies. Actually, the beginning of baseball in the Mile High City and the state of Colorado can be traced back to 1862. Baseball in Denver , a part of the Images of Baseball series by Arcadia Press, traces the history of the sport from its origins of competitions between neighborhoods and merchants to today’s major league status. The book features a wealth of photos, charts and personal stories in tracing the evolution of baseball in the Centennial state. The first recorded baseball game in Colorado was held in 1862, with some neighborhoods forming teams for a friendly competition. Soon merchants such as Coors and local banks joined in, fielding teams to compete with other merchants. Even the local military base and labor unions took part in baseball games. As is true with most sports, these friendly competitions became more competitive, as teams began to pay good players to join their team in order to get an upper hand on the competition. After some bidding wars between clubs, the costs of operating a club increased, forcing the owners to begin charging an admission fee for the public to watch the games. Professional baseball had arrived in the Mile High City. In order to charge an admission fee, ballparks needed to be built to house the crowds and control admittance. Denver saw a building boom of such parks, including Riverfront Park, Broadway Park, Merchants Park and Elitch Gardens Ballpark. One of the key players in this boom of baseball interest was George Tebeau, who began as a player, then moved on to roles as a manager, then an owner. He eventually started the Denver’s, the first team to play in a professional league, the Western League. Tebeau is widely regarded as the “Father of Baseball” in the Mile High City. By 1879, teams from the Denver area were playing teams from another state. Soon teams from the major leagues did exhibition tours in the state, and in 1891 the Chicago White Sox held their spring training in the Mile High City. Soon the city was seeing visits from such baseball elites as Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, Lou Gehrig, and Bob Feller, as they did barnstorm tours to make extra money during the off season. This interest in baseball did not go unnoticed by the local newspaper, who started the Denver Post Baseball Tournament in 1915. This tournament brought teams from all over the country to play in the tournament. This was a wildly successful event at the turnstiles and in selling newspapers, as the public was very interested in the results of the games. The tournament would go on for the next 40 years. This tournament was also notable in that it allowed black teams and integrated teams to play in the competition, years before Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Dodgers. The first “official” baseball team to represent the city in major league baseball was the Denver Bears, who began play in 1955. Over the years they served as the Class A and AAA affiliate for teams including the Yankees, White Sox, Twins, Expos and the Senators. In their later years were known as the Zephyrs, a name they would keep when they moved to New Orleans in 1992, after Denver was awarded a team in the expansion draft. The Bears played their games from 1948-1992 in a stadium known as Bears Stadium. This venue eventually was renamed as Mile High Stadium. It also became the home of the Denver Broncos of the fledgling AFL football league. The stadium was enlarged to hold the football crowds, making it one of the largest baseball stadiums in the country. The expansion Colorado Rockies used Mile High Stadium during the first two years while Coors Field was being built. The Rockies attracted huge crowds, as they were the first major league team in the region. In their first two years of play the Rockies had an average attendance of 56,000 per game, a record that figures to stand forever, as ballparks are no longer being built that large. Baseball in Denver is a great read for any baseball fan. It provides a great look at the origins of baseball in the Rocky Mountain Region. The photographs and charts in the book help to put a face on the many people that pioneered baseball in the region.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Den Zampa Rd London, England SE16 3LN Millford FC website The Den website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 20,146 Let ‘Em All Come Down to the Den When you think of Millwall a couple of thoughts may come to mind. It might be the reputation of violence during matches that has been formed by decades of events, most recently video footage of an Everton fan being slashed across the face during the FA Cup. The Millwall Community Trust has worked effortlessly to change such notions about the club. You may also think of them as giant killers who as of this writing are tied with Southampton with 25 victories of higher division clubs in the FA Cup. The Lions defeated five out of seven Premier League clubs that included the 3-2 victory over Everton in January 2019. The club has had 14 such knockouts since the end of World War II. The Den is the home to the Millwall Football Club and was built a quarter of a mile from its predecessor many now called The Old Den. The stadium was significant in many ways as it was the first constructed after the Taylor Report on the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 and the first new professional football stadium built in London since 1937. The £16 million structure was designed with being able to manage crowds with escape routes being precise and quick in case of a situation. The old Den had a reputation for hostile crowds for certain matches. Plans called originally for 25,000 to 35,000 people but were scaled down to 20,000 where it currently stands at this time. Millwall has been resident most of the time in the EFL Championship except for the two seasons in League One from 2015-2017. The club captured League One playoff championships in both 2010 and 2017 and last played in England’s first division in 1990. The club was founded as The Millwall Rovers by workers of J.T. Morton’s canning and preserve factory in 1885. The club moved into the Football League in 1920 through the creation of the FL Third Division. The club won 59 home games without a defeat from August 1964 to January of 1967. The Lions have been known as Cup Killers this century reaching the final game in 2004, the semifinals in 2013, the quarterfinals in 2017, and 2019. Food & Beverage 3 The food options have improved in recent years and fans will be delighted to find a selection of pies from the Pie Factory that includes steak and ale, chicken balti, cheese and onion pasties, and sausage rolls. Burgers and chips are also available on the main concourse as well as a selection of ales. Atmosphere 3 The Den is a simple design but it was carefully crafted