Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Jim Patterson Stadium 1 S 2nd St Louisville, KY 40208 Louisville Cardinals website Jim Patterson Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,000 Everything’s in the Cards for Louisville Baseball Jim Patterson Stadium is a beauty of a college ballpark and home to the University of Louisville Cardinal baseball team. In 2005, the initial cost of the stadium was $8.5 million and was privately funded by Mr. and Mrs. Patterson; and, just a few years later in 2012, the couple contributed $4 million more to upgrade the facility. The stadium upgrades were also helped by fan donations of autographed baseballs in colors of red and gold that were purchased and displayed in a giant Cardinal logo on the back of home plate. The improvements increased capacity to 4,000 and the stadium has been able to host both NCAA Regional and Super Regional games. The field itself is FieldTurf except the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box. These two areas feature dirt that was transported from the university’s former home Parkway Field which was home to the Cards from 1952-1997. There is another nod to the former baseball field, the first 8 feet of the roof supports were constructed from its left field wall in the speckled colors of green and red. A visit to a game on the weekends makes for a nice alternative to ball games at nearby Louisville Slugger Field and with all home games free of charge and discounted concession items it is very affordable. "Jim Patterson Stadium is a respectable college ballpark that offers more bang for your buck in Louisville." Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands in the back of home plate. The options include hot dogs, brats, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Fans will also find Pepsi products and premium and domestic beer products. There are also specialty hot dogs depending on the homestand; during our visit, it was a street corn dog. The Ville Grill is located behind the 3rd base stand and offers grilled Philly Cheese Steaks and burgers, along with soda and beer. Ehrler’s Ice Cream offers an ice cream stand with six different flavors, including sherbet. A walk behind the grass berm in the right field features another grill with burgers, brats, hot dogs, and beverages. The alcoholic beverage options include Miller Lite, Modelo, Bud Light, Yuengling, Michelob Ultra, and White Claw. Fans can also choose Pepsi products in a U of L souvenir cup for a few dollars extra. There is enough at the concession stands for food and drink to satisfy fans at the game. It is the simple, basic, and familiar items a customer would expect at a baseball game and when you throw in a few different drink options and grilled sandwiches, it's a bonus. Atmosphere 4 It’s a college venue that feels like a low-level minor league park of two decades ago but without the promotions and overzealous public announcer. The 3,000 chair back seats are of the red bucket variety, while a 6,400 square foot terrace sits directly in the back on top offering wheelchair accessibility and the press box area. The ballpark offers various features that set it apart from your normal college venues in the area. Three large baseball bats near the front entrance form a water fountain, various large baseballs are embedded into the ground and act as speed bumps, and a gorgeous glass case of the school’s Cardinal logo is filled with autographed baseballs inside the main concourse. The U of L provides various promotional nights to enhance the experience at the ballpark that includes Bud Three Buck Night Fridays (Bud and Pepsi products), Trivia Tuesdays, Saturdays on the Berm (brats/burgers on the patio), and Family Fun Days on Sundays (inflatables and kids run the bases). The weekend is an opportune time to take in a game as crowds are larger and certain concession prices are heavily discounted. It is also a great time to bring out the kids as inflatable rides are on display on Sundays and the play area behind center field should keep them busy if baseball is not yet their source of entertainment. There is no smoking allowed at Patterson Stadium and clear bags of 12x6x12, plastic storage bags, and clutch bags/small purses 4.5x6.5 are allowed inside the stadium. A souvenir stand is on the 1st base side of the concourse offering caps, t-shirts, and home jerseys. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is across the train tracks from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the street from Churchill Downs, two of the city’s premier sports venues. The area is also home to many other U of L athletic facilities south of campus. There are a few chain restaurants near the stadium and a few local Mexican places, El Molcajete, Santa Fe Grill, and Señor Iguanas. The Kentucky Derby Museum is within walking distance. However, the best places for food and entertainment are elsewhere in town: Franklin Avenue, Bardstown Road, and downtown. A few recommendations while in town would be the Louisville Slugger Museum, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Franklin Avenue Beer Depot for tantalizing barbecue, and Shirley Mae’s Cafe for low-key, but very good soul food. Fans 4 The Cardinals have been one of the better ball clubs in the conference the past few seasons and fans have been flocking to the stadium to watch them play. They display red throughout the building and cheer on their favorites out on the field. Not too shocking, since the city supports its college football and basketball teams with equal passion. Access 4 There is a large parking lot in the back of left field that is more than ample for the number of customers who attend games. There is also parking down the first baseline, but it can fill up quickly for certain games, most notably on weekends. However, once inside, it is rather simple to get around the ballpark, but the bathrooms are somewhat cramped. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are as low as $5 on the grass berm behind left field wall. An adult ticket in the grandstand is $12, youth and senior tickets are $8, and Louisville students with an ID are admitted for free inside the ballpark. Parking is free around the stadium and if attending a game on Friday night, the fan will enjoy $3 Budweiser products and Pepsi products. Extras 3 The use of the outfield wall from Parkway Field not only provides a nice connection to the program’s past but jazzes up the concourse area with a little artistic flair. The promotional nights should be well received by people of all ages. There are nights where hot dogs, sodas, and beers are just a buck, and kids are allowed to run the bases. Depending on who you are with, there should be a night that will satisfy you and your entourage. Final Thoughts Jim Patterson Stadium is more than a respectable venue to enjoy college baseball during the warm spring months in Louisville. The promotions, aesthetics, concession prices, and weekend games make it well worth the nine innings of baseball. If you are in town, check out when the Cards are playing. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale, NY 11553 Long Island Nets website Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 13,500 Back On Long Island Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was opened in 1972 on part of the site of Mitchel Field, a former Army and Air Force base. The Cradle of Aviation Museum, Mitchel Athletic Complex, Nassau Community College, Hofstra University, and a Lockheed facility are also situated on the old base grounds. The arena was the home for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League from 1972 to 2015 and the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association from 1972 to 1977. The arena will also be a part time home of the Islanders again as they transition back away east from Brooklyn’s Barclay Center into a new facility at Belmont Park. The facility went through a massive renovation between 2015 and 2017 to bring the old facility up to modern standards, although it did lower seating capacity. There are also many other changes to the facility that the guests may not see, such as better suites and dressing rooms for concerts and other events. Billy Joel performed the arena’s final pre-renovation concert, as well as the first in the newly renovated facility. In 2017, the venue became the new home of the Brooklyn Nets’ NBA G League team, the Long Island Nets. Previously the “baby” Nets played at the home of the NBA, Brooklyn Nets, The Barclay Center. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few food stands not open during Nets games but the offerings are good and scattered around the concourse. Pricing is typical New York city arena prices. Vincent’s Clam Bar, Umberto’s and the Blue Moon Beer Garden are some of the options available to fans. The Beer Garden can also serve as a nice meeting spot. Atmosphere 3 Teams in the G League are not going to fill major arenas. But even with that fact known, teams in this league offer a great experience for fans. The game I attended had the Nets gymnastic teams and other fan operations from the major league team to help the fan atmosphere. Much of the experience for fans is similar to most minor league team operations. The newly remodeled arena is a very nice facility to watch a game. It is an old school facility at heart and has a single concourse and grandstands that surround the court. It was designed for hockey so there are some end seats further away from the basketball court. For the Nets, only the lower section of seats are used. Neighborhood 3 The Coliseum is centrally located in Uniondale, part of the Town of Hempstead and about 20 minutes from the New York City border in Queens. Walking around the “neighborhood” is not an option. If you’re attending a game at the Coliseum, hundreds of good restaurants are in the area. The Roosevelt Fields Mall is just two miles away while the campus of Hofstra University is right next door. The Cradle of Aviation Museum is just a mile away in Garden City. Considered one of the top aviation museums in the country, it was built on the site of the former Mitchel and Roosevelt Field airfields (Roosevelt Field is where Charles Lindbergh departed New York en route to Paris in 1927). Giulio Cesare Restaurant‎ (18 Ellison Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590) is about three miles from the Coliseum and features fine Italian food. The Long Island Marriott, which is on the Coliseum grounds, has a restaurant offering good fare and a great bar menu. Fans 2 The Nets are trying very hard to get families and youth teams out to the games. That is a great direction as these fans are the way to fill the venue. The more hardcore basketball fans should want to watch the young and upcoming players, but the venue seemed to be lacking them. I think that is more indicative of the overall G League experience, than an issue with the Nets. Access 4 The Coliseum is centrally located for fans traveling by car, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, just off the Meadowbrook Parkway (which connects Parkways from both shores of Long Island conveniently named the Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway). Parking is plentiful and close to the building and only costs $5 for Long Island Nets games. However, the building is difficult to reach by public transportation. The Coliseum is about 15 minutes from world famous Jones Beach, and convenient (at least by car) to as much shopping as one could possibly muster. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at around $12 and go up to around $50. There are suites, party options and sideline seats that can go for more. I would also expect to find ticket options plentiful from local groups attending games. Parking is $5. The overall value for attending a Long Island Nets game is very good. Extras 4 The wood panels added along the arena level has turned a facility not known for its beauty into an arena with a very cool looking style. The food stands along the concourse are part of a programs called “Long Island Taste.” This program has a stated goal “to provide a culinary program with a familiar local flavor, ranging from recently launched operations that have built buzz with their modern twist on retro classics to the tradition-rich institutions that have shaped the local dining scene and become synonymous with Long Island.” It is a unique approach to food operations that will show over time if it is a success. Check out the Billy Joel banner commemorating his many sold out appearances at what is often considered his home arena. The ABA Championship banners, as well as the Julius “Dr. J” Erving banner, show the hstory of this venue quite well. Final Thoughts This is not the Nassau Coliseum that many people remember. The newly remodeled venue, and its smaller capacity has transformed this into a unique venue for Long Island.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 New England Sports Village 1395A Commerce Way Attleboro, MA 02703 Northeast Generals website New England Sports Village website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,000 Village People The Northeast Generals are a Tier II junior hockey team that competes in the North American Hockey League. The Generals have qualified for the NAHL playoffs in four of their seven seasons of play, losing in the first round each time. New England Sports Village is a community ice center containing two full-sized NHL rinks, a ¾ sized “studio rink” and a goalie pad. The hockey rinks at New England Sports Village were planned to be the first piece in a larger project that was to eventually contain facilities for soccer, tennis, and swimming in addition to a hotel and field house. However, this additional development has yet to materialize, and the owners of the complex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2021 to stave off a foreclosure auction. On December 19, 2021, the main rink at the facility was renamed the “A.J. Quetta Rink” in honor of the local high school hockey player from Bishop Feehan High School who is recovering from a spinal cord injury suffered during a game at the facility. Food & Beverage 2 The Blue Line Café, located in the main lobby, offers a basic menu for visiting Generals fans who need a snack. Hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and snacks can be purchased here. If your timing is right, you may find pizza slices, assorted sandwiches, or chicken tenders available. The prices are cheap and the quality is decent. Should the café be closed during your visit, there are several vending machines in the lobby. Pepsi products are featured at NESV. Coffee and hot chocolate are popular items in the chilly complex. Fans are welcome to bring in their snacks if they wish. Atmosphere 2 As you might expect in a simple community rink like the NESV, there’s not a lot to the game day presentation. The staff here does the best with the limited tools at their disposal, but are limited by a poor speaker system, which makes PA announcements almost unintelligible. A small scoreboard hangs at center ice, which displays basic game information. With youth hockey games going on at the other rink, you’ll be sure to find kids running around the facility, giving the place a certain energy. One of the best things about seeing a game at a small rink like the NESV is that you can hear the sounds of the game. You can hear coaches shouting instructions to their players, the officials making their calls, and the players chirping at each other. It’s very enjoyable for serious hockey fans. Neighborhood 2 The New England Sports Village is located in a suburban neighborhood with nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity. Fans looking for a bite to eat can head to nearby Route 1, the primary business district in Attleboro, where multiple shopping and dining options can be found. Most of the options here are national chains. The local outpost of 99 Restaurant or Miller’s Roast Beef should suit your needs. If you are looking for fine dining, head to Providence, which is known as one of the better mid-sized cities in the country for dining options. Fans looking for nearby lodging will find several options along this same stretch of Route One, including a Best Western, a Holiday Inn Express, and a Hampton Inn. If visiting during the holiday season, a trip to LaSalette Shrine is a must. The facility is decked out in lights and is a popular local destination during the holidays. Fans 2 The crowd at a Generals game is truly a “friends and family” type of group. Virtually every person in the stands has a connection with a player on the ice. This ensures that the fans know hockey and are very involved with the action down on the ice. With the Generals’ schedule consisting almost exclusively of games against other teams from the northeast, it’s not unusual to see fans of the visitors here as well. Attendance averages in the 100-250 range. Access 4 The New England Sports Village is located in Attleboro, MA, a suburb located about 10 miles northeast of Providence, RI. The facility is located just off Interstate 95, making access to and from the facility easy. Parking and the main entrance are located at the rear of the building as you approach from Commerce Way. The Generals usually play in the “Premier Rink,” which is straight ahead as you enter the building. Seating consists of metal bleachers without backs raised about eight feet over the ice surface. Nets run the length of the rink, obstructing views from all seating areas. There is a bit of standing room available at ice level. Fans wishing to escape the cold of the rink may choose to watch the action from tables located in the lobby, which have a view of the ice. The cafeteria and restrooms are located in the main lobby. While the three ice surfaces here are in constant use, lines are not an issue and the facility is clean and attractive. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Generals games are sold as general admission for only $10 at the door on game day. Purchasing tickets in advance will save you three dollars. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the facility. Concessions are inexpensive, which all add up to a very affordable night of entertainment for local sports fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for honoring local high school player A.J. Quetta by naming the premier rink for him. There's also an inspirational quote from Quetta on the rink's wall. "If there is a will, there is always a way, my friend." Final Thoughts While the New England Sports Village may not qualify as a destination location, it provides affordable, quality hockey for local fans. The North American Hockey League continues to grow and give young hockey players a place to work on their game as they look to move on to college and professional careers. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rynearson Stadium 799 N Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website Rynearson Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 30,200 Move over Smurf Turf, there’s a Gray Field in Town! Affectionately known as ‘The Factory,’ Rynearson Stadium opened in 1969, and currently has a capacity of 30,200 (incidentally the same capacity as Western Michigan’s Waldo Stadium ). The largest crowd ever to attend an event at Rynearson Stadium was in 2008, when 26K+ fans watched the Eastern Michigan football team triumph over Central Michigan, with a score of 56-52. The stadium underwent a major renovation project back in 1991-92, during which time about 10K seats were added, as well as the scoreboard, new bathrooms and concessions, and the team building. The most recent round of renovations occurred in 2014, with the installation of the ‘EMU Gray’ FieldTurf surface, making this only the second FBS team to play on a non-green field. Rynearson Stadium originally had a natural grass field, but the team has been playing on artificial turf since 1991 (the playing surface here has been replaced four times since the facility was built). The football field at Rynearson Stadium is surrounded by the track, so the venue is home to not only the Eastern Michigan football squad but also the track and field teams. In addition, the Convocation Center, home of EMU basketball, sits on a slight rise behind the south end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Food options at Rynearson Stadium are reasonably priced, and there is a good amount to choose from – perhaps not as many options as some other sports venues, but a very impressive list. The drink options, however, are where Rynearson Stadium excels. Food choices at the main stands include hot dogs, brats, and sandwiches with your choice of meat (BBQ pork, chicken, or beef), as well as nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, beef jerky, ice cream, popsicles, Cracker Jack, and even hummus. In addition, the stadium brings in outside vendors such as Dominoes and Bearclaw Coffee Company. Domino’s adds pizza, boneless wings, and oven-baked sandwiches to the concessions mix, while Bearclaw offers bagels and pastries, in addition to their wide array of beverages (see below). Rynearson Stadium offers a wide range of drink options, the highlight of which may be their beer truck from Arbor Brewing Company. This truck has taps built onto the sides and is parked on the south side of the stadium, which is the only section where alcohol can be sold. Still, many college stadiums don’t even sell alcohol at all, so this is a plus. Besides Arbor Brewing Company, Rynearson Stadium also has the aforementioned Bearclaw Coffee Company, which sells a wide variety of hot and cold coffees, as well as smoothies. In addition, the main stands sell bottled and fountain sodas, bottled water, lemonade, coffee, and hot cocoa. Atmosphere 4 Even though attendance is usually very small, there is a decent bit of crowd noise at Rynearson Stadium, and the staff does lots of fun things to enhance the experience. To start, a live eagle flies over the stadium as the final bars in the National Anthem are played, which is a neat thing to watch. In addition, when the team enters the field, they run through a wall of concrete bricks, which may not seem as cool as cones spurting fire, but it is unique. There is also cannon fire after every score, and continual activity during breaks in the action – including music blaring over the loudspeakers, accompanied by fans dancing, as well as performances by the band, dance team, and cheerleaders. Rynearson Stadium is designed as a near-horseshoe, with stands on both the east and west sides that curve slightly toward the south end. The Convocation Center sits in the gap on that end and looks impressive with its glass fronting and giant lettering that spells out the word E-A-S-T-E-R-N. The south end zone is called ‘Touchdown Terrace,’ and has standing room for fans, as well as a giant ‘E’ on the grass behind the goalpost. The north end zone includes the practice facility, which is a large bubble-like structure reminiscent of the old Minnesota Vikings’ stadium. The team building is also on that side and features a very imposing photo of an angry eagle staring you down. The scoreboard is located in the north end as well, so it is in easy view of fans sitting anywhere in the stadium. The team enters on that end, and the band sits near there as well. Neighborhood 3 Rynearson Stadium is located on the western edge of Eastern Michigan’s campus, and there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity except other athletic fields and some apartment complexes. The closest restaurant is probably the family-friendly Big Boy, your classic American diner that does not serve alcohol – you could walk there from the stadium. Most of the other good restaurants in town are located near the center of campus, the best of which is The Wurst Bar, which specializes in bratwurst. The Wurst Bar is on Cross Street and has plenty of different beers on tap, plus unique brats made from interesting, uncommon meats like elk and venison. They also offer different types of buns, such as pretzels, and they even have hard-to-find appetizers like scotch eggs. Most of the hotels in town are located along Highway 23, which is on the west side of the stadium. Regent Hotel & Suites and Days Inn are over that way and are probably the closest ones to Rynearson Stadium. However, a little further away you can also find more well-known brands such as Days Inn. There is not a ton to do in the small town of Ypsilanti, but there are a couple of local attractions. The Ypsilanti Water Tower on Summit Street is listed on the national register of historic places and has some fascinating architectural features – a detailed sign in front will tell you more about it. Seeing the water tower will only take a few minutes, so if you are going to be in town for the day, you might also check out the Automotive Heritage Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum. Fans 3 While attendance tends to be very low at Rynearson Stadium (less than 5K per game on average), there is a surprising amount of crowd noise, especially from the student section, which is below the press box on the east side of the stadium, next to the band. The Eagle’s mascot, Swoop, usually stands in front of the student section during the game and keeps them revved up and on their feet the whole time. The students sing their fight song at the end of the game, and do their ‘I believe we will win/we won’ chant after a win – the students make a lot of noise for such a small group. Like the students, most of the other fans also sit on the east side of Rynearson Stadium, and altogether that side gets about one-quarter full. You’ll see lots of green on that side, including hats, shirts, and also light-up plastic glasses, which are given away at the gates by local companies. The stands on the west side, however, are almost completely deserted. Though not officially, that side seems reserved for visiting fans, of which there are very few. You will see lots of green on that side too, though, in the form of giant covers over most of the seats – this is done by the administration to reduce capacity, to make Rynearson Stadium appear fuller. Access 4 Ypsilanti, MI is basically a suburb of Ann Arbor, and is also not far from Detroit, so getting there is fairly easy – most fans will use either I-94 or Highway 23. Once you get to the stadium, there isn’t much traffic, so parking is a cinch and is only $5 in any of the lots right outside Rynearson Stadium, so you will have only a short walk to the gate. There are multiple gates all around the stadium, so getting in is no issue, and the concourses are wide and not at all crowded, thanks to the low attendance. Rynearson Stadium does have a clear bag policy, meaning no backpacks are allowed in, but they do sell approved bags at Gate 2 if you don’t have one. Ticket sales and will call are located inside the Convocation Center (next to Gate 1), and if you go inside take a look at the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame, which is a wall of photos and plaques that curves around the inside of the center. One other nice feature at Rynearson Stadium is that they do let you re-enter the venue if you need to leave for any reason, which is a rarity at sports stadiums nowadays. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Rynearson Stadium are only $15 if you buy in advance, but $20 at the door, so make sure you plan. Group tickets are slightly cheaper, but buying from the box office is your only option (since the games aren’t sellouts there aren’t any re-sellers or scalpers). Even at $20, seeing a game here is worth it. The small crowd doesn’t seem like an issue because they bring so much energy, and unique features like the gray field make this a bucket list stadium in some ways. And since Eastern Michigan plays in the MAC, there is an opportunity to see games on weeknights, if your Saturdays happen to be booked. Extras 4 The gray field is worth seeing, as is the eagle flying across before the game. There is also plenty of great Eagles-themed decor, including seat covers, banners, and paint jobs on and around the field. One interesting feature at Rynearson Stadium, which is starting to crop up at stadiums across the country by the way, is four-top tables in the stands. These new ‘loge’ sections are great for small businesses, or even groups of friends who can’t afford (or fill) a full ‘box,’ and they also come with wait staff to take your order and bring your food. Final Thoughts Rynearson Stadium is a superb place to watch a college football game. Sure, you could drive a few minutes further to The Big House in Ann Arbor, and see better teams, have more amenities, and enjoy a wider selection from the concessions stands, but then you will also have to deal with heavy traffic and fight a massive crowd. Why not give small-town college football a chance instead? At a cool venue like Rynearson Stadium, it would be worth the trip.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium 2100 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 100,119 Texas Longhorns – Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium They started playing football on the 40 acres in the state capital of Texas back in 1893. Since their inception the Texas Longhorns have become one of college football’s true blue blood programs, amassing 32 conference championships, four National Championships, and two Heisman Trophy winners ( Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams ). In 1924 the Longhorns began playing in their current on-campus home, the now Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (henceforth just DKR as we locals refer to it). Named for the Longhorns legendary former head coach , the stadium has gone through numerous renovations over the years. The most recent took place from 2019-2021 and has been its most extravagant and elaborate. In addition to upgrades to the field-turf, lighting, and sound systems, DKR expanded permanent seating in the south endzone, luxury suites, and the new, stylized Longhorn logo players’ entrance. The field was also renamed Campbell-Williams Field in honor of the two great running backs of Texas’ past, and a statue of the first African American letterman in team history, Julius Whittier, was erected in 2020. In the team’s clash with the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 season the attendance record was broken, as the stadium swelled to a capacity crowd of 105,213. Truly one of the bucket list destinations in all of college football, DKR and Austin need to be experienced at least once by all college football fans. Read on to learn what makes this place truly special. Food & Beverage 5 When you’re looking to quench your appetite and slake your thirst at Longhorns games, you’re not going to be disappointed by what you find at DKR. There are plenty of spots throughout the stadium where you can find your traditional gameday fare, e.g. your hot dogs, your popcorn, your nachos, your pretzels, etc. These are fine for what they are; they’re relatively affordable and can be found at the Gridiron stands sprinkled on every level of DKR. The same can be accomplished for your adult beverage needs at the Filling Station stands and kiosks. Where the stadium really excels is in the branded stands. These are all local restaurants that have opened kiosks and/or stands throughout DKR – these include such favorites as Stubb’s BBQ , Lucy’s Fried Chicken , Torchy’s Tacos , Pluckers Wing Bar , and Amy’s Ice Creams . Each of these brings a touch of what makes Austin’s cuisine unique to the game. There is also a Quizno’s Subs and a Chick-Fil-A location inside the stadium if you’re craving something more familiar. For those looking for a respite and a cold drink, head over to Bevo’s Beer Garden in the Coors Light observation deck. This is also a great place to watch the action and enjoy a beverage, while taking a respite from the heat early in the season. Another great feature that UT offers fans to help cope with said heat are hydration stations located throughout DKR. These free water areas are literal oases for thirsty fans needing a break from what can be unbearable temperatures in the first few months of the season. Atmosphere 5 There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a big-time college football stadium on game day. In recent years the Longhorns have done a great job of ramping up the atmosphere at DKR, from upgrading the “Godzillatron” in the south endzone to the Longhorn-shaped player’s entrance (complete with billowing smoke), to upgraded lighting and LED boards, it’s all better in Austin. At the start of the game the stadium roars to life with the playing of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” – I dare you not to clap along. At the start of the fourth quarter the stadium comes to life with the deafening roar of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”, after each score the team fires off fireworks, and after each win they light the top floors of UT Tower , the most visible landmark on the campus, orange. The newest innovation – one that’s already proven to be a hit with fans – is Bevo Blvd. The university has closed off a section of San Jacinto Blvd near the stadium, and on each game day it turns into a raucous street fair. Longhorns fans get the chance to join not just the band, the Texas cheer and pom teams, the mascot, Hook ‘Em, and the big man himself, Bevo (more on all of these in the Extras section) – who makes his official appearance in a parade into the stadium approximately three hours before game time – but they also get to see the players during the Stadium Stampede about two and a half hours before the game. There are also food trucks, carnival games, souvenir stands, live music, and a live broadcast from the Longhorns radio team. If you don’t want to tailgate proper, this is a great alternative. Neighborhood 5 Austin is one of the premier tourist spots in the state of Texas. It’s free-spirit and cosmopolitan ways, and reputation as a live music capitol has made the city attractive to visitors. This doesn’t even take into account its nearly year-round warm weather climate, thriving nightlife, and food and outdoor scenes. When you’re looking for things to do before or after taking in a game at DKR, Austin has you covered. For outdoor enthusiasts, downtown Austin has you covered in the most spectacular way with Lady Bird Lake . This 416-acre reservoir is an extension of the lower Colorado River and is a haven for kayakers, paddleboarders, and rowers. The lake has been stocked for recreational fishing, and the 10.1-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is one of the oldest urban trails in the state. Music lovers should be on the lookout for the statue of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan , which can be found on the trail and seen from the lake. At dusk, the lake is a prime spot to watch the famed colony of Congress Avenue bridge Mexican free-tailed bats. If you’re a history buff, Austin is a great place to get lost in it. Museums abound, and perhaps the best one in the state is The Bullock Texas State History Museum , which tells the history of the Lone Star State from pre-history to the present. Each level of the museum tells a part of Texas history, and features some true treasures that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. There is also an IMAX theater and a restaurant on-site, so visitors can spend as much time there as they want. When it comes to dining there is a boon of options, including a burgeoning food truck scene. I’m a fan of the old school, and Austin has a couple of truly great spots that visitors must check out. First is Scholz Garten , which happens to be the oldest restaurant in Texas. This old-world German-style restaurant pays homage to some of the area’s earliest settlers, and truly feels like you are stepping back into a different era. The menu features such delights as sauerkraut balls, wiener schnitzel, and Reuben sandwiches. They also have a wide selection of imported German beers and lagers if you’re interested in partaking in that. My other recommendation is quintessential Lone Star State: The Texas Chili Parlor . Masquerading as a dive bar, the Texas Chili Parlor has a wide menu of different chili styles (and “heats” to suit everyone’s palates) and has been an Austin institution for decades. You can also engage in the controversial (in Texas) practice of adding beans if you choose to. Corn bread, steaks, Frito pie, and cold beer are all part of the menu. Fans 4 Longhorns fans have taken a lot of guff in recent years as the team’s fortunes have wavered. However, with renewed optimism and renovated facilities, the faithful have returned to DKR in droves. As mentioned the team broke its all-time attendance record in a game against Alabama during the 2022 season; the game I attended had the third-largest crowd ever with well over 102,000 in the stands. The stands are littered with burnt orange, and the student section is filled with rowdy fans throwing their horns up (always up) – including groups such as the Longhorn Hellraisers . Fans chant “Texas Fight” and sing along to the “Eyes of Texas”. Before the game the tailgating scene is flat out incredible. For blocks and blocks surrounding the stadium you will see fans in every parking area possible setting up shop. Just be forewarned, all these fans jammed into one area does make leaving downtown – even Austin if that’s your desire – very tricky. We’ll discuss that in the next section, however. Access 3 Fans looking to attend games at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium have the advantage of knowing they will have zero problems finding it. Located in downtown Austin, directly off Interstate 35, DKR is roughly a 20-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport . It’s also roughly an hour and a half from San Antonio. Once you get near the stadium there are numerous official parking lots to choose from, as well as a variety of other parking options littered throughout the downtown area. The costs vary greatly on all of these, and it is just a matter of how far away you’re willing to park. Like most big cities, Austin offers pedicabs that are more than willing to take you to your destination. If you choose not to drive, in addition to rideshare services Austin’s public transportation system – CapMetro – and its light rail – MetroRail – are also viable options. This might be best for you, as the city is notorious for its traffic, especially on game days. This definitely needs to be taken into consideration when you head to the game. You will be stuck in some traffic if you’re on I-35; it’s just a fact, so leave yourself enough time to get there. You’ll also be stuck in some pretty good gridlock after the game as you have a sea of humanity all trying to leave at basically the same time. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for most Longhorn games at DKR can be purchased for as little as $55. While this will more than likely get you a seat in the aluminum bleachers way up at the tippy-top of the stands, it’s still a pretty good deal for the chance to see some big-time football. As mentioned, the parking costs vary wildly depending on how far you’re willing to walk. If you are driving and choose to use a surface lot, I would expect to pay a minimum of $25. This is pretty much in line with market prices these days. The concessions costs are surprisingly not over-the-top, relatively speaking. For example, you can get a souvenir 32-ounce soda for just $5, or a domestic beer for just $8. I have been to plenty of venues where both of these have been just about double that cost, so these are pretty good bargains. The food costs are also pretty low, especially for the game day essentials you’ll find at the Gridiron stands. It’s not going to be cheap, but I would say it’s affordable, and you’re going to be seeing proverbial big boy football week in and week out in Austin. If you’re a fan of the sport, you really can’t ask for anything better than that. Extras 5 I’m a huge fan of college football for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the pageantry of the sport. College football brings out a carnival-like atmosphere each and every (mostly) Saturday, and I am here for all of it. The Longhorns – befitting a program of their stature – pull out all the bells and whistles for games at DKR, and it is glorious. I’ve already touched on the spectacle that is Bevo Blvd; this has really added to the energy and excitement on game days. The chance to see the players up close is always welcome – as is the chance to see the area’s namesake, Bevo . The official mascot of the University of Texas, Bevo is also one of the most recognizable live mascots in all of sports. Flanked by his ever-present group of handers, the Silver Spurs, Bevo can be seen on the sidelines in his pen in the south endzone, and he is a spectacle to see in person. Like most college programs you can count on seeing the band playing at DKR before the game and at halftime. In this case it’s the University of Texas Longhorn Band – aka the Showband of the Southwest . Whether it’s playing the fight song or the school song or what have you, they will keep the crowd entertained throughout. Be on the lookout for Big Bertha , which is (arguably) the largest bass drum in the world, and the centerpiece of the band experience. There are also the Texas Cheer and Pom Squads as well as the costumed mascot, Hook ‘Em, all patrolling the sidelines, performing for fans, taking photos, and adding to the atmosphere. Fans love them, the students love them, and they are great for photo ops. The last bit of Extras to be on the lookout for is Smokey the Cannon , manned by the Texas Cowboys. A replica of a Civil War-era artillery piece and weighing in at over 1,200 pounds, the cannon is manned by the Texas Cowboys student group. It’s a symbol of great pride at the University and is fired off after every Longhorns score. Final Thoughts Being a proud, native Texan, I freely admit I have a predisposition to all things orange – especially those of the burnt orange variety. However, I think any college football fan will admit upon their visit to Austin and Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium that it is truly one of the great palaces of the sport. The upgrades they have done in the past few years have not only made it one of the largest in the country, but they have also greatly enhanced the overall atmosphere at DKR. For likeminded fans of the sport, this is definitely a bucket list destination; for even casual fans, this is an experience you’ll greatly appreciate. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Valley Strong Ballpark 300 N Giddings St Visalia, CA 93291 Visalia Rawhide website Valley Strong Ballpark website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 2,468 Gateway to Sequoia The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A baseball team of the Arizona Diamondbacks playing in the California League. The team was known as the Visalia Oaks (and even the Visalia Mets, Redlegs, and Stars) for many years until a rebranding in 2009 when they became the Rawhide. Their home stadium is Recreation Ballpark, a funky little ballpark that some may or may not like. The baseball team has played their entire time at Recreation Ballpark since its construction in 1946. Valley Strong Credit Union obtained the naming rights for Recreation Ballpark, on April 27, 2021. The venue is now known as Valley Strong Ballpark. Visalia is known as the Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (both about a 45-minute drive) and is located in the agricultural San Joaquin Valley of California. Food & Beverage 4 Recreation Field offers a decent amount of food choices and an excellent variety of beer options at relatively acceptable prices. It gets crowded and lines can be long. Concession stands on both the third and first base concourses offer unhealthy $15 combo food choices (hot dog, bacon loaded nachos, cheeseburgers, loaded carne asada nachos or burrito, with tater tots and a drink). Smaller side portions of pretzels, burritos, tater tots, etc. are offered for $5 at the same stands. A decent selection of beer (domestic, imported, and craft) is sold in cans and on draft and runs $8 – $12 (for a tall boy). A better recommendation – head to the Barrel House Brewery beyond right field and get a freshly made street taco or two and one of their delicious beers. Picnic tables with umbrellas are offered there as well to enjoy the refreshments. Atmosphere 3 The most unique aspect of Recreation Ballpark is its grandstand built into a decorated stone structure. The stone itself is painted with pennants on one side and cartoon characters representing all past MLB affiliations on the other. Seven sections (eight or so rows) of standard green fold down seats are behind home. Handrails are not available to assist with walking up those eight or so rows. “Suites” are at the top of the seating area with each owner’s corporate name displayed on a banner above the suite or box seat area. Three lower level rows are just below the main grandstand with a small walkway between the two levels. Avoid sitting in row E as that has the walkway right in front and passersby travel throughout the game disrupting the view of the game. A lower section of seats is also available on the first base side below the walkway. A party area is on the third base side and some berm seating is available down the first baseline and in right field. Nets span the entire seating area except for the right field berm. The right field wall turns into a barn at one point with a section for viewing from ground level through a chain link fence. A Hall of Fame Club is located on the first base side concourse. It is air conditioned, it blocks movement from the first baseline main entrance to other parts of the stadium, and only members or ticket holders are allowed in the club. Loud music and extraneous noises are thankfully absent. A Kid’s Zone is behind the barn in the right field which costs $5 for your kids or grandkids to expend some of their delightful energy. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood right around the stadium is a high volume vandalism area. Be aware of where you park your vehicle, even in public parking spots. Townsfolk tell me it is getting bad in this area of town. A little over a mile or so away is Main St of Visalia which appears safe (at least during the day). Many restaurants and breweries are along this strip. Sequoia Brewery, Brewbakers Brewing, and Barrel House Brewery are all within a few blocks of each other (walking distance). Of the three, Sequoia Brewery is recommended for its good service, beer, and food. Other restaurants along Main Street include Fuggazzis and Crawdaddy’s (New Orleans Cajun fare). Plenty of other dining choices are along and around Main St. Nearby hotels that look safe include the Comfort Suites Convention Center and the Marriott at the Convention Center. Be cautious of staying at hotels on the outskirts of town as they can be hit or miss (not so much the hotel but the crime area it may be located). For other things to do in the area, Visalia is known as the gateway to Sequoia National Park (45 min drive) so plan a hiking or outdoor adventure trip there when visiting the area. If kids or grandkids are in tow, check out the ImagineU Children’s Museum right in downtown Visalia. Other sports in the area (an hour or so drive) include Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) and the Bakersfield Train Robbers or Wasco Reserve of the Pecos League (independent baseball league). Fans 3 Fans are quite friendly and helpful. Most are there for an evening out and not so much for the game. Because the stadium only seats 2,468 – including the berm area (it’s the smallest MLB affiliated ballpark), it doesn’t take too many fans to make it feel full. And, although they have had the lowest average attendance of the California League the last few seasons, the stadium is usually 70 percent plus full. Access 2 The stadium is awful for accessibility for those in wheelchairs or needing assistance with steps or mobility. The concourse is narrow and crowded, steps are everywhere, and the elevator takes a fan down to the kitchen – it’s just bad. Bathrooms are clean but check to make sure the stall has toilet paper before using. GPS will take a visitor to the back parking lot (behind the grandstand). The ticket office and main entry are at W Oak Ave and N Giddings St just a block away. A bus system is available in Visalia but service ends too early for leaving a ball game. The closest airport is Fresno about 45 miles north. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices are extremely affordable with a seat a few rows behind home plate only $11 – not bad. In all, ticket prices range from $7 (pasture seating – berm) to $30 (Hall of Fame Club). Food and beverage prices are below other California League stadiums. The gift shop only accepts credit cards for purchases over $10. Hatpins are not available for purchase. Hopefully, the town can address the crime and vandalism issues around the stadium for future seasons. Extras 2 America’s largest cowbell stands in front of the Barrel House Brewery concession in the right field. Many a fan walk by and strike the object to hear the tone it makes. Fans also get a ‘My First Rawhide Game’ sticker if they indicate it’s their first game (a suitable replacement for not having hat pins). Final Thoughts Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Joe Lee Griffin Field 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Joe Lee Griffin Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 1,000 All for Samford Organized in 1878, baseball was the first athletic team formed at Samford University, when the university was then known as Howard College. The institution would move twice around the Birmingham area, until it found its seemingly permanent home in Homewood, Alabama, just over Red Mountain from downtown Birmingham. Since joining the Southern Conference in 1997, Samford baseball has claimed four conference tournament championships (2012, 2018, 2021, and 2023), earning NCAA tournament bids and winning both regular season and tournament crowns in 2023. Originally built in 1958, the facility would take on the name Joe Lee Griffin Field in 2000, following major renovations that would see the field have more of a stadium feel to it.   Food & Beverage   2 A small concession stand is built into the backside of the grandstand, which offers a modest selection of options. Hot dogs and nachos are the main offerings, with snacks of popcorn, chips, and assorted candy also available. Beverage choices include products from the Coca-Cola family of soft drinks plus Body Armor, PowerAde, Gold Leaf iced tea, Dasani bottled water, and Monster energy drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Samford athletic events.   Atmosphere   3 Joe Lee Griffin Field is a rather simple ballpark with not much seating, other than a small grandstand that sits behind home plate that runs just between the on-deck circles. What the ballpark lacks in grandstand seating, however, it more than makes up for with its grassroots feel of fans bringing their own tailgating chairs to line the brick-lined boundaries. The venue is a beautiful brick facility, topped with ornate capstones that blend in perfectly with the surrounding campus facilities. The grandstand is a bit small, running just between the on-deck circles at the front edge of each dugout. This seating includes three sections, a center section of fold-down, aluminum seats between two sections of bench seating with back support. The primary seating area provides very little shade, but those wanting to escape the rays of the sun might think about bringing a tailgating chair to set up on the drive behind the bullpens, which is shaded by tall pines beyond the stadium. The most popular seating area is on the home side, beyond the dugout, and is commonly heavily lined with tailgating chairs. Be forewarned though – there is no protective netting past the dugout, and this area can be prone to hot shots slicing off the bat of a right-handed hitter. The game presentation doesn’t add a lot of extras when it comes to Samford baseball, but the game it kept simple where the action on the field is the star of the show, and this works perfectly well.   