Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Elks Field 1601 2 Ave East Brooks, AB T1R 1B7, Canada Brooks Bombers website Elks Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 681 Brooks Bombers Off To A Good Start The Western Major Baseball League has been in operation since 2001 as a top-level collegiate summer league. Several WMBL alumni have been drafted by Major League teams over the years, including reliever Jim Henderson, who broke into the MLB with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2012. Two new teams were added to the Western Division for the 2016 season bringing the league up to a total of 12 teams. One of the new teams is the Brooks Bombers. Brooks is a small city between Calgary and Medicine Hat on the Trans-Canada Highway in southern Alberta (closer to Medicine Hat than Calgary). With a population of more than 13,000, Brooks has a thriving business community, driven by the oil and gas industry as well as agriculture. Brooks is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada and as a result is known as “The City of 100 Hellos” because of the many different languages spoken. The Bombers play at Elks Field, part of the Quad Ball Diamond Complex on the east side of the city. The field is quite new, having opened in 2014, and has the look and feel of a new facility. Food & Beverage 3 Elks Field’s grandstand has a concession stand built into the north (third base) side. The menu is pretty standard fare: hot dogs and hamburgers, chocolate bars and cans of pop among other things. My cheeseburger ($4.50) was fresh and tasty and you’re able to load them up with your choice of condiments from a table to the immediate left of the concession booth. Next door to the primary concession, to the left of the condiment stand, is a stand serving beer and Palm Bay coolers for fans looking for an adult beverage. Beer options include Bud Light as well as a couple more “exotic” options, such as Harvest Moon and Wild Honey from the Nelson Brewing Company in BC. Atmosphere 3 The feeling in the crowd is very laid back but pleasant enough. It seems like many of the people in the stands know each other as there are numerous conversations going on throughout the game. I get the sense that most people in attendance are there to primarily to enjoy a pleasant evening out with friends and family and the game going on is almost secondary to the experience (it perhaps didn’t help that the Bombers were getting pretty soundly defeated at the game of this review). There isn’t much energy or excitement in the crowd. Again, it isn’t unpleasant; just not the boisterous, engaged atmosphere I look for. Because the field and the team are so new, there aren’t many cues to tie the team to the diamond yet. No championship pennants (yet) or anything of that sort. There is, however, one key touchstone for the community: the scoreboard in left field is dedicated to the memory of Riley Martin, a local teen who was active in the Brooks sports community who died of cancer in 2014. I think this is a worthy tribute and a good foundation for connecting the community to the field for years to come. Something else of note: unless you’re in the grandstand, the sight lines around the field are less than perfect. If you’re in the bleachers on the first or third base sides, you’ll find that your view of the outfield corner on your side is probably at least partially blocked. Likewise, from the patio area on the third base side, between the Bombers dugout and the bleachers, your view of much of left field is obstructed by the dugout structure, and you may or may not get a look at the scoreboard from where you’re sitting. Likewise, while there is a ton of room for people who prefer to stand—between the grandstand and the bleachers, behind the patio, and down the foul lines—chances are your sight lines will be partially obstructed in one way or other if you choose this option. Neighbourhood 2 Elks Field is located on the south side of a residential community on the far south east of the city. Consequently, there is nothing in the immediate vicinity except houses. Should you wish to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, you’ll be going for a drive. The closest restaurant I could find is Ace’s Lounge and Grill, about 10 blocks away and tucked into the industrial district. A little bit further west you’ll reach 2 Street W, which is the primary artery in the city, where most every other restaurant and bar can be found. Here you’ll find all the usual franchise places as well as some local stuff such as the Mango Tree, which is a well-liked East Indian restaurant. When all is said and done, the good news in a small city like Brooks is that you’re never more than a 10-minute drive from anything, so you won’t have to go far to get anywhere, but you’ll still have to plan on taking the car rather than walking. Fans 3 The fans in the crowd seem quite pleasant, but seem at least as interested in simply hanging out with each other as they are in seeing a ballgame. They seem to lack a passion for the game and their new team, but perhaps this will come in time. In their favour, on the other hand, quite a large number of fans are geared up in Bombers caps, jerseys, tee-shirts and other memorabilia, which suggests they are getting behind their team and supporting it. So maybe they are indeed passionate about the Bombers but don’t express it vocally yet. Access 4 Brooks is a relatively small city, so getting around is pretty easy and I was able to find the diamond without a map, signage or detailed directions. The parking lot, on the far east end of the Quad Ball Diamond Complex, seems to have plenty of space for all the vehicles and the parking is free, so that’s a good thing. As the park’s seating capacity is less than 700, the lot empties quickly, even with just a single entrance/exit. Once you’re through the main gate you’re into the multi-diamond park. Paved walking paths separate the diamonds from each other and provide lots of room for people to make their way around. They could probably double or triple the number of bleacher seats around the park without a significant impact on a fan’s ability to get around the park. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bombers game are all general admission and rush seating. They cost just $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for youths (13-17 years old). Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. That’s a pretty good price to see baseball played by athletes who could find themselves drafted one day. Extras 2 A Kinsmen-sponsored Play Area is located behind the grandstand for the youngsters. It is completely covered by mesh so there’s no danger of a stray foul ball hitting someone having fun in there. The Bombers have a well-stocked souvenir store at the back of the grandstand which is open prior to and at the end of games. Here you can get your hands on all manner of shirts, hats, and other Bombers swag. Final Thoughts Checking out a Brooks Bombers game was a nice little treat for me. There is still room for the franchise to grow and improve their fan experience, but they’re off to a good start. As the team matures, chances are the product on and off the field will continue to improve.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 George M. Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 Tampa Tarpons website George M. Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 Yanking at Pinstripe Loyalty in Tampa It is a brand which ranks high among the most popular marks in the world. The ‘bat in the hat’ logo is adored by tens of millions and even when outside the New York area, it continues to be a strong brand. While capitalizing on the loyalty of Yankees fans is expected outside the Bronx, in Tampa, there are a few things lacking. Missing the opportunity to fuel the brand, particularly since the strength of the major league team has its fingerprints all over George Steinbrenner Field. Witnessing a Tampa Yankees game affords a chance to embrace the pinstripe brand, but there are a number of missed opportunities. It is worth checking off your list if that is what you are into, but it ranks low on the list. Note: After operating as the Tampa Yankees for 24 seasons, the club was rebranded as the Tarpons in 2018 . Food & Beverage 2 Much of this rating has to do with what might have been had they just imported some New York food and drink. Not just types of food, but maybe the brands, could have been represented. Prices for what you get were pretty high, too. A hot dog is $2.50 but not very tasty. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bratwursts and chicken sandwiches are $6. Peanuts are $4 with a pretzel for $4.50 (add cheese for another $1). A large popcorn is $5, small popcorn $3. A nacho helmet is $11. Pepsi products are sold with a regular size $3, souvenir cup for $6. Bottled water is $3. As for beer Budweiser products are sold here and draft beer is $8 with a refill for $6. Atmosphere 2 Crowds are light during the minor league season, you can see where it might really be a busy place during Spring Training but this doesn’t carry over to the Florida State League. The complex is impeccable, the largest in Florida seating more than 11,000 fans, and looking great for 20 years old. In front of the main steps, you are greeted by the impressive statue of George Steinbrenner. To the right is Monument Park and further to the right is the 9/11 Memorial, all nice touches to the entrance. Multiple fields surround the main stadium, all part of the Yankees spring training complex. It has been laid out quite nice. Fountains and clever landscaping and walkways are integrated to make it a great site. Currently there is lots of concrete and metal, like the stadiums of the 70s and 80s. There was a lot of remodeling being done in 2016 and a new merchandise store will be at the front of the complex for the 2017 season. Changes to the front stadium entrance and ticket windows are also expected. Step into the seating area and it is a sea of blue, just like Yankee Stadium. You will notice the identifiable hat on a bat Yankees logo on each end of the aisle seat. You will also notice no cup holders to use anywhere. The distinctive frieze lines the upper perimeter of the stadium from the seating interior, attached to the overhang which covers the heads of those in the top six rows. Between each spacing in the concrete supports is a letter which spells out the team nickname in distinctive typeface. There are two scoreboards, both in left field. The first is the smaller, box score version, low to the ground and just in line with the top of the wall. In left center field, the larger video board provides high quality replays, expanded statistics and additional ways to provide entertainment value. Neighborhood 3 Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and some retail establishments are nearby. The complex is not far from historic Ybor City and the famous restaurant, The Colombian. Cigar City Brewing is within a mile to the south and has some of the finest craft beer. Fans 3 It appears that many Tampa Yankees fans are either from New York, from Tampa or visiting from other areas, which is to say there is a mix of folks; nothing stands out to scream “knowledgeable.” Access 4 Highway 275 is the major interstate which connects Tampa to St. Petersburg to the west. The stadium is just north of this at exit 40B from the west and 41A from the east. Take Highway 92 (also known as Dale Mabry Highway) three miles north. Parking is free and there are plenty of restrooms no matter how large the crowds. Return on Investment 4 $6 for the highest price ticket is pretty good and the free parking is not common. Program prices at $2 is a fair rate, food prices are fair to high based upon the lesser quality and the size. Extras 1 Give a star for the stadium design, with signage and replica gables mimicking those of the famed Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Final Thoughts The stadium is a fortress – it exudes Yankees power, money and status. Steinbrenner Field befits a team like the New York Yankees, yet the presence of their Single-A team in this cavernous building is almost an embarrassment.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 3911 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90037 USC Trojans website Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 77,500 Restoring The Conquest The USC Trojan football program has a longstanding history of success, boasting 11 National Titles, 6 Heisman Trophy winners and producing countless NFL players. The United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has hosted many memorable moments since its opening in 1923, hosting not only USC football but also their cross-town rivals UCLA, as well as the home of the NFL Rams and Raiders, the Summer Olympic Games of 1932 and 1984, two Super Bowls, and served as a temporary home to the Major League Baseball’s Dodgers from 1958-61, 1959 hosting the World Series. A recently completed $315-million renovation to The Grand Old Lady has brought her seating capacity from over 90,000 to 77,500, along with many other much needed enhancements. Food & Beverage 4 Beyond the traditional dogs and burgers, the options are abundant, particularly with the vast food truck selections throughout the venue, offering Mexican fare such as shrimp tacos and three colors al pastor/asada nachos. Other food offerings include Korean fried chicken, braised short rib mac n cheese, and one of my favorites, poutine, a Canadian favorite that comes with fries topped with gravy and cheese curds and your choice of braised short rib or roasted cauliflower. Flavored Italian ice, churros, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies available in sleeves of 14 or buckets of 36 are some of the sweet treats available. Beverages available are Coca-Cola products, bottled water, as well as fresh squeezed lemonade. Domestic and premium beer from 805 Beer is also available until the third quarter. Atmosphere 4 When the Men of Troy are competing for a Pac-12 title and a high echelon bowl game, the atmosphere can reach a fevered peak. When expectations are far below the standards set for the 11 time National Champions, the decline in interest can be evident. Should you decide to start your pregame festivities on campus, you will want to make a trip to Heritage Hall. Located in the center of campus, inside you will find numerous exhibits, photos and plaques paying tribute to the many Trojan great athletes and championship teams. You will also want to check out the Hall of Champions, where you can view the 6 Heisman Trophies, as well as the statue of Tommy Trojan doing his signature pregame stabbing of the field with his sword. The bronze statue of Tommy Trojan, that is undoubtedly recognized by both admirers and detractors, is located near the campus bookstore. Not only is the statue of Tommy Trojan a huge symbol of USC, it serves as a good meeting place for fans prior to the game. Every year during the week leading up to their annual rivalry game with UCLA, the statue is wrapped in duct tape and guarded by the Trojan Knights to protect their beloved Tommy from any potential vandalism that may be caused by their rivals from Westwood. As fans taking part in their on-campus pregame tailgate/festivities make their way to the Coliseum, another one of their traditions is the kicking of the flagpoles for good luck. The flagpoles are at the end of Trousdale Walk and Jefferson Blvd. The Spirit of Troy Marching Band, easily one of the most recognizable collegiate bands, is an integral part of the game day experience, as well as their mascot Traveler. Aside from their huge presence at sporting events, the Trojan Marching Band has made numerous other TV and movie appearances, as well as performing on Fleetwood Mac’s, Tusk. The Trojan Marching Band and Traveler are believed to have a huge impact not only on the team but on the opponents as well. The sights and sounds of both the band and Traveler will be engrained in your brain from the pregame festivities through the final whistle. Two songs you will hear constantly are “Tribute to Troy” and “Fight On.” “Conquest” is played following every USC touchdown. During “Conquest,” Traveler, a live pure white Arabian/Tennessee Walker horse, trots out of the Coliseum tunnel from end zone to end zone along the sidelines behind the Trojan wields a sword high overhead. Another tradition involving Traveler is the lighting of the torch prior to the 4th quarter, in which the famed horse once again lets loose along the north sidelines toward the east end zone, wielding his sword toward the Coliseum torch, thus “lighting” the torch. Neighborhood 3 The area inside the USC campus has experienced a revitalization over the last few years with mixed-use development extending inside USC Village. Across the street from the Coliseum on Figueroa is upscale student housing known as Tuscany. On the street level are such eateries as The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Quizno’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Chick-fil-A and Chipotle. Along Figueroa Street north of campus past Jefferson Blvd. are more fast food options. On the grounds of the Coliseum is Exposition Park. If you are looking for other activities prior to the game, the California African American Museum, as well as the Natural History Museum and the California ScienCenter are located inside the park. To be able to visit all the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, you may want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Fans 3 USC fans have lofty expectations. They are spoiled by success. Each coach after the Pete Carroll days up to the most recently fired Clay Helton has felt the wrath of the SC Faithful. USC fans can be a demanding bunch and are not shy in voicing their displeasure toward the team. They expect nothing short of at least a Rose Bowl appearance. When seasons such as this past 2021 fall far below expectations fans can stay away in droves as has been the case for much of this season. That’s what comes with a program that’s used to a high level of success in a city with plenty of sports and entertainment options. The fans that continue to show up are decked in Cardinal and Gold garb and carry on the many traditions that go along with the expectations of the storied USC football program. Access 4 The Coliseum is about three miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and adjacent to the USC campus. The stadium can be reached from the 10 or the 110. Like all freeway thoroughfares in L.A, traffic can be a test of your patience. There is not a single large parking lot, but rather multiple satellite lots (with 20,000 spaces) that are typically priced based on proximity to the stadium. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from campus, a short walk away as you walk through Exposition Park. The Expo Line also offers convenient connections with other MTA rail and bus lines should you want to explore more of L.A. throughout your stay. Once inside the stadium you will find a concourse the encircles the entire stadium. If your seats are on the upper level, expect some rather intimidating inclines. Because of the venue’s age, some of the steps are rather uneven. Don’t shy away from using the handrails. Fortunately, for those who are seated on the upper level who do not wish to navigate up the stairs, three escalators, two of them on the south concourse, one for upper general seating and one for the newly added luxury suites are on site. As part of the enhancements, handrails, as well as anti-slip coating have been added to the aisles of the seating bowls. Return on Investment 3 Even with the recent improvements to the Grand Old Lady, tickets for most games are always available. When seasons like this past 2021 season occur tickets can be found below face value throughout 3rd party sites. For the annual premier games against either Notre Dame or UCLA or other prime opponents such as Oregon, expect the face value to start at a minimum of $110. In a market with a vast amount of both sports and entertainment, ticket prices to watch a team performing below expectations, at least in the eyes of the locals, can be a tough sell as even the past rivalry games against Notre Dame and UCLA have failed to sell out. A good number of seats, particularly those on the east end of the stadium are quite a distance from the field so you may want to do some research before making your ticket purchase. Otherwise, if you are just looking to take in the action regardless of your seating location, you can expect to take in the experience of one of college football’s more storied programs. Extras 4 Rivalry games create a great atmosphere at the Coliseum. The annual game with Notre Dame is for the Jeweled Shillelagh. The two teams combined have more national championship teams, Heisman Trophy winners, and All-Americans than any other college football matchup. Since 1926, the two have met every year. Let’s not forget the Pac-12 crosstown rivalry game with UCLA. One of the more intense rivalries, these two teams both called the Coliseum home until 1981, when UCLA would move to The Rose Bowl in 1982. Until 1982, both schools donned their home jerseys, a tradition that has since been restored in 2008, making for one of the more colorful rivalries between Cardinal and Gold clashing against Blue and Gold. Every year, the two play for the Victory Bell, the frame painted either Red or Blue depending on who has possession. During your visit to the stadium, be sure to walk by the arches on the “Peristyle End” and check out the “Court of Honor.” This memorial has many plaques to recognize the events or achievements that have occurred at the stadium. Notable names such as Daniel Reeves, Jesse Owens, Pope John Paul II, Jackie Robinson, John Wooden, and Jerry West all hold a place in the Court. If the Olympic rings and arches weren’t enough, check out the “Olympic Gateway” in front of the Coliseum. Created in 1984 by Robert Graham, this structure rises 25 feet above ground and has headless male and female bodies made of bronze. Prior to the 4th quarter of each USC game, Traveler makes his way to the peristyle end of the field behind the end zone for the Lighting of The Torch, which Traveler’s rider, dressed as a Trojan warrior, will raise his sword toward the famous torch to light up the flame. Final Thoughts As one of the more venerable venues, the recent renovations have done nothing to take away from the Grand Old Lady’s history. The famous peristyle that has seen many an appearance throughout the years will always be a part of the Coliseum’s lore. After recently sharing their home with the Rams for 4 seasons the Trojans have the gridiron all to themselves. The 2021 season may have been a disappointment but their recent hire of head coach Lincoln Riley has the Trojan following excited for 2022 as they look to Restore The Conquest.