for English Football. The grounds consist of four separate stands that are double-tiered and covered from the elements. All of the views for the stands provide a close and accurate view of the pitch with limited obstruction. The crowd at the game is focused on the match and hand and belts out songs and chants, most notably the Clash’s “London’s Calling” and “Let ‘Em Come.” The east stand is known as the Dockers Stand, a tribute to the city’s earlier history and supporter-based Thames dockers. The south stand is called the Cold Blow Lane Stand and is named after the street which led to the former stadium. The Barry Kitchener Stand is in honour of Lion's longest-tenured player. These stands are for the Millwall supporters and if you are a visitor, it would be wise to find a spot in the north stand. The North Stand is where visiting supporters sit and offers seating for 4,000 people. The stand also houses the executive suites, press box, and family enclosure. This might be the best view of the pitch and with away supporters restricted to this stand, it might also be the safest place to watch a game at The Den. A lot has changed since the 1980s when visiting fans were known to get into scuffles and sustain injuries to Millwall’s “naughty” fans and that reputation still exists to this day. Like many other football stadiums in England, it is safe for visiting fans for a majority of games at The Den. However, it would be proper to take precautions as the grounds can be intimidating before and after the match. The Club Shop was renovated at the beginning of the last decade and offers a selection of merchandise and has a more modern feel inside its doors. Kits, shirts, scarves, and match day programmes can be found on sale for fans looking to add to their collection. The club also employs a giant lion mascot named Zampa who offers hugs and photo opportunities to fans of all ages before, during, and after the match. Neighbourhood 3 There are not many places to eat or visit near the stadium but there are various spots on your way from the London Bridge (more places to sit down and have a meal) area and Cross Gate tube station. It should be noted that if you are wearing visiting colors you should stay out of supporters' bars. The Yellow House Bar and Kitchen specialize in pizzas, sandwiches, and even vegetarian and vegan options. The Elite Fish bar offers fish and chips for a fast meal before or after the match. Fourpure Brewing Company has a location close to the stadium offering pints of craft beer. Other places for a pint include The Shipwrights Arms and Bunch of Grapes Pub two supporter bars. The Barrow Boy & Banker and the Shipwright’s Arms are two popular venues with away supporters. The Borough Market is next to the London Bridge Underground Station and is renowned for its food, drink, and other products. The Brindisa Stall is known for its chorizo roll, Kappacasein features the cheese toastie, and Portena is known for its beef, chicken, and chorizo empanadas. Hobbs Roast Meat serves baguettes, wraps, and buns full of things you’d usually find in a roast-bring napkin. The Den is near many tourist attractions in London and just across the Thames in London Tower which offers guided tours. The Walkway at Tower Bridge offers breathtaking views of London from atop the bridge. The Tate Modern Art Gallery, Imperial War Museum, and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich Park are other options nearby the grounds. Fans 3 Millwall fans have a historic association with football hooliganism that gained notoriety in the 1980s. Depending on who you ask, the fans can be the most passionate groups or some of the roughest core in England. The home fans are among the most knowledgeable and have a great sense of wit and keen observation of the game. There have been reports, videos, and articles on the violence before and after matches, and is fine to take precautions. Away supporters have their mass transit link to keep them away from home supporters. However, one could attend a game and not run into any problems and perhaps keep away club colours at home. Access 3 The best way to access The Den on game day is through public transit. There are very limited parking lots near the facility and there is not an official lot for supporters of the Lions. If you do decide to drive there, arrive early to find street parking but that fills up quickly. You can book parking spots at private lots that range from a 7-20 minute walk from the grounds. The Den Stadium lacks any official parking, meaning that on-street parking is the only real option for drivers. However, these spaces can fill up quickly, and it is best to book your parking space in advance of any match day. The nearest station to the ground is South Bermondsey Railway Station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the ground. The nearby Calmont Road is the home of the under-18s team who do their training here. Return on Investment 3 Ticket pricing is divided into three categories of A, B, and C, and differs based on age, membership, and service in the arm forces. Also, depending on when you purchase a ticket can be the price point. The average price for an adult ticket in category A is £29.50, category B £26.50, and category C £24.40. Ticket pricing for other groups is slightly less and children under 12 years of age are as low as £5 for category C. Concession pricing is also reasonable and along with the same price points as other grounds in the league. Extras 3 One point for the fans who are renowned for their terrace chant “No one likes us, we don’t care”. There are also a few more chants that are sung by supporters that include “Let ’em Come” and “Shoeshine Boy”. A second point is for the current renovations that provide fans with some of the best views in English Football. Final Thoughts The Den offers great views from almost every part of the grounds and is the perfect size for being close to the action. It is clean, comfortable, and a serviceable stadium that has shown its age in certain places but offers an array of food kiosks and social quarters. The Den and its supporters have their reputation but for the most part, makes for an ideal afternoon for football in London.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Daskalakis Athletic Center 3333 Market St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Drexel Dragons website Daskalakis Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,509 The Power of the Penn Right down the street from the University of Pennsylvania’s amazing Palestra is another Division I basketball arena that gets much less fanfare. The Daskalakis Athletic Center that the Drexel Dragons play in is literally within walking distance from basketball greatness, and although a nice arena, it seems far from the Palestra on the basketball royalty scale. Drexel is the “other” Division I school in the Philadelphia area. It used not to be a part of the Big 5 which consisted of the University of Pennsylvania, La Salle University, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, and Villanova University. It was instead part of the “City 6,” which is all of the Philadelphia Big 5 schools along with Drexel. At the start of the 2023–24 season, the Big 5 expanded to include Drexel University. Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891. Its founder is its namesake, financier, and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel. Its original name was the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry. The Dragon has been the mascot of the school since around the mid-1920s. Before becoming known as the Dragons, the athletic teams were known by names such as the Blue & Gold, the Engineers, and the Drexelites. Drexel's mascot, “Mario the Magnificent,” is named in honor of alumnus and Board of Trustees member Mario V. Mascioli. The Daskalakis Athletic Center, which opened in 1975, is home to multiple Drexel University Dragons sports teams including basketball and wrestling. The overall building houses gyms, a natatorium, a rock climbing wall, and a squash canter although the “DAC” generally refers solely to the basketball arena. Since 2012 there have been many renovations and changes to the seating sections of the arena. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at the DAC are pretty basic. A concession stand sits outside the entrance to the arena. Do not expect anything besides the usual simple offerings. Hot dogs and pretzels are the best bet. There are also nachos, funnel cake, pizza, and churros. Atmosphere 4 Four sets of stands surround the basketball court. Each stand section is made up a little bit differently from the others. All of the seats are close to the action. The student section is located on the south stands. They tend to stand the whole game and provide a pretty good and loud atmosphere for games. Depending on the game, the stands in this area may be full or fairly empty. I get a sense it is not very consistent. There is also a very good pep band, as well as cheerleaders and a dance squad to enhance the surroundings. Drexel’s mascot Mario the Magnificent is also around to delight kids. Neighborhood 5 The Daskalakis Athletic Center is located in a unique section of Philadelphia called University City. It is not just the Drexel University located here, but the University of Pennsylvania is right next door. It is quite a sight to see two Division I schools separated by just a street. Penn has a massive campus and the Ivy League school is worth a walk around to see the many historical buildings (check out Locust Walk for the best tour). If you want to touch upon your inner Ivy, stop by the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which is right near both The Palestra and Franklin Field on the east side of campus. University City also provides a decent mix of bars and restaurants and the best ones are found along a trendy row of brick buildings on Sansom Street. The New Deck Tavern is a fun, Irish-style pub, while the White Dog Café is a little more upscale with incredibly delicious food using a menu featuring only local ingredients. If you’re in the mood for Asian, University City has plenty of options with many different countries represented. Just a mile or two down the street is the center of Philadelphia, where there is plenty to check out. Independence National Park includes the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and Independence Hall. Other great museums surround the Park, while in the heart of the city, it is worth seeing City Hall and JFK Plaza, where the famous “LOVE” sign is located. Fans 3 The student section even when not filling their section is still pretty loud. The arena is pretty small so the sound fills it up pretty nicely. The arena does not fill often, but it is small enough that you might want to plan for some big games, especially if it is a CAA rival or Big 5 team matchup. Access 2 University City is not difficult to get to; however, parking can be an issue in the area. The best option is the parking garage at Chestnut and 34th Street. Finding a spot on the nearby streets is a possibility too, depending on game time and day. The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) is the best way to arrive at campus and to reach the garage get off I-76 at Exit 345. This brings drivers onto Drexel’s adjoining campus, and it is fairly easy to get to the garage from there. The other option to arrive at Penn is by using SEPTA, the mass transit system around Philly. There is a subway line (MFL) that stops right at 34th Street, which is within walking distance of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Generally, tickets are around $20-$25 each. That is slightly pricey, except the arena is located in a large metropolitan city. If you have to pay for parking expect your outlay to be a bit more. Extras 2 The CAA is a very good basketball conference with some very good basketball rivals. So expect to see a high caliber of play consistently throughout the schedule. Also, make sure to visit the Drexel Dragon Hall Of Fame in the lobby entrance that runs from Market Street towards the back of the Daskalakis Athletic Center. Final Thoughts The Daskalakis Athletic Center is a nice arena, but being so close to the Palestra makes the facility seem a bit of a letdown. Fans will still see some great action in this small, loud arena.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McLane Stadium S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Waco, TX 76704 Baylor Bears website McLane Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 45,140 McLane Stadium – 10 years of Baylor Football For a decade, Baylor University’s McLane Stadium has been home to the Baylor University football team – Baylor is a member of the Big 12 Conference in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. On August 31, 2014 the Baylor Bears christened McLane Stadium with a 45-0 win over Southern Methodist University . McLane Stadium is one of three on-campus college football stadiums which are accessible by water, joining Washington’s Husky Stadium  and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium . The stadium’s horseshoe infrastructure was designed by the well-known sports architecture firm Populous at a cost of $250 million, with a seating capacity of 45,140. The structure sits on the north side of Baylor’s campus off I-35, in the campus’ athletic complex. The venue was originally planned to be named Baylor Stadium until December 2013, when in honor of Baylor Alum Drayton McLane Jr., the stadium was renamed McLane Stadium. The stadium connects to campus via the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Pedestrian Bridge, which crosses the Brazos River.   