Neighborhood   3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center, and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ  just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint  for the best in the area. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of Samford’s campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near campus. On campus, Joe Lee Field is sandwiched between Pete Hanna Center and football’s Pete Hanna Stadium , creating the center of Samford’s athletics hub.   Fans   3 Samford baseball attendance is rather consistent with other programs throughout the SoCon. When looking at average attendance figures, Samford is in a group of four other schools that are within about100 fans of one another, averaging between 350 to 450 fans per game. The primary concentration of fans populates the grassy walkway up the right field line – this area is rather festive with fans, families, and loved ones discussing the current game, or past on-field heroics.   Access   4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must use a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon reaching campus, the most convenient parking lot is located beyond left field. Once through the gates of Samford’s west entrance, an immediate left-hand turn leads to the south stadium lot, leaving just a short walk to the left field entrance. However, a parking garage sitting just up the hill from the right field entrance might be a bit more direct for those sitting along the right field line. Navigating the facility is rather straightforward. Given the design of the ballpark, there is not a traditional concourse, but more of a wide-open walkway that Joe Lee Griffin Field shares with neighboring Pete Hanna Stadium . The walkway narrows as it passes behind the home side of the grandstand, transitioning to a grassy path through chairs and shrubbery up the first base side of the field.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets run $8 for adults and $3 for children 4-12 years of age. While a handful of schools in the SoCon offer free admission, the rates at Samford are comparable to other programs who do charge. Concessions are reasonably priced and encourage fans to grab a bite or beverage.   Extras   4 The back side of the grandstand displays the names of those who have helped to write the history of Samford baseball, and they are also recognized in the Samford Baseball Hall of Fame. Samford’s campus provides a beautiful backdrop for baseball – the dome of the Beeson Divinity School and the spire atop A. Hamilton Reid Chapel sit prominently in the distance. Samford baseball hosts a number of promotions throughout the season, including several stadium giveaways, theme nights, and game experiences for Bulldog fans. The ability to sit along the brick walls that run up both sides of the field puts fans right on top of the action. In fact, Samford might put fans closer to the action on the field than any other baseball field in the nation.   Final Thoughts For fans of the simplicity of the game of baseball, the Samford baseball experience is not going to “ooh and ahh” with t-shirt cannons, light shows, and endless on-field contests. What Samford baseball does do is give fans an experience that provides the ability to simply take in the game while they chat about game strategy, lament the perceived bad calls of the umpire, or just sit back and enjoy the game.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pete Hanna Stadium 800 Lakeshore Dr Homewood, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Pete Hanna Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna Stadium – Samford University Bulldogs Note that the stadium name changed from Seibert Stadium to Pete Hanna Stadium in 2023. Tucked away on the back side of Red Mountain in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood is the campus of Samford University. The southern Baptist-based university with an enrollment of just under 6,000 students has been a member of the Football Championship Series (FCS) Southern Conference since 2008. Despite the smaller setting, game days on Samford’s campus come with all the feel of college football game days in the south. Food & Beverage 5 Pete Hanna Stadium has little in the way of in-house concessions stands except a couple of Coca-Cola trailers on each side of the stadium – rather they make use of several local food trucks from the surrounding area, which provide fans with a wide variety of choices. Cricket’s Sweets & Treats with different flavors of lemonade is a popular option on hot afternoons, and other food trucks serve many high-quality options. Dog Nation specializes in combination hot dogs, sausages, and burgers, while another popular truck is Hollywood Grill, which serves Philly sandwiches, burgers, wings, and variations of fries. Taco Tuesdays serve to build your tacos and quesadillas, and Blacktop Bistro also has a well-rounded menu. Overall, the food choices at Pete Hanna Stadium are wonderful. Not only do they give fans a great variety of options, but a high level of quality. Samford does not permit alcohol consumption on its campus, so needless to say, there are no sales of beer, wine, or other spirits. Atmosphere 3 Pete Hanna Stadium blends seamlessly with the surrounding buildings. The use of brick archways at the entry points is consistent with the architecture that is a common theme around campus. The stadium itself is a bit on the small side but has a very cozy feel, right down to miniature hedges along the stands. The smallness of the stadium does help put fans on top of the action and provides great views of the play on the field. Stadium seating is comprised of two main sections of bleacher seating, built into the hills surrounding the stadium. Seating runs between the 15-yard lines on each side of the field. The west, home side of the field has a small section of nine rows of individual seat backs between the 40-yard lines. Throughout the game, most of the dead time during timeouts is filled by engaging fans in Samford football trivia, player-centered pieces, and advertisements. The marching band does play in response to big plays and scores, but for the most part, the scoreboard features play the bigger role in the game day entertainment. With the eastern stands facing directly into the setting sun for most of the game, the best bet is to go with a seat in the western bleachers. This will not only eliminate the constant distraction of the blinding sun but will also drop the temperature considerably. As of the 2023 season, the north end zone is amid major stadium upgrades which will see $65 million in renovation that will include a walkway that connects the east and west stands. Academic, student recreation and student-athlete services will also be part of the project. Neighborhood 3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint for the best in Birmingham. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of the Samford campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near the Samford campus. Fans looking to make an overnight or extended stay near the Samford campus can find a Courtyard by Marriott less than 2 miles away. A bit further, but still in the area, is Aloft in the Homewood city center. Fans 3 Game days on the Samford campus have the feeling that this is the only thing of interest for the entire university on those days. As the morning moves on, the university’s quadrangle fills with what feels like the entire Samford student body. As game time gets closer, fans flock to the entrance of the University Center building in anticipation of the Bulldog Walk. The walk is the unofficial ending of tailgating on the quad, as fans begin picking up and the quadrangle's population begins migrating to Pete Hanna Stadium. Samford fans do a great job packing the house. While they may not create an intimidating football environment for the visiting team, they are into the game and react accordingly to key moments throughout the game. It is typical for Samford to nearly fill the 6,700-seat Pete Hanna Stadium during each home game. This near-capacity crowd week in and week out helps create an atmosphere that makes college football game days such a special event. Access 4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must navigate a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon arriving at Samford, parking is free at any of the several parking lots around campus. These can fill up fast, so the best bet might be to head to the parking deck at the back of campus and look for a shuttle bus toward the stadium and tailgating area. Pete Hanna Stadium has two entry points for general admission fans, with the third point of entry for students to easily access the student section. The eastern entry point past the statue of Bobby Bowden allows fans to access the seating behind the visiting bench, while Gate F allows fans to enter the western stands. Given the current construction, fans are not able to access the opposite side of the stadium, so fans will need to enter through the gate where their seat is located. As the renovations are completed the two sides will be connected by an arched, brick walkway, allowing fans to go between the east and west sides of the field. In all, getting to and around Samford is rather simple, but with a limited number of access points to campus, getting back on the road following the game can be a bit of a challenge. The inaccessibility of a whole side of the stadium is also a bit of a letdown, especially when it limits access to certain food trucks. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets run $15 to $30, depending on ticket availability for each game, with reserved seating going for between $30 and $40. Games with the $15 general admission tickets are a great deal, but ticket prices increasing by 100% for more sought-after games do seem to be a sizable hike. Concessions prices at the handful of concessions trailers are inexpensive when compared to what most stadium concessions run. Food truck prices are a bit higher, but fans are getting a much better quality of food than they would at most other stadiums, so a couple of extra dollars is well worth it. With free parking, the overall investment into a day of college football is worth the cost. Extras 4 Samford has been the starting point for many successful FBS coaches. Jimbo Fisher, Terry Bowden, and Pat Sullivan, to name a few, but none has been more notable than the two-time National Championship coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has Bowden been honored with the field being named after him, but a statue outside of the main entry point welcomes fans to the stadium. Hillside seating along the berm in the northeastern corner of the stadium is a nice option for fans looking for something different than typical bleacher/bench seating. Three to four hours before the start of the game, the Bulldogs offense has a walkthrough in the quadrangle among fans; this draws the interest of a handful of attendees. The second floor of the neighboring Pete Hanna Center is home to the Samford Sports Hall of Fame. The display honors the athletic heroes of Samford and the history of the teams that represent the Bulldogs. Final Thoughts Regardless of the size of the campus, football at southern schools has a different feel to it. While many schools of comparable size as Samford in different regions of the country may have the feel of “just a football game day”, the whole feel of game day at Samford is that a whole day is an event. From the pre-game tailgate setup in the campus quad to the Bulldog Walk, the overall experience is one of enjoyment, from the pre-game festivities to the final whistle of the game.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Convocation Center 1 UTSA Cir San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 4,080 UTSA Roadrunners – Convocation Center The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) as an institution was founded in 1969. Located in the far northwest reaches of the Alamo City, UTSA spent much of its first few years of existence sans any major athletic teams for its students and alumni to cheer on. However, in 1981 they fielded their first men’s basketball team, and the UTSA Roadrunners were, pardon the pun, off and running. Starting as an NCAA independent program, the Roadrunners steadily climbed conferences until they landed in Conference USA in time for the 2013-14 season. During their march up in competition, UTSA made the NCAA Tournament four times (1988, 1999, 2004, 2011) and the CIT tourney once (in 2018). The school has sent a smattering of ballers to the professional ranks, including a couple to the NBA in Derrick Gervin (brother of Hall of Famer George “Iceman” Gervin ) and Devin Brown (who won an NBA Championship as a member of the San Antonio Spurs). Both of those players have their numbers hanging from the rafters of the only home the team has ever known: the Historic Convocation Center. The Bird Cage, as it is affectionately known by fans, was built on campus in 1975 and has been the home of the Roadrunners ever since. Cavernous and utilitarian, the Convo holds a special place in the hearts of Roadrunner Nation. Read on to learn more about it. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand for fans to visit at the Convo – the cashless kiosk is located in the lobby near the main entrance. It offers up, pretty much, all your traditional game day fare with some nice, non-traditional options. This includes your hot dogs (Rowdy Dogs for $3.50 and chili cheese dogs for $4.50), nachos ($5.25), popcorn ($3.50), candy, and bottled soft drinks and water (all $3). Also offered up are bottled beer and wine. Other items offered up are Frito pie and chicken and turkey wraps ($5 and 5.75, respectively). Frito pie ($3.50) is a pretty standard offering in this part of the world, and it is very much appreciated; the wraps you don’t typically find at mid-major college hoops games. Atmosphere 3 The Convo, as I mentioned, is pretty cavernous. The lower area/bowl is where virtually everyone who attends a Roadrunners game sits, leaving the upper area for media and a small VIP area for program donors and visiting dignitaries. Two sides flank the court with one side used up primarily by students. That section can get pretty raucous and is where a great portion of the energy that permeates the game comes from. In terms of other atmospheric attractions, UTSA hangs the banners for all the teams (including men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball) that have made tournament appearances, as well as the aforementioned names and retired numbers of their best players. You can also see the trophy cases chronicling UTSA’s athletic history, and you can visit a team shop located in the main lobby across from the concessions stand. Also, thanks to the seating configuration, fans will feel right on top of the action, as there is very little separating them from the court. Neighborhood 4 The Convocation Center is located right in the middle of UTSA’s campus. It’s a stone’s throw from Roadrunner Field , where the Roadrunners baseball team plays its games – the two seasons don’t really overlap, but you could still see the field if you want. As mentioned UTSA is located in the far northwest area of the city. This puts it quite a distance from the popular downtown area of the Alamo City and far removed from the Alamodome , home of the team’s successful football program. While the Convo isn’t near the action in the heart of the city, where it’s located still has a lot to offer. Directly across the highway/street from the campus is one of the premier golf resorts in the country, the La Cantera Resort & Spa . The golf course, arguably the best in the region, was home for many years to the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open . There is first-class dining at Signature Restaurant and SweetFire Kitchen , swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and the Loma de Vida Spa . It’s a gorgeous facility in a gorgeous setting and you don’t have to stay there to visit. Also, within the eyesight of the campus is Six Flags Fiesta Texas , one of the city’s two top-tier theme parks. Home of such thrill rides as Batman: The Ride, Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger, and the legendary Iron Rattler, the park has games, shows, dining, and a water park all onsite. If you’re in this area of the city it is a must-visit. For dining options, again, across the road from campus is The Shops at La Cantera shopping center. This outdoor venue is home to some of the best casual dining in the city; offered up for your culinary pleasures are Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar , Bovino’s Churrascaria , and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (this is just a handful of what’s on the menu at The Shops). When looking for lodging there are a few options in the immediate area; these include the Aloft San Antonio UTSA Area and the Comfort Inn & Suites Near Six Flags & Medical Center . There are more options in the area, of course, and you are sure to find one that fits your budget. Fans 2 The Roadrunners averaged just under 1,000 fans per game last season. The program is in the midst of a rebuilding phase at the moment, and that has been reflected in the wins/losses in the record book. That’s a roundabout way of saying that, since the team and program have been down, so has the attendance at the Convo. With that being said, the fans that do show up are highly engaged and greatly add to the energy, excitement, and atmosphere. Access 3 Getting to UTSA and the historic Convocation Center is fairly easy. The campus is located between two major highways, Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. The campus is easily viewable from 1604 and the signage off I-10 makes it very navigable. However, if you’re going to a Roadrunners basketball game, I would recommend the I-10 route, as it’s the most direct way to get to the gym. Going that route makes it a 20-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport . This is not bad, but just tconsider traffic Alamo City doesn’t have the traffic issues of some other major cities, but rush hour is still rush hour and I-10 is a major roadway. Once you get on campus, the university has ample parking for visitors. On the game day, attendees can park in unmarked spaces in the Brackenridge Ave (BK) Lots 1 & 2 for free. Also, the city’s mass transit option, VIA , does have a bus that goes to and from UTSA, so if you don’t want to drive this is also an option. Return on Investment 3 Single-game, general admission tickets for UTSA basketball start at just $10 per person – reserved seating is just $12, and courtside only $30. This is a tremendous bargain for a program that brings in some impressive out-of-conference opponents. It will be interesting to see how much the pricing changes once UTSA moves into the American Athletic Conference in time for the 2023-24 season. When you factor in the free parking and the relatively low cost of concessions, you are getting a bargain at the Convocation Center. Extras 2 For extras, the ole Bird Cage is a little light in this area. There are the UTSA cheerleaders , who perform along the baseline and during some breaks, and there is also the UTSA mascot, Rowdy , who patrols the baselines and stands. Aside from some of the standard games played with fans during breaks in the action (musical chairs, half-court shots, etc.), that is pretty much it at the Convo. Final Thoughts As an alum of UTSA, I have seen more than my fair share of games at the historic Convocation Center. I fully know that there are more modern gyms and arenas across college basketball. There are even some high school gyms that have more to offer in terms of concessions and extra game-day attractions for fans. However, I have always enjoyed my time at UTSA games. There is a certain charm to the Convocation Center, even if it is a little behind the times in certain aspects. I think if, for nothing other than the bargain of it, any basketball fan will enjoy their visit here – I wouldn’t put this down as a bucket list visit, but if you’re in the area, make a trek to the Bird Cage. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Hauser High School Gymnasium 9423 N State Rd. 9 Hope, IN 47246 Hauser High School Jets website Hauser High School Gym website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,573 Wowzer, Wowzer, Hauser The Hauser High School Gymnasium is not among the largest in the state but is among the top ranks of the bevy of small-town gyms that dot the Hoosier State landscape. The 1,573-seat venue features an innovative upper deck design that provides a vantage point not found in too many other facilities. The Hauser Jets have made the gym a tough place to play the past few years posting a winning home record. The town of Hope has a population of only 2,158 but on many nights the majority of its residents make their way to the high school to watch Jets basketball during the cold, winter months since both the school and gymnasium opened in the fall of 1966. The original home for basketball in town was the Hope Gym built in 1938 for the Hope High School Red Devils. The town embraced the gym and capacity crowds were the norm on an annual basis until the new school was built. The building still stands, but it needs major repairs to fix mold, a leaky roof, peeling paint, and outdated windows. The gym was at one time considered for filming for the movie Hoosiers as the home of the Hickory Hoosiers before the Knightstown Gym was selected by producers. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands located on opposite ends of the court in the two main lobbies. The main stand offers affordable concession items such as nachos, pretzels, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and on select nights pizza slices from local pizzeria Whitt’s. An item on the list will cost you no more than $2.50 and all drinks are of the Coca-Cola variety. On the opposite end is where you’ll find popcorn and freshly baked cookies for your sweet tooth. Atmosphere 4 The first glance at something different is the upstairs seating that forms balconies all around the perimeter of the gym. The upper seating area hovers over the court and provides a view uncommon at many other facilities in the state. Some staircases take patrons to the second level at all four corners and once you find a seat, you have some of the best views in the building. The student section is dubbed the Danger Zone and the small group of 50 students dress up in theme outfits, stand, stomp, and cheer throughout the game in support of their Jets. They are small in size but are deafeningly loud to pose havoc to any would-be opponent attempting a free throw. During halftime and after the game, the student group continues the celebrations with more cheering and dancing around the court. Student Section at Hauser Jets, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The players take the court with the sounds of jet engines blasting in the background and an enthusiastic public address announcer pumps even more energy and excitement into the stands. The sound system works quite well and it’s hard not to get excited about the opening tip-off. Fans stand and clap during the playing of the school fight song. Multiple black and white school championship banners hang against the walls of the upper deck seating area. The railings of the upper level are adorned with mini-painted silver jets, conference opponent banners hang at the center railing, and the school’s 2006 state championship banner is front and center from the rafters. Neighborhood 2 Hope is a small town of just about over 2,000 people located 20 miles in between the towns of Columbus and Shelbyville, Indiana. Access to the town is through S.R. 9 where the school is located. Like many Indiana towns, there is a square that features a few restaurants on Main Street including El Jefe Mexican Restaurant and The Corner Cafe. However, your best bet might be heading south to Columbus to enjoy some of the great breweries and restaurants that the city has to offer including 450 North Brewery. Fans 5 Maybe the town had a case of cabin fever since this was the first game played in well over a week due to truculent weather in sub-zero temperatures, but there were close to 1,000 people in attendance during our visit making up 50% of the town’s population. The school’s principal that it was the norm for a weekend game and that he expected even more in attendance. The crowd wore their school colors, discussed with one another about the team’s play, and told stories about how they remember watching some of the seniors play junior ball. Access 3 The small gym is extremely easy to get around featuring concession items and bathrooms in the main lobby and staircases to the upper deck. Even though the crowd can be large, it does not become cumbersome to move around. The gym is located on State Road 9 with plenty of parking. Return on Investment 3 The Hauser Gym is somewhat located off the beaten path, but being able to drive through the small towns of the state on small roads is somewhat appealing to many individuals. The price of admission is $5 for adults, the parking is free, and the concessions are no more than $2.50 per item. You also get to enjoy basketball in one of the most eclectic-looking facilities perhaps in the area. to me, that’s worth the price of admission. Extras 4 A star is awarded to the Danger Zone, the section made up of 50 high-energy students who provide an atmosphere just as energetic as larger high school facilities and some soccer pitches. The second star is awarded to the mini silver-painted jets that adorn the top rails of the facility. A nice nod to the school’s nickname and a simple way to give the place a little home cooking. A third star is awarded to the upper deck seating which is among the quirkiest in the state. The area provides a different view of the game that is enjoyable and roomy enough to be comfortable at the same time. A final star is awarded to the home announcer who adds a level of boisterous frenzy to the pregame warmups, player introductions, and rest of the game. Final Thoughts I first heard of Hope, Indiana, from a friend at Indiana State over 20 years ago; it had taken me that long to finally visit the small town. In a state that is filled with the largest high school basketball gymnasiums on the planet, it is also home to many smaller-sized venues that are equally enjoyable to watch high school hoops. Hauser High School Gymnasium is a rollicking good time on a cold, winter’s night; if you can pencil in a trip, you’d be pleasantly surprised.