If you enjoyed ESPN's recent doc, The New York Sack Exchange , which focuses on the ups and downs of the Jets' fierce defensive line in the '80s, you must read Greg Prato's book, Sack Exchange , which is a 400-plus page oral history of the '80s Jets. In addition to the Sack Exchangers, Greg interviews their teammates, the coaches, their opponents, and one hilarious, Jets fanatic. It's compelling, especially for Jets fans.  The book is available here . You can find Greg on Twitter @GregPratoWriter. STADIUM JOURNEY: We must ask. The Jets just hired a new coach, Aaron Glenn. Thoughts? Will the playoff drought continue? GREG PRATO:   I would have preferred a head coach with not only prior head coach experience, but also success in the postseason and at least 1 Super Bowl appearance. Hopefully, Mr. Glenn works out, but judging from the Jets' awful track record regarding head coach hiring post-Rex Ryan, I'm not going to get my hopes up too high. I hope I'm wrong though. STADIUM JOURNEY:  You were primarily a music writer and then you tackled the '80s Jets. What inspired you to take this massive project on? GREG PRATO:   The early '80s was when I first started following sports, and since I've lived on Long Island my whole life, the Jets, Islanders, and Mets were all either amid success - Islanders and Jets - or at least taking steps towards it - Mets. But unlike the Isles and Mets, the Jets didn't go the distance in the '80s. But that said, I had fond memories of those teams and never saw a book solely about that era, so, why not do a book? STADIUM JOURNEY: Sack Exchange is a 400-plus page behemoth. How long did it take you to get this thing done? GREG PRATO:   To be honest it's been quite some time since it came out  - heck, Rex Ryan was still their head coach at the time - and I've put out so many other books that I can't recall exactly. But if I had to guess I'd say about a year to do the interviews, assemble it, then a year for ECW Press to design it and put it out. STADIUM JOURNEY: Who was your toughest interview to nail down? GREG PRATO:   None were difficult to nail down from what I remember. I just wish I was able to interview Freeman McNeil, but my efforts proved unsuccessful. Someone else I tried to get an interview for the book was Sam J. Jones, who played Flash Gordon in the 1980 film and whose character was also the QB for the Jets. A few good questions would have been good to include in the book such as: "If you weren't busy saving the universe, could you have guided the Jets to victory in the 1982-83 AFC Championship Game?" Unfortunately, my efforts wound up being intercepted by AJ Duhe.  STADIUM JOURNEY: You interview one Jets superfan for the book. Johnny "Bubba" Caruso is quite the character, to put it mildly. How'd you find Bubba? GREG PRATO:   Johnny "Bubba" Caruso is a relative of my wife. He is probably the biggest Jets fan I've ever met and is an unforgettable personality. I just knew I had to include him in the book. Luckily, he accepted and his quotes, and memories remain among my favorite of the entire book, as he attended many Jets games at old Shea back in the day.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Are your memories of Shea Stadium good ones? Or did you think the Jets needed to escape to Jersey? GREG PRATO:   I unfortunately never saw a Jets game at Shea, although I did see many Mets games there. I did not like - and still don't like - that the Jets play in Jersey. What will it take for the team to come back to Queens? Maybe a move back to Queens would get rid of the awful stench of the Jets' history ever since they fled for Jersey in '84.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Since you're a music guy, did you see any concerts at Shea?  GREG PRATO:   I did not, although I've seen tons of concerts at nearby Nassau Coliseum back in the day. STADIUM JOURNEY:  It would've been fitting if you were in ESPN's documentary. Did they interview you? GREG PRATO:   They did not. For some reason, Greg Prato turns into a ghost-like character when it comes to being interviewed for documentaries, as evidenced by docs such as the ESPN Sack Exchange one and a recent yacht rock doc, even though I penned a popular book entitled The Yacht Rock Book a few years back. I plead with future documentary-makers: Greg Prato is not a ghost. Greg Prato is a real man. And Greg Prato has feelings, just like everyone else. STADIUM JOURNEY: If you were to write a book on the '90s Jets, what's the title? And by the way, are you considering doing that? GREG PRATO:   I am not considering it, but it's not a bad idea.  A title? How about A Tale of Tuna, Testaverde, and a Torn Tendon ? Also, I must admit that in addition to penning the Sack Exchange book, I also issued another book a few years back that deals with the '90s and all eras of the Jets, entitled Butt Fumbles, Fake Spikes, Mud Bowls & Heidi Games: The Top 100 Debacles of the New York Jets , which is also available via Amazon. STADIUM JOURNEY: Should the Jets return to Queens? Do you think there's a chance that it could happen? GREG PRATO:   They should move back to Queens. But Woody Johnson is not a good owner and is obviously content making big bucks whether the Jets win or lose, so why put in any extra effort?  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL 32502 Sun Belt Basketball website Pensacola Bay Center website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 8,150 March Madness Runs Through the Emerald Coast 2023 marks the third straight year that the Road to the Final Four has run through the Florida panhandle, with the Sun Belt men's and women's basketball tournaments. In 2020 the City and Conference signed a four-year contract for the tournament to be held at Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola. The event's operations are run by Pensacola Sports, a non-profit sporting event services group. The 8,150-seat building also servs as the home of the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL. The Sun Belt Conference is one of the premiere mid-major conferences in college basketball. Since being founded in 1976 the basketball-rich conference has sent 54 teams to the NCAA tournament, accounting for 18 wins. The winner of the Sun Belt tournament automatically advances into the NCAA Tournament every year, and there have also been some years when the conference sent multiple teams dancing to the Tournament, most recently in 2013. Perhaps the best year for the Sun Belt was its inaugural year, when the Charlotte 49ers made it to the Final Four and finished the season ranked third in the country. Western Kentucky has won the most men's and women's Sun Belt tournaments with nine wins, while South Alabama and Louisiana are the current conference teams with the most tournament wins, at five for the men's, while Old Dominion has won five for the women’s. The 2023 Sun Belt tournaments marks the 47th installment of the tourney, which has been played at 15 different sites over the years in the Southeast region – Biloxi, Birmingham, Hot Springs, Mobile, Charlotte, and Little Rock are just some of the cities which have hosted over the years, with New Orleans hosting the most tournaments at seven. Prior to the 2022-23 season the Sun Belt welcomed four new teams for basketball ( Southern Miss , Marshall , James Madison and Old Dominion ); because of these additions there was a slight change for the 2023 tournament, with the top 4 teams getting a double round bye in the single-elimination format, with all 14 teams invited. Food and Beverage 3 The Bay Center features four permanent concession stands, with two on each side of the concourse. On the west side concourse is Coop's Chicken Stand, which sells chicken tender baskets and sandwiches with prices from $7-$10. There is also a stand called Savor which just sells the basics, where prices range between $4 and $7; popcorn, hamburgers, nachos, jumbo pretzels, hot dogs, beef jerky, and candy is what rounds out the menu at Savor. On the east side concourse there is also another Savor stand, as well as a Tarragona Taco Stand, which sells various nachos and tacos with prices ranging from $7-$10. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider of Pensacola Bay Center, with large drinks costing $5 and regular drinks costing $4. For alcohol you can purchase 20 oz. draft beer for $10 with the options of Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Shock Top, or McGuire's Irish Red Ale. There is also a pop-up bar on the north side concourse with a better selection of alcoholic drinks. Atmosphere 4 Pensacola Bay Center opened in 1985 and is typical of the civic center-style arenas built in mid-sized cities during that time period. With a seating capacity of 8,150 it remains the largest indoor venue in Northwest Florida. At over 35 years old the building is beginning to show its age, but it did receive some renovations as part of the agreement with the Sun Belt Conference – the most notable improvements include the new state-of-the art scoreboard that hangs over center court, which shows the game action as shown on TV. It replaced an old dot matrix style scoreboard from the 1990s. The new videoboard presentation is sharp, and with the LED ribbon that wraps around the videoboard is just the type of upgrade the building needed. Also new for 2023 is the Sun Belt Fan Fest that takes place outside Pensacola Bay Center. Here you'll find live entertainment, vendor booths, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more, set up in the parking lot getting people in the mood. Each school was well represented at Fan Fest, with cheerleaders and mascots from each respective school making appearances. There was even a basketball court set up in the parking lot where you could practice your shot before heading into the venue, including various three-point, free throw, and HORSE competitions. Also, if you want to experience the beach life before coming to the game, the Pensacola Beach Trolley was making round trips from the Beach to Pensacola Bay Center; about a 15-minute drive. There is one entrance on the west side where the box office is located – fans walk up a winding ramp to the third floor where the entrance is. Inside the venue there is a lower level that wraps around the building, with an upper level on the east and west sides. The concourse is designed in a wraparound configuration, with the east and west concourses featuring the concession stands, plus a small merch table that sells various Sun Belt Conference gear. The arena does have a dark and cavernous feel to it; I've seen plenty of hockey games in the building, and the feeling is not as evident for hockey as it is for basketball. I think this might have something to do with all the tarps and curtains put in for basketball, making it seem really dark then. However, the sound system and acoustics echo off the hardwood floor a lot better than they do on the ice . The Sun Belt Conference logo is everywhere throughout the building, inside and outside – there is no denying what tournament is being played here, from the giant logos outside the venue to the curtains and banners surrounding the court, and of course the actual court itself. Neighborhood 4 Pensacola Bay Center is located in downtown right at the foot of the I-110 bridge. The arena is located around some parking lots, but a couple of blocks over takes you to Palafox Street, where you should be able to find every kind of bar and restaurant imaginable. Popular bars and restaurants on this strip include the pricey Jackson's Steakhouse, O'Riley's Pub, Intermission, Graffiti Pizza, World of Beer, Wild Greg's Saloon, Taco Agave, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar, Blend Lounge, Tin Cow, Play Pensacola, and many more. Also downtown is the famed Seville Quarter, which is modeled after the New Orleans French Quarter. This block features seven bars and restaurants, with the oldest and most famous being Rosie O'Grady's. Famous for its hurricane cocktails and dueling pianos, this two-story bar has been serving patrons since the 1920s. The Seville Quarter is also filled with other options such as End of the Alley, Marlene Aviators Pub, Apple Annie's, Palace Oyster Bar, and the upscale District Steak & Seafood. The closest bar within walking distance of Pensacola Bay Center is the famous McGuire's Irish Pub. Over 100,000 one-dollar bills line the ceiling and prices are reasonable, unless you want to try the famous McGuire's $100 burger. Across the street from McGuire's are Fish House and Atlas Oyster House, two popular seafood spots overlooking the bay. There are also three breweries in downtown as well – Gulf Coast Brewery, Emerald Republic, and Pensacola Bay Brewery. Pensacola is also home to the famous Blue Angels, based at Pensacola Naval Air Station. If you have never seen the Blue Angels you must see them – they fly through the air upside down and in different formations; it is quite a view to see. The Blue Angels begin their spring practices at the beginning of March, so if you are lucky you may catch them flying over the beach or Pensacola Bay Center while practicing. And if you want to make a beach trip, the beaches of Pensacola Beach are located on Santa Rosa Island just across the bay; there are tons of attractions on the island as well. There also tons of hotels to stay at – the closer to the water the more expensive the rooms. Fans 3 You cannot pick a more prime location to have the Sun Belt basketball tournament than in Pensacola. Right in the middle of the Sun Belt region, it makes the commute easy for most of the schools' fanbases. Pensacola is also a destination city, with many people taking advantage of the warm Florida weather to come down here to spend a week at the beach, while getting to watch their team play – the weekend games are obviously more packed than the earlier round games. By the Championship game on Monday, I would say the venue is about 70% full; for each game there are at least a couple thousand of each team's respective fan bases there, with lots of family and friends of players who made the trip down. Outside at the Fan Fest you can find fans from all 14 schools fanbases well represented. You could also tell that a lot of people who came from out of town are staying on the beach, because the trolley is constantly dropping people off. I saw many fans walking around at Fan Fest with island drinks in their hands that they brought over on the beach trolley. Pensacola Beach is cool little beach resort community on a barrier island with tons of beach bars, dive bars, and seafood restaurants, as well as plenty of shopping. I would say the school with the most fans would be conference newcomer for the 2022-23 season, Southern Miss . The Golden Eagles had their best season in recent memory and were Conference champs, plus Hattiesburg is only about 120 miles away, so the Golden Eagles faithful flocked to Pensacola for the tournament – you could see yellow and gold all throughout the building when they played. South Alabama , Troy , and Louisiana also travel really well, and Old Dominion actually had a nice selection of fans as well, for a school as far away as it is. Access 4 The Bay Center is located at the southern end of I-110, a north and south auxiliary road that connects I-10 to downtown Pensacola, with the arena about 10 minutes south of the main interstate through town. The building is not hard to miss, as it sits at the foot of I-110 and is the first thing most people will see when entering downtown. There are many parking lots around the arena, charging $10 per car to park. New for the 2023 Tournament the Pensacola Beach trolley makes a stop here from the Beach, which is about a 15-minute drive to Pensacola Bay Center, costing $5 one way to make the trip. There are some other lots and metered parking nearby as well, but those further lots charge more than $10 to park at. Once inside the facility concourses are not crammed, so you should have no issue getting inside and getting to your seat. None of the games will be sellouts either, so you can move around as you please and not get hassled by ushers. Return on Investment 3 General Admission tickets can be purchased for $18, while seating in the first five rows for single game tickets are $22. If you buy a ticket to an earlier game and want to stay for the next you are free to do so, as there are no ushers kicking people out in between games. However, there is a no re-entry policy, so once you leave the building you will have to purchase another ticket to get back in. With general admission, parking, and food, one person could get in to watch a game for about $50, which is about average for a postseason D1 basketball tournament. I would consider this a good return on investment just because you are in a prime vacation destination in the panhandle of Florida, and are guaranteed to see a team play that'll get a chance to compete for the Final Four. Just remember the tournament takes place during prime Spring Break time in Pensacola, so finding a hotel room could be a nightmare – I recommend booking ahead of time if coming from out of town. Extras 3 One extra for the upgrades Pensacola Bay Center undertook in order to host the tournament -- the new video board was what the venue needed to add that extra spark, and it definitely added a major league feel to the place. The City also did an excellent job transforming Pensacola into the Sun Belt Conference's main headquarters for the week. The conference logo was on everything throughout town, from the bars and restaurants to the airport and beach. Because Pensacola does not have a D1 college in town, the city has adopted this tournament – for one week the city becomes a major college town. The staff also did an excellent job at Pensacola Bay Center as well. Outside the venue were 14 giant inflatable basketballs located at the main entrance, each with the 14 different Sun Belt team logos on it. At night the giant SBC logo was illuminated from the top of the building for everyone in downtown to see, while inside the venue the main colors that stand out are yellow and blue, from countless conference logo signs and banners hung up around the court. All 14 teams have banners high above Pensacola Bay Center as well. The Fan Fest going on outside is also a plus, as well as the trolleys that brought fans to the venue. Pensacola Sports and the Sun Belt Conference definitely go all out with this tournament every year.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Christl Arena Fenton Pl West Point, NY 10996 Army Black Knights website Christl Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 5,043 Basketball Knight at Christl Arena Christl Arena (pronounced like “crystal”) is located on the campus of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, and is home to the academy’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Cristal Arena is somewhat unusual as it is located within the Holleder Center, a building it shares with Tate Rink , home of the Black Knights’ hockey team. Although the common facilities, such as the lobby and concession stands, are shared between the two venues, the playing and seating areas are distinct. Christl Arena and the Holleder Center are both named after USMA graduates who died serving the country. Major Donald W. Holleder was a 1956 graduate of West Point who was killed in Vietnam in 1967, and Edward C. Christl, Jr. was a 1944 graduate who was killed in Austria the next year during World War II. Despite the school’s storied history, this has not carried over to the Black Knights’ basketball team. Along with William & Mary, The Citadel, and St. Francis (NY), the Black Knights are one of just four original Division I members who have never made the NCAA Tournament. This lack of success on the court does not seem to deter some fans from coming out, but ultimately this is a small college where basketball just isn’t that big. Food & Beverage 2 Although selection varies by game, there is always one main stand open in the upper lobby of Christl Arena. Although this stand doesn’t have much available, what it does have is affordable. Hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels are all $4, as are Coca-Cola products and bottled water. Cracker Jacks are $4 as well, chips are $3, and popcorn is $5 for a very large bucket. Other portable stands may be open depending on the game but were not when we went. A stand called The Grill sometimes serves up more substantial offerings such as cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. There is a Dippin’ Dots stand as well which is open sometimes. Ultimately, however, unless you want to take a chance on The Grill being open, it’s best to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 When you walk through the entrance of the Holleder Center, you will be in the lower lobby, which has the ticket window and turnstiles. However, unless you are going to courtside seats, you will then need to walk up a staircase to get to the upper lobby and concourse, from which you will walk up or down to your seat after going through a portal. As all seats are general admission for most games, you will generally be walking down unless you want to sit up high. Christl Arena has chair backs on both sidelines with a few bleachers in the last few rows which are never used except for the Navy game. Behind both baskets, there are risers which are generally used by any cadets who show up. However, the crowd of cadets will be significantly smaller than at football games, as they are not required to attend, and will be non-existent over Thanksgiving and winter breaks. There are dot-matrix scoreboards behind each basket. One just shows the score and time, while the other shows more detailed information as well such as timeouts and player stats. Christl Arena shares a building with Tate Rink, so you can peer into the hockey arena before the game if you want. There are several unusual architectural elements of Christl Arena. One is the bright yellow piping in the ceiling. Although visible pipes aren’t all that unusual, the coloring certainly is and makes them stand out. Additionally, there are windows behind one of the baskets which enable people to watch from the concourse. Occasionally you’ll see people standing and looking through those. Neighborhood 3 Although there is a lot to do on Academy grounds, there is not that much in the surrounding area. With all the history at West Point, a visit there could easily make a full day on its own. Guided tours are available for a small price and are well worth it if you have time. Although the fall foliage can be beautiful at West Point, the leaves are usually mostly off the trees by the time basketball season starts. The nearest town is Highland Falls, which is small and has very limited offerings. A couple of restaurants and hotels are available, but not much else. Andy’s on Main Street is a local favorite, serving up burgers and other comfort food. Fans 3 The Black Knights get a typical crowd that you’d expect from this level of play. Although the arena will never be anywhere close to full except for when they play fellow service academy Navy and maybe Air Force, it will seldom be deserted either. Many of the fans are small children with families, and usually, the children are more into the game than the adults, screaming and cheering for their team at every opportunity while the adults sit silently most of the game and politely clap after making baskets. For games against another service academy, it’s a completely different story, however. Christl Arena will be packed to the gills and will be an amazing atmosphere. It’s not quite the same as Army-Navy football, but still very much a good experience. Access 2 Unsurprisingly, considering it’s on an active military post, Christl Arena is hard to access. Just to get on post, you will have to go through a security checkpoint, show ID, and possibly have your vehicle searched. Just to add to the confusion, some of the guards don’t know what is required and will tell you that you need a visitor’s pass even though this is not required when attending an event on the post. Keep in mind, however, that all of this could change at a moment’s notice depending on the state of national security at the time. Before coming to a game, be sure to check the athletics and USMA websites to make sure everything here is still accurate. It should not be this hard to get to a basketball arena, but it’s somewhat understandable given the unique security situation. Once you finally do get onto the post, parking is available for free in lots a short walk from the arena. The guards at the checkpoint will direct you there if you ask. From the lots, it’s about a three-minute walk to the Holleder Center, down a couple of staircases and a hill. This seems easy until you realize you have to go back up all that when the game is over. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $12 for general admission seating for most games, $15 for a couple, and $20-$30 for reserved seats for the doubleheader against Navy, which also gets you into the women’s game. A few other games are doubleheaders with the women as well, mostly during the non-conference schedule; for these, the $12 ticket will get you into both. You can pay $30 for courtside seats, but as the $12 ticket will get you literally anywhere else in the arena, this hardly seems worth it. Note that there is usually one other game a year with reserved seats, as it is a weekday afternoon game where local schools bring students in on a field trip, but the tickets to this game will still be $12. Throw in the free parking and affordable if limited concessions and Army basketball can be a great value for the whole family. Extras 3 One bonus star for all the history right on the West Point grounds. A second for the fact that the Holleder Center is basically two venues in one, so you can check out the hockey arena as well without even having to leave the building. A third and final star for the displays in the upper and lower lobbies, including a trophy case and plaques showing the Black Knights’ athletic captains for each year. Final Thoughts Fans looking for the same raucous atmosphere as at Army football games at Michie Stadium will be deeply disappointed. It’s clear that this is a one-sport school as far as the fan base is concerned, and basketball isn’t it. However, attending a game at Christl Arena can be an enjoyable and affordable experience for the whole family if you’re just looking to spend an afternoon or evening watching a basketball game.

