Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Whataburger Field 734 E Port Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Corpus Christi Hooks website Whataburger Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 7,679 Corpus Christi Hooks – Whataburger Field Professional baseball landed on Texas’ Gulf Coast in time for the 2005 season, when Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and his group moved their Double-A team from Round Rock and rechristened them the Corpus Christi Hooks . Since day one, they have proven to be a hit with their hometown fans. Serving as an affiliate of the Houston Astros, the Hooks have seen just about every good homegrown talent that H-Town has utilized make a stop in the Sparking City. This has included All-Stars such as Hunter Pence, José Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, George Springer, and Yordan Alvarez. Having such a bumper crop of talent come through their roster has led to quite a bit of success for the Hooks in the Texas League. The have won a combined eight first and second-half titles, most recently in 2013, and one overall Division and League title, both in 2006. For the entirety of their history, the Hooks have called Whataburger Field their home. Located within the eyesight of Corpus Christi Bay, and with the outfield skyline filled by the historic Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, the ballpark is in no way short on atmosphere or charm. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage scene at Whataburger Field is honestly pretty great. There are no less than a dozen stands and kiosks spread out across the main concourse. Some highlights include Nolan Ryan’s Seven-34 Smokehouse, which offers up jalapeno and cheese sausages, chopped brisket sandwiches, and BBQ nachos. There is also the Home Slice pizza stand selling Papa John’s Pizza by the slice. For something cool and sweet on those hot and humid summer day games, there is a Kona Ice truck and a Dippin’ Dots stand. For chicken fans, there is a Tenders, Love & Chicken stand behind the first base line, offering up chicken fingers and their signature funnel cake waffle fries. The Valero Champions Corner Bar behind the third base line and the Live Oak Bar behind left centerfield have you covered with full-service bars and plenty of beer on tap. The real highlight, however, is the ballpark’s namesake, Whataburger . I fully admit to being a huge fan of this native Texas burger chain, so my review will always be a little (orange-colored. However, I defy anyone sitting in the stands to catch a whiff of the made-from-scratch burgers and not crave one. Atmosphere 4 There is so much to love about Whataburger Field for fans. The building has a classic design that incorporates a lot of great details into the experience. Walking up to the main gate, your eyes are immediately drawn to a massive statue of a ballplayer. Entitled For the Love of the Game , the statue depicts a young ballplayer staring out at the game being played before him. It’s a powerful image and the centerpiece of the stadium. Inside, there is just as much to take in. There is berm seating in the outfield in left field and center field. There are also numerous hospitality areas for groups, including a pool deck in the right center field, rocking chairs in the left, and the Cotton Club behind third base. The Cotton Club takes its name from the former tenant of the ballpark, a cotton press. The remnants have been incorporated into Whataburger Field – two of the former buildings can be seen prominently in the outfield. There is a team store on the main concourse behind home plate called The Tackle Box, which sells tons of Hooks merchandise. This is especially fun as during multiple games during the summer, the Hooks take part in Minor League Baseball’s (MiLB) Copa de la Diversión . This ode to the Latino culture that permeates the game of baseball sees the Corpus Christi Hooks don the gear of the Corpus Christi Cumbias; it’s a lot of fun and something only MiLB can do. Neighborhood 4 The Sparkling City is honestly a very fun place to visit and has been a getaway destination for Texans for decades. With North Beach just up the road from the ballpark, there is no escaping that you are in a tropical climate. Palm trees dot the ballpark, as seagulls are frequent visitors to the actual playing field during games; it is just different on the Coast from anywhere else in Texas. Whataburger Field is the next-door neighbor to Hurricane Alley Waterpark ; they share a fence line, and park visitors can be seen by Hooks fans, climbing the stairs to the massive waterslides over the right field wall. It’s a nice perk to have for fans…catch a game and go to a wave pool all in the same day. The aforementioned North Beach is also home to what is arguably the most picturesque spot of sand in the city, but also to some of the most-visited attractions in the area, such as the U.S.S. Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium . It is also home to the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders and the Corpus Christi IceRays . If you plan your visit to Corpus Christi correctly, you can probably double up on games, which is always fun. In terms of food and lodging, there are not too many options near the ballpark, as it was built right along the shipping channel. However, there are a few spots not too far away that will suit your needs. The one eating and drinking establishment which is within walking distance is a tried-and-true favorite: Brewster Street Ice House . Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and, of course, seafood are all offered up, along with a plethora of on-tap beers. For lodging, multiple options across the budgetary spectrum are within a 5 to 10-minute drive from the ballpark – these include the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Corpus Christi . Also, as you get closer to downtown and even across the bay, the options will grow exponentially. Fans 3 The Hooks average just under 4,000 fans per game at Whataburger Field, which has always placed them in the upper echelon of the Texas League. Attendance does tend to be higher in the early part of the season, traditionally; this is in large part due to the oppressive South Texas heat. However, the fans that do show up are all about the Hooks. They wear the gear (or they wear Astros stuff, which is fine), they cheer on the team, and they bring up the energy in the ballpark. All in all, this is a good minor-league fan base. Access 3 Whataburger Field is located right off state highway 181 near downtown Corpus Christi. The signage marking the way makes it easy to follow, and once you get there, partly due to the previously mentioned Hurricane Alley, there is plenty of parking available. The city of Corpus Christi is tucked away along the southeast border of Texas – it is a two-hour drive from San Antonio, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin, and just over three hours from Houston. The Corpus Christi International Airport does have daily flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston if you choose not to drive. However, while the city does have a public transportation option, the bus line does not make stops anywhere near the ballpark. So, if you choose not to drive to the game, a rideshare is going to be your best bet. Return on Investment 3 Single-game, general admission tickets for Hooks games start at $17 per person, which is not too shabby for Double-A baseball. Parking is also not too bad at $10 per vehicle. Concessions won’t bust your wallet either, as they in no way approach what the Big Leagues charge. All in all, if you’re heading to the game with the family, a buddy, or just solo, you are going to be able to check out some high-caliber baseball at a affordable price in a great venue. Extras 4 The Hooks have done a great job of making their games attractive for the whole family by adding a lot in terms of Extras. For example, the team boasts not one, but two costumed mascots that patrol the stands and interact with the fans – Rusty Hook and Sammy the Seagull . There is a Kids Club behind centerfield with a basketball court, tee ball field, playground, and rock-climbing wall. If you’re bringing young ones to the game, you will be spending some time out here at some point. Also, like most minor league clubs the Hooks are big on fan giveaways and do so regularly. Bobbleheads, t-shirts, autographs, etc. are offered up every Saturday during the season. They also have fireworks on Fridays and dollar days on Tuesdays; just check their schedule and plan accordingly. Final Thoughts Whataburger Field is one of my favorite ballparks to visit. The ballpark shows its age a little, but is still beautifully done and in a great location. Visiting Corpus Christi is also always a great respite for me. Whether you’re taking in another game, visiting one of the many museums, or just heading to the beach and dining on first-class seafood, there is plenty for any visitor to do. If you ever find yourself on the Texas Gulf Coast, visit Whataburger Field – but be mindful of the heat. ----- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Arlin R. Horton Sports Center 5307 Rawson Ln Pensacola, FL 32503 Pensacola Christian College Eagles website Arlin R. Horton Sports Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: Unknown Welcome to the Eagle’s Nest Pensacola Christian College was founded by Beka and Arlin R. Horton and opened its doors in 1974, with 100 students and based in a single building. The Hortons also opened a grade school in 1954 that is now named Pensacola Christian Academy, which is affiliated with the college and is located right next door. Since opening, PCC has been met with a lot of controversy regarding its accreditation and some of the college’s rules, and has been nicknamed one of the strictest colleges in the country. Today the college has grown to include about 5,000 students and over 20 buildings. The Eagles officially began fielding an athletic program in 1993, of which they compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) in Division II. PCC fields 3 sports – men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The Eagles have not had much success on the basketball court; since first fielding a team in 1993 the Eagles have only made 2 NCCAA regional appearances in 2014 and 2016. However, the Eagles soccer team won 2017 NCCAA National Championship, and PCC’s wrestling team won four National Championships in the mid-1990s before NCCAA discontinued the sport. Food & Beverage 1 There is one main concessions stand located on the concourse to the right as soon as you enter. The concessions options are extremely limited with chips, popcorn, nachos, candy, and hot dogs being the only items on the menu. Bottled Coke products are the soft drink of choice for $2 each. Concessions prices are about average with what you would expect, but I would recommend getting something to eat at one of Pensacola’s many area restaurants. Atmosphere 3 Arlin R. Horton Sports Center is perhaps one of the finest venues in NCCAA; the 3,100-seat, 216,000-square-foot venue opened in 1993 and houses the school’s athletic departments and classrooms, as well as the school’s recreation facilities. The octagon-shaped brick building sits at the front of campus as soon as you come through the main gate. The first thing you notice is just how huge the building is for this level of college basketball, and the structure from the outside can resemble a D1 basketball venue. In addition, outside the venue sits a pretty big fountain which lights up at night, that greets you as you enter; from the fountain you go up about 20 stairs to get to the ticket office, which is located at the main entrance on the west side. As soon as you enter the arena you are greeted by a wide and spacious, carpeted concourse that wraps around the entire building. Walking around the concourse there are a multitude of different banners and photos of past Eagle teams, and though the PCC basketball program is usually exceptionally bad, you can definitely tell that at PCC they are still proud of their athletic programs, and honor past players and teams. The court faces north and south, and there are portable bleachers on the east and west sides, with an upper level complete with a walking track, and seats behind the track that wrap around the entire building. The venue is so clean it’s virtually spotless, and I did not see any operations staff walking around, so the fact that the venue is that clean is definitely a plus. There are four entrances into the arena, and you enter at court level, then walk up some stairs to get to the walking track/upper level seating. Because of the program’s status there is no music played during events here, except for an orchestra-like theme that plays before the game. But the staff more than makes up for it with the many promotional contests and the games themselves – every time an Eagles player hits a three-pointer they shoot t-shirts into the crowd, and during timeouts they have trivia contests and play games where fans can win prizes. During halftime they let fans come onto the court and shoot basketballs, including a 3-point contest and a half-court contest. For a school known for its strict rules it is nice to see this level of fan engagement and interaction. Neighborhood 3 Pensacola Christian College is located off a busy highway (Brent Road), under an interstate overpass in the Car City neighborhood of Pensacola. There is nothing within walking distance except about 20 car dealerships, but about a block away one can find Buffalo Wild Wings, Sky Pizza, and Outback Steakhouse, or half a mile east on Brent Road will take you to Cordova Mall, which is the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida, and has all the typical mall stores you could think of. In addition, in the parking lot you can find Chick-fil-A, Newk’s, Red Robin, Zoe’s Kitchen, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chili’s, Steak ‘n Shake, Moe’s, etc. A restaurant I recommend outside Cordova Mall is BJ’s Brewhouse, which is kind of expensive but has over 60 beers on tap and even brews its own beer. To experience Pensacola at its best, I recommend hopping on the I-110 from the college and driving a couple of miles south to downtown Pensacola. There are two distinct areas of downtown, the first being the Seville Quarter, modeled after the French Quarter in New Orleans, which features historic 1800s-era Victorian buildings that have been converted into seven different distinct bars and saloons, each with its own theme. Rosie O’Grady’s, the most famous restaurant in the Quarter, is famous for its hurricane cocktails and its dueling pianos, while Little Marlene’s houses a wide collection of Navy memorabilia, and is a local hotspot for the city’s military personnel. In addition, Fast Eddie’s Pool Hall is known for a wide selection of sports items collected from Pensacola greats such as Emmitt Smith and Roy Jones Jr, while Apple Annie’s is an outdoor courtyard-style bar. Or, other bars in the Seville Quarter include Palace Oyster Bar, Phineas Phogg’s, End o’ the Alley, and Heritage Hall. I also suggest just walking around downtown Pensacola, as the area is very scenic and historic. As the country’s first official settlement it predates St. Augustine by 6 years, but due to a hurricane, was abandoned shortly after founding. There are many historic buildings in the area, however, and if you are into history there are multiple walking tours and ghost hunts one can go on. The entire stretch of Palafox Street south of Garden Street is lined with myriad bars and restaurants as well, so you should be able to find plenty to do in the area in terms of nightlife. Fans 4 Because about 90% of students live on campus, and because of the college’s strict guidelines on visits off campus, the school tries to keep students on campus as much as possible with a multitude of different dining establishments and small stores. Just one look at activities for recreation on the first floor of the arena, for example, show how it’s possible to go to school here and not have to ever venture off campus. Many of the students on campus turn out in large numbers at basketball games; I would say about 90% of the people in attendance at a typical game are students. The portable bleachers on the east and west sides are the student section, and there is a good student turnout there. There are a few older fans sitting in the upper level seating, but for the most part a game at PCC is filled with students. Students seem engaged and are into the game, and the college does a nice job of rewarding students who attend games, as you can swipe your student ID upon entering and get some pretty cool prizes and t-shirts. Access 3 Pensacola Christian College is an easy campus to find. Conveniently located just a few blocks away from the I-110 interchange, it is also conveniently located about 2 miles west of Pensacola International Airport, so coming from out of town shouldn’t be a problem. Pensacola does have notoriously horrendous traffic, but if you can get to I-110 you shouldn’t have a problem – just take the Brent Lane/Airport Rd. exit and the campus is located right there. You should have no problem finding Arlin R. Horton Sports Center, which is located at the front of campus as soon as you enter. Return on Investment 2 All tickets are general admission and they are priced at $5, which is about average for this level of college basketball. Though you will not see any future NBA players, and you won’t hear much music being played, the staff at PCC makes up for it with their constant entertainment options and numerous fan contests done during timeouts, something you won’t find at bigger schools; that makes this a good return on investment. Extras 2 Arlin R. Sports Center has to be the only basketball arena in the country that houses a full-fledged indoor water park. On the first floor under the stairs is the entrance to the water park, and they have two slides that range from 185 feet to 210 feet. Also here is a wave pool called the Double Flowrider, a lazy river, and an indoor-and-outdoor Olympic-sized pool. In addition to the aquatic features, there is an amazing array of sports and leisure features inside the Center that includes a rock wall, 12-lane bowling alley, ice skating rink, racquetball courts, escape room, inline skating track, 9-hole miniature golf course, indoor volleyball, and ping pong tables. So, in addition to the basketball game there should be plenty for students to do. If coming to a game during Christmas season make sure to take a short drive around campus; the school goes above and beyond with its Christmas lights celebration. There are 500,000 lights strung around the many oak and palm trees around campus, and this impressive scene is quite festive, as on the most recent night I was there they also had Christmas carolers and Santa Claus. Final Thoughts Arlin R. Horton Sports Center remains an excellent place for this level of college basketball. Though there are not a lot of perks that come along with venues in this conference, the Sports Center remains an exception. From its beautiful and spacious concourse to its indoor water park and recreation facilities, the Arlin R. Horton Sports Center has it all, and remains a hidden gem sports venue in Pensacola that not a lot of people know about.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fox Valley Ice Arena 1996 S Kirk Rd Geneva, IL 60134 Chicago Steel website Fox Valley Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,000 A Taste of the Juniors in Chicago The Chicago Steel, a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL) since 2000, moved to the Chicagoland area in 2000 from Fargo-Morehead where they were the Ice Sharks. The Steel is a junior league club that currently plays at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. They moved from the Edge in Bensenville (27 miles away in 2015) to the current Fox Valley Ice Arena. The owner upgraded to the facility including a new scoreboard in the main NHL rink, a new will-call area and made renovations to the back of the rink with office facilities. Even though the Steel is located approximately two blocks from the Kane County Cougars (American Association Baseball) neither team acknowledges each other which is strange. Owner Larry Robbins purchased the team in 2015 and since then the Steel have erased their dismal playoff record and have become a powerhouse in the USHL winning championships in the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons. The average attendance is about 1,100 per game so usually, there is no need to buy tickets in advance since capacity is 3,500 (unless you want to sit in a certain area). Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is inside the rink and one is in the main lobby. There is an array of concession items for fans to snack on during the game that includes BBQ pulled pork ($9), Doritos walking taco ($9), hot dogs/brats ($6), pizza ($5), popcorn ($6), hot pretzel ($6), cotton candy ($5), nachos ($5), double fudge brownie / chocolate chip cookie ($4), various candy ($4) and kettle chips ($2) other snacks. Coca-Cola products are served by the bottle ($4). In addition, there is cold brew coffee ($5), coffee ($4), hot chocolate ($4), chocolate milk ($3) and bottled water is $3. Adult beverages including both domestic (Budweiser products) and local (Goose Island) beers are available in the building for $6 and $7 respectively. The local authorities include Goose Island 312 / IPA. In addition, there are some mixed drink cans (Vodka soda lime, Whiskey Mule, Rum & Mint Mojito) that sell for $10. Connected to the rink and with a good view of the arena (limited seats) is Rookies Bar & Grill that currently has a limited menu that includes main dishes such as a hamburger ($14), chicken sandwich ($14), gyro plate ($14), brisket melt ($16), Italian beef ($12), chicken wrap ($13), mac & cheese ($13). They do have a BBQ chicken salad ($14) and a Mediterranean salad ($13). Appetizers include chicken wings / fingers, machos, mini tacos, mozzarella sticks, mini corn dogs, and cheese curds ranging from $10 to $16. The limited menu is disappointing since the food at other “Rookies” locations is outstanding. There are plans to get to their full menu soon. Of course, being a bar / grill there is a wider selection of alcoholic beverages. The workers are friendly and provide a good service but can be very slow at times. I would suggest that you wait until the game starts before you get in line. Atmosphere 3 The Fox Valley Ice Arena consists of two hockey rinks (the Steel play in the main arena) separated by the main lobby that seems to be always full of lots of kids running around or playing some of the video / hockey games. The lobby has the USHL team logo banners hanging in the lobby, which is nice. However, I think the banners should be hanging in the rink. The “box office” has three windows but the lines are never long. There are bathrooms inside the arena and also in the lobby. The arena where the Steel play features a low-level ceiling, seats on both sides of the ice. There are no fixed seats behind the nets. However, on one side there is a group / party area in the corner that has a table and some chairs. There are 12 suites up above the regular seating bowl on one side that requires a separate entrance from the main lobby. The twelve suites provide a very nice view of the arena and also include food service and balcony seating. One side of the rink (opposite side of the benches) has approximately 10 rows of fixed seats and then about 15 rows of bench seating and the other side has about 10 rows of bench seating. A video board hangs over center ice and provides a lot of entertainment during stops in play and at intermission that includes fan interactions, out-of-town scores, player stats and pregame videos featuring members of the team in comical features. The video board is surprisingly big and clear for a USHL team. There are also two banners honoring the 2017-18 and 2020-21 Clark Cup Championship teams. Rusty, a dog, is the official mascot of the team who can be seen throughout the building and rink at certain times offering hugs to fans of all ages. There are a couple of concession tables (in the rink and the lobby) offering team gear that includes hats, t-shirts, and both home / away jerseys and, of course, the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Team merchandise shirts range from $20 for a t-shirt, $50 for a long-sleeved shirt to about $100 for replica jerseys. Hats are available for $23 and they have other swag such as mini hockey / goalie sticks ($8 or $9), hockey pucks / pennants ($7) and a Christmas ornament ($5). Neighborhood 2 The Fox Valley Ice Arena is just a few blocks south of Northwestern Medicine Field where the Kane County Cougars play. If you are in town for a game in early April, there is the possibility of making a doubleheader. Downtown Geneva, which is about three miles from the arena, offers many shops, restaurants and bars (to name a few really good ones: Livia Italian Eatery, Craft Urban, Fox’s Steaks, Firewater BBQ, Atwater’s, Graham’s Chocolates), and scenic views along the Fox River. A little closer to the arena is The Country House , about a block on Kirk Road. This restaurant received the “Best Burger in Chicago” award, according to the Chicago Tribune. It also serves giant muffuletta sandwiches, wraps, ribs, and steaks. It is a bit more expensive, but the food is outstanding. The Penrose Brewing, Stockholms Brewery, and Two Brothers Brewery are all about 15 minutes from the ballpark and are good places for drinks and a full food menu if you enjoy microbrews. Fans 3 The average crowds are around 1,100, except for Blackhawks Night that packs the place to full capacity. Many in the stands are curious onlookers, but many are invested in the game and a few others who travel quite a long distance to take in the game. The Steel definitely appeals to a family crowd as many of its promotions are designed to bring the kids out and with prices as low as they are, an ideal way to enjoy pretty good hockey not too far from home for many folks. Access 2 Access to the arena is easy however, it will take a bit of driving to get there, as Interstate I-88 is about 15 minutes south of the arena. Interstate 355 and Interstate 90 are about 30 minutes east and north, respectively. Note: The interstates are tolls rolls. There are no trains within walking distance of the arena. Once at the arena there is plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 3 There are three price points for tickets for Steel games. $10, $15, and $20. This is a bit surprising to me since you can go to an American Hockey League game for less than $20. Anyway, there is not a bad seat in the house. Parking is free, which is nice. Extras 3 A point goes to Rookies Bar & Grill that offers a great variety of food (once they go to the full menu) and a nice view of the rink inside its facility. A second point is for the Steel staff who create a professional experience at the facility. There are plenty of staff members who can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind. The Steel really do a good job of offering varied promotional nights and provides a sense of welcoming to all the fans who attend games. The last point is for the suites that feature balcony seating overlooking the ice, a nice surprise and a good way to bring in extra revenue for the club. Final Thoughts The management of the Chicago Steel has done a great job of creating a professional experience at the small venue and with affordable pricing a great way to an alternative for a relatively cheap night out of the house in the Chicagoland area. I don’t understand that with the great job the Steel does with the game day experience that more people don’t show up. The Steel represented the USHL and the United States in the 2015 Junior Club World Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, capturing the bronze medal while defeating host Russia twice during the five-game, eight-day tournament. During this tournament, the Steel wore two really nice jerseys. Sadly, they don’t wear or sell replicas of those jerseys anymore but you will usually see some fans wearing them. Come out to see the stars of tomorrow. Many former Steel coaches and players have graduated to the AHL and NHL. Greg Moore, former head coach for the Steel is now the head coach for the AHL Toronto Marlies . In addition, the Steel has had about 20 players who have made it to the NHL. In recent years, they have had a few players drafted in the 1 st round of the NHL draft. In 2021, the Steel had 3 players drafted in the 1 st round of the NHL Draft.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Cardinal Stadium 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Cardinal Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 3,500 Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's football team plays its home games at Cardinal Stadium, a 3,500-seat field that opened in 1985. Cardinal Stadium was also previously home to Major League Rugby club Old Glory DC for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but they now play their home games at the Maryland SoccerPlex . Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a food cart to the right of the bleachers (as you are sitting in the stands) and are, except for some snacks, provided by Chick-fil-A. Meal options include the regular chicken sandwich, the spicy chicken sandwich, and the chicken wrap. For added value, you can get a combo with chips and a bottled drink. Assorted candy and other snacks are also available. Prices are reasonable - snacks and drinks cost $2-$3 by themselves, and the price for a sandwich or combo is about what you would pay at an actual Chick-fil-A. Atmosphere 3 There is one large set of metal bleachers at Cardinal Stadium, which is separated from the field by a track, meaning you are set back a good distance from the field. A scoreboard behind the left end zone shows other basic information as well, such as the down and distance. As for the gameday atmosphere, they do go beyond the basics here, which is not something you see at every Division III school. A costume named Red, who is a cardinal of the avian rather than religious variety, roams the stands interacting with fans. A small pep band plays on the field at halftime but is otherwise mostly inactive. There is also a cheerleading squad that is not afraid to make themselves heard. Overall, the experience here is nothing too fancy but has just about everything you'd expect a college football game to have. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 4 While the Catholic University football team may not draw the largest crowds, the bleachers here will be mostly full for a typical game. They can get quite loud at times after touchdowns or other big plays. However, by and large, they are polite fans - there is no booing the refs or the players here if they perceive they are not doing well. The crowd runs the gamut from longtime fans and alumni to families with small children checking out a college football game for what may be the first time. While many of the fans have some connection to the program or the school, others just happen to live in the Brookland neighborhood and make the short trip over here to check out a game. Access 4 There are many options for arriving at Cardinal Stadium. If you plan on tailgating before the game, you will need to purchase a space in the tailgate lot (or tailgate with someone who does.) The tailgating space costs $50 but also includes up to four tickets to the game for people in the car that is driving into the lot. This ticket must be purchased in advance through the HomeTown ticketing app. If not tailgating, several free parking options are available, a rarity in this city. The closest lot is at the DuFour Center, which is very convenient as this is where you will enter the stadium. If that fills up, you can park at the University Garage at 3598 John McCormack Road and walk across campus to the stadium. If entering the tailgate lot, you will do so off Hawaii Avenue - staff will direct you behind the scoreboard to a space. From there, it is pretty easy to walk into the stadium. If not tailgating, you will walk through the main doors of the DuFour Center, where there will be a table for you to scan your ticket. It is best to purchase the ticket in advance via the HomeTown app, but if you are not tailgating, you can purchase tickets the day of the game by scanning a QR code at the entrance. There is no option to pay with cash or a card at the gate. Once you scan your ticket, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor and follow the signs out the door for the athletic fields. If wanting to use public transit, you can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red Line to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Cardinal Stadium. Restrooms are available in the lobby of the DuFour Center and are generally a sufficient size for the crowds. However, they are a bit of a walk from the bleachers, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Catholic University football games is $12 for a standard ticket purchased in advance via the HomeTown ticketing app. Seniors and military personnel get in for $8, and children under 12 for $6. The tailgating lot is $50 but also includes four tickets to the game, so the value is not bad if that is your thing. If you have four adults in your car, you are essentially paying $2 for a spot in the tailgating lot on top of the price of your tickets. If you have two adults and two kids, it's essentially $14. You can do the math for other combinations, but it isn't as expensive as it seems. If not tailgating, parking is free, tickets are still reasonable, and concessions are reasonably priced as well. Overall, a Catholic University football game can be a good value. Extras 2 One extra star for the merch tent set up behind the end zone. Look for the trophy case and Catholic University Athletics Hall of Fame in the DuFour Center. You will walk by many displays on your way through the building to get to the game. Final Thoughts A Catholic University Cardinals football game is everything you'd expect a college football game to be. This is the Division III level, so set your expectations appropriately, but a game at Cardinal Stadium can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the fall watching football.