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre 61 Maria St Penetanguishene, ON L9M 2G2 Penetang Kings website Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 700 Kings of the Bay Tucked into a southeast inlet on Georgian Bay sits the town of Penetanguishene, Ontario.  A small town of under 9,000, Penetang, as it is commonly referred, is generally known as a summertime destination with the marinas and beaches, while winters can be quite harsh with the effects of Lake Huron playing havoc with residents.  However, the hockey tradition in Penetang is strong.  The Junior C level Penetang Kings have been on the ice since 1977 and have enjoyed tremendous success.  Before the Kings, the Penetang Hurons played for two seasons before folding in 1975.  The Kings were a powerhouse in the 1980s and were led by future NHL player Brian McReynolds, who might just be Penetang’s most favoured hockey son.  The Kings have won nine league titles and finished with three Schmalz Cup Championships as the top Junior C team in Ontario.  The Kings currently play in the Carruthers Division of the PJHL. Home for the Penetang Kings is the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre.  Built in 1954 as the Penetanguishene Arena, the town-owned Community Centre enjoyed a large renovation which added other amenities as well as a lobby and the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame.  The town of Penetanguishene is in the process of approving a replacement facility.  Currently earmarked for a 2033 opening, there is still time to check out this classic hockey barn. Food & Beverage 3 The lobby of the Community Centre houses the main concession stand.  The menu includes the typical arena fare including hot dogs, onion rings, chicken fingers, fries, and burgers.  Some more unique items include peameal bacon sandwiches, grilled cheese, fried egg sandwiches and soup.  Soda, Powerade, slushies, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are the beverage options.  The Community Centre did not appear to have alcohol sales or a typical Blueline Club, which is common at this level of hockey. Atmosphere 3 The Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre is clearly an old hockey barn that has been given an addition to modernize it.   The main entry for the Community Centre is at the southwest corner near Maria Street.  The exterior is attractive enough with light brick with blue siding above.  The rest of the building has the expected barn-like look to it with even more blue siding.  Inside the Community Centre fans immediately stumble upon one of the highlights of the facility, the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame.  Part museum and part Hall of Fame, there are plenty of artifacts to go along with the entries for the enshrined members.  Fans will find such local products as Brian McReynolds, Kris Kontos and Andre Benoit.  Canadian Olympic Silver Medalist Figure Skater Brian Orser is also an enshrined member, remembered for the “Battle of the Brians” at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.  Fans can also purchase histories of the Penetang Kings in the Hall of Fame.  The lobby for the arena is where the concession stand is found and has some windows looking on to the ice.  Inside the arena, fans are immediately struck with that “Old-School Hockey Barn” vibe.  The ice is east-west oriented.  The roof is supported by huge, wooden support beams that meet at a high, sharp, point.  The lobby is at the west end and there is an upper level.  This seemed to be used for operations and not a Blueline Club as with many other arenas at this level.  The scoreclock is found at the east end and there are plenty of minor hockey banners hanging around the arena.  The speakers hang above centre ice, where a scoreboard would normally be.  The west side of the speakers is where the three Schmalz Cup championship banners from 1984, 2006 and 2007 hang.  Beside those banners is a single banner listing the championships from the former league the Kings played in, the Georgian Bay Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League.  The arena is also very cold.  There are gas heaters above some of the seating, but for the game reviewed, the heaters were not on.  The seating consists of four rows of aluminum benches with backrests. The benches are on aluminum platforms, similar to seating that would be found at a small football stadium.  Unfortunately, this is not the best selection for building materials in an arena.  The coldness is magnified as not only do the benches make the fan cold, but the aluminum flooring also does the same thing.  A blanket is not just a good idea in this arena, it is a necessity! The gameday production at a Kings game is not unlike most other Junior C experiences.  The game starts off with minor hockey kids skating on the ice with flags.  Promotions include a 50/50 raffle.  A printed program is also free for fans.  The PA system is decent and the announcer does a good job. Neighbourhood 3 Penetanguishene is a small town of the South Basin of Georgian Bay.  There are a few options for pre or post game food and drink.  Some options include World Famous Dock Lunch, Phil’s Family Restaurant, Captain Ken’s and Northern Caribbean.  The Kings are really the only sporting option in Penetang, but they have a pretty solid rivalry with the Midland Flyers, which is just 5 km from arena to arena.  Some other tourist options in the area include the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum, Carl Beck House and King’s Wharf Theatre.  Penetang also offers plenty of outdoor options, which would be better enjoyed at the very beginning of the season rather than in the dead of winter.   For fans who wish to stay in the area, the Hampton Inn Midland is an option or checking out some B&B options may work also. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL can be difficult.  Many teams do not report attendance figures and the league does not publish compiled statistics.  That being said, the Penetang Kings appear to enjoy decent support for Junior C hockey.  At the time of writing, the Kings averaged 243 fans per game.  The previous season, 2023-24, the Kings averaged over 280 fans.  The fans in attendance for the game reviewed were not terribly loud and typical of Ontario fans.   Access 4 Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre is located in Penetang, on the South Basin of Georgian Bay.  It is located at Maria Street and Thompsons Road, a block east of Main, the main road from Midland, 7 km from Highway 12.  Getting to the arena is not difficult, however, fans are encouraged to check the weather before heading out as winter driving near the lake can be treacherous at times.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  There is limited transit in Penetanguishene with a stop on Thompsons Road.  However, the schedule may not coincide with Kings games.  Fans should consult the LINX Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the arena is not too difficult and washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 Penetang Kings hockey, like most other PJHL experiences, offers tremendous value for a small investment.  Adult tickets for the Kings are $10 with discounts for students, seniors and children.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is good and the opportunity for fans to see a game in an old-school hockey barn, even if it is a cold one, is a welcome opportunity.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the excellent Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame. An extra mark for the Kings’ rivalry with the Midland Flyers. Final Thoughts Penetanguishene may be a summer town, but checking out the Penetang Kings in the winter is a good experience.  Fans should consider checking out the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre while they still can.  Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker & Phil Selig, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Stade Quillorama 1550 Avenue Gilles-Villeneuve Trois-Rivieres, QC G9A 5K8 Les Aigles de Trois-Rivieres website Stade Quillorama website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 4,500 La Maison du Baseball de Trois Rivieres The Trois Rivieres Aigles (Three Rivers Eagles in English) began play in 2013 in the independent Can-Am League. Among the team’s initial owners were 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne and Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron. The team is named for the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, who played in this same stadium from 1971-1977. Some notable players to play here during the days of the affiliated Aigles are Ken Griffey Sr., Dan Driessen, and Ray Knight. The Can-Am League merged into the Frontier League for the 2020 season, with the Frontier League absorbing five of the six remaining Cam-Am League teams. Unfortunately, the Aigles were not able to play in 2020 & 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent US-Canada border closing. During the Aigles’ eight seasons of competition in the Can-Am/Frontier League, the team has qualified for the playoffs three times, winning the Can-Am League championship in 2015. Stade Quillorama was built in 1938. The ballpark is located on the course of the Circuit Trois Rivieres, the site of the longest-running road race in North America, Le Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres. The ballpark, which was previously known as Stade Fernand-Bedard and Stade Stereo+, entered into a naming rights agreement with local bowling centre Quillorama in 2019. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concession stand at Stade Quillorama, so be prepared to spend a little bit of time in line, unless you plan your trip to get food very wisely. The menu here consists of standard ballpark fare (well, standard ballpark fare for Quebec). Hungry Aigles fans can choose from hot dogs, chicken fingers, and pizza slices. But take a look beyond the basics to see where the menu gets interesting. Of course, since this is Quebec, you can pick up some poutine. This appears to be the most popular food item served at Stade Quillorama and doesn’t appear to be a downsized ballpark version of poutine. In addition, items such as onion rings and garden salads are sold at this small concession stand. A selection of snacks, including popcorn, candy and chips are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stade Quillorama. On a hot Trois Rivieres summer night, fans may opt for a Slush Puppy instead. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a decent selection of beers, including Les Aigles beer from local Archibald microbrewery. Fans wishing to skip the long lines of the main concession stand can head to one of two smaller bars, where drinks of all varieties are sold. Atmosphere 3 Many visiting fans may feel intimidated in visiting Stade Quillorama due to the language barrier. Those who do not speak French need not fear, the city of Trois Rivieres is bilingual and fans will have no problem communicating with any of the staff or even most fans here in Trois Rivieres. The one exception may be with the PA announcements, which are done primarily in French. For most baseball fans, this should not affect their enjoyment of the action. There is a video board in left field and a simple scoreboard in center field which provide fans with game information. Otherwise, the Aigles staff put on a typical minor league show, filled with between-inning games and contests, including standards such as the dizzy bat race. There is a mascot, a giant red bird named Grand Chelem (Grand Slam), who roams the stadium interacting with fans and participating in the on-field action. The mascot also dances on the field alongside some of the team’s interns to songs such as “Sweet Caroline.” There are several different seating areas from which fans can take in the action, including field-level VIP tables, a party deck in left field, and a lounge featuring seats just beyond the shallow left-field fence. Even though Stadium Journey visited Stade Quillorama on a Tuesday night, there was a band in the party area performing before the game. This was the place to be during the game. Some fans prefer the deck at the top of the seating bowl on the first base side of the field, complete with tables and beer vending machines. Neighbourhood 3 Stade Quillorama’s location is unique in that it is located on the Circuit Trois Rivieres, the site of the oldest road race course in North America, the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres. Also located on the site are the Hippodrome 3R, Piscine de l’Expedition, and Trois Rivieres Coliseum. The entire complex is located on the eastern edge of Trois Rivieres, about a five-minute drive from Centre Ville. Many view Trois Rivieres as a simple stop on the road between Quebec and Monteal, but the city is the second-oldest French settlement in North America. It contains a vibrant downtown area and several points of interest for fans visiting the area. Numerous bars and restaurants line Rue des Forges and Rue Notre-Dame. Other points of interest include the Quebec Museum of Popular Culture, the Borealis Paper Industry History Centre and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivieres. The ECHL’s Trois Rivieres Lions play in nearby Colisee Videotron. Fans 2 The Aigles are averaging over 1,100 fans per game about halfway through the 2023 season. This figure marks a slight decrease from previous years, but crowds tend to increase throughout the season, so the Aigles should end up right around their typical average of 1,300 fans per game by season’s end. This figure puts them near the bottom of the Frontier League’s attendance rankings. Despite their relatively small numbers, the Aigles are an integral part of Trois Rivieres community fabric and they have their share of dedicated fans. Many fans have been following the team since day one. One notable aspect of the crowd here is the relative lack of children here at Stade Quillorama. Fear not, this is a place where fans can be comfortable bringing the entire family. Access 3 Stade Quillorama is located about five minutes from Centre-Ville Trois Rivieres, in a complex containing several other facilities. Route 40 runs about a mile from the ballpark. Due to Stade Quillorama’s age, it can be quite difficult to get around the facility. The ballpark features a cramped entry plaza that contains the team store, a bar, a concession stand, and washrooms. Be prepared for long lines. Steep ramps and staircases lead to the seating bowl. Depending on where your seats are, you will need to navigate a maze of stairs, railings and walkways to get to your location. It can be confusing for first-time visitors, as well as difficult to navigate for fans requiring special access. Many seats feature obstructed views due to the presence of support beams which hold up the roof. Fans who have visited McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket or Stade Canac in Quebec may get a familiar vibe from the setup. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Aigles games are affordable, with prices starting at $14 for general admission seats and maxing out at $25 for “prestige” seats. Purchasing tickets on the day of the game adds two dollars to the total cost. The majority of seats at Stade Quillorama can be had for under $20. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and children. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark, and concessions are reasonably priced. A night at an Aigles game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the display of retired numbers on the concourse, along with Matthew Rusch’s retired number 22 jersey hanging on the left field wall. A second extra point is awarded for Stade Quillorama’s unique location in the middle of a Grand Prix racetrack. The road most fans take to the ballpark is part of the course. You can see the tire marks on the safety wall as you approach the stadium. The start/finish line is just a few metres from the ballpark’s front door. A third extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of Stade Quillorama. This is one of the oldest ballparks still in use in professional baseball. Final Thoughts Trois Rivieres will not be a destination considered by many baseball fans when planning a road trip. However, a trip to Quebec to see Stade Quillorama is a worthwhile stadium journey for any fan. This old-timey facility is a cozy place to catch a game, and the small city of Trois Rivieres is a unique destination to include on a ballpark road trip. Pair a visit to Stade Quillorama with a trip to its sister stadium Stade Canac for a nostalgic and entertaining weekend. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Thompson Gymnasium One Alpha Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Elizabethtown Blue Jays website Thompson Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,000 Fun In E-Town Elizabethtown College (usually referred to as just E-Town) is a private college in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown is in Lancaster County, 21 miles southeast of Harrisburg and 20 miles south of Hershey. The college was founded in 1899 by the Church of the Brethren and offers 53 majors and over 90 minors and concentrations focusing on arts, humanities, and sciences. The Elizabethtown College Blue Jays are a member of NCAA Division III, and the Landmark Conference since 2014. The women’s basketball was the NCAA Division III National Champion in 1982 and 1989 while the men’s program was the NCAA Division III National Runner-Up in 2002. The most famous athletic alumni may be Gene Garber, who is the former all-time saves leader for the Atlanta Braves (currently third behind John Smoltz and Craig Kimbrel). Thompson Gymnasium opened in 1970 but most recently had a forced renovation in 2015 when during construction on the gymnasium’s pitched roof, a vapor barrier was blown open by a thunderstorm, resulting in water damage to the court. Food & Beverage 0 There are no normally scheduled food offerings at E-Town games. I would suspect that student organizations occasionally offer bake sales or simple concession offerings in the lobby for certain games. There was an organization selling bracelets when we attended. Atmosphere 3 The arena is very nice, but it is a high basic school type of setup. As you enter the arena you will find bleacher filled grandstands sitting along two sides of a basketball court. Outside the gym and down a hallway are the E-Town Hall of Fame and trophy cases. There are also some sports-specific display cases located in the gym itself and the adjacent lobby. Neighborhood 4 The town of Elizabethtown is quite quaint and also offers a nice variety of food options. Our top choices would be Funk Brewing, Good Burrito Co., Vinnie & Pat’s, and PizzAtown. Hershey is just short drive north. There just happens to be a major amusement park located there, as well as other Hershey attractions. The Troegs Brewery on Hersheypark Drive offers guided and self tours, as well as having a great tasting and food room. If you’re looking for more standard dining options, then you will find a Red Robin and Fuddruckers all in the area. I might suggest checking out a lesser-known option, the Parkside Bar and Grill (3 E Derry Rd Hershey, PA 17033), as they have some great burgers and other bar food options. Fans 4 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. It was a decent crowd but the student turnout seemed light. Access 5 Elizabethtown is located right off of the PA-283 freeway that runs between Harrisburg and Lancaster. Access to the town itself is quite easy. The college itself is located a few blocks from Market Street, which is the main street in E-Town. The town itself is fairly walkable, but driving and finding parking is not much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 There are no charges to attend games and parking is free so the value is fairly high. You also won’t be spending money on any food offerings, so there’s that. Extras 2 There is a nice Hall of Fame and other athletic displays down a hallway attached to the gymnasium. It is always cool to see national championship trophies no matter the level. E-Town is a great little extra on its own as this quaint Pennsylvania town is always a favorite stop of ours. Final Thoughts E-Town’s Thompson Gymnasium is a pleasant small college gym in an exactly pleasant small town. If traveling in central Pennsylvania attending a game here is a nice choice.

Photos by Jill Smith and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium 21 Stadium Dr Frederick, MD 21703 Spire City Ghost Hounds website Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 7,027 An Additional Key In Frederick Frederick, Maryland almost lost their baseball team, but instead, they now have two teams. The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball team began play in 2023. The franchise competes in the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. From the start of the season through June 23, 2023, the team's hats and jerseys feature question marks in place of a name. On the 24th the name was announced as the Spire City Ghost Hounds. The other finalists for the team names were the Bone Shakers, Rail Frogs, Sawbones, and Screaming Alpacas. Orioles Park at Camden Yards sits 49 miles east of Frederick’s Harry Grove Stadium. But the two stadiums are much closer in terms of the influence that they have played on how baseball fields are designed since the early 1990s. Even as late as when Harry Grove Stadium opened in 1990, most stadiums were built with an older design aesthetic in mind. Harry Grove Stadium was different, with a concourse where fans could watch the game while buying a hot dog or a beer. Family attractions such as game activities and a carousel were unheard of before the opening of this stadium. Now the design elements, as well as the varied attractions, are the norm for minor and major league baseball stadiums. It was not the first stadium to have this design, but because of its links and physical proximity to the Orioles’ stadium, it got much credit for a change in stadium design. The Atlantic League team shares the stadium with the Frederick Keys of the MLB Draft League. Food & Beverage 4 The choices are pretty sound here with food found at a variety of stands such as Bullpen BBQ, Hot Corner BBQ, and Dugout Dogs. Prices are reasonable at all stands in the stadium. Keys Creamery offers a good value helmet sundae. Kids will always love this treat that comes served in a take-home souvenir. There is a stand that has specialty beers as well as wine. Be warned though that if crowds are small, stands could start to close around the fifth inning so if there is anything specific you want maybe get it early in the game. Atmosphere 4 The design of the stadium is the norm now. The concourse is in full view of the field so that one can always stay engaged with the game action. This concourse is pretty small and would likely now be designed to be a bit bigger than what it is currently. It can be a tight squeeze moving around the concourse between and during innings. I-70 is in the outfield view, but you cannot see it much because of the huge amount of ads that adorn the outfield walls. This would usually be a bad thing but is a plus when compared to a view of a major interstate highway. The ads, though, can make it difficult to differentiate between a home run and a ball bouncing off of the lower wall. There is a decent scoreboard in right field and a small video board in left field. Between the two, they do a good job of detailing all the information one needs to follow the game's action. Sound from the PA system does not travel well to the lawn seating areas. Neighborhood 3 Nothing is close to the stadium except a cemetery, a park, and a Costco. You will need to drive to find anything else of interest. Luckily shopping, lodging, and restaurants are abundant at nearby Francis Scott Key Mall and its surrounding area. Downtown Frederick may offer the best choices. The surprising renaissance of downtown Frederick means that there is an ever-growing selection of restaurants and shopping in the area. The Roy Rogers fast food chain is slowly disappearing from the region when it used to be ubiquitous. But the chain is still thriving around Frederick. You must stop in and have a Double-R-Burger, Gold Rush Chicken sandwich, or Roast Beef sandwich. Just don't forget to use the Fixin's Bar and get a holster of fries. A location is nearby the stadium at 301 Ballenger Center Drive. Fans 2 The fans are probably pretty confused by the teams playing at Harry Grove Stadium. Do they support the Keys, now a college-level team, or the much higher level of the Atlantic League team? This gives the fans plenty of games to watch, but this also means it is spreading out the love a bit far. The Atlantic League team does seem to be drawing less than the more established Keys team name. The fans that sit right behind the plate are knowledgeable. Once you get out to the fringe parts of the park you may see the more casual fan. Harry Grove Stadium seems to make both types of fans feel right at home. There are numerous promotion nights so expect that a Fireworks night or a popular giveaway item will increase attendance. Promotion nights have included having a catch on the field or meeting players before the game so be on the lookout for a promotion night that meets your interests. Access 5 I-70 is right next door to the stadium. There have been improvements to the roads nearby the stadium so accessing the park is easy and quick. Directional signs can be found on the highway. Parking is free and plentiful, even if you may have to park on the grass outside the stadium. You will not have an issue. The lot behind the right wall is usually the best option. Return on Investment 3 The prices are good for this level of baseball. Tickets for field seating, reserved seating, and general admission can all be had for less than $15. The team offers many other packages, special dates, and group incentives that make attending a game an even greater value. Extras 3 Francis Scott Key is buried across the street. The lawyer and poet wrote the lyrics to the United States National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The team name comes from this historical figure. Fun fact: the national anthem played before each game in the stadium can be heard from Key’s gravesite. This is one of the parks that started the concourse viewable trend that is now commonplace in Minor League Baseball. So it is historic in a manner of speaking. Newer parks may have bigger concourses with even more choices, but this is the original. If you have a family, Harry Grove Stadium offers many distractions for the children so that the baseball fan can stay involved in the game action. The Fanzone, past the right field seating area, is a nice place for families with children. There is even a carousel. The nearby lawn seating is also a nice addition that makes the game seem more leisurely. For those who like to have a lot of information about the game and team they are watching, the programs handed out to game day attendees are exceptional. Final Thoughts Both teams and their staff go out of their way to make Harry Grove Stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Charlotte Sports Park 2300 El Jobean Rd Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training website Charlotte Sports Park website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,670 Sports in the Port Park Port Charlotte, Florida began hosting Grapefruit League baseball in 1987 with the construction of the Charlotte Sports Park. The Texas Rangers held their spring warm-ups here from 1987 until the mass exodus to the Arizona Cactus League in 2002. After a period in the reeds hosting independent league ball and college tournaments, the Sports Park found new tenants in 2009 with the nearby Tampa Bay Rays, who had ideas for sweeping changes. The Rays completed their $27 million renovation before their first season, but political infighting with Charlotte County (who own the park) prevented a naming rights sale to fertilizer concern, The Mosaic Company. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay moved in for Spring Training, as well as their Florida State League and Gulf Coast League affiliates (the Stone Crabs and Rays), to rave reviews and early gate-busting attendance. Charlotte Sports Park won the 2014 USA Today Reader’s Choice Award for Best Spring Training Facility, but that award may be a bit of an overstatement. It is an above-average facility in most respects, but it doesn’t quite lead the league in any one category, and, in certain aspects (such as access to practice fields), it lags behind other Grapefruit League facilities. Food & Beverage 4 The Charlotte Sports Park is above the average fray in its selections of food and drinks at the park, at quite reasonable prices. The main concession stands are Home Stand (at first and third base on the outer promenade), and the Hot Corner Grill (by the home plate promenade). They serve up ballparks standards, such as hot dogs ($4.50), burgers ($6), brats ($8), pizza ($3), and sausages ($8). The Metro Deli down by first base concourse delivers wraps and sandwiches for $5 and $8. Additionally, there are Rays-blue stands all along the promenade serving up single-item specialties including cheesesteaks ($9), gyros ($8), fish & chips ($9), and a rather unique chicken pineapple ($9), which is as it sounds, chicken cooked up and delivered in a chopped-open pineapple. Adult beverages are also affordable. Beer is offered at the main concessions, as well as specialty concessions around the park. Twenty-ounce domestic beers (and all bottled beers) are $7, premium 20-ouncers are $7.50, and 12-oz domestics are just $5. The Bud/Michelob family is the core of the suds, but Stella, Blue Moon, Yuengling, Miller, Landshark, and Guinness can also be found. The Tiki Bar in the left-center has additional liquor choices, including wine ($7), frozen daiquiris ($9), well drinks ($7), premium drinks ($9), and Bacardi buckets ($15). If you’re out on a Boardwalk table for an afternoon game, grab a frozen daiquiri to keep you cool, and, if you’re feeling glutinous, get a cool chicken pineapple to share with a friend just so you can say you’ve tried it. Atmosphere 4 The Rays’ Spring Training home mostly hits all the right notes in their up-to-date digs, but the lack of practice field access is a big miss. Charlotte Sports Park follows a standard minor league layout with three entrances into a large exterior plaza and promenade, with a smaller interior seating walkway. The pathways meet at the outfield and turn into the “Baseball Boardwalk,” which winds its wooden way around the entire outfield with party areas and tables and booths for general admissions ticket holders. The stadium itself is elevated (you have to climb up to most entrances), and you walk down to the box seats closest to the field and up to the 200 reserved seats above the walkways. Those 200 sections are thankfully covered with awnings, providing some much-needed shade from the Florida sun. Sightlines are fine from all areas, and the lone, main scoreboard in left-center keeps everyone informed on the game. While there are some luxury boxes in the press box structure behind home plate, most loom above the Baseball Boardwalk in the outfield. Spacious picnic berms line the areas between the corner bases and the outfield on both sides of the park. Given that this is a review of the Grapefruit League park, one knock worth mentioning is the lack of access to the practice fields that you get at most other parks. The main playing field is just one of many where the minor and major league staff mingle in the spring, and one of the perks of Spring Training is getting up close and personal with the big league players. But those practice fields are closed off to fans. A bit of walking can get you near the minor-league practice fields, but it seems like a pretty big oversight for a Spring Training park. Both the Rays’ mascot, Raymond, and Stone Crab’s mascot, Stoney, make appearances before the game and between innings at the Rays Grapefruit League games. A human dance crew and MC fill out the team that provides your standard minor-league frivolities between innings, consisting of contests, races, and dancing. If you’re looking for shade, the first base side is your best bet in the last eight rows of the 200 seats (or only the very last rows of the third base 200 section). If the sun is to your liking, the tables on the Baseball Boardwalk are in great demand. Get in on the First Base entrance and go straight back to grab a table as soon as gates open two hours before game time and enjoy a sunny, table-seated view of a ballgame for just $10 per person. Neighborhood 3 Port Charlotte is a picturesque city (technically, an unincorporated community) in southwest Florida at the back of Charlotte Harbor. If all the nautical references didn’t clue you into the naval associations, the canals winding their way through the city probably will. Nearly all your dining options are clustered around route 4, ranging from chain places to more interesting local offerings. Carnivores will probably like PRIME-Serious Steak (on Cochran Blvd at the 771/41 juncture), Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill (southeast on 41), or Wally’s Southern Style BBQ (slightly further southeast on 41). For dinner and a show, try Visani Restaurant and Comedy Theater (off King’s Highway to the northeast), with top-flight Italian fare and nightly comedy stylings, or JD’s Bistro & Grille (on 41 towards the juncture with 776), with American food stylings and nightly jazz performances. While Port Charlotte is near a lot of tourist areas, there’s not exactly a ton to do in the locale itself. There are several small parks (Port Charlotte Beach Park, Ollie’s Pond Park), and, not surprisingly given the watery environs, there are several boat tours, boat rentals, and fishing charters. Duffers can make use of the Riverwood Golf and Country Club, the Kingsway Country Club, and the Deep Creek Golf Club. Fans 3 Although the park opened to league-topping attendance, recent years have not been as kind. Despite (or perhaps, because of) having the shortest distance from Grapefruit League to the home club (by a matter of miles over Miami), Tampa Bay is currently at the bottom of Grapefruit League attendance, even with the stadium’s current accolades. Even at a low-key weekday game, however, the fans make a good showing, at least half-filling the stadium, though visiting fans are also out in force to bolster the numbers. Spring Training crowds are often vacationing families from the team’s big-league hometown also taking in a game, but the almost non-existent travel time from Tampa to Port Charlotte means that, unlike most other teams, the fans are mostly local. They enjoy the Spring Training extras and access but are into the game itself at least as much as the other Grapefruit followers from further afield. Access 4 Port Charlotte is located in southwest Florida, on an inlet off the west coast. I-75 runs through the northeast of the town, and state route 41 runs through the middle, closer to the park, which lies a short distance away from county 776. Port Charlotte only has several on-demand services for disabled or elderly residents, so, as with most of Florida, driving is your sole choice to get to the park. The regional Charlotte County Airport is to the southeast of the park, but it is nearly equidistant from three major airports: Tampa in the north, Palm Beach in the east, and Miami to the southeast. Spacious parking is available at the park for a league-average $10. Getting in and out can be a little hairy on the county road getting out to 41 and 75, especially on weekday games that end a little late. Plan accordingly. There are three entrances to the park. The main entrance is at home plate by the ticket office, and there are two further entrances at the third base and first base. The Home Plate entrance, closest to the parking lots, is where the crowds mostly congregate. For shorter lines, take the long walk to the first base entrance. Getting around the park is easy, and the boardwalk in the outfield makes it possible to circumnavigate the park. The spacious outside promenade and infield walkways make getting around easy, although it can get congested on the narrow sections of the boardwalk in the outfield. Return on Investment 5 From tickets to grub, Charlotte Sports Park can be an affordable afternoon out for anyone. You can have an all-in experience for under $35, including the game, parking, eats, and drinks. Tickets are very reasonable, with all coming in under $30. Field boxes go for $29, Field Reserved for $24, Baseline Reserved for $19, and General Admission berm or Boardwalk seats are just $10. Group tickets and three-pack plans get $2 off each ticket, and a season ticket plan gets a host of benefits and prizes, as well as a per-ticket discount. Food and drink are very reasonable, with nearly all food and drink options (except for whole pizzas and Bacardi Buckets) for $9 or under, with most under $8. Parking is a league-average $10, and the program is a slightly pricey $4. Extras 3 Perhaps the most obvious extra is the outfield Baseball Boardwalk, part of the Rays early renovations of the park. Luxury boxes peek over the top, and it is a sunny place to watch the game near the bullpens. Championship pennants adorn the walls out towards center. An oversized, two-level team store is found at the main Home Plate entrance plaza, and the Kids Clubhouse play area is on the promenade between first base and left field. Guest Services (to sign up for games and contests) is on the outer promenade on the first baseline. The park is covered in posters marking Rays historical moments, as well as smaller signs about Rays firsts. The posters largely line the outer infield promenade, while the “firsts” signs are all along the park, including the Baseball Boardwalk. Final Thoughts Charlotte Sports Park is an above-average Grapefruit League facility in the backyard of their parent team. Although it is a modern facility with a lot going for it, it suffers from poor attendance, an unexceptional locale, and a lack of fan access to practice fields.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Paycom Center 100 W Reno Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Oklahoma City Thunder website Paycom Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 18,203 Thunder Road In 2005, Oklahoma City partook in what can only be described as an NBA audition. With the devastation of Hurricane Katrina displacing the New Orleans Hornets, the team found a temporary home at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Two seasons of NBA basketball in the Sooner State proved to be a runaway success and the relatively small market in OKC would not be a hindrance to NBA basketball in the future. Oklahoma businessman Clay Bennett would swoop in and purchase the Seattle SuperSonics to relocate them to Oklahoma City. The Thunder were blessed with some serious young talent early on and made some strong playoff runs in front of some rabid crowds, making the move to Oklahoma City seem like the perfect spot for the NBA. Home for the Thunder is Paycom Center. Originally the Ford Center and later the Chesapeake Energy Center, Paycom Center was built in 2002 and is located on the edge of Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Paycom Center are pretty solid. There is nothing that will blow fans away, but there is plenty of variety to satisfy all. Many of the concession stands have basketball-related names to give the arena a little more flare. Fast Break offers a variety of hot dogs; Alley Coop has chicken wings and hot chicken; Slam Burger has a variety of burgers; Block City has cheesesteaks and other sandwiches; Taco Mayo has TexMex cuisine; Chop ‘n Block has chopped beef sandwiches and smoked sausages; and Mazzio Pizza offers pizza from a local chain. Paycom Center also has two sit-down, full-service restaurants for patrons. The Old No. 7 and Michelob Ultra Club are near section 116. Coca-Cola products are on the menu for the soft drink of choice and Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra are among the beer choices. Atmosphere 3 Paycom Center is located in Downtown Oklahoma City, adjacent to the Bricktown neighborhood. The exterior of the building is attractive with a rounded, brown brick façade with some glass in spots. It is not overwhelmingly beautiful or original, however, by no means is it unattractive. In the northeast corner of the grounds stands a statue of two torchbearers, commemorating the 1989 Olympic Festival held in Oklahoma City. Fans may also want to get a picture in the giant Thunder Muskoka chair on the north side of the arena. Entering the Paycom Center will bring fans to the main concourses, past the escalators which go to the suite level on the second floor and upper deck on the third. The concourses do not waste any real estate and are filled with murals and team markings. There are several makeshift photo ops and spots for the kids to make signs and participate in some games. Autograph sessions are held outside of section 116. At the game being reviewed, the autograph session was with the Thunder Girls cheerleading team. Entering the seating bowl, fans are welcomed with a two-tier seating bowl with suites and club seats between the top and bottom levels. The court runs from southwest to northeast and is the spot to get the perfect center-court logo. The southeast side of the arena has the lone retired number banner for the Thunder belonging to Nick Collison, who came with the team from Seattle and proceeded to play another decade in Oklahoma City. The northern end of the arena has the team banners for Division Championships and the 2011-2012 Western Conference Championships. Although it seems that officially the Thunder have other titles and retired numbers when they were in Seattle, there is no signage acknowledging those. The center court video board is not overwhelming as seems to be the trend in the NBA but is adequate in size and clear. There is an LED ribbon that encircles the third deck fascia and there are plenty of other, smaller LED boards around the seating bowl. Each entrance into the seating bowl also has lights above it, which the production team uses plenty of. The gameday atmosphere is what one would expect for an NBA game. There is nearly non-stop action including promotions and entertainment. The in-game host attempts to rile up the crowd to aspire to the “Loud City” moniker plastered throughout the arena. Rumble the Bison has plenty of spots throughout the game to interact with fans and partake in promotions. The O-City Dance Crew performs during the pregame but dances off to the side of the end seats throughout the game, not very noticeable. The Thunder Girls help run promotions. The Thunder use the lights in the arena a lot and use the Oklahoma Blue light for big moments to pump up the crowd. The most unique aspect of the pregame is the leading of an invocation at the beginning of the game, led by a pastor, praying for safety for the players and participants, and thanks for the opportunity to watch the action. The Thunder go above and beyond to connect with the fans and give them everything they need to enjoy the game. Free programs are available at the door and are typical of the free program. The pregame email the Thunder send out has a ton of information including where the pregame activities can be found, who the halftime act is, and where the photo ops can be found. The QR code on the armrests in the seating bowl offers all the gameday info including lineups and stats. Neighborhood 5 Paycom Center is located near Downtown Oklahoma City, adjacent to the Bricktown neighborhood. There is plenty to see and do in the area and there are a plethora of eating and drinking establishments within walking distance of Paycom Center. Spark, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, Texadelphia, and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar are all very close. Right across the street from the arena are the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Other tourist options include the Oklahoma City National Memorial and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. For those looking for other sporting options in the area, checking out the Oklahoma City Blue of the G-League can be done at the same arena. Beginning in the spring, the Oklahoma City Dodgers play at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark which is two blocks away from Paycom Center. Otherwise, heading to nearby Norman to take in an Oklahoma Sooners game in football or basketball or any of the other sports they offer, maybe the answer. For those wishing to stay near the Paycom Center, the Omni Oklahoma City and Fairfield Inn & Suites Oklahoma City are mere steps from the arena. Fans 4 When the Thunder moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City, they were one of the top-drawing teams in the league. Since then, there has been a significant talent drain from Oklahoma City as well as the COVID hiatus. Since returning, the attendance at Thunder games has fallen off. In the 2022-2023 season, the Thunder are ranking 29th in the NBA averaging over 14,000 fans per game, which is 81% of capacity. The previous season, they ranked 28th and had approximately the same raw numbers. The Thunder use the moniker “Loud City” quite proudly when describing the experience there and the fans in attendance are fairly loud. However, the attendance drop-off is worrisome. The Thunder are probably not able to stay near the bottom of the NBA attendance ladder without financial repercussions. The fan mark is now in flux. Continued attendance figures at this level will surely bring the markdown. Access 5 For a downtown arena, Paycom Center is very easy to get to. Located between Interstate 40 and I-235, traffic is not a huge issue. There are plenty of parking garages in the area for fans to get to and getting out of the downtown core is surprisingly smooth. For fans wanting to take public transit, the light rail travels right along Reno Ave, in front of the Paycom Center, and buses travel Thunder Drive and other downtown streets. Fans should check out the Embark website for fares, maps, and schedules. Inside the arena, the concourses offer sufficient space to maneuver and get crowded during the expected intermission rush. The washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. With security for games constantly in flux, including security procedures, prohibited items, and bag policies, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Paycom Center and Oklahoma City Thunder websites for the most up-to-date information in advance of attending a game. Return on Investment 4 The Oklahoma City Thunder offers good value for an NBA experience. Tickets can be found for as little as $16 and go all the way up to $315. For the 2021-2022 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder ranked 21st in Fan Cost Index, which puts them in the cheapest third in the NBA, below the league average. Parking and concessions are about what one would expect for an NBA experience in a downtown arena. The action on the court and experience in the stands is solid and plenty is going on to keep everyone occupied. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Thunder name and link to the Army Infantry Division nicknamed the Thunderbirds located in Oklahoma. An extra mark for surviving as the smallest market in the NBA. An extra mark for the close network the Thunder has with the Native American population in Oklahoma. Final Thoughts Oklahoma City is probably not the first destination thought of about professional sports. However, the Thunder have proven that despite being in the smallest NBA market, they can play with the big boys and belong in the league. A trip to see the Thunder is well worth the trip and the city of Oklahoma City is an underrated destination city. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Sims Legion Park 1201-1299 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way Gastonia, NC 28054 Sims Legion Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,000 Grizzly in Gastonia Sims Legion Park is a quaint 4,000-seat ballpark located west of Charlotte in the suburb of Gastonia, North Carolina. The park, built in 1950, received extensive upgrades in the late 1970s in order to attract an affiliated Minor League Baseball team, which was ultimately successful. Gastonia played host to a South Atlantic League team that went by several different monikers for nearly a decade and a half before the franchise moved north to nearby Hickory in 1992. In 2002, baseball returned to the historic venue in the form of the Gastonia Grizzlies, a collegiate summer team that plays in the Coastal Plain League. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Gastonia Grizzlies ceased operations after the 2020 season. Food & Beverage 3 The main draw to the concession stand has to be the Donut Burger, a treat consisting of a hamburger patty wedged between two halves of a Krispy Kreme donut. It’s priced fairly at $5, but is apparently unavailable on most nights. The Donut Dog, a similar item that involves hot dogs instead of burgers, is only $3 but is also not always on tap. Garbage Can Nachos, a tray of nachos served on a garbage can lid, are also an option. In addition to those specialty items, the Grizzlies offer the standard ballpark fare, like hot dogs and cracker jacks, all moderately priced. A beer garden is located down the third base side and serves a variety of local craft beers. Atmosphere 4 The Grizzlies are known for their unusual yet creative promotions, such as “Dunk the GM”, “Grandma Beauty Pageant”, “Salute to Underwear Night”, and “Midnight Madness Night.” The latter, in which first pitch occurred at midnight, was suspended a few seasons ago. After certain games, the team also puts on a fireworks display, which is rather well done for this level. A Kids Zone, complete with bouncy houses and other age-appropriate activities, is located behind the bleacher seating on the first base side. (Watch out for foul balls in that spot!) Neighborhood 2 There isn’t a whole lot going on in the area outside of the game, as Sims is surrounded by a small parking lot and a residential neighborhood. The ballpark is approximately two miles from downtown Gastonia where you’ll find some shops and restaurants, but there are a few chain outposts are located a bit closer like Pancake House or Cracker Barrel. Fans 3 The most popular team in the Coastal Plain League, the Savannah Bananas, were visiting on the night of this visit. Even with the Bananas in town, not many fans turned out to Sims and the seats were mostly occupied by the few groups that were in attendance. In the last few years, the team has consistently drawn more than 2,000 fans per game on average, and has broken their own single-season attendance record multiple times. This is good for both the team and the fans, as lack of attendance was an important factor in the relocation of the Gastonia Rangers to Hickory, North Carolina in the late 1990s. Access 4 While I-85 runs directly adjacent to the stadium parking lot, there’s no exit located there; a few simple turns are required to get from one to the other. The interstate itself runs mostly north and south between Richmond, Virginia and Montgomery, Alabama, hitting several major cities on the way – including Atlanta and nearby Charlotte. The parking lot seems large enough to handle most game day crowds, though there’s plenty of open grassy areas available should overflow become necessary. Return on Investment 3 A general admission ticket costs $8 – for $2 more, you can upgrade to a reserved seat in the grandstand. These ticket prices are typical for this level of collegiate summer baseball. One person can grab some food and a drink at the concession stand for about $10, meaning a night out at the ballpark would run a family of four approximately $80, including tickets. Parking is free. Extras 2 One extra point for the Grizzlies’ mascot, Chizzle, who is frequently dubbed “the world’s strongest mascot.” Another point for the unique terraced outfield, though closed off to the public, and the whitewashed brick wall that encompasses the park. Final Thoughts Despite its aging state, Sims Legion Park is a still a fine facility for watching baseball. The Grizzlies are making the best use of what they have and are pushing hard for a new downtown mixed-use development project that includes a state-of-the-art ballpark. However, whether the town will continue to support the team if the new stadium plan falls through remains to be seen. All in all, it’s probably fair to say that baseball will be in Gastonia in one form or the other for a long time to come.