Photos by Alex Mailes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Joe Becker Stadium 300 S High Ave Joplin, MO 64801 Joplin Outlaws website Joe Becker Stadium website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 4,200 Outlaw Baseball Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin, Mo is the current home of the Joplin Outlaws, a member of the summer M.I.N.K baseball league, which is a wooden bat collegiate league. It was originally built in 1913 and has been home to several teams, most notably the Joplin Miners, who were the stadium’s first tenants. Hall of famers Whitey Herzog and Mickey Mantle both played for the Miners while they were at Joe Becker, giving the park a small place in baseball history. After the Miners disbanded in 1954, the park was used by the MSSU Lions until 2014 when the El Paso Diablos decided to move to the stadium in exchange for park renovations and became the Joplin Blasters. The Blasters played two years at Joe Becker before disbanding in 2016. The Outlaws began playing the next year. The Outlaws get their name from Joplin’s checkered past. Notorious robbers Bonnie and Clyde spent several weeks living out of a garage on Oak Ridge Drive and Jesse James was rumored to have had a hideout somewhere in town. All this gives the stadium a unique feel that isn’t seen in other ballparks and makes the trip to Joe Becker a memorable one. Food & Beverage 4 The offerings are about what you would expect from a stadium this size. The Outlaw’s concession stand serves freshly grilled hamburgers ($4) and hotdogs ($3) along with Cici’s Pizza at $2 a slice. They also sell the typical candy, nachos, chips, popcorn, and pickles all for $3 or less. Beverages are also available, with nonalcoholic options including Pepsi products, bottled water and sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade and Body Armor), each being sold for $1.50. Alcohol is not sold or allowed on stadium grounds. Overall, the concessions have all the ballpark staples that baseball fans expect and what they offer is reasonably priced compared to other stadiums. Atmosphere 5 The stadium is built like most other ballparks, with the ticket booth and entrance centered behind home plate. There are concession stands and restrooms located down both the left and right field lines underneath both major seating bowls. The seating areas stretching from Homeplate to 1st and 3rd plate are lined with black, non-foldable, plastic chairs with no cupholders. Bleachers comprise the rest of the seating that extends into the outfield. The seats offer plenty of legroom, but don’t offer much else in terms of comfort. The smaller capacity and seating arrangements means that there isn’t a bad seat in the entire stadium. You can get a good look at the action no matter where you’re situated. A simple scoreboard is located on the edge of the outfield down the right-field line. It tallies runs per inning, outs, balls, strikes, hits and errors. Games or contests are played every couple of innings and consist of either trivia questions, kids races, or luck-based games like the big dice roll. They are frequent but don’t get in the way of the game and add some excitement between innings. Music is played between at-bats but not at any other time, keeping the focus on the game. The Park really nails the feeling of small-town baseball, from the muddy dirt warning track and wooden outfield fence to the small concrete dugouts and minor league-like bleachers. If you live in or around the area it is certainly worth a visit. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in the northern part of the city in a residential area which is sandwiched between two major business districts. There are plenty of restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues located within two miles of the park. A few local places worth mentioning are Wilders Steakhouse, Fred and Red’s Chili, and Club 609. Several bars are located on Main Street if you want to grab a quick drink after the game. If you’re looking for something strange, you could visit the Joplin Spook Light, a mysterious orb of light that can be seen late at night and has been a local legend for more than a century and defies any scientific explanation. For those wanting something less eerie, the local Range Line Golf Course offers a well maintained 9-hole course along with minigolf, both for $8 per round. The Hotel District is located 3 miles from the park on the southside of Joplin with Econolodge and Best Western being the most economical options. Fans 5 The Outlaws get about 400 fans per game. Most of the fans are who you would expect at a game of this level; mostly the players’ host families, local sponsors, and baseball diehards. They are a mostly quiet bunch, not interjecting at close calls and at-bats which makes it easier to concentrate on the game. Outlaws fans are also a tidy lot, as the stadium was fairly clean after the game. Regular attendees are uniquely dedicated to the team and make attending a game feel special. Access 5 Joplin is in Southwest Missouri and is only a two-hour drive from Kansas City. The Park isn’t challenging to reach, with it being located 3 miles from the nearest interstate exit off I-44 and located in a residential area. The Joplin Regional Airport is serviced by United Airlines with flights to and from Denver and Houston. While there is no public transport that takes you directly to the park, the local Sunshine Trolley has a stop only three blocks away. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $5 for individual tickets and kids under 5 get in for free. With season passes costing of $50 and M.I.N.K league all access passes running at $150 along with free stadium parking makes an Outlaws game an affordable experience relative to other teams. Extras 4 The Outlaws run several different nightly promotions, like free t-shirts, lottery tickets and 50 cent hot dog nights. Just make sure you’re early to get them while they last. They also have free tacos if a player hits a homerun and a 50/50 lottery where you can buy a “wingspan” worth of tickets for $10. Final Thoughts Joe Becker Stadium offers the feeling of small-town baseball at a high level for an affordable price. There are plenty promotions and games for fans to keep things exciting and Joplin has plenty to offer if you find yourself bored after the game. If you live nearby or are traveling through, a visit to Joe Becker Stadium is certainly worth it.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Alumni Field at York Stadium Ian MacDonald Blvd. Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 York Lions football website York Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity:  3,500 Is there Hope for the York Lions? There are not many that would argue that the York Lions have been one of the worst football programs in the entire CIS.   There has been very little success on the field.   In the last 8 years, the Lions have won just 6 games.   The Lions have not made the playoffs in 10 years.   How is it possible that York can even put a team on the field?   Believe it or not there is some hope for the York Lions on the horizon. York University is the second largest university in Ontario and the third largest in all of Canada.   With a student population of over 55,000 students York has a ton of alumni to draw on and a student body large enough to support a strong program, the potential is there at York for great things.   The main campus, or Keele Campus, at York is located at the north end of Toronto in the former municipality of North York and boasts a large campus with some national level athletic facilities including the Aviva National Tennis Centre and Toronto Track and Field Centre.   York was also a host site for the 2015 Pan-Am games in Athletics.   Part of the focus in creating new facilities for the Pan-Am games was the legacy of such facilities.   The CIBC Pan-Am / Parapan-Am Athletics Stadium was built on the campus of York University and hosted all manner of track and field events.   What will now be named York Lions Stadium has a future at the university that has yet to be determined, but many believe that the future of the York Lions football program will be at the new stadium. York currently plays at York Stadium which is a block from the new stadium site.   The stadium was built in 1994 and is nothing to write home about.   The York program began in 1969, ten years after the founding of the school.   They began as the York Yeomen but changed their mascot name to the Lions in 2003 to become gender neutral.   One of the surprising developments for the 2015 season was that head coach Warren Craney shocked the CIS football world and landed some of the most sought out recruits from Alberta, which has a very strong football tradition at the University of Calgary.   Combine this hot recruiting class along with the possibility of playing in a brand new stadium and there may be hope for the York Lions after all. Food & Beverage 2 Food selections for a York Lions football game are extremely limited. Keeping in mind that the date of this review was in late August, weeks before the student body is on campus at York, the full-fledged food experience was less than stellar.   The south end of the stadium features a Beer Garden which sells light refreshments.   At the time the only food sold were bags of potato chips.   The permanent structure behind the grandstands does have windows that appear to be for selling concessions however these were not open for the review date.   It is possible that once the students get on campus the culinary experience will change slightly.   To their credit, York did bring in a major league food truck for this specific event. The Beaver Tails truck was parked in the south courtyard and provided fans with the opportunity to purchase fries, poutine and various flavours of the distinctly Canadian Beaver Tail. In the licensed beer garden cans of Molson Canadian and Coors Light are available for purchase ($7.50).   Alcoholic cider is also available.   Cans of Coca-Cola products and water are available for soft-drinks.   The supply is definitely limited and the beer garden actually ran out of bottled water.   The beer garden area is licensed and patrons are required to remain in that area and not bring their alcoholic beverage into the stands, however a number of fans did return to their seats, beverages in hand. There is not much to recommend food-wise at a Lions game.   However, if you have the opportunity, Beaver Tails are definitely something worth trying.   The flat, fried dough (similar to a funnel cake) can be covered with a variety of sweet treats including various forms of candy bar.   The presence of Beaver Tails alone bumps the food score up a notch. Atmosphere 2 York Stadium screams cheap to all those in attendance. There really is not much to the physical stadium itself at York.   A grandstand on the west side of the field stands with a permanent washroom / locker room building just in the rear.   The grandstand is a simple bleacher featuring 5 sections of 15 rows.   The benches and floor platforms are wooden.   On the south side of the locker room building you will find the three national championship banners … for soccer.   On the east side of the stadium there is berm seating which many students choose.   At the top of the west grandstand is the pressbox.   From your seat you can easily see the new York Lions Stadium, which will hopefully be home to the football team in the future.   The playing surface is field turf, which is pretty much the standard in the OUA (the Ontario conference of the CIS). Upon entering the game, fans are able to collect free programs, yearbooks and thundersticks.   There is a small merchandise tent present so the diehards can get their hands on some new red and white Lions garb.   The in game promotions are typical for the league; simple and infrequent.   Like other teams in the league, Lions games are student-run, from the A/V and technical aspects, to the security and ticket takers.   The Lions enter from their tunnel through a plume of smoke and to an original song, complete with Lion roars. Seating at York Stadium is General Admission.   Patrons can choose their own seating and in so doing, may want to consider where others are sitting.   Since York is fairly accessible for other teams in the league, many fans of other teams travel to York to see their home team play.   If you wish to stay away from the opposition fans, have a good look at the crowd before selecting your seat. Neighbourhood 3 Since York Stadium is located at the very north end of Toronto, the surrounding neighbourhood is decent and the immediate driving area also has some interesting places to go. There are a few decent places to eat that are within walking distance of York Stadium. On the campus of York University you will find a Shopsy’s Sports Grill. Just on the other side of Keele St. there is a Hoops Sports Bar. Also, just up the street on Steeles you will find Angelo’s Homestyle Restaurant. Any of these options are good for a pre or post game meal. There are also a number of fast food chains in the immediate vicinity and many other options if you hop in the car and head north into the city of Vaughan. The York Lions also field competitive basketball and hockey teams along with other varsity sports.   The basketball teams play in the nearby Tait McKenzie Centre and the hockey teams play at nearby Canlan Ice Sports York.   Both places are on the campus of York.   The campus is a pretty significant distance from downtown Toronto, but not totally out of the realm of possibility for a side trip.   Much closer, however, is the city of Vaughan, which basically begins on the other side of Steeles Ave.   There are a few interesting things just a few short kilometers away.   If you are interested in shopping, then Vaughan Mills might be the stop for you.   This huge shopping centre also features a Bass Pro Shop.   A little further north on highway 400 you will find Canada’s Wonderland, which is a Canadian equivalent to a Six Flags amusement park.   Woodbine Racetrack is just 15 kilometres away and features thoroughbred horse racing and is home to the Queen’s Plate.   Also, the Aviva Centre annually hosts the Rogers Cup, formerly the Canadian Open tennis tournament. There are quite a few places to stay near the north end of campus, both in Toronto and Vaughan.   A great place to stay that is an extremely short drive away from York Stadium is the Best Western Plus, Toronto-North York. Fans 2 Regular fans that attend York Lions football games redefine die-hard.   It has been very difficult to be a York Lions fan. It is often difficult to assess the attendance at CIS football games.   There are often extenuating circumstances that account for significant attendance variances.   For example, homecoming games often draw in a significantly higher attendance than normal.   Also, an early season game before the students have begun classes often produces a significantly lower attendance.   With four home games per season, the York Lions typically draw around 1,500 fans, many of them travelling to see the visiting team.   If there is a game on campus during orientation week there is often a significant spike in attendance. With the program having as poor showing as they have had, it is a minor miracle that York has any that would claim to be fans.   The fans in attendance are often equaled or outnumbered by visiting fans and the noise level is usually pretty even regardless of what happens during the game.   That being said, like most other OUA programs, more needs to be done to entice the students to make football a part of their university experience. Access 4 Getting to York Stadium is not that difficult and getting around is also pretty easy. York Stadium is located at the north end of the Keele Campus of York University. It is located southeast of the major highway crossings of highways 400 and 407. The campus is surrounded by major Toronto streets Jane, Finch, Keele and Steeles. When driving to campus, be careful as the 407 is a toll highway and many of these streets have some significant traffic. There are quite a few different public transit options to get to York.   The GO Transit station is just east of campus.   There are also numerous TTC buses that travel in or past campus.   The TTC is also working on a significant subway station on campus.   Check the TTC or GO Transit websites for schedules and maps. There are a number of parking lots around campus.   The York website has a variety of campus maps to aid in your search for parking.   Keep in mind that the subway connection and preparation of York Lions Stadium have left the north end of campus with some significant construction that has closed some parking lots.   Parking costs are usually $5 on the weekend at pay and display machines. There is only one entrance to York Stadium, but that is not an issue at all.   Entry is through the surrounding fence at the south end of the stadium.   There is a portable ticket office for those of you who need to purchase tickets on gameday. The grandstand is so open that getting around is no issue at all.   The permanent locker room / washroom structure in the rear houses some small washroom facilities.   It doesn’t take long for lines to form so be wise when choosing a washroom time. Return on Investment 4 Attending a York Lions football game is very affordable and can be a good family event. Ticket prices for York football are $10.50 for adults with discounts for students, seniors and alumni.   Although concessions will not blow you away, they are not overly expensive and parking is fairly inexpensive as well.   If you are planning on seeing a game at York be weary of a mismatch.   Watching the Lions play a team that is closer to them in the standings offers a much better game experience as York is prone to a few blowout games each season. Extras 2 An extra mark for the annual Red and Blue Bowl.   The Lions play the cross-town rival Toronto Varsity Blues for city bragging rights.   This is often the best game of the season for the Lions and the game has been a highlight for the team since 1968. An extra mark for the City of Toronto Fill up and Go Station which offered fans free tap water and promotes the benefits of tap water as compared to bottled water. Final Thoughts The York faithful are eagerly awaiting an announcement that will put to rest the questions as to what the brand new York Lions Stadium will be used for.   Until that time York Stadium remains the home of the Lions.   Hopefully a new stadium and building on the strong recruiting class will breath new life into this program and help the Lions break their playoff drought.

The sports world gives marketers a fantastic opportunity to build brand awareness, loyalty, and competitive advantage. When a company has their logo on a team’s jersey or its ads play on sideline boards during games, these companies gain access to a consumer base known for its loyalty and willingness to spend money. Sports also provide activists with a large audience to push their message and encourage change. At times, companies and non-profits utilise this reality well, but sometimes it comes across as bizarre and unnatural. After all, sports fans are loyal and dedicated, but this loyalty can come across as anger if games are interrupted. Today’s article will look at three strange promotions conducted recently within the grounds of a sports stadium. The House of the Dragon Promo House of the Dragon is HBO’s latest hit, and the prequel to Game of Thrones has got a lot of people talking since it first aired in August 2022. ExpressVPN’s detailed infographic about the show and the family tree of House Targaryen demonstrates that the show can be confusing to follow, but it seems people are more confused about why there was a House of the Dragon promo during a recent Major League Baseball playoff game. Earlier this month, a CGI dragon flew over Yankee Stadium during the 7th inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship series between the Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians. Some baseball fans thought the promo was cool, while others were unimpressed, with one Twitter user writing that it was the worst thing he has seen on TV. Bob Costas: "Now, you know, big sellout crowd here, but we weren't 100% sure this game was gonna be played tonight. And for more, it's shocking. Here's Lauren Shehadi..." * 'House of the Dragon' promo with CGI dragon flying over Yankee Stadium* Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 12, 2022 The Smile Campaign The 2022 horror film Smile launched a marketing campaign where eerily grinning actors were placed in the crowds of several Major League Baseball games. These actors were strategically placed in the stadium, such as behind home plate, for maximum exposure. The actors never broke character, and there are various clips of them staring and smiling into the camera for the pitcher-batter shot. While the movie’s director initially thought no one would notice, the campaign went viral on social media, and Smile ended up grossing a worldwide total of more than $180 million. Some fans were amused by the campaign after learning what it was. However, according to Yahoo Entertainment’s article , other people were freaked out by the actors. Here’s some fun, clever movie promo - Paramount seemingly placed #Smile actors in the crowd at both the Yankees and Mets games last night, both in view of cameras. The results were indeed creepy. Going to a game this weekend? Watch out for the smiles! 😃 Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) September 24, 2022 Just Stop Oil Protest Earlier this year, a man from Just Stop Oil , an organisation that protests fossil fuel production and licensing, tied himself to a goalpost with a cable tie during a Premier League game. The event occurred during a match between Everton and Newcastle and was followed up by several other protests of the same kind. Two protesters from the same organisation tried tying themselves to the goalposts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, bringing the game to a halt. While the message of Just Stop Oil is important, football fans in the United Kingdom are a passionate group of individuals who don’t appreciate when games are delayed for anything, including technical difficulties and protests. Regardless of the message, whether it's commercial or environmental, sports stadiums are a great place to gain exposure to large groups of people at once. These individuals are often loyal and passionate, making them great target audiences. However, companies and organisations do occasionally get it wrong or use strategies that come across as strange and eerie, such as the Smile campaign at the MLB games.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Revolution Sportsplex 19623 Evergreen Mill Road Leesburg, VA 20175 Nova FC website Revolution Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,500 Lower Tier Soccer in Leesburg, Va. Nestled in Leesburg, in Loudoun County in the DC suburbs, Nova FC (or Northern Virginia Football Club, to use the full name) competes in USL League Two, the fourth tier of soccer in the United States. USL League Two is primarily an amateur league featuring players 23 or younger, and most players are college-age or have recently exhausted their college eligibility and are hoping to receive a professional contract. Nova FC plays its home games at the Revolution Sportsplex, the main stadium in the complex. There are also several back fields used for youth soccer. The club's biggest accomplishment was qualifying for the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, where they won their first-round matchup against fellow amateur side Lynchburg FC before falling to professional side Richmond Kickers in the next round. Nova FC also operates a women's team and several lower-tier amateur teams. However, this review is about the men's USL League Two team and their experience at their games. Food & Beverage 1 Although the Revolution Sportsplex contains both a rooftop bar and a club area, neither is operational for Nova FC games. There are a couple of vending machines that sell food and soft drinks at vending machine prices. Some only take $1 bills and coins while others also take $5 bills. Fans are also free to bring in outside food and drink to eat during the game. Atmosphere 2 Revolution Sportsplex contains several rows of bleachers with a concourse area at the top as well as a rooftop bar up a flight of steps from the concourse. Although the bar itself is not operational during games, there are chairs and barstools where fans can hang out and watch the game from a unique vantage point. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. Even the PA announcer was not active other than to welcome fans to the stadium and ask them to rise for the national anthem at the beginning. There were no announcements of goals or cards, making it hard to figure out who was booked by the referee. The seats are close enough to the action and the fans are quiet enough that you can hear everything the players shout at each other and the referees. Even by soccer purist standards, the experience here is lacking. The true atmosphere at soccer games comes from the fans, not the team, but there is no crowd energy to speak of here. There is no organized Supporters' group, and while the fans applaud after goals, other than that they are almost completely silent. The team does play the song "Doop" after goals, a tradition borrowed from the Philadelphia Union, along with a submarine dive horn to add their unique take on it, but that is the only thing going on here to create any sort of atmosphere, and it's mostly borrowed from another team. Neighborhood 2 Revolution Sportsplex is located in the middle of a residential area, and there are no restaurants or things to do in the immediate vicinity. Your best bet is to head a few miles into downtown Leesburg, where there are plenty of places to eat, visit, and stay. This can be about a ten-minute drive, but it’s your only option. The Leesburg Public House and Tarbender’s Lounge are popular places to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Those looking for something other than a bar may want to check out Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers or the Leesburg Diner, although the latter is only open for breakfast and lunch. There are many good options in Leesburg, but the fact that all of them are so far from the stadium brings this rating down. Fans 2 Nova FC typically draws a couple hundred fans a game. Some of these fans have a direct connection to the team, but there is also a wide range of other fans, including families with kids who play their youth soccer on the back fields of this complex. It is not uncommon to see children kicking around a soccer ball on the field behind the goal during a game. Other than applauding after goals, the fans who show up are quite subdued. Additionally, as Nova FC typically plays other local teams in its league, a significant portion of the crowd will be visiting fans making the short drive to Leesburg to check out their team. Access 3 Revolution Sportsplex has located a short drive off the Dulles Greenway (State Route 267) via Shreve Mill Road, although you will need to pay several dollars in tolls to get here. Once you arrive, parking is in a lot next to the stadium - follow the signs for the main stadium rather than parking by the back fields for easier access. This will put you at the bottom of the bleachers, and you can walk up and sit anywhere as seating is general admission. Restrooms are located at the top of the bleachers with a second set on the rooftop near the bar. The restrooms are on the other side of the club area from the bleachers, and while the club is not functional during games, it is physically open and fans can walk through it to get to the other side rather than walk around. There is also an elevator to take you from field level to the top of the bleachers and the rooftop area for fans who require one. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and the vending machine food won't cost more than a couple of dollars. The main expense will be tolls on the Greenway to get there, which will be between $5 and $9 each way, approximately, depending on where you are coming from and if it is rush hour on a weekday. You can avoid those by taking Route 7 instead, but that is not a highway for most of its length and will take longer. That being said, this is too basic an experience to earn the top score. Extras 1 Although the rooftop bar itself is not open during Nova FC games, the rooftop area still provides a unique vantage point to watch a game and is worthy of a star here. Final Thoughts Although USL League Two is deep down in the American soccer pyramid, a trip to a Nova FC game at the Revolution Sportsplex can still be an enjoyable way to spend an evening. Although the experience is nowhere near what you'd get in DC at a DC United game or even here in Leesburg at a Loudoun United game at Segra Field , a Nova FC game is much more affordable than either of those would be. For only the price of tolls and maybe bottled water from the vending machine, fans can take in a Nova FC soccer game on a beautiful summer night.