Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Phoenix College Softball Stadium 3201 N 15th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 Phoenix College website Phoenix College Softball Stadium website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Bears In Phoenix Phoenix College is a community college in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District and was founded in 1920, making it one of the oldest community colleges in the nation. The Phoenix College Softball Stadium is the home to this successful team. The Phoenix College Bears compete in the NJCAA as part of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Conference. Famous alumni of Phoenix College include Nick Nolte, CeCe Peniston, and A Christmas Story’s Peter Billingsley. The softball team has been one of the most successful teams on the Phoenix campus. The team has won the NJCAA National Women's Softball Championships eleven times, and ten of those were in the 2000s (the other being in 1979). The 2022 Spring season ended with them winning the Division II championship. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very nice snack bar located right at the softball stadium. The game we attended had the stand not open, but we are assuming that it is open for some games. We are giving a courtesy of one star for food and beverage. Atmosphere 3 The Phoenix College Softball Stadium is a very simple field with a small set of bleachers behind the field. There is a decent amount of room to stand and watch the games, as well as picnic tables that family and team supporters seem to claim fairly early. The fans make this a pretty good place to watch a game, as the atmosphere seems excited to be watching softball and their Bears teams. Neighborhood 4 Phoenix College is located in the Encanto Village, near downtown Phoenix. Encanto is also home to the Arizona State Fair, which includes the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the original home of the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Art Museum is also nearby. Encanto Village has a fairly eclectic restaurant scene with many good options nearby. Durant’s is a high-end steakhouse with the look and feel of a dive bar. George & Dragon English Pub may be a more reasonable option for a post-game bite. Fans 3 Although many of the fans are family and friends of players, this does not seem to lower the enthusiasm for the game and their team. It is a knowledgeable crowd who are eager to get into the game action. Access 4 Phoenix College is located northwest of downtown Phoenix. It is not far from I-10, along a fairly major road, Thomas Road. The Softball Stadium is located far northwest of the Phoenix College campus. There are a decent number of parking lots right near the field, so parking should not be an issue. One should check local parking regulations, especially for games that occur on regular college operating days. Return on Investment 4 It was free to attend the game we attended. There is a gate to the stadium, so a small admission charge is certainly possible. We are assuming it would be a good value, even if an admission fee is charged. . Extras 2 The softball team has been very successful, so spend some time checking out the signage and awards for past Bears teams. There are not a lot of extras at Phoenix College, but one should look out for the feral cat colony on campus. It is a Trap, Neuter, and Return program that is working with the Animal Defense League of Arizona to manage the cats. You will need to refrain from feeding the cats, as their care is under that program. Final Thoughts Phoenix College Softball Stadium is a simple affair but has been home to many champions. If you enjoy the game of softball, this would be an ideal stop for a fan who is in the Phoenix area.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 Las Vegas Raiders website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 What Happens In Vegas….Happens At Allegiant Stadium After a year’s delay of opening for fans due to the pandemic, Allegiant Stadium made its debut in front of a live audience during the 2021 NFL season. Allegiant Stadium is the brainchild of the late Al Davis, the longtime owner/managing partner of the Raiders organization. From the time you see the shining black and silver exterior of the building (aka The Death Star), you can see his input into the design of the facility. Everything in the stadium, including the bathrooms, is painted one of three colors…white, black, or silver. One addition made to the stadium after the senior Davis’ death is a 92-foot-tall memorial torch atop the northern end of the stadium. The torch was built using 3-D technology and is currently the largest 3-D printed object in the world. The $1.8 billion stadium certainly offers all the bells and whistles you would expect of any major building going up in Las Vegas. The 65,000-seat stadium features 127 suites and 8,000 club seats spread out over ten levels of seating. One of its most important features is a transparent ETFE roof, which allows spectators to escape the oppressively hot temperatures Las Vegas can experience throughout the year. This also allows the stadium to have a natural grass playing surface, another feature the old school Davis insisted on in the design. Allegiant Stadium uses a similar system to State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, where the 19-million-pound retractable natural turf surface is transported into the stadium via a tray-like structure that can move the grass inside for events and outside to receive adequate sun and water when the stadium is not in use. Food & Beverage 4 Allegiant Field has one of the most diverse sets of concessions offerings in the NFL. Hot dog and burger lovers can choose from Neon Dogs and Holsteins Shakes and Buns (Gold Standard burgers for $16, Nom Nom burgers with cheddar cheese and thousand island sauces for $16 and Veggie Burgers for $16 or Fukuburgers. Pizza is available at Pizza Rock, Evel Pie and Pizza Squared. Mexican offerings include Viva Las Noches, and BBQ Mexicana (Avocado Chicken Burritos, Smoked Brisket Burritos and a BLTA Wrap for $15 each, BBQ Pork Skins or Chips and Salsa for $8) and Mexican Specialties. Other stands include Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (Pulled Piggie, Chopped Brisket or Smoked Chicken for $15 and Kickin’ BBQ Beans for $3), and Graffico Bao Chinese. Your typical stadium food is available at the Taste of the Nations Tailgate Favorites stands (Raider Dogs for $7, souvenir soft drinks for $8 and water for $6). Adult beverages are available at Hop Valley (Hop Valley IPA’s for $13, Domestic canned beers for $13, premium canned beers for $15 and wine for $12) the Modelo Cantina Club, Casamingos Tequila Lounge, Las Vegas’ Area 419 (out of this world adult beverages) or the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Atmosphere 4 Sin City fans have waited an extra year to meet their new team in person and the energy and excitement in the stands is off the charts. Las Vegas residents proved they are definitely “big league” when it comes to sports as they have proven with the NHL Black Knights and now the Raiders. They have quickly adopted the black and silver colors of the Raiders and filled the stadium for each game thus far. Members of the “Black Hole” from Oakland have not turned their back on the team, as they make the quick flight from the Bay area to create havoc for the visiting team. Several of the local casinos have purchased suites or memberships in the many premium clubs at Allegiant Stadium to entertain many of their biggest clients as well. The private areas of the stadium are filled with a virtual gallery of Raiders-themed art with a Vegas twist (how about Elvis in a Raiders jersey or Marilyn Monroe in a Raiderette outfit?). The stadium also salutes the excellence of the Raiders organization through a very impressive Raider’s Hall of Fame as well as oversized tickets from each of the Raider’s three Super Bowl appearances. The black, silver, and white color scheme of the entire Allegiant Stadium complex pulls all these elements together. Neighborhood 5 There is no stadium in the NFL that is closer to more than 200 hotels, the top talent in the entertainment industry, wonderful restaurants, and sunny weather throughout the year than Allegiant Stadium. It is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, just across I-15 (Frank Sinatra Drive) from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The stadium is within easy walking distance of all the casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues that Las Vegas is famous for. Shuttles run along the Strip on gamedays, providing direct service to the stadium. No matter what time the game starts and ends, you will find plenty of things to see and do in Vegas… as it is truly open 24 hours a day. The city welcomes “the bad boy” Raiders with open arms as the city prides itself on being an adult playground. Las Vegas proved it was ready for professional sports a few years ago when the Las Vegas Blacks Knights stunned the NFL with sellout crowds and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans 3 The one element that has changed the most in the move from Oakland to Las Vegas is its fanbase. Raider Nation in Oakland was known as the most rabid fanbase in the league. It was probably most famous for the Black Hole, a seating area in the end zone so intimidating their own mothers would be scared to sit there. They wore outfits with chains, faux spikes on their biker jackets, and skull imagery. Most went by nicknames rather than by their given names. They were the embodiment of what Al Davis was… a rebel amongst a bunch of establishment billionaire owners. Davis famously took in players that had been let go from other teams due to their recklessness both on and off the field. Frankly, the franchise did not leave Oakland due to lack of fan support… it was because they could not get a new stadium deal, a problem the Oakland A’s are still experiencing. This is not a dig at the new fans the Raiders are cultivating in Las Vegas. After all, many people refer to it as “Sin City”. However, Raiders fans in Las Vegas tend to be more prosperous than they were in Oakland. A big reason for this is the PSL’s required to help finance the new stadium. This typically prices out the blue-collar workers that formed the Raider Nation in Oakland. Tickets now are used to reward the big spenders that are drawn to Vegas by the casinos. Rowdy behavior was expected at the Oakland Coliseum, in Las Vegas, that same behavior might get you ejected. Most of the fans in Las Vegas are employed in the hospitality industry… which is famous for welcoming visitors, while the Oakland fans enjoyed intimidating them. Las Vegas has proven that it has great sports fans… as the NHL hockey franchise has flourished in this desert oasis. They also fill Allegiant Stadium every Sunday despite the high cost of a PSL and some of the highest ticket prices in the league. It is simply too early to determine what the fanbase in Las Vegas will become…. and it is unfair to compare them to the Raider Nation of old. Despite the pain and the high cost of tickets, many of the Oakland contingents are still making the trek south to Las Vegas to cheer on their former team. To sum up our score for fans, it is simply a tale of two cities and two distinctly different fanbases. Access 4 Allegiant Stadium is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Las Vegas. It is located only 4 miles from the city’s McCarran International Airport and is within walking distance of many of the hotels/casinos at the southern end of the Strip. Shuttles will also travel up and down the Strip on gamedays to pick up fans. Fans driving to the games will also find the stadium is very easy to get to as it is right next to I-15. From the north: Take I-15 southbound to Tropicana Avenue. Take exit 37 to Tropicana West. Turn left at Dean Martin Drive, then right onto Al Davis Way. From the south: Take I-15 northbound to Russell Road exit (Exit 36). Follow the signs to Tropicana Avenue, turning left at West Tropicana. Turn left on Dean Martin Drive then a right on Al Davis Way. McCarran International Airport offers nonstop service to virtually every big city in the US. As the title sponsor of the stadium, Allegiant Airlines offers special deals on Las Vegas flights when the Raiders play at home. Return on Investment 3 As Las Vegas enters its second year in the NFL, it will be the first time their home fans will see the team in action on their home turf. During the pandemic season, no fans were allowed inside Allegiant Stadium. Due to this year-long delay, the demand for tickets has gone through the roof. During the 2021 season, the only way someone will be able to buy a ticket to a game in Vegas is on the secondary market. Don’t be surprised to see tickets anywhere in the stadium to go for less than several hundred dollars. The food concessions prices can vary greatly, as some of the vendors are run by celebrity chefs, while others is run by the more typical stadium food vendors. Another factor in budgeting for a game in Vegas is the cost of lodging. Hotels that have casinos and name entertainment and are situated on the strip are much more expensive and add a “resort fee” on top of your room price. If you travel just a few blocks off the strip you will find the familiar name-brand hotels that are perfectly decent at a fraction of the price. One thing to remember about Las Vegas… if you have a good night at the tables your gameday expenses will just seem to fade away! Extras 5 Allegiant Stadium also serves as the home of UNLV college football, the PAC 12 Championship Game, and the Las Vegas Bowl. The stadium plans to hold major concerts in the venue during the off-season. Stadium officials also plan to bid on major events, including the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and major conventions. They also plan to campaign for an MLS franchise for Las Vegas. Another unique feature of the stadium is retractable curtain-like windows atop the northern end of the stadium that faces out towards the Las Vegas Strip, resulting in stunning views at night when the Strip is lit up. Allegiant Stadium has the first sports betting lounge of any stadium in the NFL (it is Las Vegas, after all!). As you would expect in a city known for extravagant lighting, Allegiant Stadium offers a top-of-the-line electronics package. There are large videoboards located at each end of the stadium, with ribbon boards encircling the seating areas. Final Thoughts Las Vegas continues to build on its reputation as a great sports town. Now that the NHL and NFL have established themselves in the Fantasyland in the Desert… it will only a matter of time before you see the Super Bowl, the Final Four and other major sporting events played in Allegiant Stadium…you can bet on that!

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Dr Atlanta, GA 30313 Celebration Bowl website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 71,000 A Celebration of HCBU Football The Celebration Bowl features a contest pitting the conference champion from the MEAC against the conference champion from the SWAC. It is known informally as the Black Colleges National Championship Game, as it pits the two champions from the HBCU school conferences against each other. The Bowl started in 2015 and is held in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The mission of the game is to provide each of the participating school’s alumni, fans, and students with a first-class bowl experience while continuing to celebrate the heritage, legacy, pageantry, and traditions of the HBCUs. The 2022 game featured the SWAC Champion Jackson State University Tigers vs the MEAC Champion North Carolina Central Eagles. The contest served as the finale for Jackson State Coach Deion Sanders, as he takes over the reins for the University of Colorado Buffaloes in 2023. The game was a thriller, as it went into overtime, and the NC Central Eagles won in an upset. This ended Jackson State’s quest for an undefeated season. Food & Beverage 4 Fans attending the Celebration Bowl were thrilled with the variety of foods to choose from, and the low prices for these items This is due to Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s Fan First Food Experience. The principles of this experience are 1) to provide food at prices a family can afford 2) to provide the best selection of foods Atlanta has to offer, and 3) to experience it as hassle-free as possible. Atlanta pioneered the cashless purchases policy to speed up the order process. In addition, there is no limit on free refills for soft drinks. A sampling of prices includes Coca-Cola beverages ($2), water, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn are also $2, pizza, nachos, and waffle fries are priced at $3, The most expensive item on the Fan Friendly menu is $5 for a 12-ounce domestic beer. In addition to the Fan Friendly menu, more than 60 concession stands were serving a wide variety of foods that Atlanta the South is known for. BTW, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has more than 673 concession points located throughout the stadium. This kept the concession lines moving quickly! Atmosphere 4 The Celebration Bowl offered one of the most festive bowl week celebrations in the country. It was a class reunion/family reunion and holiday party all rolled into one. For many alumni, the game offered an opportunity to get together at a site that is convenient for everyone location-wise. It also offered families from the two participating schools a chance to meet in a good-natured rivalry that may never occur in the regular season. Celebration Week offered numerous opportunities to attend the social events attached to the bowl game. ESPN’s sponsorship and telecast of the game offered both the participating schools a priceless opportunity for exposure that money simply can’t buy. Finally, everyone who watched the Battle of the Bands at halftime was thoroughly entertained. Mercedes-Benz Stadium added to the atmosphere through its one-of-a-kind technology, an NFL best concessions program, and a temperature-controlled environment that is hard to beat in late December. Neighborhood 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium has located just two blocks from Atlanta’s most popular tourist destinations. In Centennial Olympic Park alone, visitors could choose from the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Celebration Bowl fans also visited many of the sites associated with the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr in his hometown. Finally, the College Football Hall of Fame offered a terrific exhibit on the HBCU’s involvement in college football. Fans could also visit and eat at the historic Paschal’s Restaurant, which is within walking distance of the Stadium. In addition to serving great food for more than 70 years, Paschal played a key role in the Civil Rights movement, as it regularly hosted planning sessions for Dr. King and the members of the SCLC staff. Fans 4 Fans from both schools made the trek to Atlanta for the Celebration Bowl. The metro area also has a large alumni base from HCBU schools which also attend the game. The Celebration Bowl and Coca-Cola provided an opportunity for fans from both schools to meet in a social setting the morning of the game. NC Central Sound, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Coca-Cola Fan Experience got underway at 8:30 am on the day of the game and did not close until 30 minutes before the kickoff. Activities took place on the Georgia World Congress Center International Plaza, which is adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Fan Experience included food and musical entertainment from both the concert stage and through music provided by the marching bands from each of the schools participating in the game. There were also appearances by elite HBCU players of the past at autograph booths. Fans also had the opportunity to stock up on game-related merchandise at the Celebration Bowl team store. Once inside the fans were protected from the cold weather, while enjoying a great football game. They could also see the key plays on Mercedes Benz’s unique halo video board which provides a 360-degree view of the action. Unlike most football games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, nobody left their seats at halftime. This is because nobody wanted to miss the halftime performances by Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band and North Carolina Central’s Sound Machine Marching Band. Access 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium offered many cost and time-efficient ways to get to the game. Attendees didn’t need to rent a car for the week or find an inexpensive parking space! Fans traveling from Jackson or Durham could fly to the game via either Delta or Southwest into Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. Downtown is less than a ten-minute ride via taxi or rideshare, and MARTA operated frequent rapid rail service between the airport and downtown. The doors to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened 90 minutes before kickoff, providing plenty of time for fans to find their seats and get a bite to eat. MARTA provided rapid rail service to both the Ashby Street Station and the CNN Center/State Farm Arena/Mercedes-Benz Stadium Stations, which are adjacent to the bowl site. Return on Investment 4 The Celebration Bowl offered tickets at a wide variety of price points. Tickets ranged from $100- $210 for a stadium club-level seat, which comes with a variety of food and beverage options. These are all located in the 100 level of the stadium. For $40 you can choose seats anywhere in the 200 level of the stadium, or at the lower level behind the bands (huh, what did you say?) or behind the end zones (with the students!) The Celebration Bowl used only two levels of Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s seating bowl. Parking rates on gamedays near the stadium ran around $70 (the stadium does not run these lots) MARTA offered rapid rail service for $9 unlimited rides in a day, and they have two stations adjacent to the stadium. Fans with game tickets could attend the Coca-Cola Fan Experience on the Stadium Plaza for free. . Extras 5 Atlanta was chosen to host the Celebration Bowl due to its location between the two participating conferences, its excellent athletic facilities, and its large presence as the home of several HBCU institutions through the Atlanta University Center. Twenty-seven players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame played their college careers at either a MEAC or SWAC member school. The Celebration Bowl is the only bowl to feature two teams from the FCS level of NCAA competition. The Battle of the Bands at halftime of the game is often as competitive as the game itself. The winner of the Celebration Bowl is usually seen as the winner of the Black Colleges National Football Championship. This is because the MEAC and the SWAC are the two largest HCBU football conferences in the country. Final Thoughts The tradition of the HBCU teams and the wonderful venue make for a great fan experience.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Toyota Center 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336 Tri-City Americans website Toyota Center website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 6,000 Bringing Together the Tri Cities The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. The team has had a colorful history in the community, having experienced numerous ownership changes and various attempts to move the franchise out of the region despite robust fan support. For the past decade and more the team has been co owned and run by former NHL stars Olaf Kolzig and Stu Barnes, both of whom played for Tri Cities and have deep ties to the franchise and the community. The team has never won a league championship, its closes brush with glory coming in the 2009-10 season when they lost in the WHL finals. Their biggest rival is from across the state. The Spokane Chiefs are just a two hour drive from Kennewick. Both fan bases travel well, and games featuring these two teams are often exciting and heated both on the ice and in the stands. A New Year’s Eve clash has become an annual tradition. Food & Beverage 5 Quite honestly, the vast selection and presentation of the concession fare is quite astonishing for a team at this level. The food at Toyota Center is amazing. The beer is amazing. Concession stands and vending carts are everywhere, and the smart fan visiting for the first time should do a 360 around the concourse before deciding what to eat because the choices are so many. Choices include Coke products and bottled water ($3) and popcorn helmets ($8, with $4.50 to refill). The Mexican stand offers two enchiladas or two tacos for $8.50, along with burritos, taco salad or chips salad. There is actually a coffee barista stand offering various lattes and cappuccinos along with Americano coffee in all sorts of flavors ($3-$7). Another stand offers gourmet sausages with a basket of fries ($8). A Baskin Robbins ice cream stand has a single scoop ($4), and a double ($6). A hand carved NY Strip sandwich comes with chips ($10) or potatoes ($12) and looks amazing. Papa Johns sells pizza in oversized slices ($4). They fry up bags of mini donuts in all sorts of flavors ($5/dozen). Poutine, a dish consisting of fries, gravy and cheese curds can be purchased for $6. Arena standards such as burgers, chicken strips and chicken sandwich baskets with fries are available for $8. A Chinese stand offers sweet and sour chicken, General Tso chicken or teriyaki chicken complete with chopsticks ($8). Local craft brews are sold throughout the facility, including a special brewed Americans Amber, made especially for the team. On the suite level is a large seating area with tables, open to any ticket holder, offering a concession stand and bar service for fans wishing to dine in prior to the game. The portions are huge, the service friendly, the choices almost endless. Outstanding. Atmosphere 5 You’d think with such mediocre on ice results all these years, and a team tucked into an American corner of a league which has a massive Canadian footprint, that things would be pretty sedate here in Tri City. Not so. There are fans clanging cow bells, a mascot named Winger who works the crowd and exhorts the loud support, a game night presentation which is light on kiss cams, electronic cheer sequences and canned music, instead letting the fans own the cheers. One super fan, a guy named Scott, is dressed in Ams gear and a kilt, waving an oversized flag of the State of Texas for some inexplicable reason, and dons a helmet which lights up and flashes every time the home team scores a goal. He tosses confetti and the fans eat it up. It’s a fun building to watch a game. Neighborhood 3 Think of Kennewick as one big sprawl suburb, a big bedroom community with no real downtown to speak of. The Toyota Center is tucked behind a large boulevard of strip plazas and malls. Drive behind this cluster of retail, and you’ll find yourself in this large mixed use office, hotel and apartment district with windy single lane streets and roundabouts. Much of the development is new and there are acres and acres of vacant land just east of the area ripe for new development. It’s not exactly a quaint walkable neighborhood, and the arena itself is surrounded by ample, well groomed and landscaped parking lots. The locals recommend a few good sports hangouts not too far from the Toyota Center, including Kimo’s Sports Bar and Brewpub, Ivar’s Seafood Bar and Uncle Sam’s Saloon. Fans 4 These aren’t your average, minor league, come for the cotton candy and beer type of fans. They understand the game and have a real passion for their team. The Tri City Americans enjoy pretty large support from the community, and the team engages that community in many ways, mostly through its superior customer service platform. Walk anywhere in the arena and it feels like one huge local family. Out of towners are easily spotted, and concession workers, ushers and game day staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome and at home. On the night we visited, they were offering professional photo ops with a former Ams star, complete with a portable studio and backdrop. The line snaked its way around the concourse for a chance to snag a photo with the player. Nobody complained. The fans were eating it up. It’s a love affair between the Ams and this community. Access 4 Getting in and out of the neighborhood surrounding the Toyota Center is really easy. Enter from the west at the marquee along North Columbia Center Boulevard and it takes you right into the arena neighborhood. There are also access points from the south and the north. There are multiple parking lots surrounding the venue and ingress and egress is a snap. Parking is shared with the nearby Three Rivers Convention Center. There are no public transportation options, so car it is. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets run $20, except for select premium games where the price goes to $23. There are discounts given to seniors, teens, and youths. Check out the team website and you might find some geared promotions, including a two for one Tuesday special and some four pack deals. Parking at the arena is free. We already raved about the concessions and the prices won’t kill the wallet. Extras 4 We will award one star for Stu Barnes and Olaf Kolzig, who have stepped in to give this franchise stable ownership and a consistent product. Their banners hang proudly from the rafters. And why not! Two stars go to the game day staff. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for arena staff to treat their guests and fans with respect and courtesy. The Tri City Americans go the extra mile to make their fans feel welcome. The one thing they police very carefully? They stringently guard the alcoves to make sure fans don’t walk up and down the aisles while play is in progress. But do so in a very polite and upbeat way. Interestingly, we saw most fans in their seats stay put until a break in the action, leaving the aisles unobstructed. They take their hockey seriously here. Add one star for the one goofy media timeout fan participation thing, where the PA announcer asked all the “men” to step forward to do the dance off. What that meant was time for the youngsters to take their shirts off and wave them up above their heads. Never saw so many shirtless kids at one time in one place other than the beach. Final Thoughts The WHL is one of those vast Canadian based leagues with but a small footprint in the United States, mostly here in Washington. The Tri City Americans don’t try to emulate their Canadian counterparts – other than a Canadian flag in the rafters and poutine on the menu, their whole mojo, logo, colors, event presentation, exudes “Americans.” Don’t underestimate the Tri City Americans. It is a super hockey experience, played in a fairly middle aged arena which has the look and feel of an old hockey barn. Make your way there and take part in the fun.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SaskTel Centre 3515 Thacher Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4 Saskatoon Blades website SaskTel Centre website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 15,195 Blades of Glory True story. Back in 1983, a Saskatoon-based investment group put together a deal to buy the NHL St. Louis Blues and move them to Saskatoon, a city that was off the grid for most hockey fans. Plans were put in place for a new arena to replace a dated historic downtown venue that had served the city well. Front office staffers were hired, and moving plans were put in place. And then it all derailed when the NHL Board of Governors refused to support the move. Lawsuits went flying from all sides, and in the end the Blues stayed put in St. Louis. Out of the disappointment of that debacle came a gleaming new arena and showplace for hockey in Saskatoon, an arena initially dubbed Saskatchewan Place. Fans who liked the old and creaky downtown barn weren’t happy with the move. But with numerous renovations, expansions, and now a showplace for some major events, the arena is now embraced within the community. Their principal tenants, the WHL Saskatoon Blades, are one of the charter franchises of the Western Hockey League, now going on 50 years as an anchor of that junior league. Add the newly relocated Saskatchewan Rush of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), a team drawing sellouts, including opening up the upper deck. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are amply scattered throughout the single main concourse, and nothing exceptional really stands out among the food choices. A barbecue stand offers BBQ brisket on a bun, BBQ chicken burger, and BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($6.75) along with BBQ pulled pork poutine ($6). There are also the standard hot dogs, foot longs, burgers, pizza and fries. Taco in a bag ($4.75) seems to be a popular item in these parts, and also a mention for the parmesan garlic fries ($5). One can also have the kettle chips topped with parmesan garlic if you ask. Pepsi products are served, and the beer selection is skimpy. Atmosphere 3 The biggest minus is the sheer lack of big crowds to ramp up the noise. With the size of the building, on most nights the upper deck is cordoned off with a huge curtain, placing the patrons in the lower seating areas. Even with an average crowd of 5,000, that does not fill the place, so the energy and noise is a bit muted and subdued. The fans who do make it here are spirited and knowledgeable. This is a Canadian prairie city with a good number of favorite hockey sons who made it big from this region, and another good number of marquee players who came through here. Neighborhood 2 Ugh. Place an arena in the middle of an industrial and office park, surround it with acres of parking, road access right through these desolate parks and onto area freeways, and to top it all off, the flatness and emptiness of airport runways just a mile or so to the southwest. There is absolutely no charm or elegance at all to the Sasktel Centre neighborhood, and one could only imagine how much nicer things would be if this identical structure was placed somewhere downtown, where there seems to be ample space. Most of the good eateries are a couple miles south of the arena straddling Circle Drive (Rt 16). Recommendations include Fox and Hounds Pub and Brewery, or Birmingham’s Vodka and Ale House. Try Grainfield’s Family Restaurant if you’re looking for comfort food and some local memorabilia, and even a treasure trove of trivia on the menu. Fans 4 The fans who support the Blades, and for that matter, supporters of visiting teams who make the trip for nearby rival cities like Swift Current and Prince Albert, are passionate and know their hockey. A good game night presentation adds to the fun, with a big furry white haired mascot named Poke Check working the crowd. There is just the appropriate level of music bumps and clever videos without being overwhelming. Access 4 If you have a car you are golden. Head north from the city and follow the signs to the arena off of the well marked road off of either Highway 11 or Highway 16 which split off just before the arena exits. There is parking on all sides of the arena and entry and exit from the parking lots are seamless. There is express shuttle public transportation service from the City Centre Transit Hub to SOME events at the Sasktel Centre. Best to check in at the City Centre Transit website before making plans to ride the bus. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start from $10, and run up to as high as $31 for the top tier premium seats. Here’s an advance notice – purchase them before the day of the game and you’ll save $2-$3 per ticket. Parking is free, with the exception of a small VIP lot where patrons can pre purchase parking right outside the door. With vast amounts of parking surrounding the building that seems like a waste of money. Concession prices are on the reasonable side. Extras 3 Saskatchewan’s true favorite son is hockey icon Gordie Howe, and his statue is on the entrance plaza on the west entrance to the building, providing a good photo opportunity. WHL division and championship banners hang smartly across the rooflines of the seating bowl. And another star for a series of bronze plaques in one section of the end zone concourse, memorializing the two IIHF World Juniors that this building has hosted, along with the Brier Curling Championships. The venue was also the host for the 2013 Memorial Cup. Final Thoughts In a league which runs the gamut of arenas from little more than an oversized community rink to the opulence of Edmonton’s Rogers Place, Saskatoon has itself a venue which has weathered well in its 30 years of existence, and has a “big league” feel even as a host for a junior team. The addition of indoor lacrosse has bolstered the building’s standing, even though the NLL is for the most part a shambles with its shifting franchises and lack of national sports legitimacy. No matter, fans pack the place. All in all, a visit to the Sasktel Centre is a must do when visiting the region.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Brandt Centre 1700 Elphinstone St. Regina, SK S4P 2Z6 Regina Pats website Brandt Centre website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 6,136 Regina’s Brandt Centre The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities. Food & Beverage 4 Considering the age of the venue, the food selection here is surprisingly good. Yeah there is the traditional stadium fare. Add to that pulled pork, pulled chicken or roast beef sandwiches ($6), combo that with beans, coleslaw, pasta salad or chips for an additional fee. Poutine is available for $6, fries mixed with brown gravy and cheese curds. Freshly made candied apples are also a nice touch, along with the bags of powdered mini donuts. The draught beer here is an eye popping $8.50 or $10 for the tall 27 oz cup. Atmosphere 3 Like most peer junior rinks, games at this level are more of a family affair. The arena is 2/3 full, everybody cheers for the home team but without the intensity at say, the NHL level. Contests and promotions are the norm. Much of the pomp and ceremony here had to do with endless pregame presentations and plaque awards before the game even started, something we could have done with much less of. Neighborhood 1 What neighborhood? With the skyline of downtown Regina about 3 kilometres to the east in the distance, the Brandt Centre and Evraz Place are standalone facilities, surrounded by an ocean of parking on all sides and a railroad track straddling the south border of the complex. As for places to go within nearby driving distance, we’d recommend Casino Regina right in the center of downtown for gaming and dining. The Press Box sports bar on Albert Street has a lot of cool sports memorabilia, plenty of TV sets and tavern fare worth a look. Fans 4 Fan support here is pretty solid, and the Pats draw in the upper end of their peer teams in the 22 team WHL. The Regina Pats have a long and strong history which goes back to the franchise’s inception way back in 1917. Their team history is nicely showcased with a well displayed collection of championship banners and team retired numbers complete with murals, which line one end zone wall. Access 4 There is ample parking surrounding Evraz Place and the Brandt Centre, and access to the lots is available from three different directions, so the lots clear out here after a not too long wait. There is not a public transportation option here. Also worth noting is that Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, home of the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders, is just a long slap shot away and is visible on the skyline of the city. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for adults run $18, seniors and students a bit cheaper. That is a bit high by junior standards. A note to add here is that parking is abundant and free. Concession prices are also reasonable, as long as you’re not drinking the very expensive beer. Extras 3 The aforementioned banners and numbers deserve special props. No silly “Fans #1” banner or anything that would cheapen the long and storied history here. And by the way, this was also a host venue for the Memorial Cup championship. How about a hot tub suite? Yep, there, along the boards, is a fully functional hot tub with a great view of the action on the ice. Gotta wonder if there is any even better action going on in the hot tub on some game nights. **Andrew Kulyk is a stadium travel expert. Follow all of his journeys at The Ultimate Sports Road Trip.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Art Hauser Centre 690 (B) 32 Street East Prince Albert, SK S6V 2W8 Prince Albert Raiders website Art Hauser Centre website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,366 WHL In Prince Albert The Comuniplex opened in 1971, 10 years to the day after the Minto Arena had been destroyed by fire, and brought hockey back to a city that had been missing the sport for a long, long time. On opening day, there were no seats in the arena, so fans took to bringing pillows and blankets for sitting on the concrete slabs surrounding the rink. Times have changed. The Art Hauser Centre, as it has been known since 2005, has seen a number of improvements over the years, including seats, an elevator, an upgraded scoreboard and plenty more. Playing at the Art Hauser Centre, the Prince Albert Raiders have been one of the more successful junior hockey teams in Saskatchewan. Between 1977-1982 the Raiders won four Tier II junior national championships in six years. After graduating up to the WHL for the 1982-83 season, the Raiders went on to win the Memorial Cup in 1985 as the top junior team in the country. The Raiders have produced 72 players who have made it to the NHL, including Brad McCrimmon, James Patrick, Wes Walz and Mike Modano. And all of them have paid their dues in this little arena in this little city. Food & Beverage 4 Good options at good prices are what you’ll find at the Art Hauser Centre. The main concession stands are located in the main floor lobby on the west end of the stadium, known as the Johnny Bower Lobby in honour of the NHL Hall of Fame goalie who was born and raised in Prince Albert. There is also another stand with a paired-down menu at the far end of the stands in the southeast corner. The menu itself is quite substantial and tasty. You have your typical arena fare, such as popcorn (small bag is $2.25), chips ($1.50), burgers ($4.00) and pop (small cup is $1.75), all at very reasonable prices. And there are also some other choices such as delicious pizza-by-the-slice ($3.75) and breakfast burritos ($3.00). Curiously, and awesomely, you can also pick up some bona fide oddities at the concessions. Certs, Rolaids, Tylenol and hockey tape are all available for fans with… unique needs. I love this. Upstairs in the Art Hauser you’ll find the Ches Leach Lounge, named after one of the founding fathers of the Prince Albert Raiders. The Lounge is huge, with seating for 600, and serves adult beverages for patrons looking for something a little stronger than soda. It has a very social, beer garden-type feel to it and seems very much like a place where friends can meet and hang out before, during or after games. Atmosphere 4 The Prince Albert Raiders have a long and storied history and the fans are enthusiastic supporters as a result. The Art Hauser Centre only holds 3,366 people, including 786 standing room spots, but to sell the place out requires almost 10 percent of the city’s population to show up. Impressively enough, they fill the place to near capacity every night. The game I attended had a crowd of 2,755 fans and, in a small venue like that, the crowd is right on top of the action. The stands in fact are just 10 rows deep so no one, including the many fans who choose to stand at the back, have a bad view. The net result is a ton of audience energy, a great look at the ice surface, and a lot more crowd noise than one might expect. Overall this made for a very fun and entertaining experience at the good ol’ hockey game. Neighborhood 3 The Art Hauser Centre is located in the southeast corner of Prince Albert, well away from most all of the entertainment options in the city. About your only dining choices in the immediate vicinity are the Spicy Peppercorn Chinese-Vietnamese Restaurant across the street to the south, an A&W another block south, and a Tim Horton’s to the west of the A&W. Other than those, you’ll be going for a drive to find some fun. The good news is that you’re no more than five minutes from some of the more happening spots in town. Head a few blocks west on Marquis Rd. and you’ll find the Northern Lights Casino and just a little further on is a strip of hotels and restaurants on 2 Ave. Standard fare such as McDonald’s, KFC and Boston Pizza can all be found in this stretch along with a few mom and pop restaurants. Heading a couple minutes north along 6 Ave. from the Art Hauser quickly brings you to the Cornerstone commercial district where all manner of shops and services can be located. Again, many of the standard dining options are here, such as Ricky’s, Fatburger and Original Joe’s, all of which will fit the bill. Fans 4 Raiders fans are enthusiastic, engaged, and don’t mind voicing their displeasure with questionable calls by yelling at the offending ref by name. Like most junior hockey audiences I’ve observed, they are fairly quiet most of the time but, whenever something exciting happens on the ice, the noise level rises very rapidly, often punctuated by cowbells. With the low ceiling in the Art Hauser Centre, that gets things booming in a hurry. What this means is that you’ll be among fun, energetic people at a Raiders game and that’s always a good thing. Access 3 The Art Hauser Centre is situated near the outskirts of Prince Albert, in the southeast corner of town. Located near the corner of two major arteries, it is pretty easy to get there from anywhere in the city. Parking on site is free and there appears to be sufficient parking for everyone coming to the game. There is also a bus stop right outside of the rink, so public transit is an option. The downside is that there is only one way in or out of the parking lot, so leaving after the game is a bit of a lengthy ordeal considering the relatively few number of cars. Inside the arena, the Johnny Bower Lobby is roomy; the halls behind the stands and at the top of the stands, not so much. It can, therefore, be a little slow to move from your seats to the concessions or the washroom facilities. Return on Investment 5 Seats at the Art Hauser are $18.99 for adults, $14 for students and $9 for children, with standing room and luxury box locations also available. At that price, the level of entertainment is a bargain. You’ll be getting a quality product on the cheap which leaves you plenty of extra cash to buy a 50/50 ticket or some hockey tape at the concession stand. Extras 5 Once you’ve entered the Johnny Bower Lobby, you’ll see a large bronze statue of a goalie in honour of the late, great netminder. Behind the statue is a wall covered in glass plaques dedicated to key figures in the history of the Art Hauser Centre. Many of the rest of the walls throughout the Lobby as well as upstairs outside of the Ches Leach Lounge are covered in displays dedicated to the many members of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame, giving the place a real sense of the history in the community. Behind and below the south stands, the corridor leading to the far east of the stands is also the hallway through which the players travel from the locker rooms to the ice surface. Along this hallway you’ll find pictures of every Prince Albert Raiders team from 1971 to the present day, names of all the Raiders’ award winners and the Wall of Honour with plaques dedicated to the most critical members of the Raiders’ family over the years. The Raiders have a nice souvenir shop in the south corner of the Johnny Bower Lobby. All your needs for jerseys, hats, sweaters, keychains, etc. can be met here. A bonus for season ticket holders is a 10 percent discount for all purchases here. The team mascot, Riley Raider, makes the rounds before, during and after the game, shooting tee-shirts into the stands, encouraging chants and cheers, and entertaining the kids in the crowd. Out in the Lobby at the game I attended, several tables were set up raising funds for Saskatchewan’s annual Kinsmen Telemiracle campaign, a 32-year-old telethon that runs in support of people with disabilities; always a very worthy cause. Among the fundraisers for the day was also an auction for the extremely cool-looking special edition game-worn jerseys the Raiders wore that night. Lining the rafters in the stands are the many, many championship banners the Raiders have earned over the years. It’s a very impressive sight from anywhere in the rink. As things are ramping up to the start of the game, the Prince Albert Raiders theme song, “Go Raiders Go” by Russ Gurr, The Singing Farmer was played over the P.A. system. Having a classic 1970s vintage tune like that was a real treat to hear. This was followed up by Captain Tractor’s classic rendition of “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” which fits with the team’s pirate-themed current logo rather perfectly. Final Thoughts No, you’re not getting the great big monster event you might expect at an NHL game, but the more intimate, small town environment at a WHL game such as this has its own appeal. The Raiders have a good sense of tradition and do an excellent job remaining connected to their community. A trip up north to take in a game will be worth the effort.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rogers Place 10220 104 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5J 4Y8 Edmonton Oil Kings website Rogers Place website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 18,437 The Kings of Edmonton Hockey Since the Oilers arrived in Edmonton in 1972, junior hockey has been a tough sell. The original Oil Kings, founded in 1950, moved to Portland in 1976 following steadily waning attendance. But after a couple aborted attempts to revive junior hockey, the newly incarnated Oil Kings seem to have finally found their place in the community. The Oil Kings returned to Edmonton for the 2007-08 season and have been have found an audience. Owned and operated by the Katz Group, which also owns the NHL’s Oilers, the Oil Kings are drawing good crowds, and winning consistently. In fact, the Oil Kings won the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the 2011-12 season and the 2013-2014 season, as top team in the WHL and went to the Memorial Cup as the Western representatives. The Oil Kings went on to win the 2014 Memorial Cup, making them the best junior team in Canada that season. The Oil Kings spent most of their history playing at what is currently known as Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Colosseum). But starting in the fall of 2016, the Oil Kings have relocated to the new downtown arena, called Rogers Place. It is the newest, most modern arena in the hockey and without a doubt the premier place to watch the WHL. At almost a half billion dollars, the new downtown arena has spared no expense in making sure every trip to the building is an event, over and above whatever sport or concert you’ve come to watch. A detailed consultation process was conducted with the fans during the design phase. As a result, the facility has many design features that reflect the experience the fans wanted to have. Food & Beverage 4 As compared to the options available at Rexall, the food choices are a definite improvement. Regular concession stands have a relatively small selection to choose from, but each location has a slightly different menu, so have a look around before you settle on something. You’ll find all the expected options, from hot dogs to burgers, fountain pop to bottled water. If you’re into burgers with everything, try the Bobby Nick’s Burger ($12). The Jasper Ave. Chicken Burger ($10) is also quite tasty. Most concessions also have some basic adult beverage choices, if you’re looking for a glass of Molson Canadian or Coors Light ($11.50). There are typically also a couple of premium options available as well. There are also a couple of specialty stands around the several levels of concourse that feature interesting fare such as perogy nachos, butter chicken and chick peas, or smoked brisket sandwiches. You’ll also find four Pizza 73 locations around the building. If you’re looking for something a little more special, there are a few more places to check out. In the lower concourse, available to fans in the lower bowl, there are two club-style areas known as the Coventry Homes Club and the North Mezzanine Club, complete with tables for fans to gather around between periods. The concessions in these areas have an upgraded menu with some more exotic selections. On the main floor concourse, you’ll find the Molson Canadian Fan Deck, just outside the side of the rink, with a full-service bar and more food choices. Fans in the PCL Loge Level have access to two more choices in the River Valley Grill and the Carvery. Overlooking Ford Hall, the main entrance to Rogers Place, is Curve Restaurant, which is a reservation-only location on this floor as well. Sky Lounge is a premium seating club on the west end of the upper concourse which has a special menu and in-seat beverage service. Directly below it is the Sportsnet Club which also features premium seating and a unique menu. Out in Ford Hall, and accessible before and after games, is the Molson Canadian Hockey House, yet another option for dining at the rink, with a full list of food and beverage options. When you put it all together, there are more restaurants in Rogers Place than there were within several blocks of Rexall Place. This is a major upgrade. But don’t forget your pocketbook as the food options in this building are the priciest in any arena in Alberta. Atmosphere 3 The arena is decorated with images from Oilers history, making it clear who the number one tenant of this arena is. Just to the west of the main entrance is a Wayne Gretzky statue that was relocated here from Rexall Place when the Oilers moved. Through the glass behind the statue you can see the Oilers Hall of Fame room, which features memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, ON. All excellent stuff, but nothing to indicate that this is the home of the Oil Kings as well. Whether you enter Ford Hall from its main entrance, a block south of the main Rogers Place building, or through the main doors, this is a beautiful gathering area for fans prior to walking through the gates into the arena itself. Ford Hall is open year-round so folks visiting Edmonton’s downtown core can stop by and check it out. The main concourse is significantly wider than that of Rexall Place and several stories high, giving it an open, roomy feel. Once inside the seating bowl, you’ll also get a sense of spaciousness, from the wide seats (19”-22”, depending on where you’re sitting) and ample leg room to the significant elevation from ice level to the top of the upper bowl. Not that you have to worry about the upper bowl much anyway, as the Oil Kings don’t open the upper bowl most nights. With attendance usually in the 5,000-9,000 range, the lower bowl is more than adequate to house all the fans. If you go to one of the busier nights where the upper bowl is open, seats up there still don’t feel that far away from the game action, however, due to the upper levels being cantilevered out over the lower levels, bringing them much closer to the middle of the arena, giving even upper deck audiences a sense that they’re right on top of the game. The energy in the stands is also good. While the game is underway, ambient sound levels indicate a steady buzz of excitement, which can quickly spike when a goal is scored, a fight breaks out, or something else exciting happens. Neighbourhood 4 Rogers Place is situated on the north end of Edmonton’s downtown core. To the west of the rink is the main campus of MacEwan University. If you stick to those areas before and after games, you should have no troubles at all. North of the arena is a much less desirable part of town. Central McDougall isn’t the worst part of town, but you perhaps don’t want to find yourself alone after dark in that area. It is, in fact, hoped that setting Rogers Place up in that location will help to gentrify the neighbourhood, so this could improve over the next few years. Two blocks east and south of the arena is Sir Winston Churchill Square, a central gathering place for the city which is framed on three sides by Edmonton City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Winspear Centre for Music, and the main branch of the Edmonton Public Library. Very nice location to check out. On the southeast corner of Rogers Place is the Grand Villa Casino, so patrons of Rogers Place can stop in and try their luck at the slots or table games before or after seeing the Oilers. There are also two restaurants in the casino, adding to your dining options right in the main building. Match Eatery and Public House has a classic British Pub vibe, while Atlas Steak + Fish is a more upscale place. If you’re looking to grab a bite or a drink before or after games, you have a ton of good options within just a couple blocks of Rogers Centre. This again is a major upgrade compared to old Rexall Place. As noted above, you can always try the Molson Canadian Hockey House right in Ford Hall, if you want to eat right outside the main gates, or at Curve on the PCL Loge Level once the gates open. Across the street to the south west of Rogers Place is the Mercer Tavern which provides casual pub dining. Around the corner and sharing the same building is Rostizado , a Mexican eatery which is considered to be one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants. If you’re in the mood for steak, you can try the Chop Steakhouse. One of several Chop franchises around Canada, this is a good choice to satisfy your need for world-famous Alberta beef. Another good pub option is the Underground Tap and Grill, located just a block away from the Central LRT station. Underground features 72 beer taps, including the largest selection of Alberta-brewed beers in the province. If Italian food is your thing, there are a couple good choices. Pazzo Pazzo is a traditional Italian restaurant with all the dishes you’d expect to find. Just a couple blocks away you’ll also find Edmonton’s downtown Old Spaghetti Factory which also features a full Italian menu, including nine different spaghetti variations. Next door to the Old Spaghetti Factory is Haweli, which serves Indian food. If you’re looking for something a little spicier and more exotic, this is the place to try. Really, this is just scratching the surface. There are many, many more places nearby, from Harvey’s to Subway to Denny’s to Mikado Japanese to Sofra Authentic Turkish Cuisine and on and on. Fans 4 An average crowd for the Oil Kings is larger than the capacity of most WHL rinks, even if they rarely sell more than half the seats in Rogers Place. That level of enthusiasm for junior hockey is worth something all by itself. More than that, a large portion of the audience are wearing Oil Kings gear, showing their dedication to the team. Being a Canadian crowd these fans are hard core and they know their hockey. Crowd noise was good throughout the game, with the appropriate cheers and boos during exciting moments in the action. This shows them to be engaged with the game and attentive. Access 4 Getting to and from Rogers Place is fairly easy. There are almost 18,000 parking spots within a 10-minute walk of the arena. The Rogers Place website recommends that you use ParkingPanda.com to pre-purchase a spot to guarantee your place. This is probably a good practice to follow if you decide to make the drive downtown as there have been r umblings about price gouging for patrons who roll up to downtown parking without a reservation, with prices as high as $38 in some cases, although these extra-high prices have been for concerts and Oilers games, not Oil Kings games. The other popular option for getting to any sporting event in Edmonton is by way of the transit system. The MacEwan Light Rail Transit station is physically connected by a walkway to Rogers Place’s north side, while three other LRT stations—Bay Enterprise Square, Central, and Churchill—are all located within 10 minutes of the building. Transit tickets are $3.25 for adults, while children under five ride for free. Once inside Rogers Place, having five floors of concourse helps to spread people around a bit, although the luxury box and PCL Loge level concourses are underused, as you have to have a seat in that area to be granted access. The Mezzanine level and the main concourse remain busy between periods. With no one sitting in the upper bowl, there is generally nobody around the hallways up there either. Surprisingly, in a building as new as this, there are a number of pinch points in the flow of foot traffic around the concourses, some on the main floor, but also on the Mezzanine concourse, making the place seem much more crowded than one might expect. This could simply be a queuing issue as several concession washroom lines back up into the corridors and could be something that is solved over time by directing traffic more effectively. Speaking of the washrooms, lineups to both the men’s and women’s washrooms were surprisingly long considering that the arena was less than half full. As with the queuing challenges, this might be mitigated over time as fans figure out which washrooms have the least activity and begin to spread themselves around the building better. If there simply aren’t enough washrooms to adequately service the crowd, this may be a sore spot for people attending Rogers Place for years to come. Return On Investment 4 Oil Kings tickets run anywhere from $20 to $39, a bargain compared to Oilers tickets. That’s particularly the case since they’re basically all lower bowl seats that would cost 10 times as much to see an NHL game. You really can’t go wrong with the price for an Oil Kings game. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to see this shiny new arena, this is a great option. Extras 5 Over and above the hockey game, there are a ton of other things that add to the experience at Rogers Place. There is a Designated Driver program available onsite for fans that might have had a few drinks too many. This is an excellent idea that should be seen in more venues. Free Wi-Fi access is available to fans throughout the building, allowing fans to live Tweet games, check their emails and otherwise interact with the World Wide Web while onsite. Oil Kings mascot Louie the Lion helps keep the fans entertained around the arena, participating in giveaways during breaks in the action and making his way around the seating bowl to interact with the kids in the crowd. The Oilers Hall of Fame room, as mentioned earlier, is located right at the front of the building and can be seen through the glass by fans walking along the sidewalk in front of Rogers Place. Tours of the room are beginning in late 2016, allowing fans to get an even closer look at all the cool stuff in that space, including Wayne Gretzky’s rookie uniform and many other pieces of Oilers history. On the northeast corner of Rogers Place is the Edmonton Downtown Community Arena. Accessible from corridors inside the building, this arena is now home to the MacEwan University men’s and women’s hockey teams. It also serves as the Oilers’ and Oil Kings’ practice ice and it is also available as a public skating rink. There are TVs all over the building, so even if you step away from your seat for a few moments during a game, you can probably still keep an eye on the action from wherever you happen to be. Speaking of video, Rogers Place features the largest true HD scoreboard in the NHL (and NBA, if they played in Edmonton). At 14 metres wide by 11 metres tall, it dominates the space above the rink and provides a spectacular image from every angle. The Oilers Store can be found in a number of locations around the building giving fans an opportunity to stock up on all the Oil Kings and Oilers clothes and souvenirs they can carry. If you’re an art fan, Rogers Place has several special pieces for you. The floor of Ford Hall is adorned with a giant circular mosaic called Tsa Tsa Ke K’e (Iron Foot Place) by local artist Alex Janvier. The northwest plaza, adjacent to the MacEwan LRT station has a large sculpture called Essential Tree by realities:united, an art collective in Berlin. The northeast plaza features a red circular sculpture called Skater’s Arch by Saskatchewan artist Douglas Bentham. And directy above the main entrance to the Downtown Community Arena is a piece that combines sculpture and painting called 9 Figures In Motion With A Puck by local artist Al Henderson. As an added bonus, you’ll also find a cell phone charging stations in the concourse for Rogers Mobility customers with low batteries. Rogers Place is the first NHL rink in Canada to be LEED-Silver certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly arenas in North America. Final Thoughts Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple hours just checking the place out. This is likely to only get better as more features get added over time. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress most everyone. If you’re a hockey fan and you’re looking for the chance to see the newest, hottest arena in western Canada, Rogers Place is definitively a place to check out.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Calgary Hitmen website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,283 Hitmen, Take Two The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Hitmen’s success has extended all the way to the NHL. They’ve had more than three dozen players make it to the pro ranks, including stars Ryan Getzlaf, Brad Stuart and Andrew Ladd. Although the Wranglers played in the old Stampede Corral, the Hitmen play next door in the much larger Scotiabank Saddledome. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and have been home to the Calgary Flames from Day One. The ‘Dome is now also the home of the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks and, of course, the Hitmen. At almost 30 years of age, the Saddledome is starting to show some signs of age, but it has seen a number of renovations along the way to keep things fresh. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome. All the typical fare is available at the main concessions at pretty typical prices, whether you’re looking for a hot dog, fries, nachos or popcorn. You will also find Pizza 73, Good Earth Coffee and a Jugo Juice for fans who want something a little different. The Jugo Juice station also has some healthy options, such as the chicken wrap, for the more health conscious among us. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the game I attended was fairly laid back and relaxed; no big energy, no loud cheering. This perhaps can be partly attributed to spreading 7,000 fans around a stadium built to accommodate 19,000. The Avison Young section of the lower bowl (the premium seats) was about half empty and there were very few people above about the 10th row of the upper bowl. With large spaces left largely unoccupied, building a bunch of excitement and intensity in the stands seemed like a challenge. To be fair, Calgary crowds in general tend to be fairly subdued. Also, the Hitmen historically have drawn even bigger crowds to the ‘Dome, which would typically bring up the crowd noise. And overall, although the Saddledome never did rock during the game, it looked like the audience was engaged and enjoying things just fine. Neighborhood 3 The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds, just south and east of the downtown core. The immediate vicinity, known as Victoria Park, isn’t the best neighborhood in town by a long shot. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with skyscraping condo complexes growing up in a couple locations to the immediate north as well as across the street to the west. And most of those complexes have some kind of restaurant or bar on the ground floor. Just a few blocks due west of the Stampede Grounds on 17th Ave you’ll find a string of clubs and bars that have come to be known as “The Red Mile.” Among the most popular is Melrose Place, right in the heart of things. You’ll also find the Ship and Anchor Pub, which has been repeatedly named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary by local publication “Fast Forward Weekly.” You’ll also find my favorite local Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero, on the east end of the Red Mile. Fans 4 Historically, the Hitmen have drawn some of the biggest crowds ever in the WHL. According to their Wikipedia page in 2004-05 they were the first Canadian Hockey League team to average 10,000 fans per game. This year (2012-2013) the Hitmen average attendance of just over 8,600 is a little more modest than that record-breaking season, but that’s still more than the capacity of every other Alberta WHL rink except Rexall Place in Edmonton. In fact, they have been over the 10,000 mark three times in the 2012-2013 season. As noted above, the crowd is generally low-key but attentive to the game. They know their hockey and they respond appropriately to the hits, the goals and the referees’ calls. Access 3 Calgary has the second highest downtown parking rates in North America, behind only New York City . So if you drive down to the Stampede Grounds, expect to pay for the privilege-parking on the grounds which will run you $13 and, depending on what other events might be going on around the area, might fill up quickly. There are also choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking options. A few local residents rent out yard space for parking and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking. The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. Expect the usual stop-and-go delays that go hand-in-hand with traveling downtown in a city of more than a million people. Another good option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end which has a connecting walkway that will take you directly to the Saddledome. The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city running north and south, so it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $2.75, youths are $1.75. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to see the Calgary Hitmen run anywhere from $16 to $36 while students and children can get into the cheap seats for $12 each. Compared to the price of a Flames game to see NHL hockey this is a real bargain. For the great price, you can count on seeing a quality hockey game in a good location. Extras 4 There are a number of added extras when you come see the Hitmen at the ‘Dome. The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. For example, there is a substantial exhibit remembering the excitement of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were held, in large part, at the Saddledome. You could probably spend the entire game in the concourse looking at and reading all the displays, so there’s lots to check out. You’ll also find a couple locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs, including clothing and knick-knacks for all three of the ‘Dome’s regular residents: the Hitmen, the Flames, and the Calgary Roughnecks. Roaming the stands during the game, and taking part in activities between periods, team mascot Farley the Fox keeps the kids entertained throughout the event. Looking up into the rafters, you’ll see the large row of championship banners amassed during the Hitmen’s history, along with the Flames’ and Roughnecks’ banners. Final Thoughts Overall, the Hitmen do a nice job of keeping the fans entertained. Taking in a game is well worth it.