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Veterans Memorial Coliseum 300 North Winning St. Portland, OR 97227 Portland Winterhawks website Veterans Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 10,407 Two Homes for Junior Hockey in Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum is the part-time home for Portland’s WHL representative Winterhawks. The Moda Center, next door, also serves as the Hawks part-time home. Formerly the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Winterhawks have been a favorite in Portland since they moved to town in 1976. Portland hockey dates back to the 1910’s with the Portland Rosebuds. The most recent team not named the Winterhawks was the Buckaroos, who played in the Coliseum from 1960-1975. The franchise has had much success during their tenure in the Rose City, including winning the 1998 Memorial Cup, and a current run of back to back to back to back Western Conference championships. Memorial Coliseum is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architecture and glass walls that adorn the outside of the building. Some within Portland have questioned the practicality of having two buildings side by side that serve exactly the same purpose, while others have outwardly called for its demolition so a baseball stadium could be built on the site. Whatever side of the spectrum one finds themselves on, no one can deny the fact that the building has a great amount of history and character. Food & Beverage 2 Fans on a budget might want to eat before they arrive at VMC because food prices are what I would consider very high. You can find most of the menu items at any arena – hot dogs $6, soda $6 – $6.75, popcorn $8.75, nachos $5.50 and so on. There are a few not so common items here such as Chicken & Waffles $9.50, a Pork Belly Cubano sandwich from Bunk Sandwiches $13, a Turkey BLT from Bridgetown Deli $12 and a Pulled Pork sandwich from Seven Rivers BBQ for $9.75. It’s a good idea if you do decide to eat there, make sure you get there early before the game or leave your seat before intermission because the lines are generally long. Atmosphere 4 With the success this franchise has achieved, each game is a highly anticipated event. There are banners of former Hawks players that have spent time in the NHL adorning the front entrance most notably former Boston Bruin Cam Neely and current Chicago Blackhawk star Marian “Hurricane” Hossa. The building also pays tribute to its former tenant Portland Trailblazers. VMC was the building the Blazers won their only NBA Championship in 1977. History-minded fans will love this building as there are visions of the past throughout the halls. One of the things I was disappointed in was the sound system. In my view this is something that can really add to a game, but the system that was used sounded very outdated. From where I was sitting, the crowd was louder than AC/DC playing when the Hawks scored a goal. Neighborhood 4 The Rose Quarter, the area in which VMC and the Moda Center occupy, is a central locale in Portland. Considered part of the Lloyd District, the area is one of the busiest parts of town. The Oregon Convention Center, another local landmark, is not far away nor is downtown Portland. Downtown Portland has a slew of the things to experience when visiting. At SW 5th and Oak, one of the “food cart blocks” resides. One can find just about any comfort food you can think of at one of these “carts” which aren’t necessarily carts, but actually food trucks. In any case, you can find numerous tasty treats here. Voodoo Donuts is also a Portland staple downtown. If you’re looking for other modes of entertainment, there is a floating Maritime Museum down on the waterfront. The Portland Art Museum is also a popular destination. A bit farther out, I highly recommend the Japanese Garden. It’s a very quiet, serene place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown atmosphere. The Japanese Garden also has one of the better views of Portland as well as one of the better views of the NW mountain peaks. Fans 5 Hockey fans are like no other sports fans, and Portland’s fans are as passionate as any I’ve ever encountered. Most sports fans are a mixed bag but hockey fans are there because they love hockey. There aren’t “just here to be seen” fans in attendance. The Hawks attract a very knowledgeable crowd who understand the ins and outs of hockey. They are a fairly respectable bunch but not afraid to let the players or the refs know their feelings. It’s a crowd parents can let their children attend and not have to worry about most of the negatives associated with this type of action. Access 3 Near the intersection of I-5 & I-84, Memorial Coliseum is easy to get to from anywhere in Portland. There are a couple of parking structures available if you get there early enough or there are lots available at businesses for a fee. You are also able to park on the streets around the neighborhood, but expect to walk a ways. If you plan on attending via public transportation, TRI-MET offers bus service and The MAX (train) stops on the streets bordering the Rose Quarter. Inside the arena, the hallways can get a little crowded. The bathrooms are tight as well. The seats are padded and reasonably comfortable, which is nice although the leg room available isn’t suited for people over 5’8″. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets range from $16-$31. Group rates range from $11.50 – $20.50, so if you want to go with friends, that’s the best value. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house but if you are an action junkie, I would recommend seats in the first 10 – 15 rows. As a whole, attending a Winterhawks game at VMC is well worth what one pays for a ticket. The fans and the atmosphere alone makes it worth it but when all is considered, I would say it is one of the best values in minor league hockey. Extras 3 The pre game festivities include a montage of current Hawks players as kids playing youth hockey which I think is very cool. It appears that one could buy a ride on the Zamboni during intermission. Fans can get a chance to shoot the puck for an Oregon College Savings Plan account. If you need Hawks gear, The Winterhawks Store has just what you need. Hats, hoodies, pucks, t-shirts or if you want to go all out, authentic jerseys are available for $300. Final Thoughts The Winterhawks have established themselves as the hockey team in town an operating out of the smaller coliseum makes for a perfect atmosphere for hockey. The sight lines, crowd noise, and concourse create an ideal environment for junior hockey in the Rose City.

Angel Stadium, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The Los Angeles Angels have announced that their lease at Angel Stadium in Anaheim will be extended through 2032 . The lease, originally set to expire in 2029, is the first of three options, with other options that can extend the lease to 2035 and 2038.  “We are excited to announce that we have extended our lease securing the Big A as the home of Angels Baseball into the next decade,” spokesperson Marie Garvey said in a statement. “As we prepare for our 60th season in Anaheim, we wanted our fans and community partners to know that Angels Baseball and its Foundation remain committed to being an active part of this city and region.” “This lease extension brings added certainty and ensures the strong tradition of baseball in Anaheim,” Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said in a statement. “As mayor, I look forward to working with the Angels on future community partnerships, and, as a fan, look forward to a great season ahead.” Opened in 1966, Angel Stadium  is the 4th oldest park in the majors behind Fenway Park , Wrigley Field  and Dodger Stadium .  With the potential to remain at Angel Stadium until 2038, one can only speculate whether or not the OC Vibe  project surrounding the nearby Honda Center , will expand into the parking lot of Angel Stadium as originally planned .  While Angel Stadium shows its age in many aspects throughout the yard and not as revered as much as its three predecessors, it’s still an adequate and serviceable stadium that scored a respectable 3.71 rating among Stadium Journey's 2024 MLB Ballpark Rankings . Though the Angels have not experienced post-season baseball since 2014, Angel Stadium throughout the years has had its share of glorious moments with nine AL Western Division titles and one Wild Card appearance that lead to their memorable 2002 World Series triumph over the San Francisco Giants.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Capital Union Building Gymnasium 777 West Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA 17057 Penn State-Harrisburg Nittany Lions website Capital Union Building Gymnasium website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 1,500 Another Penn State Penn State-Harrisburg is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University in Harrisburg, PA. Around 5,000 full-time students attend the university. The Pennsylvania State University is a geographically dispersed university with campuses located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Most people only know of the flagship University Park campus. The college was initially founded in 1966 as the Penn State Capitol Campus an upper-division and graduate-level campus. Later on, it was called Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg—Capital College. The college welcomed its first four-year undergraduates in 2001, with its first student housing opening in 2002. Penn State Harrisburg was considered fully transitioned into a four-year college by 2004. Penn State-Harrisburg teams participate as members of NCAA Division III's United East Conference. After a 10-year break from intercollegiate athletics, Penn State–Harrisburg brought back the department as of the fall of the 2005–06 academic year. We attended the venue during a men's and women's doubleheader and the images are from the women's action. The experience should be the same no matter what game you attend. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small permanent concession stand, as well as Chick-fil-A is usually at games selling their wares as well. Prices for all items are reasonable, albeit a bit limited in variety. Atmosphere 3 The arena is a small gym that is similar to many high school gyms. Because of the small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a very cool "We are (Penn State logo)" permanent sign on one of the seating sections. It is lit up and looks very cool. Instead of permanent video screens, screens drop down from the ceiling for pre-game intros. That is a feature I have not seen at any other venue. Neighborhood 3 Penn State Harrisburg's campus is not located in Harrisburg itself. It is instead along the Susquehanna River near Middletown, Pennsylvania. Middletown is located 3 miles north of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant. The Unit Number 2 Reactor at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant suffered a partial meltdown in 1979, causing then Pennsylvania governor Dick Thornburgh to order the evacuation of pregnant women and preschool children from the area. Within days, 140,000 people had left the area. President Jimmy Carter visited Middletown's Community Building to calm the nerves of anxious residents. The power plant is viewable from the Penn State-Harrisburg campus. There are some local restaurants such as Roberto's Pizza and Kuppy's Diner, but you may have to venture closer to Harrisburg for many more options. The Swatara area off of Route 283 has many options. Fans 3 There were a decent number of fans in attendance and they were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 4 Middletown is located right by major roads such as Route 283 and the Highspire Exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike so accessing the campus should be pretty easy. There should be plenty of free parking but we would caution you to check parking regulations for any weeknight games. Return on Investment 4 It costs $5 to attend a game at Penn State-Harrisburg and the parking is free. It seemed like it was cash only for admissions and concessions. Even the simple concessions are cheap so the value is very good. . Extras 3 The "We are (Penn State logo)" permanent sign in the seating area is a feature we have not seen at other venues. We liked the innovative way of using the dropdown screens as part of the entertainment. There is a nice Hall of Fame and other athletic accomplishments on display in the building lobby. Final Thoughts The simple gymnasium at Penn State-Harrisburg is a fun place to watch a game.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Canadian Tire Centre 1000 Paladium Drive Ottawa, ON K2V 1A4 Ottawa Black Bears website Canadian Tire Centre website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 6,995 (lower bowl) New Bear’s Den It was a somewhat surprising announcement that saw the rebirth of box lacrosse in Ottawa.  GF Sports, the New York-based owner of the New York Riptide ,  announced the relocation of the National Lacrosse League franchise to the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.  The circumstances surrounding the move were a little bit hazy, however, it is believed that the Riptide were evicted from their home, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, due to low attendance.  The return of lacrosse to the Capital Region is a welcome one.  The NLL left Ottawa as the Ottawa Rebel struggled at the gate, playing from 2001 to 2003.  The Rebel would move to Edmonton and eventually become the current Saskatchewan Rush . Home for the Black Bears is the Canadian Tire Centre.  The much-maligned facility is the home of the Ottawa Senators.  The Canadian Tire Centre was originally named The Palladium and built in 1996 in the town of Kanata, west of Ottawa.  Kanata would become part of Ottawa after amalgamation in 2001.  Often critiqued for being too far from where all of the action is in Ottawa, the future of the Canadian Tire Centre is murky at best.  Recently, the Senators have purchased a section of land in the LeBreton Flats area of Ottawa, much closer to Parliament than Kanata, to develop it and build a new arena.  It will be interesting to see if the Ottawa Black Bears are part of the plan for that planned new arena.  Until that point, the Canadian Tire Centre remains the new den for the Black Bears. Food & Beverage 3 One of the advantages of NLL lacrosse at the Canadian Tire Centre is that fans have access to the 100-level concourse.  Most fans would not have this access for Senators games and would be limited to the concession options on the upper levels.  The Canadian Tire Centre is unique in that it features many bars and lounges on the 100 level.  There are plenty of spots where fans can sit and grab a drink and some food before the action starts on the floor.  Otherwise, the concession options are decent at the Canadian Tire Centre.  Gabriel Pizza is the local star and can be found at their dedicated concession or other stands.  Tim Hortons and Lone Star are also recognizable stands.  The typical arena fare is found at the Canadian Tire Centre, as well as a few other, more interesting options.  Canadian Cubanos and Oktoberfest Sausage should be considered for fans who wish to stray from the typical dogs and popcorn.  There are many bars and lounges where fans can choose a variety of beer or other alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 The Canadian Tire Centre has a unique exterior.  A circular building on a ground level square features light siding stripes at the upper portion of the building to give it that unique look.  It is clear, even from the exterior, that the Canadian Tire Centre is the home of the Ottawa Senators.  There are plenty of markings around the building, including the illuminated “Sens” sign at the main entry on the east side.  The one marking for the Black Bears on the exterior is a series of banners, which are alternated with Senators banners.  A fire pit welcomes fans at the east plaza and reminds them just how cold a winter in Ottawa can be.  Upon entering the arena, fans must choose the lower 100 level or upper levels before having their ticket scanned.  The opportunity to check out the 100 level may be a possibility for many who would not normally see it during a Senators game due to the more expensive tickets.  The 100-level concourses are accented with red everywhere, and there are plenty of Senators markings and artifacts.  There isn’t much in the way of Black Bears anything in the concourses.  A few Black Bears items can be found in the team store, which is dominated with Senators paraphernalia.  Walking around the 100-level concourse, fans will be required to double back as a 360-degree path is not accessible due to the Bell Club at the southwest end. Inside the seating bowl, the Canadian Tire Centre features three tiers of seating with the 300 level closed for Black Bears games.  The floor is oriented from northeast to southwest, and the perfect spot for the centre logo is from the northwest side.  The 200-level fascia features a full 360-degree ribbon board, and the 300-level fascia has ribbon boards on the ends.  The four-sided video board hangs above the floor.  It may not be gargantuan like newer models, but it more than does the trick. The gameday production of a Black Bears game is not dissimilar to that of most NLL teams.  Music is played during the play, mainly classic rock.  The PA announcer speaks familiarly and has a “homer” slant, even audibly questioning referee calls on the floor.  The Black Bears are attempting to build in-game traditions by coaxing the fanbase to yell certain phrases at certain times during the game.  Fans are also encouraged to “get their claws out” upon Ottawa goals, standing and holding up their hands like bear claws.  The Black Bears drumline plays throughout the concourse, parade style, before the game begins, and the Ottawa Black Bears cheer team performs during a couple of pauses in the action.  The cheer team is more akin to a college cheer team, performing a few stunts, along with some dance routines.  The mascot, Cubby, traverses the crowd and interacts with fans, as well as being part of the pre-game production. Neighbourhood 4 The Canadian Tire Centre is located in the Kanata section of Ottawa, approximately 23 km from Parliament.  The location of the arena has been an issue for the Senators since its inception.  There are a few spots that are close to the arena for pre and post game food and drink.  Crazy Horse Stonegrill, Via Cibo, Jack’s, Fratelli Kanata and Tommy’s are all good options.  There are also a number of restaurants inside Canadian Tire Centre that are available.  There are plenty of other sporting options in Ottawa for fans to take in.  Canadian Tire Centre is also home to the Ottawa Senators .  Other sporting options include the Ottawa 67’s , Ottawa RedBlacks , Ottawa Blackjacks, Ottawa Charge and Ottawa Titans .  The University of Ottawa fields a number of Gee-Gee teams including basketball, hockey and football.  Carleton University also fields Ravens basketball , football  and hockey teams.  The annual Panda Game between Carleton and Ottawa is a local event worth checking out.  Ottawa also has a plethora of other tourist options including skating on the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian war Museum and Museum of Nature to name a few.  The Canadian Cold War Museum is closer to Kanata.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Glo by Best Western and Comfort Inn are good options. Fans 3 The 2024-2025 season is the inaugural season for the Ottawa Black Bears.  The fan support for the Black Bears has been initially good, but unspectacular.  The Black Bears have welcomed an average of 6,100 fans per game.  The game reviewed saw a crowd of over 5,200 fans.  At the time of writing the Black Bears were ranked 6th in the NLL in attendance.  There is plenty of room for improvement, but the Black Bears have enjoyed a decent beginning to their return to Ottawa.  Fans in attendance are generally quiet and laid back and are not terribly enthusiastic  towards the in game host’s prompts.   Access 4 The Canadian Tire Centre is located in Kanata, almost 25 km from Parliament Hill.  It is adjacent to Highway 417, on the north side of Palladium Drive.  Getting to the arena is not terribly difficult, and much quicker than getting there for a Senators game.  There are large parking lots surrounding the arena, which can cause some slowdowns getting in and out of the area.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are a number of bus stops at Canadian Tire Centre.  Fans should consult the Ottawa Carleton Transpo for fares, maps and schedules.  Inside the Canadian Tire Centre the concourses are generally narrow, and it is not possible to walk a full 360 degrees around the 100 level due to the Bell Club.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Security protocols are in constant flux for major sporting events.  Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Ottawa Black Bears  and Canadian Tire Centre  websites for the most up to date security protocols, including bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Black Bears begin at $31 and go up to $48 for 100 level seats.  The opportunity to sit in prime seats for far less than a Senators game is a reality at a Black Bears game.  The Bell Club seats are $120 and include food and drink.  Parking for the Black Bears is not cheap and will run at least $21.  Concession prices are akin to most other major sports arenas.  The return for the investment at an Ottawa Black Bears game is solid and fans will definitely enjoy their trip. Extras 2 An extra mark for the return of NLL lacrosse to Ottawa. An extra mark for the bilingual announcements that happen at Black Bears games Final Thoughts Taking in an Ottawa Black Bears game is a great way to spend the sporting dollar.  Although Kanata is not considered a prime location, the facility is decent.  Hopefully, the second life for lacrosse in Ottawa will have a longer lifespan than the previous Ottawa Rebel, and they will be around long enough to join the Senators at the new LeBreton Flats arena. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 William H. Bell Center 1 S Campus Drive San Antonio, TX 78212 Trinity Tigers website William H. Bell Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,800 Trinity Tigers – William H. Bell Center Trinity University was originally founded in 1869 as a private liberal arts school, ultimately merging with the University of San Antonio in the 1940s. The beautiful 125-acre campus was designated a National Historic District, and is one of the crown jewels of the Alamo City. In 1916 the school began its athletics programs, including their basketball team – the Trinity Tigers  men’s hoops team would experience frequent periods of success on the hard court, primarily under legendary Head Coach Bob Polk. Since 1992, the Tigers have called William H. Bell Center their home; the massive facility is home to the university’s athletics department and numerous sports programs. Having been renovated several times over the years, Bell Center has proven to be a perfect home for Trinity.   Food & Beverage   3 Like many facilities at the lower levels of college athletics, William H. Bell Center boasts limited food and drink offerings for fans. The gym currently has one concession stand, located on the mezzanine level of the facility. The “Tiger Bites” stand offers up pretty much everything you’d expect to find at a game, including hot dogs (with or without chili and cheese), nachos, Frito pie, soft pretzels, candy, bottled soda, water, and sports drinks. There is no alcohol for sale at Tiger basketball games. As I have said in many similar reviews in the past, this is all fine – your socks will not metaphorically be blown off, but you won’t go hungry and more than likely will be satisfied, especially with not one concession item here having a price over $6.   Atmosphere   3 The atmosphere at Trinity is greatly improved by the history of success of its programs; the halls of Bell Center are lined with the numerous championship trophies of Tiger teams of the past. Every team, from basketball (men’s and women’s) to golf to bowling to football, has at least one championship, and Bell Center has the trophy to prove it. As you walk past the Tiger statue guarding the front steps to the facility, you then walk through the doors and are greeted by display cases filled with sports memorabilia of past great Tigers. One hallway has trophy after trophy after trophy; another is home to the school’s athletics Hall of Fame. In addition, inside the arena itself the rafters are lined with championship banners from basketball and volleyball teams in past seasons. As far as the in-game experience, the gym has a nice mix of bleacher seating and seatback chairs; there isn’t a bad sightline to be found, and the way it is laid out acoustically, games sound much louder in the stands than you would expect from a crowd of a few hundred. This greatly helps the energy and atmosphere. One pet peeve I have and want to point out again is the lack of any type of merchandise table or stand – I think small schools are missing out by not offering at least a rudimentary sampling of merch for game attendees to purchase.   