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lenovo Center 1400 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 Carolina Hurricanes website Lenovo Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,680 Rock You Like A Hurricane Editor's note: On September 19, 2024, PNC Arena was renamed as the Lenovo Center. This review, written before the name change, reflects the previous name. The Carolina Hurricanes began playing at PNC Arena when the building opened in 1999. Prior to that, the Hurricanes played at the Greensboro Coliseum during their first two years in North Carolina. The facility has gone by three names since it opened: Entertainment and Sports Arena, the RBC Center, and now the PNC Arena. The arena is located in West Raleigh and sits next door to Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the NC State football team. PNC Arena boasts 18,680 red seats for hockey and is also the home of the NC State basketball team. Even though the venue is approaching 20 years old, it is still a modern arena for NHL hockey. Food & Beverage 4 PNC Arena offers a wide selection of food and beverage choices, even though the prices are a bit high. However, there is no shortage of concession choices as you make your way through the concourses. The permanent stands offer your generic stadium food: hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts. Bottled Pepsi products are sold at these stands and Aquafina bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, and Gatorade. Also, throughout the arena, you can find Cinnabon cinnamon buns and various ice cream choices. Alcoholic beverages are offered in two sizes. If you are a fan of BBQ, your best bet is to check out one of the several North Carolina BBQ stands scattered throughout the arena. These stands offer two favorites of mine: a BBQ sandwich and BBQ nachos. Pair these with a Cheerwine, and you are in business. Atmosphere 4 PNC Arena is your standard three-level arena with a lower level, a middle club lever, and an upper level. All seats are cushioned and have cup holders. Suites are located at the top of the lower and club levels. There is a four-sided center-hung video board above center ice. It is small compared to many of the newer video boards, but rumor has it that the new Hurricanes owner wants to install a new video board next season that runs from blue line to blue line. The Hurricanes have an engaging mascot – Stormy, who is a pig. This is about the great North Carolina Bar B Que culture. The Canes also have their dance team – the Storm Squad, which engages the crowd and helps get them pumped up for games. There are hurricane warning flags and graphics throughout the arena. Before each game, a local celebrity (such as an area college coach) will crank the hurricane siren to get fans pumped up. At various times throughout the game, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions will crank up. The management does a great job of incorporating hurricane and storm-related graphics and activities into the game day experience. Neighborhood 2 PNC Arena was built adjacent to Carter-Finley Stadium in West Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds. While there is plenty of parking and great tailgating, there is little to do within walking distance before or after the game. The only restaurants within walking distance are Backyard Bistro, Wendy’s, and Bojangles. Backyard Bistro is a great place to hang out and get food and drinks before a game. Since you will most likely be driving to the arena, be sure to visit the Angus Barn restaurant about 9 miles from the arena, located near the RDU Airport. The Angus Barn is a sprawling upscale steakhouse in a barn-like setting with a wine cellar, lounge, and cigar bar. Area activities to consider are the NC Museum of Art and Park, which is about 1 mile from the arena, and the North Carolina State Capitol building and museums in downtown Raleigh. Fans 5 Since Rod Brind’Amour has taken over the team and has them consistently in the playoffs, expect a near-capacity crowd for every game. The fans are consistently loud and into the game, and tickets are now tough to come by. Access 4 PNC Arena is easily accessible by car as it sits near I-40 and I-440 in West Raleigh. If you are flying into the area, the Raleigh-Durham airport is only 10 miles away and provides all the major airlines. Parking is plentiful around the Arena/Stadium area and is $40 on-site and $25 prepaid. We suggest buying prepaid to save $15. The security staff entering PNC Arena does seem a little “strict” at times, so allow yourself some extra time when entering the arena. Once inside, the arena is easily navigable with three concourses serving the three levels. The arena is well-signed so you can easily find your section. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $50 (upper level) to $200 (lower level) depending on location, and parking at the arena is $40. Concessions are expensive, but are on par with other arenas and the quality of food is good. Extras 3 PNC Arena has hosted the NHL All-Star game, the Stanley Cup, and the NHL amateur draft. Recently, the Hurricanes have started coming back onto the ice after a win and doing their version of the “Lambeau Leap” by skating down the ice and jumping onto the glass. The arena has recently added phone-charging stations around the concourse. Final Thoughts PNC Arena is routinely sold out and offers a great environment to watch NHL hockey.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Seekonk Speedway 1782 Fall River Ave Seekonk, MA 02771 Seekonk Speedway website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 The Action Track of the East Seekonk Speedway is the oldest continuously operated family-owned racetrack in the United States. The facility has been operated by the Venditti family since its opening in 1946. The 1/3-mile track is the widest in New England, measuring 72 feet across. The track is sanctioned by NASCAR under the Wheelen All-American Series. After World War II, D. Anthony Vendetti had a dream of owning and operating a racetrack. He built the facility on his family’s poultry farm and was off to the races (pardon the pun). Opening night took place on Memorial Day 1946 when over 12,000 fans packed the quarter-mile oval. Early races featured open-wheel midget racers. There have been many changes throughout the years on the track, but races in Seekonk have remained a constant in southeastern Massachusetts for over three-quarters of a century. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands scattered around Seekonk Speedway. There’s a decent menu offered here that hits all the bases. Burgers, dogs, sausage sandwiches, popcorn chicken, and pizza slices are the foundation of the menu. Steak sandwiches are sold at the stands, and fans may upgrade with some peppers and onions to create the “Steak Bomb.” There’s a good selection of sides available, including nachos, “Fast Track” fries, popcorn, pretzels, and fried dough. Hungry fans can combine fries with their burger, dogs, or popcorn chicken to save a few dollars. Pepsi products are featured at Seekonk Speedway. Hot drinks are available should you attend the races on a chilly night. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a beer stand that sells Miller Lite, Coors Light, Narragansett, and White Claw. Local favorite Del’s Lemonade offers their signature frozen lemonade in both lemon and watermelon flavors. If visiting from out of town, it’s a must-have. Fans are allowed to bring their coolers into Seekonk Speedway, providing they do not bring in alcohol. Atmosphere 3 Casual fans and newbies may have some difficulty following what is going on at Seekonk Speedway, but there is plenty of action throughout a night’s program. The night starts with short “heat” races in the different classes scheduled for that night (for example, on the night Stadium Journey visited, there were races for Sport Trucks, Late Models, Sportsmen, and Pro Stocks). After an intermission, the heat qualifiers move on to the longer, feature races. Fans may be surprised at how user-friendly a day at the racetrack can be. The pits are open for an hour before the races begin, so fans can check out the cars up close and even talk to the drivers. During intermission, fans can parade on the track. The PA announcer does play-by-play during the races, which is helpful when you can hear him. This is not a knock on the PA system, just a statement about how loud the cars can be. There is a small scoreboard on the south side of the track which provides very basic race information. Neighborhood 2 Seekonk Speedway is located in Seekonk, MA, a suburb of Providence, RI. The track itself is in an industrial area on Route 6, a commercial thoroughfare that runs from Providence down to Cape Cod. About two miles away from the track is a major commercial area loaded with stores and eateries. Most of the choices in this area consist of chain restaurants and retail stores. If looking for some local flavor, check out Dicky’s Clam Shack or Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille. Among the lodging options nearby are the Clarion Hotel Seekonk and the Hampton Inn Seekonk. Downtown Providence, which offers a great variety of food and lodging options, is a ten-minute drive to the west. The small town of Bristol is a 20-minute drive from the track. It’s a popular summer destination, particularly around the Fourth of July. The town has hosted the oldest Independence Day parade in the nation since 1785. Fans 4 Seekonk Speedway draws good crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd runs the gamut, from fans who have been spending their weekends at the track for decades to families looking for an affordable night out. Of course, "Thrill Nights," which feature figure 8 races, spectator drag races, and fireworks, draw big crowds. Fans are generally friendly and many of the regulars know their stuff. Access 3 Seekonk Speedway is located in Seekonk, MA, a suburban town of 15,000 residents located on the Massachusetts/Rhode Island state line. Situated on Route 6, a busy commercial thoroughfare, it’s not far from Interstate 195. There are over 3,000 parking spots in the lots surrounding the track. Fans can enter the facility on either side. After a quick security check, visitors will find themselves on a concourse that circles the entire facility. ¾ of this concourse is paved, and there is dirt on the far side of the facility. Seating is available on all sides of the track in the form of metal bleachers without backs. Fans can rent chairbacks for $3 or bring in their own. Lines to concession stands are not an issue. Restrooms are dated, but large enough to handle the typical Speedway crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a night of races at Seekonk Speedway is priced at $18 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and free for children under 5 years of age. Parking is free in the large lots surrounding the track. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but not outrageous when compared to other sporting facilities in the area. Extras 2 Near the main entrance is Seekonk Speedway’s Wall of Fame, where significant figures in the track’s eight-decade history are honored. Newbies to the racing world may be surprised by how interactive a night at Seekonk Speedway can be. The pit area is opened to fans before the night’s races begin and during the break between the qualifying races and main event races, fans can parade on the track. Final Thoughts Seekonk Speedway is an institution in southeastern Massachusetts that has been in operation for over 75 years. The short track here ensures plenty of action to keep everyone from the veteran to novice fan entertained. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Williams Arena 1925 SE University Ave Minneapolis, MN 55455 Minnesota Golden Gophers website Williams Arena website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 14,625 Gopher a Trip to “The Barn” The Big Ten Conference has long been known for some of the most historic athletic facilities in the country. Ohio State has its Horseshoe, Michigan has its Big House, Indiana has The Rock and the University of Minnesota has “The Barn.” One of the oldest basketball arenas still in use in the college ranks, Williams Arena was built in 1928 and is fondly referred to as “The Barn” by the Gopher Nation. It earned its moniker due to its barn-like design with its rounded roof and beamed supports. Gopher fans willingly embrace the nickname, as the luxury boxes are known as the Barn Lofts, and the student section is known as the Barnyard. Like the Midwest structures of old, The Barn has served multiple purposes over its long existence. In addition to serving as the home of Gopher basketball, the building has served as an indoor practice facility for football, an ice hockey, an indoor track facility, and multiple tennis courts. To facilitate these multiple uses, the basketball court is elevated above the floor of the arena. Benches for both teams are two feet below the playing surface, and coaches are the only persons other than the playing personnel and the referees to be at court level. This unique feature is only found at two other schools, Vanderbilt University, and Butler University. Williams Arena has gone through several updates through the years, which has resulted in increases and decreases in seating capacity. Its current basketball capacity is 14,625. Amongst the most recent renovations are new lighting and sound systems, a new scoreboard with a video screen, and the creation of 21 luxury suites known as the Barn Lofts. The University of Minnesota has had a long and storied basketball history, as it has won two National Championships and nine Big Ten Championships, and has participated in 15 NIT Tournaments. Several Gopher stars have gone on to great NBA careers, including Lou Hudson, Mychal Thompson, Kevin McHale, and Kris Humphries. It also has a lineage of notable basketball coaches, including Bill Musselman, Bill Fitch, Clem Haskins, and Tubby Smith. Food & Beverage 3 There are several Snack Shack concession stands spread throughout Williams Arena, which sell your typical arena/stadium fare. A sampling of their food and beverage items and their cost includes barbecue pork or chicken sandwiches ($7), cornbread muffins ($1.50), hot dogs ($5.75), pretzels ($4), garden salads ($5), popcorn ($6), kettle corn ($7), candy ($3.25) and chips ($1.75). The beverage items are limited to Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5) and bottled water ($4.25). No alcohol sales are allowed, due to Williams Arena's on-campus location. In addition to the arena stands, there are branded concession stands carrying Famous Dave’s BBQ, Subway sandwiches and salads, and Palermo Pizza. The Goldy’s Locker Room team store stocks a full assortment of Gophers paraphernalia at numerous sites throughout the arena. Atmosphere 5 The best way to describe the atmosphere and feel of Williams Arena and a Golden Gophers basketball game is “old school.” This is meant in a very complimentary way, as the University of Minnesota realizes it has a historical treasure on its campus and does not want to detract from that. The arena looks very much like it did back when it was built in 1928. The outer concourse features a great timeline outlining the history of the facility, culminating with a special exhibit that includes a portion of the original floor of the arena. From the time you enter “The Barn” until you find your seat, you’ll feel transported back to an earlier, simpler time in college basketball. The outer concourse has cinder-block walls and concrete floors, and it will become immediately clear when you enter the inner arena how Williams Arena earned its more popular moniker. The arched roof with the beams showing gives the feeling of a barn-like structure. True, there are some modern-day upgrades, such as improved lighting and a very impressive video/scoreboard, but these are necessities in an era where almost every game is televised. If you are coming to a Gophers game at The Barn, don’t expect the arena lights to be turned out and special effects show to take place for player introductions. The excitement generated here comes from the cheer squad, the University pep band, and a very enthusiastic student section (alias the Barnyard). The views from the seats of the court are great unless you are unfortunate enough to sit behind one of the support beams holding up the second level of stands. The second level of the arena is old school. To reach this area, you need to take a winding staircase, and remember to stop for the restroom or to buy your refreshments before making your ascent. The 1928 design does not include restrooms or concessions areas on the second level. If you are seated in the east end zone of the upper level, expect bench seating rather than seats. One other design change Williams has made to keep up with the other members of the Big 10 Conference is the addition of some “luxury boxes.” Even this change keeps true to this building’s simple bones. The luxury boxes are known as “Barn Lofts,” and consist of three rows of seats with a very simple kitchenette and a bathroom attached. Williams Arena realizes the star of the show is the game being played on the court and does its best to keep the distractions away from that at a minimum. Any thoughts on building a new facility with more modern features are quickly dismissed by the fans and students of the school. Neighborhood 4 Williams Arena is located within the sports complex on the University of Minnesota campus. It is located adjacent to TCF Bank Stadium and the Mariucci Arena . The name of the neighborhood surrounding these facilities is Stadium Village, for obvious reasons. Washington Avenue is the main thoroughfare for the neighborhood, as it serves as the address for a majority of the restaurants, nightclubs, and lodging facilities in the area. It also forms the route for the Metrorail light rail system that covers virtually all of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from that are just a few blocks from Williams Arena. These include Buffalo Wild Wings, D’Amico & Sons, Punch Pizza, the Beacon Public House, and Applebee’s. Stubs & Herbs Pub is a longtime UMinn favorite watering hole. Lodging in the area includes The Commons, the Aloft Hotel, Days Inn University, and the Doubletree by Hilton University. The two Metrorail stations on the Green Line servicing this area are the Stadium Village Station and the East Bank Station. The light rail system does a great job of getting you to a majority of the Twin Cities' major attractions, with stations at the Mall of America, U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field/the Target Center, MSP International Airport, and the State Capitol in St. Paul. Fans 4 The Gophers have one of the most energized fan bases in the Big Ten Conference. This is especially true in the student section, otherwise known as the Barnyard. It is a farm version of the Cameron Crazies, with students wearing the maroon and gold colors of the school, farm wear such as maroon-and-gold-pinstriped bib jeans and straw hats. The most dedicated members of this section even don costumes of such barnyard animals as pigs, chickens, cows, and goats. The noise the Barnyard generates during a game can distract the opposition, especially when the team benches are located below the playing floor level, virtually in the seating section. The Gophers draw good crowds for any Big Ten matchup, but their most intense rivalry is with the University of Wisconsin. The two schools compete in the Border Battle, a competition that awards points to the victorious school in more than 17 varsity sports, with the winner named at the end of each academic year. This gives bragging rights to the winning school for the next year. Access 3 City planners and university officials in the Twin Cities have done an excellent job in designing a very walkable environment and easily-accessed area via public transportation. This is very important, due to the very frigid winters found in Minnesota. The restaurants, lodging, nightlife, and public transportation mentioned in the Neighborhood sections are all within a 2-3 block area of Williams Arena. The Metrorail system runs very frequently, with extra trains scheduled when there is a sports event going on at the University. For those who prefer to drive to the game, there are two parking decks open to the public (the University Avenue deck and the 4th Street deck), both of which are within three blocks of the arena. As you would suspect, with a building that dates back to 1928, accessibility within Williams Arena is not as modern as many of its peers in the Big Ten. The building has two main entrances, which get very backlogged when you have a crowd of more than 14,000 fans entering the building. The concourses are quite narrow, and fans accessing the upper level must navigate a winding metal staircase to reach their seats. There are no concession stands on the upper level. There are elevators available, but they are restricted for use to persons with mobility problems and fans with seats in the Barn Lofts. Another shortcoming of the building is that it has only eleven restrooms (five for the men and six for the women). Needless to say, the lines are horrific for these facilities, especially during the halftime break. One last structural issue is that there are several obstructed-view seating areas within the arena. The upper deck prides itself on being near the playing surface, but as a result, some of the lower-level seats are beneath the overhang and will be able to see the playing floor, but not the scoreboard. The other source of obstructed views is support poles that help hold up the second tier of seating. Despite these inconveniences, Golden Gopher fans do not put up much fuss. The university has proposed building a new facility to house the basketball program, but the overwhelming response from the alumni and students has been to preserve The Barn as it is, because that is what makes the Gopher basketball experience so different. Return on Investment 4 A trip to a UMinn basketball game does not necessarily dig a Gopher hole in your wallet. Tickets come in five different price zones ranging from $20 to $50. Due to the arena’s raised basketball floor, a cheaper seat may provide a better view of the game than a courtside seat, as the front-row fans are looking up at the action. Riding the Metrorail ($6 for a 24-hour rail pass) allows you to miss the traffic and a $10 parking charge, and the concessions are well-priced. In addition, the Big Ten typically offers some of the best basketball teams in the country, so you’ll be watching a quality game. Extras 4 The first extra has to go to “The Barn” itself for surviving and thriving since 1928. Its original cost back in the day was $650,000, which in today’s dollars would equal $9 million. The second extra point goes to the Denny Stanford University of Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame. It is located across the street from Williams Arena at TCF Bank Stadium. Call ahead for operating hours, as they can vary in the winter. The Twin Cities are a pair of great sports towns. With a little planning ahead, you can catch a UMinn hockey, basketball, or football game during the day, and then catch the Metrorail to a Vikings, Timberwolves, or Wild game in the evening, all in temperature-controlled indoor facilities. It is easy to add a little culture to your sports pursuits, as Minneapolis is a mecca for museums, concert halls, and theatres. The Guthrie Theatre is on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, directly across from UMinn on the East Bank. There is an enclosed bridge spanning the river and connecting the theatre with the University.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vidas Field 4300 Powelton Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 Drexel Dragons website Vidas Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: N/A Vidas Drexel Located about a mile from Drexel University’s main campus in Center City Philadelphia, the Vidas Athletic Complex consists of several fields which are home to eight of the Dragons’ athletic programs. Vidas Field, located at the front of the complex, is home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse programs. Further back, you can find a turf field for field hockey, a softball diamond, and tennis courts that host the men’s and women’s tennis programs. For this review, we will focus on the women’s soccer experience at Vidas Field. The experience there may vary depending on what sport you are watching, but some things will hold true no matter what game you are taking in there, or to a lesser extent, at other venues in the complex. What would eventually become Vidas Field, opened in 1963 as the home of Drexel’s now-defunct football program. It was extensively renovated in 2015 to add the new artificial turf surface and upgrade several other areas. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Vidas Field but fans are free to bring their own. There are several places nearby where fans can purchase snacks or drinks. Theoretically, there is supposed to be a concession stand at the south end of the stadium open for weekend games, at least according to the Drexel website, but it was not open when Stadium Journey visited on a Sunday. Atmosphere 3 Vidas Field has recently been upgraded and is a nicer venue than many at this level. All seats are bleachers without backs along the east sideline but they do provide a great view of the action. There is a large video board behind the south goal which also shows detailed team stats. Unfortunately, the PA system is not the greatest and announcements are often either barely comprehensible or not audible at all. Given the constant action of soccer, there are really no breaks in the action for the team to do anything, but that is to be expected. Neighborhood 5 Vidas Field is located about a mile from Drexel’s campus in the Center City area of Philadelphia. Just within a few blocks of the stadium, you will find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to Jamaican to Indian to Ethiopian and many others. Of course, every Philadelphian has their own favorite place to get a cheesesteak in the city. For other entertainment, the Philadelphia Zoo is less than two miles away and history buffs will want to check out the Liberty Bell and other historic sites while they are in town. Fans 4 About 300 fans were in attendance when Stadium Journey visited Drexel, which is decent attendance for college soccer. Fans were a mix of friends and family of the players, Drexel students, and people who were just fans of the athletic program. The crowd can get quite loud here at times when the Dragons make a big play such as a save or scoring opportunity. Many of them will come decked out in the blue and yellow colors of Drexel or wear other Dragons’ gear. All in all, you will find a very good crowd at Vidas Field. Access 4 There are many highways into Philadelphia although you will have to do the last couple of miles of driving on city streets which can have heavy traffic at times. Once you arrive at the complex, you will drive through the gates into a parking lot in front of the stadium. Parking here is free, a rarity in a major city like Philadelphia, and if the lot fills up, street parking is available nearby. Once you park, you will walk around the corner to the gate (security can direct you if you’re lost but look for the signs) and you will walk up to the bleachers and sit anywhere you want. Restrooms are located around the corner from the stadium behind the field house that houses the locker rooms. It is about a two-to-three-minute walk from the bleachers. These restrooms are spacious, even when you consider that they serve the entire complex and there may be multiple events going on at once. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Drexel soccer games is free, and parking is also free, which is a nice bonus in a major city. The only money you’ll spend is gas to get here. This makes a Dragons game at Vidas Field a great value. Extras 2 There is a team store on the south end of the stadium which sells Drexel merchandise. If you time your visit right, there is an opportunity to see multiple games at the complex in one day given all the teams who play here. Final Thoughts Although most people associate the City of Philadelphia with college basketball, eight other Drexel sports teams call the Vidas Athletic Complex home, and four of them play at Vidas Field itself. While women’s college soccer may not be the most popular NCAA sport, the Dragons have their own loyal, passionate fan base and a newly renovated stadium that should continue to attract fans for years to come. Although there are many sports options to choose from in Philly, very few of them are completely free to attend like a Drexel soccer game is. While nobody would mistake Vidas Field for a top-level stadium, it is still a fun place to take in a game.