Food & Beverage   3 There are plenty of food options inside McLane Stadium for any fan that needs to snack during the game, including the basic snacks like popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, chips, and candy at typical stadium prices. In addition, the Bear Zone features an array of choices such as nachos, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. If you’re a fan of a little more than the basics, Baylor has brought in outside vendors such as Rudy’s BBQ, offering beef sandwiches, pulled pork, and sausage wraps; a Chick-fil-A stand serving a $13.50 chicken tender basket; and Pizza Hut for fans that enjoy pizza or wings. In addition, the Mr. Beast Burger stand has a couple of interesting burgers. Besides the permanent stands, McLane Stadium also has mobile food carts that provide interesting food choices, such as Philly cheesesteak or French dip sandwiches, both served with kettle chips. In terms of beverages, McLane Stadium offers fans the choice of Pepsi products and of course Dr Pepper products, as Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper. Souvenir sodas come in at $6.50; other choices are $3.50 for bottled water and $5 for Gatorade. McLane Stadium doesn’t offer sales of alcohol, as no alcohol is allowed or sold on campus, but this doesn’t mean alcohol isn’t available on game days – just head to George’s Party Zone across MLK Jr. Blvd., which opens three hours before kickoff.   Atmosphere   4 Like every great college football game, the atmosphere begins outside the stadium, and that means tailgating. However, McLane Stadium now provides what only a few campuses can do with their game day atmosphere, and that is “sailgating”. Tailgaters get to set up tents all around the stadium grounds, as well as on the shores of the Brazos River, and some even tailgate in their boats. Touchdown Alley is located across the Basin Bridge, opening three hours prior to kickoff and closing about 30 minutes after kickoff. This area provides local radio and TV station coverage during pregame and has food, beverages, and various activities to keep fans entertained. The Bear Walk begins as the team buses roll up about two hours before kickoff; the Bear Walk provides fans with an opportunity to interact with the Baylor football team, with fans forming a pathway for the team to walk through from the buses to the stadium. In addition, the incoming freshmen in gold shirts, known as the “Baylor Line”, also add entertainment by rushing out onto the field before the players do, running across the field starting at the southeast corner, and forming a tunnel for the Baylor football team to run through when the players come onto the field. College football across the state of Texas always seems to have a tradition of being a great atmosphere, and Baylor University’s McLane Stadium is no exception. The up-tempo offense of the Baylor football team keeps Baylor fans on their feet and cheering throughout the game. Of course, the Baylor spirit squad and the Bears mascots, Bruiser and Marigold, keep the crowd entertained during timeouts, and at the end of the contest the Baylor Band performs a musical concert which is worth staying for, especially because that will give the heavy traffic time to clear out, while you enjoy the music.   Neighborhood   4 McLane Stadium lies just north of Baylor University’s campus, which is across the Brazos River in Waco. The stadium is nestled in the corner of I-35, Lake Brazos Pkwy/MLK Jr. Blvd, and the Brazos River – the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Pedestrian Bridge connects the stadium to campus. Just over the pedestrian bridge on the campus side, tailgating is done throughout Grant Teaff Plaza, and pre-game activities are set up around the Texas Hall of Fame and the Texas Rangers Museum. Brazos Landing, along the Brazos River, is the closest restaurant to McLane Stadium. However, Waco has numerous other restaurants to enjoy while attending a Baylor sporting event. One of the more popular is Vitek’s BBQ, which is on the south side of Baylor’s campus. Vitek’s BBQ is the home of the Gut Pack, which includes brisket, sausage, Fritos, and beans; if you decide on this dish you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day, as it is heavy and filling, but delicious. You should plan on arriving early, however; Vitek’s does serve outside as well as inside, but the wait can be long no matter which one you choose. Another choice for beer and BBQ is Terry Black’s on S. 8th Street in downtown Waco, and George’s Restaurant is also a popular place to meet before, during, or after a football game here. George’s has been serving Waco since 1930, and the crowds here are large, so be prepared to get there early. In addition, George’s has a beer tent across MLK Jr. Blvd from McLane Stadium, if you just want to have a drink. Although the restaurants aren’t exactly close to the stadium, Waco has so many wonderful restaurants that you’ll easily be able to find something that suits you. But if you want to do something in the neighborhood besides eat, there is the Dr Pepper Museum, which is open on Saturdays (as well as on other days). You’ll get to see how the popular Texas soft drink is produced, walk through its history, and even get your own Dr Pepper drink. Waco has also been popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines, thru their TV show – you can visit their Magnolia Market or stop at their restaurant.  Or if you want to stay closer to the stadium, on Baylor’s campus you can visit the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat, a habitat dedicated to black bears.   Fans   4 Baylor has a wonderful fan base, and McLane Stadium is one of the unique stadiums in the Big 12. The average attendance is always above 40,000 – the largest crowd to witness a game was 50,223 on November 16, 2019, versus Oklahoma. The fans that attend games at McLane Stadium are energetic, fun, polite, respectful, and knowledgeable. Also, Baylor University being the centerpiece of Waco, the city is decked out in green and gold, with the local shops decorated to show support for the Bears. If you can get to the homecoming game, then be sure to watch the homecoming parade through the streets of Waco. Baylor Bears fans are what you expect from big-time college football, yet offer a close family atmosphere, since the university is a 14,000-student undergraduate private school. The Baylor student section sits along the visitor sideline, and can be identified by their gold shirts – they stand for the whole game, and serve as the sparkplug for the energy inside McLane Stadium.   