Photos by Will Harpen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St. Charlotte, NC 28202 Charlotte FC website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,412 Soccer Thrives in the Queen City Major League Soccer has rapidly increased in popularity over the last quarter-century from a small league drawing several thousand in cavernous football stadiums to a league with teams in every corner of the US and Canada playing in intimate but raucous soccer-specific stadiums. In most cases, these stadiums are requirements for a ticket into MLS, but some successful exceptions have included Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders both setting attendance records, putting soccer on the map in their respective cities and regions, and vaulting in being selected as two of the host cities of the 2026 World Cup. Over the past decade, the Carolinas was passed over during each round of MLS expansion. Charlotte tried to put itself in the mix during that time, but the wait finally ended on December 17, 2019, when the city was awarded an expansion club in the league for the 2022 season. The team would play in Bank of America Stadium, an NFL-sized venue that it would share with the Carolina Panthers. There are risks in playing in a stadium of this size; this wasn't any in this case, as the Carolinas quickly embraced the new franchise with a league record of 74,479 in attendance on opening night. The record-setting MLS attendance on opening night continued throughout their inaugural season. Charlotte FC finished second behind Atlanta in average attendance with an impressive 35,260. Soccer is thriving in the Queen City. Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide variety of offerings at Bank of America Stadium. The concession stands throughout the concourse offer everything from regional to traditional favorites. The items include hot dogs, bottomless popcorn, nachos, and Dominos Pizza round out some of the more standard fares. For local favorites turned regional chain Bojangles offers Chicken Supremes and Bo Fries, and premium Loaded Nachos (pulled pork or chicken topped with BBQ, sauce pico de gallo, roasted corn, and jalapenos) Carolina Nachos (pulled pork or chicken topped with cheese, BBQ sauce, and jalapenos). There is premium and domestic beer, fresh lemonade, and Coca-Cola products with free refill stations are some of the beverages offered, and Dippin Dots Ice Cream is for dessert. There is also a little convenience store area offering snacks and drinks throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 4 Bank of America Stadium offers an incredible atmosphere for soccer, much as it does for football, which may surprise some people because the seats are wide and comfortable. The seating bowl is also 360 degrees offering a great view of the pitch even if you are in the upper bowl, as well as two large video scoreboards on both ends of the stadium. In most games, however, the upper bowl is closed, but this may not be the case as ticket demand rises and Charlotte FC starts to become more of a fixture in the community. The concourse, while crowded, is easy to navigate. There are giant screens throughout, so you won’t miss any action while stocking up on food and beverage. There is also a photo booth, team painting, and a large team store to stock up on the blue and white. Once the upper bowl is open for every match, the stadium has the potential to be among the loudest in MLS. Neighborhood 5 Bank of America Stadium is a short walk away from countless restaurants, bars, entertainment, and all that Uptown Charlotte offers. The establishments include Fuel Pizza, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, French Quarter Restaurant, and Mimosa Grill. The Epicenter houses a variety of restaurants, including the 24/7 Redeye Diner. Adjacent to the French Quarter is the Valhalla pub and eatery modeled after a European soccer pub, further adding a more soccer feel to the city. Charlotte is the state's largest city, with a metro population of over 2.6 million people. There are various entertainment and sports options. Truist Field is near the stadium and home to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. A bit further away is the Spectrum Center that houses the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. While not within walking distance is the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, who play at the Bojangles Coliseum. Other things to occupy your time include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Mint Museum, Imaginon Children's Library and Theater, and the US National Whitewater Center. Charlotte is also home to an Amtrak, Greyhound station, and a major international airport for those traveling in and out of town. The city is accessible by car via major interstates I-85 and I-77. The Lynx Light rail will take you throughout the city, with the closest stop being 3rd and Tryon. Fans 5 The fanbase is still buzzing from the electric atmosphere of the inaugural campaign and first home match. Opening night drew an MLS record of 74,479 fans and, throughout the season, was second in the MLS at 35,260 this season on average. There are five recognized supporter sections: Mint City Collective, Southbound and Crown, Crown Town Syndicate Carolina Hooliganz, and Blue Furia. Fans from throughout the Carolinas came out for Charlotte FC, and the atmosphere was electric, leaving no doubt that MLS made the right choice by expanding to Charlotte. There are also natural rivalries with other clubs in the southeast, such as Atlanta United, DC United, and others. The fans are also incredibly knowledgeable about the beautiful game; with the recent color change of the Charlotte Knights, three of Queen City’s professional teams have Carolina Blue, silver, white and black colors, along with their co-tenant Carolina Panthers. There is becoming a more common color theme of the sports franchise within Charlotte, but soccer and its emerging fan base throughout the country are loud and proud at Charlotte FC matches. Access 4 Bank of America Stadium is easy to access both by car and public transportation. There is a fair amount of parking, with generally half the attendance of Panthers games; parking is a little bit easier to find around the stadium. There are also a lot of parks and ride lots that utilize Lynx Light Rail, including stops at the Carson, Stonewall, and Convention Center stations. There is also parking throughout Uptown Charlotte that you can utilize for easy walking to the stadium. There is no reserved handicapped parking but handicapped seating throughout the stadium at the front of most sections. The stadium offers a ramp and elevator for the higher levels of the venue. Return on Investment 4 Parking and ticket prices vary, but they are not too expensive: ticket and parking average about 25-30 dollars each on the low end. The food tends to be a little pricey, with a hot dog, bottomless popcorn, and beer costing $6, $7, and $12, respectively. A Charlotte FC match with tickets, parking, food, and drink could round around $70-$80 on the low end, which may sound like a lot but is becoming the standard at most top-level professional sporting events. Extras 3 Charlotte FC earns a point for setting an MLS attendance record and a second point for making the stadium very prominent with signage, colors, and a large team store. The team is not an afterthought at the home of the Panthers. The final point is for the five fantastic and loud supporters section that helped lead the rest of the fans in singing, chanting, and cheering before, during, and after the ninety-minute match. Final Thoughts There were questions about whether soccer would be embraced in the Carolinas and whether Bank of America Stadium would be too large of a stadium. Those questions were shattered and put to rest when 74,000-plus attended the opening match. There is more to achieve for the blue and black on the pitch in the seasons to come, but it is clear that Charlotte FC has made its mark in the queen city.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Colisee Financiere Sun Life 111 2e Rue Ouest Rimouski, QC G5L 4X3 Rimouski Oceanic website Colisee Financiere Sun Life website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,062 Le plus jeune propriétaire dans les sports For those people who feel that they have done a lot in their young lives, the example of the Rimouski Océanic is presented here. The Océanic are one of the rock solid franchises in the Québec Major Junior Hockey League. They have won the President’s Cup as league champions in 2000, 2005 and 2015 and even won the penultimate Memorial Cup, as Canadian Hockey League Champions in 2000. Rimouski has been home to such NHL stars as Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier and some guy named Sidney Crosby. In 2009, Rimouski hosted the Memorial Cup tournament. All of this since they moved near the Gaspé region of Québec in 1995 and they are currently owned by Alexandre Tanguay … who is in his twenties. The Rimouski Océanic were originally the Sherbrooke Castors in 1969. In 1982 they moved to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The move to Rimouski was facilitated by former owner and furniture magnate Maurice Tanguay. In 2016, Maurice would transfer his ownership stake to his grandson Alexandre at age 23. The younger Tanguay has a prominent role in the day to day operations of the team, which provides one of the best experiences in the entire QMJHL. Home for the Océanic is the Colisée Financière Sun Life, which was built in 1966 and formerly known as the Colisée de Rimouski. The city owned Colisée, like many QMJHL venues, is a classic barn-like venue which has received significant upgrades to bring it up to Major Junior hockey standards. The Colisée is a pleasant surprise and the Océanic experience is one that will rival any other in the QMJHL. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Colisée Financière Sun Life are fairly average. There is not a ton of space in the arena. There are three small concessions in the corners on the ice level. There are also three main concessions in the concourses. All of the expected items are available, including pogos, chicken fingers, chicken wings, hot dogs ($3), burgers, fries, cotton candy, chocolate and popcorn ($4.50). Of course, it just wouldn’t be Québec without poutine. A variety of different poutines are for sale in the concourse concessions. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice. Atmosphere 4 Built in 1966 with a capacity of over 5,000, Colisée Financière Sun Life is a perfect venue for a QMJHL team in a community like Rimouski. The barn-like structure is common throughout the league and is slightly modified in Rimouski. The roof is a little flatter and the original capacity is a little larger than some of the smaller rinks that required modification. However, the exterior shows that the Colisée was modified to add a main entrance, which is on the north side of the building. The front exterior is sharp, with lots of glass and a huge Océanic logo. The First Nations artwork in front of the arena gives it a very unique feel, with some local flavour. Inside the main atrium, the Océanic honour their tradition of producing some of the best NHL players with pictures on the doors of Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards and of course, Sidney Crosby. The seating bowl is a healthy mix of old and new. The rafters are classic hardwood and give the arena that old-school feel to it. Sight lines around the rink are fantastic. Three sections around centre ice are for club seating, while the rest of the arena features comfortable, modern seats. The rink runs from north to south and the perfect spot for the centre ice picture is from the east side of the building. In the rafters a number of banners hang, showcasing the great tradition of Océanic hockey. Banners for the on ice success for Rimouski hang proudly, including three Trophée Jean-Rougeau and three Coupe du Président banners join the ultimate honour, the 2000 Memorial Cup Champions banner. There is also a banner that honours the 28 game undefeated streak to begin the 2004 season. Two different types of banners hang in the rafters to honour players. The Océanic have retired the numbers of Jonathan Beaulieu, Michel Oulette, Allan Sirois, Brad Richards and Vincent Lecavalier. They join the banner for former owner Maurice Tanguay who has won it all with the Océanic. On the other side of the arena there are banners honouring Alain Côté, Louis Sleigher, Serge Bernier and Donald Dufresne. All are products of the Gaspé area and the Rimouski minor hockey system. It is just a matter of time until Sidney Crosby’s number 87 is also retired in Rimouski. The game day production is about what you would expect from a QMJHL experience. The Océanic use modern lighting on the ice and LED lights to modernize the production a bit. The PA system is quite good and clear and the video board is perfect for the size of the arena. Everything in the arena is loud, especially the ship horn which signifies an Océanic goal. The Océanic mascot, a seal named Loucky, participates on the ice, in the pregame festivities and makes his way through the stands, interacting with fans during the game. Neighbourhood 3 Rimouski is located right on the south shore on the St. Lawrence River. The city is quite picturesque at the waterfront. The arena is not located in a downtown area and there are only a couple of spots available for a pre or post game meal. St. Hubert is a Québec staple and probably a spot that needs trying when in the province. Another spot worth trying is Rétro 50, an old school, fifties style diner. For fans looking for other things to do in Rimouski, any of the traditional Québec outdoor winter activities are prevalent in the Gaspé area. These would include skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Spots in the city that are interesting include a tour of the HMCS Onondaga or the Point-au-Père Lighthouse. As far as sporting options, there are not too many others in the area. There are some athletic teams that play at the UQAR, but that is about it. Fans wishing to stay in the Rimouski area will probably want to head towards the waterfront. Hôtel Le Navigateur and Hôtels Gouverneur Rimouski are decent options for accommodations. Fans 4 The fan situation in Rimouski is curious. On first glance of the numbers, it seems that there is significant room for improvement. In the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons, the Océanic have averaged approximately 3,300 fans per game. This is well below capacity and places them 5th or 6th in the QMJHL. This is just above the mid-point for the small league. However, the game that was reviewed was a different story. A near capacity crowd was loud and proud throughout the game and noisemakers were definitely part of the equation. Perhaps with the playoffs around the corner and the Océanic poised for a decent run, the fans had made a surge and bumped their mark up. Access 3 The Colisée is located in the middle of Rimouski, south of highway 132, east of highway 232 and north of Autoroute 20. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all, given the relatively small size of the city. Parking is free in the Colisée parking lot. There are some public transit options that will require more research. Fans should check out the Ville de Rimouski website for more details on Taxibus and Citébus. The ticketing and main gate area are located in the north side atrium. There is plenty of space available and fans will not have to worry too much about lineups. That being said, getting around the arena can be very difficult. Concourses are extremely narrow and the concessions that are at ice level make getting around almost impossible during an intermission. Return on Investment 5 QMJHL hockey provides a return on investment that is second to none and Rimouski is a shining example. Tickets for the Océanic are extremely affordable with adult tickets going for $16.50 and club seats priced at $19. There are also discounts for students, seniors and children. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. The product on the ice is very strong. With such a small investment, bringing the entire family out to the game is a real possibility without having to drop a mortgage payment on the affair. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Océanic’s ability to groom some of the NHL’s best ever. Crosby, Richards and Lecavalier headline the list of former Rimouski players and all have won a Stanley Cup. An extra mark for the Océanic’s rivalry with the Québec Remparts. An extra mark for the brilliant job of blending the old with the new in the Colisée. An extra mark for breaking the mold and having the youngest owner going. Final Thoughts Having passed off the Rimouski Océanic to his grandson Alexandre Tanguay, Maurice Tanguay must be proud of how his team has continued. The Océanic continue to be a solid franchise in the QMJHL and have continued to enjoy success on and off the ice. They are truly one of the best experiences in the league and worth the trip to the south shore area. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Centre Videotron 250-B Boul. Wilfrid-Hamel Québec City, QC G1L 5A7 Canada Quebec Remparts website Centre Videotron website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 18,259 Le foyer des Nordiques du Québec à l’avenir In 1995 the Québec Nordiques of the NHL moved from Québec City to Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche would win the Stanley Cup in their first year in Colorado, adding salt to the wound of the Nordiques fans. Hockey history is strong in the capital city of Québec and plans to bring the NHL back to town began to flourish. The first part of the plan involved the QMJHL. In 1997 the Québec Remparts returned to the Colisée Pepsi, moving from Beauport. With hockey returning to Québec, the next part of the plan was up to the fans. Fans came out to support the Remparts in droves providing attendance numbers unseen in the entire Canadian Hockey League, let alone the QMJHL. With the ownership of hometown hero Patrick Roy for a number of years, the Remparts flourished. The current iteration of the Remparts is actually the second to call Québec City home. The original run went from 1969 to 1985 and the original Remparts eventually moved to Longueuil and then Verdun before folding in 1994. Both versions of the team have seen success with each version winning a Memorial Cup. The 1971 and 2006 Memorial Cup championship continued the winning tradition in Québec City. The next part of the plan may be the most important. With the support of current Remparts owner, communications giant Québecor, the city and province of Québec built a brand new, NHL ready facility in Centre Vidéotron. Located right next door to the venerable Colisée Pepsi, the new facility opened in 2015 and is just waiting for the NHL to make a return. However, until that day comes, the Québec City fans continue to come out to support their Remparts in droves and continue to prove to the NHL that their town is as much a hotbed of hockey as anywhere. Food & Beverage 4 Centre Vidéotron is ready for the major leagues and the concessions in the arena are also ready for the big time. There are a number of different concessions in the main concourse on the 100 level which is where nearly all of the fans are for a Remparts game. All of the expected items are available including hot dogs ($4.50), burgers, fries, pizza ($8.75), pretzels, popcorn ($6.50) and nachos. No Québec location would be complete without the Québecois staple, poutine and it is available as well. A decent variety of ice creams can be found at the major concession areas for fans with the sweet tooth. Other options that are a little more original include soups and gourmet salads as well as a variety of sandwiches including a Philly Cheesesteak. One of the biggest concession areas is also the one you would expect the least … the sushi concession. Coca-Cola products ($4/$5) are the featured soda at Centre Vidéotron. Other soft drinks include Van Houtte coffee and hot chocolate as well as water and juice. A few alcoholic beverage options are also available. The beer selection includes Budweiser, Bud Light and Corona as well as local beers from the Archibald Microbrasserie. Wine is also available at concessions. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at a Remparts game is excellent. It begins with the approach to Centre Vidéotron. Located on the Exhibition grounds and right beside Colisée Pepsi, the improvement between the two venues is immediately noticeable. Centre Vidéotron is a sleek, rounded design, looking far more modern than many throwback-looking venues. The exterior is light and silver and from first glance looks like it is a major sports venue. Upon entering Centre Vidéotron, fans are thrust into the main atrium which also houses security. A large team store can be accessed from this level and once fans are past security it is up the stairs or escalator to the main concourse level. Concourses are wide and bright with a few tables for different local causes and the Remparts fan group. One stop that must be made in the concourse is the Gardien Ultime, where fans can test their goaltending abilities in a virtual reality environment. Pillars in the main concourse are wrapped with pictures of players, fans and local celebrities, including a pillar featuring legendary Université Laval Rouge et Or football coach Glen Constantin. The concourse is open concept, behind the top row in the lower level of the seating bowl. The state of the art video board is immediately in view. It is not as oppressively large as will be found in many major facilities, however it is a decent size and crystal clear. The technology continues to be in focus with two rings of ribbon boards around the arena and a crystal clear audio system. Tradition then takes over with a plethora of banners hanging above the ice. The south side of the video board features older banners for Québec teams. These include Allan Cup, Alexander Cup and Edimbourg Trophy banners for the Québec Aces, an amateur Québec Hockey League team that turned professional and had a bit of a run in the American Hockey League. Their most famous son was the 1951-1953 run of Montréal Canadiens legend, Jean Béliveau, who has a banner recognizing this achievement. Banners honouring retired Québec Nordiques numbers for Jean-Claude Tremblay, Marc Tardif, Michel Goulet and Peter Stastny hang proudly with the 1977 Avco Cup banner. There are even banners highlighting Stanley Cup Championships in 1912 and 1913 for the Québec Bulldogs and the retired number of former Bulldog, Joe Malone. The north side of the video board is dedicated to the achievements of both incarnations of the Remparts. Four Coupes du Président and the 1971 and 2006 Memorial Cups are immortalized here. Numbers of former Remparts Real Cloutier, Guy Chouinard, André Savard and Guy Lafleur from the first incarnation of the Remparts are joined by the retired numbers of Simon Gagné, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Alexander Radulov and former coach and general manager, Patrick Roy. The ice surface runs from north to south and the west side of the arena is the spot to get the perfect centre ice picture. The south end of the arena, at the concourse level has the Rempart, where fans turn the claxon which signals the beginning of the period or a Remparts goal. Even with the upper level curtained off, which is common in the Canadian Hockey League for clubs who play in NHL venues, the production at Centre Vidéotron is nothing but professional. The in game production is smooth and the Remparts use all of their technology in a professional manner, thinking details right through to the end. Champion, the Remparts mascot, makes his way through the crowd and has a presence on the ice in pregame ceremonies. Neighbourhood 4 Québec City is an excellent tourist destination. Centre Vidéotron is located northwest of Old Québec, the main tourist destination. There are a few spots of note in the immediate area. On the opposite side of Autoroute Laurentienne is a large shopping mall which contains a few spots to grab a bite before the game. East Side Mario’s, Restaurant Normandin and Valentine are all right there along with other chains. In Old Québec there are tons of options. Café Buade is the oldest restaurant in Québec City and definitely worth the spot. Others include Le Petit Château, Brasserie Française chez Jules and D’Orsay Restaurant. This list just scratches the surface in Old Québec. Other sporting options in Québec City surround Université Laval. The Rouge et Or are probably the premier football program in USports and play at Stade Telus. Among other sports, the Rouge et Or also compete in basketball at PEPS. The Exhibition grounds, where Centre Vidéotron is located, also host other events. Across Autoroute Laurentienne is Salon de jeux Québec, which is the local casino. In Old Québec it is Carnaval de Québec which is the biggest tourist attraction. Visitors will most definitely want to wander around Old Québec, a walled city, and check out the Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham, where the final battle between the English and French took place. Hôtel & Suites Normandin is probably the best bet for fans who desire to stay close to Centre Vidéotron. However, if it is the full Québec experience that is desired, staying at the Château Frontenac is the way to go. Fans 5 Québec City fans are proving that they are ready for an NHL return and have been doing so for a number of years. The Remparts dominate attendance figures in the QMJHL. Each season averaging between 9,000 and 10,000 fans per game, the Remparts have a lock on the highest attendance in the Q. As compared to the rest of the Canadian Hockey League, Québec is consistently in the top four. The Remparts have also taken their turn with the top attendance in the entire CHL and usually compete with the Calgary Hitmen and Edmonton Oil Kings for that honour. Fans at Centre Vidéotron are a little more laid back than expected. However, in a playoff atmosphere or for a big game, the Remparts faithful can get very loud. Fans are knowledgeable and love to get on the case of the referee. Access 5 Centre Vidéotron is located in the Lairet neighbourhood of Québec City, northwest of Old Québec. It is nestled neatly between major highways Autoroute 973 and Autoroute 40. Getting to Centre Vidéotron by car is not very difficult and the Exhibition grounds are very large with plenty of parking. Fans wishing to get to Centre Vidéotron by public transit are in luck. There are buses that travel Avenue du Colisée and Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel. Check out the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale website for maps, fares and schedules. The ticketing area is in the main atrium, which is expansive and spacious. Getting around Centre Vidéotron is not difficult. Although the attendance for Remparts games is among the highest in the CHL, it is still not close to capacity. Combined with the open concept, wide concourses moving around the arena is not difficult at all. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate. Return on Investment 5 Major Junior hockey in Canada remains a top tier value. Adult tickets for the Remparts can be found for an astonishing $17 to $19. Significant discounts for children, students and seniors are also available. The opportunity to see top notch hockey in a professional building such as Centre Vidéotron is not to be missed. Remparts tickets are even a bargain compared to Ontario Hockey League experiences. Fans who drive will be required to pay around $8 for parking. Concession prices are also decent. Overall, the Québec Remparts are an experience where the return can’t get too much better for the investment put forward by fans. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique use for the old Colisée Pepsi. As of this writing, Colisée Pepsi is being used as a training facility for Cirque du Soleil. An extra mark for maintaining the history of Québec hockey in Centre Vidéotron with Québec Aces and Nordiques banners along with Remparts honours. An extra mark for a community that is doing all of the right things to bring the National Hockey League back to town. Final Thoughts It seems like it’s just a matter of time until there is a National Hockey League team back in Québec City. When that happens, it will no doubt signal the return of the Nordiques. However, until that point in time, the Québec Remparts are a wonderful opportunity to see an amazing facility in one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The Remparts offer a return on investment that is as good as you can get. The main question is, what are you waiting for? Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Marcel Dionne 300 rue Cockburn Drummondville, QC J2C 4L6 Drummondville Voltigeurs website Centre Marcel Dionne website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,000 Allez Voltigeurs! On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. With a modest population of 70,000, Drummondville captures the essence of Quebec hockey. The pride of Drummondville includes their junior hockey team, the Voltigueurs, and their favorite son, Marcel Dionne. Dionne was both infamous and the second most-famous Los Angeles King (behind only Wayne Gretzky), and arguably the player that gave the most to the franchise. As part of the Triple Crown Line, Dionne was a staple of the Kings, and regularly finds time to return to his hometown of Drummondville. The Voltigeurs are the second incarnation of major junior hockey in Drummondville. An expansion team in 1982, the Voltigeurs are named after a Quebec-based regiment that fought the Americans in the War of 1812. They followed the original QMJHL team, the Drummondville Rangers, which played from 1969 to 1974. Currently owned by Jean-Guy Rene, Roger Dubois, and Michel Parizeau, the Voltigeurs have enjoyed moderate success, making it to the Memorial Cup 3 times, and winning the President’s Trophy as the top team in the QMJHL in 2009. Their most famous alumni include NHL greats Steve Duschene and Daniel Briere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Centre Marcel Dionne are very ordinary. You are only going to find staple products that you would find in any arena, including hot dogs, popcorn, soda and nachos. There are only a couple of concession stands, and there are numerous vending machines to compliment those stands. The featured sodas are Pepsi products, and the beer available is Molson Export and Coors Light. Prices are decent, but a lack of variety is evident. Atmosphere 4 Centre Marcel Dionne is one of those arenas that sends you back in time. It has the feel of a community arena where your own kids would play house league hockey. The exterior is nothing spectacular, and could easily be driven right past without even noticing it. Once inside that community feel takes over. There is not much standing room where the ticket windows are. There is an opportunity to visit with the local early-birds or check out the various displays, including the large Marcel Dionne display. Once inside, the seating bowl looks like it is from another time. The seating bowl is small and steep, offering fantastic sightlines. The arena features wooden seats, which although are not the most comfortable, are terribly historic. The scoreboard is simple with a 4 sided projected video screen. Above the ice surface you will find the retired numbers of great Voltigeurs of the past including Steve Duschene, Ian Laperriere, Denis Gauthier, Steve Chartrand, Rene Corbet and Daniel Briere. At the far end of the arena you will find the modest banners from successful Voltigeur seasons, including the 2009 President’s Trophy banners. Throughout the arena there are various photos showcasing the hometown team. One of the more unique features of Centre Marcel Dionne is the giant Voltiguer banner which drops and shakes at key moments. Very simple, yet very unique. Neighborhood 2 The Centre Marcel Dionne is a community arena, located in a suburban area. There are not a ton of options in the immediate area for pre and post-game fare. Within a couple of minutes in the car you will find some recognizable chains, including Boston Pizza, East Side Marios and Quebec rotisserie chicken chain, St.Hubert. Fans 4 The Noise!! Drummondville fans are extremely loud! This is probably the only place that I have been that has not banned air horns. The air horn is a favourite of the Drummondville fan, and they use them liberally! The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. They were willing to talk about their beloved hometown team and the prospects that the Voltigeurs would have in the upcoming playoffs. The attendance at Voltigeur games is a bit of a disappointment, as they average just under 2,500 for the season, putting them in the bottom third of the league. Access 3 Getting to the arena is not too difficult as it is located just north of Boul St.Joseph, a couple of kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway. There is some parking on site that is free of charge if you are early enough. Once inside, however the concourses around the outside of the seating bowl do not encircle the arena, and are extremely narrow. Washroom facilities are also not the greatest. Return on Investment 5 It is ridiculous what a great deal a Voltigeurs game is. Top level junior hockey combined with free parking, good concession prices and unreal ticket prices equals great value. This is absolutely family entertainment. Voltigeur tickets go for $15 each, with seats for children going for a ridiculous $6. Unbelievable! Extras 2 An extra mark for the waving banner. Very unique! An extra mark for that hometown feel to a Voltigeurs game. Final Thoughts A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time, and a great group of fans who know how to be loud.