Neighborhood   5 Trinity University is situated in the historic Monte Vista District  of San Antonio, which is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Though the campus is located directly off US 87/281, it feels a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Situated right on the edges of Monte Vista, it feels almost like you’re driving the streets of a small college town. Regardless, the area is a short 5-10 minute drive from the Alamo City’s historic downtown , and an even shorter drive from the world-class San Antonio Zoo  and historic Brackenridge Park . Both are excellent options for spending time before or after Tigers games at Bell Center. In terms of dining, you’re just a short drive from the arena to the Historic Pearl , complete with some of the city’s best-rated restaurants, like Best Quality Daughter , Brasserie Mon Chou Chou , Cured , and La Gloria . While each of these is literally some of the best the Alamo city has to offer, if you’re looking for something a little more Texan I highly recommend Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse , which is right down the street from the Zoo; it is Texas barbecue at its finest. For dining, lodging is not plentiful near the Trinity campus, per se. However, just a short drive up Highway 37 toward downtown there is an abundance of options for every budget – these include the much-lauded Hotel Emma  and O’Casey’s Boutique Inn . Vacation rentals are an also option, and are plentiful in Monte Vista.   Fans   3 I wasn’t quite sure what to expect on my visit to catch my first Tigers basketball game at Trinity. In past visits for other sports, the crowds have been spotty at times; it’s also kind of hard to get a true visiting crowd into town for regular season games as well, due in part to the size of the competing schools. However, during my most recent visit the crowd was of a pretty good size, at least a couple of hundred – the student section was full and there were a lot of fans sporting the team’s signature maroon and white. As mentioned, the acoustics in Bell Center make even a crowd the size I experienced seem that much larger.   Access   4 As far as locations go, it’s hard to beat where Trinity University is situated. It is basically near the crossroads for four of San Antonio’s major highways, clearly visible from US 87/281 with exits that are clearly marked. The campus is around a 10-minute drive (on a good day) from San Antonio International Airport , which is a major plus. The one negative I will mention here is that the exit for Trinity off US 87 is near the intersection of both Interstates 10 and 35; this area tends to bottleneck with traffic. Once on campus there is abundant signage showing the way to the gymnasium, and there is also abundant free parking, also a major plus. If you choose not to drive the city’s mass transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , has several routes that will drop you off at Trinity University.   Return on Investment   4 It’s hard to beat what Trinity has to offer for fans; as mentioned parking is free, as is admission to games at Bell Center. It’s really hard to beat free, especially when you pair it with a very affordable selection of items at the concession stand. The building itself is really a good venue, so the only thing keeping this score from reaching any higher is the opponents you’re going to see come through William H. Bell Center. You’re not going to see top-tier Division I or Division II teams on campus for a game, but you’re going to get Division III basketball, which is perfectly fine if you’re a hoops fan.   Extras   2 There is not much in the way of extras for games at Trinity. The Trinity Cheerleaders  can be found near the south side of the gym beyond the baseline, who root for the Tigers throughout the game. Also the Trinity dance team, the Prowlers , perform during halftime. That’s pretty much it. I know the school has a band and a costumed mascot, but they apparently do not come out for basketball games.   Final Thoughts I enjoyed myself during my first visit to Trinity University’s William H. Bell Center. The facilities are top notch, the atmosphere is good, and I hate to keep saying it, but you can’t beat free sports in my opinion. While I wouldn’t put this on anyone’s but a true die-hard hoops fan’s bucket list, I think anyone who is a fan of the game will enjoy themselves. Also, if nothing else this will give visitors a chance to see what makes Trinity University a special place in San Antonio. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bulldog Stadium University Drive Seguin, TX 78155 Texas Lutheran Bulldogs website Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,200 Texas Lutheran Bulldogs – Memorial Gymnasium Founded in 1891 as the Evangelical Lutheran College, the present-day Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is a private institution of higher learning based in the south Texas town of Seguin. Nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, the school is able to tout nearly one-third of its full-time 1,400 undergraduate students as competing members of their intercollegiate sports programs. Competing as members of the NAIA until the 2001-2002 athletics season, the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs  now compete at the Division III level in all sports as members of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The TLU men’s and women’s basketball programs play their home games at Memorial Gymnasium at the Jesse H. Jones Physical Education Complex (named for the former U.S. Secretary of Commerce). The Bulldogs have called Memorial Gymnasium their home since the ‘70s. In that time, the teams have had a fair amount of success on the court, making numerous tournament appearances and winning multiple conference titles. Read on to learn more about the “Dog House” in Seguin.   Food & Beverage   2 Like most venues at this level of competition, Memorial Gymnasium has just one concession stand for fans during Bulldog games – this stand offers up your standard menu of game day items, such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and bottled soda, water, and sports drinks. No alcohol is served. It’s not flashy, but it will get the job done. One interesting wrinkle is that the facilities are cash only, which is quite the outlier in this day and age; be advised to hit the ATM before heading to Memorial Gymnasium.   Atmosphere   2 Old wood paneling and old wooden bleachers give the look and feel of a distinct time gone by. Just inside the main entrance you’ll find the TLU athletics trophy cases, as well as its Hall of Fame lining the walls. Inside the gym banners adorn virtually every surface of the walls – these include banners for nearly every sport the Bulldogs participate in, as well as banners memorializing departed members of the program.   Neighborhood   3 Seguin is a very underrated town, in my opinion. Just a short 45-minute drive east on Interstate 10 from San Antonio, Seguin is a town steeped in Texas history, and a haven for those looking to enjoy fun on the Guadalupe River. The Jesse H. Jones Physical Education Complex and Memorial Gymnasium are located on the Texas Lutheran University campus, which is a short drive from Seguin’s historic downtown square. When looking for things to do, a couple of options are on the table, including ZDT’s Amusement Park and the Texas Agricultural Education Center . Both are fun, family-friendly locations that offer different types of attractions for visitors before or after (some) Bulldogs games. For dining options, I want to heartily recommend two of my personal favorites in the area. First is Burnt Bean Company , which is home to some of – if not the best – barbecue in Texas. I promise, you have not had better brisket than what they offer up here; also, don’t sleep on the side dishes. Most barbecue joints treat their sides as an afterthought, but not here in Seguin. Then next up is 1838 Grill  – in my experience you can tell how good a place is by how many locals go there; I’ve never seen this place not packed to the brim with locals lining up for the fried catfish and chicken fried steak. In terms of lodging there aren’t really any traditional options near campus. Vacation rentals might be an option, but there are also hotels which are not far away. Your nearest options are going to be La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seguin  and Super 8 by Wyndham Seguin . There are other options as well, however, and traveling to nearby San Antonio is always an option too.   Fans   3 The crowd at the last game I attended was pretty good, especially in the student section – the game was a “pink out”, and quite a few folks understood the assignment. Despite the game getting pretty lopsided fairly early on, the crowd was still very enthusiastic. I do have a hard time envisioning a full capacity crowd inside Memorial Gymnasium. However, if the team were to get back to some of its glory days, I could see the community as a whole getting behind them and filling the place they call the Dog House – especially given they are the proverbial only game in town.   Access   3 The TLU campus is accessible off Interstate 10, with signage clearly marking the way. It is a 38-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport, which is the closest place you can fly into. Once on site, parking is plentiful and free in unmarked spaces. The one drawback that keeps the Access score from being higher is the lack of public transportation options – you have to drive to Seguin to get to Memorial Gymnasium, meaning you will have to battle the perpetual traffic and construction on Interstate 10.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for TLU Bulldogs games cost just $5 per person for general admission seating. I saw no concession item that cost more than that, either. With free parking, you’re getting a tremendous bargain when attending games at Memorial Gymnasium. The one reason the ROI score isn’t any higher is that you will only ever see DIII and lower-level competition on campus for games.   Extras   2 The only real extra for games at Memorial Gymnasium are the Texas Lutheran Cheerleaders . The squad can be seen performing on the baseline and on the court during breaks in the action. They are a real highlight and perform quite a bit more than I have seen teams at this level perform. Beyond that, however, there is not much else for fans at the games.   Final Thoughts If you’re a hardcore basketball fan, you’re going to love games at Memorial Gymnasium and Texas Lutheran University. It’s got the look, feel, and history these fans have come to expect. If you’re not into that, though, honestly a game here in Seguin might not be your cup of tea. I personally enjoyed myself, however – I think if you’re visiting Seguin (which I would recommend), you could do worse for yourself than taking in a game at TLU. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kunkel Aquatic Center / McGinness Pool 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Kunkel/McGinness website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 480 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. McGinness Pool is part of the Kunkel Aquatic Center. According to the school: "The Kunkel Aquatic Center is the premier aquatic facility in the Mid-Atlantic region and one of the most impressive facilities in all of Division III. It hosts championships at the collegiate, high school, and numerous age-group levels. The 21,200 square-foot facility houses the 25-yard x 50-meter McGinness Pool with a 480-seat spectator gallery. It features two varsity locker rooms, and two public locker rooms and has a state-of-the-art UV purification system that allows for lower chlorine levels in the pool. This results in better air quality and less impact to the swimmers from higher chlorine levels." Before 1995, the F&M swimming teams competed in Fackenthal Pool, which opened in 1931 near the center of campus and has since been incorporated into the Roschel Performing Arts Center. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings in the facility except for a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 3 The aquatic center is very impressive. The seating area sounds like it would be small at only 480 seats, but that is plenty big enough for fans to enjoy and provide some cheering. Most fans are family or friends, but that does not mean it isn't full of joyful atmosphere. Outside the swim facility is a Hall of Fame and some trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend sporting events at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 The trophy cases have some interesting sports history in them. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Kunkel Aquatic Center, and the McGinness Pool, is a truly impressive facility at which to enjoy some swimming competitions.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 Map It San Diego Seals website Pechanga Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,920 Seals Lax The San Diego Seals are members of the National Lacrosse League (NL L), beginning play in the 2018-2019 season.  They have been successful, enjoying winning seasons since their inception.  In their five years of play (the NLL was cancelled during the pandemic), they have made it to the playoffs four times and to the second round twice.  They have not yet made it to the finals. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA.   Pechanga Arena also hosts the San Diego Gulls (AHL hockey).  It is also home to a variety of other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more.  A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena.    Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functiona l,  no t like th e whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities.  It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. There’s been talk of building a new arena on the same site as the existing one.  The proposition also includes an entertainment district (shops, dining, urban parks, etc.) and affordable housing.  We’ll keep our eyes open for any progress on this proposal. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has a decent number of concessions; many serve only adult beverages. Some are closed as the lacrosse team does not draw as many fans as the hockey team or concerts.   Be sure to walk the entire concourse to find the open concession stands and carts th at match  your taste buds. Pizza Port slices (cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno pepperoni, BBQ chicken) run $9 - $9.75.  Arena Grill serves hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan sausages and burgers, chicken baskets, nachos, fries, etc.   Nicolosi’s (Italian) sells meatball mac and cheese, 6” meatball hero, vegan mac and cheese ($13 - $18), as well as traditional fare and beverages. Small kiosks include lemonade, mini donuts, hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples, yummy-looking frozen dipped bananas, and Dippin’ Dots. Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands), water, iced tea, Monster Energy, and Powerade cost $6 - $7. A Cutwater Cocktail Bar, Elysian Brewing Company, and Breitbard’s Tap Haus have vast selections of beers on tap and in cans (domestic and local craft).  Local craft includes brews from Eppig, Golden Road, Karl Strauss, Kona, Pizza Port, Stone, and Elysian, and cost $18.  Many stands have cocktails and wines ($16 - $18). Pechanga Arena Breitbard's Tap Haus, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The choices are suitable for a meal or a snack if you arrive hungry and thirsty. The Stella Artois Lounge is a premium entertainment area available for rent and/or membership and includes a posh bar and other VIP features. The arena is missing one thing - tables to eat any purchased food.  Instead, fans have to bring their refreshments to their seats.  Atmosphere 4 Although old, the arena serves the lacrosse team very well. Two levels of average-width cushioned sea ts (without cup holders) m ake up the seating.  Fans enter the middle of the seating area and walk up or down to their seats.  The second level is about 15 steps up.  No handrails are available for the top nine rows on either level.   Those uneasy with steps should get seats in row nine as that’s the top row when walking in. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available along the inner walkway.   Staff curtains off the second level behind both goal nets.  Every seat has a decent view of the action on th e court. Though the arena does not have suites, it offers premium seating along certain areas of the inner concourse, and Rady Ch ildren’s Cove premium field level seating choice behind one of the goals with partitioned tables and its own beverage station.  Pechanga Arena Rady Children's Cove, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey It’s chilly inside.  Wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring a sweatshirt and/or jacket.  A suitably sized scoreboard hangs above center court.  It shows the game action video, the score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter.  Closed captioning is not available.  At the game of this review, I noticed many delayed media timeouts, which annoyingly halted the flow of the game.  The Seals have an impressive pyrotechnic opening and introduction.  As with all box lacrosse contests, to pump the crowd, music plays constantly.  When an opposing player goes to the penalty box (the sin bin), the announcer cleverly calls “[player’s name] makes the walk of shame…shame…shame…”  The crowd is also entertained by a dance team (the Sirens) and a mascot dressed as a seal (Salty).  Other in-game entertainment includes fan participative contests like a milk chug challenge, selfies, t-shirt tosses, a military hero of the game, and a junior lacrosse scrimmage during halftime.  It is all ve ry well executed and not over the top. Neighborhood 4 The area directly surrounding the rink is bustling with shopping centers, and within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available.  Ocean Beach Pier is just three miles from the venue and is where visitors can watch the surfers (or surf themselves), walk along the beach, swim, or sunbathe in the warmer months.  Or stroll the neighborhood shops, restaurants, and brewpubs.   It’s a great place to visit.  Sea World San Diego is a little over two miles. Historic Old Town is just a mile away; both are worth visiting.  A plethora of places to eat and drink are within a few miles.  We recommend the Long Story Irish Pub (though finding parking may be difficult), Phil’s BBQ , and Cocino de Barrio (Mexican).  Within walking distance of the arena are staples like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Broken Yolk, and Buffalo Wild Wings (though we do not recommend this Broken Yolk and BWW). For the hop head, the go-to brewery for Seals fans is Bay City Brewing , right across the parking lot.  Plenty of other breweries are close by:  Deft Brewing (European style brews), Stone Brewing (in Liberty Station – serves food), and if visiting Ocean Beach, check out Ocean Beach Brewery (serves food), Kilowatt Brewing, or Pizza Port (Brewpub).  Many, many more are within five miles of the arena. A Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Pechanga Arena, and a Ramada Inn is a block and a half away.  Many other hotels with varied prices are within just a mile or two of Pechanga Arena, so pick your preference.  Sports fans can attend other games in the area during lacrosse season, including the AHL Gulls.  The University of San Diego is two to three miles from the arena.  You may be able to catch a Toreros baseball, basketball, football, or other athletic games. San Diego is a fantastic city to tour, so make a day or weekend of it when attending a Seals game! Fans 3 There’s an energy in the crowd, and you just can’t help getting excited when the Seals score a goal.  Lots of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams are in attendance.  Visitors see plenty of purple, yellow, and black (the Seals’ colors) in the crowd.  The fans certainly don’t follo w lacrosse eti quette as they leave and enter during play action.  At the game of this review, the lower level was about 65% full.  The average attendance is between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game.  This puts the team in the mid to bottom half of the NLL attendance ranking. Access 4 Getting to the arena is easy.  It is right off the I-8 and I-5 Interstates in the Midway District of San Diego, a tad over a mile from Old Town San Diego and a little over three miles from the San Diego Airport.   Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $15.  The box office is on the north side of the building (Kurtz Street side).  Public transportation is available and takes 30 – 45 minutes with multiple changes if coming from the airport.  Check the San Diego MTS trip planner to see if this is an option from where you are.  If not, Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are on the south side of the venue near the gas station and Chick-fil-A.  It is easy and painless to get through security and scanning of the ticket.  Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium sports bags are allowed.  Fans can walk the entire concourse.   Unfortunately, tickets are only available through AXS – an online ticket provider.  Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app to their phone to get their tickets.  The Seals do not offer hardcopy tickets.  ADA seating is provided on the inner concourse surrounding the court.  The arena has sufficient restrooms for a lacrosse game, but they are tight, with minimal room to maneuver (at least in the ladies).  Return on Investment 3 Seals box lacrosse games are fun and worth your sports dollar investment.  We recommend eating or drinking before heading to the game, as concession prices are the expected high stadium prices. Tickets run $21 - $80.  A three-game ticket package offers a discount and is a good deal if planning on seeing more than one match a season.  Groups of 10+ get a reduced rate, so corral your friends, work buddies, or social group members and come and enjoy an exciting evening out! Parking is $15.  If time and your location permit, consider using public transportation.  The stadium only accepts purchases via credit card, including parking. Every game has a special event, such as Heritage nights, Stick Up for a Cure night, Margaritaville nights, etc., and may include tailgating parties or giveaways. Extras 4 Photos on the concourse walls portray famous events and entertainers who performed at Pechanga Arena over the years.  It is worth the effort to stroll the concourse perusing the historic concerts performed here. The team broadcasts a motivating video that energizes the crowd and gears them into a lacrosse frame of mind before the players take the court.  When the announcer introduces the players, spectacular shooting flames, smoke, and hoopla abound. One retired jersey number hangs from the rafters , #17 Bro die Merrill. Pechanga Arena Bro die Merrill Retired Jersey, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Finally, praise to the crew who successfull y transform  the arena from a hockey rink to a lacrosse court in under 24 hours. Final Thoughts The venue has a lot of history on display and is a throwback to an earlier time when arenas were designed to be functional fan facilities.  Box lacrosse is a fun, lively game to watch, and a San Diego Seals gam e delivers that sports enjoyment pleasure.  Check out In Lacrosse We Trust for all lacrosse coverage.