Access   3 There is plenty of parking for football games at McLane Stadium, even if you don’t have a pre-paid parking pass. There is paid parking across MLK Jr. Blvd near the stadium for $20, but if you get here early enough, residents in the neighborhoods around campus allow parking on their property for $10 to $20. However, the best advice for parking is to take advantage of the eighteen-hundred city of Waco downtown parking spaces, all within five miles of the stadium, and free. While most of these spaces are about a 15-minute walk from McLane Stadium, there are free shuttles for fans with pick-ups at 3rd Street & Franklin Avenue, and drop-offs on the south side of MLK Jr. Blvd & I-35. There also will be plenty of fans walking to the stadium, so you’ll arrive at McLane Stadium without being misdirected. The best advice for finding parking is not to wait; get there early and enjoy the game day atmosphere. Campus streets start closing 4 hours before kickoff, and parking lots open 3 hours prior. There is limited ADA/handicap parking, with a shuttle leaving from the Baylor Research & Innovation Collaborative (BRIC). In addition, since McLane Stadium has unique access in getting to the stadium (the Brazos River provides the ability to use a boat), I suggest reading the boating guidelines and rules on Baylor’s website if you plan on sailgating, or if you plan to get to the stadium via water. Once you get to McLane Stadium you will find eight gates into the stadium; gates A-D are for most of the seats, while the other four are for club/suite access.  The concourses at McLane Stadium are very spacious, and you can walk around the lower concourse while the game is going on without missing anything. However, the stadium is constructed in a horseshoe with a grass berm for general admission in the east end zone. This doesn’t allow fans to walk all the way around the lower level, so, you might find yourself having to turn around and walk back the way you came. The second level also has suites on the home side which prevent fans from walking the full horseshoe – this fact lowers the ‘Access’ score. McLane Stadium (like many others nowadays) has a no re-entry policy except for medical emergencies. Baylor University also has a clear bag policy – bags must be clear plastic vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12”x12”x6”, or you can bring a small clutch bag no larger than 4.5”x6.5”x3”.   Return on Investment   3 Sportscasters lists Baylor in the middle of the Big 12 Conference in terms of average ticket prices. Single-game ticket prices also vary at the Baylor box office depending on the opponent and on the availability. The cheapest price is the general admission section, priced at $15 or $50 depending on the opponent (general admission is located on the grass berm around the scoreboard, and doesn’t allow access to the rest of the stadium). The reserved seats range from $70 to $200, with most of the available tickets being in the upper 300 levels; fans who want lower-level seats should look at third-party ticket re-sellers.   Extras   3 McLane Stadium is a beautiful setting for college football, being situated on the Brazos River and not far from campus, which includes the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat – the habitat provides educational awareness about black bears and is well worth a visit before or after a game. One of Baylor’s unique traditions is the Baylor Line – the Baylor Line in their gold shirts rush out onto the field to form a tunnel for the football team to run through, and also provide excitement, support, and stay until after the game, when ‘That Good Ole Baylor Line’ is played by the band. No other stadium can claim that their freshmen raise the game day atmosphere, but here at Baylor the freshman class is very active, and add tons of energy to the game day experience. The sailgating here at McLane Stadium, which fans at only a few college football stadiums can partake in, also adds to the experience. In addition, Baylor University recognizes their only Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin III, with a mural inside the stadium and a statue on the plaza at the open end. Furthermore, Touchdown Alley (located just across the Basin Bridge) is built on top of the old Floyd Casey Stadium turf; the creativity of bringing that turf over to the new stadium to use as part of the game day atmosphere connects the past to the present.   Final Thoughts McLane Stadium has been a solid footprint to the success of Baylor football over the past 10 years. The game day atmosphere provides a wonderful day for football fans, and the intimate construction of the stadium provides one of the best sidelines in the Big 12 Conference. Attending a Baylor football game at McLane Stadium in the fall makes a trip to Waco complete.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium 17273 State Route 104 Chillicothe, OH 45601 Chillicothe Paints website VA Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000+ Paints Baseball Built in 1955, VA Memorial Stadium was originally used as a softball field for long-term patients of the nearby VA Medical Center. In 1993, the Chillicothe Paints were formed and the field was completely renovated including adding the existing outfield wall. The Paints were charter members of the independent Frontier League from 1993 until 2008. In 2009, the team changed direction and became charter members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. More than a decade and two league championships later, the team is still going strong. Food & Beverage 4 VA Memorial Stadium offers a solid menu of ballpark food at very reasonable prices. Standard hot dogs are $3 (upgrade to coney or super dog with sauce, melted cheese, and onions for a dollar or two more). Sloppy Joes and cheeseburgers are $4. Brat with kraut, pulled pork, and grilled chicken sandwiches are $5. There are also nachos and super nachos for $3.50/$5. The most expensive item on the whole menu is a double cheeseburger which checks in at a very reasonable $6. I didn’t see any vegan options available for entrees. 20oz Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2.50. There are two stands with identical items, one right behind the home plate, and another in the left field picnic area. Two beer stands are available, one each down the baselines. 