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Eastlink Centre 46 Kensington Rd Charlottetown, PEI C1A 5H7 Charlottetown Islanders website Eastlink Centre website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 3,718 The Islanders of Prince Edward Island The Charlottetown Civic Centre (as it was originally known) was built as the principal venue for the 1991 Canada Winter Games and in 1993, became home to the PEI Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL). The mid-nineties saw every AHL franchise moved out of the maritime region. The Senators were no exception and moved to Binghamton, New York after four seasons in PEI. In 2003, the arena was renovated in anticipation of the junior team. Seats were added down to glass level in multiple locations, and luxury suites were built. The Islanders franchise started out as the Montreal Rocket, named after legendary Montreal Canadien, Maurice “Rocket” Richard. In 2003, the QMJHL expanded outside Quebec, adding teams in several Maritime cities. With the Rockets experiencing financial woes, the team moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and became the PEI Rocket. Excitement for the new team was evident; the first two seasons saw average attendance of well above 3,000 per game. However, the team struggled on and off the ice in the subsequent years. Attendance steadily decreased, managed only one playoff series win through the 2013 season, and was experiencing financial troubles once again. Charlottetown was in danger of losing its team until a local ownership group stepped in and bought the franchise in 2013. The new ownership group re-branded the team with help from the fans. They sought a new team name that best represented the area and people of their city. In the end, fans voted for the “Islanders” as their team name by a large margin. The new brand has turned the tide of the junior hockey club as attendance figures are rising again. Food & Beverage 4 Eastlink Centre offers a unique variety of food and drink options. Concession stands are found throughout the arena in the concourse and portal areas. The lines and wait time during intermissions are fairly long, as only a few staff works at the smaller stands. The quality of the food is about as expected at a stadium. Some of the unique menu items include poutine, popcorn chicken, pulled pork (in sandwich or poutine form), mozza sticks, slushies, candy bars, and a delicious looking dessert with Funnel Fries, cinnamon, ice cream and chocolate, called “Ice Cream Poutine.” For vegetarians, your options for a high protein meal are non-existent. For your thirst, Coca-Cola products are offered in both bottle and fountain style. Beer taps and bottles are full of Moosehead brewery products. All alcohol is served separately from concessions stands. Prices for food and beverage range from $2-$5 for regular menu items and $7-$8 for unique items. Combos are available to save a few bucks. Vendors do not walk the aisle; you will need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Overall concession stands are well maintained, clean, and have a nice modern look with the menu on video boards. Recommendation: Eat before heading to the game and grab a snack, drink, or dessert at the game. Atmosphere 3 The arena is only a small part of the complex, which also includes a convention hall, a casino, and a horseracing grandstand. The long, large building has an industrial look and feel. The facade is fashioned from good quality masonry block on the bottom portion of the building, and a plain blue corrugated metal skin on the top. The long horizontal exterior walls without varying the rhythm or materials, makes the building look exceptionally long and boring. Inside, the seating bowl is small and intimate, with every seat close to the action. The seating arrangement is almost symmetrical with 14 seating rows on each side of the rink. The blue plastic seats are close together with no cup holders. A few luxury suites are along one side of the rink with the press box located above them. A lounge above section 5 is available for all ticketed patrons above the age of 19. Here you will find food and drink options, seating tables, and TV screens. The scoreboard hanging from centre ice is small and simple. Video is projected onto screens in every corner of the rink. But the bright lights in the arena and the low quality projected screen make it hard to follow the puck in replays. Although dance and jock rock songs are played in attempt to raise the energy in the arena, fans get more into the music when classic hockey and maritime songs come on later in the game. In-game promotions are simple and effective. Noisemakers are available to pick up before heading into the arena. The in-game host keeps fans entertained during intermissions and commercial breaks with his good, quick-witted humour. Young kids get a chance to play on the ice during one of the intermissions to the delight of the fans. The mascot “Sly” shows up sparingly, and is not a part of in-game festivities. The best seats are at the sides of the rink and not on the ends. The side seats have good viewing angles so you see all the action on the ice. From the end seats you will not see a puck cross the goal line, especially if you have fans sitting in front of you. Neighborhood 3 Charlottetown has a rich history that is very welcoming to tourists. The city is most famous for the 1864 Charlottetown Accord where delegates gathered to discuss, and eventually agree upon the initial concept of a Canadian Confederation. Province House, the location of that 1864 conference, remains the city’s centerpiece. Visit Confederation Landings Park to learn more about this historic event and the growth of Charlottetown as a city. The downtown historic area and waterfront with beautiful old sandstone and masonry buildings provide inviting walks for tourists. Eastlink Centre is located away from downtown, at the north end of Charlottetown. The arena is tucked away between a largely residential neighborhood, and light industrial buildings, with no bars and a few fast food restaurants, making it more of a commuter venue. This means fans travel to the game and leave right after the final horn, instead of sticking around to enjoy some post game festivities. Lodging options are limited near Eastlink Centre. However, the Best Western sits at a good location right in-between downtown and the arena. For a sit down meal, plan ahead and visit some great restaurants downtown. For Irish bar/pub food, The Old Triangle is a popular place with local craft beers. For seafood, the Claddagh Oyster House is a local favourite. Wherever you eat, be sure to leave room for dessert at the highly rated Cows Ice Cream. The next morning, order a latte and breakfast burrito from Beanz, a local coffee shop. Fans 3 Islander fans get a unique, up close experience with the players before doors even open. Because the concourse is tight, Islander players head to the atrium to kick a soccer ball around in front of fans waiting for admission. The fans respect the players’ space and let them do their warm-ups without interruption for autographs or photos. The Islanders are averaging 2,000 patrons a game (54% capacity). During the game, fans are quiet, unobtrusive and respectful to the other team, the referees, and fellow fans. Even during a close game, only a handful were noticeably loud. Some tried to start a “Let’s go Islanders” chant, with little participation by the rest of the crowd. Patrons are only conspicuously boisterous after a home goal. Access 2 Direct flights to Charlottetown are available from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. This small city has a population of around 35,000, so the arena is convenient from everywhere you are in town. To arrive by foot requires a 20-25 minute walk from the downtown core. However, almost everyone drives or takes a taxi. 800+ parking spaces are available within a 5-minute walk of the arena. If a horseracing event is scheduled simultaneously with hockey, the parking gets tight. By bus, it’s a 15-minute walk from the nearest bus stop at Holland College. A fare for the “T3” transit is $2.25 and buses runs every half hour or hour, depending on the time of day. The main entry to the arena faces Kensington Street and is clearly marked with an architectural canopy in front of a two-story glass curtain wall. The main atrium divides the building from the convention hall and the arena. Here, you will find the box office, will call, an ATM, the team store, the main concession stand, a Tim Horton’s, and an outstanding Memorabilia room. Once doors open and your ticket is scanned, be sure to get your hand stamped for re-entry if you foresee heading back out to the atrium at some point. Access to the interior layout of Eastlink Centre is disappointing. Separation of public and private spaces is not clear, circulation for patrons around the arena is awkward and space inside the bowl is wasted by various walkways. The concourse is cold, narrow, and crowded at intermission with limited standing room. Walls are lined with concrete masonry block, cheap florescent light fixtures, exposed plumbing pipes and ventilation ducts above. The arena has plenty of restrooms throughout the concourse. Even during intermission, none of them had a line outside the door. Getting to your seat can also be confusing. Unlike most arenas where entrance to the seating area is from a high level above the rink, here you enter at rink level and walk up to your seat. If your seat is in Section 20, be prepared to follow a circuitous route. From the concourse take a portal to the inside of the bowl. Once there, follow the hockey boards and squeeze between the boards and the seating area. This narrow passageway may be difficult to navigate, especially when patrons are coming from the opposite direction. And watch out for the Zamboni! Then proceed back into the concourse until you run up against a black screen that separates fans from the opposing team’s locker room entrance. Turn and enter the seating bowl once again. If your timing is off, you may have to yield to visiting players entering the ice. Now walk behind the visitor’s bench to a stairwell and, voila, you are in Section 20! Patrons in wheel chairs have limited options, rink side at the ends or at the top of the bowl outside the lounge. Only a handful of spaces are available. Return on Investment 4 Prices for individual game tickets are reasonable for witnessing the highest level of junior hockey. Tickets are $16.50, with discounts for seniors, students, youths, and groups. No matter if you are a casual or a die-hard hockey fan, the experience you will get from the staff, fellow fans, and the product on the ice is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 +1 for the video booth replaying opponent goals. In-game operators realize that Islander fans are also true hockey fans that enjoy seeing great plays, even if the opponent makes that play. +1 for the Islanders goal celebration. Immediately after a goal horn sounds, the arena lights turn off and a light show decorates the ice. +1 for the Memorabilia Room. This is a fitting hall-of-fame showcase of hockey in Prince Edward Island that includes past and present teams, players and coaches from the island. Final Thoughts For a tourist, the best time to make a visit to Charlottetown may be September. The fall colours are spectacular, the hockey season has started and most of the popular tourist areas have yet to close for the winter. Prince Edward Islanders are proud of their hockey heritage, past and present. Fans are making the effort to support their local team that now has the local ownership and branding. Hopefully the past financial problems are behind them and the Islanders have a solid future in Charlottetown for the long term.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Army/Navy Game website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series. There have been seven ties. The 2022 game had the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Food & Beverage 5 There are many concessions stands throughout all areas of the stadium offering the usual options. Beer is not sure cheap and the price is depending on the size and whether you purchase a draught or can. There are also some craft beer locations, but beer will be closer to $12 and up. Make sure to check out the self-pour vending machines in the north part of the concourse. Hot dogs are a decent price, although a few kiosks sell a better, grilled version for a little more. You will also find a decent Italian sausage at those same kiosks. A gluten-free kiosk is also available. Regular sodas are a good option with a souvenir size available for a little more. You will also see some options to get bottled soda, but they will only give it to you with the bottle cap taken off. I guess it does make it harder to throw a full bottle of soda if the cap is off. Cheesesteaks are found at the general food stands for a decent $9. Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches are great choices but will cost a buck or two more depending on the options. Chickie’s and Pete’s sell their famous Crab Fries for $10.50. The cheese sauce is extra. They also have a very good chicken cutlet sandwich. There are Dunkin’ coffee stands and Rita’s Italian Ice locations scattered throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. Even in the game back in 2018, which was played in a driving snowstorm, the atmosphere never suffered. The game benefits from being held at such a fine facility. The Eagles have excellent facilities and offerings for the team and fans. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Eagles merchandise will be unavailable. Neighborhood 4 The main problem with the entire sports complex is its distance from the actual city of Philadelphia. To really experience the city you would need to take a subway ride into center city. There are places close to the stadium still. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not really an entertainment center, but a mess of bars thrown together. It can still be a good pre-game meeting spot even with the outrageous prices. The Famous sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is pretty close on Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside here. The food is pretty good too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony & Nicks Steaks (Formerly the original Tony Luke’s) on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony and Nick’s offers more options with much better flavor. The place can get crowded before games and still gets it share of tourists. There will be many people that view even this spot as a bit too touristic, so for a more neighborly experience go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you on a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 5 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at a shockingly high price of $40 apiece. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the NRG station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest game around. It is a much desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. The entrance plaza is such a fun hub of entertainment that it serves to get the crowd entertained as well as pumped up for the game. The carnival atmosphere is pretty spectacular. The Eagles had installed 14 micro-turbines in the stadium in recent years. They used to add a unique look to the stadium, as well as provide sustainable energy for the complex. As of late 2019, the turbines have been removed for repair and have never reappeared. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest makes it a must-see for any real sports fan.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rutgers Athletic Center 83 Rockefeller Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website Jersey Mike's Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 8,000 Jersey Mike's RACtion Jersey Mike's Arena, also known as the RAC, is home to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team. The RAC (an initialism for Rutgers Athletic Center) is its former official name but is still commonly used. Another former name, the Louis Brown Athletic Center, is never used anymore. Louis Brown was a Rutgers graduate and former member of the varsity golf team, who made a large bequest to the university in his will. Rutgers and Jersey Mike’s Subs announced in 2021 they had reached a multi-year agreement to make the sub sandwich restaurant an official naming rights partner of the university. The venue has a unique shape which is like no other arena we have seen. It is like a truncated tent with trapezoidal sides. The inside is just as unique and very much outdated. The original architect Robert Hillier said the venue design was not his original choice and that money concerns negated many of the original design choices. The arena, located on Rutgers’ Livingston Campus in Piscataway, New Jersey, opened on November 30, 1977, with a win against in-state rival Seton Hall. The arena is home to men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball. The university will also use it for various concerts, graduations, and other events. The arena also served as the home of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets from 1977 until 1981. The Livingston Campus is one of the five sub-campuses that make up Rutgers' New Brunswick/Piscataway area campus. Rutgers University itself is one of three regional campuses of Rutgers University, New Jersey's public research university, and is located in New Brunswick and Piscataway. There are over 50,000 undergraduate students at this university. Rutgers men's basketball has generally had limited success over the last 30 years, but the last couple of years have seen major improvements in the program. Food & Beverage 4 For being a small venue, there are many good food options along the crowded options. The food options are actually pretty decent for a major sports venue. Jersey Mike's Subs are not surprisingly, sold in a couple of spots, along with a few other big-name options such as Dunkin. A popular choice is the tables selling Popcorn for the People which sells popcorn in many unique flavors. They will likely be offering samples for tasting. The Chicago style and chocolate espresso flavors are both great choices. Atmosphere 5 We checked the archives of Stadium Journey to see the past rankings of the RAC. The last couple of reviews had higher rankings in atmosphere and fans than in older reviews. The support for this venue has dramatically increased since the team has shown better success on the court. This arena has been dubbed, “louder than a 757 from nearby Newark.” The unique shape of the venue and roof system seems to enhance sound. Frankly, this is currently one of the loudest venues you will experience in sports. The main stands are very steep and offer only bench seating at the top of the venue. There is a very nice center-hung video board, with some really nice vertical screens in each corner. The band, cheerleaders, and team mascot enhance the atmosphere. For such a large school, the small size of Jersey Mike's Arena is pretty shocking. The students and general fans have a certain love for this outdated venue and seem reluctant to get a newer venue. It would seem that ultimately a team in the Big Ten Conference will need a larger arena. Neighborhood 3 Piscataway and New Brunswick are located just under an hour outside New York City. There are a few options on the Livingston Campus, although many may be just for students. Henry's Diner is close by along Rockafeller Rd and offers all-day breakfast, coffee & sandwiches in a retro setting. The Chimney Rock Inn is another good food option nearby. RU Hungry is located on the main campus in New Brunswick and is known for its famous fat sandwiches. There are 39 styles, including the Fat Knight: cheesesteak, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries, and marina sauce on a sub roll. The Bridgewater Marriott is a good lodging option for visitors. Fans 5 We can only judge by the current situation and not the past, so the fan support seems quite amazing. The loudness of the venue can partially be credited to the unique venue roof, but the fans are very loud and engaged on their own. The students are close to the court and can create an intimidating presence. Access 4 Jersey Mike's Arena is located on the Livingston Campus, so you need to set your GPS to the specific lot you are planning on parking. Do not look just for Rutgers in your GPS as it may lead you many miles away. The lots nearby the arena are plentiful and easy to access. The green, VIP lot is closest with the yellow pre-paid lot just after that. You also use the game day yellow lot for $20. There is one main entrance on the southeast side of the arena. Return on Investment 4 The arena is way too small for such a large university. The small size has served the school well on-court success has been limited but this means that most games will sell out quickly. It is nice to sell out but you would think it would also be nice to get more people into the stands. It may next to impossible for visiting team fans to attend games here. Tickets start at a little under $30, but you will likely have to buy on the aftermarket. Extras 4 The roof and overall design of this unique venue are an extra all of their own. There is a Rutgers Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring former Scarlet Knights. You should also check out the display showing off all of the past women's players who have gone onto the WNBA. The sound of the venue is amazing. It is not just the PA and music, but the loudness of the fans themselves. It is loud. I think Popcorn for the People may be worth a trip to the arena by itself. Final Thoughts Jersey Mike's Arena is outdated and borderline dilapidated, but it's still an amazingly vibrant arena to watch a very high level of basketball action. Should Rutgers have a better, newer, and bigger arena? Probably, but the basketball-watching experience is pretty amazing here.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bank of Colorado Arena 1600 14th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks website Bank of Colorado Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,734 UNC Bears Basketball The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) basketball team plays at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, CO about 60 miles north-northeast of Denver. Formerly known as the Butler-Hancock Hall, in 2014 the university announced a 15-year naming right agreement with the Bank of Colorado and renamed the arena to the Bank of Colorado Arena at Butler Hancock Athletic Center. The University of Northern Colorado’s men’s basketball team began play in 1901 just 12 years after the founding of the university. They have played in a variety of different conferences; the longest tenure was the Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference (RMFAC) from 1924 – 1968. They have played in the Big Sky Conference since the 2006/2007 season. They made the NCAA tournament once in 2010 where they lost in the second round. They won the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in 2018. The women’s basketball team, volleyball and wrestling teams also call Bank of Colorado Arena home. Food & Beverage 2 Basic stadium fare is offered at the Bank of Colorado Arena at affordable prices. Two concession stands on either side of the entrance offer the same items. Choices include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, pickles, flavored ice, and candy/chips ($1.50 - $3.75). Pepsi is the soda provider ($4) and it is nice to see Diet Dr Pepper in the selection. There is a Papa John’s tent that offers slices. Beer is served for $7 and includes your traditional Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Shock Top and two flavors of Mike's Hard Lemonade. A small souvenir table is to the left of the entryway that sells UNC Bears shirts, caps, banners, etc., though no hat pins. I recommend eating at one of the many outstanding eating/drinking establishments in Greeley and then getting a snack at the arena, if needed. Atmosphere 3 Bank of Colorado Arena provides an extremely comfortable game day experience. The seats are wide and legroom is marvelous. Seating sections are on all four sides of the court with the ‘Bear Den’ - student section - behind one of the baskets and the General Admission seats behind the opposite basket. The sideline rows go from A to Q with rows O, P, and Q containing plastic benches (no backs) while the remaining rows have spacious blue stadium fold down seats. Steps up the rows have banisters and the step height is lower than average, making them easier to ascend and descend for those who need it. Sit in section M to see the center court logo. No scoreboard is suspended from the center court rafters which fits this venue admirably. Instead, two video scoreboards are hung in opposite corners which display the game action, replays, and team stats such as fouls, turnovers, free throw %, etc. throughout the match. The other corners have dot matrix panels showing individual player stats, the score and time remaining. The music level is perfect (not intrusive) and the temperature of the arena is comfortably warm. The Bears provide traditional basketball promotions such as T’s for Three’s, yell for your Papa John’s pizza or Jimmy John’s sandwich. Cheerleaders and a pep squad appear throughout the game with some individuals doing backflips along the sidelines during breaks in the action. At the game of this review, several dance teams performed during half time: the cheerleaders, the Sugar Bears dance team and the Paws dance team. Neighborhood 4 Greeley is a small college town and has plenty to offer for entertainment, activity and enjoyment. 8th Ave has several dining establishments in its historic downtown area adjacent to Lincoln Park, just two miles from the Bank of Colorado Arena. JBs Drive In, Daruma Japanese, Roma Restaurant (pizza and beer), Rio Grande (Mexican place) are worth checking out for a meal. Greeley has several craft breweries, the most delicious (thus dangerous) is WeldWerks (especially if IPAs are favored). Brix Brewery & Taphouse offers 60 beers on tap including their own craft beer as well as tasty bites of grub – they are not open on Mondays. For tourist places to visit, check out the Meeker Home Museum (Meeker is known as the founder of Greeley), the Centennial Village Museum (this does close for the winter so it may not be open when attending a basketball game), or the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. The Greeley Stampede has been operating for 98 years but again, this is held in the summer so will not be open during basketball season. Other sports in the area include UNC baseball at Jackson Field, UNC football at Nottingham Field and one may be able to catch a double header with the nearby Colorado Eagles (AHL) several times a season. For places to stay if in town visiting, DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park, the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center or the Currier Inn Bed and Breakfast are all in the downtown area. Fans 3 The UNC Bears fans are very supportive. They all stand and cheer at great blocks and shots. In the past few years average attendance has ranged from 1250 – 1325 per game. Average attendance in this 2018-19 season is 1545 a game so it is increasing. The fan demographic varies. Students, alumni, families, kids and retired folks all join together in backing the team. At the game of this review, it was wonderful seeing many other UNC athletes supporting the men on the court. Access 3 Getting to the arena from out of town is okay. Greeley is not located right off any interstate and one must travel ten or more miles from any interstate on four-lane state highways. Once in Greeley getting to the arena is relatively easy as it is a small town. Parking is right outside the main entrance and is free (it was $5 the last time I went several years ago so this is a nice treat). Ticket booths open 1 ½ hours before tip off and are located outside the main entrance. A short check of the bags and you’re in the small entrance. Turn left or right to get the concessions and then do an about face and there’s the court and seating. The only concourse is the entry area with the two concessions and clean rest rooms. Fans stay in their seats for the game, however, the concourse may get a bit congested at half time. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $7 (youth general admission) to $17 (adult premium reserved), these prices include that annoying $2 additional fee when purchased game day. Even so, it’s a great investment of your sports travel dollar - parking is free and concessions are very reasonable. It's nothing fancy but it's a good two hours or so of entertainment on the court. Extras 3 Bonus items include the vast amount of legroom in the seating area and the wide chair width making it quite a comfortable stadium seating arrangement. The town of Greeley is well worth visiting with plenty of bars, restaurants, breweries, and other entertainment choices. It is truly a comfortable, small intimate setting for a basketball game. Final Thoughts Attending a game here is worth the effort as it is a small, welcoming venue and watching the game provides a friendly, enjoyable sports afternoon or night out.

