Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Five Star Stadium 1327 Stadium Dr Macon, GA 31207 Mercer Bears website Five Star Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 10,200 The Home of Mercer Bears Football Hour-and-a-half south of Atlanta is the central Georgia city of Macon, the hometown of the Allman Brothers, Little Richard, and the Mercer University Bears. Football at Mercer first started in 1891 but went on hiatus twice due to World Wars I & II. During World War I football was paused for two seasons, in 1917 and 1918, then returned in 1919. The program continued until 1941 when football was again dropped, this time for what might have seemed permanent. It would take 71 years for Mercer to see football revived by the time it made its comeback for the 2013 season. 2013 didn’t mark just the return of football at Mercer, but it also saw the opening of Anderson Field at Five Star Stadium. Built for $14 million, Five Star Stadium just isn’t the home of Mercer football but also their men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. Given the astronomical amounts of money spent on building and renovating stadiums, what Mercer has done in building such a gem of a stadium for $14 million is astounding. Food & Beverage 4 There are five traditional concession stands around the stadium, three along the larger west concourse and two smaller ones spread out on the visitors’ side. These stands offer a bit of a limited selection of burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and other stadium staples at very reasonable prices. None of the offerings at these concession stands are more than $6, with most options in the $4 range. Those wanting a bit more still have affordable choices. One of the more popular options is Toby’s BBQ which for $6 you can get either five very hefty smoked wings with a side of BBQ sauce, or a BBQ sandwich with a heaping portion of pulled pork – both are highly recommended. Local catering company Milly Grub also offers a small but impressive menu of dogs and nachos, but one of the most popular items is the Kona shaved ice truck; the line here just seems to get longer as the game goes along. In addition, the local brewery Fall Line has a distinctive presence both inside and outside the stadium. A pre-game biergarten can be found in the heart of the tailgating area outside the stadium, and there are two tents set up inside. The Macon micro-brewery offers its three mainstay brews: Fall Line Lager, Cloudbreaker IPA, and Daily Rind Tangerine-Wheat. Between any of the food or drink options and Fall Line beers, fans can eat a full meal for less than $20. You’d be hard-pressed to find any stadium in the country where you’d be able to eat a full meal for a less expensive price while matching this quality of food. Atmosphere 4 It is evident Mercer puts a priority on the game day experience. Black Field, just north of Five Star Stadium, is a tailgating carnival of pregame festivities. The field features giant inflatables, campus fraternities, and other groups with tents set up with impressive tailgating spreads, as well as a steep embankment that turns into a sliding hill once the tailgating hits full force. The centerpiece of the tailgating area is the university-sponsored game day concert series for each home game. The concert stage does take a break two-and-a-half hours before kickoff, though, as the marching band leads the team through campus to the tailgating field and into Five Star Stadium. Tailgating Concert at Five Star Stadium, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Five Star Stadium itself is a modern, brick facility with separate stands on the east and west sides. The home side features high two-tiered seating, while the field level has 10 rows of aluminum bleachers followed by a second level with four rows of orange plastic stadium seats, followed by several rows of aluminum benches. The visiting seating is built into the surrounding hillside and matches the field-level aluminum seating of the home side. The south end zone spotlights the Drake Field House that includes Mercer’s locker rooms, weight room, and sports medicine facilities. The north end of the stadium features a 2,100-square-foot scoreboard that was installed in 2019. It is mainly used to flash in-game ads, a source of entertainment for the dead time during changes in possessions, and to show the game on the field. What felt missing though was the scoreboard being used to update fans on any statistical information from the game. If there is a drawback to the football atmosphere here, it’s that there seems to be an overreliance on prerecorded music in place of the band. When the defense needs a stop on 3rd down, the horns of Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco” blare from the stadium speakers. Why not have the band blast out these notes when the need for a big stop is needed? It’s not that it takes away from the overall experience, but the prerecorded music tends to overshadow the band’s involvement with the game – it seems as if there could be more of a balance between the two. When purchasing tickets, stick to the home bleachers. For a late afternoon kickoff, fans in the east stands are facing directly into the sun for at least three-quarters of the game, so simply following the action on the field can be difficult. Neighborhood 3 The off-campus areas adjacent to Mercer help feed into the game-day vibe around the stadium. Across from the southern entrance to Mercer is Amici Pizza , which is packed with Bears fans even 3 hours before kickoff. Their front doors are adorned with a large bear logo and the inside features Mercer athletics decor. Over on the northern side of campus, located in Mercer Village is Margaritas Mexican Grille – fans wait outside the doors for a table to grab a pregame meal. While Margaritas is not as close to the stadium it is still a reasonable walk. Margarita's Grill, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Fans coming from a distance or looking to make a weekend out of their visit can stay at one of the two hotels directly adjacent to Mercer’s campus; Hilton Garden Inn and Towne Place Suites are both near Five Star Stadium. Music and sports enthusiasts will have options to pass the time if visiting for the weekend or before a night game. Macon is the hometown of The Allman Brothers and Little Richard , and both have museums within 2 miles of Mercer. Or, fans just wanting to have a full sports experience during their visit might be more interested in visiting the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame or Luther Williams Field, the current home of the Coastal Plain League’s Macon Bacon. Luther Williams Field also served as a long-time minor-league baseball stadium and has been the backdrop for multiple movie shoots, including Trouble with the Curve; scenes from IFC’s Brockmire were also shot here. Fans 3 The Mercer student body, alumni, and local fans turn out to make a game at Five Star Stadium an event. While the official listed capacity is just a shade over 10,000, most official attendance numbers have been well more than that. While the stands themselves might not necessarily show capacity, many fans gather to watch the game from the berms that border both end zones. Fan engagement with the game is about average. There isn’t necessarily a 12th-man feel that’s created by the fanbase, but they are definitely into the highs and lows of the game. The game entertainment team does a good job of building a sense of tradition in the still-growing program by having a student or fan ring the bell in the Elliott Bell Tower following a scoring play. Also, while probably unintentionally created, it’s become a tradition for kids to make sleds from used pizza boxes to slide down the steep, grassy areas along the end zones. Accessibility 4 Located less than half a mile from I-75, getting in and out of Five Star Stadium is rather easy. Traffic can get backed up a bit given the volume of vehicles trying to get back onto the highway, but it does run rather smoothly, and the wait is minimal. Parking lots at Five Star Stadium sit to the east and west and are just a short walk away. One lot is situated to accommodate RVs and their tailgaters, while another larger lot easily handles more traditional fans and their pre-game festivities. There are two entrances into Five Star Stadium – most fans enter through the main western plaza. While the majority of fans use this main entry point, lines move quickly and there is a minimal wait to get in when the gates first open, an hour before kickoff. A second entry point, mostly used for fans of the visiting team, is in the southeast corner of the stadium. Once inside the stadium the concourse almost surrounds the field. Fans can traverse from the home to the visitors’ side of the stadium, and around to the northside berm uninterrupted, but there is no access point to get back into the home bleachers in this direction. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices starting at $15 and seats at the 50-yard line available for $25, tickets are priced very reasonably. Add a parking cost of $10, and you’re looking at one of the most affordable college football experiences you’re going to find. Factor in concessions prices that won’t put a dent in your wallet, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better college football experience for the price. For those wanting to save on ticket prices, a handful of fans set up their tailgating chairs on the hills outside of the stadium for a view of the game, free of charge. Mercer also has a “478 Day” promotion where tickets to the game are only $4.78, a price that reflects their telephone area code. Extras 4 What Mercer has done in less than 10 years since rebooting its program is spectacularly impressive. Between the beautiful stadium they’ve built, the tailgating experience that rivals FBS schools, and the overall affordability of going to their games, it’s no wonder why Mercer has been in the top 10 of FCS Stadium Rankings by Stadium Journey for multiple years. Final Thoughts While the program is still relatively young, Mercer has wasted no time in becoming one of the hidden gems in college football. They have created an all-around positive game day experience from the pregame festivities to the game on the field. Whether you’re a football purist who wants all the pomp and circumstance of college football, or someone who just wants to bring the kids for something to get out and do on a Saturday afternoon, Mercer is as good an experience as you’re going to find.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 North Side Gym 300 Lawrence Street Elkhart, IN 46514 Elkhart High School website North Side Gym website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 7,373 Elkhart’s North Side Gym Still a Stunner North Side Gymnasium opened in 1954 and is one of the granddaddies of Indiana high school basketball gyms. When it opened, it seated a whopping 8,348 people and was the biggest of its kind in the world; Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium had been built 5 years before. In the first season of the building, a total of 134,000 people witnessed basketball from the regular season to tournament games, plus an additional 70,000 plus from wrestling matches, the ice follies, conventions, and a Harlem Globetrotters game. The place was hopping with much more than basketball and was a centerpiece for the community. Today, the gym holds 7,373 people, still good enough for sixth in the world, and still hosts events from basketball games to conventions, and concerts last year sold out every one of those seats for a political rally for President Donald Trump. It has served as a sectional site every year since its first season but has not hosted a regional or semi-state basketball game since 1997. Elkhart Memorial and Central High School both play their home games at the gym, but that will change in 2020 when the two schools merge to become Elkhart High School. It is also home to the North Side Middle School basketball program, perhaps making it the largest gym of its kind at the middle school level. The original Elkhart High School racked up 28 sectional and 13 regional championships to go along with 2 finals appearances and 1 state runner-up finish before it was split into Central and Memorial in 1972. Food & Beverage 3 There are two large concession stands located in the outer concourse of the seating bowl that provide all the typical snacks. Candy popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, walking tacos, and pretzels are all affordable and cash only. If you have a sweet tooth, caramel popcorn, and locally made caramel cinnamon donut holes are popular items. Pepsi products are available throughout the building. Atmosphere 4 The North Side Gym offers a magnificent façade on both ends of the building that does not look like it has changed too much in the 54 years that it has been opened. The entrances also feature the original ticket booths that are in the entryway to the main lobby. One item that is new to the gym is the $200,000 privately donated video board that was installed in 2017. The four-sided video board can show live videos, and animated segments, and provide stats from the game. It is the only one of its kind in all of the high school gyms and fieldhouses in the state. The gym also possesses the biggest banners that I have seen in a gym that honor Elkhart’s High School’s 1954 and 1955 basketball semi-state appearances and the 1971 state final runner-up team. The other large banners honor Memorial and Central championships and tournament appearances. Throughout the game, the banners sway back and forth and blend perfectly in the historic gymnasium. The outer concourse features two large concession areas that include narrow hallways that display team photos of past basketball championship teams, memorabilia from both high schools’ past, and both female and male student-athletes of the year. However, there could be a lot more memorabilia displayed throughout the gym due to its importance not only for high school basketball but also for the Elkhart community. Two levels in the seating bowl offer a wrap-around upper concourse to make access a little bit better for moving around during heavily attendant events. The upper seating consists of pull-out bleachers and a few permanent stands that are wedged into the corner of the building and they look quite durable. Neighborhood 4 The gym is about a mile away from downtown Elkhart, also known as the Gateway Mile. The area features an array of attractions from restaurants to theaters, museums, and a riverwalk during the warmer times of the year. There is quite a bit of activity to do before or after a game and with it being so close, it would be silly not to spend some time during your visit. The Riverwalk Culture Trail features green space, gardens, and sculptures but might be somewhat cold during the basketball season. The Lerner Theatre offers concerts and performances, and the Midwest Museum of American Art is inside a neo-classical style former bank that showcases both 19th and 20th-century American art. The National New York Central Railroad Museum preserves both national and local railroad heritage, telling the story of how trains shaped this country. 523 Tap & Grill combines bistro fare and an elegant atmosphere, Five Star Dive Bar is a casual spot for lunch and dinner, featuring live music every weekend. Beer lovers will enjoy Iechyd Da Brewing Company which has personal-sized pizza and $4 pints of craft beer on its menu board. There are also a few more breweries in the area including Evil Czech Brewery Public House and Bare Hands Brewery. Fans 4 They said they don’t pack them in as they used to but during tournament time a building such as the North Side Gym reminds people that Hoosier Hysteria is indeed alive and well. Four schools brought in a healthy amount of fans and students to provide a soundtrack to the tournament. There are all the fixings of Indiana high school basketball from standing student sections, fans jeering at the referees for a bad call, and the storming of the court after the big win. Access 3 NSG is located at North Side Middle School and a few miles north and south of the town's major freeways. I-90 is a toll road and is about 4 miles north of the gym, while SR 20 is 5 miles south of the gym. There are not any signs of the gym, but GPS devices will lead motorists to the spot. There is plenty of parking and during this game, attendants guided motorists to spots an hour before the first tip-off. It can get somewhat crowded in the lower section seating area; there is more room in this area for people to move around while still having a great view of the court. Return on Investment 3 The North Side Gym is one of the iconic venues in the state and perhaps slightly unappreciated to many of us who live a couple of hours south of Elkhart. It is a building that feels like it was made for basketball and offers all the amenities one would expect from this type of arena. Tickets are $10 for both semi-state and $6 for regular season games, parking is free, and the most expensive concession item is $4. Extras 3 The gym receives one point for the four-sided video board that can show live videos, and animated segments, and provide stats from the game. It is the only one of its kind in all of the high school gyms and fieldhouses in the state. The gym receives a second point for the façade that defines the look and character of the building. The simple, yet elegant, wording of the North Side Gym most likely has not changed in 65 years. The third and final point is for the giant banners that wisp in the air in the backcourt and provide the look needed for a basketball gym in any state or at any level. Final Thoughts The North Side Gym is a true gem of Hoosier Temples and continues to provide the community with much more than a place for basketball. Current renovations that include a new video board and scoreboards will indeed make it the place for possible future regional and semi-state games. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mount Vernon Athletic Complex 2100 Foxhall Rd NW Washington, DC 20007 George Washington Revolutionaries website Mount Vernon Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity : 500 Colonial Soccer Note: In June 2023, George Washington University changed its team name from the Colonials to the Revolutionaries. Located on George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, three miles from the main campus in Foggy Bottom, the Mount Vernon Athletic Complex plays home to several of the Colonials’ athletic programs. The soccer program plays at the main athletic field in the complex, which is also home to the school’s women’s lacrosse program (GW does not have a men’s lacrosse team.) There are also tennis courts, a softball field, and a student gym in the complex. Although sometimes the field is known as GW Soccer Field when used for soccer, it is also referred to by the name of the whole complex given its other uses. Food & Beverage 0 No food and beverage is available for sale at GW soccer games. There is a cafeteria inside West Hall adjacent to the stadium which sells meals at mealtimes which can be taken into the stadium, and one does not need to be a student to buy from there, but it is only open during meal hours and you are at the mercy of whatever they happen to be serving that day. Atmosphere 3 The Mount Vernon Athletic Complex has a rather unique seating layout. Assuming you are coming from the parking garage or walking in from off-campus, you will find some random chairs strewn about on a lawn across the street from the stadium. Some fans like to watch from here, or you can walk around to three rows of bleachers on the far side by West Hall. These bleachers can get cramped and there is really no aisle to speak of going across, so expect to have to walk across fans and get walked across yourself. There is a scoreboard on one end of the field which shows only the most basic information. The Colonials have a mascot, who unsurprisingly is a costumed version of George Washington, who sometimes makes appearances at soccer games. Neighborhood 4 The Mount Vernon Athletic Complex is located in Northwest Washington off Foxhall Road. Although there are several scenic parks and trails in the vicinity, as well as the German Embassy, your best bet for dining is to head elsewhere in the District. A seafood place and an Italian restaurant are located west of the Mount Vernon campus near the Potomac River, and some other places up MacArthur Boulevard, but most of your options will be closer to Downtown, not further. The Tenleytown and Georgetown neighborhoods are a short drive or Uber ride away and offer numerous dining and entertainment options. You can also head downtown and visit the many historic sites. monuments, and memorials along the National Mall. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 4 Although George Washington only draws a couple of hundred fans a game, it seems like more because the bleachers are so compact. Although many fans are family or friends of the players, there are some locals as well. They tend to be extremely knowledgeable about the team and the players and it can get quite loud despite the small crowd size. George Washington has a large international student body, and this is reflected in their student-athletes as well, so you will often see friends, family, and student compatriots of international players flying the flags of their countries and waving signs or cheering for them in their native language. Some fans like to sit in the chairs across the street, but the real crowd action is in the bleachers alongside the field. Access 4 Depending on how you are arriving, the Mount Vernon campus can either be significantly easier or significantly harder to get to than the main campus in Foggy Bottom. While it is not Metro-accessible, it is a lot easier to drive to this campus in outer Washington than it is to drive downtown to the main campus. There is a parking garage on campus right next to the stadium. Parking is free all day on weekends or for up to three hours on weekdays. It can get very pricey if staying for more than three hours on a weekday, starting at $16 for up to four hours and going up from there, so try to go on a weekend or time your visit accordingly. As noted above, the bleachers can be cramped and hard to get around. If this is a concern for you, you can sit in the chairs across the street and have a good view of the game, just arrive early so they aren’t all taken. Although there are no restrooms at the field itself, there are some in West Hall. Just take the stairs or elevator down a level and they are easy to get to. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Colonials’ soccer games is free. You won’t pay for concessions because there aren’t any. We suggest visiting on a weekend to maximize value without having to carefully time things to avoid paying a ridiculous amount for parking. Extras 1 One star for all the unique vantage points to watch a game here. Whether it’s sitting in the crowded bleachers, in chairs across the street, or standing along the fence, there are plenty of ways to take in a GW soccer game here. Final Thoughts Although the Mount Vernon Athletic Complex doesn’t seem like much, even compared to other college soccer venues in the area like Maryland and Georgetown, it is a unique stadium on the outskirts of D.C. where fans can take in a game for free on a crisp fall day. It is a perfect example of how sometimes, less is more. Although the stadium is far from imposing, the small, intimate setting creates a much louder and more entertaining environment than a larger, mostly empty stadium would.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Mount Vernon Athletic Complex 2100 Foxhall Rd NW Washington, DC 20007 George Washington Revolutionaries website Mount Vernon Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity : 500 A Lacrosse Revolution in D.C. Located on George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, three miles from the main campus in Foggy Bottom, the Mount Vernon Athletic Complex plays home to several of the Revolutionaries' athletic programs. The women's lacrosse team plays at the main athletic field, which is also home to GW soccer . (GW does not have a men's lacrosse team.) There are also tennis courts, a softball field , and a student gym in the complex. Food & Beverage 0 No food and beverage is available for sale at GW lacrosse games games. There is a cafeteria inside West Hall adjacent to the stadium which sells meals at mealtimes which can be taken into the stadium, and one does not need to be a student to buy from there, but it is only open during meal hours and you are at the mercy of whatever they happen to be serving that day, if it is even open when you visit. Atmosphere 2 The Mount Vernon Athletic Complex has a rather unique seating layout. Assuming you are coming from the parking garage or walking in from off-campus, you will find some random chairs strewn about on a lawn across the street from the stadium. Some fans like to watch from here, or you can walk around to three rows of bleachers on the far side by West Hall. These bleachers can get cramped and there is really no aisle to speak of going across, so expect to have to walk across fans and get walked across yourself. There is a scoreboard on one end of the field which shows only the most basic information. There is really not much going on here besides the game itself. George Washington has a mascot, who appropriately is a costumed version of George Washington himself, but he was not present when we visited. Neighborhood 4 The Mount Vernon Athletic Complex is located in Northwest Washington off Foxhall Road. Although there are several scenic parks and trails in the vicinity, as well as the German Embassy, your best bet for dining is to head elsewhere in the District. A seafood place and an Italian restaurant are located west of the Mount Vernon campus near the Potomac River, and some other places up MacArthur Boulevard, but most of your options will be closer to Downtown, not further. The Tenleytown and Georgetown neighborhoods are a short drive or Uber ride away and offer numerous dining and entertainment options. You can also head downtown and visit the many historic sites. monuments, and memorials along the National Mall. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 The Revolutionaries only draw a couple hundred fans to a typical home game, and with about half choosing to sit in the bleachers and half choosing to sit in the chairs along the grass or bring their own. The crowd is knowledgeable about the team and the sport, but not particularly loud. Most of them are friends or family of the players, although you do get some other locals as well.. When GW is playing a nearby school, expect to have a lot of visiting fans in attendance as well. Because it is far from campus, there are few GW students in attendance, although there is a shuttle bus that runs between the campuses, so they would be able to get here if they wanted io. Access 3 Depending on how you are arriving, the Mount Vernon campus can either be significantly easier or significantly harder to get to than the main campus in Foggy Bottom. While it is not Metro-accessible, it is a lot easier to drive to this campus in outer Washington than it is to drive downtown to the main campus. There is a parking garage on campus right next to the stadium. Parking is free all day on weekends or for up to three hours on weekdays. It can get very pricey if staying for more than three hours on a weekday, starting at $16 for up to four hours and going up from there, so try to go on a weekend or time your visit accordingly. As noted above, the bleachers can be cramped and hard to get around. If this is a concern for you, you can sit in the chairs across the street and have a good view of the game, just arrive early so they aren’t all taken. Although there are no restrooms at the field itself, there are some in West Hall. Just take the stairs or elevator down a level and they are easy to get to. You may need a GW student to card you into the building depending on the time of day, but there will usually be one nearby to help. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Revolutionaries' lacrosse games is free, with the possible exception of Atlatnic 10 or NCAA Tournament matches. You won’t pay for concessions because there aren’t any. We suggest visiting on a weekend to maximize value without having to carefully time things to avoid paying a ridiculous amount for parking. Extras 1 One star for all the unique vantage points to watch a game here. Whether it’s sitting in the crowded bleachers, in chairs across the street, or standing along the fence, there are plenty of ways to take in a GW lacrosse game here. Final Thoughts The Mount Vernon Athletic Complex is a unique college lacrosse venue with many ways to take in a game. However, at its core it is a pretty basic facility. Fans of George Washington University may want to make the trip here to see a game, but there is not much to offer a neutral unless you are a die-hard lacrosse fan.