16oz Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra drafts are a mere $3.50. On Thirsty Thursday, 12oz beers are a buck. Similar aluminum cans are $4.50 for 16 ounces. They also have cans of White Claw for $3.50 and O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic beer for $2. Behind home plate is a DQ Ice Cream stand that offers cups of ice cream, Dilly Bars, Star Kisses, fudge bars, and orange bars, all for $2.50 each. Atmosphere 4 As is the case with a lot of parks built in its era, there is a great old-time feeling to VA Memorial. The covered concourse behind home plate only extends about halfway down the infield but has room for well over a thousand fans. There are 12 rows of wooden seats with the first six rows having backrests. Most of those have season ticket holder’s names on them. Beyond the bases, there are two sets of metal bleachers to handle more fans. There is also a large picnic area down the left field line with plenty of picnic tables. The total capacity is over 3,000. Behind the first base bleachers is a large kid’s play area named in honor of Jackson (Jack) Fish. Jack was a former employee and batboy for the team. In 2017, he passed away and the team honored him with the playground and a memorial plaque. Jackson Fish Memorial Playground, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey A basic electronic scoreboard is above the left-center field wall. No videos, just the runs, hits, errors, player number, and pitch speed. The PA sound system is quite clear. There are no on-field games during innings, but there are a lot of lucky number giveaways to various businesses. Lucky numbers are obtained by purchasing a program, complete with scorecard and roster sheets, for $1. Neighborhood 2 The biggest detriment to the ballpark is a location in proximity to the town. The stadium is located on the grounds of a large VA Medical Center. Officially it is designated Building 244 in the complex. Other than a golf course that is also part of the complex, there is no other business around. The only thing within a couple of miles is a large prison. It’s a nice looking setting, but there is nothing else nearby. If you venture into downtown Chillicothe, five miles away, there are plenty of dining and shopping options. Chillicothe was the original capital of Ohio and there are banners downtown that celebrates the fact. The Majestic Theater has also been open for 158 years. The city has all the usual chain restaurants. Plenty of fast food. But there are quite a few individual restaurants worth exploring. I had a delicious cheeseburger at 50 West downtown. I also had a couple of Ohio brews at The Pour House nearby, and the smell as I walked by the Hometown Hibachi almost made me have a second lunch. The downtown setting is worth the visit. There are several hotels in the city, but most of the cheaper motels are located about a half hour away in the town of Washington Court House. There are no lodging areas within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 Fan attendance is quite good at VA Memorial. Over 1,500 showed up for the Wednesday night game that I attended. A couple of Little League groups were there in uniform. The covered grandstand felt a little empty, but that’s because fans can spread out down the lines. A lot of people stayed in the shaded picnic area. The Paints have been in town for 28 years now, so the team has a good core of season ticket holders who sit right behind home plate. Access 3 I had to do a bit of searching to find the ballpark. Google maps do not have the ballpark listed at all. The stadium is located on the VA Medical Center campus, right on State Route 104. It’s just north of US 35 and just west of US 23. The physical address of the stadium is 17273 State Route 104. No interstates are servicing the area, and there’s no public transportation. Parking is free and plentiful. Tickets are all General Admission and are $7 each. Children, seniors, and veterans can purchase tickets for $5. There are two sets of restrooms. The original restrooms are located under the grandstand. They are very small and cramped. I would recommend going down the left field line to the picnic area. That area is much newer and the bathrooms are very spacious. Return on Investment 4 This is definitely a ballpark where you get your money’s worth. Ticket prices are very reasonable and food and especially drinks are as inexpensive as you’re going to find at a ballgame. Extras 3 One point goes to the players who, before each game, walk through the crowd and thank the fans for coming out and slap high fives with fans and kids. I asked an usher and they said it’s an every game thing. One point goes for the beer prices. After paying $11 at a Triple-A game earlier in the day, it felt nice to have two for under $10 here. One point goes to the Jackson Fish Memorial Playground. They really did a lot to honor their former fan and employee. His story has a sad ending, but they celebrate his life very well. One point goes to the stadium itself. I really liked the feel of the ballpark, and the Paints have been going strong here for almost three decades. They’re definitely doing something right. Final Thoughts I had been wanting to come to VA Memorial Stadium for many years, but it’s never been on my path. The city is not really on the way to anything. Now that I’ve been here, I really want to come back. It was a very nice experience both at the ballpark and in the town. If you’re looking for a great old-feel setting to a baseball game without too many bells and whistles, Chillicothe is it.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Huskies Stadium 920 Tower Road Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 St. Mary’s Huskies football website Huskies Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 2,000 Huskies Stadium In Halifax No other university football program in Atlantic Canada can boast about their historic success quite like Saint Mary’s University. Since their inaugural season in 1956, the Huskies have earned twenty-four Jewett Trophies as the conference winner, along with three Vanier Cups awarded as the champions of U-Sports football (1973, 2001 & 2002). Located on-campus in the south end of Halifax, Huskies Stadium has hosted football games since 1970. From 2010 to 2014, the stadium endured many renovations including the completion of the Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness. This modern masonry building is connected to the stadium’s east side and is home to the ticket office, Courtside Lounge, and locker rooms. Other enhancements include replacing the gridiron with Field Turf and tearing down a charming, yet crumbling, grandstand. Traditional aluminum bench bleachers replaced the grandstand along both sidelines. In an effort to gauge interest of a professional franchise in Halifax, Huskies Stadium temporarily expanded their capacity by nearly 10,000 as it hosted a Canadian Football League (CFL) exhibition game between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tigercats. The event was a success as it drew a sell-out crowd of over 11,000 fans. Though Halifax is still without a CFL team, efforts have been made for a franchise to commence within the next few seasons. Huskies Stadium was listed as a possible home for the expansion franchise; however, plans are moving towards other stadium options. Food & Beverage 1 Huskies Stadium offers a small menu for the hungry