Photo courtesy of Weber State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dee Events Center 2701 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408 Weber State Wildcats website Dee Events Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 12,000 Dee-Lightful Affectionately known as the "Purple Palace," the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah has been home to the Weber State Wildcats since 1977. As the largest arena in Utah north of Salt Lake City, and a capacity of 12,000, the DEC has hosted nine Big Sky Conference men's basketball tournaments, games in four NCAA Tournaments and countless Utah high school basketball tournaments. Food & Beverage 4 Weber State knows its family-friendly fan base well, and prices their concessions accordingly. The offerings are quite affordable for a family of any size. Let's start with the usual fare. Main food items include cheeseburger ($5), pulled pork ($5), chili ($5), pizza slice ($3), hot dog ($2), or Polish dog ($4). Smaller items include popcorn, fries, nachos, and chips ($2-$3 each). If you want something sweet you have plenty of options available to you. These include cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, boxes of candy, or Rice Krispie treats. "Purple-Pak" ice cream is also available in two sizes. A smattering of kiosks offer these specialty products, including an alarming number of seeds/nuts. Beverages are your standard Coke products. A bottle of water or soda is $3, or you can get a large cup for $4. There's not much in the way of chain infiltration, though I always love a good Chick-fil-A ($5-$8 combos with regular and spicy sandwiches or nuggets). The other chain is a Utah original: Teriyaki Stix. Touting themselves as a "Japanese grill," they offer a bowl of rice topped with either veggies ($6) or teriyaki chicken ($7). Financial troubles have closed a lot of Teriyaki Stix locations and its sandwich cohort, Hogi Yogi, so these bowls are rarer than ever. Atmosphere 4 The family-friendly feeling you get from the concessions is consistent when you make your way to your seat. A very tight circular seating pattern (all chairs, no bleachers) offers closeness to the court while still being a classy facility. In other words, you feel an upgrade from the "high school gym" atmosphere many expect from a low-to-mid-major conference setting. You'll find a large sense of community throughout the night, particularly in activities and promotions during timeouts and halftime. Lots of local businesses get involved by sponsoring these activities, and Weber State goes out of their way to honor outstanding community members, as well. Throw in a massive amount of cheerleaders and the always-on-the-move Waldo the Wildcat (whose pre-game ritual includes a stroll across press row) make for an ideal small-school college basketball experience. Neighborhood 4 The DEC is largely surrounded by residential areas and other Weber State facilities, so the nearby main drag of Harrison Blvd. is your closest food source. All of your typical college-town, fast-food fare is available, plus a couple of unique, award-winning food options. If you're in the mood for Mexican, try Javier's, a northern Utah mini-chain. The Javier's closest to the DEC is at 4874 Harrison Blvd, about a half-mile from the arena. All your Mexican favorites are there, including fajitas. There are lots of plates and combinations to choose from, ranging from $6-$12. If you're in the mood for dessert, don't miss the Nachos Dulces ($5.99): A deep-fried flour tortilla slathered in honey butter and cinnamon topped with ice cream. For pizza lovers, The Pie Pizzeria (1225 Country Hills Dr; 0.3 miles away from DEC) has a devoted following, and for good reason. The Pie's creativity, whether put in its own hands or those of the customers, is its defining characteristic. Not only can you create your own pie, you can make your own slice depending on the time of day. Besides, pizzas, they have plenty of salads, subs and zappis (calzones). Specialty pizzas range from $9.49 for a medium "Italian Special" to $41.99 for a giant 23" "Pie's Combo." If you want to try something new on a pizza, The Pie would like to interest you in either "The Greek" (white cucumber yogurt sauce, gyro meat, mozzarella and feta cheese, topped with tomatoes, red onions and a squeeze of lemon) or the "Thai Pie" (spicy Thai peanut sauce, chicken breast, carrots, red onions, fresh basil and chopped cilantro topped with mozzarella and toasted sesame seeds). Fans 4 I was a bit wary about what kind of crowd I would see when, at tip-off, there were more cheerleaders on the court than students in the student section. Those students in attendance (including the guy in the Whoopie Cushion costume) still made their voices heard early with their signature chant: "Turn-over! Turn-over! Turn-over! YOU SUCK!" Not the best day or place for Montana to have 17 turnovers. Each successive turnover meant a louder chant as more students filled the space throughout the first half, but there just weren't enough there to justify a full five points. The rest of the 5,579 fans in attendance were loud enough to make it seem as if more were there, especially when the officials were due for a ribbing. All in all, not bad for a Thursday night crowd. One quirk to be ready for: Fans stand and rhythmically clap to begin each half until Weber State scores its first points. Access 5 There are plenty of parking spaces surrounding the DEC, and they are all free. Season ticket holders have a section roped off for them, but all other spaces are fair game. I was able to park about 50 feet from an entrance with no hassle. There are lots of ways in and out of the DEC parking lot, and each exit is monitored by local police post-game, so traffic runs incredibly smoothly. It took me less than three minutes to get out of the lot. The restrooms are impeccable, and each one has both walls (not just one) lined with urinals, so you always have somewhere to 'ahem' go. The tight circular interior architecture assures you won't need to walk too far to find a restroom. Return on Investment 4 I was pleasantly surprised by my DEC experience. I had been there before for a handful of high school tournament games, but never to see the Wildcats. The intimate setting of the arena coupled with the ease of access to everything made for a nice night. As I wrote earlier, more students getting to the game (on time, if possible) would only enhance the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Whoopie Cushion guy in the student section. Whether you chalk it up to determination or a sheer disregard for embarrassment, he showed a strong commitment to a quirky costume. One point for the army of staffers available to help things go smoothly. No matter the size of the crowd, you are never too far away from someone who can help resolve any issue. It just helps add to the family-friendly atmosphere of Weber State basketball. One point for pulling off the all-purple look. Purple is not one of the most-used colors on the sports landscape. Nevertheless, nobody is as committed to displaying purple pride as Weber State. The result is a visually pleasing rotunda of purple seats, something you'd be hard-pressed to find anyplace else. Final Thoughts If my family lived closer to Ogden, I know we would make more frequent trips to the DEC. If you are a fan of small-town college basketball anywhere in the country, a trip to Weber State will thoroughly satisfy.

Photo courtesy of Portland State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Peter W. Stott Center 930 SW Hall Portland, OR 97201 Portland State Vikings website Peter W. Stott Center website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,000 Stott Center The Peter W. Stott Center (also known as Viking Pavilion after a recent renovation), named after an alumnus and booster of Portland State, is the home for the PSU Viking basketball and volleyball teams. Built in 1966, it is located on the campus of Portland State University, which is on the south side of downtown Portland. The campus sits on 50 acres of real estate known as the University district. The Stott Center used to boast rooftop tennis courts where the men's and women's tennis teams competed, but these were removed (as was the swimming pool) during the recent renovations. The facility now includes student lounges, study spaces, offices, and a weight training facility in addition to the main and secondary gymnasiums. Now seating only 3,000 fans in its multi-purpose main arena, it is still one of the smallest college basketball arenas in the country. The Vikings compete in the Big Sky Conference, where they won conference championships and NCAA bids in 2008 and 2009. The program joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996. Food & Beverage 3 All-you-can-eat basketball is the way of the Stott Center. Anyone purchasing a ticket to a PSU home game receives all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn and soda from the concession stand. This is a unique promotion to say the least. Zenner's hot dogs, Papa John's pizza and Franz Bread sponsor the Get Stuffed all-you-can-eat. There are other items available, but there is no menu or prices listed anywhere. If hot dogs and popcorn don't spark your interest, there are limitless options near the campus to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 2 Taking into account the Stott Center's diminutive size, it does not feel like you are in a Division I arena, rather more like a high school gym. There is only one entrance to the gym. An 11 member pep band performs at the end of the court opposite to the entrance. There is a good sized video board on the end of the court next to the band that seems oddly out of place. When the team is playing well, there is a much different feel to the arena, but there is very little excitement during the game in off years. This is a program on the rise, but its home hasn't quite caught up yet. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Portland has plenty of options for most tastes. Lodging is plentiful near the campus, highlighted by the Marriott and Hilton hotels. The Cheerful Tortoise, a sponsor of PSU athletics for 50 years and voted Portland's Best Sports Bar, is the place to be before and after games with daily drink specials a terrific menu. Voodoo Doughnuts is a must visit locale. The Bacon Maple bars are outstanding. If you are looking for a more cultured experience, the Portland Art Museum is a few blocks away from the campus or a trip to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, should be on your itinerary. There is also a maritime museum on the banks of the Willamette River a mile or so away. Fans 1 Despite the stands being filled to about 60-65% capacity during my most recent visit, the crowd was very quiet. I could hear the coaches instructing their players more than I could hear the crowd. The student section, referred to as "The Green Man Group" was not audible either, with most socializing instead of paying attention to the on court activities. I'm sure that if the team was competing for a conference title or tournament spot, there would be a much different feel in the Stott Center. Access 3 With the campus of PSU being in downtown Portland, congestion is a big problem. There isn't much parking close, so be prepared for a bit of a walk. There are a few parking garages within six blocks of the arena, or you can take your chances trying to find parking on the street. Beware though, Portland is infamous for having one way streets, and bike lanes. If you're not familiar with the city, you could be faced with an unwanted adventure trying to find your way around. Public transportation is available within a two block radius. Tri-Met's MAX (train) and bus services are probably your best bet in getting to and from the Stott Center. Once inside, it is very easy to get around. For the size of the building and the capacity, there is plenty of room in the lobby for fans to move around, get a hot dog, buy a t-shirt, or anything else you might want to do. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $18 for adults and $8 for youth. There really isn't a bad seat in the house because at the worst, you are no more than 50 feet from the court. The plastic seats are not very comfortable and there is no safe place to set your drinks. With the all you can eat concessions, if you are a big eater it works out to be pretty reasonable entertainment value. But if you are looking for the excitement of big time Division I basketball, unfortunately this doesn't quite fit the bill. Extras 2 The PSU Hall Of Fame wall is just outside the court. Some notable names from the wall include Neil Lomax (NFL QB), Clint Didier (NFL TE), June Jones (NFL QB and Head Coach) and former MLB manager Tom Trebelhorn. The opposite wall has the school's Division II accomplishments including National Championships in Volleyball and Wrestling. The souvenir stand has caps for $20, t-shirts for $15 and sweatshirts for $30 - $45. There are not as many items as you might find at other arenas, but there are many choices of styles with what they do have. Final Thoughts The Stott Center is soon to be expanded and renovated. The "Viking Pavilion" will be the new basketball home for PSU within the existing Stott Center building. The project is to include a 5,000 seat sports arena, concert and event hosting, symposia and other general purpose uses. Based on the current situation, the expansion is a welcome upgrade to this program. It will create a new buzz for the school. The future looks bright for PSU athletics.

Photo courtesy of Idaho Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3 Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome 875 Perimeter Dr Moscow, ID 83844 Idaho Vandals website Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,000 The Moscow Spectrum Once football ends at the University of Idaho, the men's and women's basketball teams move from Memorial Gym to the Cowan Spectrum in the Kibbie Dome, which is also the football stadium. A court is created up against the football stands on one side, while bleachers are brought in around the other three sides of the court. Curtains are then hung behind the bleachers to create a more closed in, intimate atmosphere. Seating 6,000, the Cowan Spectrum creates a very interesting atmosphere and was even named one of the 20 toughest home courts by Sports Illustrated in the early 1980s. While it isn't perfect and could use some renovations for nicer bleachers (some rows of the bleachers fell off a few years ago, luckily when no one was on them), the Cowan Spectrum is not a bad place to play basketball and is certainly a better option than Memorial Gym. Much like the Kibbie Dome, the Cowan Spectrum brings a very unique and one of a kind feeling to Idaho sports. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands open for games at the Cowan Spectrum, one at the floor level behind the curtains for fans in the bleachers and one in the main concourse for fans in the permanent football stands. The prices are fair, with just a few dollars for a hot dog, popcorn, or other basic stadium food. There isn't anything unique though, and it might just be best to wait and eat before or after the game at many of Moscow's restaurants. The Cowan Spectrum serves Pepsi products for their beverages. Atmosphere 4 Getting to seats is not a problem, but the bleachers can become uncomfortable after a while. Bringing a seat pad may be a good idea. That's really the only complaint about the overall atmosphere though. The curtains make the whole venue seem small and let you feel right next to the action. You will have a good view of the action no matter where you sit in the arena. The mascot Joe Vandal interacts with fans most of the game and the PA announcer keeps everyone into the game, as well as the band playing during timeouts. There isn't a video screen though, so no replays are available. Neighborhood 4 The Cowan Spectrum isn't that close to downtown Moscow, but a short drive takes you to all the restaurants and bars in downtown Moscow that are dedicated to the Vandals. The Idaho campus is a very scenic place with beautiful buildings, including Memorial Gym just a block away that is on the National List of Historic Places. It shouldn't be hard to find things to do before or after the game in a classic small college town. Fans 2 While the game I went to had a good turnout, in recent years the attendance numbers have not been good. In 2014 Idaho averaged just about 1,400 people per game, much less than the 7,000 capacity. While the team hasn't been especially good as of late, you still want to see more attendance than that. The fans that do come are into the game, but there isn't much to keep them entertained. The loudest they got during the game was when they offered free pizza to the loudest fans, so I hope you see what I mean by their overall interest. Winning increases attendance though, and with wins the Vandals can bring in more fans. But a move back to the Big Sky conference, fan interest could be re-sparked. When Idaho plays regional and historic rivals like Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington, and Idaho State in games that matter, as opposed to games against the likes of Chicago State, UT-Pan American, and Utah Valley in the WAC, fans will have more of a reason to come out and see them play. Access 2 Getting to the arena isn't a problem at all when you come from Moscow, but coming from other places can be a challenge in the Moscow winters. There are some highways that come into Moscow, but they can be icy and dangerous in winters. The Pullman-Moscow Airport provides flight access from Spokane and Seattle airports. Moscow is a very isolated city, with only Pullman, WA close by. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $15 to get in, and that seems just slightly steep for a mid-major program. The only thing you get back really is the basketball game, there isn't much else to take away from it. But $15 isn't that bad, and the games are very fun. Extras 3 The Cowan Spectrum isn't lacking in showing the history of Idaho basketball. Retired numbers and championship banners are hung on the curtains, and the concourse has pictures of the University's history. Overall, the Cowan Spectrum is a nice place to watch a basketball game in a unique and intimate venue. It certainly isn't something any basketball fan needs to see before they die, but it still isn't a bad place to catch a game. The University has new arena plans drawn up and progress to build it has been slow, but the school doesn't plan on playing there much longer. A new arena would definitely be much better for the University and program, but the Cowan Spectrum still keeps Idaho with a good college basketball venue for the time being.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snow Globe Stadium 1225 Reindeer Rd North Pole, Top of the World www.hohoho.edu Year Opened: A Long Time Ago Capacity: 9,500 The Stadium Claus(e) Saint Nick State University is a technical school in the ice fields of the Arctic Mountains, located north of Alaska at the top of the world. The school was founded long, long ago, and has approximately 9,500 students. They are primarily enrolled in the Toy Technology School or the Logistics and Distribution curriculum. Rumor has it that a secret IT campus is located nearby– tabulating who has been bad or good. The Saints compete in the FCS (Father Christmas Status) level of NCAA competition and are a member of the Over the River… and through the woods Conference(ORC). Other schools in the ORC include Merry State, Toys Tech, Austin Pay by Layaway, FSU (Free Shoes University… but only if you are good and earned them!), and historic Slippery Rock (because it’s Icy) University. The football program has a very successful history– they have never been bad, they’ve always been good, for goodness sake! They also own the best all-time winning record of any team in the ORC. Who would dare beat Santa? The Saints call Snow Globe Stadium (alias the Chillerdome) home. The home-field advantage is obvious, as the football team has had an amazing 1000% winning percentage in home games since the stadium opened. The original capacity of the stadium was 50,000, but numerous renovations over the years have brought its’ capacity up to its’ present 100,000 seats. Also, because most of the student body is elves, the seats are tiny. The most recent upgrades occurred in 2010 and include the addition of 33 luxury sky boxes for toy execs, sleigh manufacturers, sno – cone operators, and a new presents box for you know who! New red and green artificial turf has also been installed on the field (no tundra here!) Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are plentiful throughout the stadium, but food choices are very limited. Beverage selections consist of hot cocoa, milk, and egg nog. Prices are very reasonable, as being a good boy or girl gets you a free serving. Food selections include chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, and fruitcakes. The cookies are delicious, but I would stay clear of the fruitcake. If Oakland ever gets a new stadium they could build it out of the stuff. The concession stands are staffed by children and very friendly elves. Atmosphere 5 Snow Globe Stadium is always a festive place on game day. Families arrive early in their sleighs to begin setting up for some wonderful pre-game holiday celebrations. The settings are elaborate, as there is always a competition for the best decoration, best use of lights, etc. The fans also love their school band, the Marching Toy Soldiers (think the Texas Aggie Band at Radio City Music Hall), as they perform before, during, and after the game, often to louder applause than the team. Even though the stadium is enormous you have a great view of every play thanks to the 2,400-foot flat-screen TV /scoreboard Santa delivered last Christmas. Expect a sea of red and green as SNSU fans are not shy about being Reindeer Rooters. Other nice touches include candy cane yard markers and the referees throwing coal instead of penalty flags. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located on campus, so it is surrounded by academic buildings, toy manufacturing labs, and dorms to house the elfin student body. The nearby college town of North Pole caters heavily to this population. Blitzen’s Bar. Area restaurants include Rudolph’s Roadhouse Grill and Mexican fast food at Jingle Bell. Holiday Inn has a monopoly on accommodations, as their franchises are the only chain allowed in town. For pre or post-game celebrating, head over to Blitzen’s Bar for a wide variety of home brews. Just beware of Vixen, who plies her trade here, when she is not in the red/green light district… she is naughty…not nice! The neighborhood gets into the home games, as they have wonderful Northern lights shows and ice sculptures on display. Fans 4 This may be FCS-level football, but you ARE at the North Pole. SNSU fans are rightfully proud of their team’s success through the years. They are predominately alums of the school and work in this company town for the major employer. Instead of Mississippi State cowbells, these fans employ jingle and sleigh bells to distract the visitors. However, they are always on their best behavior, as you know who is in the present-edent’s box, watching who has been bad or good. The recent arrival of red-nosed freshman Rudolph Reindeer is expected to light up the scoreboard. Access 2 The main shortcoming of this stadium is its’ remoteness. It is not reachable by road unless you are friends with the “Ice Road Truckers,” have a snowmobile or a mush team of dogs. Snow Globe Stadium also has stringent security measures at all gates… if you’ve been bad, you are not getting in! Airfare is prohibitively expensive and air traffic control space for most of the season is monopolized by SLEDEX and Amazon cargo flights. Even the executive airfield nearby is reserved exclusively by you know who. Make sure you book your tickets for a regular season game, as the Saints are not bowl-eligible due to business commitments in December and January Return on Investment 4 Snow Globe Stadium @ SNSU and the North Pole are obviously “destination” locales for watching football over the holidays. It is a family-friendly experience that you will never forget. Tickets are free (if you have been good) and so are the food and beverage. The stadium spirit shop will remind you of the FAO Swartz toy stores of your youth. Best of all you’ll leave happy and filled with goodwill to all after your visit. That is priceless…… until the credit card bill comes in January. As to the “other” ROI, Snow Globe Stadium has a comparable return policy to most retailers. However, it is probably your fault if something does not fit or is the wrong color. After all, you gave Santa your list, dummy! . Extras 4 The staff at Snow Globe Stadium strives to provide a unique experience for every fan. There is a commitment from top management to the ushers to make sure you are happy. The newest “extras” for your game experience include: Cheerleaders recruited away from the Rockettes. A new stadium lounge for those who want to join in the reindeer games socially. Exclusive tours, including locker room visits with the team after the game. Final Thoughts Snow Globe Stadium is a magical place to be and watch a game, some may even think it is an April Fool’s Day joke.