Photo courtesy of Army West Point Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Johnson Stadium at Doubleday Field Thayer Road West Point, NY 10956 Army Black Knights baseball website Johnson Stadium at Doubleday Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 880 Duty, Honor, Country…Play Ball! Baseball and the United States Military Academy at West Point have a long history together. One of its graduates, Abner Doubleday, is credited to having created the game, and the field the Black Knights play on is named for him. Baseball was the first official sport to be sanctioned by the academy with the first games taking place in 1890. The physical location of Doubleday Field has been hosting games since 1909. The field was formally dedicated as Doubleday Field in 1939, baseball’s centennial year. The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, with major work being done in 1996 and again in 2013. The Johnson Stadium part of the complex’s name is a salute to Rupert Johnson, class of 1922, who helped raise funds for these renovations. A number of famous Americans have been members of the Black Knights baseball teams over the years. Among the most famous are Omar Bradley, Douglas MacArthur, and General Bob Neyland, the team’s all-time record holder for wins as a pitcher, who went on to be a Hall of Fame football coach at the University of Tennessee. Babe Ruth hit the longest home run ever at Doubleday Field during an exhibition game in 1934, with the ball traveling more than 500 feet. Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson also served as Army’s coach for a few of its earliest teams. The present day Black Knights continue the proud history of Army baseball. They have won seven Patriot League championships and made six NCAA tournament appearances. Due to the harsh winters at West Point, the team has pre season training at the Yankees complex in Tampa and the first half of its regular season is on the road in warmer climates. This allows the cadets to have a long string of home games at the end of the season in front of a friendly home crowd and to build momentum heading into the league and NCAA tournaments. Food & Beverage 3 For those who have served in the military, you definitely have better food offerings at Doubleday Field than the MRE’s you once subsisted on! Cadet Food Services brings a fully stocked concession trailer to the field for each game. Among their food offerings are sodas for $3, water for $2, hot dogs and pretzels for $3, while assorted candies and chips are $2. They also offer coffee and hot chocolate as it can get cold on the cliffs above the Hudson far into the spring. Due to security regulations, coolers are not allowed on the campus, and visitors are not permitted in the Cadet Dining Hall, so bringing in or purchasing food other than at the ballpark are not options. Atmosphere 5 Attending a baseball game at Doubleday Field is a unique experience as you are surrounded by history. There are buildings bearing the names of famous generals, the cemetery where many of America’s heroes are buried, and monuments to their accomplishments. All of these are just steps away from Doubleday Field. Over the right field wall are the library and academic complex. Over the left field wall are stunning views of the Hudson River winding past the campus. The stadium is designed for this very purpose. Its low profile does not obstruct the views and its outer walls of granite are meant to emulate the architecture of the surrounding buildings. A nice addition to the exterior of the stadium is a series of engravings of a pitcher, catcher and fielder with West Point buildings in the background. Topping it all off, sitting next to you and playing in front of you are tomorrow’s heroes. You can’t help but to root for the home team and you stand a little straighter and much prouder when the national anthem is played before the game. Another unique moment during Army baseball games comes at 5pm when Evening Retreat (the lowering of the main U.S. flag on campus) is sounded across the campus. The game stops immediately, even if in the middle of a pitch count, and the players, fans and visiting teams all face the parade grounds where the flag is located. Players place their caps over their hearts and anyone in military uniform gives a salute. The campus is completely silent except for the sound of the trumpet until the flag has been lowered. Then the game resumes. Neighborhood 3 The area immediately surrounding Doubleday Field is the United States Military Academy campus. The best way to see the campus is via a free tour bus, as much of the campus is not open to civilians. Outside of the campus is the quaint village of Highland Falls, New York. The town is made up of mom and pop stores, no chain or big box stores. The nicest accommodations in town are right at the entrance to the USMA’s Thayer Gate at the historic Hotel Thayer. It is filled with memorabilia about the Academy and offers stunning views of the Hudson River below the academy. Two other lodging options in town are the West Point Motel and Overlook on the Hudson (a bed and breakfast that was formerly Billy Joel’s home). Among the restaurants to choose from in Highland Falls are Park Restaurant and the Hacienda. Other restaurants and the usual chains are located about 15 miles from the academy in adjoining communities or along I-87. The visitor’s center for the USMA is actually located in the town and is an excellent source of information on the surrounding areas in addition to the Academy itself. Fans 4 The mix of fans you will run into at a Black Knights game is quite a mix. Obviously a large portion will come from the corps of cadets, seeking a short respite from the rigid lifestyle of a military academy and known for its demanding academic standards. Their allegiance to the team is unquestioned and they will cheer loudly, but you will hear no trash talking due to the strict code of conduct at the academy. You are just as likely to be sitting next to a retired general and alumni, who may be on the Board of Directors of a Fortune 500 company now. The third segment of the crowd is the townspeople of Highland Falls, whose lives and jobs are often intertwined with the Academy. Access 3 The United States Military Academy is an active military installation, and has stringent security regulations. All visitors to the campus must enter through the Security Checkpoint located at Thayer Gate. A valid photo ID is required for admittance. Cars may be searched by security personnel during high alert periods, but typically this is not required. You will be given instructions on how to reach Doubleday Field from security. Do not leave the instructed route as many areas of the campus are off limits to civilians. You may want to acquaint yourself with the campus by stopping at the USMA Visitors Center located outside the gates in downtown Highland Falls, which is just outside the Thayer Gate. The nearest airports are in White Plains, NY or Newburgh, NY. By car you would take I-87 to the Highland Falls exit and follow the directions to the USMA. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge to attend a Black Knights baseball game, nor is there any charge for parking. The concessions are limited, but very reasonable in price. Throw in that you are attending a game in one of the most historic and important facilities of United States history as well as a well played game and it is impossible to feel you have not gotten your money’s worth out of the experience. The remoteness of the location and the stringent security requirements are a small price to pay when we realize that national defense depends on the work done on this campus. Extras 3 The best way to see the academy campus is via West Point Tours. They are the licensed vendor with the USMA and are allowed in areas off limits to cars or visitors on foot. One and two hour long tours are available. Bear Mountain State Park is just outside of town and offers great hiking with the views of the Hudson you will never see from the road. Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall is located at the I-87 exit leading into town and has more than 100 stores for those who like to combine shopping on their stadium journeys.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Columbus Civic Center 400 4th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus River Dragons website Columbus Civic Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 7,459 River Dragons Fire Up Columbus Columbus, Georgia has a long history of minor league ice hockey. The Columbus Cottonmouths were based in the city from 1996-2017. They played in the CHL (1996-2001), the ECHL (2001-2004), and the SPHL (2004-2017) at different points in their history. They won the CHL Championship in 1998. The Columbus River Dragons came into existence in 2019. They are members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) which serves as the Class A level of professional hockey. Other teams in the FPHL are in Battle Creek, MI, Danbury, CT, Danville, IL, Winston-Salem, NC, Elmira, NY, Harrington, DE, Mentor, OH, and Port Huron, MI. The River Dragons’ lair is the Columbus Civic Center. It was built in 1996 and has a seating capacity of 10,000 (7,459 in its hockey configuration). It also has three suites which are available on a game-by-game basis. The Dragon Party Pits are a set of group/party seating areas located at the ice level at the end of the ice where the River Dragons are on the attack twice during the game. The Civic Center features a Daktronics center-hung four-sided scoreboard. The Dragon’s Den sells team merchandise at the concourse level. Food & Beverage 3 There are six concession stands located at the concourse level of the facility. The number of these stands that are open on a given night depends on the expected attendance. Service was very efficient the night we attended a game, so we did not encounter any lines. The menu of items served at the stands is limited, as it offers only the usual arena staples of hot dogs, candy, popcorn, and soft drinks. Atmosphere 4 The return of hockey to the Columbus area has brought a great deal of excitement to the River City. The team has picked up where the Cottonmouths left off and built on their legacy by offering a very impressive team that won an Ignite Cup in its second year of existence. The staff of the team does a great job of keeping a night out at a game as entertaining as possible. They do all sorts of competitions in between the periods and Scorch and Torch can often be found roaming the stands, posing very willingly with the fans. There is not a bad seat in the house. The concourses are wide and allow for easy navigation between periods or prior to the game. Torch Serves as the River Dragon's Mascot, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The Columbus Civic Center is in a sports complex known as the South Commons and Golden Park. The complex features the Civic Center, a stand-alone ice skating rink, a baseball park, a football stadium, and a skateboard park. Golden Park is home to a softball stadium that served as the women’s softball venue during the 1996 Olympic Games. The South Commons complex lies along the eastern shore of the Chattahoochee River, which serves as the Georgia/Alabama state border. The Civic Center is just south of downtown Columbus. It is also just north of the Fort Benning Army base. Ft. Benning is the largest training facility for the US Army in the country. There are two military-related museums near the venue. The National Civil War Naval Museum offers a look at the various ships and ironclads used by both the Union and the Confederacy in battles to control access to the ports that were vital supply lines to both sides. This museum is located across the parking lot from the Civic Center. Fort Benning is home to the National Infantry Museum and is located a few blocks east of the Civic Center. Downtown Columbus is located just north of the Civic Center via Veteran’s Parkway. It features the home of blues legend Ma Rainey as well as the homes of John Pemberton, the inventor of the formula for Coca-Cola, and the residence of author Carson McCullers, who wrote: “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.” Fans 3 The River Dragons fanbase is a combination of the hardcore fans who have been involved in Columbus hockey since 1996. They are easy to identify, as it is not usual to see fans still wearing their Cottonmouth jerseys. The team is very involved in the community, especially doing appearances in local schools and at youth hockey games taking place next door at the Columbus Ice Center. This seems to be paying off, as there are a number of teams at each game. The team recognizes the teams before the game and in between the periods. The youth teams often take the ice themselves in a very short game between the periods. A third component of the fanbase is members of the military. Fort Benning is a close neighbor to the Civic Center and troops going through basic training frequent River Dragons when they are allowed an evening off base. Columbus is also the permanent home for many retired military personnel. Often these service members grew up in towns where hockey is more prevalent than in the South. They know the game well and enjoy seeing it played at any level. Access 4 The Columbus Civic Center is easy to access as it is located at the intersection of two of Columbus’ main thoroughfares. It is equally easy to access from Phenix City, AL, which is just across the state line from Columbus Directions from the North: Take I-85 South to I-185 South. Take I-185 South to Exit 1B (Victory Drive/US Highway 27 North) Turn right at end of the ramp. Continue Victory Drive until you reach the Veteran’s Parkway intersection. Turn left at this intersection into the Civic Center parking lot. Directions from the West: From Phenix City, AL take US Highway 280 East, crossing the Chattahoochee River into Georgia. At the intersection of Victory Drive and Veteran’s Parkway turn right into the Columbus Civic Center’s parking lot. Return on Investment 4 A night out with the River Dragons will not burn a hole in your wallet. Seats on the sides of the rink at both the 100 and 200 level cost $12. Seats at the south end of the ice cost $10. Parking at the Columbus Civic Center is free for River Dragons games. The concessions sold at the Civic Center are very reasonably priced. Hotels in the area cost less than $100 a night. Extras 4 The team mascots are a pair of dragons named Torch and Scorch. Present River Dragons Coach and General Manager Jerome Bechard is “Mr. Hockey” in the Columbus area. He has been a part of the Columbus hockey scene since 2004 as a player, coach, and General Manager. The Columbus Ice Center is located next door to the Civic Center. It serves as the home ice for the youth hockey teams in the area and is also the home ice for the Auburn University club hockey team. The River Dragons are one of the few Class A hockey teams that have a TV contract. WTVM broadcasts twenty-two games a year. Final Thoughts Minor league hockey has returned to the River City in the form of the Columbus River Dragons. They have already brought a great deal of excitement to Columbus as they won the Ignite Cup in only their second year of existence. The Dragon’s Lair is located alongside the Chattahoochee River at the Columbus Civic Center.

Each photo courtesy of the MiLB team that mascot(s) represents I think it is fair to say that American sports fans love a mascot. Virtually every major league sports franchise boasts some colorful, larger-than-life embodiment of their team, and there is even a Hall of Fame  devoted to the best of the best in the mascot world.   One avenue where the mascot truly thrives is in the wild, often carnival-like world of minor league baseball. Minor league teams annually pull out all the stops to keep themselves top-of-mind for their fans, like “colorful” team names, wacky promotions, live entertainment, and of course, the mascots.   Here in Texas, this is no exception. Currently there are 12 minor league franchises in the Lone Star State across multiple levels and multiple leagues. Nine of these ballclubs feature at least one costumed mascot at their home stadiums. Here is a quick rundown – in alphabetical order – of all the minor league mascots in Texas:   Amarillo Sod Poodles   Founded: 2019 Stadium: Hodgetown Stadium League: Double-A Texas League Mascot: RUCKUS the Sod Poodle Ruckus, Photo Courtesy of the Amarillo Sod Poodles For the uninitiated, in the far northern reaches of the panhandle of Texas, a “sod poodle” refers to a prairie dog. Officially recognized as a black-tailed prairie dog, RUCKUS made his debut along with the team in 2019. His bio lists his favorite hobbies as baseball (of course), digging, and sleeping, and his favorite snacks are grass, flowering plants, hot dogs, and Cracker Jack. --- Cleburne Railroaders   Founded: 2017 Stadium: The Depot at Cleburne Station League: American Association of Professional Baseball (Independent) Mascots: Gandy  & Spike Gandy and Spike, Photo Courtesy of the Cleburne Railroaders As could be guessed by their name, the railroad – specifically the Santa Fe Railroad, which built a major hub in the city in 1898 – plays a large part in the history of the north Texas city of Cleburne. With that in mind, the Railroaders’ two mascots play into that history and culture. Spike is literally a railroad spike brought to life, while Gandy pays homage to the Santa Fe workers of the past, who were called “Gandy Dancers”. --- Corpus Christi Hooks   Founded: 2005 Stadium: Whataburger Field League: Double-A Texas League Mascots: Sammy the Seagull  & Rusty the Fish Hook   Sammy and Rusty, Photo Courtesy of the Corpus Christi Hooks Located near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Hooks and their home stadium pay homage to the history and industry of Corpus Christi. Their mascots, Sammy the Seagull and Rusty Hook, have been part of the club since opening day. Rusty is the official logo of the team, while Sammy has a nest atop the left-field foul pole. ---  El Paso Chihuahuas   Founded: 2014 Stadium: Southwest University Park League: Triple-A Pacific Coast League Mascot: Chico   Chico, Photo Courtesy of El Paso Chihuahuas Set in the farthest outpost in the great state of Texas, the city of El Paso is unlike any other in the state. Historic and rugged, the city is equal parts Mexico and Texas. The ballclub takes its name from the Chihuahuan Desert that encompasses the area. The team’s mascot, Chico, is a human-sized Chihuahua dog and one of the most beloved ambassadors of the city. His bio notes that he is a classically trained barker; in college he majored in recognition and retrieval of tennis balls, with a minor in bone-burying. --- Frisco RoughRiders   Founded: 2003 Stadium: Dr Pepper Ballpark League: Double-A Texas League Mascots: Deuce, Daisy, Ted E Bear & Bull Moose Deuce, Daisy, Ted E Bear & Bull Moose, Photos Courtesy of Frisco RoughRiders The Dallas/Fort Worth suburb of Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It has been home to its minor league team for over two decades, with the team named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt’s famed volunteer cavalry unit, which called Texas their base of operations. The RoughRiders also stake claim to having the most mascots of any team in the state – Deuce  and Daisy  are a male and female pair of prairie dogs, while the other two, Bull Moose  (a nod to the former President’s one-time political party) and Ted E Bear  (a giant bear wearing Roosevelt’s military garb), pay homage to Roosevelt lore. --- Midland RockHounds   Founded: 1999 Stadium: Momentum Bank Ballpark League: Double-A Texas League Mascots: Juice, Rocky, & Chip   Juice, Rocky, & Chip, Photo Courtesy of the Midland RockHounds The West Texas city of Midland sits at the crossroads of the state’s booming oil and gas industries. Their minor league club, one of the oldest continually active ones in the Texas league, owes its name to the energy economy (a “rockhound” is a nickname for a geologist). Midland boasts no less than three mascots: Juice the Moose, who has been with the team since the ‘80s and, according to his bio, spends his off seasons in Montana; Rocky the RockHound, Sr., who is Juice’s best friend and doubles as the team’s logo; and last but not least the newest mascot, Chip the Rock Hammer, who spends his free time digging up dog bones for Rocky. --- Round Rock Express   Founded: 2000 Stadium: Dell Diamond League: Triple-A Pacific Coast League Mascot: Spike     Spike, Photo Courtesy of the Round Rock Express Just north of the capital city of Austin lies Round Rock and its minor league ball club, the Express. Named in honor of team owner Nolan Ryan, the Express has been one of the state’s most successful clubs on the field. The team’s mascot, Spike , is one of my personal favorites, as he is a human-sized bulldog dressed as a train conductor. ---  San Antonio Missions   Founded: 2021 Stadium: Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium League: Double-A Texas League Mascots: Ballapeño  & Mamapeño Ballapeño & Mamapeño, Photo Courtesy of the San Antonio Missions Another of the oldest minor league teams in Texas (historically founded in 1892), and located in the historic city of San Antonio, the team owes its moniker to the 17th century Spanish missions  that dot the city. Including the famed Alamo, these missions are part of the National Park System and were designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Officially boasting two mascots ( although a third “unofficial” one  has been part of the team since moving into the Wolff in 1994) in Ballapeño and his mother Mamapeño, they are both human-sized jalapeño peppers. Don’t cross Mamapeño though, lest you feel the wrath of her chancla ! --- Sugar Land Space Cowboys   Founded: 2021 Stadium: Constellation Field League: Triple-A Pacific Coast League Mascot: Orion   Orion, Photo Courtesy of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys The city of Sugar Land is a major suburb of the greater Houston metro area. Founded as a company town for the Imperial Sugar Company, the city has a long and proud sports tradition. The Space Cowboys, named in honor of nearby Houston’s NASA Johnson Space Center, also have one of the more unique mascots in the land in Orion – this blue-hued space canine was found on the Saturn moon of Mimas, but stowed away on an explorer’s spaceship to make Sugar Land his home. ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Centene Stadium 1015 25th St N Great Falls, MT 59401 Great Falls Voyagers website Centene Stadium website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 4,000 Home of the Great Falls Voyagers Perched on a breezy bluff above the Missouri River, Centene Stadium is the home of the Great Falls Voyagers, a member of the Rookie Advanced Pioneer League’s eight-team circuit and part of the Chicago White Sox farm system. The stadium, originally known as Legion Park, was first constructed in 1940 as a WPA project at the end of the Great Depression. In the 1950s and 60’s the stadium fell into disrepair and minor league baseball left for a time. Citizens of Great Falls banded together to raise funds to renovate the stadium, and minor league baseball returned in the late 1960s. The stadium is owned by the City of Great Falls and is also home to all of Great Falls's American Legion baseball teams. Ongoing renovations including a new office wing in 2003, an expanded concourse in 2010, and a new outfield wall in 2014, along with many more upgrades and improvements give the stadium a more updated and modern look than its 1940 birthday would indicate. The Voyagers, and their alien mascot Orbit, take their name from a famous UFO sighting in 1950 when the General Manager of the Great Falls Electrics, Nick Mariana, caught some film footage of two silver unidentified objects passing over Great Falls. The video helped set off a frenzy of UFO investigations that continues to this day. Food & Beverage 3 It’s been a great surprise touring these Pioneer League ballparks and seeing the nice variety of concessions available. Centene Stadium is no exception. The main concession stands are located underneath the main grandstand. The prices won’t break the bank with a hot dog being $3.00, small soda $3.00, a hamburger $6.00, chicken strips $6.50, and french fries $3.00. Beer is sold below the grandstand as well with domestic and micros available on tap and in aluminum pints and cans. A domestic draft like Bud or Bud Light is $4.50. Local micros are also available including Belgian White, a popular wheat ale brewed in nearby Belt, Montana for $5.50. But that’s not all, there’s some specialty stands located along the third baseline next to the Home Run Club patio selling pizza, bbq, donuts, and the Mighty Mo Brewing Company tent, selling their brews made right here in Great Falls. Atmosphere 3 It’s summertime. It’s a beautiful evening. The beer is tasty and minor league baseball is being played. What a great way to relax and unwind from the day. There are Voyager fans who love their team, but no one gets too worked up about anything. The PA announcer does a good job of keeping the crowd up to date and Orbit the mascot constantly roams around with the local kids in tow. The big blue Montana sky above just adds to the ambiance. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located amongst some huge grain elevators, railroad tracks, and other industrial buildings. It would be a bit of a hike from the ballpark to any bars or restaurants, but it’s easy to get to those places by bike or car. Residential Great Falls is just a few blocks away with its gridded tree and sidewalk lined street system. There’s a golf course beyond the outfield fence and a Veterans Memorial next to the parking lot to soften the impact of the otherwise industrial neighborhood. Take in the views of the Black Eagle Dam just across River Drive from the stadium. Also just down the road is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, not be missed if visiting Great Falls, and Giant Springs State Park-also very much worth stopping to see. Downtown Great Falls (3 miles from the stadium) has had some hard times since the 1980s, but it is coming back to life in a wonderful way. There are several interesting bars, restaurants, and shops downtown worth exploring. A couple of highlights are the Celtic Cowboy Pub and Restaurant next to the Hotel Arvon, a boutique hotel located in one of Great Falls’ oldest and completely restored buildings. The campy Sip and Dip Lounge with their swimming mermaids in an aquarium behind the bar is almost world famous. And the Mighty Mo Brewing Company’s taproom has brought back some energy to the area. Great Falls has numerous museums to take in including the aforementioned Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, along with a railroad museum, children’s museum, and the C.M. Russell Museum, featuring the former home, studio, and artwork of Montana’s most famous artist, Charlie Russell. Fans 3 What really stands out to me is the number of kids in the stands. It’s a real family affair at a Voyagers game. The crowd is friendly and knowledgeable. Most of the kids are there for the concessions or to socialize, but there are many hardcore baseball fans who are interested in the game, keeping score, cheering on the individual players, and chastising the umpire if they feel it is necessary. Everyone seems to be having a good time and all encounters are very welcoming to visitors. Access 3 Centene Stadium is located off River Drive, a busy roadway connecting downtown to the industrial areas above the Missouri River and the tourist attractions in the vicinity such as the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Giant Springs State Park. The stadium is also easily accessed from the residential street grid from 25th Street North. Just pay attention, as some of the streets, including 25 Street, turn into one-ways. It’s easy to get to the stadium by bicycle or on foot via the street grid. Unfortunately, a direct connection hasn’t been made between the stadium and the extensive River’s Edge Trail system. There are bike racks right next to the ticket window. However, the locals don’t seem to take advantage of this opportunity as there are generally only a few bikes in the bike rack. Free motor vehicle parking is in excessive abundance right next to the stadium. Once parked, many hardcore baseball fans walk the smooth pavement leading to the ticket booth and entrance. Though being a very old stadium, renovations have been retrofitted well to make the facility handicapped accessible. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are pretty reasonable at $10 for box seats behind home plate and $8 for general admission bleacher seats. There are always ticket promotions throughout the season as well; just check the Voyagers official website. A generous amount of reserved and general admission seating is undercover for those hot sunny day games. The metal bleachers are a little on the hard side, so a seat cushion is a good thing to have. Concessions are not unreasonably expensive for a minor-league baseball game, and there are lots of choices. There’s no reason to leave Centene Stadium hungry or thirsty. Extras 3 One bonus point for the roof over the main grandstand. Many newer ballparks seem to be lacking this amenity, but it makes going to a baseball game in the summer an altogether more pleasant experience on hot and/or breezy days, and Great Falls gets a lot of both. One bonus point for the Great Falls River’s Edge Trail system. Though it doesn’t directly connect to the stadium, this extensive trail system takes visitors by bike or on foot along both sides of the magnificent Missouri River. There are all sorts of interpretive signs along the paths and there are great views of the dams and what’s left of the waterfalls that give the City its name. One bonus point for Great Falls founder, Paris Gibson, who laid out the City in such a logical way and with generous amounts of parkland-especially along the river. Gibson’s influence has fostered a strong sense of community in Great Falls, and it shows in the many public amenities available, including many parks, museums, trails, and the City-owned Centene Stadium. Whether you are a Montanan looking for a weekend getaway, or a tourist passing through the state, Great Falls is a great place to spend a few days in the summertime. Final Thoughts Going to Centene Stadium will give you a pretty typical minor-league baseball experience, and a typical minor-league experience is a wonderful experience.