fan with two concession stands located at field level, which sell pizza and hot dogs for $4. Accompany your main dish with fries, chips, or candy. Quench your thirst with a pop, juice, or water. The Courtside Lounge, an exclusive area that requires a special ticket, has another concession stand located upstairs in the Homburg Centre. This kiosk offers a similar menu as field level, with additional features such as a grilled chicken sandwich and sausage. Beer, wine and spirits are also available for purchase at the Courtside Lounge. In addition, for general admission ticket holders, alcoholic beverages can be purchased in the sectioned-off beer garden located just off the southeast end zone. Molson Canadian, Coors, and a few ciders are available to enjoy while not missing a second of the game. Overall, the game day experience of food and drink is low on quantity and quality. Best to enjoy a meal prior to the event. Atmosphere 2 A game at Huskies Stadium offers a simplistic experience focused on football. The Humborg Center, adjacent to the sideline, was completed in 2012. It is equipped with locker rooms, Saint Mary’s Sport Hall-of-Fame, a ticket office, fitness area, and a gymnasium. While the street-side of the facility is visually pleasing architecturally, the field-side reveals a largely flat, bare masonry wall. Ten rows of cold aluminum bleachers line the field in front of this wall. Though all seats are general admission, students tend to sit within the five rows of bleachers lining the opposite side of the field, which makes for a more lively fan experience on this side. As an added bonus, both teams’ player benches are along these bleachers as well. The sights and sounds coming from the benches add to the event’s drama. Barrier free seating is available in the first row of all seating areas. While all seating options offer a close view of the action, you do feel somewhat far away, due to a running track separating the bleachers from the field. It may be best to move around until you find your ideal view of the game. Many students living on-campus have a unique opportunity to catch a game from their dorm room window. A four story dormitory hovers around the south end zone, while a tall twenty-plus story student housing building towers right next to the field, providing spectators with a high view from above. There are no permanent washrooms available around the general seating area; instead, several porta-potties are located on the northwest and southeast corners of the field. Find the bright, clear scoreboard behind the north goalposts. It appears the scoreboard is equipped with a video screen to show statistics and replay the action; however, this technology was not used during the game of this review. There is a disc jockey who plays a wide range of music between plays, while the public address announcer clearly describes who made the plays after each whistle. Don’t expect much entertainment other than the game as Saint Mary’s does not employ cheerleaders, a marching band, or halftime entertainment. Husky, the mascot, roams around to greet fans and provide photo opportunities. In addition, patrons can line up and get high-fives from SMU players as they storm the field from the locker room before the game and after halftime. Neighbourhood 5 Halifax is an energetic city with plenty of activities for a wide range of demographics. Take a walk through Saint Mary’s ever-changing campus as new modern buildings take shape, complementing adjacent, classic older facilities. Explore the campus surroundings and you’ll find historic Victorian style houses and upscale mansions. A ten minute walk south terminates at Point Pleasant Park. Here, walking trails lead you many directions to enjoy the sights of nature and historic old British battery ruins. In the summer, one ruin is used by a popular non-profit theatre group called “Shakespeare by the Sea.” North of campus you’ll find restaurants and stores mingled around neighbourhoods. If time and food allergies allow, try the peanut butter burger at Darrell’s Restaurant and get dessert next door at the Gingerbread Haus. Spring Garden Road is where you’ll find a plethora of bars, restaurants and shopping for an all-day event. Fans 3 Huskies Stadium is home to a wide age range of loyal supporters. Students and alumni flock to the games, wearing their school spirit to the event. Young football families and former Huskies players from all generations are prevalent on game days, contributing to an overall camaraderie of all in attendance. Actual attendance figures have steadily declined over recent years, depending on the importance of the game and weather factors. A typical game attracts a range of 1,200 to 1,500 fairly subdued spectators. Fans mostly sit on their hands and rarely engage in a chant. When fans do get riled up, the surrounding buildings help hold in the sound for higher amplitude. Access 4 Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada, located on the east coast of Nova Scotia. Direct flights to Stanfield Airport in Halifax are available from most major Canadian cities, and a few American cities. A drive from the United States appears short “as a crow flies,” but a drive from Portland, Maine is about 10 hours, as you must drive around the Bay of Fundy. However, the drive is beautiful no matter where you are coming from, so slow down and enjoy the ride. The city is a three-hour drive from Moncton, NB and Charlottetown, PE. Take the Trans-Canada Highway until hwy 104. Once in the city limits, Robie Street will lead you right by Saint Mary’s campus. Take a left on Inglis street and park in the lot just before Tower Road. This parking area is free after 6pm and on weekends. Route numbers 4, 10, 14, & 29 of Halifax Transit all have stops at the corner of Inglis and Tower, where the stadium is a mere five-minute walk away. Huskies Stadium is easily accessible once you arrive at Saint Mary’s campus. Leave some time before the game and check out Gorsebrook Lounge, a popular on-campus bar and grill with windows looking onto the playing field. After paying your bill and finishing the last swig of your beverage, the main entrance is less than a minute walk away at the northeast corner of the field. If you arrive without a ticket, signs point you to the ticket office located in the Homburg Centre. A pop-up souvenir stand sells shirts, hats and numerous other fan gear to help you cheer on the Huskies. As you enter with your ticket, be sure to have your hand stamped; this allows you to leave and return to the stadium as you please. Free programs are passed out, with information featuring both teams rosters. Access around the stadium is pretty straight forward as fans follow the field-side running track to all seating areas, concessions, and porta-potties. Return on Investment 4 Even in the