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center East Summit St. Kent, OH 44242 Kent State Golden Flashes website Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 6,327 High Voltage MACC Mania It’s unfortunate that Kent State is most known for the tragedy that happened in 1970 with the shootings by the Ohio National Guard. A decent sized university established in 1910, Kent State is located just south of Cleveland in the college town of Kent, Ohio. With over 30,000 students, Kent State University is a significant member of the Mid-American Conference, where they have been a member since 1951, just five years after the founding of the conference. The Golden Flashes have a number of distinguished alumni including baseball legend Thurman Munson, football great Jack Lambert and golfer Ben Curtis. However, basketball at Kent State should not take a back seat to football, golf nor tragedy. The Golden Flashes have slowly grown to a strong team in the conference winning the MAC Tournament in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2008. Those same years the Golden Flashes made appearances in the NCAA tournament. The regular season MAC title was also won by Kent State in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015. All this sounds great, however it was the 2002 Kent State team that tops them all. In 2002, the Golden Flashes made it all the way to the Elite Eight, the best showing in Kent State history. Entering the tournament as a 10 seed, the Golden Flashes would go on to upset number 7, Oklahoma State, number 2 Alabama and number 3 Pitt. The home for the Golden Flashes is the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. Built in 1950, the MAC Center has seen the ups and downs of Kent State basketball and is a great spot to catch some basketball MACtion. With a capacity of 6,327 the MAC Center is just the right size for basketball in this conference. Named in honor of students and alumni who gave their lives in World War II, the MAC Center remains a living memorial in an age of corporate and large donor naming rights. The Golden Flashes demand energy from their fans and High Voltage is on the menu and MACC Mania is required for Kent State basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center are about what you would expect for an NCAA basketball venue of this size. Concessions are decent, but will definitely not blow fans away. The main concession stands offer hot dogs ($3), chilli cheese dogs, burgers, grilled chicken, sausage, nachos, popcorn ($3/$5), chips and pretzels among other things. Although the selection is decent, the variety will definitely not overwhelm fans with options. Alcohol is not sold at the concessions. Pepsi products are the featured soda ($3). Coffee, hot chocolate and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Although the selection isn’t massive, concession prices are pretty good with all items coming in under $5. Atmosphere 4 The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is a great place to catch a college basketball game. Approaching the MAC Center, fans will notice that this venue has been improved and upgraded over time. The original brown brick structure is still intact, but a newer grey stone, pillared entrance and foyer immediately greet fans. Large banners request fans to “Power Up” and let them know that “Home Is Where the Hype Is” and add colour and life to the exterior. The main foyer is large and bright and when fans pass through security, they are immediately greeted by a large inflated Golden Flash mascot. Lots of natural light gives the foyer light and makes it seem like a venue that is at a much larger, more prestigious basketball school. Clean and bright tile and a couple of mosaic tile pieces of artwork on pillars add more life to the building. The concourses feature a number of historic pictures and artifacts, which help outline the history of Golden Flashes basketball, among other sports. Upon entry to the main gymnasium, fans will be struck with the coziness of the seating area. The court runs from southwest to northeast with seating behind either basket and two levels of southeast and northwest grandstands. Fans have the opportunity to choose a variety of types of seating. The upper grandstands feature old wooden benches on both sides. The lower northwest grandstand has contoured plastic benches while the lower southeast grandstand has plastic chair seating. The southeast side is where fans want to be for that perfect picture of the center court logo. Surprisingly, there are some windows at the top of the grandstands which allow natural light to bleed into the main playing area. The upper southwest side of the court also features some glassed in, club seating. Above center court is the scoreboard which is pretty simple, but there are some video boards in the north and south corners of the gym. Above the northwest banners are the Golden Flashes championship banners from their appearances in the NCAA tournament and NIT as well as their MAC tournament and regular season championships. At the southwest end of the gym proudly hangs the Golden Flashes greatest basketball achievement, their 2002 Elite 8 banner. Beside that are the honoured numbers of Andrew Mitchell, Trevor Huffman, Demetric Shaw and Antonio Gates, all of whom were members of the 2002 team. The number of 2002 team member Eric Thomas is also honored, however, due to some significant legal troubles, Kent State has removed his banner. The game day production is what you would expect from a MAC school. The Kent State pep band plays in the southwest grandstand, behind the basket, and adds that college feel to the game. The northeast side of the gym features an in-house DJ who is clearly secondary to the band. The expected flag wavers and cheerleaders are also part of the game day experience. The Kent State mascot, Flash the Golden Eagle, roams the stands and courtside, interacting with fans, especially kids. Neighborhood 4 The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is located on the center-west side of the Kent State University campus. The closest major street to the MACC would be Summit Street, however, this is not the best spot to find pre or postgame fare. The best idea is to head north to Main Street, where fans will find a variety of establishments. There are a plethora of well-known chain franchises on Main, heading west towards Haymaker Parkway. There are also a few unique options that fans may want to consider. These include Main Street Continental Grill, Rockne’s Pub and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Kent being a small university town means there are not a ton of options for other entertainment nearby. Kent State does offer a full program of athletics, the most prominent of which is football played at Dix Stadium. Dix is quite a distance east of the main campus. Baseball is also played at Kent State during the spring months at Schoonover Stadium. For fans with a bit of an artistic side, the Kent State Art Gallery and Kent State University Museum are on campus. Also, the center of campus features a May 4th Memorial and May 4th Visitor’s’ Center for those who wish to learn more about the 1970 tragedy. There are a couple of places to stay that are not too far from the Kent State campus. Fans may wish to try the Kent State University Hotel or the nearby Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Although Kent State may not be known for preeminence in basketball, the Golden Flashes do lay claim to a pretty solid following. The Golden Flashes average more than 3,500 fans per game. This figure gives them a solid hold on third place for average attendance in the conference and are also above the MAC average for attendance. The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate and the keep the noise level at a decent decibel. The seating behind the baskets is for the students. At the game that was reviewed, the student section was not overwhelming and not over the top. There was definitely some room for improvement from the students. Access 4 The town of Kent is located north of I-76. The campus of Kent State University is located pretty much central to Kent. For fans arriving from out of town, they will have to traverse some of the town of Kent to make it to campus. However, for basketball events, this does not seem too difficult and traffic is not over the top. Free parking is located in the lot on the opposite side of Summit Street. For fans who wish to get a little closer to the MACC, there is some pay parking available on campus, closer to the arena. Fans who wish to get to Kent State via public transit are in luck. The PARTA transit system runs all through the Kent State campus. Check out the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority website for maps, fares and schedules. The main ticketing and entry gate at the MACC is found to the south of the building, at the newer foyer entrance. Ticketing windows are outside and lineups are not too bad. On a cold day, the entry to the main foyer can get pretty tight for fans who are waiting for the gates to open and want to escape the cold. Getting around the arena is not too difficult. The upper and lower levels of the main foyer offer fans space to get around and the concourses on the southeast and northwest sides of the court may be a little narrow, but are not terrible considering the attendance. Washroom facilities are on the small side, but are adequate for this venue. Return on Investment 5 Mid-American Conference basketball is one of the real bargains in the NCAA. Tickets for Golden Flashes basketball range from $12 to $35. Ticket prices, expectedly, increase for the rivalry game against Akron. Kent State students are free to get in. Considering the cost of tickets, decent concession prices and free parking, Kent State basketball does not require a huge investment for an afternoon or evening’s entertainment. The product on the court is also underrated and in fact, the game that was reviewed was tremendously exciting, against a conference rival, and went into overtime. All-in-all, Kent State basketball offers just about everything a fan could ask for considering the low investment required. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the interaction of players and fans. On the game that was reviewed, players went into the stands and invited children to come on the court for the National Anthem as they stood arm in arm. An extra mark for the May 4th Memorial and Kent State’s treatment of the 1970 tragedy. Final Thoughts The Kent State Golden Flashes and their home at the Memorial Convocation and Athletic Center offer basketball fans the opportunity to experience a great NCAA basketball environment for a decent cost. Although probably not a college basketball bucket list experience, Kent State should definitely be considered when sports fans are in the area and looking for something to take in. If catching some Golden Flashes basketball, fans are to be warned that MACC Mania is in the house and High Voltage is to be expected. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wendler Arena at Dow Event Center 303 Johnson St Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw Spirit website Dow Event Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,527 Michigan’s Hockey Spirit The failure of the North Bay Centennials in 2002 brought a third Ontario Hockey League team from Canada to the United States. Keeping a team in Michigan secures draft rights for all Michigan players entering the Canadian Hockey League to an OHL team, so keeping a team in Michigan is strategically solid move. The Centennials would move to Saginaw, Michigan, who had been without a team since the departure of the Saginaw Gears of the UHL. The newly minted Saginaw Spirit franchise would carry with it some degree of OHL history. Originally the St. Catharines Falcons, the franchise was founded in 1943 and would feature players such as Bobby Hull in their early days. Moves to Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1976 and North Bay in 1982 would eventually lead to the team landing in Saginaw. Home for the Spirit would be the Wendler Arena at The Dow Event Center. Built in 1972, the arena is now part of a larger events center which includes the Atrium, The Garden Room, The Theatre, The Red Room and Huntington Event Park. The events center was brought back to prominence in Saginaw with a naming rights deal with the Midland based Dow Chemical Company. Owned by Saginaw County, Wendler Arena is named after the former mayor of Saginaw, Paul Wendler, who was instrumental in bringing hockey to the Central Michigan city. When owner Richard Garber brought the Centennials to Saginaw, it took them some time to get their feet under them as they did not make the playoffs their first three years in Michigan. Success for the Spirit would be challenging as they would boast one lowly division title in their 25 years in Saginaw. Garber would bring in additional ownership including Brandon Bordeaux, Jimmy Devellano and former Red Wing, Chris Osgood. With a small city population of under 50,000, currently a poor team on the ice and economic challenges in Central Michigan, the Spirit are having a bit of a rough go. That being said, there is still hope that Michigan’s hockey spirit can continue to thrive in the OHL. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Wendler Arena are decent enough. There are four main concession areas within the outer concourse of the arena and offer a small variety of food options. In what seems to be a staple of junior hockey facilities, the distinct smell of beer nuts wafts throughout the concourse giving fans a reason to take notice. All of the expected arena fare is available including hot dogs ($3), pizza ($4), popcorn ($4), chicken fingers, fries, candy and chips. Soda options are Pepsi products ($2.50/$4) and can be found throughout the arena. Bottled water and Tim Hortons coffee can also be found all over the arena. Options that fans should consider include Olvera’s BBQ, which features brisket, pulled pork or chicken fajitas, or Jet’s Pizza, which is excellent. Alcohol is available in Wendler Arena. The adjoining Red Room offers a full-service bar for patrons before and during the game. It is a great spot to meet with other fans during intermissions. Also available in the concourse are Sam Adams beers and Angry Orchard. Atmosphere 3 Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. Upon entering the Wendler Arena, fans are welcomed to the outer concourse. Unfortunately, the outer concourse, which houses all of the concessions, is horseshoe shaped and does not offer fans the ability to travel all the way around the arena. The outer concourse does show its age with brown brick which screams seventies and eighties. Entering the inner concourse, which basically runs 360 degrees around the ice surface, fans are greeted with the three-tiered seating system the Spirit runs. There are nine rows of seating above the outer concourse, four below the outer concourse and another four that are at ice level. The age of the building has forced the team to come up with creative solutions for luxury boxes. One box sits above the arena on the end and others are at ice level, in the corners. The ice surface runs from east to west and that perfect picture with the center ice logo will come from the south end stands. There are only a couple of banners that hang from the rafters at the north end. The lone OHL banner for the 2011 West Division Champions hangs beside the Saginaw Gears banner which also commemorates the 1977 and 1982 Turner Cups the team brought back to Michigan. The retired number 89 of Vince Trocheck hangs with the other banners. Center ice features a very nice, three-tiered videoboard. The Spirit also have traditional simple scoreclocks in the northeast and southwest corners of the arena. The gameday experience is about what you would expect from an OHL club. The players enter the ice through the high-five alley and through a gate with multiple flood lights. The Spirit make good use of their mascots including Sammy Spirit, who lead the players on the ice with flags that they skate around the ice with. The Wendler Arena has a solid LED lighting system, which the Spirit make good use of during the pre-game. Neighborhood 3 Although there are a few spots of interest in the greater Saginaw area, the immediate area around the arena does not offer a ton. Fans who are looking for something before the game are wisest to consider heading south of The Dow. There fans can find a couple of spots to eat including Rally’s, Savoy Bar & Grill and Bradley’s Bistro. There are definitely some key attractions in the greater Saginaw area.Just south of Saginaw is Frankenmuth, where tourists come from far and wide to experience Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland.It is open all year round and offers a near infinite number of Christmas items for sale.In nearby Birch Run is one of the best spots for outlet shopping with the Premium Outlets at Birch Run.Other sporting options in the area include the Midwest League’s Great Lakes Loons who play in Midland at theDow Diamond. The closest rival of the Spirit is the Flint Firebirds, who play at the Dort Federal Credit Union Center.For some NCAA action, fans can take a short jaunt to Mount Pleasant where the Central Michigan Chippewas play football atKelly/Shorts Stadiumand basketball at McGuirk Arena. For fans who need a place to stay, the Ramada Saginaw Hotel and Suites is not far from the arena. Another option is the Best Western at Birch Run, which is right by the Premium Outlets. Fans 2 In recent years, the Saginaw Spirit have struggled at the gate. A team that hasn’t been great on the ice and some difficult economic times are definitely culprits in the challenges the Spirit have faced. The 2017-2018 season has seen the Spirit average less than 3,000 fans per game, which puts them in 16th place in the 20 team OHL. This figure has fallen from the previous few years where the spirit averaged over 3,300 and found themselves at the bottom of the middle third of the league in attendance. A number of sections in Wendler Arena were tarped off with advertising, which was disappointing to see and a little depressing. At one point, Wendler Arena was rocking and the support in Saginaw was very strong. Obviously, support has fallen off from that point. The fans that are in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, but the game that was reviewed was a bit of a blowout, so apathy is understandable. Access 4 The Dow Event Center is located one block east of the Saginaw River and immediately south of I-675. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all, especially with consideration to the lower attendance figure the Spirit have experienced. Parking can be found immediately south of the arena as well as to the west. Finding parking should not be an issue and is $6, which is not out of line for OHL hockey. For fans who wish to take public transit, the bus terminal is just east of the arena. Fans can check the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional services website for fares, schedules and maps. The ticketing windows are open inside the Atrium and offer quick service out of the cold winter elements. The will-call desk is uniquely on the other side of the security, which is what you would expect to find in most major arenas, including metal detectors. With the two concourses, getting around Wendler Arena is no problem at all. The washroom facilities are also adequate for the arena, especially with the reduced attendance. Return on Investment 4 Ontario Hockey League games continue to offer some of the best value for the sporting dollar. Spirit tickets go for $19, $17 or $15 depending on the location of the seat. There are also discounts for children, students and seniors. Parking can be found for $6 and the concession prices are good. The product on the ice is excellent with the OHL and the ability to bring the family out to a Spirit game is far greater than at a major league experience. Extras 2 An extra point for stickers identifying season ticket holders on seats in the Wendler Arena An extra point for a budding rivalry with the nearby Flint Firebirds Final Thoughts Michigan’s Hockey Spirit may be on the downside in Saginaw. That being said, the Spirit have brought the fans in from the cold in droves in the past and have the ability to do so again in the future. Perhaps a better team on the ice will help rekindle interest in the OHL club and the Saginaw Spirit will once again take their place among the elite level programs in the OHL. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Peterborough Memorial Centre 151 Lansdowne St E Peterborough, ON K9J 7P7 Peterborough Petes website Peterborough Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 4,329 Good Years Ahead for this Historic Barn Over the past two decades, the Ontario Hockey League has undertaken a massive shift from community-scale to the big time. What was once a league of neighbourhood arenas has matured into a circuit of showpiece ‘NHL in miniature’ venues. Across the province, teams have abandoned their well-worn old homes for plush new ones and only a couple have bucked the trend. It’s at these clubs where hockey and community history continue to unfold, inextricably linked to each other through the long Canadian winters. In Peterborough, this is perhaps more true than anywhere in the league, for the home of the Petes has witnessed more of both than almost anywhere else. The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. The Petes are run as a non-profit community organisation, like the Kitchener Rangers. And like Kitchener, the Petes have an historic arena dedicated to soldiers killed in the World Wars that they’ve expanded and upgraded, rather than replaced. With about 4500 seats and new hospitality areas, the many quirks of the arena are well-known throughout the league and a refreshing antidote to the formulaic nature of modern rinks. Until recently, there had been plans to construct a new arena in the city, but those have now been placed on the backburner and the PMC should host hockey for another decade at least. That should come as happy news to hockey fans, as this old barn more than makes up for its shortcomings with character and history on display at every turn. It’s all too likely that Peterborough will eventually have a sparkling new arena for their beloved club, and that’s probably the right choice economically. But the decision to remain at the Memorial Centre, with continued gradual upgrades, is the right one for the soul of the city. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are one area where the age of the facility shows itself unfavourably to its modern peers. The PMC dates to a time when hockey fans didn’t expect gourmet options, and the options remain simple in the concourses, with pizza, sausages, nachos, ice cream, and snacks. Pizza slices are $5.50 but for a dollar more, the smoked sausage is a tasty option. Beer and Strongbow cider begin at $9, as do Caesars and other cocktails. There are a handful of small bars located throughout the arena, and lineups are never very bad. For interesting drink options, visit The Corner Bar, off the entry concourse, for local craft beer cans. Along the southwest corner and south end, the Gibson’s Club Lounge features a comfortable, carpeted atmosphere with a whisky bar pouring Gibson’s Finest rye. For a proper meal, choose seats in the south end. This section is the PMC Pub & Grill, where a full menu of pub fare is available at tables or at your seat, at ice level. Note that you must reserve a table in advance or purchase seats in this section to access the restaurant. Atmosphere 4 When objectively compared to modern OHL arenas, the unique, perhaps bizarre, design of the Memorial Centre falls short in many respects – though the gap has been narrowed with recent renovations. Subjectively, however, this classic barn is paradise for the hockey fan. The building has a long, irregular profile from the street, with the front entrance capped by four flags (Canada, the Union Jack, Ontario, and Peterborough). Inside the front doors, through which almost most fans will enter, the glorious history of the Petes begins to throw itself at you. Banners of the four legendary Petes coaches are first; Scotty Bowman, Colin Campbell, Bob Gainey, and local hero Roger Neilson. Along one wall, the ‘Memorial’ aspect of the arena is reflected in a large military display of regimental plaques, tartans, and other regalia from the World Wars and beyond. To the right is the extensive team shop and to the left, the even more extensive Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, open free to fans during the game. An extensive display fronting the concourse shows off the silverware of the wildly successful Lakers Lacrosse Club, who also call the PMC home. The concourses, as such, don’t extend fully around the rink, but are utterly crammed with history, including plaques for inductees to the Hall of Fame and the many team photos of the maroon-and-white. On either side of the atrium, narrow stairways provide access up to a second level atop the seating bowl, and under each are bar counters. The first floor concourses end abruptly on either side at the changing rooms for each team. Pass-throughs to ice level grant access upward to some seats, whilst others are more easily accessed top-down via the stairways. The second level is suites on one side, with the Gibson’s Club along the other, which is accessible to all fans. The pub area is accessible through a separate entrance at the south end, with suites above. It’s within the seating bowl where the PMC’s quirkiness really unveils itself. Firstly, it becomes clear the usual arena seating arrangement doesn’t apply here. The sides are quite short, only twelve rows, but the north end rises in a terrace more reminiscent of Anfield than a hockey arena. And on the south end, another classic feature; the Queen’s portrait gazes over the rink in a tradition that is sadly disappearing as old venues close. What used to be a Canadian staple is rarely found at new rinks – the only modern OHL arena to preserve this bit of Canadiana is Mississauga’s Paramount Centre. For a modern touch, a new HD video scoreboard hangs above centre ice and is used very professionally. Matchday production is classy, focused on the hockey throughout, and with a low key, friendly feel. Above the short sides, vertical walls rise to support the roof and display the dozens of banners for the Petes as well as the lacrosse championships of the Lakers. These vertical walls also serve to amplify the ice-level sounds so that every hit and bounce echoes through the arena. Speaking of bounces, the ice itself is perhaps the most famous quirk of this old barn. Most rinks today feature standardised ice surfaces, indistinguishable from any other arena in the league, with standard dimensions and identically-curved corners. Here, the corners (in)famously lack the usual curve, with a remarkably rectangular surface providing a true home-ice advantage. The Petes use their knowledge of the angles here to great advantage over their opponents. Fans will immediately notice the sharpness of the corners that have miraculously survived to this day, and can expect occasional miscues from the visitors as a result. In an era of increasing standardisation and rationalisation, the peculiar nature and abundant history are endearing features to cherish. Neighbourhood 3 The Memorial Centre is located in a mostly residential area not far south of Peterborough’s downtown core. There are a couple food and drink options nearby, though the city’s charming central business district is a five minute drive up George Street (which is known as Roger Neilson Way in front of the arena). On a nice day, it’s a 25-minute walk along the scenic riverfront, or a ten-minute bus ride. Downtown, there are lots of good spots for a pre- or post-game meal or drink. The Black Horse pub is a welcoming spot for a winter night and a walk up George Street or the neighbouring blocks will yield plenty of choices. One particularly good winter option is The Whistle Stop Café, famous for its enormous selection of poutine. East across the Otonabee River is trendy Ashburnham, home to the Ashburnham Ale House, and a short walk to the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock. This national historic site, where boats climb a steep hill, is featured on the Petes’ shoulder patches. Nearer to the PMC is the Canadian Canoe Museum, providing a stunning look an icon as dear to Canadian hearts as hockey. The museum is in the process of relocating to a bespoke new home along the river, but even in its temporary digs, it will be a pleasantly surprise even to those with no prior interest in canoes or local history. In warm weather, you can try out a canoe yourself along Peterborough’s extensive riverfront parkland, a couple blocks east of the arena. Along here, there are galleries and museums, historic locks and mills, and the Holiday Inn within walking distance of centre ice. And finally, even closer to the arena, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market is right next door, open every Saturday morning. Fans 4 The PMC is a smaller arena in a smaller city than most other OHL venues, but the Petes have been deeply woven into the Peterborough fabric for decades, and remain so even as the city has started to rapidly grow. Fans have come back in strong numbers as pandemic restrictions end, coinciding with a young and promising roster on the ice. Peterborough’s fans are known to be welcoming and friendly to visitors, with the notable exception of their detested rivals an hour down the road in Oshawa. The rivalry with Oshawa is one of hockey’s great old derbies. During our latest review of the PMC, fans cheered loudly when it was announced the Generals were currently losing their respective match out-of-town. For bucket list travelers, seeing the Petes host the Oshawa Generals should be near the top. Access 3 Getting to the PMC is easy from anywhere in this small city, as the rink is located along Lansdowne Street, a major artery. Ample parking is located to the west of the arena, and will cost $5 for the evening. There is also a bus loop in front of the arena, and service is frequent. Coming from out of town, Peterborough is about ninety minutes Northeast of Toronto in good traffic, and there are frequent express buses linking downtown to downtown. Within the arena, the discombobulated concourses are not intuitive, but the circulation is good once you get the hang of it. There are ample washrooms and lineups are not an issue. Friendly staff will proactively reach out to help fans navigate, and the relatively small capacity mitigates any potential crowding issues. In short, circulation in the arena doesn’t make much sense, but it works. Return on Investment 5 As a non-profit organisation, the Petes make every effort to keep ticket prices to a minimum and seats here are among the most affordable in the league. Indeed, tickets can be had for as little as $13. Chuck in $5 for parking and affordable, albeit limited, concessions, a night out in Peterborough can be tremendous value. If you come early and enjoy the Sports Hall of Fame and many historical markers throughout the arena, the value increases even before seeing the resurgent Petes take the ice. Extras 5 This is where the intangible qualities of such a unique, historic old barn come into play. Whilst it would be impossible to award full points for the atmosphere, there are few arenas more atmospheric than this one. Further, the community ownership and non-profit nature of the hockey club lend a truly welcoming feel to a Petes game, and the chance for Peterborough locals to be directly involved in their beloved team. Final Thoughts Peterborough is a charming little city and the Petes provide an equally charming, low key experience. The maroon-and-white have been the soul of this community for decades with the Memorial Centre as the heart. The arena is almost certainly in the twilight of its OHL life, but it’s great to know the Petes will call the PMC home for another decade at least. An evening at this old barn is sure to leave smiles on many faces as long as they do.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 TD Place Arena 1015 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7 Ottawa 67’s website TD Place Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 9,862 The Barber Shop There are plenty of uniforms from bygone eras that are so gaudy that it boggles the mind that they ever did the job. The “barber pole” version of multi striped uniforms definitely fall into this category. However, one team that has stuck with the barber pole is the Ottawa 67’s … and it works. The red, black and white stripes of the 67’s jerseys have been a staple for the team since their inception in 1967. One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67’s derive their name from not only their inception, but to the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867. The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice, are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. Home for the 67’s is also one of the most unique in the OHL. TD Place Arena or sometimes The Arena at TD Place, was originally the Ottawa Civic Centre and original home for the expansion Ottawa Senators of the NHL. TD Place Arena is nestled neatly under the south grandstand at TD Place. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at TD Place are what a fan would expect for an OHL venue, with a few interesting items. All of the favourites can be found, including hot dogs, fries, popcorn and pretzels. Pizza can be purchased from local Ottawa favourite Gabriel Pizza. Gabriel offers an original 67s Pizza to go along with pepperoni and cheese options. Poutine and pulled pork and pineapple sandwiches add to the variety of options. There is a fairly significant beer selection available including Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, Broadhead and Corona to go along with Budweiser and Bud Light. Twisted Tea, Bud Light Seltzer and Brickworks 1904 Cider are also available. Hitting the Lois ‘n Frima’s Ice Cream for some homemade ice cream, donuts, churros or a Slush Puppie would be the spot to go. Atmosphere 4 TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. Upon entering the arena, fans are welcomed to a huge concourse on the north side. The northern wall features a massive mural honouring Hockey Hall of Fame Coach, Brian Kilrea, who spent the bulk of his career coaching the Ottawa 67’s. Following his career and honours is a pathway through the history of the Ottawa 67’s franchise. There is plenty to look at and go through along the way. Heading over to the north side of the arena brings fans to a totally different area, with low ceilings and hockey motif. Make sure to check out the football stadium through the glass doors on the north side to get a better sense of the full stadium/arena complex. The southeast corner is The 67’s Barber Shop group seating area which looks like a great place to bring a group to the game. Entering the seating bowl, fans are welcomed with a very different structure. The north side, which is the side to be on for fans wanting that picture perfect centre-ice logo pic, has the majority of seats with two main levels. The east and west sides are similar, but the south side just has a few rows of seats under a low ceiling. Rather than hanging anything over the ice surface, the TD Place Arena utilizes the bulkhead above the south side seats. The main videoboard is centering banners and two other smaller videoboards. The score and time are kept on traditional scoreclocks between the main videoboard and the two smaller boards. On either side of the videoboard are the two Memorial Cup banners the 67’s have earned, from 1984 and 1999. The retired number banners of Peter Lee, Bobby Smith, Brian Campbell, Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson hang with a Brian Kilrea on the right side of the videoboard and the three OHL Champions banners, from 1977, 1984 and 2001 hang to the left. The gameday production is about what one would expect from an OHL experience. Popular music and classic rock are played throughout the game. The 67’s mascot, Riley, can be found throughout the arena interacting with fans. A unique feature for the 67’s is the giant wind-sock character, like those found at car dealerships, is blown up in the east end as the celebration continues. Neighbourhood 5 TD Place Arena is at Lansdowne Park which is located in a neat neighbourhood in Ottawa called The Glebe. With the building of TD Place, Lansdowne Park has seen significant development and there are a plethora of food and drink options in the immediate area. The Rowan, Irene’s Pub, Mr. Puffs, Joey Lansdowne, Local Public Eatery, Craft Beer Market, Crust & Crate, Milestones and Jack Astors are all within a two minute walk of the arena. For fans wishing for more sports, the Ottawa RedBlacks play at TD Place Stadium, right above the arena. The NHL’s Ottawa Senators play out in Kanata at Canadian Tire Centre. The summer months have Frontier League Baseball at RCGT Park with the Ottawa Titans. The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees play football at Gee-Gees Stadium, hockey at Minto Sports Complex and basketball at The Court at Montpetit Hall. The Carleton Ravens play football at MNP Park, hockey at Carleton Ice House and the 15 time National Champion basketball team plays at the Ravens’ Nest. For a possible doubleheader, fans may want to consider crossing the river into Gatienau, Quebec to check out the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL at Centre Slush Puppie. Outside of sports, Ottawa boasts one of the premier tourist destinations in Canada. Being the capital city, the Parliament buildings are high on the list of places to see. There are a ton of museums to check out while in Ottawa including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Royal Canadian Mint are the tip of the iceberg. The Rideau Canal is also just south of Lansdowne Park and skating on the canal may be the quintessential Ottawa winter activity. For fans wishing to stay in The Glebe to be near Lansdowne Park, will have to go north to the Rideau Inn or to some of the multiple Centretown hotels that are available. Fans 4 Traditionally, the Ottawa 67’s have enjoyed some of the strongest support in the entire Ontario Hockey League. However, the major renovations that were required at TD Place which displaced the 67’s to Kanata to the Canadian Tire Centre, significantly hurt the 67’s at the turnstile. The team has worked hard to slowly build the fanbase back up to where it once was. The Covid impacted 2021-2022 season has seen falling attendance across the board, including in Ottawa. Previously, the 67’s enjoyed averaging 4,000 fans per game, which kept them in the top third of the league for attendance. Fans are smart, yet fairly quiet, as most Ottawa fans are. Access 4 Traversing Ottawa is not the easiest proposition. Lansdowne Park is located south of Highway 417-Trans Canada Highway, the main route in and through Ottawa. A drive along the canal on Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the Park will be required. On the positive side, the City of Ottawa has done a wonderful job routing traffic into both entry points of Lansdowne Park effectively and what could be a difficult trek to the game is not as bad as one would expect. There is underground parking on site for a price and it can be pre purchased. This is definitely advisable as there is little parking available in the residential Glebe area. Parking at Carleton University and taking the free shuttle to the game may also be of interest to fans wishing to keep the car out of The Glebe. Ottawa has a strong transit system and there is a bus stop on Bank Street that is across from Lansdowne Park. Fans should check out the OC Transpo website for fares, maps and schedules. TD Place Arena boasts some of the widest concourses anywhere and getting around the arena is not difficult at all. There are plenty of washroom facilities for the size of the crowd that the 67’s draw. Return on Investment 5 Ontario Hockey League hockey remains one of the best investments possible for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the 67’s begin at $25 for adults and go up to $39. The south side of the arena is General Admission, and probably not the best spot to be considering fans will not be able to see the videoboard which is on the bulkhead above. There are also discounts for children and seniors and a variety of ticket package options. Concession prices at TD Place Arena are what one would expect and parking does have a cost at Lansdowne Park, but not at Carleton if the free shuttle is taken. The return is the opportunity to see one of the cornerstone OHL franchises, which consistently recruits a top product on the ice, in one of the most unique venues in sport. Compared to what one would pay to see the crosstown Ottawa Senators, the 67’s are a deal. Extras 3 An extra mark for the 67’s continuing to rock the barber pole uniforms for over 40 years. The 67’s are even referred to as the Barber Poles at times. An extra mark for the amazing revitalization of Lansdowne Park. An extra mark for one of the most unique uses of space having TD Place Arena situated under the north stands of the football stadium. Final Thoughts Catching an Ottawa 67’s game can be part of an amazing weekend or vacation in one of the most tourist-friendly cities in North America. There are a ton of things to do in Ottawa and a 67’s game can fit right in there. When in Canada’s Capital Region, make sure to head to The Glebe, Lansdowne Park and TD Place Arena to catch the Barber Poles in action. It won’t be a disappointment. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Tribute Communities Centre 99 Athol St E Oshawa, ON L1H 1J8 Oshawa Generals website Tribute Communities Centre website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,180 Generally Speaking … One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. In 2006, the Oshawa Generals moved to the brand new, City of Oshawa-owned General Motors Centre. Moving out of the old Oshawa Civic Auditorium was a boost for the team and has allowed Oshawa to be the host city for Memorial Cup. In 2016, the naming rights were purchased by Tribute Communities, a property development company, and the arena was renamed the Tribute Communities Centre. Food & Beverage 3 With pandemic restrictions being in transition at the time of this review, it appears that concessions are back open at Tribute Communities Centre, in full force. Concession options are what one would expect. All of the expected options are present with burgers, sausage, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and Pizza Pizza slices available at multiple purchase points. Coca-Cola provides soft drink options and there are also a few beer options available including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. There are also some cider and cooler options available. The concession lineup is decent, but there is nothing that will blow fans away. Atmosphere 4 The Tribute Communities Centre is designed like many other arenas in the Ontario Hockey League. The exterior is attractive with the main entrance along Athlol Street. The main square features a unique mirrored sculpture that defies description, yet provides a terrific meeting place and item for exploration. Fans can take Red Tilson Lane, named after the Gens war veteran, past the sculpture from Athol Street to Bruce Street on the other side of the building. Upon entering the main doors, fans are immediately met with a large staircase leading to the main concourse. Ground-level also sends fans to a modest team store. The main concourse gives fans the impression that the Tribute Communities Centre is like so many other OHL facilities. The concourse is behind the top row of seats in the seating bowl and is open so fans can see the action on the ice while traversing the concourse. The entry points to the seating bowl have signage sharing the Generals Ring of Excellence. Members include John Humphreys, John Stevens, Terry O’Reilly, Alex Delvecchio, Rick Middleton, Joe Cirella, Roy Sawyer, John MacLean, Jason Arnott, Billy Taylor, Darryl Lafrance, Ian Young, Scott McCrory, Paul Theriault, Dean Morton, Iain Fraser, Nathan Horton, Wayne Cashman, Bryan Allen, Bob Attersley, Floyd Curry, Matt Leyden, Jeff Daniels, and Dave Andreychuck. The six of the most prominent Generals do not have Ring of Excellence signage as they have their numbers retired, hanging from banners on the east side of the arena. John Tavares, Eric Lindros, Marc Savard, Tony Tanti, Red Tilson (who gave his life in World War II), and Bobby Orr each hold the most honoured place among Generals Alumni. On the south side of the building, fans have the opportunity to pursue the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum which is a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts not only about the Generals but for the entire region across sports. Enshrined members of the Hall of Fame can be found in frames around the arena The seating bowl is pretty much a single-tier bowl with standing room behind the seating bowl. The concourses are open to the seating bowl and the opportunity to see the game while at the concession stand is there. Above the seating bowl on the south side are several luxury boxes and the Prospects Grill offers some alternative seating, with a full-service restaurant, on the north side. The video board at centre ice is not overpowering, but clear and used effectively. The pride of the Generals can be found on both the east and west sides of the scoreboard. On the west side, the banners for the thirteen J.Ross Robertson Cups hang. The Gens took home the Ontario or OHL championship in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1966, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1997 and 2015. On the east side banners for the Memorial Cup victories of 1939, 1940, 1944, 1990, and 2015 hang. It is hard to find a junior hockey team more decorated than the Generals. The game day experience is about what can be expected for an OHL team. The music is what you would expect with a variety of contemporary and classic rock. The Gens mascot, Deke, can be found around the arena interacting with the fans and the opportunity to win some money is available with the 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 4 The Tribute Communities Centre is located in the Central Oshawa neighbourhood of the city. Oshawa has a population of 166,000, so it is not a huge city. However, Central Oshawa does have a few spots of interest for fans who are looking for pre or post-game food and drink. Right inside the Tribute Communities Centre, fans may wish to try out the Prospects Bar & Grill. Other options within walking distance include Smoke’s Poutinerie, Wing Addicts, Kings Corner, Brew Wizards Board Game Cafe, Riley’s Pub, and Top Corner Grill & BBQ. There are also a few fast food and chain restaurants around. Wendel Clark’s is heavily advertised and is a few blocks from the arena and may be the spot to try, especially for Toronto Maple Leaf fans. Fans looking for some other sporting options will want to head over to Ontario Tech University, where the Ridgebacks play hockey at Campus Ice Centre and basketball at Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre . If that is not quite enough, heading to Toronto for all that there is to offer there is an option. A few steps from the TCC is the Canadian Automotive Museum, which may be of interest also. For fans wishing to stay in Central Oshawa, La Quinta Inn & Suites Oshawa is a block away from the arena. Holiday Inn Express Oshawa is also a couple of blocks away. Fans 4 Although it is difficult to assess fans during the pandemic years, Oshawa has consistently been in the top 4 in OHL attendance. In normal years, the Generals average over 5,000 fans per game, which is very strong for the OHL. Even in the pandemic challenged the year 2021-2022, the Generals have averaged over 3,100 fans and are fifth in the OHL. Generals fans are knowledgeable about the game and their team. They are also pretty typical of the Ontario sports fan, which is not over-the-top and fairly reserved, who knows when to cheer and when to jeer. Access 4 Getting to the Tribute Communities Centre is not too difficult. The arena is less than 3 km from Highway 401, the main east-west artery in Ontario. There are a few parking options near the arena and the traffic is not terrible in Central Oshawa. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are some bus stops on King Street East, a block north of the arena. Fans should check out the Durham Region Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around in the TCC can be a little challenging, as it can be in many venues. The concourses are not huge and can get congested during intermissions when there is a big crowd. The washroom facilities are decent in the TCC. Security and Covid restrictions are consistently in flux in Ontario. Stadium Journey encourages fans to check out the Oshawa Generals website before heading to the game to be fully informed. Return on Investment 5 Oshawa Generals hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Seats range from $22 to $38 with the majority of seats at the $22 price point. Tickets will cost a couple of dollars more when purchased on game day. Parking can be found around the arena for around $5 and concession prices are average for this league. The product on the ice is fantastic and exciting. When compared with NHL hockey, the OHL experience gives far better bang for the fan’s buck. Extras 3 An extra mark for the tremendous history enjoyed by the Oshawa Generals and the fantastic job that they do putting it on display at the Tribute. An extra mark for the unique two-tone helmets that have been an Oshawa staple for years. An extra mark for the lengthy rivalry that the Generals have fostered with the nearby Peterborough Petes . Final Thoughts Being one of the cornerstones of the OHL comes with some expectations. The Oshawa Generals meet those expectations and then some. Catching some Oshawa Generals hockey is a tremendous hockey experience and a spot where hockey fans will be glad that they came. It is a little strange sounding that the Generals no longer play in the General Motors Centre, but Generally Speaking, Oshawa knows its hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FirstOntario Centre 101 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Hamilton Bulldogs website FirstOntario Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Home of (Future) NHLers Hockey in Hamilton, Ontario has a long history of clubs in leagues up and down the hockey spectrum, from the juniors to the NHL and all points in between. High-level hockey began in the city in 1920, when the Hamilton Tigers laced up in the fledgling NHL. The club took its name and colours from the popular Canadian football team that would eventually merge with their rival Wildcats to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The early years of the hockey side were filled with futility, with the players even going on strike in 1924. The team got sold to New York City in 1925, when they became the Americans, and NHL hockey in Hamilton ended. However, the Ontario Hockey Association came to town in 1953 with the Tiger Cubs, who moved around the Hamilton-Niagara area under various names including, most famously, the Fincups who won the 1976 Memorial Cup – the most recent junior trophy in Hamilton until now. But first, the team moved out and Hamilton began to pursue its NHL dream again. Building the Copps Coliseum in 1985, the Steel City grew frustrated by repeated NHL expansions to warm climates. The situation became so aggravating that Mayor Bob Morrow quipped Hamilton would get their NHL team “when Honolulu wins the Stanley Cup and two Mexican cities are in trouble because of the declining peso.” The American Hockey League eventually opened up in Hamilton, first with Vancouver’s farm team, then Montreal’s. Finally, the Bulldogs, as they were known, won the 2007 Calder Cup. However, the carousel continued as the club moved to Laval, Quebec, to be closer to their NHL parents. Instead, the storied Belleville Bulls OHL team moved to Hamilton (itself replaced by Ottawa’s new AHL farm team, the Belleville Senators). And once again, a championship banner will rise at the Coliseum (now named FirstOntario Centre). The Bulldogs – as an OHL club – are 2018 Ontario champions. They now compete for the Memorial Cup and a shot at national glory but as the famous black-and-yellow colours associated with the city have achieved newfound success, the hopes for some stability rise, and the dream for the eventual return of NHL hockey continues. Food & Beverage 3 Concession items at FirstOntario Centre are about what one would expect at a junior rink, with a couple interesting items. The regular items include hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, pizza, and chicken fingers all for between $4 and $6. There is also the Candy Counter & Sweet Shop selling chocolate bars and other sweet items. A popular stand is Lou’s BBQ, where fresh carved meats are available ranging from ribs to sandwiches. Another interesting option is Rita’s Ice Custard, with the first Canadian outpost of the American chain located just around the corner. Their stand in the rink sells gelato and other ice cream treats. Cin City sells warm cinnamon doughnuts and the Hot Dog Hut has gourmet dogs and sausages. The Budweiser King Club often has live bands before the game and during the intermission, and is a good place to meet for a beer. In terms of beer throughout the concourse, options are limited. On tap, there is unfortunately only Budweiser or Bud Light ($12). Tallboy can options are a little better, consisting of Alexander Keith’s and Mill Street Organic, as well as Stella Artois ($9.75-$10.50). Brickworks Cider goes for $12 with wine and coolers also available. Spirits are served too, including Wiser’s whisky, Lamb’s rum, Beefeater gin, and Absolut vodka. Soft drinks ($5) are from Pepsi. For a more secluded spot, The Lounge and Hammer Hideaway are places to have a pint away from the crowds; a level below the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Approaching the arena, it is obvious that FirstOntario Centre is an arena first and foremost, with the underside of the upper bowl visible extending above the concourse level. Even more obvious, though, is the fact that the arena was built in the 1980s. Both of those design ideas are true throughout the arena and the result is a uniquely large and professional-feeling arena for junior hockey, but one also lacking the modern vistas found almost everywhere else in the OHL these days. Before and after the harsh winter weather, the exterior is enhanced by some pregame entertainment along Bay Street and some tents from the team to engage fans before entering. Entering the arena, fans ascend escalators up to the concourse level. The concourse is wide and there are some good spots to catch a glimpse of ice level, especially in the corners. There are a couple murals commemorating big moments in the arena’s history, though Hamilton’s rich hockey heritage could be better commemorated. Inside the seating bowl, the NHL scale of the arena becomes apparent, though the upper tier is usually curtained off to provide a more intimate experience. The open lower bowl seats are dark blue and comfortable, though the scoreboard is somewhat dated. It is used fairly effectively, and in-game promotions are actually engaging rather than distracting, however a more modern scoreboard would improve the situation. The presentation is enhanced by fire which spits from the boards as the team enter the ice and, in a rare but fantastic step, fireworks which explode following a win. The arena can feel cavernous with the often smaller crowds for OHL hockey, though when the barn fills up for the playoffs, the atmosphere is incomparable in junior hockey. Neighbourhood 5 FirstOntario Centre is located in the city centre, steps from much of the best of what Hamilton has to offer. Hamilton itself is known as the Steel City, and is primarily a working class, blue collar town on the western edge of the Golden Horseshoe metropolis. It is one of the larger cities in Canada, although it is sometimes subsumed as part of Toronto’s circle of gravity. It has historically been known both for its massive steel plants along the harbor and its abundant nature, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the middle of town (locally known as ‘the Mountain’). Today, the exploding housing prices in Toronto have meant artists and young people are gentrifying Hamilton very quickly and the city is undergoing a massive growth spurt and culture change. Within an easy walk of FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton’s attractions unveil themselves. Within a five-minute walk is the main throughfare, James Street, with many new cafes, pubs, and art galleries. King Street, also nearby, is the central business district. Also just around the corner is the Hamilton Art Gallery, historic Dundurn Castle, and a handful of hotels including the Sheraton, the new HomeWood Suites, and the Staybridge. Not far away is Hamilton’s Bayfront area, with museums and parkland. Cootes Paradise is a beautiful natural sanctuary, near McMaster University, at the western edge of Lake Ontario. For good eats and drinks, King William Street is a block away, with various restaurants and drinking holes. Also around the corner is Hamilton’s party quarter, Hess Village, with bars and nightclubs. For other sporting options, the CFL’s storied Hamilton Tiger-Cats play in new Tim Hortons Field. Though outside of hockey season, seeing them play their archrivals Toronto Argonauts over Labour Day Weekend is a near-religious experience. McMaster University is nearby as well, with various athletic teams and a pretty home field for football, soccer, and other sports at Ron Joyce Stadium. The transit hub, Hamilton GO Centre is also nearby, as is the West Harbour train station. Both stations provide convenient bus and train service to Toronto and its suburbs. Fans 3 It is difficult to give an accurate rating to the fans of the Bulldogs this 2018 season. For much of the year, fans seemed to stay away, perhaps wanting higher-level hockey in their large city. However, as the playoffs rolled around, the fans filled the lower bowl, and even some of the upper bowl, and created an atmosphere unmatched in the OHL. Hamilton fans do seem to be louder and more boisterous than many of their counterparts in usually-staid Southern Ontario. Perhaps it stems from the blue collar nature of the city or perhaps from the leadership of the prolific supporters’ group, Golden City Brigade. They lead the chanting in their corner section, 118, and that is the place to sit for the most engaged experience year-round. Armed with a drum and flashcards for upcoming chants, the energy emanates from 118 throughout the rink. The supporters and players have a good relationship, as the players saluted 118 specifically after their championship win. In the playoffs, the energetic fan base reached their most vibrant. Flags, horns, cowbells, and chanting abounded and, even from the press box, it can be difficult to even hear yourself think at times. Fans were on their feet frequently and the energy was irresistible. This year’s OHL championship was certainly brought about in large part by the vocal support during the playoffs. Access 5 Getting in and around FirstOntario Centre is perfectly easy for anyone. Within the arena, the concourses and washrooms are easily adequate for the normal crowds well under capacity. Even with larger crowds, the circulation is acceptable for arena standards. Getting to the arena is even better, no matter how you arrive. By car, the rink is a short drive down York Boulevard from the east-west Highway 403 and not far from the urban expressway network of the city. There is lots of parking nearby, though it can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $20. Arriving by public transportation is a more cost-effective, and equally straightforward idea, with the Hamilton Street Railway operating frequent bus services to the rink, and the central McNab Transit Terminal a block away. Additionally, arriving by bike is a good idea if possible, with high-quality, segregated bike lanes leading to the rink from all directions and plenty of bicycle parking in front. Coming from out of town is also exceptionally simple, with two GO Train stations nearby. Hamilton GO Centre is a couple blocks away and has service on the Lakeshore West train line, as well as buses to numerous Toronto suburbs such as Mississauga (home of the OHL Steelheads) and York Region, and other cities like Guelph, Brantford, and the Niagara Region. The West Harbour train station, also nearby, is on the Lakeshore West line as well and is newly-opened. Aldershot train station, a short bus ride north, is the hub for intercity VIA trains and express GO trains to Toronto’s Union Station. Return on Investment 3 In general, OHL hockey is tremendous value and Hamilton is no different. Tickets go for between $20-$30 and concession prices are decent for a big-city venue. Parking is a little more expensive than in smaller OHL cities, but that is a function of Hamilton’s size. The product on the ice has been fantastic and when the rink is full, the atmosphere itself is intoxicating enough to be worth the price of admission. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Golden City Brigade leading section 118 in chanting, the ‘viking clap’ and other exciting support. They have played a part in an atmosphere better than anywhere else in the OHL when full. An extra mark for the acknowledgement of interns from Mohawk College who assist with game day production. They are saluted and given a rousing ovation each game. An extra mark for the use of fireworks celebrating wins, which is rare at indoor arenas. A final extra mark is deserved for the incredible atmosphere created by the fans in the playoffs, which is truly second-to-none. If they can continue to show up in large numbers year-round in the future, the fan score will rise substantially. Final Thoughts When the arena isn’t full, the FirstOntario Centre is a decent place to watch very, very good hockey being played in the centre of a lively and growing city. When full, the atmosphere is unsurpassed and will sweep any casual fan up in it. The proximity to both Toronto and the American border, combined with plenty to do, make Hamilton a great stop on the sporting calendar and continued success might make the Bulldogs the stable hockey team the city has wanted for so long.