Photos by Tyler Huskinson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Brent Brown Ballpark 970 West University Pkwy Orem, UT 84058 Brent Brown Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 Orem’s Owlz If anyone is looking for a good baseball game in a beautiful venue, a trip to Utah County for an Orem Owlz game is a must. The Owlz have played in Utah Valley University’s Brent Brown Ballpark since 2005, and theres no reason to think that will change any time soon. The stadium seats 5,000 spectators and boasts beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains to the west. The Owlz have competed in the Pioneer League since 2001 and are a rookie league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers typical ballpark food but few specialties. There are two main concession options, All-Star and Grand Slam. The former offers hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts and popcorn for $3, and jumbo hot dogs, chili cheese fries and nachos for $4. Combo meals are available, as well. Grand Slam features typical grill items. Burgers, corn dogs, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders are available in combos between $6 and $9. Ice cream is also available around the stadium, and drinks (Coke and Pepsi products) range from $2-$5. No ballpark item really stands out from other stadiums. There aren’t any local Utah flavors or dishes available on the menus. Atmosphere 3 Owlz games don’t draw a typical baseball crowd. The fans are mostly families, with young children overly abundant throughout the stands. Many families sit in the general admission section, which is a grass lawn that stretches from third base to the end of left field. To the left of the main entrance, inflatables and playground equipment are also available for children. The Owlz make their games very family friendly, which in turn draws plenty of families from the Utah County area to each game . For those seeking a traditional baseball atmosphere, though, Orem may not be on the top of your list. Walk-up music for batters is barely audible, as are other tunes (mainly country selections) that plays in between innings. Alcohol is not allowed inside the stadium. A definite plus is the location. Beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountain Range to the west are available to nearly anyone in the stadium, but more visible to those sitting on the first base side. Neighborhood 4 There may not be a ballpark in the state that is more accessible than Brent Brown. Taking exit 269 off of I-15 puts you in danger of getting hit by a home run, and driving one more block leads you in the parking lot. Driving down University Parkway supplies several pre or postgame eating options. J Dawgs is a classic Provo-born hot dog chain, featuring some of the best “dawgs” available on this side of Chicago. Across the street is In-N-Out Burger, a traditional Cali-born burger joint. Local fresh-Mex favorite Cafe Rio (3.5 miles away) is a little farther down the road, but definitely worth it. Attractions in the area include Seven Peaks Water Park in Provo and countless recreational activities up Provo Canyon. Fans 3 The typical crowd at games is comprised of young families. There isn’t a whole lot of raucous cheering and the ballpark never gets too loud. That said, not much should be expected, as rookie level baseball teams never have too passionate of fan bases. There are a few big-time Owlz fans but not many. Orem usually ranks in the top half of the Pioneer League in attendance, though, which is a notable feat. Access 4 There can’t really be an easier way to access the stadium off of I-15. The only close place to park, though, is the lot outside of the University’s UCCU Center, which costs a few bucks. The concourses inside the stadium are never too crowded, and the facilities are kept clean. Return on Investment 5 There may not be a better-priced ticket for any professional sport in the state. $12 lands you front row seats behind home plate (if you buy them in time), and $4 gets you general admission seats on the grass. Typically, fans spend more on parking and concessions than on the tickets themselves. Extras 3 One extra point for the impressive in-stadium advertising, despite sharing a ballpark with Utah Valley University. There is no shortage of Owlz signs and logos strewn throughout the concourse and outfield. Another extra point for the great promotions. The Owlz have a different promotion for every game, ranging from Christmas in July to Back Hair Night. Go figure. One final extra point for their “Field of Dreams” program. Like most professional soccer teams, the Owlz select a local youth baseball team to accompany the players onto the field and join them for the national anthem. Final Thoughts A great place to savor a summer night. If you’re expecting a major league atmosphere, then Orem isn’t the place for you; but if you want an enjoyable evening at the ballpark, be their guest.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Lofton Road S Africa Rd, Shepherd’s Bush London W12 7PJ Queens Park Rangers website Loftus Road website Year Opened: 1904 Capacity: 18,439 Loftus Road – Heading Down the Bush Loftus Road is an 18,439-seat stadium that has been home to the Queens Park Ranger since 1917. The name of the stadium was called Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium from 2019-2022 but has reverted back to its original name. However, what the west London venue lacks in size it certainly makes up for in other ways; the intimate nature of the venue creates a cracking atmosphere, and there probably is no stadium with better access by public transport, nor one with a more eclectic mix in the streets and areas that surround it. After a nomadic existence around west London after they were formed in 1886, QPR first played on Loftus Road in 1920 and after moving away to the nearby White City Stadium, they returned in 1933 and it has been their home since. Floodlights were installed in 1953 and in 1967 the club won its first major trophy, the Football League Cup, with promotion to the top flight for the first time coming a year later. At the start of 1980s Loftus Road became the first of four football league grounds to install a plastic pitch, but after seven seasons with the “drastic plastic,” as it was known, it was replaced with grass. At the start of the millennium, Fulham shared Loftus Road while their Craven Cottage home was brought up to code for the Premier League. A short while before then, rugby club London Wasps ensured that the ground staff was kept on their toes with matches taking place on alternate weekends to Rangers. One of the stadium’s greatest nights came in 1985 when Northern Irish boxer Barry McGuigan challenged the Panamanian Eusebio Pedroza for the WBA featherweight championship. Over 27,000 packed the venue and roared on the Clones Cyclone, who won on points after 15 breathless rounds. There are plans to open a new 40,000 stadium in nearby Old Oak, but until they are firmed up and dates announced for the opening, Loftus Road will continue to provide a cozy home, as it has for most of the last 100 years. Food & Beverage 3 In the stadium itself, the food is the usual option of pies, burgers, hot dogs, and chips washed down with a choice of beer, soda, cider, tea, or coffee. Expect to pay around £5 ($8) for something to fill your belly and wet your whistle. Atmosphere 4 The tight-packed nature of Loftus Road gives the impression that you could easily shout across the pitch and whatever you had to say would be heard by all. It also means that whenever there is a full house and the crowd finds their voices, the atmosphere reverberates around the four interlocking stands. The colours of blue dominate the four straight and narrow stands that make up the facility. It is a completely enclosed venue that is compact and straightforward. Slim floodlights are atop two of the stadium’s stands and a video screen is located for stats and reviews. The South Africa Road stand is the best place to sit and stands out as a two-tiered seating structure that features a mostly unobstructed view of the pitch. The stand is also home to the Paddocks. The Ellerslie Road stand is the smallest but perhaps the nosiest; it is also the only stand not to be painted in blue and white hoops. The majority of the ground’s atmosphere is generated here and is considered the best spot to view a game, also the loudest. Neighborhood 4 Outside the ground, the varied ethnic mix means there is a variety of eating options from traditional London in the form of pie and mash, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Antipodean, Polish, and the ubiquitous fried chicken shop. Like many traditionally working-class areas of London, White City and Shepherd’s Bush are currently going through a gentrification process with modern buildings and house prices going up rapidly. For those wanting something a bit more upmarket there are a wide variety of choices at the Westfield Shopping Centre, Europe’s largest, only a mile from the ground. Westfield Shopping Centre is one of two in London and part of Australian Frank Lowy’s Westfield empire. As well as being able to get some shopping in before and catch a movie after the match there are some highly regarded restaurant chains. Try Jamie’s (Oliver) Italian, which provides the usual Italian fare, but with this reportedly QPR-supporting chef’s twist on things. A main with starter or dessert plus wine should set you back about £25 ($42). Further along, Uxbridge Road is an area of the aforementioned strong ethnic mix, where food and good prices are far more varied and far cheaper than in Westfield. There is some disquiet from the locals at how the area is changing, not least with the cost of houses and rent and while parts aren’t exactly the most salubrious, overall it is a fairly harmless part of west London that is going through a fairly large change. Fans 4 Queens Park Rangers fans may be called all manner of names, but glory hunting isn’t one of them after a roller-coaster existence in recent years. They were one of the original clubs in the Premier League’s first season, 1992-93, but after a short period of progress under Ray Wilkins in the mid-90s, life has since been one of joy followed shortly by despair. As such, those who attend matches are among the most loyal and vocal of supporters around, who enjoy the good times and don’t get too hysterical when things go wrong, knowing full well the next swing of fate is just around the corner. Access 3 Part of the boon of the Westfield Centre being built was the improvement in transport options. Underground stations Shepherd’s Bush and White City on the Central Line, Wood Lane and Shepherd’s Bush Market on the Hammersmith and City Line, as well as Shepherd’s Bush overground station, are all short walks of no more than 10 minutes to the Loftus Road. Several buses run through Shepherd’s Bush green taking folks north and south, east and west; the 283 to Bloemfontein Road or the 72, 95, or 220 to White City Station go nearest the stadium. It means that traveling by car is rendered almost pointless, which is no bad thing as parking is limited and what there is, is costly. Also, most roads are residents’ parking only, which means an army of traffic wardens flood the area on match day, leaving a few fans in a less than amused mood once they return to their cars. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for QPR matches for adults are £28 and £for seniors in all of the stands at the grounds. The price also depends on the opponent of the match but with the club in the EFL Championship, tickets should be priced right for your budget. Food and drink are also adequately priced and souvenirs, such as an official kit sell for £46.99. Extras 3 The Loftus Road shop serves all manner of paraphernalia in blue and white hoops at a wide range of prices, while there are stadium tours laid on throughout the year normally during school holidays; check the website for information. Then of course is the aforementioned Westfield Shopping Centre; Europe’s largest where you can shop, eat and drink to your heart’s content till 10 pm and of course the delights of London’s west end are only a short tube ride away. Final Thoughts While the date of the move to the new stadium has yet to be given a time frame, it does mean that fans have the chance to attend one of the Premier League’s last-standing traditional venues. Walking to the ground through the narrow streets and sitting near other fans is what gives the ground such character and will be hard to create once they move. That said, those characteristics are what has stopped the ground from being developed, which in turn has condemned fans to watch a yo-yo existence over the past few years, so the chance to build a bigger venue with a greater revenue stream is imperative for the club’s future success.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Meade Stadium Keaney Ave. Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams football website Meade Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 6,555 Rhode Trip Meade Stadium, home of the University of Rhode Island Rams football team, is located on the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island. It is named after class of 1915 alum, booster, and local politician John E. “Jack” Meade, who was rumored to never have missed a home game from the time he attended URI until his death in 1972. Meade Stadium opened in 1928 and has gone through numerous renovations over its history. The most recent improvements have included the construction of the west grandstand and locker rooms as part of the Thomas J. Ryan Center in 2000, a massive renovation to the press box in 2003 and the installation of a new synthetic turf field and lighting in 2019. Football teams have represented URI since 1895. A longtime member of Division 1-AA/FCS, the Rams have qualified for the playoffs on three occasions, most recently in 1985. URI football now competes in the Colonial Athletic Association alongside other eastern universities. 20 Rams alumni have played in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Meade Stadium are a mix of permanent stands, pop-up tents and food trucks. The stands inside the Ryan Center directly behind the west grandstand are open for Ram football games. In addition to these stands, Rhody Eats (the URI dining service) operates some pop-up tents which sell specialty hot dogs and sausage sandwiches. Menu variety is achieved by the placement of several food trucks scattered around the south end zone. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, food trucks offering BBQ, tacos, mac and cheese and of course, this being Rhode Island, lobster rolls were on display. Pepsi products are sold at Meade Stadium. Certain stands have beer and wine available. In addition to national brands Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, local favorites from Narragansett and Whalers brewery are featured. Atmosphere 3 A football game at basic Meade Stadium in rural Kingston, Rhode Island isn’t the place to go for an extravagant game day experience. What you’ll get at a URI football game is exactly what feels right here. It’s a laid back, simple and enjoyable place to spend a fall afternoon. All the elements college football fans would expect to find at a small stadium can be found at Meade Stadium. The pep band performs throughout the afternoon, along with the cheerleaders and dance squad. There’s a decent turnout by the student body, but they don’t really add much to the gameday atmosphere. A Rams crowd is full of alumni and families rooting hard for the team down on the field. A simple scoreboard in the south end zone displays basic game information. Music plays over a solid sound system when the band isn’t playing. A unique feature about coming to Meade Stadium is that you’ll want to be in the shady west stands early in the season, but in the sunny east stands later in the year as the weather cools. Neighborhood 2 Given the University of Rhode Island’s rural location, there are not many dining or lodging options available adjacent to Meade Stadium. Those willing to travel a short distance will find many restaurants or places of interest nearby. The Mews Tavern in nearby Wakefield boasts 69 beers on taps and an extensive bar menu. It is a favorite of the student body. The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a favorite for locally sourced seafood. In addition, Narragansett, located 8 miles to the south, Newport, 16 miles to the east, and Providence, 29 miles to the north, offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, and tourist options for the adventurous football fan. There are no lodging options directly adjacent to the URI campus, so fans looking to stay near URI overnight will need to look elsewhere. There are some options in nearby South Kingstown (yes, Kingston and Kingstown are two different places) and beyond. Fans looking to make a weekend of their trip to URI would be advised to check out Newport or Providence, both short drives from campus. Fans 3 Attendance at Rhode Island football games has been on the rise in recent seasons along with the improvement of the Rams. Traditionally Rhode Island averages between 5,000-6,000 fans per game, which is a bit below the CAA average. There is a decent turnout from the student body, even if they don’t add a whole lot to the game day atmosphere. The majority of the crowd at Meade Stadium consists of locals and alumni who have been coming to Kingston for years. Rhode Island is a small state, after all, and it doesn’t take long to get to URI, no matter from what part of the state you are coming. Access 3 Meade Stadium is located on the western side of the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island. The small town of Kingston is located 29 miles south of Providence and 20 minutes south of T.F. Green Airport. Driving to Kingston from Providence will take you about 40 minutes on a normal Saturday. The campus is located on Route 138, approximately a 10-mile drive from I-95 as it passes through southern Rhode Island. The URI campus is well-served by public transportation, with several RIPTA bus routes serving the campus from Providence. In addition, the Kingstown train station is about two miles away from campus, with Amtrak making regular stops at the station. Parking around Meade Stadium is plentiful and inexpensive. Lots that permit tailgating are located next to the stadium. It will cost $15 for a tailgating permit. Parking lots further away from Meade Stadium are free of charge. The tailgating scene at URI is decidedly laid back. Fans will enter Meade Stadium via one of three entrances located around the facility. Seating at Meade Stadium consists of a large grandstand on the east side of the stadium and a smaller grandstand on the west side. Seating in the east grandstand consists of metal bleachers without backs. This is not the most accessible seating area you’ll come across. The old wooden grandstand features lots of stairs, high steps and unpaved walkways. The newer west grandstand is attached to the Ryan Center, with individual stadium seats in the center sections. The two sides of the facility are connected via a walkway on the south side of the stadium. There is plenty of standing room here, as well as tents available at field level. The amenities at Meade Stadium vary depending on which side of the stadium you are sitting. Concession stands and rest rooms on the west side of the stadium are older but will still meet your needs. On the east side of the stadium, the concession stands and rest rooms are located inside the Ryan Center. These are much more modern and plentiful. Return on Investment 4 Rhode Island football games are divided into two categories: Standard and Premium. Ticketing for Standard games is priced at $20 per ticket for general admission bleacher seating in the east grandstand, $30 for reserved bleacher seats in the west grandstand and $35 for reserved individual seats in the west grandstand. All ticket prices are increased by $10 for Premium games, which are generally the Alumni/Family weekends. Parking is available in the many lots on either side of Meade Stadium. Many lots are designated as free lots. If you wish to park in one of the tailgating lots closest to the stadium, permits for these lots cost $15. Extras 2 The cannon which is fired after all Rams scores has moved to a corner of the north end zone but is still a prominent feature at Meade Stadium. Fans of the nearby New England Patriots may think of the crew donning Revolutionary War-era garb as a scaled-down version of Gillette Stadium’s end zone militia. Banners hanging along the back of the north end zone honor Ram All-Americans, conference titles and tournament appearances. Final Thoughts Meade Stadium, originally constructed in 1928, is an interesting mix of old and new. Whether you sit in the shady new stands attached to the Ryan Center or the older grandstand basking in the sun, a fall afternoon in Kingston is guaranteed to be a laid-back, comfortable experience. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Santander Arena 700 Penn St Reading, PA 19602 Reading Royals website Santander Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,083 Royal Treatment in Reading Minor league hockey came to Reading, Pennsylvania in 2001 after the Columbus Chill relocated to make way for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The team was originally an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings but went through several affiliation changes between 2008 and 2014. That year, they became an affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Flyers and have remained such ever since. The Royals play their home games at Santander Arena in downtown Reading. This cozy arena seats approximately 7,000 fans and is part of a complex that also includes Santander Performing Arts Center just down the road. Food & Beverage 5 Considering the level, Santander Arena has an extremely impressive selection of food. Fans will find classics such as hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and locally made soft pretzels. Reading has been nicknamed the Pretzel Capital of the World due to numerous pretzel factories located here, so it is no surprise you can get that classic treat here. There are more unique local options as well, including Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries and a Central Pennsylvania treat known as a Grilled Sticky. The crab fries are French fries topped with crab seasoning and served with warm white cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Note that despite the name, crab fries contain no actual crab. A Grilled Sticky, on the other hand, is more of a sweet treat. It is a cinnamon bun which is cooked conventionally, then cooked again on a grill, and can be optionally topped with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream. Atmosphere 3 The Royals try to make the atmosphere work with promotions before and during the game, but the experience here is rather typical in terms of atmosphere. A loud horn will go off after goals as smoke shoots from the scoreboard, but beyond that there isn’t much unique here. The good news is that in such a small arena, every seat is close to the action. They’re also all chair backs, which isn’t true everywhere. The seating bowl is less steep than at many arenas, but not so much so that you can’t see over the fans in front of you. This does mean fans in the top rows can be surprisingly far from the ice, but it also means you can sit higher up and still get the experience of watching through the glass. Some people think hockey is at its most pure when watched this way, while others feel it just obstructs their view. Ultimately it will come down to personal preference. Neighborhood 1 Reading, like many cities in Central Pennsylvania, has fallen on hard times in the past few decades, leading to businesses shutting down and crime increasing. While the area around the arena is perfectly safe, fans should exercise caution when walking around the city. There is a small shopping center right across the street from the arena, but your best bet is to head a few blocks west towards the Riverfront area. There are several bars and restaurants located there. However, the reality is that Reading is a city in bad shape and you may not want to stick around for long after the game. Fans 4 Although the Royals don’t usually sell out, and often don’t come close, they do have a base of extremely loyal fans. Those who show up cheer loudly and know the team very well. There is a core group of fans who show up to just about every game and can really get into things. Some of them will even wave flags with the Royals logo during the game, something that would be more expected at a soccer stadium than a hockey arena. Unfortunately, the team doesn’t do a good job at attracting people beyond this core group, which really limits their potential. Access 4 Reading is served by U.S. Routes 422 and 222, which overlap each other through part of the city before splitting off again. Once you get close to the arena, there are several garages and lots you can park in, with prices ranging from $2 to $12 depending on how close to the arena they are. We recommend parking in the South Penn Garage, which is located diagonally across the street from the arena between Cherry and Franklin Streets. Parking here will cost $5. There is also a garage right next door to the arena at the Doubletree Hotel which costs $12 but is free for guests staying there, and a metered lot on the other side of the arena which costs the same. This all seems like a waste of money, though, when you can park about 20 feet further for less than half the cost. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $11 and even the most expensive seats in the building will cost just $23. Parking is a bit pricey but not too bad if you know where to go. Concessions are affordable as well. To add even more to the value, the Royals frequently offer promotions where select concession items cost just $1. The schedule for these promotions is available on the team’s website, so look there for more info. When combined with the fact that there is not a bad seat in this building, a trip to Santander Arena can be an extremely affordable way for a family to watch a professional hockey game in an intimate environment. Extras 2 One star for the banners hanging from the rafters honoring legendary Royals of days gone by. A second star for the wide range of concessions here, including several unique to the local area. Banners Hanging from the Rafters at Santander Arena, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When asked to name a professional hockey team in Pennsylvania, almost everyone would name either the Philadelphia Flyers or Pittsburgh Penguins. However, minor league hockey is alive and well in the Keystone State as well, with the Royals and several other in-state teams building up their own fan bases in mid-sized cities. Although Reading may not be the most desirable city to visit in Pennsylvania, and in fact may be towards the bottom of the list, a trip to see the Royals at Santander Arena is reason enough to come to town.

Photos by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wheeler Sports Center 1200 Fulton St Newberg, OR 97132 George Fox Bruins website Wheeler Sports Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,700 George Fox Basketball Located on George Fox’s picturesque campus inside Wheeler Sports Center, Miller Gymnasium provides a great experience for college basketball. The gym holds 2700 fans who attend to cheer on the Bruins, who play in the NCAA III Division, Northwest Conference. Food & Beverage 2 Basketball games at Miller Gymnasium offer your typical stadium concessions. For food, hot dogs and popcorn are available, and Coca-Cola products are your options for drinks. While it is hard to compete with the incredible variety provided by the food trucks at Bruin football games , more options for food and beverages at basketball games would enhance the experience. Atmosphere 3 Miller Gymnasium offers a nostalgic, vintage feel while still being spacious and comfortable. Plenty of seating on both sides of the court offers great views of the action. While the bleachers extend far up to the top of the gym, the width of the building ensures you are not too far from the game. An energetic announcer, along with a well-placed scoreboard in the sight of every seat, keeps the crowd entertained and informed. Neighborhood 5 With downtown Newberg just a 10-minute walk away, Wheeler Sports Center is close to several great restaurants and local shops. Newberg itself has been ranked as one of the safest places in Oregon, and with it being extremely walkable, everything you need is within a few blocks. Newberg provides a wide variety of dining options. A few personal favorites include Thai the Knot (just down the street from the stadium) and Old Town Bar and Grill. Several fast food restaurants are located on the other side of town, which is just a short drive away. Besides great restaurants, Newberg has several local shops, which include antique and clothing stores. Velour (vintage clothing and decor) and Wine Country Antiques are two of my favorite places to shop. A movie theater as well as a drive-in theater can also be found in Newberg. If you are looking to drive a bit, Portland is about 40 minutes from Newberg and has endless options for entertainment, including the zoo, OMSI, as well as many restaurants and bars. Options for lodging in Newberg include a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. Fans 3 Fans typically dress in the Old Gold and Navy Blue George Fox colors to attend games and cheer on the Bruins. Students are passionate about their team and stay involved throughout the action. While it can vary between regular season and tournament games, the gym is usually at half to three-quarters capacity. Access 5 The layout of Wheeler Sports Center makes everything easy to locate. The concessions are located just outside the gym in the lobby, and restrooms are close by. The gym itself is spacious, with plenty of room for fans to sit on both sides of the court. While there is no longer public transit service in Newberg, the town is small enough to be easily walkable anywhere around the stadium. Uber and Lyft rides are available in Newberg. Parking is available just down the street from the stadium off Fulton Street. Other parking lots are available around campus off of Villa and Meridian. Street parking is also available near campus but usually fills up quickly. For easy access to the front doors of the gym, a bridge is located between the Fulton Street Parking lot and Wheeler. While season tickets are not available for Bruin basketball games, tickets can be bought at the door. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices being $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18, seeing a basketball game at George Fox is an affordable way to spend your evening. Parking on campus or in the neighborhood is free. . Extras 1 When attending a basketball game at Wheeler, be sure to check out the George Fox Hall of Fame, located just inside the lobby next to the concessions. Final Thoughts Wheeler Sports Center is a great venue to see local Bruin basketball. Newberg is a great community to visit, and the close proximity of the gymnasium to town makes everything you need within walking distance.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Michael Rusiglnuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mirabito Stadium 211 Henry St Binghamton, NY 13901 Binghamton Rumble Ponies website Mirabito Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,012 Welcome to Rumbletown Established as the Williamsport Bills in 1987, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies found their home in Upstate New York in 1992 and became the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets.  Originally branded as the Binghamton Mets, the team abandoned the parent branding in 2017 and took advantage of a Minor League Baseball landscape where the more unique the identity, the better the situation.  Nodding to the city of Binghamton as the Carousel Capital of the World, a name the team contest yielded the moniker of the Rumble Ponies, referring to the horses found on a carousel.  Binghamton narrowly escaped the 2019 purge of 42 MiLB teams.  During their tenure in Binghamton, the Rumble Ponies have always been affiliated with the New York Mets and members of the Eastern League. Marking the move to Binghamton for the team [possible was the opening of Mirabito Stadium. Known originally as  Binghamton Municipal Stadium from 1992 to 2001 and NYSEG Stadium from 2001 to 2021, the city-owned stadium offers a capacity of over 6,000.  The naming rights were sold to Mirabito Energy Products in 2021.  Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at Mirabito Stadium is strong.  The Pit Stop concession stands under the grandstand offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos popcorn, and pretzels.  A couple of other free-standing concession points are of interest including the Southern Tier Cheesesteak stand and the Carousel Creamery and Lupos stand on the right field side are worth checking out.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Mirabito Stadium and a fairly decent beer selection featuring New Belgium products on tap can be found also.  A couple of signature items that fans should consider include the Grampwich Sandwich, a sausage patty sandwich with cheese, peppers, and onions, and local delicacy Spiedies (pronounced “speedys”).  Overall, there is just enough at Mirabito Stadium to satisfy just about everyone and not be overwhelming. Atmosphere 3 Mirabito Stadium has a bit of a unique exterior with light-colored tiles at the home plate side of the ballpark where the ticket windows can be found.   Attractive wrought iron fencing surrounds the ballpark and huge logos of the Rumble Ponies and New York Mets ensure that passers-by know who plays at the stadium.  A marker of note stands for Bud Fowler, who played for the Binghamton Bingos in 1887 and was one of the first players to integrate professional baseball.  He was also elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. Although entering Mirabito Stadium from the home plate side is an option, many people will enter the right field gate on the east side of the stadium as it is closest to the parking lot.  Both spots have small plazas which are good for meeting spots.  Once fans have entered the ballpark, it begins to show its age a bit.  The main grandstand is a split-level, single bowl with an exterior walkway.  Some of the upper-tier seats are covered with an overhang.  Mirabito Stadium does not offer a 360 path around the ballpark.  Underneath the grandstand, it is fairly dark and does not offer an open view of the field as is found in many other ballparks.  The Rumble Ponies attempt to overcome this shortcoming with a full embracing of their brand and history.  The concourses are littered with Binghamton Rumble Ponies markings including murals with logos and slogans.  Of interest is the Binghamton Baseball Shrine, which is a mural including the royalty of Binghamton baseball, Bud Fowler, Steve Kraly, Thurman Munson, Jason Isringhausen, Whitey Ford and David Wright.  Surrounding the shrine are plaques commemorating the members of the Binghamton Baseball Hall of Fame.  As a longstanding feeder of talent to the New York Mets, many names are recognizable to fans.  Other pillars include banners featuring more recent Rumble Ponies to make it to the Show.  Surprisingly, there was no noticeable sign of one of the most famous members of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, former Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow.  Mirabito Stadium offers a variety of seating options outside of the regular grandstand.  Bar seating is found on the right field side and high-top tables on the left field side with a pavilion at the back corner of left field.  The right field side of the stadium, near the entry gate, features the kid zone complete with an inflatable play area and Rumble Ponies metal benches for waiting parents. The gameday production in Binghamton is fairly simple.  Mascots Rowdy and Ruby take part in the pregame festivities and can be found interacting with the crowd while the PA announcer chooses some interesting musical selections for visitors walking up.  It is not overproduced and not lacking, a good balance for fans.  Mirabito Stadium also offers an interesting backdrop with fans able to view passing trains from the railyard immediately north of the stadium and the rolling mountains beyond right field. Neighborhood 3 Mirabito Stadium is located on the edge of Downtown Binghamton, between the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers.  With a modest population of over 47,000, Binghamton does not have the most interesting of downtowns, but there are a few options for pre and post-game food and drink including Station 45 American Chop House, AMICI, Little Venice, Burger Monday, River Bistro and Rolando’s Diner.  There are a couple of other sporting options in Binghamton.  The Binghamton Bearcats  of SUNY Binghamton, aka Binghamton University, play basketball on campus.  The Bearcats  also play baseball and other NCAA sports.  The school boasts Tony Kornheiser of ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption as an alumnus.  Formerly an AHL city, Binghamton now offers the Black Bears of the FPHL.  Other tourist options in Binghamton include Phelps Mansion Museum, Ross Park Zoo, or finding one of the city’s numerous carousels, possibly the one at Rec Park.  For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Holiday Inn and DoubleTree are good options. Fans 3 There is room for improvement when it comes to Binghamton Rumble Ponies attendance.  In the 2023 season, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies averaged over 3,100 fans per game.  This ranked 73rd in all of Minor League Baseball and more specifically 11th in the 12-team Eastern League.  The fans in attendance at the game reviewed were pretty quiet and reserved.  It must be noted that the game reviewed was an early weekday game including a makeup doubleheader.  Attendance, as expected, spikes for the weekend, however, there is still plenty of room for improvement.   Access 4 Mirabito Stadium is located in Downtown Binghamton, between the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, at the corner of Henry Street and Fayette Street.  It is south of I-86 and west of Highway 363 and not difficult to get to.  There is plenty of parking on-site, which can be had for a nominal cost.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are buses on Chenango Street.  Fans should consult the Broome County Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around the ballpark is not too difficult, although a big crowd could make moving under the grandstand could be more difficult.  Washroom facilities are acceptable for the fans in attendance. Stadium Journey recommends checking the Binghamton Rumble Ponies  website for the most up-to-date security info including prohibited items, gate opening times, and security protocols. Return on Investment 4 The Binghamton Rumble Ponies experience is very affordable.  Tickets for the Rumble Ponies run from $11 for the cheapest seats, up to $25 for the first row in the grandstand.  Concession prices are what one would expect and parking is a nominal $5.  The Rumble Ponies provide a solid environment for baseball and the Eastern League at the Double-A level provides, arguably, the best prospects for Minor League Baseball. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique theme of the Rumble Ponies with the local ties to the Carousel Capital of the World. An extra mark for the display of team history found at Mirabito Stadium. An extra mark for the long-standing affiliation the Rumble Ponies enjoy with the New York Mets. Final Thoughts A trip to Upstate New York and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies is a great way to take in some Minor League Baseball.  Mirabito Stadium offers a solid facility for baseball.  There is plenty of fun in Rumbletown. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Iowa Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race, the Iowa Corn 350, on Sunday evening and to say it was anything other than a complete success would be an understatement. Fans showed up in droves not only for the Cup race on Sunday, but the stands were packed on Saturday for the Xfinity Series race and there was also a great turnout for the ARCA race on Friday. Last October when Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, Cup driver Brad Keselowski, and other NASCAR luminaries made the announcement that a Cup race was coming to the speedway, excitement of NASCAR fans in Iowa and surrounding states soared. Cup Series tickets sold out during the presale. The Xfinity race sold out as well and there weren’t many tickets left for Friday’s slate of Cup practice and an ARCA Menards race. For fans, there were little issues that could be expected for such a large influx of people. Lines to get in could move a little quicker, there could be a few more restrooms, and the logistics of leaving the area with 30,000-plus other people could have been a bit better planned, but all-in-all, it seemed to go very well. From the driver’s perspective, many spoke highly of the track, having run there in ARCA or Xfinity races. In fact, 10 drivers have previously won races at other levels in Iowa. There was some concern about a repave of turns 2 and 4 and the effect it would have on tire wear. The results and effects of the repave weren’t completely conclusive, but many drivers wanted to come back, including Iowa Corn 350 winner Ryan Blaney, whose mother is from Iowa. Blaney told the Des Moines Register , “…Honestly, it exceeded my expectations as far as race-ability. The crowd tonight was awesome. If that doesn’t make you want to come back, I don’t know what will.” There was some doubt whether this time would ever come. Iowa Speedway opened in 2006. Despite rumors of the top level of NASCAR coming to Iowa, nothing ever materialized. The speedway hosted numerous events including the ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series along with IndyCar series events. In 2019, the track was purchased by NASCAR and hopes once again surged that a long-awaited Cup race would be possible. Those hopes were quickly dampened by the Covid epidemic. Since Covid, an IndyCar weekend has returned. ARCA Menards Series races came back as well but were not well attended. Attendance wasn’t a problem this weekend. Fans showed up early to take in other activities before the races. At the NASCAR experience area, you could listen to a NASCAR podcast being recorded by driver Corey LaJoie, attend driver Q&A sessions, and get autographs. Drivers made appearances and signed autographs at other sponsors displays throughout the weekend and most fans seemed to leave with at least one item from their favorite driver or team from the numerous merchandise areas. All things considered, the weekend couldn’t have gone much better if you made the trip to Newton, Iowa and Iowa Speedway.. Will the Cup series race return in 2025 and beyond? Time will tell. But for one hot and steamy weekend in June, the “fastest short track on the planet” proved it can be a player on one of auto racing’s biggest stages.