Maddie with UVM basketball player May Kotsopoulos. When she was young, UVM fans called her "Mini-May." If there's ever a Mount Rushmore for University of Vermont (UVM) basketball fans, Maddie Ahmadi will be first ballot. She eats, lives and breathes Catamount hoops. These days, she's in the honors program at the University of North Carolina. But while she's physically in Chapel Hill, Maddie's heart remains in the Green Mountain State, rooting on her beloved Catamounts. Maddie took a few moments to discuss her passion. STADIUM JOURNEY: So where were you when Sorrentine unforgettably heaved it from "the parking lot" in Worcester twenty years ago? Describe your feelings, memories. MADDIE AHMADI:  My parents were never going to miss that game, so they brought their 6-month-old daughter along to Worcester. Some babies wear headphones during loud games, but not me. My parents were smart enough to introduce me to the joyous sounds of March Madness at an early age. They like to say that I slept through the entire game. Now, I can sleep through just about anything. I don’t remember Sorrentine’s actual shot, but it is certainly a point of pride that I was there. University of Vermont athletics is truly one of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me, and I like to think my love of green and gold started back in March 2005.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How many games, total, men's, women's high school, have you seen at Patrick Gymnasium? If there's a record, I'm guessing that you're near the top. Describe the Patrick Gym experience. Will you be sad to see it finally go?  MADDIE AHMADI:  While I would love to hold that record, I don’t even think I can claim the top spot within my own family. My Dad certainly has me beat. He was the manager of the UVM women’s basketball team while he was a student. Since then, he consistently shows up. That said, I would estimate that I’ve attended roughly 450 games. My Dad has likely attended double that. I know Patrick Gym like the back of my hand – the tunnels, the smells, the atmosphere, and the people who make it so great. Patrick Gym is what you get when you mix energy, passion and community. It’s an electrifying environment complete with the perfect combination of old bleachers and a rarely-accurate shot clock. While I support a new arena for the growth of the program and recruitment purposes, I think the Universe doesn’t want to see the end of Patrick Gym. Until it does, I am content celebrating the joys of UVM basketball in the 1963 high school-esque miracle of a facility.  UVM men's coach John Becker cutting down the nets after another championship.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Did you spend a lot of time at Gutterson Fieldhouse watching hockey games? What's special about this venue? MADDIE AHMADI:  I love The Gut. As an Essex High School graduate, I remember watching my friends win plenty of hockey championships. For a long time, we had UVM hockey season tickets. After a while, and as other sports began to take center stage - go soccer! - we slowly attended less hockey games. I love the energy in The Gut, but it does not compare to Patrick Gym, or lately, Virtue Field.  STADIUM JOURNEY: After practically growing up in Patrick Gym, what's it like watching games in the Dean Dome? Surreal?  MADDIE AHMADI:  I love college basketball, but not for the athleticism or glamour. I love the people and the community that it fosters. While the Dean Dome is special, and the student section is unlike anything, I can’t hear what the players are yelling, or recognize the entire community, like I can at Patrick Gym. To be frank, I often skip UNC games to watch my Cats on ESPN+. Thursday through Sunday is my favorite half of the week.  Maddie doing a UNC student broadcast. STADIUM JOURNEY: Has the UNC/Duke rivalry mellowed since Coach K and Coach Williams retired? It sure seems like it, but you're on the ground. MADDIE AHMADI:  Eh. I still hate Duke. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone on this campus that can tolerate a Blue Devil. The rivalry is alive and well. Rushing Franklin Street last year will go down as one of my top 10 college experiences. All that’s to say, I despise Albany the most. Albany men's basketball taught me what a rivalry feels like. I grew up crying on the way home from then-SEFCU arena after a devastating loss. I refused to wear purple. That place is the antithesis of Patrick Gym.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Who mentored you and helped make you the person that you are today?  MADDIE AHMADI:  My admiration for UVM basketball comes from my parents. They both prioritize community and connection. UVM is their community and they make an effort to always remain connected. Growing up, I sought to connect with my community by serving on my school board, interning with local media, and supporting the state in any way I could. I learned that from my parents and have them to thank for who I am today. Loyalty is everything.  Maddie and family STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've been away from the Green Mountain State for a few months. What spots do you make sure to hit when you're back? MADDIE AHMADI:  Let me lay out the ideal day. First, you need to take a trip to Handy’s Lunch in Burlington for breakfast. I always get a McHandy with bacon and a McHandy with sausage on bulkie rolls. The bulkie rolls are key. Then, take a trip to Church Street and check out some local shops. You will soon realize there are not very many shops in the area and that you'll need something else to do. Luckily, it should be almost time for a 2 pm UVM women’s basketball game. From 2 pm to 4 pm, you will watch the women take down Albany, all while playing stifling defense. You’ll have a short break before the men’s game, so grab dinner at The Gryphon. You must try the sweet potato nachos. They are delectable. Then, head back to Patrick and watch the men play from 7 pm to 9 pm. If we avoid overtime, you might be able to catch a late-night show at the Flynn Theater post-game. Oh, for pizza, I highly recommend Piesanos.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Same question for your adapted home, Chapel Hill. MADDIE AHMADI:  If you are ever in Chapel Hill, you need to grab breakfast at The Carolina Coffee Shop. Despite the deceptive name, the establishment is much more than a coffee shop. They have the best cornflake French toast. Last year, I saw Patriots QB Drake Maye dining with his teammates there quite often. After breakfast, there are lovely botanical gardens on campus that you could explore. You should also be sure to attend one of our great sporting events. UNC has excellent women’s field hockey, women’s soccer, lacrosse, the list goes on. There’s always something. You can dine at Top of the Hill, it’s an iconic restaurant that overlooks Franklin Street. Make sure you get the hush puppies. Take in the Southern charm.  Maddie with UVM women's basketball broadcaster Maura Sheridan STADIUM JOURNEY: This is perhaps the most important question: What's the story behind your poem "' Twas the Night Before (UVM) Madness "? MADDIE AHMADI:  Ha! The poem is a funny story. I was extremely disappointed when I found out that the America East Championship, and subsequent NCAA tournament, was cancelled in 2020. It’s the highlight of my year. I decided that I needed to channel that disappointment into writing, I am a journalist after all. It may have been the easiest piece I’ve ever written. The words, and emotions, just flowed. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 John Sessions Stadium River Rd Jacksonville, FL 32211 Jacksonville Dolphins website John Sessions Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 1,500 Between the River and the Ocean Jacksonville University is one of several institutions of higher learning in the city that field baseball teams, alongside Edward Waters and the University of North Florida . Lacking a pro baseball team closer than Tampa , however, the city is probably most well-known for its MiLB franchise, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp . The Jacksonville Dolphins play their home games at John Sessions Stadium, an on-campus facility nestled among the school’s other athletic facilities. The small venue opened in 1994, holds 1500 fans, and was most recently renovated in 2008, when a new scoreboard, entrance, and backstop were added.   Food & Beverage   3 The facility has one concessions stand just inside the main entrance, which is punnily named the Con“Sessions” Stand, reusing the baseball venue’s name; both the stadium and its concession stand are named after John Sessions, a member of JU’s first graduating class and proud supporter of JU athletics, especially baseball. This stand offers a basic menu including what you would probably expect to find at this level, including hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, and snow cones, as well as soda, bottled water, beer, and wine.  Prices may be a tad on the high side, with main dishes running $6 and bottled water/soda coming in at $3/$4, but the addition of beer and wine is a nice perk, given many college sports venues don’t offer alcohol.   Atmosphere   2 Baseball at John Sessions Stadium is pretty low key; the crowd is miniscule, and there isn’t anything going on besides the game itself, although the facility itself is nicely done. The stands don’t appear dated at all, there are lots of JU color pops, and there are myriad photos and other nods to past JU players, as well as homages to past tournament and regional appearances; there is even a small Dolphins team gear stand right next to the concessions stand. The ticket office has some nice décor as well – through the window you can see a giant Jacksonville University banner bracketed by two JU baseball uniforms.   Neighborhood   4 Jacksonville University and John Sessions Stadium are located on the east and south sides of the curving St. Johns River, about 15 miles west of the beaches. Certainly beachfront activities are an option if you are in town for several days for a full three-day series, which baseball fans are accustomed to at any level, but there are also some great restaurants to be found closer to the university itself. Two well-known sandwich shops are The Sheik and Blue Boy, while Tabouleh Café and Trap House Chicken are great if you are looking for wings or Mediterranean, and of course Jacksonville also features numerous seafood restaurant and breakfast eateries, the latter of which always seem prevalent in beachside towns.   Fans   1 Attendance at John Sessions Stadium is almost non-existent during Jacksonville Dolphins baseball games – the stands can often be nearly empty, and you may see more visiting fans than home fans sitting in the chairback seats. Most fans sit in front of the press box, facing home plate, but there are two additional sections of seating, one on the first base side and another on the third base side. There is no seating in the outfield.   Access   4 There are no issues getting to, or in and out of, Sessions Stadium, other than possibly some lingering construction along one edge of the main parking lot. There is a huge parking lot on the first base side of the field, along Dolphin Drive after you pass through the gate when you come onto campus – most fans will park there and walk around to the main entrance, although insiders know there is additional parking closer to the entrance itself, if you keep driving around after you see the first, large parking area. Once inside the facility there are no issues moving around, especially given the typically small crowd size. There may be a short line for concessions, however, as there is only one stand serving the whole park – so at a busy game there might be a bit of a wait.   Return on Investment   3 Parking is free for JU baseball, and admission is only $10, although they stop selling tickets (and thus let you in free), starting around the fourth or fifth inning. Given the lack of amenities here, this might be a good way to spend an evening depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are bringing a large group, you will probably have more fun at a Jumbo Shrimp game, for example, although you will likely pay a bit more for it.   Extras   2 There are a couple of dolphin statues on campus, including one carved from the stump of a tree felled by Hurricane Irma, and the team offers free electronic programs at its baseball games via a QR code, but otherwise there is not much going on at John Sessions Stadium during Jacksonville University Dolphins baseball, save for the simplicity of the game itself.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Daytona International Speedway 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Roar Before the 24 website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167.785 Roaring at Daytona A week before the historic Rolex 24 , Daytona International Speedway is already buzzing with race action. An event that used to be held three weeks before the current date, the Roar Before the 24 has now become part of the fabric that makes up IMSA’s return to racing in January. Featuring three different racing series, this event is mostly a three-day test session for those in the IMSA WeatherTech Series and Michelin Pilot Challenge. However, for the VP Challenge series, this weekend features two races in their season kick-off. With stellar weather in January, this seaside raceway showcases why race fans flock to Florida in the winter. No doubt, this is becoming a must-see event right in line with the Rolex 24  for diehard fans. Kids 12 and under are free, and there is plenty to see all race weekend long.   Food & Beverage   3 During the Roar, there aren’t as many food trucks and pop-up bars to see as you have during the Rolex 24 . The main stop is the paddock cafe, featuring chicken tenders and fries ($15), cheeseburgers and fries ($15), hot dogs ($6), corn dogs ($7), nachos ($7), beer ($9-$11), soda ($5.50), and various other snacks. The main grandstands are closed off this weekend to fans, limiting the food options. Atmosphere   4 The Roar features a lot of the things you’ll find at the Rolex 24 , just on a smaller scale. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens, just like at the 24 . There are night practice sessions, and two races for the VP Challenge series. Fans are invited on a pre-race grid walk before the VP race on Saturday, and victory lane is also open to fans for those races. The track itself is stunning as well – there are numerous grandstands in the infield for fans to watch the action from, and the track invites local Boy Scouts troops to come camp for the weekend in the infield during the Roar. Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants – from Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat during your stay. The most popular spot is now One Daytona, a shopping and dining district that features the likes of PF Chang’s, 4 Rivers BBQ, and even the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel.   Fans   3 The fans at the Roar are like no others in racing – they are diehards who know the sport inside and out and are not afraid to show their allegiance to their favorite driver, team, or car manufacturer. They also know how to party like few others, but are also among the most welcoming in the sport. Any one of the various campsites will have a campfire going with a TV playing a broadcast of the race – you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and take in the atmosphere. During the Roar many of the fans are kids, as the track invites countless Boy Scouts troops from the area to come and camp at the track during the weekend. That said, there simply aren’t near as many fans at the Roar as there are during the Rolex 24.   Access   5 Parking at the Roar is plentiful; not only are there on-site parking lots for those with various parking passes, but the track also has various off-site parking options for fans to use, as long as you’re willing to walk. For those who would rather take a ride, trams are also available to shuttle you in and out of the track from numerous parking lots, as well as take you from one point to another at the track itself. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield grandstand seating areas. On top of that, Daytona International Airport is literally across the street from the track, and hotels in the area are numerous, including the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, and others.   Return on Investment   5 The Roar is a race to be added to any sports fan’s list of must-see events, especially if you are a diehard sportscar fan. Tickets for the roar start at $15 for Friday/Sunday and just $20 for Saturday and go up from there, with various options for multi-day access and infield parking and camping available. Kids 12 and under are free of charge, which makes this a no-brainer for families as well. Extras   2 All tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look into the team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. In addition, the biggest plus that few other races offer is the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday; fans can get up close to the cars on pit road, and have an up-front seat for the driver introductions.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona for the Roar Before the 24 is a visit worth taking. Anyone who is a race fan should attend, and with Daytona’s famed high banks, the action is non-stop. The sound of sportscars fills the air all day and night for three days, ramping up the excitement for the Rolex 24  the following weekend.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Minto Sports Complex Arena 801 King Edward Avenue Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2 Ottawa Gee Gees website Minto Sports Complex Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,200 Horse Hockey Upon hearing about the USports team the Ottawa Gee-Gees, one of the first questions asked is “What the heck is a Gee-Gee?”  The University of Ottawa was established in 1848 and is one of Canada’s oldest institutions.  It is one of only two fully bilingual universities in Ontario and currently boasts nearly 49,000 students.  Ottawa first iced a hockey team in 1889.  The team played as the Garnet and Grey, referring to the colours they wore, and the term Gee-Gee was first used in the 1940s.  Gee-Gee also refers to a British horse racing term, indicating the first horse out of the gate.  The Gee-Gees play in USports in the Ontario conference, OUA, in the East Division. Home for the Gee-Gees hockey program is the Minto Sports Complex.  Built in 2001 to replace the Minto Arena, the university owned facility has been a practice facility for a number of NHL teams, a host facility for the Francophone Games and an office for Hockey Canada.  The University of Ottawa will host the 2025 University Cup, the USports National Championship. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options at Minto Sports Complex are a fairly unique situation.  A temporary stand is in the hall for fans to purchase very basic options.  Hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate, chips, coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks are on the menu.  What puts the concession score at the next level in Ottawa is the presence of the Nox Bar and Grill.  With windows overlooking the ice surface, Nox is a full service bar and restaurant where fans can grab some food and drink and still see the game.  Stopping in before or after the Gee-Gees play is also a possibility. Atmosphere 3 The Minto Sports Complex has an attractive, light brick exterior with maroon and blue siding at the top of the building.  There are Gee-Gees markings on the outside letting fans know they are in the right spot.  This is contrary to Monpetit Hall, home of Gee-Gees basketball, which is up the street and looks more like an unmarked bomb shelter than a sports venue.  The parking garage is attached to the complex to the east, which is not overly attractive, but does ease any stress fans may have about where to park.  Inside the lobby, fans will find it not unattractive, but not overly functional for spectator hockey.  It is not clear where fans need to go enter the arena, so stopping at the information desk may be necessary.  Heading to the elevator to head up is the best idea.  Using the stairs may be confusing for fans and bring them back into the parking garage.  The upper lobby of the complex is full of garnet and grey and Gee-Gees markings.  Of interest may be the large windows that look out to Matt Anthony Field to the east, home of Gee-Gees soccer.  Inside the arena, the ice is oriented from south to north with all of the seating on the east side.  Seating consists of 8 rows of molded plastic bench seats on concrete steps.  The scoreclock is at the north end while the windows of Nox are on the south side.  The north side of the arena has massive Gee-Gees markings including reminders that it is the home of the Garnet and Grey or “Le Gris et Grenat.”  There are some banners hanging on the south end of the arena including the 1985 QUAA championship and 1961 OSLAA championship, previous conference the Gee-Gees played in.  Beside the championship banners are three very attractive banners commemorating the inductees into the Gee-Gees Hockey Hall of Fame from 2005, 2007 and 2024.  There are also some women’s hockey banners closer to the seating on the east side.  The main issue with the banners is that they are practically illegible as the protective netting circles the ice surface on three sides.  Placing the banners closer to the seating would give them more prominence. The gameday atmosphere at a Gee-Gees hockey game is very simple.  There are no promotions that are prevalent at other venues of a similar level.  The PA system is decent and the announcer does a good job, but fans do need to be able to separate the French from English announcements, which quickly meld together. Neighbourhood 4 The Minto Sports Complex is located on the campus of the University of Ottawa in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood of the city.  It is approximately 2 km from Parliament Hill and offers a number of places nearby for pre or postgame food and drink.  Some options include Fathers & Sons, In’s Kitchen, No Forks Given and Elgin Street Diner.  There are plenty of other sporting options in Ottawa for fans to take in.  The University of Ottawa fields a number of Gee-Gee teams including basketball, hockey and football.  Carleton University also fields Ravens basketball , football  and hockey teams.  The annual Panda Game between Carleton and Ottawa is a local event worth checking out.  The Colonel By Classic is also a rivalry game played at TD Arena between Ottawa and Carleton.  Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators  and Ottawa Black Bears.  Other sporting options include the Ottawa 67’s , Ottawa RedBlacks , Ottawa Blackjacks, Ottawa Charge and Ottawa Titans .  Ottawa also has a plethora of other tourist options including skating on the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian war Museum and Museum of Nature to name a few.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Embassy Suites is a good option. Fans 2 For the 2024-2025 season the Ottawa Gee-Gees have averaged 135 fans per game.  At the time, this ranked 17th in the OUA.  The previous season, the Gee-Gees averaged 230 fans per game, but this figure is inflated by the Colonel By Classic, played at TD Arena against the Carleton Ravens.  Fans in attendance are fairly quiet and the Gee-Gees do get some moderate support from students.   Access 4 The Minto Sports Complex is located on the campus of the University of Ottawa in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood of Ottawa.  It is on the northeast corner of King Edward Ave/Lees Drive and Mann Ave.  It is immediately north of Highway 417, so getting to the arena should not be too difficult.  However, fans should keep in mind that traffic in Ottawa can be an issue and there are plenty of twists and turns in the city.  There is a large parking garage attached to the complex where fans can purchase parking.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Mann and King Edward.  Fans should consult the Ottawa-Carleton Transpo  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the complex is not difficult, however, it can be confusing for fans who enter off the street to find where they are to go to have their ticket scanned.  Washroom facilities are decent in the complex. Return on Investment 4 USports hockey offers great value for a small investment.  Gee-Gees tickets can be purchased online.  Adults are $12 with youth and students going for $7.  It will cost an extra $3 to purchase a ticket at the door so pre purchasing online is recommended.  Parking will cost a few dollars in the parcade next to the arena and concessions are not very expensive.  The hockey is a high calibre and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for University of Ottawa being a fully bilingual school. An extra mark for the unique Gee-Gees name. An extra mark for the Ottawa rivalry with the Carleton Ravens. Final Thoughts Taking in an Ottawa Gee-Gees hockey game will give fans the opportunity to take in some solid hockey at a very cheap price in a decent environment.  The Minto Sports Complex Arena offers a decent hockey environment in one of the best tourist destinations in Canada.  If attending an Ottawa hockey game, fans will be able to answer the question “What the heck is a Gee-Gee?” Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shadek Stadium 423 W Liberty Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Shadek Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,500 A Diplomatic Field Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. This new stadium replaced 4,000 seat Sponaugle–Williamson Field in 2017. The former home was built in 1920 as Williamson Field, although the playing surface dates back to the 1890s. Sponaugle–Williamson Field was named after S. Woodrow Sponaugle, who coached football and basketball, in addition to being the athletic director at F&M for 15 years. He shares the stadium’s dedication with Henry S. Williamson, who was a trustee of the college from 1894 to 1917. Shadek Stadium is named for Larry Shadek, class of 1972. The stadium is located on Franklin & Marshall’s North Campus, formerly the site of Armstrong World Industries, just north of Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Shadek seats about 2,500, about 1,500 fewer than the old field. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple concession stand located in the middle of the main grandstand. The food offerings are slim, but if you need a hot dog and/or hot chocolate during the game this will do just fine. Otherwise, you may want to wait until after the game for more food options. The stand is large enough that the food offerings could be easily enhanced. Atmosphere 3 The new stadium doesn’t have the historical charm of the college’s old facility. But the setting is ideal and the design is very nice. There is a large stand on the home side of the field, with a smaller one on the opposing side. You can walk easily from one side to the other on the south side of the stadium. There is also a nice grass berm for additional seating along that walkway. The stadium also has lights, which allows night games, a feature not available at the old facility. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. So make sure to walk around downtown before the game. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, College Corner Cafe, and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 4 The stadium seemed very loud for its small size. I could not tell if the fans were just that loud, or if the design creates a louder environment. Either way, the stadium makes for a great atmosphere for fans. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visit to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. When it seems that even high schools games charge at least $5, the free admission seems like a steal. Coupled with the free parking and the low concession prices, it is such a steal. Extras 3 Everyone may not like artificial playing surfaces, but the two-tone color of the artificial turf is nicely designed. There are some nice athletic history items on display within the center entrance to the stadium. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the game to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Shadek Stadium is a simple stadium, located within a pleasant area of Lancaster. The low cost of attendance, as well as the fairly high quality of Diplomats football, makes this stadium a must-visit.