event Halifax lands a CFL franchise, attending a game at Saint Mary’s will be much more affordable to get your “football fix.” Season, individual, and student tickets can be purchased in-person or online at http://www.smuhuskies.ca/fan_zone/tickets . For the 2019 season, general admission for an adult costs $12, while a senior or alumni ticket cost $10. Students and children (ages 6-12) are admitted for only $5 and SMU students have free admission. Access to the Courtside Lounge will cost you $30/ticket. With a lounge ticket you’ll get access to the Saint Mary’s Sport Hall of Fame, increased food and beverage options, indoor access and permanent washrooms. Another bonus for paying extra for a Courtside Lounge ticket is overhearing some fascinating conversations between former players from decades past. If you want to catch the game without paying, join others who are strolling by or picnicking outside the north end zone fence. Extras 1 One extra for the on-campus stadium with student housing having an aerial view of the game. Final Thoughts For a pure football fan, attending a game at Huskies Stadium without all the pyrotechnics and entertainment during game breaks may be refreshing. However, the lack of any amusements outside of the mascot, and the absence of crowd engagement leaves a disconnecting feeling between the event and the crowd. Though the renovations have improved a stadium that was previously outdated, it’s apparent more could be done to improve the overall environment around the game.

Photo Courtesy of GoZags.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Patterson Baseball Complex E Spokane Falls Boulevard and N Cincinnati St Spokane, WA 99202 Gonzaga Bulldogs website Patterson Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 1,300 The Little Brother to Gonzaga Basketball Gonzaga baseball finally found a home on its native campus with Patterson Field, opening for the 2007 baseball season after the previous stadium had been torn down in 2003. The new stadium is located on the very southeastern tip of the Gonzaga campus. Despite Gonzaga baseball doing exceptionally well in the past few seasons, often being ranked in the low 20’s in national standings, the program has never had the same love and attention that Gonzaga’s basketball program has. Gonzaga baseball continually finds itself in the shadow of the Bulldog’s big successes in basketball ; Gonzaga students focus so much on the culture and hype surrounding basketball that the baseball team is often neglected entirely. However, this is not all bad news. Gonzaga baseball has quickly become a favorite for locals in the area as Spokane doesn’t have its own major league team. For many fans, Gonzaga fills that role. As a result, even without a large student presence, games are often packed with dedicated and enthusiastic fans who make the experience fun and unique and perfect for a family outing. Food & Beverage 3 While Patterson shows its strength in many ways, food is not one of them. Meal options here never stray from standard baseball fare. A meal here will run you about $5-$8 as most of the food is reasonably priced. A small food window on the lower floor of the stadium offers hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, pizza, candy and sodas. However, there is a great little kettle korn stand run by a few Spokane locals that sets up shop inside the fenced area of the stadium and delivers a good snack for a reasonable price. Atmosphere 3 Patterson Field is more than adequate as a baseball stadium but nothing to write home about. Ten rows of seating run around the field from first base to just before third base and can seat about 1,300 people. However, from third base running all the way to the end of the field is a nice, well manicured lawn where families with younger kids often bring a picnic and watch the game while enjoying a lunch on the grass. Its a nice touch to an otherwise average field. There is little in the way of entertainment between innings aside from the occasional commentary from the announcers. Neighborhood 3 Patterson Field is situated on the very southeastern tip of Gonzaga’s campus and rests right on the outskirts of one of Spokane’s industrial districts. While it’s clear from the moment you arrive that you are on a college campus, it’s far from the heart of Gonzaga and sits in the looming shadow of Gonzaga’s basketball stadium, making it feel as if Patterson was a bit more of an afterthought than anything. If the food here doesn’t suit your fancy, there are several great options located just a few blocks north of the ballpark where you can grab a quick bite before or after the game. Jack and Dan’s, a long running sports bar and a local Gonzaga favorite is just a quick walk up the street and is a great place for a beer. Fans 4 While students at Patterson may not show the same enthusiasm they have for the basketball program, the local fans here are as good and enthusiastic as you can find at any other top tier college baseball venue. The stadium is rated to hold 1,300 people, but even on a good day the ballpark sees roughly half of that. The stadium is usually filled with easy going fans and families looking for a fun afternoon outing. Passionate supporters of both the home and away teams come to cheer and cheer loudly and generally make the experience more enjoyable. The weather at the beginning of the season can often be brutally cold, but the local Spokanites are seasoned veterans of harsh Eastern Washington winters and regularly brave the cold to see their favorite baseball team play. Access 4 Just a short drive out of downtown Spokane, Patterson Field is as centrally located as it gets. With a free parking lot built for the basketball stadium just next door, parking is never an issue. The entrance to the stadium sits just on the edge of the parking lot, making the entire trip from home to ballpark as easy as possible. Return on Investment 4 While tickets are always free for Gonzaga students, a trip to Patterson will run you $5 for every adult and $3 for kids. All seating is general admission so everything is on a first come, first served basis. Compared to other venues, this is a steal. An entire outing for a family of four can cost as little as $16, making it clear why Gonzaga baseball is a Spokane favorite. If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive family outing, Patterson Field is a great place to come and watch an up and coming baseball team. Extras 2 There is a nice kiosk for Gonzaga baseball apparel that sells shirts, hats, jackets and the occasional pair of socks. Prices are reasonable and the options are similar to anything you might find from rival teams. There is a great walking/biking path that goes from downtown right to the stadium that can make getting to the ballpark a fun day trip just by itself.