Photos by Ashvin Lad, Stadium Journey Wintrust Arena FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616 DePaul Blue Demons website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 New Home of DePaul Basketball Doesn't Disappoint Wintrust Arena, located in Chicago’s McCormick Square area in the South Loop neighborhood opened officially on October 14, 2017, with its first official sporting event taking place on November 11, 2017. The arena is the new home to both DePaul University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams of the Big East Conference; and it will be the future home to the WNBA’s Chicago Sky starting in 2018. The arena, which broke ground on November 16, 2015 at a cost of $173 Million, offers a very intimate setting with a seating capacity of 10,387. Wintrust is a great stadium with excellent vantage points, comfortable seating, an array of food and beverage options, and a fun atmosphere located in the middle of a growing area in Chicago. Food & Beverage 5 Between the 21st Street Express, the Cermak Grill, and the BBQ stand, Wintrust Arena offers a good, high quality, and tasty mix of traditional stadium as well as fast casual food along with a variety of beverages including beer and liquor. As the main entrances are on the south side and on the east, via the walkway from the adjacent hotel, fans tend to be drawn to the first concession stand they see, the 21st Street Express on the east side of the arena. This causes longer lines, and a slower level of service, yet friendly nonetheless. Moving to the north side of the arena, fans will walk past a pop up bar selling beer and liquor on the east side, and then another bar in the northeast corner, which has a shorter line. On the south end stands both the Cermak Grill and the BBQ stand, which are away from the higher traffic areas and provide shorter and faster concession lines. All stands accept cash, credit, and debit. Note that concession stands on the second level may not be open if attendance is small. However, concession stands are spread out enough allowing fans to get to their seats from the main level to the second level in a short amount of time. Traditional stadium food such as hot dogs (both the Demon Dog and a Chicago style dog), sausages, and brats, as well as popcorn and nachos can be found at the 21st Street Express. The Cermak Grill offers up two different kinds of burgers, chicken tenders and pizza. And next door to the Cermak Grill is the BBQ stand that sells outstanding brisket, pulled pork, and sausage sandwiches. Pro Tip – get the coleslaw on top of the sandwiches and not on the side! The array of menu items allows for both affordable and higher priced food options. The sausage sandwich loaded with coleslaw is a must try. The major soda brand at Wintrust Arena is Pepsi, which is available in fountain style. There are also sports drinks, water, and juices that are available in bottles. Miller Lite, Coors Lite, and Blue Moon are available at the concession stands as well as the two pop up bars. The pop up bars also offer an assortment of mixed drink options. Atmosphere 4 Wintrust Arena provides for a very intimate atmosphere that a allows fans to be on top of the game. With a very modern look on the outside, Wintrust Arena is a two-level stadium with a standard bowl seating layout on the inside. The seats are very comfortable with decent legroom and rows high enough to provide good sightlines for even the shortest of fans. The only issue with the seats are the cupholders, which are too small for a jumbo-sized fountain drink. The court, which is very close to the seats, displays a nice rendering of the Chicago skyline which faces the east side of the court (opposite of the team benches). Wintrust provides a large scoreboard above the court and ribbon scoreboards on each end of the court, all providing for very visible in game stats. This may not hold true once the WNBA’s Chicago Sky start playing, but for the DePaul games, don’t expect much in-game entertainment or promotions, outside of the cheerleading team’s performance during time outs. However, the DePaul mascot, DIBS the Blue Demon, does make his way around the arena with much fan engagement. The in-game sound is at a perfect level to drive enthusiasm yet allow for normal level conversations with your seat neighbor. With the close proximity to the court, there really is not a bad seat in the house. To get engaged with the student section, look to sit in the Demon Deck, which is the second level on the north end of the arena. The best view of the skyline rendering on the court would come from the east side of the arena, either on the main level or the second level, facing the benches. Seats in the main level will provide for more convenient concession access as the second level stands may be closed if there is a small attendance. Neighborhood 5 Located just a few miles from Chicago’s central business district, Wintrust Arena, located in the McCormick Square area of Chicago’s near south side, is in the midst of a transformation from being solely an area for convention goers at McCormick Place to be a destination for food, sports, and entertainment. Already minutes from Chinatown, the area is seeing a rise of hotels and restaurants, and the city added an additional “El” stop for convenient access via public transportation. The area provides plenty of parking options via street parking or garages, but it is very accessible via the CTA Red Line (15 min walks from the Cermak/Chinatown) and Green Line (7 minute walk from McCormick Place) stops. Located just miles from the central business district, there are plenty of restaurant options to serve any fan’s palate. If looking close to the arena, one can venture a mile west into Chinatown where some of the local favorites include MingHin, Phoenix, and Szechuan Cuisine. Closer to the arena one can find some of the best fried chicken and seafood in town at Chef Luciano’s. Other options include Windy City Ribs for BBQ, Pizano’s for pizza, and even White Castle. The surrounding hotels also include restaurant options inside their properties. For the craft beer fanatic, Lagunitas Brewery is just a few miles away in the Pilsen Neighborhood. There are many attractions and entertainment venues to keep you busy outside of sports. Nearby attractions include the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Observatory, and the John Hancock Observatory. One can also utilize Big Bus Tours as a quick and convenient method to see the city in a “hop on, hop off” manner. The Theater District is just a few miles north and host several Broadway shows via “Broadway in Chicago.” There are plenty of hotel options at various price ranges. For convenience sakes, there are currently two hotels that are walking distance to Wintrust Arena – the Hyatt that is connected to McCormick Place, and the new Marriott Marquis which offers a walkway from the hotel directly into the arena. Additionally, there are three new Hilton properties that are under construction a few minutes away. Fans 3 The fan base at Wintrust Arena is a mix of students, academia, and casual sports fans. With the arena being off campus, it may be difficult for it to consistently draw a large passionate student fan base. Typical attendance may see the arena filled at 80% capacity, with this going up as schools in the area visit, such as Notre Dame, or consistently top ranked team like Villanova. The crowd engagement is consistent throughout the game. You may see the crowd perk up on big plays, but otherwise it’s an audience that is paying attention to most of the game. The student section, The Demon Deck, shows the most excitement throughout the game. Access 5 Wintrust Arena is one of most accessible stadiums in Chicagoland, in terms of getting to and from as well as moving around within. Public transportation options include the CTA bus, CTA elevated train (The “L”), METRA commuter train, and Divvy bike ride share. CTA Bus Routes: No. 3 King Drive is the most popular. Running north-south along Michigan Avenue, it drops off at Michigan and Cermak. No. 21 Cermak Road runs east/west and also stops at Michigan and Cermak. No. 4 Cottage Grove runs north-south along Michigan Avenue. It too drops off at Michigan and Cermak. CTA L Lines: Green Line to the McCormick Place stop, which is 2 blocks to the west. Red Line to the Cermak/Chinatown stop, which is 4 blocks to the west. Cost of a CTA ride is $2.25 with a $0.25 transfer fee if transfer is done within 2 hours of the initial ride. Cash and Ventra Card (for purchase at L stations) are accepted forms of payment on a bus whereas only Ventra Card or the Ventra App is acceptable for the L. METRA Commuter Train: The Electric line runs from Millennium Station near Randolph Street in downtown Chicago to McCormick Place’s South Building. Divvy Bike: Divvy is the local bike sharing program with hundreds of stands all over the city, including one at 2301 S King Drive and another one near the Green Line station. Parking is available in 3 different lots at nearby McCormick Place – Lot A, Lot B, and Lot C, with Lot A being the closest to the arena and to the pedestrian bridge at the Marriott Marquis. Traffic flow may be slow if there is a convention going on at the same time as a game. Otherwise, traffic in that area should be good. Lot A - 2301 South Prairie Ave is a 6 level garage priced at $23 for up to 16 hours and $36 for 16 to 24 hours. Lot B, aka 31st Lot – 3050 South Moe Dr is an outdoor lot for $15 flat rate. Lot C – Fort Dearborn Drive is an underground lot for $23 flat rate. There may be street parking options along the side streets of Cermak if a fan has the patience to drive around looking for one. There are three points of entry into Wintrust Arena – the main gate on the south side, an entrance on the north side, and a walkway from the neighboring Marriott Marquis on the east side. During the cold winter months of college basketball, entry via the Marquis, allowing for an indoor wait, is recommended. This entrance and the main entrance, however, tend to move quickly with efficient security checks and ticket scanning. Fan looking to purchase a ticket at the arena can find the window just a few feet from the main entrance on the south side. Note to those looking to save money from an online convenience fee by buying in person – there is a $3 “facility fee” for buying at the ticket window. While a compact setting, the concourses are wide enough to handle normal traffic flow, with the main level offering partial views of the court as a fan walks around. There is one bottleneck area which is on the main concourse on the southeast corner where the escalators from the lower level main entrance, pop up merchandise stand, entrance from the Marquis, the restrooms, and a concession stand all converge. The upper level, with less seating options, shows a better flow. Accessibility and seating for fans in need of assistance is more than sufficient, both in the seats, moving around the concourse, and in the restrooms. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment for a visit to Wintrust Arena is a good one when considering transportation to and from, ticket price, concession, and the quality of play at times on the court. For men’s basketball, DePaul offers variable pricing based on the opponent. For marquee matchups, prices range from $24 to $250 and for other games range from $18 to $200. Plan to spend between $15 and $18 for an entrée and a large fountain soda. From $2.25 on public transportation to a high of $23 for parking, pricing for transportation is very reasonable. Merchandise is priced well, but can probably be found for less at DePaul’s downtown campus store. Groups of 15 or more can save $5 per ticket. In addition, a Big East only ticket package can be purchased. Cost savings can be found by taking public transportation to and from. Extras 2 For a winter sport like basketball, being able to enter via the pedestrian bridge from the Marriott Marquis is very appealing. In addition, the neighborhood, with the arena as its new anchor, will continue to grow as new restaurant and hotel developments take off.

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Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Gies Recreation Centre 1401 Queens Bush Rd Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 Wellesley Applejacks website Bill Gies Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 500 A is for Apple … J is for Jacks For people of a certain vintage, the lyric “A is for Apple … J is for Jacks” produces an earworm of a jingle advertising sugary breakfast cereal, Apple Jacks.  In Wellesley, Ontario, Applejacks has a bit of a different connotation.  The Wellesley Applejacks were established in 1987 and began play at the Junior D level.  Their name is derived from the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival which attracts thousands to the area each fall.  The Applejacks moved up to the Junior C level when Junior D was dissolved.  The Jacks currently play in the Provincial Junior Hockey League in the Doherty Division.  In their short time in Junior C, the Applejacks have already earned a Schmalz Cup in 2023 as the champions of Junior C hockey in Ontario. The Applejacks moved to a brand new home in 2023.  The Bill Gies Recreation Centre was built as a replacement for the outdated Wellesley Arena.  The Rec Centre was named after donor Bill Gies who was a home builder in the area.  Construction delays and funding issues forced the Applejacks to begin the 2023 season at the St. Clements Arena.  Wellesley is a township that includes the town proper and surrounding agricultural areas and small communities, with a township population of over 11,000. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very small snack bar on a temporary table in the upper level of the Bill Gies Recreation Centre that doubles as the Blueline Club.  Chips, candy and popcorn are available.  Pepsi products and coffee are the main soft drinks available, however if fans wish to try something truly local, then the hot apple cider will be the drink of choice.  A kiosk in the same area sells beer and other alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 Bill Gies Recreation Centre is one of the newest facilities in the PJHL.  The exterior is fairly simple with light siding above tinted glass and dark brick.  The main entry to the centre is on the east side.  It opens to a lobby with temporary tables selling tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Since the building is new, there is not much in the way of history or other interesting items about the community for fans to look at.  The lobby is at ice level and has windows allowing fans to see the game.  Fans will need to head up the stairs to access the Blueline Club and the seating area.  The Blueline Club is above the lobby at the east side and also has temporary merchandise tables. Inside the arena, entry is from the east side and the ice is oriented from west to east.  The spot to get that perfect centre ice logo picture is from the south.  All of the seating in the arena is on the south side, which includes five rows of plastic seats.  The sections closest to the ends offer wooden benches.  The seating area is elevated above the ice surface providing better sightlines.  The bottom row of seating is at about the same height as the top of the glass.  A bit of a unique aspect of this arena is the track that encircles the ice surface at the upper level.  On the west end and north side it offers the perfect view for fans who like to stand during the game, but for whom ice level is not choice.  The northwest corner offers a mini-stick arena which can keep the youngsters occupied as well as keep those pesky mini stick games contained.  A simple scoreclock hangs above centre ice and to the west are the Wellesley Applejacks championship banners, featuring the 2023 Schmalz Cup.  The Applejacks embrace their history also keeping banners for their Junior D titles. The gameday production at an Applejacks game is fairly simple.  The PA system is good and the announcer does a good job with announcements and promotions, not getting overly excitable and more difficult to understand.  His reference to the arena as the Wellesley Orchard is an original aspect of the team. Neighbourhood 2 Wellesley is a small community at the west end of Waterloo Region.  It is the epitome of a small town.  There are a couple of spots for pre or post game food or drink, however, fans may want to consider doing their research for gameday as Wellesley is very quiet at night.  Schmidtsville Restaurant and Olympic Pizza are the options in town.  Fans will have to head to Waterloo if they are looking for something else.  The Applejacks are definitely the only game in town, but Wellesley is close to New Hamburg, Tavistock and Woodstock so away games are not a challenge at all.  The area is known for the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, there are some B&B possibilities.  Heading to Shakespeare or Waterloo will be where fans need to go for a more traditional hotel. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the PJHL is difficult as some teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile and publish attendance statistics.  At the time of writing, for the 2023-24 season, the Wellesley Applejacks attracted around 230 fans per game.  The game being reviewed saw a good crowd of over 360 fans.  The previous season, the Applejacks attracted nearly 190 fans per game, however the Bill Gies Recreation Centre was just opened and the first 9 games of the season were held in St. Clements.  There is constant motion at an Applejacks game with kids running all over, one of the detriments of having a track around the rink.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive and due to the competitive nature of the division, there are always plenty of fans of the visiting team as well.   Access 4 Getting to the Bill Gies Recreation Centre is not difficult.  It is located west of the traditional town of Wellesley at the west side of Waterloo Region.  It is at the end of Queens Bush Road at Hutchison Road.  It is 12 km from Highway 7-8 and there is plenty of rural driving to get to Wellesley so proper planning during the winter months is important as snow can be a real issue.  There is plenty of parking on site.  At the time of writing, there were no public transit options to get to Wellesley or the Rec Centre.  Getting around the arena is not a problem at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the facility. Return on Investment 4 PJHL hockey offers some of the best returns on investment possible.  Tickets for the Applejacks are $12 with discounts for students, seniors and children.  Tickets must be purchased at the door and cash or debit are accepted.  Children 5 and under are free.  Parking is free and the concession prices are good.  The quality of hockey is good and fans will have the opportunity to watch the action from an arena that is modern, clean, bright and comfortable.  Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique name and identity of the Applejacks that closely relates to the community. An extra mark for the Bill Gies Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the Bill Gies Recreation Centre as a new, bright and modern facility. Final Thoughts The Bill Gies Recreation Centre is a new, modern, clean facility which is home to a Junior C hockey team that has the support of the community.  The Wellesley Applejacks offer a fun experience for fans and at the end, the “A is for Apple … J is for Jacks” jingle might just be stuck in their heads! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Peter Miles, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stelios Kyriakides Stadium Democracy Ave Paphos, Cyprus Pafos FC website Stelios Kyriakides Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 9,394 Fun in the Sun Following Pafos FC Pafos FC were only formed as recently as 2014 following a merger of AEP Paphos and AEK Kouklia. It was a marriage borne out of mutual convenience. AEP, themselves a result of a merger of APOP Paphos and Evagoras in 2000, were in severe financial trouble in the second tier while Kouklia had just been relegated from the top flight. The aim was to form a more financially stable club competing regularly in the top division. The club were promoted into the First Division in 2016/17 as runners up to champions Alki Oronklini. Food & Beverage 4 Under the main stand is a small kiosk selling soft drinks, crisps, confectionery, and warm Cypriot snacks. The kiosk sells a good variety of snacks including fresh koupes (also known as kibbeh), a snack made of bulgar wheat and minced meat; it’s really popular in the whole Levantine region. The usual range of sodas like Coke and Fanta are available in plastic bottles. No alcohol is available. The flavorsome koupes with a cold drink are perfect on a balmy evening. Atmosphere 3 While the crowd is usually fairly modest, during my most recent visit the attendance was officially declared as 2,500, but in reality 800 was more accurate. Still, the vibe of the place is welcoming and a small section of younger fans wave flags and bang a drum. The stadium is essentially two sided with visiting fans housed in open seating on the far side. The main stand is well appointed and while the roof covers only the central section of seats there is an option to move undercover if there is any rain. Music is played before the game and during halftime with the PA announcer reading the teams out just before kick off. The season tickets holders and VIPs are allocated the central section of seats in the main stand and there appears to be no option to purchase a ticket for this area. The roof extends past this section at either end so it is possible to buy a standard ticket and be undercover if required. The tickets do have a row and seat number, but the seats are actually unnumbered so you can effectively sit where you like within that sector. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is located around a five minute drive from the main tourist areas of Alykes Beach and Pachyammos. The harbor area features a castle and stunning waterfront, it really is fully geared up for a sunshine break. There are numerous restaurants in the tourist areas offering both local and western cuisine. They come with a wide range of prices from middle of the road to high end. All have on street seating to make the most of the beachfront location and most restaurants will have outdoor heating available should the sea breeze turn a little chilly. Paphos Harbour and Castle are well worth visiting and are littered with interesting sculptures, notably the work of local artist Yiota Ioannidou. As an internationally renowned tourist resort you will never be short of something to do or see. Local companies offer trips all around the island including the famous Aphrodite’s Rock. The choice is endless for high class hotels to self catering apartments, there will be accommodation to suit any pocket. Fans 4 As a mass tourism destination, the local fans are more than used to English speaking guests watching their games and they are friendly and welcoming. Attendance data should be viewed with skepticism as there is no electronic counting and attendances are rounded up for reporting purposes. During my visit, the actual attendance in the ground was under 1,000 but was reported as 2,500. I suspect normal attendances are higher than the match I attended as for locals at 15 degrees this would represent a chilly evening! The younger fans have formed an “ultras” group and they are happy to sing and shout throughout the game and are armed with some flags and a big drum. Access 4 The stadium is on a main road, Democracy Avenue, which leads away from the main tourist areas and is around half way between the highway to Larnaca and the beach areas. It would take around 45 minutes to walk to the stadium from the tourist areas. Buses 1 and 2 stop very close to the stadium and the huge floodlights are easy to see from miles around. There is ample free parking outside the main stand and in surrounding streets. Tickets cost 15 euros and are available from concrete kiosks outside the stadium in the car park. There are no bags allowed in the stadium and body searches are made, although cameras are permitted. Once you are in your section you cannot move to another as the central sector is fenced off. You can, however, sit anywhere you like within your sector. The egress into the arena is about halfway up the main stand and I saw no specific areas for disabled supporters. The refreshments kiosk and lavatories are located at the mezzanine level of the main stand. Return on Investment 3 For the general standard of Cypriot football, 15 euros for a ticket seems a little expensive compared to comparable European nations. However, as an overall experience it is thoroughly enjoyable. Free parking and easy access offset the cost of the ticket and the price of snacks and drinks are reasonable. Only standard tickets are available. There appeared to be no tickets available for the central section of the main stand. Extras 2 There is a team sheet available from the main entrance, strangely the Greek players are shown in Greek alphabet and foreign players in roman script. There are no other souvenirs or merchandise of any sort available. Final Thoughts While the standard of play is not the highest you will ever see, I would still recommend Cyprus for a winter break for guaranteed football in pleasant warm temperatures surrounded by beguiling coastal and mountain scenery.