It is almost the end of the calendar year, and the past two months have seen a wealth of new logos from various baseball leagues throughout the country. There have been quite of changes from expansion clubs, rebrands, and from new leagues popping up all over the country. Here is a look at 13 clubs across numerous baseball loops that have introduced new looks for the 2023 season. Fans of the Boonville Baseball Club will now be able to cheer for them as the Lumberjacks this year. The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League club’s new colors are hunter green, Kelly green, and orange. An earlier logo had the lumberjack holding a giant stick, but that has been replaced with a chainsaw. The Casper Spuds is not a new logo but an alternative. The team relocated from Caldwell, Idaho when they were known as the Canyon County Spuds. The move to Casper resulted in their logo donning a cowboy hat, and Wyoming spelled out in the script. Of all of the new looks this season, this one is perhaps the more creative one, plus the cowboy hat looks better than the former baseball cap from last season. The DuBois County Bombers play out of League Park, where “A League of Their Own” was filmed over 30 summers ago in Southern Indiana. This year, the team gets a makeover with a baseball bat repositioned as a jet fighter. It is a pleasing look for the club in the summer collegiate Ohio Valley League. It could be one of my favorites this year from around the leagues. The Hamilton Cardinals of the amateur Intercounty Baseball League in Ontario, Canada, have revamped their image that felt more like a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate. New ownership contacted Matt Doyle of Matt Doyle Designs in Burlington, Ontario, to create new branding for the ball club. The new image is a major improvement and should stand out among the fan base in Hamilton and the surrounding cities and towns of the Golden Horseshoe. Matt and Cards managing partner Eric Spearin talked about the new identity on a recent podcast of mine. The Valley Blue Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League revamped its identity based on new ownership. The club’s branding will now feature a sox logo and the new colors of blue, light blue, and red. The old logo featured a dog and a roundel logo. I enjoy Sox-related baseball logos, but something feels different about this one. Could it use a touch-up like Sonic the Hedgehog for his first movie from a few years ago? The Pecos League once again does a beautiful job with a new logo. The Marysville Drakes employ the colors yellow, green, and red for seldom-used combinations to create an eye-popping design. The duck logo is a perfect mix between cartoon-friendly and perhaps a cousin of Marvel's Howard the Duck. The Pecos League's other new team is the Blackwell Flycatchers, based out of Oklahoma. The logo goes in the opposite direction from a cartoon bird to one that resembles the actual bird. The colors of sand, burnt orange, light brown, and black are another interesting combination not found with another branding. Two teams, two birds, a much different approach, but both were well done. The Minot Hot Tots made a splash with their logo for the upcoming Northwoods League. The team name was inspired by a local delicacy, the hot dish that contains potato tots and other ingredients. The Tots logo uses fierce-looking potatoes holding a spoon dripping with cheese while flames stem from his back. The colors blue, red, and yellow create an impressive new look. Check out my interview with GM Monica Blake via the Ballpark Hunter Podcast. The Horseheads Hitmen of the New York Collegiate Summer League is a perfectly fine logo, but one that could be a mouthful to say. The former Mansfield Destroyers rebranded to feature a horse head wearing a derby cap with two interlocking baseball bats. The colors of blue, solver, and shades of brown are a nice color combination, and it's very clean and subtle. The Horseheads Hitmen of the New York Collegiate Summer League is a suitable logo, but one that could be a mouthful to pronounce. The former Mansfield Destroyers rebranded to feature a horse head wearing a derby cap with two interlocking baseball bats. The colors of blue and silver, with shades of brown, are a clever combination, along with its relatively clean design. The Charlotte Knights updated their brand with a new wordmark, a knight helmet, and a splash of Carolina blue. The modern approach to the ball club was from David C. Ruckman Creative. He stated in a recent podcast of mine that the blue ties in with other sports teams in town and that jerseys were inspired by the San Diego Padres. Gold is now related as a secondary color on the home and away jerseys. It is a pleasurable remodel of a classic look in Triple-A baseball. The Grand Junction Rockies made significant improvements this offseason ditching the Rocking branding that looked more like the Pizza Hut logo to one that should be a hit with fans all over the country. The Jackalopes name uses the colors of black, purple, brown, and a tuck of blue to create an inspiring identity for the Pioneer League club. It's sharp and will do well with the local populace; it is 100 percent minor-league fun. The Malone Border Hounds of the Empire State League is another new entry for the 2023 baseball season. Nestled in Upstate New York, the Hounds employ the pleasing color combination of yellow, light blue, and dark blue, plus a wordmark that should look on home and away uniforms. However, the hound looks a bit too muscular for his good. I would like to see a larger image of the 'M' that appears on the logos mark. I want to thank Jason Moragas for collecting all of the new logos and rebrandings from every baseball league in the world. This list would not have been possible without his hard work and dedication. Check out That Baseball Map for his full list of baseball clubs. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Muncie Fieldhouse 525 N Walnut St. Muncie, IN 47305 Muncie Central HS Bearcats website North Walnut Street Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 6,579 Muncie Fieldhouse - An Indiana Classic In November 2017 a tornado swept through Muncie, Indiana, and damaged the Muncie Fieldhouse in the process. The storm caused structural damage to the west side of the building and turned the gym’s flooring into a pool. The damage was serious and many thought that the historic venue would never host another high school basketball game. The Muncie Central Bearcats basketball team had not begun their season at the time and were forced to play all home games at Northside Middle School, an arrangement that would last a full two seasons as the fieldhouse was under construction. Finally, the Bearcats women and boys’ program returned to the 91-year-old basketball gym in November 2019. The basketball court is brand new, the old gym floor now serves as art on the concourse walls. A new main entrance was created and a fresh coat of paint was added to the building. The improvements give the old gym a new ambiance but still retain the old-school charm that fans have been accustomed to for the past nine decades. Basketball has been played at the Muncie Fieldhouse since its opening in 1928 and over the years has produced eight state boys’ basketball titles. It is among the oldest facilities in Indiana and is lush with history from its multiple championship banners, old wooden bleacher seating, and the memorabilia room that offers school history dating back to the 19th century. Basketball was first played in 1901, but was not a hit, as ice polo was regarded as the school’s favorite sport. Basketball was not played between 1902-1904 and 1909-1911. However, the sport was gaining popularity on the high school level, and after Muncie produced a strong 14-3 season and sectional victories in 1916, it became a favorite by the populace. The team also had their first official home gymnasium Campbell’s Auditorium at the newly built high school. The Cats also utilized home dates at the Ball Gymnasium on the campus of Ball State Teacher’s College (today Ball State University). However, the capacity crowds created a public spirit that prevailed towards building a bigger, better, and more modern facility. After the team captured its first state championship in 1928 it was clear that a new building was in need for the high school The Public School Extension Division was created, construction costs were financed by local banks, and bonds were sold to citizens which would eventually be paid off as scheduled with the title being turned over to the school district less than 15 years later. The fieldhouse was completed at a rapid pace and dedicated on December 7, 1928. The cost was $407,429.89. The seating capacity at the time of its opening was 7,600 and a sold-out crowd witnessed a Bearcat win over the Anderson Indians 35-24. The building has been renovated on three occasions, one of which saw the capacity lowered to 6,600 people in 1983. Before the tornado damage, the last major renovations took place in 1988 when $1.5 million was spent to replace lighting, locker rooms, coaches offices, exit ramps, and modernize restrooms. The Muncie Fieldhouse has served the community in many capacities since its inception. The facility has been home to circuses, boxing matches, dog shows, the sale of war bonds by Abbott and Costello, Harlem Globetrotter basketball, a Billy Graham Crusade, and concerts featuring legends from a wide variety of musical genres including Neil Diamond, Roy Rogers, and The Supremes. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession booths located in the main hallway on opposite sides of each other. The food selection is on par with other basketball fieldhouses in the state, but I would recommend grabbing a bite to eat from the various restaurants in town. Hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and nachos are all offered at the concession booth. The prices are $1.50 for a hot dog to $2.50 for nachos. Pepsi products are sold for $2. Atmosphere 4 The walk up to the gymnasium sends a somewhat warm chill down the back of your spine. The venerable old building has a presence all its own to the first-time visitor and commands your attention. This is one of the definitions of high school basketball. Visitors enter the building through the atrium that displays large photos above the doorways of state championship teams and the dedication to the game. The atrium also has two old-fashioned ticket booths, hallways to the upper deck, and signage. The interior main lobby wraps around the perimeter of the playing court and the walls display modern font, slight dismay, that directs patrons to the washroom, concession stands, hospitality room, exits and entrances, and the museum. Once inside the court, the majority of the silver-painted wooden bleacher-style seats are above the court and extend up toward the ceiling near the old SRO section that was once heavily populated. The crowds are thin near the top and there is enough legroom to sprawl out over two or three rows of seats. The view from the game is iconic at this level as hanging banners provide a somewhat obstructed view of the action on the wooden floor. The atmosphere is similar to many other great basketball games in the state. There are the student section heckling opponents at the free-throw line, cheerleaders performing during breaks and intermissions, a mascot making his way through the stands, and a band busting out a collection of today’s popular hits. Then there are the eight state championship banners that wave majestically from the top of the ceiling which also include eight more from the volleyball team. Neighborhood 3 There are not many options to choose from within walking distance, but Muncie is a small town and your best choices for nightlife or dining would be downtown or near the shopping center to the north. The city is home to Ball State University and perhaps you could enjoy a game of college hoops at the Worthen Arena during your visit to town. Downtown Muncie has changed a bit in the past few years and Elm Street Brewing located in a former ice house from 1999 is worth the visit for its food and decor, but they also serve craft beer. A recommendation for lunch or dinner includes the pitmaster pie with Coca-Cola barbecue, smoked gouda, smoked chicken, house bacon, and brisket, or the Gonzo, a fried chicken breast top with spicy bacon jam, cheddar cheese, and egg on a homemade biscuit. A few more places to grab a pint include The Guardian Brewing Company, New Corner, Twin Archer Brewpub, and Heorot Pub & Draught House. It might be wise to visit before the game if attending an evening game. Amazing Joe’s, Savage Joe’s, and Sitara Indian Restaurants are other options in town. A cheap location is the B&K Drive-In which features car service and a menu that offers Spanish dogs, coneys, homemade root beer, and barbecue pork and brisket that is made on site. The pulled pork sandwich is $3.99 and is served on Texas toast. Fans 3 The crowd is boisterous during a Bearcats game and if they are winning, the decibel levels only increase. This is a high school basketball town and history speaks for itself. There are also a lot of fans who have been attending games for close to 70 years. They have great stories about the championship seasons of the 1950s, 1960s, and late 1970s. A few of them can be found in the fieldhouse museum and they do not mind sharing a few stories about what makes this facility so special. Access 4 Muncie is one of those towns that seems to have many different ways to enter the city. There is not a major interstate that goes directly into town, and the closest I-69 exit is about 12 miles away from the gym. Access to the fieldhouse is a different story. It is quite easy to walk from the lower section to the upper section, along with access from the main lobby to the upper section. The walls are painted with bold letters directing patrons to bathrooms, hallways, and concession booths. The easy access is impressive due to the age of the building. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is $6 and that includes free parking and entrance to the Bearcat Museum which is chock-full of history from the school. Concession prices are also very low and who would not enjoy a night of basketball in a historic venue for under 10 bucks? Extras 5 The Memorabilia Room is phenomenal and should be visited well before the basketball game begins. Yearbooks dating back to 1912, old championship banners, photos, trophies, musical notes, desks, chairs, pins, and random paraphernalia. Many other schools have a section dedicated to its history, but it is at a higher level here in Muncie. The museum workers all seem to be alumni from Muncie Central and have quite a few stories to tell about the good old days. The memorabilia in the room has all been donated and could use an additional room to house it all for visitors. The fieldhouse itself is a true legend. If the walls could talk, there would be a lot about the history of the program that began winning championships in 1928. The building might even feel a little aching from the wear and tear of the old fieldhouse, and it would smile after every Bearcat victory. There is a lot of history in the building and it begins with the multiple championship banners hanging from the ceiling, large team photographs hanging on the walls in the atrium, and other areas that harken back to another time of basketball in the state. Final Thoughts There is a copious amount of history inside the Muncie Fieldhouse. It is one of the oldest venues still hosting high school hoops and is home to nine state basketball championships, nine state finalists, and eight volleyball state championships. It is a facility that still operates in the same manner as it has for close to 90 years of operation. _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 William D. Mullins Center 200 Commonwealth Ave Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen men’s hockey website Mullins Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 8,387 This is NewMass The William D. Mullins Memorial Center was built on the campus of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1993 for $51 million. The arena was named after the local state representative who spearheaded the campaign to build a new facility to help grow the university’s athletic program and assist in the university’s overall growth. It currently serves as home to the Minutemen men’s and women’s basketball and hockey teams. Before the building of the Mullins Center, the hockey team at UMass had been downgraded to club status. The first organized hockey teams representing UMass started in 1909, playing on the outdoor pond in the center of campus. The team played outdoors on and off until 1979 when the team was discontinued due to the lack of a suitable home rink. When the Mullins Center was built, the hockey team was reborn. The Minutemen compete in the Hockey East conference with several other New England schools. Since their re-emergence, UMass has qualified for four NCAA tournaments, finishing as national runners-up in 2019 and national champions in 2021. 21 UMass alumni have played in the National Hockey League, including Jonathan Quick and Cale Makar. Food & Beverage 5 The Mullins Center has an impressive array of concessions for a mid-sized arena. Several stands line the inner edge of the concourse, each with a different theme and menu. All the arena standards such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and chicken tenders can be found here. \ Fans looking for something a little different can enjoy some BBQ with mac & cheese and cornbread or a slice of “pickle pizza.” Some items can be combined as combo meals to save a few dollars. Fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth can choose from a variety of pastries or ice cream from Maple Valley Creamery at the Corner Café. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Mullins Center. A selection of beer is available, including Bud Light, Coors Light, Shock Top, and brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Wormtown, and Harpoon Breweries. Copa Wines and Spiked Seltzer are also sold. New to Mullins Center starting in late October is Massachusetts Lager, brewed specifically for UMass Athletics by local favorite Amherst Brewing. Atmosphere 4 At most college hockey games the student section and pep band are the engines that drive the gameday atmosphere. While the pep band performs throughout the game and the student section does its best to create noise and energy, their efforts are not as strong as they could be. Perhaps this is because even a crowd of 5,000 only fills up the Mullins Center halfway. Still, this can be a fun place to take in a game. The staff at UMass put on a good show. Contests are held during most play stoppages; t-shirts are tossed into the stands, fans shoot pucks at mascots and there are plenty of giveaways to be had. Sam the Minuteman can be found roaming the arena and interacting with fans. The Mullins Center would provide a significant home-ice advantage if it were filled. The centerpiece of the experience at the Mullins Center is the giant video board that was hung over center ice in 2018. There are additional video boards on either end of the arena that display game stats. With three large video boards inside this mid-sized arena, it almost feels like taking in a game at a sports bar. There’s a screen everywhere you look. Neighborhood 5 Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from the Mullins Center and is chock full of restaurants, shops, and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint book shops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary gourmet pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com Just up the road from Mullins Center is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout with numerous craft brews on tap, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won’t have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program. Fans 4 With the Minutemen enjoying much success recently, including a pair of conference championships and trips to the Frozen Four, UMass has ranked in the top 15 in the NCAA attendance rankings for the past several seasons. The team annually averages around 4,500 fans per game, with attendance breaking the 5,000-per-game mark thus far this season. The student body turns out in solid numbers for Minutemen hockey games. However, they can be choosy about which games they attend. While the students do come with an assortment of cheers, chants, and songs, they don’t create as boisterous an atmosphere as other student sections. In a full building, that would easily change. UMass’ location in rural western Massachusetts works against them in terms of consistently drawing large crowds. Still, with the recent success of the Minutemen, fans have been turning up in good numbers to catch UMass hockey. Mullins Center is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Access 4 The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts. There are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, but Interstate 91 is only six miles away if traveling from the north, south, or west. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. Take exit 63 (Palmer) off the turnpike and follow the signs along the winding country roads to downtown Amherst and the UMass campus. Although the drive from the Mass Pike to UMass takes about a half hour, the foliage during the early part of the hockey season is amazing and draws many tourists throughout the fall. It’s well worth it to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Springfield is located 16 miles south of Amherst, served by both Amtrak and the Peter Pan Bus Lines. The larger cities of Boston, Albany, and Hartford are all less than a two-hour drive from campus. The closest airport is Bradley Airport, just over the Connecticut state line. The ski resorts of Vermont’s Green Mountains are only a couple of hours to the north. Once you arrive at UMass, it’s not too difficult to get to Mullins Center. The arena is located on the western edge of campus near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including McGuirk Stadium and Earl Lorden Field . There is only one road that serves the arena, but traffic moves pretty well into the adjacent parking lots. Most fans will enter Mullins Center on the north side of the facility and enter onto a concourse that completely encircles the ice. Concession stands and restrooms line the inner edge of the concourse. Lines do form during intermissions so plan your trips wisely. The ice is not visible from the concourse, as Mullins Center’s ’90s-era design does not include an open concourse. All seats consist of maroon padded stadium seats in a steeply pitched seating bowl, which feature excellent views of the action from all sections. Just be aware that railings may obstruct your view from some seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMass hockey games are quite affordable, priced at $16, $20, and $25. Parking is free in the lots located a short walk from the facility. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for specialty and premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Fans looking to save a few dollars on food can purchase a combo meal. For an additional $25 fans can purchase a pass to the Commonwealth Club, a premium hospitality area located at ice level at the north end of the Mullins Center. Included in the Commonwealth club are complimentary snacks and beverages, a cash bar, and rinkside tables with great views of the action. Extras 2 A pair of extra points are awarded for the sense of history around the Mullins Center. Photos of notable Minutemen hockey and basketball alumni line the concourse. Photos of notable recording artists to perform at Mullins Center, such as Elton John and B.B. King, are also featured. Inside the arena hang banners honoring Minutemen conference championship teams, tournament appearances, and Frozen Four teams. Additional banners honor the 2021 National Championship team, Hobey Baker Award winner Cale Makar and Patrick Keenan’s retired number 4. Final Thoughts The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 Nashville Predators website Bridgestone Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 17,159 Bridgestone Arena – Nashville Predators Nashville might be the “Music City,” but the area surrounding Bridgestone Arena, at the corner of Broadway and Rep. John Lewis Way, has come to be known by the fan-created moniker, Smashville. The NHL made an, at the time, unlikely home in Nashville to start the 1998 season, but hockey in the city has a history that goes back to the 1960s. The Nashville Dixie Flyers played in the Eastern Hockey League for nine years, until the league folded in the early 70s. Professional hockey would return for several short stints throughout the 80s, first as the Nashville South Stars of the Central Hockey League, then the Nashville Knights of the ECHL. A second incarnation of the Central Hockey League would return to Nashville in the 90s, as the Nighthawks would take the ice for the 1996 season, but would soon be rebranded as the Nashville Ice Flyers; the Ice Flyers came to an end once the Predators started to play in 1998. Though the hockey history in Nashville might be relatively brief compared to some of the stalwarts in the league, the Predators have done well in establishing themselves as one of the tops draws in the NHL, both through the success they have seen on the ice, and in the accompanying environment they have created. Food & Beverage 5 Bridgestone Arena offers an extremely thorough menu of food that stretches from the typical stadium fare of hot dogs, nachos, pizza, pretzels, and Dippin’ Dots to self-spinning cotton candy machines. Southern delights of mac and cheese, BBQ served several different ways, and even a carving station offering up traditional Southern meats. Finally, no trip to Nashville would be complete without the classic Nashville hot chicken – the Nashvillian delight is served up as a sandwich or just with tenders. Stands are plentiful around the concourse, which helps keep lines short. Several self-serve Twice Daily locations also bring their convenience stores into the arena. There are also a handful of kiosks, where fans can order before proceeding to the neighboring stand to pick up their food. One of the highlights of the food of Bridgestone Arena is the Rotier’s burger stand. Rotier’s had been a Nashville institution since 1945 but had fallen victim to the COVID shutdown. Though it does not have the same atmosphere, the legacy of the restaurant has been kept alive in the arena. The food and drink offerings at Bridgestone Arena provide a deep selection of options when it comes to food, beer, wine, and spirits. Prices are consistent with what you would expect to pay at most professional sporting venues. Bridgestone Arena is cashless, so be prepared to pay either with a card or with ApplePay. Atmosphere 4 For a facility approaching 30 years old, Bridgestone Arena has a rather modern feel to it. The main entrance features a large, rounded overhanging roof with enormous glass sections that allow fans to look out at the Nashville skyline. Meanwhile, the antenna-topped, glass cone-like structure adjacent to Bridgestone Arena serves as an entryway to the Nashville Visitors Center and the Tennessee State Sports Hall of Fame. The Predators have created a party plaza just outside of the main entry point where fans gather before going into the arena. With various vendors, games, and music playing, it is a very good way to bring the excitement of Broadway to Bridgestone Arena. Immediately upon passing through the main entry points, fans are faced with several options. Grab a beer from the various beer stands or bars, scan the multitude of concessions, visit the team store for some Predators gear, or simply explore the arena. There are several areas for fans to take photos, watch the live pregame show, or for young fans to take part in any of the several activities around the concourse. Fans arriving early will find a dimmed arena with graphics for the day’s match-up projected onto the ice, in anticipation of the teams coming out for warmups. Bridgestone Arena offers several different game experiences, from the typical seat to various clubs and suites. The rink-level Lexus Lounge gives fans access to a large bar backed with a wall of televisions, several buffets, a self-serve candy shop, and a Bloody Mary station for those noon puck drops. The Lexus Lounge also allows a unique opportunity for fans to interact with the Predators players as they exit the locker room and take the ice. Back inside the rink, ribbon boards between the levels of the arena show a rotation of statistical information throughout the game. The ribbons on opposing ends of the rink also provide closed captioning of game information and public address announcements. Fang Vision is a massive four-sided scoreboard with fang-like corner screens that billow out white clouds of fog as the arena’s goal horn sounds. There are also screens on the underside of the board that keep fans at ice level from having to strain their neck looking up the whole game. The Predator’s public address announcer Paul McCann does an excellent job at establishing a fun atmosphere that has evolved to being fan interactive. Following his announcements the crowd responds in unison, “Thanks, Paul!”