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center 3501 Lapeer Rd. Flint, MI 48503 Flint Firebirds website Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,021 #BelieveinFlint If you troll around the Flint Firebirds Twitter account you will be bombarded with the hashtag #BelieveInFlint. Let’s face it, right or wrong, the city of Flint, Michigan has a horrible reputation. Whether it is the reported high crime rate or the crash of the city following the closing of the auto manufacturing plants, getting people to come to Flint has been difficult at best. So when Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. IMS also owns the local arena, which has negotiated a naming rights deal with Dort Federal Credit Union, and the newly crowned Firebirds would be an interesting tennant. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. The Whalers took up residence in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth for 18 seasons. Unfortunately, Plymouth would provide its own set of challenges and with the purchase of Compuware Arena by USA Hockey Foundation, it was clear that a new home was needed. Peter Karmanos was clear that Chatham, Ontario was the first choice, however with no suitable arena and no civic appetite to build one, Chatham was a short conversation. Flint swooped in and kept the Michigan quota of OHL teams at two. The newly minted Firebirds would have several challenges ahead of them. The ability to convince Canadian parents to send their sons to Flint for junior hockey would be significant. Educating the Flint community on OHL hockey would be another challenge, but the Firebirds would make news that would make all of their work even more difficult. In November 2015 the Firebirds would catch the attention of the entire hockey world when after a rash firing of their head coach, John Gruden, the entire Firebirds team quit. The issues were quickly resolved and Gruden and his staff were re-hired and hockey moved on, but it was not the right kind of publicity that the Firebirds received. The Firebirds have their work cut out for them, but are doing what they can and are trying their best to get hockey fans everywhere to Believe in Flint.. Food & Beverage 4 The Flint Firebirds offer a pretty good selection of fare for the Firebirds patron. The Dort features four main concession stands that are in the four corners of the arena concourse. Each features a pretty decent selection of hockey fare. Some items available include popcorn ($4), hot dogs ($4), polish sausage, pizza ($4), and pretzels ($4). Detroit staple, Cheli’s Chili, product of former Red Wings star Chris Chelios, is also available on its own or with a chili dog. There are also a few cheaper snack items available including cookies and chips for $2 each. A premium item that may catch your eye is the steak & cheese sandwich for $8. Concession stands offer Pepsi products for soft drinks in two sizes ($4/$3). Bottled water and Gatorade is also available. Hot beverages available include coffee, hot chocolate and vanilla cappuccino, each for $2. Alcoholic beverages are available at dedicated stands. The beers that are available include Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue and Blue Light. If you are looking for a bit more of a craft brew experience, then you may want to try Alaskan Breweries. Both the Alaskan Amber and Freeride APA are available. Other canned alcohol options are also available. Atmosphere 2 The Firebirds have some significant work to do when it comes to atmosphere. The age of the Dort immediately comes into play when talking about the atmosphere. With the building built in 1969, the Dort doesn’t offer too much in the way of aesthetics. A fairly non-descript building from the outside, the Dort has a brown brick exterior that has that seventies bomb-shelter kind of look to it. Upon entry the Dort does offer a fairly decent waiting area on the inside, which if nothing else, offers some shelter from the exterior elements before the gates into the arena open. The Firebirds have attempted to spruce up the waiting area with some orange and blue balloon-like balls decorating the waiting area ceiling. It does offer a bit of colour to what would otherwise be a fairly drab area. Access to the team store is available from the waiting area before the gates open. Once the gates open, the entrance to the store swaps to the door inside the arena. Inside the gates, patrons are welcomed to the main concourse, which like many other arenas in the OHL is behind the seating bowl in a open concept configuration where the ice is visible from the concourse. The ice is configured with the nets at the north and south ends of the arena. The ceiling is very low and the Firebirds have found a new videoboard that keeps the low ceilings in mind. There is not much in the way of markings for the Firebirds. There is nothing to show the franchise history from Plymouth and the Firebirds management is treating the team like it’s an expansion franchise. Promotions are a big part of the Firebirds experience. Check out the Firebirds website for a list of promotional dates. The date of this review featured ladies night, with all ladies entering the arena being offered a carnation. Pre-game music for the Firebirds is way too loud and obnoxious at times. The Firebirds mascot patrols the arena looking for kids and enthusiastic fans. As of this writing, the Firebirds “Name the Mascot” contest has not completed and a name for the mascot has not been announced. The Firebirds also have a cheer team complete with pom-poms, which is definitely unique for junior hockey. The rest of the in-game promotions are what are to be expected for hockey at this level. The seating in the Dort is unique to say the least. The seating bowl can be divided into two distinct areas. The upper half of the seating bowl features brand new, permanent plastic stadium seats with cup holders. The lower half of the seating bowl is on temporary risers and astonishingly features cushioned folding chairs. As with most junior hockey experiences, there is plenty of standing room behind the seating bowl which fans flock to. There does not seem to be much in the way of premium seating. The Blueline Club is in the pressbox level at the north end of the arena. The south end features a hot tub at ice level, which is a first for the OHL. If you want to see the centre-ice logo properly, you will want a seat on the west side of the arena. With the small capacity of the Dort, the best seats are in the upper half of the seating bowl. One or two rows from the top will give you a great view. Neighborhood 2 With the poor reputation that Flint has, it’s a pretty good idea to know where you are going and what you are doing. Around the Dort there are a couple of options. You may want to try the Firkin & Fox for an English style pub experience. Right on the other side of the building, Walli’s Family Restaurant may be a little more up your alley. Either way you will probably enjoy your experience. Both are located just south of Lapeer, to the east of the arena. With the vast automotive history in Flint, an option for other entertainment may be the Buick Gallery. Located northwest of the Dort, in the Flint Cultural Center, the Buick Gallery offers a small gallery of various Buick’s of the past. There may be other areas within the Cultural Center that you could also be interested in like the Longway Planetarium or the Sloan Museum. If you are making a weekend of your trip to Flint and looking for other sporting options, you are central to a number of different cities including Saginaw, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Auburn Hills and Detroit. All have either junior hockey, college sports or professional sports to offer. If you are planning on staying in Flint, the Super 8 offers a close proximity to the arena as well as the Firkin & Fox and Walli’s. Fans 3 It is important to remember that at the time of this review the Flint market is still being introduced to the Ontario Hockey League brand of hockey. The Firebirds have drawn on average 3,000 fans per game. There is definitely room to grow, but that by no means puts them at the bottom of the league attendance wise. It does put the Firebirds in the lower echelon of the OHL however. As the league and product continues to grow on the local market, and the rivalry with the Saginaw Spirit continues to grow, hopefully the attendance will continue to grow. The fans that are in the stands are typical OHL-type fans. The are not over the top loud or supportive. They make noise when there is something to make noise about. However, there is little sense of attachment to this team yet, and the Flint market has had numerous teams come and go. Some staying power would go a long way to help the Firebirds. Access 3 Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center is not difficult to get to, but offers some challenges. The Dort is located just south of I-69 and east of I-475, a great location for getting to and from the arena from out of town. It is a little bit of a drive from downtown Flint proper, which is north of the interstate. Flint does have some public transportation, however it is centered around the downtown area. The transit does not go out as far as the Dort. Other transportation options must be explored if driving is not in the cards. There is plenty of parking in the parking lots surrounding the Dort. The cost for parking is $10, which is expensive for this league. That being said, there is paid security that patrols the parking lot, so there is some piece of mind for the money that you are paying to park. The ticketing windows are within the waiting area inside the arena. It is pretty spacious and there is enough room for those picking up tickets, buying tickets and those who are just waiting to get in. The concourses behind the seating bowl are fairly spacious and getting around the arena is not too difficult. The washroom facilities are a little outdated and pretty cramped. Some attention needs to be paid to this area of the arena. Return on Investment 4 OHL hockey is always a great investment. The brand of hockey is fast and exciting. Ticket prices for the Firebirds are in line with other programs in the league. With seating options at $19, $15 and $12, the opportunity for a great seat at a low cost is a distinct possibility. Try the bronze seating at $12. Concession prices are good and the parking cost is quite high. The end result is a very reasonable investment. The venue in Flint isn’t the greatest, but it is still a solid investment with ample return. Extras 2 An extra mark for the classic Pontiac Firebird parked in front of the arena with a strobe light. An extra mark for the hot tub at ice level. A unique feature for junior hockey. Final Thoughts The Firebirds want you to Believe in Flint. Considering the hurdles that the team has already been required to jump over have been quite significant. I would be prudent to give Flint a chance. At the very least, the team is making sufficient effort to make junior hockey work in Flint. In the meantime, keep an open mind, give the Firebirds a chance and maybe you will even #BelieveInFlint. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Erie Insurance Arena 809 French St Erie, PA 16501 Erie Otters website Erie Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 6,833 Erie’s Home for Hockey Since it was completed in 1983, the venue once known as the Erie Civic Center has continually hosted hockey, starting with the ACHL’s Golden Blades. Today, the arena is home to the Erie Otters, one of only three American teams in the Ontario Hockey League. The major junior league is part of the Canadian Hockey League, the highest level of North American amateur hockey for players aged 16 to 21. The Otters were created in 1996 and have had great success in their 25 years of existence, winning two OHL championships and numerous division championships. Current NHL superstar Connor McDavid played his junior hockey for the Otters. Erie loves its hockey team, but like the city itself, Erie Insurance Arena is dated and a little shabby. It doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun here, though. Food and Beverage 4 You’ll find the usual sports venue food suspects are well represented at Erie Insurance Arena–hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders and the like. However, since the Otters are part of a Canadian league, you can also cover the three major Canadian food groups, namely Tim Horton’s donuts, poutine, and beer. French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy accompanied by a cold Labatt’s (or a Coke) and a Timmy Ho’s cruller will take you over the border faster than you can say “how’s it going, eh?” The beer selection is quite good here, with plenty of local breweries like Erie Ale Works and Luminary Distillers represented. Best of all, the service is quick and friendly and the prices fairly reasonable. Atmosphere 4 Erie Insurance Arena’s seating is shaped like a horseshoe (media facilities take up one end). It holds roughly 6200 people for hockey, with two levels of seating and small club suites on the third and highest level. The seats are comfortable and roomy, and as far as sightlines go, there’s not a bad one in the house. There’s also a standing-room-only platform behind the goal on the first level, which serves as a natural gathering spot for fans. Scoreboards on either end are clear, if not particularly big, as is the center-hung display. Otter fans love anthem singer Roy Hollis Jr. After performing the Canadian national anthem, he will take off his jacket to reveal an American flag shirt and positively wail the Star-Spangled Banner. Otto the Otter is on hand for the kids and to lead team cheers, and promotions include Chuck-a-Puck, where fans fling pucks onto the ice and try to hit targets for prizes. Be warned, though, that the Otters’ Kiss Cam can get a little out of hand, so try to distract the little ones. There are currently no restrictions due to the COVID pandemic at the arena. Neighborhood 2 There are plenty of restaurants and bars near Erie Insurance Arena, which is in the heart of downtown Erie. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is on the run-down side. On a recent Saturday night, establishments seemed sparsely populated; the biggest gathering was in front of the arena waiting to get in. Although there’s ample parking, Otters fans say that they just come for the game for the most part because they “don’t feel comfortable hanging out” in the neighborhood. When asked outside if there was a place they’d recommend for a drink or a pre- or post-game bite, fans shook their heads or shrugged. “You can get the same beer in here cheaper” was a surprisingly common refrain. I was told that the neighborhood is livelier when the Double-A SeaWolves baseball team is playing at UPMC Park, next door to the arena. So there’s no lack of places to go, it’s just that Otters fans don’t want to go to them, apparently. As for hotels, the Bayfront area, roughly a mile from the arena, has a Courtyard by Marriott and a Sheraton. The hotel nearest the arena, the Avalon, is only about two blocks away, but it’s not in the best shape. Fans 5 Erie loves the Otters, and going to a game is less like attending a sporting event and more like going to a party with extraordinarily friendly people who love to talk about hockey. Blue and gold jerseys are everywhere, although there are also red and green alternate jerseys to be seen, usually with Connor McDavid’s name on the back. Many season ticket holders have been here for the duration of the team’s existence, and many of them have been billet families for players over the years. They speak with pride about their team and players both past and present and are always happy to school visitors on the Otters’ illustrious history. Then, if you’re lucky, they’ll buy you a beer and exchange quotes from Slap Shot with you. Access 4 Thanks to its location in central downtown Erie on French Street between 8th and 10th Avenues, Erie Insurance Arena is easily accessible by car and public transit. There’s a parking garage located directly across the street from the arena with a cost of $5. In addition, two parking garages flank the arena, which cost $4. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, known locally as the E, has three routes that stop at the arena; its schedule can be found at https://ride-the-e.com. The arena itself has comfortably wide concourses and multiple points of entry. Paper and mobile tickets are both accepted. There are several wheelchair-accessible seating areas throughout the arena. Restrooms are clean and have been updated with automatic toilets and hand dryers. Return on Investment 4 One of the biggest draws of minor-league hockey is inexpensive tickets, and Erie Otters tickets are no exception. The most you’ll pay for a ticket here is $18, and the team frequently offers deals like “4 for $44”. Interestingly, the team isn’t offering any giveaways, although it does offer some discounts on team merchandise at particular games. Combined with decent concession and merchandise prices, it won’t break the bank to take the family to an Otters game, and a game is also a popular Erie date night activity. Extras 3 The arena’s merchandise store, the Otters Den, is very well laid out and stocked. As mentioned in the previous section, discounts on particular merchandise happen at every game, so there are some good deals to be had. In addition, kids’ activities such as games and face painting are available, and a walk around the main concourse takes you past banners of former Erie players, Otters or otherwise. It’s a minor-league arena, though, so there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles like you might find at NHL arenas. The staff, many of whom have been here since the arena opened, are knowledgeable and friendly, to the point where fans ask after particular people if they don’t immediately see them. Final Thoughts If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. It’s kind of sad, though, that more fans don’t seem to take advantage of the surrounding neighborhood, preferring to get their food and drinks inside the arena and not wanting to hang around before or after games. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sadlon Arena 555 Bayview Dr Barrie, ON L4N 8Y2 Barrie Colts website Sadlon Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 4,195 Colts Country In 1995, the Ontario Hockey League expanded to Barrie, Ontario. It was the perfect location for the league to bridge the geographic gap between the Greater Toronto Area and the Northern Ontario teams in Sudbury and North Bay. Barrie has a terrific history in the OHL and Major Junior Hockey with a number of championships including the 1951 and 1953 Memorial Cups. The Flyers would operate in Barrie from 1945 to 1960 and eventually become the Sudbury Wolves after a stop in Niagara Falls. With the expansion effort, Barrie would require a new arena. The Barrie Molson Centre was built in just 13 months and opened in time for the Colts to play the majority of their inaugural season in their permanent home. In 2019, the City of Barrie, owner and operator of the arena, announced a new naming rights agreement with Paul Sadlon Motors, making the home of the Colts to be officially known as Sadlon Arena. The ownership of the Colts, Howie Campbell and Jim Payetta took control of the team in 2006. During the Colts’ tenure in the OHL, they have been relatively successful, but have had difficulty making it to the next level of success. The Colts have made an appearance in the Memorial Cup only once, in 2000. The inaugural Colts were led by OHL legend Bert Templeton. Mark Scheifele and Brian Little headline the NHL prospects who have come through Barrie. Most recently, Barrie was rocked by the death of Hall of Fame player and Colts Head Coach, Dale Hawerchuck. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at Sadlon Arena are fairly limited. The two main concession stands at the east and west ends of the arena off the typical arena options. Hot dogs, sausage, poutine, fries, nachos and cold options are available. Topper’s Pizza provides a variety of pizza varieties, including a Colt Feature. Pepsi products are the featured soft drink and Budweiser and Michelob Ultra are among the tall boy beer options. The Bailey’s stand combines Madison County Coffee options with the option of a Bailey’s shot and some State Fair Mini Donuts is the most unique option available. There are plenty of vending machines for fans who wish to grab a quick soda without staying in long lines. Atmosphere 3 Sadlon Arena offers a solid junior hockey experience that is not uncommon in many other markets. From the exterior, Sadlon Arena has a bit of a barn-like appearance with a rounded, elongated roof, which can be seen from Highway 400. Oriented from west to east, the most eye-catching feature of the arena is the Horsepower Sports Bar, which offers a unique brick facade to the front of the building with awnings. Although the west side of the building, on Bayview Drive, appears to be the front, there is no real main entrance or atrium. Entrances empty immediately into the concourse. Concourses at Sadlon Arena are decorated with as much Barrie Colts history as possible. Entrances to the seating bowl feature murals, complete with statistics and highlights, of former Colt players including Mark Scheifele, Bryan Little, Kyle Clifford and Alex Pietrangelo among others. Fans should make sure to look for the Dale Hawerchuck mural for the winningest coach in franchise history. Banners hanging from the ceiling also emphasize former Colts in their NHL garb. The Captain’s Wall shows all those honoured enough to wear the ‘C’ on their jersey and the championship wall shows Barrie teams that have participated in the Memorial Cup, J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals to crown the OHL Champions and Bobby Orr Trophy winners as Eastern Conference Champions. Entering the seating bowl, fans will find a single level seating bowl with an east-west orientation and suites at both the top of the seating and at ice level. The west side of the arena has the Horsepower Sports Bar, which has some tables that view out onto the ice as a ticketed seating option. The press box is small and along the north side, the side fans should be on for the perfect picture of the centre ice logo. Above centre ice, the videoboard is newly updated and clear with a ribbon under the four-sided screen. Along the centre the Colts hang their banners for division and conference championships. The 2000 OHL Championship banner is far too incognito given its relative importance. The Colts also have a number of “Leaderboard” banners along the north and south sides to give fans some statistical history for the team including season goals and points and goaltender wins to go with career leaderboards for those categories among others. Finally, hanging in the east end is the retired number 18 banner for Bryan Little, the all time leading scorer for the Colts. The gameday atmosphere is about what one would expect from an OHL game. The presentation is fairly traditional with the expected playlist and announcements and promotions. The Timbits minor hockey game takes place during the second intermission, giving local kids the opportunity to skate on the same ice as their local heroes. The Colts mascot, Charlie Horse, takes part in the pregame ceremonies and interacts with fans around the arena. Neighbourhood 4 Sadlon Arena is located in South Barrie near Highway 400, at Mapleview and Bayview. Mapleview has plenty of shopping and eating options and is quite a busy area. Fans looking for something to eat before or after the game will not have to look far. There are plenty of chain restaurants in the immediate area including Lone Star, Milestones, Panera and The Keg. Expanding the search to the opposite side of Highway 400 will provide another whole set of options. Some original options include the Spoon & Fork, the Simmering Kettle and The Burger’s Priest. However, making a reservation at the Horsepower Bar & Grill may be the best selection to round out the day. Right in the Sadlon Arena, it provides the full Barrie Colts experience. If in Barrie during the summer months, fans may want to head to Minesing to see the Barrie Baycats of the Intercounty Baseball League, or the Barrie Lakeshores of Major Series Lacrosse. Otherwise, Barrie is very much an outdoor city. Barrie is on the doorstep of Ontario’s Cottage Country. Barrie, itself, is on the banks of Lake Simcoe. In the winter months there are plenty of ski resorts around including Snow Valley, Horseshoe Valley and Mount St. Louis Moonstone. Just south of Barrie, in Innisfil, fans could head to Georgian Downs during the racing season. Fans who require a place to stay close to Sadlon Arena may choose the Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn or the Comfort Inn, all which are within a two minute drive from the arena. Fans 4 Assessing fans during the COVID pandemic is a little problematic. Traditionally, the attendance for the Barrie Colts has been very strong. With the capacity of Sadlon Arena at just over 4,000 fans, the Colts have routinely attracted more than 4,000 fans per game. In the game that was reviewed, there were less than 3,000 fans in attendance, however, it is fair to say that this aberration is due, in part, to the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, Barrie fans are notoriously quiet. Fans are knowledgeable and do not talk too much during the play. However, when there is a goal or a big hit, Colts fans can get plenty loud. Access 3 Getting to Sadlon Arena is not difficult at all. Clearly visible from Highway 400, Sadlon Arena is found at the corner of Bayview and Mapleview, south of the waterfront. Highway 400 is the main north-south arterial road in Ontario connecting Northern and Southern Ontario, and runs right through Barrie. Getting in and out of Sadlon Arena is not difficult, even though Mapleview is a major road in a major retail area. Traffic flows smoothly. Parking is free in the large surrounding parking lot. Spots closest to Horsepower Bar and Grill are reserved for season ticket holders. For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are Barrie Transit stops along both Bayview and Mapleview. Fans should see the Barrie Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around Sadlon Arena can be a bit of a challenge. There is not much in the way of an atrium or main entry and the concourses are fairly narrow. During pandemic times, when attendance is depleted, this is not an issue, but it can be very crowded for a capacity crowd. Some of the seats are also difficult to find. The ice level seats at the south side of the arena are in sections 128 and 129, below the suites. It takes a keen eye, or finding an usher or security to find the entries to these sections. To go with the narrow concourses are the extremely small washrooms. Choosing the right time to head to the washroom may be key to enjoying the game to the max. Return on Investment 4 The Ontario Hockey League continues to provide great value for the dollar. Tickets will go for between $23.50 and $25. Restaurant seats are $26 each, but a full table must be purchased. The product on the ice is solid, giving fans the opportunity to see the next generation of NHL players. Parking is free and concession prices are about average compared to the rest of the league. The end result is a great evening of entertainment for a price that is far more affordable than anything that can be found to the south in Toronto. Extras 3 An extra mark for the honouring of Dale Hawerchuck. The Hall of Famer and winningest coach in Colts history died in August of 2020 after a battle with cancer. His number 10 was painted behind the nets at the Sadlon Arena. The December 16, 2021 game against the Sudbury Wolves was to be in honour Dale Hawerchuck and raise a permanent banner to the rafters, however, the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Dale Hawerchuck Way now leads into Sadlon Arena from Bayview Drive. An extra mark for the speed at which the original Barrie Molson Centre was built. A mere 13 months from breaking ground until the doors opened had the Colts playing only a handful of OHL games in a substandard arena. An extra mark for rivalry games against other northern teams including the Owen Sound Attack, North Bay Battalion and Sudbury Wolves. Final Thoughts When heading toward Cottage Country, or heading for a ski weekend in Ontario, taking in the Barrie Colts at Sadlon Arena is a great plan that will not disappoint. The Colts provide a solid OHL experience which hockey fans will, no doubt, appreciate. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.