Photo Courtesy of Travis S. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.27 Warhawk Field Warhawk Way & Peyton Dr Monroe, LA 71203 UL-Monroe Warhawks website Warhawk Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 1,800 Warhawk Field: A Family-Friendly Ballpark The ULM Warhawk baseball experience at Warhawk Field provides a nice atmosphere in a traditional small college baseball environment. From bleacher seating in the main grandstand, to tailgating seating along the baselines and a kids playground in the courtyard, the Warhawk baseball experience is family friendly. Warhawk Field was constructed in 1983 and features a seating capacity of 1,800. Despite serving as home field for the Warhawks for over thirty years, the ballpark maintains a modern feel and clean look. The ULM Warhawks hail from the Sun Belt Conference in NCAA Division I. Food & Beverage 2 Warhawk Field provides the basic ballpark staples including hot dogs, nachos, and soda. Quality and Variety of Food Options . There are two concession locations built into the walkways leading into the seating areas. However, typically only the stand located closer to the first base side of the main grandstand is open. The main entree options include hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pie for $4 each. Chili and cheese are available on hot dogs at no extra charge. Snack items include peanuts ($4), popcorn ($3), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($2), and chips ($2). The concessions experience could be enhanced with a featured or more unique item on the menu, plus maybe local vendor food cart in the courtyard. However, your ballpark basics are covered. Variety of Drink Options . Warhawk Field features bottled Coca-Cola products for $3.50. Bottled Dasani water is available for $3, while Powerade options are $4. Alcohol is not sold at Warhawk Field. Recommendation . Featuring Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, you can’t go wrong with a good dog at a baseball game. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Warhawk Field is a great fit for baseball traditionalists and traveling families. Stadium Aesthetics . For a ballpark that’s over 30 years old, Warkhawk Field has certainly aged well. This is a credit to the university community for recent upgrades and upkeep. With permanent seating that wraps from first to third bases, the view of the main grandstand is impressive upon driving up. There will be little doubt that you’ve arrived to a legitimate college baseball ballpark. The main grandstand features a small awning which provides shade to the seats directly behind home plate. Warhawk Field features a natural grass playing surface and the outfield wall dimensions are 330-400-300. Behind the main grandstand adjacent to first base is a kid’s playground, which really adds to the family friendly environment at the ballpark. The playground sits in a grassy courtyard which wraps around the area behind the main grandstand. Behind the right field wall you’ll notice the Doe’s Eat Place sign. A free meal is waiting for fans if a Warhawks player smashes a home run into the sign. The scoreboard features a small video display in addition to a traditional board. You’ll notice four retired numbers on the center field wall memorializing past Warhawk greats. Also, you can’t miss the banners along the walkways behind the grandstand featuring past ULM baseball legends. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment . Expect to see a few on-field promotions (such as a kid’s base race) as well as games over the PA, including trivia. If you have the dirtiest car in the parking lot, you just might win a free car wash. Seat Location Recommendations . There are several different seating areas for you to take in a Warhawks baseball game. Obviously, the seats directly behind home plate provide an unmatched view of the field, plus the comfort a bleacher back seat and shade of the overhead awning. In the main grandstand to the left and right of the bleacher backs are regular bleacher seats. Down both third and first baselines are opportunities to plop a tailgate chair next to the brick wall. The area down third baseline is specifically set-up for tailgating with picnic tables and small overhead coverings. You can also grab a seat behind the left field wall. Neighborhood 3 Located in northeastern Louisiana, Monroe is the eighth largest city in the state with a population of about 48,000. Warhawk Field is situated on the northeast corner of the University of Louisiana-Monroe campus, adjacent to other athletics facilities including Malone Stadium , home to Warhawk football. The campus environment offers a safe and cozy atmosphere for visiting fans, while restaurants and other attractions are located within a couple of miles nearby campus. Where to Eat . There are plenty of restaurants in the greater Monroe area worth a visit. Some of the local favorites include Enoch’s Irish Pub & Cafe (507 Louisville), Pickle Barrel (1827 Ave Of America), and Danken Trail B-B-Q (7712 Desiard St). Not Just Pie (2117 Forsythe Ave) is a great local stop for a tasty assortment of pies, plus you can also order off their lunch menu (try the roast beef poboy). Attractions & Entertainment . Just across the Ouachita River in West Monroe is the headquarters for one of Louisiana’s most popular families, the Robertsons. Headliners of the now famous Duck Dynasty series, fans of the show should definitely make a stop at the Duck Commander Warehouse (117 Kings Ln), a location often seen on the series. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo (701 Kansas Ln) is a pretty neat smaller zoo which allows you to get a little closer to the animals with smaller crowds. The zoo just opened a new splash pad which is great for the kids. The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum of Louisiana (701 Kansas Ln) is a free museum which honors the aviation and military history of northeast Louisiana. Another nice stop for traveling families is the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum (323 Walnut S). Where to Stay . The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel – Monroe Airport (4915 Pecanland Mall Dr) is located near the ULM campus and the Monroe Regional Airport. Fans 3 ULM fans consistently support Warhawk baseball. Typically, crowd sizes at Warhawk Field are on the upper end of the average attendance in the Sun Belt Conference. Typical Attendance . Weekend series at Warhawk Field pull in crowds which usually range between 700 – 1,500 in attendance. When the Warhawks are in the midst of a 40 win season, crowds usually swell around 1,500 or more. The Sun Belt has undergone a lot of change in recent years which has changed up the common weekend opponents. This has likely contributed to wide ranges in crowd sizes. No doubt, the biggest weekend series of the year will be against the arch-rival UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. Crowd Noise & Engagement . ULM fans are vocal and support their Warhawks. Fans typically get into the game during big plays or blown calls. The crowd will clap in support of their pitcher closing out a team in the final inning. Access 4 Warhawk Field is very accessible, both getting to the stadium and moving around once inside. Transit to and from Stadium . Situated in the northeast corner of Monroe, Warhawk Field is easily accessed off I-20 from both the west and east. Take Highway 165 north and then exit east on Desiard Street / Highway 80. You can then turn left onto Warhawk Way which will take you to the stadium area. Parking . As you approach the stadium, you’ll notice a paved parking lot to the left going down third baseline. When this lot is full, there’s ample parking a little further down in the gravel/grass lot adjacent to first baseline. Parking is free around Warkhawk Field. Ticketing & Gate Entry . The ticket booth and main entrance is located directly behind the center of the main grandstand. Lines are typically short and you shouldn’t experience any issues getting your tickets. Credit cards are accepted here. You’ll also quickly breeze through the entrance into the courtyard behind the grandstand. Moving around the stadium . Getting around the ballpark is easy. Stairways are located at the ends of the grandstand and elevated walkways are accessible behind the grandstand. The main concourse is at the bottom of the seating area and wraps around. The concourse, aisles and rows are spacious and allow for good flow. Restrooms are clean and adequate for typical crowds. Return on Investment 4 The return on your investment for the ULM baseball experience at Warhawk Field is pretty typical. General admission for adults runs as low as $10. Concessions are a little higher than expected, but not much more than the average. Parking is free. Overall, you get to see a ballclub which is usually in the hunt for a post-season berth at a comfortable stadium which provides a traditional baseball atmosphere. Extras 3 The ULM baseball experience comes with a few “extra” components which enhance the overall experience at the ballpark. The retired numbers on the center field wall and banners around the exterior walkways add a nice touch. It’s always nice to see ballparks memorialize past accomplishments. For traveling families, it’s definitely a bonus to have a playground area where the little ones can take a break from the on-field action. If you are in need of some Warhawk gear, there’s an apparel trailer behind the main grandstand in the courtyard.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Furst Gymnasium 2501 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY, 10033 Yeshiva Maccabees men’s basketball website Furst Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,000 The Marvelous Maccs In New York City, a town where professional sports rule, Yeshiva University basketball is soaring. The Maccabees are currently 21-1, their only loss being their opening game, an away tilt at Occidental in California. If they stay on course, the Maccs will be in the upcoming Division 3 NCAA basketball tournament, which the Maccs made in 2018. For elite college basketball, Yeshiva basketball offers it at a more than reasonable price: Free. Right now, it’s simply one of the best deals in college sports. Food & Beverage 0 Less is more. There are no concessions. However, fans may bring their own snacks. In the surrounding, bustling Washington Heights neighborhood, there’s no shortage of food options. Atmosphere 4 The Maccs are streaking, and the positive vibes are flowing. It’s D3, no athletic scholarships, so the amenities aren’t what you’d find at Madison Square Garden. It’s general admission and seats are benches. Everyone’s very close to the action. There’s an overhead track that circles the court Neighborhood 4 The Washington Heights neighborhood is on the rise, and there’s no shortage of food options, from slices to Mexican. Check out Where To East in Washington Heights for some of the best places to eat in the area. Fans 4 The Maccs are no secret to their student body, and they turn out to root for their classmates. They’re enthusiastic, as well as polite. If there was heckling, it would be frowned upon. Access 4 By public transportation, the Center is just a few blocks away from #1 subway stop. A ride from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden takes about 40 minutes. For drivers, you can hunt and peck for a space or pay too much for a garage. Yeshiva is close to several major thruways. Security is tight at the Center. Expect the airport treatment at the door, albeit more polite. Return on Investment 5 Again, it’s free, so the only investment is travel and your time. If you appreciate basketball, the Maccs are definitely worth your time. It’s high-level basketball in a small place. Extras 2 Former New York Knick, ex-Georgetown star Michael Sweetney is an assistant coach for the Maccs. Between breaks, Jewish music is played. Final Thoughts The Knicks are, well, the Knicks. St. John’s is rebuilding. Right now, Yeshiva is the best team in town. And it’s free, one of the best deals in college sports. Yeshiva basketball won’t be a secret for long. Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hooker Field 450 Commonwealth Blvd E. Martinsville, VA 24112 Martinsville Mustangs website Hooker Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,200 The Stadium, Not The Speedway Baseball has a long and storied history in the city of Martinsville, Virginia. The city hosted the Martinsville Manufacturers of the Bi-State League from 1934-1941 and then the Martinsville A’s from 1945-1949. However, it would not be until 1988 when baseball returned to the city, with the Martinsville Phillies of the Appalachian League moving to the newly opened English Field, as it was known at the time. In 1999, the club became an Astros affiliate and changed its name accordingly, and the franchise stayed until 2003. Baseball was once again absent in 2004, but in 2005, the Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League came to town. English Field later would change its name to Hooker Field in reference to a local furniture company. The Mustangs continue to play collegiate summer wood bat ball at Hooker Field today. Food & Beverage 3 There are several concession options at Hooker Field. The main stand behind home plate offers a number of options including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot dogs (including the option to get one with chili), chips, and drinks. Prices are reasonable with nothing costing more than around $5. Down the third baseline you will find a smaller stand up a small wooden staircase that looks like it is falling apart. This stand sells drinks, popcorn, hot pretzels, and Sno-cones, with the latter coming in a souvenir helmet. Further down the third baseline is a beer stand, unusual for the collegiate summer level, as well as a beer garden area for those of age. Although stands do take credit cards, the workers have to enter the numbers manually so it will generally be quicker to pay cash. Keep in mind the concession stand may shut down around the seventh inning so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 4 Despite being less than 35 years old, Hooker Field is already showing its age. There are a small number of chairbacks behind home plate reserved for season tickets and multi-game plan holders. For fans attending only a single game, there are bleachers without backs further down both lines. All seats offer an excellent view of the field. There is also a scoreboard in left-center field which shows the linescore and other basic information. Despite the rather run-down setting, the team does a lot to keep fans engaged with between innings contests and team staff roving the stands keeping fans engaged throughout the ballgame. As the team is called the Mustangs, horse sounds will often be played over the PA system. Although the team apparently has a costumed mustang mascot, he was not present when we visited. Neighborhood 2 Martinsville is a small city located in the middle of a very rural area of Virginia. There is not a lot to do here. A few restaurants, mainly chains, are located in town and there are a couple of small museums as well. The main attraction is Martinsville Motor Speedway, which despite the name is actually in nearby Ridgeway. In addition to hosting NASCAR Sprint Cup races, the speedway hosts various other races throughout the year and it is worth checking out if a Mustangs game coincides with a race of some sort. There are a few options in Martinsville itself along Main Street and the surrounding area, including Raina’s, a local Italian eatery, and Hugo’s, a popular sports bar. Ultimately though, while Martinsville residents will claim the city has small-town charm, there isn’t a whole lot to offer here. Fans 3 There were only a few hundred fans in attendance when we visited in a 3,200 seat stadium. Filling a ballpark to 10% capacity is generally not a good look. However, those fans in attendance were a passionate, engaged mix of seasoned fans and young families who cheered on the Mustangs, at least as long as they were at the game. Unfortunately, many of the fans left early despite the game moving at a fairly quick pace. It is nice to see engaged fans, but it would be even nicer if there were more of them and they stayed longer. Access 3 US Route 58 is the main road you will use to access Martinsville, although it actually bypasses the city itself via Ridgeway so you will need to take other roads for the last couple miles. This is not an interstate highway and does have traffic lights at various points but with little traffic on this stretch, you can make good time. Parking at the stadium itself is easy in a lot right next to the entrance, but keep in mind parking too close will put your car in foul ball territory. Also, some GPS apps seem to want to take you in the exit or out the entrance. Be sure to pay attention to all signs and follow them, not your GPS, if they contradict each other. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $6 for general admission seats and you can get steep discounts for buying multi-game packs or season tickets Holders of multi-game packs also have the option of buying reserved chairback seats behind home plate. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. All in all, a Mustangs game is a great value for baseball fans, whether they are solo travelers, seasoned fans, families, or groups. While fans coming from out of the area may spend a bit on gas to get here, that will depend on where you are coming from. Like the concession stands, credit cards are accepted at the ticket booth but also have to be entered manually. Again, it may be quicker to pay cash, particularly if it is close to game time and you are eager to get into the stadium. Extras 3 There is a SpongeBob-themed bounce house located down the first base line behind the bleachers for kids to play in. Meanwhile, there is an area in front of the third base bleachers for kids to play catch or cornhole in. Although there is a sign indicating it is not a kids’ play area, it seems to be widely ignored and the presence of cornhole boards would seem to contradict that message. A third and final star for all the friendly staff here at Hooker Field. Final Thoughts While it is hard to believe Hooker Field hosted affiliated ball less than 20 years ago, it seems to have found its niche as a collegiate summer league venue. While it would be nice to see more fans show up, those who do show up will find that a Mustangs game is a great experience. Although it is not located close to much of anything else, if you’re in the Martinsville area over the summer, be sure to check out a Mustangs game. It will be worth your while.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Old Forge, Pennsylvania, is also a short 5-minute drive from PNC Field  and the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza  in Northeast Pennsylvania. The town is also the self-proclaimed “Pizza Capital of the World." To the 8,000-plus residents, that is just about the right. It is a style of pizza that is probably not like anything you’ve had before. “If you go to Pittston (a few miles away, it is New York-style, but not in Old Forge,” said one customer who was ahead of me in line at Revello’s, one of the dozens of pizza cafes on Main Street. The type of pizza is as different in taste as the terminology. The styles are either red or white, a slice is a cut, and a pie is a tray. The pizza is cooked in metal pans that make the crust crisp on the edges and soft and chewy in the center. If you prefer, you can get a few places to cook your pizza a little longer to crisp it up. How did this type of pizza come into existence? It is believed that Ghigiarelli's was the first to originate this style of pizza in 1926. Grandma Ghigiarelli served the pizza to the local miners at the bar she owned with her husband. The rectangular cuts would be served to them while they played cards and became so popular that other restaurants began putting them on their menus. The cheese is also unique to other styles across the country. It is a blend of mozzarella, white cheddar, and white American. It melts a little differently and oozes out of the white pizza, a style that is its being. “No two places have the same cheese blend; there is always a different spin on it,” said another customer. “The same for the sauces, every place in town does something different.” The white pie has no tomato sauce and is covered with a top layer of dough. The top is buttered with a few seasonings, and the inside is usually served with either broccoli or spinach. If you are a fan of melted cheese, then this one might be for you-however-I dipped mine in tomato sauce, which might be sacrilegious around these parts. There are various spots along Main Street offering their spin on this style of pizza, and each one uses a slightly different cheese blend or spices in the tomato sauce. Also, most of the businesses offer more than just pizza, customers can dine in and enjoy ravioli, spaghetti, chicken wings, meatball and sausage sandwiches, and another local delight, pierogies. There is a strong camaraderie among the different pizza makers in town. They don’t compete with each other, and many owners and workers will eat at competing cafes after work. It is that strong bond resulting in the branding of the term “Pizza Capital of the World." Old Forge is a small town, but worth a visit to taste this style of pizza, which is quite different from other kinds in the area. If your plans allow you to visit Main Street, order by the cut or tray. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Lime Rock Park 60 White Hollow Rd Lakeville, CT 06039 Lime Rock Park website IMSA Weekend website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 75,000 IMSA at the Bullring Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. When IMSA comes to town every summer, it presents the perfect opportunity to get out and experience some racing under the sun in New England. Food & Beverage 4 The small size of Lime Rock Park means you are never too far from anywhere, which makes finding food easy. From food trucks to small vendors at various corners around the track, getting food is easy for fans. The track also features a paddock food stand that has ice cream, a wide selection of burger options, and more to satisfy the appetite of any race fan. The main food booths are in the paddock area and at the top of the Turn 2 hill, from where the majority of fans watch the race. A burger or impossible burger costs $10, while a chicken tenders and fries basket costs $11. Hot dogs range from $7 to $8 depending on the toppings you want, while drinks range from $2 for a coffee or juice to $4.50 for soda or Gatorade. Snacks like cookies, brownies, candy, chips, and pastries range from $2.50 to $3. For 2023, the main concessions stand now features a newly paved queue area, as opposed to the rocky pathway that was there before. Atmosphere 5 The beauty all around Lime Rock Park is simply stunning – the vibrant green mountains that border the track help make the car colors pop even more than normal. The smell of campfires also fills the air, as some of the best race fans in the country take up residence at the track for the weekend. With a paddock that is open to all fans during all race weekends and a victory lane located at the bottom of an amphitheater-style hill for fan viewing, there is almost nowhere on the track you cannot find a great view. In addition, drivers frequently toss out hats to fans after celebrating their wins. Autographs are easy to get here, while a fan walk before the main race always brings out the fans. Perhaps most overlooked are the main paddock restrooms, which are always spotless and fully air-conditioned. Neighborhood 2 If you want to feel unwelcome by the residents of a town in which your sporting event is being held, just travel to Lime Rock Park. Weekend homes for New York City residents dot the streets around the track, and almost every single one has a large yellow sign outside their home that reads “SUNDAY NO RACING!” in protest of the track’s noise. Though the debate has raged for years, it nonetheless makes new fans and visitors to the facility feel rather unwelcome in the small New England town. Easily the biggest downside of Lime Rock Park is its location and its lack of any large towns nearby. Quite literally located off small one-lane roads, the track is bordered by homes and farm fields, mixed with dense New England forest. The nearest hotels are the Interlaken Inn and Wake Robin Inn, both a good 15-minute drive north into Lakeville. Food options in Lakeville, the nearest town, include Black Rabbit Tavern and The Woodland Restaurant. For sightseers, Haystack Mountain State Park offers great hiking trails, while the Saville Dam area is a favorite spot for photo takers. Fans 5 The fans at Lime Rock Park are diehard racing fans. They follow IMSA, SRO, SVRA, WEC, Trans Am, and more, making them extremely sports-knowledgeable. They’re also passionate about their favorite drivers, fly the flags of their preferred manufacturers, pack the hillsides for every headliner, and support race during a given race weekend. From club racing to vintage and pro weekends, Lime Rock Park is rarely empty whenever a race is in town. Access 2 Parking on-site at Lime Rock Park is plentiful, both inside the track and out. However, that is where the convenience ends – located over an hour from the nearest interstate highway, Lime Rock Park is in a very secluded part of Connecticut, relatively speaking. The nearest major city, Hartford, is equally as far. Located between US-7 and US-44, Lime Rock Park is easy to drive past if you don’t catch the small signs that point you toward the facility. Its distance from anywhere with sufficient lodging or dining is also inconvenient for those traveling to the track from out of state, who don’t like to venture far from the action. Return on Investment 5 Lime Rock Park is one of those tracks in North America that everyone knows about and says you should visit once. The compact nature of the track makes this the sports car racing equivalent of a bull ring, which makes the on-track product quite exciting to watch. Add to this the car-lovers dream that is the open paddock, and you have the perfect mix of beautiful surroundings and quality racing that motor-heads crave. Tickets for the IMSA weekend are incredibly affordable as well, with Saturday-only tickets at $80 and full-weekend tickets at $90. Parking passes are available inside, with plenty of free parking just outside the main entrance. Extras 4 The track features autograph sessions for fans throughout each race weekend. The main midway is also home to vendors and displays, showing fans the latest tech and offering great giveaways at the races. In addition, the track’s victory lane is located at the bottom of the hill by Turn 2, creating an amphitheater-style winner’s circle that makes you feel like you’re part of the celebration. Before the races fans are welcomed onto the grid for a pre-race grid walk, where they can get up close to the cars and stars racing at the track. Final Thoughts Lime Rock Park is secluded, to say the least, and whether this is good or bad depends on the fan. What isn’t up for debate is its status as a shining star in the racing world for over 60 years and the natural beauty that surrounds it. If you’re a racing fan, this track is a must-see on anyone’s bucket list. The track is constantly trying to improve the fan experience, and unlike other stops on the calendar, it doesn’t seem to age poorly, meaning you’ll be comfortable whenever you’re there.