. Neighborhood 5 There are not many arenas that can provide as much in the surrounding area as Bridgestone Arena has to offer – the facility is in one of the top entertainment districts in the country. Located at the head of the Honky Tonk Highway, Bridgestone Arena serves almost as the gateway to the bar and entertainment district of Nashville. However, it is not just the bars and music joints that make the area special – the historic Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are all just steps from the venue. If looking to pair a Predators game with other professional sports, just across the Cumberland River is Nissan Stadium , home of the Tennessee Titans , who will still have a few home games left as the Preds get their season started. Or, games later in the hockey season crossover with the start of Major League Soccer and Minor League Baseball, so catching a Nashville Sounds game at First Horizon Park or a Nashville SC match are also possibilities. Fans 5 Predators fans make Bridgestone Arena one of the loudest, if not THE loudest, barns in the league. During the 2017 Western Conference Finals the noise level reached just a few tenths of a decibel under 130, which is akin to the level of a jet engine. Even with the Predators not seeing the same level of success they are accustomed to having, they still fill Bridgestone Arena over its capacity each game. At an average capacity of 101.4% each night, it places Nashville fourth in the league when looking at attendance based on how full the arena is. Nashville fans are extremely involved in the game, which is led mostly by the Predators dedicated fan group in Section 303, better known as Cell Block 303. This group of fans are the leaders in cheers, chants, and the heckling of opposing players, most of which are directed toward the opposing team’s goalie and end with “YOU SUCK!”. The group has a Cell Block 303 website that provides a rundown of chants and what to expect throughout the game. Overall, Predators fans are into the game and cheer, or jeer plays on the ice, and add a lot when it comes to creating a fun game atmosphere. Access 4 Downtown arenas come with many perks, and unfortunately one of the drawbacks is there is always going to be traffic and congestion to contend with, and Bridgestone Arena is no exception. The area is conveniently located close to the junction of three major interstates that feed into downtown Nashville; the challenge is navigating the roads, traffic, and construction. The area is full of parking options, but the most economical is possibly the $10 garage at the Nashville Library, which is just a short walk to Bridgestone Arena from here. There are three primary entry points into Bridgestone Arena. The main Party Plaza on Broadway welcomes fans to two of these entry points and has separate lines for those with and without bags, helping expedite the entry process. Though bags are allowed, see the arena policies for specifics on bag limitations. The third entry point is located on Demonbreun Street on the back side of the building. Once inside the arena, wide concourses make getting around rather easy. Concession stands are plentiful, which helps limit wait times and keeps lines from interrupting the flow of fans on the concourse. One area that does get a bit backed up is the restrooms during intermissions; try to plan those visits at other times to keep from having to wait. Return on Investment 3 It is no secret; professional sports can be expensive. According to the 2021-22 Fan Cost Index compiled by Team Marketing Report, the Predators were in the Top 10 for most expensive tickets in the NHL. While tickets to NHL games can be expensive, the trick is finding promotions and workarounds to make the excitement of the game much more affordable. For example, at Bridgestone Arena, one hundred tickets are released at 10 am (CT) each game day for just $15, but fans must access the code on the Predators’ Special Offers page for access. The Preds also offer discounts for first responders and military members registered through GovX. Standard upper-level seats start at $35, while main-level seats begin at $95, before fees. If just being in the arena is the goal, standing-room-only tickets or a concourse pass might be the way to go. Extras 5 The main level concourse was designed with an ode to the country music history of the city in mind – the floor is designed to resemble a guitar with strings and fret markers, and the façade of the second level is patterned after the keys of a piano. The fan information area has an interesting history of the skull and leg bones of the Saber Tooth Tiger that was found just blocks from the arena and provided the inspiration for the Predators name. Also in the fan information area is a fish tank with a catfish in it, along with an explanation of the history of fans tossing a dead catfish onto the ice. The Zamboni beer stands near the main entry point are a fun touch. The Predators recently unveiled their first statue, that of goaltender Pekka Rinne – Rinne also had his number 35 retired during the 2021-2022 season, the first in Predators’ history. Final Thoughts When Nashville was first awarded an NHL franchise in 1997, many did not think hockey in the state, better known for its allegiance to the University of Tennessee and ‘Rocky Top’ would work. Nothing could be further from the truth; not only has hockey worked in Nashville, but it has also thrived. Hockey in Nashville is an amazing experience, including both the in-game entertainment and the excitement of the game on the ice. But what sets Bridgestone Arena apart is the vibe of Nashville’s Broadway, which has been brought in just steps from the front doors – this feeling helps bring the party atmosphere of the area into the game.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Williams-Brice Stadium 1125 George Rogers Blvd Columbia, SC 29201 South Carolina Gamecocks website Williams-Brice Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 77,559 Spurs Up For many throughout the south, college football fandom is more a way of life than simply supporting the local college or university and hoping for a good season – the South Carolina Gamecocks are no different. While South Carolina is hardly a pushover in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), they have yet to capture a conference title; the Gamecocks lone conference championship came in 1968 when they were members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (1953-1970). South Carolina has also spent time in the Southern Conference (1922-1952), as well as had two separate stints as an independent program (1892-1921 and 1971-1991). Since becoming members of the SEC, South Carolina has been a program that has faced inconsistencies in sustaining winning, but has typically been competitive enough and able to pull off occasional upsets of top ranked teams, enough so to give Gamecock fans hope, and to create an extraordinary game day experience.   Food & Beverage   5 During pregame, Gamecock Village, the ‘Official Tailgate of the South Carolina Gamecocks’, has an extensive collection of food trucks including South American arepas, Carolina BBQ, Mexican foods featuring grilled street corn, elotes, and traditional midway foods. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium you can also find a wide selection of concession offerings, including both traditional concession stands, specialized options, and local vendors. The typical stands serve hot dogs, pizza from Little Caesar’s, and multiple styles of burgers, including a Beyond Burger for those looking for a meatless option. Chicken finger baskets with fries are also available. Billy G’s Carolina BBQ, as well as specialized nachos at Crunch, are also popular options. Williams-Brice Stadium also has a touch of international flavors, with a Thai-inspired menu from T.K.O. Kitchen, plus SOCA’s Caribbean Kitchen’s traditional tropical dishes. Beverages include selections from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks, including Powerade, along with Budweiser beers, craft brews from Columbia’s Peak Drift and their hefeweizen, hazy IPA, and blonde ale, Columbia Craft’s Carolina American style ale, and Athens, Georgia-based Terrapin Brewing Co. Also available is Beat Box, which are single serving boxed hard punches offered in pink lemonade and blue razzberry, in addition to Happy Thursday spiked refreshment, Hoop Tea hard iced tea, and Topo-Chico hard seltzer. Williams-Brice Stadium does a good job at providing a well-rounded menu that goes beyond just hot dogs, nachos, and pizza, providing fans with some of the local tastes of Columbia and the surrounding area.   Atmosphere   5 Game day festivities start well before kickoff. Tailgating is a big part of the South Carolina football experience, with parking lots in all directions around the stadium open beginning five hours prior to kickoff – these lots are filled with fans grilling, tossing footballs, watching the day’s early games, or finding an altered state of mind before heading into the stadium. Gamecock Village, just steps from the Loadholt Family Gate on the southeastern edge of Williams-Brice Stadium, hosts an athletic department-sponsored tailgate. This area features the Gamecocks pregame radio show, live bands, and a big screen videoboard showing the day’s games of interest. Several inflatables, player appearances from the Gamecocks other sports programs, and several food trucks also populate Gamecock Village. Alternatively, a more refined pregame tailgate can be found at the southern end of the stadium in the ‘Cockabooses’, which are retired cabooses that have been converted to high end tailgating suites – these cabooses rent out for well into six-figures. All that said, to say tailgating at South Carolina is a big part of the game day experience would be an understatement. In addition, there is no let down as the tailgating moves into the pregame festivities. In what has become much more than simply bringing out the team with the school fight song, South Carolina has one of the most exciting pregame atmospheres in all of college football. The fun starts when a special guest steps off the back of the replica Cockaboose, and leads the crowd in a volley of “GAME”, “COCKS” between each side of the stadium. Sparks then begin to spew from the Gamecock-themed caboose, as the them from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays, and mascot Cocky is launched into the air through sparks and smoke atop the Cockaboose, sending the crowd into a frenzy. All this excitement leads to one of the elite pregame experiences, as 80,000 fans bob up-and-down to the techno beats of Sandstorm – this legitimately gets the upper decks and corkscrew ramps bouncing. Throughout the game, the use of the Purge-like siren, followed by the crow of the gamecock, helps get every ounce of noise out of the Gamecock faithful. The in-game entertainment at Williams-Brice Stadium is as good as will be found anywhere else in the country – the use of the stadium’s LED lighting, and the ability to sync it to the music played during stoppages in play, goes a long way in keeping fans engaged, and their frenzied state high until the ball is put back into play. On top of it all, the ability to turn the whole stadium red during night games is a very cool experience. The great part in all of this is that South Carolina has been able to hold onto the traditions of college football, while still creating a fun, current experience. When looking for optimal seating, any of the areas in the upper levels of the south end of the stadium offer a terrific view of downtown Columbia. However, if seeking relief from the South Carolina sun is more the goal, there is not a lot of cover, but the west stands do get shaded first. Also, the upper most reaches do slide under the press box, providing some relief from the elements. As a result of this lack of shade, the corkscrew ramps in each of the stadium’s corners are a popular place for fans to congregate to watch the game from, similar to Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium . As would be expected from any SEC program, South Carolina gives fans a high-quality game experience that is certainly enhanced by the unique traditions of the Gamecocks.   Neighborhood   3 The core concentration of the University of South Carolina’s athletic facilities is roughly two miles south of the downtown campus in Columbia. This area is also home to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, which during football season doubles as a large tailgating area. There are a handful of eateries around, but these are a bit sparse in comparison to the size of the city. The neighborhood that surrounds Williams-Brice Stadium has a rather industrial feel to it, but does transition well on game days to a festive pregame college football atmosphere. Signs of the mills and factories of the area that once bustled with activity now sit abandoned, while a handful have been repurposed into gyms and cross fit studios; the core of the university nightlife is more concentrated in the neighborhoods to the southeast and northwest of campus. The Vista, about three miles north of Williams-Brice Stadium, is a focal point of USC’s off-campus entertainment and higher end restaurant offerings, while another option is the Five Points neighborhood to the northeast of the stadium. Columbia has plenty of entertainment options both pre and post game, but other than tailgating in the lots around Williams-Brice Stadium, most of what Columbia has to offer for food, entertainment, and lodging can be found just under three miles away.   Fans   5 It is difficult to find a football program in the SEC that does not come with a large backing of fan support, and South Carolina is no exception. Despite the inconsistencies of sustained success on the field, the Gamecock faithful still come out in droves, and fill Williams-Brice Stadium on a regular basis. The fans are active participants in setting the tone for the overall game experience, from the Gamecock Walk prior to gates opening, to the frenzied excitement of fans bouncing to Darude’s Sandstorm  prior to each Gamecock kickoff. Recent forward progress has seemingly rejuvenated the excitement of the South Carolina fan base – the feel has shifted recently from an expectation of winning a fair number of games each season to the expectation of winning each week, which has injected a once familiar confidence back into the atmosphere here.   Access   2 Even though there are several access points to Williams-Brice Stadium, the roads getting there are at a near standstill in the time leading to gates opening for the tailgating lots, five hours prior to kickoff. It is advised that fans use I-77, which is accessible from I-26 and I-20 – the fact of the matter is, though, that regardless of the route taken, be prepared to wait, as the streets become extremely crowded during both pre and post game. There are a few ways to avoid the traffic backup, but it involves patience or a willingness to walk up to a mile. Metered parking maxes out at five hours, so if you are willing to park at a meter and walk, it can definitely eliminate the wait to access the tailgating lots. There are also several golf cart services for hire that can bring fans to and from the area around Williams-Brice Stadium, and out of the congestion relatively quickly. Once inside the stadium, fans have roomy concourses which keep congestion to a minimum. This is very much welcome, as renovations to add more amenities would tend to take away some of the comfort of wide-open concourses. However, what is given with wide walkways under the stadium does seem to be taken back in the seating bowl. Rows here are pretty tight, so getting up during play is nearly impossible without agitating more than a handful of those in the area. On top of it all, the seating rows are fairly long, so if seated toward the middle of a row it just adds another obstacle to navigate. Following the game, the roads are equally at as much of a standstill as they were during pregame. Needless to say, getting in and out of Williams-Brice Stadium will test even the most patient of fans.   Return on Investment   3 Whenever considering football in the SEC, there will always be a premium price for tickets. South Carolina boasts having nearly 65,000 season ticket holders, which helps create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, but it does make getting tickets directly from the athletic department at the most affordable rates difficult. The most affordable seats start at just $20 before fees, but unless you plan well ahead of time they are typically not available. The secondary market is the most reliable place to buy tickets, but at this point even the seats in the highest reaches of the upper level are selling for nearly triple digits after factoring in fees. For those choosing to park at the furthest most reaches of the stadium lots, there are shuttles available for $10, which is a bit disappointing considering that several similarly sized college football programs offer free shuttles. Parking directly around the stadium will start around $40, though some independent lots at the far end of Rosewood Drive go for $20 per car. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium, concessions do seem to be a touch high, but considering the higher quality items and availability of local foods, it does not come as a big surprise. Overall, if you plan well in advance and are willing to make some sacrifices, there is value to be had in a South Carolina football experience, but it definitely does take some planning ahead.   Extras   5 Popular photo ops can be found just outside the northwestern corner of the stadium, just steps from the corner of George Rogers Boulevard and Bluff Road. Here, a large gamecock sculpture and a statue of 1980 Heisman Trophy Award winner George Rogers are popular stops. There are several permanent restroom facilities around the southern perimeter of the stadium, which provide a bit more comfort than the typical porta-potties. For those wanting to get up close and personal with the team as they enter the stadium, the Gamecock Walk passes through Gamecock Village 2 1/2 hours prior to kickoff. The walk includes not just players and coaches, but is led by mascot Cocky and the Carolina Band. There is not a ton at Williams-Brice Stadium to recognize the history of South Carolina football, but the facing of the corkscrew ramps do pay tribute to program record holders and award winners, while the ring of honor is displayed on the front of the press box. Outside the stadium is also a display recognizing the history of the Jack Springs Tailoring Traveling Blazer . Following the game, the team comes to stand in front of the band to sing the school’s alma mater; it is always nice to see a moment where the team can come together with its fans to pay tribute to the school they love and represent.   Final Thoughts Each year hope springs eternal, and despite the historical inconsistencies of South Carolina football, the fans have continued to come out to support the Gamecocks. The actual gameday experience at Williams-Brice Stadium is as fun as most you would find in the nation, but the drawback is there just seems to be a lot of obstacles in the way, which may prevent you from getting the most out of that enjoyment. From the accessibility of the area pre and post game to the costs of tickets and other related expenses, it just seems to put a bit of a damper on what truly is an exceptional college football experience.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 3233 Concession Road 10 Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6 Canada Canadian Tire Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 100,000 Canadian Sportscar Madness Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The fast, sweeping turns at the facility were created for Formula One’s golden days of speed, and the facility hosted the Canadian Grand Prix multiple times throughout the 1960s and 70s. The 2.459-mile circuit is a beacon for the North American racing fan, and features some of the best camping around, while also featuring some incredible on-track action. The annual summer visit from IMSA provides a great weekend of sportscar racing for fans in the True North.   Food & Beverage   4 The food options at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are pretty standard, including burgers, fries, and chicken. There are also various food trucks on site throughout the weekend, and local vendors featuring fresh grilled burgers, kabobs, and BBQ. Drinks are also varied, featuring soda and energy drinks, as well as the best in Canadian beer. The best part about the food here is that the food booths and vendors are located all around the facility, as opposed to being in just one centralized area. As some of the portions of the track are a bit of a walk from others, this helps those fans who care to venture to the farthest edges, but don’t want to have to walk a mile back to the paddock for a snack.   Atmosphere   5 Fans at Mosport are among the best in racing, as they camp out from the opening of the gates on Day 1 all the way through the final checkered flag of the weekend – the hillsides at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are filled with campers and tents as far as the eye can see. The track itself is nestled in the countryside an hour east of Toronto proper, meaning you don’t feel the hustle and bustle of city life, but instead can enjoy comfortable relaxation in and among the forests of Ontario. But for a race fan the energy is not lost here either, meaning you get the best of both worlds. The explosion of IMSA’s attendance in recent years has also led to an increase in fans at the event, as nearly every open space is used for parking on Sunday. A flyover for the main WeatherTech Series race features vintage Canadian warbirds, and fan zone activations are plentiful for fans.   Neighborhood   3 Outside the main gates, you’re greeted with beautiful green rolling hills with sprawling farmland all around. However, this also means there isn’t really much around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, and the nearest towns are a good 20 to 30-minute drive from the venue; Oshawa and Bowmanville are the closest towns where you can find food, shopping, and lodging. The good news is that both of those areas are rapidly expanding, with homes now only a few miles away from the circuit, where once was only farmland. Favorite food stops include the Crooked Uncle in Oshawa and Chanterelle Bistro in Bowmanville. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clarington-Bowmanville and Best Western Plus Bowmanville are your two closest hotels. For viewing the sights, Clarington Family Outdoor Adventure Park and Ehrenwort Hiking Trail at Camp 30 are the most popular outdoor activities for visitors.   Fans   5 Fans at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are the best Canada has to offer – not only do you get to experience some motorsport-knowledgeable fans, but you also get to see them at their rowdiest (or at least the Canadian equivalent) during the race weekend. They know how to party and know where the best places to watch from are, and best of all, they really are as polite and welcoming as you would expect. Most fans here also come to the track throughout the year to see all the different races – whether they’re looking to catch IMSA or NASCAR Pinty’s Series, you will see them pack into the circuit.   Access   3 Getting to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is a bit of a drag, as the main highways aren’t anywhere near the track. However, thanks to the continuing construction eastward of toll highway 407 finally having reached the track, you can now get right to the track’s area without having to take too many country roads. The track itself is off highway 20, aka Boundary Road, which you can get to from the east via Regional Road 115, or from the west via Regional Road 57. Once at the track parking is plentiful, as is camping. Plus, a ticket will get you into the facility and also includes free parking.   