Baseball in Blue & Gray: The National Pastime During the Civil War is a great read for history buffs and sports fans alike. The author, George B. Kirsch, is a history professor whose area of interest is the impact of sports on life during historical times. This book addresses how the early days of baseball impacted life on both the battlefield and the home front. He also studies how baseball’s popularity had everything to do with surging American nationalism, resulting in making it America’s pastime. The earliest portion of the book addresses the origins of the sport in the US. The author rejects the theory of Abner Doubleday creating the game as strictly a legend. Instead, he theorizes that the sport’s origin was in several early games played that resembled some aspect of the game of baseball as we know it today. These games went by the names of rounders, the New York game, the Massachusetts game, cricket, townball and round ball, and base ball. Each of these games contains the elements of pitchers, catchers, bats, outs, and running the bases. As they became popular, the teams and players involved sought ways to improve the games by adapting rules to shorten the lengths of games, regulating the numbers of innings and players on each side, and adopting rules that would become standardized across the country. These rules eventually were adopted in 1857, shortly before the Civil War. In the beginning, the sport was most popular in the north, as it was seen more as a “city” game. This was due in part to the large cities of the north having more organized sports clubs than in the more rural areas of the south. However, as time went on the sport became more popular in the south as port cities on the coast and along rivers became involved due to their interaction with travelers and businesses from the north. The author also points out that in the early days of baseball, the clubs often featured patriotic names such as the Americans, the Eagles, and the Nationals. These clubs often had a club flag or pennant, and it was not unusual to also see the Stars and Stripes at the ballgames. Soon the drums of war began, and both sides began to organize armies and training camps, as the nation had not been at war since the War of 1812. These training camps involved a great deal of tedious tasks such as marching, learning different formations, etc. resulting in boredom among the troops. Another issue was creating a sense of teamwork amongst the troops, as many soldiers were thrown together with other troops of another social class or ethnic origin. During lull times in these training camps, many soldiers would play baseball as an escape from the dreariness of camp life. Soon the camp commanders saw the game as a way to build team spirit amongst the regiments and to get the soldiers in good physical condition. Soon active hostilities began, and baseball even traveled to the battlefield. Some of the early skirmishes resulted in soldiers fighting acquaintances who had chosen the other side due to their beliefs about slavery. The deep hatred that developed later in the war had not yet set in. The author relates a true story of northern and southern troops having encampments on opposite sides of a river. The southern troops were taking a break from the action and were playing baseball. The troops on the northern side applauded when a southern player made an excellent play on the field. As the war started, both sides took prisoners from the other side. Early in the war, these prison camps were well run, as they had a small number of prisoners, and they had good rations and decent housing. The prison commanders saw sports as a means of keeping the prisoners occupied and not looking for ways to escape. Each set of barracks would have a team to compete in a league or tournament. Unfortunately, the camps eventually swelled in size and could not keep up with the medical and nutritional needs of the prisoners, and as a result, became death camps for the incarcerated. Baseball also became popular on the home front, especially in the North. While the first years of the Civil War brought the battles close to home, they left the large cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and New York untouched. Wartime spending brought affluence to these areas, as factories produced uniforms and armaments for the conflict. Workers at these plants would play ball during their free time. Often tournaments were scheduled, with proceeds going to the Sanitary Commission, an organization that dealt with sick and wounded soldiers. Baseball also enjoyed an enthusiastic response on the college campuses in the north. Colleges in New England and the northeast saw leagues develop, and competitive rivalries formed amongst the participating schools. This ensured that the younger generations were supporters of the game. Another aspect of wartime baseball was the development of sportswriters in area newspapers. These periodicals often sought ways to distract the populations from the carnage on the battlefields. Accounts of games and league standings were usually published in each edition. This also helped to broaden the knowledge of the game among the masses. As the war ended, baseball was truly America’s pastime, as the sport was popular at all levels of society. It also saw new growth for the sport in the Southern and Western states. African American teams were formed in cities such as Camden, NJ, Chicago, and New Orleans. Baseball was in its infancy when the Civil War began. It had been strictly a regional game played by elites. At the war’s conclusion, teams were playing at all social levels throughout the country. It brought sectional reconciliation between the North and South and was incorporated into Reconstruction efforts. Baseball also was a major influence on American nationalism. It was now a part of foreign policy, as baseball was introduced to the Far East and the Caribbean. The National Anthem was played before games throughout the world. Missionaries, diplomats, businessmen, soldiers, and sailors would teach foreigners the rules of the game. America’s greatest tragedy had only strengthened America’s pastime.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Ave Richmond, VIC 3002 Australia Richmond Tigers website Melbourne Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1853 Capacity: 100,024 Historic Melbourne Cricket Ground The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the greatest sporting venues in the world. Known to locals simply as, The ‘G , the venue opened in 1853. With a capacity of 100,024, it is the largest stadium in Australia. Owned by the Victorian State Government and managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club, the stadium is home to numerous cricket (Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Stars) and AFL teams (Richmond, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn). The MCG plays host to three of the biggest sporting events in the land; the traditional Boxing Day cricket test match, the AFL Grand Final and the AFL Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon. Not only that, the MCG was the main stadium for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games. The final of the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup between Pakistan and England was also played at the MCG, as will the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The venue has also hosted international soccer (football) and rugby union. Regular upgrades have kept the MCG at the forefront of modern stadium trends. Most recently, this has included the opening of the Great Southern Stand in 1992 and the rebuilding of the Members, Olympic, and Ponsford Stands in the early 2000s. AFL has been played regularly at the MCG since the formation of the Victorian Football Association in 1879. The MCG has almost exclusively hosted the AFL Grand Final since 1901. Numerous clubs have called the MCG home over the years, ensuring a regular stream of football at The ‘G . Richmond FC was formed in 1885 and joined the VFL, precursor to the AFL, in 1908. The Tigers most successful period was the late 1960s and early 1970s during which time they won four premierships. Since then they have experienced only sporadic success, with a sole finals appearance in 2013 their best effort over the past 10 years. After many years at nearby Punt Road Oval, Richmond has now called the MCG their home ground since 1965. Food & Beverage 3 The ‘G offers all the standard food and beverage offerings, along with some additional offerings. Also, don’t discount the food stands outside the ground. As with most stadiums in this day and age, items are priced at a premium. In most cases expect to pay around $10 for your food and an average of $8 for a beer. There is a reasonable amount of variety on hand, including outlets for Crust Pizza and Red Rooster. The menu is limited but the quality is good and with a pretty quick turnover, freshness is relatively good. In my opinion value for money is best with these two options. This is in contrast to some of the stands selling wraps, baguettes and pastries which didn’t look they were moving at all. The baguette, with smoked leg ham, tasty cheese, Dijonnaise and lettuce, appeared to be little more than a glorified ham and cheese roll for the hefty sum of $9.50. Soft drinks and bottled water are priced at $5 with coffee and hot chocolate $4.90 for a large that in most instances would be a small or a medium at best. Atmosphere 5 As you enter and move through the stadium you can feel the history. Statues of past greats dot the concourse surrounding the venues. There are numerous exhibits on display inside the venue adding to the sense of occasion and atmosphere. Indeed the National Sports Museum is located within the MCG. Entry is included in the price of your ticket. On game day the museum opens two hours prior to the first bounce and closes at game time. While the ‘G itself is a marvellous venue with its own sense of atmosphere, there is not a lot to personalise the experience to the Tigers. The AFL has pursued a centralised stadium policy which has resulted in the nine Melbourne based clubs sharing only two stadiums; the MCG and Etihad Stadium. While this ensures a good quality of venue with larger capacities, obviously there are less unique features to be experienced. Get to the game early, visit the museum and enjoy exploring this great venue. Once in your seat, enjoy seeing the warm up and the two teams enter the arena through their personalised banners. Richmond attracts good crowds; in most cases expect around 40,000 fans. The stadium and playing surface are especially large, meaning that you’ll often be some distance from the action, particularly if you’re seated at ground level. In these cases you’ll likely need to take advantage of the large video screens at either end. If you are at ground level in the vicinity of the goal posts there is some netting up during warm up, but this is removed prior to game time. Neighborhood 5 The MCG sits adjacent to the Melbourne city centre, creating a multitude of options for pre or post game activities. The MCG itself is located within Yarra Park with a number of other sporting and entertainment arenas in the surrounding precinct; Melbourne Park Tennis Centre (Australian Open), Hisense Arena (ANZ Championship Netball), AAMI Park (NRL and Super Rugby) and the Myer Music Bowl. There are often opportunities for sporting double headers within the precinct. Most areas of the city are within easy walking distance. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the nearby suburbs of Richmond and East Melbourne. Further back are Flinders Street and Southbank, both of which offer quite trendy establishments which should cater to most tastes. The Crown Casino is about a 20 minute walk away. Melbourne is a trendy city; well known for quality coffee and good shopping. Further afield are South Melbourne which has some nice cafes and St Kilda which is home to numerous attractions. Fans 4 Richmond is one of the better supported clubs in Melbourne. Their crowd is knowledgeable, good humoured, passionate and engaged throughout the game. Club gear is always on show, if not jerseys, then certainly beanies and scarves. There is plenty of banter between Tigers fans and opposition fans without it turning into genuine animosity. The crowd is mostly family friendly with any negative comments largely profanity free. Access 4 The MCG is conveniently located close to the Melbourne Central Business District with easy access via train or tram. Walking is also an easy option if you’re close by. Indeed the walk along the Yarra River is quite pleasant if approaching from the west. If driving, car parking is available in Yarra Park for $10. The venue itself can obviously cater to large numbers of people. However, various areas will still be quite congested if you’re moving about between quarters. There are plenty of ushers and security staff who are quite visible although if you’re early enough you should still be able to get a decent look at the ground from different vantage points. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Richmond games vary between $25 for general admission through to $60 for category one seats. Most seats offer a good experience although in such a large stadium the nosebleed seats are a long way up. Overall, the stadium and Tigers offer good value for money. The venue itself is unique within Australia and the Tigers crowd makes for a great AFL experience. Extras 3 The MCG is specifically awarded extra points for the long history of the ground and the celebration of the history of sport. The National Sports Museum definitely deserves a visit. The museum has numerous exhibits over two levels in the Olympic Stand and is also the home of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. If not on game day, make the museum a part of your trip to Melbourne. If you choose this option then also take a tour of the venue. Final Thoughts The MCG is a must-visit venue in Australian sport. If you’re in town during the AFL season, then a Richmond home game presents a great opportunity to experience this special stadium.

Photos Courtesy of Lafayette University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allan P. Kirby Arena 218 Hamitton St. Easton, PA 18042 Lafayette Leopards website Allan P. Kirby Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 3,500 A Patriot League Gem Originally constructed in 1973 as an unaccompanied gymnasium and christened the Kirby Field House after a prominent Lafayette family, this small college gem has undergone two major renovations since, transforming the now Allan P. Kirby Sports Center into arguably one of the finest athletic complexes of any college or university of its size in the United States. The first renovation, a $35 million project dedicated in 2000 saw the addition of an extraordinary atrium overlooking Fisher Field, the Leopard’s football field. This remarkable facility also boasts a 110,000 square-foot area dedicated to the college’s intramural and recreational programs including three 50-by-84-foot courts for basketball and other sports, an elevated 1/10-mile jogging track, and six courts reserved for racquet sports. There is also a spacious 6,600-square-foot fitness center and accompanying weight room which includes a full strength-training circuit, a sizable free-weight area, more than 30 cardiovascular machines, a 35-foot climbing wall, an aerobics area, and several offices. The more recent renovation which took place before the 2013-14 season for $2.5 million truly placed it in the upper echelon of small-college basketball venues as new seating was installed (1,462 chairback seats and 1,188 bleacher seats), a large four-sided video scoreboard was hung high above mid-court and an LED scorer’s table was placed on the north side of the arena between the player’s benches and an entirely new paint scheme put the finishing touches on this masterpiece. Food & Beverage 3 As with most small venues, the concessions are usually limited as is the case here. Although the menu is quite modest, the prices are reflective of this and very easy on the wallet. The diminutive menu consists of hot dogs ($2), soft pretzels ($2, or 3 for $5), Cuban pork tacos ($5), chips ($1), candy ($1), and beverages ($3). The concession area located behind the bleachers on the west end is quite roomy though and very accommodating with plenty of high-top tables and comfortable chairs for your enjoyment during a break in the action. Atmosphere 4 Outside of the Kirby Center with torrential rains pounding the streets at a record-setting level and on the inside, a mid-week match-up of teams that were occupying spots at completely different ends of the Patriot League’s standings, one would assume that there would be little to no excitement in this contest as the intimate arena would be… a…let’s just say intimate. I was already prepared to consider these factors consider these factors before the tip. Not so fast. A Lafayette fan base, although a little smaller in numbers than last season’s when it witnessed their Leopards capture a fourth league championship and play the role, albeit a short-lived one, of Cinderella in a dance with top-seeded Villanova in the NCAA tournament, had every reason to pack this season in a few weeks ago and not venture out into the horrendous weather conditions; but they did just that. They showed up and energized the home team to a near upset of the Bucknell Bison, eventually losing in double-overtime 86-83. The action on the floor was non-stop even during timeouts with the Leopard’s Dance Team performing for the crowd. There was a free-throw shooting contest that took place with two students in the first half and a young co-ed missed the opportunity to leave the Kirby Center with an extra $1,000 as her three attempts from half-court fell way off the mark. Neighborhood 4 Lafayette is located in Easton, Pennsylvania with the school just a 5-minute commute to downtown and Northampton Street where there are several options for a cold beverage and a hot meal before, or following the game. Two Rivers Brewing Company, located in the 500 before, has a great selection of craft beers brewed on the premises. Choose the Colonel Left Eye IPA (6.8%) named after Lafayette College grad Colonel Charles Wikoff who lost his life leading the charge up San Juan Hill and pair it with the Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger. Porter’s Pub, located on the 700 blocks is another option, a quaint corner spot with a vast selection of beers. Join the Porter’s Mug Club and begin the task of drinking 60 different beers from an established list before your mug. Fans 4 I only wish that I could have been there last March when the Leopards defeated American University to win the Patriot League Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament or for a game with their rival Lehigh. At the game of this review, the fans were a little scarcer than last season but energized. With a game that was back-and-forth down the stretch and eventually into overtime, the crowd repeatedly voiced their displeasure to the officiating crew when a call went against the home team. Access 5 The college is easily accessible off Interstate 78 at exit 75 and parking is free outside of the Kirby Center, so it does not get any better than that. Return on Investment 4 With the comforts and intimacy following the newest renovations, the quality of play in the Patriot League which is getting better with each passing season blocks receiving, and the fact that they manage to keep ticket prices well below average awards you a high ROI. Ticket prices are as follows: Adult ($7), Senior (65 and older $5), Children (3-13 $5), and Courtside ($20). Extras 4 Lafayette does a tremendous job of incorporating the “new” with the “old’ as they showcase a completely modernized lobby, bold with the maroon and white school colors and logo, and blend it superbly with athletic trophy cases and a Hall of Fame exhibit honoring its past in the vintage hues of its history all under bright lights that make it a great gathering area. The athletic staff at Lafayette is amazing in their friendliness and eagerness to assist and I can honestly say that I look forward to my return to the Kirby Center.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Tom Gola Arena 1900 W. Olney Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19141 La Salle Explorers website Tom Gola Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,000 Exploring Tom Gola Arena La Salle University is a Roman Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. La Salle first admitted women students in 1970, becoming a fully co-educational institution. Nursing and Education are two of the largest majors at La Salle. Sports teams at La Salle are named the Explorers. The name derives from a 1931 mistake made by a local sportswriter. The writer thought the university was named after the French explorer Sieur de La Salle, when in fact it is named after St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. The students loved the mistake so much they adopted it in 1932. Athletic teams are now part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The men’s and women’s basketball teams also participate in the Philadelphia Big 5 with the University of Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, and Villanova University. The men’s basketball program at La Salle has been rated the 53rd “Greatest College Basketball Program of All-Time” by Street & Smith’s magazine and 71st by the ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia. La Salle has won one National Championship (1954), one National Invitation Tournament Championship, and advanced to two Final Fours. The Tom Gola Arena opened in 1998. That seems funny as the simple, antiquated design of this facility seems about 20 years earlier in design. That is because they retrofitted the top floor of an existing gym structure to house an arena. These compromises in design certainly show in the many issues that exist here. Before the opening of the Tom Gola Arena, the team played home games at the Spectrum for a few years, as well as the old Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center. They stopped playing on campus the year after their lone national championship. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand that sits on the mezzanine level. It can get very crowded here and is pretty poorly designed. The design is so bad that the condiment table actually is placed in front of trophies and awards, including the National Championship memorabilia. The good thing is that prices are very good, most items are $3 or less. But eat ahead of time. Atmosphere 2 There are two stands, one on each sideline. This simple design means that attendees sitting on the top few rows will be far from the action. It also means that fans will bunch and crowd between the doors and the stands. It is a bit of a mess. This is compounded by the fact that the bathrooms are next to the gym floor and add to that bunching and crowding effect. This design is very bad. This is generally not the greatest atmosphere for college basketball. Fortunately, the level of competition in the Atlantic 10 Conference is very good. You may not totally enjoy the seating and atmosphere but the fine level of play makes up for that in many ways. There is a band, mascot, and cheerleaders to help out with the atmospherics. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood is known as the Logan-Ogontz/Belfield neighborhood. Whatever the name, it is frankly not the best. It is not unsafe or very bad, but it is not 100% great and awesome. If you wander away from campus, just be aware of your surroundings. There are also not many businesses in the area except for the Explorers Den, which offers a very respectable cheesesteak. There is a small shopping center that offers parking for games at the corner of Chew and Wister. The university owns this shopping center. The Fresh Grocer and Dunkin Donuts in this center are your only other options before games. Eat before you get to the area is the best advice. Head to center city Philadelphia. Take advantage of options afforded by such a city. I would recommend the Good Dog Bar on 15th Street, close to Rittenhouse Square or Me ‘N’ Mo on South Street. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. Fans 3 The fans here are pretty good. The Atlantic 10 offers great competition and the fans respond accordingly. The arena still does let them down a bit. Access 2 Access is fair. The university is located not too far from highways such as I-76 and I-95 but far enough that you have to drive through some rough, but not too bad neighborhoods to get there. If you venture too far east the neighborhoods do get worse. Head for that shopping center at the corner of Chew and Wister for plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 5 The tickets are in the $15 to $20 range. For a fairly high level of competition, as well as free parking La Salle offers great value for attendees. If you do choose to eat at the games, prices are very good here as well. . Extras 2 It is nice to see the 1954 championship memorabilia, although maybe they can find a better place for condiments. I will also give Tom Gola Arena credit in that the unique layout and design of the facility, at least in terms of the entrance, is certainly something to see. Final Thoughts I understand that the 1998 design of this arena was a compromise in using an existing building. But it still feels that LaSalle made so many poor design decisions that it seriously compromises the quality of the fan experience. You will still see high-quality basketball, but in less than inviting environment.