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Queen’s University Athletics and Recreation Centre 284 Earl St. Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Queen's Gaels basketball website Queen's University Athletics and Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,900 Tri-Colour Hoops On February 6, 1904 Queen’s University played McGill University in basketball. It would be the first ever basketball game played in what is now known as USports. Formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sport, USports has a long tradition with basketball and especially the tri-colour Queen’s Gaels. Queen’s maintains one of the deepest set of traditions in athletics. Located in historic Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s was established in 1841, before Canada gained independence and currently boasts an enrollment of over 24,000 students. Queen’s plays in the Ontario conference of USports known as Ontario University Athletics or OUA. The current home for the Gaels is the fairly new Athletics and Recreation Centre. Replacing the Bartlett Gymnasium in 2009, the ARC, as it is commonly known, is a bright, shiny home for the Gaels. It is not a stretch to say that Queen’s is a football-first school with the Gaels faithful providing one of the most unique and traditional experiences in all of Canadian football. On the other hand, basketball has not seen a ton of success over the years. The Gaels have claimed five Wilson Cups over the years as Ontario champions, with their last one coming in 1957. The deep-set traditions that fans find at Gaels football games are vacant from the basketball scene, however a Tri-Colour basketball game is an enjoyable affair in one Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at the Athletics and Recreation Centre are not earth shattering. However, if you are looking for a snack, you will be just fine. There is one concession stand at the south end. There you will find hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, pizza from Pizza Pizza, chocolate bars and chips. Slushies and frozen lemonade are also available. Soft drinks available are Coca-Cola products and are in plastic bottles. Powerade is also available. There are some vending machines close by as well if the selections at the concession are not good for you. Prices are decent and there are combos available combing pizza, hot dog or popcorn with a soda. Quality and selection won’t blow you away, but if you are someone who needs to munch during the game, then you will be satisfied. Atmosphere 3 The Athletics and Recreation Centre is a fully functional recreation centre for the students of Queen’s University. The main gym in the ARC is the host for Queen’s basketball. The ARC is inside the Queen’s Centre. From the exterior, the Queen’s Centre is a little difficult to find. Signage is not overwhelming from the exterior and some research is necessary for newcomers to the Queen’s campus. Upon entry to the ARC fans are welcomed by inflatable Queen’s promo items including the giant Q and inflatable tunnel. Entry is on the south side of the ARC and fans are welcomed to the north-south configuration of the basketball court. In the south concourse is where fans will find Queen’s trophy cases and walls honouring Academic All-Canadians and Athletic Award winners. There are a couple of lounges at the south side as well under the watchful eye of a large mural of the iconic Queen’s tri-colour flag and Queen’s fans. The seating area in the main gymnasium is bright and clean. There is seating on the east, west and south sides of the court. Seating on the east and west sides are plastic contoured bleacher benches with four rows of plastic seats on both sides of centre court. There is ample standing room behind each of the three seating areas as well. On the west side of the gymnasium, above the grandstand, hang all of the championship banners for all sports. Included in that group is the basketball banner honouring the 1924, 1926, 1930,1936 and 1957 Ontario Conference Championships which resulted in the Gaels bringing home the Wilson Cup. Unfortunately, the Gaels have yet to bring home a National Championship in basketball. On the east side, above the grandstands, hang banners honouring the 1922, 1923 and 1924 Grey Cup Champions and recognizing Richardson Stadium as the site of the 1922 Grey Cup. These show great history for Queen’s athletics, but are football related and seem a bit out of place in the ARC. On the north wall is the scoreboard, which is decent, but pretty standard for this level of basketball and does not feature a videoboard. The game day production at Queen’s is far different for basketball than football. At Richardson Stadium, football game days are steeped in Queen’s traditions which have been handed down through the generations. There are no such traditions with basketball. Overall, the basketball production is fairly modern, with modern, student-chosen, music during the down times and student run promotions and contests. The Queen’s Competitive Dance Team performs between the quarters and helps distribute promotional items in the crowd. The Queen’s mascot Boo-Hoo did not make an appearance at the game that was reviewed. Neighbourhood 5 The ARC is located at the north end of the main campus of Queen’s University. Queen’s is located just west of downtown Kingston, one of the most interesting and vibrant neighbourhoods that you will find. Head towards the river and Princess Street to find just about everything you could want. A number of national restaurant chains can be found all along Princess, Queen and Brock Streets, but there are also a ton of independent spots that will peak your interest. Woodenheads Gourmet Pizza, Sir John’s Public House, The Merchant Tap House, Chez Piggy, The Toucan and Grizzly Grill are all worth checking out. Kingston is a fantastic spot to be, especially in the summer. The Haunted Walk is interesting and Confederation Park is along the Rideau Trail right by the waterfront. The ferry to Wolfe Island is right there also. Across the river, at the top of the hill is Old Fort Henry, which has a number of activities during the summer and fall. Bellevue House was the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Fans looking for other sporting options within the city will not have to look far. Queen’s fields a full slate of athletic programs including their legendary football stadium that plays at Richardson Memorial Stadium . The Queen’s hockey team plays a few blocks away at the Kingston Memorial Centre. The cross-town rivals for the Gaels, the RMC Paladins play just across the water at Constantine Arena . Also, the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL play right downtown at Leon's Centre . There are a number of places to stay if you are staying in Kingston. By the waterfront you can find the Confederation Place Hotel, Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront and Delta Waterfront Hotel. All are good spots to stay. Fans 3 Assessing fans at USports basketball games is challenging. Usually, attendance numbers are not published, and discerning league attendance averages is almost impossible. That being said, USports basketball fans would assuredly be measured in the hundreds and not thousands. At the game that was reviewed there were over five hundred fans in attendance, all of which were corralled on the east side of the gymnasium, which makes for more of an event feel, but doesn't make for great pictures. The fans that are in attendance are decent supporters of the Gaels but are not over the top crazy. There is a decent percentage of students in the crowd, but not nearly as significant as universities south of the border. Access 4 Getting to Queen’s and the ARC are not too difficult. The ARC is located on the main Queen’s campus and a significant distance south of the main highway into Kingston, Highway 401. Getting to Queen’s from out of town will require a significant drive through the city . For fans interested in public transportation to the ARC there is a bus stop on Earl Street at University Ave, right by the ARC. Check out the Kingston Transit website for schedules, fares and maps. The Kingston Trolley may also be an option for you to head to the ARC. Check out the Kingston Trolley website for details. Right by the Earl Street entrance to the ARC, there is a large underground parking garage. Parking can run up to $6 which is on the pricy side for university basketball. Pay and display on nearby streets is also an option. Having a plan is a pretty good idea when heading to a game. The markings for the underground garage are not very good as are the markings for the ARC. The Queen’s University and Gaels athletics websites are pretty good at filling in the gaps. Getting around the ARC is not a problem considering the number of fans in the stands. Washrooms are also adequate for the crowd numbers in attendance. Return on Investment 5 There is great value in a Queen’s Gaels basketball game for little investment. Adult tickets purchased in advance will run $8 or $10 at the door. Discounts are available for students and youth. Children under five are free as are Queen’s University students. All tickets are doubleheader tickets with entry into the women’s game included. Parking prices aren’t the greatest but concession prices are okay. The product that Queen’s puts on the floor is high quality and exciting and absolutely worth the very insignificant investment a fan is asked for. Extras 3 An extra mark for Queen’s playing in the first ever interuniversity basketball game in Canada. An extra mark for the Gaels players and coaches linking during the singing of O Canada. A definite nod to the Oil Thigh, which is a deep-set Queen’s tradition. An extra mark for the Public Address announcer for the Gaels. During the play the name of the opposing player who scores is not announced, only the team name. A unique feature that nudges up the home court advantage just a bit. Final Thoughts Although Queen’s Gaels basketball does not offer the vast array of traditions that can be found at a Queen’s Gaels football game, basketball does have some tri-colour history. The Athletics and Recreation Centre is a wonderful facility that should help with recruiting for years to come. Tri-Colour Hoops is well worth checking out when in Kingston. Che Gheill!! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos courtesy of Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Vaught-Hemingway Stadium All-American & Hill Drive Oxford, MS 38677 Mississippi Rebels website Vaught-Hemingway Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 64,038 Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! It's been called the Literary Capital of the South, as Grisham, Faulkner, and Willie Morris have all lived here and used the small Mississippi town as a setting for many of their novels. It's Oxford, Mississippi, and after coming here, it's easy to see why, as the scene here is something straight out of a novel. At The Grove, you'll find tailgating like you've never seen before – it's as grand and upscale as you can get, with chandeliers hung from a sea of tents and people eating off fine china. Students wear their Sunday Best, with men in slacks and women in dresses and boots, backdropped by beautiful Greek column buildings and hundred-year-old oaks. This is Ole Miss Rebels football, and the unique blend of Southern culture, charm, and historic tradition combined with one of the most storied programs in all of college football makes coming to an Ole Miss football game a must-do in the fall. The Rebels began playing football at Ole Miss in 1893 as the state's first football team; as one of the founding members of the SEC in 1932, the Rebs won six SEC titles and won three National Championships (1959, 1960, and 1962). Since 1915, the Rebs have played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the country's fifth-oldest FBS College Football stadium, which, as of 2024, has a capacity of 64,038, making it the largest stadium in the state of Mississippi based on capacity. The stadium is named after Judge William Hemingway, a former law professor at Ole Miss, and former Head Coach John Vaught, who coached the Rebels from 1947-1973, including the three National Championship teams. Coming to an Ole Miss game is an experience like no other and perhaps the most raucous atmosphere in not just the SEC but across all of college football.   Food and Beverage   4 You can find plenty to eat and drink inside the stadium if you don't fill up pregame in The Grove or on The Square. In 2019, Ole Miss updated the concessions inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to give you plenty of options – in addition to over 20 different basic stands built into the concourse, you'll also find several custom-themed options. Fergndan's Wood Fire Pizza has two locations for fans to purchase brick oven pizzas, and there is also a sausage and hot dog cart located on the southeast side of the stadium. Burger Me, a spot to get custom-themed burgers, is located on the southwest concourse, while Chop's BBQ has two locations to get anything BBQ-related, from nachos to pulled pork sandwiches. Chops has its signature item called Totchos, which includes pulled pork, tater tots, and jalapenos, The Healthy Rebel features grilled chicken wraps, fruit cups, and other healthy snacks. Lastly, Great American Cookie and Nuts 4 offers spots in the stadium to get candy, funnel cake, and cookies. For drinks, Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Ole Miss athletics – if you purchase the souvenir cup for $7, you can get $1 refills throughout the game. Also, a cool promotion they have is if you take your signature Ole Miss cup to any Blue Sky convenience store in Oxford, you can get a 65-cent refill. But for those who want to drink alcohol, there are 15 stands inside The Vaught, where you can buy alcoholic beverages. The usual domestic beer is sold, as well as some premium beers such as Suzy B, a local beer, and Henry's Hard Sparkling Water, a locally brewed seltzer. A cool spot to hang out and have a drink is Blue Moon Brewhouse, located on the west concourse; this location is a cool little beach-themed bar with TVs, but it is kind of hidden so as not to get in the way of people walking through. I found myself here at Blue Moon Brewhouse during halftime, watching some of the other games on TV.   Atmosphere   5 You cannot find an atmosphere that embodies the Southern culture and personality more than a trip to the Ole Miss campus on a game day. At the center of campus lies The Grove, a 10-acre greenspace that is transformed into the SEC's ultimate debutante ball on gamedays – a sea of tents takes over The Grove, stretching as far as the eye can see, all under the shade of hundred-year-old oaks and magnolia trees, for which The Grove got its name. It is an upscale affair here, with many tents decked out with elaborate décor, including people drinking wine and eating off fine china. It is also not uncommon to find chandeliers hanging from the tents here. A common misconception is that you have to dress up to come to games here, but that is mostly for the students. Ole Miss has a large student population in Greek life who dress up in suits and ties, but most people will be wearing casual attire, as it can be particularly hot in Mississippi in September. I would go with khaki shorts in the heat and khaki pants in the cold. The ladies will particularly dress up more than the men; you'll find many women wearing fancy dresses and boots while wearing glitzy hats. Just blocks from campus are the famed Square, the downtown area, and the cultural heart of Oxford. The Square is just as much a part of the Ole Miss gameday experience as The Grove – The Square is about a 15-minute walk from The Grove, so many fans will walk back and forth between the two before the game. 2 1/2 hours before kickoff is perhaps the most cherished gameday tradition at Ole Miss, the Walk of Champions. During the Walk, the football team walks from the student union down a brick-lined path through the Grove and into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This tradition began in 1983 when coach Billy Brewer wanted the players to experience the atmosphere of The Grove before the game. There is also another cool tradition here, where fans will lock arms and rock back and forth as the team runs out onto the field – this is called "Locking the Vaught." The stadium sits at the center of campus, a short quarter mile from The Grove – the facility is surrounded by buildings, so it's kind of hard to see as you approach. On the west side of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is SBJ Pavilion , which opened in 2016 and is home to the Rebels basketball team. The Pavilion is open on football gamedays and hosts a small fan fest inside and outside of the building. On the south side sits Manning Practice Facility, named after the Manning Family (Archie, Eli, and even Tennessee  grad Peyton have their names engraved on the plaque). Outside the venue, near the student entrance, is a giant statue of former coach John Vaught. Once inside the stadium, the seating bowl is in a perfectly shaped oval around the field, which faces north and south. The facility is not very high up or steep like some stadiums are, but instead, all 64,000+ seats fit into the oval-shaped bowl and are slanted at a 45-degree angle, so you'll have great views no matter where you sit. At the top of the east grandstand is the Rebel Club, a climate-controlled luxury seating area, while at the north end is a huge video board measuring 48 x 105 feet. My favorite spot to watch the game from is a standing-room-only concourse below the Rebel Club – here, you'll get excellent views of the field and also a great view of the fireworks that go off after every Ole Miss touchdown. For night games, they'll do a pretty impressive light or drone show at the start of the 4th quarter, which is best seen the higher up you are. The students take up the entire north end zone, and there is no way to get into that seating area from elsewhere in the seating bowl. Students and fraternities will start filling up the student section hours before kickoff, and you'll hear plenty of "Hotty Toddies" throughout the day. This saying is synonymous with Ole Miss, and when you leave the game, you'll have the official rallying cry stuck in your head for days – “Heighty! Tighty! Gosh A Mighty! Who in the [Heck] are we? Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! Ole Miss, By [Darn]!”.   Neighborhood   5 This small town of 25,000 swells to over 100,000 on Saturdays in the Fall. About a 3-block walk from campus is The Square, centered around the Historic Lafayette County Courthouse, which was built in 1872; local shops and restaurants make up the businesses around the courthouse. Oxford's favorite son, William Faulkner, used The Square as a setting for many of his books, renamed the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, while Oxford was called Jefferson in his novels. Some of the more popular shops on The Square include the South's oldest department store, Neilsen's, which has been in operation in the same location since 1839. Another must-visit if on The Square is Square Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country – You never know who you might run into in the famed bookstore on gameday, whether it be John Grisham or one of the Mannings. There are four Square Books stores located on the block, with each store featuring a large selection of local and national authors, from kids' books to history books. Some of the restaurants on The Square include Ajax Diner, voted the Best Plate lunch in Mississippi, as well as City Grocery for local Southern fried foods and Boure Restaurant for Creole or Cajun. South Depot Taco Shop offers tacos and Mexican dishes, but if you want to venture out a little, world-renowned Taylor Grocery is about a 15-minute drive from Oxford and is famous for its fried catfish. A visit to this hole-in-the-wall is almost a rite of passage for Ole Miss fans and something you must see if in Oxford – note that the place gets extremely busy on Sundays after gamedays, however. Oxford also has a popular live music scene; the Delta Blues combined with Memphis rock ‘n roll has produced a unique jam band scene. Proud Larry's, The Lyric, and Rooster's Blues House are a few of the popular places on The Square to check out live music, while End of All Music is also a popular place to buy vintage records and vinyl albums. The Lyric's building was once used as the stables for William Faulkner's horses – Faulkner lived nearby at the historic mansion Rowan Oak, which makes for another must-visit if in Oxford; the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer wrote five novels while living inside this two-story 1840s mansion. Rowan Oak is located just off campus and is open for public tours, and there is even a cool trail that goes from campus through the woods and to Rowan Oak. Besides all of the above, for outdoor stuff to do during the weekend, there is the South Campus rail trail, a paved bike trail over a former railroad, as well as Sardis Lake just north of Oxford, which is a great place to take a boat or do any other water-related activities.   Fans   5 This season, fan support is at an all-time high, with every game selling out. In fact, the game I most recently saw broke the attendance record with over 67,000 fans in attendance – this was also the highest-attended college football game ever in the State of Mississippi. Head coach Lane Kiffin has brought prestige back to the program to the likes of how it was in 2014 when the Rebels rose as high as Number 2 in some polls. There is just something special about generations of families gathering together in the same place in The Grove on Saturdays in the fall for decades. Ole Miss fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable of any fan base you will find – The Grove has a bad reputation for not being very welcoming to visiting fans, but I did not find that to be the case, as I saw many opposing fans walking around in The Grove. The only visiting fans who might get hassled are Mississippi State  fans. Most of the fans here are knowledgeable about the history and traditions of the program – you'll find old-school fans who can remember names like Archie and Eli Manning, Deuce McAllister, and Patrick Willis, as well as a new generation of fans who remember guys that made an impact on the program in the past 10-15 years like Bo Wallace, Chad Kelly, AJ Brown, DK Metcalf, Laremy Tunsil, and Robert Nkemdiche. You’ll also find the longtime Colonel Reb logo everywhere in The Grove, emblazoned on everything from tents to shirts. The real Colonel Reb mascot can also be seen walking around The Grove, taking pictures, and you will even find people dressed up as the Colonel.   Access   3 Getting to Oxford may seem fairly simple, although it might seem like kind of a rural drive to get here, as it is located about 25 miles from the closest interstate. If coming from the west, take I-55 until you get to Batesville, which is about an hour south of Memphis, then go east on Highway 278 for about 20 minutes, and you'll run right into campus. If coming from the east, the closest big city is Tupelo, about an hour away – from there, take Highway 278 west, and you'll find the university. Once in Oxford, due to the small size of the city and the limited parking, it can be quite hectic finding a place to park. To park anywhere close to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium or near The Grove, you are going to have to have an Ole Miss Athletic Foundation-issued parking pass – these are hard to get unless you are a season ticket holder or park of the Rebel Club. Instead, if coming to a game as a regular fan, there is one lot on campus called Insight Park near the soccer stadium. There is also parking at Oxford High School, a nearby shopping center, and at the local community college, where they’ll shuttle you over to campus if you park at any of these three. For non-conference games, parking is $35, while for big SEC contests, you’ll pay between $50 and $75. If parking at Insight Park, I recommend purchasing your parking pass in advance, as this lot sells out quickly. Once inside the stadium, with overfill capacity, you'll find moving around kind of difficult. Also, all the seats are bleacher seating, except for the south end zone, so you'll be kind of crammed in here. However, there is also a lack of ushers checking tickets, so you can move around.   Return on Investment   4 Coming to an Ole Miss game is an experience like no other and something all fans of college football should experience. Should you come to Oxford for the weekend, you will not be disappointed. The only drawback is the expensive parking and the somewhat expensive ticket prices – you get what you pay for, though, which is the only way to put it, as you are getting to see SEC football at its best and experiencing some of the best tailgating in all sports, here at an Ole Miss football game. For the beginning of the season non-conference games, you can get tickets for as little as $20 to $30. As the season progresses, however, ticket prices will fluctuate depending on how the team is doing, for example, for conference games, you may see tickets on the Ole Miss athletic site for between $50 and $60. This season, every game sold out by week 3, though, and so some conference games started selling on secondary sites for $200 to $300. If you come into Oxford for the weekend looking to stay the night, you better book your rooms well in advance – Oxford doesn't exactly have many hotels and the few they do have often sell out quickly or are really expensive during game weekends. Instead, I recommend staying about 25 minutes away in Batesville, where there are more and cheaper hotel options.   