Return on Investment   4 The cost of admission at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is very much worth it when you consider you are getting a top-notch racing experience at the track. You also get to take in some quality racing at one of the most popular tracks in North America, that has been steeped in history for years. And while getting to the track may be a bit of a drive, as it is an hour east of Toronto without traffic, the escape of going to a race in the beautiful Canadian countryside is definitely worth the trek.   Extras   4 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park recently remodeled their main office building, which now includes several suites and hospitality areas. In addition, fans are able to get up close to the teams, as entrance into the paddock is included with your ticket. Victory Lane is located right in the middle of the paddock, meaning fans can celebrate with the winners after each race. Also, most fans take to the track during race weekends at night, walking the circuit and enjoying the evening on the track itself, something not many other tracks allow you to experience.   Final Thoughts If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, watch some quality motor racing at a historic track that offers the beauty of the Canadian countryside, and has plenty of options for viewing the action itself, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is the best option for you. The fans are great, the camping is top notch, and the racing is fast.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 TIAA Bank Field 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202 Jacksonville Jaguars website TIAA Bank Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,164 Duuuvall! In many ways the Jacksonville Jaguars are a story of ups and downs. Most recently famous as a pop-culture reference on the NBC show “The Good Place” for their history of being bad at football, the team from north Florida now find themselves as potential contenders. Playing in front of packed crowds is once again the norm, and fan fever is at an all-time high. However, their results on the field are often mixed. A year after making a deep playoff run with Blake Bortles, the Jaguars muddled around at the bottom of the pack, and continue to do so this season. What sets the Jaguars apart, however, is their continued commitment to their fans. Known for being fan-friendly and fan-focused for many years, including their down years, the team has continued their commitment to enhancing the fan experience in Jacksonville, even with their recent run of success. What was once considered an average stadium now features a broad range of unique aspects that make TIAA Bank Field one of the more unique and enjoyable NFL stadiums to visit in America. Indeed, one may also scoff at Jacksonville’s place as an NFL hotbed for fans, but the Jaguars’ faithful are starting to slowly turn that opinion around. And while success leads to more butts in seats, a consistently impressive game day experience has helped keep those butts in seats for more and more games as time has gone by. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at TIAA Bank Field are pretty standard for a professional sports stadium. Drinks start at $4 for bottled water (a must-have in the hot Florida sun), $5 for bottled soda or Gatorade, and $10 to $12 for bottled beers. Various concessions stands also offer cocktails and alcoholic drinks. On the food side, prices remain among the highest in the NFL; foot-long chili cheese hot dogs cost $12, while pizza runs $10. A small hot dog costs $5, an Asian BBQ skewer runs $11, and popcorn costs $7. BBQ sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders with fries all cost over $10. The stadium does offer local food from local restaurants in the area, but options there are going to run equivalent to your standard concessions in price. There is a wide variety at TIAA Bank Field, but the price will hit you hard in the wallet. Atmosphere 4 TIAA Bank Field debuted in 1995 and features a popular late-90s unfinished industrial vibe with lots of concrete. While stadiums and arenas like Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena feature similar aesthetics that have remained relatively untouched, Jacksonville’s stadium has seen several upgrades throughout the years. Most notably are the fan zones in the end zone areas of the stadium – the north end zone features a VIP suite deck area that includes two pools with clear sides that look out onto the playing field. The seating also feels more intimate with just two bowl levels, instead of the multiple levels like at more modern stadiums. Thanks to recent winning streaks, the packed crowds of loyal fans has helped as well, as TIAA Bank Stadium rocks whenever the Jaguars score. On top of that, the team’s new rallying cry of “DUUUVAL!!!” (a reference to the city’s location in Duval County, Florida) hypes the crowd before key plays. Finally, the massively expanded HD video screens in both end zones feature game stats, replays, and information for fans that the old scoreboards couldn’t offer. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood immediately around TIAA Bank Field is one of sports facilities and parking options; the home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp is located quite literally in the parking lot of the Jaguars’ home stadium. Across the street you will find Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena , home to both Jacksonville University athletics and the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL, as well as Jacksonville Sharks arena football in the spring and summer. Also nearby is downtown Jacksonville, which offers a bounty of food and shopping options. Not too far is the Jacksonville Beach area, where visitors can dip their toes in the hot sand and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. That said, all those options are a short drive away, which means it may be a bit of a walk to get to them if you forgo driving. Fans 4 The fans here are loud. The home of the Jaguars sees some of the NFL’s key demographics swell in attendance as well, with young fans and women making up a large contingent of the fans in attendance. In addition, families are also taking advantage of the Jags being the 5th lowest average ticket cost in the NFL, with many younger fans coming with their parents for some Sunday football. You can rest assured the NFL experience is alive and well in Jacksonville’s fan base. Access 3 TIAA Bank Field is inherently very easy to find and get to. Located just across the St. John’s River from I-95 and just off US-1 alternates 228 and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, the stadium rises from the river’s shores. However, navigating the area is tricky, as the closest bridges are all a few lanes too small for game day crowds – traffic backs up easily and heavily in the area before and after games when fans pack the small streets in and around TIAA Bank Field. Parking on-site, while plentiful, will cost you upwards of $35 in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. Alternatively, public transportation options range from $7 to upwards of $10 for buses that pick fans up from designated areas in and around Jacksonville on game day. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for NFL games are expensive for the average fan. Despite the Jaguars being among the most affordable tickets in the league, you still are looking at several hundred dollars for a family of four when tickets, parking, and concessions are all factored in. That said, the stadium experience in Jacksonville has improved considerably thanks to recent updates and continued success on the field. Extras 5 During the game, the stadium honors local first responders and military members. Jacksonville is a big military city, especially with a large US Navy and US Coast Guard presence. The Jaguars also frequently have military flyovers before kickoff. During the break between the third and fourth quarters, the team also honors an active-duty serviceman/servicewoman who has been recognized for an act of valor or recently returned from a deployment, by having them ring the Navy Mutual Bell. Located on the end zone mezzanine overlooking the field, the bell tolls and signals fans to rally behind the Jaguars heading into the final quarter. In addition, there are cooling stations throughout TIAA Bank Field for fans, that offer somewhere to sit and cool off on hot Florida game days; some of these include large bendy-buses with air conditioning on full blast. Furthermore, outside the main entrance on the west side of the stadium sits a massive Jaguar statue that fans can take photos of. On the same side of TIAA Bank Field as the statue sits the Veterans Memorial Wall. Dedicated in 1995, the memorial honors more than 1,500 Jacksonville area veterans and war heroes from all six service branches (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, and Merchant Marines).\ Finally, during the pre-game ceremonies Jaxson de Ville (the team’s mascot) performs stunts like ziplining into TIAA Bank Field from the top of the lighting towers, thrilling fans and getting everyone into the mood for exciting football. Final Thoughts With continued local investment from the team’s ownership and the potential continued success of the team in Jacksonville, the future looks bright for the Jaguars and their loyal fans. This is a game day experience that many visiting fans find impressive upon their arrival, and for good reason. The Jaguars consistently produce a solid fan experience all around, and have given fans good reason to be excited about the future.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Boone Pickens Stadium W Hall of Fame Ave & Hester St Stillwater, OK 74078 Oklahoma State Cowboys website Boone Pickens Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 60,218 Oklahoma State Cowboys Boone Pickens Stadium, formerly known as Lewis Field, has been home to football games since 1913, which is when Oklahoma State (then called Oklahoma A&M) began playing at the site. Originally known simply as Athletic Field, the venue was renamed Lewis Field in 1914 after Laymon Lowery Lewis, a former dean of veterinary medicine, science, and literature; Lewis is one of the most popular figures in the school’s history. The stadium currently has a capacity of 60,218, and was renamed Boone Pickens Stadium in 2003, in honor of renovation donations from alumnus T. Boone Pickens. Pickens’ gift was the single-largest gift in school history at the time – in 2003 his $70 million donation ($20 million of which was earmarked for stadium expansion) eventually generated more than $100 million in gifts and pledges from more than 2,500 individuals, making it the single-most successful campaign in OSU history. Besides college football, Boone Pickens Stadium also hosts high school football games during the fall, and in 1984 hosted a game between the Oklahoma Outlaws and the Houston Gamblers of the USFL. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here aren’t anything to get excited about, but there is plenty of basic stadium fare, and enough concessions to cover you during the game. The prices are on par with other sport venues. Chicken strips are available for $8, while cheeseburgers, pizza, and burgers are all priced at $6 from the regular (Sodexo) stands. Hot dogs, nachos, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, cotton candy, and packaged candy average around $4. The stadium does have outside vendors serving food with higher prices than the main stands; a few of these outside restaurants are Persimmon Hill (providing Philly cheesesteaks for $18 or pepperoni cheese rolls and club sandwiches on an everything bagel for $14 each), Pokey’s BBQ, and Curty Shack for hot dogs with a twist for $7-$11 (Curty Shack is self-titled as ‘A Stillwater Original’). The soft drink selection consists of Pepsi / Dr Pepper products with prices being $5 for a small, $6 for a medium, and $7 for the large souvenir cup. The alcohol menu is strong with a large selection of beer, liquor, and wine, including the basic Bud selection at $8.50 or Karbach brewery selections and locals for $10 to $12 – my favorite, Stilly Wheat, is $11. The food variety, quality, and prices of the food are good. However, when you have a neighborhood like Stillwater, the basics of the stadium’s food and beverage menu are a perfect match for the fans. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere begins early in the day as parking lots around Oklahoma State University open at 8 am on game day. The area around Boone Pickens Stadium and throughout the campus begins to host crowds of tailgaters with bright orange pop up tents. The smell of food from grills or smokers replaces the fresh scent of the Oklahoma plains. Non-tailgating fans that want to begin their day head towards the restaurants around Stillwater, the most famous hot spot being Eskimo Joe’s. There are two types of pre-game activities around Boone Pickens Stadium besides tailgating or restaurants – the first is a fan fest on the north side of the stadium, and the second is at the Student Union building on Hester Road. The fan fest opens about 3 hours before kickoff and invites fans to interact with the Oklahoma State athletics programs, as OSU sports teams are available for autographs, and the OSU spirit squads, along with mascot Pistol Pete, are available for pictures with fans. Once you have seen the spirit squads and Pistol Pete, head over to the Student Union building to see the Oklahoma State marching band, spirit squads, and Pistol Pete lead the OSU Cowboys football team in the Spirit Walk to Boone Pickens Stadium. The two-level, 60,000+ seat stadium fills with bright orange quickly; the stadium has bleacher seating, but there are cushions available to rent. However, fans here spend more time standing than sitting down, which is part of the reason the OSU fan base is one of the loudest in the Big 12. You’ll be able to identify the student section on the west side of the stadium, near the OSU entrance tunnel, as the front row of students beats the sides of the stadium walls with large sticks. The band is in the end zone, not far from the students. The Cowboys football team enters the field by opening a gate like at a rodeo bull riding event, and run through smoke, fireworks, and the playing band. Bullet (a horse) is ridden onto the field with the OSU flag ahead of the team. The seating at Boone Pickens Stadium is a horseshoe, but seems enclosed, as historic Gallagher-Iba Arena sits in the east end zone. OSU’s army artillery weapon, Packy, is also in that end zone, but not too close to the seats; Packy is fired throughout the game, especially after a Pokes score. This is under the supervision of the Oklahoma State University ROTC program, and the ROTC students are also visible in the student section, as an ROTC student will do push-ups for every point the Pokes score. This is done on top of a flat board, which is held up by other ROTC students. Pokes fans are continuously involved throughout the game and have numerous traditions. These traditions range from a first down chant, motioning in unison, the chant of “Orange Power” from 60,000+ people, and fans waving in unison every time the Cowboys score. Overall, the atmosphere is wonderful, and depending on the visiting team or the importance of the game, the atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium can easily move from good to great. Neighborhood 5 Boone Pickens Stadium is in Stillwater, Oklahoma on the Oklahoma State University campus, and is adjacent to Gallagher-Iba Arena . Stillwater has a population close to 47K and is about an hour’s drive from the state’s two largest cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The description of Stillwater is the definition of a college town – the neighborhood has interesting bars and restaurants to satisfy not only the college students, but also football fans visiting Stillwater. The main artery for campus nightlife is the strip on Washington Street, which includes Willie’s Saloon, the venue where Garth Brooks began his career. Just a few blocks east of the strip there is Hideaway Pizza, a Stillwater original and an Oklahoma tradition since 1957. However, no trip to Stillwater is complete without a stop at the famous Eskimo Joe’s. This restaurant and store will get quite crowded on game day, so plan to arrive early to experience Stillwater’s “finest little jukebox joint”. Eskimo Joe’s is just one block from Boone Pickens Stadium, and serves burgers and other great entrees, but it is the amazing cheese fries that are a must when ordering food. There are several varieties, but I would suggest the bacon cheese fries. Besides the restaurants, Stillwater is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame; Oklahoma State has earned 34 national championships in college wrestling. The Oklahoma State campus and the city of Stillwater are also great tourist attractions in and of themselves, but on game day the neighborhood becomes one of the best in college football. Fans 4 The Oklahoma State fans, in a football-dominant state such as Oklahoma, are great football fans. However, where the other big state school seems to just have great football fans, Oklahoma State has great sports fans, and this comes out at every sporting event. The fans continuously support the Pokes throughout games with the “Orange Power” chant, motioning of guns ups or first down, as well as singing the song “Oklahoma”, but with the punctuating ending addition of the word “State.” Access 3 The only potential downside to an otherwise great road trip is the access to Boone Pickens Stadium. Getting in and out can be difficult given the location of Stillwater on the plains of Oklahoma, about an hour from public transportation or any large airport, and the city having only two ways for traffic to get out of town. Parking can be a bit of a hassle if you are not familiar with the options before coming to Stillwater. Like other college football programs, donors and season ticket holders of course have the best parking sites, but the public can usually find a business or homeowner who allows parking in their lot or yard. However, if you arrive early there is free parking along neighborhood streets, only a short walk from the stadium and many of the restaurants. Be sure to read the signs about where you can park, though, so you won’t be towed. Alternatively, if you want a safer free parking option, and you are okay being shuttled to and from your vehicle, then downtown Stillwater offers free public parking and shopping opportunities for fans. The shuttle service picks up downtown at the corner of 7th and Lewis and drops off at the stadium, located at the corner of Hall of Fame and Knoblock. The shuttle starts running about three hours prior to kickoff and continues throughout the game and after, with pick-ups and drop-offs every 15 minutes. Once you get to Boone Pickens Stadium itself, access is a great experience. There is plenty of room, and the school’s alma mater is written above the entrance gates. The bathrooms are labeled as Cowgirls/Cowboys and there are plenty of them, all with easy access. The concourses are wide and easy to get around, with plenty of signage to help you navigate the venue. Overall, Boone Pickens Stadium itself has great access, but for a first time or unprepared fan, getting into Stillwater and parking might not be as easy. The suggestion would be to get to Stillwater early and enjoy walking around the town and campus. Return on Investment 3 Boone Pickens Stadium is a phenomenal facility with great sightlines and a solid atmosphere, located in the wonderful college town of Stillwater. Visiting the stadium is well worth the money – single game tickets are $50 for non-conference games, while Big 12 games sell for $75, the exception being the last Bedlam game versus Oklahoma , which is only included if you purchase season tickets. However, if you are looking to save some money, there are always third-party markets, especially for non-conference games. The concessions prices are equal to other sport venues, but Stillwater itself offers a much better variety and cost for food. Extras 3 Boone Pickens Stadium has some great architecture thanks to the 2003 renovation, which can be seen in the split concourse and the steel infrastructure. Having 14 suites that are used for events at Boone Pickens Stadium and in Gallagher-Iba Arena is also a plus. In 2018 the stadium added the 8th largest videoboard at a college football-only stadium. OSU’s new board, which is in the east end zone on the outside wall of Gallagher-Iba Arena , measures roughly 56 feet tall and 110 feet wide, and can show live action and full-screen replays at better than 1080 HD resolution. In addition, the venue has some interesting touches in its decor, including the words to the Oklahoma State alma mater written above the entrances, the cowboy cattle-run design, and the Cowgirls/Cowboys signs identifying the women’s and men’s bathrooms. The whole college football experience here is amazing and can only be found in Stillwater. Final Thoughts A trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma is a trip that every person should make, especially for America’s Greatest Homecoming. Being on the plains of Oklahoma you can get a feel for the history of how this country began, and better understand how life was simple yet hard by just traveling through the Stillwater area. And for the football fan, Boone Pickens Stadium is a must visit, so guns up in Stillwater and join the orange Power faithful of OSU, as they ride and gather to support their Cowboys.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 John Sonny Allen Field 230 Playforth Pl Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State Eagles website John “Sonny” Allen Field's website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,200 Checking Out a Baseball Game at Sonny Allen Field John “Sonny” Allen Field on the campus of Morehead State University opened in 1973 and holds 1,200 spectators and is located within a short distance from the football stadium Jayne Field. The ballpark is known for its unusual dimensions. The outfield fence is 24 feet high all around. The distances to the fence are 330 feet down the left field line and 345 feet down the right field line. The right-center field power alley is 335 feet, and the left-center power alley is 378 feet. The deepest part of the outfield is in the left-center field, where it measures 398 feet from home plate. Sonny Allen coached the baseball team from 1954-1975 and guided the Eagles to a 226-137 record, along with three conference championships in 1956, 1969, and 1973. Since his retirement, the team has won four more titles and made NCAA Tournament appearances, the last being in 2018. Food & Beverage 1 The single concession stand is located outside the ballpark and offers the following: hot dogs, soda, candy, and chips. There is no alcohol served at the game, and it’s advised to grab a bite to eat beforehand in one of the nearby restaurants in downtown Morehead. Atmosphere 3 To be fair, our attendance was during a rainy and cold night. The temperature had been a balmy 80 degrees the day before, but a cold front brought rain and gunpowder skies the next day. With that being said, attendance was sparse, but the action took place on the field. The stadium features a brick grandstand with a press box and concession stand at the front of the ballpark. There are two entrances leading spectators to the seating bowl that consists of bleacher-style seats down each baseline and seat-back chairs behind the backstop. Protective netting is set up from dugout to dugout. The right field fence is a short distance from home plate and has a higher fence to protect from a barrage of home runs from left-handed batters. A simple scoreboard is behind the right field wall in school colors. There are no distance markers, retired numbers, or championship banners on the outfield walls. What makes the ballpark pleasurable are the trees and hills that surround it. The location near Poppy Mountain makes the stadium view stand out among voluminous facilities across the country. There is a lookout hill down the left field line, offering views of the diamond. It has inspired the fundraising campaign for the construction of the Eagles’ Landing, which would be a viewing deck. Neighborhood 3 The Sawstone Brewing Company is less than half a mile from the ballpark and has a great selection of beer and outside, and patio seating. There are also food trucks and Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta across the street. Customers can bring a pizza or sandwich into the bar and enjoy it with a Kentucky Common or Pale Ale. Eastern Kentucky has many opportunities for outdoor recreation that includes: tubing, skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake, and Amburgey Rock are worth exploring when in the area. There can be more found on the county’s official website. Fans 3 There were a few fans at the game, but due to Mother Nature, they appeared to be friends and family members of the players. The Eagles scored quite a bit of rain during the game, and it created a lot of clapping and cheering from the crowd. Access 3 Allen Field is located on campus next to the football field. The ballpark is on Main Street, north of downtown. There is parking in front of the stadium. Two staircases lead to the seating bowl, and plenty of room to move around once you are in your seat. The closest interstate is I-64, about an hour east of Lexington, Kentucky. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is as follows: Reserved $8, General Admission $6, and Child $3. The food prices are low, and team merchandise is not sold at games. Downtown Morehead is a great way to spend time before or after the game for a worthwhile evening. Extras 3 Allen Field earns a point for the Sonny Allen Special, home runs that are hit over the short fence in right field. A second point is awarded to the scenery around the ballpark that sets it apart from other venues in college baseball. The last point is for the left field line view from the hill that allows fans to bring out blankets and lawn chairs during warm evenings, another nice touch to the stadium experience. Final Thoughts Sonny Allen Field is a ballpark worth visiting if you find yourself in the Eastern hills of Kentucky. It does not provide the same game day experience as nearby Kentucky or Louisville ballparks but is on par with other Ohio Valley Conference venues. If you are looking for a bare-bones and baseball-only night at the ballpark, check out a game at Allen Field. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Schweickert Stadium 2600 Plank Rd. Peru, IL 61354 Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp website Schweickert Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 2,200 Pistol Shrimp Making a Home in the Illinois Valley The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are members of the summer collegiate Prospect League and play their home games at Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru, Illinois. The stadium's name comes from the Schweickert family, which donated $500,000 towards an investment into the stadium. The P-Shrimp began operations at Benedictine University's baseball stadium in Niles, Illinois, in 2019. After COVID-19 canceled the season, the club found a new home 100 miles west in Peru. The problem was that there wasn’t a suitable stadium; it was only a diamond and a few metal bleachers. That did not deter team management as they began constructing a stadium while, at the same time, not charging admission to fans. In 2023, a 575-seat grandstand and press box were built, featuring a brick backstop, a concession stand, and dugouts. Future phases of the project include sinking the dugouts, adding permanent bathrooms, extending the bleacher seating and enlarging the concession stands, and a new scoreboard. What the Pistol Shrimp have is a grass-roots ballpark that offers an experience nestled into the community it surrounds. Also, the team is named for its enlarged claw, capable of producing a loud snapping sound to stun its prey much larger. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is no bigger than what you would find at a high school football stadium. It serves popcorn, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, Pepsi products, and frozen treats: ice cream, sherbert, and novelty ice cream. The prices range from $3 to $5 apiece. A few food trucks make up the rest of the food choices behind the main grandstand. Tony’s Butt Shack has a menu consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, hillbilly nachos, loaded mac, and cheese, pulled pork parfait, and hot dogs. A pretzel truck featured long lines of customers ordering plain, cinnamon/sugar and garlic soft pretzels and fresh squeezed lemonade. A beer garden serves draft and canned beer and cocktails. A few highlights include the official team beer Short Hop Golden Ale, Tangled Roots Sieur De Lager, Miller, and Coors Light, Truly, White Claw, and Twisted Tea. The cocktails include Pistol Punch, High Fly Ball, and Vodka Slushies. Atmosphere 4 A Pistol Shrimp game is a different experience from most Prospect League games. The stadium looks more like a Division II ballpark, perhaps a little nicer than a few Division I ballparks, and the atmosphere rivals that of a Little League game. The surrounding area features grassy areas and tall corn fields. The grandstand has seating for 500 fans, while the stadium itself can hold up to 2,000 fans on additional bleachers, standing-room-only areas, and grassy areas where lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. The plastic theater-style chairs still have the fresh smell of plastic, and the brick backstop adds a nice touch to the stadium. The PA announcer encourages fans to look in their game program for the lucky number, 50/50 raffle tickets, and player information. Kids run around in groups chasing foul balls or standing next to the fence to get a glimpse of the players. In-between promotions include younger fans dancing, dressing up like Elvis, and answering trivia questions. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is not within walking distance of restaurants or lodging but is only a short drive from I-80 or other parts of town. Locals recommend visiting Lou’s La Grotto for pizza, the Uptown Grill for fine dining, the Country House for hearty meals, and Verucchi’s Ristorante for Italian cuisine. Mickey’s Massive Burritos is located in neighboring La Salle and is home to burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and drinks. Fans 4 There are many types of fans at a Pistol Shrimp game, including the diehards watching the game from the stands while keeping score, the parents enjoying a night out with friends while their kids run around the stadium, and the younger fans who enjoy a baseball and food with friends. Access 4 The ballpark is less than 2 miles south of I-80 at the Plank Road exit. There is ample parking in front of the stadium, and the entrance is in the left-field corner. A bulk of the bathrooms are located in port-a-potties way down the right field line and behind the grandstand. Soon, to be replaced with a further phase of renovations. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all games is free, and prices for concession foods range between $3-$5, but they are limited. The food truck options are a little higher but much better in quality, from $12-$14. The beer garden offers a range of beer, seltzers, and cocktails between $4 to $6. Merchandise runs $30 for a ball cap and $25 for a t-shirt. The team has a variety of items, but they are limited in size. Extras 3 The Pistol Shrimp earns a point for offering free admission to all games, having a fun and exciting mascot seen throughout the game, and providing a community-based experience at the ballpark during the summer months of June and July. Final Thoughts The Prospect League has its share of ballpark experience, from former minor league venues to community ballparks. Schweickert Stadium falls somewhere in between as a living structure that should change in the years to come. The fans, free tickets, and small-town setting make it worth a visit somewhere between the stadiums of Rockford , Normal , and Joliet . ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 San Siro Via Piccolomini 5 Milan, Lombardy 20151 Italy AC Milan website San Siro website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 80,018 Si Si Si San Siro Since 1926, the San Siro stadium in the city of Milan has been the home of Italian football club AC Milan. The stadium was built in 1925 and was named after the district of San Siro, which is a district located in the west of Milan. On the September 19, 1926 the stadium was opened in front of 35,000 spectators with a match between AC Milan and fellow citizens Internazionale (Inter Milan). As ground sharing is not uncommon in Italy, Internazionale decided back in the late 1950’s to play their home matches in this stadium as well. In 1979 the name of the stadium was officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. It was named after club legend and football player Giuseppe Meazza. Meazza played for both Milan clubs but won the most trophies for Internazionale. The name change of the stadium was very controversial. Supporters of AC Milan, never accepted the new name and still call their stadium San Siro. For the 1990 World Cup, the stadium was renovated at a cost of 60 million euros. The stadium was given a third tier and around the stadium appeared 11 round reinforced concrete towers which function as stairs. There was also a roof added on the stadium, which had been uncovered since the opening back in 1926. The four corner towers (each 51 metres high) support the gigantic roof with its distinctive red iron framework making the stadium a real landmark. During the 1990 World Cup the stadium hosted six matches including the opening match of the tournament between Cameroon and Argentina. The San Siro stadium has been labelled by the UEFA as a five star stadium and was awarded to host several Champions League finals. The stadium is also used for concerts and other events. The world’s biggest pop stars (like Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Robbie Williams) have played at the San Siro. The current capacity of the San Siro stadium is 80,018 seats. Food & Beverage 3 There is plenty of space around the stadium and many stalls where you can drink or eat something before the match, forming a ring around the stadium. There are stalls which serve beer or sodas and there are other stalls which serve hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza slices and panini (prepared sandwiches). We paid just 3 euro, for quite a large ham and cheese sandwich, and ate our sandwich during the halftime break. Inside the ground, at the very small counters underneath the stands, the choice of food and drinks is rather poor. They serve drinks like coffee, soda and beer, and crisps, peanuts and various candy bars. I can’t see how these small counters can serve 80,000 people when the stadiums is sold out. Atmosphere 5 Despite the impressive size of the San Siro, the stadium is actually very compact and the stands are steep and close to the pitch. From each position you have an excellent view on the pitch. With its four concrete towers supporting the gigantic roof structure, the San Siro is one of my favourite stadiums in Europe. All the seats inside the ground are coloured and have a backing. Each section of the ground has its own colour of seats (red, green, orange or blue). Only the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Real Madrid can top the San Siro stadium in terms of comfort and atmosphere in my experience. Neighborhood 3 The San Siro stadium is located in the western part of the city Milan in the district of San Siro. This is a rather quiet residential area which does not have many restaurants to offer. It’s better to eat in the city centre before going to the match. At the Lotto-metro station and nearby squares you can find plenty of restaurants. There is also a McDonalds and a Chinese restaurant (Ri Xin). We decided to eat at Pizerria Don Clemente (two minutes walking from the Lotto-metro station at the Via Bianchi Mosè). It’s quite a large restaurant. On the menu are various kinds of pizza, pastas, steaks and even swordfish. The pizzas are OK, but not more than that. Fans 5 AC Milan supporters are very loyal. In the Serie A (top of Italian League football) they fill their stadium each match with an average of 45,000 fans. The most fanatic supporters are housed in the south section (Curva Sud) of the San Siro stadium. There are many fan groups from all over the country who support AC Milan. The most fanatic and biggest fan groups are the ‘Brigata Rossenere’ (Red and Black Brigade) and the ‘Fossa dei Leoni’ (the Lions’ Den). These fans are called Ultras and are very vocal and support their club during the whole match with flags, banners and sometimes pyrotechnics. Unfortunately, there were no pyrotechnics involved during this match as I had experienced before at my travels to Paris Saint-Germain and FC Schalke 04. The away fans are housed in a segregated section from the upper tier of the Curva Nord. Access 4 The easiest way to get from the city centre to the stadium is by metro. You need Metro M1 – red line and get off at the Lotto-metro station. After the 20 minute ride, you need to walk for another 20 minutes. You can also get a free bus transfer on match days to the stadium, but then you will miss all the people gathering and walking towards the stadium. Along this route there are many souvenir and food stalls. You can also take tram 16 from the city centre which brings you just in front of the stadium (stop Rospigliosi Axum). Return on Investment 5 You can expect a great day out at the San Siro stadium. The walk to the stadium helps to build the anticipation and overall atmosphere. Outside the stadium there is a lot of activity going on, so there is no need to get into the stadium early. The stadium itself is impressive and one of Europe’s finest. We paid just 37 euro for our seat on the 2nd tier at the long side of the pitch. From here you will have a great view of the action on the field and in the Curva Sud. Extras 4 The San Siro Museum is the first museum in Italy to be housed inside a stadium. In the cinema hall of the museum you can see a fascinating movie about Milan, Inter and the history of the San Siro stadium. When the ground is not use it is possible to have a guided tour around all the parts of the stadium including the museum, trophy room, dressing room and you can visit the stands. The cost of this guided tour is rather expensive as you have to pay € 14 for an adult. These daily stadium tours are given in both Italian and English. There are reduced ticket prices for this tour (and for match tickets) for children under 14 years of age and for fans who are over 65 years of age. Final Thoughts When you stay a couple of days in Milan for a city trip and you have seen all the highlights like Il Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, and the Scala and you are finished shopping then consider going to the San Siro stadium. You can book a stadium tour or you can visit a football match for either AC Milan or Internazionale (or even better, for the derby match between the two). This is it where you can experience the true Italian culture. There is no doubt that after one visit, you will want to come back for more.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 SHI Stadium 1 Scarlet Knight Way Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website SHI Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 52,454 The Birthplace of College Football Rutgers University has a long and storied history of college football. The first college football game in history was played at what was then called Rutgers College on November 6, 1869, as Rutgers defeated Princeton 6-4 in a game that more closely resembled soccer than modern-day football. Today, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights call SHI Stadium home. The stadium opened in 1994 and replaced the previous stadium on the same spot. Food & Beverage 5 There is a wide range of concession options available at SHI Stadium. You will find classic options such as hot dogs, burgers, and pizza (the latter disappointingly being from Pizza Hut despite being in a state known for its pizza), as well as more unusual options such as tacos, cookies, and of course, New Jersey's famous pork roll sandwich. For those not in the know, pork roll is a processed meat that is then grilled or fried before being served on the sandwich. Some in North Jersey call it "Taylor ham" instead. Alcohol is also available for sale at SHI Stadium. When Stadium Journey visited, alcohol sales did not begin until an hour after the gates opened. However, none of the staff seemed to know if it was a permanent thing or just a quirk of New Jersey's infamous blue laws clashing with a rare Sunday game before the NFL season started. If the options in the stadium were all there was, this category would still score highly, but would perhaps not earn the top score. However, there are more options outside the stadium before the gates open, which we will discuss in the next section. Atmosphere 4 The fun at a Rutgers football game starts before the gates even open. Four hours before kickoff, and two hours before gates open, the Rutgers Boardwalk opens along Scarlet Knight Way. This boardwalk has all the fun of one down the Jersey Shore, except that there is no beach to speak of. Local food trucks are parked along the side of the boardwalk, offering everything from brownies and ice cream to chicken wings, tornado potatoes (essentially a crispy potato kebab), and much, much more. The band and cheerleaders provide live music and entertainment, and there are also bounce houses, carnival rides, and pony rides for the kids. All of the attractions are free of charge except for the food. Once you get in the stadium, the fun continues, even before kickoff. Airplanes fly overhead before the game carrying behind them banners supporting the Scarlet Knights. The marching band performs a lengthy pregame show, and the knight mascot rides out onto the field on his horse. The band plays at halftime as well as during other breaks in the action. Rutgers will also take time during media timeouts to honor football alumni or others in the athletic department. When we visited, basketball coach Steve Pikiell gave away a big-screen TV to one lucky fan during a timeout, although of course, the specific promotions will vary by game. After each Rutgers score, the team fires off a cannon in celebration. Neighborhood 5 Piscataway is a sleepy college town in northern New Jersey and you will find a few options here such as Henry’s Diner near the basketball arena and some of the best pizza places in the country. No reason to get Pizza Hut or Papa John’s here (unless you're stuck in the stadium and have the former forced upon you), it’s far better to pick up a real Jersey slice. Fans may also be interested in grabbing a Fat Sandwich from R U Hungry at the corner of Hamilton Street and College Avenue in New Brunswick. While the grease trucks serving these legendary sandwiches once dotted Rutgers’ College Avenue campus and they were thought of as the school’s quintessential food, most of these trucks have been shut down as the university constructed new buildings, relocated the trucks, and ultimately declined to renew their permits. R U Hungry, which was the original fat sandwich vendor, now serves them out of a more traditional storefront location. Fat sandwiches consist of sub rolls topped with seemingly random combinations of toppings. The original Fat Cat has a double cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, French fries, mayo, and ketchup, and the combinations just get weirder from there. For example, the Fat Elvis comes with gyro meat, mozzarella sticks, lettuce, tomato, French fries, and white sauce, certainly a bizarre combination. There are many others with fun names such as the Fat Darrell, the Fat Koko, and at least one whose name violates the editorial standards of this website. As you can probably guess by the name, these sandwiches are loaded with calories and are not for the faint of heart (figuratively or literally.) Fans 4 Rutgers may not sell out the stadium every home game, but they usually at least come close. Rutgers fans come decked out in scarlet and cheer on the team to victory. They are a loud and boisterous bunch who know their football. Rutgers is proud to be the birthplace of the game, and the fans carry on that legacy to this day. While the stands may not be full, the team averages almost 50,000 fans in a stadium that seats close to 53,000. Rutgers fans have several chants and traditions that are worth mentioning here. The rationale for the "R-U" chant should be obvious - it is the school's initials. Before every third down by the opposing offense, fans will hold three fingers in the air and make as much noise as possible, urging the defense to get a stop. Access 3 Just getting to the Rutgers campus can be confusing. For starters, “the” Rutgers campus is misleading as Rutgers University has five separate campuses in Piscataway and New Brunswick – College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook, and Douglass. (These should not be confused with the two regional campuses in Camden and Newark, which are completely separate institutions.) SHI Stadium is located on the Busch campus, but that may not be where you end up driving. The lots closest to the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders, donors, and anyone who picks up a parking pass on the secondary market. Everyone else can buy a parking pass for $25 to park in the lots adjacent to Jersey Mike's Arena , home of Rutgers basketball, on the Livingston campus. A free shuttle bus takes fans to the stadium from there. Once inside the stadium, the concourses are extremely narrow and congested, which would not be out of place at an older stadium, but SHI Stadium is less than 30 years old so this seems like a major architectural flaw. Restrooms are larger and should be sufficient for even the largest crowds. Return on Investment 4 Like many teams, Rutgers utilizes a dynamic pricing model, so how much you will pay depends on who the Scarlet Knights are playing that day. For a non-conference game against a weak opponent, tickets will start at around $24 and even the most expensive seat is only about $45. For a game against a major Big Ten school like Ohio State, tickets could be two to three times that. Concessions are reasonably affordable, and while parking is pricey, it is on par with what you will pay at many other schools. Considering the experience here at Rutgers, this is a pretty good value. Extras 3 One star for the history here at Rutgers. Being the birthplace of college football is an extra, and the team will constantly remind you of that. A second star for the cannon that goes off whenever Rutgers scores. It is quite loud. A third and final star for the pregame Rutgers Boardwalk. It is a fantastic pregame experience. Final Thoughts While some may not think of Piscataway as a college football town, it is and has been since literally the very beginning of the game. Fans can arrive early and enjoy the Rutgers Boardwalk for two hours before gates even open, and have a full day of football and fun at SHI Stadium.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Warner Park 1625 Northport Dr Madison, WI 53704 Madison Mallards website Warner Park website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,750 Welcome to the Duck Pond The Madison Mallards have been providing their brand of baseball fun since 2001. The club has continuously led all summer collegiate baseball in average attendance figures and has upgraded its home ballpark Warner Field to improve the game day atmosphere. The venue, dubbed The Duck Pond, has become a destination for fans in Madison. Warner Park was built in 1982 for the Oakland A’s Class-A affiliate Madison Muskies. The team never averaged more than 2,000 fans a game but began to slide from 1987-1993. The following year Madison Hatters debuted by relocating after the season. The independent Madison Black Wolf came to call the park home from 1996-2000. The Mallards began operations in 2001 and have never looked back, with attendance records hovering over 6,000 fans per game. The team has also added various renovations that have included The Duck Blind in right field, The Backyard seating behind the left field, a souvenir shop, new concession stands, seating from Baltimore’s Camden Yards, and a VIP deck behind home plate. Food & Beverage 5 The Duck Pond has plenty of food and beverages to wet any fan’s whistle at the game. The main concession stands are located beyond the home plate grandstand and with a specialty price ticket in The Duck Blind. The Festival Food Grill stands are directly behind the grandstand and feature hot dogs, burgers, brats, cheese curds, and specialty brats. The Stellar burger is served on a cheese bun with blue cheese crumbles, bacon, charred jalapenos, and Carolina barbecue sauce. The specialty brat during our visit was a Jamaican jerk brat. There is also a black bean veggie burger offered at the concession stand. A few feet away are three unique stands built out of truck containers: Let’s Get Fried, Dinger Donuts, and I’d Smoke That. The three concession stands are identifiable by their colorful neon signs. Dinger Donuts offers powdered mini donuts served in a novelty helmet with a choice of toppings. Let’s Get Fried serves boneless chicken wings, cheese curds, fried chicken sandwiches, and fries. I’d Smoked That offers pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches, half-rack of ribs, sides of mac and cheese, cornbread, cole slaw, and corn on the cob. The beer selection includes 21 varieties of both macro and micro brews and can be found behind the main grandstand and in The Duck Blind. The macro beers include Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Labatt Blue, Blue Moon, and Busch Light. The micro beers are from Potosi, One Barrel Brewing Company, O’so, Vintage, Elysian, Bell’s, and Blake Hard Cider. Fans can order them by the pint, 32-ounce, or a 67-ounce Duck Foot Boot. Fans also enjoy BOGO on beers for an inning if the beer batter on the opposing team strikes out. Pepsi products are available for those who do not drink. Atmosphere 5 A Mallards game is advertised as a nine-inning vacation, and that begins in the left-field corner. Fans wait in line before the gates open and are greeted by the players and team mascot. They continue their walk towards the grandstand, passing by a kids’ play zone, concession stands, and local business table and tents. The main grandstand is decked out with a covered press box, VIP seating area, table-top seating from Camden Yards, and protective netting from foul pole to foul pole. A little further down the left-field corner is the Duck Blind, where specially-priced tickets allow fans inclusive food and beverage options. The triple deck area also features private suites, rooftop seating, and a field-level area directly behind right field where fans enjoy the game from repurposed seating. Behind the press box is an area where fans purchase food from the main concession areas with three new eateries: Dinger Donuts, I’d Smoked That, and Let’s Get Fried. You can purchase 21 drafts of beer from Short Hops next door. Fans looking to take it a little bit easy on game night can enjoy the game from the expanded grass seating area called The Backyard. The seats are near the scoreboard, lit up in green, and offer access to the ballpark for food and drink. Neighborhood 3 Warner Park is on the northeast side of town near Lake Mendota. It is inside a community park and across the street from a strip mall and Beef Butter BBQ. There are a few regional and national chain restaurants within a few miles of the ballpark. Downtown Madison is 5 miles south. Visitors can walk up and down State Street, a pedestrian-only sidewalk, and enjoy a few local college hangouts and small restaurants. State Street Brats is a popular location, and at certain times of the day, you can flip a coin to determine the price of your beer. Just a block away is the Memorial Union sightseers sit along Lake Mendota and watch the sunset along benches, colorful chairs, and from the various piers. There are small food stands selling food and drink to enjoy the sunset in the distance across the lake. It is recommended to relish this summertime tradition in Madison. Visitors can bike and enjoy walking trails around the lake or hop on a kayak or boat during the warm summer months. The Capitol Observation Deck offers fantastic views of the lake and the city. The Madison Night Market showcases handmade products, gifts, and live music. Maxwell Street Days is a street festival in July offering sidewalk sales. Madison Forward FC plays their home matches at Breese-Stevens Field just north of downtown to frenzy crowds in the historic venue. The USL League One season overlaps the Mallards season from June through August. Fans 5 The Mallards fans are among the best in all of baseball. They continue to pack the Duck Pond with 6,000-plus or more fans each game. The fan's dedication is observed, with many tailgating in the parking lot before the game and several more waiting in line to be the first to walk through the gates. Access 4 Warner Park was constructed when there was nothing much but the metal grandstand. The Mallards have built around it and have freed up much-needed space behind the main concession area. There are two entrances at both ends of right and left field, a middle concourse in the seating bowl, and plenty of signage to direct fans to their seats and other sections of the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices to Mallards games are very affordable. The lowest price tickets in section 608, or only $6.08. Ticket prices increase to $10 for seating in the backyard, $13 for terrace seating, $15 for dugout seats, and $18 for scout seats. Duck Blind tickets are $26 or $38 from Sunday to Wednesday and $38 and $45 from Thursday to Saturday, depending on whether you're drinking beer or soda. There is no charge for parking, concession prices are somewhat affordable, and souvenir prices are in line with minor league clubs across the country. The team offers promotional nights from Bark on the Park Wednesdays to Mark in the Park, where anyone named Mark can participate in a pre-game parade. Click the link for more information. Extras 4 The Duck Blind might have been the first all-you-can-eat-and-drink section in baseball. It is now common throughout the game, but the party section in the right field corner is still impressive with its brat of the game and selection of local craft beer. Players greet fans at the main entrance in the left-field corner of the ballpark. Fans then enjoy a stroll down a carnival-like trail filled with mascots, tents, a kids' play area, and local businesses hocking prizes. This is how you should greet your fans. The Mallards have taken an old erector set of a ballpark discarded by the minor and independent leagues and turned it into the place to be for the summertime in Madison. The Ducks have added many touches: neon signs for concession stands, a refurbished souvenir shop, and various spots to enjoy the game. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. If there are questions, a Mallards representative is not far away. Also, they will be on the lookout for anyone who has trouble finding a seat or looking for a specific spot. Final Thoughts The Madison Mallards might be the OG's of packing in exciting crowds in summer collegiate baseball. Before the Savannah Bananas brought record numbers to their ballpark, the Mallards were among the leaders in baseball in average attendance numbers at Warner Park. This last trip did not disappoint, and The Pond is still one of the best experiences a fan can have in not just the Northwoods League but all of baseball during the summer months. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos Courtesy of Donny Wise. If you have been to Columbia, South Carolina, you might have noticed that Capital City Stadium is still standing. The former home of both minor league and summer collegiate baseball hasn’t hosted a game since 2014, and the site was supposed to have been in the finishing stages of a redevelopment plan. However, those plans changed when Weddle Real Estate pulled out of the plan to build a 310-apartment unit and 20,000-square-foot retail in December after it bought the land for $1.6 million in June 2019. The complex would have been called The Ballpark, but the pandemic, the resulting high-interest rates, and the even higher cost of materials have paused the project for the time being. There is also the solution of devising a way to keep stormwater off the property that's located in a flood plain. Weddle received tax incentives from the city and county and had a $5.4 million flood radiation plan, including off-site measures to control stormwater runoff in nearby streams. Another reason the structure still stands is city officials are debating whether to raze it or let it stand until another deal arrives. The stadium is eligible for state abandoned building tax credits if a developer decides to preserve it. Bulldozing the grandstand and building would mean losing the incentive. It is the third attempt to convert the site for life after baseball. In 2011, a proposed Walmart was turned down, and in 2017, Kroger pulled out of placing a supermarket because it housed baseball for 87 years in Columbia. There was always talk about the stadium’s last day, even during my lone visit in July 2013. The ballpark has lived many lives; it first opened as Dreyfuss Park after the Pittsburgh Pirates owner personally financed the construction. It was renamed Capital City Park in 1946 but was knocked down in 1972 after a decade without minor league baseball. It was rebuilt in 1983 for the arrival of the Columbia Mets and reconstructed one last time in 1991. That current structure hosted baseball by the Mets, Capital City Bombers, or Blowfish until 2014. It is also that same structure that stands in ruins with tattered signage from the Blowfish days, overgrown grass, and weeds popping through the concrete. A walk through the concourse displays a crumbling facade, tangled ivy, graffiti-painted walls, and rotting wood. The home and away dugouts also feature graffiti, and the press box area is boarded up with wooden planks in the windows. The place looks like any other ballpark would be after its main tenant relocated almost a decade ago. The city and area have other ballparks to watch baseball at Segra Park in the Bullstreet District opened in 2016 and is home to the Columbia Fireflies. The Blowfish relocated to nearby Lexington and now play at Lexington County Blowfish Stadium, and South Carolina Gamecocks fans have been enjoying games at Founders Park since 2009. However, the area’s old and cranky ballpark still refuses to call it quits, and there's no telling when it will finally meet the wrecking ball. Perhaps the failed redevelopment is a sign that it should be left as a baseball or sports-related complex, albeit on a much smaller scale. Could it be cleaned up and revamped for a soccer-specific field or city or high school sports? It is easy for this reporter to say that it’s not my money going into the planning. There have been other abandoned ballparks brought back to life. Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama, was rechristened as Wicks Family Field and houses Huntsville City FC of MLS Next Pro. The Double-A Huntsville Stars left after the 2014 season and welcomed the new soccer team this year to the city. There have been a lot of baseball memories invested at Capital City Park dating back almost a century. The site has been home to three separate structures, but many spring and summer nights were spent enjoying a minor league game or other baseball-related event. For some it’s an eyesore, to others, it’s an old friend just hanging out where they always have just down the street. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Legacy Arena 1001 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham Squadron website Legacy Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 17,654 Establishing A Legacy For Years To Come Legacy Arena was originally known as the BJCC Coliseum, opening in 1976. The arena reopened in mid-2022 under its new name, after a $123 million renovation. It is a virtually brand-new venue, as it underwent massive changes to its lobby, seating bowl, and electronics package. The new lobby includes a massive glass wall to allow in much more natural light. The new entrance fronts the corner of 9th Avenue and 19th Street North. The seating bowl has been reconstructed with the installation of 17,654 new seats and a new video board measuring 18’ X 18’ on each of its four sides. Club level and suite seating were added as part of the renovation. Legacy Arena is a part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). In addition to the arena, this complex includes the new Protective Stadium, the Uptown Entertainment District and the BJCC Concert Hall, the BJCC Theatre, and the BJCC Exhibition Hall. The newest tenant at Legacy Arena is the Birmingham Squadron. The Squadron is the G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. The team moved to Birmingham in time to play in the 2021-2022 G League season. The Birmingham team derives its name from the fact that a flock of pelicans is known as a “squadron.” Food & Beverage 4 The Legacy Arena has several concessions stands located along the concourse at the top of the lower seating bowl. They all operate on a cashless basis. The Anvil Grill, the Bridges Café, and 421 Eats serve the typical arena fare. This includes cheeseburger w/fries ($12), beyond burgers ($15), chicken tenders w/fries ($12), hot dogs ($5), French fries ($5), pretzels ($5), nachos w/cheese ($5), popcorn ($4), candy ($4). These stands sell Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), Powerade ($6), and bottled water ($5). Crossroads Chicken Company sells a spicy chicken sandwich ($12) and a chicken tender basket ($12). The Sloss Smokehouse offers a pulled pork sandwich ($11) and BBQ nachos ($11). Alcoholic beverages are available at three locations. Lady Electra serves cocktails ($13), domestic draft beers ($9), premium draft beers ($10), domestic canned beers ($8), and premium canned beers $10. Wine by the glass is also served for $9. Boxcar Brewhouse and the Steel Town Tap Room offer a revolving set of craft beers from breweries in and around the Birmingham area. Atmosphere 5 The recent renovations at Legacy Arena have resulted in a nearly brand-new facility. Fans enter the facility from the heavily landscaped entrance plaza. The entrance lobby is several stories high with a wall of all windows to bring light into the facility. Legacy Arena Lobby, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Squadron team store is immediately on your right as you enter the lobby. It carries a wide variety of team merchandise. To get up to the arena and its seating bowl you take a set of escalators. This brings you to the concourse level. The Squadron only utilizes the lower seating level, which means every seat in the arena is close to the court. The concourse is open to the seating bowl, so you can still see the action if you are in line at a concession stand. The concourses are wide and easy to navigate. The concession stands are spaced out around the concourse and are frequent enough that the service is very quick, and you should not expect much of a wait at the concession stand. The signage is excellent, and you should have no problem finding a seat. The Squadron has an attractive basketball court, which features blue and red graphics along the baselines and at the midcourt. The center-hung video board features game action, as well as information on upcoming events. It features four screens, so fans can see the information clearly, no matter where their seats are. The electronics package also includes ribbon boards on the facing of the upper-level seats. Breaks in the action are filled with fan participation games, and the antics of Commander, the Squadron’s pelican mascot. Neighborhood 4 The area surrounding the Legacy Arena is known as Uptown ( www.uptownbham.com ). This is a major entertainment district located just north and west of the I-20/I-59 interchange in downtown Birmingham. It includes sports venues. concert halls, bars, and restaurants. Two restaurants in the nearby Uptown complex to check out our Mugshots Bar and Grill and Eugene’s Hot Chicken. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the Legacy Arena. Both the Westin and Sheraton Birmingham are located across the street from the venue. Access to the Uptown area has been greatly improved through the completion of improvements to the I-20/I-59 interchange and the completion of the City Walk BHAM Pedestrian Park. Fans 2 The Squadron is slowly building a fanbase in a city that has been defined by a long heritage of football and baseball glory taking place in Birmingham. Basketball is competing with a football history that includes Auburn- Alabama games at Legion Field and Birmingham Barons baseball games going back more than 100 years. Birmingham’s history with basketball includes only the early UAB basketball teams of Gene Bartow. The team and the G League are working together to reach families and youth that are big fans of the NBA as a core fanbase. It is not unusual to see several youth groups in the crowd on weekends and there is definite evidence that this strategy is working, as attendance has begun to pick up. The Squadron is also marketing to patrons of the adjoining Uptown dining and entertainment as an early night option (games are at 7 pm). The hope is that couples will attend a game and then walk over to finish their evening at their favorite restaurant or watering hole. Access 4 Fans should have no problem getting to and around Legacy Arena, regardless of which direction they are coming from. The arena sits just north and east of the interchange between I-20/I-59 and I-65. Several multi-lane avenues form the perimeter of the facility. The gates open one hour before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Once you arrive at the arena, the access is extremely well laid out. The initial security area for inspecting bags is located well before where the tickets are scanned. Multiple doors are open at the building’s base, and the lines move very quickly. After riding up the escalator, you will see that the concourse is very wide and easy to navigate, Signage is excellent, and you should have no problem finding your seat. Return on Investment 3 The concession prices at Legacy Arena are in line with most pro franchises but are higher than average for a market like Birmingham. A family of four could spend more than $150 just for food at a Squadron game. Parking is readily available in and around the Legacy Arena, although it does not have parking of its own. There are more than 10,000 parking spots within a 10-minute walk of the arena. Fans can go to the Waze app and identify parking lots that are convenient for them. The prices can be as high as $35 or could be as low as free in one of the limited parking spaces along the streets near the arena. All services at the Legacy Arena are provided on a cashless basis. . Extras 3 In 2023 the Legacy Arena will host the first and second rounds of the 2023 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. The games will be held on March 16 and 18, 2023. Several events of the 2022 World Games took place at the Legacy Arena in July 2022. Since reopening after the renovation, the arena has hosted concerts by Kane Brown, Kirk Franklin, Jason Aldean, Greta Van Fleet, and Machine Gun Kelly. Final Thoughts Legacy Arena’s renovation provides the crowning jewel in the redevelopment of the Uptown area of downtown Birmingham. Its’ proximity to the many restaurants and entertainment options in the Uptown District, as well as Protective Stadium, makes it an attractive choice for sports fans. It is no surprise that it has already been booked as one of the regional sites for the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Danbury Ice Arena 1 Independence Way Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks website Danbury Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,000 Hat City Junior Hockey The former Scranton/Wilkes Barre Knights of the Tier II junior North American Hockey League relocated to Danbury, CT for the 2020-21 season. The team came under the umbrella of DP 110 LLC, the owners of the Danbury Ice Arena, who also own the Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks of the Tier III NA3HL. No story about hockey in Danbury and more specifically, the Danbury Ice Arena, can be told without first mentioning James Galante and the Danbury Trashers. In 2004 Galante was awarded an expansion hockey team in the United Hockey League. Needing a place to play, he renovated the local community rink, the Danbury Ice Arena, using three million dollars of his own money. He named the team the Trashers after his waste management company and installed his 17-year-old son A.J. as general manager. The roster resembled something from the movie Slap Shot, and the team soon became known for their physical, intimidating style of play and frenzied fan support. Unfortunately, things unraveled when Galante became the focus of an FBI investigation for fraud, extortion, racketeering, tax fraud and conspiracy. The Trashers were found to be guilty of salary cap violations, and the team folded when Galante was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Sports Illustrated , ESPN and the Atlantic have done features on the Galantes and the Trashers, and rumors circulate that there is a movie in the works about the Trashers . Food & Beverage 4 *Stadium Journey took in a game in the COVID-ravaged 2020-21 season. At the time of our visit, the concession stands were not open. For purposes of this review, we will try to reflect normal operations at DIA. If you visit during the 2020-21 season, some drinks are sold at the front desk. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks. Community rinks often have sneaky-good concession options, and the Danbury Ice Arena is no exception. With the facility in use almost continuously, the need for all kinds of snack and beverage options is obvious. The “Rabbit Hole” does not disappoint. The menu offers a good variety of arena fare, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices, chicken strips, nachos and Jersey Mike’s subs. Any item can be turned into a combo meal with the addition of fries and a drink. Fans looking for just a snack can choose from pretzels, popcorn, mozzarella sticks and French fries. Fans looking for something simpler can select from an array of cookies, candy, pop-tarts and numerous other snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Danbury Ice Arena in both fountain and bottled form. Fans looking for an adult beverage can select from a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks at both the concession window and the Rabbit Hole bar in the lobby. Budweiser, Bud Light, Amstel Light and Coors are available on draft. Connecticut hockey fans will definitely want to try the New Haven Nighthawk Light beer sold at the Rabbit Hole bar. Atmosphere 3 *Stadium Journey visited DIA during the 2020-21 season with coronavirus restrictions in place. Limited crowd size and social distancing were in effect during our visit. The gameday staff at the Danbury Ice Arena put on your typical minor league hockey experience. The small size of the facility does affect what they can do, but Danbury hockey fans are known for their frenzied support of their local teams. Although the halcyon days of the Trashers are long gone and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and family friendly, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for the home team. New scoreboards on either end of the rink display basic game stats. The long-dormant video board on the north end of the rink is now finally operational, but it severely underused. With many events going on simultaneously at this community rink, there is a serious buzz at the Danbury Arena. In addition to games and/or public skating at the two rinks, there is a full-service bar (see above), an arcade, and if the website is to be believed, an axe-throwing bar is planned and there is even live music at times in the lobby. Neighborhood 3 Danbury is a small city with a population of just over 85,000 located on the Connecticut/New York state line. For a while in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Danbury was known as the center of the American Hat Industry. In 2015 USA Today named Danbury as the second-best city to live in the United States. The Danbury Ice Arena is located downtown, near several points of interest for visitors. The Danbury Railway Museum is located nearby, as is the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Fans looking for a good pregame spot to eat should check out Two Steps Downtown Grille located near the arena, or TK’s American Café, which features over 70 flavors of chicken wings. Fans 3 With 2020-21 being the inaugural season for the Jr. Hat Tricks, it’s difficult to get an accurate gauge on attendance at this point. The team opened up for a limited number of fans late in the season, and early response appears strong. Fans in attendance appear to have a strong connection with the team, either as billet families or fans of the other Danbury teams. Many fans already sport the orange and black of the Jr. Hat Tricks, as the branding across the three teams owned by the arena group is identical. Access 3 *COVID precautions are front and center during Hat Trick games in 2020-21. All guests are required to sign a COVID liability waiver. Capacity is limited to about 200 fans. Several rows of seating are blocked off and social distancing is in effect throughout the building. Masks must be worn at all times in DIA. The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut on the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. Interstate 84 passes through Danbury about 2 miles from Danbury Ice Arena. The rink is well-connected to public transportation, with several routes of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system running near the facility. The Metro North Railway has a stop near the Arena, connecting passengers to south coast Connecticut cities and New York City. For fans driving to Danbury, there is ample parking in the Terrence E. McNally Patriot Garage across the street from the facility. The Danbury Ice Arena consists of two rinks, so the facility is in constant use. Fans coming to see a Hat Trick game will enter into the main concourse, where a table selling tickets and merchandise is located. The facility is a busy one, with youth hockey, birthday parties, public skating and even live music all going on at the same time. Fans enter the arena at ice level, with the majority of the seating located on the opposite side of the ice. Seating consists of metal bleachers, with some sections covered by molded plastic. There are some seating sections, including a luxury box, on the near side of the facility. These sections are located above the ice and are accessible via staircases in the lobby. Seats in these 200-level sections offer obstructed views of the ice surface. Visiting fans may be interested in the two humorously small seating sections at one end of the rink. Section 108 seats a whopping four fans! There is a good amount of standing room available around the ice surface, which fills up quickly. With all the activity going on at DIA, the lobby can get crowded at times and long lines may form during intermission. Restrooms in the lobby are more than adequate for the needs of the facility. Return on Investment 3 All seats at Danbury Ice Arena for Jr. Hat Trick games are sold as general admission for $17. Parking is available in the Patriot Garage across the street from the arena for $4.50. There is some on-street parking available in the facility for those willing to search for it. The team warns visitors not to park in the surface lots nearby, as these lots practice an aggressive towing policy. Concession prices are reasonable when compared to other facilities in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the colorful history of the Danbury Ice Arena. New touches include banners honoring all the teams that have called Danbury home, from the Trashers to the Titans. A second extra point is awarded for the many extra things to do at Danbury Ice Arena, from the arcade to the axe throwing bar to the Rabbit Hole bar. A hockey game may not be the sole focus of your time here. Final Thoughts The Danbury Ice Arena may not be the prettiest or most comfortable place to catch a hockey game, but it sure is a fun place to visit. Danbury is a great hockey city with an interesting past and a promising future. You may come to the Danbury Ice Arena for a hockey game, but you may end up staying for any number of reasons. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Limeport Stadium 1488 Limeport Pike Coopersburg, PA 18036 Blue Mountain League website Limeport Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 1.070 A Hidden Treasure in Limeport, Pa. Somewhere through the rolling hills and farmland hides Limeport Stadium, a historic ballpark that's been home to amateur and high school baseball since 1933. Its capacity is 1,100 and was the brainchild of Howard “Lefty” Fegley, a local dairy farmer who had such a passion for the game that he employed 75-100 workers at a rate of 10-14 cents an hour to construct a ballpark adjacent to his home and dairy farm. The final cost of the stadium has been debated at between $22,000 to $75,000. It was constructed to resemble Shibe Park in Philadelphia and to meet the growing need for baseball in the community. The stadium was built to last and no expense was spared; its solid brick structure, metal trusses, curved covered grandstand, and framed windows have virtually remained unchanged since its opening day. On July 30, 1933, the Limeport Milkmen of the East Penn Baseball League played in front of an overflow crowd of 4,000 fans. The highly competitive amateur league would operate until 1950, but perish along with many other leagues around this era. However, baseball of the high school, tournament, and amateur varieties would continue to play inside Fegley’s palace. There are well over 100 games played annually from late March to early September in Limeport, Pennsylvania. The stadium maintains its objective of providing amateur baseball in the Lehigh Valley. The Limeport Bulls and Dodgers of the Blue Mountain League, Southern Lehigh Senior High School, Central Catholic High School, and Connie Mack Baseball League operate out of Limeport Stadium from April to September. Limeport Stadium Incorporated owns and maintains the stadium; a non-profit organization of over fifty volunteers who handle everything from cutting the grass to cleaning the bathrooms. In 1990, the LSI saved the facility when it was in danger of seizure by the IRS due to unpaid taxes and penalties. The organization is coming close to meeting its objective of collecting $275,000 for new lights at the stadium that have been in use since 1984. Food & Beverage 4 Limeport Stadium has a concession stand underneath the grandstand that offers more than one would expect at this level of baseball. Fans can enjoy hot dogs, peanuts, and soda; but also beef jerky, corn dogs, deep-fried pierogies, and chicken nuggets. The concession stand offers candy and ice cream for dessert. However, if looking for a beer, good luck elsewhere; the stadium is alcoholic-free. Atmosphere 4 Limeport Stadium is an original with original wood seats, windows, doors, a covered grandstand, and a brick exterior. It exists off a two-lane road surrounded by houses, a grass parking lot, and a row of corn stalks behind the wooden fence in left field. Its most striking display of might is the center field wall looming 485 feet from home plate. Six small pine trees serve as the batter’s eye with a flagpole as the centerpiece that is in play. There is also a large incline in the outfield due to a large boulder underneath the field that was too expensive to level during the stadium’s construction. The steep slope in the outfield might be the largest incline in a ballpark, amateur or professional, in the country. The stadium has seen a few renovations this decade to improve the fan experience and access. The new entrance to the seating area was moved behind home plate and replaced the 17-stair climb to the top row of the stadium in 2011; the following year the concession stand expanded to the ground floor near the entrance from atop the main stands underneath the roof. Fans are completely covered underneath the grandstand roof houses nine rows of green-painted wood seats that feature fans on the ceiling and a small booth for public announcements. The seats are as old as the stadium and sometimes need replacing, 900 of the 1,070 seats remain. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located on farmland and sprawling hills 10 miles from the bustling towns of Allentown, however, the area feels miles away from the commercial and interstate traffic of the rest of the Lehigh Valley. The Limeport Inn is a trendy restaurant, featuring appetizers of cornmeal fried calamari, duck confit taquitos, and mussels from Prince Edward Island, and for dinner rack of lamb, scallops, and steak options. The outdoor patio is perfect on a warm, summer day and is an ideal place to eat before the game. Fans 3 There is an array of fans who are there to watch friends and family members on the ballfield, but also many who enjoy watching an amateur baseball game in an actual stadium. You can even spot a few wearing Limeport Stadium attire. The stadium is home to the Dodgers and Bulls of the Blue Mountain League, with two area high schools, and the Connie Mack Tournament in late July. There is quite a range of fans who take in games at Limeport Stadium. Access 4 The stadium is 3 miles south of SR-309 and I-78 on the Limeport Pike. It is a scenic drive down the two-lane highway as you approach the ballpark on the right-hand side of the road. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $3 for adults and $1 for children, a small price to pay for any level of baseball in a historic facility. Concession prices are also very affordable along with merchandise that does not cost more than $15. The grass-covered parking lot is ample and free of charge. Extras 4 1 star for the dedicated service of the LSI who put forth an insurmountable amount of time maintaining the ballpark and keeping it up to code for various baseball games throughout the season. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised over $100,000 for stadium improvements and renovations. Without their support, the stadium may only exist in both memory and photographs 2 stars for some of the lore that exists at the ballpark including a beagle buried underneath the third base area and the home run that cleared the centerfield fence by Alex Sabo. 3 stars for the original wooden seats that provide a surprising comfort 85 years after they were installed inside the park. Sorry, the seats do not provide cup holders. 4 stars for the giant sloping hill in center field that also creates a topic of conversation during the game, usually a 7-inning affair. The park receives a final point for old photos and news clippings found throughout the stadium. There is a lot of history here and sometimes finding it online is not that easy, thankfully there are a lot of facts and figures about Athletic Park, the Chaska Cubs, and other ball clubs who have played here. Final Thoughts Limeport Stadium is somewhat off the radar of ballparks for many a sports traveler. However, this could be a good thing, since the atmosphere, location, and setting do not feel altered from when Mr. Fegley first played baseball at this site. The ballpark is a pure treat for anyone who enters through its doors and takes a seat underneath its roof. If he were alive today, you could bet he would be smiling that his stadium is still being put to good use. I am sure somewhere he is grinning at this very moment. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey In June 1999, three friends and I boarded a plane from the States to London. We had one plan on that trip: to take in the experience of attending the grand slam tennis event at the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, better known simply as Wimbledon. We attended four days of the event, mostly getting in the queue around 8 AM, which yielded us ground passes. We planned to get there extremely early one day, in hopes of getting Centre Court tickets to see Pete Sampras play. Arriving at the queue at about 3 AM (yes, there was already a long line that winded down the blocks surrounding the venue), we took our place in line, which happened to be on a metal plank that covered some very soggy ground. I can’t recall what time the gates opened. Suffice it to say, we were in for quite a wait. When you are tired (and young), it’s amazing the things you do. We somehow managed to sleep for a few hours lying on said metal plank. Eventually, the gates opened and sadly, we weren’t in line early enough. Centre Court and Court 1 tickets were gone, and we ended up with Court Two tickets. I’m not certain who played on court that day after Anna Kournikova kicked off the day’s play, but the lads and I were able to take position at the top of Court 2 and watched down on Court 3 as Jim Courier and Sjeng Schalken did battle for 4 hours and 24 minutes, a match eventually won by Courier. Twenty-five years later I returned with a family I didn’t have the first time. This time, we weren’t there to see tennis being played, rather we took a tour of the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon. If you are a tennis fan, Wimbledon needs to be on your bucket list. The tour began near Court 17 and our tour guide was a likable fellow who knew the grounds and all the great stories well. There are a few simple rules on the tour. Staying together is one. Rules 2, 3, 4, and 5, do not touch or walk on the grass. After our initial stop at 17, we went to Court 1, which along with Centre Court are the two courts with retractable roofs for the wet British weather. The next stop was a new and pretty remarkable sculpture called The Serving Ace Tree. Sitting outside Court 1, the bronze tree has a trunk that shows a person serving. This has become a popular meeting place for folks during the event. On the north side of Court 1 is a large grassy hill. Fans used to assemble there but it was nothing special for a while. Enter British tennis great, Tim Henman. Henman’s success spawned a throng of tennis fans that couldn’t get on Centre Court when he played. The fans assembled on the hill and Wimbledon put up a large screen for viewing the matches. Henman Hill was born. Over the years the name has changed to fit the current top British players (Rusedski Ridge, Murray Mound, Raducanu Rise, etc.). Whatever you call it, it’s a great place to relax and view the Centre Court action if you can’t get in. Up next was the international broadcast Centre. Wherever you are in the world, if you are watching Wimbledon, this building is the hub of your broadcast. A trip to the roof yields a great view of the grounds including overlooking Court 18, which was having the grass replaced. Court 18 was the site of the longest match in tennis history. In 2010, John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a match that went 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days. The final score set of 70-68 will never be seen again as Wimbledon now has tiebreakers in the 5th set. The final stop on the grounds was Centre Court. Not much needs to be said about this court as it is likely the most heralded tennis court in the world. All the greats have passed through its doors and being a big tennis fan, it wasn’t lost on me that I was sitting where some of the greatest matches in the history of the sport were played. Side note, if you’ve ever wondered how many tennis balls it would take to fill Centre Court with the roof closed, it’s 290 million. You’re welcome! Once the tour was over, a stop at the museum was in order. The museum is replete with the history of the grounds, including posters, rackets, trophies, clothing, etc. A stop at the museum was a great way to end the tour. We had quite an enjoyable few hours. We learned a lot of facts and figures about the venue, how it started, and some of the extraordinary events that occurred on its grounds. The cost is very reasonable at 30 pounds for adults and 20 pounds for kids. The price includes admission to the museum. I’m told tickets are handled differently nowadays and sleeping on a plank isn’t necessary anymore. I’m too old to try that again anyway. If you can’t get to the event, a tour of Wimbledon is a great opportunity to see all there is to see and well worth your time.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Arnold Anderson Stadium at Cockshutt Park 35 Sherwood Dr Brantford, ON N3T 1N3 Brantford Red Sox website Arnold Anderson Stadium at Cockshutt Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 There’s Baseball in Brantford Too The city of Brantford, Ontario is known for hockey and telephones. The home of both Wayne Gretzky and Alexander Graham Bell also boasts some baseball acumen. The Brantford Red Sox of the Intercounty Baseball League are not only the oldest team in the league but they are also the most decorated. The Red Sox, which share the same name and look as the more famous Major League team, were founded in 1911, a few years before the beginning of the IBL. They would join the league in its third year in 1921. The Red Sox have been a staple in the Brantford community ever since and have rewarded their fans with fifteen league championships including a record six in a row. The Red Sox are currently family owned and operated by Connie and Rick Pomperleau. Home for the Red Sox is Arnold Anderson Stadium at Cockshutt Park. Named after a local radio announcer, Arnold Anderson Stadium is part of the larger Cockshutt Park which groups a number of softball and baseball diamonds just south of the Grand River. The park, formerly Agricultural Park, was gifted to the City of Brantford by the Cockshutt Family and former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Henry Cockshutt, in memoriam of their father, Ignastius Cockshutt. Food & Beverage 3 Arnold Anderson Stadium has a bit of a different setup where the concession stand is behind the main grandstand and press box at ground level. To get to the concession stand, patrons must exit the stadium past the ticket desk, which requires a hand stamp. Concession options are about what can be expected for an IBL venue. Typical ballpark bbq items are available including burgers, sausages and hot dogs. Nachos, popcorn and chocolate bars are also available at the snack bar. Soft drinks are available in both bottles and cans and both Pepsi and Coke products are in the cooler. There is a beer tent past the third base stands where basic domestic brands can be found. Of note, alcohol may not be consumed in the main stand behind the plate, but only in the beer garden picnic tables and the first and third base bleachers. The prices are decent and the quality is surprisingly high with BBQ items coming fresh off the grill. Atmosphere 3 Arnold Anderson Stadium is part of a larger Cockshutt Park which has other recreational baseball diamonds. The stadium itself is a bit of a piecemeal structure with a permanent grandstand behind home plate which includes the press box and concession stands and washrooms on the opposite side. The main grandstand features acknowledgement of the past successes the Red Sox have enjoyed, including 11 pennants and 15 league championships, the most recent occurring in 2013. A dedication stone for the park in honour of Ignatius Cockshutt, a local philanthropist, sits handsomely in a garden outside the main concession. On the opposite side there is a dedication to the Brantford Red Sox team of 1959 through 1963. The exterior of the main grandstand is an attractive light colour with red trim. It definitely offers something a little different from other IBL venues. Home plate at Arnold Anderson Stadium faces due west, which can offer a bit of a predicament for batters from the setting sun. However, Red Sox home games are traditionally welcoming of an 8 pm first pitch to accommodate sunsets. To the immediate left of the main grandstand is a portable ticket table, which is the entry point to the stadium. Hand stamps are required as the concessions and washrooms are outside the gate. On the fence to the left is another unique Red Sox feature as the honoured numbers of Bill Leconte, Jimmy Wilkes, Ron Stead, John Lockington, Ted Baker, Spud Bush, Frank Parker, Larry Ellins, Bill Gibbs Sr., Stan Lipka and Dave Dix are displayed. Accompanying them are honours for builders Mike Calbeck, Rogers Davis and Larry Pennell. Inside, the stadium has three main parts with the main grandstand as a permanent structure with the press box at the top and plastic, fixed seating. Permanent clubhouse and dugout structures are separate from each other and the main grandstand. Past the dugouts are simple, aluminum bleachers. Proximity to the players at Arnold Anderson Stadium is very close and the bullpens are just past the bleachers. Possibly the worst feature of Arnold Anderson Stadium from a fans perspective is the backstop and fencing. As opposed to soft mesh, typically found at most ballparks, Arnold Anderson Stadium has chain link fencing. Behind the backstop provides one of the worst views as the posts for the fencing are quite thick and the view for fans in the grandstand is quite often obstructed. The gameday presentation has a local community feel to it with simple promotions including a program prize draw and 50/50 draw. Thankfully, the numerous announcements requiring foul balls to be returned to the concession stand, which is not uncommon for Intercounty Baseball, have been toned down to a more friendlier version offering some enumeration for baseballs. Neighbourhood 2 Arnold Anderson Stadium is located in Cockshutt Park. The park is located south of the Grand River in the West Brant neighbourhood of Brantford. The neighbourhood around the park is mostly residential with a couple of spots that fans may want to check out. The Brantford Artisian Market is close and the Mash Paddle Brewing Company and Spool Gourmet Poutine & Mac ‘n Cheese can be found in there. Otherwise, fans will want to head downtown for more variety. There are not really any other sporting options in Brantford. Junior B hockey can be found in the winter months. There are plenty of parks and recreation spaces in the West Brant neighbourhood. Fans who wish to stay in Brantford will need to head north of the Grand River where the Best Western and Comfort Inn are found. Fans 2 The Intercounty Baseball League does not readily publish attendance numbers, therefore assessing the fans category for the Brantford Red Sox can be difficult. Under Covid-19 regulations, the gameday capacity at Arnold Anderson Stadium is listed at 175 people. It doesn’t seem, however, that the fans in attendance are drastically fewer than in previous years. There are probably a couple hundred fans in the stands in Brantford, which is not in the top echelon for the IBL. It is a friends and family atmosphere with some hardcore fans. There is a community fee in the park, but often it is whisper quiet in between plays and that low rumble of chatter is not audible. This does give fans the opportunity to hear the true sounds of the game including players and umpire comments and conversations. Access 4 Getting to Arnold Anderson Stadium is very easy. Cockshutt Park is located south of Highway 403, the main artery into the city. There will be a few local streets to traverse, but that won’t be an issue. The park has plenty of parking available, which is free. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses available south of the park on Colborne Street. Fans should check out the Brantford Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Return on Investment 4 The Brantford Red Sox, as with other Intercounty Baseball experiences, offers some of the most affordable situations in all sports. Tickets for the Red Sox go for $10 and are available at the door or before the game, online. Students and seniors go for $7 and youth $5. Kids 5 and under can get in free. The parking at Cockshutt Park is free and the concession prices are very affordable. The final product that you will find at a Brantford Red Sox game is a simple version of baseball that harkens back to a previous era and focuses on the game, rather than all of the bells and whistles. Extras 2 An extra mark for Brantford Red Sox alumni, and honoured member Ron Stead. Ron is an honoured member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and played with the Red Sox for almost a decade, earning numerous league titles. He would play more than 15 years in the IBL. An extra mark for the unequaled success that the Red Sox have enjoyed. Final Thoughts A trip to the Brantford Red Sox will bring fans back to baseball’s simpler times. A family environment with an uncanny quality in concessions, there are aspects of going to a Brantford game that will make fans wonder why it isn’t like this everywhere. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 David E. Hastings Stadium at Exhibition Park 70 Division St Guelph, ON N1H 2B7 Guelph Royals website David E. Hastings Stadium at Exhibition Park website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 1,400 Intercounty Royalty In 2022 the Guelph Royals returned to the Intercounty Baseball League. After a 2020 coronavirus absence and opting for another year off in 2021, when the remainder of the IBL teams opted to play, the Royals have filled the void in Wellington County for summer baseball. The amateur IBL, Ontario’s highest caliber baseball outside of the Toronto Blue Jays has been around since 1919, and Guelph’s entry was there at the beginning. Taking the field for the first time in 1861 as the Guelph Maple Leafs and can trace some ownership back to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member George Sleeman. Sleeman also founded Silver Creek Brewery, which was reincorporated by his grandson to become Sleeman Brewery, an iconic cornerstone in Guelph. In 1919, after a brief hiatus, the Maple Leafs would join the newly founded Intercounty Baseball League with Kitchener, Galt, and Stratford, and go on to win the first three league championships. After a few name changes, Guelph would settle on the Royals moniker in 1965. The Royals are currently owned by Shawn Fuller and boast nine league championships. The home of the Guelph Royals is currently David E. Hastings Stadium. Located at Exhibition Park, Guelph has played at this particular location since 1925. The current Hastings stadium has been refurbished numerous times with the current grandstand opening in 1987. The stadium is named after David Hastings who was a baseball player from 1943 to 1968 and played for a number of years in the Intercounty Baseball League. He was also the mayor of Guelph from 1958 through 1960. He was only 27 at the time of taking office. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Hastings Stadium are very affordable. The concession stand has a very simple menu with hot dogs, popcorn, caramel corn, peanuts, freezies, chocolate bars, and sour keys. A variety of soft drinks are available including both Coke and Pepsi. For fans wishing for an alcoholic beverage, there is a beer garden on the third base side of the grounds. Alcohol must be consumed in the beer garden area and is not permitted in the grandstand. Atmosphere 3 Hastings Stadium is located in Exhibition Park. It is fairly typical of Intercounty League facilities that at no point hosted affiliated Minor League Baseball. The baseball grounds are very wide open and spacious, enclosed by a fence on the other side of the nearby hockey arena on the park grounds. The centerpiece of the stadium is the main grandstand which is not dissimilar to the grandstand in Brantford. The grandstand houses the pressbox and maintenance sheds as well as the seating area. The exterior of the grandstand is covered by aluminum siding pretty much everywhere that one might put on their home shed. Team logos and recognition of the championship teams in Guelph (1919, 1920, 1921, 1932, 1970, 1993, 1997, 2003, and 2004) are displayed prominently on the backside of the grandstand exterior. Bleachers and chairbacks are both available in the grandstand, which has a capacity of 1,400. The surrounding area of the ballpark features some massive mature trees and there are plenty of opportunities to watch the game from various perspectives. Picnic tables are available and there is plenty of space for fans who wish to bring their own chair. A new, classic baseball scoreboard can be found beyond the right-centerfield fence. The outfield does have a couple of unique features. The dimensions are symmetrical with 325’ down each of the lines and 369’ to straight away centrefield. However, rather than a curved outfield fence, the centrefield fence is a straight line that meets the right and left field walls at 393’. The outfield fence is also an attractive, yet very unique wooden style. The gameday production in Guelph is very simple. The focus is on the game itself and there are not a ton of bells and whistles and promos to distract the patrons. Basically, the only promo is the 50/50 sale. The sight lines in the park are excellent and the atmosphere is simple and family and community-focused. Neighbourhood 3 David Hastings Stadium is part of Exhibition Park, which is located in the Exhibition Park neighbourhood of Guelph. The park also has other ballparks, walking/running trails, tennis courts, and soccer and football fields. The rest of the neighbourhood is fairly residential, but a short drive will bring fans to some spots for pre and post-game libations. Polestar Hearth, Fixed Gear Brewery, and Park Eatery are good choices. Guelph does offer a number of different sporting options. The Guelph Storm of the OHL and Guelph Nighthawks of the CEBL both play downtown in the Sleeman Centre. The University of Guelph also fields a whole host of athletic teams. The football Gryphons play at Alumni Field , the hockey Gryphons play at the Gryphon Centre Arena and the basketball Gryphons play at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre . If possible, fans should consider trying to catch the annual Frosty Mug game at the Sleeman Centre which pits the Gryphons against the rival Laurier Golden Hawks. Heading east to Downtown Guelph will offer some other things to do including whatever is playing at the River Run Centre. Heading out about 5 km to Woodlawn Road will offer fans the best opportunity to find a place to stay in Guelph. The Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn can be found there. Fans 3 It is very difficult to evaluate fans of the Intercounty Baseball League as attendance figures are not published. That being said, the 2022 season seems to have a decent following. That could be because of the presence of former Toronto Blue Jays player Dalton Pompey, or the return of the Royals after a two-year hiatus. Either way, the Royals seem to be drawing a couple of hundred fans per night, which is more than the friends and family crowd that can often be found at Intercounty games. Access 4 David Hastings Stadium is located in Exhibition Park, which is located in the Exhibition Park neighbourhood of Guelph. Exhibition Park is west of Downtown Guelph and not terribly difficult to get to. The park is west of Highway 6 by a couple of blocks, so a little driving through the city will be necessary. The stadium is at the north end of the park and there is plenty of free parking near the stadium the park. Patrons should be considerate of not parking too close to the stadium for fear of their car getting plunked by a foul ball. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are buses available on London, Westmount, and Woolwich Roads which will require a small walk to the stadium. Fans interested in public transit should check out the Guelph Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. The accessibility of the stadium is pretty good. Although there are stairs to get into the grandstand, of course, there are plenty of areas where fans with mobility issues can watch from. There are washrooms accessible from the outside in the nearby hockey arena which provide enough service for the crowd at hand. Thankfully, portable toilets are not found at Hastings Stadium nor are they relied upon. Return on Investment 4 As will all Intercounty Baseball League experiences, the Guelph Royals offer tremendous value for little money. Tickets for the Royals are $10. Parking is free and concessions are very reasonable. The game day experience is pure and simple and fans will not drown in endless promotions or distractions. Extras 2 An extra mark for the longevity of the Guelph Royals having been around for over 100 years and being a founding member of the Intercounty Baseball League. An extra mark for winning the very first IBL championship in 1919 (as well as the next two). Final Thoughts It is nothing but a positive to have one of the cornerstone franchises of the Intercounty Baseball League back on the diamond. The Guelph Royals have been welcomed back with open arms after a covid hiatus. David Hastings Stadium is as competitive as any stadium in the IBL and has some unique features. Taking in a Royals game will, no doubt, satisfy sports fans desiring a pure baseball experience without all of the bells and whistles. Royalty has its privileges. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 .