For twenty plus years, Crazy Legs Conti has been a consistent staple on the competitive eating circuit, which is highlighted by The Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. Crazy Legs, who was a three-sport athlete at Johns Hopkins, never defeated Joey Chestnut, but he’s arguably the most colorful character in the history of competitive eating. No surprise, he’s hilarious in his documentary,  Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating , available on Tubi, and his book,  The Loneliness of the Long Distance Eater: A Competitive Eater’s Diary . Crazy Legs took a few moments to discuss eating, his beloved Celtics and a smorgasbord of other subjects. STADIUM JOURNEY: Besides the nude modeling, the window washing and the beverage managing, you worked a lot in film production. You were fortunate enough to work for the late Morgan Spurlock. What was that like? Did you discuss competitive eating? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: Morgan was a stellar guy - creative and a lot of fun to be around. He had hoped for me to eat one hundred chicken nuggets as fast I could for  Super Size Me,  but the league, rightfully so, thought it might be a mixed message with competitive eating and health. Later, I joined Morgan in London for a show he did,  New Britanica , where I ate four entire meals  - two American, two English - against an English eater. I got to meet Jamie Oliver backstage, and we were fine pals until I went out and demolished the food in my usual messy fashion. I didn’t waste any, but I don’t think he was hip to competitive eating, and I haven’t heard from him since.   STADIUM JOURNEY: There's no shortage of monikers in competitive eating, but you have arguably the best. How did this nickname come about? If you care to share, what’s your given name? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: My given name is Crazy Legs Conti, and its origin I’ll leave a mystery, but I have several monikers from my food stuntman attempts. I ate my way out of an eighty foot cubic box filled with popcorn, dubbed, “The popcorn sarcophagus,” which earned me the monikers, “The David Blaine of the Bowel,” “The Evel Knievel of the Alimentary Canal” and “The Houdini of Cuisini.” I also like these others: “The David Bowie of the Bun” and the “Salvador Dali of the Deli.”   STADIUM JOURNEY: Well before you were a competitive eater, you were competitive in more conventional sports, specifically basketball. In fact, at Belmont High in Massachusetts, you were inducted into their Basketball Hall of Fame. What sports did you compete in? Discuss some of your accomplishments?  CRAZY LEGS CONTI: Yes, I was induced into Belmont High’s Basketball Hall of Fame, a great honor. We almost made it to the Eastern Conference finals to be played on the parquet of the Boston Garden but lost in double overtime on a last second shot. One can learn a lot in defeat, whether it's hoops or hot dogs. I played a couple years in college - Division 3 - at Johns Hopkins, but also was a back-up punter and did the high jump. I was a three-sport varsity college athlete but better at the pregame meal than the actual athletic endeavor, so it’s not strange I turned pro in eating.   STADIUM JOURNEY:You've spoken highly of the meatball subs at Belmont High School, what were some of your other favorite eating haunts growing up? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: My aunt Adele was the lunch lady, and though I brought my own lunch - liverwurst, gross I know - on meatball sub day, Aunt Adele would load up a sub beyond bursting. I was also a fan of the pizza place in Belmont Center but mostly because I could see retired Boston Bruin Derek Sanderson. He had quite the life journey and is now sober. His autobiography is great.     STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your favorite sports venue in Boston? Which venue was a young Crazy Legs spending the most time at? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: The Boston Garden was so important to me that I now only see my beloved Celtics on the road. I was there when Bird stole the ball and threw it to my all-time favorite player Dennis Johnson. Greatest five seconds of my life. Most other things have taken longer than five seconds. I am also a huge fan of the Boston Marathon. I attended every year growing up, cheering on the later runners, after they’d hit the wall and were barely hanging on to finish. It teaches one a lot about the human body’s limitations but also how the mind can push one beyond those limits. I ran it in 2007 and absolutely loved every step. I was coming off a hot dog qualifier the day before and indeed 21.5 in hot dogs and marathoning is the wall.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So back to Hopkins, playing two sports in college is super difficult, but three seems next to impossible. What was this experience like? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I loved my time at Hopkins, but basketball was my primary sport. We had such a strong team and made the NCAA tournament each year. I didn’t get a lot of playing time as I was too short for the four spot, but when it came time for me to retire after my sophomore year, I left my shoes on the court. I still have trouble simply playing pick-up these days because the level of play is underwhelming. I truly enjoyed my time on the competitive hoops court. The other sports came along as I was helping out my buddy, Dan “D-Fly” Flynn, who was the starting punter on the football team but also a wide receiver. He wanted to focus on offense, so his family, a true football dynasty of folks, trained me one summer on punting. The high jump was to help out the head coach of the track team who was also the defensive head coach of football. He basically let the lunatics run the asylum by having us screw up the Fosbury flop each match.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You were the Blue Jays' third-string punter. What's that like? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I moved up to second string when someone got hurt. I really needed another year to get better, but I loved punting. One time in practice, I nailed one that cleared the fences and bounced to the business across the street. D-Fly noticed the business my punt landed in front of and opined, that I really took that one to the cleaners.   STADIUM JOURNEY: At Hopkins, you excelled at the pre and post-game meals. Which were some of your all-time favorites? Did you ever overindulge to the point that it affected your on-field performance? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I did eat nine bagels in one sitting before a football game but didn’t end up playing which due to the expanding bread in my belly, was probably for the best.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So you're in New York City now, do you have a favorite sports venue? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I catch a lot of sports in dive bars now, so I can have some wings and drink beer. I like to use the meat umbrella and keep one hand sauce free. I am a fan of the Hairy Lemon on Avenue B and 3rd. I watched every Celtics playoff game there leading up to this year’s championship. The Celtics made the banner happen on the court, I did the same except with buckets of Miller Lite and twenty wings at a time.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Where can you get the best slice in NYC? Best chicken parm? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I think the slice game is overrated because one has to do a reheat. I tend to go to whole pie places. I love Arturo’s on Houston downtown and the original Patsy’s Pizza on 1st Avenue and 116th uptown. If you make it to Queens, a place called Milkflower is great too, a modern take on pizza where toppings like arugula and toasted lemons make appearances. I always go for eggplant parm over chicken parm, and the best is at Mike’s Deli on Arthur Ave,, but late night, while drunk, your neighborhood pizza joint will satisfy.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So you broke into competitive eating by scarfing oysters. What is it about oysters? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: Oysters are my spirit animal, and I think it’s okay to eat one’s spirit animal. They are great for the environment and make everything around them better. They are basically the Larry Bird of the natural world. I love the taste too - briny, sharp, interesting - probably like Larry Bird’s sweat.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You played a competitive eater on  The Sopranos . How did that come about? Describe the experience. CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I was friendly with the casting person, as her husband helped produce the documentary,  Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating , so when she called me, she said if I played a cannoli eater I couldn’t be considered for a different role later on. I don’t know what role a dreadlocked white guy could play on  The Sopranos , so I wisely took the eating role. We did eleven takes of eating and then they broke for lunch. I had no room, so I hung out outside. Later the assistant director said the cast wanted me at lunch to talk competitive eating. That was a missed opportunity.    STADIUM JOURNEY: As far as speed eating hot dogs, do you have a technique? With Joey Chestnut not competing this year, who are the favorites to take the yellow mustard belt? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I dunk my buns in Tang to change the taste and avoid flavor fatigue. If it’s good enough for the astronauts in space, it’s good enough at the competitive eating table. If Joey doesn't appear I’ve got Pat “Deepdish” Bertoletti winning in OT against Australia’s James Webb with the number in the low fifties. It’s going to be a heck of an afterparty if Deepdish wins. He has a lot of siblings from Chicago, and it’ll get wild at Ruby’s on the Boardwalk post contest.   STADIUM JOURNEY: George Shea does wonderful, hilarious play by play on the Fourth at Coney Island. How do you keep yourself from laughing and not choking? Or do you just tune him out? It seems like you must because he’s hilarious.   CRAZY LEGS CONTI: George is a masterful writer, and then he puts those magic words into the performance with such aplomb. One does tend to try to maintain a Zen focus as you ascend the stage, but during the contest, there have been a few times that Eater X and I started laughing as George went on a tangent about his pet hamster Bullet, and how much he misses him. Sometimes the melancholy bits are the best   STADIUM JOURNEY: How does it feel moments before you enter stage on the Fourth? What are you thinking? How are you feeling? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I’ve competed at the Nathan’s finals sixteen out of the last twenty-three years. This year, the numbers were astronomical, and I’ll be out at Coney to support the eaters. The years I ate, the thrill is electric. There is really nothing more surreal and fun at the same time. Forty thousand fans at Stillwell and Surf, cameras from around the world - the place becomes this magical vortex of joy. Any butterflies an eater has in their stomach are quickly squashed by Nathan’s hot dogs and buns.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for Crazy Legs Conti? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I am a gourmet and a gourmand. I love great food in greater quantities. I think my unique perspective on food would be great to highlight as a TV food host. I’ve traveled the globe eating a lot quickly, but I would be thrilled to slow it down for audiences and enjoy each single bite. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 John M. Belk Arena 200 Baker Dr. Davidson, NC 28036 Davidson Wildcats website John M. Belk Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 5,295 All Hail, O Davidson Some might only know of Davidson College basketball from the success of the Wildcats in the early 2000s, highlighted by an Elite Eight run led by Steph Curry. However, their high level of success on the hardwood dates back nearly 50 years prior – under Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell, Davidson put themselves on the college basketball map during the 1960s. Driesell took Davidson to back-to-back National Quarterfinals in 1968 and ’69; he also lead them to four Top 10 end-of-season rankings in his decade at Davidson. Davidson would struggle to find consistency following Lefty’s departure after the 1969 season, only finishing with back-to-back winning campaigns once. It wasn’t until Bob McKillop was hired in 1989 that the Wildcats found their winning ways again. Under McKillop, Davidson strung together 29 consecutive winning seasons in his 33 years on the sidelines of Belk Arena, which included 19 postseason appearances. McKillop’s tenure was further highlighted by a run from 2004 to 2009, which saw a 128-40 (.762) record for the Wildcats, including three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, and capped by a run in the 2008 tournament to the Elite Eight. After spending more than 70 seasons as members of the Southern Conference, Davidson jumped to its current home in the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Conference at the start of the 2014-15 season. Davidson has called John M. Belk Arena home since 1989, when Baker Sports Complex which houses the arena replaced the 2,500 seat Johnston Gym, which the Wildcats had used since 1949; today Johnston Gym has been repurposed as the Knobloch Campus Center. Food & Beverage   4 Concessions are split between the upper and lower levels of Baker Sports Complex – the lower level has a more traditional concession stand, which serves just about everything one would expect in arena concessions, but also offers a decent break from the norm. The typical fare of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, chips, and candy are all available. The addition of burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, and chicken nuggets are also a nice addition, as these items are not found in most arenas. Davidson offers beverages from the Pepsi line of soft drinks, along with Gatorade. The upper level concessions are a bit more specialized, including bratwurst with onions and peppers, steamed bagel sandwiches from Sully’s Steamers, Domino's pizza, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream served in freshly baked waffle cones. Local restaurant Brickhouse Tavern also sets up shop to pour beer from local NoDa Brewing Company; Davidson sells three of NoDa’s brews, featuring the Davidson branded O’Davidson Lager. Pinot Gris is also available. While the set up might not be ideal with the concessions being separated, the offerings more than make up for the minor inconvenience of possibly having to visit two different locations to fill all food and beverage needs.   Atmosphere   4 John M. Belk Arena is part of the larger Baker Sports Complex – the facility not only houses Belk Arena, but also the college’s swim facility and other athletic department services. Viewed from the front along Baker Drive, the building’s brick exterior and columned overhang give it a much more historical feel than its 34 years of service might suggest, while the entry from Harry L. Vance Athletic Center has a much more modern feel, with its use of bricks, glass, and curves. Seating is divided into court level seats along both sidelines, with a matching level of upper seating. The lower level of seating remains rather tight, while the upper level of seats is a bit more spacious. Two rows of courtside seating are also available opposite each of the team benches, and clusters of student seating are located at court level on each end of the floor. Davidson’s marketing and promotional team puts a great deal of work into making sure stoppages in play are full of some sort of entertainment. The small yet spirited Davidson pep band takes up a portion of the near end bleachers, and often fills time leading into timeouts as the cheer squad or in-game host prepares for a routine or on-court game. Just about every break in the action is filled with a game or contest featuring students or kids from the stands. The rest of the time is used by the in-house DJ, who makes his presence felt until the ball is put back in play. Since there is no center hung scoreboard, the arena has a very open feel. Rather than the overhead scoreboard, single panel boards are hung high above the seating at each end of the floor, while smaller, more basic time and score displays are located in each of the corners at court level. The large boards not only give fans a live feed of the game, but also have a real-time update of player scoring and foul totals. The dead time during stoppages in play is filled with on-court recognitions, contests, cheer displays , and t-shirt tosses. The downtime until the ball is put back in play is definitely used well and is engaging to fans. Given the configuration of Belk Arena, there really is not a bad seat in the house. Seats in the lower level of the arena are right on top of the action, while the lower rows of the upper level are high enough to not have to deal with passersby in front blocking your view. The upper reaches of the second level do tend to get a bit warm though.   Neighborhood   4 Davidson, North Carolina is a quaint lake community of approximately 15,000 people, located just north of Charlotte in the northern most reaches of Mecklenburg County. Main Street Davidson runs along the front edge of campus and is spotted with restaurants, coffee houses, and shops. Those looking for a pregame meal might want to check out Brickhouse Tavern or Flatiron Kitchen & Taphouse, which are two of the more popular eateries near campus. For race fans, about 10 minutes north and just off I-77 in nearby Mooresville, auto racing enthusiasts might find the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame of interest. On campus, Davidson’s athletic facilities cradle the eastern edge of campus. Baker Sports Complex that houses Belk Arena is neighbored by the soon-to-be retired Richardson Stadium  the longtime home of Davidson football and track & field, as well as the outdoor tennis pavilion. Visitors for last season games might be able to pair a baseball game at Wilson Field , or even lacrosse or tennis, if those teams happen to be at home.   Fans   3 Despite ranking in the lower half of the Atlantic-10 Conference in total attendance, Wildcat fans consistently occupy around two-thirds of the capacity in 5,295-seat Belk Arena. Davidson’s enrollment of nearly 2,000 students does not lend itself to large crowds. However, a notable portion of the student body, roughly 200-300 students, regularly attend games, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere – the remaining audience comprises a mix of alumni and Davidson residents who come out to support the home team. Many of those in attendance sit in the court level seats, creating a notably lively atmosphere. A lot of credit should go to the student sections, nicknamed the “D Block”, at each end of the floor, who really bring a lot of passion to the game.   Access   4 Davidson is less than 2 miles from I-77 that runs north from Charlotte. Other than typical traffic congestion the area is relatively straightforward to reach. The Baker Street entrance to campus leads directly to Belk Arena and the adjacent parking lot. For those looking to save on parking and willing to walk a bit, street parking on Davidson city streets might be an option. Make sure to be aware of posted parking signs and regulations. There are several entry points into Belk Arena. Fans parking in the lot adjacent to the facility will find the most convenient entrance through the upper level of Harry L. Vance Athletic Center. The doors on the lower level offer the easiest access to floor seating, though another access point is through the front doors of Baker Sports Complex, which houses indoor tennis, swimming, wrestling facilities, along with Belk Arena. The lobby area that transitions between Baker Sports Complex and Belk Arena serves as a gathering spot for fans before they move to their seats for the game. A spacious, continuous walkway separates the upper and lower seating, providing fans with plenty of room to move around without encountering congestion. Return on Investment   3 Get in the door prices start at around $23 for upper-level seating, which seems a bit high when factoring in $10 for parking on top of the ticket cost; this combination is one of the higher prices in the A-10. Typically, a higher priced ticket will be accompanied by free parking, so the combination of ticket prices and parking rates are a bit of an investment, even for the lowest priced tickets. Concession prices do appear to be rather reasonable when looking at typical arena rates.   Extras   4 It would be easy to think that the school which gained widespread recognition for its successes in the NCAA tournament, and the unprecedented NBA career of Steph Curry, would see him plastered on every inch of the facility. However, while Curry’s career is well recognized here, it tastefully does not overshadow the rest of Davidson basketball history. The Williamson Concourse pays homage to the achievements of Davidson basketball during the '60s, under the leadership of Lefty Driesell – the area features large photos of players, a sizable replica of a Sports Illustrated cover labeling Davidson a "Challenge to UCLA", and other significant moments from this era of Wildcat basketball. Just outside Belk Arena, a display commemorates the life of Mike Maloy, the first Black athlete at Davidson and a key member of the Wildcats success in the late 1960s. Lux, the Wildcat mascot, is a visible part of the in-game entertainment, helping the spirt squad hype up the crowd during timeouts and dead ball situations.   Final Thoughts Even though Davidson basketball might not be at the height of years past, the program remains competitive enough to be a headache for any opponent they face. Fans can expect highly contested game on nightly basis. When considering the overall peripheral factors that contribute to the game experience, a Davidson game would be a wonderful addition when visiting the Charlotte area.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pete Taylor Park at Hill-Denson Field 3321 W 4th St Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Southern Miss Golden Eagles website Pete Taylor Park at Hill-Denson Field website Year Opened:  1984 Capacity:  5,200 To the Top of the Roost In the Pine Belt region of Mississippi lies a beautiful and very intimidating place to play college baseball. The overall game experience and atmosphere here rivals some of the best that college baseball has to offer, inside Pete Taylor Park at Hill Denson Field. The ballpark is named after Southern Miss alum Pete Taylor, while the playing surface pays homage to another Southern Miss legend, former coach Hill Denson. The ballpark opened in 1984, and since then over one million fans have watched baseball at “The Pete.” Pete Taylor Park currently seats 5,200, routinely selling out and placing the Golden Eagles among the top teams in the country in terms of attendance, consistently finishing in the top 20 nationally every season. In 2009 the Golden Eagles reached the College World Series, helping to elevate the program to a level of play like never experienced before. In addition to the 2009 trip to Omaha, the Golden Eagles have competed in 19 NCAA Regionals and won 5 C-USA Tournament Championships; in their first year in the Sun Belt Conference (2023) they won the conference championship. The Southern Miss Baseball program’s inaugural season was 1913, and since then the Golden Eagles have competed as an Independent (1913-1982), in the Metro Athletic Conference (1983-1995), and in C-USA (1996-2022) before joining the storied baseball Sun Belt Conference last season. Often, when Southern Miss Baseball is brought up, people make mention of Clint King, Jeff Cook, Brian Dozier, and Todd McInnis, or younger fans remember names like Matt Wallner, Nick Sandlin, Hursten Waldrep, and Kirk McCarty. A very proud program in Hattiesburg is coming off one of its most successful runs in program history, hosting back-to-back Super Regionals over the past 2 seasons. The Golden Eagles also boast seven consecutive 40-win seasons while beating the likes of Arizona State , Florida State , LSU , and Ole Miss  in postseason play – there is a reason why Hattiesburg has gained the nickname of "Baseburg.”   Food & Beverage   3 There are plenty of concessions at Pete Taylor Park, with three built in stands and several pop-up stands located along the concourse. The three permanent stands offer the basics of hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, sausage dogs, and hamburgers, but everything is grab and go to speed up the lines. There is one permanent stand down the first baseline under the bleachers, and two located under the bleachers behind home plate. Another stand is the BBQ stand located down the third baseline which offers pork sandwiches and brisket. There is also a Chick-fil-A stand set up, as well as a Dippin’ Dots location. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink of Southern Miss Athletics; if you purchase the souvenir cup for $7 you can get $1 refills throughout the game. There is one area where you can purchase draft beer for $10-$12, and you can purchase canned beers (domestic and premium) at any of the stands for $8-$10. The beer is even grab and go like you would see at a grocery store – make sure to check out the Southern Miss exclusive Gold Rush beer, brewed in Hattiesburg at Southern Prohibition Brewing, which also makes for a great place to hang out after the game. St. Thomas Catholic Church sits beyond the outfield fence and shares a parking lot with Pete Taylor Park. On Fridays during Lent, they host a weekly fish fry. So, when the Golden Eagles are playing on Fridays during Lent, I recommend going out to the parking lot and getting a plate of some of Mississippi's best catfish. Everyone is friendly and it's almost like a small tailgate out there on Friday nights during games; Father Tommy has even been known to bless the stadium before big games.   Atmosphere   5 Pete Taylor Park is a beautiful ballpark situated on the north side of campus. The ballpark sits nicely tucked away next to some apartments and the church, with the first base grandstand the only thing visible from the street entrance. The facade’s grey and brick exterior blends in nicely with the surrounding apartments and the Welch Baseball Center, which looks like a giant gray house in front of the stadium mixed in with the apartment buildings. The 6,000-square-foot Welch Center opened in 2002 and is an indoor practice facility with team offices for the baseball team. Because of the way the park is built it looks quite small from the outside, but once inside the park you can see how they fit everything in such a small area, and it’s not as crammed as you would expect. The intimidating three-story press box also stands out from the road, and is one of the first things you notice when walking through the park. There are two main entrances; the main one behind home plate and the entrance to The Roost, which is down the first baseline. As soon as you enter the gate you walk up into a spacious and open concourse underneath the bleachers, which is completely covered for the most part – the only areas not covered are down the first baseline to the area extending to right field. Walking the concourse you can tell Southern Miss takes great pride in their baseball program, as banners of past players and the team’s NCAA Regional appearances line the ceiling as you walk to your seat. Right before you walk out into the bleachers is a giant "Thank You Scott Berry" banner, honoring the winningest coach in program in history, who retired after the 2023 season. There is also a giant banner of the 2009 team that went to Omaha under the first base bleachers. There is also a merchandise stand set up as soon as you enter on the first base side; the merchandise stand is especially popular because it is one of the few places where you can get the Southern Miss parrot head jerseys they wear every year, which are based on Jimmy Buffett, who went to school here in the late 1960s and is probably the school's most famous alum. The stands themselves are four sections of metal bleachers down the first and third baselines, with the seats behind home plate and the dugouts being black and gold chairbacks. You would have a hard time believing this ballpark is over 35 years old; the concourse remains very clean and there’s no sign of aging anywhere on the facade. The grass field at Pete Taylor Park for many years was nicknamed Scott Berry's Garden, because the coach would spend hours before every game making sure the field was immaculate, carefully inspecting every blade of grass – every speck of dirt had to be just right. But in 2020 the grass was replaced with an artificial turf field that provides a much fresher look, and prevents having to put the tarp on the field during the frequent Mississippi rainstorms, although fans still refer to it as Coach Berry's Garden. Southern Miss also installed a large videoboard in left field in 2021 that replaced the old, outdated scoreboard. The videoboard shows highlights of in game action and stats, as well as a pretty cool intro video when the Eagles take the field.   Neighborhood   4 Hattiesburg (aka The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city, but still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the city. A cool little spot near Pete Taylor Park to check out is the Long Leaf Trace; what was once a railroad is now a paved trail that runs right through campus; it is also possible to get on the Trace and ride a bike into the city. A couple of places within walking distance to campus from the Trace include Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar – if you are looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia then 4th Street Bar is your place. Another popular spot on the Trace about a half mile away from campus is Colludium Brewing Company, Hattiesburg's newest brewery. Colludium has a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Long Leaf Trace, and makes for a great spot to have a beer before the game. Closer to downtown you'll also find popular spots like Keg & Barrel, The Porter, Hattiesburger, Fairley Wings, and Nostalgia. As a southern city, Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtown, Chesterfields, Ed's Burger Joint, Strick’s, and Murky Waters BBQ. There is also plenty to be had for all ages – for families there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serengeti Springs Water Park. Downtown also features the popular Pocket Museum, Mississippi's tiniest museum; located in an alleyway downtown, the popular museum has a different theme each month (we can't tell you where the alley is because part of the charm of the Pocket Museum is being able to find it). For shopping there are plenty of chain stores, as well as Turtle Creek Mall, while another popular spot is the Lucky Rabbit – located downtown, Lucky Rabbit is a two-story vintage thrift store with tons of antiques and local Southern Miss memorabilia. Or if you are into the outdoors, in addition to the Long Leaf Trace there is Paul B. Johnson State Park, just south of Hattiesburg and an excellent spot for camping. In addition, another popular pastime is rafting down the Okatoma River that runs right through Hattiesburg, all the way to the Coast.   Fans   4 Southern Miss boasts one of the most loyal fanbases in all of college baseball. Year in and year out attendance is amongst the best in the nation. On weekends The Pete can see 5,500-plus fans pass through the turnstiles, and this dedication is rewarded with a top 20 national attendance ranking annually. Fans in The Burg are also staunch supporters of their head coach – as a program the Southern Miss head coaching job has not experienced a lot of turnover, with only 5 different head coaches over the past 65 years. With national title aspirations in football  out of reach, the Southern Miss fanbase has seized the opportunity to support their Golden Eagles on the national stage in baseball. Fans throughout Pete Taylor Park and the Right Field Roost are truly knowledgeable about both the history of the program, as well as how the landscape of college baseball pertains to them. Located behind the right field wall and down the right field line are reserved parking spaces for 40 vehicles, several grills, and numerous props readied at a moment’s notice to highlight the follies from the opposing team; this area is known as the Right Field Roost. The Roost is a true compliment to how the State of Mississippi does baseball. In Oxford  or Starkville  you can find plenty to do in both outfields, and the same holds true in Hattiesburg. Alumni, students, families, friends, children playing catch, players in the bullpens being heckled, home runs tossed back, and Southern Miss legends Hill Denson and Brian Dozier making appearances are just a few things you may encounter in the Right Field Roost at Pete Taylor Park. The Roost, as it is more affectionately known, is where the diehard fans take in the action. Fans commanding props, train horns, and offering up wisecracks while enjoying a cold beverage make for an exciting and intimidating atmosphere, and a great day at the ballpark. Another popular place to take in the action is the 16 oz. Lounge down the first baseline extending to the visitor's bullpen – this a concrete, bring your own chairs section, but it is also where some of the rowdier fans take in the action. Fans here start arriving more than two hours before the game just to get their spot. It is a party atmosphere here with fans drinking in their chairs and heckling the opponent's bullpen and right fielder; the only downside is there are obstructed views showing home plate, while the visiting dugout takes up the view down the line.   Access   4 Hattiesburg may be one of the more accessible towns in the state. Nicknamed the Hub City, it used to be a prominent railroad hub back in the day for the people wanting to get from the coast to Hattiesburg. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, Meridian, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. This proximity makes a weekend series very doable for the many alumni who live along the coast and in Jackson, and the roads to the Burg aren’t rural either like the ones you would take to the schools up north in Starkville and Oxford. You will not miss the USM campus when coming to town, as the campus is located right on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, two of the main roads through the city. Interstate 55 runs to the west of the city, and you could take that as well, but you may run into considerable traffic on Hardy Street. The ballpark is on 4th Street just across from campus to the north. If coming for a weekend game you can find plenty of parking on campus, and the USM campus is also quite small for a D1 school, so no matter where you park you won’t have to walk far. Once in the ballpark the concourses are navigable and clean, though they are a little dark since they’re under the grandstand. You should have no problem getting around, though, as you are free to roam the park.   Return on Investment   4 With the recent rise of the Southern Miss Baseball program came increased demand for seeing some of the best college baseball in the country. In 2023, for the first time ever tickets to every game sold out, making it nearly impossible to get tickets through the athletic department. Instead, the only way to purchase tickets now is through secondary sites – in fact this year, the athletic department tickets sold out well before the season started. In addition, if you purchase season tickets and are not able to attend a particular game, you can always re-sell it through the Southern Miss app. This makes tickets easier to come by, and fills up the bleachers that were otherwise empty for a few games when people wouldn't show. Bleacher seating tickets are really hard to come by as well; most of the time standing room only tickets are available, however ushers rarely check, so it's possible to go sit in the bleachers for certain games even if you have SRO seats. I would definitely recommend a trip to the Burg to watch Southern Miss baseball – almost any weekend, expect to see a full house and a top matchup with a team that has a good chance at going to a Regional, not to mention Hattiesburg is a wonderful college town, and Pete Taylor Park has one of the best atmospheres in the whole country.   Extras   4 The Southern Miss Baseball program has had over 90 players drafted, with a total of 22 players making it to The Show. As of last season there are three former USM players on the MLB rosters in Twins  outfielder Matt Wallner, Guardians  pitcher Nick Sandlin, and White Sox  catcher Chuckie Robinson. Some of the more notable Golden Eagles include 2x All-Star in the 60s, third baseman for the Giants  Jim Davenport, as well as famous sidearm pitcher Chad Bradford who had a 12-year Big League career, along with perhaps the greatest player to come out of Southern Miss in All-Star and Gold Glove winning second baseman Brian Dozier, who had a 9-year Big League career – before that he took Southern Miss to their first, and so far only, College World Series appearance. The greatest punter to ever play football was also one of the greatest pitchers to ever play at USM; Ray Guy had a standout baseball career, getting drafted by the MLB three times from 1971-73, including in the third round in 1973 by the Cincinnati Reds . Ultimately he pursued football and had a Hall of Fame career with the Raiders  from 1973-1986. The Golden Eagles have also only had five head coaches over the last 60 years, and all five of them have left a mark on Pete Taylor Park. In the mid-80s former coach Hill Denson, for whom the field is named, planted the tall pine trees in the Right Field Roost. In 2022 the late former coach Corky Palmer, who guided the Golden Eagles to their only CWS appearance, had his number 44 retired – his number is painted on the turf in the on-deck circles. So, you have Coach Berry's Garden, Hill Denson's trees in right field, Corky Palmer's number in the on-deck circles, and Coach Pete Taylor for whom the ballpark is named, follow by current coach Christian Ostrander guiding the Golden Eagles beginning last season. One extra point for the Longleaf Trace that runs right beyond the outfield at Pete Taylor Park; this 45-mile bike trail is Mississippi’s premier running, biking, and hiking trail, which starts in downtown Hattiesburg and goes west along a portion of an abandoned railroad line. The Trace is known for its scenic beauty, and makes for a great stroll before the game. It’s also possible to access all of Southern Miss’ athletic venues from the Long Leaf Trace, as it runs right by the softball  and soccer  facilities, and is across the street from the basketball  and football  stadiums. Another point because Pete Taylor Park has hosted its fair share of postseason baseball; Hattiesburg has been selected as an NCAA regional host site three times (2003, 2017, and 2022), has hosted back-to-back Super Regionals in 2022 and 2023, and has also seen a Metro Athletic Conference tournament, as well as seven C-USA tournaments. Over the years The Pete has welcomed opponents such as LSU , Alabama , Mississippi State , Florida State , Ohio State , Cal State-Fullerton , Tennessee , Vanderbilt , Baylor, Missouri , Ole Miss , TCU , Tulane , Rice , and East Carolina . Now with Southern Miss joining the baseball rich Sun Belt Conference, which sent four teams to the Regionals in 2023, on any given weekend series at Pete Taylor Park you are getting to see a potential postseason team play. Another extra for The Roost, providing one of the best atmospheres in all of college baseball. In Mississippi, college baseball season is almost as revered as college football season, and the atmosphere and experience in The Roost prove why Southern Miss is such a big baseball school, and why college baseball is so big in Mississippi.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey “In 49 other states, it’s just basketball...but this is Indiana.” - Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame They began lining up at 4:30 am, as 17,222 fans packed into Indiana University’s Simon Skjodt (pronounced Scott) Assembly Hall for the 2023 regular season finale against the in-state rival Purdue Boilermakers. This marked the first sellout of a women’s basketball game at Indiana University in its 52-season history. While the Hoosiers have seen isolated spikes in attendance over the years, they have struggled to maintain that traction. Many of the large turnouts have been linked to promotions and have not been sustainable. However, the 2022-2023 team’s popularity has grown organically, and has been cultivated by Hoosiers’ head coach, Teri Moren. Crowds and successes in Bloomington did not come overnight – only 2,472 fans turned out for Moren’s debut as head coach of the Hoosiers in 2014. That season, attendance peaked at 3,670 for their match up against Maryland; the average attendance per game came in at 2,609, putting Indiana in the lower third of the Big Ten. Many of the lower attendance numbers changed after the program’s run to the 2018 WNIT championship – the following season saw the Hoosiers jump into the top half of average attendance in the conference. The 2021-22 season would see the Hoosiers move into the top 3 in the Big Ten by attendance, drawing an average of 4,726 fans per night; this season that average has skyrocketed to 7,361 fans per game. Indiana joins just over a dozen women’s basketball programs in averaging more than 7,000 fans per game. As the Hoosiers have been one of the up-and-coming women’s basketball programs in the nation, Moren is quick to credit the program’s former players in getting the Hoosiers to where they are today, “…it takes women before them to build the foundation and do the heavy lifting” she said of the support today’s Indiana women’s players receive. During the 2022-23 season, Indiana women’s basketball topped the 100,000-fan mark for the first time in program history; the Hoosiers drew 117,781 fans over sixteen regular season home games. They have also set individual game attendance records on three separate occasions – first with 10,455 against Ohio State, topped two weeks later with 13,046 filling the stands when the Hoosiers hosted Iowa, and finally shattering that record 10 days later for their matchup with Purdue. Courtesy of Indiana Athletics When asked her thoughts on the sold-out Hall, Moren replied, “Finally, this is what it should look like. This is what women’s basketball should look like. It will be great to look back and say it was great when fans started showing up.” It would be naïve to believe Indiana’s #2 ranking in the national polls is not a factor in the growth of popularity for women’s basketball in Bloomington, but the Hoosiers themselves have put forth a lot of work to build relationships throughout the community. For example, several players have teamed with the non-profit organization Hoosiers for Good , to help support those who support them. It is evident that playing for Indiana University is special for this group of players; they have a genuine appreciation of what it means to wear “INDIANA” across their chests, and this is not lost on the fans. Following each game, the team pays their respects to the University as they interlock across the foul line and sing the school’s alma mater, “Hail to Old IU,” in solidarity with their teammates, the coaching staff, the cheerleaders, and the students and fans. After Indiana’s second round win over Princeton in the 2022 NCAA women’s tournament, All-American and National Player of the Year candidate Mackenzie Holmes sprinted into the Indiana student section, to celebrate the win with her peers. It is personalities like this, along with the grittiness of Grace Burger, the passion of Sydney Parish, and all the Ali Pattburgs, Breana Wises, Amanda Cahills, and Tyra Busses who came before them to create the culture of Indiana women’s basketball, and the program that is so beloved today.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Historic Barron Stadium 300 W 3rd St Rome, GA 30165 Shorter University Hawks website Historic Barron Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,500 Fly Hawks College football was first played at Shorter University in the northwest Georgia city of Rome in 2005, as the Shorter Hawks began their college football journey as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the Mid-South Conference. Following a successful football run in NAIA, Shorter made the jump to the NCAA’s Division II following the 2011 academic year as a part of the Gulf South Conference. Shorter would announce a move to the Conference of the Carolinas to start the 2024 season, which left them as an independent for the 2023 season. While some of the programs at Shorter have not skipped a beat in making the jump to NCAA Division II, the same cannot be said for its football program. Since joining the D2 ranks, the Hawks have tallied just a 19-94 record, which includes a 48-game losing streak that stretched parts of five seasons. The Hawks have played at Barron Stadium since the program was founded. Football at Barron Stadium dates back to 1923, when the stadium was first built, being dedicated in 1924. In its 100+ year history, it has been the football home of Rome High School and also served as home to the NAIA national championship football games from 2008 to 2013.   Food & Beverage   2 Concessions here are fairly straightforward – the bulk of the menu is what would typically be found at most traditional concession stands, such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and nachos. Candy and chips, along with the ever-popular stadium pickle, are also available. Beverages include items from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are not available. Concessions on the home side of the field are cash only, while the visiting side of the field does accept credit cards.   Atmosphere   3 Barron Stadium has every bit of the feel of its historic distinction. The field is surrounded by an eight-lane track and has two separate seating areas. The home-side seating runs from the 10-yard line to the 10-yard line, with a smaller visitors section across the way, but that only stretches between the 30s. Most of Shorter’s kickoffs are slated for noon, so the sun is at the back of the home stands for most of the contest. With the entirety of the seating being general admission, the home side is the best option to try and find some relief from the heat or bright sun. Visiting fans have little they can do to get out of the sun other than retreating under the bleachers to picnic-style tables. Unfortunately, these tables do not have a view of the field. There is a large digital scoreboard at the north end of the stadium, but other than displaying the school’s logo and game score, time, down, and yardage information, the scoreboard is relatively underutilized. A smaller, simpler scoreboard at the southern end of the stadium displays similar game information. Give Shorter credit for trying to create a college football atmosphere with the addition of a pep band, but the limited size of the band does not make a large impact on the ambiance, and the band also gets frequently drowned out by stadium audio drops.   Neighborhood   4 Barron Stadium is just a block from downtown Rome’s Broad Street, the city’s quaint, small-town feeling “Main Street”. Broad St is full of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance from Barron Stadium – Schroder’s Deil and Harvest Moon Café are two of the area’s more popular spots to grab a bite. Almost directly across the street from the western end zone is the Etowah River Trail, a re-purposed railroad bed that has been converted to walking trails. Part of the trail includes Lock Bridge, which has been adorned with hundreds, if not thousands, of padlocks. If a weekend sports schedule is more the plan, Rome offers a handful of options, which include minor league baseball with the Rome Emperors or Division III football at Berry College , which is not more than 4 miles away.   Fans   2 Typical attendance runs from 700 to 1600 fans per game; while they are engaged in the ups and downs of the action on the field, Shorter fans do not necessarily create a home-field advantage for the Hawks. There also doesn’t seem to be an organized student section, which can often go a long way in focusing the rambunctious nature of the student body into a single area, elevating the overall game environment. Shorter fans are supportive of the Hawks, but there simply is not a large enough following to make much of an impact on the game.   Access   2 Rome, in northwest Georgia, can be a bit of a challenge to get to. Fans arriving from the nearby metropolitan areas of Atlanta or Chattanooga will use I-75, then still have more than 30 minutes on state highways to reach Rome. If arriving from eastern Alabama, which borders Floyd County, the venue is most directly accessible via State Highway 20. With just one entry point and multiple stops before getting in, such as having to stop to pay for a ticket, having to get that ticket punched before entering, and not being able to purchase tickets ahead of time, it slows down the entry process. Also, for Shorter football games, cards are not accepted at the gate, so come prepared with cash. Concessions on the home side have just one window open and also only accept cash, so lines can grow rather long. This creates an issue with simply the amount of time spent waiting in line and can obstruct the view of the field, as the line can back up into the bleachers. Simply being able to have just one more window open or accepting credit cards or mobile payments seems as if it would alleviate much of this problem. If concessions are a must, taking the trip over to the stand under the visitor bleachers is advised.   Return on Investment   5 Adult tickets run just $10, and children 5-12 are just $5. Considering there is no cost for parking and that concessions are priced reasonably, Shorter does a good job encouraging fans and the local community to come out simply by providing an affordable weekend experience.   Extras   2 There is not a lot by way of extras that are added to the Shorter football experience, but the promotions team does make a concerted effort to reach out to their youngest fans by way of children-specific giveaways. The fact that this facility holds so much historical significance for the Roman community and has not simply been replaced says a lot about the civic pride shown toward Barron Stadium.   Final Thoughts Upgrades have been made to keep the stadium in use, for which a lot of credit should be given to the City of Rome – they recognize the history of the stadium and are doing all they can to preserve its historic relics. Shorter football at Historic Barron Stadium is what it is – there is no hiding the fact that, other than the game on the field, there are not a lot of bells and whistles to capture the attention of those in the stands, but that is perfectly okay! Sometimes, the game on the field is all we need to sit back and enjoy competition in its simplest form.

The Huntington, W. Va., club in the Appalachian League announced its identity and branding today. They will be known as the Tri-State Coal Cats, paying homage to the area's coal mining industry. The primary and secondary logos were released, featuring the colors of Coal Black, Cool Grey, and Marshal Green. According to the team website, the Coal Cats moniker is derived from the region’s rich and historic coal mines dating back to the 1800s. “Cats” helps create an alliterative wordplay that provides the new ballclub with a one-of-a-kind name that will soon be recognized nationwide. Dylan Winters, a Marshal Athletics graphic designer, created the logos. He incorporated four distinct marks: A cat’s head is made of a piece of coal. A cat’s paw that contains the letters TSCC, an abbreviation for Tri-State Coal Cats. It is also formed from coal A TS monogram that features a pickaxe blending into the S. A roundel logo featuring the cat’s head team name and city. It includes green baseball stitching on the side. The ball club will play at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field in the 10-team Appalachian League. The summer collegiate league will have its first game at Huntington on June 4. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Falcon Stadium Stadium Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Air Force Falcons website Falcon Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 46,692 Air Force Falcons Football Sings Second Falcon Stadium on the campus of the U.S. Air Force Academy is home to the Air Force Falcons football and lacrosse teams. The stadium, which was built in a natural bowl, has a capacity of 46,692 and stands in the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium is 6,621 feet above sea level, making it the second-highest elevation FBS college stadium, behind the University of Wyoming’s War Memorial Field . The stadium was built in 1962, bringing Air Force football games on campus for the first time. The first game here was on September 22, a 34–0 victory over Colorado State , and the venue was officially dedicated four weeks later on October 20, which included the Air Force’s famous demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. Colorado State continues to be a big rival for Air Force, as the two schools compete for the Ram -Falcon trophy each year. Falcon Stadium does host non-athletic events, such as the Air Force Academy’s annual graduation. The facility will also host the 2020 NHL Stadium Series outdoor game, with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Los Angeles Kings . Food & Beverage 4 The main concessions stand Inside the stadium serve the standard fare such as hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. The prices for these items are all below $5. For more of a variety, search in the end zones of the stadium, where there are food trucks, a beer garden, and local restaurants for fans to up their food and beverage game. Chick-fil-A is the most recognizable tent located near the beer garden, while Dickey’s bright yellow BBQ food truck stands out in the other end zone. Budweiser is covering the domestic beer, with a 16oz Bud Light costing $8, but a 12oz Bon & Viv pear seltzer is available as well for the same price. But for a little more, Pikes Peak Brewing Company offers a few of their beers to fans. For non-alcoholic beverages, Falcon Stadium serves Pepsi products; a Pepsi bottled drink costs $4 while coffee, hot chocolate, and cider are $3. Or, for fans that need that extra kick in their step; there is the $5 Spike energy drink. The concessions lines move quickly, and Falcon Stadium does allow food, which is a rarity at sports venues, but the food must be displayed in a transparent 1-gallon Ziploc bag with only I bag allowed per person. Also, factory-sealed transparent soft plastic water bottles 24oz or less are the only beverages permitted to enter Falcon Stadium. Atmosphere 4 The game day atmosphere begins with fans convoying onto the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds to begin tailgating at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium in the fall/wintry months provide one of the best tailgating atmospheres in all of college football with the cool-brisk air, smell of food, and the sounds of music with a background of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. There are plenty of vendors outside the stadium gates offering free samples or items for fans. For those fans lucky enough to be in attendance for the Veteran’s Day weekend game, a show of military helicopters is on hand for photo ops. The Air Force spirit squad can also be seen walking through the tailgating areas encouraging the fans with upbeat cheers. Air Force Spirit Squad, Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey The pregame festivities are unparalleled by any other college football venue. The march on before the Army / Navy game is well documented, but this tradition is at all the service academies. Before the national anthem starts, various Air Force cadets march into Falcon Stadium in formation filling the field with our future Air Force members. The Air Force Cadets are dismissed and sprint to their seating section. The game football is brought in with a parachute demonstration into the stadium and onto the field. This tradition is always a highlight for fans, both old and new. Then after the national anthem there are various fly overs. Falcon Stadium is bowl-shaped and has two tiers of seating on the home side with the press box, along with a spacious walkway between the seating tiers. Along the walkway wall, previous Air Force teams are honored with game-by-game records on plaques. During the game there is the normal cheering, such as fans on one side yelling “Air” and the other responding “Force.” For fans that like to use halftime as a break, I suggest you wait or go before halftime. At halftime, Air Force’s live falcon mascot soars around the stadium and the PA announcer gives the history behind the bird being the symbol of the U.S. Air Force. During the game, after each score, cadets run down behind the end zone and do push-ups. At the end of the game, for games involving the military academies, Sing Last! college football has a tradition of each school singing their alma mater with their fans, but the teams don’t join in each other school’s songs. However, the academies are different, so win or lose, the teams’ mutual respect is shown with both schools participating in songs. So, the motto for the military academies fans and players is to “Sing Second,” as singing second signifies a win in the game. Neighborhood 4 Falcon Stadium is located at the Air Force Academy, yet still 2 miles from the cadet area. The stadium complex is situated in a natural bowl on the base of the mountain range. Colorado Springs has plenty of things to offer fans in terms of food and lodging, but it is a 25-minute drive from Falcon Stadium. It also depends on which direction or gate you are entering; both the north and south gates have restaurants, shops, and hotels. For fans near the south gate area, the food options could be at the Promenade Shops at Briarwood Parkway, where there are plenty of chain restaurants such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Fuzzy Taco Shop, or Dickey’s BBQ. Colorado Mountain Brewery is a few miles north on I-25 from that gate. Next door to the brewery are Great Wolf Lodge and Drury Inn & Suites, plus a Residence Inn by Marriott and a Hampton Inn Suites-Colorado Springs across the parkway. On the north gate side off Interstate 25, there is Bourbon Brothers Southern Kitchen. However, the best idea would be going north to Monument, where Pikes Peak Brewing, 3 Margaritas, and Broken Bones are all good places to eat. There is also a Ramada by Wyndham in Monument, as well as Fairfield Inn & Suites Colorado Springs North/AF Academy for lodging. There are a lot of things to do around Colorado Springs, the USAFA, Pikes Peak, and Pike National Forest, or you can make the short drive to the Denver area, or some of great skiing options nearby for those later fall games. Unfortunately, the most recognizable building at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado, the Cadet Chapel, is closed for necessary repairs right now, with an estimated completion date of late 2022. Fans 3 The average attendance for Air Force games hovers around 28,000 fans. The top opponents for attendance are the other service academies and Colorado State . This usually translates to Falcon Stadium being less than half of the stadium’s capacity, but this doesn’t affect fans’ enthusiasm, as the Air Force fans get into the game at key moments and can be loud when the opponent is on defense. However, most of the game the fans are there to enjoy the comradery of being football fans. There isn’t the childish fan behavior from opponents seen at other college football games. The opponents’ fans have respect for one another and especially the Air Force players. The fans are truly there to be a part of celebrating the young men and women of the U.S. Air Force Academy, rather than just being at a football game. The fan competition does change to a slightly fiercer atmosphere while playing Navy or Army , and this rivalry between service academies is something every sports fan should see; Air Force’s home schedule allows it to be home to either Army or Navy on rotating years. Access 3 The U.S. Air Force Academy is located northwest of Colorado Springs along the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium is on the USAFA campus, 2 miles from the USAF cadet area and about a mile west of Interstate 25. There are only two entry points to the Academy, the South and North Gates. Both these gates can be accessed from Interstate 25. When going north on I-25 take exit 150B for the South Gate entrance and exit 156 for the North Gate entrance. The North and South gates both open to the public four hours prior to kickoff, while the ticket booths and the gates at the stadium itself open 2 hours before kickoff. Parking is $10 cash without a pre-paid parking pass, and the commute toward the stadium is quick and easy. Parking is plentiful, though most parking is in grass fields; the lots are good to drive across when dry but could be difficult during inclement weather. There are plenty of entrances to get into Falcon Stadium, although the terrain around the stadium is unbalanced due to the location of the stadium. The access to the upper level of the stadium can be difficult, as the climbing can take away the people’s breaths due to the high elevation – once you are settled in to your seating area, though, things are a little less work. After the game, the commute from the stadium to the interstate is time consuming for all fans. There are only two ways out so traffic can be a nightmare; Interstate 25 can randomly back up, and construction is constantly an eyesore. There aren’t many options for public transportation here other than taxis or Uber, and those can be pricey with waiting times; I would suggest your own vehicle or rental to access to Falcon Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Attending a football game at any of the 3 service academies is much more than just ticket prices. The experience of seeing and supporting the best young men and women that the nation has to offer far exceeds any cost for a football ticket. However, even if you just go thinking of Falcon Stadium, then the investment is still to the max on ROI. There is plenty of cash parking around Falcon Stadium at the cost of $10 per vehicle, with Falcons football single-game tickets range from $25 to $65 depending on the seating level. However, the Commander in Chief games (Army and Navy) are great rivalry games with higher attendance, and the prices range from $50 to $90 for these games. For fans that want a little more exclusivity there is the Blue and Silver Club at the cost of $225. Or, for fans that really want to lower the prices for a trip to Falcon Stadium, except for games against the other service academies, tickets on a third-party website can be low as $15 per ticket, where a family of four could easily keep the price under $100 for tickets, concessions, and parking. Extras 5 Falcon Stadium honors teams past by listing conference championships, famous players, bowl games, and famous seasons throughout the stadium. There isn’t a better pageantry before, during, and after the game, than football games held at the United States military academies. The pregame flyover, parachutes, and on-field formations are truly an amazing sight for any college football fan. The comradery among fans, especially fans that served in other services, is just on a whole different level of respect than at a typical college football game. A visit to one of the nation’s service academies and the surrounding Colorado Springs area is well worth the trip for anyone. Final Thoughts Seeing a game at Falcon Stadium is an experience that can only be matched at two other places; West Point, NY and Annapolis, MD. These places have a unique and different atmosphere that isn’t matched anywhere else in college football. The fans are welcoming, and the patriotism runs high. Whether, you attend a game at West Point , Annapolis , or at the Air Force Academy, everyone sings second when it comes to watching a game at our military academies.

Photos Courtesy of Manhattan Jaspers Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Draddy Gymnasium 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy. Bronx, NY 10471 Manhattan Jaspers website Draddy Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,345 Who’s Your Draddy? There are several questions that you’ll ask yourself when attending a Manhattan Jaspers basketball game. The first question everyone asks: “What’s a Jasper?”. Well, the team nickname is derived from Brother Jasper, who was credited with bringing baseball to Manhattan College’s campus in the late 19th century. He served as the first baseball coach of the university, and according to campus lore, was the creator of the seventh inning stretch. The story goes something like this; Brother Jasper also served as the head of discipline for the University and would police the student fans in the stands at home games. He noticed during one game that the students were getting restless during the seventh inning of a close game . He called timeout and ordered the students to stand up and stretch in order to alleviate the tension. Since Manhattan played the New York Giants regularly at the Polo Grounds in New York City, the tradition stuck in the major leagues and continues to this day. The second question you might ask is “Why is Manhattan College located in the Bronx?”. The answer is the school started up in Manhattan in 1853, but outgrew its facilities there, and moved to the Riverdale section of the Bronx in 1922. The campus area feels more like a suburb instead of being in New York City. The Jaspers have a history of good basketball teams. Manhattan has made the NCAA Tournament six times, advancing to the second round twice; once in 1995 after beating Oklahoma and again in 2004 after beating Florida. The team currently plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and has local rivalries with Iona and Marist. Becoming the Jaspers head coach has been a good springboard to bigger jobs for several coaches. The school can count Bobby Gonzalez, Fran Fraschilla and Steve Lappas as coaches who advanced to a Big East head coaching position straight from Manhattan. The Jaspers are currently coached by Steve Masiello, who was Rick Pitino’s head assistant coach at Louisville. Draddy Gymnasium, the Jaspers home court, is named after Vincent dePaul Draddy, a college football hall of famer. He was a Manhattan graduate, and a trophy is given out yearly by the National Football Foundation in his honor to the college football player who has the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance. Let’s stretch out here, and take a closer look at Draddy Gymnasium, the home of the Jaspers. Food & Beverage 3 None of the concession offerings jump off the page, but the fare has some variety and the prices are low (you can get a bottle of Coke and a soft pretzel for $5, for example). In an effort to offer more healthy selections at a sporting event, you can buy an apple or a banana at the snack bar for $1. They’re labeled as “hand fruits”. If you feel like a sandwich, the school offers a variety of “grab and go” sandwiches for $5. Atmosphere 4 Draddy Gymnasium has a very intimate atmosphere, but is in a very large building. The gym seats 2,345 for basketball, but Draddy Gym itself has a full track, batting cages and a basketball arena all under the same roof. One of the coolest things about seeing a game there is when you’re walking in, the Jaspers cheerleaders are lined up behind the ticket-taker, and actually cheer you like a player when you’re walking in. The gym has bleacher seating behind both baskets, with the students and the pep band taking up one of those sections. Between the hoops, you have chair-backs seating on one side, with bleacher seating on the other. There is a center-hung scoreboard, and a crystal-clear replay screen on each side of the gym. When the Jaspers are playing in a rivalry game against a local opponent, the students come out in force and make it an exciting atmosphere. The Jaspers have a dance team that performs during timeouts and halftime. Neighborhood 4 The campus of Manhattan College is very colonial-looking and quite handsome. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has nice apartment buildings and single-family homes. The area around the subway station that services the campus does not share these same characteristics, however. There are a few fast food places around campus (Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King) and a good diner on Riverdale Avenue (The Riverdale Diner) that is open 24 hours. If you’re looking for a drink after the game, check out The Punch Bowl on 238th Street, a good Irish pub that won’t kill your wallet if you’re having more than one. If you like the microbrews, check out The Bronx Ale House, also on 238th Street. They have hundreds of beers and really good wings. Fans 4 The fans that come to Jaspers games are passionate about the home team. The crowd is a diverse mix of students, alumni, college basketball fans and, since most of the players are local, a good representation of family and friends. A Jaspers game is very much a PG atmosphere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take a kid to a game. In fact, with all the area to run around inside of the gym, most kids are racing each other on the track or diving into the foam pit that the gymnastics team uses behind the bleachers. The students did storm the court after their win against local rival Iona, but it was a double-overtime game and it was nationally televised, so it wasn’t beyond reason for them to do so. Access 3 If you’re walking to Draddy Gymnasium from the subway stop on 242nd Street, bring an oxygen tank or a sherpa. You will have a long climb up several sets of stairs just to get to the front door of the gym. Even if you are in really good shape, you will likely be winded from that walk. The school could do a better job of marking where the gym is located when you enter campus. You sort of have to follow the crowd to know where you’re going. There is on-site parking, and I didn’t see them charging for it, but the lot is small and there did not appear to be a lot of nearby off-street parking. Return on Investment 5 It is typical to overpay for everything in New York City, but Jaspers tickets are quite a deal. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. There is usually a giveaway of some sort, so you might end up with a frisbee or a free t-shirt included. The Jaspers offer good Division 1 basketball, and a family of four gets in for $30. That’s cheaper than the movies, and a great way to spend a Friday night in New York City. The concessions won’t break the bank, either. $50 gets everyone a ticket, a soft pretzel and soda each. Extras 4 Four stars are given for the unique setup of the arena, the cheerleaders cheering you when you walk in, the very fair prices and the friendliness of everyone who works at Draddy Gym. Final Thoughts New York City may have better-known venues to watch basketball games, but a trip to Riverdale to watch the Jaspers is worth your time. It may be out of the way of the bright lights and big city, but it’s a beautiful campus and a special place to see really good basketball.

Photos by Afi Ahmadi ,Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 SEFCU Arena 1239 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12206 Albany Great Danes website SEFCU Arena website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,538 Great Danes of Albany As a Division, I basketball conference outside of the Power 5, the America East Conference is generally defined as a mid-major. The reality, however, is that the level of basketball can more appropriately be categorized as low-major, as the competitiveness of its basketball programs simply cannot keep up with the Atlantic-10s and Horizon Leagues of the mid-major world. The primary reason for this distinction tends to reside in the bottom half of conference, where the bad teams are very bad, consequently dragging down the conference’s reputation as a whole. The University of Albany has taken the conference lead in trying to reverse that image. A model of consistency over the past decade, the rafters at SEFCU Arena are adorned by the numerous banners of success for both the men’s and women’s basketball program, all of which has occurred within the past 10 years. Food & Beverage 2 SEFCU Arena generally provides typical small-arena offerings (pretzels, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, LOTS of candy, all costing anywhere from $3 – $5). The venue offers fountain Coca-Cola products. There is one concession area, with two lines, located on the right side of the lobby as you enter through the main doors. Because all of the food is pre-prepared and pre-wrapped, the line moves quickly enough. Credit and debit cards are accepted. There is a hidden “Beer Garden” down a hallway to the right as you face the concession area. It’s not a secret (there is a sign directing you to it), it’s just not obvious or plainly visible from the lobby. The use of the term “garden” is stretched as far as conceivably possible here. It’s basically just an undecorated room with a bar at one end and a series of roundtables. Nonetheless, it’s a nice alternative if you’re of age. Atmosphere 3 SEFCU Arena appears to be the right size and has the proper ambiance for this level of basketball, but it also has a couple of noteworthy deficiencies. The scoreboard is the primary culprit. Outdated and tired, it only offers options for two teams: “Albany” and “Visitor.” The scoreboard also lacks any space to identify current player scoring or timeouts remaining, a staple most fans have become accustomed to at most other venues. There is a large projector screen in one corner offering occasional replays and halftime statistics, but overall one would expect to have certain information available at a glance, which simply does not exist. It also doesn’t help matters that the public address announcer rarely provides the identity of the person committing the foul or even a scorer. Perhaps there was an issue with the microphone or audio during my most recent visit because the lack of information was very noticeable. Neighborhood 3 Albany is never going to get confused for a quaint college town, but for the purpose of attending a college basketball game, you could certainly do much worse. There are ample hotels and eateries just a few minutes from the arena, so no complaints about not being able to find a room or get a table. In addition to standard chain restaurants that lurk around campuses, the locals generally recommend favorites Across the Street Pub, and Maggie’s. Each offer pub fare while providing the opportunity to watch games. A more upscale nearby option is Barcelona, a Mediterranean restaurant, but reservations are recommended if a large crowd is anticipated for the game. Fans 3 For a small, one-bid conference, most America East teams tend to have a bit of a die-hard following, and Albany is no exception. For the most part, the fanbase is made up of community members and alums. When students do attend, they generally sit in the “Danger Zone” (named for the Albany mascot, the Great Dane), which is located under the basket closest to the opposing bench. Students generally generate the extra emotion which can be lacking for a regular season conference game. Venue intimacy gets an assist in keeping the arena loud throughout. Access 4 The arena is an easy find on campus, accessible via near-parallel streets on each side. It’s also just a short drive through campus when coming off the highway, making access a non-issue. SEFCU Arena provides a couple of parking lots containing ample space for a nominal fee. It would be difficult not to find a relatively convenient parking spot. Bathrooms inside the arena are convenient and easy to find (immediately to the right and left as you enter the lobby). Return on Investment 4 Seats with chair backs are located in the center and the first few rows behind each bench, and cost $18 per ticket, while the remaining reserved seats are $12. As noted, the food and beverage are fairly priced. While nobody will mistake the quality of play with its major conference brethren, the America East is certainly a competitive conference within itself, and the quality of the product on the floor makes the ticket cost almost nominal. . Extras 2 The most notable halftime promotion during my recent visit was a game of musical chairs, where contestants were each given a basketball at center court, and dribbled around a series of chairs. When the music stopped, the participants had to dribble to the nearest basket, make a layup, and return to the center to take a seat. Of course, when the players disbursed, chairs were removed from the middle, leaving one or more contestants without a seat upon return. This took place for approximately five to six rounds until a winner was crowned, walking away with a flat-screen TV. As far as halftime entertainment goes, it was quite engaging. All other promotions and t-shirt tosses are nothing that a regular basketball spectator doesn’t become numb to after a while, so such items fail to stand out as extra entertainment. Much of the entertainment slack is adequately absorbed by a solid pep band and dance team. Final Thoughts Unquestionably, the amenities at SEFCU Arena need modernization. On the plus side, when the energy level is high, you feel like you’re in a Hoosiers-type setting. Conversely, a Hoosiers-type setting doesn’t really pass in 2016. For the conference’s premier men’s and women’s basketball programs, a little investment seems justified. It’s unclear whether such changes would garner more student support, but it would certainly improve the overall fan experience.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Arechi Via Salvador Allende Salerno, Italy 84132 Italy U.S. Salernitana 1919 website Stadio Arechi website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,300 Prince of the Stadia The Stadio Arechi, the main sports arena in the city of Salerno, has hosted the home matches of Unione Sportiva Salernitana 1919 since September 9, 1990 (opening with 0-0 draw versus Padova in the first round of the Serie B 1990-1991 season, the second level of Italian football). Previously the team played at the stadium Donato Vestuti, a stadium built in the early 1930s and named in 1952 after the founder of one of the first football clubs active in the city. The Stadio Arechi bears the name of a Lombard Prince who lived in the eighth century. Therefore, the stadium is often referred to by insiders as the “prince of the stadia.” Throughout its history the Arechi has hosted three matches of the Italian national football team, including Italy vs. Hungary 3-1 May 1, 1991 and Italy vs. Estonia 4-1 March 25, 1995, both the qualifying match to a European Cup; as well as Italy vs. Spain 2-2 November 18, 1998 in a friendly match. The stadium was renovated in 1998. Then, in 2014 the pitch was rebuilt. The two Serie A championships disputed from Salernitana were played in the 1947-1948 season at Stadio Vestuti, and in the 1998-1999 season at Stadio Arechi. Food & Beverage 2 On the ground floor, before getting into the central grandstand, there is a small food court. We could try only coffee (1.00 euro) because there were no hot sandwiches or hot pizza. However, you can buy water (1.50 euro), beer and Coke (2.50 euro), packaged salty snacks (from 1-3 euro) or desserts (from 1-1.50 euro). Outside the facility you will find the traditional peddlers, from which you may want to grab a hot dog and a drink (5.00 euro). Atmosphere 3 The stadium is characterized by a rectangular seating plan interrupted at the corners. Among the four stands are the light towers necessary to illuminate the field during the night matches. Each of the grandstands consists of two levels. The upper one is totally uncovered. The lower one is partially covered. So of the 31,300 total seats of the Arechi, only 8,689 are covered. The stadium is primarily designed for football (although it has hosted other events, including several concerts), so there is no athletics track and allows viewers excellent visibility from every sector. The two teams enter the playing field through a movable tunnel present among the Curva Sud and the main grandstand. The supporters for the guests are in the first level of the Curva Nord. Neighborhood 3 The Stadio Arechi is located in the neighborhood of San Leonardo, an area that is a part of the East District. It is on the waterfront of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Around the stadium there are some pizzerias. For a “pizza margherita” and a Coke you can expect to pay around 6.50 euro. There is also a multiplex cinema and several hotels within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 The most ardent fans of Salernitana follow their favorite team from the sector Curva Sud. During matches banners, flags, scarves and sweaters transform this part of the stadium to a noisy spot covered by the color amaranth. Fans with choirs incite their favorites throughout the match. There are good relations with supporters of Bari and Reggiana (the team of Reggio Calabria). The greatest rivalries are with fans of Napoli, Avellino and other teams of Campania, but even with Atalanta , Hellas Verona and Perugia. Access 4 The Stadio Arechi is easily reached by car or train. By train, after reaching the central station of Salerno, you can take the light metro and get off at “Stadio Arechi,” located behind the Curva Nord. If you come from the motorway by car, then simply follow the ring road to the exit near the stadium. Around the structure are several parking lots. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket to watch a match of Serie B during the 2015-2016 season ranges from 40 euro in the Tribuna Rossa VIP down to 13 euro in the Curva Sud. Also, there are discounts for children under 14, people over 65 and women. Extras 4 In the province of Salerno there is the Costiera Amalfitana. From Unescu website : “The Amalfi coast is an area of great physical beauty and natural diversity. It has been intensively settled by human communities since the early Middle Ages. There are a number of towns such as Amalfi and Ravello with architectural and artistic works of great significance. The rural areas show the versatility of the inhabitants in adapting their use of the land to the diverse nature of the terrain, which ranges from terraced vineyards and orchards on the lower slopes to wide upland pastures.” In the city of Salerno there are several additional points of interest including the Castle of Arechi, the Medieval Aqueduct, and the Garden of Minerva. There are also events of interest including “Luci d’artista” between November and January. Some 40 kilometers away from the city of Salerno is the archaeological site of Pompei. Finally, this is one of the best parts of Italy with regard to cooking fish, pizza and cake.

Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 John Smith’s Stadium Stadium Way Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 6PG United Kingdom Huddersfield Town AFC website John Smith’s Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 24,949 Home of the Terriers The John Smith’s Stadium was opened in 1994, originally taking the name of its builders Alfred McAlpine. Both of the town’s football and rugby league clubs left their former historic homes to take up residence at the new state-of-the-art stadium. At a time when many new stadiums were being built in England following the Taylor Report, Huddersfield’s new landmark was a breath of fresh air with its vastly different stadium design. Initially opened with two, then three stands and a fourth added some years later, the stadium was constructed with arch-style roofs covering its stands. The South Stand opened in 1996 and the North (Panasonic) Stand began debuting in 1998 bringing the overall capacity of the stadium to approximately 24,500. The estimated cost of construction was £40 million. With unique floodlight bases, this stadium, along with the Bolton Wanderers’ University of Bolton Stadium , were two different additions to the English stadium scene. Huddersfield was founded in 1908 and spent 86 years at Leeds Road. The club was the first to win three straight First Division titles in England from 1924-1926. After the 1971-72 season, the Terriers were regulated from the First Division and spent the next 45 years between the second and fourth divisions before making it back to the Premier League from 2017-2019. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium’s interior concourse is well-equipped with food and drink kiosks. As normal with Yorkshire clubs, top-quality pies are essential and the ones of various varieties at Huddersfield do not disappoint. Hot dogs and beef burgers are also available, as are hot and cold drinks. Pies are priced at £3 with hot dogs selling at £3.20. However, having sat in the away supporters' stand for my last visit it was a nice gesture by the club to sell leftover hot food at two for £1 to supporters on their way out after the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a Fan Zone that fills up before the game and features food and beverage, live music, and the chance to meet Terry and Till Terrier, the club’s two official mascots. There are various food and beer kiosks that offer craft beer and including Promise Land German Lager, High Wire Grapefruit West Coast IPA, Common Grounds Coffee Porter, and Saucey Session IPA. The stadium’s signature feature is the four arched-shaped stands that set the stadium apart from other venues in England. The steel white tubing contours around each stand and then juts down to the ground. The design of the stadium allows each of its corners of the ground to be open. The North Stand and Riverside Stand are both two-tiered and feature a row of executive boxes. Adding to the ambiance are a set of four floodlights and a video scoreboard at the away end. Even when not full, the stadium’s acoustics are good and help add to the atmosphere. The most vocal of the home club’s supporters are located in the North Stand, whilst visiting supporters are placed in the South Stand. The friendliness of the club’s staff and stewards makes a visit here all the more pleasant, adding to the atmosphere of a game and the day out in particular. I have only ever visited for soccer games but would imagine that the atmosphere would be as good if not better for a Rugby League game as it is predominantly a northern sport. Neighborhood 3 Situated halfway between Manchester and Leeds, Huddersfield is an industrial market town that forms part of the West Riding District of Yorkshire. Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and film star James Mason are the town’s two most famous sons. Other than shopping, the town has little to offer the visitor. Around six miles away in the Pennine Hills the small town of Holmfirth is recommended for a visit. This was the setting for the long-running situational comedy program Last of the Summer Wine. Pubs near the stadium include the Rope Walk, Yorkshire Rose Huddersfield, The Sportsman, Gas Club, and Turnbridge Working Men’s Club. The stadium’s surrounding area offers Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee, Bars, and a multi-screen cinema to fill in the time before a game. The town has many guest houses and both the Premier Inn and Travelodge Hotels are near the stadium. Fans 3 The football club has a hardcore home support of between twelve and fifteen thousand fans. The supporter section is loud and boisterous during the match. The rest of the stands feature friendly banter among the home supporters. Local rivals are Leeds United, Bradford City, and both Sheffield clubs. Access 3 The John Smith’s Stadium is located just off the A62 Leeds Road in the Town Centre. The A62 runs directly off Junction 25 of the M62 motorway. There is plenty of car parking available on the ground, costing between £5 and £7. Other car parks are available within a short walk including that at the club’s Canal Street training ground complex. Huddersfield Railway Station with connections to both Manchester and Leeds is approximately a fifteen-minute walk. The nearest airports are Manchester and Leeds/Bradford. Return on Investment 3 Games rarely sell out and tickets can be purchased on the day or via the club’s website. Prices range between £20 and £32 with a category system in place dependent upon who the opposition is. Yorkshire is one of the cheaper areas to watch sports so this represents good value for the money, especially as you always receive a warm and friendly reception. Wherever you sit within the stadium you are guaranteed an excellent view of the playing area. Extras 3 The stadium is also available for conferences, banquets, and weddings and has much to offer. Both the rugby and soccer clubs have club shops at the stadium. Huddersfield Town now produces a newspaper-style match day program priced at £2, which is cheaper and different from that of most Football League and Premier League clubs who produce a more expensive and glossy version. Final Thoughts The John Smith Stadium is a modern, comfortable football stadium that is inexpensive, features a good range of concession items, and overall has a very good time. The home of the Terriers should not be overlooked when visiting English Football grounds,

Photo courtesy of ESPN It’s no secret that the NFL is far and away the most popular sports league in the United States. Its popularity grows in leaps and bounds each successive year thanks to a combination of the quality of its product, its innovation in technology, its embracing of fantasy sports, and now the added enticement of legalized sports gambling in many states. Television has shown that is where the real juggernaut of the NFL is able to show its strength. The Super Bowl is annually the most watched event on television in the country, and its popularity around the globe is on the rise as well. With the Big Game right around the corner, online casino comparison site KingCasinoBonus wanted to determine which analyst was the favorite among NFL fans. By analyzing a month's worth of Google keyword searches of 395 analysts, it was determined that Pro Football Hall of Famer  Peyton Manning , with an average of 275,840 Google searches a month, was the NFL personality that attracted the most attention online with fans. After spending 18 seasons in the league and winning two Super Bowls, Manning has easily transitioned into the media world. He and his brother, Eli Manning, have served as the commentators for ESPN2’s alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football  since 2021. Second on the list of most searched analysts was another Hall of Fame quarterback, Terry Bradshaw . A four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1970s, Bradshaw has consistently been one of the most popular broadcasters in the sport since entering the field after his retirement. Since 1994 Bradshaw has helped anchor Fox NFL Sunday ; his average search per month was 230,042. Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated Rounding out the top three most popular analysts is one of the most visible former NFL players in the media, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan . A Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants and the NFL’s all-time single-season sack record holder, Strahan smoothly moved into the next phase of his professional career. Currently sitting alongside Bradshaw on Fox NFL Sunday , Strahan is also a host for ABC’s Good Morning America . He averaged a total of 221,491 searches per month. Photo courtesy of Getty Images The other top searches of the year include NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin , now an analyst with the NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning , and the recently retired Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski , now serving as a contributor on both Fox NFL Sunday  and Fox NFL Kickoff .