Extras   5 If you do happen to drive on campus, make sure you drive 18 mph, the official speed limit on campus. The reason is that # 18 was Archie Manning's number at Ole Miss; this is perhaps the only college in the country that has an official speed limit based on the number of a former player. One extra for The Grove, being the Holy Grail of Tailgating for College Football – this is one of the best experiences and atmospheres in all of sports. College GameDay even broadcast from The Grove in 2014 with Katy Perry as the guest picker. The Rebs upset # 3 Alabama  that day and rushed the field, after which the students, with Katy Perry in tow, then proceeded to carry the goalposts from the stadium to The Square (the goalposts ended up at the fraternity houses). Besides Ole Miss football, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has hosted the Mississippi High School Football Championships on two occasions (2017 and 2023). The facility has also hosted two concerts, one by Hardy in 2023 and one by Morgan Wallen in 2024. With a capacity of 64,038, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is the largest stadium in Mississippi – the extra 38 seats are in honor of Rebel star Chuck Mullins, who suffered a devastating injury in a 1989 game that left him a quadriplegic. Even though he would pass away in 1991, Mullins left a lasting impact on the Ole Miss community. The road to the west of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is named after Mullins, and every year, the football presents the Chucky Mullins Courage Award. As of this season, over 250 former Rebs have been drafted into the NFL, with 29 Ole Miss alums currently on active NFL rosters. Ole Miss has also produced 12 College Football Hall of Famers and 3 Pro Football Hall of Famers (Patrick Willis, Bruiser Kinard, and Gene Hickerson, as well as soon-to-be Eli Manning). The Conerly Trophy, given to the top football player in Mississippi, is also named after former Ole Miss quarterback Charlie Conerly – 11 former Rebels have won the prestigious award.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Momentum Bank Ballpark 5514 Champions Dr Midland, TX 79706 Midland RockHounds website Momentum Bank Ballpark website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,669 Rockin' in the Midlands Since 2002 Momentum Bank Ballpark has been home to the Midland Rockhounds, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics . Located in West Texas on the border of the Chihuahuan desert and the Panhandle Plains, the Midland-Odessa area is most famous for two things: oil and high school football. The ballpark is an oasis in the landscape that has brought visitors from the days it was built – the Rockhounds are anticipating hosting their 10 millionth fan at some point during the final few games of 2024, or early in the 2025 season. Before this stadium was built, the team played in Christensen Stadium as the Cubs (1972-1984) and Angels (1985-1998) before rebranding as the Rockhounds in 1999. A rockhound is a nickname for a geologist, in honor of the oil and gas industry, which is responsible for approximately 30% of the Permian Basin’s workforce. The Rockhounds and their predecessor names have won 7 championships in their history, most recently in 2017. They were also leading their division by 2 games late in August when I last visited on a warm Sunday afternoon. Food & Beverage   4 Upon entering the ballpark gate you are met with a plethora of aromas, including the smell of grilled sausages, burgers, barbecue, Mexican food, popcorn, and more wafting through the air. Multiple concession stands and kiosks are spread from foul pole to foul pole; in addition to traditional ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and pretzels, the Rockhounds also offer foods such as Philly cheesesteaks, PB & J hot dogs, supreme nachos, and grilled chicken sandwiched. Momentum Bank Ballpark also offers numerous beer offerings beyond the standard market brands, including local craft beer Tall City  in 4 different styles, Yuengling, and the Texas beers Karbach and Saint Arnold's Lawnmower .   Atmosphere   3 The slightly smaller-than-life-size catcher statue on a large home plate-shaped cement pad welcomes visitors to Momentum Bank Ballpark as you walk up from the north. Displayed on the cement in front of the catcher are bronze plates recognizing championships and other team accomplishments through their history, which sets the tone for an enjoyable experience. Fans are treated to a beautiful view of the field from directly behind home plate as they enter the gate, and head toward the team store, concession stand of choice, or their seats. There is a large video scoreboard beyond the right field fence, which displays player information as well as advertising, and between inning challenges and quizzes – video ribbon boards above the seating on both baselines display current player statistics and line scores. There are also three pitch clocks, one on the outfield berm which is visible to the crowd, batter, catcher, and home plate umpire, as well as two on the backstop visible to the fielders and field umpires. Like most MiLB franchises, the Rockhounds promote their sponsors well – during most home games of the 2024 season they offer either an advertised promotion, giveaway, or discount. For example, every Tuesday game promises 2-for-1 tickets, Wednesdays call for half-price hot dogs, Saturday games end with postgame fireworks, and fans are given free ice cream for all Sunday games. In addition, Thirsty Thursdays have drink discounts and Fridays are usually when cap, t-shirt, and jersey giveaways take place. It seems that no matter which game you might choose to attend, value is added to your ticket purchase.   Neighborhood   4 Located off Loop 250 in northwest Midland, the area around Momentum Bank Ballpark is home to newer homes and businesses, as well as open land plotted for future development and growth. There are numerous quality hotels across the street from and within walking distance of the ballpark – these accommodations include Tru by Hilton , Townplace Suites , and Residence Inn   among others. No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within a few miles of Momentum Bank Ballpark to satisfy you; eating establishments within a long line drive include Raising Canes, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse , Clear Springs Seafood and Steaks , and   La Mision Mexican Food . Or, if you’re looking to have a drink and relax after the game, Fair To Midland  Kitchen and Bar or The Hemingway  are two excellent options just a short distance away.   Fans   3 Momentum Bank Ballpark, and Midland in general, have been home to a consistent fan base since baseball was introduced to the Permian Basin in the 1970s – this is well documented by the average of over 250,000 fans per season, or over 3500 per game. The game I most recently attended was a late summer Sunday afternoon the week before school started, so attendance was lower than normal. Fans in attendance cheered for between-inning game participants and made noise when the Rockhounds snuffed out a late-game rally from the opponent; you can tell that regular fans are very knowledgeable about the game here and want to have an impact on its outcome.   Access   4 Getting into the ballpark is easier here than at many other stadiums – Momentum Bank Ballpark is located in Scharbauer Sports Complex, which houses Grande Communications Football Stadium as well as competition soccer fields, ensuring plenty of parking lots within less than 100 yards of the ballpark’s gate. The Rockhounds also offer free parking, which makes for a wonderful first impression. Public transportation is available to most games, but is not an option as a way to get back after the game ends, since the rides end at 7:30 pm – Uber  and Lyft  are much better options and are typically available when needed. Mobile tickets are required at Momentum Bank Ballpark, and the process was effortless using the MiLB ticketing software. Gates open only 30 minutes before the first pitch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, but an hour prior for games on other days. Clear bags are required, but you are allowed a 20-ounce water bottle if you desire. The concourse is large enough for multiple grill kiosks, a bar down the third baseline, a safety tent, and an information table without hampering movement at all. Lines move fast due to concession options in all areas of the stadium. My suggestion is to take time to walk the concourse around the ballpark and enjoy the view from every angle. If you are fortunate enough to attend a night game, you’ll want to catch the west Texas sunset behind the first base stands from the left-field berm.   Return on Investment   4 Attending Rockhound games is an affordable event. Ticket prices range from $8 for general admission berm seating to $12 for reserved seats in sections well down both baselines, up to $22 for premium reserved seats in the sections behind home plate. While there are no bad seats at Momentum Bank Ballpark, the added price for premium reserved seating is worth the added cost. You can also find other opportunities to save through promotions such as 2-for-1 tickets on Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, free ice cream Sundays, and half-price hot dogs on Wednesdays. Concession prices here won’t break the bank either – non-alcoholic drinks are $4.50 to $6, and most beer and wine cost between $7 and $9 depending on your selection. Adding food items, a person can enjoy a meal at the game for less than $20 and easily feel satisfied, which is very much in line with other Double-A experiences in the minor league system.   Extras   3 An extra point is given for the splash pad – only those who’ve experienced the Texas summer heat would understand this. Points are also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff, as well as for the free parking.   Final Thoughts Midland Rockhound Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. Whether you are spending one night in Midland or an extended time, attending a Midland Rockhounds game should make the to-do list.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Joe Cannon Stadium 7611 Ridge Chapel Rd Hanover, MD 21076 Coppin State Eagles website Joe Cannon Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,500 Fly Like An Eagle Coppin State University plays baseball nearly 25 miles away from its Northwest Baltimore campus, as an on-campus facility does not exist. They use Joe Cannon Stadium, located at Harmans Park in suburban Hanover, MD. The stadium was designed for the use of amateur baseball teams in the region and is named after the man who pushed very hard to get such a field developed. Coppin has not really been one of the more successful schools in baseball, but it did have the late Baltimore Orioles great Paul Blair serve as their Manager from 1998 to 2002. Recent years have seen some better success with the team. When Joe Cannon Stadium was opened in 1990, the area was not very developed. Since then, this area has been the center of rapid growth and development. The large Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino are nearly across the street from the stadium. BWI Airport is also located nearby, and the sight of airplanes taking off is not uncommon. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Coppin State baseball game. A concession stand exists at Joe Cannon Stadium but is not used during Coppin games.  No soda nor snack machines are located here either. Atmosphere 2 The seating section sits pretty high off of the field, which limits fan participation. And that is if there are fans at the game. The atmosphere is almost non-existent, although a PA announcer does keep you into the game with announcements and music played between players. The seats are metal bleachers with no backing. It may be worth it to go all the way to the top of the stands so that you will have a back to your seat, but you will be a bit further from the action. Many of the fans do not even sit in the stands, but bring their own chair to sit along the chain link fence along the foul lines. This may offer a bit more interesting view than in the main grandstand. The stadium did have a recent renovation that added an artificial turf field and other player amenities. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located back in the woods but is across from a thriving development. Arundel Mills Mall is very popular, so much so that parking can be difficult at times. The addition of the Maryland Live Casino adds to the popularity of the area. Luckily, the casino has added a large parking garage to alleviate some parking problems. Food options are varied. The closest options are within walking distance across parking lots. Subway and The Greene Turtle are close and offer options for both carry-out and eat-in. The Greene Turtle has a diverse menu, offering more intriguing options, including everything from Raspberry Turkey Flatbread down to a more usual bar food menu. They also offer many happy hour foods and drink specials at the bar. There are so many other food options in the area, from standard fast food fare to upscale restaurants at the casino. There are a few hotels also in the area, with ALoft and Element located within walking distance of Joe Cannon Stadium. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. I would doubt there are ever many student fans in attendance unless they know someone playing. The stadium is too far removed from their campus. The stadium did seem to draw a large group of fans from the opposing team. Once again, it was mostly family members and other friends, but the location near Arundel Mills may be a draw for these games. Access 3 Joe Cannon Stadium is near most of the large highways in the area, such as I-295, I-95, and Maryland Route 100. So access is technically very good. The abundance of highways does not tell the whole story. The traffic around Arundel Mills Mall can be stifling. You can expect to sit through many lights just to make simple and small turns. Weekend games will be worse than weekday games. Plan your trips accordingly, as you may need to be patient for the most simple of rides. Parking at the stadium is plentiful and free. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. If a good local team is in town, or one of the powerhouse programs is playing, fans will be rewarded with some good baseball skills with very little investment. Extras 1 The large water tower located beyond the left field wall is an interesting sight to see at a baseball game. It may not be the Green Monster or the Camden Yards Warehouse, but it gives fans at Joe Cannon Stadium an interesting view. Final Thoughts The stadium is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially for being free. You will not be wowed by the field, nor probably the talent level, but it can offer a good option away from the crowded shopping environment located nearby. A good option for many fans is to drop those of their party who wish to shop at the mall while others take in a game.

Photos by Matt Finnigen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sam Suplizio Field 12 St and North Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501 Grand Junction Rockies website Sam Suplizio Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 10,000 Getting it Right in Grand Junction Minor league baseball should provide fans with a fun experience in a pleasant atmosphere at a reasonable cost. The Grand Junction Rockies achieve all of these aims, enabling fans on Colorado’s Western Slope to enjoy short-season, Class-A, Pioneer League baseball in a naturally magnificent setting. The team’s parent club, the Colorado Rockies, purchased the Casper (WY) Ghosts in 2011 and relocated the team to Grand Junction’s Suplizio Field before the 2012 season. Since then, Grand Junction has served as a first stop for several players who advanced to play Major League Baseball, such as David Dahl, Jon Gray, Kyle Freeland, and Ryan McMahon. The ballpark is part of the city’s 42-acre Lincoln Park, which also features a 9-hole golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, picnic shelters, a playground, and horseshoe pits. Colorado Mesa University sits just across U.S. 6 from Suplizio Field. CMU’s NCAA Division II baseball team also uses Suplizio Field for its home games and its football team plays adjacent to Suplizio Field, at neighboring Ralph Stocker Stadium. Notably, Suplizio Field has hosted the National Junior College World Series every year since 1958. Suplizio Field sits in the shadow of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flattop mountain at approximately 500 square miles. Grand Mesa provides a stunning backdrop for the Rockies’ home games, as well as a key part of the team’s primary logo. Before the Rockies’ inaugural season, Suplizio Field received $8.3 million in renovations that included new bleachers on the stadium’s first base side, a new press box, and a new wheelchair-accessible mezzanine section. These renovations enhanced the experience at Suplizio without compromising its many positive attributes. Food & Beverage 4 Suplizio Field has high-quality food and drink options. Although the fare is what most people would expect from a sporting event, it is fresh and delicious. Hot dogs ($4), Polish dogs ($5), hamburgers ($5), cheeseburgers ($6), and grilled chicken sandwiches ($5) can all be complemented by a side of French fries ($3), which are actually thinly sliced strips of starchy perfection and a must-try for anyone attending a game in Grand Junction. Pepsi products are offered, with a souvenir cup of soda costing $5 with $2 refills. The Rockies also have an ice cream stand, where soft-serve vanilla and huckleberry ice cream are available in mini-helmets for $5. The Rockies have a small concession stand, the Rockaritaville Cantina, on the concourse beneath the right field grandstand where fans can enjoy limited Mexican fare. Nachos ($7), burritos ($7), and tacos ($6) are offered along with margaritas ($6) and Estrella Jalisco beer ($4). Beer lovers will appreciate Suplizio Field’s selection and prices. Fans can enjoy 16-ounce draft beers for just $4, including not only Budweiser products, but also the Rockies’ house brew, GJ Brew; Goose Island IPA; and the local Palisade Brewing Company’s Dirty Hippie wheat beer. Atmosphere 4 The Rockies have created a very pleasant atmosphere at Suplizio Field. The team’s mascot, a coyote named “Corky,” interacts with fans throughout the game. The team also stirs fans’ interest by designating an opposing player as the “Beer Batter;” if that player strikes out, fans enjoy $2 beers for the ensuing 10 minutes. Seats along the first baseline offer not only the best views, but some protection against the sun during late afternoon and early evening games. The recently built press box towers over the stands and provides ample shade. The Rockies have extended the protective netting along each baseline but fans in the stands can watch pitchers warm up in bullpens in the left field (visitors) and right field (home) corners. Some of the metal bleachers have seat backs. To access the dugouts from the teams’ respective clubhouses, players must walk across the concourse. This enables fans to obtain autographs from and take photos with the players before and after each game. Neighborhood 3 Suplizio Field sits along a busy, commercial corridor near both downtown Grand Junction and Colorado Mesa University. Fans can park next to Suplizio Field and enjoy the rest of Lincoln Park before a game with a picnic, a round of golf, pickleball, tennis, or swimming. Downtown Grand Junction offers a wide variety of dining options just a five-minute drive from the ballpark. Pablo’s Pizza and the Rockslide Brewery offer good food along Main Street in downtown. Several hotels are also located downtown, including Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Springhill Suites. Fans 3 While the crowds at Suplizio Field are not large, they are loyal and engaged. The stadium has capacity of approximately 10,000 and crowds range between 2,000 and 3,000. Access 3 With free, close, abundant parking, fans should plan to drive to Suplizio Field. Fans using a navigation system to travel to the ballpark should note that parking is behind center field, although iPhones will direct fans to the home plate entrance (where there is no parking). The stadium does not display obvious signage to direct fans where to park. The local Grand Valley Transit does have a bus stop on 12th Street for fans wanting to take mass transit. Return on Investment 4 A night at Suplizio Field is a great value. Tickets are available at either $11 for a club seat behind home plate or $9 for a reserved seat along either baseline. Parking is free and concession prices are quite reasonable. Extras 3 The Rockies offer high-quality promotional items. On one night, all fans received Kyle Freeland bobbleheads and free, post-game fireworks. Players from both teams are accessible, gladly signing autographs and posing for photos with fans after the game. The Rockies also provide free game programs with rosters and photos. Fans should consider a late-season visit to Grand Junction for a game. Palisade, Colorado, is just a 10-minute drive east of Grand Junction and is an agricultural hub where some of the best peaches in the country can be found, beginning in August. Final Thoughts The Rockies work very hard to provide fans with a great experience, and it shows. A night at Suplizio Field promises a fun time and beautiful views for even a casual baseball fan. With an abundance of outdoor activities in and around Grand Junction, Suplizio Field is a summertime highlight for fans on Colorado’s Western Slope.

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Tigers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Klein Family Field Pershing Avenue At Larry Heller Drive Stockton, CA 95204 Pacific Tigers website Klein Family Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Klein Family’s Gem Klein Family Field has been home to UOP (University of Pacific) baseball since 2006 when they moved from the longtime and former home of the Stockton Ports, Billy Hebert Field. The Ports played at Billy Hebert Field from 1953 until 2005 when they moved into their new home, Banner Island Ballpark . Bud Klein, the namesake of the Stanford Cardinal’s Klein Field at Sunken Diamond , is also a member the honored family in Stockton. His father, Sol Klein, began many Stockton youth leagues and the baseball club that would eventually be known as the Ports. Many members of the Klein family have been Tigers and their support continues with the donation of this beautiful new facility for the baseball program. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands, one serving the main items like hot dogs ($3), polish sausages ($4.50), baked potato ($4), burger ($4.50) and various sides like cookies ($1.50), peanuts ($2.50), bottled water and soda ($3), and malts ($3). The other concession stand only serves the side items. There is a third mini area that serves bottled beer and glasses of wine. It is in a section sort of separated from the rest of the seating area. It was unclear to me whether you needed a special ticket to enter this lounge area or some sort of wristband acknowledging you are of age. Atmosphere 4 Klein Family Field is a great place to watch a game. There are lots of seating options that you can choose from that include chair back seats, grass seating, high tops under canopies, and lounge chairs near a fireplace. Fans aren’t terribly loud but do have a good turnout. At this game, the energy level certainly dipped when Cal State Fullerton started the game by scoring 7 runs in the first 2 innings. The sight lines are great all around the park and there is plenty of room for the little ones to run around and keep themselves occupied. Klein Family Field and the surrounding scenery provides a top atmosphere for college baseball. Neighborhood 3 Klein Family Field is adjacent to the home of Pacific basketball, the Spanos Center. The area surrounding the ballpark is largely upscale residential, including parts of the UOP campus. There isn’t much in way of good hangouts in the immediate area but you can be sure you’re in a safe neighborhood, unlike the perception of other parts of Stockton. Though bars and restaurants within walking distance to and from the venue aren’t very available, downtown Stockton, as well as the Miracle Mile, is not far away. I’d recommend going to Valley Brewing Co about two miles away. They serve their own micro brews, good pub food, and you can take in sports memorabilia from all over Northern California as well as Stocktonians who made it to the big leagues. Lastly, the Stockton Ports play two and a half miles away on the Stockton waterfront. Fans 3 At the game of this review, much of the wind was taken out of the fans’ collective sail because of the onslaught by the visiting Titans. They were however engaged with the ballgame throughout. It certainly feels like a community of friends in the stands as I would imagine many of them go to all of the games together, much like the experience across the way at the Spanos Center. The Pacific Tigers also must compete with Stockton Ports and their new ballpark as well. On this particular day, baseball fans needed to choose between the two teams as the Ports were in town playing the Lancaster Jethawks. Access 4 Klein Family Field is located just a few blocks from highway 5 and two miles from 99. Getting from the freeways is easy through safe city blocks. Take main drags Pershing or Alpine to the convenient (and free on weekends) parking lot. You enter the ballpark between Klein Field and the Spanos Center where you’ll pass mementos of past donors to UOP athletics and through the charming gates to the field. Once inside, the promenades are plenty wide and the restrooms are clean and spacious enough for the field’s capacity. Return on Investment 4 General seating starts at just $6 for this 80 degree May afternoon. With parking free and concessions affordable and plentiful, Klein Family Field provides a great value to fans. Unfortunately Ed Sprague’s squad has struggled the last few years and is currently in last place in the Big West Conference. On the flip side, I got to see the top team in the conference in Cal State Fullerton, who has plenty of tradition beyond their successful 2012 season. Extras 2 The Spanos Center showcases all the banners for all sports at Pacific so there aren’t many acknowledgements of baseball successes at Klein Family Field. Extra points go to the array of seating you can choose from as well as the fireplace (yes, fireplace) down the right field line. The fireplace has lounge style chairs to kick back in. Final Thoughts I really enjoyed my trip to Stockton and would recommend a trip to Klein Family Field. I didn’t know what to expect as I had only been to the snazzy Banner Island Ballpark and couldn’t imagine that the UOP ballpark could measure. It measured up very nicely. Note: The University of Pacific will be joining the West Coast Conference (WCC) for the 2013-14 academic year.