January 1, 2024, is a date that has been long awaited by women's hockey fans the world over. For the first time, all the best players in the world will be playing in a single professional league. After years of fractured competition and infighting among subgroups looking to spearhead the premier women's professional league, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will begin play when New York and Toronto meet up in the circuit's inaugural game. In all, six teams will compete in 2024, playing in hockey hotbeds throughout the United States and Canada. One of the stated goals of the PWHL was to play in professional-quality venues, as previous leagues had played in smaller rinks and had experienced nomadic existences in many cases. Thus far, the response from fans has been overwhelming, as ticket sales have been strong in the six league cities. Stadium Journey takes a look at the six inaugural venues the teams will be calling home for the 2024 season. Click on the links to view our existing reviews of each venue. We hope to soon be adding reviews of the PWHL game day experiences in each of the six venues to our website. Boston - Tsongas Center - Capacity 6,500 The Tsongas Center is the home of the UMass Lowell RiverHawks and the former home of the American Hockey League's Lowell Lock Monsters and Devils. Located roughly a half hour northwest of Boston, this venue should be a strong draw for fans from the hockey hotbeds north of Boston, including the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire. Even fans located south of the city won't have too hard of a time reaching Lowell by Interstate 495. Minnesota - Xcel Energy Center - Capacity 18,064 The Minnesota entry of the PWHL will play in what is by far the largest venue in the league, the Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. They are the only team to be playing in an NHL facility full-time. The upper deck and part of the lower deck will be cordoned off for PWHL games. Minnesota is the only team not located within 400 miles of another team. Montreal - Verdun Auditorium - Capacity 4,114 Located in the Montreal suburb of Verdun, the Auditorium was built in 1938. Over the years it has been home to many squads from the Quebec Major Junior League and other circuits. The Montreal Les Canadiennes of the CWHL were slated to play here before the league folded in 2019. As part of their agreement, significant renovations were undertaken. Four games are scheduled to be played at Place Bell, home of the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket. New York - Total Mortgage Arena - Capacity 8,412 Perhaps the most controversial placement of a team was putting the New York entry in Bridgeport, Connecticut, located 60 miles from New York City. On a good day, the drive will take an hour from downtown New York. Total Mortgage Arena currently serves as the home to the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League. New York plans to play in venues all around New York City, with 5 games to be played in Bridgeport, 4 at the UBS Arena , home of the NHL's New York Islanders, and three to be determined. Ottawa - TD Place Arena - Capacity 9,862 Home to the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League, Ottawa has perhaps shown the strongest ticket sales off the bat, as several games have already sold out at TD Place. TD Place was the site of the original Women's World Hockey Championship in 1990. Toronto - Mattamy Athletic Centre - Capacity 3,850 Perhaps best known as the site of the former Maple Leaf Gardens, Mattamy Athletic Centre is now the home of the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey teams. Shortly after tickets were made available, season ticket memberships completely sold out, meaning the Toronto team would be playing before a full house all year long.

Photos by Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Clark-LeClair Stadium 4427 Charles Blvd Greenville, NC 27858 East Carolina Pirates website Clark-LeClair Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 The Jolly Roger Flag Over One of College Baseball’s Best Stadiums Clark-LeClair Stadium carries a reputation as one of the best in the nation and does not disappoint. Sparked by the team’s recent success, the school and donors have made much needed stadium updates, and it shows. The stadium has all the modern amenities and even rivals some minor league ballparks. Players and fans alike rave about their stadium and after you visit, I have no doubt you will too. Food & Beverage 4 Clark-LeClair features one of the most expansive concession stands in college baseball. Pizza, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and much more. To make it even better, nothing on the menu is more than $6. Four hot dogs and four drinks will only cost you $32. Drinks are by Coca-Cola and are $4 for a small and $5 for a large. In addition to the fountain drinks, you can purchase sweet tea for $3.50. Despite its popularity in the south, this is the first I’ve seen it at a ball game. Atmosphere 5 The exterior’s brick facade opens to a large concourse with a large concession stand along with a smaller merchandise stand. Tickets for some games are $6, while premium games are $10. The lower level seats and those directly in front of the press box and they are plastic stadium seats. Other second level seats are metal benches. Usually, the box office only sells the metal bleacher seats. The field itself was totally renovated in 2004, and a new video board along with new press boxes, dugouts, and many other aesthetic upgrades were added and make the stadium better than some minor league parks. Even with the netting that stretches around the stadium, fans can sit right on top of the action. There are lower level sections on either end that stretch out even further into the field to the point where you can even see into the dugout. Neighborhood 4 Greenville, North Carolina is the epitome of a college town. Everything around campus is tailored to the school. Greenville Blvd is home to just about any chain restaurant you could ask for, but you would be deprived if you go to a college town and not visit the local favorites. B’s Barbecue is about 10 minutes from campus and is worth the drive just to see this place operate. B’s has no telephone, no cash register, and no kitchen. They serve nothing but Eastern North Carolina, vinegar-based BBQ made outside in a smokehouse. It may not have all the modern amenities of other restaurants, but it makes up for it with good food and local fans. To make B’s even more unique, there is no official closing time. Make sure you come early because once they have sold all of the day’s food, they close. Another local favorite is Cubbie’s. This place is famous for its burgers and its shrimp. It is also a great place for a person on a budget. Plates are available with your choice of sandwich, side, and drink for $6.25 ($7.95 for shrimp). Fans 4 While they may not sell out every game, the fans that come make themselves known. All around the stadium, the fans of all ages have a reaction to every play. If there is a good play or a close call goes for the Pirates, the fans erupt in cheering and applause. If a close call goes against the Pirates however, the fans are very quick to voice their displeasure. Simply put, the fans are among college baseball’s best for their loyalty and volume. Access 4 US 264 was built with Greenville and ECU in mind. It runs from Raleigh and intersects with I-95 on its way into the town. Once you exit off of 264, it is only a short drive to Clark-LeClair and the athletic complex. Parking is free and easy as there are two lots across the street from the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Considering the quality of the stadium, fans, and overall game experience, $6-$10 admission is a steal. For that price, you can sit very close to the action and enjoy a nationally famous stadium for less than most minor league teams. Extras 4 Taco Bell sponsors a promotion where if a player hits their outfield sign, everyone in the park can get a free taco at the store. Along with this, the first three returned foul balls become coupons for free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Food related promotions are always popular among hungry college students. Williams Jungle is a fan section in left field that has evolved over the years. What started as fans just watching the game for free from the outfield has turned into a super fan section that loves to try and strike up conversation with the left fielder. College baseball is a sport that is too often devoid of mascots. Thankfully, ECU brings its Pee Dee Pirate out to all the games. Pee Dee is named for the river that runs through North Carolina and South Carolina. Finally, whoever runs the music at Clark-LeClair does a fantastic job. The playlist is a good mix of country, classic rock, and pop and there was never just dead air. Final Thoughts Since the completion of renovations, Clark-LeClair has been talked about in many circles as among the best in the country. Having visited now, I can see why. Everything from the ticket prices to the seating arrangement was built with the common fan in mind and because of that, the stadium provides a great stadium experience. Overall, this stadium is one that fans of college baseball must add to their bucket lists.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Torero Stadium 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Torero Stadium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,000 Beachside Football Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego is home to the university’s football team. USD is located near Mission Bay in northern San Diego, not far from the Pacific Ocean. The venue opened in 1961 and seats 6,000 fans – the field is named after Walter J. Zable, a local businessman and philanthropist. Food & Beverage 4 Torero Stadium offers a great mix of concessions items for $3 to $12 including Spam musubi, manapua, veggie rolls, Hawaiian bowls, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, popcorn, kettle corn, Kona ice, and tacos, as well as fresh-squeezed lemonade, as well as $2 bottled waters and canned sodas. These items are all available on the concourse above the stadium, but there is also a concession stand inside Jenny Craig Pavilion, located on the same concourse, that is open during football games (the same building which has the bathrooms). There is also another concessions stand on the home side for fans sitting over there who don’t want to walk back to the concourse during the game. The stand in the lobby of Jenny Craig Pavilion offers some of the same items as on the concourse, but has some additional items as well – hot dogs (including vegan ones), pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, candy, ice cream, and churros. These items range from $4 for the smaller items to $10 for the vegan dog. The stand also offers bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, beer, wine, and seltzer – alcohol starts at $8, but the non-alcoholic drinks are $4 to $5. Atmosphere 3 The setting is beautiful for San Diego football – great beach weather accompanies the action on the gridiron. There is a videoboard for replays as well as a cheerleading squad to help keep fans engaged. There is also a small tunnel which the players use to enter the field. The home side grandstands have fold-down chairback seats, while the seats in the end zone and on the visitor’s side have metal benches – strangely the “home side” is on the opposite side from the main concourse, but that side does have slightly more shade (although admittedly, not much). Neighborhood 4 Torero Stadium and the university are located in a mostly residential area, with only a few gas stations and local restaurants within walking distance along Linda Vista Road. The school’s basketball/volleyball venue is right next to the football stadium – in fact they share a courtyard. One great Mexican restaurant nearby is Taco Bomb, just up the street from the university; Taco Bomb is very authentic and definitely worth stopping by if you have a chance. There is an aquarium on UDS’s campus, which is also worth a visit, but the big attraction in the area is Mission Bay and all its beach and water-themed attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, and there are about a million hotels along I-8 to accommodate all the visitors to this area. There are also plenty of other restaurants and attractions closer to San Diego proper if you want to drive 15-20 minutes south (longer with traffic). Fans 2 Not too many fans show up for San Diego football games, so the facility seems pretty empty – in fact you will see quite a few visiting fans depending on the game (for some games there are more visiting fans than Toreros fans). Interestingly enough, however, there is a small tailgating scene high on the hill above the stadium – you can see these fans grilling out and having a grand old time, all without actually needing to buy a ticket to enter the stadium and watch the game. Access 4 Traffic is not as bad as it seems like it should be, given the proximity to SeaWorld. There is free parking down the hill from the stadium on weekends, and fans can easily move back and forth between the different sides of the field during the game. There are bathrooms inside Jenny Craig Pavilion, on the concourse next to the visiting side. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Toreros football games are around $25 plus tax. The free parking helps, though, and concessions prices seem reasonable especially given this venue is in pricey San Diego/California – some items are especially inexpensive, such as the bottled water and sodas. While the action on the field may not have a lot of pomp and ceremony besides the game itself, the weather certainly can’t be beat – not that you need an excuse to visit San Diego, but a football game at USD would be a good one. Extras 3 There is a team gear stand inside Jenny Craig Pavilion, which sells items for multiple USD sports. You can also sit wherever you want for the football game, no matter what tickets you have. There is also a cool fountain and giant inflatable football on the concourse, adding a fun atmosphere, as well as a giant inflatable USD chair you can sit in and/or take a selfie.

"Oh yeah, it’s a thing,” said a gentleman as I waited to debark from the ferry in Seattle. “You’ll find them near the stadiums. He then directed me to Occidental Avenue, which connects Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park, as the spot to try one. The street harbors a collection of street vendors, small bars, and merchandise shops. Many vendors grill hot dogs and sausages over an open flame. Perhaps, this is not a surprise to anyone from the city or who has attended an M’s or Seahawks game, but it was one of those regional foods I was uncertain about. Fans gravitate to table tops and picnic benches for a pre-game meal that is much cheaper than inside the stadium. There are a myriad of vendors lined up and down the street. It was not hard to see and smell the hot dogs cooking on the grill in front of lines of people. Next to the grill is a pan with grilled onions and a tub, or a caulking gun, filled with cream cheese. The onions slowly cook away on the grill and many stands mix them with different ingredients from salt and pepper to barbecue sauce. The bun, more like a miniature hoagie roll, is toasted with a little char and gets a coat of cream cheese. The hot dog is added and topped with onions. Fans then have a choice of additional toppings that include a variety of mustards, Sriracha sauce, barbecue sauce, jalapenos, sauerkraut, pepperoncini, and relish. It is not the kind of dog you would find in Chicago, Detroit, or New York. They look like little leaguers compared to the giant all-beef ¼ pound Polish sausage served before sporting events. The cream cheese makes the dog a little slippery, but hold on tight before. However, once you get a good grip, it’s an enjoyable experience. There are more than just Seattle Dogs offered at the various stands on Occidental Avenue. The cream cheese is the most interesting caveat to the dog and blends in well with the other ingredients, almost like it would on a toasted bagel. Perhaps that is why it is no surprise that the Seattle dog can trace its roots back to a bagel deli located in the Pioneer Square district in the late 1980s. Hadley Long is the man credited with the creation of the Seattle dog. He began serving biyali sticks from a cart in Pioneer Square with an all-vegetarian menu. He first offered toppings of cream cheese, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and onions. It wasn’t popular, but customers asked for hot dogs served on bagel-like sticks. The bagel sticks morphed into hot dog buns, but the ingredients remained the same: cream cheese, grilled onions, and Polish sausage. A Mariners fan explains the complex taste of the Seattle Dog. “You are mistaken if you think you’re ordering a New York-style dog,” said one fan on his way to the game. “The bun situation is immaculate. It’s thick like a hoagie roll. The onions are amazing, and the sausage has a great casing and snap. It’s phenomenal.” The stands offer a few more styles f sausages that include a Spicy-Louisiana Red Hot that is half beef and half pork, a 1/2 pound kelbasa, bratwurst, and a veggie dog. You can even order a Polish dog without the cream cheese and onions. A few carts will even off their take on the cheesesteak, but that is for another article. A specialized caulking gun squirts the cream cheese onto the bun at Pioneer Square Dogs. There were long lines for many of the stands and they had their choices of where to go. Sodo Grill offered their dogs for $7, while the Pioneer Grill sold their version for $6. Another stand, Seattle Sausage, closer to the stadium charged $10. There were also meal deals for a plain Polish, chips, and a drink for $6. It might not be a Seattle dog, but it's definitely an economical option for those on a budget. On a side note, T-Mobile Park charges $12 for their version. The SoDo Grill grill beckons customers to choose their favorite sausage and toppings. T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, and other hot dog vendors around the city serve their version of the Seattle dog. However, many are unaware of this style outside of the area. Remember, I asked if it was a thing? Visitors flock to Seattle to buy a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks, a sourdough bowl of clam chowder from Ivar’s, or a pint of beer from Fremont Brewing. A few also find a hot dog vendor or shop and purchase a hot dog with cream cheese topped with grilled onions and other condiments. The Seattle Dog is a thing. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Fuel website   Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 Indy's New Home for Hockey in Fishers In November 2024, the Indy Fuel opened a new home, the Fishers Event Center. The $170 arena has a capacity of 7,500 for hockey. It is part of a $650 million project that features apartments, office space, a hotel and restaurant, and retail space in the northwest suburb of Fishers, Indiana, 12 miles from the team’s former home at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The Fuel began operations in the ECHL in 2014 at the renovated Indiana Farmers Coliseum, formerly the Pepsi Coliseum. The first professional hockey teams debuted in 1939 at the old barn and, up until November 2022, saw various clubs in the International and American Hockey Leagues. With the construction of the Fishers Event Center, a new era of hockey began in the Indianapolis market that should have a lasting impact for years. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches in front of customers for their sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The historic railyard of the town inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators.  Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at The FEC for Fuel game is lively and engaging. Fans have an open view from a majority of the second level above the seating bowl. It is phenomenal, noting that games are enjoyable even for those who may not typically follow hockey.  The sleek and modern design of the building, most notably its sound system and wide open concourses, is impressive. The seating bowl is near capacity, the aisles are packed during intermission, and when a goal is scored, the entire building cheers in unison. The venue features a standard four-screen scoreboard that is basic compared to others across the ECHL. Nitro, the team’s official mascot, walks around the concourse, providing photo opportunities to all fans, young and old. The Garage Team Shop on the first floor for merchandising needs. The arena features a premium club and suites on the west side and large club seating on the southeast corner of the upper concourse. There are also two bars on opposite ends of the arena: The North Club Market and the Nickle Plate Market. Fans enjoy a drink or two during intermission or take a break from the action during the game. The bag policy includes clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. It does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Bags cannot be tinted with color or include oversized content that prevents visibility into the clear bag. Only non-clear bags that are smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted into the stadium. Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size will not be allowed. Overall, attending an Indy Fuel game at the Fishers Event Center promises an exciting and memorable experience with a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both dedicated hockey fans and newcomers. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within a 15-minute walk to   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill. However, if desiring a little more ambiance, the 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 5 The arena has had three sell-outs at the time of this writing, and the building is much louder than its predecessor at The Fairgrounds. Fans pay attention to the action on the ice, cheer at the right time, and celebrate every goal scored by moving their arms up and down in unison.  Access 4 Like its predecessor, fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around, but it narrows out at the North Club Market bar area. There are a few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse that have slightly obstructed views of the ice. The parking situation is interesting, guests have the option to prepay online or pay during the event, eliminating the need for gates and minimizing traffic congestion. There is signage where fans can scan a code to access the website and pay $10 or $20 depending on location. Most of the concession stands are grab-n-go that provide easy access in and out for customers. When purchasing a beer, staff members open up your cans at the point of purchase. The longest lines are for the cheesesteak and nacho kiosks, where items are made in order. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices begin at $24 on the team’s website, while parking is $10 in the general admission lot and $20 in the VIP lots closer to the arena's entrance. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of merchandise: jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and hockey pucks.  Ticket prices are slightly higher compared to division rivals in Toledo and Fort Wayne but on par with Cincinnati. Weekend games will produce larger crowds and more bang for your buck in the atmosphere, while weekday evening games will have a smaller, yet still boisterous, crowd. Extras 3 The FEC earns a point for convenience with its parking fees, freshly made chicken sandwiches at the Kickin’ Chicken stand, and sensory kits for fans with sensory sensitivities.  Final Thoughts The Fishers Event Center is an ideal palace for watching hockey. The open views, easy access to food and beverage, and modern comforts provide a close-to-perfect experience for hockey and non-hockey fans. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey News broke on Thursday, September 12th that the San Antonio City Council approved a memorandum of understanding to build a new $160 million minor league baseball stadium in the city’s vibrant downtown area, as reported in the San Antonio Express-News . The move was made in order for the San Antonio Missions , the Alamo City’s current minor league franchise, to meet a deadline imposed by Major League Baseball (MLB) that required all current minor league teams to meet specific stadium guidelines by Opening Day of 2025 . Failing to do so could have cost the Missions and the city their franchise. Since 1994, the San Antonio Missions have played their home games at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium on the city’s west side. The team’s new owners, who purchased the franchise in 2022, have been working with city and county leaders on developing a plan for a new multi-purpose ballpark complex ever since, to meet MLB’s deadline. If all goes according to plan, funding for the ballpark will be financed by a combination city-county bond sale, which should be completed by November 2025, plus an equity contribution from the Missions ownership group of $34 million. This should allow for the construction and completion of the new stadium by the opening day of 2028. The new facility will have a capacity of approximately 7,500 to 8,000 – Wolff Stadium  currently has a capacity of over 9,000. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .